RTN South Edition 843

Your English Newspaper

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Sara is new Vice Consul

#SouthEdition843 (ALICANTE AIRPORT - PUERTO DE MAZARRON)

January Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

SARA MUNSTERHJELM has been appointed the new Vice Consul in the British Consulate in Alicante where she has worked for six years.

Turn to page 9

A CANINE CHRISTMAS CAROL

by JACK TROUGHTON

ANIMAL LOVER Gillian Beynon has teamed up with her “perfect gentleman” – handsome podenco Andy – for a perfect Christmas together on the Costa Blanca.

The friendly and affectionate Spanish hunting dog has been given a ´forever home´ at Gillian´s villa near Jesus Pobre, and joins the rest of her canine family – Gracie, George and Amy. And just like in the Dickens’ stories of Christmas, Gillian´s is a tale of redemption after a horrific incident two years ago. Podencos are now forgiven.

In December 2013 a pack of dogs ran riot in her garden, killing Chico, a small dog she was looking after for friends and seriously injuring two of her own pets.

Retired school teacher Gillian said three podencos killed Chico almost immediately but with a “blood lust” set on Gracie and Amy and only the swift and heroic intervention of her gardener saved the pets.

The story made front page headlines in RTN as Gillian – who said her pets were “exceptionally valuable to me, both emotionally and as company” – described the dogs as “trained killers”. Turn to page 7.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

From the Editor’s desk...

Hola!

CHRISTMAS IS almost upon us and here at RTN towers we like to get people in the mood with a tale with a true happy ending – a story of forgiveness that will make everyone a little warmer inside with a little ‘central heating for readers’ factor.

Everyone must now be aware of the ‘puppy is not just for Christmas’ slogan because too many animals are bought on a whim and just as quickly become excess baggage – ask anyone who works as a volunteer in the many animal charities on the Costa Blanca.

After witnessing an attack on her own pets by hunting dogs running wild, animal lover Gillian Beynon was left traumatised and speaking out against the iconic Spanish podenco. Two years later after learning how these frequently mistreated dogs can make ideal pets; she has now forgiven the breed and welcomed Andy into her home.

It certainly makes a peaceful and charming story as we move towards the end of the year – if only the whole of the world could taste such goodwill this festive season.

And there’s something new this week.

Welcome to # RTN 60…a little taste of what’s to come in the paper. Apparently, this is making good use of new technology and involves a journalist without a typewriter. Now there’s progress.

Enjoy the read, JT GOT A STORY?

Call Jack Troughton, 661 403 016, for Costa Blanca North Keith Nicol, 609 417 385, for Costa Blanca South & Ian Askew, 628 580 367 for Costa Calida

TO AIR YOUR VIEWS Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Monday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Disabled people call for support

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by JACK TROUGHTON DISABLED PEOPLE living on Orihuela Costa are angry at being ignored and discriminated against through the lack of facilities near their homes.

They used the European Union’s International Disabled Day to take their protest to Orihuela Costa Town Hall calling on the local authority to take action.

Addressed to the mayor of Orihuela, the letter asks for the politician to support a request to use a room at the Civic Centre to stage social meetings and event – no reply was received to a similar appeal lodged on 23rd October.

Facilities for disabled people are available in Orihuela City but the group argues they are 38km away and there is no regular bus service.

The self-support group was started by Help At Home Costa Blanca and founder Norah Bond said the International Disabled Day was “the perfect opportunity to highlight the plight of all disabled people on Orihuela Costa.”

She said there was no provision on the coast for anyone who was disabled or had special needs – including people with MS, Down’s Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntingdon’s diseases, rheumatic or arthritic sufferers, or people who had undergone a stroke.

“Where do these people go for help or support? There is no day care centre, no therapists to offer treatment; no support on the coast.”

Norah said the self-support group had met

#NEWSBITES

COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED

AGENTS FROM the Special Intervention Unit (UEI) of the Policía Local seized 363 counterfeit items in Los Dolores, Cartagena’s Thursday market.

The items seized included fake sports equipment, as well as perfume, but most of the haul consisted of ocunterfeit DVDs and CDs.

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three times in the cafe of the civic centre but while very pleasant, it was not entirely suitable for people in wheelchairs or using electric scooters. “They need their own space and a place to relax and socialise together.”

And she alleged they had been discriminated against by not being invited to an event in the city to mark the EU event; no transport was arranged; and many people did not know of a celebration to raise awareness was taking place.

Norah said: “There are two day care centres in Orihuela and an Alzheimer’s centre plus funding to support disabled groups, but nothing for the disabled or those with special needs living on the coast.

“Surely this is discrimination. People living on the coast are tax-paying residents, who have the same rights as those living in Orihuela city. The EU charter says all member states must provide equality for all; whether disabled or not.

“This group will not accept ‘no’ as an option.

They need help and support.”

She said Stroke Support Torrevieja and the EU Untouchables were supporting the campaign for the use of a room at the civic centre and a day care centre.

“We hope the letter to the mayor will encourage him to help and, hopefully, agree to meet with the disabled support group in Orihuela in due course,” added Norah.

“This is the first step to realise the dream.

We all work together and support each other to have a chance to encourage everyone to live in the sun and have fun; whether disabled or not.”

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Spanish royals to visit UK

King Felipe and Queen Letizia

by JACK TROUGHTON KING FELIPE VI and Queen Letizia of Spain are to visit the UK in March next year cementing the close royal and historic ties between the two countries.

They will stay at Windsor Castle during the visit – their Majesties first State Visit to Britain - scheduled for 8th to 10th march 2016.

And British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley has welcomed the news. “The British government is delighted that Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have accepted the invitation from Her Majesty the Queen.

“This State Visit will celebrate not only the long and deep royal and historic ties between our two countries, but also out strong relationship as partners in the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

“We enjoy close connections in terms of culture, trade,

investment, security and defence. This is an opportunity to celebrate and deepen those links.”

The last State Visits were in the eighties. King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia travelled to the UK in 1986 and HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Spain in 1988.

However, there have also been a number of formal visits between the two royal families.

In 2002, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia attended the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at St George’s chapel, Windsor Castle, and attended a dinner given by the Queen and the duke of Edinburgh.

And in 2011, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall made an official three day visit to Spain hosted by the then Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia – and a few weeks later Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were guests at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

The British and Spanish Royal Families are directly related after the marriage of Alfonso III of Spain to Princess Victoria Eugenia – known as Ena – the grand-daughter of Queen Victoria. She is the great-grandmother of King Felipe.

#NEWSBITES

HIGHER ROAD DEATHS

THE HOLIDAY weekend saw more Spanish road deaths than last year with 23 deaths caused by accidents.

The long holiday weekend, which ended on Tuesday, recorded an increase in road deaths which included 4 motorcyclists. This brings the yearly total to 1,066.

The local organisation N332 (a Facebook page run by police officers) reported that on Saturday three people had been seriously injured on the N332 between El Campello and Villajoyosa when four motorcycles and a car were involved in a collision. Emergency services attending the scene took some time to clear the area of debris from the road which caused traffic to back up.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Emmerdale actress dies aged 74 ACTRESS SHIRLEY Stelfox, who famously played Edna Birch in Emmerdale, has died aged 74.

The actress, well known for her rôle as Edna in the soap Emmerdale, and also as Rose in Keeping Up Appearances, passed away peacefully, following a short battle with cancer, with her daughter Helena by her side.

Tributes flooded in when the news broke, with ITV executive producer, John Whiston, saying “the family here at Emmerdale are deeply saddened by Shirley’s passing. It is hard to imagine the village without her.”

The RADA trained actress was known for her vicious temper but also for having a good heart, having had a successful career in the theatre and playing opposite John Hurt in the movie adaptation of George Orwell’s novel 1984. She also starred alongside Julie Walters in Personal Services.

New Benidorm series announced IT’S OFFICIAL – ITV have announced that the new Benidorm series will be aired the week beginning 11th January 2016.

For viewers who have been waiting for the latest series of Benidorm, ITV have announced that series 8 will hit the screens in the New Year.

There are plenty of old faces as well as some new ones, including the Dawson family consisting of Julie Graham, Steve Edge, Bobby Knutt, Josh Bolt and Honor Kneafsey.

TV favourite Julie Graham (Doc Martin, The Bletchley Circle) will be playing the rôle of Sheron, while Steve Edge (Phoenix Nights) takes on the part of Eddie, with the pair heading up the Dawson clan.

In series 7, viewers said goodbye to the Garvey family, leaving the way open for a new group to take over.

Sheila Reid, who plays Madge, makes a return to the show with another household name, Shane Richie being spotted in the resort during filming.

Sherrie Hewson, who plays the Solana manageress Joyce Temple-Savage, said, before filming series 8, “I’m always excited when I read the new scripts and every single time they get better and better. Series 8 had us laughing all the way through. It’s the best ever!”

She went on to say “the buzz is enormous when the cast is in town. Holidaymakers come and join in with us! The place is full of people, just like in the series. There are Kenneth’s, Joyce Temple-Savages, Mateo’s and Lesley’s – and they all dress like us too. So, if we’re out for a night, we’ll see ‘us’ coming at ‘us’ if you know what I mean.”

Tiger Aspects Productions, who produce the programme and are renowned for making good quality comedy and drama, were recently nominated in the Broadcast Awards for “best independent production company”, “best single drama” and “best original programme”. Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on 10th February 2016 at Grosvenor House, London.

The Dawson Family

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Charity helps save lives

by JACK TROUGHTON ESSENTIAL KIT donated by the Roundabout Charity Shop to lifeguard teams patrolling Javea beaches helped save lives this summer.

The charity donated essential radios and other equipment to Javea Red Cross which mounts a watch on five of the resort’s beaches.

And ‘Cruz Roja’ has thanked the charity for again supporting the lifeguards with vital equipment helping to keep the beaches safe.

Jose Luis Domenach, President of the Red Cross in Javea, said: “The donation was invaluable to the lives that have been saved this year – the Javea community owes them a lot.”

This year teams dealt with 4,743 incidents at lifeguard stations – some casualties needing hospital treatment.

The lifeguards are fully trained to be on the lookout for problems and to make an immediate response. As a result they rescued 72 people in 55 ‘missions’ and also helped 19 boats needing assistance. Most of the rescues were outside the monitored zones patrolled by the teams.

The Red Cross believes to increase safety, trained lifeguards are needed on the beaches ready to spot dangers as they develop; it means accidents can be prevented and there is an instant response ready should they occur – the charity believes that 95% of a good lifeguard’s work is preventative.

The Red Cross lifeguard team

Providing information for the UK and Spain since 1998

www.UKandSpain.com

#NEWS BITES

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN BOARD MEMBER WENDY JUNG DIES

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Murder trial given go-ahead

IT IS with great sadness that Samaritans in Spain have annouced that their much valued and long-serving volunteer and Board Member Wendy Jung died in UK on 26th November.

Having retired to the Torrevieja area, Wendy was one of the original Listeners, travelling up to Benissa to do a duty, in 2007, and became a Leader in 2009. Two years later she became Branch Director of Villamartín, took over as Operations Sub-group Leader and then talks Co-ordinator in 2012. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 as Secretary, playing a big part in helping to set up the centre at Punta Prima and was also a Trainer from 2013. She was considered a lovely friend by fellow volunteers, had a tremendous personality and she will be greatly missed by everyone. Wendy leaves behind her husband Martin and family in UK to whom Samaritans in Spain convey their deepest condolences.

Need to Talk? Call Samaritans on Freephone 900 52 51 00.

Lines are always open. www.samaritansinspain.com.

The couple in happier days

A MODEL who shot her British millionaire ex-lover, and claimed self-defence, will now go on trial for murder.

Mayka Kukucova says she shot Andrew Bush last year in self-defence, but will now stand trial accused of his murder which happened at his Costa del Sol mansion.

The model, who had fled Spain and was then extradited from her native Slovakia, told investigating police that she had shot Mr Bush, aged 48, during a struggle in which he fired a shot at her and missed.

Kukucova, who has been held in prison in Spain since May last year, has been told she faces a jail sentence of up to 25 years, if convicted of Mr Bush’s murder.

This week, it has emerged that the judge investigating the April 5, 2014 killing had sided with prosecutors who accuse her of deliberately ending Mr Bush’s life by charging her with murder.

The Bristol-based businessman was shot after turning up at his mansion with new girlfriend Maria Korotaeva, as Mayka waited inside. Prosecutor José Antonio Nieblas submitted a seven page document to the judge, stating “the accused, moved by the unmistakable desire to end Andrew Bush’s life, and at a certain point in a row they were having, made a sudden and unexpected use of the .38 special-model Amadeo Rossi revolver that she was carrying. She shot Andrew Bush three times, the first shot hitting him in the arm and the other two in the head.”

The defence lawyer plans to argue in court that Kukcova committed no crime and should be acquitted, insisting she should be exonerated on the grounds she acted out of self-defence.

Continued from front page AND SHE called for action against people who allowed hunting dogs to run wild or let them to roam free for exercise. She said the incident left her both traumatised and horrified at what she had witnessed.

However, dog lovers immediately sprang to the defence of the Spanish hunting breed and under a headline ‘Pet a Podenco’ saying they were highly intelligent and made wonderful pets.

They appreciated the Gillian´s ordeal and blamed “human animals” unscrupulous huntsmen for neglecting and abandoning their dogs.

Gillian said she felt so guilty after reading about podencos as pets, once she was able to put the incident behind her she was determined to make amends. “I was very sad because I thought I had brought the whole breed down.”

She contacted APASA, the Javea animal charity, and said she was interested in adopting a “quiet” podenco. She was introduced at Andy, who had been at the shelter for three years and the pair are now inseparable.

“Everything the people said about podencos in the ´Pet a Podenco´article I have found to be true and a lot more besides,” said Gillian.

“He really is adorable. He is so polite, he never walks through a door in front of me without permission but stands back and waits for permission – if you could find a man like that you would really be on the winning side.”

She added: “He is intelligent and a little bit shy but he has totally fitted in with the family and is totally none aggressive with the three little ones.”

Andy was described as a “free spirit” and a “wonderful asset” in her life. “He was abandoned; he was one of 14 podencos packed into a hunter´s kennel until he was rescued.”

Gillian added: “Andy has been a real hit with all my friends and family. The breed is quite unusual in their looks but after time you see just how elegant they are.”

She said APASA had about 60 of the breed at the shelter – other charities also have podencos looking for homes. “I would recommend that anyone thinking about adopting a dog to think about a podenco.

“It think my story is a real seasonal tale and heart-warming at a time of peace and good will. Andy and I would like to wish all RTN readers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

#NEWSBITES

MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION FOR CARITAS IN MEMORY OF A COSTALERO

THE INTERNATIONAL Cofradía of Torrevieja that carries the Paso of Jesús in the Garden of Olives in the Easter processions lost one of its members last month.

Rig on fire

Oil platform fire

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

Keith Wightman died from a heart attack while playing walking football in Orihuela Costa. Keith had been a member of the International Cofradía and a costalero since 2012.

His wife, Barbara, is also a member of the cofradía and has taken part in the Easter parades as a Nazarena also since 2012.

Keith’s funeral took place on Friday, 20th November at the Cristo Recusitado Church in La Regia. A collection was held afterwards and a magnificent total of 690€ was achieved.

The money is being donated to the local branch of the Spanish charity Caritas.

AN OIL rig platform that caught fire last week has left six dead and several workers still missing.

SOCAR, the state owned oil company of Azerbaijan, announced that a fire on one of their oil rigs in the Caspian Sea had seen 33 people rescued and 6 dead, with others still reported missing, in the biggest tragedy in SOCAR’s history.

The fire, which started after a storm, caused some of the platform’s equipment to collapse, damaged a natural gas pipeline causing flames to engulf some of the workers.

The platform had a daily production of 920 tonnes of oil and 1.08 million cubic metres of gas and is also a transit point for about 60 percent of SOCAR’s oil production, most of it from other fields, which can for now no longer be pumped to shore.

Khoshbakht Usifzade, SOCAR vice-president, said in a news conference “we continue the search and rescue operation. We regard those whom we have not found so far as missing.”

Easter parade in Spain

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Sara is new Vice Consul

SARA MUNSTERHJELM has been appointed the new Vice Consul in the British Consulate in Alicante where she has worked for six years.

The British Embassy announced the appointment, with Sara replacing Lloyd Milen, who has taken the position of Consul-General for north-east Spain and the Balearic Islands, based in Barcelona.

Sara’s experience in assisting vulnerable British nationals and previously with the Department of Health team, also based in Alicante, have already given her an insight into the challenge of the role.

She said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to take a lead in the support we offer British nationals in this area of Spain.

“My experience means I have a good understanding of the needs of residents and tourists, and I am looking forward to working with the local Spanish authorities and the voluntary sector to insure Brits can access the support and information they need.”

Sara has lived in Alicante with her family for nine years and moved to Spain shortly after completing a degree in Spanish and German at Manchester University.

