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#RTNSouthEdition847 (ALICANTE AIRPORT - PUERTO DE MAZARRON)

January Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

ROYAL FLUSH by JACK TROUGHTON

FRAUD VICTIMS Andrew and Kate Wilford have again appealed for royal intervention after the repeated failure of the Spanish legal system to impose its sentence on the man who swindled them. They are over 300,000€ out of pocket after the purchase of a Murcia home became a nightmare. Developer Rafael Aguilera Serna has since been convicted of fraud – but the courts have failed to impose the order to repay of the cash or the prison sentence he must serve in default. Five months ago, they wrote to the king asking for help and in September an aide to King Felipe VI replied saying His Majesty had referred the matter to the Ministry of Justice. Now Andrew has written to the king again – with copies to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Secretary of State for Wales David Jones as the couple live in Colwyn Bay, and to Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. King Felipe

Read the full story on page 5

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

From the Editor’s desk...

Hola!

HORROR STORIES relating to Spain´s property market are still rising to the surface and will continue to give prospective buyers the jitters until something concrete is done. With patience stretching painfully thin, one resourceful couple is trying to recruit some royal assistance in a bid to nudge the country´s judicial system into real action. Having tasted court victory, they have been frustrated at every turn in trying to see justice ﬁnally handed to their tormentor – and getting their cash back in a battle that dates back to 2008. Until Spain is ready to get its house in order, her institutions will still be left red-faced in the eyes of the wider world and conﬁdence will remain at a low ebb. On a brighter note, the Three Kings – aka Los Magos – made a triumphant return to Spanish shores to spread a little joy. Perhaps they could be persuaded to spare a little of their magic to right a few wrongs.

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

#RTNHQ Oficina Charral, Emilio Ortuño 6, Floor 4, Office 1 & 2, Benidorm, Alicante 03501 TEL: 902 118 999 EMAIL: rtnmail@ roundtownnews.com

PUBLISHER: Mia Media S.L MANAGING DIRECTOR: Daniel Wilkinson EDITOR: Jack Troughton AGENCIES: Santos T. Morales ACCOUNTS: Sam Holliday PRODUCTION: Daniel S. Thomas Rebecca T. Tyszka Alice Hillier GENERAL MANAGER SOUTH & CALIDA: Peter Clarke SALES: Kath Poole Colin Rich Eduardo Piana Laura Showell Alan Palmer Michaela Smith DISTRIBUTION: Damien Forman Ian Tilley iDs Logística REPORTERS: Keith Nicol Caroline Tyszka Ian Askew CARTOONIST: Carter McKeague COLUMNISTS: Peter Taylor Sara Bell Chris Ashley Carlos Baos Blacktower F.M Aunty Virus Dick Handscombe Kenny Corris Jane Cronin Tim Saunders

DEADLINES

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Edita : Mia Media SL, Servicios De Impresion S.A.- Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 North: A-134-2004 Oficina Charral, Emilio Ortuno 6, 41, Benidorm. Alicante. Distribution: iDs Logística. info@idssl.es,

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Repsol to clean up its act in Escombreras

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OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS 2016

by IAN ASKEW REPSOL IS to install a system to reduce the two columns of smoke which filled the skies last summer near their Cartagena refinery in Escombreras. The new system will use refrigeration equipment to reduce the risk of leakage of hydrocarbon particles, and this should go a long way towards allaying the concerns of the local population whenever the smoke from the refinery chimneys increases in quantity. The directors of the Repsol refinery in Cartagena see this as a major priority now, and, therefore, the multinational is planning a

maintenance shutdown between March and May this year, to install a new water cooling system to prevent incidents like last summer. The estimated cost of the shutdown is 20 million euros, and will require more than 1,700 workers, who will be hired through ancillary companies. The overall objective is to perform a complete inspection of the facilities, and also to replace all computers that are considered obsolete and may be defective. In addition, there will be an upgrading of facilities, as explained by the director of the factory, Juan Antonio Carrillo de Albornoz.

#NEWSBITES

REPORTER STABBED ‘ON THE JOB’ AN ISRAELI reporter has been stabbed on the job while testing a “stab-proof” protective vest.

Eitam Lachover was filming a segment about a company designing the vests when he decided to be part of the demonstration. The Channel 1 reporter had agreed to test the hardware, to prove the importance of the gear, but ended up injured. In a statement, the company said Lachover suffered the injury only because he “moved” during the take. “The knife did not penetrate the vest. The reporter moved during the demonstration, and the ‘stabber’ missed the vest. The reporter was stabbed slightly above the vest”. Lachover suffered only a light injury to his upper back after the accident, and the manufacturers are still are confident the item is safe. Lachover later said on Twitter that he got stitches and was discharged from the hospital. An earlier take of the demonstration was successful and did not harm the reporter, according to a spokeswoman for Israel’s state broadcaster.

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Record drug find

by CAROLINE TYSZKA SPANISH POLICE have arrested twelve suspects including eight British nationals and seized over three tonnes of cocaine. Details have been released by the Guardia Civil of an operation that saw the largest seizure of the class A drug, cocaine, since 1999, although they have not released when the arrests were made. The drugs were conﬁscated in Galicia, North West Spain, as Spain’s National Police issued a statement saying “this is the biggest land seizure of cocaine by the National Police in Galicia since 1999.” The twelve people detained included those transporting the merchandise, who are believed to be Spanish, with the sellers being Dutch and the buyers being British. The eight British suspects were arrested in Malaga as police suggested that the drugs were probably smuggled from South America as Spain is a major gateway into Europe for drug traﬃcking.

Comet shines with the stars THIS YEAR starts with the Comet Catalina putting on its ﬁnal light show – a special event for sky-watchers over the coming weeks as the comet will be visible all night long.

Comet Catalina has been spending the last couple of months sweeping through the inner solar system and has been a ﬁxture in the dawn sky, but now, as it heads

away from the sun, it is putting on a ﬁnal sky show in the overnight hours, which will be visible using binoculars. Throughout January, the comet will rise higher in the sky, passing right above the Big Dipper around the 15th and, on the 19th, star gazers should hopefully be able to see the bright star Aldebaran disappear behind the moon appearing to wink on the dark, unlit side.

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Continued from front page He told RTN he hoped to “embarrass” the king and the legal system into action. He added otherwise it appeared to be true that: “Corruption...thy name is Spain!” The couple planned to retire to Spain and in 2005 decided to buy a Murcia property ‘off-plan’; little suspecting they were dealing with a corrupt developer. However, in 2008 and after paying almost 200,000€, they discovered the developer of their home in Trampolin Solera, an urbanisation in Gea y Troyols, Murcia, had forged Andrew’s signature to raise a 397,000€ CAM Bank mortgage on the property – and later sold the home to a third party. Aguilera is now a convicted criminal after being found guilty of fraud charges in 2013 and losing his appeal in November 2014 – although he has since made and lost repeated appeals, the latest still being decided. MONARCH Andrew penned his second appeal to the King at the Palacio de La Zarzuela in Madrid on New Year’s Eve and thanked the monarch for his earlier reply. He wrote: “Of course, I was very grateful to you Sir for your apparent intervention but thought, perhaps, you would be interested in what has happened as a result of that ‘intervention’. The answer is sadly ‘absolutely nothing!” And the letter continues: “I am left seriously wondering as 2015 draws to a close whether it is possible to achieve any form of justice in your country.” Andrew believes Aguilera accepts the repayment part of the sentence – although nothing has been done to remedy the situation - but did not want to go to prison. “Of course anyone can understand his concerns but then what about the plaintiffs in this case, my wife and I?” he writes. “Do you consider it reasonable that one of your fellow countrymen should be allowed to defraud the citizens of another European country in this way without having to pay the price? “Of course sir, I know the answer...you do not. Yet all this while the court system in Spain has allowed Aguilera to hide up to six million Euros in cash and own several properties without making any attempt to repay the money!” Andrew admitted he did not know the king’s ability to influence the situation but hoped he could “persuade” Mr Rajoy to investigate personally in a very clear case of fraud and where “the courts in Murcia are simply not allowing justice to prevail”. And he ends the appeal: “Please, all I ask is that going into 2016, I don’t need to have to go into 2017; some 10 years after this fraud took place in the same situation.”

Andrew and Kate Wilford

#NEWS BITES

ALTEA MAKING SAVINGS ALTEA TOWN council have saved thousands of euros by negotiating a new transport contract for their sports transport services.

The Sports Department signed the new contract with Antonio Pérez from Medel Orozco Tours SL and will see Altea save more than 25,000€ when compared with their previous agreement. Peter Barber, councillor for Sports and Youth in the town, said “this contract will last for two years. With four companies bidding, we accepted the lowest bid and will receive the ﬁrst 2,500 kilometres without any additional charges.”

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Historic December weather by KEITH NICOL

DECEMBER 2015 was the warmest December on record, according to data collected by the Mastral Project Weather Stations. December 2015 saw Torrevieja recording an average temperature of 15.3 degrees Celsius, the highest median value from when data was ﬁrst available back in 1927. Even without oﬃcial data, local residents and visitors commented time and time again as to how warm and dry the month had been. December failed to bring the normal cooler temperatures normally associated with the start of winter, with almost every day throughout the month showing temperatures above normal. The 16th was the warmest day of the month with a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, one of the highest temperatures on record for December. As for rainfall, December was an extremely dry month; one of the driest in the last 30 years, with a rainfall of about a litre per square metre when the average is about 26 litres per square metre. And around Valencia in general according to data from the State Meteorological Agency, December 2015 was an

Local footballers enjoyed the blue skies and warmer weather during December

extraordinary month climatically as, regionally, temperatures were the warmest on record since at least 1950, and rain has not been as scarce since 1974. January 2016 began in a very similar fashion, with high temperatures during the beginning of this week, although cooler weather is expected during the second full week of the year. At the moment, the chance of any signiﬁcant rainfall is very low. A by-product of the warmer weather is higher wind, with

gusts of up to 40 kmh in some cases, but nothing too serious compared to the north of Spain or what the UK or Ireland have been experiencing during the last month. To stay informed about the weather in the region, download the app or visit the website of Project Mastral: www.eltiempoentorrevieja.es, stay updated through: www.facebook. com/proyectomastral or follow them on: www.twitter. com/proyectomastral.

Providing information for the UK and Spain since 1998

www.UKandSpain.com

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Nispero season comes early

FARMERS ARE preparing to harvest their nisperos earlier this year due to the unseasonal high temperatures in 2015. Temperatures in the region mean that many local nispero farmers are having to call in their pickers to be ready at least a month earlier than usual, as the fruits have ripened over a month earlier than normal, with some varieties having to be picked in December. Esteban Soler, an agricultural engineer for the Callosa d’en Sarria Cooperative, said “in December some crops were picked earlier, between 20 and 30 kilos, because the fruit was growing faster than was expected.” He went on to say that “although this is not a high figure it is the first time in my long career that I have seen ripe fruit in December.” A problem for the farmers now is that the fruit is not growing to its full size before ripening and it could have a serious financial effect on many local towns such as Callosa d’en Sarria, Bolulla, Tàrbena, Polop, Benifato, Orxeta, Guadalest, Beniardá, and Altea, who rely heavily on the income from these crops. The hillsides of Callosa d’en Sarria are covered with nispero trees, mostly netted, and are now a feature of the local landscape. For more than a century nisperos have been grown in Callosa, dating back to when one farmer brought the first nispero from Algiers. Now the village is renowned for their expertise in the nispero fruit market.

nispero farmers, nsiperos ripening

#NEWS BITES

ROMAN SHOES REPLICATED

A MUESEUM in Villajoyosa is making replica Roman shoes to be used in a traditional event in February. Vilamuseo, the footwear museum in Villajoyosa, will painstakingly recreate four pairs of shoes in the style of footwear that was worn by the Romans. The shoes, two men’s pairs and two women’s pairs, will make the 50 km journey from the historic Cami del Peix, the road that has existed for more than twenty ﬁve centuries and is one of the oldest in Spain, to Alcoy, as part of the Hispania Cultural Association event. The winter shoes, to be handmade by the artisan cobbler Albert Hermelando, will be displayed in the museum window, when completed, until their use, with The Hispania Cultural Association advising on the style.

bikers Church ‘Wings’ it! Harley back centre GEOFF BRITTON, former drummer with Paul McCartney and Wings, came to the rescue of Javea International Baptist Church for its annual open air carol singing.

The traditional concert is staged at Christmas each year in Javea Port but JIBC found themselves without drummer until Geoﬀ stepped in. And he said: “Carole singing is such a wonderful tradition – it was great to be able to jump in and help such lovely people.” Members of the church’s Worship Group, organisers of the annual festive event, said: “This Christmas we were delighted that not only Geoﬀ but also Peter Sparks, who plays guitar, and a holiday visitor Jenny Newman, who plays keyboards, also joined us to make this year’s carol singing at the port very special.” Glen Wreyford was the church’s own Little Drummer Boy, while his sister Emmie acted as Mary with baby Jesus – both regularly attend JIBC. They were assisted by children from the crowd to be the three kings and bring gifts. JIBC holds its Sunday Service at 10.30am at the Church centre in Javea Old Town, near the main underground car park. Everyone is welcome. For further information and directions, call 96 579 5847 or visit the website www.javeabaptist.com.

