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SOUTH EDITION Brits tour new sports facility

Issue 592

18-24 February 2011

A GROUP of around 200 Brits were the first to be taken on an official guided tour around Torrevieja’s sports facilities and new music conservatory. p5

The new face of the Plaza de Europa TORREVIEJA’S MAYOR, Pedro Hernández, paid a visit to the Plaza de Europa last Wednesday to foresee the works currently being carried out in the square. p7

In business miracles don’t happen

More advice from John Edwards of the Business Doctors in his regular column p32

Blow wave and shopping Want to know how you can combine a trip to the hairdressers with a trip to the supermarket? p38

First benefit golf tournament at ‘La Finca’ The Rotary Club in Guardamar del Segura has organised a golf tournament for the first time with the intention of making it an annual event in the region. p63

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United! The Pacto Civil

Brotherhood of man by Jack Troughton RESIDENTS LIVING in a Costa Blanca community have successfully integrated to form a “brotherhood” and

fight the coming elections on local issues rather than party politics. Top of the list for the ‘Pacto Civil’ forged

between four independent north European candidates in Lliber and five allies in the PSOE party will be finding a solution for the hundreds of illegal homes dotting the picturesque municipality. Launched on Tuesday

night, the coalition of citizens announced its aim to “right the wrongs” caused through “corruption” and the illicit building of houses bought in good faith by victims. While the housing scan-

dal is at the heart of a current fraud prosecution in the courts, the Pacto Civil has pledged to end the plight of residents “living in fear of losing their homes”. Continued on page 4

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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO LA MARINA MURCIA GUARDAMAR

See our feature on Page 31

Political parties in Orihuela and the Coast join forces by Julie Day CLR AND CLARO have agreed to join forces to fight the municipal elections in Orihuela due on 22nd May. Their agreement to form an electoral alliance is based on the fact that the two parties share similar ideas and objectives. CLR and CLARO are convinced that their decision to join forces will have an important political impact that will affect the result of the election. CLARO is determined to avoid the experience of 2007 when it was unable to elect representatives because of the bias of the political system against small parties. By joining together with CLR they are convinced they will maximise their vote, reinforce the moderate centre and provide the electorate with an opportunity to bring about a long needed change of government in Orihuela. The two parties have agreed a solid and comprehensive set of principles and proposals to will form the basis of a joint election programme. These principles and proposals cover their aims and objectives. Key policy areas are outlined as follows: • The need for an honest, transparent and efficient government • The need to put an end to the shameful rep-

utation of Orihuela as a capital of corruption • To restore the finances of Orihuela which are in a disastrous state with a debt of over €90 million • Integration - in particular to link the city and coast physically and economically • De-centralisation - to ensure that government is close to the people and that Orihuela, pedanias and Orihuela Costa receive a fair and proportionate share of the budget. • Economic policy – a new economic policy that will focus on sustainable development with a key role for small businesses in Orihuela and Orihuela Costa • Services – an improvement in the provision of public services including schools, health centres, emergency services and facilities for youth and older people. • Social and Cultural – the promotion of culture and policies of social and cultural integration are as important as economic integration • Environment - A new policy with emphasis on the urban environment, clean streets, parks and gardens and children’s playgrounds. A green and clean environment is necessary to restore the attractiveness of Orihuela Costa as a destination for tourism.

Drag queen winner

DAVID BUJALANCE Morales, a 28-year old from Valencia, was crowned winner of Torrevieja’s III annual drag queen competition which took place last Friday night. The eight acts in the competition performed their routines to a packed theatre that included a panel of professional judges from various fields of design, make-up and dance. The event was once again hosted by the popular drag queen ‘Lady G’, who kept the audience entertained during the intervals between acts, and special guest this year was national drag queen favourite ‘La Prohibida’, who has enjoyed success outside of Spain and performed in a number of European countries. This year a couple of the acts carried out burlesque routines, whilst several others focused on traditional Spanish music and dance. David received a prize of €1,000 and will feature in Torrevieja’s carnival parades, to take place on Sunday 27th February at 16.00 and the following Saturday 5th March at 22.00.

18 - 24 February 2011

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18 - 24 February 2011

Network brings practical help by Jack Troughton SUCCESSFUL WORKSHOPS in the north and south of Alicante will improve support for vulnerable expats through a partnership between social services and local voluntary associations. Organised by the British Consulate and the Diputacion de Alicante, the round table ‘Conexiones’ workshops were staged in Denia and Rojales – both attended by almost 100 people. In total, social services officers from 25 town halls that have a significant number of British residents on the Padron were joined by representatives of groups such as HELP, Age Concern, the MABS Cancer Support Group, the Royal British Legion, and the Costa Blanca Samaritans. The workshops allowed contacts to be made and telephone numbers swapped and those attending believed they were “very useful” for their future work supporting expats. According to statistics, 34 percent of British citizens living in

Spain have made their homes in the province of Alicante – which is why the importance of organising the meetings was seen by both the Consulate and Diputacion. SUPPORT And both venues were sponsored by the provincial government and attended by Maria Ascuncion Prieto, the deputy responsible for European Residents, to show her support for the project. British Consul Paul Rodwell said: “It is essential that British associations and social services work closely together and I am delighted that our Conexiones project has made this happen thereby helping Brits who are in need.” He said he was “impressed and motivated” by the enthusiasm generated at the events and solutions being generated by combining expertise of the various groups. Wendy Dengate, of the Royal British Legion, attended both workshops. “I have made some invaluable contacts to help the RBL continue its support of British nationals in Spain, and I was so pleased to see how enthusiastic social services were to hear about the service the Legion can offer. “From the collaboration we have started, we have already made progress with some difficult cases.”

The Sun fronts up for Crawley Town ALAMO INTERNATIONAL and Crawley Town Football Club are pleased to announce that the big day on the 19th February against their rivals Red Devils will be sponsored by the famous Sun newspaper. The high profile game will be watched by millions and Alamo International, ongoing sponsors of Crawley Town FC have generously agreed that Alamo’s name will be moved from the front to the back of the shirts released for this special day at Old Trafford. Exposure for the club and its players is now wider than ever before as the team wears Sun sponsored shirts for the big Manchester United match. The next two years are important for Crawley Town FC and deals like these will help them on their way for promotion for the next season. Alamo International understands this is an amazing time for the Town and for their football club and supports them all the way. Pictured And Darren Lilley, managing Director of Alamointernational.com is Darren will be in Manchester this Saturday and wishes the Crawley players and their supporters every success on 19th February and for the rest Lilley, Alamo Internationals of the season. Manager

Continued from front page However, it also plans to boost the Lliber economy and address the problem of growing unemployment, as well as improve cultural and social links within the population. And the alliance – brokered with the help of the pressure group AULN, which represents many of the owners of illegal homes – provides a prime example of the advice that all residents must integrate to bring change in Spain though the ballot box. Juan Bautista, Lliber’s PSOE Mayor, said the pact had achieved a high level of integration and people would “trust us” and see it was possible to make changes for the town. “To bring together people not necessarily of the same political leaning – they do not have to be socialists themselves to be part of the Pacto Civil.” He said the coalition had to find a solution for the “big problem” of the illegal villas “to achieve the regularisation and normalisation of the houses which are illegal.” The mayor added: “People are paying the consequences of previous bad government – the government of the time not thinking of the people but of lining their own pockets. “It is very sad for people of a certain age who expected to come here and enjoy themselves to be in this situation with all the worries - but everything has a solution except death. There are a few things to sort out but we can sort these things out.” And Deputy Mayor Pepe Ordines said the first Pacto Civil came together in 2003 as a consequence of citizens having a common aim to bring people together and preserve the character of Lliber along with “harmony, tranquillity and peace for all its residents.” He agreed the main commitment must be to solve the urbanistic town planning problems but also to help the community achieve sustainable growth. “The Pacto Civil is made up of people with

different ideas and different political leanings but enriched by good human tendencies,” he said, adding the coalition deserved to be congratulated. The independent candidates will stand in the election list at number two – behind the mayor – numbers four, six and eight. The group’s leader Lucia Marsal said: “This Pacto Civil formed with PSOE will focus on local issues that directly affect the town. By doing this rather than forming a new political party, we can put national and provincial politics aside and concentrate on purely local issues that directly affect all the residents of Lliber.” A resident of the Jalon Valley for many years, she said she understood not only the local environment but also “how people work here, it is often very different.” And former Dutch independent councillor Jan Van Tuyl agreed that integration was the key to success with a “joint list for people who are interested in local solutions for local problems and local discussions. As long as we can maintain that philosophy we can have a sort of brotherhood and work together as human beings – nothing more and nothing less.” He told RTN he did not like to speak of legalising homes but finding a positive solution through normalising and regularising the buildings. “After all it is not the houses that are illegal but the illegal procedures that were used to build them.” Businessman David Glover and author Jill Morrison complete the gang of four northern European candidates and a group looking to put the people of Lliber first. He said expats brought many skills that could benefit the community as a whole. “There are major issues in this town, and the economic effects arising from the illegality crisis are not only hurting the northern European residents but are having repercussions on the town’s ability to function correctly without a full contribution of taxes from the affected houses,” said David. “This is potentially a substantial amount of money and we must find ways to bring this revenue to the town and then decide how to use it constructively.”

18 - 24 February 2011

promises to Brits on tour around new Sports Dolón kick-start Torrevieja’s Facilities and Music Conservatory economy and help

low-income families in forthcoming PP campaign

by Julie Day A GROUP of around 200 Brits were the first to be taken on an official guided tour around Torrevieja’s sports facilities and new music conservatory, led by the mayor, Pedro Hernández. The tour began at the Infanta Cristina Sports Palace where the group was shown the main hall that seats 5,000 spectators before moving on to the Olympic-sized heated swimming pool, the first of this size to be built in the Valencian Community. The tour included the original Cecilio Gallego stadium, built in 1989, where sports such as handball, indoor football and inline hockey are played and the Daniel Plaza athletics track, named after the current councillor for Sport, Daniel Plaza; the first Spaniard to win a gold medal in athletics in the Olympic Games. At each stop the mayor gave a brief informative talk translated by Graham Knight from the OARI office. He stated that during the last ten years a total of €40 million has been invested into Torrevieja’s sports facilities, soon to be furnished with two outdoor swimming pools: one semi-Olympic and a smaller one for leisure. A new sports hall offers three rooms of 200m2 for gymnastics, yoga and Tai Chi, also fully equipped with changing rooms, a physiotherapy clinic and other facilities. An ice rink will enable the ice hockey team to compete at a national level. From the athletics track the group were led around the three foot-

British residents being informed about the sports facilities in the City of Sport

ball pitches before taking a short walk to the recently built Nelson Mandela Stadium, where they were shown the rugby stadium, also to serve as a football and cricket pitch. Eleven tennis courts; two squash courts; seven ‘padel’ and two pelota or fronton courts are built and equipped to the highest possible standard, enabling Torrevieja to host tournaments and matches at national and international level, as well as attract top athletes and teams, particularly those from the colder countries of northern Europe, to train in Torrevieja through the winter months. The mayor confirmed that all of the facilities are open to the public. Following this the group were guided around the impressive soon-to-be-finished International Music Conservatory and Auditorium, set to open and take in students for the 2011 – 2012 school year. The complex consists of two buildings set on a plot of 92,000m2. The auditorium, measuring the equivalent of six

By Julie Day FIRST CANDIDATE for the position of mayor in Torrevieja and general secretary of the local PP, Eduardo Dolón Sánchez, together with the director of the PP’s political campaign, Joaquín Albaladejo, gave a press conference last week with the aim of expressing the party’s future political commitments to the town. From the many policies that the PP are proposing, one of the most important is the generation of jobs in the tourism sector, together with the improvement of the town’s public services and these will be a major focus in the forthcoming storeys, will seat an audience of 1,500, electoral campaign. with 400 accommodated in the RoIt is believed that with new ways of attracting tourists man-style chamber concert hall. Other such as through the town’s state-of-the-art medical and facilities include a cafeteria, restaurant, sports facilities, as marketed in the recent FITUR tourism first-class changing rooms and a bar. trade fair in Madrid, a recovery in all levels of the town’s The smaller building will house 44 economy will be possible. classrooms, insulated and acoustically The PP also claimed in the conference that they will designed and adapted for specific in- remain committed to financially helping the low-income struments; a dance studio and a pro- residents of Torrevieja, by continuing with their pioneering fessional recording studio. The mayor and innovative schemes such as the ‘bonoguardería’, ‘bonojoked that the cost of constructing the taxi’ grants for newly-weds and university students and aid studio was peanuts in comparison to to help pay residents’ utility bills. the equipment that will go in it. At the end of the tour, local resident British artist Maurice Thacker presented the mayor with a portrait that he had painted of him and thanked Deputy him for all that he has done to make mayor of foreign residents feel welcome in TorTorrevieja, Eduardo revieja, and for all that he has done for Dolón and the town itself. director of At present Maurice Thacker is holdPP political ing an exhibition of his paintings at the campaign in a recent Old Casino, on Torrevieja’s Paseo Vista press Alegre until Wednesday 23rd February. conference

18 - 24 February 2011

The new face of the Local police thwart robbery in La Mata Plaza de Europa by Julie Day TORREVIEJA’S MAYOR, Pedro Hernández, together with deputy mayor, Eduardo Dolón and councillor for Parks and Gardens, Eduardo Gil Repollo paid a visit to the Plaza de Europa last Wednesday to foresee the works currently being carried out in the square. The square, located on the Calas Blancas Urbanisation in the area of Calle Londres, Calle Dublín and Calle Copenhague, has undergone a complete redesign with the help of a €300,000 investment from the town hall. As part of the redevelopment of the 20,000m2 plot a multi-purpose sports area for residents of all ages, measuring

2,080m2, will be built within the next two months, whilst new paved paths, 20 new benches, 10 new bins and a 100m2 children’s play area have already been added. The inclusion of the new outdoor sports facilities are part of the Plan Municipal A+D (Acercando más el Deporte), a scheme aiming to bring sports closer to residents. This Cigarettes of scheme plans to build a total of six similar sports zones in various various locations of the city. brands The new sports facilities will be built on the urbanisastolen tions of Torreblanca (next to the old bullring), El Chaparral, By Julie Day El Limonar, Los Altos and Mar Azul (next to the La Veleta urAFTER BEING alerted to a robbery in progress, local police banisation). officers rushed to the scene and managed to make an arrest, recovering all of the stolen merchandise. During the early hours of Tuesday 15th February, four youths broke into the Cover ice cream parlour, located in the main square of La Mata, and proceeded to fill a bag with 400 packets of cigarettes of various brands. On the arrival of the local police the robbers fled in different directions. However, officers managed to arrest one of the burglars, an 18-year old Rumanian, carrying the full bag of merchandise. The Rumanian was arrested and will attend trial in front of a judge, although his accomplices managed to escape.

Car smashes into wall at ITV station

The Mayor of Torrevieja and councillors visiting the children’s area of the Plaza de Europa

A CAR was destroyed at the ITV station in Ondara last Tuesday when it suddenly crashed into the wall, crumpling its bonnet. The two occupants were not injured, but the wall and a fence were razed to the ground. The incident occurred at 10.30am when the ITV station was full of people waiting to get their cars tested.

18 - 24 February 2011

Camps urged to de-camp by Jan Gamm THE PETITION of President of the Generalitat Valenciana Francisco Camps to drop the charges against him was rejected by

Spanish sculpture fetches E3.6 million in London

A CONTEMPORARY art auction at Southerby’s in London last Tuesday saw a sculpture by deceased Spanish artist corruption prosecutors of the Valencian Regional High Court Juan Muñoz sell to a mystery bidder for €3.6 million. The last Friday, along with a motion that he must pay a €41,250 work, called ‘Conversation Piece’, is comprised of two bronze fine for an alleged bribe connected with his involvement in figures – an adult and a child – in conversation. It is one of two works in one of the sculptor’s most famous series. the ‘Gürtel’ case. The ‘Gürtel’ case, as it is known, is named for the surname Muñoz died in 2001. This is the most money one of his of the businessman Francisco Correa, jailed by Judge Baltasar works has ever fetched. Garzón in March 2009 for bribery and corruption (‘Correa’ translates as ‘belt’ in German). The scandal of the Gürtel case consumed the Partido Popular at the time and Camps was pressured to step down. PRISON SENTENCE

Camps

Accused of accepting a wardrobe of clothing valued at approximately €14,000 and being part of a corruption network comprising Correa, Crespo and Pérez, Camps always protested his innocence of the crime of corruption. As the law stood when he was charged he would be fined only. However, since the law was amended last year he could face a prison sentence if found guilty. Camps is being pressured yet again to stand down from his position. PP leader Mariano Rajoy has so far been adamant that Camps will stay but on this occasion has declined to issue a statement to the press. Camps is married with three children.

Testing the grey matter

By Jack Troughton QUIZ TEAMS from across the Costa Blanca gathered to do battle last weekend at the fourth annual contest organised by Calpe and Benissa Lions Club. More than 90 experts in 25 teams enjoyed a meal at the Bolero Restaurant in Calpe before putting their brain power to work on problems set for the contest. In a hard fought contest, the battle for the lead changed hands over seven rounds with The Novices (pictured with Lions Club members) scraping home ahead of Patch by a single point,

and Blind Moose sealing third place. The next event being organised by the Calpe and Benissa Lions Club is ‘Wireless Years 2011’, a brand new show written, produced and performed by Barry Britten and Chris Allen, two of the funniest men on the Costa Blanca. It will be staged at the Casa de Cultura in Calpe on Friday 8thMarch and tickets are available now for just €10 from 965 834 852 or hughstewart@telefonica.net All the proceeds from the show will be donated for the benefit of handicapped children and adults at the Maite Boronat Centre and the Gargasindi School in Calpe.

18 - 24 February 2011

Slim from within! “WOW AND thanks!” - That’s the usual response that Alan Gilchrist, the Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist gets from his clients after his Fast Track Weight control or Gastroband session. As Alan says, “There are many ways to lose weight but at the end of the day will by power is also required for all of them”. And that is where Alan’s unique powerThe Costa Blanca’s ful combination of Fast Track Hypnosis Top Hypnotherapist and Laser Therapy comes into its own. Many thousands of people have used Alan’s weight control techniques with great success and if they can do it then so can you! Too many people confuse hunger with appetite. Hunger is a real need, whereas appetite is only a habit: the two are not the same! Appetite is provoked by suggestion while hunger is the message we send to our brain whenever the body needs essential nourishment. There are various reasons why a person can be overweight such as a medical condition due to glandular malfunction or some other physical problem, in which case hypnosis may not be the solution and medical help should initially be sought. People who overeat because of early programming by parents: How many times were you told, “Eat it all up and you will grow up to be a big healthy adult,” or, ”Think of all the starving children in the world and you are leaving that on your plate…”

Alan Gilchrist

PEOPLE WHO OVEREAT BY COMFORT EATING

This is again through programming in early years, “Don’t cry, here is a piece of chocolate - when you eat it you will feel better.” OVEREATING BECAUSE OF EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS In the case of these people their overeating habits go deeper than the previous ones. Therefore the actual problem would have to be addressed and corrected. Alan’s FAST TRACK HYPNOSIS plus LASER THERAPY is ideal for helping people who want to lose weight because of early programming or emotional problems and to help them achieve their target weight. And all this is completed in one simple session. (Fast Track Hypnosis and Laser Therapy along with the CDs provided), so there is no need to go for multiple sessions, thus saving time and unnecessary expense. As Alan says, “My job is to help the client to listen once again to their own appetite control centre and use it to their advantage. So what I have done is to combine two hugely successful therapies into one 30 minute session and all at no extra cost to the client as well as a full back up service! In fact the heaviest

With Alan Gilchrist: Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist man that I ever had to help was 40 stone and the heaviest woman was 34 stone! WEIGHT CONTROL “I attended Alan Gilchrist three years ago when I was 17. I had always had problems with my weight, but this time around I was at my heaviest at 13½, stone aged 17. My mum had been reading about Hypnotherapy in a magazine and told me to give it a go. I was at the end of my tether. I had tried every diet under the sun, nothing worked and I seemed to be getting bigger with all those fad diets. So I decided to go and after I was put ‘under’ hypnosis I went straight home and listened to my CD. I got up the very next morning and started my healthy diet, keeping it up and losing 31/2 stone (22 kilos) which I have kept off and three years later I am at a healthy 10 stone. When I see my weight creeping up, I listen to my CD. I can honestly say I would not have lost this weight and kept it off had I not gone to Alan Gilchrist. Thank You Alan – Jade.” WEIGHT GAIN DUE TO LIFESTYLE “I sought Hypnosis to lose weight. I own a large company and ate junk food, sweets and drank fizzy drinks for handiness as I worked long hours. Since attending Alan Gilchrist for Fast Track Hypnosis I have now lost 6½ stone (41 kilos) in just over a year.