And Sarah-Jane Morris, Consul for Alicante and Madrid, said: “I’m very pleased that Sara is taking over as Vice Consul in Alicante. Her experience puts her in a great position to make sure we continue to offer a high quality service to all our customers.”

Alicante is one of the busiest British consulates in the world and covers Alicante, Valencia, Castellon, Murcia and Albacete. The region has 120,000 British people registered on the ‘padron’ and receives more than two million British visitors a year.

In 1014-15, the consulate handled almost 450 deaths, detentions and hospitalisations, as well as the team helping with more than 1,200 cases of lost and stolen passports.

Dubbing set to end for Spanish TV THE SPANISH government has announced plans to ban dubbing on foreign television programmes to help with English language skills.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, is seeking to improve the nation’s English skills by showing programmes in their natural language and increasing the number of nativespeaking English teachers in the classrooms.

Spaniards fall behind the rest of the EU with their English language skills and even the prime minister struggles with his language skills which are particularly important when making overseas visits.

The majority of foreign films and TV series are aired in Spain with dubbing by local

actors which, it is argued, has hindered the natural learning of the English language and changed the interpretation of some famous scenes in films.

In Casablanca, for example, the main character who fought against fascism in Spain had censors dubbing and leaving out political comments.

In Portugal, dubbing was banned in 1948, and replaced with subtitles, which has led to a new generation of Portuguese with a high level of the English language.

The move to stop dubbing has been welcomed by the acting community who have felt for a long time that not hearing the actors’ natural voice affected viewers’ interpretation of the emotions and storylines.

Sara Munsterhjelm

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Are you registered on the Padrón? by caroline tyszka TOWN HALLS are reminding long term visitors and residents to make sure that they have registered with them to enable better services to be provided.

Following the announcement of the new SATE office in Benidorm, residents in the region, and particularly in Benidorm, are being reminded that they need to be registered on the Padrón in they live in Spain for more than 180 days of the year.

This is a legal requirement in Spain, although many expats seem to be unaware of this, or think that they are exempt from registering.

The Empadronamiento, also known as the Padrón Municipal de Habitantes, is a municipal register, or census record, similar to an electoral roll.

The Town Hall holds this list, and it is a way for them to know how many people live within their area of jurisdiction. The information provided during ‘Empadronarse’ – the act of registering – is confidential and protected by data protection laws.

The Padrón is a main source of income for the towns to provide health centres, police officers, street cleaners and hospitals and is directly related to the number registered.

A good example of how improvements can be made is that Benidorm currently has 69,000 residents registered, although actual figures are estimated to be far higher, and therefore less money has to serve more people.

Benidorm is urging those not registered to do so in a bid to meet a target of 75,000 which will see an approximate 2 million euros more per year in the Benidorm coffers to help fund additional policing and other vital services.

The advantages for those who are “official” are also a

good reason to register, as there are certain income-related benefits, and social care, that residents may be entitled to, as well as the discounted holidays that the senior community receive.

Registering is easy. Simply pop along to your local town hall with your NIE number or passport number, and proof of where you live (using a utility bill or rent book) and the staff are more than happy to help you complete a simple form.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Children too weak to hold pencils

by CAROLINE TYSZKA A HEADTEACHER at a primary school in Ilford, Greater London, has expressed grave concerns about young children’s ability to hold a pencil because of technology.

Bob Drew, headteacher at Grearies Primary School in London, has said that children’s upper arm strength has diminished and they are now unable to even hold a pencil properly.

Referring to children as young as four or five Mr Drew blamed the use of mobile phones and tablet computers for his pupils’ inability to hold a pencil properly as the soft digital technology is used more and more.

The headteacher said “we have noticed very weak upper body strength, particularly in four and five year old boys, who no longer play outdoors on climbing frames or in trees. This has led to many pupils having spidery handwriting.”

The school has now installed an outdoor trail to encourage more physical activity. The trail, a bit like a boot camp, is designed to be fun as well as getting the upper arms moving and building up the muscles.

Mr Drew said “children today are physically weaker than previous generations, particularly the boys. Girls tend to be more sociable and do more arts and crafts so holding a pencil is not such a problem for them.”

Although the observations have only been noticed in the past couple of years, experts are now recommending screening children for basic physical problems at the age of five to prevent such issues becoming major barriers further down their educational development.

El Campello criminal family

Children learning to hold pencils

#NEWSBITES

ANCIENT TEMPLE UNEARTHED IN VILLAJOYOSA EXCAVATION WORKERS have found more remnants of an ancient temple in Villajoyosa whilst constructing a new apartment hotel.

Walls, that have been unearthed in Villajoyosa, are believed to be 2,300 years old and probably part of an Iberian settlement.

The ancient walls will be kept intact and plans are being made for them to be displayed in the entrance hall of the new tourist accommodation, with the objects being found moved to the Vialmuseu museum in the town so that they can be studied and stored.

GUARDIA CIVIL have arrested four members of one family that that they believe to have committed at least 125 crimes.

Officers for El Campello detained four men, aged between 40 and 45, from one family, whom they are charging with a variety of crimes, so far totalling in excess of 125 separate cases.

The list of crimes includes using over 40 stolen licence plates throughout the province to dodge security cameras, stealing fuel from petrol stations, house robberies, car theft and car-jackings’.

In an organised criminal group- the family worked through the towns of San Juan, El Campello, Alicante, Ibi, Sax and Novelda, replacing number plates on similar cars to avoid being detected when they committed the various crimes.

Guardia Civil officers are still investigating additional crimes that may be related to the same family, with two additional members, aged 76 and 69, being charged with aiding and abetting the others.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Santas run for charity

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THOUSANDS OF competitors dressed up for this year’s Santa Dash in Liverpool at the weekend.

The streets of Liverpool were packed to the brim at the weekend with Santas for the world’s biggest festive fun run, as the young and the old gathered together for the event, with many of the participants raising money for charity.

There were some very creative costumes with people even dressing their dogs up as Santas, along with a gold Santa and a Lego Santa.

One competitor, from Crosby, Peter Eaton, aged 39, had rushed back from Germany to take part in the fun race. Although Peter had suffered a stroke earlier in the year he completed the course and finished alongside Liverpool football legend Alan Kennedy.

Peter said “It was such an amazing rush to do the event, and the feeling of exhilaration to complete it. I found myself running at the same pace as Alan, and asked if he minded me going over the line with him. Like a true gent, he said yes.”

Another Santa, Brian Kempson, proposed to his girlfriend Leila Kelly whilst going round the course, and reported to friends afterwards that she had said yes.

Rivalry was put to one side for the run as Everton blue Santas ran alongside Liverpool red Santas.

santa run

Princess wears Spanish fashion

Princess Charlotte in the M&H outfit

#NEWSBITES

SPAIN SETS UP JIHADIST HOTLINE

SPAIN’S INTELLIGENCE agency has set up a hotline for callers to use to report suspected jihadists.

A hotline number that was set up for members of the public to call if they suspected people of being involved in jihadist activity has resulted in 29 suspects being investigated within the first 24 hours of the number being active.

An official said that “callers can anonymously report individuals and, of all the calls we received in the first 24 hours, 29 have been singled out for further investigation.”

Jorge Fernández Díaz, Spain’s Interior Minister, said “the campaign is intended to involve the whole of society in the fight against terrorism.”

a previous arrest

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS of Princess Charlotte recently released to the world show the young royal sporting Spanish children’s fashion – suddenly a ‘must have’ for doting parents.

The little dress and jacket worn by the seven-month-old in the pictures taken by her mother were made by M&H, a small retailer with boutiques in Madrid, Valladolid, Seville and Valencia.

As a newborn Princess Charlotte was seen wearing a baby outfit handmade in San Sebastian and has now been dressed in more Iberian clothing.

In one of the photos, the young royal is captured playing with a stuffed dog by her mother – a toy that has long since sold out – and now it appears the same has happened to her latest outfit.

The boutique behind the design admitted it had been “inundated” with requests from around the world for the 30€ outfit since it was revealed as an M&H design but it only had 10m of the cloth left – enough for just 10 more.

And the manufacturer producing the material has since moved on to its summer and winter lines for 2016.

However, M&H believe it was the Duke and duchess of Cambridge’s Spanish nanny who may have bought the dress and jacket – or by one of her relatives.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Sirius shipwreck exhibition

OVER A century ago, the Italian liner “Sirio” sank off Cabo de Palos, near La Manga, with the loss of over 240 lives. The SS Sirio was an Italian merchant steamer that sank off the Spanish coast on 4th August 1906, while en route from Genoa to Buenos Aires. The ship ran aground on the Punta Hormigas, a reef off Hormigas Island, and the shipwreck gained notoriety because the captain, Giuseppe Piccone, abandoned ship at the first opportunity.

The tragedy is now remembered with the mounting of an exhibition, in Cartagena’s Municipal Archives, entitled “The shipwreck of the Sirius. A tragic event for Cartagena. “ The exhibition contains original items and documentation retrieved from the ship itself,.

The exhibition, at the Archivo Municipal de Cartagena in the Parque de Artillería, shows not only how the liner ran aground but also how the local fishing community in Cabo de Palos responded, and can be visited between now and 5th February every weekday morning between 9am and 1.45pm and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 7.45pm.

Two hour-long documentary films concerning the wreck are also being shown at the Archivo to coincide with the exhibition: “El naufragio del Sirio” (The wreck of the Sirio) will be screened on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10am and 11.30am, while “El naufragio de un sueño” (The wreck of a dream) can be seen on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am, 11.30am, 5pm and 6.30pm.

The regional archive is in the same block of buildings as the Cartagena Military Museum which is stuffed full of military artefacts, some of them restored by ex-pat military volunteers.

Sirio

#NEWS BITES

Turtle gets the bends FISHERMAN OFF the coast of Valencia who accidently caught a turtle in their nets had to call the emergency services for assistance as the creature was extremely unwell.

Local fishermen in Benicarló, north of Valencia, unknowingly captured a Loggerhead (Caretta) sea turtle in their nets, and due to the speed with which the haul was raised, caused the marine reptile to get the bends.

Suffering from what is known as decompression syndrome, the turtle was rushed to the ARCA Sea Oceanographic Centre in Valencia,

where extensive veterinary checks were made, including x-rays and ultrasound, to assess the turtle’s condition.

Despite the female reptile, weighing over 80 kilos and estimated to be approximately 40 years old, being in a serious condition, it has been reported that she is progressing well and will spend the next few months at the centre with other turtles who have suffered a similar fate.

Once she has recovered, specialists at the centre say that she will be released back into the sea.

rescued turtle

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Mount Etna erupts MOUNT ETNA erupted last week with a spectacular display of lava and volcanic ash.

In the early hours of Thursday morning the Mt Etna volcano in southern Italy produced one of its most violent eruptions for many decades as lava travelled 1km into the air and created a 3km ash plume. Lightning strikes, caused by the ash, lit up the sky as scientists had warned of increased activity in the volcano.

The eruption lasted less than an hour, but closed three airports as the lightning and ash meant it was too dangerous for anything to be in the sky.

It has been two years since the last eruption at Sicily’s tallest peak.

Journalists suspended for typo error WRITERS AT the Chinese state owned news agency have been suspended from their jobs following a typing error.

Four journalists, who work for the CNS (Chinese News Service), are in trouble following a report which said the Chinese president had resigned. The error occurred when Xi Jinping, China’s president, was attending a summit in Johannesburg, and CNS published a report quoting him as referring to his “resignation”. The writers had accidently mixed up the Mandarin words for “speech” (zhi ci) and “resignation” (ci zhi) and released the information to a number of media outlets before the mistake was spotted. According to the South China Morning Post, a number of CNS journalists have left their jobs over the error, including the agency’s South Africa bureau chief.

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Presentation of a Manchester City signed football to Costa Blanca Blues

by Keith Nicol WALKING FOOTBALL continues to be the fastest growing sport, not just in Spain but throughout Europe.

Locally, the Monte Mentals are the most proactive team in attracting foreign interest and, on the recent visit of Manchester City Community Walking Footballers, they brought with them a signed Premier League football, with the signatures of the first team squad, as a thank you for the invitation. The visit of the team even managed to garner a write-up inside the official Manchester City Match Day Programme.

After finishing the fun-filled two day tournament, at a dinner put on by the Monte Mentals, the ball was mistakenly presented first to the mayor of Los Montesinos while a beautiful embroidered banner was presented to Stan of the Monte Mentals Walking Footballers. The banner was meant for the mayor to put in his office, as an appreciation of his hospitality. Once the mix up had been sorted, and the ball ,in the hands of the Mentals, it was decided to contact the local Manchester City Supporters Club, the Costa Blanca Blues, in a bid to raise funds for some new shirts and kit for the Mentals.

A bid of £500 was offered by Stephen Cleaver of Phoenix Aircon Ltd of the UK, which was gratefully accepted, with a request from him to present it to the Blues. This was done on Saturday to Jackie Smith, the Blues secretary, and her husband Peter, who accepted it on behalf of the Costa Blanca Blues. Stan said; “I’d like to thank Jackie and Lynn for their efforts in spreading the word among the Blues supporters, and especially to Stephen for his generous bid. I’d also like to thank all those from Manchester, and their City, in the Community programme, for such a nice gift, which was completely unexpected but most welcome for a little club such as ours.”

New ‘away’ team sweaters and polo shirts will be purchased thanks to the generosity of Stephen, which will proudly have the Phoenix Aircon name on them. The Mentals have one last session on Tuesday morning before the festive break, and will start to work off the excess chocolate and Christmas pudding starting Tuesday, 5th January, 2016, at 10am, behind the main football pitch in Los Montesinos. More information is available by email from Stan at: montestan@gmail.com.

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Time travel through pictures

by JACK TROUGHTON

PHOTOGRAPHER JURGEN Schadeberg’s latest collection ‘Espana Then and Now’ is a fascinating focus on how much yet how little has changed in Spain over half a century.

The ‘then’ pictures whisk people back to Torremolinos and Malaga and the period 1969 to 1971 when the young photojournalist moved to Andalusia from London.

And now having moved permanently to Spain with his wife Claudia; Jurgen is still working as he approaches his 85th birthday and living just outside the mountain village of Barx, inland from Gandia.

The second part of the book, the ‘now’ photographs are set in the region, taken in around Barx, Gandia, and Valencia – Spain’s third largest city – between 2012 and 2015.

Both in black and white and colour, Jurgen’s photographs are a documentary of people, native Spanish, expats and tourists but also encompass the majesty of Spain itself; its culture and heritage.

Jurgen was born in Berlin in 1931 and as a teenager worked as an apprentice photographer for a German news agency in Berlin. In 1950 he emigrated to South Africa and became chief photographer for Drum Magazine – an antiestablishment publication – and recorded the pivotal moments of the struggles of Apartheid but also the jazz and social scene of the time. He also took iconic shots of Nelson Mandela before and after the former President’s imprisonment.

An award-winning photographer who has worked in Britain, Germany, France and Spain, last year he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his life work by the Valencia University Politecnica.

ARISTOCRACY “Torremolinos was very famous in the early sixties,” he remembered. “All the well known people used to go there and it had a certain reputation. There was an aristocracy of actors, performers, and certain royalty – they then switched to Marbella.

“By the time I went, it was the very beginning of package tours and tourists arriving from abroad. There was also an expat community made up of some real characters – many were drunk all the time.”

Jurgen photographed people at work and play. Fishermen pulling boats onto the beach and mending their nets were replaced by beach bars; the mule pulling a rubbish cart gave way to mechanisation.

Since making Spain his home, Jurgen is still able to take shots of age old traditions and fiestas in the tight knit community of Barx. “It is a very close community. Everyone knows everyone. There are about a 1,000 people in the village...they are all related.

“There is still a very strong family structure, which is very good. Sons and daughters still go to their mother’s house on a Sunday; they all sit around and enjoy a big meal.”

‘Espana Now and Then’ is available from Amazon UK, Amazon Spain and Amazon Germany, for 25€. To find out more about Jurgen and his work, visit www.jurgenschadeberg.com.

Flamenco

Paco’s wedding

The Verdiales festival, Malaga 1969

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Cartagena hospital Improves treatment for arthritis

by IAN ASKEW

RESEARCHERS AT Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena have been studying certain genetic variations associated with arthritis, and are now able to select more effective anti-inflammatory treatments.

The research has shown that certain genetic variations are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and this allows better targeting of anti-inflammatory treatments. Physicians María José Gonzálvez and María Jesús Zamora arrived at these conclusions after analyzing the ratio of the chances of such chronic inflammatory conditions occurring with certain polymorphisms (minor variations of a gene that appear in more than one percent of the population).

In their studies, the two doctors evaluated these genetic factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and the response offered to those patients receiving treatment with the drug called “Infliximab”. This is a novel anti-inflammatory drug therapy which can block the molecule responsible for the inflammatory process in the joints causing cartilage damage and increased bone reabsorption in the patient. Thus, the researchers were able to see which genetic variants had a better response to treatment, allowing them to correct and improve this, to provide better results for patients. These studies continue the work already begun at St. Lucia Hospital, which has helped identify new genetic factors, such as a polymorphism in the FAS gene, which allows doctors to identify patients who will respond best to biological treatment.