Geoff chats with Heather Isle, organist with JIBC

HARLEY DAVIDSON bikers continued their festive ‘giveaway’ with a 2,000€ donation to help keep wheels turning at the Doble Amor Centre in Benidorm. After a successful fund raising campaign to insure children cared for by charity EMAUS enjoyed a wonderful Christmas, generous members of the Costa Blanca Espana Motorcycle Group were back with a New Year’s gift to help the centre in 2016. The centre works with handicapped young adults and helps them integrate into society through the production of crafts at the Doble Amor workshops. The donation will be used to improve facilities. Pictured is Marisa Diaz, Director of the biker group, receiving a certiﬁcate of thanks from Director of Doble Amor Casimiro Vila Estaban, together with the Mayor of Benidorm Toni Perez and Councillor for Social Welfare Angela Llorca, together with some of the people who use the centre. For further information about the group, contact Peter Emmett on 96 646 1039 or email peter@peteremmett.com.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Javier Torregrosa’s follows tradition by KEITH NICOL

WITH THE move of traditional shopping away from city centres to the commercial centres outside town, it’s refreshing to know that there are still those who have stayed put and continue to open their doors to local shoppers. One of those determined to stay put is Javier Torregrosa, who owns Torrevieja’s only downtown electrical shop: Euroexpert. Javier said: “The store has its beginning going back to 1929. My family opened a ‘General’ store in Torrevieja, in Calle San Pablo, that sold almost everything you could think of. It sold food, industrial items, fishing gear, hardware, gifts and some electrical appliances. We were the first shop in Torrevieja to sell what was a new revolution of the time, the refrigerator, which for the local population was a real novelty. “ Back then, before my time, I might add, Torrevieja was still a town, and would not become a city until 1931. We only had a population of 8,850 people. We were also one of the first to sell other novelties such as wireless radios, televisions, toasters and vacuum cleaners, many items that were still hard to come by due to the Franco Dictatorship through the sixties and into the seventies, when I first started working in the shop, as a teenager.” In the 1970s, the store was split into several sections by opening the current appliance store “Javier Torregrosa” in Gallud Ramón, 16, where one can find Javier today, in what is the oldest and flagship shop, Euroexpert, part of a network of Spanish shops that can compete with the top out of town stores on value and choice. Javier speaks excellent English and, along with a selection of typical domestic white goods, televisions and electrical appliances, he also has a somewhat unique collection of used, top of the line, audio equipment, which, if you still have any vinyl

Javier Torregrossa in one of Torrevieja oldest stores

records, cassettes or even CDs, you’ll be presently surprised by what is on oﬀer. Away from the daily routine of shop management, Javier’s family live above the shop and, on the top ﬂoor, he has his own special ‘man’ room, dedicated to his hobbies and the things he has been collecting for many years. Two of his most prized possessions include a superb six foot long model of the Titanic, and a fully working, miniature, model steam train. Javier has a large collection of Titanic memorabilia and hopes to put some of this on display one day soon. He’s also a collector of Elvis memorabilia, along with other

artists, and has a stereo system to rival the best home system on offer, but he says: “I still prefer the quailty and sound of playing my LP’s. There is something very special about cleaning the record, placing it on the turntable, watching the arm go across and the needle drop, followed by a room filled with music.” Javier is also involved with many local charitable organisations and the semana santa processions, with his home balcony placed in the perfect position for another of this hobbies, photography, as, at the junction outside his shop, the floats make their turns during Easter week.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Royal Mint coining it NEW COINS being issued by the Royal Mint in 2016 commemorate key dates in British history that have helped shape the nation over the last 1,000 years. William Shakespeare’s plays and the children’s tales of Beatrix Potter are among the images being stamped on the new currency entering circulation – the reverse side of each contains the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth. Some of The Bard’s best known tragedies, histories, and comedies are etched into £2 coins, marking the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death. And the stories by Beatrix Potter are featured on the 50p coin. It is 150 years since the birth of the author who cre-

ated characters like Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher, Mr Tod and Jemima Puddle Duck. Other coins will commemorate the Battle of Hastings, fought 950 years ago, and the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London – which started in a bakery in Pudding Lane on Sunday 2nd September, and destroyed much of the medieval city. The Royal Mint’s ongoing five-year programme to mark the centenary of the Great War continues. A £2 coin re-

members the sense of community pride, duty and loyalty that led to the formation of the ‘Pals’ battalions. Anne Jessopp, director of commemorative coin at the Mint, said: “It is always exciting to see the New Year’s design revealed, commemorating moments that matter and revisiting some great dates and stories from our history.” She said together the coins gave a “snapshot” of British history, and added: “The British public should start to see these coins appearing in their change from spring 2016.”

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Train vandals arrested

#NEWSBITES

by CAROLINE TYSZKA GUARDIA CIVIL officers have made a series of arrests of suspected vandals in a clampdown on graffiti damage to trains in the two-year-old operation wagon. Police arrested 17 groups of people, a total of 59 individuals, who are believed to be responsible for over two million euros worth of damage to rolling stock across Spain. The Guardia had received more than 400 complaints from train operators around the country over the wave of graffiti crime being committed; including the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Castellón, Barcelona, Tarragona, Cuenca, Madrid, Albacete, Soria and Murcia. In an investigation that started in January 2014, those arrested included young children, and foreign nationals, from Portugal, Brazil and Italy - as well as some Spanish nationals. The 59 arrested were variously charged with belonging to criminal organisations, damage to property, and public disorder. The arrests under the investigation have also involved 50 courts in the provinces of Murcia, Alicante, Cuenca, Albacete, Barcelona and Valencia. Police discovered that the groups of ártists´ were competing with each

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY!

vandalised train, officer with spray paint

other to see who was the best and had even recorded their graﬃti to upload to the internet. Determined vandals pulled the safety lever on a train - so when it stopped the doors could be painted; as well as using

barricades at the train workshops to deter oﬃcials from reaching them whilst they committed their crimes. A police spokesperson said that “this is not the end of Operation Wagon as investigations are still ongoing.”

A GROUP of residents living on Camping Armanello have joined forces with HELP International to provide the children of Relleu with gifts of their choice to celebrate the ‘Day of the three Magi’, along with food provisions for the festive season. Each month, the group collectively provides a ‘Big Shop’ enabling the dedicated staff team at the home to use their limited funds on other necessities such as fuel bills etc. As the day of the Kings approached, the group ‘upped the ante’ to include festive fayre. Maria Ryan, of HELP International, paid tribute to the exceptional commitment the group has shown in supporting the children’s home. “Relleu is run by a dedicated staff team who look after the children in their care extremely well, despite often having to wait for long periods before being paid. The continued support of this caring group of people makes a very real difference to the home”. Mr David Byrd, a key member of the group, said, “We have no New Year’s Resolution this year, just an ongoing one, to continue to support the home”

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

New Year, new driving rules

THE NEW Year sees many changes to the traffic laws in Spain as the legislation continues to realign itself with the requirements of the European Union. The majority of driving laws remain the same, although many will be amended throughout the year.However,some major changes take immediate effect, according to police information site N332. One of the key changes relates to mopeds, and the law regarding riders carrying pillion passengers. Previously, there was a requirement that the rider must be over the age of 18 in order to carry a pillion passenger. This has now been abolished so that any qualified moped rider, irrespective of age, can now legally carry a passenger. The BTP category on a licence, which related to drivers of emergency vehicles, taxis or school buses will now no longer be listed separately, and drivers will no longer come under the special requirements as before. Spain will soon see larger lorries on the roads, as the length and weight allowance has been increased to help reduce transportation costs. This means that “Mega-Trucks”, as they are known, will be up to 25.25 metres in length and allowed to be up to 60 tonnes in weight. Other changes include the government now covering the costs associated with medical examinations and autopsies in the event of a death from a road traffic incident, and sleep apnoea sufferers will now not automatically be banned from driving, providing they can prove that their condition has been certified as being under control by a medical professional.

moped

#NEWSBITES

BRITISH MAN RESCUED

RESCUE WORKERS bravely tackled high winds to save two men who were trapped on the Serra Bernia. A British climber, along with a friend, was climbing the Serra Bernia in Benissa on Tuesday when he found himself falling approximately 30 metres and sustaining multiple injuries. Initially, rescue workers had tried to reach the injured man using helicopters, but the high winds meant that this was impossible so firefighters were forced to lower him on a stretcher. The 30 year old man, who was reported to be on holiday and staying in Calpe, suffered injuries to both arms, his back and his head and was taken to the Denia hospital for treatment.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Sam Smith to party in Benidorm by CAROLINE TYSZKA SAM SMITH will be heading to Benidorm in the summer to help celebrate at his dad’s stag party. Several British media sources have reported that Bond singer Sam will join his father in the resort later this year for his bachelor party. One source told the British papers that “although Benidorm isn’t Sam’s ideal place to holiday, there is no way he wants to miss his dad’s stag do.” The insider went on to say “Sam’s dad was worried about having him in the resort because of security issues, but he has checked out the town and decided it is a viable and safe place to have the party.” The 23 year old music sensation had a very busy 2015 and this will be a chance for him to spend some time with his father, having admitted that “it got to the point where my parents were being put on the guest lists so they could at least see me at the after-show events, and that’s not normal.”

Sam Smith

#NEWSBITES

CHILD’S DECOMPOSED BODY DISCOVERED AN AMERICAN couple have been arrested following the discovery of a young child’s body.

Spanish police announced on Wednesday that they were questioning a 39 year old man and a 38 year old woman having made the gruesome ﬁnd at a property in Girona, north eastern Spain. The couple were said to have lived in a two storey apartment with their three children and that the father was an engineer. No further details had been released. Oﬃcers were called to the apartment by the owner who had gone to collect rent arrears but was refused access. The owner heard loud noises from inside the building which caused him enough concern to call the emergency services. The authorities gained access and the body of a young child was discovered lying on a bed, hidden under blankets. The couple are in custody pending the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the child’s death.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Spain, a safe place to holiday by CAROLINE TYSZKA TOURISM EXPERTS are predicting a bumper year for the Spanish tourism industry as terror threats around the world make people more cautious. British and Russian holidaymakers are now swapping Tunisia and Egypt for countries like Spain and the Canary Islands to spend their euros as they seek to avoid the terror threats in other destinations such as Egypt. It has been reported that there are strong signs within the industry that the usually busy January booking season will be a bumper month for tour operators with Spain set to be the top destination, as travellers continue to be determined to travel abroad. Bob Atkinson, from TravelSupermarket.com, said “it looks like being a very good year for travel, Brits are very resilient and all our research shows that they intend to travel more – not less – in 2016, to spend more and to have longer holidays than last year.” With families choosing to shun the Paris Disneyland theme park in favour of other destinations because of the attacks in the country in 2015 TUI, the world’s biggest tour operator, has switching its favoured destinations from Egypt and Tunisia to the Canary Islands and Cyprus.

spain holiday

#NEWS BITES

RELLEU TOURISM PROMOTED

A SENATOR elected by the Alicante tourism authority has visited Relleu to promote the advantages of inland areas within the region. Senator Agustín Almodóbar visited the town of Relleu to highlight the vast array of outdoor activities within the province and even took part in a bit of rock climbing himself. Almodóbar said “beside the beautiful beaches, Alicante is the second most mountainous province and, as such, has a natural and inner wealth.” “The area oﬀers many types of outdoor activities for diﬀerent types of tourist and climbing the peña was an amazing experience. I was accompanied by great mountaineers with all the necessary safety measures being followed, which makes it a fantastic tourist experience for the Costa Blanca” he said. The senator is a lover of the outdoors, having visited Aigües a few years ago to go down into a mine.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Three Kings in the City of Salt by KEITH NICOL

January Fifth is the one day of the Christmas holidays that Spanish children look forward to most as they await the arrival of the Magi from the east, a tradition that means as much as Santa Claus.

lish and Russian. From there, the procession went to City Hall, where they were received by the mayor, who, after the official reception, accompanied them to the balcony from where they threw the audience a shower of sweets.

The ship ‘Espejo de Torrevieja’ arrived in Torrevieja’s harbour just after 5.30pm on Tuesday evening with the Magi, the Three Kings onboard and carrying thousands of gifts for children. After a brief speech of welcome from King Baltasar, presenting his companions and himself, the kings were in turn received by the winners of the children’s contest “Letter to Santa Claus”, Rosana Gutierrez and Paula Aniorte. In their letters they had asked the kings to use their ability to ‘multiply’ and deliver presents to children all over the world The monarchs replied saying that as “magicians” anything was possible. After greeting many of the children who crowded the fishing port, the parade, which consisted of about two hundred people began. From its inception in the port until its arrival at the Church of the Immaculate, there was not a single gap on route without people watching and applauding the royal party as they passed. The parade was led by musicians of the Unión Musical Torrevejense and some of the City’s various dance schools showed off their talents; two acrobats preceded the Star of Bethlehem; roller skaters showed off their skills; a few classic cars announced the arrival of the main attractions followed by the three floats with the Kings Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar – assistants throwing sweets to crowds of youngsters. Also on route was Torrevieja’s Salt Queen Ainara Antelo and her ladies, Stephanie Veri and Marta Miguel and at the rear of the parade were two carriages distributing hundreds of toys to the excited children. The parade ended in front of the Inmaculada Church, where King Melchor said a few words to the crowd assisted by two volunteers who translated his message of goodwill into Eng-

HOSPITAL As is traditional for the Three Kings, they did not forget to visit the poor and needy. On Tuesday morning the Royal Pages visited the residence of the Third Age of Torrevieja and distributed non-gluten sweets among all the residents. And after the massive parade, the Kings visited the University Hospital of Torrevieja, visiting children of various nationalities. The visit was greeted with anticipation by the medical staff who accompanied the royal entourage. To end the visits, the royal procession, along with Mayor Jose Manuel Dolón, visited the Santo Hospital of Charity of the Carmelite Sisters, where a hundred older residents received Their Majesties, and were treated to sweets and other goodies. However, Three King’s Parade brought with it a little controversy. The religious aspects of the birth of the baby Jesus were played down by the local government and many of the traditional and impressive displays, such as the Roman Centurions on horseback, Mary and Joseph on their own float, and livestock being driven through the streets were replaced with more Carnival like dance troupes and a couple of indifferent displays. Torrevieja’s newly elected MP, Joaquín Albaladejo, took to Facebook within minutes to express his disappointment at the standard of the parade compared with previous years, while praising all those who unselfishly took part in the parade and entertained the crowd. Joaquín Albaladejo said: “The Three Kings of Torrevieja: To all of you who have written to me privately, telling me what we have all seen tonight, Tuesday, I want to say a few things. Firstly, we must thank the people and the children who have collaborated with the city to allow this to take place…Second-

ly, to enjoy new acts and displays. A few people liked them more. Others less. But I think in this case, the past was better. “ And if they, the Pentapartito, wanted to circumvent the Christmas religious meaning of the event, they have certainly succeeded. Torrevieja should know that putting a woman, peeling potatoes, on the roof of a moving car, without any security or safety barriers, is itself irresponsible recklessness.” The potato peeler was just one of a few new additions to the parade that raised a few eyebrows and many were left wondering what the new additions had to do with the Three Kings bringing their gifts to the baby Jesus.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Fiftieth anniversary of the Real Club Náutico of Torrevieja

More than 300 people atteneded the opening event of the 50th Anniversary of the RCNT

MORE THAN three hundred people of all social, sporting and cultural sectors of Torrevieja attended the gala presentation that starts this 50th year since the founding of RCNT: Real Club Náutico of Torrevieja. Formed back in 1966 when Torrevieja was nothing more than just a sleepy fishing village, along with the salt factory, RCNT was one of the flagship institutions of the city and became a hub of local society, not only of nautical and sporting activities, but also as a meeting place and city forum. This first event of many that are planned for this anniversary year was presented by local journalist, Francisco Reyes Prieto Pérez. The ceremony was opened with the short documentary style publicity film from the 1960s, that featured the club in its early days: “Torrevieja, white salt, brown soles.” It was then the turn of the secretary of the RCNT board, Gabriel Marco, who had the task of announcing each of the events that have been planned throughout the year. Another video documentary; “50 Years of the Yacht Club” gave way to the presentation by local craftsman Luis Ruiz Ruiz, who has dedicated his life to rebuilding vessels. The result of his work is that there have been many ships and yachts that have undergone major restoration and been transferred to the club. As such, RCNT President, Germán Soler presented the Golden Shield to Thomas, which had been approved unanimously by the board of directors. After this, some people linked with the club’s various activities took to the stage. The first to speak was the international rower Belén García Girona, then sailing champion, Gorka Peraita, followed by Inés Molla, from the Mermaid Club. Former mayor, Francisco Diez, told a short story, illustrated with photos, about the picturesque situation chosen for RCNT, on Torrevieja’s seafront, before the club was built, and was sorry for the issue of uncertainty about the future of the club, created by the Valencian government’s concessions to marinas. After a short interval, the vice-president of the Provincial Council of Alicante, Eduardo Dolón, spoke about the Costa Blanca Tourist Board sponsoring different events related to their 50th anniversary, and congratulated the club for showing their selfless assistance towards this special year. After Eduardo Dolón, the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón said he was proud that a club like RCNT could reach fifty and said that the people of Torrevieja will feel even more proud of the club as the year progresses and more people become involved in their events. Lastly, it was the turn of the president of RCNT, Germán Soler, to return to the stage. He thanked everyone for their presence and revealed that he was delighted to be able to announce that he been present at the signing of the reform of the Sports Club Act, which will allow clubs to govern their destiny as entities, without bonds, or having to worry about new concessions taking them over, which was welcomed by the audience with applause. The former act meant that the RCNT was living on borrowed time, as the 30 year lease for the concession for the land where the yacht club is built was shortly to end, leading to an air of uncertainty among members over the past couple of years, as to what would be the future of the club. To close the gala, opera singer Helena Vallalta, granddaughter of the first secretary of the board of RCNT, Rafael Vallalta, accompanied on the piano by Emilio Bayón, performed several opera and operetta arias. The culminating event to celebrate the 50th anniversary will be the gala dinner on June 25th, which will be prepared by chefs from “Michelin” star restaurants.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Letters to the Three Kings by KEITH NICOL A COUPLE of local shops in the centre of Torrevieja added to the enjoyment of local children who ﬂocked to meet one of the Magi outside Javier Torregrosa’s Euroexpert store. King Gaspar was accompanied by three pages who collected letters personally from the children of Torrevieja and then posted them in the special Magi Post Box. Gaspar was located in a small tent, richly decorated at the corner of Ramón Gallud and Patrício Pérez, just along from the book shop and opposite the camera shop. Many children and their parents also donated money in a special urn, to give to the Three Kings to allow them to buy gifts for those children in the city who otherwise would have to go without any presents. All the children received a gift for just posing with the King and having their photo taken and, best of all, it was all