I have come back again for a top up as I went off the rails at Christmas and didn’t want to put on any weight again. My Girlfriend is also trying it too. Thank you for all your help – Philip.” EMOTIONAL “Hi Alan - Adele here - I came to see you before Christmas because I wanted to control my eating habits and also the way I thought about food. You were my last chance as I had tried every diet under the sun and failed every time. I was putting my life in danger every day with the extreme measures I was taking. I’m delighted to tell you I have done a complete 360 degree turn around for the better. I have so much more confidence and feel great about myself and it is all because of you. Forever in your debt, Adele…” Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm. Alan is also the creator of the ‘Fast Track Stop Smoking in under 30 minutes’ system. For an appointment, brochure or free initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. Also visit his web sites: www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com

For an appointment, brochure or a free of charge initial consultation on your particular problem, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408 or visit his websites www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com or www.fitnosys.com

European Breast Cancer Conference in Spain by Jan Gamm SPAIN IS to host the 7th European Breast Cancer Conference this year. The conference is tipped as a brain storming opportunity for top researchers and treatment providers in the field of women’s cancer, described by organisers as “…an excellent platform for networking and gaining an insight into cutting edge technology.” The latest healthcare solution and services will be showcased at the conference in Barcelona from Wednesday 24th March through to Saturday 27th March at the International Convention Centre (Cen-

tre Convencions Internacional). The total number of people with cancer in Europe is now well over 4 million, equating to the entire population of Norway, with breast cancer presenting in a significant number of cases. The conference encourages active interaction and collaboration between clinicians, scientists and patients in exchanges that cover not only scientific issues but also ethical, social, political, and practical ideas associated with caring for patients with breast cancer. EBCC-7 is expected to attract over 5,000 delegates from around 90 countries.

A classic adventure

The convoy reflected in Clodagh’s wing mirror

By Jack Troughton KEEN MEMBERS of the Costa Blanca 2CV and Mehari Club took to the open road at the weekend for a St Valentine reunion. A convoy of a dozen of the colourful cars – many with roof tops open in the Sunday sunshine – left the club’s Gandia headquarters to wind their way through Oliva, Denia, across the Montgo mountain road to Javea, through Gata and Moraira to the Penon de Ifach in Calpe. After enjoying a seafood lunch, the drivers made their way up the famous landmark – the track too steep even for the 2CV rural workhorses. And as the day turned to dusk, the club members set off again in convoy, cars peeling off as they reached individual turnings home, the club driving some 160km together during the day. Clodagh Handscombe, an RTN gardening columnist is a member of the car club and enjoyed the drive in her 2CV Poppy 111. EXCHANGE She said: “If you are a 2CV or Mehari owner these outings are a good way of meeting other like minded enthusiasts, both Spanish and international, to compare engines and exchange new ideas – especially for people like me who know little about mechanics”. She said it had been difficult getting parts for the French car until 12 months ago when club organisers Juan and Pascual opened a 2CV distributorship, Pasion2CVMehari on the Poligono Benieto Industrial Estate in Gandia – near Leroy Merlin – in Calle Transport 30 Bajo No 31. Clodagh said it was now possible to get all parts required, even those needed for a complete rebuild of a treasured car – with a good discount for club members. “Perhaps this will encourage some new mad enthusiasts like me to put these lovely old brightly coloured cars back on the road – and then I will have more people to wave at!” Pasion2CVMehari can be contacted via email at pasion2CVmehari@yahoo.es

18 - 24 February 2011

REAL RADIO has launched on the Costa Blanca by Patricia Thompson

FEB/MARCH

May 2011

Level 128.02.2011-24.03.2011-01-18 Mon Weds Thurs 13.30-17.30

Level 1Starts Monday 2nd May 2011, finishes Friday 27th May 2011. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.00-13.00.

Level 228.02.2011-25.03.2011 Mon Weds and Friday 9.00-13.00

Level 2Starts Tuesday 3rd May 2011, finishes Saturday 28th May 2011. Tuesday Thursday and Saturday mornings 9.00-13-00

Level 329.02.2011-26.03.2011-01-18 Tues, Thurs Sat 9.00-13.00

Level 3Starts Monday 2nd May 2011, finishes Thursday 26th May 2011. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 13.30-17.30

JUNE 2011

March 2011

Level 1Starts Monday 6th June 2011, finishes Friday 1st July 2011. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.00-13.00.

Level 128.03.2011- 22.04.2011. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.00-13.00. Level 2Starts Tuesday 28th of March 2011, finishes Saturday 26th of April 2011. Tuesday Thursday and Saturday mornings 9.00-13-00 Level 3Starts Monday 28th of March 2011, finishes Thursday 26th April 2011. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 13.30-17.30

Level 2Starts Tuesday 7th June 2011, finishes Saturday 2nd July 2011. Tuesday Thursday and Saturday mornings 9.00-13-00 Level 3Starts Monday 6th June 2011, finishes Thursday 30th June 2011. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 13.30-17.30 -Spaces can go quickly so book now to avoid disappointment-

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REAL RADIO has launched on the Costa Blanca broadcasting not only on 96.5FM but also via the info channel on Simulsat Television Service and also on Channel 1 on the radio section at Simulsat. This means an instant potential audience of many thousands of subscribers to Simulsat plus the listeners who tune in via the conventional radio. Live streaming will also be available via the website currently under construction. So why another radio station, you may ask: Having spent the last few years presenting shows here in Spain, Cliff Roberts (AKA ‘The Sheriff’) felt the target audience was not being serviced properly. At Real Radio their motto is ‘Real Radio –Real Music for Real People’. Cliff and his fellow presenters know how diverse the music choice can be for over 50s – because you are over 50 this does not mean you do not enjoy current offerings from the Spanish and UK charts. Research also revealed a demand for older music mixed with a bit of country and always with a bit of comedy thrown in for good measure. The line up of presenters will be interesting. Initially Mr Peter Taylor will present his breakfast show ‘Eggs, Bacon and Taylor’; a fantastic radio presenter with dry wit, a unique knowledge of music and of course his characteristic laugh that even he does not realise he has! Coming soon the Lunchtime slot will be

filled with a very popular and old favourite for many, the one and only Robbie France, another presenter with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to music. Robbie was once well known on the international circuit as a drummer with various groups and also as a session musician and teacher of drums to many well known and acclaimed drummers we know today. The 3 to 6 slot will be covered by The Sheriff, with music from as far back as 1952 to present day: a bit of glam and some country with a dash of Spanish for your pleasure. We also have a few more surprise presenters coming soon for your pleasure and entertainment: keep your eyes on RTN and ears on Real Radio 96.5 for updates. realradiofm@gmail.com Tel: 672 865 825

Kenyan athletes triumph in Orihuela Half Marathon By Julie Day MORE THAN 1,500 runners took part in the 13th international half marathon event that took place in the city of Orihuela last Sunday. Orihuela Mayoress Monica Lorente officially started the race, in which competitors ran the 13 miles around the northern and southern zones of the city before entering the city centre for the final stage. Runners of many different nationalities took part in the event and included elite athletes as well as keen running enthusiasts. The men’s race was won by Kenyan Allan Masai Ndiwa in 1hr: 4m: 20s, whilst the women’s race was won by fellow Kenyan Joan Aiyabei in 1hr: 14m: 22s. The team events were won by C. A. Dolores Bacanal in the men’s category and C.A. Tragamillas Orihuela in the female category.

The mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, starts the race

18 - 24 February 2011

Actress Georgie May sponsors Faith by Patricia Thompson HARRY POTTER actress Georgie May visited the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after reading about Faith, the miniature horse who needs a life-saving operation to amputate one of her legs. After touring the centre and meeting many of the horses, ponies and donkeys there, Georgie spoke to Sue Weeding, co-founder of the centre, and offered her help and support with the fundraising events planned during her stay here in Spain. Sue said “We are absolutely thrilled that Georgie will be supporting us in our appeal to save Faith. Not only has Georgie sponsored Faith, she has offered to star in our Pony Club pantomime version of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ being performed here at the Centre on Sunday 27th February. All proceeds from the day’s events will go towards Faith’s operation. Hopefully with Georgie adding a little VIP presence we will have lots of people coming along to watch the show and meet Georgie and Faith.” The show starts at 15.00 and is followed Actress Georgie by a children’s fancy dress competition. May For information call Sue on 652 021 980. sponsors Or visit www.easyhorsecare.net Faith

Football’s own goal By Jack Troughton EXPATS COULD benefit from true ‘television without frontiers’ after a landmark decision by a judge in the European Court of Justice regarding football broadcasting rights. Giving a legal opinion, Advocate General Juliane Kokott found against the Football Association Premier League over exclusive agreements relating to the transmission of matches. The controversial matter – referred to Europe from the High Court in the UK – will now go to a full session of the ECJ. While an Advocate General’s opinion is not binding, the court usually follows the advice made by the senior and eminent former judges employed for their guidance. However, should the court uphold the legal opinion, satellite broadcasters like Sky could be forced to change their current position and make programmes easily accessible. The case centres on Karen Murphy – a Portsmouth pub landlady – who is defending her right to show Premier League matches to customers beamed in from Greece and using an imported decoder. She has taken the case through the British courts and across the Channel to champion her right to use the Greek system rather than paying more to Sky, which holds the UK broadcasting rights.

APPEAL The landlady went to appeal after being fined £8,000 for showing the football and was joined in Luxembourg by a civil case against two importers of decoder cars. A decision is expected later this year. Attorney General Kokott – one of eight advocate generals of the European Court of Justice – believes selling rights on a territoryby-territory basis was contrary to EU law and

“a serious impairment of freedom to provide services.” And she said: “The economic exploitation of the (television) rights is not undermined by the use of foreign decoder cards as the corresponding charges have been paid for those cards.” The judge said Karen Murphy had paid the legitimate rights owner in Greece. “Whilst those rights are not as high as the charges imposed in the UK there is no specific right to charge different prices for a work in each member state” And according to the Advocate General it formed part of the logic of the internal market that price differences across Europe would be offset by trade. “The marketing of broadcasting rights on the basis of territorial exclusivity is tantamount to profiting from the elimination of the internal market.” MODEL Should the ECJ uphold the appeal, the decision will affect not only football and a financial model that has underpinned the Premier League for years, but also the way expats on the Costa Blanca watch television. David Burrage of the British Expats Association believes the court could underline the EU’s television without frontiers directive which came into force in December 2007. “This will mean that BSkyB will no longer have a monopoly on media entertainment in the UK, Germany and Italy, including live football. It will also not be able to refuse the issue of Sky viewing cards to expats resident elsewhere within the EU or the export of their own Sky digiboxes. “We have been saying this for a long time now and included a bulletin on our website a long time ago. Others dismissed our opinion which is now shared by the Advocate General.”

18 - 24 February 2011

Sorry Gary...

RTN APOLOGISES for an error in last week’s obituary to the rock legend Gary Moore, which included in the headline, ‘Thin Lizzy drummer…’ The late Gary Moore was of course the definitive rock guitarist.

Righting a wrong

As long time friends of Mrs Jeanette Jackson we totally refute the spiteful innuendo and untruths in the article “What do you do when suddenly left with 30 cats” written by MsTina Tait RTN 4th Feb. Jeanette and John Jackson spent their time rescuing stray cats and dogs. All the animals were seen by the vet and sprayed or neutered, all were loved and looked after properly. They spent their own money and savings to do this and it was only when they could not afford the huge rising costs, that they applied for charity status and founded Ring A Dings to help with animal food and vet bills. When John died suddenly, despite her grief Jeanette spent all her time trying to re-home her animals before she returned to the UK. She managed to find places for her dogs and some of her cats. To say that she would lock the dogs in the house to starve and throw all the cats out on the street is a lie. She did not “abandon” her house or leave no provision for the animals. Her son came from the UK to help her pack the things she wanted. She instructed her landlady and friends that any items of worth left in the house and garden including her car should be sold and the money used to provide for the animals until they were re-homed. We are appalled that the contents of her house should be subject to press tittle tattle. Marian Nobbs and friends

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talk tous

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

letter of the week

Held to ransom by ERNA Hi I currently have an apartment in Blue Lagoon area in Villamartin.We have had our water cut off by Erna. The previous owner had a water leak which I,ve had repaired but a huge water bill is now being disputed. Our solicitor states that Erna has two hundred other customers like us and is pursuing these bills via a court order. In my opinion surely this is down to their

ineptitude. The manager at Erna stated that customers must read their own meters and inform them as they have not got time to do this task. These property’s are invariably holiday homes with everybody paying Erna by D.D. if they read meters regularly then any disputes with bills would have been brought to light a lot earlier. Surly its a legal requirement that they must read meters

on a regular basis as a private company licensed by the local authority has it not got to perform to a certain standard? This wouldn’t even be allowed in the UK to cut off the water in such a cavalier way while holding us to ransom. I would be very interested in hearing if any of your readers have similar problems to ours. Kind Regards,John Dunne

Stooping to very low depths The human being will stoop to some very low depths but it seems a new level of disgusting inconsideration has been reached. I live on an urbanization in Calpe and this morning I had just deposited a bag of rubbish into a container some 50 meters down the road. Looking over my wall I noticed a campervan parked alongside the bin where I had just put my rubbish. Being of a suspicious nature I walked out onto the road as the campervan pulled away. They had just emptied the contents of their chemical toilet onto the road next to the bin.

I am hoping that the sub-species repeats his actions tomorrow morning because he is in for a surprise. Not only will he have his nose rubbed into his own excrement but a hefty fine resulting from a denouncement will leave a nice big hole in his pocket. Where do campervan owners who park overnight outside of campings empty the contents of their chemical toilets (apart from my street)? If you see anybody emptying their toilets into the storm drains or the ´campo´, my advice, call the police. Tony Bowers, Calpe

MABS announcement

MABS CANCER Support Group in Gran Alacant (NIF G53448866: CHARITY NO.7261) would like to stress that Mrs Maureen Keeler does NOT represent MABS Cancer Support Group in the Gran Alacant / Santa Pola area in fund raising events. Mrs Keeler is fund raising for an association, not a charity, based in Javea. Any enquiries should be directed to the president on 686 305 006.

Can you explain the traffic laws? Sir, Could you tell me what Traffic Laws the cyclists which are everywhere at the moment have to comply with? They do not stop at Traffic Lights, at Red Stop Signs, or Give Way signs (when necessary). They have no Lane Discipline on road or roundabouts. A number came onto the roundabout I was using from

a side entrance directly in front of me, not slowing down and if I had not been quick on the brakes a collision would have occured. I blew my horn and all I received was a two finger ‘V’ sign and a lot of shouting. Who would have been in the wrong if a collision had occured ?? Thank you. Barry Storr

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rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Rattling a few cages

I am aware that I would have rattled a few cages with my letter regarding the smoking laws, but I certainly touched a raw nerve with M. Dixon of Javea. Firstly, you are correct in your assumption that I am male,.....’odious little man!’, may I also assume from that remark that you are female M. Dixon? Secondly, I was referring to expat Brits here in Spain when I stated: “...smug dimwit Brit non-smokers” not those living in the UK, although I may not have made that clear, for which I apologise. The point I was trying to make Mrs/Ms Dixon is that the majority of the non-smoking whingers who have for so long complained about smoky bars and restaurants have never been nor will they ever be, a part of Spanish cafe society. If they were then surely all the purified bars and restaurants would now be full to bursting with happy (!) nonsmokers spending their pensions hand over fist on various alcoholic beverages. Beverages, incidentally which are a far more dangerous drug than nicotine will ever be, just attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to see the ruined lives from the benefits of alcohol! Now I have no idea of the situation in Javea but in the area surrounding Torrevieja the bars and restaurants are closing down at an alarming rate, depriving a lot of Spanish and British owners of their livelihood. If we are lucky enough to receive an influx of tourists this summer there will be far fewer places for them to eat and drink, but of course, that need not worry you Ms Dixon! Yours, Odious J. West! Just making the point....

18 - 24 February 2011

Spain demands action over bomb site clean-up fuel from a KC135 Stratotanker over eastern Spain. The B52 struck the tanker and was showered with 40,000 gallons of SPAIN HAS again requested that the United States address fuel. Both planes exploded with all four crew members of the problem of clearing the debris from the Andalucian crash the KC135 killed instantly and three of the B52 crew. Four B52 site where a cluster of hydrogen bombs fell near Palomares in crew ejected and survived. In a grisly twist, five of the dead 1966, at the height of the Cold War, following a mid-air colli- crew fell into the Palomares village cemetery. sion of two bombers. Out of the four bombs that fell, one crashed into the sea and The contamination area covers 50,000 cubic metres in Alm- was later recovered and the other three scattered across Paloeria. Clearing and storing the ‘radio-active contaminated’ soil mares, luckily without harming anyone on the ground. would cost around €30,000,000. Spain has neither the fundIn the forty years since the crash America has dragged its The ing nor suitable storage for such an operation. feet over the issue of the clean-up and the Spanish governfirst The collision occurred on 17th January 1966 when a 220 ment’s patient requests for the issue to be dealt with have recovered ton B52 Stratofortress carrying the bombs attempted to re- now taken a sterner tone. bomb February’s first session to ensure no one missed out on the initial basics. “Almost everyone has experienced By Jack Troughton how helpless you can feel when you are EXPATS LIVING in the Marina Alta made an suddenly confronted with a life threatening unexpectedly high response to the offer of emergency,” said the association’s president learning first aid skills and the chance to John Recourt. save a life. More than 300 people appeared for the first instalment of ‘The Little Rescuer’ an initiative HELP “You might not know how and where organised by neighbourhood club Association to call for help and what sort of life de Vecinos de Benissa and teaching life preserving measures you must take until saving techniques. And such was the volume the ambulance arrives.” Rescue of interest; Dr Hasso Stotzer had to repeat

by Jan Gamm

Neighbours form international rescue

www.monarch.co.uk

The Little Rescuer programme teaches how to deal with situations such as heart attacks, unconsciousness, strokes, making an emergency call, immediate measures to be taken and resuscitation. The next lesson is scheduled for 17.00 on 3rd March and will continue on the first Thursday of every month at the Aula del Mar (Casa de 100 Vientos) on Marine Drive between Calpe and Fustera. To book a place, please call 645 231 216 after 10.30: for information about the neighbourhood club call John on 965 013 378 or 644 116 317.

18 - 24 February 2011

Easter holiday bunnies expected by Jan Gamm FOLLOWING APPALLING weather in the UK over the winter, Spain is expecting a bumper crop of Easter holiday makers seeking a little relief ‘fun in the sun’. As UK holidays at home continue to compare unfavourably pound for euro against a Spanish break, family school holidays in the sun are a popular choice.

A week in Cornwall for a family of four can cost well in excess of £1,000 by the time fares and B&B costs have been taken into account, along with meals out and the cost of entertaining children indoors when the weather is bad – and it usually is! A Spanish sunshine package holiday costs about the same but offers a more enjoyable holiday experience and is the ‘most searched for’

destination on tour provider websites. And carriers are responding to the demand by offering bargain flights priced on an average of under £60 in either direction from London to Alicante and other Spanish destinations over the Easter period (for further details visit www.dealchecker.co.uk) Even better options are available on last minute bookings.

