FREE!
Your English Newspaper
Issue 557
RTN hits the Costa del Sol! This week, RTN is proud to announce a brand new addition to the family. RTN Costa del Sol is being launched today, Friday 18th June. PAGE 10
Vuvuzelas turning matchgoers and players deaf in South Africa
SOUTH EDITION
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
The multicoloured plastic trumpets that are the chosen match toys of South African football enthusiasts, have become a contentious issue. P16
British couple face prison on murder charge by Louise Clarke
Ten year old Carlos Ayuso pictured collecting his trophy from Coach, Manuel Girona
Football success in Algorfa THE ALGORFA Town Hall held their 11th Sports Gala Presentation last Saturday and rewarded the achievements of the town’s sporting heroes. Cyclists, gymnasts, basketball and tennis players were all honoured. But the biggest cheers of the evening were saved for the town’s Municipal Football School, who have had their best season since they were inaugurated 15 years ago. The 2003 Pre-Benjamin team won their league and the 2002 Pre-Benjamin team got to the semi finals of their league. Meanwhile, the Benjamin A, Alevin A and Infantil teams all finished second in their respective leagues.
THE TRIAL of a couple charged with murdering a two-month-old baby girl started in Elche this week with the prosecution requesting a prison term of at least 19 years for each of the accused, aged just 19 and 21 years and living in Torrevieja at the time of their daughter’s death. The couple claimed the child died as a result of an accidental fall: initially Guardia officers released the pair in the belief that the baby had fallen victim to cot death but following an autopsy report, National Police later arrested them as they tried to cross the border into Gibraltar. Prosecutors told the jury that the couple “...failed to provide the child with the care that she needed and did not provide her with food necessary for her development and adequate medical care.” Autopsy revealed
the child, named as ‘Lucia’, showed sustained physical abuse as a result of being “beaten several times by the slapping of the head and face.” The child’s father, named as ‘Daryl W’, confessed to hitting the child’s mother, named as ‘Carla Marie D’, while drunk. Prosecutors allege that when the defendant finished hitting his partner, he attacked his baby daughter, causing fatal injuries. It was claimed that his partner had also hit the baby during her short life. The couple’s defence lawyer claims that the 23-yearold father suffers from a ‘personality disorder’ aggravated by the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The court heard that he had once been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in the UK and since being imprisoned here has received adequate medical treatment to alleviate his symptoms. continued on page 3
2 Head Office Vall de Biar 14 03530, La Nucia, Alicante
Torrevieja Office
Calle Aviles Nº 41, Comercial San Luis. Local Nº 7. 03184 Torrevieja. Alicante Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm (We do not close at lunchtime) TEL: 902 118 999 TEL: 96 570 5204 FAX: 96 585 60 54 FAX: 965 705 328 rtnmail@roundtownnews.com torrevieja@roundtownnews.com
News and views from the north and south Costa Blanca and Costa Calida
www.roundtownnews.co.uk email: accounts@rtnnewsgroup.com - sales@rtnnewsgroup.com production@rtnnewsgroup.com Newsdesk & general enquiries: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
ADVERTISING - ACCOUNTS - DESIGN STUDIO - NEWSDESK
CALL 902 118 999
Sales North
RODDY CUNNINGHAM IAN SINCLAIR 607 744 153 609 417 763 ian@roundtownnews.com roddy@roundtownnews.com
Reporter North
JACK TROUGHTON 661 403 016 jack@roundtownnews.com
Web Sales
Sales South
CLIFF ROBERTS 678 571 117 cliff@roundtownnews.com
GILLIAN ROBERTS 607 744 948 gillian@roundtownnews.com
Reporter South
LOUISE CLARKE 609 417 385 louise@rtnnewsgroup.com
Venta en Español Si desea contratar algún espacio publicitario, comuníquese al 902 118 999
KATH POOLE 902 118 999 kathpoole@roundtownnews.com
Deadline Adverts, copy changes, classifieds, clubs and editorial copy: MONDAY noon for following Friday’s edition
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 given to letters dealing with local issues. We reserve the right to amend or shorten letters. (RTN accepts no responsibility for readers comments)
Customer service If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can call 902 118 999 or write to Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante.
To get your paper If you any difficulty in getting Round Town News each week please call 902 118 999 or visit our website www.roundtownnews.co.uk for the distribution map. All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). Round Town News does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited.E:&O.E.
Edita : Round Town News Group SL : Servicios De Impresion S.A.- Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 / North: A-134-2004 Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante. Distribution: iDs Logística. info@idss.es Tut Prensa Tel: 676 473 875
Mark is permanently based in Spain in private established clinics in Alfaz, Javea, Villamartin and Campasol.
Stop smoking in 30 minutes with FREE 30 minute prior assessment.
18 - 24 june 2010
continued from front page The couple was often seen taking the baby to the car park of a local nightclub in the early hours of the morning to buy drugs and were caught doing so by the Guardia Civil only weeks earlier. The man allegedly commented to his defence lawyers: “I do not think we were right in the head - me or her.”
accused him of domestic violence, he withdrew that confession. Both now claim that their daughter had a fall a few days earlier and hit her head but they didn’t take her to hospital because they feared that a doctor would suspect abuse and report them to social services. The court heard that the mother
had originally wanted an abortion after discovering that she was pregnant but her partner refused to sign the agreement required under Spanish law. It was also alleged that she had wanted to put the baby up for adoption following the birth, but had failed to do so. The trial continues...
School construction to resume in July The construction site of the IES Playa Flamenca
PROBATION
During the hearing on Tuesday, the couple were not allowed to stand close to each other as the mother has a restraining order on her ex-partner and fervently denies any part in her daughter’s death. She told her defence lawyer that she was the victim of abuse and only occasionally took drugs and alcohol. Now 21-years-old and on probation, she says she no longer touches alcohol or drugs. Her lawyer told the court that she didn’t report the cases of violence because she loved her partner and believed that he would change after the birth of the child. Both defendants filed statements giving different versions of the day of their daughter’s death, each blaming the other. The father then decided to confess to the assault because “he loved his partner” and believed that she would wait for him until he was released from prison. However, after she
3
The case is being head in Elche
By Louise Clarke THE VALENCIAN Department of Education has announced that the construction of the new secondary school in Playa Flamenca will resume in July. The building of the educational facility has been paralysed since September 2009 after, according to a Town Hall Spokesman, it was discovered that the playground would be too close to the nearby AP7 motorway and therefore would infringe upon the strict EU regulations surrounding the construction of schools. Teachers and parents have been told that the school will now not be open until the 2011/2012 academic year at the earliest, as the building’s foundations are the only construction to have been made at this current time. The school is likely to cost in the region of €8 million and the contract to build it was awarded to Bruesa Construction in August 2008. At the time they had said that the building would be ready within 18 months but that timeline has had to be fully revised after the Valencian Department of Works pointed out the contradiction of the EU regulations. Meanwhile, the students of the IES Playa Flamenca will face their sixth school year in port-o-cabins which are in a very poor state of repair with cracks to walls and ceilings and which regularly leak water during heavy bouts of rainfall.
Great Weekly Day Trips MONDAY Pig Roast Beach Party + live music 27€ Monday Guadalest solar boat & lunch 26€ Monday Alicante city free day 11€ Tuesday Altea on Market Day 11€ Tuesday Altea /Calpe with lunch 22€ Wednesday Benidorm 11€ Wednesday Cartagena Coach/Train 14€ WEDNESDAY Benidorm + Algar waterfalls 13€ Thursday Murcia Town and Market 11€ thursday Murcia shopping malls 11€ FRIDAY Alcantarilla, lunch, Fortuna Baths 30€ FRIDAY Terra Mitica Theme Park from 28€ Friday Benidorm at night 12€ Friday Benidorm Palace meal/show 47€ Saturday Jalon Valley with lunch 22€ Sunday Benidorm 11€ Sunday Alcala del Jucar + lunch/wine 27€
www.seniorscapital.com
info@seniorscapital.com
SWITCH & SAVE MORTGAGE Is your mortgage costing you €1000’s more than it should do? FOR A FREE ANALYSIS AND ILLUSTRATION CALL
622 890 950
Forthcoming Excursions Benidorm 3 day FB + Benidorm Palace. Weekly Benidorm 4 day FB weekly
145€
from 165€
Benidorm Palace + 1 night hotel HB San Juan Fiesta of Fire 24 June Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia 21 - 25 June
125€ 11€ 199€
Adriatic Cruise 8 day all incl 21-28 June from 899€ Picos de Europa/Burgos 28 Jun - 3 Jul
299€
Madrid capital 4 day 6 - 9 July
189€
Galicia 8 day during Holy year 18 - 25 July
399€
Cuenca 3 day + trips FB 20 - 22 July
138€
Granada 2 day specials July/Aug dates
87€
Valencia 2 day specials July/Aug dates
79€
4
18 - 24 june 2010
New petition for N332 footbridge by Louise Clarke FOLLOWING LAST year’s protests in Orihuela Costa about the lack of footbridges over the newly extended N332, residents who live by the Torrevieja section of the busy coastal road have started a petition to try to persuade the Town Hall to raise the issue with the Department of Transport and Roads in Madrid. Residents who live in the Rocajuna area are forced to either walk to the Torrevieja Hospital or back to Punta Prima in order to cross the dual carriageway safely. This makes getting to the beach or the local primary school an impossible task by foot and increases the journey by more than ten minutes if you are travelling by car. RTN met up with Jim Brogan last week to find out more about the petition. He said: “I have been in close contact with Eduardo Gil and Graham Knight from the Torrevieja Town Hall and they have
both been extremely helpful.” Jim has had a house on Urbanisation Rocajuna Phase II for over 20 years and finally moved over to live full time with his wife ten years ago. ONE PURPOSE The Town Hall has already made positive improvements to the area following constructive discussions with Jim, who works hard for the local residents which consist of many different nationalities. Eduardo Gil has told Jim that if he gets support from local residents for his petition, then the Town Hall will do what it can to pressurise the central government department that oversees roads, into having a footbridge installed in the area. Jim commented: “The Town Hall has been very good and they are listening to us. They recently re-asphalted the roads and pavements and cleared the waste ground and made it an attractive area.” He added: “All the residents, of all nationalities, are united for one purpose;
Terra Mitica 7 days a week As from this weekend Terra Mitica Park will open every day of the week until September 5th. The park will be full of shows, all attractions will be functioning and many other activities will be happening throughout the week to keep visitors entertained. Continuing with the promotional program for residents in the Marina Baja is now the turn to FINESTRAT and CALLOSA residents to enjoy Terra Mitica for only 9€ Next Sunday June 18th.
The N332 at Rocajuna where the footbridge needs to be built
and that is to get a footbridge over the N332. It was the Town Hall who suggested doing a petition to send to Madrid as it was the central government that was responsible for the plans for the N332 extension.”
SIGN THE PETITION NOW If you would like to sign the petition, it can be found at the following: Paco’s Bar in Cala Ferris New to You, Elisios Playa (Mar Azul)
Site developer A CHARITY IT manager has been honoured by a Marina Alta mayor for building ‘user friendly’ websites for the town hall. Paul Bicknell, an information technology specialist, works for a major UK-based educational charity and designed the websites and the administration software for Benitachell free of charge. Helped by his dad, Councillor Andy Bicknell, Paul de-
Bar Tio Cali, El Paraiso, next to Post Office The Farmacia in Los Altos Bar Domino in Rocajuna Sandra’s Newsagent at Las Villas, Rocajuna
veloped the websites over several months and continues to work on improvements. Pictured presenting the father and son team with special certificates are (left to right) town hall secretary Jesus Castro Revorio; Councillor Nieves Garcia Inglesias; Mayor Josefa Ronda Valles; Paul Bicknell; Councillor Andy Bicknell; and councillor Guillermo Pragt. To access the websites, visit www.benitachell.es or www.elpoblenou.es
Distress for woman mugged in hospital car park by Louise Clarke A WOMAN from El Chaparral was left battered and bruised after a violent mugging the car park of the San Jaime Hospital in Torrevieja. Pauline Jones* was sitting her car waiting for her husband John* to return from using the ATM in the hospital reception. Whilst Pauline was sat waiting, a man approached her in the car, parked in the overflow car park of the hospital, and showed her a map asking her for directions to Carrefour. Pauline continued: “He looked Spanish and was tall, neat looking and in his early 30’s.” Pauline got out of the car to help him with directions and put her handbag on her shoulder. She added: “I thought something was odd so put both of my hands on the strap of the bag just to be on the safe side. The man then punched me really hard in the chest, which literally knocked me off my feet and he stole the bag and ran off. I got up in time to see him getting into the passenger side of a nearby car and fleeing.” CANCER RISK Her bag contained two pairs of prescription sunglasses, her purse containing €50, a small digital camera, which fortunately didn’t have many photographs on it and her house keys. As she had a document also in there stating her address, the couple have had to step up the security on their home and have asked RTN not to reveal their
The car park where Pauline was mugged
true identity for fear of reprisals after telling their story. Pauline said: “This happened in broad daylight, so I have no doubt that they are willing to take a certain amount of risk. “What annoyed me most is that when we contacted San Jaime Hospital to see if they had CCTV cameras, they don’t and what’s more, they only have security in the car park area at night. They didn’t want to know when we told them what had happened.” As a result of the blow to her chest and breast area, Pauline, who has had a benign lump removed in the past, has been recommended to have a mammogram in September as her doctor says that blows to the breast, especially at her age, can lead to the forming of cancerous lumps. BE EXTRA VIGILANT All San Jaime Hospital could say to Pauline was that this kind of thing was
Email: info@planeparking.es www.planeparking.es
happening everywhere. The couple has reported the incident to the police and made an official denuncia. Pauline concluded: “I thought that the hospital’s response was terrible, especially as it is a private hospital which we pay to attend regularly. The guy didn’t come across as suspicious and I thought that he was just asking for directions. I just wanted to be helpful. Well, I can tell you now; I will never help anyone again. Friends have told me since that this is a regular M.O. and as it was so easy for the man to do, I can bet you a pound to a penny that I am not the only one who has been robbed and assaulted like this in that car park. I just want to warn everyone to be extra vigilant.” RTN contacted Ana Martin at San Jaime Hospital for a comment regarding the security in their car parking facilities, but had not heard back from her before the paper went to press. * Names have been changed
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
5
Man arrested for Quesada shooting A BRITISH man has been arrested after a shooting incident in Quesada. He is accused of firing a gun into the ground and stabbing another Briton in the chest. Officers from the Guardia Civil station in Almoradí arrived at the scene of the incident, Salts Bar, on Avenida Costa Azul, near to the Sportsman Bar, shortly after the incident and later arrested a man in connection with the shooting and also for making violent threats. The incident occurred at 11:00 last Thursday morning, when the arrested man approached the victim, who was sitting on the terrace with friends. Witnesses reported that the man had a shot gun and fired a warning shot into the ground. This caused many to flee the scene, whilst others hid
inside the bar. The accused then allegedly drew a knife and slashed the victim in the chest, before fleeing the scene in a car parked close by. The injured man was taken to the Rojales Health Centre and later transferred to the Torrevieja Hospital for treatment to superficial wounds. He was allowed home soon after. Both men are well-known locally and RTN has been told that the owner of Salts Bar, Ian Hennessey, has been taking the terrifying incident in his stride. He jokingly posted on his Facebook page that: “Free shots were only available with your San Miguel beer last Thursday and terrace prices are no longer slashed!” The Guardia Civil are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Spain must make more spending cuts THE EUROPEAN Union wants Spain to make more cuts to increase the state deficit to 6 percent. The EU recognises that spending cuts made so far should go towards achieving a 1 percent reduction in public expenditure, but the goal that has been set is to reduce spending by 1.75 percent in 2011. The overall plan to stabilise Spain’s economy aims to reduce the deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2013. Measures to achieve this include a VAT increase; wage cuts for civil servants; pension freezes; stopping the child benefit cheque for new mothers and less spending on public investment.
info@insureinspain.com • www.insureinspain.com
Don’t whisper about your business
SHOUT about it in
6
18 - 24 june 2010
The ‘barbaric’ municipal dog pound by Louise Clarke THE MUNICIPAL dog pound in Orihuela city has frequently come under fire in the Spanish press but its disgraceful conditions has only just come to light to RTN after it met up with the municipality’s Asociacion Protectora de Animales Oriolana. The group has been asking the Mayor, Monica Lorente and the Councillor for Health, Antonio Ortiz Ruiz, for a meeting to discuss what they call the ‘deplorable’ state of the dog pound, for the last three years but have had no response. At the ‘pleno’ meeting in March, PSOE Councillor Ana Mas showed the gathered Councillors photographs of the pound and its disgraceful conditions and Ms Lorente promised to give them a response at the next council meeting. Two meetings later and the Mayor has still not responded. The group met with a Town Hall technician on 12th April and gave him full list of what they consider is wrong with the pound, which includes overcrowded and filthy kennels, lack of hygiene, poor treatment of the dogs by
members of staff and crucially the implementation of the euthanasia of the dogs, irrespective of whether they have adoptive homes to go to, but nothing significant has been done. DIE STANDING The law regarding the incarceration of abandoned dogs was changed in December 2009. Municipal dog pounds used to have to keep dogs without a microchip and with no owner identification for a minimum of ten days, before putting them down. Since the change, that has been extended to 20 days, but even when the dog has an adoptive home to go to, they are forced to stay in the squalid conditions for the full 20 days until the pound will release them. The association also claims that the pound is failing to send details of the dogs in time to allow them to find them homes and tragically only discover that they have been destroyed afterwards. President of the Association, Juani Simon, told RTN: “It is barbaric. The pound contains eight kennels of two metre squared;
seven are used to house the dogs and the eighth is used to destroy the animals that have exceeded their 20 days incarceration.” Juani added: “They also put the dogs down by attaching them to a hook on one of the walls and giving them the injection, meaning that they literally die standing. They put as many as seven or eight small dogs and five large dogs in one kennel at any one time. When we do get them out of there, they often show evidence of injuries which need treatment by a vet and have worms. They don’t have fleas as they are hosed down everyday, in the kennel, with disinfectant.” SOAKED TO THE SKIN RTN saw photographic evidence of the pound’s kennels full of excrement and saw the state of one dog released by the pound but failing to make it to its adopted home after contracting a serious infection whilst in there, and subsequently dying. The photos of the dogs themselves just made RTN want to weep. All of them are pictured soaked to the skin, after being hosed down with
Award for Spain’s beaches presented THE MINISTER for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastián, presented the ‘Q’ for Tourism Quality Flags award last Monday. The flags are being given by the Insti-
tute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE) to 152 beaches along the Spanish coastline. The event, which was attended by the State Secretary for Tourism, Joan Mesquida, and the ICTE President, Miguel Mi-
There are often six dogs to a kennel at any one time
disinfectant whilst locked in their kennel, which in itself is horrendous and they have such a sad look in their eyes; it is truly heartbreaking. The association is a voluntary organisation with just five women responsible for the majority of the municipality’s rescued dogs and cats. They are desperate for monetary donations and donations of food and RTN’s office in San Luis has now been designated as a collection point
rones, is held in recognition of those beaches that offer a quality system aimed at the enjoyment of tourism. In his speech, Miguel Sebastián highlighted quality as an outstanding factor of tourism in Spain compared with the tough competition abroad. He also de-
for any donations of cat and dog food. For monetary donations, you can pay into the Caja Rural Bank, account number: 30050080-25-2098622927. For more information please visit www. protectoraoriolana.org. If you can be a food collection point please email louise@rtnnewsgroup.com. RTN implores Ms Lorente to investigate this situation and carry out her promise of a full review of the dog pound as soon as possible.
fended tourism that is compatible with environmental sustainability: “We understand tourism activity as a factor that respects our coastline, as a means of demonstrating the value of the landscape and environmental diversity of our coasts,” he said.
18 - 24 june 2010
7
8
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
PSOE councillor denounces lack of services by Louise Clarke
THE OPPOSITION party PSOE’s Councillor for the Coast, Rosa Martinez, has denounced the lack of services, infrastructure and facilities on the Entre Naranjos urbanisation in Orihuela Municipality. The nucleus urbanisation has more than 3,000 residents and the socialist Councillor says that the Mayor and PP party who run the Town Hall have done very little for the urbanisation during the three years that they have been in office. The move comes after it was announced that the neighbours of the urbanisation have been promised a fiesta during the month of July. Rosa told RTN: “The residents of Entre Naranjos don’t need money spent on them for fiestas and fireworks. They need more important things like a health centre; a bus service connecting them to the surround towns; proper asphalted roads; and a decent sewage system.” She continued: “The residents of the urbanisation have been relatively ignored for the last ten years but now the PP has decided that they are worthy of a party. I think that is extremely patronising.” DANGEROUS According to the Councillor, it was only after PSOE announced that they
Rosa Martinez and Dee James discuss the problems on Entre Naranjos
had installed a centre for residents on the urbanisation that the Town Hall decided to take some notice of the isolated urbanisation, which is situated between Orihuela City and San Miguel de Salinas. More recently, the Town Hall has announced that Entre Naranjos is now officially a ‘Pedania’ or hamlet and its new spokesperson, John Reynolds is now responsible for liaising between the urbanisation residents and the Town Hall in order to resolve any issues that they may have. Rosa continued: “Entre Naranjos is 3km from the nearest large conurbation and it has neither its own pharmacy nor a dedicated bus service. The
www.goaluminium.com info@goaluminium.com
• Conservatories & Extensions • Double Glazing • Balcony Enclosures • All Building Work Undertaken • Security Grilles & Shutters Fully Guaranteed
All fitted by highly qualified installation teams
Call Now
Meanwhile, the Mayor responds FOLLOWING PSOE’S complaints, John Reynolds, the newly appointed Mayor for Entre Naranjos contacted RTN. He said: “I was mortified at the cheap, inaccurate and downright lies being offered by Councillor Rosa Martinez. I am sure it is no coincidence that these attacks come at the time of my appointment and whilst I am implementing changes.” He continued: “The vast majority of people who have homes here are highly intelligent and purchased their homes knowing that it would be some time before we had everything, but we still chose to buy here because of its location and beauty. Entre Naranjos has continued to strive onward and upward enjoying spectacular scenery. Rosa Martinez states that our children have to walk 12 Miles to get to College. We all know that is not true, they are collected and returned each day by coach. She states that our rubbish collections are inadequate, why then are we not suffering from rubbish being
John Reynolds
tossed on the streets? We have recycle bin collections scheduled on a weekly basis and we have a weekly street cleaner. Her source of information is totally inaccurate and does her no favours.” He concluded: “Entre Naranjos, like anywhere, has issues that need addressing. I am well aware of them and will pursue them in the fullness of time. I am incredibly passionate about our village, always have been and always will be and will defend its honour and integrity at every opportunity.”
nearest health centre is in Torremendo.” She added: “Their rubbish bins are only emptied every five days and the majority of the infrastructure is unfinished with electricity cables and water pipes left exposed on the ground. There is also electricity metre boxes left open with live wires hanging out; making them extremely dangerous, especially for children.” Rosa concluded: “I will continue to fight for the rights of the residents on Entre Naranjos and hope that the Mayor will realise when she visits the urbanisation for the forthcoming fiesta, that the residents need much more than just a party.” THE TORREVIEJA FC Club 100 is not restricted to only 100 businesses as stated in last week’s RTN. Commercial Director Paul Hurrell told RTN: “We would like as many businesses as possible to join. For buying two general season tickets for €100 at a cost of €50 each, they will be entered into a free draw. The winner of the draw will have their company’s name on the team’s shirt for the JUNE whole of next season and their company name will be displayed on the clubs website.” For further information OFFER… E UIN please contact 697 919 820 or 966 716 631. With effect ALL GEN E’ IK L R O from June 28th, application forms may be obtained from F ‘LIKE S N IO T the Torry Army Office in San Luis. A T QUO
Torrevieja FC Club 100
! BEATEN W CALL NO
966 720 017 618 7 74 190
Customer Satisfaction is our aim - Quality is our game Longest established • Nº1 for quality & service • Ask our customers
Normal Price Homeclean Price 3 Piece Suite from €120 from €60 2 Piece Suite from €100 from €50 Leather Suite Price on application Carpets Price on application Oriental Rugs Price on application Curtains in Situ Curtains Full Length from €90 €45 Curtains Half Length from €80 €40 Mattresses cleaned Single €20 and Double €30 Marble Floors Cleaned and Polished
We will beat any genuine written quote by 10%
18 - 24 june 2010
9
10
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
Clinic investigated for offering homosexuality ‘cure’ A CLINIC in Barcelona is under investigation for allegedly offering to ‘cure’ homosexuality, according to reports in the Spanish paper El Pais. The paper stated that the Policlinica Tibidabo is offering pills and psychiatric treatment to ‘convert’ homosexuals, and that people arriving for treatment were usually holders of particular religious beliefs that accept homosexuality. A spokesperson from the Catalan government’s health department said that the government does not view homosexuality as an illness and the clinic could face heavy fines if the accusations turn out to be true.
25th Anniversary of Music Conservatory A CONCERT will take place tomorrow evening, Saturday 19th June, at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city’s Professional Music Conservatory, Francisco Casanovas. The event is free to enter and starts at 21:00.
RTN hits the Costa del Sol by Louise Clarke
THIS WEEK, RTN is proud to announce a brand new addition to the RTN family. RTN Costa del Sol is being launched today, Friday 18th June and RTN owner Geoff Gartland is delighted to be able to bring the RTN concept to the many thousands of expat readers in the Costa del Sol. LINCHPIN RTN started in 1999 as a small community based newspaper that produced just 2,000 copies a week. A decade later it is the most popular, brightest and best English language newspaper in Spain. RTN succeeds because of its readers. Without them it would not have survived. Its readers are the linchpin to its success as it is they who pick up a copy to read every week and contribute by contacting the news reporters with stories and visiting loyal contributors, some of whom are joining RTN Costa del Sol. Today, RTN’s staff and advertisers know just how much is owed to Geoff for his vision and determination. None more so than Garreth Wright, a former Costa Blanca Sales Representative and now the Managing Director of RTN Costa del Sol. Garreth has been with RTN for seven years and during that time Geoff’s vision and determination has rubbed off on him; meaning that RTN Costa del Sol will soon become as popular and as important in the community as its northern sister. Garreth says: “We have had fantastic support from our
client base in the Costa Blanca such as MoneyCorp and Europa Network. It was these companies that actively encouraged RTN to take on this new venture and make the move to the Costa del Sol. We believe that there is a niche in the market for a quality newspaper like RTN.” FOREFRONT
Like the Costa Blanca, each Friday, the RTN Costa del Sol will hit the streets bringing the same tried and tested format of news articles mixed with interviews and features to keep everyone entertained and informed about what is going on in their local community. From colourful TV pages through to local and national news stories, current events and columnists with top tips on everything from DIY to art, RTN Costa del Sol, like RTN Costa Blanca, will prove hard to resist for both readers and advertisers. RTN has been controversial at times but always truthful. And the Costa del Sol issue will endeavour to bring those characteristics to the expats of the area; guaranteeing RTN to be a great read and one that will knock the socks off the competition. VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER The Costa del Sol’s reporters, Gabrielle and Eddie, will soon become household names in the region as they begin to write informative and interesting local news stories. Both reporters have been based in the Costa del Sol for 15 and 20 years respectively and have a wealth of knowledge of the area. Gabrielle
The front page of the first ever RTN Costa del Sol
helped set up the first Mijas municipal radio programmes in English and migrated from there to local television and magazines. Eddie has worked in journalism, film, TV and radio production and has been involved in the Estepona foreigners’ department and numerous charity events. RTN Costa del Sol will be available to read on-
line in virtual paper style from today, so if you would like to know what is going on down there, visit www.roundtownnews.co.uk and if you are ever in the area make sure you pick up a copy! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the staff and advertisers of RTN Costa del Sol to the RTN Family.
18 - 24 june 2010
11
Super surgery success by Louise Clarke THE BRITISH Consulate teamed up this week with local associations for a healthcare ‘Super Surgery’. This Tuesday saw over 100 people welcomed to the surgery in Guardamar del Segura by Mayor Marylène Albentosa. The event, which was led by the British Consulate in Alicante, provided local residents with comprehensive advice from a number of experts. A whole range of concerns over accessing healthcare were raised and addressed during a thorough and comprehensive talk by Martyn Standing, advisor for the British Consulate Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare Team. He began by playing a round of ‘fact or fiction’ with the audience to try to get an idea of what they already knew. Martyn told RTN: “Though most people are aware that rules about state healthcare in Spain are different to those in the UK, some are confused by rumours or misinformation they have picked up. That’s why it’s important to get your information from official sources.”
Martyn then outlined the options available to those below and above pensionable age and those who have or have not worked in Spain. After the presentations, those who still had doubts about their individual cases were invited to have a one-on-one consultation with the experts. Other information sources at the event included representatives from cancer charity MABS, Age Concern España, the Royal British Legion and HELP. The organisations offered lots of local knowledge and outlined the services that they can offer. They also managed to meet some potential members and volunteers. British Consulate staff believes that by working together with other local associations, many people left the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar del Segura with a greater understanding of how to register properly for healthcare. The meeting was also considered a success by local campaign group PUMA22, which has been working closely with the British Consulate on accessing and providing accurate information on healthcare provision for expats.
Government calls for Brits to integrate THE VALENCIAN government wants Brits to integrate more in the Spanish community. Councillor for Solidarity and Citizenship, Rafael Blasco, held a meeting recently with the British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, where they discussed increasing the interaction between Britons and Spanish people in the region. Blasco expressed a desire for Brits to get more involved in local elections. There are approximately 144,000 British people registered in the Valencian region, which represents 16 percent of all foreigners. Blasco believes foreigners could have a substantial influence in local politics.
Martyn Standing with Hannah Thronicker from the Embassy in Madrid and Laura Leeman from the DWP team in Alicante
Atocha terrorist released A MAN who was imprisoned for his part in the 11-M train bombings in Madrid’s Atocha station has been released after just six years. GMV is now 22, but was a minor of 16 when he was sentenced for transporting the explosives
used in the horrendous attack. The law states that he could have served a maximum of eight years, but his sentence has been reduced to avoid that he is sent to serve the last two years in an adult prison. Until now the accused
had been held in a youth detention centre, but the centre manager said that an adult prison would not aid his personal development. So the decision has been taken to release him and keep him under constant surveillance.