Hundreds of Children visited Euroexpert Javier Torregrosa to meet Gaspar on Monday

absolutely free. To help realise this dream and raise money for local needy children, the local shops of Euroexpert Javier Torregrosa, La Farmacia de Ángel Rastoll, ImagenFoto, Las Golosa and Óptica Mar joined forces to make the event a wonderful success in attracting hundreds of children to the King’s Tent. Just around the corner from Euroexpert Javier Torregrosa, more children and their parents found another mailbox installed next to the Nativity Scene in the Plaza of the Constitution. In the same vein as Santa Claus, Spanish children

deliver their letters to the Three Kings by following the same protocol. Entrainment was also on hand during the weekend as, for two hours in the morning and evening, children could enjoy the show “Magic Family” by Juan Manuel Marcos and in the evening the Wizard J enthralled one and all with his magic and illusions. Both oﬀered a show that surprised young and old alike. Hundreds of children and their parents attended the various events leading up to the parade itself on Tuesday.

#NEWSBITES

CARTAGENA’S JANUARY SALES ARE ON

CARTAGENA’S HIGH street shops have announced discounts of up to 70%. With shirts at half price, coats with 70% discounts and trousers for just 15€, the long-awaited January sales have begun. More than 50% of small and medium businesses in the historic centre of Cartagena, together with about 90% of the franchises in the Espacio Mediteráneo shopping mall, are offering large discounts of up to 70% on clothing, footwear and other accessories. Marketing director of the Espacio Mediteráneo, José María Pascual de Riquelme, is expecting a greater inﬂux of people and increased sales, thanks to the discount period, although he couldn’t help noting that, “this year, the very spring-like weather does not help us much, because the shops are still displaying their winter collections in the windows”.

The Three Kings land in Cartagena MELCHOR, GASPAR and Balthasar greeted children from the Town Hall balcony and asked them to leave out biscuits and water for the camels that night, after landing, on Tuesday, 5th January, in the port of Cartagena.

Shop Torrevieja and win a criuse

WITH ALL the excitement of Christmas now a bygone memory and with the sales season just around the corner, it’s time to pick up a bargain and, at the same time, possibly win yourself a mediterranean cruise. Torrevieja’s small and medium business association, APYMECO, have a organised a special promotion, and, when you shop for certain goods and services, your name will be entered into a draw, giving you the chance to win a mediterranean cruise. Although the promotion has the date of January 9th, this has been delayed until Saturday 16th, so everyone will have a week to participate. APYMECO reported that, because of the National Lottery not taking place until January 16th, and because the winner will be the one who holds the ticket that matches the winning number in the draw of the National Lottery on Saturday 16th, the draw has been extended one week, to give shoppers more time to obtain ballots, which are given for purchases of products or services during the start of the sales season. The mediterranean cruise is worth 2,000€, or, if cruising is not your thing, you can instead redeem its value to spend on shopping facilities at APYMECO partners. More details at www.Apymeco.com.

Thousands of children gave them a noisy welcome on their landing in the port of Cartagena. King Gaspar, seemingly the kings’ spokesman, declared “We are very happy to return to Cartagena We want to tell all the children to prepare a glass of milk, some cake and biscuits, some water for the camels, and some old wine for Balthasar, who is usually thirsty.” Later that day, the kings took part in the traditional parade, which wound its way round the city of Cartagena, from the Alameda de San Antón, all the way to the Town Hall Square.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

New Year success of Torrevieja’s Symphony Orchestra by KEITH NICOL IT WAS another full house at Torrevieja’s International Auditorium on Wednesday evening as Torrevieja’s Symphony Orchestra entertained 1,450 spectators with a fully entertaining two hour and two act show. With more than 50 accomplished musicians on stage, and the audience clapping along on numerous occasions, it was a fun filled night of music, and the perfect way for music lovers to herald in the new year. If you missed it, you have one more chance to see a repeat of the performance, as the Symphony Orchestra returns to the magnificent settings of the International Auditorium of Torrevieja for a second concert. The orchestra offers a repeat performance on Saturday January 9th at 7pm in the International Auditorium. Tickets can still be purchased today, Friday 8th January from 5pm to 7pm in the ticket office of the Municipal Theatre or, space permitting, at the Auditorium before the show, at the ticket window. Possibly the only hitch during the evening was that, during the interval, the bar staff were completely unprepared to serve almost 1,500 glasses of cava to celebrate the new year and had to go running off for additional supplies. That, and the long line for the Ladies summed up the negatives for the evening. The audience was a truly international affair, with many international residents and visitors enjoying the show. Act Two was full of light-hearted music along with a few favourites, including the ever popular Blue Danube, a Jota and

A packed auditorium

a light-hearted, comedy anvil playing piece. The packed auditorium gave the orchestra a well deserved standing ovation at the end of the show and were reluctant to accept its conclusion, but, after prolonged ovations, they forced the orchestra to continue with two more pieces loaded with good humour: the Feuerfest Jockey polka and ﬁnishing with the audience clapping along and being conducted during the Radetzky march. An excellent evening and if you wish you could have been there, remember there is a small window of opportunity to get tickets for tomorrow night’s show this evening at the Municipal Box Oﬃce.

First Born 2016 FIFTEEN SECONDS and counting was all that it took for Max to become the ﬁrst child born in 2016 in the Hospital of Torrevieja.

The team of the Hospital of Torrevieja attended the birth with the parents. Max was the ﬁrst baby to come into the world at the University Hospital of Torrevieja for the brand new year of 2016, being the oldest baby born in Torrevieja during 2016 rather than the youngest during 2015, by a matter of seconds. Little Max Lowe, is a healthy baby boy, weighing 349 grams at birth and was born naturally. His parents are British born David Andrew Lowe (30) and Russian Elena Demchenko (29). They arrived in Spain eight years ago and live in the Dehesa de Campoamor, in Orihuela Costa.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

New Year celebrations THE RISK of terrorism did not deter millions of people around the world from celebrating the end of 2015 and welcoming in 2016.

Terrorism concerns in many cities meant that some traditional New Year celebrations were cancelled amidst fears that an attack would be made, Brussels had called off New Year’s Eve fireworks over fears of a Paris-style terror attack, and Munich issued terror alerts only hours before the clocks were due to strike midnight. World leaders and royalty issued statements of wellwishes for a safe and happy New Year as the French president, Francois Hollande, focused on terrorism in his speech. The first nations to celebrate were Samoa and Christmas Island and the first birth to be recorded for 2016 was baby Kashmir Mancilla in Manilla, Philippines. Moscow closed off Red Square, where normally party revellers would gather to see in the event together, as their official firework display was five minutes late. Smog damped celebrations in Rome and Milan, as fireworks were banned due to the high levels of pollution throughout Italy. The display in Sydney, Australia, always one of the most spectacular around the world, lasted twelve minutes and cost around £22,000 per minute, with an estimated million people gathering around the harbour area. On a slightly smaller scale, authorities estimate that 100,000 people lined the banks of the Thames in London to see in 2016. Tim Peakes, who is currently on the International Space Station, issued a New Year message to the nation, as the Royal Mint issued a new range of coins to mark 2016. Images from media sources around the world lit up television screens as many chose to stay at home this year.

Athens

Brussels

Lithuania London

Dubai Sydney

New York

The first baby of 2016

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Don’t be fooled: Passports - the FACTS PASSPORT FEES for overseas UK citizens have dropped to the same level as the UK - a reduction of £45. Since the recent price changes, everyone is offering a renewal service! One recent publication offered a UK passport for £83: true but very misleading! The actual costs of renewal are: UK Passport £83, overseas courier & Security Fee £19.86 = a total of £102.86 to be paid to the Passport Office, payable via a valid debit or credit card. You will need new photographs, a secure delivery service and expert help and advice, with the correct price quoted up front – no hidden fees! The Post and Passport Renewal Centres in The Card and Gift Shop Quesada and Just Fabulous in Camposol Sector B, Mazzaron, have more than five years’ experience in all aspects of UK Passports. All applications are now being completed online - still more pressure to get it right! Jackie from the Passport Renewal Centre says, “Completing the form online is just the start. You must remember to save and print at certain stages, and the system gives you only 20 minutes to complete before timing out.”

PHOTOS Photos taken for ID purposes, such as driving licenses or NIE, are not suitable. In fact the Passport Oﬃce insists that the photo must be taken in the last month: 95% of delayed applications are due to unacceptable photos. The completed application must be printed, signed and sent securely through a guaranteed, insured and fully tracked service. The Post and Passport centres are priced well below others and are experts. They can also arrange for customers to pay in cash as not everyone has the ability to pay by card. Call or pop into your local Post & Passport centre for more information. Find us inside the Card & Gift Shop behind the Santander Bank on the High Street, Quesada Call us on 966 718 684

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

#letters

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

#rtnemail of the wee

HELP Vega Baja’s best wishes ON BEHALF of everyone at HELP Vega Baja we would like to wish all our members, volunteers, friends and supporters a healthy and happy New Year. The support we have received throughout the year has been tremendous and we have been blessed with a wonderful team of volunteers that have ensured that the charity has been able to continue to support those in need throughout the Vega Baja area as we have over the past 35 years. We believe 2016 will be an exciting year for HELP and very much look forward to sharing details of events and news with you. For members, we will be sending out a newsletter in the near future by email. If anyone has any comments or suggestions to put forward, please feel free to send an email to office@helpvegabaja.com or contact the San Miguel Centre on 966 72 37 33. HELP is here to support you so your contribution is very important to us. Please remember that our 24 hour Emergency Helpline will be available throughout the holiday period as it is throughout the year. Very best wishes, Michele Masson, President

Orihuela council woes

ARE WE Orihuela Costa residents totally powerless to get anything done by the almighty Orihuela town council? All we hear are excuses about a lack of funds! If I were to stop paying my suma, it would make no impression on Orihuela town hall, but what if we all stopped paying our suma? There must be some official in the Orihuela Costa who has some clout, enough to open accounts with all the main banks in the Orihuela Costa name. Then we would pay our suma into this account on a non-redeemable agreement. The banks would love to hold the funds. With the interest accrued, we could afford to employ a solicitor to handle our affairs, and inform Orihuela town hall that we would be happy to release these funds if and when we get some sort of commitment from them as to when certain criteria are fulfilled, emergency centre, road repairs etc. We all know what needs to be done. If we were all to do this (I know it’s a big ask), the council could not take us all to court, as we all know how long the judicial system takes here. By that time the local government would have run out of money, as well as excuses! I do hope this motivates someone in authority. Regards, Disgruntled.

Let us make our voices heard AFTER SEEING the letter and cartoon about the abysmal conduct in La marina Urbanization, and people standing up to the corruption, I feel encouraged to write and plead for fellow RTN readers in Orihuela Costa to make their voices heard at the Town Hall. Recently the SUMA rates increased, yet rubbish removal is a disgrace,

as the streets remain littered with broken glass and beer cans, which no-one clears up, except friends from our urbanization, who pickup discarded beer cans and put them in the rubbish bins. Streets often have the lights switched off, which makes us more vulnerable to thieves. Why does Orihuela Costa Town Hall allow the street lights to be off? Are they trying to keep us

in the dark? If so, they are doing a good job of it. As expats, let us make our voices heard. Please ask your neigbours to go with you to the Town Hall, tale along your ID, and sign papers to insist that the streets be cleaned. Don’t give up when the person behind the desk makes up some lame excuse. Craig Pero

Chris’ Corner

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Chris Ashley

Writer & Broadcaster

Buying presents in the Ashley Adobe Abode is a fool’s crusade. I never get what I really, really want, but in fairness Charlize Theron is probably tied up (ooh err Missus!) with Sean Penn & too busy to meet up at The Green Baize Snooker & Pool Hall (Ed; They split up last year – sooo! – you never know your luck in the big city-big boy). As for me purchasing presents – Mayday! When the Future Mrs Ashley and I first got together it was her impending birthday and trying my smarmiest to inveigle myself into her affections, I asked what she desired. “Surprise me” she purred - “ How about a clue” I whined. Long story – short, this “What?”- “Surprise!” farrago went on ad infinitum. So I went to Halfords and bought a wheel brace for removing 4 different size nuts (feel free to insert your own punchline). Even wrapped it in posh paper with a pink girlie bow and a love note saying “Hope this will come in useful, cheers Chris.” Now I once worked in a Queensland steel mill and the language was – hmm! - industrial, but even I learnt some new anatomically challenging suggestions vis-à-vis the wheel brace. So all in all the surprise reaction? Imagine Nanook of the North – buck naked. Cold, very very, COLD! To sanitise a Robin Williams observation ”God gave man a brain & an ‘intimate appendage’ and only enough blood to run one at a time.” However as blokes get older - generally speaking - we get better at tiptoeing through the matrimonial minefields, because the reflexes have slowed down so dramatically, the dicey dilemma has passed before we have the chance to do or say something really stupid. Not sure the much married Mickey Rooney (8), took that on board. His marriage certificate said ‘To Whom It May Concern’. Personally, I’ve not stumbled down the Bridal Path as many times as the mighty midget, but have ambled more than once & got the scars to prove it I vividly remember a phone call concerning a previous Mrs Ashley – it went thus – phone rings, I pick up. “Hello? Oh hello Mother. Well you know, so-so. Yes Cheryl is playing up again. Yes Mother you did tell me Cheryl was not a nice person, in fact a harridan. I know Mother you told me not to marry Cheryl at any cost. What? You want to have a word with the bimbo? Just a moment – Cheryl! - your Mother’s on the phone.”