‘Whistle while you work’ this summer for Disney By Jan Gamm ON TUESDAY 8th February almost 1,000 candidates queued outside a building in Madrid where Euro Disney interviewed for 600 vacancies at Disneyland Paris for summer jobs tipped to last only two months. The employment offers a variety of roles for reception staff, actors and animators but pays a miserly €1,030 per month for a 35 hour week, with no accommodation supplied in Paris. Despite the frugal remuneration, contenders waited eagerly for interview; an indication of just how bad things are in terms of unemployment amongst young people in the capital.

OPPORTUNITIES Most of the candidates optimistically hope a successful two month term of employment with Disney might lead to bigger and better opportunities within the corporation. Disneyland is recruiting in other parts of Europe for the Disney Magical Moments Festival in the summer.

Disney magical moments festival

Ryanair ordered to pay compensation

The Spanish sunshine alternative

RYANAIR HAS been ordered to refund the cost of tickets and pay €250 in compensation per passenger to a family of four who were refused boarding on one of their national flights within Spain. The airline also has to pay the travel costs incurred by the family, who were forced to make their journey by car. Passenger Carolina Martín Gámez complained to the air safety organization, AESA, after she and her family were told they could not board their flight from Málaga to Valencia last August. Ryanair staff said that the 18-month-old baby should have a passport or DNI number. The family presented the Spanish ‘Family Book’ as proof of ID for the child, but officials would not accept it. Carolina complained that under Spanish law, the DNI ID is not obligatory until a child reaches 14 years of age.

18 - 24 February 2011

Meryl Streep to play The Iron Lady by Patricia Thompson OSCAR WINNING 61-year-old actress Meryl Streep is to star as one of Britain’s most colourful and controversial prime ministers Margaret Thatcher, in the Fox production of The Iron Lady, which began filming in UK in January. Under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd (who also directed the box office blockbuster ‘Mama Mia’) the film will cover the 17 day period preceding the 1982 Falklands War as Thatcher struggles to save her career, a turning point that doubled her popularity, enabling her to gain re-election for a second term. A release date for the film has not yet been revealed. NO MEETING Renowned for her versatility and ability to emulate appearance and speech, Ms Streep approached Lady Thatcher requesting a meeting to allow her to gain an accurate insight

into the characteristics of the ex-prime minster but the lady declined the invitation and despite being pressured for a reason behind the refusal was “not for turning.” Streep subsequently attended The Commons ‘question time’ on 19th January as part of her research and witnessed a vigorous interchange between David Cameron and Labour Leader Ed Milliband: she was complimented on her role as a “passive spectator” by attending politicians. “I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervour and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses,” said Ms Streep, “… I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach hers.” Meryl Streep has enjoyed a long and highly acclaimed movie career that included leading roles in ‘Kramer vs Kramer’, ‘Out of Africa’, ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ The Iron Lady will also star Jim Broadbent as Streep as The Dennis Thatcher. Iron Lady

Kylie does dishes

Andres and Kylie

AUSTRALIAN SUPERSTAR singer Kylie Minogue is learning Spanish to help her communicate with her Spanish boyfriend, 33-year-old model Andres Velencoso. Super-gorgeous Velencoso hails from Tossa de Mar in Catalonia and became a male model as soon as he finished high school. He speaks Italian and English as well as Spanish and has been dating Kylie since 2008. He is associated with Chanel and the Luis Vuitton ad campaign with J-Lo in 2003. In an effort to fit in, Kylie has been getting her hands wet by washing the Velencoso family dishes: “The first time I met Andres’ family I did the dishes after dinner. I really got stuck straight in” she said.

Nuclear power station near Valencia a threat say Greenpeace Greenpeace protestors have entered the nuclear power plant at Cofrentes near Valencia and are claiming that it should be closed because it poses a threat to safety. The 20 activists scaled the 125-metre high refrigeration towers and painted ‘Danger – nuclear’ and strung up a banner calling for the plant to be closed. Greenpeace say there is a lack of security and also that the plant has aging installations, which means a high risk of accidents. They want all nuclear plants in Spain closed down and for the government to focus on renewable energy. The Nuclear Safety Council responded by activating an emergency response and has been in communication with the Valencian government and 15 of the activists were arrested. Three of the plant’s staff were injured, but Greenpeace said in a press release that they were not responsible as no violence was used. Greenpeace want to stop the plant’s operating license from being renewed when it expires on 19 March.

18 - 24 February 2011

Torrevieja Hospital under investigation after the death of two young babies by Julie Day PARENTS OF two young babies that died whilst receiving medical treatment in Torrevieja’s public hospital are demanding an investigation into their deaths and collecting signatures through an online appeal to be presented to the Home Office, so that “…justice for the deaths of the young babies is carried out.” It is claimed that the children died as a result of negligence on the hospital’s part; expressly that of the Paediatrics Department. The parents of both deceased babies are demanding a full investigation. Last August a little boy of 19 months died due to his condition being misdiagnosed by doctors and more recently, at the beginning

of this month, a 5-month old girl died after being administered with the wrong dosage of medication. The parents are receiving the full support from the Los Verdes political party who are urging anyone who feels that they have been poorly attended to or neglected whilst being admitted to the hospital to present a written complaint, as this is the best way to get something done and improve the healthcare system. Those wanting to sign the online petition against the alleged negligence being carried out by the Paediatrics Department at the Torrevieja hospital can do so by visiting http://www.peticionpublica.es/PeticaoVer. aspx?pi=P2011N6525.

PP Orihuela Costa gets visible on Facebook WITH LESS than 100 days until the municipal elections due to take place on 22nd May, the political parties on the coast are gearing up for what promises to be an interesting and hard fought election campaign. With that in mind, the ruling Partido Popular (PP) on the coast, has set up its very own Facebook pages in English, German and Spanish, so that residents on the coast can be kept up to date on exactly how the election campaign is progressing.

For those residents unaware of the political structure in Orihuela, it will also give them the chance to understand what the party stands for plus an insight into the party’s hopes and aspirations for the forthcoming term. All three pages on Facebook can be found under Partido Popular Orihuela Costa (English); Partido Popular Orihuela Costa (Deutsch); and Partido Popular Orihuela Costa (Español).

Torrevieja’s public hospital

Car chase ends in two arrests TWO MEN were arrested last weekend after local police officers spotted them driving erratically and at speed in the Villamartin area. When approached by the police, the black SAAB drove off at speed, narrowly missing pedestrians and other road users. The car travelled towards the N332 without lights before eventually losing the pursuing officers. An hour later, a road block was put in place in the area where the car was last seen and after a further chase the police managed to arrest the driver and the passenger after they drove down a dead end road.

Neighbourhood Watch

The driver was a 43-year old Belgian national, who has a holiday home in San Miguel de Salinas, and the passenger was also a 43-year old Belgian national, living in Orihuela Costa. A Marbella court warrant is out for the arrest of the passenger. The Belgian registered vehicle was seized and taken to the municipal vehicle pound by the Guardia Civil. The detainees were taken to the Guardia Civil station in Torre de la Horadada, where the driver was charged with driving offences and the passenger was remanded in custody pending collection by officers from Marbella.

THE NEXT meeting of the Rojales Neighbourhood Watch will be on Monday 7th March at 11.00 in the Municipal Centre, Ciudad Quesada. The Chief of the Local Police will also be in attendance. This is a meeting open to all living in the 03170 postal area and we look forward to seeing you.

18 - 24 February 2011

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Benidorm helps beat the winter blues BRRRR, JUST when we thought we were out of the woods, winter came back to bite us one more time. A familiar sound returned Monday morning - the teeth-jarring screeching that accompanies car windscreens being scraped. Just a month ago, it was common practice for everyone to cover their windscreens at night with plastic sheets to prevent frosting. But we’ve grown blasé; we thought the ice was all behind us now and stopped doing it. Wrong! Boy, I could really do with a sunny stroll down Albir’s gorgeous seafront right now. I guess the only way I’m going to do that for the time being is vicariously, maybe by tuning in to ITV and watching a certain Costa Blanca based comedy that is due to return to our TV screens anytime now. Have you seen the ‘teasers’ for it yet? Yes folks, ‘Benidorm’ is back and since the award win earlier this year they are really shouting it out! I saw one trailer last night and it was a case of ‘hey, aren’t they filming in Carrefour’s car park just there?’ or, ‘Quick, look, they’re on Albir seafront!’ I do think I spotted the Albir lighthouse and La Riviera bar. I’m sure I caught a glimpse of Altea too. Anyways, seeing these sights that I so long miss helped to keep my icy winter blues at bay – well, just a little bit. So I for one will be watching my TV one week from today; go on make a date in your diary too for next Friday, 25th February on ITV1 and we can watch it together - or then, maybe not. It seems from conversations I’ve had, that rather like Marmite, Benidorm seems to engender a ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ response. Even the show’s writer Derren Litten admits: “My TV show is not everyone’s cup of tea, of course not, I’m fully aware of that.” He

points out, “even the mother of one of the cast calls it, ‘that ghastly programme.’” He says it really made him laugh. Derren explains, “The show is influenced heavily by the television shows and films I watched when I was growing up: ‘Are You Being Served’, ‘Duty Free’, the ‘Carry On’ films etc. I guess if you liked those you will probably like my show.” He smiles, “or then maybe not.” It’s a fickle public, eh Derren? Well, I like it. The British Comedy Guide gives this objective assessment: “Initially, we didn’t think much of this allstar ITV1 ensemble piece when it was first broadcast back in 2007, but over time we admit it has grown into a likeable programme. Benidorm is by no means a classic, but it’s not terrible either, and now acts as a very enjoyable way to relax in front of the TV.” The BCG adds, rather grandly, “The second series contained a couple of particularly good episodes that really impressed us.” Well, that’s all to the good then isn’t it? Since season three, Benidorm has been increased from half-hour to hour-long episodes and the extra screen-time has allowed Derren Litten to flesh out the series building more rounded characters and situations. So, what can we expect from the fourth series when it returns next February night? The supersoar-away Sun gave us this snippet on Tuesday: “There’s a lorra-lorra surprises for the residents of Benidorm when Cilla Black buys a villa there... The former Blind Date host returns to telly in the new series of the award-winning ITV show.” The paper’s synopsis tells us, “The Garvey family are staying at Madge’s villa when they find out she has flogged it

The Benidorm series follows the adventures of a working class holiday in Spain

to Cilla and the hunt for Madge begins.” Cilla apart, the show has attracted some big show-biz names in the past. And way back in September, it was even rumoured that James Bond legend Roger Moore was being tempted to play a local dignitary in the show. Moore, who lives in Monaco is believed to be a big fan of the show. Can you imagine actually meeting Simon Templar on the seafront street in Benidorm’s old town? You pause, you point... “Hey, aren’t you...?” Cue Roger looking overhead to his CGI halo and the Saintly theme playing. Watts in Birmingham watching Benidorm: will you be too? p.watts@roundtownnews.com

18 - 24 February 2011

More Iberdrola ICP Switch concerns Tony Poole Sparks Electrical Services

IBERDROLA ARE writing to their customers instructing them to fit an ICP (power control switch) or face being charged a higher electricity tariff. A Royal Decree passed on July 1st 2008 declared that by law all electrical installations must have a device for controlling the contracted power. In domestic dwellings that means an ICP must be fitted. If you missed the previous article published in RTN last August visit our web site at www.roundtownnews.co.uk and search ICP. The article explains the ‘whys and whats’ plus the costs involved. Iberdrola’s website is reasonably clear about the new requirements. Unfortunately, there has been some cases of ‘the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing’ when it comes down to informing their staff about the new legislation. One of our readers visited the Iberdrola office in Pilar de Horadada only to be asked if they could photocopy the RTN article so they could “check up on it.” Further to the FAQs posted on Iberdrola’s website, there is one useful piece of information they omitted: if you have a power limiter in your meter cupboard you may not need to fit the new ICP switch. These ‘old style’ limiters are now obsolete and were fitted in some older properties built during the 90s and prior to

that. One method to identify whether or not you have 901 102 210 and quote your contract number on the a power limiter fitted is: if you have a lot of appliances top right-hand corner of your electricity bill. switched on at the same time and the electricity cuts For more info about ICPs and handy hints on what off but then comes back on in a few minutes like an to look out for, visit my blog where I’ve posted a vaAct of God, without any ‘tripping-out’ in your Con- riety of photos of Consumer Units with and without sumer Unit, then you have a remote power limiter, ICP’s: which should qualify as an ICP. http://tonysparksinspain.blogspot.com In order to fit the new ICP you must have a standardised box. This maybe a dedicated compartment in your existing Consumer Unit, or a separate box mounted next to your Consumer Unit. In both cases, Iberdrola must be able to seal the box, ensuring the ICP is tamper proof. For properties with a digital meter, Iberdrola have no plans to use a power control facility incorporated with these meters, therefore they do not qualify as an ICP switch. A national plan to replace all existing mechanical meters with digital meters in Spain by the end of 2018 has no bearing on ICPs. A possible consequence of installing an ICP is that The ICP insufficient power maybe contracted; if you need adswitch or ditional power you will need a new upgraded contract. “Interrupter This will be covered in a future article. de Control If you have not received a letter but want to find out de Potencia” if you need to have an ICP fitted, contact Iberdrola tel.

Article written by Tony Poole, Sparks Electrical Services. Tel: 626 693 440 www.sparksinspain.es

Bus pass system set to change

By Julie Day TORREVIEJA’S SCHEME of providing residents that are registered on the padrón with a free bus is set to change in order to combat fraudulent use. The town hall plans on introducing a type of ‘smart card’ which will show the holder’s photograph and signature and include a chip that automatically cross checks the details of the cardholder with the details on their padrón. It has been estimated that thousands of people, mainly those that often visit and stay

in the town for short periods, are abusing the system, resulting in a loss of revenue for the Costa Azul bus company of at least €2 million per year. One of the ways in which people are defrauding the system is by registering on the padrón in Torrevieja in order to obtain the free bus pass and then de-registering so that they avoid the payment of any municipal taxes whilst still keeping hold of and using the free bus pass. It has been cited that the biggest abusers of this system are those from Madrid, as well

as other nationals and the British. A date has not been given for the introduction of the new bus pass system but it is thought that it will not be before the elections. As well as serving as a pass for urban transport, the new card will give holders free entrance into municipal premises, museums and the like. The bus service will remain free to those registered on the padrón in Torrevieja, although there will be a small charge for the card, which will need to be renewed each year.

18 - 24 February 2011

Elvis double tour returns in March by Patricia Thompson THE POPULAR Elvis 2000 Double Show of 2010 also featured Darren Price, wowing the crowds with his hip-swivelling renditions of Elvis’ film years and comeback period, and Fiona McLean Peter Day, from Jukebox Legends says, “We have listened to people who so enjoyed the show last year and invited Darren back for a seven show tour over the first two weeks in March. We are very excited to have him back with us again.” Darren will feature the 60s Elvis. Peter’s Elvis 2000 show (known locally as the best Elvis sound around) will feature the 70s ‘Vegas’ years. Fiona McLean will also feature songs from Connie Francis, Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline in a three hour show buzzing from start to finish! Tickets will be limited so book early at all venues. The eight show tour will support Puma22 and Help at Home, with performances starting Tuesday 1st March and concluding Friday 11th. There will be a great competition at each show with prizes up to €50. DATES AND VENUES Tuesday 1st March Olympia, Mil Palmeras Wednesday 2nd March The Club, Quesada Thursday 3rd March Casa Ventura, San Luis Sunday 6th March Rocajuna, Punta Prima Monday 7th March Casa Nicolas, Altos del Limonar

International Veterans Day coincides with Fiestas of San Cristobal

By Julie Day THE TORREVIEJA International Veterans Association (TIVA) is due to celebrate its annual ‘march-past’ and homage to the fallen on Saturday 26th February, coinciding with the Spanish celebrations of San Cristobal, patron saint of the Armed Forces, emergency services and traffic, running from 24th February until 27th February. Over the three days celebrating the fiestas of Saint Christopher, there will be numerous events carried out in the harbour area of Torrevieja, including a static exhibition of vehicles and equipment of the Spanish armed forces and emergency services from Valencia and Murcia, an active display from the Military Emergencies Unit, as well as marching military and civil bands through the streets. International Veterans Day will include various bands marching through the central streets of Torrevieja from 16.00 to a gathering point at the harbour. Here, the international act of homage to the fallen will take place, to be followed by the laying of a commemorative wreath by international veterans and the lowering of the Spanish flag, followed by a march-past Peter and salute to be taken by Teniente General Day as Elvis Roldán of the Spanish military. From the harbour, all those involved will Wednesday 9th March The Lounge Bar, march through the streets until reaching Torrevieja the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre at Thursday 10th March Los Arcos, Torrevieja Friday 11th March La Marina Sport Complex, 17.30 where there will be a presentation of various awards and the celebration of the San Fulgencio All shows start at 20.30 with tickets just III annual Festival of Military Bands, during €7.50 each. Pre-show meals are available from which the recently composed military most venues by separate booking and tickets march ‘General Grau’ in honour of General are at the venues NOW! Alternatively, call Francisco Grau of the Royal Household Band the ticket advice line on 695 135 134 or email will be premiered. Members of the British ex-servicemen’s info@jukeboxlegends.com associations (Royal British Legion,

Royal Naval Association, Royal Air Force association, Royal Marines association), as well as military veterans from the Spanish ‘Legion’, and other branches of the Spanish military plus veterans of other nationalities will all participate in this year’s International Veterans Day. All events are open to the public, whose support would be greatly appreciated. The afternoon’s events will include a March Past, led by the Spanish marching band and followed by contingents of the Spanish Armed Forces and the International Veterans, made up of ex-servicemen from the Royal Naval Association, Royal Air Force Association, Royal British Legion and other national associations. The day will conclude with an evening of entertainment provided by a South American dance troupe, a Flamenco group, a Scottish pipe band and also a local pop group with details yet to be confirmed. It is expected that several thousand residents and visitors are due to attend this year’s event. The Torrevieja International Veterans Association is open to veterans of all nationalities, however, at present only Spanish, British and Dutch residents are members. The association hope that exservicemen and women from other nations will join this year. Invitations have also been sent to VIP guests and to all local British exservicemen and women to attend further events following on from the Torrevieja day, in areas such as Guardamar, Orihuela and La Mata. For further information on the Torrevieja International Veterans Association contact the association’s president, Rod Millington at romavillagolf@adirecto.com.

1815- 24 2011 - 21February october 2010

Thumbs up for RTN FOUR WEEKS ago on 14th January, RTN covered the story about Helen & Richy Lister opening their own garage called Costa Car Clinic in Pedreguer. RTN knew already that Helen & Richy were very happy with the business produced from the RTN, because Helen had been kind enough to call and tell us. But RTN wanted to learn in person how they are getting on now, four weeks later, so we went to visit them. “The response has been phenomenal - we instantly got calls,” says Helen. “The same day that the article appeared in the paper, the phone started ringing. And it hasn’t stopped. Our first four weeks have been very much made up of clients from RTN: we’ve had at least 25 new clients. I’ve almost stopped asking now - they’ve all been from the RTN!” Opening his own garage is a lifelong dream for Richy Lister. He’s an extremely well trained and professional mechanic with years of service at Jennings Ford (the largest Ford and Mazda dealership in the North

East of England) under his belt. And after his training as a mechanic, Richy then became a Quality Controller and MOT tester. But starting your own business is a different matter, especially in this financial climate. “It was a big decision for us” says Richy “I had been working at Spanish and English garages since we came to Spain five years ago, and I have always believed that there is a niche in the market for an honest and professional mechanic who will repair all makes of vehicles to the highest standard. And we could not have asked for a better start to our business”. All of Richy’s mechanical qualifications can be viewed on site. In fact as you can see from the photograph, they are hanging on the wall behind Richy and Helen. And this is only half of them; the others are displayed behind Helen’s desk. One thing’s for certain: Richy knows his trade, and he’s got the certificates to prove it! They can be contacted on 965 761 023.