12
18 - 24 june 2010
Welcome to FITNOSYS.com By Alan Gilchrist, The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist
WITH THE ever increasing demand for the Fast Track weight control and Gastroband sessions, I am delighted to introduce an optional extra for people who seriously want to lose weight but feel they also need guidance on nutrition and a good fitness regime. This is a completely new concept, using Fast Track Hypnosis and also the expertise of the Sophia Health and Wellness centre’s Director Tracy Allen, at my Cabo Roig Clinic. The idea of combining both our skills came to fruition when Tracy recently decided to use the Fast Track Gastroband session and her subsequent weight loss. She was so pleased at losing her weight in conjunction with her own exercise routines that we got together and devised a revolutionary system to make the weight control even more successful. HOW IT WORKS This is an optional extra to the already highly successful Fast Track Hypnosis System and it costs an additional €50 payable directly to the Sophia Health and Wellness Centre. When the person comes along for the Fast Track Weight Control or the Gastroband session, after the session is over they
will have an appointment with Tracy who will assess them and make available all the facilities of the fitness centre for the month after their session with me. Tracy says: “When you join the Sophia Wellness Centre in conjunction with Alan, I will have a chat about your goals and fill in a medical questionnaire. I will then show you around the centre and outline the services I can offer you, such as fitness classes; cardio machines and toning tables and chairs. I will also be able to help with nutrition and give you nutrition plans to follow. We will measure your whole body; weigh you; take your blood pressure; heart rate; assess your body fat % and BMI. Throughout your time at the Sophia Wellness I will motivate and keep you on the right track with your change of lifestyle.” During that month, in addition to playing the client’s reinforcement CD every day (given by me after the fast track session) Tracy will monitor ongoing progress and give all the advice required for continued weight loss, fitness and toning. At the end of the month a further assessment is made by Tracy and if the client requires a further boost from the Fast Track Hypnosis, this is provided FREE of CHARGE! I will be linking up with a fitness centre in Guardarmar and also Benidorm to allow my clients in those areas to benefit from this unique system. So there you have it - Fast Track Hypnosis Weight Control or Gastroband + Laser Therapy + Support CD + Guarantee + optional Fit-
by
Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist
ness regime. This could be your pathway to a healthier you! “I had my Gastroband 2 weeks ago and already I have lost 6.6lbs, which is fantastic. I have followed Alan’s instructions to listen to his CD every day, which I believe helps to re-enforce what he said to me during my half hour consultation to undergo the Gastrioband Hypnosis. It is also very relaxing and aids a very good night’s sleep. It has totally changed the way I see and think about food. I have done every diet going in the past but nothing has ever seemed to work. I no longer overeat and do not eat between meals, which in the past were both failings of mine. I am so pleased that I have had the Gastroband Hypnosis and look forward to the new slimmer me FOREVER. I am also a member of the Sophia Wellness Centre and visit the centre every day. This has given me more energy and the motivation to keep my spirits up. Diane G...” More information can be found about this system on the new web site www.fitnosys.com Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm. Alan is also the Creator of the Stop Smoking in under 30 minutes Fast Track System that others are now trying to copy. For an appointment, brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408 or visit www.alangilchrist.com www.hypnosiscostablanca.com www.thegastroband.com
JUNE 42010 FEB1826- -24 MARCH 2010
Jennifer Cunningham y Asociados S.L.
by Jennifer Cunningham
Having problems with cancellations? UNDER SPANISH insurance law, two months notice should be given when cancelling an insurance policy. Different rules are often applied where Health insurance is concerned. If in doubt, read your policy conditions where all the conditions, cover, rules and regulations will be documented. Despite what you may be told verbally, the policy is paramount in law. My company, like others, has requests for cancelling for example a car or a house policy, and very seldom are Liberty Seguros given the two months notice. They could go to court over this but very seldom do. However, when a ‘Community insurance’ is cancelled without the necessary time factor they will, as it often means the community has two policies running, which is illegal. There are a few cancellations on car insurance, due mainly to unsustainable price cutting. Although JCC consultants point out it is not just the price that matters but cover and service, to include protected no claims bonus, sometimes we lose, and in most cases just accept the cancellation, but will always try again the following year. However, be very careful when your renewal is due, particularly if it is insured via a bank. They do not seem to make contact with you either by phone or letter advising you of the new premium price, leaving you to discover (often by chance) that the premium has increased,
sometimes by quite a large amount. They will not let you cancel the direct debit unless you give them two months notice! However, on house insurance, we have practically no cancellations, as it is the most comprehensive policy in the Expats’ market place. It is similar to a top UK policy and because we are an Agent and not a broker offering a number of quotations from various companies, we are able to offer a superior service as we concentrate solely on Liberty Seguros and Asss; the knowledge that the consultants have of these two company’s products is vast! We further support our valid clients on all policies to the extent that we have our own claims department in Javea to assist you. What appears to be happening at present is that clients who are wishing to cancel with their banks are often informed that their mortgage or loan facilities could be threatened if they consider cancelling insurances with them: this especially applies to Life Insurance/Mortgage protection policies. Please let me make it very clear: if two months notice is given there is no way under EU law that any bank can refuse to cancel. Purchasing Life Insurance from my company can save a considerable amount of money. All that happens is the policy has the bank as the main beneficiary and it is marked accordingly. Saving a little on a car insurance is one thing but
when it comes to a life policy the sum is quite considerable, so do not be bullied or take any notice of threats; you are protected by EU law. I realise more and more that the rules and regulations in Spain are very different from the UK and can turn into a nightmare. Why anyone should assume that they are the same amazes me and I question why people should feel comfortable with being regulated and authorised in the UK by the FSA. No you cannot just insure your car for the time you are using it, even if it is in a garage or on blocks; under Spanish law it has to be insured. Yes, you must have your car go through an ITV or MOT every year depending on the year and what country it is registered in and pay road tax in that country. I understand the Police/Guardia Civil is becoming even more vigilant. Take care: it is quite a harrowing experience to be stopped by them, even knowing that everything is in order. Therefore I find it amazing that with a current Spanish licence and all the paperwork, triangles, medical kit, day-glow jackets etc, despite all this, they nearly always seem to find something amiss. NOW ONTO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT… Paul Cunningham Nurses are going from strength to strength and our first charity shop in Cuidad Quesada is just wonderful. We are
13
The Costas leading insurance consultant delighted to announce a second charity shop, soon to open in Playa Flamenca near the beach and Post Office. This site was chosen not just for its location, the nurses look after an amazing amount of patients all round the area. Via the charity shop we hope to collect enough money to help pay for the nurses to be able to continue and extend with their wonderful work for the terminally ill. We hope to open at the beginning of July. There is obviously a fair bit of work to do before we get to the stage of being ready to open and we need help with the following: A glass fronted counter; three hanging type island units; shelving; two tills and mannequins. Also, the very hard working Charity Manager of the shops, Chris, will need help in refurbishing what was an office into a very stylish charity shop, in line with the same standard as Quesada. We will then be seeking volunteers to work in the charity shop, along with your continued generosity of donated clothes for both men and women; books; CD’s; bric a brac; jewellery and so on. Please ladies dig deep into your wardrobes and cupboards to help get this new shop off the ground. If you can help in any way to get this second Charity shop up and running please contact Chris on 650 695 482 or e mail pcn.chris@gmail.com to arrange an interview or drop off donations at Calle de la Rozas 61, Urb Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.
Jennifer Cunningham y Asociados S.L. The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.
Offices at: JAVEA PORT
BENIJOFAR
LOS ALCÁZARES
LA MARINA
Near the cinema
Near CAM
Mercadona Square
Avda Londres 56
966 46 16 90
965 72 47 34
968 57 58 66
966 79 50 82
ALTERNATIVELY RING
TURRE Mojacar Estates Avda de Almeria 34 950 47 20 48
ALL OFFICES ARE OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 09.30 - 17.30
902 373 444 or visit www.jennifercunningham.net
14
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
Help not hinder IN MAY last year I opened a charity shop in Campello to raise money to purchase equipment for Cancer sufferers. I have received fantastic support from the Spanish people and also from the majority of expats. However, it has come to my notice that some of these expats have started a petition to close me down, are spreading rumours that there is no charity and that I am keeping the money raised. What I would like to say to these people through your paper is this: instead of slandering me, if they have time on their hands, which they obviously have, why don’t they volunteer to help here in the shop so that they can see how hard we work and where the money goes. All my helpers, including myself, are UNPAID volunteers. I have personally invested several thousand Euros to get the shop off the ground and as any businessminded person knows, no shop shows a profit for the first 6 to 12 months. Do these people really think that I would sully my husband’s memory by embezzling money from a charity that I started because of him? I challenge those concerned to contact me and offer their services. They are also welcome to look at my accounts if they wish. Patricia Worrell
Got a story? 902 118 999
rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
talk tous
Email letters to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com with your full name and address
Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
letter of the week
Flight insurance
Quite by error I recently ticked the box to buy flight insurance for a low cost flight. Bit of bad luck and we were not able to use the flight but ‘every cloud has a silver lining thinks I’ so I claim on the insurance. This is an excerpt from the insurance company’s reply: ‘Having reviewed the papers…I will be unable to offer any payment. This is on the basis that the total charges at £133.46 less insurance £17.98, taxes at £22 and debit card charges of £0.50 leaves a balance
for our consideration at £87.98. This falls below the total excess to be applied for 2 people of £100” Dick Turpin must have been an early employee of the insurance company: they took money when there was no chance of them paying. I know some of the expat community feels there are dodgy practices here in Spain but you have to go a long way to beat home grown British ingenuity. Regards, Andy Harker
Park renovation
I CHEERED that the renovation of the park and recreation area at La Regia had the go ahead at last, due to the hard work of Alan McPhail: well done Alan! A pat on the back goes to the CLR’s Pedro Mancebo. Pedro´s methods work! I know from my past experience as a councillor (UK - now retired) how much work is involved behind the scenes. Last year, he succeeded in having the illegal tip removed at PAU 26 – it would not have happened without Pedro´s knowledge and guidance. It makes a change to hear about a politician actually listening; ‘motivating the troops’; establishing a plan of action and carrying it through to achieve results: far better than empty promises. Pedro cares what Orihuela Costa looks like and does something about it. We were all surprised to read that €1,700 per month is being spent to maintain this park; I am baffled that the PP can admit to spending this ridiculous amount when it is clear no maintenance has been carried out. Obviously nobody is controlling expenditure. It is a shame that other parties do not take a leaf out of Pedro´s book. Kind regards, John Wilson, Cabo Roig
Open letter to: Honorato Algado Martinez: Mayor of Finestrat I was pleased to see that you are taking action against offending dog owners by increasing penalties for bad behavior. You are quoted as saying that “…this is the only thing to do to combat the problem…” I would respectfully advise you of a further measure you can take that has a positive effect on bad owners by using the threat of penalties, and education via the employment of dog wardens armed with cameras. I was a borough councillor for ten years in Surrey, UK. One of the many campaigns I fought was for the employment of dog wardens in our borough council area. The daughter of a friend of mine had gone blind in one eye, aged 16, due to contact as a young child with toxocara, a parasite found in dog faeces.
My campaign was successful and we employed two dog wardens: one in the north and one in the south of the borough. They would film offenders then show them the evidence. If discovered re-offending, the owners were summonsed but this became a rare occurrence. The wardens also gave talks in schools etc and handed out educational leaflets. The children would then go home and educate the parents: it works! Our borough contained five towns and a number of villages but I would think that Finestrat could be covered by one warden with a van. I hope you will give this proposal serious consideration; we could all benefit from the improvement to our local environment. Yours sincerely, Jack Johnson, Finestrat
Associacion Street Cats I AM a pensionista in Torreta 3, Torrevieja trying to help trap the cats here for sterilization, with the help of Associacion Street Cats (reg. charity: TLF 661 077 589). On 2nd June, just before midnight, someone grabbed both the traps and disappeared into the air. I have been looking everywhere but cannot find them. The Associacion Street Cats (Mr. J.Harrower) that own the traps tell me they must be ordered from the UK: last time they cost at least £75 each, plus the cost of shipping. Anyone out there who knows where the traps are - they look like green plastic - please just tell us where to pick them up and we will collect them - or is it possible that someone can help us buy 2 new ones, please!! Thank you and kind regards E Andersen, Torreta 3, Torrevieja Mail: else.tue@gmail.com
A fantastic job
I HAVE just had an operation on ruptured tendons in my shoulder at Torrevieja Hospital. I just wanted to thank Dr Alfredo Martinez Vazquez and the team for a fantastic job. I went in for day surgery at 07.30. The medical team who looked after me was professional and courteous. My Spanish is to say the least patchy but it was not a problem as all the staff spoke English
and that puts you at ease. Everything that was being done was explained to me, which was also very good .The hygiene of the hospital was very good (don’t think they know what MRSA is here) even when my wife came in to pick me up she had to have a gown on to avoid infection so thanks once again to all the staff at the hospital. Barry Putt, Los Altos
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
The tax man is coming NOW IS the time for all these loyal ex pats who claimed they have made every effort to integrate into Spain, who constantly bleat that they would never go back to nasty old rainy, crime-ridden, nanny-state Britain, to pay your income tax from your pensions, bank interest, and other income from the UK, in Spain which you love so much! If I had a Euro for every expat who has told me that they will continue to pay in the UK, or that they didn’t know their tax liability was in Spain, I would have to pay a lot more tax! How the tax office here is letting them get away with it is beyond me - they are missing out on many millions of Euros in this economic crisis. Before anyone says that the income tax on the government or military pensions has to be paid in the UK – yes I know, but most have several pensions that ARE subject to tax out here. Like death used to be, tax is a taboo subject here, because it means time consuming bureaucracy and extra expense to pay someone to do the declaration, plus you don’t want the taxman here to know about your missing millions perhaps? Touched a raw nerve? Good! PS: For those with a conscience ring 0044-151 210 2222: this is the Tax Office in the UK which deals with ex pat tax matters; they will give you advice and send appropriate forms so you can join the rest of us law abiding people! Anonymous
Impartial and balanced? UNTIL THE RTN publication dated 11-17th June, I had considered the English language ‘freebies’ were impartial and balanced, but the letter chosen as ‘letter of the week’ from D Baxter indicates a political bias that would find its home in the far left of discredited communism. Perhaps I have not had the benefit of 50 years visiting Spain, but work has brought me on a regular basis since 1971 and indeed there have been many changes, mainly for the good. However, to forget that the Civil War
was heralded by many as Nazi Germany versus Communist Russia, and not to mention that atrocities were committed on both sides, possibly in even numbers, is unreasonable. Do I take it that Mr.Baxter would have preferred a Communist Spain? In equal measure, it would appear that PSOE are whiter than fresh snow in his eyes, but there appears to be many cases of corruption by that party also. The ex president of Andulucia paying was it €4 million to his
daughter’s company…? The speaker of the Cortes, Sr Bono, paying cash for his son’s horse…untraceable supposedly…? As for mayors, yet again was it not in Catalonia that there were several nouveau riche and equally in Valencia there are instances in a similar vein. We are living in a country where corruption exists on both sides, not on one side alone, probably as in most countries, but to forget the balance makes both the RTN and Mr Baxter less than credible. John Rowe, Benitachell
Spain dubbed ‘Brutal’ ahead of World Cup Finals SPAIN WAS dubbed ‘Brutal’ ahead of the World Cup Finals that get underway in South Africa last week. Former Northern Ireland and Manchester United star Sammy McIlroy turned the clock back 28 years - to 1982 - when Spain hosted the World Cup. “What stands out was the brutality of the Spanish team - it was a ferocious assault - they tried to kick us all over the park,” recalled McIlroy. Northern Ireland beat Spain 1-0 at the Estadio Luis Casanova in Valencia - which lead to supporters burning their scarves and shirts in anger: “The fans were burning flags and shirts - they were absolutely furious,“said McIlroy, “The street outside the stadium looked like it was on fire. It was a crimson red,” he said, “They underestimated us. Nobody gave us a chance to beat Spain, the hosts. “It was an unbelievable achievement - and still talked about in Northern Ireland today. The Spanish nation was in shock,” he added.
On Spain’s ‘brutal’ tactics, during World Cup 82 - where FC Elche’s stadium staged games - McIlroy said: “It was typical of the assaults we suffered against the Spanish.” And McIlroy, capped 88 times, put the boot into Spain: “We knew that Spain wasn’t a great side - but nobody gave us a prayer.” McIlroy added: “At the final whistle there was a sense of disbelief in the stadium: silence. We never dared dream about beating Spain.” Turning to the 2010 World Cup Finals, McIlroy said: “Brazil have a strong defence. Dunga has got them exceptionally well organised. They have a huge chance. They don’t have the strength in attack of previous Brazil teams - there’s no Ronaldo or Ronaldhino.” However, McIlroy has also tipped Spain to do well: “Argentina and Spain have so many technically excellent players. And it would be a mistake to write England off.” A. Atkinson
15
Make my day With regard to the recent accidental shooting of housebreaker Ramón Jiménez Bruno in Arganda del Rey and the subsequent imprisonment and fine of the householder who fired the shot to protect his property, it is clear that the housebreaker was acting outside the law and, as such, should not be entitled to any redress in the courts. As for compensation to the villain’s children, I doubt they’ll miss much parental guidance from that waste of space. Those acting outside the law should forfeit its protection. Natural law
Looking for relatives of Mr Joseph Robson
Mr Joseph Robson (deceased) Born on 4 July 1928 Date of Death: 21 March 2010 I am trying to trace any surviving relatives or people who may have known Mr Joseph Robson who died in Orihuela on 21 March 2010. The deceased’s last known address is as follows: Urb. Playa Flamenca, C/Niagara 52-56, Orihuela (Alicante) Anyone who may be able to assist is invited to contact: Marc White solicitor, Peter Browne Solicitors, 48 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8BH, England Tel. 0117 944-1966 Email mwhite@ pb-solicitors.co.uk
proposes that man or animal has the predilection and moral right to defend their habitat with any means at their disposal and judicial law should uphold that concept. The housebreaker got what he should have expected. This and the case of Tony Martin in the UK hold the law to ridicule. The sooner the law changes in favour of the lawabiding citizen the better. Planning to rob my house? Make my day. They can’t put us all in prison. Danny Collins Investigative journalist and true crime author, Finestrat
16
18 - 24 june 2010
Evening flea market every Saturday in July and August
The mayor, councillor and organiser Natasja
THE EVENING sixty stall flea-market in the ‘Font de Carré’ park on 5th June was a great success with a diversity of second hand items and also paintings, antiques and new goods. Of course there was also enough to eat and drink while walking around on the market, such as churros; empanadas; tortillas and candy. Or you could sit on the terrace near the stall that was selling chips. The children enjoyed themselves at the playground in the centre of the park and there was a good atmosphere, with exhibitors as well as visitors having a good time. The lighted stalls and music added to the
holiday atmosphere. The mayor Honorato Algado and the councillor Pilar Martinez visited, saying they were pleased that this initiative had attracted so many people to visit Finestrat. Following this success, the flea market will continue in July and August every Saturday from 19.00 till 24.00, with even more stalls. All are welcome to have a pleasant evening with the whole family; and maybe you can find that one special thing you were always looking for! For information or a stall contact Natasja: 600 637 046 or email rastrofinestrat@gmail.com
Vuvuzelas turning matchgoers and players deaf in South Africa Vuvuzelas reach a shattering 123 decibels
by Jan Gamm VUVUZELAS, THE multicoloured plastic trumpets that are the chosen match toys of South African football enthusiasts, have become a contentious issue, causing a furore amongst spectators and players, with some television viewers declaring they will no longer watch the World Cup TV coverage. A vuvuzela, around the same size as a small trumpet, is sounded by ‘blowing raspberries’ down the mouthpiece, causing a certain amount of spittle to fly from the business end of the instrument (charming) and an earth shattering 123 decibels (equivalent to a jet taking off 200 metres away) of sound to splinter the atmosphere. Vuvuzelas
come in an array of colours, some with extension pipes, usually festooned with ribbons and stickers. Until the World Cup series began in South Africa, most of the football community had never heard of the vuvuzela yet apparently no self respecting South African football fan will leave home without one. The effect of many thousands of vuvuzelas being blown in a cacophony all over stadiums during matches is causing mayhem as players; spectators and television viewers nurse aching ears, pleading with the host nation to give up this anti social ear splitter. South Africa has dug in the heels of its football boots and obstinately refused to discuss the matter of deafening the international community, declaring in
almost Churchillian tones that it will never give up its vuvuzela but will fight on...it will never give up...it will fight us...well, you get the picture... Players have complained that they cannot communicate on the pitch, finding it impossible to be heard over the vuvuzelan whine emanating from the stands. Yet South Africa remains determined in its ‘love me love my vuvuzela’ attitude amidst calls for banning during the semi finals and the final in the series. AIR YOUR VIEWS To ban or not ban this perilous plastic membrane-popping instrument of torture by emailing rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
- 24 june 2010 2010 8-1418JANUARY
17
18
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
The death of Princess must be made to count
Red plague
by Louise Clarke PRINCESS, A miniature horse, which had been rescued by and was living at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) in Rojales, has finally lost her fight for life. RTN reported on Princess’s arrival at the centre just over a year ago after she was rescued from cruelty and impending slaughter at the hands of a local butcher. Years of neglect had left Princess permanently disabled and needing constant care. But despite all her problems, Princess lived happily at the rescue centre. She was a tough, affectionate little horse that loved life. Princess’ bravery and loving nature touched many people and she will be remembered for a long time to come. But the centre wants her life to really mean something and hopes that her story will highlight the plight of many miniature horses here in Spain. LOCKED AWAY Sue Weeding, the founder of the EHCRC, told RTN: “During the time we have been running the centre, we have become more and more aware that there is widespread neglect and abuse of miniature horses in this part of Spain. It seems that in just about every village
The red palm weevil
Princess with the centre’s pig, Issy
there is a miniature horse neglected and in ill health. We are constantly getting calls about mistreated minis.” She added: “These horses are left tied up outside houses, on rough ground, or locked away. They are fed on a cheap, high carb diet of stale bread and corn which causes them to become lame from laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition. Left untreated, they will become deformed and permanently crippled. Once sick and crippled, the horse will be sold for meat or abandoned to die. ” The rescue centre is currently involved in trying to help a miniature
horse in Almoradi. The horse is tethered by the leg, unable to move and regularly beaten on the head with a stick. Local residents and the rescue centre have reported the abuse to the authorities, and will keep pushing for something to be done. Sue concluded: “With Princess’ death we are more determined than ever to help miniature horses in distress; we owe it to Princess.” Read more about Princess’s story at www.easyhorsecare.net. The rescue centre is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays 13.00 – 16.00. You can call the centre on 965 967 033.
Georgian Mafiosos arrested in Spain SIX PEOPLE of Georgian nationality have been arrested and accused of money laundering in Catalonia. The arrests took place last Wednesday following a joint investigation between regional and national police, which lead to 24 arrests in March this year. Allegations are that the men are members of the Georgian mafia and were laundering money through restaurants and construction projects in Spain.
Infant school play
INFANT SCHOOL pupils from the Rojales Municipal Infant School will be performing their annual school play at the Rojales Municipal Theatre on Monday 28th June. For more information and tickets, please contact the Town Hall or the Theatre.
Black and White Puddings back in stock
TOWN HALLS across the Costa Blanca are urging people to be on their guard against the plague of the red palm weevil. The pest continues its march across Southern Europe leaving a wake of destruction amongst trees and international experts still searching for a solution. A trail of destruction has been left amongst stocks of palms attacked by the weevil Rhynchophorus Ferruginus. The bug is a native of South East Asia and first appeared in Europe in 1984 but over the last five years the area affected by the red palm weevil has expanded, sweeping through trees of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. CRISIS Backed by the European Union, scientists and environmentalists held crisis talks in Valencia to discuss the best methods of combating the plague – experts are both alarmed at the ability of the pest to infect palms and spread and the inefficiency and high cost of combating the problem. The experts will publish a joint strategy document aimed at the total eradication of the pest but agreed in some areas like the Marina Alta the battle should first focus on containing the spread of the weevil. And the EU initiative under
the Spanish Presidency calls for the public to be recruited to help fight the pest, control of imports of palms into Europe, shared research and co-operation between member states. Teulada has joined Denia and Javea and a number of other local authorities in a campaign to detect and control the weevil. The council has issued leaflets advising residents how to be on their guard. DISTRESS Palm trees are being inspected for signs of distress but local authorities need public help where trees are on private land. Pheromone traps have been set in parts of Teulada to snare the beetle that has a pronounced red coloured beak and as an adult can be 4-5cm long. It thrives on eating the Canary Island date palm and can also affect the tall Washingtonia. The most common symptom of infection is the gradual wilting of the palm’s leaves from the crown, which will eventually hang down, dry. Untreated, the palm will eventually die. However, if damage is superficial, the affected leaves can be removed and the infection treated to remove the larvae of the insect. Councils are also using insecticide to spray palms.
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
The RTN Golf Club by Jack Troughton
TEE OFF as a member of the exclusive RTN Golf Club and enjoy playing some of the coast’s top courses at a price everyone can afford. Club members will be entitled to a generous ‘two for one’ discount insuring sportsmen and women can concentrate of their favourite sport rather than being handicapped by worries over the cost. Spain’s favourite English newspaper has launched a club discount scheme to insure fair play for residents. Membership is free: all that is needed is an ‘NIE’ number to join. In return RTN
will issue a credit card style discount card and when shown at participating courses, members will be given cut price green fees but still enjoy all the facilities of the golf club. And the first four golf clubs already signed up offering the two for one deal are: Alicante Golf, El Plantio, Font del Llop, and Javea. With the expertise of professional coach Noel Eastwell, RTN has become the voice of golf on the Costa Blanca and constantly in touch with the sport’s important issues. Noel said the emails sent to RTN Golf and chatting with fellow golfers told him one of the major complaints was the affordability of playing regularly. “I just thought ‘why don’t we have a residents’ discount scheme like they do in Florida?’ A two for one offer,” he said. “On average a round of golf costs €80 but then you get discounts for being a golf society or booking in large numbers. “Somehow there
is always an excuse not to give discounts for individuals – this is unfair so why not organise a discount scheme. Players are still paying over €80 but now there are two people out on the course.” And Noel believes that including a buggy, no RTN club member should be paying more than €50 for a round of golf. WINNER
He added: “However, that also means two people are using the bar, restaurant, cafeteria and pro shop – it means everyone is a winner.” The attraction for golf courses, said Noel, was they would always be taking money helping meet the cost of maintenance and staff wages. And he said clubs were already asking what was in it for RTN. “The answer is ‘nothing’ - we just want people out there playing golf.” RTN’s managing director Geoff Gartland believes launching a golf club with its two for one discount was another example of the paper’s “hands on” approach to caring for valued readers. “The RTN Golf Club is an excellent idea and a first of its kind on the Costa Blanca. I’m certain membership will be snapped up by our golf playing readers and we look forward to introducing exclusive offers to members,” he said. “With Noel’s help we have made RTN number one for golf on the coast.” Keep reading RTN to find out how you can apply for your Golf Club membership card.
19
Reducing water consumption BENIDORM IS using the same amount of water as it was 35 years ago, despite the quadrupling of its population. It has been reported that a study carried out by the sociologist Mario Gaviria which shows water consumption now is practically the same as in 1975, leading to the conclusion that the town now has one of the most efficient best and sustainable water supply systems of any municipality in Spain. The data shows that now inhabitants use 383 litres per person per day, when 35 years ago it was as high as 1,107 litres. Hotels are using a quarter of the water that they used to.
Cheap Rabies jabs for dogs in Rojales ROJALES TOWN Hall, in cooperation with the vets Veterzoo and Ameguitos, have this week launched an anti-rabies campaign. Dog owners of Rojales will have the chance to vaccinate their dogs from 15th to 30th June for an unbeatable price of €14.50.
20
18 - 24 june 2010
Liberty Seguros continues to give away petrol IF IT’S TIME to renew your motor insurance policy and you’re looking for a reputable company with an outstanding price/quality ratio, an efficient claims department and an unbeatable service, then it’s time to visit your nearest Liberty Seguros Insurance broker. Some 120,000 expats have already trusted in Liberty Seguros’ comprehensive range of products, and this month, if you take out fully comprehensive motor cover before 30th June, you will also receive a SOLRED petrol voucher worth €50*. What’s more, with Liberty Seguros there are no communication barriers. All documentation is transparent and in English, and a dedicated team of customer service agents and claims managers are available to assist with any query or dilemma – and in your language. With some of the most attractive offers and prices on the market, Liberty Seguros is the expats’ preferred insurer; not only for motor cover but also for household, life, business, accident and leisure insurance. So if it’s time to take stock of the most important aspects in your life, have confidence in the name that so many expats and nationals already trust. Visit www.libertyseguros.es/expatriates/en to locate your nearest broker and to find out more about this promotion and other products that can prepare you for the unexpected. Liberty Seguros…. because you never know... * This offer is valid only for premiums
Easy riders
A Harley Davidson from the parade
By Jack Troughton HUNDREDS OF bikers and their gleaming machines converged on the Marina Alta last Sunday for a parade alongside the sea and Javea’s rock beach. Organised by the Taurons – the town’s custom motorbike club – the annual festival was its usual head-turning occasion as families were alerted by the throb of engines. Traditionally part of Javea’s popular International Festival, the celebration was brought forward a week this year but provided a taster for the thousands of people expected to attend this weekend. However, the festival itself continues tonight (Friday) and Saturday night from 19.00 until late to celebrate the international culture of the resort and is a blend of music, dance, food, drink and national costumes.
Liberty Seguros head office
that exceed €350 and not valid for motorbikes or commercial vehicles, renewals or replacements. About Liberty Seguros
LIBERTY SEGUROS is the leading expatriate insurance provider in Spain, with over 120,000 international clients, committed to providing high quality, competitively-priced insurance products
and services to both personal and business users. Liberty Seguros has been in operation since 2001 and is one of the top 10 insurers in Spain with a total of 1.2 million customers. It is part of the Liberty Mutual Group of Companies, the 5th largest property and casualty insurance company in the US with more than 90 years experience in the sector.
Painting School exhibition THIS SUNDAY, 21st June, sees the inauguration of an exhibition showing the final course work of the students of the Torrevieja Municipal School of
Painting. The exhibition is officially inaugurated at 19.30 at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre on Sunday evening and will be open until Sunday 4th July.
Youth Hostel cards for Rojales teens ROJALES TOWN Hall has announced plans this week to issue Youth Hostel Cards and International Youth Cards to its teenage residents. Following a meeting last week at the Valencian Youth Institute, the Director of the Valencian Youth Institute, Adrián Ballester and the Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas, signed an agreement which will allow the Youth Information Centre at Rojales Town Hall to issue and sell Youth Hostel Cards and International Youth Cards. The Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas, told RTN: “The Town Hall is delighted that it can now, through its Youth Department, promote these cards which benefit the young people living in our municipality, especially in this very difficult economic climate. With these cards, young people will be able to travel throughout Europe at affordable prices.” GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP The Valencian Youth Institute Director, Adrián Ballester, added: “As well as it being
Adrián Ballester and the Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas
a relatively inexpensive way to travel the world, youth hostels are also extremely environmentally friendly and with hostels, young people from different countries and with different cultures can meet and integrate. They can also take part in many varied environmental and leisure activities.” More than 400 Rojales youngsters have already benefitted from the good working relationship between the Institute and the Town Hall after they received Youth Cards, which entitled them to leisure and shopping discounts throughout the Valencian community. From this week, young people living in the Rojales municipality can obtain Youth Hostel Cards in five categories: teen; adult; family; teen group and foreign, which will provide easy to access to more than 4,500 hostels that are members of the International Federation of Youth Hostels in 60 different countries. As well as announcing the card promotion, the Mayor also announced the Town Hall’s plans for a dedicated Youth Centre in Rojales, which has been made possible thanks to PLAN E money from the central government.