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

IF, IN the last 4 years, you have paid inheritance or gift taxin Spain as a beneficiary of an estate or gift, then this should be of interest to you. If you, or the deceased or the person who made the donation (donor) were non tax residents in Spain but residents in the European Union, it is very possible that you could recover the vast majority of taxes paid, plus interest, as long as the inheritance or donation was between ancestors or ascendants: father, mother, grandfather, etc., descendants:children , grandchildren, etc., or spouses. As mentioned in previous articles, the legal basis for this claim is that prior to 01.01.2015 non tax residents in Spain (beingfiscallyresident in a country of the European Union) had to paygift and inheritance taxes according to Spain’snationalregulations and tax scales, they were unable to apply the different local regions’tax rules, which generally contained many more tax benefits and advantages. This situation was a clear discrimination against those EU citizens who were not tax resident in Spain, who in certain circumstances, paid many more taxes than tax residents. Such discrimination was declared and recognized by the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) in its judgment of 3 September 2014, and then tacitly admitted by Spain, when the Law 26/2014 was passed and tax rules wereamended. Therefore since 01/01/2015 the citizens residing in the European Union or the European Economic Area may benefit from regional regulations (Valencia, Catalonia, Madrid, etc.) and their corresponding tax advantages in Inheritance and Gift tax. From our office, we have had the opportunity to help many clients to claim back inheritanceand gift or donations tax paid, and 100% of our claimshave been accepted,all of our clients whose cases have already a definitive decision, obtained the return of the undulypaid tax, plus interest calculated from the time of paymentuntil the effective date of the return of their money. Furthermore, following our policy of commitmentto the foreign community in Spain, andthis being a clearandintolerable matter of discrimination against that group, our firm only charges fees to our clients if the claim is accepted and our clients get a refund of the overpaid tax. Therefore, if you or someone you know, have paid inheritance tax in Spain over the last 4 years, contact us without commitment, and we will confirm whether you can claim back the tax paid, all at no cost to you , Contact Us

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

Have you paid inheritance or gift tax in Spain in the last four years? Get your money back. We have won 100% of our claims.

Carlos Baos

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

Volatility is here to stay for 2016

MONEY

CARRYING ON from my article last week and as if just to prove a point the markets fell on the first day of trading of the New Year.

THE FALL was started yet again by China, on Monday the 4th January 2016 the Chinese markets fell by 7% which halted trading for the day. Elsewhere in Asia, the Nikkei closed down 3.1 % in Tokyo while the Hang Seng was down 2.7 % in Hong Kong.

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

In Europe, the FTSE 100 index dropped by 2.4 % or 148.89 points to 6093.43 in London while the main benchmark in Frankfurt sank 4.3 %, Milan fell 3.2 %, Paris was down 2.5 % and Madrid lost 2.4 %. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 400 points or 2.5 % in early trading before closing down 276.09 points at 17,148.94. Axa Wealth head of investing Adrian Lowcock says the suspension of Chinese stock market trading is a reminder that the stock market can be volatile but the big factor to consider is how this affects global growth. He says: “The Chinese market fall is telling us that China’s economy is not landing as softly as we thought. China will continue to weigh on markets for a while especially if you combine this with the turmoil in Middle East as well as concern on the oil price drop. “ The consensus is that Equity markets in general are likely to be volatile this year and that we’d better get used to it. What is important that investors don’t panic on weak days, but continue to take a disciplined and calm approach to investing. Investors need to take a more realistic approach to investment returns, and consider wealth preservation as their main objective during these volatile times. A Cautious investor should be targeting a return of between 2% and 4% and a Balanced investor slightly higher. The Blacktower Group has been established for 30 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound advice. We have products that can to a certain extent smooth out the volatility for clients and offer consistent returns and for those of you interested in wealth preservation we work with one of the oldest and most respected Swiss Banks Lombard Odier who specialise in helping high net worth individuals manage their wealth. I am here to help you find the right solution to make your money work for YOU, to arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation please contact me by email christina.brady@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330.

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.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

This is true for foreigners coming here for a better life and even for some returning Spaniards, who have been out of the country for years and now have returned - to find it all changed. Since I arrived here, full time in 2001, a lot has happened in Spain. I have witnessed rapid changing governments, attitudes, policies, laws, capital investments and so forth. From a country that was ruled by a dictatorship for many years, when the idea of entrepreneurship was a “dirty” word. Boo bad capitalist. Go home. But NOW… a lot has changed and I believe for the better for entrepreneurship in Spain, especially in the cyber sectors. The “be indie – be free” ideas are getting around. Micro economies, grass roots monetary solutions, entrepreneurs, continuous educators, healers, investors are starting to act local and global at the same time. Really, for anyone who is generating revenue from their computers by being online, (for example CEOs,

CFOs, translators, rental or sales properties, etc..) THEN, this is a place where you can enjoy a very comfortable and fun lifestyle only kilometers from the best beaches in the world. And that’s the truth. It is a lifestyle extraordinaire. It is even a great place for entrepreneurs who use the internet for their enhanced marketing and network building. This is the place to be hooked-up and connected. Why? The country is online everywhere with one of the biggest players in the cyber game. So big in fact, that it services other countries to boot. However, if want to support a local business then there are a host smaller players in the digital delivery services to choose from. The fact is that if you need a connection, you will find it here. I think this connectivity is largely due to its activities in the tourist sectors. This country does tourism very well. Again, another networked industry that is well constructed. You can count on Spain’s transportation services to basically be easy to book and on time, safe, easy, comfortable, great views - you get the

idea. And mobile phones - don’t get me started. Cellar communications towers are popping up everywhere. Everyone has a smart phone and is doing business while networking or lounging on the Mediterranean. In conclusion, anyone who is living here and is feeling the need to connect, then there is no excuse. Connection is not a problem in Spain - in so many ways. Connectivity isn’t just about being online, it is about people too. With good weather for the majority of the year, you can get outside a lot of the time, which is good for your health. Then you can get involved with an extraordinaire amount of social groups. You can also work here given that you have the right attitude and an entrepreneurial education and personal drive and of course a good business idea and some capital. My mother says that it is “better to be busy than bored”. And it’s true. So get busy! Get Connected! Be Indie – Be Free! Invest in Yourself. Love Everyone.

Karla Darocas . Darocas Media . Darocas.com . KarlaDarocas.com Mrs. Karla Darocas, Hons B.A., Educator www.Darocas.com, www.KarlaDarocas.com HOME: 96 597 3234 OFFICE: 648 156 066

Feature

Respect the difference* love the difference You cannot come to Spain and expect it to be the same as what you know.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

#life&leisure

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Three Kings visit local towns

TOWNS ACROSS the region welcomed the traditional “Three Kings” with thousands of children excitedly waiting for their gifts. Read the full story on page 42.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #gardening

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

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

Making your garden a chemical free zone THERE HAVE been increasing concerns during the past year regarding then general worsening of air quality in towns in Spain including along the Mediterranean Costas and the cavalier way in which potentially dangerous agricultural chemicals are sprayed with insufficient concern about the dangers to the sprayer, passers-by and neighbours in adjacent gardens. SO WHAT can we gardeners do to reverse the trend during 2016. Firstly only spray, apply with a watering can or dust when really necessary and then minimise the treatment to the affected branch or plant. Only use natural products or naturally sourced products. The following should cover your needs. BLACK OR POTASIUM SOAP SOLUTIONS, or as a fall back if you cannot trace the former an ecowashing up liquid. Useful for removing white green or black fly with a hand spray or using with a brush to remove mealy bugs. NATURAL SULPHUR POWDER. Useful for dusting leaves with mildew and getting rid of ants. NEEM OIL OR PRODUCTS INCLUDING NEEM OIL. A three to five ml to litre of water spray will solve most insect problems. Many garden centres now stock a neem product. If you can’t trace it locally contact trabe@trabe.net. They normally supply by mail order with payment on delivery. PROPOLIS. A bi-product from bee hives useful for treating honey fungus, sooty leaves and other fungal problems. Try a 5ml per litre of water spray oir apply with a small paint brush. NATURAL PROPRIETRY INSECT SPRAYS. Ask what your local horticultural shop or agricultural co-operative has for spraying olives and apricot trees. NATURAL BAITS. Many of the above outlets stock a natural powder or liquid bate For adding to purchased or home-made insect traps hung on fruit trees. NEUDORFF NATURAL SNAIL AND SLUG BAIT. This seems to work well Use sparingly and don’t watch out for piles of dead snails or slugs for they eat the pellets and go off to their lairs to die Comfrey leaves as a line around seedbeds can also be successful. WEED KILLERS. Use a gas or infrared wand or ten percent vinegar solution. Watch out for the Neudorf eco weed-killer that is no launched in the UK and will be hopefully in Spain this year. NATURAL GARLIC SPRAYS. Crush garlic and pour on hot water. Shake vigfourously and leave to stand for a day before using it as a neat or diluted spray especially on geraniums to deter geranium moths. GARLIC BULBS. Plant segments in containers or in the ground alongside geranium plants or under rose bushes. HORSETAIL INFUSIONS. Useful for spraying fungal attacks or for watering on with a watering can THYME LEAVES.An infusion of thyme leaves is a useful mild insecticide for use on tender plants. Even though you will hopefully be using natural products be polite and do not spray in a high wind or when neighbours are working or relaxing in their gardens.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

#tv&showbiz goss

by Peter Taylor

 AT THE time of writing I was surprised to find out that the venue for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, (SAGS), had not been decided upon, even although Saturday 30th of January is the set date. Yes, in three weeks’ time folks, somewhere in America, the closest contest in many a year for the best male actor award will unfold, and Leonardo Di Caprio and Eddie Redmayne´s roles in their respective films ´The Revenant´ and ´The Danish Girl´ are the battle field. Leonardo has never won a Sags, and Eddie won the Oscar last year … just to add a wee dab o´ extra tension.

SINCE THE Spice Girls performed at the London Olympics talk of them getting back together has been an annual event. The current one started a few weeks ago, with the standout comment coming from Mel C who said she ´wouldn´t do it unless Victoria B did as well.´ However, we now have input from Mel B, whom we all know is the boss, and she said to The Sun “Potentially, yeah, once we sort everything out we´ll make an announcement,” suggesting there’s been some pretty hefty meetings. What gives this latest bit of goss a fighting chance is that this year marks the group’s 20th anniversary. Watch this Space!

JANE AUSTEN’S Pride And Prejudice was ﬁrst published in 1813, and is surely one of those most extraordinary pieces of writing … ever. The BBC´s six part series in 1995 has established itself as the stellar production, with a cast that included Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. Also part of the cast was Crispin Bonham Carter, third cousin to Helena, but he gave up acting years ago, and currently teaches English and classics at Muswell Hill’s Alexandra Park School. He played the role of Mr Bingley in the show and said to The Independent “The response to me being Mr Bingley is to take the piss!” Poor chap!

YOU´VE GOT to feel for Louisa Johnson, 17 years old, winner of big TV talent show, then ill-advised on the song to release as her ﬁst single. The result of this diabolical decision making was that ´Forever Young´ entered the UK singles chart way down at number nine, the lowest ever entry position for a debut single from an X Factor winner. Simon Cowell said “it may have been the wrong song choice!” Yeh Right! Footnote; Louisa said to The Mirror “it´s a case of me going to the studio and trying things out, if they work they work, if they don’t they don’t, I´ll have to keep trying.” Lovely.

IT’S INCREDIBLE what famous folks give each other at Xmas, like for instance Lady Ga Ga´s record label giving her a pony, but I´m not here to bang on about wealth in action, in fact the exact opposite, but keep an eye as it’s got a bit of a sting in the tail. Zac Efron is the main player and it seems he got a stocking ﬁller from his mom and what she gave him was a box of penis-shaped pasta. It surely was! Zac shared a photo on Instagram with the caption: “You know your mom’s on point when she puts this in your stocking.” Is it me, or is this a bit weird?

It’s no wonder Princess Leia is now a General! IN THE beginning Hollywood was the dream factory that turned good looking people into to movie stars. Then the ´kitchen sink´ era of movie making kicked in in several European countries in the 60´s, featuring more ordinary looking folk, and this change eventually took effect over the pond, and soon the not so pretty became cool. We now we have a magnificent mix of all shapes and sizes, but one itty bitty fail still remains in place, and of all movies for it to be impacting on its Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The movie has broken every box-office record since its release a couple of weeks ago, so I´d imagine when the story of Carrie Fisher and internet trolls surfaced last week, the mass exodus to see the flick might´ve stalled a wee tad. Let me explain. I’ve long since been concerned by the operation of social media, as, although it works fantastically well in the right hands, it unfortunately has a capability; in wrong the hands, to turn the idle-lest of thoughts into a full on cyber-bullying attack! Somebody somewhere posted on Twitter how old Carrie is now looking, to which the actress bared her soft underbelly posting “please stop debating about whether or not I´ve aged well, unfortunately it hurts all of my feelings.” Carrie later told Time Magazine that she then posted “Along with ageing comes life experience, so in every way that is consistent with even being human, Leia has changed!” Excellent! The focus of the interview then shifted to the movie business and Carrie fired off “They might as well say ‘get younger!” Then on weight loss said “we treat beauty like an accomplishment, everyone in L.A. says, ‘Oh, you look good,’ It’s never ‘How are you?’ or ‘You seem happy!” Yoo the Woo-Man Carrie!

ODD LITTLE tale here about an actor and a bit of smuggling. In 2007 Nicholas Cage attended an auction in New York and got into a bidding war with, of all people, Leonardo Di Caprio, as they were both keen on owning a 65 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex skull. Cage´s bid of $276,000 eventually won him the macabre artefact. Sadly for Nicholas the Mongolian Government stated last week that the skull was smuggled into America illegally giving Cage no option but the return it to them. How does a smuggled Tyrannosaurus Rex skull finds its way into a top level auction?

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure people /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The lady of the lamp Jack Troughton CARELINE THEATRE plans to brighten up everyone’s January with a return to traditional panto and the magical story of Aladdin. Careline’s seasonal shows always bring plenty of thigh-slapping, songs and dance, boys dressed as girls and girls dressed as boys – as well as irresistible Christmas-cracker one line gags. However, Stage Manager Sonia Crabb has been the unsung hero of rehearsals. With cast members away on holiday or struck down by illness, she has filled in for each one of the principle characters from Aladdin to the Slave of the Ring. And Sonia has still found time to drop back cloths, move props, make sure scene changes go to plan...and even make tea.

Aladdin is directed by Jim Sissens and choreographed by Suzanna Mace and promises to be a colourful and entertaining affair. The box office remains open for bookings and the show runs from the Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th January at 8pm – with matinee performances at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Tickets are 12€ for adults and 8€ for children under 10. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount for prepaid reservations. To book call 652 294 750 or email carelineboxoffice@gmail.com. Opening night is ‘Party at the Panto’, a special fund raiser for HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta, Jalon Valley HELP, and the sheltered apartments project at Fontilles.