Derek Francis entertains at the casino TENOR DEREK FRANCIS entertained another full house last week as part of the XXXVI Winter Festival, of the Cultural Society Casino of Torrevieja. Derek has been performing for many years at the casino and said: “It’s always my pleasure to perform at the casino. The audience are so receptive and gracious in their applause and I’m looking forward to returning with another concert shortly.”

Derek always manages to find other fabulous musicians to entertain at the casino and this performance was no ex-

ception, as he was accompanied masterfully on piano by Karin Krause and violin

by Andrea Ewers. The trio performed solo, duo and trio pieces for over an hour with Derek singing songs such as ‘Non ti scordar di me’, ‘Granada’, light opera and the always priceless ‘Nessun Dorma’, among others.

Both Karin Krause and Andrea Ewers also superbly played solo pieces. The end of the evening saw the trio receive rapturous applause,and an assurance that Derek will return to the casino in

Tenor Derek Francis, Karin Krause Piano and Andrea Ewers on Violin

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Preparing your car for winter Winter weather in Spain can vary from year to year and snowfall on the south coast is unlikely. However, if your car is parked outside during the worst of the winter months, or you’re planning to visit the interior or venture north, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your car for winter.

PROTECTING AGAINST ICE AND FROST Lights, heaters and wipers put high demands on the car battery and they have to work harder in colder weather. If your battery is over 5 years old it may be time to shop around for a replacement. Top up your windscreen wash with a more concentrated mix of antifreeze. Give locks and mechanisms a spray with WD40. Cleaning and waxing your car will give the bodywork a coat of protection against temperature extremes.

BEING PREPARED Make sure you have a phone charger in the car should you need to call for assistance. In the event you get stranded, there are some items that will make a difference; carry some blankets, a folding shovel, jump leads, tow-bar and tow rope. If colder weather is forecast, make sure you have a full tank of fuel, as you may need to keep the engine running to stay warm until help arrives. Check your insurance policy covers you for emergency breakdown and recovery. Línea Directa provides for Road Assistance in their car insurance policies. This ensures that you receive immediate assistance by phone 24 hours a day. Our breakdown service will endeavour to get your car back on the road as soon as possible or tow your vehicle to your local repairer of choice in Spain.

ROAD SAFETY During the winter, driving conditions can become challenging. Winter tyres or cold weather tyres mean shorter stopping distances, reduce aquaplaning and improve handling. If you haven’t changed to winter treads, road safety experts recommend 3mm of tyre depth as a minimum for winter driving.

Call now on: 902 123 148

WINTER DRIVING Breakdowns are more common in winter. The number of breakdowns can increase dramatically during extreme conditions. For safe trouble-free driving we recommend gentle manoeuvres, as stopping distances are ten times longer in snow and ice. To avoid wheel spin, pull away in second gear, easing your foot gently off the clutch. Maintain a constant speed where possible, if you need to break, then apply them gently and progressively. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear any excess build up of snow from the wheels. You can get additional grip by putting a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels. Once your car is moving, maintain a constant speed, avoiding rapid acceleration or deceleration and try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 148. More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

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Chris’s Corner

by

Chris Ashley

Writer & Broadcaster

FOR A thick lad who stumbled at the first educational hurdle (the dread 11 plus) I consider myself blessed to have made a reasonable living out of radio and met a legend or three.

Legend number 1; Ian Dury, who I was warned,could be difficult and very caustic. He was the latter, but not with me, but certainly towards a number of his contemporaries like Lou Reed. Quote- “No I didn’t take to Lou, he had a pot belly and wore trainers. He was about as subversive as a packet of crisps.” On the punk revolution “The thing about it was that it let slightly ageing ugly rockers like me & Elvis Costello through the door when no one was looking.”

Legend number 2; Roy Orbison, who turned out to be a true grit Southern Gentleman. I asked him how he dealt with the death of his wife Claudette in a motorcycle accident and 2 years later the death of his 2 eldest sons in a house fire. “Work!” And work he did, I saw him at a Scampi in the Basket night club in the Midlands long after the hits dried up & before his resurgence with The Travelling Wilburys. Our chat wasn’t all about grief – The Big O regaled me with the dangers of socialising with Jerry Lee & Johnny Cash, the extraordinary rise of Elvis, and a lascivious story involving Little Richard, Buddy Holly & a Las Vegas showgirl. A tale not broadcast then or revealed now to you dear chaste reader. However if we are ever at a social soiree – I’ll spill.

Legend number 3; Another Roy- as in Kinnear. A strange choice?

Not really, Roy rubbed shoulders with true stars – Loren, Sellers, Connery, Heston, Beatles, and be still my beating heart – Raquel Welch. Similar to Peter Butterworth, just his gaffe-prone demeanour made you laugh. Unfortunately a certain Johnny Walker disrupted the interview, no not the DJ, the demon drink. We liberated a bottle and consumed the lot - finishing up roaring drunk along Brighton promenade singing ‘Three Wheels On My Wagon.’ My personal legends - because of their generosity, towards me,with their time & patience. Although no longer with us, Ian & Big O’s music is still played (www.bigfm.org) and recently I saw Roy K.(as a bungling jewel thief) in ‘Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo’ on telly (must get out more). A 40 year old past life & a whiskey hangover came back to haunt

Sponsored by www.rightmoveinsurance.com with 50€ cash back on new motor/home policies.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

The micro brewery arrives in Spain

by PATRICIA THOMPSON REAL ALE lover William started Bizantina along with two other partners in 2013. They were pioneers in the craft beer scene in the region of Murcia.

What started as a hobby, William transformed into a way of life thanks to the support of his friends and family.

Initially being an IT tech, the economic crisis in Spain hit Williams company, it went bankrupt and he lost his job. William started to dig into the brewing mysteries by attending a couple of courses in Malaga.

Pushed by his friends and family, William perfected his own recipes and improved his brewing skills with the help of Natur Bier´s master brewer, who has been a mentor ever since.

Bizantina currently brews two types of beer. An Ale, dark in colour and rich in flavour, with a slight chocolate taste in the end. A beer that the Spanish palate is not used to, but is slowly acquiring the taste for a stronger, more flavoursome beer.

And secondly, a Lager. Toasted in colour, with a hoppy and fresh taste. This beer appeals to the wider public while maintaining a strong craft beer personality.

“We currently sell these two beers in the Cartagena and Mar Menor area,” Bizantina´s Luisa told RTN, “Our beginning has been rough, but now we can proudly say that our products are beginning to be known in the area and appreciated by our customers.”

However, in the early days, sales were not as good as predicted. Thus, to help with sales and the direction of the operation, in summer 2015 Guillermo started working in the brewery.

William met Guillermo through common acquaintances and soon both decided they could work together and give an impulse to the operation. Guillermo is currently a diver in the Spanish Navy and his exposure to craft beer started four years ago, when he was working in an exchange program in the US Navy Dive school in Florida.

Whilst in Florida, Guillermo visited some of the breweries in the area and developed a taste for fine craft beer. Seeing the success of craft beer in the USA, Guillermo dreamt of replicating it in Spain.

And now with Guillermo at the helm and William in the engine room, Bizantina started to find its course. Now with the help of our sales representative, Luisa, and Salvador, our logistics coordinator, we can say Bizantina has a bright future in the industry and will try to provide the best beer to our customers and friends.

Expansion is now well and truly on the cards. So if you run a bar, a club or even a shop contact Bizantina now and sell one of Spains true gems.

Biziantina also provide tours to the brewery which include sampling of their products.

The price per person is 6€. Why not book your place now!!

Bizantina can be found on the industrial estate in La Union, Cartagena.

The contact details are 607 427 672.

Luisa CorcueraPalet Luisa@cervezasbizantina.com

Food vouchers ease hardship

TEULADA MORAIRA Lions sprang into action to meet a request from social services in Benitachell to help put food on the tables of those in need.

The town hall requested a further 1,500€ of food vouchers and the club was quick to help out – and gave a commitment to continue the scheme as long as there is a need.

The charity first launched the scheme eight years ago to help alleviate hardship as Spain’s economic crisis first bit deep, helping families in Teulada Moraira – with supermarket Pepe La Sal quickly offering support. Last year the scheme was expanded to encompass neighbouring Benitachell and Mike Dunn was appointed Welfare Officer for the town.

His liaison with the town hall’s social services proved successful and when there was a request for additional funding Mike and the charity were quick to act.

Teulada Moraira Lions Club is also one of a number of organisations backing the EMAUS home in El Vergel – in recent months 400€ went to help buy winter clothing, 661€ went on school books, and food supplies were delivered when required.

And as part of the club’s commitment, every child in the home receives a birthday card and 20€ to celebrate a birthday and all the youngsters will receive 25€ for the Christmas and Three Kings celebration.

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#letters 28

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k #rtnemail of the wee

Slow as a tortoise

IT IS with deep concern that I write about the lack of provision of a proper ambulance service in Orihuela Costa.

Recently an unfortunate event occurred where a British man passed away while playing in a sports event. What is deeply concerning is the ambulance took forty minutes to arrive at the scene. Three people kept phoning the ambulance service to hurry up and come to take the man to hospital, but they did not come, and sadly the man passed away while onlookers waited and waited for the ambulance.

What sort of place are we living in? Thirty five thousand people live in Orihuela Costa and there is not a proper ambulance service.

We pay ever-increasing taxes, so where does our money go? We pay medical insurance and, if something were to happen, we are not assured an ambulance will show up. Forty minutes for an ambulance to come is how long it takes to drive to the airport. The ambulance service is as slow as a tortoise.

Lucy P. Playa Flamenca

Ambulance delays

RECENTLY THERE have been various comments in the local papers about the slow response rates for ambulances in Orihuela Costa.

Similar problems are being experienced by people living on the San Miguel urbanisation, El Galán. On Sunday 29th November, the 112 emergency number was used to summon an ambulance to Calle Huelva, El Galán, to attend Mrs Joyce Byne. The ambulance was called at quarter past 10 but didn’t arrive until nearly 11am. The ambulance drivers had no idea where El Galán was, and had spent over 15 minutes trying to find the road in the town of San Miguel.

They then admitted that it was only after they couldn’t find the street in the town that they had used their sat-nav! Even with this aid they failed to find the street and called for instructions. When they eventually arrived, they told us that we should have given the address as being in Blue Lagoon or Las Filipinas. We explained to them that the area was El Galán on maps and on our Padróns!

It is indefensible that ambulance drivers do not have adequate maps, sat-navs, or a central control station that can give them appropriate and correct directions. What is even more surprising is that the drivers admitted that they spent a fruitless 15 minutes travelling around San Miguel.

Unfortunately, Joyce was pronounced dead. However, any of our neighbours needing an ambulance in an emergency should not expect the ambulance drivers to have no idea of the geography of the area they serve.

Yours faithfully, Barry Buckingham

Good luck to HELP AT ONE time a friend and I were helpers at the Vega Baja Hospital. Like many of HELP we often presented a lifeline for many. I remember 15 years ago saving one couple £10,000. They had come to Spain with no health insurance; unbelievable but true. Good Luck to Help.

Marie Jenkins

Sausage, egg, bacon and La Marina

I SAT with some friends and neighbours having breakfast last week and, inevitably, the issue of La Marina arose. We were in complete agreement that more can and needs to be done on the urbanisation to improve safety and appearance. Like me, they were critical of the council’s perceived efforts. Our views are not uncommon, despite a comment that I am “on a one man crusade”. This is far from the truth, given the comments I have received personally, read in the papers, and seen on social media.

I note that a comparison has been made between La Marina and other urbanisations that apparently suffer far worse problems. As sorry as I am for them, I can only concern myself with La Marina, and the question still remains as to whether La Marina Urbanisation can be improved with the amount of SUMA collected from us. I still intend to pursue the issues with our council but will refrain from writing about it until something significant happens. I would still encourage others to get involved by writing to the papers or, better still, going to the council.

Len Allen, Urb. La Marina

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

DEAR CLIENTS and Friends, It seems like it was yesterday when the deadline for submitting your NON RESIDENT TAX RETURNS was so far away and yet the Holiday Season has suddenly arrived.

We hope to have met our clients’ expectations when dealing with their MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES in Spain and we would also take this opportunity to congratulate those clients, from different countries, who SOLD, PURCHASED or EXCHANGED their properties through our firm and kindly took our advice about the importance of having a SPANISH WILL drafted when being an owner of a property in Spain.

Year 2015 has been a good year for those clients who appeared to have lost their money buying properties in Spain off plan several years ago, who fortunately have been able to get their money back through our help.

Also, 2015 has been the year when thousands of people have claimed against Bankia for the sale of its shares in the IPO of July 2011, and like in a Happy Christmas tale, up to now, we have been able to win 100% of cases for our clients.

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, children etc; and again in these cases we have assisted as rapidly as possible to help the heirs when dealing with the INHERITANCE in Spain and the UK. This is the first year when the heirs of an inheritance as non residents in Spain have been able to enjoy the tax benefits in the Inheritance Tax, benefiting the same as tax residents in Spain.

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, we have even

regained money for our clients from their Inheritance Tax paid.

Finally we would like to THANK ALL our clients and friends, who one way or another, dealt with us dur-

ing this year and wish THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2016 FULL OF HAPPINESS. The White & Baos Team

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

LEGAL & FINANCE

White & Baos Abogados wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2016

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by

Carlos Baos

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

YOUR MONEY

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by

Dave Diggle

International Financial Adviser

5% and Spanish Tax Compliant - Sleep well this Christmas ALONG WITH many other jurisdictions, Jersey has just signed up to the Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Spain.

That doesn’t mean that there will be a double taxation concession so effectively this looks like one way traffic to me.

Everybody, no matter what structures you have in place in whatever jurisdiction, will find themselves being scrutinised by the authorities at sometime in the future, so how long do you keep worrying about being caught?

There is an answer: Use the legal tax efficient structures that are designed to function correctly in the country you are tax resident in and that way you will be able to sleep easy at night and will no longer need to worry.

Our most appropriate investment funds for British expats of a cautious or balanced nature are “wrapped” by vehicles that are tax efficient, legal, contain automatic tax reporting to the Spanish authorities, and are transferable easily if you return to the UK or transferable to your heirs when you die.

That particular product gives us a quarterly revised forecast for annual returns and without listing it all here, Sterling should net you around 5%p. a. and Euro’s a little under 5% – and all placed with an institution with a AA credit rating by Standard & Poors.

The performance forecast was issued on 25th November, 2015.

Time for action? Call us.

We are here to give you impartial, independent investment and financial advice (minimum investment just £20,000 / €25,000). Call me direct on 615 607 278 or e-mail dave. diggle@blacktowerfm.com Dave Diggle C.A.T., DipFA, The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

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

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

FEATURE

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Spanish banker awarded DBE SANTANDER BANK chief Ana Botin has been appointed an honorary Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the UK’s key financial services sector.

Currently the bank’s Executive Chairman, the award reflects her work in Britain as Chief Executive of Santander UK from December 2010 until September last year, when she took over her current role at the helm of a group which is the largest bank in the Eurozone and a multinational based in Spain.

As CEO of Santander UK Ms Botin led the transformation of the bank following the mergers of Abbey National, the Alliance and Leicester and Bradford and Bingley building societies – and the growth of a bank to its current position with 860 branches across Britain serving 14 million customers with 20,000 employees.

British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley said: “I am delighted that Ana Botin has received this honour, reflecting her exceptional contributions to the UK economy and society.”

Ms Botin is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the mayor’s fund for London, helping disadvantaged children, an external advisor to the Financial services, Trade and Investment Board and a strong supporter of the link between education and business – backing scholarships, travel grants, projects, awards, and collaborations between Santander and British universities.

Ana Botin

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

#life&leisure

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

New book for Anglican Church

LA MANGA CLUB resident Alec Winwood’s humorous new book for youngsters, “My little Silver book, Sparkling fun”, is a wonderful stocking-filler for 10-year-olds and up. Indeed, grown-ups find it entertaining too. This little gem costs 5€ with all profit going to the Anglican Chaplaincy in Torrevieja.

To receive a copy by mail in time for Christmas, send a cheque on a Spanish bank for 6€ (incl P&P) to Capellania Anglicane de Torrevieja, c/o Box 6 La Manga Club, Cartagena. Include your name and address clearly written in block capitals.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leis ure #what’s on 

Hondon finds Christmas

by JACK TROUGHTON

THE VILLAGE of Hondon de los Frailes discovered a true festive spirit with its first successful Christmas Street Market.

The centre of the Hondon came alive with lights and the sound of festive music as people flocked to the event.

It was organised by Simone and Marcus from Restaurante Veintiocho, with the help of Sue Ashley from the Community Shop, Victor from the town hall, together with members of Neighbourhood Watch and residents who took time to decorate the street.