“We are mo

A big thumbs up to RTN! Helen and Richy in front of some of his certificates

AVE from Benidorm to Madrid

“BENIDORM PREPARES for the arrival of the AVE in 2020” was the title of an exhibition opened by the mayor of Benidorm, Agustín Navarro, last week. An optimistic title due to the fact that the Ministry for Infrastructure doesn’t have the budget to construct facilities for the high-speed AVE train. The AVE is destined to arrive in Alicante by 2012 on a route connecting the city with Valencia, but no concrete plans have been revealed to extend the connection to a station in Benidorm, or from Benidorm to Madrid. Despite the lack of funding, Benidorm’s mayor is hopeful that the town can find a way to develop the train station so the AVE can stop there.

Don’t hold your breath!

Sea level falls

THE SEA level in Jávea fell last week by up to half a metre. It’s a phenomenon that occurs each year, but this year the water level dropped more than usual.

23 25

Fishermen noted that the sea had dropped back a few more centimetres than previous years. Several fishermen were out along the lower shoreline fishing with traditional methods.

re t h an j u

st a v oice on the phone”

04 10 February February2011 2011 18 - 24

Restaurant owner’s business goes up in smoke by Jan Gamm A RESTAURANT in Marbella has been closed by police on Thursday 10th February after a confrontation with the owner over his refusal to comply with the new smoking ban introduced in January 2011. The Andalusian Health Department ordered the closure of the Asador Guadalmina Restaurant owned by José Eugenio AriasCamisón after he refused to pay a €145,000 fine. Cigar in one hand and customers’ petition in the other, Arias-Camisón stubbornly

insisted on remaining open despite a closure order and in a face-off with local police, staying inside the bar of his restaurant along with his 16 employees and cheered on by a crowd of his smoking customers for eight hours before finally closing the premises at 21.00 “…for the sake of my wife and children.” The closure order will be valid for two months, during which time the owner has the option to pay the fine and have the order lifted. “…it does not end here…” was his closing comment.

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

A weekly ‘cut out and keep’ feature helping you to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs

Open questions and present simple tense Lesson 145

For the last few weeks we have been working back over previous articles and doing some revision. We have now got as far as articles 41 to 50 which were about such fascinating things as open questions and the beginnings of explaining the present simple tense. Let’s kick off then with some “open question” translations. Pay attention to the word order of the example first and then translate the sentences below: Example: “Where do you live?” “¿Dónde vives?” “Where does your friend live?” “¿Dónde vive tu amigo?” Translate into Spanish:

José Eugenio AriasCamisón puffing disapproval

1. Why are you running? 2. Why are the children running? 3. How many children have you got? 4. How many children has Pedro got? 5. What are you doing? 6. What is your son doing? 7. Where are you? 8. Where is the town hall? (2 points each – 16 total) Before we started learning the present tense, we summarized three other verb forms that have been gone over before. Here is one example of the changes we can make with one particular verb and person. See if you can fill in the gaps following the same pattern, using a different main verb and person each time. Voy a comer. (I’m going to eat) Estoy comiendo. (I’m eating) He comido. (I have eaten)

Electric vehicles keep streets clean

FOUR NEW electric vehicles were introduced onto Benidorm’s streets last week with the job of collecting rubbish. The vans are silent with zero emissions and will travel around streets in the Calvario district and around the castle. The project follows the example of an initiative already in operation in Barcelona in the Ciutat Vella quarter. The new vehicles are part of a €1.3 million plan for electric vehicles and 14 have already previously been purchased.

Vas a aprender. (You’re going to learn) Estás aprendiendo. (You are learning) Has aprendido. (You have learnt) 1. Va a dormir Está durmiendo ____________ 2. Vamos a bailar _____________ Hemos bailado 3. __________ Estáis pensando Habéis pensado 4. Van a salir ____________ _____________ (2 points each – 10 points in total) Now at last we are on to the present tense of the verb. This went on for quite a few weeks as there was a lot to explain, but I don’t propose to go over all the details now, I will just pick out a few things here and there. Here, for example, are some of the “odd” first person singular forms. What main verb do they each come from? E.g. caigo – is from the verb caer. Hago, veo, salgo, conduzco, oigo, pongo, sé, tengo, digo, conozco. (1 point each) And finally, here are some nice present tense sentences to translate into English. Two points for each correct one – and that makes a maximum of 50 points. 1. Mi hijo sale los sábados por la noche. 2. ¿A qué hora coméis normalmente? 3. Los chicos cocinan cuando están en el campo. 4. No oigo mi móvil. 5. ¿Escribes en español y en inglés? 6. Aprendo poco a poco. 7. Abrimos la tienda a las 9 de la mañana. (2 points each) Answers, as ever, next week.

1815- 24 2011 - 21February october 2010

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18 - 24 February 2011

Cheap Printing Spain brings… cheap printing to Spain (obvious really!) THE NAME says it all about this company’s philosophy Cheap Printing Spain was set up by a group of experienced printers eager to turn the credit crunch around and get businesses advertising their services again. “We all know you have to spend money to make money. Everyone agrees that investing in advertising and presentation – whether that is ads in newspapers and radio, or printing leaflets, brochures and business cards, is vital in order to gain new customers.” Cheap Printing Spain’s Tommy told us. “But when there simply isn’t enough money to go around, other bills often have to take priority. This causes a vicious downward spiral that is very hard to get out of. By cutting down on advertising, finding new customers becomes harder and with fewer customers, there is less money to spend… I’m sure a lot of businesses recognise this depressing reality.” So ‘Cheap Printing Spain’ was created to try to help businesses get back in the market. Their cheap but quality

printing is achieved by cutting overheads and passing the savings onto the customer. With a closed printshop away from high city rental prices and a streamlined workflow based almost entirely on internet and emails, this forwardthinking company is able to reduce costs substantially. As their prices include free delivery on orders over €100, the pricing and ordering process really is simple and you get your products delivered to your door within days. “We also accept files in most formats so there’s no need to get bogged down on the technicalities,” said Tommy. “The important thing is to get your message out there, ‘no messing’, and that’s what we’re all about.” For customers without their own design, Cheap Printing Spain also offers great prices on top quality design work. You can see their website www.cheap-printing-spain.com for a list of prices and instructions on how to order: it really is as simple as 1-2-3! Or you can get in touch by emailing info@cheap-printing-spain.com

Burglar charmed his way into homes

A BURGLAR flirted with a woman in Alicante in order to gain access to her home. The 30-yearold man has now been arrested in connection with two burglaries on the San Juan urbanisation in the city. He began dating the female owner of one of the properties and coaxed information from her about where she kept her valuables, which were hidden in the garden shed. When caught, the man was found in possession of jewellery worth €10,000, €30,000 in cash and $1,000. He also stole electrical appliances and a designer watch from the neighbouring shed. The burglar admits to having used stolen money to buy a second-hand luxury car, and also to giving jewellery to his girlfriend.

Body parts found in El Altet A CHOPPED up body was discovered inside rubbish bags in El Altet last week by a couple who were out walking. Police report that all the body parts were there apart from the extremities and there were no signs of decomposition. An investigation has been opened, and

police believe the murder took place elsewhere. The remains were found not far from where another body was discovered in May last year, although there is no evidence to connect the two cases. An autopsy is being carried out to try and identify the victim.

18 - 24 February 2011

legal

18 - 24 February 2011

Accusations, Crimes, and Punishment (Part 1) by

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

IT IS an unfortunate fact of life that any one of us might be the victim of a crime at some time. At our office clients may come to us who want to report a crime and make an accusation or ‘Denuncia’, as well as clients who themselves have been charged with an offence and need legal representation to defend themselves. This short series of three articles will attempt to provide an explanation of the basic Spanish Criminnal process, and in this first article I will deal with how criminal proceedings are started. The second will cover some common (and some uncommon) types of criminal offence and the last will cover how the Spanish Courts punish offenders. Under the Spanish Penal Code which currently dates from 2003, the criminal process starts with a formal complaint, or ‘Denuncia’ by the victim of a crime. A Denuncia can be made to a Judge in Court, the public prosecutor, or more usually, the Police or Guardia Civil. It is compulsory to report a crime if you witness it being committed, or if you become aware of a crime against the State through your work or if you hold public office. If you fail to report a crime in these

circumstances, that is itself an offence. You are not obliged to report a crime if you are a minor, or the spouse or immediate relative of the offender, or if you are a lawyer and your client reveals to you that they have committed a crime as that is a matter of professional privilege, or you are a minister of religion and the offender confesses to you in your pastoral capacity. You can make a Denuncia in person verbally or in writing, or you can grant a Power of Attorney to a representative to present the Denuncia on your behalf. This last method can be particularly useful if you are outside Spain and cannot return to the country to make your Denuncia in person. If the Denuncia is made verbally it must be put into writing and then signed by the victim or by their representative. It is possible to make a Denuncia by telephone or internet, but you must later attend at a Police or Guardia Civil Station to sign the written version. If you make a false Denuncia, this is an offence and you can be prosecuted for it.

Once you have made your Denuncia the authorities take over the investigation of the offence and you can be required to attend Court to make a formal Statement of your evidence to the Judge, or ‘Declare’, as it is known here. Think very hard before making a ‘Denuncia’, as if you later wish to withdraw it, is up to the authorities whether they allow you to do so. Once you have started criminal proceedings they may take on a life of their own and result in consequences for you that you neither anticipate nor want. In my next article I shall deal with some of the more common types of criminal offences and some of the less common that may be subject of discussion in your local bar or club. Police stations can be intimidating places, and if your Spanish is rudimentary or non existent, or you want to make a Denuncia against someone for a serious offence you may find it helpful to be accompanied by a legal representative to help you through the process. In that case please contact our office where our English or Spanish lawyers will be ready to assist you.

Calle Andromeda 24, 03581 Albir - Alfaz del Pí, Alicante. Email: client@linkpointlegal.com Web: www.linkpointlegal.com Tel: 96 626 0500 Fax: 96 686 52 77

Re-evaluation of 500 parking spaces

Patent discrimination against Spain

AN EVALUATION of 80 reported ‘illegal’ parking incidents in Vila Joiosa by the local police has concluded that many garage exits and entryways are not properly signposted. The study, commissioned by the Department of Traffic, looked at 500 ‘vados’ (the space outside a garage that has to be kept clear). Results showed that many ‘no parking’ signs were not officially registered with the police, and in 15 percent of cases the sign is either in the wrong place or it has deteriorated so much that it is not legible.

SPAIN IS accusing the European Union of discrimination in a row over patents regulations. The qualified majority over the issue of patents regulations decided that French, English and German would be the recognised language for the system, pending voting in the Euro-

pean Parliament. Spanish and Italian were excluded in the system and now both countries demand an amendment. The issue was raised at a meeting of European education ministers last week where Italy’s representative, Vincenzo Grassi, stated, “It’s not only about patents but also of discrimi-

nating against member states, their culture, their identity, their language and their citizens.” Grassi’s comments were fully supported by Spain’s Secretary of State for Education Mario Bedera. Spain is preparing to take the issue to the Luxembourg’s European Court of Justice.

money

18 - 24 February 2011

UK moves towards pension flexibility - but QROPS still the expat choice by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns THE GREATER flexibility offered to UK expats following a transfer to a QROPS is reasonably well understood. Namely: • Less taxation - as low as 1.5% on income for Spanish resident expats • Higher lump sums - up to 100 % can be possible • More investment flexibility • No requirement to buy an annuity • A fund which can be passed on to the next generation. Whilst the coalition government is certainly wasting no time in looking at greater flexibility for those who keep their UK pension fund under UK rules, for the expat

QROPS still win out every time. Taking each of the points listed above in turn: TAXATION Many expats choose out of inertia to pay tax on their pension in the UK - often up to 40%. Structured correctly, the taxation basis of income in Spain from a QROPS will typically be between 1.5% and 2.5%. LUMP SUMS It will be soon be possible to take much higher lump sums from a UK pension fund. However, to do so it will be necessary to have a secure income (State pension and annuity) of at least £20,000 p.a. and the higher lump sum will be taxed as income. The UK government are also considering accessibility to lump sums before the age of 55. One example given is through distributions on the grounds of hardship. Compare this to a QROPS where the long term expat is already able to access a lump sum of up to 100% of the fund, free from UK tax.

INVESTMENT FLEXIBILITY There are no proposals to change the existing UK restrictions. However, for long term expats the flexibility to transfer through a QROPS to a structure with pretty much complete investment freedom is available. Our favoured vehicle to achieve the greatest investment flexibility for those who need it is a New Zealand Foreign Trust. ANNUITISATION The UK is about to (allegedly) abolish the effective compulsion to buy an annuity. However, it will remain the case that the remaining fund following death will be subject to taxation at 55%. Transferring to a QROPS means that following death the remaining fund can be distributed completely free from tax. PASSING THE FUND ON AFTER DEATH UK pensions law allows the remaining fund on death to be passed down the line for each £100 of fund. However, unless death

occurs before benefit has been taken, the beneficiaries will only receive £45 for each £100 of fund. (The exception to this is if the remaining funds have been left to charity.) Within a QROPS then the entire fund is available to be passed on - no UK tax is deducted. So the UK is looking at introducing more flexibility, which of course is a welcome development. All the same, the expat can achieve a much greater degree of flexibility and tax efficiency through a transfer to a QROPS. It really is a no brainer in nearly every case we are asked to advise on. For further information about how to maximise the value of your UK pension fund please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.qrops.es http://www.prempensions.com or http://www.qropsnz.com Stephen and Robert are two of the leading authorities on QROPS. PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L., February 2011. 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 www.qrops.es www.prempensions.com or www.qropsnz.com

business

18 - 24 February 2011

In business miracles don’t happen by

John Edwards

The Business Doctors, emergency sevice for business in Spain

MANY FACTORS can lead to the failure of a business and one often hears the cry, as a venture teeters on the brink, “…it was all due to circumstances beyond our control.” Maybe so – but one has to ask: “Why did you allow things to get beyond your control in the first place?” Much humming and hawing may ensue, followed possibly by claims of “bad luck” and “only a miracle could have saved us.” But the real problem, say The Business Doctors – established in Spain primarily to help ailing enterprises and provide advice to those setting up new companies – is complacency. Far too many enterprises get themselves locked into a mode of operation that is clearly not working very well, but they are reluctant to embark on the necessary changes needed to put them back in control. They may try throwing money at the problem by refinancing the business,

but this is like tossing breadcrumbs to a flock of hungry geese; they will keep coming back for more. And there will be no golden eggs at the end of the exercise. Operating in this way, say The Business Doctors, indicates that the business chiefs concerned are in a state of denial, and refuse to acknowledge the failures inherent in their existing business model. The first step needed to get back on an even keel is to seek help from experts who can tell you precisely what action has to be taken to avoid past mistakes. And this is where The Business Doctors can help. Take, as an example, budgets. The biggest challenge a new business, or even an established one, is likely to face is cash flow management. A consultation with The Business Doctors can quickly indicate whether or not

your budgeting skills need honing. They have the expertise not only to identify weaknesses in your budget management techniques, but will show you how to overcome them. Another example is financial planning, which draws on your business plans to identify what resources are needed to develop your enterprise. Here again, The Business Doctors can provide expert advice, and help you develop realistic company strategies. If you are inexperienced in financial management, then you should get an accountant initially to help you set up your bookkeeping system, generate financial statements and do some basic financial analysis. But don’t count on an accountant to completely take over your responsibility for financial management. An accountant can help you set up a bookkeeping system, generate financial statements and analyse them, but

you have to understand financial data to properly comprehend the effects of your management decisions, the current condition of your business and how decisions will affect the financial condition of your business in the future. The Business Doctors can help in this regard too, and show you precisely how to keep a finger on the pulse of your enterprise, and deal effectively with potential problems. If you think you need help with financial planning, or want advice on any other issue regarding your business, please take advantage of The Business Doctors’ free first consultation. At a time and place convenient to you, they will see you for an informal chat. This first step towards a healthier, more viable business will cost you nothing – all you need to contribute is a small amount of your time.

The Business Doctors are a registered Business Development Consultancy with over 40 years experience. Email: info@thebusinessdoctors.es Web: www.thebusinessdoctors.es Tel: 965 889 125

Calpe Tourist Office receives Q Certification CALPE’S TOURIST Office has been awarded the top rated ‘Q’ certification for its excellent performance in the management of tourism. The ‘Q’ award is recognised within the Spanish tourism industry as an accolade guaranteeing stringent levels of reliability and safety and also a high standard of promotion for businesses and organisations in the area. The award, under the auspices of the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality, was presented to Calpe City Councilman for Beach Affairs, Antonio Romero.

Smoking ban stages objections By Jan Gamm THE SPANISH acting fraternity are outraged following a warning being issued to the theatre showing the musical ‘Hair’ in Barcelona. Producers were informed that actors are prohibited from ‘smoking on stage’ in compliance with the new smoking laws introduced in January: the warning was accompanied by the threat of a €10,000 fine for future infractions. The producers responded to the warning issued by the regional health authority that the actors were in fact smoking a harmless concoction of herbs, not tobacco. Health Minister Leire Pajin is insistent, however, advising that when a part calls

for smoking, actors should “fake” the smoky bits. This would entail exhaling without actual smoke being released from the actor’s mouth. Director Albert Boadella, speaking to El Pais, said the anti-smoking campaign had now gone to “crazy extremes”, creating a “new inquisition.”

Hair

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Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

legal

18 - 24 February 2011

Personal injury law in Spain - basic concepts by

Marc White & Carlos Baos English & Spanish Solicitors

WE RECEIVE numerous enquiries regarding the type and amount of compensation that can be claimed in Spain after a road traffic accident, a fall in a shop or office, a stumble in the street due to a pavement in poor condition etc. This is what is known as ‘personal injury’. This is a matter of vital importance because the compensations that we could ask or claim for could be very high. As per Spanish Law, we can also say that there is an obligation to compensate the damage caused by a negligent act or omission. Normally depending on the country and its legislation, there would be a deadline to start a legal action requesting compensation; therefore, it is very important that when suffering any damage caused by another party, we contact our lawyer or solicitor to determine the legal deadlines applicable and

the next legal steps to be taken. In general, personal injuries in Spain are compensated and determined per the R.D.L. 8/2004 (Ley sobre responsabilidad civil y seguro en la circulación de vehículos a motor) Law of civil liability and motor vehicles insurances and the amounts are annually updated; for this year it was reviewed on the 20th of January 2011 by the Direction of General Insurance. In Spanish Law, compensation to be received is set and fixed according to the objective criteria fixed in the said RDL 8/2004. So for example, the compensation for a death will depend on the age of the victim, number of descendants, etc., and the amount will vary according to other circumstances such as income of the deceased, siblings, dependents… In reference to permanent damages suffered as the result of injuries, these are ruled by a points system set out in the RDL 8/2004 and the compensation for each point is updated annually and increases with the number of points and the seriousness of the injury. Also it includes a valuation for what is known as temporary disability days (necessary time to heal) e.g. for 2011 the value of one day in hospital is €67.98 per day, and other days out of the hospital but without being able to

carry on your normal life or activity are set at €55.27 per day, and the remaining days (those where you have a normal life) are set at €29.75 per day; these quantities could be increased according to the income level of the injured person. For example, a man aged 19 who suffered an accident caused by a window falling in a shop and who lost part of his nose and remained in the hospital for 2 days and has to take 20 days of sick leave without being able to work, and with an annual salary of €15,000, could claim for a compensation as per the following: First the partial loss of his nose (permanent injury) is valued from 5 to 25 points. If there is also a slight cosmetic injury this will be valued separately from 1 to 6 points; so we could say that this injury could reach a maximum valuation of 31 points. For a damage of 31 points the compensation per point would be €1,601.10. Taking into account that this could be increased up to 10% for economic damage and considering the annual net income of this example, the compensation could be as much as €1601.10 x 31 x 110% = €54,594.10. As for the days that he will need to be in the hospital without having a normal life, he would be able to claim: 2 days of hospital - 2

x €67.98 per day, plus 20 days x €55.27 per day, plus 10% economic damage in this case = €1,365.49. This makes an approximate compensation (without going into any other criteria that could change it) of about €55,959.59. Should you suffer any kind of accident in Spain and need our legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. *This article is available in English and Spanish in our Web site: www.white-baos.com

Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) © White & Baos Abogados 2011 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located close to the Glorieta Square at the end of Marques de Campo). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

18 - 24 February 2011

18--17 24February February2011 2011 11

www.spanishhomefinder.com Brought to you by

Saving pennies could cost you £££s By Guest Writer Michael Rushe of House Proud Property management & Letting IN THESE days of financial restraint when confidence is fragile it seems wise to count the pennies. However, in the highly competitive market of holiday home lettings choosing not to invest in what your holiday home has to offer could cost you dearly in the long run. The Spanish holiday home rental market has always been Europe wide and nowadays the holiday maker is looking for value for money. To be successful you have to offer what they have come to expect from quality holiday homes. First, start with the basics. You should ensure that your fitments and fixtures are up to scratch. In an earlier article I recommended that you should make a pre-season check of your property’s structure repairing any damage, giving the place a lick of paint and replacing any fixtures beyond repair. Take an inventory of bed linen, towels, crockery and cutlery and replace items that are worn, stained, chipped or missing. This exercise does not have to cost the earth. You do not have to have Egyptian cotton sheets or Royal Albert tea cups but your guests won’t thank you for sleeping on old and worn sheets or not having enough cups to drink from no matter what the view is like. Making you property more homely is another financially smart

idea. It should be a ‘home from home’ so make it like one. Hang some pictures on the walls. You can obtain good quality art at local markets that don’t break the bank. You should also consider other accessories such as lamps, bowls and some ornaments but don’t clutter the place. Remember things can and will get broken during the season so don’t include something that, if damaged, will break your heart. Some other things to consider are a television set, DVD and music players. Are you aware that Spanish digital freeview TV channels (TDT) can show UK TV shows and films in English at the push of a

Property button? It can cost less than €200 to set up and is a cheap alternative to satellite TV. Do not forget to have a range of DVDs and CDs in the property for you guests to use if they wish. If you want to attract families invest in a travel cot and high chair. A library of paperbacks and a collection of board games all the family can play will also be appreciated by your guests. If your property is close to the beach why not supply a parasol and a cool box. In short, think of the things that you would like to have the use of on a family holiday and put them into your property.