Terri Horvath Morris TERRI HORVATH Morris practise every Friday at Campoverde Town Hall from 4pm to 6pm from the beginning of September until the end of July. Anyone interested in joining this friendly group will be made very welcome. If you are relatively fit, male or female, any age, with or without dancing experience, they will teach you various forms of traditional English Morris dancing. They are also available to dance at any local charity event or fiesta throughout the coming year. For further details please contact the secretary, Heather, on 966 76 28 35 or email hgingele@hotmail.co.uk.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Rascals: New Year: New Look: New show: New Members COSTA BLANCA’S leading musical variety group, the Rascals, will bounce into the New Year with a new look. Commencing in mid-January, they will be starting rehearsals for a great new musical and comedy show, to be performed in May 2016. The show, entitled ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ is being put together by show director Annette Baldwin, with assistance from Michelle Grocutt and Julie Schoﬁeld. Annette has many years experience in musical theatre, and, whilst in the UK, took on leading roles in shows such as “Me and my Girl” and “Anything Goes”, to name just two. If you are a fan of the silver screen then you will be tapping your feet and singing along to such classics as ‘Sherry’ and ‘Can’t take my eyes oﬀ of you’ from the Jersey Boys, ‘Under the Boardwalk’ from the Drifters, a classic James Bond medley as well as some great comedy. The Rascals will also will be sporting their ‘new look’ polo shirts in preparation for a series of membership drives which will be held in January at Los Montesinos, San Luis, Almoradi, and La Marina. They are seeking new members to join them so if you would like to know more about the Rascals and the good work they do for charity and how you can help, then why not go along for a chat. Just look out for the guys and girls in their red shirts. The Rascals can be found from next week in Los Montesinos Square, Thursday, January 14th, from 11am to 3pm: Almoradi Market Square on Saturday, January 16th from 10am until 2pm: San Luis Square, Tuesday January 19th from 11am to 3pm and La Marina Square on Saturday January 23rd, from 10am to 2pm. Alternatively please go to their website: www.therascals.org, or call Annette on 965 99 34 86.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #horoscopes

Kenny Corris kennycorris@hotmail.com 686 361 594

 Venus conjuncts Saturn and you would be right to put the brakes on in a situation of the heart which you believe is just going too fast. Nothing really changes but you do have to be sure that your timings are mutual and your desires reciprocated. Saturn is scrupulous just as Venus is loving, but in this situation both of you have to agree to agree, or not! Mercury squares on Capricorn and it would seem as if better links of communication are the next move. The daring actions of a ribald Capricorn allow you to take a chance, when the time is right, and you have to look for that loophole because it will enable you. Finally, you are thinking outside the box, and now at last your faith will reward you. Ceres calls time and timbre this week and things are about to change for the best. It would seem as if that which you have long been waiting for is about to become a reality. You may think yourself lucky, but coupled by sheer determination and your patience, you are about to be rewarded big time, and nobody deserves it more than you do. Someone’s been economical with the truth, and it has put you in a difficult situation. With Capricorn in cahoots with Mercury, now the cat is out of the bag at last; and though you will find it hard to distance yourself from all this, you yourself have done nothing wrong. The solution will have to, be to just walk away with your head held high. The midweek trine with the Sun in Jupiter brings you blessings all around; just as it opens a door to what you really want to do next. Just like a Golden Handshake, Jupiter merges good luck and good fortune, and to have all this backed by the intense energies of the Sun, brings you to be able to see a new horizon that’s far too good to miss. The Mercury and Sun conjunction sheds light on a dilemma you are currently embroiled in. It must seem as if you are dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t....but the far seeking energy of the Sun squares things once and for all. Mercury ensures that the right message gets through, and the Sun in Jupiter brings you lucky golden blessings in each ray. Starting this New Year off in style you are preparing yourself for the months ahead, and yet there seems to be a touch of sadness as an anniversary of the past looms. Saturn brings wisdom into your wealth of knowledge whilst Venus brings you back some of that lost love that you really need. All these actions bring you back to balance and raring to go. Looking to actions in your opposing sign of Taurus, you are strangely numb and finding it very hard to take in the new when the old is not yet dead and buried, as indeed, it should be. The past is over and it should just be swept away because the astrological energies of now bring you to be in the right place at the right time at long last! Jupiter is under the control of Ceres, ordaining time and season, and the Sun, which seems to be illuminating a clear way ahead to see you well on your way for the formation of a great year ahead. Unafraid to be there at the start of something new it is time to enjoy your creature comforts and admit that you are in a better place right now. Mercury enters and seems to be in action already to ensure that you are well protected and that you feel free to take on that which you need to. This means the elimination of nagging doubt and the sharing with others who could just be that right shoulder to lean on if you let them. Stop the holding back on your true feelings and just be yourself. Sometimes you are left feeling that you are alone in making decisions because a partner seems to rely on you to come up with the right solution. You are highly psychic and in the scheme of life you rarely put a foot wrong. What you need now is a stepping stone that gives you freedom to take a lucky chance and more faith in your own abilities. Shortly you will be asked to take the helm and it will show others that you are not to be messed with as well as allowing you a challenge that you will actively enjoy. Creativity is heightened with a strong connection to Ceres, governor of zest and timing, and it gives you that green light that you have been waiting for and that you will act upon.

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

A golden opportunity to strike out on a new project because it will set a precedent and this could very well be the start of something. As a new door opens to invite you in, it will take guts to walk through it though!

Paris Tale

PARIS WAS as lovely as ever when I made a brief visit just before Christmas last year to stay with friends for a few days.Whilst many people seemed very surprised that I was going there after the appalling acts of terrorism just a couple of weeks previously, I was actually all the more determined to go. Having been very quiet after all the shootings the city had fortunately rallied and bars and restaurants throughout the city were happily thronging with people once again. Personally no act of terrorism would discourage me from changing my plans, and I was even more keen on paying my respects in the Place de la Republique where candles are still burning in defiance, each marking the cold blooded murder of an innocent person. I was in good company as it would seem since Madonna herself came to light a candle the very day of my visit. Naturally I had made plans for some last minute Christmas shopping. My list was growing every day and it was only two weeks before the festivities. I had a couple of presents to buy from Guerlain, and had located their opulent store on the Champs-Elysees. However instead on a trip with friends one cold afternoon came across the famous Department Store, Le Bon Marche. After airport style security at the entrance I was deemed safe to enter and immediately homed in on the Guerlain counter. I had the strangest of feelings as I approached. A feeling that I have had so many times that indicates someone from Spirit was trying to work through me. This feeling excites me but it is always a strange feeling to feel that you are being taken over, especially amidst a shopping public; and I always have the last say of either yes or no, and I knew that I had to say yes this time. Amongst the dozen or so glamourous sales assistants was a very pretty woman, about fifty years old, and I was led to her. There wasn’t time to explain and I found myself looking at her and passing on a message of true love from her departed father. She was shocked because she could only see the face of her father, who had died last summer, and she burst into tears and we found a quiet corner to talk things over. I explained that her father had fought to live and didn’t want to leave her....and she said that she was waiting for him to come to tell her that he was safe in Spirit. As Christmas was coming she was to spend her first Christmas without the father she missed so very much. After that I cried too and amidst the crowds a friendship between us has started. I explained that I am not the kind of person to go around giving everybody messages but that I was led by Spirit to assure Isabelle that her father was safe and a survivor in the Spirit World at that time, that day in the Guerlain department of a Paris store. So often I have to remain silent knowing that not all messages cannot be passed on. So often I must close down my energies and accept that I must just say no. I have to carefully consider if the recipient could cope with a message sent through me in such a way and though I am never afraid, the World is not full of Isabelles; who has herself started to look more deeply into Spiritual matters since her experience with me. She says that it has changed her life and that she had asked to see her father one more time, if that was possible. Sometimes wishes come true, but uniting a grieving daughter with her deceased father gave me much pleasure that day and even now I have a big smile on my face as I pass this story on to you!

Kenny‛s Postbag

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

KENNY, I recently did the Tarot for myself and it has really upset me and I cannot get it out of my mind, especially since I am waiting for it to happen very soon and it aﬀects my health. Can you help me? Anita B. Self Tarot is a big no-no and it should never ever be attempted, and, quite honestly I would therefore disregard anything that has come up in any self divination process. Perhaps a reading with a good Tarot reader right now would be the best way of allaying your fears; but please no more playing around with the cards on your own behalf! Personally I think that you have nothing whatsoever to worry about.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Sudoku

Quick Crossword

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 56.

ACROSS 6. Exceedingly (7) 7. Begin (5) 9. Devoutness (5) 10. Advent (7) 12. Incitement (11) 14. Disbelief (11) 18. Clearness (7) 19. Amusing (5) 21. Grown-up (5) 22. Aid (7)

Doodle box

DOWN 1. Characteristic (5) 2. Rope for holding animal (6) 3. Beer (3) 4. Severe (6) 5. Maker (7) 8. Dribble (7) 11. Greed (7) 13. Contain (7) 15. Seldom (6) 16. Three times (6) 17. Mock (5) 20. Colour (3)

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 6. Following a night of bereavement apparently (7) 7. Grit needs fortune at the pithead (5) 9. Externally dispose of half the girl. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stiff (5) 10. Sleeping man stepped back outside (7) 12. Depressed about own odd trend (11) 14. A number fit in presently with a loud start - must be a city bloke (4-7) 18. Fleece the chap at the dairy (7) 19. Open up and confess (5) 21. Intends assets (5) 22. Running payment for the dog house? (7) DOWN 1. Harmful side in a Christian Fellowship without aspiration (5) 2. One dingo mongrel is almost blue (6) 3. How many on a point? (3) 4. Silently came into view, apparently with feathers (6) 5. Put houses up having tin with metre (7) 8. Company right and right again. Also no love for enclosures (7) 11. Eskimo? (7) 13. Idle Pat is upset and becomes braided (7) 15. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s captivating. Thanks to the monarch (6) 16. Last aim on the river (6) 17. Joints disrupted. Beastly pride (5) 20. Smuggling includes pot (3)

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

HAHCB and the Inn On The Green

CUSTOMERS OF The Inn On The Green Bar at Entre Naranjos have been enjoying some games of bingo and other social events during 2015, all organized by Josie Rose and Dot Schofield. by KEITH NICOL NOT ONLY were these fun activities for the local community but at the same time it was helping a good cause. Josie and Dot raised the magnificent sum of 500€ for Help At Home Costa Blanca through their efforts and they hope to raise even more this year. Help at Home Costa Blanca offers a little temporary free help in the homes of people who are not well or have just come out of

hospital. They also offer a little respite care, advice and help with transport for their clients to hospital and doctors appointments. HAHCB is a registered charity, with all their staff being volunteers. The head office is situated in their charity shop that is located at C.C. Flamenca Beach, Calle Niágara, Orihuela Costa. You can contact them by telephone: 965 32 87 94: email: charitycentre. helpathomecb@gmail.com or enquires for the Quesada Branch through: 693 02 70 26.

Joan Waddington from the Quesada Branch receiving the donation from Josie

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Three Kings visit local towns by CAROLINE TYSZKA TOWNS ACROSS the region welcomed the traditional “Three Kings” with thousands of children excitedly waiting for their gifts. Benidorm’s parade did not disappoint the hundreds of children who had been waiting patiently for their chance to receive a gift from the Kings, with a magnificent parade of floats which were both traditional and modern. For the younger children the “Minions” float caused much delight as did the nativity scene, which for the first time involved many animals. As well as the traditional donkeys, camels and horses, geese were part of the parade, casually taking their place within the slow moving extravaganza. Live music accompanied the parade, which started at 6pm, as it wound its way around the streets in the old town area of Benidorm. Elsewhere in the region, La Nucia streets were lined with an estimated 3,000 people as the majestic parade headed through the town to the Auditorium area where the children received their gifts from the Kings. In Altea, the crowds were not disappointed as they watched the marching bands, characters from Disney films, horses with carts full of presents, flower girls and, of course, the usual fireworks. In contrast to other years, many were disappointed with the Alfaz del Pi parade, as it seemed cost cutting played a large part in what was described as a disgrace by one attendee. The parade, which normally travelled through the town, had a far more limited route this year, leaving many who had attended previous times waiting at the wrong viewing points. When they did catch up with the parade, they described their disappointment for the children who had waited to see just a few floats and a donkey.

Crossroads Coffee House event is coming to Javea On 16th January, Crossroads Coffee House comes to Quo Vadis in the Javea beach area. Crossroads is 2 year old social network of creative folk who like to share their talents within an atmosphere dedicated to a performance culture. Mid-morning (11am) coffee house events offer performers and audiences a musical experience considerably different from a concert hall or theatre. These events are intimate, friendly, informal and relaxing. They are open to everyone, including young folk, who are free to enter, and encouraged to join in the performances. Because Crossroads is an informal atmosphere and hosts a lively supportive audience, these events provide an excellent entry point for new talent, a portal in which

emerging artists can hone their craft, whether they are performing strictly traditional material or testing their own songs. The introduction of coffee into Europe and England in the 15th and 16th centuries brought a powerful drug, caffeine, into those cultures, fuelling the ‘enlightenment’. Instead of besotting themselves with alcohol, patrons of coffee houses drank coffee (which preceded the introduction of tea to England by a century), and the effects on political and philosophical conversations, and in consequence on the intellectual and political life of the times, were dramatic. (Wikipedia) To attend, you must register on online at www.CBBlues. com, or telephone 648 15 60 66.

Five day Christmas

MEMBERS OF U3A Denia enjoyed being ‘one big happy family’ for a ﬁve day Christmas party at La Zenia. Blessed with sunshine and full of festive spirit, 80 members and friends tucked into a Gala Dinner with a variety of meats, fruits and vegetables – but not a brussel sprout in sight! And they also discovered Father Christmas does exist and everyone was delighted to receive gifts from Santa on Christmas Day. The group also enjoyed one of the more unusual attractions of Las Zenia when the townspeople and visitors gather on the beach on 25th December – described as “a sight to behold”. The group also visited the ‘belen’ – the traditional nativity scene – in Torrevieja and a trip to Cartagena.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Another successful night for Torrevieja stroke support ONCE AGAIN, diners at Restaurante El Alto La Dolores showed their generosity by raising 700 euros for Torrevieja Stroke Support.

Paul Owen from TSS receives the money from organiser Marlene Brown. Also pictured are Patricia Owen and co-organiser, Joan Rampton.

by PATRICIA THOMPSON THE RESTAURANT’S monthly fund-raising nights are always well attended, with patrons digging deep into their pockets. Torrevieja Stroke Support provide so much help to stroke suﬀerers and their carers. Weekly social meetings are held at their centre in La Siesta, where services and activities include physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, exercise classes, quizzes and petanca, and they often have guest speakers on informative topics, day trips and meals out. In addition to services at the centre, TSS also

provide home visits (rehab. at reduced cost), repatriation, advice on requirements for returning to the UK, nursing care, ﬁnancial support, carer support, and help and advice on accessing a care home in their local area. TSS is run by extremely hard working volunteers, with charges limited to professional services such as physiotherapy etc. The next fund-raiser held at this venue, in Guardamar, will be on 17th February, when money will be raised for Alzheimers Association (AFA). The very popular singer/guitarist Woody will be entertaining, so it’s bound to be another sell-out night.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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

Cleaning up

Dear aunty virus, I have a Asus Netbook using Windows 7. After cleaning the system & removing some items I did not need in an effort to increase the speed &, at the same time, changing from Internet Express to Firefox, the funcion keys do not work. What have I done & how can it be put right? Jeffrey Response: So it appears you have removed or disabled the drivers or software that controls the Function Keys. Sometimes if you have simply disabled them you can turn them back on again : Just go to Start and type: C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\ATK Package\ATK Hotkey\HControl.exe and press enter. Or search for “ HControl.exe”. And that is the program that controls your Function Keys. IF not then you will have to go to the Asus support website and download the drivers and software for your Notebook and reinstall them.