And the area was packed with stalls selling jewellery, bags, pies, cakes, clothes, candles – and a wealth of seasonal goodies, including mulled wine and hot soup.

The Christmas atmosphere was further boosted by a performance of festive music from the Hondon de los Frailes Youth Band.

Afterwards Simone said plans were going ahead for a second Easter market next year and anyone requiring information should contact her via veintiocho.28@hotmail.com.

“I would like to thank all those who helped us set up and all our staff at the restaurant who worked extremely hard – and also the public who supported us, coming along for the evening; not only from the village but from further afield as well.

“This was the first time we had staged a Christmas Street market and it was a huge success.”

Street lights

The youth band

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #events

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Marjal Costa Blanca Christmas market THE MARJAL Costa Blanca (Junction 730 AP7) Fantastic two day Christmas Market is on Friday and Saturday December 11th and 12th from 11am to 4pm.

DEBRA, The Butterfly Children, is our nominated charity for 2015 and you can “Buy a Bauble” to hang on the DEBRA Christmas Tree and write a message to a loved one.

On Friday 11th December there will

be a Mercury Radio Road Show, Dutch Choir and a Fashion Show from Glamour Glamour. Saturday, 12th December features the fabulous Dan Davy singing and another performance from the Dutch Choir, all this plus many brilliant stalls selling everything you could want for Christmas, plus a BBQ, restaurant and bar. That’s Christmas Market at the Marjal!

Thank you to the Posh Club

Photopraph by Kristoff

PAUL CUNNINGHAM Nurses would like to say a huge thank you to the Posh Club for hosting their Christmas Fayre last Sunday.

The sun came out to warm the day and the crowd were treated to wonderful Christmas carols with the Velvetones and with audience participation. Well done the stallholders, all the volunteers and all who attended to raise much money for the charity.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #gardening



The vegetable garden in December /January

by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

WHY GROW VEGETABLES ?

All gardens and diets benefit from the growing of fresh vegetables, even if only a few are grown in large pots, containers or grow bags. Although it is now December it is not too late to plant a few vegetables for spring eating and to prepare a bed for planting up in the spring.

The benefits are as follows: The fun of growing your own vegetables, The possibility of growing them ecologically, The possibility of growing the types and varieties that you most like A step down the road to eating more ‘slow foods’ and away from mass processed ‘fast foods’. The original Mediterranean diet which made much use of fresh and cooked vegetables and herbs is still said to be good for ones health.

Most importantly being able to harvest your crops daily in the amounts you need for the day, while the vegetables are at their best, and cook them before they start to lose their crispness and vitamin content.

If you have yet to start to grow vegetables on the Costas or in the inland valleys now is a good time.

The weather is cooler and it is possible to plant vegetables for early spring eating now. As outlined below it is not necessary to have

a large area to produce few tasty, crisp organic vegetables.

2. DECIDE WHAT SCALE OF ‘HUERTO’ TO DEVELOP The thing is to have a go. You can always expand once you experience the benefits.

The options are as follows.

A.VERY SMALL SCALE Grow vegetables in a collection of large pots or plastic grow bags. This can be done even on an apartment or penthouse terrace.

B. SMALL SCALE There are five main possibilities.

Prepare a small 2 or 3 metre square conventional vegetable patch.

Grow a few vegetables amongst flowering plants as in a cottage garden.

Grow crops such as potatoes, squash, tomatoes, peppers in a row of plastic sacks, old chimney pots, or large plastic paint containers.

Construct a raised bed. If you start by constructing one 2 metres long by 80 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres wide you can always extend this in later years.

Use an old enamelled or plastic domestic bath.

They are often seen dumped by the roadside or at the local builders tip.

C. MEDIUM SCALE Prepare a 50 to 100 metre vegetable plot.

Construct a row of 3 or four raised beds each say 10 metres long.

Install a row of old baths in a sunny but out of the way corner. If you surround them with pots of herbs or nasturtiums or marigolds they will not look unsightly and you will have co-located beneficial plants to attract pollinating insects and attract black flies away from vegetable crops.

D. LARGE SCALE Prepare a vegetable plot 300 to 600 square metres. We cultivate 400 square metres to provide the two of us with a diversity of vegetables 365 days a year. year.

3. WHAT CAN STILL BE PLANTED In most areas of the Costas and inland valleys it is still possible to make last sowings of broad beans, garlic and peas in the open ground. Oak leafed lettuces, carrots, parsnips, radishes and some last beetroot can still be planted under cloches. Plantlets of spinach, acelga, onions, leeks, asparagus, artichokes and lettuce can still be purchased in many areas.

Cover peas and broad beans with netting to protect them from feeding pigeons.

Do enjoy your healthier diet.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #advertising feature



Ecombi storage heating system.. beat the winter cold

ECOMBI IS a new efficient heating system that both controls electricity consumption and optimises heat management. Our system is the most economical of the electric storage heating solutions available in the market.

The ECOMBI smart system assesses energy consumption and heat loss in the room every day in order to establish the heat needs precisely and effectively adjusting the energy required.

WARM & COMFORTABLE The arrival of ECOMBI is a real revolution in traditional heating systems. ECOMBI optimises control of the energy running costs, while providing maximum comfort. This electric heating system adapts to your daily needs whatever the weather conditions.

Could you ask for more? Well you can with the ECOMBI smart system.

INNOVATION AT IT’S FINEST Once autumn arrives, the temperatures and weather can be very unpredictable well into spring. The days can be cold, very cold or there may even be days when the temperatures are mild and pleasant. ECOMBI constantly monitors room temperature using its high-sensitivity thermostat to ensure that the room is always at the desired temperature. ECOMBI will guarantee you feel warm and comfortable all day long on the coldest days or it will adjust the amount of heat required on those warmer days by means of the ESICC (ECOMBI Smart Input Charge Control) module to adjust the amount of heat required on those warmer days. This will avoid any unnecessary extra energy consumption.

HIGHEST QUALITY & STYLE The best quality components available on the market and this exclusive ESICC electronic module, patented and designed by ELNUR, provide an outstanding level of performance and offer the user cheaper and customised heating. This is what the ECOMBI System, the most innovative and outstanding heating system and the only one of its kind on the market, is all about.

“To find out more, and to get a no obligation quotation, call your International Electrician (authorised installers for the Costa Blanca). With literally thousands of clients on the Costa Blanca over more than 25 years service, you can be sure of a professional and courteous service. Telephone 609 655 672 or email electriciancostablanca@hotmail.com” Don’t suffer this winter, to find out more, call TODAY

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

#tv&showbiz goss

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by Peter Taylor

 CONTROVERSIAL SINGER Pink has more or less left music behind and settled into to being a USTV personality. Guesting on The Tonight Show last week, she openly admitted that when she was 7 years old her favourite band was New Kids on the Block and how she called their hotline so many times she ran up a $118 phone bill, and how her favourite member of the 1980s group was Donny because he was the “bad boy.” Pink was always fearless with the lyrics in her songs, and clearly she´s still like it!

TOM JONES appeared on Conan in America last week and told a tale from 1965 when he and Elvis were both doing shows in Las Vegas at the same time and how Elvis sung to him in the shower. No it’s not an ‘out the closet’ story, but is about how someone pitched a song at Elvis and him thinking it would be better suited to Tom. Tom came off stage and decided to shower and Elvis followed him into the bathroom.

Then Elvis started singing the song whilst Tom had a shower, then Tom heard Elvis making use of the facilities! Would I lie to you!

THERE WERE two serious wardrobe malfunctions last week with Katie Price when she flashed her bum and former model Kelly Brook somehow or other flashing her knickers. Both these ladies are known headline huggers, and the question now being posed is … how much of an accident was it? Kelly’s friends are saying “she misses being in the papers all the time and loves the attention that comes with modelling,” and peeps close to Pricey are saying “she’s showing off her body again as she knows that unless she gets people talking, she could be overshadowed.” Shame innit!

Silence is Golden for record breaker Bieber!

IT’S UNLIKELY your thoughts will drift to music when you see the name Justin Bieber as the young Canadian seems to have spent as much time in the law courts as he has in the studio for the last year or two, but boy has the wee laddie come out ‘a bobbin’ ‘n’ a weaving!’

His latest album ‘Purpose’ came out in November and records have been tumbling as it’s become the fastest album to reach one billion internet streams, as well as having three of the songs in the UK top 5 at the same time, and he’s broken another record for having the most songs in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time with 17, a feat not even achieved by The Beatles who managed 14.

The incredible thing about all these achievements is that they have come on the back of Biebs cancelling all sorts of promotional opportunities, like huge USTV show ´The Late Show with Stephen Colbert´ that went out on Thanksgiving Day when the whole of America was tuned in, suggesting his Greta Garbot act ´I Vant to be Alone´ is working a treat!

Website TMZ printed a mix of quotes and reporters opinion saying “Biebs is dealing with personal issues, but it isn’t related to drugs or alcohol, he’s been on a virtual roller coaster with his moods swinging like a pendulum, and it’s just become too much,” see what I mean … then more quote/opinion with “his latest project has been received fairly well critically, and insanely well by the public”.

His keeping himself scarce act even seems to be working on ex-ex-ex-ex-ex Selena Gomez, as last weekend they were seen together at a Los Angeles restaurant where he serenaded her on the piano with ´My Girl.´ Smoothie!

I’VE NOW got a music and video double-header so I´ll need you on full attention mode. The BBC aired a music special featuring Adele disguised with a fake nose and chin and wearing gloves to cover up her tattoos and joining a group of Adele impersonators. The result is hilarious. Adele at the BBC: When Adele wasn’t Adele... but was Jenny! The double-header is complete with a video that features a 5 year old Brazilian girl whose passion is to play the drums, and baby can she! Eduarda Henklein - baterista potpourri (amostra). A star is born!

AFTER A successful one-off show earlier this year, Channel 4 commissioned a full series of ‘TFI Friday’ which began airing in mid-October. Chris Evans has invited Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) to co-host the Xmas Comedy Special next Friday December 18th and said “it’ll be interesting to see how it should be done by Norfolk’s master of broadcasting,” with Alan retorting “the fee to co-present was more than generous, and as soon as I received photographic evidence my dressing room had its own shower, I signed on the dotted line!”

Love you Alan, I mean Steve … em Alan.

MANY AN actor has harboured political aspirations, and the latest in this line is Will Smith who said to The Hollywood Reporter “I’m elevating my ability to be useful in the world.

My grandmother always hoped I would make myself useful to people in this lifetime. I’m working really hard and my storytelling is elevating, my ability to be eloquent with my body and with my voice and to deliver ideas as an actor is elevating. And, you know, as I look at the political landscape, I think that there might be a future out there for me.” We´re all proud of you Will, but keep an eye on the waffling mate!

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

tv listings 11th December - 17th December

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friday 11th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Citizen Khan 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Peter Kay’s Car Share 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:25 Josh 24:55 The Double

BBC2

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05 Oddbods 08:10 Sooty 08:25 Super 4 08:40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 09:00 The Aquabats!

Super Show!

09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:00 Jessie 10:25 Murder, She Wrote 11:20 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:40 Judge Rinder 15:40 The Polar Express 17:30 Doc Martin 18:35 ITV News 18:45 Catchphrase 19:45 ITV News and Weather 20:00 The Chase 21:00 The X Factor 23:05 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:10 ITV News and Weather

07:15 The King of Queens 07:40 The King of Queens 08:05 The King of Queens 08:30 Triathlon 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:30 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 The Big Bang Theory 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 17:25 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 The World’s Weirdest Weather 21:00 Grand Designs 22:00 Red 2 24:15 TFI Friday

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:30 Wanda and the Alien 09:45 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30 The Saturday Show 12:30 Santa Who? 14:20 The Perfect Holiday 16:10 The Nine Lives of Christmas 17:55 Runaway Princess 19:35 5 News Weekend 19:40 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 20:05 Police Interceptors 21:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 22:00 Football League Tonight 23:25 The Definitive History of Star Wars 24:25 How Star Wars Changed the World

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Emmerdale 10:10 Coronation Street 12:35 The Xtra Factor 13:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

14:40 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 15:40 Scorpion 16:35 You’ve Been Framed!

17:35 Take Me Out 18:45 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 20:40 Back to the Future Part III 23:05 The Xtra Factor 24:05 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rules of Engagement 09:05 How I Met Your Mother 09:35 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 Baby Daddy 10:30 Baby Daddy 11:00 The Goldbergs 11:30 The Goldbergs 12:00 Made in Chelsea 13:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 14:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 15:05 Melissa & Joey 15:35 Melissa & Joey 16:00 The Goldbergs 16:30 The Goldbergs 17:00 City of Ember 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Paul 24:05 Gogglebox

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 The A to Z of TV Gardening 07:45 Big Dreams Small Spaces 08:45 Countryfile 09:45 An Island Parish: Falklands 10:15 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 11:45 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 12:30 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 Jason and the Argonauts 15:45 Family Finders 16:15 Escape to the Continent 17:15 Athletics 18:20 Nativity!

20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Horizon 22:00 The Secret History of the British Garden 23:00 Professor Green: Suicide and Me 24:00 Seven Years in Tibet

07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05 Oddbods 08:10 Sooty 08:25 Super 4 08:40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 09:00 The Aquabats! Super Show!

09:30 Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload 10:00 Jessie 10:25 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:40 Evil under the Sun 16:00 The X Factor 18:00 The Scorpion King 19:35 ITV News 20:00 Jekyll and Hyde 21:00 The X Factor 23:00 The World According to Kenny Everett 24:00 ITV News and Weather 24:15 The Chase

saturday 12th December

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Simply Nigella 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Formula 1 15:00 Bargain Hunt 16:00 Toy Story 17:15 Final Score 18:15 Celebrity Mastermind 18:45 BBC News 18:55 BBC Regional News Weather 19:00 Pointless Celebrities 19:50 Strictly Come Dancing 21:30 Casualty 22:20 The National Lottery Live 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News; Weather 23:20 Match of the Day 24:40 The Apprentice

itv2

ITV1

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 An Island Parish: Falklands 09:45 Great British Menu 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 An Island Parish: Falklands 22:00 Alex Polizzi: Hire Our Heroes 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Artsnight

BBC2

07:55 Anything but Christmas 09:25 Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan 11:00 Animal Park 11:30 Kangaroo Dundee 12:00 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 12:30 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 13:00 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 15:15 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure 16:00 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 16:30 Escape to the Country 17:15 Flog It! 18:15 Euro 2016 Draw 19:30 The Great Pottery Throw Down 20:30 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands 21:30 Dad’s Army 22:00 QI XL 22:45 TOTP2 23:45 The Prestige

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Gino’s Italian Escape 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 300

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie at Home 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Couples Come Dine with Me 13:45 Channel 4 Racing 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 TFI Friday 22:00 Gogglebox 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 First Dates

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 Hats Off to Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Mr St Nick 16:45 Twelve Trees of Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 UK’s Strongest Man 2015 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Definitive History of Star Wars 23:00 How Star Wars Changed the World 23:55 Greatest Sci-Fi Movies

07:00 07:10 07:35 08:20 08:55 09:25 09:35 10:40 11:35 13:25 13:55 14:30 14:55 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00

The Hot Desk You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale Emmerdale The Hot Desk The Cube Psych Holiday Engagement Emmerdale Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men The Dark Knight

Back to the Future Part III 20.40

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:30 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 10:30 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rush Hour 3 23:50 The Big Bang Theory 24:20 The Big Bang Theory 24:50 Bodyshockers

sunday 13th December 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Sunday Politics London 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Saving the Forgotten Jews 14:45 Lifeline 14:55 Flog It! 15:45 Toy Story 2 17:15 Songs of Praise 17:50 The Hunt 18:50 BBC News 19:10 BBC Regional News 19:20 Countryfile 20:20 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The Hunt 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC Regional News 23:30 Match of the Day 2 24:40 Citizen Khan

07:15 The King of Queens 07:40 Beat the Sun 2015 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:00 The Simpsons 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 Marley & Me 18:20 Aladdin 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Britain’s Wildest Weather 2015 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Gogglebox 24:05 Mama

“ Quote of the Week

“

BBC1

Prince Harry visited a youth centre in South Africa recently, and when asked about being Prince William’s younger brother said “Older brothers are supposedly the cool ones, but I’m a younger brother and I’m much cooler than my older brother.”

Cheeky boy H!

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Pip Ahoy!