House Proud Property Management & Lettings Tel 96 578 1731 or 680 274 831 | info@houseproudindenia.com | www.houseproudindenia.com

18 - 24 February 2011

Neater Heater:

Norway’s economic answer to heating your home SINCE STARTING Neater Heater just over a year ago, Richard and Tony have repeatedly been asked the same question: “Are they economical and how much will they cost to run?” In an effort to get to the bottom of this, RTN asked Tony the same question. “It is very difficult to answer this question accurately and truthfully without sounding evasive,” explained Tony. “The problem is that some companies make outlandish claims about their product. Richard and I, on the other hand, want our customers to be under no illusion about what they are buying from us. “For example, one of our rivals claims their 400 watt heater costs less than 5 cents per hour to run. Well, that may have been true a year or two ago, but not now. The truth is that any 400 watt electrical heater costs about 5.6 cents (plus IVA) per hour to run. If the heater in question does not have a thermostat (many don’t) that price never reduces because the electricity consumption never reduces: If the heater does have a thermostat (as Neater Heaters do) then the electric consumption, and therefore the cost, will usually be reduced, sometimes by as much as a half. This does not on its own make Neater Heaters more economical, however, unless they are better heaters. We believe, as do many of our customers who are replacing their existing electrical heating systems with ours, that Neater Heaters are the most efficient convector heaters on the market. This, combined with their economical performance, makes them the best value for money on the market. The fact that they look good is just the ‘icing on the cake.’ Tony and “You don’t have to take our word for it. Richard fit a We have distributors from Moraira down the Coast to Mojacar. Just black Neater Heater into a pop into one of them and re-discover the joys of central heating, but teenager’s at an affordable price.” bedroom

Spotlight: Property

Neater Heaters can be viewed and bought at: Gata de Gorgos: Iron Art Moraira: Neater Heater, Calle Mostoles 41a. Tabaira (AM Only) Calpe: Imprint: Avda Gabriel Miró 34 La Nucia: Labels and Tables Gran Alacant: Suzie Screwz Benijofar: MJD Property Maintenance Playa Flamenca: Busters Bar. Centro Comercial Mazarron: La Red Solutions, Camposol B. Suzy´s Pre-owned Furniture, Pedreguer, For site visits and surveys in the North Costa Calida area, call Edmund on 679 586 307. Neater Heater: Sole Spanish suppliers of BEHA Heaters. Email: info@neaterheaterspain.com. www.neaterheaterspain.com Or phone us directly on: 634 312 171.

680 491 740 965 050 699 965 874 451 966 876 153 648 859 672 965 724 999 678 063 268 968 199 025 678 049 050

18 - 24 February 2011

Properties of the week brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

Search- view -enquire 3 bed penthouse with stunning mountain views

Beautiful 3 bedroom penthouse with stunning mountain views near Orihuela. Large roof terrace, communal pool, garage, store room. There are 2 bathroom/showers, the master bedroom being en-suite. It is a penthouse apartment with a lovely very large roof garden with stunning views overlooking the mountains.

95,000 euros

4 bedroom 2 bathroom villa with pool Quiet village location, 20 mins to Tavernes & Gandia beaches, this villa was built 2003, it has 4 bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes, two large bathrooms, 1 with shower, the other with shower over jacuzzi bath,open plan kitchen, dinning, lounge with wood burner, double glazed, gas central heating, air & heat conditioning.

275,000 euros

Jalon Valley Dreams

3 bedroom, 3 bathroom south facing villa with private pool and views in the Jalon Valley.

285,000 euros

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

health

18 - 24 February 2011

Sharon Hairdressers NOW YOU can combine a trip to the hairdressers with a trip to the supermarket. Sharon Gonzales Furlong has opened a new hairdressing salon directly opposite Carrefour Supermarket (next door to Cam Bank). The salon opened for business on 7th February 2011, Sharon, originally from Ireland, has over twenty years experience in all aspects and modern techniques required to be a quality hairdresser today with demands for many different styles and colourings etc. Sharon is joined by Beatrice Manea, who has many years’ experience in the industry and will be known to many as she previously worked at ‘Ten Dencias’

ladies hairdressers in Altos del Limonar (next to the Lemon Tree Bar) All services are on offer at Sharon’s from a simple cut and blow dry to tints and colours. Or why not have the full works and include a manicure or pedicure or even have your eyebrows or lip waxed? If you take along the coupon from the advert in this week’s RTN you will receive a €5 discount on a cut and blow dry. The premises are well presented and clients are made most welcome. The Salon is open Tuesday – Friday from 10.00 – 16.00 and on Saturdays from 10.00 until 14.00. To book an appointment call: 966 848 735.

Yet another fake doctor discovered A SECOND fake doctor has been discovered in the Valencian province, and two more doctors are under investigation. The regional councillor for health, Manuel Cervera, spoke to the press last Monday, saying that the ‘doctor’ had passed herself off as a medical intern at the Sant Joan D’Alacant hospital using stolen ID combined with her own photograph. Cervera said that the fake doctor had not had direct contact with patients but could have taken part in a clinical session and posed as a doctor on call. She was caught out after a resident doctor reported his suspicions. Two other doctors are under investigation, one from Dénia health centre and one from a centre in Elche. The first fake doctor was caught at Doctor Peset hospital in Valencia and the case is now in the courts – the woman worked for five months before being discovered.

AECC TORREVIEJA

Calle La Calera, 2 Tel: 965 716679 (English-speaking Wednesday mornings) FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2011 17th February An Evening of Variety at Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras, 8.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Headed up by the La Marina Tappers the show will include music and comedy to suit all tastes. Proceeds to AECC. 22nd March Registration for Cancer Screening at La Marina. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at La Marina Tourist Office opposite Supervalu Supermarket. Subsidised screening for prostate, breast and cervical cancers. Auctions are held at: ROCAJUNA, Punta Prima, Monday; MONTY’S BAR, Algorfa, Wednesday; BUDDIE’S BAR, Playa Flamenca (near Saturday Market and Judges Chambers) Thursday; EMERALD ISLE, Playa Flamenca, Friday. All at 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. If you have any items to

donate for auction contact Carol and Ron 965 319 929 Mobile 688 238 879. ---------------------------------------------AECC are looking for people able to organise concerts or other fundraising events in order to continue its life-saving subsidised cancer screening. AECC offers this service to Men and Women to detect cancer in its early stages and fund-raising is an essential part of this process. It is also vitally important to remember your own cancer screening, so please call AECC on 965 716679 or Jackie on 966 722358 if you can help in any way or to arrange appointments. Visit the AECC English-Language Website for further information about all aspects of AECC in the Torrevieja area: www.aecctorrevieja.org

18 - 24 February 2011

Fitness and fun followed by tea and cake at Casa la Pedrera CAN YOU walk with Georgie May? Even if you cannot walk very far, Paul Cunningham Nurses and Georgie May invite you to come along for live entertainment, a BBQ and other fabulous food and tea and cake! Relax in beautiful surroundings and take in the awe-inspiring view. If you can walk 5km, even at a slow, easy pace, then this challenge is for you! The Charity Challenge Walk, Run or Cycle is 5km, 10km 15km and 20km and will start and finish in the fabulous grounds of the Grand Design House on the edge of the fabulous Pedrera Lake in Torremendo near San Miguel on Sunday, 6th March. Please make this a date in your diary now! The annual sponsored walk now in its third year supports the Hospice Care at Home Charity Paul Cunningham Nurses. Details and sponsorship forms are available at both of the Paul Cunningham Nurses charity shops in Quesada and Playa Flamenca and from our office in La Marina. Full details are available at www.paulcunninghamnurses.com You can download a sponsorship form from www.thingstodoinspian.info or call, text or email Susan Reader on 629 869 959 or sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk A raffle will offer fantastic prizes including a bike from Cyclogical in Quesada as first prize and ‘challenge’ inspired prizes including canoeing/kayaking; water ski-ing; quad biking; air rifle shooting; archery and lasersport; horseriding and horse and pony treks.

And for the less adventurous, prizes also include a food hamper and several Sunday lunches for two along with an invitation to return to The Grand Design House for complimentary tea and cake.

MABS Cancer Support Group: Murcia/Mar Menor: Thursday 24th February: 20.30: Race Night, La Batalla, 2 Avenida de las Americas, Roldan: All proceeds to MABS Murcia/Mar Menor: Special meal deals available: Call: 968 589 991 or 689 897 866. Monday, 28th February: 20.00: Golf Auction (the first of 2011) Café Golf, San Javier: New and second hand clubs, trolleys and balls available. If you want to auction any golf item or for further information contact Nike or Neil on 968 566 448/666 766 600 or email info@cafegolf.es Friday, 18th March: 15.00 – 19.00: Spring Back to Childhood (Family Games Afternoon), Café Golf, San Javier: Conkers, darts, Ludo, Tiddlywinks…! Entrance is €2.50 (includes a free game): Food available: For further information contact Nike or Neil on 968 566 448/666 766 600 or email info@cafegolf.es Do you want to make a difference? Got some time to spare? Become a MABS volunteer. Call 693 275 779: Email: info@mabsmurcia.com or visit www.mabsmurcia.com

Camposol Golf Association generous gift

Georgie May

Volunteers wanted for HAH

PUMA 22 propose to organise Help at Home HAH in the Costa Blanca, initially to cover Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa areas, similar to the successful HAH group in the Mar Menor region. Volunteers are needed to provide home care within the following assessment: carers; nurses; hospital sitters; respite carers; fund raisers; translators; drivers and mobility equipment. For further details or if you are interested in becoming an ‘active’ HAH volunteer in the Torrevieja area, please phone 659 245 552 or email: admin@puma22.org or in the Mar Menor area tel: 968 134 978 or email helpathomespain@gmail.com

Ladies Who Lunch ‘Double It’ Ladies who lunch

THIS VERY successful group was formed in July 2010 to support Paul Cunningham Nurses with their programme of nursing care in the community. The aim was to raise €1,000 in the first year. This month’s excellent lunch was held at the English restaurant ‘Let’s Eat’ on Benimar, on 2nd February 2010,

with superb food and attentive service providing a very relaxed ambience in which to raise money! This month we achieved €256 which included a donation of €25 from ‘The Wednesday Club’ and €73 from a Birthday celebration - thanks go to all concerned. To date, €2,100 has been credited

to our account with PCN; a wonderful achievement in such a short space of time all due to the brilliant support given by ‘The Ladies’. Negotiations are now in place to supply uniforms for the nurses bearing the Ladies who Lunch logo. The March meeting is by coach to Hondon de las Nieves, to a Dutch restaurant. Visitors are welcome to join us on this excursion. We will be stopping in Elche for coffee and a little shopping! In April we will meet at Hoggies on San Luis where we hope to present the new uniforms. For details of Ladies who Lunch please contact: Janine Williams on 966 261 359 or Maddie Pinfold on 966 078 646

THE CAMPOSOL Golf Association recently held the Camposol Charity Shield Competition. There were 86 entrants and the winners were the Pawson family. Peter Bowker, Club Captain, presented MABS Mazarron with a fantastically generous cheque for €3,000, received by MABS Cancer Support Group President, Jacqui Phillips, pictured centre; MABS Mazarron Director, Fran Sears, right and Bev Thompson, MABS Maz-

arron Treasurer, left. MABS Cancer Support Group Director, Fran Sears, Pat Hankinson, Ann Walmsley and Marjorie Drummond who had all manned the MABS stall were present to receive the welcome funds: MABS relies solely on donations and fundraising. For more information about MABS Mazarron, contact General Enquiries: 620 582 418 or visit www.mabsmazarron. com.

18 - 24 February 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Clean up programmes Frank via email asks: IN THE last issue of RTN you state one should stay clear of clean up programs that access computer Registries. I use Advanced Systems Care 10bit, one of the functions of which is to clean the Registry. I have never had a problem so far but am I putting my computer at risk using this site? I have AVG 2009 and wonder if I should upgrade it to AVG 2011 as it appears to be doing the job OK. Unfortunately I have difficulty obtaining the

Windows 7

RTN where I live so would be grateful if you would kindly advise me by email. Aunty Says: In my opinion Frank, any program that regularly access and makes changes to your Windows registry is putting your computer at risk. Again, this just my opinion and it doesn’t necessarily mean you will have any problems with iobit’s ASC. I would recommend upgrading to AVG2011 and follow the custom install instructions on the enetcomputers.net

website. While there you can also subscribe to have my article automatically emailed to you or read it via the www.roundtownnews.com website.

Using a proxy IP address Graham via email asks: HI THERE Aunty, I use a proxy IP address to watch BBC iPlayer and seem to have no problems, but today, due to my Freesat recordings overlapping, I missed the end of a program on 4. I went to 4on demand, clicked the relevant program and it came up “not available in your area.” As BBC and ITV players respond OK (but not 4 and 5) does this mean I require different proxies for the

latter two or are they not available period? Hope you can resolve this for me, and it’s a pity that after all those years of paying taxes and license fee’s they can’t let us expats have a license to view in Europe, even for a fee. Aunty Says: I quite agree Graham, and what really puzzles me is that the Freesat channels, including BBC, C5 and C4 are available here in Spain, but not via their respective websites. I think your problem with 4oD and Channel5 is that they use a different method of Internet broadcasting that doesn’t work with the standard proxy IP connection. You may need to investigate a VPN (Virtual Private Network) type of service but do some Google research to find the best one.

That’s all for this week, email me on auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out

Adobe 10

Roger via email asks: DEAR AUNTY, I have been trying to download Adobe10 but every time I go through the procedures and I think I have done it a message appears “error code 1711” indicating that I have not got enough disc space but I know I have 20GB. The same thing happens when I have tried to download AVG. There are two web sites: restoreguard.com ad errorscan-tools.com where you can download and rectify (they say) the problem. I am not sure whether to trust these websites and would appreciate your advice. Aunty Says: That looks likes it could be a Windows Installer error message Roger and may well be caused by some redundant temp files. You will need to restart Windows in ‘safe mode’ and navigate to your ‘\windows\Installer’ folder and delete all .tmp files. Let me know if this resolves it. I had a quick look at those two websites and I would tread carefully if I were you.

Maya via email asks: DEAR AUNTY. I recently bought a new Laptop with Windows 7 and transferred all my Files from Windows XP with a Memory stick but some .zdp files cannot be opened. Could you give me some advice how to open them in file Conversion? Aunty Says: I think ZDP files are something to do with the Avery’s Design Pro label program which you will need to download and install from the www.avery.com website.

Is this a problem?

Gordon via email asks: EACH TIME I connect to Internet Explorer I get a Pop up box in the right hand bottom of the screen stating Performance Alert High CPU Usage. Is this a problem? Aunty Says: It is quite normal to see the CPU meter (a gadget that comes with Windows7 and Vista) bounce up to 70% when you start programs such as Internet Explorer. If the CPU meter you are seeing is the one that comes with Norton Internet Security 2011, then ironically it is probably Norton that is causing the overload on your computer’s resources. Keep an eye on the readings and see if they settle down after a minute or two and maybe either live with it or replace Norton with one of the free security suite of programs such as Microsoft’s Security Essentials.

18 - 24 February 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

the case of the Nintendo 3DS THIS WEEK the Inspector examines the Nintendo 3DS hand-held gaming console. Long gone are the days of the pocket games computers with little, barely discernible characters hopping about dementedly to accompanying screeches, beeps, clicks and “Game Over” mechanical laughter – nowadays these devices have high definition screens and audio, built-in cameras, internet connectivity and can even communicate with other consoles. Welcome to the Nintendo 3DS... The BIG selling point of this device is the colour 3D effect games display that does not require wearing those silly 3D specs that make you look like you´ve done a Jack Duckworth with some spare coloured lenses. Instead, using some very clever ‘depthof-field’ trickery, a convincing 3D effect is created. It should be noted that Nintendo warns that the use of the 3D feature by children aged six and under as there is a risk of vision damage. If kids have access to the console Parental Controls can limit the display of 3D images. Well, you can just hear parents mouthing the time honoured words “If you don´t stop doing that you´ll go blind…” – though on a more serious note it is worth being aware of. In addition the 3DS comes with pre-installed

augmented-reality games, which incorporate your surroundings into the action via the pair of cameras mounted on the outside of the lid. These cameras can also take fairly low resolution but still impressive 3D pictures. There is a separate front-facing 640x480 conventional camera to take your own mugshot. The console also contains both a gyroscope and an accelerometer for motion-sensing games. There’s also a 360-degree analogue pad, which makes game playing much easier on the fingers – and a colour touch screen mounted in the base for hands-on gaming. Add to this a basic AAC/MP3 music player, and a built-in pedometer which records how many steps you’ve taken and rewards you with in-game extras. The Nintendo has built-in Wi-Fi offering access to an internet browser and the curious ‘Street Pass’ that allows the exchange of data with other players as you pass them in the street. It also has a ‘Spot Pass’ feature which detects and uses public internet access points to obtain interesting items – such as free software, notifications and 3D content. The Nintendo 3DS comes in Aqua Blue or Cosmos Black with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Inspector´s Verdict: the Nintendo 3DS should keep your gaming offspring occupied and away from any potential ASBO- related activities – though whilst using the console in 3D mode the limited battery life and recommended

restriction on children under 6 using the console limits things a tad. The Nintendo 3DS is due for release on March 25th 2011 with an expected retail price of around €239, with additional games (not as yet downloadable) costing around €36 each.

18 - 24 JANUARY February 2011 8-14 2010

Going ecological by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

NOWADAYS THERE are many reasons for going organic and making gardens organic chemical free. They include the following: Gardens become safer for the family, pets, wildlife, neighbours and passers by. Edible produce from the garden is free of chemical coatings and vegetables and fruit do not need to be peeled or the outer leaves thrown away. Home dried fruits and vegetables will be free of unnatural additives. Homemade compost made by rotting down kitchen and garden wastes are free of chemicals and hence the soil and compost mixes used for containers. Wild life returns to the garden. Each Year the EU bans or recommends that more and more non ecologiocal `products should not be used.eco products Plants in the garden have insecticidal (lantanas, chrysanthemums, basil, rue, garlic, rose scented geraniums, onions and thyme), fungicidal properties (e.g. the horse tail weed, tomato leaves) and excellent fertiliser properties (e.g. comfrey and nettle).