Tablet switiching off Hi Aunty Virus I’m wondering if you can help me, I have a AgfaPhoto 7’’ tablet model 40970 and Jellybean Android 4.2.2 and owned this product for the last 14 months. However, over the last week or so it keeps switching itself off, its getting quite irritating as I’m trying to get things done. The battery is fully charged and is attached to a keyboard, I’ve tried everything I can think of, but now have come to a dead end. Please Help. Regards Jayne Response: This could be an issue with the battery, and is a sign that the battery is failing. It could also mean a loose connection somewhere inside. Have you tried it without the keyboard attached in case that is the issue? Or it could be a problem with the operating system or an application you have installed – which may be able to be resolved by saving any important documents off the tablet, and then resetting the tablet to factory settings.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

tv listings 8th January - 14th January 2016

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friday 8th January

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News and Weather 14:45 Father Brown 15:30 For What It’s Worth 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC London News and Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:25 BBC London News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:25 Would I Lie to You? 24:55 You Again

BBC2

07:00 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 07:45 Homes Under the Hammer 08:45 Close Calls: On Camera 09:15MasterChef: The Professionals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Darts: BDO World Championships 17:15 Coast 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 What to Buy and Why 22:00 Royal Wives at War 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Weather 24:05 Darts: BDO World Championships 24:55 Albatross

saturday 9th January

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:00 BBC News Weather 13:10 Football Focus 14:00 Live Athletics 15:30 Live Darts: BDO World Championships 17:30 Final Score 18:20 Now You See It 18:50 BBC News 19:00 BBC Regional News and Weather 19:10 Celebrity Mastermind 19:40 Pointless Celebrities 20:30 The Voice UK 22:05 Casualty 22:55 The National Lottery Live 23:05 BBC News; Weather 23:25 Match of the Day: The FA Cup

BBC2

07:10 NFL Highlights 08:00 Jubal 09:40 The Importance of Being Earnest 11:10 Animal Park 12:10 Natural World 13:00 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 14:30 Homes Under the Hammer 15:15 Money for Nothing 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 For What It’s Worth 17:30 Live Darts: BDO World Championships 19:00 Flog It! 19:30 World’s S neakiest Animals 20:30 Victorian Bakers 21:30 Dad’s Army 22:00 Live at the Apollo 22:45 Insert Name Here 23:15 QI XL 24:00 Dragons’ Den

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

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 Central 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 Mr Selfridge 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 Birds of a Feather 24:10 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 14:10 Four in a Bed 14:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 22:00 Amy 24:35 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 19:55 5 News Tonight 20:00 Pussies Galore: Love Me, Love My Cats 21:00 Puppies Make You Laugh Out Loud 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Lip Sync Battle UK 23:30 Celebrity Big Brother 24:05 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 The Cube 08:00 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Emmerdale 10:05 You’ve Been Framed! 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 Emmerdale 14:15 The Hot Desk 14:30 The Lake House 16:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Hot Fuzz 24:25 Take Me Out

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:45 Charmed 08:35 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 The Goldbergs 10:30 The Goldbergs 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 16:00 Melissa & Joey 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Come Dine with Me 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop II 24:05 The Big Bang Theory 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05 Sooty 08:15 Super 4 08:30 Scrambled! 08:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:10 Nerds & Monsters 09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:05 The Tom & Jerry Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:20 ITV News 13:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:30 Judge Rinder 15:30 The Chase 16:30 Doc Martin 17:30 The Martin Lewis Money Show 18:00 Ninja Warrior UK 19:00 ITV News 19:30 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 Ninja Warrior UK 21:00 Take Me Out 22:15 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:20 ITV News 23:35 Sex and the City 2

07:15 The King of Queens 07:40 The King of Queens 08:05 The King of Queens 08:30 Ironman France 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Von Ryan’s Express 13:20 The World’s Most Famous Train 14:25 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:35 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:05 Channel 4 News 19:35 Location, Location, Location 20:30 Britain’s Wildest Weather 2015 22:00 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 24:50 The Day the Earth Stood Still

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 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 13:25 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 14:25 Columbo: How to Dial a Murder 16:00 Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder 18:00 Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud 19:00 5 News Weekend 19:05 World War II in Colour 20:05 World War II: Battlefield Recovery 21:00 Chasing Monsters 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Jason Manford Live at the Manchester Apollo 24:05 Lip Sync Battle UK 24:40 Tattoo Disasters UK

itv2

07:00 Emmerdale 09:40 Coronation Street 12:05 Ninja Warrior UK 13:10 Ninja Warrior UK 14:15 You’ve Been Framed! 14:40 The Lake House 16:45 Nanny McPhee 18:45 Jurassic Park 21:10 Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands 22:15 Take Me Out - The Gossip 23:20 The Fast and the Furious

The Fast and the Furious 23.20

07:00 How I Met Your Mother 07:45 Baby Daddy 08:35 Melissa & Joey 09:30 The Goldbergs 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:25 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:20 Come Dine with Me 14:55 Space Chimps 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 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 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 24:00Gogglebox 24:50Gogglebox

YouTube videos of the week Shark fishing is a real attention grabber and this fist offering is no different. It’s only a short vid taken off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand on Christmas Eve, but more than worthy. ´Shark Leaps Out of Water in Northern New Zealand.´ Staying in the fish theme, a wee cracker about a conger eel that loves jazz ´Congrio a ritmo de jazz´

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

sunday 10th January BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 08:25 Match of the Day: The FA Cup 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics London 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Songs of Praise 14:50 For What It’s Worth 15:35 Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough 16:35 Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup 19:05 BBC News 19:30 Countryfile 20:30 Still Open All Hours 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 War & Peace 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC London News 23:30 Match of the Day: The FA Cup 24:25 Signs

07:30 City beneath the Sea 09:00 Monty Don’s Italian Gardens 10:00Countryfile 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:15 James Martin: Home Comforts 14:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 18:00 Ski Sunday 18:45 Live Darts: BDO World Championships 21:00 Dragons’ Den 22:00 My Mediterranean with Adrian Chiles 23:00 A Life on Screen Stephen Fry 24:00 Snooker: The Masters 24:50 Disconnect

07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05 Sooty 08:15 Super 4 08:30 Scrambled! 08:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:10 Nerds & Monsters 09:30 Bear Grylls’ Survival School 10:05 The Tom & Jerry Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:35 ITV News and Weather 13:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:50 Ninja Warrior UK 15:55 Thunderball 18:30 ITV News Central 19:00 Unbelievable Moments Caught on Camera 20:00 Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands 21:00 Endeavour 23:00 ITV News and Weather 23:15 Joanna Lumley’s TransSiberian Adventure 24:15 Premiership Rugby Union

07:15 How I Met Your Mother 07:40 The King of Queens 08:05 The King of Queens 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 14:30 Location, Location, Location 15:35 The Simpsons 16:05 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 17 Again 19:00 Channel 4 News 19:20 Ice Age 4: Continental Drift 21:00 Walking the Himalayas 22:00 Deutschland 83 23:00 The 80s: Ten Years That Changed Britain 24:30 Footloose

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Blaze and the Monster Machines 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Wanda and the Alien 10:10 Jelly Jamm 10:20 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:30LazyTown 10:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:30 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 11:55 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 13:50 Over Her Dead Body 15:35 The First Wives Club 17:35 Herbie: Fully Loaded 19:35 5 News Weekend 19:40 Star Trek: Generations 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 The Bafta Britannia Awards 2015 24:55 The River Wild

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:15Emmerdale 10:05 Coronation Street 12:40 Take Me Out 13:55 Take Me Out - The Gossip 15:00 Catchphrase 15:45 Bean 17:30 The Lost World: Jurassic Park 20:00 Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang 22:00 Casino Royale 24:55 FHM: The Last of the Lads’ Mags

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:45 Rules of Engagement 08:05 Baby Daddy 08:35 Baby Daddy 09:00 Melissa & Joey 09:30 Melissa & Joey 10:00 The Goldbergs 10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00Hollyoaks 13:30 Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 15:05 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 Iron Man 22:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 23:00 Tattoo Fixers 24:00 The Inbetweeners 24:35 The Inbetweeners

Casino Royale 22.00

of the “ Quote Week

“

Catherine Tate has re-emerged recently, and brought her outrageous style back for us to enjoy. Playing her Nan, Catherine´s time is certainly now, as our quote this week from the internet proves “Do you want a full series for Nan?” Answered by 92% saying “YES! - Worra f***ing laugh!” monday 11th January BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Father Brown 15:30 For What It’s Worth 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven and Weather 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out London 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Silent Witness 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:45 Tracey Ullman’s Show 24:15 Have I Got News for You 24:45 The Graham Norton Show

BBC2

07:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Close Calls: On Camera 09:15 World’s Sneakiest Animals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Only Connect 22:00 Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher 23:00 Insert Name Here 23:30Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Snooker: The Masters

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 Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Griff’s Great Britain 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 Saved 24:40 The Chase

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 How to Lose Weight Well 22:00 The Undateables 23:00 Crashing 23:35 Tattoo Fixers 24:35 Bodyshockers

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 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Left to Die: the Sandra and Tammi Chase Story 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Gotham 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 The Cube 08:00 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 10:05 Coronation Street 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:45 Baby Mama 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 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 21 Jump Street 24:10 The Keith Lemon Sketch Show 24:45 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:45 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 The Goldbergs 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Y our Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 All Hail the Veil 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Scream Queens 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

tuesday 12th January BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two and Weather 14:45 Father Brown 15:30 For What It’s Worth 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Silent Witness 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:30 BBC Regional News 23:45 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK 24:40 A Simple Plan

BBC2

07:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Close Calls: On Camera 09:15 Thief Trackers 09:45 Caught Red Handed 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Victorian Bakers 22:00 Stargazing Live 23:00 Stargazing Live: Back to Earth 23:30Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 NFL Highlights

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 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 The Kyle Files 21:00Trawlermen Tales 22:00 Saved 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News Central 23:40 Britain’s Biggest Adventures with Bear Grylls 24:40 Double Decker Driving School

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Tricks of the Restaurant Trade 21:30 Travel Man: 48 Hours in 22:00 Derren Brown: Pushed to the Edge 23:35 Very British Problems 24:35 24 Hours in A&E

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Stranger in an Amish Town 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Puppies Make You Laugh Out Loud 21:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 The Secret Life of the Family 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 The Cube 08:00 Dinner Date 09:05Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 10:05 Coronation Street 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:45 The Perfect Man 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:55 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Mom 22:30 Mom 23:00 American Pie 2

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:45 Charmed 08:35 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 The Goldbergs 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 All Hail the Veil 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Tattoo Fixers 23:00 Beverly Hills Cop II

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

wednesday 13th January BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Father Brown 15:30 For What It’s Worth 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven and Weather 19:30 BBC Regional News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Dickensian 21:30 Would I Lie to You? 22:00 Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:45 Match of the Day

07:00 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 07:45 Homes Under the Hammer 08:45 Close Calls: On Camera 09:15 Caught Red Handed 09:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Trust Me, I’m a Doctor 22:00 Stargazing Live 23:00 Russell Howard’s Good News 23:30Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Snooker: The Masters

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 19:25 Party Political Broadcast 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 The World According to Kenny Everett 24:40 The Kyle Files

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 14:10 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Mary Portas Secret Shopper 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00Bodyshockers 24:05 The Undateables

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Ann Rule’s Too Late to Say Goodbye 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 21:00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 My Name Is - And I’m an Alcoholic 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 The Cube 08:00 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 You’ve Been Framed! 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 You’ve Been Framed! 14:15 Sweet November 16:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 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 Quantum of Solace 24:10 The Keith Lemon Sketch Show 24:45 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:45 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 The Goldbergs 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 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 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 All Hail the Veil 21:00 Home Alone 23:05 Supernatural 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Restoration Man 23:00 Busting the Drugs Millions: Inside the National Crime Agency 24:05 24 Hours in A&E

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15Peppa Pig 09:25Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Final Recourse 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 21:00 Britain’s Bloody Crown 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Celebrity Botched Up Bodies 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 07:10 08:00 09:05 09:35 10:05 10:35 11:20 12:20 13:10 13:45 14:15 14:30 16:35 17:45 18:50 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 24:25

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:45 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 The Goldbergs 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 22:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 23:00Gogglebox 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

Thursday 14th January BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Father Brown 15:30 For What It’s Worth 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News and Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Dickensian 21:30 Room 101 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:45 Question Time 24:45 This Week

07:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Close Calls: On Camera 09:15 Great British Menu 09:45 Caught Red Handed 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Live Snooker: The Masters 21:00 World’s Sneakiest Animals 22:00 Stargazing Live 23:00 The Clare Balding Show 23:30Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Snooker: The Masters

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 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Birds of a Feather 22:00 Jericho 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 The Brits Are Coming 24:40Trawlermen Tales

The Hot Desk The Cube Dinner Date Emmerdale Coronation Street You’ve Been Framed! Catchphrase Dinner Date Royal Pains Emmerdale Coronation Street The Hot Desk What a Girl Wants The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Take Me Out You’ve Been Framed! Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Hot Fuzz Celebrity Juice

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

by Sara

life&leisure ask Sara

Bell

Life Coach

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WITH A background in family and matrimonial 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.

New Year’s Resolutions I always make a list of new year’s resolutions, with well meant intentions of sticking to them, but I find that I give up very quickly. Any suggestions?

Office Casanova

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There’s a guy at work that I have always had a crush on, and at the Christmas party, we ended up under the mistletoe. I spent the whole of the holidays thinking we were going to get together. Now that Christmas is over, he’s gone all cold on me. The other girls in my office warned me that he is a ‘love them and leave them’ type, but he said that we would definitely go out on a date in the New Year, and I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s affecting my work. I think maybe you should listen to the other girls at work, and forget about any kind of relationship with this guy, especially if he has a reputation. You were swept along with the festivities of Christmas, and the romance of it all, but if he is ignoring you I would take the hint from that. It‘s disappointing, but it’s time to look elsewhere for a nicer guy.

by KEITH NICOL

A new year can make us all feel like turning over a new leaf. Here are some tips for sticking to your resolutions. Ask yourself what resolutions would give you the most happiness in your life. Make very specific, concrete plans to carry out the changes. Start with small achievable goals. By aiming too high you will soon become discouraged. If you want to get fit, start with a ten minute walk everyday for a month, then move on to a bigger goal. Tell as many people as you possibly can about your resolutions. This is how you will hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals. Nothing is as effective as peer pressure. So tell all your friends, family, co-workers, about your resolutions, even post it on social media. Lastly, accept that you might not achieve results straight away, don‘t allow yourself to give up. Just chalk a bad day as a blip, and resolve to start again the next day. 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.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #people /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Melody Makers make entertainment

THE EVER-POPULAR 70-strong chorus, Melody Makers International, are in final rehearsals for their latest show, “That’s Entertainment”, to be performed in the exotic setting of the Orihuela Costa Resort at La Zenia on Saturday 30th January. by Patricia Thompson There will be two performances, at 2pm and 8pm. The show, directed and conducted by Nigel Hopkins, will feature many popular favourites including:- Bridge Over Troubled Water (no.1 hit over Christmas)’, Fix You, Rock Around The Clock, One Moment In Time, Phantom of the Opera medley, and many, many more. Some of the finest soloists on the Costa are featured in the show which will include comedy routines, and also a special performance by a small close harmony group. The show will be accompanied by a professional band from the UK, led by Matthew Hopkins, Director of Music at Nottingham Trent University, who will be visiting La Zenia with his famous award-winning Chamber Choir on their Spanish tour in April. Melody Makers International are supporting the most worthwhile charity, Debra, the Butterfly Children’s Charity, for those with the serious condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This is a rare disease where blisters and wounds occur spontaneously and with even the slightest touch. As well as the MMI support there will be a bucket collection for the charity. Nigel Hopkins has even written a song about the condition (EB) called Butterfly, which will be performed by the three youngest soloists of the evening. Tickets for this entertainment for all the family, matinee 10€ and evening 12€, are available from several outlets, including La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia, The Card Place at both Punta Prima and Benimar, and also the Debra Charity Shops at Quesada and San Fulgencio.