09:10 Blaze and the Monster Machines 09:35 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 Wanda and the Alien 10:05 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:20 Jelly Jamm 10:40 LazyTown 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:35 Football League Tonight 13:00 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 13:35 The Christmas Shepherd 15:20 Meet the Santas 17:05 Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs Miracle 19:00 A Country Christmas Story 20:35 Scrooge 22:55 5 News Weekend 23:00 The Blind Side

itv2

07:00 07:10 09:45 12:15 14:20 15:20 15:55 17:50 18:50 21:00 23:00 24:00

The Hot Desk Emmerdale Coronation Street The X Factor The Xtra Factor Mr Bean Ella Enchanted Catchphrase Peter Pan The Nutty Professor The Xtra Factor Keith Lemon: the Film

The Nutty Professor 21.00

E4

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:20 How I Met Your Mother 07:40 How I Met Your Mother 08:00 Baby Daddy 08:30 Baby Daddy 09:00 Melissa & Joey 09:30 Melissa & Joey 10:00 Made in Chelsea 11:00 Hollyoaks 13:30 Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events 15:35 Rude(ish) Tube 16:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 Twilight 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 The Big Bang Theory 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:00 The Inbetweeners 24:35 The IT Crowd

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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MONDAY 14th December BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Crimewatch 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:35 Crimewatch Update 23:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:30 The Graham Norton Show

07:00 Oxford Street Revealed 07:45 Family Finders 08:15 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Caught Red Handed 09:45 Thief Trackers 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 20:30 Only Connect 21:00 Simply Nigella 22:00 Back in Time for Christmas 23:00 Live at the Apollo 23:30 Newsnight

ITV1

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Las Vegas with Trevor McDonald 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number One

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Cracking Christmas 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 14:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Supershoppers Do Christmas 22:00 Our Guy in Latvia 23:00 Fargo

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 A Perfect Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Angels and Ornaments 16:45 The Christmas Switch 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Impractical Jokers 21:30 Impractical Jokers 22:00 On Benefits 23:00 The Best of Bad TV

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Psych 08:10 Emmerdale 08:40 Coronation Street 09:10 Coronation Street 09:40 The Cube 10:40 Psych 11:30 Catchphrase 12:30 You’ve Been Framed!

13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Judge Rinder 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 American Pie: the Wedding 24:00 Pitch Black

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Made in Chelsea 23:00 Scream Queens 24:00 Gogglebox

Pick of the week

The Polar Express Saturday 12th December, ITV1, 3.40pm

TUESDAY 15th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:30 Stargazing 12:15 Oxford Street Revealed 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Luther 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:35 Sports Personality The Final 12 24:35 Live at the Apollo

BBC2

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Family Finders 09:15 Ireland with Simon Reeve 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The Super League Show 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Stargazing Live 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Back in Time for Christmas 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 NFL Highlights

ITV1 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 23:40 24:45

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News Judge Rinder 1000 Heartbeats ITV Regional Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News ITV Evening News Emmerdale Countrywise Midsomer Murders ITV News at Eleven ITV News Jonathan Ross Show Freeze Out

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Festive Feast 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas 14:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 22:00 The World’s Most Expensive Christmas 23:00 That’s So Last Century 24:00 Tattoo Fixers

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 Holiday Help 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Mr Miracle 16:50 A Grandpa for Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights 21:00 The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 22:00 Meet the Psychopaths 23:00 CSI: Cyber 23:55 CSI: Cyber 24:50 On Benefits

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:30 Psych 08:10 Emmerdale 08:40 Coronation Street 09:10 Coronation Street 09:40 The Cube 10:40 Psych 11:35 Secret Santa 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Judge Rinder 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Holiday 24:40 Two and a Half Men

E4

07:00 07:45 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:50 24:25 24:50

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Troy: Cyber Hijack Tripped The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Gogglebox

WEDNESDAY 16th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Cuffs 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 The Apprentice 24:35 Film 2015

BBC2

07:15 Operation Meet the Street 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Simply Nigella 09:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Lifeline 14:10 Coast 14:15 Britain’s First Photo Album 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Journey Down the Yukon - A Soldier’s Challenge 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Love You to Death: A Year of Domestic Violence 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired

ITV1 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 23:40 24:40

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News Judge Rinder 1000 Heartbeats ITV Regional Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street You Saw Them Here First Prey ITV News at Eleven ITV News Being Kevin Pietersen Tipping Point

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 14:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Supervet 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Peep Show 23:30 Toast of London

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 The Nine Lives of Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Runaway Princess 16:45 A Star for Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Crazy for Christmas 21:00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 22:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 23:00 Suspects 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

ITV2

07:00 07:25 08:10 08:40 09:40 10:40 11:35 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 24:45

You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

The Cube Psych Merry In-Laws Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Love Actually The Vampire Diaries

E4

07:00 07:45 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 23:05 24:05 24:35

Revenge Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks New Moon Supernatural The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

46

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

THURSDAY 10th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Eat Well for Less?

22:00 DIY SOS 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBCRegional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

BBC2

07:00 Oxford Street Revealed 07:45 Family Finders 08:15 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 MasterChef: The Professionals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Many Faces of 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Great British Bake Off - Masterclass 23:00 Russell Howard’s Good News 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Journey Down the Yukon - A Soldier’s Challenge

ITV1

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Nation’s Favourite Bond Song 23:30 ITV News 24:15 The World According to Kenny Everett

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 14:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Secret Life of 22:00 First Dates 23:00 Very British Problems 24:05 Gogglebox

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 Twelve Trees of Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 The Wishing Tree 16:45 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Crazy for Christmas 21:00 Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands 22:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 23:00 At Christmas 24:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away

ITV2 07:00 07:25 08:10 08:40 09:10 09:40 10:40 11:35 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 24:00

You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale Coronation Street You’ve Been Framed!

The Cube Psych Holiday Engagement Emmerdale Coronation Street You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Scorpion Celebrity Juice Keith Lemon: the Film

E4

07:00 07:20 07:45 08:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 24:05 24:35

Rude(ish) Tube Rude(ish) Tube Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Paul The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

YouTube videos of the week

Firstly we have former comic turned TV presenter Bradley Walsh in bits on show outtake ´The Chase Outtakes - Gobbler’s Knob Question Amuses Bradley´ then the official winner of the Xmas-Ads competition ´Mog’s Christmas Calamity.´

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

47

life&leisure #people

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

by PATRICIA THOMPSON

SPANGLES LADIES’ Harmony Chorus, as always, is having a busy festive season.

They have already sung at the HAH (Help at Home Mar Menor) Christmas Fair and will be singing for AMMA (Alzheimer’s Mar Menor Association) at Iceland in San Javier on 12th December, and also, for the first time, for the residents of the Residencia Lozar in Pozo Aledo on 17th December. “The lead up to Christmas is an opportunity for us to give something back to our community“ said Wendy Grant, new musical director, Wendy’s debut as MD came on 3rd December at their Christmas concert, when she acquitted herself with great professionalism and style.

“The chorus is going from strength to strength” commented co-chorus manager, Lyn Baines.

“We have won the gold medal every time we have competed at the SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) convention and we need to keep ahead of the game when other choruses are snapping at our heels. Since winning earlier this year, we have concentrated on

improving our sound even more and the hard work has paid off, judging from the great compliments we received from the audience after the show.”

Spangles will be representing Spain in Ireland in October 2016 in the international chorus contest, and will compete again in the Spanish national contest in 2017. The chorus is busy fundraising to cover their travel and accommodation costs and will present more concerts during 2016. See their website: https://www.spangleschorus.com and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpanglesChorus/.

Spangles welcomes new members so, if you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares? They meet every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. Visitors are always welcome. Their first rehearsal of 2016 will be 7th January. Please call Lyn on 968 57 49 87 or Anthea on 968 33 45 27 to book Spangles or to find out how to join, or visit the website: www.spangleschorus.com.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

49

life&leisure #whats on



Harleys coming to town

by JACK TROUGHTON

CHRISTMAS IS coming and Santa is roaring into town on Sunday (13th December) mounted on a powerful Harley Davidson motorcycle – all 100 of them.

The area’s unofficial advent calendar should include the famous ‘Toy Run’ when the Costa Blanca Espana Bikers Group makes a noisy entrance into Benidorm and continues to give deserving youngsters a special Christmas present.

The bikers have raised nearly 4,500€ to pay for gifts and a party for 100 children at Alfaz del Pi; around 80 are from EMAUS homes and the remainder recommended by Alfa social services.

And any money left over – it could be as much as 1,000€ will go to the Make A Smile charity which supports EMAUS kids throughout the year and will make sure there is Christmas food on tables come the holiday.

The group’s publicity officer Peter Emmett told RTN that as well as food and drink, the youngsters would enjoy bouncy castles, a children’s disco, a chocolate fountain, face painting and helium balloons.

“There will be at least 100 bikes taking part this year and everyone will be dressed as Father Christmas – it’s quite a show,” he said.

“We hope to be going along the Levante Beach in Benidorm at around 11.30am to 11.45am. We all meet at McDonalds in Albir and leave around 10.30am with a police escort.

“There are three police forces involved in the ride; it is quite a logistical operation for them.”

A ‘biker draw’ saw 300 raffle tickets sell at 10€ each and Benitachell Bowls club’s Christmas draw – a 200 ticket sell out at 5€ each - helped raise the money.

Peter added: “We are all really, really, hyped up for the Toy Run this year – everyone is really looking forward to it and we hope people turn out to watch...they will hear us before they see us!”

La Nucia feria de Navidad Boxing Day LA NUCIA town will be hosting their annual Feria de Navidad, a traditional Christmas fayre, this weekend.

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, the town of La Nucia is holding their Christmas fayre, with plenty to keep all the family occupied.

Located in the Plaza Mayor, there will be stalls selling ceramics, tree decorations, items made from recycled materials, ideas for gifts and much more.

The fayre will also have performances by local dance groups, choirs and bands, as well as activities for children.

Open Saturday 12th December from 11am until 9pm and Sunday 13th December from 10am until 8pm, this annual event always proves popular with visitors as well as the local community.

Further information can be found on www.lanuciaturistica. com

scavenger hunt THE CROWN pub in Alfaz del Pi is looking forward to their Boxing Day scavenger hunt to raise money for a local charity.

Customers at The Crown in Alfaz del Pi are preparing themselves for a fun afternoon of scavenger hunting around the town to raise funds for the Alfaz del Pi food bank, a local charity that helps families in need.

The selfie scavenger hunt will be held on Boxing Day starting at 2.30pm outside the pub with an entry fee of 5€ per person. People can play in teams but will still need to pay 5€ each as all entry money goes to the charity.

All entrants or teams need is a phone or digital camera so that they can take a selfie of themselves with the objects that they are hunting for. These will either be in the bar itself or around Alfaz del Pi depending on the clues.

There will be a prize for the first back, having completed all the selfies with the objects.

For further information, or to register, please call into the Crown or telephone 662 59 62 30 or 611 23 13 70 after midday.

Age Concern Costa Blanca closing dates for Christmas THE AGE Concern Centre will be closed on 16th December to allowing for voting in the national elections, and will re-open on 7th January 2016. The charity shops in Torrevieja and Los Montesinos will close on 22nd December and re-open on 7th January 2016.

Customers at The Crown

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #charity /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

New and larger Gran Alacant charity shop to open by patricia THOMPSON

A NEW charity shop selling furniture, clothes, shoes and other high-quality large items will open at Gran Alacant this month to raise money for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.

The new store will open behind a much smaller rescue centre charity shop, which has proven so successful since its launch about 18 months ago that a bigger space is needed.

The public are invited to the larger store’s official opening on Tuesday, December 15th at 12 noon. Taffeta, a miniature pony rescued in 2008, will also attend.

“Because of the fantastic volunteers we have in Gran Alacant – we have about 30 there now – and the huge support from the surrounding areas, we’re literally floor to ceiling with donations,” said centre co-founder Sue Weeding. “With the bigger store, we can take donations of furniture and large items that we previously didn’t have space for.”

The existing shop will be converted into a book and euro bargain shop, while the new store will sell larger, higher-quality items.

Donations for the store, or any of the rescue centre’s other eight charity shops across the Alicante province, are gratefully welcomed. A pick-up and delivery service is available for large items. All funds raised go towards the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.

To make a donation, become a long-term sponsor, or volunteer at the rescue centre or in the charity shops, call Sue on 652 02 19 80.

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga, 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Free horse tours run throughout the afternoon and refreshments are available in the café. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #horoscopes

Kenny Corris kennycorris@hotmail.com 686 361 594

 Mars is in opposition with Uranus, and please make sure that you say what you mean and mean what you say. The Cosmos is looking for careful and stoic commitment at a time when many questions should be asked. Be sure that what you want is what you get, but above all be prepared for a minor conflict as somebody needs to be taken down a peg!

Venus trines with mighty Neptune and squares on Ceres at the start of a week that will bring about changes....and not before time either. Change is indicated in both of these actions, as the time is right and Ceres will take control. So too, Neptune has an influence on meeting demands face on, with a view to rewarding by innovation.

Mercury uses the midweek contact with Neptune to help you to get a message across to someone who is being stubborn for no good reason. Whilst it is certain that you do not know the whole truth, nobody has the right to shut you out like this; and solution must be sought. Bear in mind that real resolution means some kind of sacrifice, for both sides.

Whilst your moody and deep inner side is stimulated it is high time to take a good look within yourself to see yourself as others do. For sure you have some work to do, but where there is a will there will be a way and looking ahead will help you to make some very powerful decisions that will ring the changes, but also put you back to where you belong.

The Sun is exalted in lucky planet Jupiter, and you are imminently about to receive the rewards and blessings that you deserve; and not before time. Your stubborn pride in performance has recently worked against you as you have wrongly judged yourself in your need for perfection. Time now to chill and make no more unnecessary further plans.

The Neptune tryst with Mercury may leave you feeling as if you have bitten off more than you can chew; but you are highly productive right now, and doing some of your very best work. Let nothing rain on your parade, but also remember you are not to be taken for granted and that when you do say no, which you have to, then no is the answer!

Venus sextiles a discerning Pluto, and it seems as if you are tuning in to your inner spiritual energies; and enjoying your discoveries. Pluto helps the spiritual connection by opening your deep emotions and Venus is sending sheer love to your heart and your soul. Just know that you are now protected and can take all this further!

It has been one step forward and two steps back just lately and you must feel as if you are being tested. However this is sharpening your reserve and preparing you for more enlightened times! Both Jupiter and Kora are showing two opposite sides to the equation and as such they are guiding you safely to a happier, more fruitful conclusion.

Midweek actions with Jupiter are sent to offer you a solution, but only because somebody is deciding to make a mountain over a molehill. Working on your behalf and in all ways. the charm of Jupiter is the unknown but certain good fortune that highlights actions of this noble Planet. Be careful of what you ask for......it will be yours!

You have an inkling for something and are feeling very good vibes around you right now. This is undoubtedly the combination of the strong actions of a fatalistically ardent Mars and an endeavouring and discovering Uranus, Planet of Invention. The future is an open book and yet, just now, take off any pressure.

Uranus guides you towards an inevitable decision which you must base on your own wishes and desires, not the will of others. Time has flown by and you have never been afraid to just walk away with your head held high. The current situation has been hard to accept, but keep your temper even if all those now around you are losing theirs.

The power of love brings you a dividend this week, although your sheer motive was to create and inspire; it is possible that somebody got hold of the wrong end of the stick. Neptune has bold actions with both Venus and Mercury backing your ventures on both love and steady commitment and these alone are worth following up.

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

Patience truly is a virtue but you seem to have abandoned your plans in favour of whatever is the flavour of the month. Use your great skills of negotiation and tact to get in to where you deserve to be!

Hand Out Hand Up! HE WANTED to carry on reading and kept the light on a firmly clipped penlight attached to the page, whilst his partner was already snuggling down under the eiderdown, with a yawn as she closed her tired eyes.

A scene reminiscent of the end of a busy day so nothing at all out of the ordinary there surely? Wrong. Very wrong, this was a scene on a downtown New York pavement two days ago. On closer inspection the heavy duvet was splashed with stains and there was a jar of coins in a glass jar at the bedside. I couldn’t just pass on by, just put a few dollar bills in the jar because though I did do so I wanted to know why such a middle aged couple were sleeping on the streets on such a freezing cold night. I felt ashamed that I would go back to a warm hotel room and sleep in clean freshly laundered sheets when such a couple were sleeping on cardboard boxes in Little Italy. The story wasn’t a pretty one, as I knew it would be.

Both were teachers who had lost their jobs one by one, and they ended up losing their small co-op housing apartment into the bargain. In a city where a minute studio apartment can cost upwards of $3000 a month they had to find cheap hotels and friend’s floors. Slowly they slipped down the ladder and onto the street..... but this was their first winter in the Big Apple with no roof and only $50 dollars a week in food stamps. There were tears when they told me that they had had to take their beloved dog, Boris, to the dog pound. They didn’t want him to sleep out in the cold the way they had to.

Boris was lucky because there are many animals sleeping rough out on the streets with their owners. Pets are not admitted to any of the Rescue Centres where a hot soup and a sandwich come with a temporary respite from the City chill. There was a young girl with a cat on 42nd Street in the rain and a young man with a French Bulldog at the Port Authority on 8th Avenue. Both were not hoaxing as they were sleeping out all night every night of my stay. I checked.

Each and every street sleeper has their story to tell I know that it is frighteningly true but the average American is only a paycheck away from bankruptcy, and some people are paid every two weeks. Credit cards are maxed out and the debt level is in the astounding trillions, but the U.S.A. is not a Country to be poor in; and the dollar, the dollar counts, it always has and it always will.