New technology comes to the coast The press conference took place this week at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca
by Louise Clarke THE TOWN Hall of Orihuela has announced this week that it plans to install a new advanced technology network on the coast. The Mayor, Monica Lorente, held a press conference at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca, alongside Councillor for Modernisation, David Costa; Councillor for the Coast, Jose Antonio Aniorte; Councillor for Citizen Security, Mayte Velero and Javier Peset, the Valencian Community’s Secretary for Modernisation, to highlight the new project, called ‘Network Comdes’, and explain the finer details. Ms Lorente said that the project consists of the provision, installation, technical management and maintenance of a network of mobile digital communications, which will enhance security on the coast, help in emergency situations and assist in crime prevention and with rescue incidents. BENEFIT
The project, which has been included in the Valencian Strategic Plan of Advanced Telecommunications (PEVTA), will be implemented immediately so that all the security and emergency authorities of Orihuela will be connected to the same network as the rest of the Valencian Community. The network will vastly improve all mobile radio communications between the various public organisations and emergency services and the Mayor has assured that this new method communication will not only be of benefit to all who will use it, it will benefit the residents of the municipality as it will
mean quicker response times in an emergency. With this Network, a regional centre will be responsible for the communication to emergency services in Orihuela, making it more streamlined and more efficient as well as, crucially, more cost effective. Ms Lorente told RTN: “This network is like the strategic backbone of the emergency and security services that cover the whole of the Valencian Community and we are delighted that we will soon be installing it here in Orihuela.” WI-FI
The Mayor also announced the installation of an improved TDT receiver for the coast. This follows the Spanish changeover to digital TV in April this year and will mean that everyone with a TDT compatible TV on the coast will soon have a sharper and clearer picture on their television screen. Ms Lorente said: “After the detection of problems with the coverage of the TDT in Orihuela Costa, Rafael Peset, the Regional Secretary of Modernisation and the Councillor of Justice and Public Administrations, has discussed the problems with Juan Antonio Sastre, the Head of the Telecommunications and Information Society. “They have come up with a technical solution to these reception problems and we will soon have a new, more powerful receiver for the coast by installing a new repeater to the mast which is located in San Miguel de Salinas.” Finally, David Costa announced that there will be new free Wi-Fi zones installed on the coast, allowing lap top users to surf the internet wherever they want.
Mayor inaugurates new tennis courts THE MAYOR of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, officially inaugurated the new tennis courts at the new Sports City last weekend. Accompanied by the Councillor for Sport, Daniel Plaza Montero, the Mayor showed off his tennis skills at the Racket Sports arena, which houses 11 tennis courts and is capable of holding more than 2,000 spectators. During the event, the Mayor welcomed the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club to the state of the art facilities and congratulated the company who executed the new sports city project, saying that all the new amenities were spectacular and as a result the sports area has become the most important in the Vega Baja area.
The Mayor with the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
21
22
18 - 24 june 2010
Doing the 92: High ‘highs’ and low ‘lows’
WELL, A LOT has happened since I last wrote for the RTN and it seems impossible to believe it was only 14 days ago! Before I started, Bjørn Heidenstrøm warned me that I would have high ‘highs’and low ‘lows’ as he had on his epic journey from Norway to South Africa (see www.theshirt2010.net ) How correct he was! Things were going well with the tour until Mother Nature showed you just how much she is in charge. (....or was it fate/destiny/revenge?) Last Thursday I heard that a storage centre fire has destroyed absolutely everything I own. 53 years up in smoke. I’m numb. I only stored my possessions at the centre in Mijas Costa on the Costa del Sol so they would be safe whilst I was away travelling. Yes, I am numb and every few minutes I remember things that were in the storage centre. I put literally everything of value (fiscal or sentimental) in there as I did not want to leave it in the house in case of burglary whilst I cycled my multi-marathons. So if the robbers didn’t get it, the flames did. Ironic! I have seen the fire on YouTube and apparently it took 3 hours for the fire officers to get it under control. Fortunately nobody died or was injured. This week is cleaning head week and completing the
Beyond the call of duty
Luton Town
insurance claim. How the heck can you remember in just a few hours every single thing you have collected in 53 years? How many shirts/suits; how many Spanish, Swedish courses; how many books and dictionaries(100s!); how many USB cables etc; how many football programmes (900+)? So, after 53 years I am starting from scratch… Well, if that was the low (and it was a REAL low!) there have been plenty of highs too. My little legs have somehow got me to my adopted home town of Manchester via Luton, the West Midlands the Potteries and then into Manchester (in the pouring rain. No surprise!) I had superb hosting at Wolves from none other than Wolves, Sheffield United and Gillingham legend Mel Eves. We spent an incredible four hours together and that was a real high. Aston Villa and Birmingham City also treated me superbly and today I am wearing a WBA shirt which is about the only dry clothing I have! Whilst all this has been happening, Bjørn is getting fantastic media awareness in South Africa and with a last little push we will get to 2010 shirts for the 2010 World Cup Final day (July 11th). If you have a shirt that you would like to see in the breeze please do get in touch and we will make arrangements. A You Tube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1l9W9e2HDc) shows the mini shirt unveiled at the opening of Soccer City. That’s what the last year of my life has been about. What a high when everything comes together! Enjoy the World Cup everybody and please continue following me on www.theshirt2010.co.uk
DOUGIE LYNN of the Royal Air Forces Association has marked his elevation to the rank of ‘OAP’ with a ‘Sponsored Run’ for this year’s ‘Wings’ appeal’, which supports respite and care homes for members and exmembers of the RAF and their families. He has followed a 6 week vigorous training regime prepared by Crecia and staff at the OK Gym in Los Dolses. Early on Sunday 13th June, he made his 5km run alongside the canal at Los Dolses, in just under 45 minutes. His supporters had only a full English breakfast to sustain them, thoughtfully provided by the staff of ‘Bill’s Open Lounge’, which opened early to
Dougie Lynn
support the run. Dougie has so far raised the superb sum of €510, with more to come. His generous sponsors included not only friends from the RAFA branch but also other ex-service organisations on the Costa Blanca.
Burger King to open in El Corte Ingles
BURGER KING is to open new branches within El Corte Ingles shopping centres, according to a report by the online retail magazine ‘Kam City’. The first fast food outlet is scheduled to open later this month in the El Corte Ingles in Arroyosur. The move is part of the US fast-food chain’s plan to expand into new channels, including opening restaurants at service stations, motorways, train stations and passenger terminals.
Take a trip to the land of the Christian Monarchs CASTILLA AND LEON is the largest autonomous community in Spain with a population of 2.5 million. The towns and cities of Castilla, many of which date back to Roman and pre Roman times, have grown gracefully over the centuries to offer a combination of sleek modernity and powerful reminders of Spain’s tumultuous past. Coachtrips SL are currently offering a five day excursion to this area, attractively priced at €199. The excursion, which includes accommodation in a 3*Hotel B&B, will take you past typical Spanish inland towns and villages bathing in the summer sunshine, with one medieval castle after another flashing by. On the trip you will also visit the Spanish capital city of Madrid and take in the amazing sights there; the Atocha railway station, scene of the terrible bomb blast in 2004; the Reina Sophia Museum, the world famous Prado Museum; the beautiful Buen Retiro park, with its magnificent statues, a massive boating lake and botanical gardens; not to mention a must for every football fan; the Bernabau, the home of Real Madrid. A trip to see the magnificent city of Segovia is also included and you will have the chance to visit the Alcazar, which is a fortified Palace that perches right on the edge of the rock upon which Segovia is built, and the chance to sample some suckling pig, which is a speciality of Segovia and much talked about in all parts of Spain.
Simancas Castle in Castilla
Next, the trip takes you to Salamanca, where the Plaza Mayor is the largest and probably most loved in Spain. Unusually, Salamanca has not one but two cathedrals and as it is a university town, it enjoys the liveliness of a younger population. The river Torme offers the opportunity of a river cruise, sailing under old Roman bridges and past the lush green tree lined banks towered over by the two almost magical cathedrals. After Salamanca, there is a short visit to the fortified city of Avila, the former home of the formidable Santa Teresa, Patron Saint of Spain and best known
for the Knights of Avila, champions of the Christian crusade. Avila impresses immediately with what is probably the best preserved medieval city walls in Western Europe. Before heading home, there is one more surprise visit to one of the most important sites in Spain which will round off a truly memorable visit to Castilla; the land of the Christian Monarchs. To book a place on this excursion please contact David’s ‘Coachtrips SL’ on 966 785 910. You can read more about this trip on their website www.coachtripsonline.com
18 - 24 june 2010
23
18 - 24 june 2010
24
Watts In Britain
Taking the Tardis to Tolpuddle
By (GROAN) AFTER long months of hearing
Paul Watts
nothing at all from the so-called Brigadier Janus, up there in Javea, this week he fires off two rounds in my direction. He is unhappy with my grammatical misdemeanours, namely a ‘split infinitive’ and he also goes to great lengths informing me ‘that there is no Odeon cinema in Tolpuddle’ (see last week’s Watts in Britain, where I jokingly refer to a Tolpuddle Odeon). Thanks for that Brigadier but I’m not really surprised. In fact, apart from the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum there isn’t much at all in Tolpuddle (nice though it is). If you were to breeze through at 60mph and blink you’d probably miss it altogether. Mind you, if you did breeze through at 60mph you could well be on the way to losing your previously clean driving licence; for although Tolpuddle contains little else it does contain more than the national average of the dreaded Gatso cameras. The village and its environs, as I’m sure the Brigadier knows, are subject to a very strict 30mph regime; and serried ranks of the aforementioned machines await the pleasure of snapping your number plate quicker than you can say, “Send ‘em to Australia!” The cameras are so delicately primed that doing 31mph is likely to set them all a flashin’… Therefore, you could easily metamorphose from a clean licence holder to a no-licence-at-all-holder just by the unadvised action of tearing through Tolpuddle. According to the UK National
Speed Camera Database there are: “…over 4,000 fixed Gatso speed cameras currently in use by police forces and local authorities across the UK, accounting for 90% of all fixed speed cameras”. Yeah, and ten percent of those are in and around Tolpuddle! All of which waffling has nothing to do with the Tolpuddle Odeon – fictitious or real. But what I hope I’ve clearly demonstrated Brigadier, is that Tolpuddle is such a tiny place and therefore, unlikely to have an Odeon. It was just a joke. Right; now, as for me using a split infinitive I say this to you; if it’s good enough for James T Kirk of the Starship Enterprise “to boldly go” then it’s surely good enough for me. After all he has, often single-handedly, saved the known universe many, many times. Can you claim to have done that Brigadier? WATTS IN TIME
Talking about saving the universe, have you been watching the latest series of Dr Who? What a natty piece of casting with the new Tardisian tenants Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. Matt is absolutely perfect in the Timelord’s shoes. He brings to the role an air of sublime other-worldliness. As a young bloke playing the 900-year old Timelord he has caught the right balance of weltschmerz (trust our German cousins for having a word for world-weariness) combined with the zest and wonderment of a small child making discoveries anew. Clever, serious, clown-like yet vulnerable; he is the last member of his race and bur-
The new waste-oftime-lord
dened with a universal sadness. Oh, Watts, you do go on… Sorry, but I just love it and haven’t missed any of this series - the first time I can claim that in twenty-five years. Along with Matt, the new producer and production team really have breathed new life into an old legend. And talking of old legends, well old anyway, I was the Doctor for a day recently. Well erm, ten minutes actually. As the visiting famous RTN columnist to the BBC Mailbox in Brum last Tuesday, I was given the keys to the Tardis. The keys to the Tardis, folks: better than the keys to the city any day. In our exclusive RTN/ BBC picture you can see the grinning fool about to speed off to 1967 to obtain a fresh off the line, spiffing new copy of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Shewho-must-be-obeyed accompanied me and a good time was had by all. As I posed beside the famous blue machine our Beebite guide said to my missus, “You know, your chap makes a very good time lord.”“Hmmm,” she-who-must mused in her faraway manner, “although…” (I knew just what was coming next by dint of long association and the way she’d started to corpse), “You could,” she chuckled uncontrollably, the words crashing into each other in her obvious glee to deliver the payout, “more accurately describe
him as a waste-of-time lord…” Oh, how the BBC acolytes laughed. Idiots! Well, they would laugh wouldn’t they because shewho-must works for the Arts Council so they wanted to keep her sweet; probably hoping for some special hand-outs. I theatrically swished an imaginary scarf around my neck. “Let them laugh,” I thought in a loud Tom Baker way, “I’m off to the past. Or is it the ‘passed’?” I expect The Brigadier in Javea will know. Hmmm, in fact he could be my first villain. I could meet him on the battlefields of Tolpuddle. Can you picture it? Dr Who-Watts versus The Brigadier. He could sport a deadly infinity-splitting phaser-laser and be accompanied by a bevy of hot-pants-wearing, thigh booted, long legged lovelies… Watts!!! Erm, sorry, I went into a bit of a daydream there folks. But I could return to Tolpuddle to right some wrongs. I could set free the martyrs. I could also zoom back and change reality a bit. I’ll turn the Gatso cameras into Gatsby cameras; they’d go off whenever a chap wasn’t wearing a straw boater or striped jacket. They’d also go off if a chap didn’t open the car door for his gal. We’d return to a much gentler age. Pip pip old things…. Watts in the Tardis, see you again LAST WEEK! Which year would you go back to, folks? p.watts@roundtownnews.com
18 - 24 june 2010
25
26
18 - 24 june 2010
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club - Golf Academy
by Louise Clarke ONE OF the most important parts of any golf club is without doubt the golf academy. Robert Mitchell is the Head Professional at Las Colinas and is in charge of the day to day running of the Golf Academy. Robert, originally from Wales, is a PGA qualified Golf Professional and brings to Las Colinas a wealth of experience. Robert joins Las Colinas having spent the last five years working for the Scott Cranfield Golf Academy where he was the Head Golf Coach at the Academy in Cadiz. Scott Cranfield is a European Tour Coach and former Sky Sports and Setanta Golf presenter and has one of the most comprehensive training schemes in the golf industry for his coaches. Robert continues to further his
coaching knowledge by attending seminars with some of the World’s best golf coaches and recently Robert attended a seminar with Michael Hebron, the 1991 USPGA Teacher of the Year. He has had a number of golf instruction articles published and is a member of Today’s Golfer Magazine Teaching Staff: Today’s Golfer is the UK’s best selling golf magazine. COACHING STYLE
A holistic golf coach, Robert has received extensive training in the technical, mental and physical (biomechanical) areas of the game, enabling him to identify the reasons why a golfer isn’t fulfilling his or her potential. Robert aims are to build upon the pupil’s strengths rather than to try and make them conform
The natural grass practice range
Credit card fraud gang smashed
AN INTERNATIONAL gang cloning credit cards has been busted by police in several countries. Police arrested 178 people in 14 countries and 76 of the arrests were in Spain. Estimates say the gang could have made more than €20 million. An investigation that started in Valencia led to the discovery of 11 laboratories where credit cards were being cloned. The gang are also responsible for fraud; extortion; sexual abuse; exploitation; money laundering and violent robberies. One of the gang leaders has been taken into custody in Valencia.
to a particular methodology, which can often lead to confusion. He incorporates the latest technology into his coaching sessions, including the latest high speed video cameras to demonstrate the key concepts of his coaching. LAS COLINAS GOLF ACADEMY
The Academy at Las Colinas will offer a full programme of instruction, including individual tuition, beginner golf groups and classes for juniors. Bespoke lesson plans will be created for pupils at the Academy to ensure that both the pupil and coach are clear as to the direction the coaching sessions will take, which will be set after considering the individual goals of the pupil. Each pupil will also receive a USB memory stick, which will be used to keep a record of the key points of each golf lesson and progress. Making the most of the exclusive practice facilities at Las Colinas, pupils of the Academy will enjoy the same high level of service at the Golf Academy as they will receive throughout the Las Colinas development. Managed by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management, the Las Colinas team has a passionate dedication to quality, and is inspired to
Robert Mitchell, Head Professional at Las Colinas
provide an exceptional guest experience, alongside the finest playing surfaces and clubhouse facilities. UNiK CAFÉ and THE GLASS BAR
After a good session with your golf coach, visitors to the Academy at Las Colinas will be able to enjoy the beautiful and tranquil surroundings at Las Colinas with a drink and maybe a bite to eat at
Walking for cancer
SUE YOUNG from San Miguel de Salinas is taking part in the 5km Race for Life in Gloucester, next Sunday, 27th June. The countrywide event, which is open to women of all ages, raises money for Cancer Research UK and Sue would like to fly the flag for expats here in the Costa Blanca, when she returns to England. She can be sponsored directly by logging onto www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/susanjones22 or by contacting her on 695 441 388 or after midday 25th June on 0044 777 566 8531. Meanwhile, please don’t forget that tomorrow, Saturday, 19th June, is the Maria and her PINK ladies walk in Torrevieja. This is also a 5km walk and you can turn up on the day and register: the registration fee is €5 and all proceeds will go to AECC. For more information on Maria’s Walk, please call 646 099 092.
Sue Young from San Miguel with husband Bob
the UNiK CAFÉ and THE GLASS BAR located in the clubhouse. Book your golf lesson now at Las Colinas, the most complete way to improve your golf. For more information on the academy, e-mail academy@lascolinasgolf.es or call (+34) 965 324 004. For more information on Las Colinas, email golf@lascolinasgolf.es
Hollywood premier promotes Spain CAMERON DIAZ and Tom Cruise were in Seville last Wednesday and Thursday to promote the premier of their new film, Knight and Day. Some scenes were shot in the city and others in Cádiz, Boston, Hawaii and Salzburg. The production team recreated some of the scenes of the film throughout the city, and the two stars later gave interviews to the press. Predictions are that around 300 million people will see Seville through watching the film – a huge promotion for Seville.
18 - 24 june 2010
27
Selena’s Cruises 28
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
OVER THE next year, four all-new cruise ships will be launched, each for a different cruise line, not counting the Seaborne Sojourn, which just set sail on its maiden voyage, ensuring a continuing supply of deep discounts - on virtually all ships - for ‘Vacations To Go’ customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure. Early sailings of any new-build are generally quite popular: below are highlights of each vessel, with links to more information, departure dates and discounts. NORWEGIAN EPIC, NORWEGIAN: JUNE 24TH, 2010: 4,200 PASSENGERS
The 4.5-star Norwegian Epic is the largest and most innovative NCL ship to date with creatively designed accommodation. For the budgetconscious traveller, a new inside cabin category, The Studios, maximize space and offer access to The Living Room, a private shared space with TVs, Wi-Fi and a full bar. Diversions include the Aqua Park with three multi-storey water slides, a rockclimbing wall and a rope adventure course. The ship will feature the cruise industry’s first true ice bar: walls; tables; stools; and life-size sculptures will be made of ice! The Norwegian Epic offers unparalleled evening entertainment including Blue Man Group, The Second City
E E R F IRELESS W
R E T U RO ! 0 5 € h t wor
Comedy Troupe, Legends in Concert and Howl at the Moon. DISNEY DREAM, DISNEY: JANUARY 26TH, 2011: 4,000 PASSENGERS
The 5-star Disney Dream, the first new ship for Disney Cruise Line in more than a dozen years, features 14 towering decks, built on the style of other Disney ships with an early 20th Century design mixed with stateof-the-art technology. For the first time in the cruise industry, inside cabins will have outside views! Inside staterooms will have porthole-shaped, flat-screen monitors on the wall broadcasting live views of the sea or port from high-definition cameras mounted outside. Onboard entertainment includes 3D movies in the Buena Vista Movie Theatre and a cruise-industry first - the Aqua Duck - a combination waterslide/rollercoaster. Young cruisers will be able to interact with Crush from Finding Nemo on cinema-sized plasma screens. The play area, ‘Andy’s Room’, allows kids to experience the Toy Story set from a toy’s point of view. The Disney Dream also offers elegant adults only dining facilities; unforgettable experiences for the entire family. CARNIVAL MAGIC, CARNIVAL: MAY 1ST, 2011: 3,690 PASSENGERS
Sister-ship to Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Magic shares the distinction of being the largest vessel in Carnival’s fleet at
Disney dream watercoaster
130,000 tons. Services and amenities include the Waterworks aqua park, the tranquil, kidsfree Serenity area and extensive children’s and teens’ areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools beyond the ship’s beam. Accommodation includes ‘cove’ balcony staterooms close to the waterline, deluxe ocean view staterooms with two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and privileges. SEABORNE QUEST, SEABORNE: JUNE 20TH, 2011: 450 PASSENGERS
Seaborne Quest will be three times larger than the original ships in Seaborne’s fleet,
but will carry just over twice as many passengers, ensuring one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea. The 6star ship will have 225 suites, 90% with full-size balconies. There are roomy, granite bathrooms with a separate bath and shower and twin sinks. Public spaces include four dining venues; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa with its lasso therapy whirlpool; Finnish saunas; aromatic steam rooms; gym and aerobics area. For more info: Selenas’s Cruises (Part of the Cruise Centre) Tel: +34 96 649 1711 Fax: +34 96 649 1711 www.selenascruises.com
Twice as nice – PCN Fashion Show
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
29
Join in the Bootscootin’ Daffodil Dance
The Bootscooters at their Saturday class at the Quesada Country Club
€610 was raised
LAST THURSDAY, Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity Shop held their Summer Fashion show at El Corazon Hotel. It was a great evening and the show was enjoyed by all that attended. Music was supplied by TKO’s Rachael Angus who really brought the Show alive. Jennifer Cunningham gave a moving speech about how and why the Charity was formed and added that the next Charity shop was soon to open in Playa Flamenca.
Val Ingham, who compered the show, thanked all the shop volunteers not only for modelling but also for the work they put in week in week out. PCN Shop’s Manager Chris Rodley confirmed that the Charity Shop in Playa Flamenca would open in around three weeks time and said the show had raised €610. He went on to also thank the shop volunteers, Val Ingham and TKO’s Rachael Angus.
THE LOS ARCOS Restaurant in Torrevieja will be the venue for an American Independence Day Daffodil Dance in aid of Marie Cure Cancer Care. The event, which is being organised by the popular Bootscooters Line Dancers, costs just five euros to participate and all the money raised will be donated to the charity.
There will be a full night of dancing from 20:00 until late and if you are a keen line dancer, you will be most welcome to go along and ‘strut your stuff!’ So, if you want to go along and dance your heart out, call John on 606 783 989, Peter on 662 181 372, or Maz on 651 723 534 for more information. Tickets are also available from Los Arcos Restaurant.
Beatle fan heaven
MADRID HELD its first ever International Music Fair last weekend and thousands of music fans attended. On sale were vinyl records and cassettes from bands such as The Beatles, Elvis, The Police, Bob Dylan and many more. Perhaps the most unusual sale was a lock of John Lennon’s hair which fetched €5,000. A vinyl Beatles recording of ‘Let It Be’ was sold for €200 and a marijuana-smoking pipe that once belonged to Lennon also sold for a few thousand euros. The fair was so successful that it is tipped to continue as an annual event.
Castelar College International School Creche Castelar college is a high quality educational facility offering an exceptional level of care in a setting that encourages children to be hardworking, independent and linguistically adept in both Spanish and English. The crèche accepts children from the moment they can walk unaided up to the age of three, when they would progress to our infant, primary and subsequent secondary school. These children are part of a bilingual educational community from their entrance into the crèche where activities in English/Spanish form a large part of the day. Native English/Spanish teaching staff guarantee a gentle and natural introduction to both languages, using fun, hands on activities that ensure the assimilation of concepts in a natural way. Each child matures at a different rate, requiring individual care and Register Now!! for Sept 2010 and receive 5% discount on the registration fee attention, with each and every one of our children being monitored ongoing. This includes all of their achievements being recorded on a for the creche if you book before 30th June!! daily basis in their Castelar Journal. A diverse daily routine allows children to feel safe, develop social, communicative and behavioural skills as well as habits of personal hygiene. We place great importance on self-confidence, ultimately the most important tool to enable children to develop high self-esteem and a positive self image. An awareness of the environment, global issues, social equality, and the elimination of social biases and physical obstacles to integration all form an important part of the child’s education even at this early stage of their lives. At Castelar we provide If you would like to find out more about Castelar Academy or are interested in enrolling... an environment that allows children to enjoy please call now on 968 178 276, where our friendly staff will be only to happy to help you... human and personal relationships as well as academic excellence right from the beginning of their lives...
Castelar College Creche
Crèche 1 -3yrs Individual classrooms for each age group Outdoor fully equipped play area Dining room service Sleeping facilities Separate Multi purpose room for larger group activities
For more information contact Castelar College on 968 178 276 or, or e-mail info@Castelar.org
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
30
currency
by
Kevin Wright
Account Manager, Moneycorp
Rate watching – the latest sport? As anyone with upcoming currency transactions will tell you, watching the rate to get the maximum return for is very difficult as the rate seems to move very quickly. So how do you know when is the best time to exchange currency at the rate you want or need? Because of the recent turmoil in the financial market and the extreme volatility of currency it is extremely difficult to judge when to trade and if you use a bank, making sure you get the rate you want. As an example, from the 1st June there has been over a 3 cent difference between the high and low point. This may not sound a lot but the potential difference of the rate you could have traded would equate to a significant saving or loss depending on which rate you took. Tracking the rate yourself is time consuming and unless you monitor throughout the time the market is open often fruitless. You then have to ensure that if you see the rate you want your bank is (a) open and (b) able to give you that rate. This is a key reason why more and more clients are turning to a currency specialist the like of ourselves who are able to offer a range of services allowing you to gain the rate you require without the associated hassle. For example, some of the tools used to benefit you include: Spot contracts - Buy or sell a currency for immediate delivery. Spot contracts are
suitable if you want to receive your currency quickly and efficiently while achieving the best rate available. Forward contracts - Fix an exchange rate at which you buy or sell currency for delivery at a later date (up to two years). Forward contracts protect against adverse currency movements and can be used to lock into favourable exchange rates. Stop-loss orders - Set a minimum level at which you buy or sell your currency. Your order will be fulfilled automatically if this rate is reached, effectively guaranteeing a minimum rate at which your currency will be exchanged. Limit orders - Set a higher target exchange rate at which, if this rate is achieved, you buy or sell your currency. If you run a limit order in parallel with a stop-loss order, the exchange rate at which you trade is guaranteed within a given range, giving you the advantage of predictability. The process is simple and arranged over the telephone. Also, because currency companies deal with ‘live’ rates, the rate you agree is the rate you achieve if hit. In our experience, if a client is realistic in terms of the rates they are looking for there is a strong chance they can be achieved – we just do the work for you!! For further information and guidance please see www.moneycorp.com/roundtownnews
For more information on how Moneycorp can help you to save hundreds of euros on your Spanish bank fees, as well as helping you get more pounds for your euros, contact us on 902 887 243 or email Moneycorp directly at roundtownnews@moneycorp.com
Euro/Sterling Weekly Market Update brought to you by &
.uk
STERLING’S ADVANCE FOILED BY EURO HIGHS
Sterling/euro’s failure to break higher prompts profit-taking-selloffs elsewhere. Shortage of bad news provides respite for the euro. A relatively narrow range held the pound last week. The highlights were the two attempts to break convincingly above an 18month high… The week got off to a slow start for sterling. With no economic data - positive or otherwise - to help it on its way it festered on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday’s trade figures were not good. They showed once again how the weakened currency has totally failed to make any noticeable difference to the trade gap… It was a different story on Friday when watery industrial and manufacturing production data were seized upon as a reason to sell Sterling… There was no surprise at the Bank of England’s decision to keep monetary policy unchanged in June. A survey in the Daily Telegraph of 25 UK economists gave weight to the suggestion that it would be next year at the earliest before interest rates started to move higher. However, the Sunday Times carried an article by MPC member Andrew Sentance in which he drew attention to the mysterious rise of inflation…
Euroland sauntered through the week with little to say for itself on the economic front. The downgrade by Fitch of Spain’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ was disappointing but not entirely unexpected. Any possibly greater effect on sterling/euro was averted when Fitch threatened to do the same for Britain if the new government failed to mend the ways of the old one in next week’s emergency budget… The European Central Bank’s press conference on Thursday served to highlight the innate problems of a one-size-fits-all interest rate across the euro zone. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said, not for the first time, that interest rates remain on average ‘appropriate’ at 1.0%... Buyers of the euro should note that sterling retreated twice last week from 18month highs. Whilst there is every chance that the damage is temporary, and that the euro has further to fall against the major currencies, if sterling could not hack it last week it has no obviously greater chance in the next few days, especially with the emergency budget coming up on 22 June…
To read the full report click on Currency Guidance at www.moneycorp.com/roundtownnews
legal
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
Lending money to a friend by
Marc White & Carlos Baos
English & Spanish Solicitors
I LENT €45,000 to a friend one year ago for the renovation of his house in Denia. Now his property is on the market and regrettably he is also seriously ill. We still get on very well but I would like to have a document or agreement to ensure that I will get my money back if the unfortunate happens, or if he sells the property which could be in two months or two years. We are both in agreement to sign whatever is necessary to put this guarantee in place. What can we do? What sort of contract or document should we sign? This is quite common - many people lent money to friends and family during the property boom. The feeling was that the loan was safe as prices were always going to increase. In your case, we understand that you need a loan agreement confirming that you (the lender) have lent €45,000 to your friend (the borrower). The first thing that we recommend is to document this
agreement in a proper contract, a ‘Loan Contract’. It is important that you and your friend sign a Loan Agreement in order to determine the obligations of both parties. This kind of contract should state the main terms of the Loan: full names and contact details of the parties; amount of the loan; time (duration of the loan); how and when it will be repaid; if interest would be charged, etc. In your particular case, as in almost every case, we also recommend to secure the loan agreement by means of a Mortgage against your friend’s property. You can do this in a similar way that the bank does when they grant mortgages. This should be done by signing a Mortgage-Loan Deed (Escritura Pública de Préstamo Hipotecario). In this way the property of your friend will serve as security for your Loan and both of you will be sure that the agreement will be respected and registered, provided of course there is sufficient value or equity in the property. So, if the property is sold, your loan must be paid off and the mortgage cancelled if the purchaser wants to buy free of charges. If the purchaser does not pay off the mortgage, you will be able to claim against the new owners as the mortgage in your favour will be linked to the property and transferred with it. Similar consequences will be in the scenario of the inheritance, where the heirs will inherit the property but also the Loan guaranteed by the mortgage. But probably the best news for you is that we understand
31
that for this type of Mortgage-Loan Deed between individuals (Escritura Pública de Préstamo Hipotecario entre Particulares) no taxes should be paid, as per the following: 1. As per the law of the Patrimonial Transfer Tax and Documented Legal Acts (ITP-AJD), article 15.1: “… the mortgage in guarantee of a loan, will pay taxes only in respect of the loan” (and not in respect of the mortgage). 2. Where both of you are private individuals, the Loan is subject to Transfer Tax (Transmisiones patrimoniales onerosas TPO) but exempt. 3. For the mortgage, given that the Loan is subject (but exempt) from the transfer Tax (TPO) the mortgage cannot attract a 1% tax charge in respect of the Documented Legal Acts, as both taxes are non compatible. This reasoning was followed by the General Tax Direction in consultation number V1246-05, of 27th June 2005. To sum up, we understand that the Mortgage Loan Deed between the two of you is the best solution for your case as: 1. It will be an official Loan guarantee by means of a mortgage, which means that the property will guarantee that you get your money back (provided its value/equity is sufficient). 2. The costs are low (cheaper than if you sign a mortgage with a bank as the 1% tax would not be payable), as there are no taxes to be paid, only notary fees and land registry fees. If you are in a similar situation and you want a guarantee for a debt or loan in your favour, please do not hesitate to contact us; we will be more than pleased to assist you. *The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.
Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located close to the Glorieta Square at the end of Marques de Campo). © White & Baos Abogados 2010 - Tel: 966 426 185. All rights reserved. Send your questions to thespanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com
FAZ reports preparation of aid packet for Spain
THE PRESTIGIOUS German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports that negotiations on an EU aid package to Spain have started already. This has been denied by the Spanish government and the European Commission. Such a denial is needed to try to hinder the collapse of the tottering Spanish economy before the EU has agreed on the aid package.
BBVA President: “the markets do not trust us” THE PRESIDENT of BBVA, Francisco Gonzalez, has recently declared that: “The financial markets have withdrawn their confidence in our country…..and for the greatest part of the private sector the international
capital markets are closed.” He added: “The crisis has precipitated the collapse of our economical model; a model based on foreign debts and excessively concentrated on the property sector and the foment of consume.”
32
money
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
Can I cash in my UK pension fund? Stephen Ward & Robert Burns
Perhaps it is not surprising that people want to do this as the average UK pension fund is under £30,000. This amount will not go far to meeting the traditional aim of providing an income for life (from the age of 65), in this case of say just £125 per month.
AS THERE becomes more and more awareness about the ability for the UK expat to transfer their UK pensions offshore it is not surprising that there has been a significant shift in the type of client approaching us for our free, no cost and no obligation recommendations. We are finding that more and more of our cases are for clients wishing to cash in their UK pension fund via a transfer to a New Zealand QROPS. Providing that they have been a non UK resident for five or more tax years and the fund is greater than £10,000 then the answer to the question is yes, so long as they have not already bought an annuity. How old you are does not matter.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Under HMRC rules and regulations, a UK pension fund may be transferred to what is known as a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme or ‘QROPS’. HMRC keeps an updated list of QROPS that runs to over 40 pages. The first 10 pages alone relate to Australian schemes. Many countries listed do not offer the facility to cash in a pension fund (such as Guernsey, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Malta). This is because of the way the rules regarding pension funds work for residents in these countries. HMRC recognises transfers to these countries because they follow a certain set of rules. These schemes
by
tend to be for funds in excess of £100,000 where the client is looking to protect capital and avoid the need to purchase an annuity. However, there are several countries that do offer residents the facility to cash in a pension fund including Australia and New Zealand that are also recognised by HMRC because they follow a separate set of rules. As Australian schemes are only open to Australian residents this excludes the majority of expats. Unlike her Australian neighbours, New Zealand legislation allows residents and non residents alike to transfer UK pension funds into a New Zealand QROPS. The New Zealand pension providers we recommend are recognised by HMRC and allow inward transfers from expats living outside New Zealand in say Spain. For a detailed technical explanation of the way this works please contact us. WHEN DOES THIS NOT WORK? This does not work for UK
Stephen Ward giving a presentation in New Zealand last year
residents who do not satisfy what is called the five year reporting rule. Put simply, an expat must have been outside the UK for five or more complete tax years i.e. before 6th April 2005. We are aware of some advisory firms (usually unregulated) who are allowing transfers to take place before this condition has been satisfied. In such cases HMRC will impose a 55 percent tax on the gross transfer value. This will come as nasty shock to anyone who has been incorrectly advised.
A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR UK PENSIONS Our clients come to us and recommend us to others. They recognise that we do not offer a solution from just one country (e.g. just Guernsey), nor do we profess to offer the best product from just one provider expecting this approach to suit all and sundry. For a free no cost (with no upfront fees) review of your pension fund from a leading QROPS and QNUPS independent pensions advisory firm please contact review@qrops.es or see http://www.qropsnz.com or http://www.qrops.es
THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, June 2010. Please see our advert on Page 2. At the forefront of the industry with over forty years combined experience with pensions, regulated and authorised, liaising directly with providers and HMRC, Stephen and Robert are two of the leading authorities on QROPS. E: review@qrops.es T: 965 790 918 W: www.qrops.es
When your bargain resale – isn’t by
Suzanne O’Connell Freelance reporter
CAROLINE CLINTON couldn’t believe her luck. Along with husband and young son, she needed a bigger house. Pregnant with her second child, the one-bedroomed accommodation they were living in just wasn’t suitable any longer. Then the house opposite came up for sale. With two bedrooms and only a stone’s throw away from where they were living, it was perfect. Even better, the owners were desperate to sell and it was on the market at a rock bottom price. It was a true stroke of luck. Four years later they had another stroke of luck, but this time of the bad variety. They received a letter explaining that the value of their house had been checked and their declaration for Transfer Tax (ITP) was too low, “I couldn’t believe it,” says Caroline, “We’d not tried to conceal anything - just declared what we’d paid for the house. We were issued with a bill for the Caroline with the equivalent of €2,000 (it was still pesetas “bombshell” in those days). We’d got no idea that letter this might happen.” Worryingly, what happened to Caroline With two young children and struggling all those years ago is happening to to make ends meet, it was the last thing property owners now in increasing the family needed. numbers. When a property changes That’s all many years ago. Caroline hands it is the sale price that goes now works at Ábaco Asesores and is on the title deed and this is used to kept up-to-date with all the latest legal complete the transfer tax declaration news, “But then I was totally unaware, form. The tax office knows that the like most people are when these majority of houses are being sold at bombshells fall.”
low prices and have four years in which to check this against the ‘real’ value of the property. In truth the ‘real’ value, although coming with approval from an architect, tends to be on the high side. Most people have something to pay. “Had I known then what I know now,” Caroline explains, “I would have appealed against
it. But we ran out of time and ended up having to pay the full amount. It really came as quite a shock.” Since working at Ábaco she has seen how they have appealed on behalf of many clients and won! But what might property buyers do to protect themselves? Caroline has this advice: “If you are buying resale make sure you name a trustworthy fiscal representative in your deed. That way, if you don’t receive the recorded letter at least they will. And don’t delay. If you do receive notification appeal straight away, you can win.” In comparison to some of those finding themselves with hefty bills Caroline’s extra tax was quite modest. With the average charge coming in at between €3,500 and €6,000, this unexpected fee can soon sour the taste of a bargain buy. Caroline and her family have moved on since. Their next house wasn’t quite as much of a bargain and there wasn’t a big difference in the price they paid and the valuation by the tax office. Caroline is anxious that other families don’t have to go through the same experience. “We loved our house and it was a wonderful bargain but the tax office gave us one surprise we could have done without.” For more information about transfer tax call the ÁbacoConnect help-line 966 703 748 or visit www.abacoconnect.com
legal
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
33
IVA increases are almost upon us by
Michael Olmer
Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services
ALL OF us in business in Spain, whether professionals, shopkeepers, wholesalers, manufacturers and not forgetting landlords, will have to get to grips with the IVA (Value Added Tax) increases which come into force here on 1st July, imposed by Law 2/2010. Under the new law, goods and services which are currently subject to VAT at 7% will be subject to a rise to 8%, and the general rate of VAT will rise from 16% to 18%. If you have not already done so, you should be getting ready to make the necessary adjustments to your accounting systems and records and preparing to adjust automated tills, computerised invoicing and at an elementary level getting used to using the correct set of buttons on your pocket calculator! If you deal in individual transactions, the change in the rates amount to little more than getting used to the new arithmetic. However, there are special rules if you accept or make payments of IVA on rents or leases, pay for goods and services in advance, or if you are in the building trade. RENTAL AND LEASING Article 75 of the Ley del IVA (37/1992) makes it clear that the rate of IVA to be applied to rents or leases is the rate in force when the installment of rent or the leasing payment is due. So, if you rent property, IVA should be charged at 18% for the payments due from 1st July onwards. Sometimes rental and leasing contracts only require
payments once a year. If you rent property or lease business equipment on this basis, the amount of IVA is apportioned over the period, which includes the date on which the rates change; 7% or 16% on the amount which relates to the period up to 30th June and 8% or 18% on the proportion which relates to the period from 1st July onwards. PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE If you have paid for goods or services in full before 30th June but which are not to be delivered or supplied until after 1st July, the rates of IVA applicable are the old rates of 7% and 16%. The exception to this rule is for building or other raw materials subject to IVA at the rate in force at the time they are delivered to the buyer (Article 75 para. 2 of Law 37/1992). The purpose of this rule is to prevent large scale purchases of bulk materials at the lower rates of IVA but which are for future delivery. BUILDING WORKS Building works for which the certificates of new works ‘Obras Nuevas’ are issued after 1st July are subject to IVA at the new rates. DISCOUNTS AND REFUNDS If you give or receive a discount or a refund from a transaction, the rate at which the IVA is allowed is that which applied when the original transaction took place.
The IVA increase comes into force on the 1st July
LOW VALUE IMPORTS If you import goods of low value (with the exception of alcohol, tobacco, or perfumes) from outside the European Union, for example from the USA, China, or other countries, since 2nd March the value of goods which are exempt from customs duty has been reduced from €150.00 to €22.00. So that DVD, computer game, or nifty electronic gadget you order on-line may no longer be quite the bargain it seems by the time you have paid the customs duty and the handling charge imposed by ‘Correos’ or other carrier. If you have any queries about how the change in VAT rates may affect you please contact Chris Spence or Michael Olmer at our office, or speak to your own accountant or gestoria.
Link Point Legal and Business Services www.linkpointlegal.com - michaelolmer@linkpointlegal.com
Too much advice for local governments REPORTS HAVE revealed that there are 298 government workers employed as advisors for only 178 public officials in the Valencian region. The cost of employing these advisors is €12.2 million annually. The Valencian region is ruled by three PP controlled provincial governments: Alicante, Valencia and Castellon. Figures released show that in Alicante – presided over by Joaquín Ripoll – 74 advisors cater to just 31 deputies, which costs €3.2 million. Alicante town hall employs 54 advisors to support only 19 council members, costing €1.7 million. In Valencia’s town hall, under mayoress Rita Barberá, 60 advisors are on the payroll, but there are only 33 councillors; this costs €3.4 million. The same story continues in the Castellon region, ruled by Carlos Fabra. Some Spanish papers have questioned the need for so many advisors and further questioned the role of these regional governments.
Gibraltar stays in British hands
Gibraltar
THE BRITISH Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, visited Madrid last weekend and declared that there will be no change in Gibraltar’s status unless the Gibraltarian’s support it, according to reports in the Spanish press. Despite this, Clegg was well received in the Spanish papers. The deputy PM had the chance to show off his Spanish language skills during meetings with Prime Minister Zapatero, the Minister for Economy, Elena Salgado, and leader of the PP, Mariano Rajoy.
Property sales up
PROPERTY SALES in Spain were 16.7 percent higher this April than last, according to figures released by the National Statistics Institute. New built property sales increased 10 percent on last April, while resales were up 26.6 percent. This is the fourth month in a row that the market has improved and the total number of homes sold during April was 34,326. The majority of sales took place in Andalusia, then Catalonia, Madrid and the Valencian Community.
34
health
1815-21 - 24 JUNE 2010 2010 JANUARY
Placenta Praevia Ask the Specialist by
Dawn Blythe S.R.N. R.M.
QUESTION: MY daughter has been told she has ‘placenta praevia’. She will be 40 years old by the time she has her baby, and having had a previous Caesarean Section I am even more concerned about her having a complicated pregnancy. Please could you tell me a little more about this condition? Answer: Placenta Praevia means that the placenta is low-lying in the uterus, either partially or completely covering the cervix. It presets in 3 grades: marginal where the edge of
the placenta extends to the edge of the cervix; partial where the placenta covers just a portion of the cervix; and complete where the placenta completely covers the cervix. The incidence is approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies and is more common with advanced maternal age, increased number of pregnancies and following uterine surgery including Caesarean Section. Routine 20 week gestation ultrasound scans reveal many more placenta preavias but this is not
A previous Caesarean Section may well mean an elective Caesarean Section for a second pregnancy
Uterus
diagnostic as 90% of complete praevias and 95% of partial preavias will be resolved by term. The reason is because as pregnancy advances the uterus grows, causing the placenta to ‘migrate’ away from the cervix. You don’t say how many weeks pregnant your daughter is so you may find that she will not have a placenta praevia at term. Diagnosis may also be made in the third trimester (final 3 months of pregnancy). Reasons to suspect placenta preavia include painless vaginal bleeding, premature contractions and an abnormal lie of the baby (ie. breech, transverse). The risks of true placenta praevia at term are serious to both mother and baby. The mother is at risk of life threatening ante-partum haemorrhage (which in turn poses risk to the baby), increased risk of post-partum haemorhage, and increased risk of placenta accreta (where the placenta attaches directly to the uterine muscle causing difficulty in separation at birth). The baby is also at risk from intrauterine growth retardation due to poor placental perfusion.
Umbilical Cord
Fetus
Placenta Praevia
Placenta praevia will mean periods of bed rest, frequently in hospital, and close monitoring of the condition. If bleeding becomes uncontrollable the baby will be delivered by emergency Caesarean Section regardless of the gestational age. If there is no bleeding the majority of patients will still be delivered by elective Caesarean Section, usually at 37 – 38 weeks gestation, this being the safest mode of delivery. In view of your daughter’s age and the fact that she has had a previous Caesarean Section, her doctor may well recommend an elective Caesarean Section despite the eventual location of the placenta.
This article has been written by DAWN BLYTHE S.R.N. R.M. Dawn is a British trained Midwife who has spent over 20 years caring for mothers and babies in expatriate communities. She now offers Midwifery Care (excluding delivery) to the patients of ‘THE ENGLISH MEDICAL CLINIC’, ALBIR. To chat to Dawn pop into her free ‘drop in’ clinic on Wednesday mornings.
CLOUD 9
San Luis Lakeside by Reeves Butcher
• Mini pedicure or manicure (polish + 3€) • Sea salt foot scrub and massage (20 mins) • Thai oil or hot stone back massage (20 mins) • Reflexology (20mins - Not Thursdays) • Facial cleanse and massage • Eyebrow, lip and chin wax
10.00€ 10.00€ 10.00€ 10.00€ 10.00€ 10.00€
TEL 687 032 822 AND 664 614 337
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
35
Nice people don’t talk bowels: Is that why bowel cancer is the second largest killer in the UK? WHAT DO YOU KNOW
by ABOUT BOWEL CANCER?
Claire Cerro Atyeo, RGN
WHEN DO we talk about our habits and ask each other what is normal and what is not? Never! How embarrassing Prestige Nursing and - surely decent people don’t have those Social Care Services types of conversations! This is one of the reasons bowel cancer is the 2nd largest killer after lung cancer. Recent research shows that more than 37,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year; that’s more than 100 people each day! So how do we protect ourselves? Well the usual things - minimise alcohol intake, stop smoking, take a well balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, minimise red and processed meats, and take regular exercise. ‘But’ (I hear you screaming) ‘we know all this, we have been spoon fed this type of information for the past 20 years!’ The most effective way is by talking: talk to each other and talk to your Doctor. As a nurse with more than 13 years experience in gastroenterology (bowel operations), one thing that comes up time and time again when patients are asked “How long have you had problems?” the reply is, regretfully, “Well my habits changed some time back but I put it down to getting older and not being so active.” Don’t fool yourselves. Bowel cancer is more prevalent in those aged 60 years and over; statistics show that 8 in 10 cases occur in this age group.
Bowel cancer is the second largest killer but it is the most treatable and when diagnosed early research indicates that over 90% of those affected will survive. There is a catch! Treatment almost always means surgery which involves life and body image changes which most of us won’t wish on our enemies but it is a straightforward choice which you need to make - live or die. Blunt I know, but a true reality. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR In the early stages it is rare to experience pain, but there are other things to observe. Changes in bowel habits, increase in gas and abdominal distension, black stools (this can also be due to iron supplements), visible signs of bleeding, changing from constipation to diarrhoea, or vice versa, or a combination of the two. Loss of appetite and or a feeling of sickness, lack of energy and in some cases breathlessness. It needs to be noted that these symptoms alone or together can be caused by any number of other ailments, but immediate medical consultation is strongly recommended. HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? First you have to acknowledge that you may have a potential problem. Next go to your doctor and discuss your symptoms, whereupon they will then examine you and often these days ask for an occult stool sample. This is done
Men in particular don’t like to discuss Health matters. But it is vitally important to do so
by taking a small sample of faeces and placing it on a card, which is then sent to the laboratory for blood testing. This type of test is now used in England for screening purposes, as it indicates if there is blood in the stool which is not always visible to the eye. Having listened to your symptoms, family history and examination, your Doctor may refer you to a specialist who will then discuss with you the various test options and explain why it is necessary to do them: these include barium enema; colonoscopy; sigmoidoscopy and virtual colonoscopy.
If a tumour is detected, further tests will be needed to ascertain the size and exact location. These include blood sampling; MRI scans; CT scans and X-rays. Very often these days, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is used prior to surgery to reduce the tumour size. I hope that this article has been informative; in future planned articles, we will look at different types of examinations and tests. The why, what and how of various bowel operations, followed by the potential problems and issues people face in post surgery, and how to live a normal life with a stoma.
This article was written by Claire Cerro Atyeo RGN of Prestige Nursing and Social Care Services, one of the few Caring, Legal, Registered and Professional Nursing and Social Care Service Providers on the Costa Blanca. Tel: 687 015 517 . www.prestigenursingcostablanca.com
Community services provided by HELP Vega Baja OUR OFFICES in San Miguel de Salinas and Torrevieja provide a wide range of information and advice to members of the public for free. Typical enquiries include questions on residencia, health care, cars, licensing regulations, bereavement, wills and burglaries. If the answer to a problem is not known immediately, every effort is made to obtain the appropriate information. Both offices are open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.30. In addition we also operate a 24-hour Emergency Help Line so if you need urgent help outside office hours, please telephone 965 704 282 and this will give you the phone number for the volunteer on duty. We run a Diabetic support group once a month, where help and information is available for anyone recently diagnosed, as well as those who have learned to live with Diabetes. On a Monday afternoon between 14.00 and 17.30, our Friendship Centre at Playa Flamenca is open, a popular meeting place
for people who tend to be housebound or isolated. Many of our visitors form new friendships as a result of attending. Our hospital visiting teams are at the Vega Baja and the Torrevieja hospitals three times a week. Books and talking tapes from our library are loaned to patients free of charge. We have a wide range of orthopaedic equipment for hire from our San Miguel de Salinas office. This service is available to both residents and visitors alike. Friends Unlimited is the social arm of Help Vega Baja and they meet on a Thursday afternoon at The Club in Quesada between 14.00 and 16.00. They hold a variety of different events including coach trips, guest speakers, demonstrations, discussions and charity events. Come along and meet new friends of all ages. For further information on any of the above please contact our offices in San Miguel on 966 723 733, Torrevieja on 965 704 282 or visit our website www.helpvegabaja.com
36
18 - 24 june 2010
Rugby ‘Sevens’ competition and inauguration by Keith Nicol RUGBY HAS grown in leaps and bounds in Torrevieja, led by new initiatives to attract local school children by Rugby Charranes Torrevieja, who have taken over the mantle to promote the sport in the city. Until now, the local team have been practicing on a hard dirt pitch behind the Athletics track but all that will soon change as on Saturday, June 19th at 11.00, the new Nelson
Mandela Stadium will be inaugurated and all those interested in Rugby or finding out more about the sport are invited to attend. The new Stadium will also be home for the Rugby Charranes Torrevieja and these splendid new facilities should help improve awareness and the numbers of players attracted to the sport. Over the last few weeks, Rugby Charranes Torrevieja have hosted three tournaments and attracted teams from La Villa, Denia,
Rugby Sevens involves seven players on each team but on a full size pitch
The teams have done very well
Elche, Rojales, San Fulgencio and others to compete in seven’s competitions. The young teams have done exceptionally well, beating much more experienced teams on occasions and the future looks bright for the sport in the city. The town also has one of the most competitive ladies’ teams in the region. After the Inauguration on Saturday, visitors will be treated to a number of seven’s games from visiting International and national professional teams playing each other over the weekend. The most famous of all Rugby Sevens competitions may be that of Hong Kong and although there are others in Spain, Torrevieja has her eye firmly on making this Seven’s competition Spain’s number one choice for visiting and national teams.
For those not initiated into the delights of ‘sevens’, as the name would suggest it is played by seven players on each team but on a full size pitch, making for a fast moving, passing and running game, with lots of scoring and plenty of excitement for the crowd. Many younger players from Rugby Charranes Torrevieja, both male and female, plus other local teams, will be there on Saturday to see the new facilities which include seating for 3,000; dressing rooms; showers and treatment areas, all of which have given the new Nelson Mandela Stadium the status for playing International Rugby in Torrevieja. For more information on the tournament please visit www.srugby7.com
Get in credit by Jack Troughton
FINANCE COMPANY EU Credit gives property owners the opportunity to raise personal loans and beat the ongoing Spanish credit crunch. The Costa Blanca based company offers a fast and friendly service at a time Spanish banks are hesitant to advance money to customers. And loans at a highly competitive rate of interest are available
for any purpose – whether it is for a new car, home improvements or to start up a new business. Launched in November last year, EU Credit has lent more than 1 million euros in its first six months and is looking to double that figure in the second half of its first year of trading. Managing director Lee Mouncher said home owner loans were secured against property and the
company could normally give an “in principle” decision to applicants within 24 hours – and money advanced within 21 days. Speaking at EU Credit’s Orba offices, he told RTN it was a unique service available to home owners of any nationality across Spain and its islands. “I believe we are the only company in Spain doing this, certainly on a ‘no proof of income’ basis. We are
Lee and the EU Credit team
18 - 24 june 2010 more interested in securing a loan against a property,” he said. LOANS “In general, Spanish banks are not making personal loans at the moment. If they do, they require full proof of income – for example they would want a year’s wage slips and a contract of employment and for the self-employed, a year’s certified accounts.” Lee said EU Credit also offered flexible repayment terms over anything between one and 10 years and a client could choose to repay a loan early at just 2 percent of the outstanding balance. And all loans made are under Spanish law and the paperwork is completed before a notary – the borrower can actually nominate and sign before any notary across Spain and its islands. “EU Credit has English and Spanish speaking staff that can help fill in an application form over the telephone, or it can be done on-line,” said Lee. “It can be done within five minutes. “It is not just for expats, anyone with an ‘escritura’, a title deed, on their property can apply for finance.” Lee heads an efficient team of four colleagues at EU Credit and such is the demand for loans its lawyer is almost working full time for the company. And the product has proved such a success, Lee plans to expand the product into France and Portugal.
37
“We spotted a gap in the market where the banks had a lot of problems and were reluctant to lend,” said Lee. “Before the crisis they were making unsecured personal loans which clients have been unable to pay and this has caused the banks a mayor problem.” He said the EU Credit application process was very simple. The company lawyer draws up the contract and sent it to the notary in Denia to be checked. It was then sent electronically to the client’s chosen notary. “The papers are signed and sent electronically back to our lawyer. The lawyer informs us everything is correct and we instruct the release of the money to the client the same day and everything is recorded at the land registry,” said Lee. “There is absolutely no need for a client to come to our offices unless they want to, everything can be completed by fax, ‘phone and email.” Lee said the success of EU Credit was because, unlike the banks, it was not subject to the current market forces regarding lending. “We are a privately funded ‘SL’ company. “This is a fairly new product and concept but we have found the demand for is there, without a doubt!” For more information, ring EU Credit on 965 583 885, email info@eucredit.biz or visit the company website: www.eucredit.biz
38
1815-21 - 24 JUNE 2010 2010 JANUARY
Though it’s been around for literally thousands of years, the Mangosteen fruit is not commonly known the world over. Typically grown in southeast Asia and other tropical climates, its taste is beyond compare. Containing a dark purple rind and boasting a sweet white pulp, it is roughly about the size of a tangerine.
Delicious as it is functional, the Mangosteen fruit is rich in xanthones, which will promote healthy bodily function. In addition, each serving of Mangosteen contains up to 5 grams of fiber.
This one fruit was named by Queen Victoria the Queen of Fruits.
XANGO JUICE
The Benefits of taking just 30ml of this delicious food suppliment are: • General well being • Regeneration of human cells inner and outer body • Higher levels of energy • Reduces pains and swelling • Reduces fluid retention (weight loss) • Re-enforces natural immunity. What price for the daily feel good factor!
This super tasting health drink will become a normal part of your daily routine and change your life style after just a few days.
Xango a natural way of life Order products online at roundtownnews.co.uk by simply clicking on the XANGO button on the home page. Other products include Bath and Shower Gels and Glimpse skin care.
Distributors now required! Apply online at roundtownnews.co.uk and click on the XANGO button
Call now for more information
Xango Hot line 902 906 008
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
39
Satellite Television Installations
a2sat bring you the latest news Three new channels are set to join the freesat platform. BBC1 HD, NME TV & True Entertainment. As always there is no need to retune your genuine freesat decoder as these channels will automatically update to your full 8 day programme guide. (sd decoders 7 day guide) Three of the changes are the JML Channels. JML Direct is now on 808 (formerly 809), JML COOKSHOP is now on 809 (formerly 810) and JML HOME & DIY is now on 810 (formerly 808) The other two changes are: Ideal World and Create & Craft changed transponder however all those customers who are using a genuine freesat and Sky decoders will have automatically changed over for those who only have FTA i.e non freesat decoders will now have lost those channels without a re-scan!
a2sat is pleased to announce its all new, decoder recycle scheme. So how does it? Its really quite simple, we offer a trade in on your old Sky, FTA or freesat decoder when you purchase a new genuine freesat decoder from us. The offer is limited to certain models and the trade in rates vary. The old decoders must be in full working order with full working order remote controls. Please consult our website www.a2sat.com for the trade in rates! Very limited offer
“IF IT DOESN’T SAY FREESAT ON THE BOX…THEN IT’S NOT FREESAT IN THE BOX!”
All Major Credit cards Accepted
freesat from a2sat & no subscription
How to get the best signal from your satellite Dish !
a2sat constantly strive to improve the service as much as possible and only offer the best equipment available. When installing a system we only ever use Invacom LNB’s. These LNB’s are widely known to be the market leader and always out perform other makes. All installations come with a minimum of a twin LNB even if only one feed is required, as we know the single LNB is not as good. By using the Invacom LNB on a 1.9 Dish we know we can get the maximum signal that is available, and in many cases meaning the customer receives BBC2 etc at certain times of the day, although this is not guaranteed. We have been working on a new design of feed horn that really does make a difference when paired with the twin, Quad and Quatro Invacom LNB’s. These feed horns are now available.
Not sure which LNB you have? Here are some examples of LNB’s used, which under perform and cost less! Why not sign up to receive our newsletters via email. The system is very secure and your email address is never passed onto any third parties and is controlled by constant contacts and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Just go to www.a2sat.com and follow the instructions on how to join.
Freesat HD Plus
a2sat’s BEST-SELLING System! The system operates in a similar manner to SKY HD Plus but with one major difference: users have access to any of the accepted free to air channels with the ability to record them without any subscription required. With Freesat HD Plus, viewers have the freedom to pause, rewind and fast forward LIVE TV without the need to record anything! This is possible as the sophisticated decoder has a massive 320GB hard drive, allowing users to preserve up to 200 hours of Standard Definition, or 80 hours of High Definition programming, which is great if someone telephones at a crucial moment in the programme or if you just want to pop to the kitchen to make a brew!
This a2sat combination is the very best! Invacom twin, Quad and Quatro LNB’s with the all new a2sat feedhorn so why not upgrade today. Prices start from as little as 164€ fitted!
Community Installations a2sat now offer FIBRE OPTICS as the new way of installing the larger community systems; allowing us to run the cables up to as far away as 10km without any signal loss! Community systems can be installed in various ways, primarily in normal copper cored cabling or using fibre optics. There is only one real way of doing it, and that is correctly! We supply many customers on existing communal systems with genuine freesat decoders and whilst we are there we are often asked to inspect their community installation. Many of the systems run perfectly however we do come across some, where if your home is close to the dish you have no problem but the further away from the dish you are the more signal problems you have. The main reason for this is where the wrong type of coax has been used, we have seen some installations where the Spanish FM community cable has been used. The Price of their installation is the normal tell tale sign, if it sounds too cheap then it probably is. a2sat only offer quality installations using either the right size and grade of copper coax and now after investing in the latest technology, we can also use FIBRE OPTICS. By using this type of equipment we know we will have all of the signal all of the time, meaning the distance between the satellite dish and the home could be up to 10km away! So to summarise, if your community would like a quality installation, without compromise, without touching the Spanish community cables (TV or FM which you should never do) and want a full working genuine freesat system then look no further than a2sat. We are very happy to conduct a no obligation site visit, free of charge to discuss the possibilities available, and if any planning applications are required we will complete the paperwork at no extra cost! a2sat also design smaller systems for neighbours who just want to share the cost with each other. The cost for this is as little as 399€ for 4 to share using a genuine freesat SD decoder with a superb picture, 7 day programme guide, ceefax, teletext, subtitles, BBC RED button. Or why not step up to full HD in time for the world cup for an extra 85€ each. Most types of installations large or small, cost less that two years subscription charges than that of a rebroadcasted system, and most importantly you own the system and pay out nothing more!!
We now offer community systems as a rental package subject to terms and conditions
For further information Please telephone 966 194 931 or 678 239 193.