Drying more mandarin slices for snacks

Each of our books includes natural/ ecological solutions to problems. Commercial ecological products are becoming widely available. There are a wide range of places to look for products. These include agricultural cooperatives, agricultural/horticultural shops, garden centres, mail order via the websites such as Neudorff, Trabe, Organic catalogue, animal feed warehouses such as the ‘Pienso’ one on the N332 just north of the roads to La Xara and Pedrequer. The latter now stocks some useful products including natural guano from fossilised beds of sea bird droppings from Chile – a regularly used product before the expansion of the chemical industry - post World War II. By the way, the villages around the Val de Pop area have a good weekly supply of useful eco products as The Good Life

Gardening Company run by the helpful Jaime and Sarah stocks a range of eco products including Neem, a good general purpose insecticide and propolis, a useful fungicide on their market stall which again trades at the following village markets from this month: Monday – Parcent Tuesday – Beniarbiege Wednesday – La Llossa Thursday – Benidoleig Friday – Alcalalli Saturday – Jalon Sunday Pedreguer Although we mention insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers where possible it is best to follow gardening practices such as the following that do not require the use of any products, or at least on a regular basis: Check all plants for insect and fungal attacks before buying them to avoid importing problems from garden centres and Clodagh diluting comfrey tea made by rotting down comfrey leaves in water to produce a good fertilizer especially for fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and beans.

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain. The useful quartet of books can be obtained from bookshops or by email from the websites of Amazon, Santana Books, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com February 2011.

market stalls. Grow plants at a natural rate by improving the soils with slow release natural manures, composts and liquid concoctions and infusions. Don’t over force plants by an excessive use of water or concentrated feeds. Don’t co-plant thirsty and drought resistant plants. Hopefully we will no longer be gassed wandering around urbanisations where chemicals are still sprayed willy-nilly. Luckily more and more local councils are starting to use ecological products. Clodagh and Dick’s Books Each of the books includes chapters about the use of ecological products. They can be obtained at bookshops, Carrefour if not sold out and by mail order via the websites of Santana Books, Amazon, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society.

18 - 24 February 2011

Yorkshire Linen to open new store in Altea AFTER SOME incredible feedback from customers travelling all the way from Altea / Albir / Alfaz and the La Nucia area to buy their sheets and towels from the Yorkshire Linen store in Javea, the company is delighted to announce the opening of its store right next-door to Mercadona on the Cap Blanc on the N332 between Altea and Albir. Customers that travelled all the way from the Albir area to

the whole shopping experience. Most of all they love the prices. Loyal customers are assured that nothing will change - there will still be a fantastic range of products and even though cotton prices have DOUBLED in the last year, quality and prices at Yorkshire Linen will still be the best around. Apart from the high quality and great prices offered, one of the main reasons why Yorkshire Linen has enjoyed such a loyal customer base is due to their customer service complimented by special offers and Loyalty Discount Cards, where customers benefit from 10% discount loyalty cards for life!...Every time loyalty card holders shop they receive a 10% discount on everything in the store...even on sales items! DISCOUNT TRADE CARD For villa rental companies and for individuals that rent out their villas there is an attractive discount available. If you are

the Javea store were disappointed when the Benidorm store closed two years ago. Their loyalty inspired Yorkshire Linen to open in the Altea and Albir area. When asked why they kept on driving all that way to Javea when there were other stores on their doorstep, the response was consistent...they like the wide range of stock; the choice of colour schemes; the lay-out of the shop; the quality and

about to refurbish your apartment or villa for the coming season visit Yorkshire Linen...they are confident you’ll find just what you’re looking for at prices you’ll appreciate! The opening is to take place on 21st February. On opening day there will be a lucky dip for the first 100 customers who come into the store and those first 100 customers will be guaranteed anything between 10 and 20% discount on everything they buy. So why not come along and chance your luck! Jan and Mark of Yorkshire Linen Co in Javea and Altea look forward to seeing you and thank all their customers for their loyalty over the last two years.

18 - 24 JANUARY February 2011 8-14 2010

Safe in the light Maybe it is the rich history of the Costa Blanca that there are so many Earthbound spirits inhabiting homes in the Round Town News area. Thanks to your mail, it is certain that many restless spirits decide not to make their transition to the Spirit World but that try to live here on the Earth plane amongst us. Mostly I get to hear about the noisy or the nosy ones that actually permeate our daily lives and become the haunted in their haunting. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, that no body other than we the living should have a right to be here living on Earth. Once our soul departs our body, that grey remaining corpse left behind is a lifeless body ready to be burned or buried, and sent back to just where we first came from, Earth to earth. Such is the cycle of life. Those who choose to defy this ordained pattern do so on their own terms as mavericks, and since they no longer have healthy bodies to live within; manage to get by as translucent wraiths living amidst the colour and the splendour of our real lives. They can muster and be shown in all their former glory by sentient beings, but they are faded “has been’s” that should be throwing in the towel and moving over. Earthbound Spirits have a need to try and survive. Amongst them will be a cross section of dead people who will not accept that their Earthly life is ended. These stubborn few need special care and intention, because their ability to survive, at all odds, registers their strong energies and their need to survive; only they shouldn’t, because they are well and truly dead, and so they really can’t. These restless Spirit often appear to certain members of the household. The open, the sensitive, the believing, amongst us can be very attractive to those who should have made their transition some time ago, when the time was really right to shed their deep and meaningful souls and to be shown the way ahead to the appointed resting place assigned to them in the encompassing Spirit World. There are, of course many different decades of Spirit. A friend of mine in

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

Kenny, if someone didn’t believe in the Spirit World can they contact me when they pass over? My Father said that Spirit was a load of rubbish, and criticised me for my beliefs. What will happen now he has gone to the other side? Anne C. Well, let’s see what happens Anne, good question! Your departed Father will be given every chance to make the decisions that he has to make. Residency depends on an explanation of past actions which may include your Father’s criticisms. However he will recive love and understanding regardless of this, and then may decide to make contact to let you know that he is OK. One thing is sure, his survival in Spirit will have surprised him and from now on anything is going to be possible. Keep an open mind, send him your messages of love, as you are, and start the ball rolling. Let me know how you get on.

Alicante has spotted in his finca a man from the Spanish Inquisition who rubs shoulders with another apparition of a teenage boy from the 1960s, who frequently manifests. They won’t be able to see each other because of the difference in the time dimension, but they inhabit the same home now, one connected to the land, and the second to the modern apartment block that it became fifty years ago. The house has so many cold spots, and the atmosphere is electric when one of the two men appear. When entities make a decision to become visible to us they are unaware of the current modern lay out of the homes that we inhabit. Hence they wander about diagonally, walking freely though walls and maybe disturbing furniture, which they cannot feel or see because it does not connect to their past and thus is not in the plan of their spiritual vortex of the past. The odd old coin, and out of print magazines they leave behind sometimes are clues to their furtive and futile mere existence, as the spiritual apports that they are. So, if things go bump in the night, or you feel the presence please send whoever they are safely off on their way. I often get called to come and do this job, but I can’t be sure that, when I leave, that the entity leaves with me. The un dead are resistant and it is, sometimes, only subsequent notice to quit and then banishment that forces them to take their rightful places, freeing their Earthbound ties; and moving them safely and ceremoniously on into the light that shows them the way forward. You are the best person to control the Spiritual vibrations of your own home, but if you need help and advice call me. Be unafraid and consistent. Be flattered that you can share in the historical energies that survive through a state of haunting. It is nothing new and something rather wonderful to be able to help those over to the other side. You will need to psychically clear your home, since only you the living, belong to this day here on Earth, safe in the light!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary Workshops and Courses begin in the Spring

Please call or email me to be included in the current mailing list for 2011.

2012: Network updates

email: kennycorris@hotmail.com

March

Readings in Gandia: Now listing!

April 16th

Spiritual Fair at The Maya Bistro: Now booking!

contact kenny Appointments: 96 587 8424 Mobile: 686 361 594 Web: www.kennycorris.net Forum: www.kennycorris.net/forum Email: kennycorris@hotmail.com

Please contact me for inclusion in my healing list!

horoscopes by Kenny Corris With Mercury, Mars and Neptune connecting with Aquarius the scene is set and the time is right for you to make a move. With camera, lights and action beckoning you on it’s now or never, but do you have the guts to see it through? In the long run you have to face up to facts and fully understand why things got this complicated, meanwhile take your lucky chance because you will not be disappointed. A skittish Venus sends you an instruction you would be foolish to ignore, particularly as the impetus is to square with knowing Saturn, planet of inner wisdoms, and homely Capricorn; bringing out the earthly energies you need to make a stand. You are not alone in your needing clearance, but why not let things move on before you make any decision that you may live to regret. Mercury takes on Mars and Neptune in a double whammy. Seems as if you could kill two birds with one stone, but take things in your stride and stall if you need to, until the time is right, after the next weekend. This gives you a freedom to do some research, and will allow you to see for once, both sides of the coin. Someone has put a lot of love and good intention into taking care of you just now. Nothing must rain on your parade this week. This is a time when you have to also practise what you preach. With a bet on the love stakes accept the attention of loving Venus, the wisdom of Saturn and the power of mighty Neptune into making things more open and secure. Though there is a need to look back, skip nostalgia for once, and opt for some simple tender love and care. A Full Moon serves to elevate your mood and bodes well for projects and schemes that will benefit from your direct actions and skilful interpretations of what is really needed right now. There is a strong need to communicate, and to come out of a period of silence brought about by fear of the future. Throw caution to the wind, and follow your gut reactions to be able to invest in yourself for a change. Put your foot down. Whilst you did not know exactly what you were taking on at the time in hindsight there has been a loophole that wasn’t expected. Put your cards on the table and rest assured that nobody could ever blame you for doing what you have been forced to do; however they do have to openly support you, and what you stand for, if they want that eventual end share of the pie. Couple together the wisdom of Saturn and the wealth of balance achieved by your Libran equilibrium, and something more could be made of that which is currently in danger of being swept under the carpet. With a brief to make sweeping changes into a natural flow of energy the ship has to be steered, and with control and good leadership your wants and needs aren’t unrealistic, they’re inspiring. Mars rubs shoulders with messenger boy Mercury in a midweek conjunction. Anything could happen, but for sure it won’t if it’s not what you had in mind. What you need is something to well and truly get your teeth into. As a hard worker and a born leader it is time to show that you too can pull out all the stops if you need to, and you may even surprise yourself in the deal. Finances take a tumble as Neptune calls in an old debt and the money you need for something is not available through no fault of your own. However there has to be a surety that finances are kept in check, since you should instruct your money to work for you, not you for it. With reality and some skilful tightening of the belt things can only get better, and they will, but work on the here and now. Venus is ensconced in the energies of your third house of hospitality, so caring for a treasured guest is on the cards. This is a time to care and share, and to organise your life so that a swap or a change takes advantage of a current situation, and helps you all along the way. Review possibilities without putting a spoke in the wheel, and compromise, it will lead to a new way of living. Love needs to enter your open and loving heart. However there are some complications that you are not fully taking into your conscience, and some excuses it would be better to make then hurting someone close to you. With a celebration pending you have the chance to pull out all the stops, but be very sure that you do not lose out whatever the current deal brings you in real terms. The entry of the Sun brings loving energy all around you, and someone needs to apologise to you for their over reaction about a recent problem you have been helping to solve. Remember that you have rights too, and that you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. You cannot be responsible for the next phase, but you are about to be called to work on higher levels nevertheless.

If it’s your birthday this week...

Put trust into someone who seems to want to offer help and guidance. Though you have to make up your own mind on something, accept that others can help you through, and that they genuinely have your interests at heart!

8-14 2010 18 - JANUARY 24 February 2011

Word Ladders The key rule is that you must only change one letter at a time as you move from one rung to another, and the word you make must be a proper word! Therefore you may move from BATH --> BATS but not from BATH --> CASH because that changes two letters in one go which is not allowed.

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku ACROSS 1. Not the first form to be not very good (6-5) 9. Help first-rate dunderhead (3) 10. Small letters not acceptable in a higher court? (5-4) 11. Chooses implements for excavating (5) 13. Before noon, one clever enough to be worth loving (7) 14. Obviously a small amount of time (6) 16. Worse than the duckling who turned out well (6) 18. Steeped as far down as one can go (7) 19. It may sound very small, but there’s power there! (5) 20. Subordinate to worker, being sly (9) 21. Confinement for the writer (3) 22. 2 or 3 for example offering a first-class anaesthetic? (5,6)

DOWN 2. The purpose of having broken-down vehicles (3) 3. Gives amorous looks as learner goes about (5) 4. Rise, friend, and marry and get a loose double chin! (6) 5. Bird having a frolic? (7) 6. Limbs hang loosely when walking awkwardly (9) 7. Successful trance presumably produces one - it does avoid extremes (5,6) 8. The sort of effect a sharp tone of voice has, perhaps (11) 12. Competitor will study offer (9) 15. Take me up on other changes: it is to be proved (7) 17. Filter needs considerable effort (6) 19. Mother is twice a lady (5) 21. Mixed type of dish (3)

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Own (11)

2. Study (3)

9. Criticise harshly (3)

3. At no time (5)

10. Watchfulness (9)

4. Tepee (6)

11. Happen again (5)

5. Oval (7)

13. Attire (7)

6. Produced (9)

14. Meditate (6)

7. Suitable (11)

16. Defeated (6)

8. High boots (11)

18. Fancy (7)

12. Receptacle (9)

19. Military student (5)

15. Distinguished (7)

20. Fruit (9)

17. Needlework (6)

21. Fire-arm (3)

19. Purify (5)

22. Leading performer (11)

21. Fuel (3)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword

You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like. But there is at least one nine letter word hidden in each wordwheel (and thus using every letter in the wordwheel). For many players the fun element and biggest challenge of the wordwheel is to find a nine letter word. Other than that, the rules are up to you - but generally you should restrict yourself to only finding words that contain the central letter, as otherwise you will find huge numbers of words in many puzzles!

Win a meal for 2!

Inn Plaice in Torrevieja (Mon-Thu) Nemos (Next to RTN offices in La Nucia)

by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly. Answers by email to: office@roundtownnews.com | or Fax: 96 585 60 54

Euromillions Draw Friday 11TH FEBRUARY

12 14 15 19 23

No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros (£12,714,000) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54. Crossword winner for issue 591: Geoff Grimshaw

46 40

Feb 26 - March 4 2010

music scene

Smithy S

MITHY has now been performing regularly on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida for the past 5 years. He plays electric 12 string and acoustic guitars and occasionally a button accordion and harmonicas. Singing songs that everyone knows from a wide range of genres, he boasts the biggest backing group on the Costas (or maybe even the world), they are “The SMITHETTES” formed from all those people who have joined in with his songs and the numbers are swelling year by year. You can sing along or dance the night away to the great sound of “SMITHY”. See Smithy every Tuesday evening at The Rocajuna hosting his Folk Club.

Fantastic choice of authentic, tasty Indian starters and meals. Try our daily and special evening menus. Ask for details. Full takeaway service also available

Greg March This popular guitarist vocalist always provides the music to suit any audience whether it’s for a younger crowd wanting Kaiser Chiefs etc. or for people who want to reminisce hearing music from the 60’s and 70’s. He seems to have an endless repertoire of songs and rarely has to admit to not knowing a song that has been requested Greg, who came to our shores around six years ago, can also present a Kabaroke programme whereby he’ll perform a large percentage of his programme and then invite the audience to finish off the evening with karaoke. Book Greg on 677 222 352 or to see him Every Sunday 6 – 9pm Las Naciones, Quesada Alternate Fridays, Las Naciones, Quesada Sat. Mar. 12th. Bar Imanyo, Daya Nueva

Cutloose

Do you like good music? Then make sure you see Cutloose, undoubtedly the most talented and experienced band of musicians on the coast. Cutloose is made up of Jon Summers, big man, big voice taking the lead vocals with Craig Newman on lead guitar, Ian ‘Bud’ Street on bass and Mike Reilly on drums. Their music ranges from some Beatle classics going through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s. This band really knows how to rock the joint, and is not for the faint hearted. Guaranteed 100% rock solid performances from every member of the band. See them Every Wed. at Celtic Drop, Playa Flamenca C.C.

‘Good music hits the coast’

The Golden Era of Swing Show is back. So successful at sell out shows in 2010, and with the return of Keith Monk from the UK, it made sense not to deprive lovers of good music and entertainment this year.

Starring in this extravaganza is the unique Patti Ross. This bundle of talent from the NE of England has an unequalled passion for all the great music of the 40’s and 50’s and relishes singing the meaningful lyrics. Tony Kelly is the epitome of smooth and is undoubtedly the King of Swing. Tony boasts an enviable career in showbiz entertaining audiences all over the world. What can you say about Keith Monk? He is the most popular keyboard vocalists along the Costa Blanca, and to those who know him will know he has a wicked sense of humour. So it’s good music, good fun and a good night out. The show returns to The Rocajuna, Punta Prima on Thursday 3rd March and starts at 9pm. Tickets are just 8 euro’s and are available from Phoenix Promotions on 677 222 352 or The Postroom, Benijofar or The Rocajuna direct where you can book a pre-show meal. On hand will be representatives of Paul Cunningham Nurses on raffle duty to raise as much money as possible for their incredible organization.

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Festival Músicas sin Fronteras Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

HE ANNUAL series of concerts in Rojales, organised by the Ayuntamiento de Rojales, known as “Music without Frontiers” presents a spectacular music festival to celebrate the beginning of Spring. As with previous editions, the programme presents a variety of musical styles with contemporary jazz combined with Spanish and Latin fusion. It is staged during March/April and features three live concerts from world class muscians. The festivities kick of on the evening of Friday 11th March with Jerez-Texas. Having achieved great success all over the world, and performed over 400 concerts, the band will present their latest album ‘Sun’, as they continue their search into new musical territories and throughout the frontiers of Flamenco. The band’s original compositions are centred on three instruments; Spanish guitar, cello and drums, together with the singer Isabel Julve, who plays a an important role. Between sensual songs and audacious instrumental pieces, Jerez-Texas fuse together Flamenco, Jazz and Classical music in an inspiring way. It’s a sound experience full of Mediterranean flavour. Ricardo Esteve (Spain) Flamenca guitar, Matthieu Saglio (France) cello, Jesús Gimeno (Spain) drums, cajón flamenco, Isabel Julve (Spain), voice and flamenco dancer. On Friday 25th March, the festival presents an evening of ‘Cool Jazz’. Derived from an influx of Californian (predominantly white) jazz musicians to New York. These musicians mixed with the (predominantly black) bebop musicians already there and were influenced by the ‘smooth’ sound of saxophonist Lester Young. The style that emerged became known as West Coast Jazz or Cool Jazz

because it avoided the aggressive tempos of bebop. The concert features the Latino Blanco Band, conducted by Francisco Blanco “Latino”, who pays tribute to the most important Cool Jazz musicians from the style’s heyday, 1948 - 1955. Experienced musicians will play a selection of standards from this period in the history of jazz; compositions from Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, Art Farmer, etc. The members of the band have a long musical pedigree, and played with many of the modern day greats including Pat Mettheny, Brandford Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Lou Donaldson, Sonny Fortune, Wallace Roney and Chano Domínguez. Francisco Blanco “Latino” (Spain), saxes. Paul Evans (UK), trumpet. Jordi Vila (Spain), acoustic bass. Jeff Jerolamon (New York), drums. Friday 1st April features The Joshua Edelman Quintet presenting a new project and album called ‘Calle del Rosario’. This is one of the most successful jazz bands in Spain, they tour all over the world playing festivals, large venues, and jazz clubs. The quintet’s influences, both musical and cultural, come from a variety of genres; Afro-Cuban, Classical, Salsa and Brazilian. Trumpeter Manuel Machado, was a member of the legendary Cuban jazz fusion band, Irakere. Joshua Edelman (New York) piano, Manuel Machado (Cuba) trumpet, Yelsi Heredia (Cuba) acoustic bass, Moises Porro (Cuba) drums & timbales, Betramón González (Cuba) congas. All concerts are at the Teatro Centro in Rojales, and start at 21:00. Admission is 3 Euros. For more information tel. 966 713 275, or visit www.rojales.es

More festival and concert information at 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!