I find it hard that so many people in this World are suffering. It becomes particularly noticeable that in such a rich City as New York where diamonds sparkle in Tiffany and there is a limo turning at every crossroads there are people down on their uppers that are living rough. Diversity there can be literally seen as life or death. There is a statute that forbids begging of any kind with an enforceable prison stretch at Ryker’s Island for anyone caught so doing.

The Police turn a blind eye when they can. But what about Lady Liberty out there in the Bay? She faces away from the City so that she can personally welcome everybody who enters, and she has been doing so for many years as immigrants of the past, bewildered and tired, traipsed through the stringent controls of Ellis Island to make new homes in the United States. It is easy to lose faith in Spirit whenever you see challenging poverty and misery amongst the dirt poor. What I have to be content with is just how bad things would be if they didn’t intervene when they do? How much worse would it be without Spiritual aid and the good loving care given out by volunteers and sponsors? Magic does happen sometimes. Last week a donation cheque for $500,000 was deposited in one of the many Salvation Army red buckets dotted around the City. The anonymous donor had pledged the highest donation ever received, and they knew it would greatly help the poor of NYC. God bless all who need help and may they get the hand up and the hand out that they need!

Kenny‛s Postbag

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

KENNY, IT’S been a year in which I have lost both my younger Sister and a Brother in law. It is hard to believe that I will never see them again and I am angry that Spirit has allowed them to both die so young.

Alison J. Alison, I know exactly where you are coming from, and I have just lost a very dear friend that I have known for thirty years. We are initially angry, and can’t believe that our loved ones won’t be calling us up anymore or sending a Christmas card this year. We miss our dearly departed, but in this the great Lottery of Life we are all players, and one day we lose. When it is your time it is your time and we never know why or when we will be called. Death is the great beginning it is not the end! Things will get better, call me if you want to talk.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #puzzles /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sudoku

Quick Crossword ACROSS

1. Barrel (4)

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 60.

8. Impracticable (10) 9. Conclusive (8) 10. Every (4) 12. Take risks (6) 14. Revolt (6) 15. Expand (6) 17. Ignoble (6) 18. At one time (4) 19. Shrink (8) 21. Valued too low (10) 22. Pitcher (4) DOWN

2. Change (10) 3. N. Zealand bird (4) 4. Elf (6) 5. Regard (6) 6. Manager (8) 7. Network (4) 11. Appropriate (10) 13. Bangle (8) 16. Accompany (6) 17. Reason (6)

Doodle box

18. Responsibility (4) 20. Offensive (4)

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. Chooses a different spot (4) 8. Ruffle a sea-expert perhaps (10) 9. It shows intelligence! (4-4) 10. Country in Asia-Minor (4) 12. Wanders away from the street lights (6) 14. Not a good mark to get (6) 15. Manage to show the way (6) 17. They’re laid down by our betters (6) 18. This preposition is involved in the end (4) 19. Shows part of a book on insects (8) 21. One may have to pick one’s way here (10) 22. Has scattered snow (4) DOWN 2. Not very exciting for one lacking drive (10) 3. Looks up and down (4) 4. They may be cut and pickled (6) 5. Upsets to make light of (6) 6. Nudists dislike this sauce (8) 7. Some light or heavy timber (4) 11. One may be lost in it (10) 13. The porter of this house is often drunk (8) 16. They start to perspire - from over-drinking? (6) 17. The home of the brave (6) 18. Chin out - but not far (4) 20. Too wrapped up in local society (4)

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leis ure #advertising feature 

BOOK NOW! Last few rooms available ROUND TOWN Travel have put together a fabulous festive break in the heart of Benidorm’s Rincon de Loix, so pack your bag, leave the car at home and Ho Ho Hop aboard the Christmas express.

Departing on the 24th Dec, you will be collected from one of the various, convenient locations along the Costa Blanca, by one of Round Town Travel´s luxury coaches and whisked to your Christmas wonderland and home for the next 4-days at the 3* Rosamar Hotel & Spa. Once you have checked in, you can unwind and let the party begin. Benidorm being Benidorm, you can guarantee lots of festive fare with every bar offering a bursting schedule of entertainment, spectacular shows & live music that will have you dancing the night away. And all right on your doorstep!

You can rock around the clock and be waited on hand & foot before being returned home on the 27th stress free from the usual Christmas frenzy.

Resident on a “full board” basis all of your eating requirements will be catered for, to include an extravagant 6-course Christmas “Gala Meal” with all the trimmings.

This fantastic festive mini-break including return transport can be yours for just 249€ per person (based on 2-sharing) Price includes 3-nights stay checking in on the 24th Dec, check out on the 27th, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Christmas Gala Meal.

For further information and to book contact our reservation hotline on 966 811 123.

life&leisure #aunty virus  Email auntyvirus@ roundtownnews.com

Suspended account!

DEAR AUNTY V, My hotmail account was recently suspended due to ‘irregular activity by an outside agency’ ie. somebody tried to access my account. I have tried unsuccessfully many times to get it back but I just go round in circles and my emails to various hotmail depts. are just ignored. Does anyone know how to get back a suspended account?

Thank you, Alexander Aunty says: The way to “unblock” or recover a hotmail account is via the following link. Note that they require an alternate email address from you so they can verify and contact you. https://account.live. com/acsr Alternatively, try to reset the password. https:// account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx. You may also be asked your hotmail security questions.

Note that, in some cases, it can take a few days or weeks before accounts are unblocked, as they try to make sure you are who you say you are.

Windows 10 HI AUNTY, I´ve not had to write to you for a while, as most of my problems have been solved by reading your advice in RTN. However, for the last two weeks, since the Windows 10 major update, every time I log on to Live TV, to watch TV, the first thing I get is Spanish advertising, which would not be so bad, but I cannot shut it down, and it is mostly for BBV. (You could not pay me enough to use them!)

Using Chrome, with AD blocker, and a scan on defender and malwarebytes, shows no problems.

Any thoughts? Regards, Tony.

Aunty says: I suppose it depends how you are watching your Live TV. There are many providers that do this online, so I am not too sure which of them you will be using.

It may be that the provider is inserting the adverts into the streams, and so you have to watch them and cannot skip them. Adblockers will not work on this, as they will not see the inserted items as adverts they are meant to block. You might try using a different provider, and see whether the adverts disappear.

‘Logitech’ keyboard HELLO AUNTY Virus, I have recently purchased a new ‘Logitech ‘ keyboard. My problem is the symbols ( eg the @ is alongside the number 2 ),and the rest of the symbols are also in different places. My old keyboard came with my PC, a tower type and was the same as the UK keyboards. The new keyboard has the letter ‘n ‘ with the squiggle above (ñ) and is, I suppose, a standard Spanish keyboard. How do I make this new keyboard compatible with my PC? I use Windows 7 Home Premium.

Thank you for all previous advice and thank you in anticipation for this advice. regards, Barry.

Aunty says: You need to go to your Control Panel, and, in the keyboard settings, change the keyboard layout from UK to Spanish.

1. Open Region and Language by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Clock, Language, and Region, and then clicking Region and Language.

2. Click the Keyboards and Languages tab, and then click Change keyboards.

3. Change the keyboard layout from UK to Spanish.

Then, what you press on the keyboard will correspond with what appears on the screen.

Reply: Many thanks. That sorted it

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #travel 

Exclusive Christmas break from RTN and Gandia Tours 20 DEC: COSTA BLANCA – BARCELONA Morning departure to Barcelona through our range of pick up points on the Costa Blanca, stops en route, arrival in Barcelona, free time and accommodation in the Hotel Cristal Palace situated in the heart of Barcelona close to the Ramblas.

Plaza de Cataluña

21 DEC: BARCELONA Accommodation in the hotel in bed and breakfast, free day to explore the Beautiful Metropolitan City with its Gothic quarter and its narrow streets or the Shopping area from the Paseo de Gracia to the Plaza Catalunya which at night shows the beautiful Christmas lights and Market.

22 DEC: BARCELONA – PEÑISCOLA Breakfast and departure to Peñiscola, arrival at the Hotel Peñiscola Plaza Suites complex situated on the first line of the beach, with nightly entertainment and a good bus service into the old town.

Dinner and accommodation.

23rd DEC: PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel and free day to visit the beautiful old town of Peñiscola with its totally walled castle surrounded on three sides by the sea of Roman and Gothic architecture and also temporary home to the Papa Luna and also where the famous film of Charlton Heston “El Cid” was filmed.

24th DEC: PEÑISCOLA – MORELLA – PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel and Trip to the Medieval Village of Morella, free time to explore its completely walled old town which is considered one of the best preserved in Spain. The Village highlights are the Medieval gates, Santa Maria Church, ethnological museum and its Town Hall. Early afternoon departure back to Peñiscola for lunch and free afternoon. Christmas Gala Dinner with live Music and accommodation.

Peñíscola

Barcelona Christmas market

25th DEC: PEÑISCOLA “MERRY CHRISTMAS” Full board at the hotel, enjoy Christmas day in Peñiscola, with entertainment at the hotel and a Christmas Day Gala Lunch, also with an option to enjoy your day at the Spa in the hotel (not included). Dinner and accommodation.

26th DEC: PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel, free time in Peñiscola or an optional trip to enjoy free time in Tarragona the old Roman Capital with its archaeological walkway, Roman necropolis, well conserved city walls, amphitheatre and its Gothic Cathedral. Return to Peñiscola for lunch, free time and accommodation.

27th DEC: PEÑISCOLA – COSTA BLANCA Breakfast and free morning in Peñiscola, after lunch departure back to the Costa Blanca, stops en route and end of our services.

Hotel Peñíscola Plaza Suites

Tour offered by Gandia Tours for 395€ per person in double occupancy / single supp. 160€. For information contact us on 96 610 68 72.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #rtnmasterchef ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// by

Dani Bowler

Owner Vintage Cafe, Albir & MasterChef semi finalist

Get in the Festive mood!

With Christmas only a few weeks away and the decorations already up, I thought it was time to get into the festive mood.

Try this classic recipe with a Spanish twist “Brussels with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese and Pedro Ximenez Reduction”.

Think you don’t like Brussels sprouts? You will now.....

400g Brussel spouts (cleaned and cut into quarters) Salt and pepper, to taste olive oil 6 slices of Serrano ham (chopped) Manchego cheese 60g 1/2 Cup of Pedro Ximenez sherry For the Pedro Ximenez reduction: 1/2 cup on medium heat and reduce by 75 percent or to a syrup consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Toss the quartered brussel sprouts in salt, pepper and olive oil. Arrange the seasoned sprouts onto a baking tray. Roast the sprouts in an oven at 180° for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

While the sprouts are roasting, add the Serrano ham in a sauté pan over low-medium heat. When the ham begins to release some of its fat into the pan, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and increase the heat to medium–high. Continue to cook the ham, just like you

would cook bacon. When the ham is crispy, remove and drain.

When the sprouts are ready, immediately put them into a serving dish.

Loosely crumble the crispy Serrano ham and mix into the sprouts. Add enough of the sweet sherry to coat the ham and sprouts. Shave the Manchego cheese over the sprouts to garnish and taste.

Sponsored by Vintage Cafe Albir. For bookings and info call: +34 865 60 93 45 Kitchen open 13h-16h 18,30h-22h Avenida del Albir, 68 (next to Europa Sol) info@danibowler.com

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #food

////////////////////////////////////

Crusted rack of lamb with redcurrant sauce RACK OF lamb is one of my favourite cuts of meat but I haven’t seen a prepared rack since I came to Spain.

Not to be put off, I asked my butcher for six loin chops in one piece and she (yes, she) knew exactly what I meant.

She even trimmed and chined the bones to make it easier to cut when cooked. If you can’t find redcurrant jelly you could use raspberry or blackberry jam, but you may need to sieve the sauce to remove the pips.

One rack of lamb with six chops 1 tbls Dijon mustard 1 tsp honey 1 slice stale wholemeal bread in crumbs 125 ml beef stock 125 ml red wine 1tbls redcurrant jelly 1. Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees C. 2. Mix the mustard and honey then spread thickly on the back of the rack of lamb. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and press the mustard side of the rack into crumbs so that you have a thick coating. Place in the rack in a shallow roasting dish and cook for 35 minutes. (This will leave the lamb pink).

3. Meanwhile make the sauce. Place the beef stock and red wine in a small saucepan and boil rapidly for about 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Stir in the redcurrant jelly and boil for a further 4-5 minutes until it has completely melted.

4. When the lamb is cooked, remove from the oven and cut into two pieces. Serve with the sauce poured over and around.

Serves 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #Spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin



Past simple tense practice - -ar verbs YOU HAD some homework last week, and it was to conjugate in the past simple tense the verbs that I gave you at the end of the article. Here they are again:

Ayudar, buscar, cambiar, cocinar, comprar, escuchar, firmar, limpiar, pagar, pensar, soñar, trabajar, viajar.

The verbs were chosen at random but are all completely regular.

This means that all you needed to do was remove the ending “ar” to find the root of the verb (ayud, busc, cambi etc.) and then add the standard past simple tense endings é, aste, ó, amos, asteis, aron).

So if you’ve done that, you’ve got them right!

Only one small rider to that statement is that, as I mentioned last week, there are two verbs in that list that make minimal spelling changes in the “I” (first person singular) form in order to keep their spellings phonetic. In other words, whilst the sound of the verb is completely regular, the spelling has to change to reflect that regularity. I think I’ll stop trying to explain that now and tell you which ones they are: busqué and pagué.

Just so that we’re clear about why … If we were to follow the ending rules as stated with the verb buscar, then the first person singular (meaning “I looked for”) would be “buscé”. However, this spelling gives us a soft “th” sound for the “c” as it comes before an “e” (so it would sound something like “boosthay”). In order to preserve the “k” sound, we have to change the “c” to “qu” “busqué”. With the

other person endings this is not a problem as the “c” is followed by “a” or “o” so is pronounced like a “k”.

A similar problem arises with “pagar” in the first person singular.

Here the letter “u” is added to keep the hard sound to the “g” before the letter “e”. These kinds of spelling adjustments occur throughout the Spanish language when parts of words are changed. They should never be considered as irregularities and they can be worked out logically, once you understand the basic principle.

Soon we will need to talk about regular”–er “and “-ír” verbs in this tense, but before we do that, I think it would be rather a good idea to practise what we’re learnt so far. So, for example: “Ayer me levanté a las siete y media. Me duché y después desayuné té y cereales. Llevé a mis hijas al instituto y empecé a trabajar. Trabajé muchas horas, pero entre clase y clase tomé un café. Por la tarde paseé por el centro de San Pedro y cené en casa. Me acosté temprano para ir a trabajar al día siguiente”. ¿Y tú? ¿A qué hora te levantaste?

You may notice I’ve deliberately stuck to regular “–ar” verbs and avoided all others for the moment. You might want to practise talking about a day of yours in the past tense, also being careful to use the verbs you know so far! One of the “tricks of the trade” when speaking a foreign language is to tailor what you want to say, to what you can say! I can assure you that this principle never changes, however good you get. See you next week.

Christmas Sunshine, the ‘12 days of Christmas’ giveaway Christmas Sunshine, the ‘12 days of Christmas’ giveaway SUNSHINE FM RADIO, for the 13th year running, are once again holding their yearly giveaway competition called the 12 days of Christmas. All you have to do is just listen out for the trigger track every day on Sunshine FM Radio (eg, “White Christmas by Bing Crosby”) and, as soon as you hear it, call 965 32 28 66. The lucky caller will win that day’s prize. It’s as simple as that. Trigger tracks can be any time between 8am and 10pm.

Sunshine FM Radio want to thank all the generous businesses who advertise with them for their amazing gifts for the 12 days of Christmas competition, which starts on 13th December and takes place on each of the 12 days until the final giveaway on Christmas Eve. Simon Morton, Executive Director and administrator @ Sunshine FM, the pride of Spain, award winning number one Radio Station on the Costa Blanca 102.8 FM & 94 FM, sends Christmas greetings to all RTN readers. Listen live on www.sunshineradio.fm.

Crossword Solutions for Last Week CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Extra; 8 Theseus; 9 Rookery; 10 Plump; 12 Open secret; 15 In good part; 18 Droop; 19 Teacher; 21 Concern; 22 Three.

Down: 1 Bear in mind; 2 Stool; 3 Take; 4 Stay on; 5 Leap year; 6 Require; 11 Put in order; 13 Prompter; 14 Aground; 16 Patent; 17 Sharp; 20 Alto.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Torch; 8 Illness; 9 Tearful; 10 Deter; 12 Settlement; 15 Adolescent; 18 Tenon; 19 Uniform; 21 Excuses; 22 Often.

Down: 1 Statecraft; 2 Great; 3 Chef; 4 Billet; 5 Bludgeon; 6 Heathen; 11 Retirement; 13 Evenness; 14 Cornice; 16 Cruise; 17 Worth ; 20 Idol.