Opening times are 10.00 – 16.00, Monday to Friday and 10.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Alternatively you may email enquiries to info@a2sat.com or consult the website www.a2sat.com Office Calle Miguel Angel, Blanco 1, 03159, Daya Nueva (near Almoradi) Alicante. Next door to the town hall, Ayuntamiento
tv Friday
40
18 - 24 june 2010
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 11:45 Cowboy Trap 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Regional News 13:15 MOTD Live 15:40 BBC News 15:45 MOTD Live 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 Regional News 20:00 EastEnders 20:30 Victoria: A Royal Love Story 21:30 Inspector George Gently 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Friday Night with Jonathan Ross 24:35 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:45 The Recruit
08:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Postman Pat 10:30 Guess with Jess 10:45 Show Me Show Me 11:10 Waybuloo 11:30 In the Night Garden 12:10 The Flintstones 12:35 The Flintstones 13:00 The Daily Politics 13:30 Working Lunch 14:00 Ready Steady Cook 14:45 Royal Ascot 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 The Beauty of Maps 20:30 South Africa Walks 21:00 Springwatch Unsprung 21:30 Gardeners’ World Live 22:30 QI 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 More than Just a Game
07:00 GMTV 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 12:25 ITV News 12:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News & Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:15 ITV News & Weather 19:30 World Cup Live: England v Algeria 22:45 James Corden’s World Cup Live 23:15 ITV News & Weather 23:50 World Cup Highlights 24:50 The Shadow
08:00 Big Brother’s Little Brother 08:25 Big Brother 09:25 Frasier 09:50 The 5 O’Clock Show 10:50 Deal or No Deal 11:40 Will and Grace 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 15:25 Coach Trip 15:55 Cook Yourself Thin 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 The 5 O’Clock Show 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 21:35 Glee 22:35 Big Brother 24:15 The Ricky Gervais Show 24:45 The Ricky Gervais Show
08:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:05 Castle Farm 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Chinese Food in Minutes 14:15 Chinese Food in Minutes 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 The Family Recipe 15:55 I Own Britain’s Best Home: Flying Visit 16:10 Straight from the Heart 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live From Studio Five 20:25 Message in a Bottle 23:00 The Mentalist 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy
07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 The Delicious Miss Dahl 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Regional News and Weather 13:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 14:00 Bargain Hunt 14:45 Murder, She Wrote 15:30 MOTD Live 18:20 BBC News 18:30 Regional News and Weather 18:40 Total Wipeout 19:40 Doctor Who 20:30 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 2012 21:20 Casualty 22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow 22:40 BBC News 23:00 Firewall 24:40 Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
08:00 Dennis & Gnasher 08:15 Dennis & Gnasher 08:25 Sportsround 08:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 09:00 Deadly 60 09:30 M.I. High 10:00 Paradise Cafe 10:30 Animals at Work 11:00 Horrible Histories 11:30 Da Dick and Dom Dairies 12:00 BAMZOOKi 12:30 Roar 13:00 Blessed 14:20 Escape to the Country 15:20 Royal Ascot 17:45 Athletics 20:00 Mary, Queen of Shops 21:00 Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne 22:00 What Makes a Great Soprano? 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:50 Rescue Dawn
08:00 Dora the Explorer 08:25 Planet Sketch 08:40 The Secret Saturdays 09:05 Ben 10 09:25 Horrid Henry 09:40 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:00 Aaron Stone 10:25 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 11:25 The Lakes 11:55 This Morning: Saturday 12:55 ITV News 13:00 World Cup Live 15:30 Murder on the Orient Express 18:00 Johnny English 19:35 Granada News and Weather 19:45 ITV News 20:00 World Cup Live 22:30 James Corden’s World Cup Live 23:05 ITV News 23:30 World Cup Highlights 24:30 Cadillac Man
08:30 World Sport 09:00 The Morning Line 09:50 Friends 10:20 Friends 10:45 The Hoosiers: Video Exclusive 10:50 The Album Chart Show with Tesco Entertainment 11:25 T4 Movie Special 11:55 Big Brother 13:30 Hollyoaks Music Show 14:00 Smallville: Superman the Early Years 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 17:40 Come Dine with Me 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:10 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:10 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Jason Manford: Live 24:10 Star Trek: the Motion Picture
08:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Hana’s Helpline 09:10 Little Princess 09:25 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:45 Igam Ogam 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr. Men Show 10:35 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 The Gadget Show 11:05 Fifth Gear 11:35 Red Bull Air Race 12:35 Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie 13:35 The Hound of the Baskervilles 15:35 Dune 18:05 Rooster Cogburn 20:10 Five News 20:15 NCIS 21:10 CSI: NY 22:10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:05 Law & Order 24:05 CSI: Miami
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Dennis & Gnasher 08:15 Dennis & Gnasher 08:25 Muddle Earth 08:35 Bear Behaving Badly 09:00 Wingin’ It 09:20 Sam and Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 09:30 Prank Patrol 10:00 Big Babies 10:15 OOglies 10:30 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Monk 13:15 MotoGP 2010 15:15 Athletics 18:10 Rowing World Cup 19:05 Chocolat 21:00 Wild Night In 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:30 Mock the Week 24:00 Life
08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:25 Cosmic Quantum Ray 08:50 Back at the Barnyard 09:10 To Be Announced 09:30 Shaggy and Scooby Doo Get a Clue 10:00 Phineas and Ferb 10:25 Coronation Street Omnibus 12:20 ITV News 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Columbo 15:30 World Cup Live 18:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 19:00 Granada News 19:15 ITV News 19:30 You’ve Been Framed and Famous! 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Lewis 23:00 World Cup Rock ‘n’ Goal Years 23:30 ITV News & 23:45 World Cup Highlights 24:45 Land of the Dead
08:00 Catching the Impossible 08:55 The Grid 09:20 MSA Formula Ford Championship 09:50 Shooting Mark Ronson 10:20 The Hills 10:50 Hollyoaks Omnibus 13:25 Big Brother’s Little Brother 14:35 Glee 15:35 Friends 16:10 Friends 16:40 The Simpsons 17:10 The Simpsons 17:40 Deal or No Deal 18:25 Scrapheap Challenge 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 River Cottage 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:50 Failure to Launch
08:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Fireman Sam 09:00 Hana’s Helpline 09:10 Little Princess 09:25 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:45 Igam Ogam 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr. Men Show 10:35 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 iCarly 11:35 True Jackson, VP 12:10 Family Food Fight with Flora 12:40 Chinese Food in Minutes 13:10 Two Mothers for Zachary 15:05 Swept from the Sea 17:05 My Girl 19:05 Five News 19:10 Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde 21:00 Practical Magic 23:05 The Reaping
tv Saturday
tv Sunday
10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 The Politics Show 13:10 MOTD Live 15:30 EastEnders 17:00 Junior Apprentice 18:00 Lifeline 18:10 Songs of Praise 18:45 BBC News 18:55 Regional News and Weather 19:00 Countryfile 20:00 MOTD Live 23:00 BBC News 23:15 Regional News and Weather 23:25 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 23:55 Hart’s War
08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Bones 11:00 Medical Emergency 11:30 Medical Emergency 12:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 13:00 Angela and Friends 14:00 Bones 15:00 Project Catwalk 16:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Stargate SG-1 18:00 WWE: Superstars 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Futurama 21:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 Bones 23:00 Bones 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Football’s Next Star
08:30 Soccer City Live 09:00 Tennis 10:00 FIFA World Cup Giants 10:30 Soccer City Live 11:00 Tennis 12:25 Eurosport Flash 12:30 Live Tennis 15:30 Eurosport Flash 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 Live Tennis 18:00 Eurosport Flash 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Live Tennis 20:15 Eurosport Flash 20:20 Live Soccer City Flash 20:30 Bowling 21:30 Strongest Man 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 Tennis 24:00 Pro Wrestling
08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Passport Patrol 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Maury 12:50 Private Practice Season 3 Preview 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 Nothing to Declare 14:00 Passport Patrol 15:00 Criminal Minds 16:00 Ghost Whisperer 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Passport Patrol 21:30 Passport Patrol 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds
Watch Eastenders for Free with Europa call 902 050 999
08:00 The Lion Man 08:30 The Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Football’s Next Star 11:00 Road Wars 12:00 Oops TV 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Futurama 14:30 Futurama 15:00 Futurama 15:30 Oops TV 16:00 Fat Families 17:00 The Real A & E 18:00 Oops TV 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 Gone in Sixty Seconds 24:15 A League of Their Own 24:45 Football’s Next Star
08:30 Inside World Touring Cars 09:00 Soccer City Live 09:30 Summer Biathlon 10:30 Tennis 11:30 Soccer City Live 12:00 Live Formula Two 13:00 Eurosport Flash 13:05 Live Tennis 15:30 Eurosport Flash 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 Live Tennis 17:00 Live Athletics 18:00 Eurosport Flash 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Live Athletics 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Fight Club 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 Athletics 24:30 Summer Biathlon
08:00 Maury 08:55 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Will and Grace 10:00 My Wife and Kids 11:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 12:00 Will and Grace 13:00 Changing Faces 14:00 Four Weddings 14:30 Four Weddings 15:00 Four Weddings 15:30 Four Weddings 16:00 Four Weddings 17:00 Nancy Drew 19:00 Nothing to Declare 19:30 Nothing to Declare 20:00 Nothing to Declare 20:30 Nothing to Declare 21:00 Nothing to Declare 21:30 Nothing to Declare 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds
My Big Fat Greek Wedding Channel 4, 20.10
08:00 The Lion Man 08:30 The Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Road Wars 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Futurama 14:30 Futurama 15:00 Body Language Secrets 16:00 Futurama 16:30 Futurama 17:00 UK Border Force 18:00 Futurama 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 21:00 Fat Families 22:00 House 23:00 House 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 2
08:30 FIA World Touring Cars 09:00 Live Touring Cars 09:30 World Series by Renault 10:00 Live Rowing 12:40 Eurosport Flash 12:45 Live Touring Cars 13:45 Live Formula Two 14:45 Live Touring Cars 16:00 World Series by Renault 16:30 Live Athletics 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Rowing 19:00 Eurosport Flash 19:05 Live Soccer City Flash 19:15 Summer Biathlon 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Motorsports Weekend 20:30 Boxing 22:15 WATTS 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:15 Athletics 24:00 FIA World Touring Cars 24:45 Motorsports Slumdog My Girl Millionaire Channel 4,
Five 10.00pm 17.05
08:00 Maury 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Will and Grace 10:00 Nancy Drew 12:00 Ghost Whisperer 13:00 Ghost Whisperer 14:00 Ghost Whisperer 15:00 Ghost Whisperer 16:00 Ghost Whisperer 17:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 17:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue 18:00 Nothing to Declare 18:30 Nothing to Declare 19:00 Passport Patrol 19:30 Passport Patrol 20:00 Four Weddings 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Cougar Town 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:00 CSI: Miami
tv Thursday 18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010
48 42
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Pinky and Perky
07:00 GMTV
10:15 Crimewatch
08:15 League of Super Evil
09:30 GMTV with
08:25 Newsround
Roadshow
08:30 Raven
Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle
11:00 Homes Under the
09:00 Prank Patrol
Hammer
09:30 Timmy Time
Show
09:40 Chuggington
11:30 This Morning
12:00 Cowboy Trap
09:50 Bob the Builder:
12:45 Cash in the Attic
Ready, Steady, Build!
12:25 ITV News
13:15 Bargain Hunt
10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales
12:30 This Morning
14:00 BBC News at One
10:15 Postman Pat
13:30 Loose Women
10:30 Guess with Jess
14:30 ITV News &
14:30 Regional News
10:45 Show Me Show Me
and Weather
11:10 Waybuloo
Weather
14:45 Wimbledon 2010
11:30 Animal Park
15:00 Dickinson’s Real
19:00 BBC News at Six
12:00 Lifeline
Deal
12:10 Wimbledon 2010
15:30 World Cup Live
19:30 Regional News
16:25 League of Super Evil
18:00 The Chase
and Weather
16:35 League of Super Evil
20:00 MOTD Live
16:50 OOglies
19:00 Granada Reports
23:00 BBC News at Ten
17:00 Safari 8
19:30 ITV News &
17:30 Deadly 60
Weather
23:25 Regional News
18:00 Newsround
20:00 Emmerdale
and Weather
18:10 Gimme a Break
23:35 Question Time
18:35 The Owl
20:30 Tonight
18:40 Shaun the Sheep
21:00 Emmerdale
18:50 Wimbledon 2010
21:30 Coronation Street
24:35 This Week
21:00 Today at Wimbledon 22:00 Gareth Malone
23:00 ITV News at Ten
Goes to Glyndebourne
& Weather
23:00 Mock the Week
23:35 World Cup
23:30 Newsnight 24:20 MOTD 2010 FIFA
BBC 1, 20.00
22:00 Taggart
Highlights
World Cup
24:35 Isle of Wight
24:50 The Culture Show
Festival Highlights
08:20 Big Brother 09:15 Frasier 09:45 The 5 O’Clock Show 10:45 Deal or No Deal 11:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 12:00 Friends 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Coach Trip 13:30 Come Dine with Me 14:00 Come Dine with Me 14:30 Come Dine with Me 14:55 Come Dine with Me 15:25 Come Dine with Me 15:55 Cook Yourself Thin 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 The 5 O’Clock Show 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Kerry And Me 24:05 Skins
08:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Thomas & Friends 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:05 Castle Farm 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 The Family Recipe 16:00 Charms for the Easy Life 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live From Studio Five 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie 22:00 Before You Go 24:00 Forensic Files 24:30 Cricket on Five
08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Cold Case 11:00 Road Wars 12:00 Fat Families 13:00 Angela and Friends 14:00 Cold Case 15:00 Project Runway 16:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Stargate SG-1 18:00 Futurama 18:30 A League of Their Own 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Futurama 21:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 A League of Their Own 22:30 Modern Family 23:00 Lie to Me 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Border Invasion USA
08:30 Soccer City Live 09:00 Show Jumping 10:00 Eurosport for the Planet 10:30 Superbike 11:30 Soccer City Live 12:00 Masters Snooker 14:00 Soccer City Live 14:30 Superbike 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 China Open Snooker 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Superbike 19:05 Live Soccer City Flash 19:15 Bowling 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Fight Club 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 All Sports 23:20 WATTS 23:25 Pro Wrestling 23:55 Pro Wrestling 24:55 All Sports
Suduko Answer
Crossword Answers 556
CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Verge; 4 Doodles; 8 Nippers; 9 Elgar; 10 Tide; 11 Practice; 13 Upas; 14 Rate; 16 Bachelor; 17 Spur; 20 Ideal; 21 Opening; 22 Derides; 23 First. Down: 1 Venetian blind; 2 Rapid; 3 Eyes; 4 Desire; 5 Overcoat; 6 Lignite; 7 Serves us right; 12 Labelled; 13 Unclear; 15 Porous; 18 Prior; 19 Reef. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Amass; 4 Stipend; 8 Gladden; 9 Press; 10 Open; 11 Headland; 13 Elan; 14 Ante; 16 Accuracy; 17 Pert; 20 Inapt 21 Undoing; 22 Natural; 23 Tress. Down: 1 Agglomeration; 2 Adage; 3 Side; 4 Singer; 5 Impudent; 6 Elevate; 7 Disadvantages; 12 Narrator; 13 Enchant; 15 Actual; 18 Exile; 19 Edit.
A cuddly Chiles and a beaten Barlow
The TV Round Up by
Alex Trelinski
Broadcaster and freelance journalist
Tracy Barlow
I WONDER if I’m in need of some urgent medical attention, as I’ve actually enjoyed watching some sports programmes on ITV. Admittedly this has been the televisual equivalent of force-feeding due to the sharing of their World Cup coverage with the BBC. But I have to report the rarity of an ITV presenter who actually knows what they are doing, namely in the cuddly form of Adrian Chiles. After his big money move from the BBC, he’s quickly settled into his role with his usual humour and authority and I much prefer him to the overrehearsed ad-libs of his rival, Gary Lineker. Sadly, Adrian not even Chiles can make his studio analyst Andy Chiles Townsend interesting, and so there is still a lot for ITV to do. The penny also needs to drop that Jon to satellite and whilst a sharing arrangement Champion is a vastly better commentator than is acceptable for La Liga matches, this clearly the cliché-ridden Clive Tyldesley. Meanwhile, the is not a good deal for Spanish football fans, BBC can’t work out who their best guy behind the understandably angry. microphone is, and frankly they have By the way do you know who owns Cuatro and nobody in pole position to take Telecinco, as well as having a quarter-stake in over the mantle from the likes the satellite company, Digital Plus? It’s an Italian of John Motson and Barry gentleman by the name of Silvio Berlusconi. Davies. Heaven preserve us from Over a week on, I’m still cheering the prisoners Jonathan Pearce who sounds like who gave Tracy Barlow a good beating up on ITV’s a castrated banshee, high on a Coronation Street after she told a load of porkies fix of some illegal substance! about Gail during her murder trial. Sadly, we didn’t At least the British coverage get to see the fists flying as the cell door closed is light years ahead just before a commercial break but I reckon the of what is being ghost of Charlie Stubbs was in there as well with a screened on timely thump. terrestrial Spanish Perhaps the refugees from Prisoner Cell Block TV. Whilst many H should now turn their attentions to the Corrie global viewers producers who have emasculated Eric Spear’s have free access legendary signature tune along with the creation to all the of a new surreal opening sequence that is trying matches, and in to be an early contender for next year’s Cannes high definition, Film Festival. The saving grace is a fleeting closeonly some of up glimpse of the famous and ageless ginger cat, the games apparently running away from a brief intellectual here will be conversation with Kirk Sutherland. The rest of shown on it seems to have been produced after copious Cuatro and amounts of Newton and Ridley ales, consumed Telecinco. in a prolonged session at the Rovers. It certainly Two-thirds explains the blurred edges on my screen, and that’s are exiled on the HD version!
08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Four Weddings 09:30 Four Weddings 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Maury 11:55 Maury 12:50 Celebs 24/7 13:00 Australia’s Next Top Model 14:00 Four Weddings 15:00 Nothing to Declare 15:30 Nothing to Declare 16:00 Medium 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Four Weddings 21:00 Drop Dead Diva 22:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:00 Private Practice 24:00 Criminal Minds
Got a story? 902 118 999
rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
18 - 24 june 2010
What’s playing local Cinemas COLCI Benidorm
Iron Man With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts, and James “Rhodey” Rhodes at
his side, must forge new alliances - and confront powerful enemies.
Marmaduke
Av. Zamora, Rincón de Loix T: 965 853 859 Iron Man - 6.30pm – 8.45pm Weekends only 6.30pm
IMF Torrevieja Pol San Jose S/10, T: 965 705 414 Sex in the city – 5.45pm – 8.20pm - 11pm Marmaduke – 5pm – 6.45pm – 8.30pm – 11pm 6pm only on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays
IMF Ondara CC Portal de La Marina, T: 966 477 464
Marmaduke, the world’s most lovable Great Dane, leaps from comic strip fame (appearing in 600 newspapers in over 20 countries) to big screen stardom in this family comedy event. A suburban family moves to a new neighborhood in Orange County, California with their large yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way. But its not all living large for the Duke, who finds that fitting in with his new four-legged friends - and a potential romantic interest - isn’t always easy for a super-sized teenage dog.
Sex in the city – 5.45pm – 8.20pm - 11pm Marmaduke – 5pm – 6.45pm – 8.30pm – 10.30pm Robin Hood – 8.30pm - 11pm “V.O.S” = Original Subtitled Version - “VO” = Original Version (Works With headphones)
43
18 - 24 JANUARY JUNE 20102010 15-21
44
Expressions with “soler”
Spanish lessons by
Jane Cronin
A weekly ‘cut out and keep’ feature helping you to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs
Lesson 112
WHEN PEOPLE start learning Spanish, they often assume that every word in English has an exact equivalent in Spanish. Although this assumption is very quickly dispelled, it always takes us longer to remember words and phrases when we cannot translate them directly back into our own language. It is also a lot harder to explain their meaning. We are going to spend a few articles looking at individual words in Spanish that do not have a direct translation in English. Our first example is the verb “soler”. As we do not have a direct equivalent in English, we have to use several words to explain what it means, and the nearest equivalent is: “to be in the habit of”. Very often when translating the word in the present tense we substitute it for “usually”. However, this can be confusing as “soler” is a verb and “usually” is an adverb. So, how do we use this wonderful word? Well in the present tense “soler” is a root-changing verb, so the six forms of the conjugation are: “suelo, sueles, suele, solemos, soléis, suelen”. This is then followed by the infinitive of another verb. So, for example, we say things like “Suelo leer antes de dormir” – (I am in the habit of reading before sleeping), or in other words “I usually read before I go to sleep). Here’s another example “solemos salir los sábados” (we are in the habit of – that is, we usually – go out on Saturdays). This use of “soler” plus the infinitive is a very common way of expressing the idea of “usually”. There is also an adverb that means “usually” which is “normalmente” which gives us an alternative. Therefore, if I want to say “I usually watch TV in the evening”, I can say “Normalmente veo la tele por
la tarde” or “Suelo ver la tele por la tarde”. The difference between these two is minimal and hard to explain. To all intents and purposes they mean exactly the same thing. Like all verbs, “soler” can be used in other tenses, although we have to use a bit of common sense to realize that it is more likely to occur in some tenses than in others. Most common of all is the past continuous tense: “solía”. If I say “Solía nadar todos los días” I am saying: “I was in the habit of swimming every day”. The most common way of expressing this idea in English is with the expression “used to” - “I used to swim every day”. Now there is another way of saying this is Spanish! As well as “Solía nadar todos los días”, we could say “nadaba todos los días” (I swam, or I used to swim, every day). What is the difference? In reality very little indeed. We are in the realms of “finer points”. The sentence with “solía” perhaps emphasizes more distance in time and contrast with the present, but really the difference is minimal and certainly both can be translated in the same way. As you can see, I’m already running into difficulties explaining a word which does not have a direct equivalent in English. To sum up, there are two paths we can take when understanding expressions like “solía nadar” and “suelo leer” in English. We can either translate them literally and clumsily: (“I was in the habit of swimming” “I am in the habit of reading”) or find the nearest equivalent in English, (“I used to swim”, “I usually read”) on the understanding that the nearest equivalent in English may already have another
At the hop! Spangles present a night of Pop, Rock and Doo Wop on Thursday 24th June at 7pm at the CISSMU/ Biblioteca, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares. Tickets cost 8€ and can be ordered by phone on 968 432 525 or 968 334 527 or at www.spangleschorus.com
alternative in Spanish (Nadaba, “normalmente leo”). Well, whoever said that learning Spanish was a straightforward affair? I’ve got a really nice word for next week which I will do my best not to complicate, though I’m afraid I can’t promise. See you then.
Ladies it’s party time! WIBC ARE celebrating on the 11th July at La Naya Restaurant in Benimarco. Tickets are available now at €15 each for a 3 course BBQ plus live music and a raffle. This is a fundraising event, so friends and family are welcome. Tickets may be purchased from: Kelly’s in La Xara; Profigura Gym in Javea; La Naya Restaurant in Benimarco; WIBC networking meetings; any committee members or email
PCN and TKO go to market THE PROCOMOBEL Moncayo Sunday Market is the only place to be on a Sunday Morning! More than just a furniture Store and Iron Art Factory Outlet, Procomobel is busy raising funds for Paul Cunningham Nurses and every week brings a new surprise! Last Sunday, there were two fantastic performances of Flamenco dancing. TKO Radio sent along Rai Woods and he was amazed at the popularity of the new market. Beryl, from Doña Pepa II won the first prize, which was a bike and Ray, from Orihuela, won a very nice set of garden furniture. This coming Sunday, 20th June and next Sunday, 27th June, there will be FREE BEER or a cool SOFT DRINK for everyone who claims their FREE 10% discount card! If you would like a form to fill in to claim your FREE drink and discount card please email sueinthesun@terra.es. So whatever you usually do on Sundays come on down to PROCOMOBEL the furniture store with so much more!”
wibcdirector@gmail.com for information on the closest ticket point to you. Benimarco is situated about 5 minutes from Benissa; a central point for most WIBC members. The closest hotel is Hotel Cases de Sant Jaume: www. hotelcasesdesantjaume.com For further information, please contact Suzanna Mace at wibcdirector@gmail.com or phone 669 219 088.
The region of
La Rioja Wine Review by
Jonathan Burrows
Director of Murcia Wine Club
OVER THE last few weeks I have been creating and perfecting a new and very special three day gastronomic wine tasting vineyard tour to La Rioja. I thought that since we (Murcia Wine Club) are now selling a number of great Rioja wines, it would also make sense to offer true Rioja wine enthusiasts the opportunity to spend a few days in the area and witness first hand what it is like to be in the midst of the best and most beautiful wine producing area in the World. Wine is unquestionably an integral part of the Spanish culture and cuisine. The wine producing region of La Rioja stretches for about 120 kilometres down either side of the Río Oja (River Oja) which allows thousands of vineyards to water their prized vines. Rioja wine has enjoyed an extremely long tradition of winemaking in Spain and it is estimated to have begun in the 11th century BC with Phoenician settlers of the time. Many of the vineyards in La Rioja were founded by ancient Romans – as is the case with all the key wine producing areas of Europe. Towards the end of the 19th Century, a devastating phylloxera attack took place in the French wine producing region of Bordeaux. Due to this, the French influence took over in La Rioja and this led to the start of some of the finest wines available anywhere – many of which are oak aged for long periods of time. La Rioja became a ‘Denominación de Origen’ in 1970 and in the early nineties, the esteemed ‘Calificada’ nomination was awarded which subsequently created the first ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’ in Spain. Today, there are only two: La Rioja and Priorat / Priorato. La Rioja is located to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains which are renowned for providing much-needed protection from the typically aggressive winds of
northern Spain. Thanks to this convenient protection La Rioja benefits from an ideal continental climate, allowing the many vineyards to thrive. The more vast section of the Rioja region lies on a plateau which is approximately fifteen hundred feet above sea level and average annual rainfall can be anything from twelve to twenty inches. The soil of la Rioja is clay based with significant concentrations of both limestone and sandstone. Nevertheless, it is the high content of iron and chalk that provides the redness to the soil, which is widely believed to have inspired the name ‘Rioja’ (meaning red). La Rioja produces red wines, white wines and rosé wines and the majority of the harvesting takes place between September and October. There are four categories of classification for Rioja wines: the youngest takes the simple title of ‘Rioja’, which implies the wine spends less than one year in oak; the ‘Crianza’ is the second classification and implies an ageing process of at least two years – one of which must be in oak. ‘Reserva’ implies an ageing process of at least one year in the barrel and at least two years in the bottle. ‘Gran Reserva’ requires two years in the barrel and a further three in the bottle, although the ‘Gran Reservas’ are not as popular as they once were due to an increasing demand for the younger and often fruitier types. If you would like to enjoy the treasures of the Rioja wine producing region, then go to www.murciawineclub.com for more information on our awesome Rioja wines and our all inclusive tour. Naturally, the three day Rioja tour is more expensive than the one day tours to Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas, but it is also one of the things to do before you die. What’s more, considering the package, it is actually awesome value for money too.
The stunning scenery of La Rioja Article written by Jonathan Burrows, Director of Murcia Wine Club Tel: 608 708 579; e-mail: info@murciawineclub.com web: www.murciawineclub.com
18 - 24 june 2010
45
46
18 - 24 june 2010
Pan’s people
Tinker Bell
S
The magic of Peter Pan comes to Pilar
THE STUDENTS of the Pilar de la Horadada Municipal Modern Dance School will be performing a stage version of J.M.Barrie’s famous novel Peter Pan. The production is about the boy who spends his neverending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the ‘Lost Boys’, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies and pirates; and from time to time meeting ordinary children from the World outside. The performance takes place at the Andrés Murcia Viudas park in the town this Saturday, 19th June. The music and dance spectacular, directed by one of the school’s teachers, Gertrudis Andreo, starts at 22:00.
‘The Odd Couple’ DRAMATIC LICENCE takes to the stage for a three performances of Neil Simon’s seriously funny play. The group welcomes two professional Alicante based Spanish actors, Alberto Moreno and Carlos Calvo, for this production. In 1980’s New York City, friends Olive, Mickey, Vera, Sylvie, Renee and Florence meet for their weekly game of Trivial Pursuit. Domestic goddess Florence has been deserted by her husband and moves into snobbish Olive’s apartment with disastrous consequences. Enter the two Spanish neighbours, Manolo and ‘Heyzoos’, brothers working in New York struggling with English. Doors open at the superb Teatro Cardenal Belluga in San Fulgencio at 19.15 on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th. Tickets at €8 are available by ringing: 966 765 256 or 669 271 869 or via www.dramatic-licence.eu
by Jack Troughton
WASHBUCKLING FUN packed with song and dance, a colourful performance of ‘The Adventures of Peter Pan’ was a summer treat and a timely reminder to never entirely grow up. A liberal sprinkling of fairy dust from Javea’s Stage School of Performing Arts took an audience on a first class flight to Neverland and a highly enjoyable reunion with the Lost Boys, Hook’s pirate crew and Red Indians (Barrie’s tale written long before the discovery of Native Americans). And with Stage School throwing in a healthy mix of modern pop and rock, the audience at the Careline Theatre, Alcalali, were held spellbound by a classic costume caper. Based on the Disney version of the story, the show started with a cinema trailer-type costume parade down memory lane with characters from the much loved family cartoons. ELECTRIC The main feature starts in the nursery of the Darling family but pretty soon the action switches to the magical Neverland and an electric soundtrack opens with a dance routine to Duran Duran’s ‘Wild Boys’ and Queen’s ‘We Will Rock you.’ On the island, Wendy (Chloe Brading) rockets to superstar status because she makes a top substitute mum and tells ace
stories – but that prompts jealousy with a feisty Tinker Bell. Flawed hero Peter Pan, an excellent Amber Fisher, was a genuine good guy but has ego issues and the growing camp tensions nearly let Adam King’s scheming Captain Hook and his (very) merry pirates win the day. But Tinker Bell, a highly talented performance from Elysha Fish as the pouting, foot-stomping, sulking fairy, regrets making a deal with Hook and comes good to save Peter from pirate poison. QUIET Elysha’s version of the Bjork hit song ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ was one of the most memorable moments of the show. And the successful double act between Hook and his right hand man Smee (Harry Mould) was a winner. Young Harry was a natural comedian alongside the experienced adult showman and acted his heart out throughout. The big production numbers were wonderfully choreographed and the first act closed in the Indian Camp with an anarchic fun routine to Sweet’s ‘Wig Wam Bam!’ – with a stage packed with little ‘uns and the school’s senior students. Peter Pan was a showcase for young talent on the Costa Blanca and a much needed reminder that shows staged by young performers are not solely for parents and siblings. It was great stuff.
Crescendo sing at Quesada ON SATURDAY May 29th, Crescendo presented a free evening of music and song at Quesada Casa de Cultura. There was a bucket collection at the end for Caritas. As always, the choir sang a varied programme. The highlight of the concert was their beautiful ‘I Believe /Ave Maria’. Soloists included Eve Suffield singing ‘You’ll never walk alone’, Pat Yardley singing ‘Stranger in Paradise’ and a duo of Gilbert and Sullivan favourites from Judith O’Neil and Norman Shelley, with a piano solo from John Dunkin who played ‘To the Spring’ by Grieg. The concert finished with the ‘Blessing of Aaron’ joined by several past members who were in the audience. Crescendo’s last concert before the summer break will be at the Casa de Cultura in Pilar de la Horredada on Wednesday John, June 23rd, as guests of the Torrevieja BarberJudith, Norman shop Harmonisers and Spangles, the ladies’ and Pat barbershop group.
18 - 24 june 2010
The GRIP BBQ
THE RAQUEL Pena Sevillanas Club Dancers is an amateur group of mostly retired people interested to learn the Sevillanas and other Spanish dances, made up of many nationalities including English, Swiss, German and Canadian. The GRIP BBQ held on Sunday 13th was a roaring success as diners tucked into sizzling burger; fresh chick and delicious salads and some forty to fifty guests enjoyed the wonderful array of food and twenty minutes of Flamenco dancing. The â‚Ź10 ticket price will go to boost GRIP funds.