Star studded showcase event

BOOKING ENTERTAINMENT IN 2011? Then please accept our invitation to join us for a *star studded* Showcase event. The date: Thursday 24th February The time: 8pm until midnight The venue: the Rocajuna function suite, Punta Prima (directions on request) You will see Andy Jones, Talented and professional vocalist, a man for all occasions, Nick Barker, Highly entertaining guitarist vocalist, music from 60’s to modern day, Patti Ross, Internationally famous and compelling vocalist with a repertoire to suit everybody, Frankie Jones, Keyboards and vocals, our cheeky chappie from Yorkshire sings and plays to please any audience, Double Impact, Gill and Ian astound with a vast repertoire of songs, great vocalists and keyboard, Rob Sweeney,Exceptionally talented vocalist performing just a few of everyone’s favourite songs, Samantha Curtis, Fabulous voice from a tiny lady, just loves singing songs from the 80’s, Mike Peters, Guitarist vocalist brings his eclectic range of songs from all eras, J.P. Vincent, A touch of new and old country music, just right for all you line dancers! Pat Martin, Gifted vocal performer with music from the 70’s 80’ and 90’s, Tony Kelly, The king of swing, if you like good music, you will love Tony. Our compere for the night is Mr. Ian Henry. Pre show meals available in the restaurant or basket meals in the function room. If you would like to reserve seats for this glamorous occasion, please email with numbers, or just turn up, you will be very welcomed. Don’t miss this opportunity to ‘look before you book’ For more information call Norma, Phoenix Promotions on 677 222 352

18 26 - 24- March February 2011 Feb 4 2010

47 47

18 - 24 February 2011

Extra performance of ‘When I Was Me’ by Julie Day

ETWORKS THEATRE in Orihuela is proud to present one final staging of Nick Moore’s acclaimed drama ‘When I Was Me’. Originally performed to great success in the 2010 season, this superbly written musical play is currently touring Orihuela and Murcia in sold out shows, but due to popular demand one final extra show will be given. The extra performance will take place this Saturday 19th February at 21.00 at the Networks Theatre, Calle Reyes Católicos 1 in Orihuela. ‘When I Was Me’ is a hard-hitting yet sensitively produced show about the taboo

subject of teenage suicide, to be performed by the theatre’s Spanish students who learn English through drama studies. Tickets are priced at €5 each and can be reserved by telephoning 965 300 207.

GASS ready to perform THIS YEAR’S GASS (Gilbert and Sullivan Society) show is ‘Ruddigore’ or ‘The Witch’s Curse’, set to take place early next month at the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar. It is the story of a villain, a virtuous heroine and a dashing hero (the baronet) assisted by his faithful retainer. The first baronet, alive some 20 generations ago carried a curse, forcing him to commit a crime every single day, else die a painful death. The current baronet tries to cope with the curse, the ghosts of his ancestors, and to win his love’s hand all at the same time. The stage director, Trevor King, the show director John Gardiner, assisted by Gwyneth Farrer, and the musical director, Cyril Willoughby, have worked tirelessly since last September to ensure this will be a remarkable show full of not just music

Velvetones in concert with Gospel Choir By Julie Day THE VELVETONES ladies’ choir is back in action after a short break, set to perform in a fantastic concert in Torrevieja next week. During their performance the tuneful team of melody-makers will be joined by a Norwegian gospel choir for a number of songs. The concert will take place at the Palacio de Música, located in Calle Unión Musical Torrevejense, 55 at 20.00 on Thursday 24th February and is free with an invitation, which can be obtained from the Palacio de Música ticket office from two hours before the concert on the same night. During the concert a collection will be made with all proceeds to be donated to AFA. The Velvetones are currently looking for new members who love to sing and enjoy a great social life at the same time. Anyone interested in joining Velvetones should go along to one of their rehearsals that take place every Wednesday morning from 10.00 at the Cabo Cervera Hotel in La Mata.

and song, but a full production with scenery, costumes and acting performances. Funds raised through this show will be donated to Caritas Española through the Mayor of Guardamar’s charity fund. GASS will be staging their production of The Witch’s Curse at 20.00 on 9th, 10th and 11th March at the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar. Tickets are available from the beginning of the month and may be obtained from The Card Shop in Quesada and the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar, by telephoning 966 198 396 or via email at dfarrer1@terra.es. Tickets are priced at €10 for the Wednesday and Thursday performances and at €12 for Friday’s showing.

The Actors Studio The Actors Studio are busy rehearsing for their next production “Slap’n Tickle” which is an evening of original comedy sketches together with a heart tugging monologue all written and directed by David Whitney. The show will first be presented at the Virgen del Carmen on Friday 13th,.May at 7.30pm and then again on Friday the 24th.June at the Quesada Cultrual Centre at 7.30pm where a revised programme will be presented. Tickets for both shows will be on sale soon and will be 8 euros each. By supporting us you help the AFA Alzheimers Association our sole charity so make a note in your diary and look forward to an evening of laughter and thought provoking drama.

18 - 24 February 2011

Discover the Costa Blanca

Derek Workman continues his series of excursions from his book ‘Inland Trips From the Costa Blanca’ which features 22 detailed trips that lead you to spots you’d never find by yourself.

Valencia’s Distant Corner As you approach Ademuz it resembles nothing more picturesque than a handful of faded coloured blocks slapped on the side of a hill. Close up, it isn’t a lot better! It’s not all bad, though. The fountain heads of the Green Man in front of the church are nice and....well, the fountain heads are nice. The Iglesia Parroquial de Ademuz is attractive in that heavily restored and lots of guilding sort of way (and at least I was able to get in) but the mountain village tranquillity was somewhat disturbed by the angle-grinder going at some restoration across the street and the electrician who was busy sorting out the lights in the church and kept calling to his mate at the bottom at the bottom of the ladder to throw something up. Mind you, if they hadn’t been there I doubt if I would have been, either. There are some nifty buildings around the Plaza de Ayuntamiento, with some of the original medievall houses with arched doors and wooden balconies - a couple of which I’d definitely need to have a few stiff G&Ts to chance sitting on - and a lovely little nook festooned with geraniums and climbing plants. An elegant house in the corner with fluted pilasters and decorative iron balconies proclaims itself to be the ‘Clinica Medico

Quirurica del Doctor Teruel - Rayos X’, but as the charming house is now semi-derelict, it’s probably a long time since anyone attended his surgeries. As I was photographing houses on the Plaza, a man stopped to tell me that the Doctor’s house was for sale but very expensive. He then went through a list of practically all the housing stock for sale in Ademuz - and there are a fair few, it certainly seems to be a place people are moving away from - and all the pros and cons of each. I couldn’t stop him until I gave his a sworn affidavit that I’d act on his words

Ademuz church

Ademuz flower house corner

immediately. To be fair, there are some pretty eye-teeth-giving houses and visiting Adamuz on a day of the deepest possible hues of gray probably didn’t do it justice. From long experience I know that it’s only by walking the streets that a town presents itself. You get tantalising glimpses of the castle ruin at the top of the hill through gaps in the tall, skinny houses. Sadly, a pretty horrific cement water container spoils the image when you get close enough to see the castle in its entirety. A fair number of the houses have that bumper level gouge in the wall and different coloured streaks from the side mirrors of cars whose owners didn’t know if it was wider than 1.9 metres.

No-matter which street I took I always seemed to return pretty quickly to the church square, where the same group of geriatrics sat on plastic chairs outside a bar, leaning on their walking sticks and glowering at me from below bushy eyebrows. If I hadn’t met the chatty chap who gave me the house list I might have thought that glowering was the local pastime. There again, the c.c. might have been the local estate agent, and if I’d hung around long enough he may have taken me through the list physically as well as verbally. I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed by my trip to the Rincon de Ademuz. I’d read plenty of purple prose about the quaint little piece of Valencia stuck in Aragon, and should probably have been a bit less surprised, given that, apart from some supposedly good walking - and there’s plenty of that elsewhere in the Comunidad - about the only other thing the area is famous for is apples. It made me smile in a sardonic sort of way to see a large sign that said ‘Rincon de Ademuz, Destino Piloto de Dinamización Turistica’, particularly as the tourist offices were closed on a normal weekday afternoon. About the only thing I found with life in it was a well equipped internet centre with a very well equipped young lady looking after it. As the church clock struck five the only thing moving in the streets of Ademuz was me as I left.

To discover more about Spain, visit www.derekworkman-journalist.com and http://derekworkman.wordpress.com. http://valpaparazzi.wordpress.com are random notes about life in Spain. Derek Workman’s books, Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca and Small Hotels and Inns of Eastern Spain are available from most good books shops or direct from the publisher, Santana Books, www.santanabooks.com or Tel. 952 485 838.

Clean sweep 1 Celery Stick 3 Carrots 5 oz of green Grapes Several sprigs of Parsley (makes 2 glasses) ALTHOUGH NOT the best looking of juices it is really packed with goodness. You can almost feel this cleansing and de-toxing the body. The carrots and grapes provide lots of natural sweetness which combines with the mild pepperiness of the celery and parsley. This is one to drink regularly to give your system a thorough clean out. Juice all the ingredients and serve immediately. The celery can sometimes block the juicer so chop into small pieces and juice alongside the carrots. CELERY contains potassium, calcium and vitamin C. It is anti-bacterial, a great These recipes are supplied by The Kamala Centre. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at The Kamala Centre on office@thekamalacentre.com or call us on 965 985 869. If you would like a copy of any of these recipes you can download them at our website www.thekamalacentre.com

cleanser and calms and rebuilds the red blood cells CARROTS contain Beta-carotene, vitamins A, B and C, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium. They help to cleanse the liver and digestive systems. Great antioxidants, anti-cancer, antiseptic, diuretic, immune booster, anti-bacterial, help to lower cholesterol, aids eye and skin problems GRAPES contain vitamins C and E, calcium, antioxidants, phosphorous, flavonoids and potassium. They are anti-cancer and good for cleansing the skin and digestive system PARSLEY is rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese. It is a diuretic, a tonic and an aid for digestive problems. It can help to encourage menstruation and stimulate milk flow.

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18 February 2011 14- 24 - 20 may 2010

Guadalest/Algar with David’s Coachtrips DO YOU do what we always do? We always have that impulse to go out for lunch on a Monday. Guess what? All the bars and restaurants have a rest day on Monday so back home we go for scrambled eggs on toast. Now the problem is solved - we can go for a great day out with David’s Coachtrips SL, where our meal is included. A comfortable modern coach picks you up near to home. The drive along the coast and then past the city of Alicante is made interesting with regular information provided by our knowledgeable courier. The tall buildings of Benidorm appear on the horizon and then disappear as we head inland amongst the mountains and orchards of this very attractive area. At our first stop, Algar, we drop into a green fertile valley where we have time for a coffee in a riverside restaurant. A walk to the impressive waterfalls cascading from the mountains above us and forming beautiful turquoise coloured pools leaves us exhilarated by the fresh mountain air. You can bathe in these pools if you wish, but a dip of the big toe in the water removed this foolish notion! It was freezing, even though the air was warm. Higher up there is a herbal garden and centre with locally grown herbs which seem to cure all ailments. Back on board, we drive through the huge valley cut out of the rock by the waters of the then massive river Guadalest. The valley has only a sliver of water passing through it nowadays, but this is enough to allow the growing of fruit trees throughout this delightfully fertile valley. In the distance we get our first view of the bell tower which presides over the ancient fortified village of Guadalest. Before arriving at the village we make a stop to try some local wine. For those who don’t want wine, there is a glass of orange juice waiting. A few minutes later we are sitting down to a three course meal served with wine and in a restaurant which does open on a Monday. A tasty meal and several glasses of wine later, we ascend to the village of Guadalest. The views from here are some of the finest we have seen in Spain; on a clear day you can see as far as the sea. Little shops offer us a choice of local gifts which we can take home. There is a selection of very unusual museums to visit or you can climb to the top of the castle, sit in the village square or find a bar with The view at Algar Guadalest is Waterfalls a terrific view of the valley to pass the time. breathtaking

It is with sadness that we board the coach for the return journey, having spent a wonderful day out in the most pleasant of surroundings, enjoyed a good meal in the company of fellow travellers, and all for only €24 each! I suspect a meal for 2 with drinks at the Torreveija seafront would not have proved such good value for money. It is easy to reserve your place on this or any other excursion run by David’s Coachtrips SL. Call 966 785 910: their operators speak English. Website: www.coachtripsonline.com

tv Friday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Save My Holiday 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Dani’s House 17:30 Tracy Beaker Returns 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 QI 22:00 Hustle 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 The Ruins

07:00 Childrens TV 11:05 Postman Pat 11:20 Pingu 11:25 64 Zoo Lane 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Ready Steady Cook 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Due South 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Living Dangerously 16:00 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 One Man and His Campervan 20:00 Churches: How to Read Them 20:30 An Island Parish 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Britain from Above 22:00 Can’t Take It with You 23:00 Fast and Loose 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:50 Sugar

18 - 24 February 2011

07:00 Sali Mali 07:05 Treacle People 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 The Good Wife 11:55 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Breakfast at Tiffany’s 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Made in England 21:00 Relocation: Phil Down Under 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 24:20 10 O’Clock Live

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle: Morning Surgery 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Children’s Hospital 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Cube 24:35 Take Me Out

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:55 The WotWots 10:05 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:00 The Vanessa Show 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Build a New Life in the Country 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Family Recipe 15:55 Rough Guide to Cities 16:10 A Time to Remember 18:00 Five News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Vets in Action 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 NCIS 24:55 Cops in Crisis

08:00 Vet Adventures 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 UK Border Force 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Real Filth Fighters 13:00 Project Runway 14:00 UK Border Force 15:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Lie to Me 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Middle: Access All Areas 21:00 Futurama 22:00 The Simpsons 23:00 Louie Spence’s Showbusiness

08:30 Luge 09:00 Alpine Skiing 09:45 Live Alpine Skiing 11:00 Live WTA Tennis 12:45 Alpine Skiing 13:15 Live Alpine Skiing 14:30 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 17:00 Live WTA Tennis 19:30 Alpine Skiing 19:45 Eurogoals Flash 19:55 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 23:00 Strongest Man 24:00 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 24:15 Alpine Skiing

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings US 12:00 Maury 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Bones 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Solutions to last weeks crosswords 591 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Itch; 3 Bend over; 9 Swathed; 10 Strip; 11 Lamentations; 13 Eleven; 15 Pliant; 17 Disorientate; 20 Their; 21 Narrows; 22 Patients; 23 Stud. Down: 1 Insulted; 2 Charm; 4 Endear; 5 Disciplinary; 6 Veranda; 7 Ripe; 8 Change course; 12 Stressed; 14 Exigent; 16 Linnet; 18 Aloft; 19 Stop. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Sash; 3 Dethrone; 9 Exploit; 10 Theme; 11 Play for money; 13 Sherds; 15 Apathy; 17 Thankfulness; 20 Ennui; 21 Elector; 22 Preclude; 23 Pass. Down: 1 Sheepish; 2 Sepia; 4 Extort; 5 Hot-gospeller; 6 Overeat; 7 Ever; 8 Confidential; 12 Eyesores; 14 Enhance; 16 Offend; 18 Extra; 19 Deep. WORDWHEEL 592: CANDIDATE

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tv Saturday

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18 - 2426 February Feb - March 42011 2010

07:00 Brainiac: History Abuse 08:00 Bill Bailey’s Birdwatching Bonanza 09:00 Guinness World Records Smashed! 10:00 WWE: Superstars 11:00 Soccer AM 13:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 Dazzle 16:45 Dawn French’s Little Cracker 17:00 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Middle 20:00 The Simpsons 21:00 Futurama 22:00 Ali G indahouse 23:40 Road Wars 24:40 Road Wars

24:30 FA Cup Highlights

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 Athletics 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Friends 10:30 Stars and Strikes 11:30 Glee 12:35 T4 Movie Special 13:10 4Music Favourites 13:40 Big Bang Theory 14:10 Big Bang Theory 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Secret Supper Club 17:35 Come Dine with Me 18:05 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:35 The Political Slot 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:05 4thought.tv 20:10 X-Men 22:10 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 Babylon AD

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Play! 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 The Milkshake! Show 11:00 Family Recipe 11:05 UEFA Europa League Highlights 12:10 How Do They Do It? 12:40 The Gadget Show 13:40 Megastructures 14:40 Ice Road Truckers 15:40 The Age of Innocence 18:20 Medicine Man 20:10 Five News 20:15 NCIS 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Pingu 07:05 Bob the Builder 07:30 Postman Pat 08:00 Basil and Barney’s Game Show 08:30 Arthur 09:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 09:30 Gimme a Break 10:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 10:30 Cop School 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Film 2011 with Claudia Winkleman 13:00 Monk 13:45 Diagnosis Murder 14:30 Live Cycling 18:15 Ski Sunday 19:00 Madagascar 20:00 Graham Hill: Driven 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Toughest Place to Be a Bus Driver 23:00 The Prestige

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 FA Cup Highlights 11:25 Biggest Loser 12:25 ITV News 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:30 Live FA Cup Football 17:10 Midsomer Murders 18:40 Granada News 18:50 ITV News 19:05 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:35 Dancing on Ice 21:30 Wild at Heart 22:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 23:00 That Sunday Night Show 23:30 ITV News 23:45 FA Cup Highlights 24:45 Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 FIS World Snowboarding Championships 08:25 That Paralympic Show 08:55 4Music Favourites 09:20 Friends 10:15 Hollyoaks 12:50 Glee 13:50 The Simpsons 14:20 The Simpsons 14:55 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 15:25 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 15:55 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:25 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:25 Deal or No Deal 18:30 Time Team 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Come Dine with Me 21:00 People’s Supermarket 22:00 The Promise 23:45 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:50 As Good as It Gets

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Family! 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 The Milkshake! Show 11:00 Rough Guide to Eco Escapes 11:15 Starlight: For the Children 11:45 Street Market Chefs 12:15 Stansted: The Inside Story 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Jane Doe 16:05 Five News 16:10 Starman 18:15 Superman 21:00 Royal Navy Caribbean Patrol 22:00 Ghost Rider 24:10 Christine

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 Bill Bailey’s Birdwatching Bonanza 09:00 It’s Me Or The Dog 10:00 Football’s Next Star 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 The Real A & E 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 15:30 Emergency Animal Rescue 16:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 16:30 Futurama 17:00 The Middle 17:30 The Middle 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Got to Dance 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 House

07:00 Childrens TV 11:45 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:50 Waybuloo 12:10 In the Night Garden 12:40 When Zachary Beaver Came to Town 14:00 Due South 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Living Dangerously 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Raymond Blanc: Kitchen Secrets 22:00 When Teenage Meets Old Age 23:00 Episodes 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Lakes 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Biggest Loser 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Homes from Hell 24:35 That Sunday Night Show

07:05 Treacle People 07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Good Wife 11:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 The TV Book Club 13:35 The Gunfighter 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 Shine a Light

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:00 The Vanessa Show 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Street Market Chefs 14:15 Street Market Chefs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Rough Guide to Beaches 16:05 Blessed Stranger: after Flight 111 18:00 Five News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Royal Navy Caribbean Patrol 23:00 The Exorcism of Emily Rose

08:00 Vet Adventures 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 12:00 Modern Family 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Project Runway 14:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 The Middle 17:00 Modern Family 17:30 Modern Family 18:00 Raising Hope 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Road Wars 22:00 Ross Kemp: Extreme World 23:00 Inside: Teen Lockdown 24:00 Mental

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Baking Made Easy 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Athletics 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 Outtake TV 19:00 Total Wipeout 20:00 Let’s Dance for Comic Relief 21:20 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 22:10 Casualty 23:00 BBC News 23:20 Live at the Apollo 24:20 John Bishop’s Britain 24:50 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Basil and Barney’s Game Show 08:30 Arthur 09:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 09:30 Project Parent 10:00 Dick & Dom’s Funny Business 11:00 Trapped Ever After 11:25 OOglies 11:45 Copycats 12:15 My Life 12:45 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 4 for Texas 14:55 Into the West 16:25 Verdi: The Director’s Cut 17:25 Verdi’s Othello 20:00 Dad’s Army 20:30 Unknown Hancock 22:00 Faulks on Fiction 23:00 The Tudors 23:50 Nurse Jackie 24:20 Fast and Loose 24:50 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Mini CITV