Suduko Answer

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #animals



Kittens seek homes

by JACK TROUGHTON

TWO FRIENDLY and affectionate kittens are looking for new homes after being rescued by animal charity Jalon Valley ARC. Ginger and white coloured ‘Spice’, a female who loves attention and playing is used to dogs and other cats and is litter trained.

And ‘Little Ginge’ is a small ginger female aged about 12-weeks-old and also adores attention and is very playful. She is also good with dogs and other cats and is litter trained.

The charity has other kittens and puppies requiring a home and is looking for people to adopt or foster an animal.

Contact Sally on 625 985 689 or Jayne on 649 310 285. The charity website if www. jalonvalleyarc.com and the Facebook page is Jalon Valley A.R.C. Based in Jalon. The ARC charity shop is in Carrer Benissa, Jalon.

Spice

Celebrate Christmas with Star!

ON SATURDAY 12th December, in La Lonja concert hall, Orihuela, there is a charity concert in aid of the ASOKA Orihuela animal refuge. This is their 5th annual concert and, as usual, is packed with Christmas favourites and wonderful projections of the animals from ASOKA. This show is organized by Nick Moore, who runs Networks Theatre, and is also a keen volunteer and dog re-homer at the refuge. The price is 5€ and it all kicks off at 7pm. Tickets can be bought on the door from 6.30pm. Get there early to get a good seat! If you can’t go but still want to collaborate with donations, they need blankets and old towels. You can contact the refuge on 692 74 76 85.

Bluebell & Willow THE POINTER Sisters: BLUEBELL & WILLOW Pure Breed Pointers, born 1.6.14 They are both dazzling, real little cuties´.

Gentle, Loving Beautiful girls, very social with other dogs. Can be re-homed separately - Microchip - vaccinations. info@doggieangells.org. 96 587 8284

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leis ure #health 

Uterine Transplants now scheduled in UK AROUND ONE in 7,000 women are born without a uterus, while others lose their uterus to cancer.

Last year a baby was born following the world’s first successful uterine transplant in Sweden. Now the Health Research Authority in UK have given the ‘go-ahead’ for a clinical trial to be launched next spring.

Dr Richard Smith, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, who has been working on the project for 19 years, will lead the transplant team.

Following this announcement there will be a significant number of women hoping to be chosen for the trial but for now the ‘go-ahead’ will be given to just 10 women.

Selection criteria for the UK research programme operations: Recipients should: Be aged 24 to 38 years old (or 40 if eggs were frozen before 38) Have own ovaries and eggs (ie no donor eggs) Have no significant medical problems Have a long term partner Have a BMI of less than 30kg/m² Be able to live in the UK as a resident for as long as the grafted uterus is in-situ post operatively Be fluent in the English language To date more than 300 women have approached the team, of whom 104 meet the above criteria.

Researchers plan to transplant wombs from donors who are brain dead but whose hearts are still beating, unlike previous procedures in Sweden where live donors were involved. Experts in the UK say the removal of a uterus from a live donor

is complex and not without risk. Details of how a person can become a donor (say through being the holder of a donor card) have still to be put in place.

The Surgery Retrieval takes about 2-3 hours and transplant takes about 6 hours The recipients eggs are retrieved and stored prior to any surgery The recipient will need to take immunosuppressant drugs following the transplant and throughout any pregnancy to lessen the chance of the body rejecting the organ The health of the recipient will be closely monitored for a year following transplant If all is well an embryo will be implanted which would arise from the recipients eggs and partner’s sperm using

Article supplied by Family Medical Centre, Albir. Please call 96 686 5072 for more information or to make an appointment.

an IVF procedure If the pregnancy proceeds without problems the baby will be delivered by caesarean section at 35 - 37 weeks gestation Couples will be given the opportunity of trying for 2 pregnancies before the uterus is removed Once the uterus has ‘done it’s job’ it will be surgically removed to prevent the patient from having to be on life-long immuno-suppressants So what is the cost?

According to the team at Womb Transplant UK, each procedure costs around £50,000, but women will not have to pay this themselves.

If the trial is successful, the first UK baby could arrive in early 2018.

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life&leisure #health

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Quirónsalud expands the specialities medical centre at Orihuela

A MORE complete range of specialities is offered at the new facilities.

The Quirónsalud Hospital Group, in its commitment to healthcare for all people of Alicante in the Vega Baja region, is continuing its expansion process in the province with new facilities and a more complete range of specialities.

The new Orihuela centre has moved to a new location, with a surface area of over 600 m2 spread over two floors and 10 consultation rooms. The centre was created with the aim of bringing Quirónsalud healthcare services to the people of Orihuela and improving their accessibility by establishing itself in the heart of the city, in Calle Extremadura, 4.

The centre will provide a health concept based on integrated units of various specialities aiming to cover all diagnosis and treatment requirements in the same building, with a multi-disciplinary approach, in a comfortable and flexible manner, avoiding the need for patients to travel and face unnecessary discomfort. Thus, patients will have access to clinical analysis, allergology, digestive system, cardiology, general surgery, orthopaedic and trauma surgery, dermatology, diagnostic imaging (conventional, and digital, radiology), endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecology, sports medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, paediatrics, podiatry, clinical psychology and breast pathology units,as well as a nursing station and new physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities, among other healthcare services.

The regional managing director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, Rafael Giménez, has stressed that “the expansion of facilities of the new Orihuela centre is due to the growing demand for specialised outpatient care at the previous facility. For this reason, the Quirónsalud Hospital Group decided to expand and improve its services and infrastructure, and thus provide care solutions as required by the people of Orihuela and its surroundings”.

The Quirónsalud Orihuela Medical Centre, in an ongoing effort of adaptation and renewal, offers its patients the best qualified doctors and innovative technology, with a warm and personalised service, in the same way as Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, a benchmark in private healthcare in Alicante, and there is also another consultation and diagnosis centre in the Alicante province, Quirónsalud Santa Pola Medical Centre.

Quirónsalud Orihuela Medical Centre, as well as Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, have agreements with major Spanish and international insurance companies.

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life&leisure ask Sara

by Sara

Bell

Life Coach

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A background in We have a half brother WITH family and matrimonial

MY FAMILY has just found out that my Dad has another child. Early in their marriage, my mother found out that he had been cheating but decided to give him another chance. However she didn’t know of the existence of his son who is now 29. My half- brother turned up a week ago, and all hell has broken loose. My sisters and I are in relationships and no longer live at home, but we are all reeling from this latest discovery.

I understand it must be very unsettling to find out this information. Even in later life, we can still be affected by what our parents do. You have not only learnt that your father cheated, but have also discovered that there is now the existence of a half sibling. Share your feelings with your sisters, and if you can, talk to your parents once the dust has settled. It is better that things are out in the open, then you can all start to accept the situation.

mediation, Life Coach Sara Bell helps Readers with their daily worries. If you are having difficulties with relationships, family, work or any other aspect of your life, then help is at hand.

Insufferable work colleague

I ENJOY my job but work with a woman who does nothing but talk about herself constantly. To say she is insufferable is an understatement. I am a pleasant, tolerant person who can usually get along with anyone, but this woman is seriously making me want to leave. I am not the only who finds her unbearable. Everyone gives her a wide berth.

This Christmas, I drew her as my Secret Santa, and I feel like buying her a gag to shut her up!

Don’t let this problem force you out of a job you love. You need to be brave and have a quiet, diplomatic word with her. Let her know that by always talking about herself, she is alienating people by not showing interest in others. It is possible she is not even aware of her behaviour. You would be doing her a big favour by helping her. There’s a good book called The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blyth - perhaps your secret Santa gift to her could be this!

Write to Sara in confidence. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Sara reads all letters and can give a personal reply. Email your question to agonyaunt@roundtownnews.com or Sara is available for private consultations, telephone 650 054 467.

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life&leisure #charity

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Winter Wonderland for Elche children

AECC Santa walk

by PATRICIA THOMPSON

SUNDAY 6TH December saw the annual Santa Walk, organized by Maria and the Pink Ladies/Panthers, to raise money for the AECC, early detection of cancer here in Spain.

A fantastic amount of money was raised, nearing 1,000€. Over 120 entrants gathered at Zenia Boulevard from 10am, with everyone in Santa fancy dress, even the doggies, and listening to Christmas carols sung by TAABS, making it a very Christmassy start to the festive season.

The walk started with a circuit of the Boulevard led by Maria honking her horn, and then went out on to the local roads to complete the 5km circuit. The volunteer marshals and local police did an outstanding job keeping all the walkers on the right road and many of the locals took time to admire the sea of Santas, put money in the buckets and cheer the crowd on their way. On their return the walkers were greeted by some great music from Simon Morton of Sunshine FM, and more Christmas carols sung by TAABS. In addition to the 5€ for registration, walkers brought along dried and tinned food items to help the Torrevieja based homeless charity, Reach Out.

ELCHE CHILDREN’S Home was the nominated charity last Friday at The Winter Wonderland Charity Ball held in The Crystal Room at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort, when over 800€ was raised. Guests particularly enjoyed the blue balloon raffle with playing cards inside each balloon. Guests were invited to burst the balloons to see who the 20 winners were! As well as Graeme Mykal, a local favourite superstar magician, the fabulous Barrington was the singing MC and the stupendous Mike Thornton, comedian and auctioneer!

The charity’s thanks also go to Christina Brady, Regional Manager from Blacktower Financial Management, and Dave Diggle, also from Blacktower, for their sponsorship, which paid for the welcome drinks, extra wine with the meal, the entertainment, the gifts for the ladies and even the sweets with coffee. Dave is also the accountant for the charity and he was on “meet and greet” duty as well as making the welcome speech. Thanks also go to the guests who became balloon sellers, and special thanks to the youngest guests, Lauren Brady, and Elena Diggle, who sold the squares for the mystery prize and also handed out tubes of smarties! Well done all the people who supported Friday night, especially Pablo Saura, catering manager, and all the staff at La Finca Golf and Spa Hotel, who provided 5 star service.

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life&leisure people 

Watch paint dry at ArtHouse

Julia (left) at work in the studio

by JACK TROUGHTON ARTISTS WILL paint ‘live’ at the ArtHouse Studio open day tomorrow (Saturday 12th December) allowing visitors to watch a picture being created.

Artist and working mum Julia Evans has opened the new studio at her home in Benidoleig after closing her ArtHouse Gallery just a stone’s throw away in the Costa Blanca village.

The move enables Julia to concentrate on her own work while still teaching around 70 students, both professional artists and ‘pleasure painters’, who work side by side in a project first launched seven years ago.

And being at home allows her to spend more time with sons Louis, 10, and 18-month-old Joseph – while the family pets frequently make an appearance amongst the paintings.

The open day runs from 10.30am to 5.30pm and as well as an opportunity to see paintings, original paintings, prints and cards will be on sale and there will be music, English cakes, tea, coffee, and wine.

“I think the students enjoy the new studio,” Julia told RTN. “It is lighter, quieter and a good environment to work in.

EXHIBIT “I have lost the gallery side and passing trade by moving but it was time to move on and both the students and I will be exhibiting in different places.”

In the New Year, ArtHouse will start pottery workshops with sculptor and teacher Anne Lawrenson and it is hoped to launch regular classes; Julia is also launching marketing seminars advising artists how to sell more work and become more successful.

She is also busy with her won work. Julia’s successful ‘Rock and Roll’ series continues; the latest work is of Blues guitarist BB King, adding to a collection that includes Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Johnny Rotten.

And she has launched a ‘psychopath’ collection with pictures of Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs and the joke from the Batman franchise.

“Next year I am also illustrating a children’s book by published author Nigel Seed. It is about Alfie the Dog and his adventures in Spain – I have started but it’s my next focus when things get quiet in the studio over Christmas.”

ArtHouse is at 34a Calle Denia, Benidoleig. For more information call 96 640 4643 or 603 708 935, or visit www.arthouseonline.net.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Totana’s saint’s day

THIS WEEK, the small town of Totana, between Murcia and Lorca, held one of the most traditional pilgrimages in the region. Over 14,000 people gathered on Tuesday to witness the image of the patron saint of Totana, Santa Eulalia de Mérida, descend from the sanctuary to the hermitage of San Roque, where she remained until Wednesday afternoon before being moved in procession to the Church of Santiago, where she will remain, as is customary, until 7th January.

From early morning, many people gathered in the vicinity of the chapel of La Santa, where they waited, hours before the start of the descent. The large number that gathered was due in large part to the good weather.

To make the wait more bearable and warm, in the hours before the start of the descent, there was the traditional migas and sausage, accompanied by the ‘mantellina’ a traditional drink made of honey, anise, water and lemon, that served to sweeten the throats. In addition, at 7am, again following tradition, the pilgrims enjoyed a hot chocolate. An hour later the farewell Mass was celebrated in the sanctuary, as a prelude to the great pilgrimage to the town. The image of the patron saint departed on time, at 9am, carried on the shoulders of the brotherhood of La Santa for the seven kilometer walk from the sanctuary to the town of Totana. Three hours later, and in a great festive atmosphere, the image of Santa Eulalia reached the site of El Rulo, where she was received by municipal and religious authorities, as well as members of the Holy Foundation and crowds of people who gathered there to admire the image of their patron saint. After much celebration by the Municipal Band, and fireworks, she was transferred to the hermitage of San Roque.

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life&leisure #people 

Anna Cameron’s ‘Almond Blossom’

Colour snaps success

by JACK TROUGHTON THE MUCH-LOVED annual colour show of flowering almond trees won Jalon Valley HELP’s 2015 Photographic Competition as judges narrowed down a field of 66 entries.

Anna Cameron’s study ‘Almond Blossom’ was awarded first prize in a contest where the brief was simply ‘Colours of the Costa Blanca’.

The best of the entries will be made into greetings cards to

be sold at the HELP charity shops in Jalon and Alcalali as well as fund raising events across the Costa Blanca.

A panel of charity volunteers from the shops and HELP’s merchandising team narrowed the field down to 13 before official judge Dorothy Place, ARPS, got to work after all photographers were asked to submit full-sized digital prints.

Dorothy selected Anna’s picture and put ‘Red Hot Summer’ – a photograph of a market stall selling chillies, peppers, and other produce – by Peter Barrett in second place.

Age Concern’s Buy a Bus project almost done

David Brock’s ‘Festival Cutie’ was “highly commended” for its great appeal.

And pictures also chosen for printing were by Carol Lockhart, Emma Oliver, Sheila Skinner, Peter Tomlin and Jack Troughton.

The first run of cards will be printed and available in the HELP charity shops in the New Year. The selected competition photographs can be viewed on the website www.jalonvalleyhelp.com.

Festive Lions TEULADA MORAIRA Lions Club pulled in the crowds with the fourth annual Christmas Cracker on Saturday night to spread some festive cheer.

The Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir was in fine voice to lead carol singing backed by members of the Salvation Army and other musicians – there was even a synchronised tambourine dance.

And as well as collecting donations to back community projects, the Lions also raised money selling warming mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread.

Pictured in the marquee in Moraira Church Square are members of the Lions team sporting festive hats for the evening.

ON DECEMBER 3rd the ROAB Washington Lodge presented 500€ to the Age Concern ‘Help us Buy a Bus’ project. This brings the current total to well over 28,500€ of the 30,000€ needed. If all goes well they will be able to order the vehicle in January.

L to R Ron Edwards, Ron McGreevy (ROAB) Maureen Payne President Age Concern, and Alan Russell Presdent ROAB Washington Lodge

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Floral Procession and festive fun by keith nicol

A RIVER of more than 5,000 local residents and neighbours filled the streets of Torrevieja on Saturday afternoon, for the annual floral processions.

Those participating included many international associations including members of the local ex-services associations, the U3A, Rascals, Torry Army and Los Costaleros. Starting at 5pm, it took almost three hours for the procession to pass and present their gifts of flowers to Father Rocamora on the steps of the Inmaculada Church.

The event also coincided with the new ‘0 Km’ festivities, which ran from early morning into the night. Many shops stayed open into the evening, half a dozen bars offered special tapas route style ‘pinchos and a drink’ for just 1.50€ and there were fun and games during the daylight hours.

The Nativity scene is also open 24-hours a day, and is especially attractive in the evening as many of the exhibits have lights and working models. Bring your camera to capture the fantastic models of the Bethlehem scene, plus a few local references to Torrevieja landmarks thrown in, to add a special touch.

Tonight, Friday 11th, the XIII edition of Carols on the Square will take place. Featuring the Phoenix Concert Band, the music will start around 5pm with the Carol singing starting around 6pm followed by the International Mass in the Inmaculada Church at 7.30pm. The entire event takes place in front of the Church, beside the Nativity Scene and the Town Hall. Dozens of local performance groups, choirs and NGOs will also be present, adding their voices to the fun and festive activities.

Well done Oscar Marine Engines

AN INTERNATIONAL Volvo Penta Business Team visited Oscar Marine Engines in the Marina Salinas, in Torrevieja, on 1st December. Oscar Marine Engines are the local Volvo Penta Service Centre, and the delegates, who toured the Oscar Marine Engines Shop & Workshop and met the staff, described the visit as “excellent”.