47
48 40
music scene
18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010
96.7 (TKO GOLD) - 91.9 - 87.7 - 87.5 • STUDIO SMS: 661 049 309 • STUDIO@TKOFM.COM
Jukebox Legends CLASSIC HITS AND THE UK TOP 40 • TKOFM.COM • TKOGOLD.COM
JUKEBOX LEGENDS are a completely different act, playing in and around the Torrevieja area as well as the UK and Europe. As they become more well known, appearances have increased as they thrill the crowd with this unique show… Peter Day and Fiona McLean are both solo artists with a great deal of experience in the entertainment business between them. Fiona has been singing for many years and has toured with bands in the UK and Ireland as well as performing internationally as a solo artist. She sings hits from the 60s up to the 80s from the likes of Dusty Springfield, Patsy Cline, Doris Day, Abba and many more. Peter has also performed across the UK and internationally, including Hawaii with the late Don HO, USA and Ireland and he also had an album released in 2000, ‘Edge Of Reality’ (which still generates sales today!) His unique act includes songs from Eddie Cochrane, Cliff, Buddy Holly, Paul Anka and more. Peter also has his own Elvis 2000 show, which is a full Las Vegas style performance and is fast becoming known as the best Elvis show on the Costa. With a voice that is remarkably close to The King’s he has placed this major tribute show in the UK for many years and is now performing it on the Costa Blanca. With a show full of variety, top quality performances and live entertainment, Jukebox Legends will keep you enthralled thorughout the evening. If you would like to book Jukebox Legends you can visit www.jukeboxlegends.com or call 695 135 134.
Keyword Pop Quiz
DATES Every Thursday - Bar Carmen, El Chaparall Every Saturday (except 26th June) - Casa Nicholas, El Limonar strip Alternate Sundays, 14.30 - Hoggies Bar San Luis Saturday 26th June - PALS Club, Washington Square, La Siesta Monday 5th July - The Arches, Los Alcazares Wednesday 14th July - Captains Table, Dona Pepa, Quesada
Find the keyword and win win two tickets to Aqua Natura. Just listen to Davy Jones between 14.00 – 17.00 on TKO FM on Monday 7th June to enter.
FIND THE keyword and win two tickets to Aqua Natura. Just listen to Davy Jones between 14.00 – 17.00 on TKO FM on Monday to enter. Don’t forget, any Groups with ‘The’ as the first word will be the main name only... (i.e. The Rolling Stones will be Rolling Stones). First names will be used for answers (i.e. Billy Idol).
3. Who had a recent hit with ‘This Ain´t A Love Song?’
1. Which band had a hit with ‘Love And Pride?’
7. Who was ‘King Of The Wild Frontier?’
2. Which Australian hard rock band featured Angus and Malcolm Young?
8. Who had hits with ‘I´m Like A Bird’ and ‘Turn Off The Light?’
4. Name the number 2 hit and most well known song from the band ‘Free’ in 1970
• FACEBOOK: TKOFM2010
Music venues or acts that wish to be featured in this column should email music@tkofm.com with details and photo...
The Last Cigarettes
THE LAST CIGARETTES offer something a little bit different, here on the Costa Blanca, having formed from the ashes of Travellin Band. They are a young band of Spanish musicians and Alex, Jordi, Albert and Jose are all accomplished musicians, playing a wide range of songs. Their influences include Dire Straits, Genesis, Hendrix and Deep Purple and they play a wide range of styles, making sure that anyone who loves guitar driven music will be catered for. As they play around the Spanish, Irish and English pubs, their audiences are becoming more diverse and they are progressing toward becoming a sought after group of musicians. The boys are passionate about music, practising hard in order to continue developing their craft and working on writing their own material which they will then use to try and negotiate a recording contract here in Spain. If you would like more information about The Last Cigarettes you can visit their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/tlcigarettes
Listen to Davy Jones on TKO FM, Monday between 14.00 and 17.00. Davy will ask you to text in the keyword. The winner and this week’s answers will then be announced.
5. Who wrote Kirsty MacColl’s hit single ‘New England?’ 6. What article of beachwear did Bryan Hyland sing about in 1960?
TKO FM news TKO FM is your official 2010 World Cup station! TKO FM will be providing live updates throughout the games as the events unfold, so remember to keep it locked: 91.9, 87.7, 87.5, 89.9FM or via www.tkofm.com
SATURDAY 19TH JUNE: TKO AT THE MONTEBELLO FUN DAY Come and join in all the fun with games; kids’ events; competitions; live entertainment and music from TKO. A wide selection of food and drink will be available. TKO FM ON FACEBOOK You can now get updates on all events, news and gossip via our official Facebook page. Go to TKO FM 2010 and we’ll keep you posted on everything you need to know! ATTENTION ENTERTAINERS Please email music@tkofm to be featured on this page!
18--March 24 june 2010 Feb 26 4 2010
49 49
50
18 - 24 FEBRUARY JUNE 2010 2010 19-25
Blues-rock legends at Jazz San Javier Vibes From The Costas by
Tony Poole
from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com
SAN JAVIER hosts a fantastic night of boogie, rock n’ roll, blues and jazz in July with two legendary acts as part of the annual jazz festival. The magnificent Dr. John returns after his memorable performance at the VII edition in 2004 when he was joined by B.B. King and Shemekia Copeland, together with famed Woodstock performers Canned Heat. Malcolm John ‘Mac’ Rebennack, Jr. was born November 21st , 1940, better known by the stage name Dr. John, nicknamed the ‘Night Tripper’ is an American singer/songwriter, pianist and guitarist, whose music combines blues, pop, jazz as well as Zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll. Although he didn’t become widely known until the 1970s, Dr. John had been active in the music industry since the late ‘50s; a formidable boogie and blues pianist with a lovable growl of a voice, his most enduring achievements have fused New Orleans R&B, rock, and Mardi Gras craziness to come up with his own brand of ‘voodoo’ music. He’s also quite accomplished and enjoyable when sticking to purely traditional forms of blues and R&B.
On record, he veers between the two approaches. ‘Gris-Gris’, his 1968 debut album combining voodoo rhythms and chants with the New Orleans music tradition, was ranked 143rd on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Three more albums, 1969’s ‘Babylon’, 1970’s ‘Remedies’, and 1971’s ‘The Sun, Moon, And Herbs’ were released in the same vein of Gris-Gris, but none of them have enjoyed the popularity of his first album. His latest album called ‘Tribal’ is released on 429 Records. In 2008, Dr. John was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Canned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote interest in this type of music and its original artists. It was launched by two blues enthusiasts, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, who took the name from Tommy Johnson’s 1928 ‘Canned Heat Blues’, a song about an alcoholic who had desperately turned to drinking Sterno, generically called ‘canned heat’. After appearances at Monterey and Woodstock, at the end of the 1960s the
Canned Heat
band acquired worldwide fame. The music and attitude of Canned Heat afforded them a large following and established the band as one of the popular acts of the hippie era. Canned Heat appeared at most major musical events at the end of the 1960s and they were able to deliver on stage electrifying performances of blues standards and their own material and occasionally to indulge into lengthier ‘psychedelic’ solos. Two of their songs ‘Going Up the Country’ and ‘On the Road Again’ became international hits; both were re-workings of obscure blues. At the time all their albums were released for worldwide distribution. Since the early 1970s, numerous personnel changes have occurred and today, in the fifth decade of the band’s existence, Fito de la Parra is the only member from the ‘classic’ 1960s lineup. He has written a book about the band’s
career. Larry Taylor, whose presence in the band has not been steady, is the other surviving member from the earliest lineups. Guitarist Harvey Mandel who gained fame for playing in later editions of the band will be performing along with the remaining group member singer, guitarist, harmonica player, Dale Spalding who was welcomed into the fold in 2008. Canned Heat boasts to have performed at more motorcycle and music festivals than any other band in the world. Dr. John and Canned Heat are performing at the San Javier International Jazz Festival on Wednesday 14th July, doors open 21.00. Tickets are €20, available from the San Javier Festival Office, Disco’s Carrots in Cartagena and ServiCaixa www.servicaixa.com More info at www.jazz.sanjavier.es
Free tickets to see Dr. John and Canned Heat RTN are proud to be the official English newspaper for the San Javier International Jazz Festival. We are giving away loads of free tickets to see some amazing concerts throughout July. This week, two pairs of tickets to see Dr. John and Canned Heat live in concert on Wednesday 14th July at the beautiful open-air 2000 seater Almansa Park Auditorium. Chris Isaak tickets are still up for grabs by checking last week’s edition of the RTN or my blog; those winners will be announced next week. Here’s this week’s question: Dr. John
Full details www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com plus you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.poole. Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!
WHERE WAS DR. JOHN BORN?
A : New Mexico B : New York C : New Orleans Email your answer together with your name and telephone contact details. Dr. John/Canned Heat competition winners will be notified on Friday 2nd July. Entries by email only to vibes@roundtownnews.com. More free tickets to give away next week in the RTN.
18 - 24 june 2010 Win a meal for 2 at the Inn Plaice in torrevieja (Mon-Thu) or at La Pista Restaurante In Jalon (Mon-sat Lunchtimes Only) by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly. Answers by email to: office@roundtownnews.com or Fax: 96 570 5328.
Euromillions Draw Friday 11th june
2 22 24 36 44 1
2
One UK ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros (£12,442,500) jackpot prize
51
Answers & Winner Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51. Crossword winner for issue 556: MARTIN GREENWOOD, PLAYA FLAMENCA
Quick Crossword
Cryptic Crossword
Across
Down
7. Choice (6)
1. Liken (7)
8. Amenable (6)
2. Surprise (7)
10. Puzzle (7)
3. Jovial (5)
Across 7. Lovers’ suit, perhaps (6) 8. Ten among the non-clerical people show slackness (6) 10. 14 in a royal way (7) 11. It’s a bit exceptional, a tiny boy using such language (5) 12. Cultivate a money-holder (4) 13. Debar what isn’t there after a close shave (5) 17. It comes from the bright lights put out when 2 and 10 are curtailed (5) 18. Just a periodical market (4) 22. A team taken apart (5) 23. Assert it’s hot from the printing-machine? (7) 24. Write your name again - and give up work! (6) 25. Game bird evokes grumble (6)
Sudoku
11. Harmony (5) 12. Revolve (4) 13. Cut (5) 17. Abode (5) 18. Solitary (4)
4. Intricate (7) 5. Last (5) 6. At no time (5) 9. Dear (9) 14. Satisfied (7) 15. Fidelity (7)
22. Skill (5)
16. Speculation (7)
23. Tramp (7)
19. Scour (5)
24. Pressing (6)
20. Scope (5)
25. Winner (6)
21. Once more (5)
Down 1. Benevolence, but cautious about it (7) 2. 10 in great measure (7) 3. Not moving yet (5) 4. 2 where works of art may be shown (7) 5. Catalogues of combat (5) 6. Land that’s marshy enables animal to hide in it (5) 9. Gradually advancing through academic awards (2,7) 14. Abnormal reaction of 4 (7) 15. Cautious addition of fuel mixture to vehicle (7) 16. Bit of furniture in the robingroom? (7) 19. Henry will give one a vexing time (5) 20. Before a second has passed (5) 21. Wine from the South used in merry-making (5)
52 40
18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010
Summer fun by
Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors
SUMMER IN the garden should be fun not a chore. By now all plantings except by absentee gardeners wanting some short term summer colour as discussed in Santana Books newly launched Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style should have been made, so the main tasks are caring for existing
plants, whether flowering plants, herbs, fruits or vegetables... Keep their roots cool and moist, deadhead to stimulate follow on flowerings, weed between vegetables and deal with summer pests in an ecological manner to ensure that the environment of summer gardens and apartment terraces are healthy for the family, guests, neighbours, passers by and beneficial wild life. Deadheading is best done in the cool of the early morning and watering in the cool of late evening. With little construction and maintenance work, there is amble time to enjoy the garden not just on the hot pool terrace but in the
Solar Cooker
Maintain your terrace plants to ensure a healthy environment for everyone
more colourful cooler and shady spots. But the hottest spots still have a purpose. We have just broken off from assembling our new solar cooker (purchased from www.alsol.es and illustrated on page 60 of Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style for they are very convenient for terraces). This means that we can make herbal infusions; cook breakfast; prepare a paella pizza or bread by the heat of the sun; sunbathe or keep cool under a nearby tree without the smell and smoke of barbecuing. Oh, one job we should have included earlier is to ensure that eco snail pellets are scattered around susceptible plants, where the summer damp can attract snails and slugs from drier areas within or outside the garden. Spring bulbs can be especially
CLODAGH AND DICK HANDSCOMBE have lived and gardened in Spain for some twenty five years, sharing their ideas and experience with others through their articles and books. The books shown, plus ‘Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain’ and ‘Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain’ can be obtained from high street and online bookshops including Bookworld, Amazon and Santana Books. Descriptions will be found on Clodagh and Dicks’ website www.gardeninginspain.com.
susceptible to attacks. And thinking about it, there is a second: if anyone offers you a load of light weight dry non-smelly horse manure, grab the offer as collecting it will be a less smelly heavy job than collecting heavy wet manure in the autumn. Mix it now into the compost heap and you will have some ideal compost for enriching the soil in a vegetable plot or raised bed in September or October. If you have a pond, water lilies should have started flowering and will continue to do so through the autumn. You may need to cut back some large floating leaves and spreading oxygenating weeds to enjoy the shoals of colourful fish to the full. Suspect that with photographs we have used up our allotted space so enjoy your early summer in the garden!
18--MARCH 24 JUNE 2010 FEB 26 4 2010
53 53
Smoked Salmon filled with fresh goat’s cheese and herbs TAPAS FOR 4
12 slices of smoked salmon 250gr fresh goat’s cheese Basil Parsley Coriander 50ml Cream 250ml Balsamic Vinegar 150gr Sugar
the other piece: you will get a little carpet of smoked salmon. Now place half of the goat’s cheese over the length of the salmon and roll the the smoked salmon with the plastic film carefully so that you get a cylinder. Secure the ends. Repeat 1 more time with the other slices of salmon to get 2 cylinders. Put in the fridge to cool to make them easier to cut before serving. You can keep the salmon rolls in the fridge for up to a week. Place the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucer and boil over a small flame till it is reduced by half, making balsamic cream. Set aside to cool.
PREPARATION
Put the fresh goat’s cheese together with the herbs and the cream in the food processor. Mix till you get a smooth substance and season with salt and pepper. Take a piece of clingfilm (40cm) and place 6 slices of smoked salmon on it so that each piece covers a bit of RTN AND RESTAURANT Casa ‘Mola Mola’ are proud to present a series of recipes. We will take a closer look at the Spanish tradition of eating, in particular the fabulous world of TAPAS. Eating tapas is typical to Spain and entertaining. It is a way to enjoy the company of friends or family whilst sampling several different flavours in small portions. OVER THE NEXT 10 WEEKS, CHEF SASSEN WILL BE PREPARING THE FOLLOWING TAPAS: 1. Patatas Bravas ‘New Style’ 2. Goat’s Cheese with Lavander and Vanilla Syrup 3. Dices of Tuna with Tomato-Pistache Marmalade 4. Fish Cakes Thai Style 5. Chicken Sticks with Mango-Teryake Sauce 6. Smoked Salmon filled with fresh Goat’s Cheese and Herbs 7. Boquerones with Sundried Tomato and Quail Egg 8. Shrimps with Papaya and Moscatel sauce 9. Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Caviar 10. Bavarois of Horchata and Granizado of Moscatel
Vega Baja Garden Club: June meeting THE JUNE meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was well attended, with speaker Mike Wyatt, a horticulturist specialising in fruit trees, talking about citrus trees. He advised that when choosing a tree to look for one with healthy leaves, no fungus, a grey/green trunk and pale roots. Planting: Prepare a hole at least twice the depth and twice the width of the pot. Layer good drainage material then some tree planting compost. Loosen the roots gently in the hole then fill with compost. Water well, early morning and late evening…at least 6 litres per day; citrus trees need at least 11.000 litres of water during the growing season. Pruning: The centre of the tree needs to be open so prune regularly for fewer but bigger and juicier fruit. Feeding: About once a month during the growing season sprinkle 3-4ozs of citrus fertilizer over a metre area around the base of the tree. Pests: Include aphids, scale insects, spider mite, snails, caterpillars, mildew, and sooty marks, treatable with garden centre products. Check trees regularly and spray as soon as you notice a problem. The next meeting will be on the first Monday of Sept when it is hoped that there will be a talk on ‘Beekeeping’. October meeting will start with the AGM, speaker to be arranged. For enquiries or offers to give a talk, please contact Val on 966 716 527.
June’s speaker Mike Wyatt
PRESENTATION
Remove the plastic film and cut each roll in 8 equal pieces. Place on a plate and top with some of the balsamic cream.
Restaurant Casa ‘Mola Mola’ in the old town of Calpe is a must for every food lover! For reservations call 965 839 554 / 628 057 138 Casa ‘Mola Mola’ C/la justicia 6 C/campanarie 5 03710 Calpe
54
18 - 24JANUARY JUNE 20102010 8-14
North and South NO, I AM not referring to the civil war in the USA, with its blood and guts, peaked forage caps, and everyone, (especially selected bar room floosies) singing ‘Dixie’. No, nor too do I intend to provoke a comment on the North and South divide in the UK, which is often theorised and may as well be, “Gone With the Wind”, as much as it matters. No, no: I refer to the North and South division of the Costa Blanca. The RTN issue two editions weekly, North and South, and a spate of mail and emails from you, my readers, has brought up the subject of a great divide that exists and slices through Spirituality on the Costa Blanca. Where is Kenny Corris? Well actually nearly always in the North here, where I have lived happily with my partner for the past sixteen years or so. I have only ever been invited to visit the Deep South twice in all that time. Each time I went and did what I was asked to do, but, I am short on invitations to cross that border and the impetus to travel there. If you will count two trips to IKEA in my defence, then you know the extent of my southerly travels. Why? Well answering this is very difficult. I do get a lot of work in the North of the Province, in Valencia, and have visited Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Palma, and Madrid with my ever popular workshops, demonstrations and readings. I cover Norway as if it was my ancestral home, even in minus 21º, in the dark, and without a fur coat. I have trudged both New York State and New Jersey on tour, I have even been to Schenectady (try saying that after a gin and tonic!) But I have never been to Torrevieja; never seen Nerja; and never quite made it to Murcia. With a current tour planned I will be in the Arctic Circle this Autumn as part of a seven city Scandinavian tour, but I have never set eyes on Mazarron, nor experienced the warm winds of Cartagena. La Manga - now where is that exactly?
It’s okay - my destiny and my faith tell me that one day I will be lucky. I have so many clients that visit me from the South but I appear to be domiciled in the North. The North Costa Blanca’s only Spiritual Café, the Bistro Maya in Albir is somewhere you can expect to find me. It is a well run, friendly and proudly, a thriving Spiritual community; one that embraces that someone who just needs to talk, or wants to listen, or is looking for spiritual friendship, served with a wonderful menu of freshly prepared foods (optional) and great coffee. Sadly, no one has taken on board the need for such an establishment in the South of the Alicante community. I hope that someone does one day. I will leave you with a true story. A client booked an appointment with me. She asked me how close to Carrefour I was, and I explained a simple five minute journey away. As she was travelling by cab I told her to give the driver my mobile number, or to call me, and that I would give him the directions in Spanish. Ten minutes away from the appointed time my phone rang, and a very loud and bewildered Spanish cab driver, with a heavy accent, asked me where I lived. I gave him directions which resulted in a stunned silence! My client was in the car park of Carrefour for sure, but she wasn’t five minutes away. She was in Las Palmas! Know where you are, I say. Well I am here if you want me, armed with Google maps and all that I will need to enter the unknown territory to bring Spiritual enlightenment: South of the Border, down La Marina way! Love and Light…… PS: Magic Happens! Since writing this I have two Workshops and a Demonstration all in the Rojales area! Check my Diary for Events! Things are happening already!
Love & Light... Kenny Corris
Postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny, I was close to my Aunt Kate. She always believed in Spirit when nobody else in the family did. One day she told me that she would always watch over me, and that she would make contact with me, sending me always the vision of a swan. She died last month, but a recent tarot reading didn’t bring the swan through. Caitlin K. It is a little early to make contact Caitlin, give your Aunt some time to establish herself. Many people choose symbols to prove survival in the Spirit World, and these are best picked up by a Medium as they have specific connections with visual cues of the Spirit World. I am sure that Kate will communicate with you in time, since it is after all, what she wanted. Give it some time and ask your Aunt to call you in some way when she is ready. This may mean that suddenly she will come into your thoughts, and then you will know that she is ready, and the swan can swim! Good luck.
Kenny’s Diary WORKSHOP: “2012 The Truth” at Rojales/Quesada 10.00 to 17.00 on Tuesday 22nd June. Contact. Gay Nash for information on: 966 718 983 Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Spiritual Awareness Society of Quesada. Calle Toledo 14, Cuidad Quesada on Tuesday 22nd June at 19.30. Admission by Ticket Only. Information : Wendy Keets 626 602 904 Bar Peri Pera, Javea Port: (Next Spiritual Café): Tuesday 29th June. 17.00 demonstration followed by readings. Bookings and Info: Please contact: Penny Smith on: 687 926 021
contact kenny Appointments: 96 587 8424 Mobile: 686 361 594 Web: www.kennycorris.net Forum: www.kennycorris.net/forum Please contact me for inclusion in my healing list!
horoscopes by Kenny Corris You may have jumped to conclusions and acted in haste, but you really can’t be blamed for your actions since they are a response to what’s really going on right now. You can’t be responsible for seeing the writing on the wall and trying to save and protect those that you love. Times are changing, the focus has shifted, and you are wise to have a plan B to come up with when the going gets tough. Here and now prevention is better than any cure could be! Pallas directs mid week in your opposing sign of Scorpio, and this really does put the cat amongst the pigeons. Whilst you only really want a quiet life, there is an agenda that begs for your attention and it really could help you take a firm stand over something close to your heart, once and for all. This will serve to clear the decks, and silence those who are making things hard for you right now; whilst also eliminating that inner anger you are storing inside. Mercury squares with Saturn at the end of the week, and aligns with Neptune just after. These actions highlight new responsibilities and you are ready now to take over that which you know that you must. The ball is now well and truly in your court, and yes, others will be waiting and watching to see just how you handle this and where you take it! Show them just what you can do, and you’ll have them just where you want them, in the palm of your hand. The Summer solstice comes around again as the Sun is exalted and is once again ready to set a precedent in this the chosen solar pattern. This is a time that you can rest on your laurels somewhat. You work hard and try to play hard, but you always assume control and responsibility, and it is the laid back approach that you need to assume right now, to get the right response. You are under the influence of a cool character, but they haven’t seen what you are truly capable of. Not a suitable time to pause, feel sorry for yourself and lick your wounds, however you may feel like it. This is a time to face up to what you really want, and to take the bull by the horns as you take strides forward. You really do not know what you can do until you try, and it is worth trying when you have the ideal situation handed to you on a plate. Ignore what others are telling you, you deserve rather more than you have got, but the time for turning the tables is now. Mercury’s interaction with Saturn sees you heavily involved with getting the right answers. As Mercury carries a message that you would be very wise not to ignore, use the situation to reinforce just what it is that you have to say about something right now. You seem to be walking on hot coals at the moment, and for your own sake, strike while the iron is hot, and take a risk on something close to your heart, as it will show you just how much you do care. A time for connecting with your friends and family, since there has been such little time to pay them attention as of late. Your work is very important to you, but since it has to take precedent, you must never forget that love and friendship are there to help you all along the way. Some rest and relaxation are called for to help you tune into that balancing Libran energy, and to consolidate and prepare for a busy time ahead, come what may! Pallas makes a direct in your second house after a retrograde trip over the past five weeks. This is a time to exercise extreme caution in anything that involves your signature. Hold onto plans and schemes until next weekend, when energies should be restored, and you are able to think more clearly. Make no changes, because you will surely live to regret them. When the time is right, this retrograde, ‘fall out’ will do you a very big favour: all will be revealed. Planetary action brings your sage and wise energies to the full, as you take on something that you have held onto right until the very end. Not only is it time to share, but it is the very best chance you will get to set the record straight, and to ensure that your version of events is told and appreciated. There is no need for compromise, and yet there is a great opportunity now to skilfully nip something well and truly in the bud before it bites back at you. Pluto is an ever present ally in the current game you are playing to win. However you choose to gloss over the main event it is certain that this helps you to eliminate the pain of a hurting relationship and shows you what you now must do. Waiting for others to shed any light on the matter in hand is not an option right now, as things have gone too far to be just forgotten, and all the time it gets worse, certainly not better. Take control. Neptune brings on a corner that brings you both clarity and an inner insight into a matter that you may not have taken seriously. It is hard to take sides, but your loyalty and generous nature should not now be open to abuse in any way. Above all you uphold the truth, and yet recently you have been placed in a very difficult position where your honesty may be compromised. People love you for what you are, but they shouldn’t abuse your tender, loving nature. With Neptune in Aquarius, and Chiron resident in your seventh house of wonder and experience, anything could happen. You do seem to have found your feet, and have temporarily moved on, but you do have to face things and steer your own ship in the right direction, to retain your self respect. You often feel that you are being tested, but each and every time you bounce back with a new agenda and some positive work to be getting on with…like now!
If it’s your birthday this week... Hold back until you are really sure. This is a year of opportunity, and things should be on track for you as soon as possible, if you exercise caution, tune into your natural intuition, and believe in yourself.
- 24 JUNE2010 2010 8-1418 JANUARY
The Lost Army Book Review by
Danny Collins
copy@dannyjpcollins.com
I WOULDN’T describe myself as of Spartan philosophy – my wife wouldn’t go on a camping trip unless the trees had sockets for hairdryers, so the Spartan life is not for us. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not a fan of red-caped, bronze-helmeted Spartan glory on the battlefield. When the 30,000 Persians at Thermopylae ordered the 300 Spartan warriors defending the pass to give up their weapons, the Spartan king Leonidas answered: ‘Molon labe!’ (“Come and get them!”) I would have been right beside him – well, actually four or five rows back but you get my meaning. So when I received a review copy of Manfredi’s novel based on the Athenian Xenophon’s contemporary account of the 10,000 plus Spartan mercenaries who marched with the Persian pretender Cyrus against his brother, King of Kings Artaxerxes and came off rather badly, I was
intrigued. The Spartans, let down in battle by their Asian allies, returned to Sparta by marching across frozen mountain ranges and fighting off vengeful Persians, Mesopotamians, Armenians, and Turks after the Spartan commanders had been covertly slain by traitors. Behind it all was history’s biggest conspiracy – that Sparta had knowingly aided Cyrus Author: by turning a blind eye to Valerio mercenary recruitment Massimo and was now anxious that Manfredi the victorious Artaxerxes Publisher: Macmillan didn’t learn of its treachery (hardback) and throw a hissy fit. Price: €12.50 Manfredi’s book ISBN: 978 0 provides Xenophon with a 230 53065 2 beautiful barbarian lover Abira, who travels with and injects life and intrigue him on the march in and into one of the greatest sagas out of Persia and witnesses of Spartan history. the battles at firsthand. The Valerio Massimo Manfredi is author dexterously uses Abira a classical archaeologist, one to tell the human side of of whose previous books Xenophon’s pedantic account The Last Legion - was released
55
Torrevieja U3A challenges gentlemen members
as a major film starring Colin Firth in 2007. If ever a man knew his subject it is Manfredi, a writer of stature who, like another great favourite of mine, Robert Harris, gives history a human face.
All the featured books are available off the shelf or by mail order from Librería Europa, Calle Oscar Esplá 2, 03710 Calpe. Tel: 96 583 58 24; e-mail: libreria.europa.calpe@gmail.com Take along or send this review for a discount of 5% on your purchases.
THE GAUNTLET has been thrown down! Gentlemen members of Torrevieja U3A have been challenged to bake cakes, to be sold at the summer open meetings on 24th June, 29th July and 26th August at Los Arcos restaurant at 10.30. Members and guests plus nonmembers are invited to sample the cakes, browse the book stall and bric-a-brac and have fun at the Tombola. The June speaker will be from the Jennifer Cunningham organisation. U3A Chairman Bob Hill says “We are a very friendly group. These open meetings are designed to enable everyone to participate and find out more about the U3A. Everyone will be welcome and members will be on hand to answer questions about the many activities that are available” The Torrevieja U3A membership continues to increase, with 30 interest and activity groups available to members. Details may be found at www.u3atorrevieja.com
MABS party in the park Company women get lucky COMPANY WOMEN celebrated their fifth birthday in style at Fairways restaurant, Villa Martin Plaza, with popping cava and Paul Shrager. Shirley Adams from Banco Halifax Hispania won four of the many donated raffle prizes, including a painting completed to order by Olive Branch retreats and a free mobile phone from Europa Communications. This was a special lunch - it won’t be cava next time, but Company women will still be doing it in style
The party in full swing Photo courtesy of Robin Bayliss
THIS YEAR’S MABS ‘Party in the Park’ beat all expectations with more than 350 participants raising over €1,100 for MABS Murcia/Mar Menor, at Restaurante El Torreón. Superb entertainment was provided by The Jersey Boys; Showaddywaddy; Club Sevillana Dancers; Freddie Mercury tribute; Smooth Grooves and Silvio, all giving their time free of charge. “This is proving to be a popular event and people are already asking about next year’s party!” commented Lyn Baines, Group Co-ordinator for MABS Murcia/Mar Menor.
Notice from TAABS
“A huge thank you to Pam Prince and Trudi Leon-Martin who headed up the team who helped to put the event together, all the MABS volunteers and local businesses and individuals who so generously donated raffle prizes.” MABS Murcia/Mar Menor helps all people in the Murcia/Mar Menor area affected by cancer, providing drivers, translators, information leaflets, equipment, a listening ear, or a shoulder to lean on. To volunteer, donate or seek help, contact MABS on 693 275 779 or visit: www.mabsmurcia.com
TAABS (TORREVIEJA Association of Amateur Balladeers Singers) will be taking their summer break from the beginning of July until the end of August. If you would like TAABS to put on a charity fund raising event for you please don’t hesitate to contact Cathy Carson, Musical Director of TAABS on 666 180 118.
at their next Thursday lunchtime meeting on 1st July at the ‘Captain’s Table’ off the Lemon Tree Road. As always, you don’t have to be a member to join in. Contact Tracey on 634 295 243, visit www.companywomen.org or e-mail christine@companywomen.org Coming up are the annual nominations for the Company Women Awards. You don’t have to nominate a Company woman; it can be any woman in business whom you believe deserves it.