New Year swim FOR THE third year running, Aemon and Gill Elliott from The Blarney Stone have kick-started the fund raising for AECC, Maria and the Pink Ladies with their annual New Year’s day swim.

A dozen of the bar’s patrons, and Simon Morton from Sunshine FM, braved the calm but chilly Mediterranean sea on a beautiful sunny new year’s day. With hats, wigs and even a Christmas dress, the fund raisers seemed to enjoy the fifteen minute splash around. After donations were collected by all the well-wishers on the beach, spectators and swimmers headed to The Blarney Stone for some well deserved free food provided by Aemon and Gill. The presentation of the funds raised will take place on the 28th January at The Blarney Stone, which will include a raffle and entertainment from Ritchie Alexander.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #Spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

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

Past simple tense: ‘Dar’ y ‘hacer’

I BELIEVE that if you start a subject, you might just as well go for the whole thing and worry about remembering it all later on. SO WE are covering the whole of the past simple tense and have so far looked at regular verb endings and a few which have minor changes in the third person. So we will now go for the irregular verbs, of which there are quite a few. There’s not a lot that can be said or done to make these any more palatable than they are, which they are not. When I write a sentence like that in English, I wonder about my skills as a language teacher. So, with that magniﬁcent introduction we will start with a common, often used, irregular past tense verb, namely DAR meaning “to give”. This is how it goes: di diste dio dimos disteis dieron

I gave you gave he or she gave we gave you (plural) gave they gave

“He gave me the book”, therefore is “me dio el libro”. “We gave them the directions.” “les dimos las direcciones”. “I gave it to you yesterday” “te lo di ayer”. “Did you (plu) give the children

the sweets?” “¿Disteis los caramelos a los niños?” Notice that in a question we don’t translate “Did”. It is as though we are saying “You gave the sweets to the children?” Another issue has emerged here which is the “object pronouns” (me, les, te, lo etc.) We will come back to them a little later. Now for another irregular verb in this tense: HACER which means “to make” or “to do”. This is very useful for asking questions about people actions in the past. Here it is ﬁrst in all its glory: hice hiciste hizo hicimos hicisteis hicieron

I did/made you did/ made he or she did/made we did / made you (plural) did/made they did/made

Take That tribute THE POP phenomenon called ‘Take That’ comes to the Costa Blanca on Tuesday 26th January with a tribute act presented by Teulada Moraira Lions.

The group has been performing for over 25 years and has outgrown its ‘boy band’ status to become a very real part of the music scene. The tribute brings the sound alive at Espai La Senieta, Moraira, from 8pm. The talents of Take That endure. The band managed to take a cover of the Bee Gees song ‘How Deep is Your Love’ to Number 1 – and stay there for three weeks – the original stalled at number 3. And the group chosen by the Lions do full justice to the sound of Take That and will be enjoyed by all. Tickets are 15€ and can be reserved by calling 96 649 1917 or by email to colinlilley1424@gmail.com.

A typical question therefore is “¿Qué hiciste ayer?” “What did you do yesterday?” You can already answer this question quite competently with the verbs already studied in the past tense. Have a go at it now! You probably won’t need the verb “hacer” in the answer but you might want to say “I went” which is “fui”. Yes, this is a highly irregular form of that lovely verb “ir”. We have that to look forward to next week. See you then.

Crossword Solutions for Last Week CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Plunder; 7 Veils; 9 One; 10 Proffered; 12 Tape measure; 15 French chalk; 17 Stammerer; 19 Gay; 21 Yearn; 22 Servant. Down: 1 Blunt; 2 End; 3 Peer; 4 Reversals; 5 Allegro; 8 Afresh; 11 Say no more; 13 Echoed; 14 Fritter; 16 Banns; 18 Eyes; 20 Ivy. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Musical; 7 Petty; 9 Jet; 10 Appraisal; 12 Acknowledge; 15 Contemplate; 17 Deference; 19 Art; 21 Agree; 22 Engrave. Down: 1 Quiet; 2 Aim; 3 Rasp; 4 Delineate; 5 Strange; 8 Trowel; 11 Scattered; 13 Number; 14 Foreign; 16 Grave; 18 Cant; 20 Era.

Suduko Answer

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #animals

Facts and myths explained: The Shark

Bless them all The Goblin Shark

ANIMALS CARED for by Javea-based charity APASA will receive a traditional blessing at a special “Fiestas San Antonio” on Saturday 16th January.

The charity – Asociacion Protectora de Animals de San Antonio – takes its name from the patron saint of animals; his actual ‘saint’s day’ is 17th January; when beasts of burden and pets across Spain can expect a sprinkling of holy water. APASA’s party starts at 1pm at the Javea shelter where there will be music, drinks, food, tombola, and stalls. It is an occasion many dogs found ‘forever homes’ by the charity come back to the centre. Last year Father Steve Foster, part of the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy, assisted by his wife Ruth was delighted to bless the animals for the ﬁrst time. AND APASA is running a shopping trip to Valencia on Monday 18th January – oﬀering either the shops of the city centre or the huge Bon Aire complex. Tickets are 15€; to book or for more information, call Mandy on 639 603 880 or Sue on 96 574 1668 or 606 588 197.

by GIL FINNIGAN NOT ALL sharks swim on the surface. The Ocean floor is deeper than the tallest mountain if not deeper, There are sharks that live at these depths where there is no light and the pressure is that great it could crush a submarine like a tin can! These sharks are rarely seen or heard about, occasionally rising in the night to feed on mainly squid and whatever they can find. They are mainly scavengers eating rotten carcases and whatever falls to the bottom. They are pretty much blind as they don’t have light down where they are, so over time they slowly disappeared or became two black holes rarely used. They rely greatly on their sense of smell and the electrical fields given off by living things. Sometimes when they come up they get caught in fishermen’s lines. If they don’t die they become a crucial part into learning more about these eerie creatures. There are many species of deep sea shark and new species are still being discovered. One in particular catches the eye of everyone…

Shark of the week

THE GOBLIN SHARK: The Blacktip Reef Shark, also known as the Carcharhinus LimThe goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a rare species of deep-sea shark. This pink-skinned animal has a distinctive proﬁle with an elongated, ﬂattened snout, and highly protrusible jaws containing up to 110 prominent

nail-like teeth. It is usually between 3 and 4 m (10 and 13 ft) long when mature, though it can grow considerably larger. Goblin sharks inhabit upper continental slopes, submarine canyons, and seamounts throughout the world at depths greater than 100 m (330 ft), with adults found deeper than juveniles. Various anatomical features of the goblin shark, such as its flabby body and small fins, suggest that it is sluggish in nature. This species hunts for fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans both near the sea floor and in the middle of the water column. Its long snout is covered with ampullae of Lorenzini that enable it to sense minute electric fields produced by nearby prey, which it can snatch up by rapidly extending its jaws Given the depths at which it lives, the goblin shark poses no danger to humans. A few specimens have been collected alive and brought to public aquariums, though they survived only a short time. This shark is not targeted by any fisheries, but is occasionally found as bycatch in bottom gillnets and trawls, hooked on longlines, or entangled in fishing gear. Most captures are isolated incidents; one of the few areas where it is caught regularly is off southern Japan, where around 30 individuals (mostly juveniles) are taken each year. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the goblin shark under Least Concern. In addition to its wide range, most of its population is thought to reside in unfished environments because few adults are caught. Therefore, it is not believed to be threatened by human activity.

APAH says ‘Thanks’ APAH ANIMAL Rescue Charity would like to thank all their volunteers for their hard work and commitment throughout 2015.

They would also like to thank all the people who have supported them both at fund-raising charity events, not only spending in their charity shops but also with the huge amount of donations of clothing, household items and bric-a-brac, which are given into their shops weekly, which, in turn, allows them to continue their work and to those who adopted their rescued cats and dogs and given them a new ‘forever’ home. Without everyone who volunteers their time to ‘work’ for APAH, along with everyone who supports them, the charity says they could not rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the amount of dogs and cats that they provide care for. The search for new volunteers never ends, and APAH is always looking for help in their shops, their kennels and cattery. If you have some time to spare, love animals, and want to make a diﬀerence, please contact them by calling 630 42 25 63 or ﬁnd them on www.facebook.com/apahrescuesanpedro. APAH says “Happy New Year and thanks for your support”.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #Food ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// by

Dani Bowler

Owner Vintage Cafe, Albir & MasterChef semi finalist

“Scallops with black pudding, crispy bacon and caramelised apple purée” Scallops, black pudding and caramilzied apple purée, a dish that got me though my audition for masterchef! A real treat on any dinning table, visually attractive and flavors that bust in your mouth! “Scallops with black pudding, crispy bacon and caramelised apple purée” 6 scallops 2 slices of bacon 6 slices Black pudding (morcilla de Burgos) Olive oil Butter 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into small cubes) Teaspoon “five spice” 2 Tablespoons of honey 4 tablespoons of brown sugar Add the bacon to a frying pan and cook on a low heat, cover with a plate pressing the bacon down so it keeps it’s shape, cook till crisp on both sides, leave and set aside to rest as you will serve cold. Place the apples into a pan with a drizzle of olive oil, knob of butter, five spice, and cook till soft and start

to brown set aside. In the same pan now add the honey and brown sugar, when the sugar Starts to devolve and starts caramelising then add your apple mix back to the pan and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until a smooth purée. Place into the fridge to chill until ready to serve. Now pan Fry the slices of black pudding for 30 seconds on both sides or until crisp, leave to rest. In the same pan, add a little olive oil and fly the scallops over a

high heat for 1 minute on both sides, or until goldenbrown all over and just cooked through. Add a knob of butter and when melted, use to baste the scallops in till golden brown. Serving..... Place a tablespoon of the purée along the plate, add the black pudding slices and scallops and top with the crispy bacon

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, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leis ure #health /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Free prescriptions

PENSIONERS AND disabled people living with the Valencian community will now be entitled to free prescriptions. This week saw the start of a new year and new benefits for the disabled and those on pensions who live within the Generalitat Valencia. Effective from 1st January people within the two groups whose income falls below 1,000€ will not be required to pay for their prescribed medication. Many vulnerable residents have found themselves having to choose between paying for their medication or buying food

for themselves as increasing prices and reduced income have become a major concern for them. Ximo Puig, the president of the Generalitat, made the announcement, just prior to the recent elections, that the rules for the disabled and pensioner community would be changed, and these were approved at the full council which was held on 29th December 2015. Mr Puig said “this is a matter of justice, to ensure that all persons follow their medical treatment, with more than 300,000 in this community being affected by the changes.”

AA holds open meeting ALOCHOLICS ANONYMOUS is staging an open Meeting in Torrevieja on Friday 15th January at 1pm.

Members of AA invite anyone concerned about their own level of drinking or people worried about the drinking of others in their personal or professional life. A spokesman for the charity said people could attend without obligation and if they were worried about another person’s drinking perhaps they could encourage them to attend with them. The meeting takes place at Calle San Miguel de Salinas 2, on the corner with Calle Santomera, Torrevieja (Acequion). AA also has helplines; Costa Blanca South call 625 912 078, Costa Blanca North call 648 169 045, and Los Alcazares 679 385 105. The organisation contains more information at www.aa-costablanca.org. Article supplied by the Family Medical Centre, Albir. Please call 96 686 5072 for more information or to make an appointment.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #road test

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSI 122PS AS FAR as family hatchbacks go the Skoda Rapid is sure to please.

The reasons are quite varied. It is a sizeable vehicle yet feels compact to drive and looks more like a saloon with the beneﬁt of the rear windscreen wiper. It has a massive boot and a good amount of room for all passengers. I test the Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSI 122PS ﬁnished in Corrida Red with Black Magic interior. It has a seven speed automatic box with a sport mode and the option to drive it like a manual. I really get to test this gearbox to the limit when it looks as if we’re going to miss our ferry for Ireland. We leave Hampshire at 10am to get to Fishguard for a 2.30pm crossing. However, we all feel it would be a good idea to stop for lunch at St Clear’s on the

way. “It’s only down the road,” says my wife confidently. Thank goodness I only allow 45 minutes for this stop because we are shocked at the amount of time the last leg of the journey takes. With various 40mph speed limits enforced along the route it seems to take an age. Passengers must check in 30 minutes before boarding and we arrive at 2.10pm, sweating that we’re not going to be allowed to board. We only arrive at this time because the Rapid has lived up to its name and overtaken numerous vehicles. It has really proved its worth. Although it will not make a boy-racer blush it delivers reliable smooth speed. Push your foot to the floor and engage Sports mode and it does get a shift on, despite being loaded down with bags of luggage. Considering it only has a 1.4 petrol engine, it delivers impressive performance. Over the course of the trip it returns an average of over 40mpg, which, for a petrol car, isn’t bad. Satellite navigation can be useful but it can also be pretty infuriating. During our trip to County Wexford and surrounding areas we exit a car park in Waterford having input the details to get back to base. It tells us to go one way out of the car park when it fact it should have been the opposite direction, which we discover only once we’ve made the manoeuvre. The route we need to take is chock-a-block with traffic so we have to go right back to the end of the queue. Thanks very much, but on other occasions it proves relatively useful, for instance, in actually getting us close to our accommodation. Mind you, it’s only our own directions that get us to the front door. There are a few niggles about the Rapid. The key-fob allows you to just unlock the boot and, using this func-

tion, when you close the boot it automatically locks, which is fine unless of course you have left your key in the boot and then life is not quite so rosy. When selecting the button that unlocks the whole vehicle, the boot does not automatically lock when closed. Another issue I have is the reflection of the chrome around the air vents on the dashboard in the wing mirrors. When the sun is behind you and shining on the wing mirror, the reflection from the chrome is a problem that any driver can do without. Aside from this though, driving the Rapid is fun. It sticks to the road like glue even in the worst of British weather. On our return from the port at Fishguard there is a persistently severe downpour that blights the whole of the night time journey. Yet the easy to use cruise control maintains the vehicle’s steady speed and the wipers generally deal with the onslaught with aplomb. A still faster wiper speed would be beneficial in such situations, I feel. The strong headlights deliver clear vision and driver and passengers feel confident that they are in a safe vehicle. The ride is medium to firm, which is generally comfortable unless negotiating poor Irish roads or long gravel driveways. The seats are supportive. There are no creaks or groans and it is a vehicle that could grace any driveway no matter how grand.