The visitors admired the marine engines “on the water”, Volvo Penta Service Station, which was described as a “first” for Volvo Penta, and applauded the excellent Environmental Controls and Facility Services provided by the Marina Salinas. A very good visit was enjoyed by all participants.

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life&leisure #motoring

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer



Motoring, Citroën Cactus

NOT MUCH can harm a cactus; and this fact has been used to full advantage in the car of the same name by Citroën.

It is absolutely unique because it incorporates clever air pockets on its doors. Why? Have you ever been thoroughly fed up on returning to your car in a car park to find a dent in the door? That’s not going to happen again with the Citroën Cactus because any door daring to touch the plastic air pouch will simply rebound like a bouncing ball. What a great idea.

It doesn’t look half bad either. This is a vehicle that has been designed with fun and practicality in mind for the active family. Its roof bars will allow for kayaks or roof-boxes while the high ground clearance enables sensible off-roading, up gravel paths or farmland, within reason. It looks great and it’s different from everything else on the road. If you’re looking to

make your own path in life and not follow the crowd then this is a vehicle you are sure to embrace. I like the copious amounts of black plastic that contrast nicely with the Mr Bean yellow, as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. It feels like anything can be thrown at the Cactus and it will tackle it.

There are a few niggles for me, though. The biggest is the underpowered diesel engine, which becomes apparent during a trek to Herefordshire, where there are a vast amount of hills and many narrow roads. Straight motorway jaunts aren’t a problem for the Cactus and the cruise control makes life easy, but throw a few hills into the mix and there is a lot of gear changing, which means that the fold down centre armrest in the front gets in the way and needs pushing up. At one point, a hill is so steep that I cannot actually see over the bonnet and there is no way on earth that the Citroën is going to tackle it in second, much as I try. As the engine threatens to stall I change into first.

Then there is the satellite navigation system, which is fraught with mistakes, the biggest of which is that it fails to acknowledge Monmouth. I’d be pretty fed up if I lived in Monmouth because it deserves to be featured. Then there are the countless u-turns the system demands that we do when travelling to various places between Hereford and Wales. It is a system that cannot be relied upon. When it commands you to make a turn the system states that there are still 20 or 30 yards left before making that turn, which throws doubt into the driver’s mind and regularly sees me overshooting the mark.

Give me a proper map any day!

The driver’s seat could do with a little more padding, especially on a long journey.

Other goodies include electric front windows and flip out rear windows which are good for the children although they have to be careful not to get their hands caught. In Abergavenny I spy a parking space and hit the park assist switch. It is only after a bit more assessment that I realise the space isn’t large enough for the Cactus. I’m unsure of what the system will do and quickly hit the switch and take control again as I see it getting a little too close to the car behind for my liking. I assume that if the space had been large enough the system would have tackled this parking manoeuvre successfully. It does beg the question: ‘Do we rely too much on technology?’ Parallel parking was only introduced into the driving test in the 1990s and it is a valuable skill to learn. For me parking assist is like using a calculator to add up. It fuels mediocrity and incompetence.

Although I am sure that the driver I witnessed trying to parallel park in Gosport a few months ago would appreciate this; he tried to reverse into a reasonably sized parking space at least 20 times in as many minutes. It really was painful to watch.

Overall the fun loving Citroën Cactus is an eye-catching family car that has a surprisingly large boot.

Citroen Cactus Feel BlueHDi 100 New price: around £16,000 Engine: 1.6-litre, diesel Top speed: 114mph Economy: 60mpg Power: 100bhp

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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life&leisure #motoring



Framón Motor, Bigastro, Road CV95, makes car buying easy in Spain ‘let us take the strain’ FRAMON MOTOR, Ford dealer for over 40 years, offers unparalleled quality and service to all customers, and prides itself on being the number one dealer supplying new or used vehicles.

It is recognised as the main supplier to European customers who live or have holiday homes here.

They deal with all paperwork requirements so that you are legal when you take delivery of your car. They have been supplying cars to Europeans for over 10 years, and register all vehicles themselves to you free of charge and ensure they are free of any debt so that you can have peace of mind when travelling on Spanish roads.

All vehicles, when purchased, leave Framón Motor fully serviced and inspected by their highly trained engineers.

They organise fully comprehensive insurance for your car with Línea Directa (Direct Line). This gives you a breakdown service anywhere in the 15 member states with a loan car in the unlikely event of breakdown or accident.

Many overseas customers, when they purchase a car, leave a deposit and return to their own country and transfer the remaining funds direct from their bank Framón Motor offers a facility, free of charge, whereby they will deliver the vehicle directly to Murcia or Alicante airports to save their customers any further car hire costs.

Framón Motor’ offices speak both Spanish & English and can be contacted on 966 77 21 14 or 965 35 09 19, info@framonmotor.es, or www.framonmotor.es, Bigastro, Road CV95.

Framón Motors’ engineers can service all makes and types of vehicles and Framón Motor can provide a courtesy car should you need one.

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life&leis re #people u 

Network of cycle lanes

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THE VALENCIAN Government is planning to create a network of cycle routes that will eventually make a “large bike path” crossing from the north of the region to the south.

Plans are being made to connect the region’s cycle paths as the Government estimates that there are about 50 routes for pedestrians and cyclists in Valencia with different designs and styles, and that are unconnected, totalling more than 400 kilometres.

The idea from the Valencian Communidad is that existing routes be integrated into EuroVelo, a continental project to unite Europe’s cycle paths. The route, along the Mediterranean coast, which includes Valencia, should unite Cádiz with Athens.

The economic difficulties of the region have meant that connecting the towns to the capital and beyond have been done in scheduled phases. In 2016 investment

will be 4 million euros, and 5.5 million in 2017, according to the forecast from the Ministry of Housing, Public Works and Structuring.

One key phase is the metro ring which will total 52 kilometres and link the south beach of Valencia, in the village of Pinedo, with Alaquàs in the west of the city.

The initiatives are part of a funding project for cycle paths costing 34.8 million euros, 50% subsidized by European Union funds for the period 2014-2020.

The Government Minister, José María Salvador, said “one of the objectives for the coming years is to link the routes. The aim is to bring the landscape to the citizens, promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging the use of bicycles for short trips in order to reduce the use of private vehicles, contributing to the reduction of gas emissions and meeting the growing demand for this type of facility.”

cyclist

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life&leisure #people ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// New safer car seat

Hotel occupancy hampered by lack of AVE

by Ian Askew

HOTEL OCCUPATION in the city of Cartagena during the last weekend of the holidays of Constitution and Immaculate Conception reached 75%, similar to the same period last year, but that figure is not as good as it should have been given that economic recovery is higher than in other destinations on the Spanish coast.

“The numbers are not bad, compared with previous years, but, clearly, Cartagena is suffering delays in its infrastructure compared with the communities of Cataluña, Valencia and Andalucía, especially the lack of the AVE, “said President of the Cartagena Hoteliers Guild, Juan Carlos García.

Most customers of the city’s hotels come from these Spanish regions, in addition to Madrid, and come as a couple or family. “Almost everyone comes in his private car, and that’s a big ‘handicap’ for Cartagena

because it is outside the circuit of cities with high-speed rail,” García said, adding that “to gain visitors and establish itself as a holiday destination, and especially so for ‘city breaks’, it must have a high-speed connection with Madrid, “said the hoteliers’ representative.

Juan Carlos García added this thought: “It is true that current journey times with the train operator Altaria are hopeless, and that is another obstacle to attracting tourists. However, considering that what is important now is the AVE brand, for Cartagena, it’s not enough just to have a fast train, it’s essential to have the AVE. Also, it’s not enough for it to come to Murcia next year, because we will continue to be outside the tourist circuit and only Murcia will benefit. If Cartagena is really coming to rely on tourism, in addition to promoting aspects such as its archeology, it must demand the AVE as a priority.”

A CARTAGENA university student has designed a car seat that improves safety by reducing the impact of collisions by 25% using moving parts The Mechanical Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT), Juan Antonio García Martínez won first prize in ‘design, innovation and entrepreneurship’ from the Open University in Cartagena, with his project of a moving seat to improve road safety.

“The idea is to fit rails under the place where the passenger sits, to move it in an accident, and reduce the strength of frontal collisions by up to 25%,” explained the 21 year old. It is based on physics, and the principle of energy conversion.

“If the user moves more than the vehicle slows, he feels less impact,” he explains. Juan Antonio estimates that if the seat moves only ten centimeters in the direction of travel it can dissipate a quarter of the force suffered by passengers in a vehicle in an accident.

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Classifieds

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Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2) email: classifieds@roundtownnews.com

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



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

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

British Trained & Qualified in the UK Pool Industry with over 18 years experience.

Legal & established for over 10 years in Spain.

Extensive references. All work guaranteed.

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

Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

Chris Young transport UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All european destinations

Removals with the personal touch.

Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, short/long term storage. Competitive rates, PETS CARRIED WITH CARE.

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

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

to transport your pet. DEFRA Registered, Fully legal.Specialist in Animal only Transportation. Owners welcome to travel with there pets k9transportation@hotmail.com UK: (00)442380 668 000 SPAIN: 671 797 151 PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free.

All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk. Removals also arranged in other vehicles.

Tel UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960 130 537 IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A DOG OR PUPPY please join our Facebook group. We have many dogs, large, small, scruffs and pedigree! Just go to Facebook and search Costa Blanca Dog Homing. Even if you cannot offer a home, rescues are always needing foster homes, and just sharing the dog posts really helps us to help them.

STRICTLY SOCIAL CLUB Why not come and join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games.

We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings. We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Open to all age-groups. For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159.

Looking forward to meeting you.

DOG SITTING HOME FROM HOME Secure garden, Costa Blanca North 637 160 545 K9, PET ONLY TRANSPORTATION We only use fully fitted out ex police vehicles

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY Own your own lingerie, clothing and swimwear boutique. Prices from 10,000 Euros including stock and shop fittings. Full help and support given throughout.

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

LA BAMBA’S Ballroom Modern / Latin / Argentine Tango / Sequence Dancing Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm 10.30pm [SEQUENCE CLASS 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class [new beginners starting Wednesday 13th January 2016] 2pm -3pm Intermediate Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Plus Class 4pm - 5pm Andrea Murphy [0034] 616 478 157

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015 TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information

MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge. 698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems. 24hours. Cheap prices Tel 604 103 909

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

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

CAMPOAMOR, PLAYAGOLF 2 bed Furnished Bungalow. Full A/C. Opposite pool. Close Golf/Beach/Aldi/Bars/ Restaurants. Private sale- no agents mark-up! €110k. Tel: 618 342 447 DETACHED VILLA pla de corrals close to gandia. 1600m2 plot. 4 bedroom,

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR

2 bathrooms, Gas central heating,

van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish.

Immediate cash

A/C, Double Glazing, Mountain views

\600 781 873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

199,995€ For more information please call: 622 448 247

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, conscientious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966 774 199 or 678 080 500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE. SEE MAIN ADVERT ON FRONT PAGE OF CLASSIFIEDS

SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices.

Last minute jobs undertaken. www. spanishmoves.net. Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960 130 537

DIGBY REMOVALS Weekly removals to and from Spain. 1 box to full household.

Storage - UK & Spain. Insurance included. Worldwide removals inc.

USA, Australia & New Zealand. Call today for FREE advice no obligation PROBLEMS WITH INSECTS? Cockroaches, woodworm, rats & mice. Call 626 828 974 All insects

quote. Tel: 676 582 333 or +44 1268 728 855 email: sales@digbyremovals. co.uk or visit: www.digbyremovals.co.uk

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

I BUY RECORDS LP´S SINGLES AND CD´s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 RECORDS AND CDS WANTED Pop,Rock,Jazz,Blues.

Top Cash Paid. 630 665 363

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TORREVIEJA & SURROUNDINGS - LADIES enjoy a sensual spanking and much more. The Headmaster visits you at home. Details: headmaster@live.co.uk DENIA, BEAUTIFUL BRAZILIAN GIRL Sexy body, Affectionate.

Call Victoria: 634 805 553 GENERIC VIAGRA Blue Pill Spain supplies all your generic Viagra at the best prices. Buy Super Kamagra, Kamagra, Kamagra Polo, Super P-Force, Aurogra, Tadalafil / Cialis or weight loss pill Sibutril. email bluepillspain@ gmail.com or call 660 332 803.

Nationwide Delivery Service SOPHIE ESCORT Slim elegant naughty lady. Hotel/home visit available.

Tel: 693 357 526 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation.

Feeling alone? Just want some company?

Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609 573 468 or 639 832 118

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #sports

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To be, or not to be (world champions), that is the question

by ALAN PALMER

AT THE risk of sounding like Chatty Man, “What a week it’s been“. First of all Team Mercedes celebrated a record twelfth one/two in Abu Dhabi, only for Team Principal Toto Wolff to announce that the tensions in the team between their two drivers might result in one having to leave.

I would love to be a fly on the Mercedes’ Boardroom Wall when Toto puts this one before them.

“First of all, gentlemen, we have a three times World Champion, universally acknowledged as one of the, if not the, finest driver on the current GP circuit, who grew up on a council estate in Hertfordshire and is contracted to us until 2018. On the other hand we have a Finnish driver, who claims German nationality, who has achieved about half what our other driver has achieved, but his Dad is a former World Champion, who has a degree in engineering and grew up in Monaco, but we only have him on contract until 2017.

So, if we have to lose one of these drivers, which one has to go?“ Formula 1 teams are in the business of winning Constructor’s Championships, and, if it works out, Driver’s Championships as well. Can Toto Wolff seriously think that his Board would release a talent like Lewis Hamilton to someone like Ferrari, and there have been numerous rumours, but, for much more fun, try Williams or Force India, soon to be Aston Martin if stories are to be believed? Can you imagine a team called Aston Martin, running Mercedes engines, with a Three times British World Champion as their number 1 driver?

Then there’s Renault. At long last they have confirmed that they have finally agreed terms to take over the cash-strapped Lotus team and return as a full works team for next season. (They would love to have Lewis Hamilton, Toto!) Their driver line up of Pastor Maldonado, with rookie Jolyon Palmer, son of ex-F1 driver Jonathon, is not the most exciting, especially with Maldonado’s track record, but leaves room for potential development.

Just when we thought the season was finished it has all kicked off again. How about this for another headline; “Maclaren faster than Ferrari”. No you are not hallucinating! During tyre testing in Abu Dhabi after the GP last week, Maclaren actually set the fastest time, and Red Bull have confirmed that they will be using Renault engines next season, albeit they will be called Tag Heuer. I suppose we must watch this space.

Las Salinas winter petanca league THE LEAGUE is now stopping for the Christmas and New Year break. It will recommence on the 8th January 2016, so players will have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

In division 1, Amigos Belgas 1 held on to their top spot with a 7-1 victory over Lakeside Lakers. Dominos Red, Los Bandidos and Rocajuna had good wins. In Division 2, Blagul 1 retained their top spot with an 8-0 victory over El Mirador Eagles. El Mirador Hawks had a good home win against XPS 6-2. Corsairs had a good away win at Danish Dynamite 5-3, whilst Lakeside Mosquitoes and Amigos Belgas2 drew 4-4. In division 3, Pumas remain top of the table after a good away win at Peacocks Red 6-2. There were also good away wins for Amigos Belgas 3, 5-3 and El Mirador Kestrals 7-1. Buddies had a good home win 5-3. In division 4, Guardamar stay top, with a solid home win 7-1. Other winners were Torre Bears 2, 5-3 over Peacocks blue, while Florentillies drew with El Raso Bandidits 4-4. In division 5, there were good wins for Rocajuna Lions, Blagul 2 and Falcons. Lakeside Ramblers drew with Daya Vieja hillbillies 4-4. Thank you to sponsors Casas Manuel and Reditel Orange Mobile.

El Plantio 2 Golf Society report

ON TUESDAY 8th December, 18 members turned out for a `Joker` competition, where each player nominates 2 different holes of the 18 before the start, and the Stableford scores are doubled for these.

One member contrived to leave his tee shot on the 3rd hole very close to the pond. This required him to put one foot on the plastic pond liner and he contrived to lose his balance and slide down a steep slope towards the rancid, polluted water. Fortunately, he managed to catch hold of the top and was rescued by his playing partners. What could have been a serious accident eventually ended up as a joke, when he was later asked why he hadn’t recovered some of the golf balls that lay on the bottom of the pond.

The scores were:- Nearest the pin, hole 1, Rod Loveday, hole 4, John O`Brien, 3rd place, handicap 10 - score 36 - Keith Smith, 2nd place, handicap 15 - score 39 - George Stanhope, 1st place, handicap 9 - score 40 - Ray Housley.

The society plays at El Plantio Golf Club on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using both the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course. catering for all abilities. Membership rates are very competitive, and anyone who wishes to play as a guest or join as a new member should contact Ian Henderson on 966 71 66 16 or 636 11 62 30.

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To be, or not to be (world champions), that is the question Read the full story on page 87.