Horse parade and exhibition
This photo is from last Sunday’s (13/06/2010) horse parade and exhibition, showing Jodie DarrickHayter of Hipica Ondara with her horse Baqueret alongside Rafa, the president of the Association of Carreters y Cavallistes of Ondara. All participants had an enjoyable day. For more information on Hipica Ondara, please visit www.hipicaondara.com
56 44
18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010
Computing
with aunty virus
CPU usage 100% John from Alcalalí asks: Do you advise leaving the router switched on all the time or just when online? I have just signed-up for an ADSL service and have been told to keep my router switched on 24/7. However, conscious of my global footprint, not to mention my bank balance, I was horrified to find how warm both the router and the transformer got. We are constantly harangued to switch off all our electrical appliances at the wall socket over night and not to leave them always on standby is the router the exception? Aunty says: Hi John. There is no problem switching the router off whenever you’re not using the Internet for any great length of time. The only possible problem is that if your telephone is running via IP over your ADSL service (Skype, Telitec & Europa wireless etc.) it will not work without the router. You can try this by testing the phone after the router is switched off.
Fred from the UK asks: Hi there Aunty. Although I returned to the UK in 2008 after 5 years of living on the Costa Blanca, I still read the RTN on-line every week and I especially look forward to your very informative column. My problem is that, as soon as I open any programme I get the task manager saying that my CPU usage is at 100%. I use XP and have 1.5GB memory. I also use AVG, Spybot S&D and Malwarebytes. I use Gmail via Outlook and Google Chrome as my browser. I also use Skype with Skypemate for VOIP phone calls. I have Automatic updates set in Windows and AVG. I have run scans in each of the security programmes with zero results shown.
Aunty says: Hi Fred. It’s great that you keep in touch with the RTN online. As you’re familiar with Task Manager you will easily be able to identify the application or process that is hogging your valuable CPU resources. After you start Task Manager go to the ‘processes’ tab and click on the ‘CPU’ column title (twice to get it in reverse order). This will list the percentage that each process is using under the ‘image name’ column. On a healthy system with no programs running, you should see the ‘system idle process’ at around 90 something %. Once identified you can either uninstall the application or at very least we will know the next course of action.
Slow netbook
Mary via email asks: Dear Aunty, I have a Netbook laptop and find that it is very slow in responding to my actions. My daughter who recently came over from the UK commented on this and did a ‘clean-up’ but it is still slow. Could you give me some advice on what to do? Aunty says: The problem here Mary is that computers have got so complicated that there is no simple and easy way to do this. For the same reason most of us will enlist the expertise of a qualified mechanic to fix the car, I would strongly recommend using a professional for this kind of work. I know enetcomputers.net will do a MOT type service, and they take great pride in guaranteeing it will be faster than when it was new.
IE7 crashes Linda from La Marina asks: Good morning Aunty, can you please help? I use Gmail but every time I try to print an email it crashes IE7, it just stops responding and I have to start task manager to get out of it. Do you know why this is happening, I have no problem printing anything else. Aunty says: This is more than likely one of the IE7 addons you have installed Linda. Go to ‘tools’ ‘manage add-ons; ‘Enable or disable addons’ and disable any Google related ones. You could also try updating to IE8 from the Microsoft update website www.microsoft. com/windows/downloads
That’s all for this week, email me on auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out
Printing emails Office 2010 squares Michael via email asks: Hi Aunty, I have just installed a new HP Deskjet 2400 printer and I can copy docs photos etc but the print icon has disappeared from the screen so I cannot print emails and attachments. Aunty says: Hello Michael. If you installed the printer software from the CD you should have the HP Director or HP Solution Center software icon on your desktop. If it is not there then look under ‘start’ ‘all programs’ for an HP entry in the list. If you plugged your printer in and let Windows automatically load the software then you will need to re-install it from the original CD or better still, download the latest drivers from the HP website www.hp.com/#Support
up to free rivals With Office 2010 now available on retail shelves, the software is competing with a host of free rivals, not the least of which are two new options from Microsoft itself. The company has long had to deal with free alternatives, including everything from OpenOffice to Google Docs. Microsoft has also battled both piracy and the “good enough” factor that prompts many consumers to stick with older software, sometimes several versions old. With Office 2010, though, Microsoft has created a couple of its own new products
that could open up Office for those who don’t want to pay for it. Most prominent are the free, browserbased products known as the Office Web Apps seen as a response to Google Docs. The second free version of Office is Office Starter, a product that is replacing Microsoft Works as the software most consumers will get for free when they buy a new PC. Although it will give users a genuine — if limited — version of both Excel and Word, Microsoft senior vice president Chris Capossela said that the goal is to make it easier, not harder to sell the full version of Office.
A problem keyboard Sue from Villa Martin asks: Hello Aunty. I have a problem with my Dell Inspiron 2500. When I try to put in my password it will not accept the y u h j n m or 6 and 7 keys. Please can you advise me? Aunty says: Well the first thing I noticed about this Sue is that all those keys are in the same
group around the middle of your keyboard and this is usually a symptom of a faulty keyboard from a spillage or just simply old age. What puzzled me is how you managed to type the email if those keys aren’t working! Maybe give eNET Computers a call on 687 362 844 as I know they fix all kind of laptops problems and they’re very cheap.
Ideal Lights Spain “Energy saving LED lighting solutions” We manufacture the brightest LED lamps on the market today and have an extensive range for homes, urbanisations and businesses. From spot lights to tubes, flood lighting to GLS lamps and down lights to urbanisation street lighting, our retrofit LED range will save you money. Fact!
Phone us now for a free energy saving report and a 10% discount on your first order.
Save money and brighten up your life with LED lighting from Ideal Lights Spain
Tel: 6055 474 67 www.ideallightsspain.com
Feb 18 26 - 24 March june4 2010 2010
57 45
58
18 - 24 june 2010
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
FIB Heineken: Festival Internacional Benicàssim Since 1995, this fantastic indie rock, pop and electronic music festival has been a highlight on the calendar, not only for those in the Valencian Community but also for music fans the World over. 2009’s festival welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from across the globe over four days. Do you really want to miss it?
by
Kirsty Tuxford Freelance writer
Dizzee Rascal Photo courtesy of Tim and Barry
BENICÀSSIM IS a beautiful coastal town, with plenty of amenities and a delightful sandy beach with an attractive mountain backdrop. This is not the only reason to visit: from 15th -18th July, the town plays host to more than 100 international bands in one of Spain’s best festivals. Brit band Gorillaz has just confirmed they’ll be there, in what will be their first Spanish show. Following their recent sell-out performances at US Music Festival Coachella and the Roundhouse in London, the Gorillaz are set to perform their much-lauded third album, Plastic Beach. Their previous albums Gorillaz and Demon Days have sold more than six million copies each. Gorillaz are the biggest grammy nominated virtual band in the world. A festival that includes names as big as Kasabian, Goldfrapp, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, The Prodigy, Klaxons, The Sunday Drivers, Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen is definitely worth seeing. Music starts from around 17.50 and lasts until 08.00, meaning that the party doesn’t get overheated in the daytime sun, and instead you can recharge your batteries on the beach or on a shady terrace during the day
59
Vampire weekend Photo courtesy of Soren Solkaer Starbird
ENVIRONMENT FIB Heineken promotes its Limpio y Verde (Clean and Green) initiative, which has been underway for several years now and features specific programmes such as recycling, responsible consumption of water, and compensation for CO2 emissions. Yourope (The European Festival Association) awarded FIB the ‘Green’N’Clean Award’ last year. CAMPING This year, there’s a new camping area called VillaCamp, in which you can buy an exclusive spot with individual showers and bathrooms and parking area. There’s security, medical services and food and beverage services. VillaCamp will open from 12th 20th July. The full stay costs €65 per person. Goldfrapp Photo courtesy of Fiberfib
before the night’s performances begin again. The venue covers an area of 130,000 square metres and includes four stages; food and rest venues; camping; parking and healthcare and market area where you’ll find NGOs and shops. Accompanying the music festival is an art exhibition; theatre performances; classical, modern, Spanish, Flamenco and fusion dance shows; short films and fashion stalls. When tired of shopping and your dancing legs need a break, the bonus is that the stunning beach is a stone’s throw away.
TICKETS (AS PRICED ON FIB WEBSITE) Four-day ticket: £160. Includes free camping from 12th -20th July VIP pass: €300: On sale only at www.fiberfib.com See http://tickets.fiberfib.com/ for more options. HOW TO GET THERE Bus: Most bus lines travel to Castellón Bus Station, 14km from Benicàssim, with a regular bus service between the two. Car: Motorway AP-7 to 12km north of Castellón and then take the exit to the N-340: the N-340 runs through Benicàssim. See http://bus.fiberfib.com for more information on private transfers, shuttle buses and for maps of the area.
motoring
14 - 24 18 20 JUNE MAY 2010 2010
61 60
To good to be true? by
Brian Deller
Author of Motoring in Spain
Question: We, my family and I, moved to Spain just over a year ago, and my children, now nearly 18 and 17 years old, will soon need to obtain driving licences. We have read on the internet of organisations that will sell us a driving licence for another European country that will be legal in Spain without having to take any tests. What is your opinion on these licences, please? Bob Williams, Torrevieja (email) Your question reminds me of the ‘financial experts’ who will take your hard-earned money promising to invest it with a 20% return with the capital being safe. If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. I have researched these get rich quick (for the suppliers) websites and they are obviously going to be shut down or strongly warned against by the various traffic authorities within the EU if the potential clients do not do so by using their common sense in the first place by just ignoring them. They advertise that if you have been banned in one country for any offences or would like to buy a genuine EU driving licence, even for heavy goods vehicles or coaches etc, you can be back legally on the road
within days by paying them a large amount of cash and supplying a few documents about yourself so they can get their contact, usually in an Eastern European country, to fraudulently create a ‘genuine’ document; forgetting of course that you are really supposed to live there for 183 days plus a year to qualify. I suggest that anyone desperate enough to consider using their services should remember: 1. Driving while banned in any country is a very serious offence, and in Spain as well as many others it would usually mean arrest if caught. 2. When you take out insurance, any insurance broker of repute will take a photocopy of your driving licence for their records. A good agent will immediately realise that the licence is fraudulent as advised by their principles, the insurance companies. 3. I have read that one of the services sources the false driving licences from the relevant authority in Hungary. Can your children speak any Hungarian or even remember without looking it up, exactly where the country is? 4. If you do obtain insurance from a ‘dodgy’ source, will they pay out in the event of an accident when they find out about the dodgy licence?
For safety’s sake there should be no shortcuts
5. If after an accident you end up in Court, you can be sure that the lawyers will know about legal and illegal driving licences. Again, you could leave the dock in handcuffs. 6. For safety’s sake there are no, and should not be, any short cuts to earning a driving licence. All our safety depends on good, qualified drivers. We read that in the UK, around 1 million plus drivers on the roads are illegal in some way, many without
driving licences as they have not passed the test or they have been banned. From 2012, the new driving licence system will be started where all EU citizens will be registered on an EU-wide system that all the policing authorities can access at the roadside. This will mean that such offers will fall away, we hope. I hope you can make the right decision from the above. There is information in my book about obtaining a driving licence here in Spain.
No more space: more next week. Email your questions to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com and 666 888 870
ACE AUTOS
British & Spanish used car sales
00 RENAULT MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS
3,950€ 97 PEUGEOT 306 AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 2,450€
98 PEUGEOT 306 1.4i A/C P/S LOW KMS
1950€ 97 REN MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS 2,950€ 2,400€ 99 REN MEGANE AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 1950€ DAEWOO LANOS 3 DOOR A/C P/S 1,950€ U.K RHD MERCEDES SMART CAR AUTO A/C 4,950€ 99 FORD FOCUS ZETEC 3 DOOR HATCH 1,500€ PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL RHD P/S E/W 950€ 96 PEUGEOT 306 XTR V/LOW MILES 95 CHRYSLER VOYAGER DIESEL 7 SEATS 4,750€ MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL RHD V/CLEAN 1,250€ NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS.
00 FORD FIESTA DIESEL 5 DOOR A/C P/S 97 06 94 00 95
Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm
FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONNA. PUEBLE PRINCIPLE,VILLA MARTIN
Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
The new and dynamic Swift
61
SUZUKI IS pleased to announce the first images and preliminary information on the new, third generation Swift, going on sale in the UK in the Autumn. Suzuki held the World premiere line off ceremony today for mass production of the new car at its Magyar Suzuki Corporation production facility at Esztergom, in Hungary. The all-new Swift is positioned as Suzuki’s latest world strategic model and makes strong developments in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling, improved fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions. Extensive use of higher strength steel makes the new body shell lighter and stiffer than before, as well as offering refinement in underbody design. This latest body design has also helped improve impact safety for pedestrians as well as occupants. Increased track and larger diameter wheels with lower profile tyres allow for even better handling than the already highly acclaimed outgoing Swift that first went on sale in 2005. The interior design now has a more dynamic feel, featuring black as its keynote colour with accents of silver throughout the car. The new Swift has grown slightly in length (+90mm) with a 50mm increase in wheelbase. For the powertrain: a new 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust valve timing) is utilized, producing 94PS at 6,000rpm; slightly more than the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. Torque is also improved to 118Nm at 4,800rpm. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is now 56.5mpg for the manual transmission model; an improvement of 7.8mpg over the previous 1.3-litre unit. Emissions are much lower; the new 1.2-litre engine with manual transmission produces just 116g/km on the combined cycle, representing a 24g/km or 17 per cent improvement over the 1.3. An optional automatic transmission will be available for the petrol engine from launch.
Tel: 966 723 718 Sales Rojales & San Miguel For more information visit www.AutosDirect.es
07 Peugeot Partner
€6,995
07 Peugeot Partner
€6,995
05 Opel Astra Estate
€7,995
07 Ford Fiesta
€7,995
01 Megane Cabrio
€3,495
08 Peugeot 207 1.4HDi €10,495
07 Ford Focus Cmax
€10,995
03 Renault Clio
06 Ford Focus Estate
€8,995
04 Honda HR-V
Reduced
04 Renault Megane
€6,995
06 OpelTigra Cabriolet
€10,995
Fiat Ducato Eurotop
€21,995
Reduced 07 Citroen C4 Auto
07 Hyundai Getz
€10,995
€7,995
95 Toyota Estima
€3,995
08 Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDi
€9,995
In w In N Neew
99 Mercedes E300 Auto Coming in
€6,995
Coming in
€5,995
€8,995
Tel: 966 723 718 visit
07 Seat Leon 1.9 TDi
€12,995
07 Focus TDCi
€9,995
06 Megane DCi
€8,995
07 Citroen C4 Diesel €10,995 06 Suzuki Ignis Diesel
€8,495
www.AutosDirect.es
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
62
PAR MOTOR BENIJOFAR OFFICIAL CITROEN DEALER
105, Avenida Frederico Garcia Lorca, Benijofar
Third Edition VITAL INFORMATION FOR OWNING A CAR AND DRIVING IN SPAIN ORDER YOUR COPY ON LINE AT www.spainvia.com/motoringinspain.htm
Call 966 713 429 or 966 714 497
Quality new and used cars for sale SPECIAL OFFERS !!! 2010 New C3 Exclusive Sage Metallic 2800km Registered march 2010, Cruise control, auto lights/washers, 17” alloys, Panoramic windscreen, climate control, Hi-Fi pack, Comfort pack, Leather/alcantara trim. Ready to drive away... WAS €19,800 NOW €16,800 2010 C4 Picasso VTi 120 Cool, KM 0, 5 seats, Climate control, premium sound system, Cruise control, Panoramic windscreen, TWO available …one in Steel grey metallic and the other black metallic... WAS €21,600 NOW €18,200 2010 C4 Picasso HDi 110 Cool, KM 0, 5 seats, climate control, cruise control, Panoramic windscreen, THREE available 1 in Nocciala, 1 in Steel grey metallic, and 1 in black metallic. Big savings on list price... WAS €23,700 NOW €19,900 2010 C4 Picasso THP 150 Exclusive, KM 0, 7 seats, Full exclusive options including parking sensors, On board computer, window blinds. Auto lights Auto washers, Premium sound system, Folding mirrors, Climate control, Cruise control, Glass roof, Saffron metallic. This car has been heavily discounted WAS €27,300 NOW €20,600 USED CARS FOR SALE
2008 CITROEN C4 1.6 COLLECTION 38,000KM Silver ,A/C, Cruise control, alloy wheels, 5 door €9.900 2008 CITROEN C4 1.6 HDi CMP 41,000KM Blue metallic, A/C, Cruise control , Alloy, Electronic gear shift €11,400 2008 CITROEN C4 1.4i LX Silver Metallic, 57,000Km A/C, CD radio, Excellent condition €9,000 2007 AUDI A8 4.2 Tdi Quattro 27,000KM Steel Metallic, Loaded with options from Audi, almost unused €60,000 2007 FORD FIESTA 1.3 Newport 99,000KM Saffron Metallic, A/C, CD radio with remote controls €7,300 2007 RENAULT Clio 1.5Dci Emocion 70,000km, Black Metallic, One owner, Climate control, CD radio €7,800 2007 CITROEN JUMPY HDi 120 Combi 52,000KM, 6 seats, Very well looked after, White paintwork €15,500 2006 CITROEN XSARA 1.6HDi SX TOP 92 65,000KM Silver Metallic, Cruise control, Climate control €9,300 2004 CITROEN C2 1.4 HDi furio 24,000KM Silver One owner Air conditioning , economical diesel engine €5,700 2003 PEUGEOT 206 1.4HDi Xline 75,000KM Silver Air conditioning, very economical €4,500 1985 VW BEETLE 1.2L Fully restored to lovely condition in bright red paintwork …..an investment! €5,500
MOTORING IN SPAIN
or call 666 888 870
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ISBN No. is 978-84-611-9278-6
INTEREST FREE CREDIT
Now available all NEW C3 Models !
SUMMER OFFERS!! Full safety check on your car including Oil and Filter change Only €65
Feeling the heat? FREE Air Conditioning check Call now for an appointment
IFT G E E FR CTION
ODU ON PR THIS OF RT! ADVE
255-50-17-101W HANCOCK 265-70-16-112H TYPHOON 205-65-17-16C 107-109T DUNLOP 195-80-15-96S HANCOCK 205-75-17-15-97T GENERAL
125€ 100€ 90€ 75€ 70€
While stocks last • All size Batteries in stock • 20% off Service parts • 30% off Labour charge OVER 3000 • Oil Filters NEW TYRES IN STOCK
OVER 2000 PART WORN IN PAIRS AS REQUIRED BY ITV
ALMORADI 80 Avda Orihuela 965 701 106 LOS DOLSES Avenida Villamartin 966 765 319 GUARDAMAR N332 Just along from Pick ‘n’ Pay 966 726 641
Engine & Gearbox replacement or recondition Over 500 in stock
966 782 318 • Spark Plugs • Wiper Blades
We’ll beat any quote by at least 10%
Open Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm • Sat 9am - 1pm
We don’t close for Siesta. Can’t come to us? We will come to you...
Classified Ads 18 - 24 JUNE 2010
63
All Major Credit Cards Accepted Book your advert now 96 570 5204 Round Town News
EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk IN PERSON: Torrevieja,Comercial San Luis, Calle Aviles Nº 41,Local Nº 7. 03184, Torrevieja, Alicante OR La Nucia,Vall de Biar 14, 03530.
PRISTINE POOLS
• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience. Extensive references. All work guaranteed TEL: 96 677 4199 OR 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida
UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations
Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported
Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 1460 74191 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com
• 25 Years Experience • Full or Part Loads • Friendly Personal Service • Large Secure Ware house, Fully Insured
• Storage Available 24 Hrs a day • Storage for Long & Short Term (Cars & Motorbikes etc) • FREE Quotations
es Pric 75 £ from ubic c r pe re met
Office: 966 792 751 • Mobile: 691 747 030 • banksremovals@yahoo.com
64
18 - 24 june 2010
SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz
SMALL FRIENDLY BRITISH KENNELS individual runs, large excercise area. 25 mins Alicante airport. www.parkbark.co.uk 628-244-712 YORKSHIRE TERRIER 8 month blonde male, lovely temperament, seeking good home 250€. ONO. 616-965-833 PETZBACK HOME LTD Professional door to door pet transportation. UK/Spain/UK. Travel in our petmobile with y our pets for free (subject to availability). Or treat yourself in one of our air conditioned luxury limo service. A regular, reliable and safe service. Defra pet passport advice given. www. petzbackhome.co.uk Credit or Debit cards accepted. Telephone UK office 0044-1209-843-971
to be missed! For further details contact 628-499-448 or 965-837-948. CONTAINER OF PINE FURNITURE Large quantity of flat pack solid pine furniture for sale, includes double and treble wardrobes, bedside cabinets, chest of draws, mirrors, tall boys, side boards, dressing tables, single beds, double beds, king size beds, bookcases, etc. Too much to list, for details tel 628-499-448.
FAMILYBIKEHIRE.COM Hire-Sales-Repairs. The largest selection of bike hire equipment on the Costa Blanca, free delivery and collection. Tel: 966 774 598 655 338 066. See us at WWW. CostaBlancaBikeHire. COM (Spanish registered)
NEED YOUR DOG TAKING CARE OF? No Kennels, Just a friendly home. Larfe fenced garden (Altea) Tel: 699-790-080 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME so if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available on request. Call Diane and Trish: 965843781 or 622514980 (Altea Area)
DRIVING TO THE UK? English owned B&B in France close to the Spanish border. Peaceful location, ideal for your stopovers. ring for details: 0033-562-33-19-62 or visit website: www.millefleursbb.co.uk
WAYFARER DINGHY BY WESTERLEY 4.80mtr. X 1.8mtr. New paint job in & out & antifowlins. 5 sails, road trailer, all export papers & extras. 1,400€. Tel: 610-971-590
DRAGON REFORMS PROPERTY RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE. Tel 966-807-098. Mob 639-917-798. Property Renovations/Shop/Bar Refits. New extentions, patios, underbuilds, tiling. Complete new Kitchens/ Bathrooms refits, all electrical, plumbing, carpentary work undertaken. References given, free quotes, work guaranteed. Benidorm and Surrounding areas. www.dragonreforms.com
A UK PLC CAN OFFER YOU A PART/ FULL TIME Opportunity. Estab. 1997, Footsie 250 company, Last year we won The Financial Times Best Company Of The Year Award. Can opperate UK and SPAIN. New product ideal for Spain. Free DVDseminars and training. Tel: 696-640-747. thetimeisright@hotmail. co.uk BAR BISTRO FOR SALE on popular lemon tree market. Excellent potencial. 88 cover. Sale due to ill health. Tel: 966-180-168/ 655-479-753 BAR BISTRO FOR SALE on popular lemon tree market. Excellent potencial. 88 cover. Sale due to ill health. Tel: 966-180-168/ 655-479-753 RECESSION Proof Business. Vending machines with locations. Nett. 40,000€ P.Aa One day P.W to service. 965326-442/ 659-696-455 LUXURY VILLA For sale on the Costa Blanca North. A luxury 9 bedroom villa, set in a quiet area, 15mins walk to the blue flag beaches of Calpe. Currently operating as a small bed and breakfast accomodation. The property could be used for many other activities. This property must be viewed to be appreciated. This is an opportunity not
BLUEBIRD 25’X12’ SLEEPS 8 seperate Shwr/toilet Murcia Region 9,500€ ono More details 699-275-530 MOBILE/ PARK HOMES From 15.000€ TV, A/C, TEL, some with conservatories, permanent site, pool, tennis, new lounge bar, supermarket, 5 mins walk San Javier, all amenities, 3KM beach & hospital. 7 mins Murcia airport by car. Carol 968-192-425/ 626-055622. Email: haydn47@ hotmail.com Web: www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/ upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 ONLINE E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDES: Promotional website marketing slideshows, banners, videos, audio files, graphics, logos, photo
18 - 24 june 2010 retouching, e-business consulting & training. Monthly fee covers hourly support and training services by email or telephone. Contact: Karla Darocas - info@Darocas. com or 648 156 066
WAREHOUSEMAN / DELIVERY DRIVER needed for busy kitchen design and installation business in Pedreguer. Clean driving licence essential, some heavylifting involved. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED KITCHEN DESIGNERS needed. We are looking for creative, energetic, focused designers
We Want You Enthusiastic and commited sales people wantedto work on commission only basis, must have own transport, if you can close adeal and have a desire to work for an established company call 965 720 817 or 616 493 487
with good knowledge of CAD systems, must have own transport. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED KITCHEN FITTER required. Fully legal in Spain. Own van, own tools essential, as is the ability to provide references. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED SALES PERSON REQUIRED to work full time from home and from our office in Benitachell on a self employed basis for one of the Costa Blancas leading companies. Must have own car, computer, phone and be smart in appearance. Excellent commissions, previous applicants need not apply. Telephone 696-981-082 MILLIE MUNRO SERVICE requires office based telesales person for Benitachell office. Experience essential, quality leads given with excellent commission and bonuses. If you live locally, are non-smoking and of smart appearance with proven track record. Please ring for interview 966-493-082
“THESALON” We are looking for an energetic, creative stylist to join our customer focused salon located in Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja, good rates of pay and a contract offered to the right person.
Call 966-709-620 or 696-884-292 CHEF/ COOK REQUIRED for busy restaurant near Guardamar. Part time hours, evenings only. Call 636-889-232 EXTRA INCOME MONTHLY Tax Free. Would 200€ + Per Week Help? Then try the HRC Daily Sports System. Working from Home with Computer & ADSL for 1-2 hrs per day, afternoons/ occasional evenings. Details: EMail -horces@ gmail.com
FEMALES AND COUPLES 18 to 65 required for adult internet photo and video modeling. Excellent rates. 697-697-842.
EXCLUSIVE LADIES DRESS HIRE FORTUNA Ideal for weddings, parties and special occasions for hire or buy. Tel: 606-679-504/ 659-198-402.
PALM & TREE TRIMMING/ REMOVAL all gardening maintenance. 619-336-762 GARDEN SERVICES private or community gardens. Cut costs not quality. 619-336-762
LEMON TREE INTERIORS Home-visit soft furnishing company. Curtains, all types of blinds, loose covers. Excellent quality work at reasonable prices. Wide range of fabric and pole samples. Full fitting service. Call Claire to arrange a no-obligation visit in the comfort of your own home. Tel. 968-698-770/ 626-614-850 Website: lemontreeinteriors@ hotmail.com CHAIN LINK FENCING Chain Link Fencing, Rigid Fencing & Perimeter Walls. Free No-Obligation Quote www.Billericky.com or call 962-384-094/ 628-613-350 NEED A WEBSITE? Websites start 395euros, free domain name, free hosting. www. websitedesignscostablanca.com Tlf:-966-182-275 ANY REFORMS, MAINTENANCE, GENERAL REPAIRS. No job to big or small. Pices cannot be beaten. Free estimates. Call Hrista 667-339-588/ 965-709-203 PRINTING SPECIALIST in brochures and magazines. Unbeatable prices! 616-493-487 or 965-720-817 DEBTS COLLECTED Europe or Worldwide. Investigations and attorney service. 965-326-442/ 659-696-455 WELD IT RITE Mobile welding/ repair service, Metal carpentry/ Fabrication projects. Time served & quallified. tel: 966-490-338 Mobile 638-479-467 Email iwanegan@hotmail.co.uk (Moraira based)
FACIALS anti-aging and non-surgical from 10€, massage anticellulite, therapeutic, aromatherapy. Suzanne 627-371-731 AQUA AEROBICS Ladies all ages, shapes, sizes, non swimmers and complete beginners welcome. Suzanne 627-371-731
PERSONAL TRAINER/ Ex-world kickboxing champion. All martial arts taught, weight loss, all ages, private gym. 965-326-442/ 659-696-455 PRESTIGE NURSING offers Legal, Registered and Professional Home Care on the Costa Blanca. All your home nursing care service needs can be undertaken by our highly trained nursing/ domiciliary team. Call Prestige Nursing on 687-015-517 JODIE’S GELS Nail technician: Gel nail extensions, gel nail overlays, gel toenails. Finishes: French, colour, glitter. Repairs. Tel: 622-244-613. WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our free English Call Centre now to find your nearest Meeting. 900-818-794 CREATIVE NAILS Creative acrilic nails. You come to me (Alfaz Del Pi) or I’ll come to you (Altea - Villajoyosa). Fully qualified, 15 years experience. Tel: 669-126-281.
65
ITEMS FOR SALE ROLAND E86 keyboard, syntheier 290€. 3 LIFE JACKET new, size 36 to 40 20€ each. 3 for 50€. SHIP COMPOS 40€. Tel: 966-188-695/ 671-819-541 OFFICE EQUIP. desk chair, filling cab., lamp, printer, fax. 100€. The lot. Steve 646-686-448 LATHE 3½” DRUMMOND back gear self acting 3 chucks faceplate milling slide 0.5HP motor 250€. 965-747-116 WATER DEPOSITER 5,000ltrs. 300€ ONO. Buyer collects. 688-666-795 GOLFERS, GOLF TROLLEY BATTERIES gel batteries for powakaddy, hillbilly etc. Fantastic prices fully guaranteed also new lite lithium batteries and golf trolleys. Ring Gary 610-344-273 FULL HOUSE CLEARANCE items can be sold seperate, everything in good condition. Contact 672-881-639 (Ontinyent)
COVERED 4 WHEEL TRAILER FOR SALE English, 10x6 VGC. 500euros ONO Tlf:630-720-756 ICE COLD AIRCONDITIONING UNITS “Plug n Go” two sizes available 9000 BTU €199 or 12’000 BTU €249 no mess, no fuss! FREE delivery 622-727-430
66
18 - 24 june 2010
FOLDING MOBILTY SCOOTER Very good condition. 350€ o.n.o. Tel: 0044-7542-512-542. TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Houshold Goods and Brica-Brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 96-531-9220 618-165-877 PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. 385€ Will Delivery Free. 622-024539 si.whitworth@gmail. com WHEELCHAIR Light, foldable, hardly used, LIKE NEW. 135.00€. Tel: 627-019-403. LA MARINA FURNITURE All Furniture Bought & Sold At Unbeatable Prices. Now Also In Shop, New Linen, Lingerie, Jewellery & JML Products. Also Cars Bought For Cash. Come and visit La Marina Furniture shop on the main street through La Marina. Call Allan on 966-443-370 or 625-985-491 FOR SALE Beautiful old convertible snooker/ dining table with original ivory balls. Slate base. Gd con. 2.00m x 1.10m. 750€ono. Call Andy 630949883. ALADDIN’S For quality furniture and second hand household goods at prices that won’t dent your wallet telephone 966-457-291
ALADDIN’S Disappointed with offers elsewhere on Jewellery etc? Telephone 966-457-291 WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewelley, bought sold & part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafront near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003 Tel: 965-792-595.