Facts at a glance: Price new: Around £18,500 Top speed: 125mph 0-60mph: 9.5secs Economy: Over 40mpg Power: 122bhp Video: www.testdrives.biz

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

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #CarReview

Car review Fabia Estate GreenLine II A FRIEND of mine reckons all cars are the same these days and that they don’t have the character of the old ones. While he might be right in terms of the classic look, feel and sound there are so many more choices available now from hatchback to estate, electric to diesel. Most budgets are catered for, too. Although some might argue driving is still a rich person’s pursuit. Today’s manufacturers take the environment into consideration, too and none more so than Skoda with its Fabia Greenline II estate. Under £15,000 brand new, this small five-door vehicle will easily transport five adults and their luggage. Nothing ground-breaking about that - but it returns 83mpg (combined) and produces just 89 g/km CO2 so there’s no road tax to pay. In fact it is the most frugal Skoda ever with reports that it is capable of travelling more than 1,200 miles on a single 45 litre tank of diesel: to be precise 1,246 miles for no more than £65. This phenomenal achievement is down to its three cylinder 1.2TDi engine, which is surprisingly engaging to drive. Energy recovery sees the chirpy little car convert kinetic energy back into usable electricity, either stored in the battery or immediately used again by the vehicle’s electrical components. It’s aerodynamic, has low profile tyres with a higher prescribed air pressure to reduce friction, engine stop/start and gear change recommendations. The engine stop start is one of the best I have come across, cutting the engine dead at traffic lights and traffic jams every single time and starting back up immediately. This is a complete contrast to the stop start system found on a Fiat 500 for instance, which is temperamental, to say the least. I like the Skoda’s

traditional handbrake. Parkers, the car experts, say: “The Fabia Estate is a great choice for young families. It’s roomy, good to drive and cheap to run. The estate model offers additional practical benefits to the hatchback - namely a bigger, versatile boot - and it meets the needs of families with smaller children with a well thought-out design. The bigger load space results in a longer body, so it isn’t as ideally suited to city life as the hatchback.” But from the side this estate’s design is pretty uninspired although its chrome grille is distinctive. We’ve come to expect high build quality from Skoda and you won’t be disappointed as you can see by watching the video at testdrives.biz. Although the interior is perhaps a little bland there are good equipment levels and soundproofing. The black upholstered seats are both comfortable and supportive. There’s even air conditioning. A criticism is that the cruise control function could be improved as the switch to increase and decrease the speed sits at the end of the indicator stalk on the left of the steering wheel. If a driver is too vigorous in pressing they inadvertently engage the indicators. A button on the steering wheel, in the

same way as that found in Volvo, Renault and others would be more user-friendly. What really appeals to me about the Skoda Fabia Greenline II is that it enables drivers to be eco-friendly without hitting them in the pockets in the way that hybrids or entirely electric oﬀerings do - for me these currently fail in terms of cost and practicality and the Greenline II wins hands down. Engine: 1.2-litre diesel Power: 75 bhp Top speed: 107mph 0-60mph: 14.3secs

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

VEHICULOS OCASIÓN SECOND HAND CARS

Come and do a free Winter che (all makes of cars)

2013 C4 PICASSO 1.6 HDi 115cv ETG6 5 seats Intensive 23.000 km

14.500€ HVT

2012 C3 PICASSO 1.6 110cv VTi CMP seduction 17.900 km Blue

11.500€ HJK

2010 C3 PICASSO 1.6 HDi 110 cv SX 47.341 km Silver

9.500€ GSY

2008 KIA PICANTO 1.1i 39.000 km Silver

4.600€ GJV

2007 HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1i 80.700 km Silver

3.600€ FCZ

2006 C4 1.6i Collection 69.603 km Silver

4.900€ DXG

2006 TOYOTA YARIS 1.3vvti sol 87cv 109.100 km Silver(P)

5.250€ FCZ

2004 KIA SORENTO 2.5 CRDi 137.439 Silver

4.900€ CSW

2003 CITROEN C5 2.0i 16v Exclusive Automatico 187.350 km Red

3.200€ HJW

2000 MCC SMART 0.6 Petrol 55cv 125.300 km Yellow(P)

1.800€ FHP

2000 OPEL ZAFIRA A 1.9 Petrol 7 seats 222.613 km Blue

2.000€ HFC

2000 C3 1.4 Automatic Exclusive 76.251 km Silver

3500€ CHJ

ENGLISH REGISTRATION CARS 2000 JAGUAR 4.0 PETROL S-TYPE V8, AUTOMATIC, 90,000km, SILVER

2.800€

ck for

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #sports

Football returns this weekend BOTH CD TORREVIEJA and CD Montesinos are in action this weekend. by KEITH NICOL

THE SECOND half of the season starts with home games for both teams, with CD Montesinos hosting CD Dolores on Sunday 10th January 2016, kicking oﬀ at 4pm. An hour later, at 5pm, CD Torrevieja take on fourth placed Ontinyent C, returning to the Vicente García Stadium, Torrevieja, corresponding to the 20th match day of league championship group VI of the 3rd Division. Following the excellent run of results, with four consecutive wins in a row to conclude the ﬁrst round of games in the division, this weekend, CD Torrevieja has an interesting meeting in what should be one of the games of the season. After the doubts of the future of the team and the manager that led into the Christmas break, last week’s mid-day 4-0 win against bottom of the table CD Acero dispelled all doubts as to the fact that the team can score and win games, with the Nelson Mandela spectators enjoying a great time in the high noon sunshine. For the last month or so, the team have been playing at the Nelson Mandela to allow time for the re-seeded Vicente García pitch to recover from heavy rains in October and November. The new surface will present a spectacular image to host

CD Torrevieja continue their winning ways with four wins in a row

what promises to be a close and entertaining game. Manager Antonio Pedroza has high hopes that the team’s winning ways will continue and they can keep climbing positions in the table. At present, Torry are seven points above the relegation zone, but only nine pints away from a possible play oﬀ space. He added that, from now on, the team has to approach each game as if it’s a ﬁnal. For Sunday’s game, Antonio Pedroza has only Rafa Gómez out injured, although he has restarted training with the rest of the team and is likely to reappear the following week

against CF Borriol. The rest of the squad are available. The opponents, Ontinyent CF, are ranked 4th with 33 points (11W-0D -8L) and, last week, lost against Novelda 1-0. More information at: www.clubdeportivotorrevieja.com or from the international supporters club, the Torry Army at: www.fctorrevieja.net. For additional information about CD Montesinos and their international supporters club, The Full Monte, take a look at the club’s website: www.cdmontesinos.com. You can always email The Full Monte at: thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com.

Socceristas is back IF YOU have a football mad youngster that’s looking to kick a ball around and improve their skills on Saturdays, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take them to Socceristas in Los Balcones, Torrevieja.

Organiser and coach Chris Darwen said: “We will start again this Saturday, January 9th between noon and 1pm on the usual courts at Calle Efrén Gutiérrez Mateo and Calle César Rodríguez Mateo, in Torrevieja. Please remember to be on time and to bring a ball and some water. This is for anyone with football mad 5-10 year old’s” Socceristas is a football club with a diﬀerence. They are not a team preparing for the next match and they do not charge fees to join. Socceristas is about children learning to play football in a fun and enjoyable environment. Chris added: “We focus 100% on skills and technique. A Soccerista will touch a ball over 600 times in an hour session, unlike traditional football training sessions. The more times they touch the ball, the quicker they improve. It does not matter if your child has not really played before, or they already play for a team and want to improve even faster; every child of all abilities and nationalities is welcome at Socceristas. Chis concluded: “The current session is for 5-10 year olds, but, if you are slightly outside of that bracket, please contact me through Facebook. I am also open to running sessions for older children once I have enough interest. Please contact me with any questions through the Socceristas page.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

life&leisure #sports

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Schui… two years on Time flies, whether you are having fun or not, and for Michael Schumacher’s family the latter certainly applies. by ALAN PALMER It is now two years since one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time suffered life-threatening head injuries whilst on a family skiing holiday in the French Alps. I use the term “ one of the greatest “ advisedly as I don’t want to open another debate involving names like Fangio, Clark, Prost, Senna, and more recently Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton. Yes he holds the most World Championships, GP Wins and Podiums, but everyone will argue the different circumstances under which all the others raced, or are still racing, and Ferrari’s total commitment to his success in the early years of the new millennium. So what’s the latest ? The simple answer is “ Who knows ? “ Michael underwent two major neurological operations immediately following his accident to reduce swelling of the brain. After six months he was well enough, following reports of “ moments of consciousness “, to be transferred to the hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, and within a couple of months he was again transferred to a purpose built recuperation facility in the grounds of his extensive estate nearby. Since then his progress, or lack of it has been a very closely guarded secret. The most recent report came from his long-term manager Sabine Kehm in May, to say that he was “ making progress “, whatever that means. Meanwhile German, and other European Tabloids have been making our Red Tops look positively restrained. One tried to get a journalist into Michael’s hospital room dressed as a priest, I can’t imagine what sort of interview he expected to get from a man in a coma, possibly he wanted to deliver the “ last writes “. Sorry ! Three German tabloids have been sued for announcing that Michael had been able to utter his first words since the accident, and another forced Sabine Kehm to go into print to deny a suggestion that he had taken his first steps since the events of 29/12/13. Whatever the situation Round Town News does not hesitate in wishing Michael, and his family, and close friends and associates, a better 2016 than has been the case for the last two years, and we very much look forward to reporting any progress, when it is announced by the family.

Pego Golf Society PEGO GOLF Society’s first tournament of 2016, with their new Captain, David O’Connor, was a team accumulator.

There were three guests for the team game, and the result was so close that two shots covered the first three teams. In 1st place was the team of Ian Robertson, Peter Brown, Merv Joseph and Richard Fox with a combined score of 111. 2nd was the team of Mike Holloway, Martin Gates, John Nicol and Terry Langley with a combined score of 110, and 3rd the team of David O’Connor, Steve Patton, Brendan Young and Rob Westlands with a combined score of 109. Nearest the pin, at hole 5 with the second shot was Dave O’Connor with 1.25 metres, and, at hole 16, closest to the hole was Mike Cuerden with 2.9 metres. There were 95 balls in the water today, and nobody guessed the final number, so it is carried over until next week. Next week is the first “Major Tournament” of the year, the very popular “Copa de Escocia” at Oliva Nova, which will be a medal competition. To join the society as a guest for the tournament, please enter through the website www.pegogolfsociety.com or send an e-mail to Donna Green at pegohandicapsec@gmail.com.

Alfaz Fantasy Football League THE NEW year’s 20 Premier League games gave the A.F.F.L. 39 goals,16 clean sheets,70 yellow cards and 4 red ones.

Paul’s team, Elite Kitchens, Swinton, regained the top spot with a 27 point cushion over 2nd placed Keith Lard F.C. Last week’s leader, Scott’s team, Dog Dale, slipped to 3rd, just ahead of Arthur’s Wombles. At the other end, Lyn’s Handbrake City have lost more ground to Alison’s Foxywise. U.K.T.V. SPAIN Junior League leader, Super Rhys, is only 1 point clear of Nathan’s Tyrannosuarez-Rex. Gino’s Minions remain in 3rd place. In the Mark Carter Ladies Section, Maxine’s Plaistow13hammers have led for 5 weeks but Joanna’s Hup Hannah City are only 19 points behind. Gil’s Eastlanders have a 13 point lead over 2 teams,

Raquel’s Revenge and In Memory of Mak, in the quest for the 20€ voucher sponsored by QUICK SAVE Supermarket in Albir. In the Golden Boot League, sponsored by Leonard Knowles Construction, Tom’s team, Benidorm Trotters, closed the gap on the leaders, Hup Hannah City, to only 8 points. Pearson’s Smashers moved up one place to 3rd while 3 teams are in joint 4th place, Johnny’s Rockets, Tyrannosuarez-Rex and Loosen my Sterling, all on 225 points. Premier Imports, specialists in British real ale, sponsor the monthly draw for a case of cava. The first 2 teams to go in this month’s draw are Wyn’s team, Wyndhams got the Blues, who top scored with 80 points, and Eric’s team, Full Metal Jackets, with the lowest score of 12 points. Manager of the Month for January is being gener-

ously sponsored by CLAIRE’S NAILS in Albir, who will provide this month’s winner with a 20€ voucher to be used at their Albir Salon. After 1 week, Wyndhams got the Blues lead Elite Kitchens, Swinton by 1 point. Gil’s Eastlanders and Don’s Arabi Immigrants are in 3rd and 4th place. Drew’s team, Heysham Hotspurs, have won this week’s Breakfast for 2 at Rafters, sponsored by Kate, after leaping up 55 places to No 76. It’s a big weekend ahead for the A.F.F.L. when the RTN F.A. Cup League gets underway, as well as the 3rd round of the RTN K.O. Cup Competition, so it’s important to check your team’s performance by logging onto the website www.alfazffl.com or popping into one the bars which display all the results and tables, in Albir, Wyndhams and The Local, in Benidorm, Union Jack, in Moraira Barilloche and, in Alfaz, Robin’s Nest.

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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 966 730 569 or Brian on 678 807 159. Looking forward to meeting you.

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.

DOG SITTING HOME FROM HOME Secure garden,Costa Blanca North 637 160 545

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

LA BAMBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR Van, Caravan, 4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600 781 873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge. 698 320 434

NEW YEAR - NEW START! We are looking for an individual who has a genuine interest in helping all nationalities with their lifestyle choices here in Spain. For this role, we require and individual who is fluent in English with other languages being a plus. You would need to be: Enthusiastic, personable, approachable and confident in talking to the general public to promote our range of products. You must also have a car with a full clean driving license. We will provide, full training and support along with organised venues to make this opportunity work for you as well as all marketing materials and uniform along with a basic wage with uncapped commissions. For more information regarding this data capture role please contact ejaneq@gmail.com

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

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016 Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf: Pristine Pools on 966 774 199 or 678 080 500 LARGE 3 BEDROOM www.pristineswimmingpools.com NO APARTMENT , 1 bathroom, 2 CALLOUT CHARGE. SEE MAIN ADVERT toilets., American kitchen, large terrace, ON FRONT PAGE OF CLASSIFIEDS communal pool. Views Uk tv & water included. Electric not included. Playa Los Naufragous. 480€ p.c.m. 671.442.998

LARGE CAR GOING BACK TO UK 17TH January. Room for small boxes or cases.Dorset, Cornwall, Devon. Return 23rd January Call Alan on: 670 810 352 MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & Appliance & Boiler Repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

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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

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 960130537

Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

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Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14 2016

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME RETURNS BOTH CD TORREVIEJA and CD Montesinos return to action this weekend.

Read the full story on page 62.