BALLROOM/ LATIN/ SEQUENCE with LA BAMBA’S. Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenidas Balaeres, Torrevieja, SOCIAL DANCE: Saturday 7pm- 10pm: TUITION: Beginners Monday 10.30am. Bienvenido Chinese Restaurant La Zenia: Beginners Wednesday 7.30pm: Thursday 11.30am; Intermediates Friday 11am. Tel: Andrea 616-478-157
DATEMED.ES Great new online dating site for English speaking people on the Costa Blanca. Free memberships - Join Now! www.datemed.es
ACE AUTOS
KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER “Brand New” 500GB. 70,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 275euros Tlf:-654-925-679
LOOSE COVERS Curtains etc. Made to measure. Choose from a wide range of beautiful materials in your own home. Javea based. Tel: 965-771-397/ 686-453-827 PINE FURNITURE SALE www.gata-discount-pine. com PINE FURNITURE SALE King size bed + underbed drawers 285€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Double bed + under-bed drawers 270€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Double wardrobe 180€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE CD stand 80€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Hall mirror 85€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Gate leg table 60€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Bookcase 57€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Wine table 30€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Treble robe 200eurosTel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Dressing table mirror 30€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE 2 drawer bedside 23€. Tel: 628-499-448.
British & Spanish used car sales
00 RENAULT MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS 01 CITROEN SAXO 1.1 P/S LOW KMS CLEAN 00 FORD FIESTA DIESEL 5 DOOR A/C P/S 97 DAEWOO LANOS 3 DOOR A/C P/S 06 MERCEDES SMART CAR AUTO A/C 00 CHRYSLER VOYAGER DIESEL 7 SEATS 01 DAEWOO LANOS 5 DOOR A/C P/S CLEAN 99 REN MEGANE AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 01 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5 DOOR A/C P/S
3,950€ 1,950€ 2,400€ 1,950€ 4,950€ 4,750€ 2450€ 1950€ 2750€
98 SEAT CORDOBA 5 DOOR A/C P/S 1950€ 97 PEUGEOT PARTNER COMBI DIESEL 2750€ U.K RHD (SPANISH) 95 SAAB 900 ALLOYS P/S NEW I.T.V. 1250€ 99 SUZUKI SWIFT 3 DOOR V/CLEAN 1250€ 94 PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL 5 DOOR P/S 995€ 94 VAUXHALL CAVALIER DIESEL 950€ MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS.
Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm
FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONNA. PUEBLE PRINCIPLE,VILLA MARTIN
Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD
LA MARINA FURNITURE All Furniture Bought & Sold At Unbeatable Prices. Now Also In Shop, New Linen, Lingerie, Jewellery & JML Products. Also Cars Bought For Cash. Come and visit La Marina Furniture shop on the main street through La Marina. Call Allan on 966-443-370 or 625-985-491 FLYING FLOWERS beautiful bouquets to any UK address. Order by credit or debit card. Call Kelly’s 965-761-595/ 966-425-713 POOL TABLES, SNOOKER TABLES Table Tennis Tables Tel; 666-933-726
Spanish car. No dealers. Tel: 669-666-337 WE BUY AND SELL quality late vans, cars and combis. For an instant decision phone 605-669-388/ 680-665-583
SUZUKI GRX 600 gorgeous bike, good condition. 3,000€. Tel Allan 625-985-491 REPAIR & SOLD & BUY pickup from your home second hand motorbikes and scooter for reasonable price and quick service open 7 days. Tel: 680-644-010 TRIUMPH 955I English Reg. 2000 plate, speed triple 43000 miles, reluctant sale, recent service and new parts. 2,000€ ONO. Dave 693-211-542
LOOKING FOR A CHEAP CAR? FWREUROCARS have a good selection starting from only 1,500€. 600726-221/ 965-687-976 www.fwreurocars.com GOING HOME? FWREUROCARS have a good selection of RHD vehicles for sale and exchange. 600-726-221/ 965-687-976 www.fwreurocars.com THE ULTIMATE CABRIO! BMW 320 CD. SE, (Diesel 6 speed) with full M.pack, 2006, 2 owners, 60,000kms, FSH, navigation, cruise, malloys, climate, Xaenon, head lamp wash, E/ heated seats, parktronic, rain/ light sensors, multi CD and much more. Finished in dark Met. Blue, full cream sports leather and ebony facials. Stunning! Eye catching. Only 21,750€. 600-726-221/ 965-687-976 www. fwreurocars.com PRIVATE BUYER REQUIRES small/ medium, reliable, clean
FORD FIESTA VAN 1.4 TDI Spanish reg. LHD 2004 ITV June 2011. Roof bars, Air-con, Stereo. VGC. 130,000k. Returning to UK. €3,995 Tel 968543128 or 696658093 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDI 2003 Automatic/ manual. LHD. 5 door. Spanish reg. ITV Oct 2011. 55,000 kilometres. VGC. Returning to UK €4,995 Tel 968-543-128/ 696-658-093 FOR SALE KANGOO 1.9 diesel 98 white 107K/ km fair condition ITV 08/ 10 roofrack 2,300€. 620-647-995
PEUGEOT 206, 2002 1.4 petrol. Full ITV, Air con, all electrics, usual spanish kisses. 2,300€. Call 627 463 523. BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel: 966-875-497 or 618-592-396. HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Tel: 966-875-497 or 618-592-396. RENAULT BOX VAN 2.5 diesel, Spanish Reg, Year 2007, New Condtition. Cost 26.000euros, except 13.000euros. Tlf: 628-499-448 OPEL CORSA 1.4 - YEAR 1995 Ideal as a first car for a new driver. A few “dings” in the bodywork but well maintained and cared for. 3 new tyres, MOT to Jan 2011, DVD player etc. 995€ ONO tlf 691-202307. Altea area (close to Benidorm) WANTED I buy any car, van, Caravan, 4x4 Etc. British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com
18 - 24 june 2010
EXCHANGE OR SALE Los Montesinos Village, 3 double bed 2 full bathroom, Aircon LoungeSeparate Kitchen DinerGalleria Utility Balcony Solarium For 2 Bed Beach Side Guardamar La Marina 600-754-677/ 672-943-003/ 965-003-472
SINDY SUPER SEXY 36 years old, massage, private apartment, La Loma, Avenida Habaneras. Tel: 677-676-554 NATACHA divorced, erotic massage, very hygenic apartment, outings. Minimum 60€. Calle La Loma, close to Avenida Habaneras. 677-676-554 SPANISH LADY, PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 JAVEA, MORAIRA East Europeon lady, super erotic massage and more. 661-034-261 Hotel & Home visits DANI 23, SWEET GIRL offers erotic service. House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534. Torrevieja area YOUNG 65 YEARS OLD English man, looking for female friendship (English Spoken) Orihuela Costa. 636-196-660 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, gives discreet massage, 1 hour or over night stay, 15 mins Alicante airport. Tel: Karen 662-049-021 SEXY COUPLE OR SEPERATE Offers
SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www. pooltechspain.com
pleasure for couples, women, men, girl on girl, relaxed, discrete. At our apartment or yours.Call Jasmine/Sebastian 663-478-337 A PERFCT LOVE LIFE ONCE AGAIN With libidus suitable for male and females, increases libido guaranteed product - Call:Keith 687-357-529 LOVELY GIRLS TO PAMPER YOU 24HRS, Free Drinks. Great Time Guaranteed. Playa Flamenca. 660-308-993/ 619-229-217 ENGLISH LADY 42 provides various services for mature gentlemen. Torrevieja 685-436-065
NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40€. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 639-622-285 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118
WOODWORM, BORING BEETLE, OR TERMITE problems? Call Woodtech now on 625-160-325 COCKROACHES, RATS, MICE, WASPS OR HORNET problems? Call Pestkill now on 625-160-325
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Now with video highlights included as standard. Contact Steve 966-470-163/ 662-570-702.
WWW.SURVEYORSPAIN.COM
Buyer’s structural surveys, defects reports & solutions Mark Paddon BSc Hons Building Surveying. MCIOB. T 0034 962 807 247 M 0034 653 733 066
POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. 100’s of private and communal pools successfully repaired on the Costa Blanca. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tel Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678080-500 Email info@ pristineswimmingpools. com www. pristineswimmingpools. com
BEST DEAL, PLAYA FLAMENCA 3 bed detached villa, private pool, detached garage, driveway, fully air conditioned, quiet area, close to all amenities. Must sell. 155,000€. Tel: 966-730-902
WOODEN CHALET, EL REALENGO rural site,
furnished, 2 bedrooms, large plot, must sell, reasonable offers considered. 664-760-428
VALENCIA CITY Two double rooms available in stunning shared 140m2 apartment, with 14m2 sunny terrace. The bedrooms share a full bathroom. Apartment is spacious, modern, wooden floors, light and sunny, peaceful, but only 15 mins walk to city centre. Supermarkets and market within 5 mins walk. View from terrace across city to mountains (6th floor atico). Apt has lift, trastero, internet, a/c and heating, new washing machine, new fridge, microwave, dishwasher and spacious lounge/ dining area. Peaceful street with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. To share apt with one other female, English, 34. No smokers (or you smoke on the terrace!). Professionals with work only. Looking for relaxed people with sense of humour who are used to sharing. Beautiful apt. Bills included. OPTION 2: If only one room is rented the price is 450 incl bills. Deposit of one month’s rent. Call 696 534 228. Hablo espanol! DREAM HILLS LONG TERM LET 3 Bed, 2 Bath, south facing with parking and garden. Furnished, aircon and solarium. €450 pcm +
67
bills. Tel: 966-761-497 or 659-646-258 1 BEDROOM FIRST FLOOR FLAT IN TORREVIEJA telephone line, English TV, pool. Near Friday market and Iceland, walking distance to bars, shops and sea front. Long let min 4 months. 300€ pcm including bills. 966-708-573 or 660-859-862 ALGORFA TOWN CENTRE two bedroom ground floor flat, large terrace, swimming pool, furnished 250€ per month. Ring 00447949589539 or londonangels@hotmail. com
LONG LET Nice properties Two bedrooms from 360€ various locations. Call Paul 659647-616/ 966-785-891 VILLA FOR RENT CALPE/ MORAIRA COAST ROAD Long let 2 bed detached villa, furnished,garden, parking, 500m to beach & shops. 550€pcm Call Ray 0034-619-196-632. 2 BED 1 BATH detach villa with a nice garden for rent in quiet area of San Luis 550€ or ONO for details please call 650-379-342 or 966-785-901
68
18 - 24 june 2010
CABO ROIG AREA detached house, 2/3 bed, 1.5 bath, F/F garden, close shops and beach. 500euros PCM + bills 966-760-201/ 628-478-313 VILLA TO SHARE in La Nucia, large garden with pool, rent 325€ a month plus bills (must like dogs). Call ALISON: 619-569-805. FOR SALE OR RENT Classic Spanish Old Town House. 450€ per month. Tel: 609-177-032. (See main advert description under For Sale - General)
GRAHAM’S TRANSPORT 24/7 deliveries, collection. Spain- UK- Spain or any where in Europe. Reasonable rates. Storage facilities are available in Spain and UK. Tel: Lyn or Graham 661-752-010/ 0044-7733-329-305 SPANISH LINKS LTD Low budget door to door fast collection & quick delivery removals or storage. Weekly reliable service. Full or part loads and even small deliveries. Spain/UK/Spain. Credit or Debit cards accepted. www.spanishlinks.co.uk Telephone UK office 0044-1209-843-971
LARGE EMPTY VAN with experienced owner, driver returning to UK regularly. Dave: 965-329-610/ 686-767-839 MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610846-260 or 0044-7519186-355 email van.man@hotmail.co.uk
Classifieds Agents
MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535
Now it’s even easier to place a classified advert with the RTN by using our official agents listed below! Cars, Houses, Boats, Computers find them all in the classifieds section. Or maybe you have unwanted items to sell or something to offer? Our classified agents will be happy to help you whatever your needs.
AGENTS NORTH
Round Town Travel 1, Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, 1, Urb. El Admiral, Local 1, Rincon Benidorm, 03503, Alicante. Lisa 966 811 123 Benidorm Round Town Travel 2, Calle Gerona, 39, Benidorm, 03503, Alicante. (Next to Hotel Ambassador) Kerry/Gemma 966 813 261 Benidorm
TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.
BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers secondary/ primary tuition. English/ mathematics. Tel: margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516/ 616-660-687
SAT EQUIP. job lot poles, brackets, boxes, dishes etc. Make an offer. Steve 646-686-448 COMPLETE SKY SYSTEM Including free to view card. Installed and guaranteed for only 349€. Hurry whilst stocks last. Tel: 617-911-118. QUALIFIED BRITISH TELEVISION SATELLITE SERVICE ENGINEER... With over 25 years experience. Same day service, all work guaranteed. Call Steve 617-911-118. FORGET THE REST GO TO THE BEST for all your digital & TV requirements Steve 660186-505 Ros 965-584-097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com SKY FREE TO VIEW Small dish & mesh upgrades, yes back on 90€. BBC, ITV, CH4 & lots more. Also installations/ repairs. 10 years. Torrevieja. 679-876-926
DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEMS Largest supplier and installer of famaval satellite equipment on the costa blanca. A genuine registered company with genuine registered premises. Mon-fri 8:00- 4:30. Www. digitalsatsystems.com 965-852-251/ 965-866999/ 965-854-528/ 966804-748 (or see our main ad in the tv section)
Round Town Trips, Calle Narcisco Yepes, 4, Local 8, Albir, 03581, Alicante. (Opp. Golf Course, next to Kwik Save) Lee/Jackie 966 867 294 • lee@roundtowntrips.com albir ProminenT, Teulada Industrial Est. Calle Llanterner, 2 alto, 03725, Teulada, Alicante. Marja 965 793 229 • espana@prominent.nu Millie Munro Insurance, Avenida Lepanto, 6, 03726, Benitachell, Alicante. Millie 966 493 082 • millie@milliemunro.com Michael’s Furniture Shop, Avenida Lepanto, 9, Javea Port. Cristina 965 791 328 • astorga@telefonica.net EasyBuy, Avenida del Portet 24, Moraira. 03724 Alicante 965 745 969
teulada benitachell JAVEA moraira
AGENTS SOUTH
Bargain Books, Plaza Juan Carlos 1, Nº 2, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193, Alicante. (Opp. Tourist Info) Gaynor/Lee 688 667 389 • leeshaw.evans@gmail.com san miguel Johnsons El Limonar,JCP Commercial Center, Local 31, Los Altos Del Limonar, Torrevieja, 966 785 600 Torrevieja Johnsons Quesada, Ava. Las Naciononies 1a -17, Quesada, 966 717 848 Quesada Johnsons Algorfa, Local 30, Commercial Center La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 966 729 647
Algorfa The Post Room, Centro Comercial 5, Via Park III, Calle Panticosa Nº 2, Los Altos, 03189, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Aoife/Chris 965 319 665 • aoifesweeney@hotmail.com orihuela
SAIL BOAT WANTED Approximately 15 meters with road trailer. Any condition. Tlf:965-581-431
Pennys Supermarket, Flamenca Beach Comercial Centre, Unit 123, Playa Flamenca, 03189, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Peter/Sarah 966 733 257 • bulldogstores@live.com orihuela Print Solutions, Avenida Londres 136, La Marina Urb, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante. Jim/Trish 966 790 520 • jim@printsolutionsspain.com SAN FULGENCIO Interpost, Avenida de la Alegria Nº 32, La Marina, 03194, Alicante. Malika/Malcolm 965 419 673 • Inter-post100@live.com
la marina
Villamartin Satellite Centre, Avenida Las Brisas 33, Villamartin, 03189, Alicante. (Near Supervalu, Los Dolses) . Sarah/Heather 966 764 878 • villamartinsatellitecentre@yahoo.co.uk villamartin Best Wishes, Local 30, Comercial Centre Hispania, Avda de la Union 72, San Javier, 30730, Murcia. Kathy 968 192 235 • kaffywalker@hotmail.com murcia Ononix Mar SL, Calle Mayor 30, bajo derecha, Guardamar, 03140, Alicante. Ron/Alicia 965 728 178 aliciamuddle@ononix.com GUARDAMAR
AFRICAN GREY WANTED (DUE TO SAD LOSS) 5 star home. Tel: 699-245-165 WANTED FOR RENTAL VILLA Sunbeds, Large Table and Chairs, Small terrace tables and chairs. Tlf: Mark:- 648-155-975 JALON VALLEY RENTALS is looking for properties in the Jalon area for the 2010 holiday season. By placing your property with us you receive excellent coverage in the highest ranking websites and publications. Call us now for more information on our complete, lowcommission service for short term rentals. Tel: 619642035 HOUSE/ PET SITTER AVAILABLE July & August, UK - Spain. Call Gail 669-126-281. WANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Instant cash payments. Furniture, electrical, tools etc. Tel John: 626-918-833.
18 - 24 june 2010
69
Book an advert on this page and get a FREE premium listing worth 100€ on thebizspain.com. Contact your local representative or call 902 118 999 T’s & C’s apply
70
18 - 24 JUNE 2010
End of a World Cup – hits and misses dream
The final whistle
Reacreativo de Huelva 1 FC Cartagena 0
With Andy Kay
Gelson Fernandes scores HITS THE SOUTH AFRICAN public: Okay, they may all blow those bloody annoying plastic trumpets from about 06.00 onwards on match days but as a nation, they have wholeheartedly embraced the tournament with verve, enthusiasm and genuine affection. GERMANY Annoying, I know, but the Germans were ruthlessly efficient against Australia and showed yet again what a good tournament team they are. If things don’t pan out England’s way and they finish second in their group, it could be the Germans in the knockout stages. Oh dear! NORTH KOREA They may come from one of the most despised countries on earth but no-one could fault their sense of purpose against Brazil. The World’s number one team was made to look pretty ordinary by the hard working Koreans, who defended with skill, challenged for every ball, ran their legs off and even scored at the death. They were also scrupulously fair opponents and received not one yellow card. What a better place the World would be if their politicians followed suit. SWITZERLAND (VERSUS SPAIN) In the words of one famous ex Norwegian commentator (well nearly)....General Franco; Rafael Nadal; Prime Minister Zapatero; El Cid; Pedro Almodovar; Salvador Dali; Severiano Ballesteros; Enrique Iglesias; Pablo Picasso...your boys took one hell of a beating! MISSES - FABIO CAPELLO Having guided England through a magnificent qualifying run, the Italian made some strange decisions before and during the 1 – 1 draw with the USA. James Milner clearly wasn’t 100% fit and should never have played. And, having replaced him on 30 minutes, why use SWP instead of Joe Cole? Also, I’m not sure that telling the players only 2 hours before kickoff that they are in the team works. Is that enough time to prepare? Not for me. THE JABULANI BALL Adidas maintains that the World Cup ball has gone through more testing than a wheezing hypochondriac with self diagnosed OCD, stress and yellow fever. But many of the players have struggled to get to grips with it, goalkeepers hate it, the number of goals scored is less than in recent tournaments (at this stage) and, watching from afar, it just doesn’t look right. EDDY MAILLET Who’s he you may be asking. Answer – a 42-year-old referee from the Seychelles. You might also ask what is he doing officiating at the World Cup, bearing in mind that he sharpens his skills on a weekly diet of matches involving the likes of Northern Dynamo, Light Stars FC and St Michel United FC (sponsored by M & S no doubt). He took charge of the Honduras v Chile game and was poor. Top refs for top tournaments please. THAT JACKET AND JUMPER COMBO WORN BY BRAZIL BOSS DUNGA Looked like a cross between a mountaineer and a Beatles wannabe SHOCKER Robert Green: Nuff said.
By Steve Hibberd WITH ONLY 1 match of the season remaining, this defeat inside the Nuevo Stadium, Huelva, broke the hearts of eternally optimistic Cartagena fans, who now must accept that promotion to La Liga is mathematically impossible. For such an important match, the men from one of Spain’s major naval ports seemed strangely subdued throughout the 1st half - and their hosts weren’t exactly on fire! Early on, Huelva striker Aitor shot agonisingly over the bar but it wasn’t until 40 minutes that the visitors threatened. Through on goal, De Lucas wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he horribly screwed his shot well wide of the post from only 5 yards out. At the end of normal time, Ruben, under threat of an aerial challenge by Carmona, bravely punched away an in-swinging corner. It was Carmona who last season scored the all important winning goal for Los Albinegros against Alcoyano in the div 2b play-offs, before sadly moving to Reacreativo in the close of season over a pay dispute. With the second half less than a minute old, Etxeita inexplicably played a suicidal back pass straight into the path of Reacreativo no 18, Braulio. Although Ruben was alert to the danger, Braulio kept his head before placing a well struck shot under the body of the crestfallen keeper. This seemed to galvanise the visitors
into a belated sense of urgency, but not before Aitor almost doubled his sides’ advantage - his shot edging the wrong side of the post. Twice within 5 minutes, Toche could have scored for Cartagena. His accurate shot was well saved; then a powerful header just missed the target. In the closing minutes, the final Cartagena effort went to Herrero, but unfortunately he suffered the same luck as Toche. Ruben saved well from Carmona when faced with a 1 on 1, as the final seconds of injury time signalled the end of a dream - for now!! FC CARTAGENA LINEUP Ruben Exposito Etxeita Herrero Clavero (Signorino) Mariano Falcon (Longas) De Lucas Victor Toche Balboa (Lafuente) FORTHCOMING FIXTURE Roll up, roll up for the final div 2a match of season 2009/2010. Albacete visit Cartagonova Stadium on Saturday 19th June, KO 18.00. Although Cartagena have nothing left to play for (whatever happens, they will finish the season in 5th place), relegation threatened Albacete need to win to ensure survival. Visit www. futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocartago.com for further info on FC Cartagena.
Another massive turnout for Javea’s Mini Bulls rugby LAST SUNDAY saw the fourth `Come &Try It ` day for junior rugby players from ages 5 – 16. For the last four weeks we have seen enthusiastic young players from all nationalities joining in the fun and games on the Arenal Beach in Javea. Each week the coaches have increased the junior players` knowledge of the game and last Sunday the turnout was biggest so far as more players from the local Spanish schools joined the fun, due to our senior players taking time out to visit the local schools every day this week to introduce rugby to teachers and pupils. The last of the `Come & Try It` days is this Sunday 20th June and instead of on the beach will be held at the new Javea Bulls Rugby ground situated behind CD Javea`s football club. To celebrate the great success of the launch of the Bulls’s Youth section, a Family Day BBQ will be held for children and parents after the rugby has finished. We will also be giving out attendance Certificates, special Mini Bulls T shirts, plus raffles, competitions and prizes. For those attending, please be there at 10.00 and ready to start at 10.30. The BBQ will follow the rugby and begin around 12.00. For those wishing to come along for the first time and enjoy the family day out just complete a simple registration form and it’s free to join in. Information about the Javea Bulls Summer Sports Camp, the junior league and training, which starts in September, will be available this Sunday and also in the form of a Mini Bulls Newsletter, with further information about the club from Stacy (Club Administrator) on 650 231 013 or email stacy.spencerbarclay@javeabulls.com IMPORTANT NOTICE: Sunday 20th is at the rugby ground not at the beach.
Last Sunday the turnout was biggest so far
Carp-R-Us news THE FINAL match in the Spring series was fished on the River Segura in Murcia town centre. The river was milky and the fish were in poor condition. We had a problem with a pair of Spanish fishermen who were blocking the tow path with their van and tackle. If they had read the Legal Murcian Federation notices which were displayed informing everyone that we had booked that stretch of the water, there would not have been any problem. The younger one started to throw his bottle and toys out of his pram, but when we took photographs of them and their van and informed them that we were going to call the Guardia Civil, they moved off very quickly. The first of the Summer series of matches will be on 24th June at the Embalse del Argos in Murcia. The next Quiz night is on Tuesday 29th June, 19.00 for a 19.30 start at one Euro each with a finger buffet provided. The next Club meeting is on Sunday 4th July at 11.00. The Committee meets at 10.00. The Club’s next Petanca and coffee morning will be on Tuesday 6th July from 10.30. All these events take place at the Club’s home at the Bar El Alto La Dolores, off the new roundabout on the N 332 between La Mata and Guardamar. Anyone wishing to find out more about the Club, contact the secretary Stuart Thompson on 966 717 920 or visit: www.carprus.net
ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335
Wallet, car keys, house keys… THE VAST majority of golfers take their valuables to the golf course with them, giving little or no Noel’s world thought to what they will do with of golf them when they get there: the car keys; the credit cards and wallet By Noel Eastwell with cash carrying other valuable Professional coach and RTN golf expert ID and information within; jew639 730 891 elry; the list could go on and on... What care do we take with these valuables? Not much if we are all honest. How many of us have sat down and thought about how much value we have in our golf bags when out on the golf course? Just think for a minute: a set of irons can cost €700 or more; three woods can cost €500 or more; a putter €200 or more; then there’s the golf bag itself at €200 or more. Without too much effort, golfers can have a bag of goodies that would cost around €2,000 plus to replace. The amount is frightening when we give a little thought to it, I am sure you will agree. Now be honest when you answer the next question: how many times do you leave your golf bag outside the professional’s shop of golf clubhouse when checking in or having a coffee or a chat with your pals? I would not mind betting that more than 50% of us would say that they do so without even thinking how attractive our golf bags are to op
portunist thief; someone who is becoming more and more prominent in our part of the World nowadays. The thief will not get the full value for your bags and its contents but that is no consolation when you have lost your keys, wallet and a lot more besides. Worse will come when you report the matter to your insurers and they tell you that you are not covered for such losses, as you did not take ‘reasonable care’ of your property. We are very fortunate in our part of Spain: crime is not as bad as it is in other parts of the World but in recession it will get worse. Next time you go to the golf club think for a minute just how valuable the contents of your golf bag are. Above I mention leaving the golf bag outside the clubhouse; what about the areas of the golf course where we walk back to a tee or a green and leave our clubs 100m or more away? This gives the thief a great chance to take what he wants and be away before we have a chance of getting near him. Very few of us could give anyone a 100 metre start and have a chance of catching them. Okay maybe he will not be able to get all our gear but he could easily get a driver or putter or wallet without our noticing until it was too late. Recently I was told of an incident where a pick up truck was used as a getaway vehicle and even the electric trolleys of all four golfers were taken never to be seen again. Think how you would feel in these circumstances. THE PROFESSIONAL TOURS This weekend we see the second ‘Major’ of the year, The US Open at Tiger Woods’s favourite course, Pebble Beach in California. The Championship could well see Tiger replaced as world number one by Phil Mickelson. The European players are in fine form and the likes of
Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and others are in fine form and could give England it’s first victory in the event since Jackin over 40 years ago. This could be the most open of all the ‘majors’ for a few years and should provide much excitement. WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over €180 will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews. com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 18TH JUNE 2010: Who won the 2010 US Masters? A. Phil Mickelson B. Lee Westwood C. Luke Donald All answers must be received no later than 17.00 on 28th June 2010 to be entered into June’s draw, to be made on 30th June. The winner will be announced in RTN on July 2nd 2010. TOP QUALITY COACHING WITH NOEL Noel is a member of The World Golf Teachers Federation and has been nominated for inclusion in the list of the Worlds Top 100 coaches. Call him on 639 730 891 to book an appointment and tell him you got his number from RTN for discounted rates.
Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com
Cricket in the Hondón Valley THERE COMES a time in every gentleman’s life when they should resist the lure of competitive sport. However, when the Hondón de Los Frailes Neighbourhood Watch challenged the Hondón Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion to a game of cricket, they enthusiastically accepted. On a sultry hot Friday morning in early June, the pitch was marked on the green asphalt surface of the local seven-a-side playing surface. The rules were agreed, teams briefed and the RBL President’s XI (having won the toss) invited the much younger Neighbourhood Watch team to bat. Within the hour, the less mature NW team - bronzed of limb and athletic in movement - racked up an impressive tally of 162 for 8 within the prescribed 20 overs. The RBL fielders, despite having a brace of Yorkshiremen in the team, suffered some minor scuffs and grazes and regrettably lacked the agility to combat a sparkling batting display
18 - 24 june 2010
Fishing
strated the competitive spirit of our resolute campaigners but were both dismissed as we edged our way slowly to double figures. The NW’s team of demon bowlers eventually dispatched Steve Suffield, Bill Watt, Dave Stewart, Malcolm Barrett, Nigel Hails, Geoff Larder, Peter Broadbent and AN Other for a disappointing 68! Senor Eleuterio Jover Garcia, the Mayor of Hondón de Las Frailes, graciously presented
a silvered cup to the captain of the winning team who was enthusiastically applauded by the assembled crowd: proud to have witnessed the first cricketing spectacle held in the Hondón Valley. RBL post match analysis provided little in the form of constructive improvement, but agreed that, limbs and lungs permitting, we would do it all again next year ... hopefully on grass! Contributed by PNB
Costa Blanca round-up
Maggots end by
David Hoare
968 199 279
Rods and Reels THIS WEEK was for some anglers a double match week, with the knockout series and the summer championship. The 2nd round of the knockout was held on the Rio Segura at the Eden canal stretch. The river is still fishing well, for not only the small fish but also for some of the resident animals. This was proved by Bill Reade who lost 3rd spot by only 20 gramms. However, he hooked and lost 9 big fish: “Oh, the joys of match fishing…” 1st Lenny (Ex Cultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using maggot with 8.620 kilos 2nd Pete (The Peg) Hampshire, fishing the pole using maggot and corn with 6.920 kilos 3rd Paul (Poco Loco) Baxter, fishing the pole using maggot with 5.320 kilos The 7th round of the summer championship was held on the Embalse de Ojos. The venue again failed to really produce on the day with only one good weight. After fishing the venue on Monday and having a pretty good day it was expected to fish quite well. Alas that was not to be, with several anglers not weighing in and the majority only catching one fish each. Jim Rouse started off in spectacular fashion: as he was setting up his feeder rod he managed to lose his tip section into the lake ‘never to be seen again’. That with one fish in 6 ½ hours didn’t make a good day out or a ‘happy camper’.
RBL Neighbourhood watch cricket match
by their much younger opponents. For a team who last bowled seriously in the 1950’s or 60’ the RBL bowling was surprisingly accurate: on occasions it had both pace and variety but occasionally faltered mid-wicket. The sun was at its highest as the RBL President’s IX – having, by this time, lost a couple to early morning injuries, took to the wicket. The opening pair of Tony Dengate and Malcolm Thomson demon-
71
Jacaranda trees that are the backdrop of the scenery when fishing at Murcia
Top rods on the day: 1st Lenny (Ex Cultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using paste with 18.100 kilos 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the feeder using corn and pellet with 7.78 kilos 3rd Harold (H) Clarke, fishing the pole using pellet and corn with 6.600 kilos A point of clarification from last week: the anglers who were caught by the police without insurance were not members of any angling club. However, it does show that by joining one of the local clubs, you will be aware of all the local rules and laws. ANGLERS TOGETHER continues to grow with firm friendships being formed since the group started 4 years ago. Many members fish together regularly and say they are happy to have taken up a sport to replace golf and the like, which have become so expensive. We have the occasional organised outing but the main aim is to introduce members to fishing companions and to assist in finding venues. It costs €10 to join for the first year and €5 per annum for each year after. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about Anglers Together, then either come along to one of the meetings or contact Alan below. e mail:anglerstogether@ gonuts4free.com or Tel: Alan Roscoe 968 570 876.