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:00 EastEnders 15:55 My Family 16:25 My Family 16:55 Escape to the Country 17:55 Lifeline 18:05 Songs of Praise 18:40 BBC News; Regional News 19:00 Sheila Hancock Brushes Up: The Art of Watercolours 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 South Riding 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 QI 23:55 Match of the Day 2 24:25 Reggie Perrin 24:55 Lead Balloon

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wreck or Ready? 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Big Performance 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Outcasts 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News

tv Sunday

08:25 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:50 Monk 14:50 ITV News 15:00 You’ve Been Framed! 15:30 Space Jam 17:05 Granada News 17:20 ITV News 17:35 Live FA Cup Football 20:15 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:45 Ant & Dec’s Push the Button 22:00 Take Me Out 23:15 Benidorm 24:15 ITV News

tv Monday

08:30 WATTS 08:45 Live Luge 09:30 Live Alpine Skiing 11:00 Live Luge 12:15 Live CrossCountry Skiing 13:15 Live Alpine Skiing 14:30 Live Luge 15:00 Live CrossCountry Skiing 16:10 Wintersports Weekend 16:15 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 17:30 WTA Tennis 18:30 Alpine Skiing 19:00 Alpine Skiing 19:15 Snooker: Welsh Open 20:00 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 23:00 Fight Club 24:30 Cross-Country Skiing

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Nothing to Declare 11:00 Nothing to Declare 12:00 America’s Next Top Model 13:00 Biggest Loser 15:00 Four Weddings 16:00 Four Weddings 17:00 Mrs Henderson Presents 18:55 Never Let Me Go Special 19:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

Lets Dance for Comic Relief BBC1 20.00

08:35 Alpine Skiing 09:00 Live Luge 09:45 Live Alpine Skiing 10:45 Live Luge 11:15 Cross-Country Skiing 12:00 Live Luge 12:50 Alpine Skiing 13:15 Live Alpine Skiing 14:15 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 14:55 Wintersports Weekend 15:00 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 17:30 WTA Tennis 18:30 Cross-Country Skiing 19:00 Alpine Skiing 19:15 Snooker: Welsh Open 20:00 Live Snooker: The Welsh Open 23:30 WTA Tennis 24:30 Alpine Skiing

Dancing on Ice ITV1 19.35

08:30 WTA Tennis 09:30 Cross-Country Skiing 10:00 Alpine Skiing 10:45 Alpine Skiing 11:30 WTA Tennis 12:30 Ski Jumping 13:30 Alpine Skiing 14:15 Alpine Skiing 15:00 Cross-Country Skiing 15:30 Snooker: The Welsh Open 18:15 Eurogoals 18:45 Champions Club 19:45 Strongest Man 20:45 Snooker: The Welsh Open 22:30 Eurogoals 23:00 Champions Club 24:15 Ski Jumping

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Nothing to Declare 11:00 Passport Patrol 12:00 Four Weddings 13:00 Mrs Henderson Presents 14:55 Celebs 24/7 15:00 Four Weddings 16:00 Celebrity Four Weddings 17:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 18:00 America’s Next Top Model 19:00 Fat Families 20:00 Four Weddings US 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Bedlam 23:00 Indecent Proposal

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings US 12:00 Maury 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Nikita 22:00 America’s Next Top Model 23:00 Bedlam 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Tuesday

18 26 - 24- March February 2011 Feb 4 2010

23:35 Demolition Man

07:15 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Good Wife 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 The Conqueror 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 22:00 Heston’s Mission Impossible 23:00 Shameless 24:05 The Big C 24:45 Countdown to the NME Awards 2011

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:00 The Vanessa Show 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Street Market Chefs 14:15 Street Market Chefs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Rough Guide to Cities 16:05 Christy: Return to Cutter Gap 18:00 Five News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Extraordinary Dogs 21:00 Stansted: The Inside Story 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 Law & Order

08:00 Vet Adventures 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Futurama 10:30 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 The Middle 12:00 Modern Family 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Project Runway 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 The Middle 16:30 The Middle 17:00 Modern Family 17:30 Modern Family 18:00 Raising Hope 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Got to Dance 22:30 The Simpsons 23:00 Ali G indahouse 24:40 Mental

07:00 Childrens TV 11:40 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:55 Waybuloo 12:15 In the Night Garden 12:45 Anne of Green Gables 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Lifeline 14:40 Priceless Antiques Roadshow 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Living Dangerously 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Madagascar 22:00 A History of Ancient Britain 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 UEFA Champions League Live 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 UEFA Champions League 24:35 Police, Camera, Action!

07:20 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Good Wife 11:55 Country House Rescue 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Whatever Turns You On 13:10 The Barbarian and the Geisha 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Face of Prejudice 22:00 Real King’s Speech 23:00 Model Agency 24:05 Shameless

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:00 The Vanessa Show 12:45 CSI: NY 13:40 Five News 13:45 Street Market Chefs 14:15 Street Market Chefs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Rough Guide to Islands 16:05 Out of the Woods 18:00 Five News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Starlight: For the Children 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker

08:00 Vet Adventures 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 12:00 Modern Family 13:00 Project Runway 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 The Middle 17:00 Modern Family 18:00 Raising Hope 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Dream Lives for Sale 22:00 Louie Spence’s Showbusiness 23:00 Mad Dogs 24:00 Ross Kemp: Extreme World

07:00 Childrens TV 11:25 64 Zoo Lane 11:40 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Anne of Windy Poplars 14:00 Due South 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Living Dangerously 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best 22:00 The Spice Trail 23:00 Victorian Pharmacy 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Marchlands 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Odd One In 24:20 Send In the Dogs

07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 The Good Wife 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 League of Gentlemen 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Relocation, Relocation 22:00 Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 24:05 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:00 The Vanessa Show 12:45 CSI: NY 13:40 Five News 13:45 Street Market Chefs 14:15 Street Market Chefs 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Extraordinary Dogs 16:15 Mystery Woman 18:00 Five News at 5 18:15 Neighbours 18:45 Live UEFA Europa League Football 21:05 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Mercenary for Justice 23:55 The Exorcist: The True Story 24:55 Cops in Crisis

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wreck or Ready? 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Dead Gorgeous 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Silk 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News

07:00 Childrens TV 11:25 64 Zoo Lane 11:40 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Pixar Story 14:00 Due South 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Living Dangerously 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Too Fast to Be a Woman? The Story of Caster Semenya 20:50 Coast 21:00 A Farmer’s Life for Me 22:00 Natural World 23:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Mad Men

07:00 Daybreak

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wreck or Ready? 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Copycats 17:30 MI High 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Rip Off Britain 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wreck or Ready? 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Copycats 17:30 Serious Explorers: Livingstone 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Human Planet 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Grimefighters 21:00 Lion Country 22:00 Taggart 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News

tv Wednesday

tv Thursday

08:30 Eurogoals 09:00 Champions Club 10:15 Cross-Country Skiing 10:45 Alpine Skiing 11:30 Alpine Skiing 12:15 WTA Tennis 13:30 Live WTA Tennis 21:00 Boxing 23:00 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 23:30 Snooker: The Welsh Open

53 53

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings US 12:00 Maury 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Fat Families 23:00 Bridalplasty 24:00 Criminal Minds

Stansted: the inside story Channel 5 21.00

08:30 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 09:00 Eurogoals 09:30 Snooker: The Welsh Open 11:45 WTA Tennis 13:30 Live WTA Tennis 19:00 Eurogoals Flash 19:10 Live WTA Tennis 21:10 Wednesday Selection 21:15 Show Jumping 22:15 Riders Club 22:20 PGA Tour Golf 23:20 Golf Club 23:25 Yacht Club 23:40 Wednesday Selection 23:45 Laureus Sports Awards 24:15 WTA Tennis

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings US 12:00 Maury 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Four Weddings US 22:00 Bones 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy 24:00 Criminal Minds

08:30 Ski Jumping 09:30 WTA Tennis 11:30 Ski Jumping 12:45 Cross-Country Skiing 13:15 Live CrossCountry Skiing 14:30 Wintersports: Breaking the Ice 14:45 Live CrossCountry Skiing 16:30 Live WTA Tennis 19:00 Eurogoals Flash 19:10 Cross-Country Skiing 19:45 Wintersports: Breaking the Ice 20:00 Fight Club 23:00 Cross-Country Skiing 24:30 WTA Tennis

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 09:50 Celebs 24/7 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings US 12:00 Maury 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Criminal Minds 22:00 Save the Last Dance 24:10 Bedlam

Top Gear BBC2 20.00

08:00 Vet Adventures 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 12:00 Modern Family 13:00 Project Runway 14:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 The Middle 16:30 The Middle 17:00 Modern Family 17:30 Modern Family 18:00 Raising Hope 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 Mad Dogs 23:00 House 24:00 NCIS: Los Angeles

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

18 - 2426 February Feb - March 42011 2010

54 44

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

O THE musical strains of ‘The Great Escape’, I already have an early nomination award for the shrewdest decision of 2011. Step forward Denise Van Outen and receive the plaudits for backing out of presenting Channel 5’s new daily magazine show, ‘OK TV’, with just THREE days to go. The aroma of bull’s business wafted over in a sickly stench above Channel 5’s headquarters as “other contractual commitments” were given as the excuse for her last minute decision to quit. I’d like to believe that it was just good old-fashioned common sense on behalf of Denise, once she had done some rehearsing and witnessed the down-market tripe that she was to get involved with.

Remember that this is the programme that was going to help a relaunch of Channel Five, now very much under the clutches of the owner of Express Newspapers (and one-time purveyor of soft-porn), Richard Desmond. ‘OK TV’ was a replacement for the one of the worst things ever produced for the small-screen, ’Live from Studio Five’. This was the show that brought us the intellectual presenting abilities of the yobbish Ian Wright, backed up by the former Apprentice bimbo, Kate Walsh, along with anybody else that was desperate to sit in front of a camera and pout and pontificate like a pregnant penguin. At least Wright showed a rare flash of intelligence by walking out on the show last summer. Van Outen’s exit meant that Kate

Sad that ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’ bowed out on Sunday, but everything was neatly tied up, and it was great to see Dawn French return for the finale. At least the poor decision to pull the show has been tempered with the news that BBC 1 is bringing a full series of the revived ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ to our screens next year. And finally, I’ve enjoyed seeing some Mallorca sunshine on Sky 1’s intriguing new drama series, ‘Mad Dogs‘, shot totally on location last summer. It features some of the most popular British TV actors in the last decade, including a reunion of Philip Glenister and John Simm a few years down the line from ‘Life on Mars’. I love the way the show has changed over two episodes from a holiday romp to a sinister tale drooped in blood. Now that is a bit of OK TV!

Walsh was reprieved from a dawn encounter with the firing squad at the local dole office and drafted in to cohost ‘OK TV’ with Matt Johnson from the first edition last Monday. At least her bank balance will keep being topped up,

and it is marginally better than ‘Studio Five’, which is hardly saying anything. British TV viewers might like their tittle-tattle and showbiz news in print, but somehow such ideas have never transferred well to the small-screen.

Another desperate move will be Channel 5’s impending purchase of ‘Big Brother’, previously made by Endemol for Channel 4. There are times when I really do want to scream when non-TV people like Richard Desmond buy a channel, and almost treat it like a toy, cocking everything up in the process. At least Rupert Murdoch, love him or hate him, has always surrounded himself with shrewd and experienced lieutenants whom he actually listens to. There were two longer prime-time award shows for sore bottoms to put up with in the last week. It was great to see Jonathan Ross back on BBC1 hosting the BAFTA Film Awards and doing it well. Not so good to see James Corden returning to ITV 1 for the Brits on Tuesday. Perhaps I’m getting past it, but most of the acts performing were pretty poor and unmelodic. It probably explains why ITV held back its transmission of the vastly superior Grammy awards from the weekend until Wednesday night. Ridiculous!

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Fatherland

Bestselling author Robert Harris creates a post war world in the early ‘60s in which Hitler didn’t die in a Berlin bunker and Book the National Socialists won the war Review by in Europe. Now an uneasy truce exists between Nazi Europe and the USA under its president Joseph copy@dannyjpcollins.com F Kennedy, the ex wartime US ambassador to Britain. In the east Communist partisans wage a failing war of attrition against the borders of the Reich but the 75-year-old Führer sleeps peacefully un his Berlin palace, unaware that a police inspector of the Criminal Police is about to expose the wartime dossiers implicating Kennedy and the Reich leaders in the Final Solution that led to the extermination of more than 11,000,000 Jews and the Naziclassed untermenscen of Europe. Aided by an American female journalist and betrayed by his family and country, Kriminalpolizei Sturmbannfúhrer Xavier Martin makes a desperate bid to smuggle the dossiers to the USA through Switzerland where their publication would bring down a government

Danny Collins

Suduko Answer

and end Hitler’s plan for detenté with the USA. As ever, Harris keeps the pages turning as the plot races towards its inevitable bloody conclusion. Actual Nazi personalities are drawn from history to play their parts in this diabolical plot, which begs the question: what if Hitler had won? What indeed…. Author: Robert Harris Publisher: Arrow (paperback) Price: €10.40 ISBN: 978 0 0995 2789 3

motoring

18 - 24 February 2011

Time for change?Part One by

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

I HAVE received several motoring enquiries and some on the mechanics of keeping a vehicle running and one this week was: What does SAE mean concerning engine oils? So experts please bear with me as I explain in laymen’s terms how engine oils are graded and also about some servicing aspects. The questioning lady also asked: What is synthetic oil? Mineral oil: This is oil that has been pumped from the ground and during refining it is converted into various liquids (the process called ‘cracking’) for petrol, diesel or lubricating oil as well as other common fluids we use. But we are concerned with our vehicle engine lubricating oils. The science is quite involved but I have written here the basics so as not to confuse. In the very early days of motoring, engine oils were quite basic and were of two or three viscosities. What are viscosities? The word refers to basically how easy it is for the oil to flow and the ease varies depending on the design of the particular oil and the temperature of it. Hotter and thinner oil flows more easily. But the basic refined oils in the early days, the 1900 to 1920s were limited in what they could do. Oil must satisfy certain criteria: the ability to keep metals surfaces from touching each other and wearing rapidly or seizing; detergency – the ability to keep the engine clean; resistance to thinning out when very hot, to be able to stand high temperatures and finally, to flow easily even in cold weather. The oil needs to reach all the bearing surfaces quickly to avoid fast wear and damage. The oil as it is refined initially is not the best for modern engines and it has to be modified with chemical additives to satisfy the above needs. Additives also ensure that the oil does not have to be changed

every 2,000km or so as it used to be years ago. In fact I can remember family cars that needed a service and oil change every 1,000 miles (1,600km). So additives are added to the ‘raw’ oil in tested quantities to achieve the desired result. Recognised testing was carried out in the USA at the beginning of the 20th Century by the American Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE, and the description you see on cans of oil that state ‘SAE’ means that the numbers after it are to their standards but there are others to suit various customers like the military. Manufacturers of engines and vehicles use these oils when testing and there will be recommended quantities listed in operator manuals. Many give the oil a maker’s number, such as ‘FORD 12345’, and that means that you will be safe to use that oil which you may buy from your local Ford dealer. It is usually about 50% more expensive than the oil bought in large supermarkets or specialist spares shops. An oil change may be carried out at home but there is an advantage in having a trained mechanic do the work in that the work is recorded in the vehicle’s service history and therefore useful when re-selling the car later. More next week… QUESTION 1: At what age does a UK driving-licence expire when used by an expat resident in Spain? 1) When the holder is 70 years old 2) When the mandatory periodical medical is due 3) When a photo-change is due 4) Whichever of the above arrives first ANSWER NEXT WEEK. Be safe out there... Brian Deller, author/publisher, Motoring in Spain: www.spainvia.com

There is much more detailed information on all motoring subjects in my book. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com. Tel: 666 888 870 Brian Deller, author, book Motoring in Spain, ISBN No 978 84 611 9278 6. Shops’ addresses in my web site at: www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm

18 - 24 February 2011

Classified Ads 18 - 24 February 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com | WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk | Fax: 96 585 60 54 | Or see our list of classified agents in this section

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

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

Qualified experienced Bodywork and Spray painter needed for busy Citroen garage. Must have full knowledge of Bodywork alignment jigs and water based paints. All references checked. For more information call 608 209 966

18 - 24 February 2011

FORMER WORLD KICKBOXING CHAMPION lessons in kickboxing/martial arts. one on one, get fit, blackbelt programs. 659-696-455

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

2 BEAUTIFUL YORKSHIRE TERRIERS looking for a loving home with a garden. They are sisters and like to stay together, they are 18 months old and very playful. Denia Area.Tlf:966-408-328 PETZBACK HOME Professional pet transportation. UK/Spain/UK www. petzbackhome.co.uk Ring 0044-1209-319204 PAWS PET TRANSPORT Spain-UK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966-074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com SMALL FRIENDLY BRITISH KENNELS individual runs, large excercise area. 25 mins Alicante airport. www.parkbark. co.uk 628-244-712

has been trading for 8-years and is well established. tele:687-913-775 LARGE QUANTITY OF FLAT PACKED Pine Furniture from Denmark. Beds, Robes, Bedside Chests, Bookcases etc.Tlf:-628-499-448 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€39,900.excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly. 25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed.965-326-442/ 659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

Blocked Drains

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 COMPUTER SOLUTIONS All your computer needs carried out in our workshop, or at your home or office. Sales, repairs, upgrades, etc. Alicante to Torrevieja plus inland. Call Jim on 966-790-520 or 616-211-023

Experienced mechanic required for busy workshop in San Miguel De Salinas.

The position is Full time with immediate start, undertaking all types of mechanical work in our state of the art workshop. You will be working alongside our existing mechanics to deliver a high standard of work and customer care. Please forward your CV and covering letter to aftersales@autosdirect.es

PEGGY CHURCH Is now living in Bon Repos Care Home, Javea and can be contacted on 965-790-242. All Calls and Visits Welcome.

FULLY QUALIFIED UK ELECTRICIAN with 10 years experience on the CostaBlanca. All jobs undertaken-extra sockets, rewires, fault finding. Tlf:-Hugh-690-275-223

NATUROPATHIC HEALTH AID Excellent product and Business Opportunity. Try it and see!! 696-640-747/UK:- 07540-932133 wellbeingnetwork@hotmail. com www.wellbeingbus.com FOR TRASPASO. BARRESTAURANT. Center of Torrevieja. Same owners for 23 years. Reason for sale, retirement.telephone:-966-707580 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Home based internet business secure your future minimal monthly outlay, free health band, and much more www. referlife.com/1080 or tel:-663559-806 RESTAURANT LEASE FOR SALE Fully fitted and licensed restaurant for sale at a very realistic price.The restaurant

DRUMMER SEEKS BAND Versatile Drummer looking to join band or start one up. Ray:966-712-987 MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 15,000€ Fully furnished ready to move into, A/c, tel, eng tv, on permanent site, bar/res, pool,tennis,gym, shop. Walking distance to San Javier. 5mins to beach, Airport, hospital by car. Also bungalows for rent. Carol:-968-192-425. Mob:-626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS Come to Mojacar! Large campsite + mobile home park open all year, great expat community site, all welcome. 950-528-324. www. CampingLosGallardos.com

training will be provided. Interested...? Then forward your CV to simon@milliemunro.com or call 966 493 082 SALES BARCELONA Experienced sales executives required for our new office in Barcelona. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with exceptional communication skills. Excellent package offered to the right candidate. Please call Alex on:-674-617-784 FEMALES AND COUPLES 18 to 65 required for adult internet photo and video modeling. Excellent rates. 697-697-842.

PALM AND TREE TRIMMING/ REMOVAL All Garden AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 DUE TO EXPANSION, MILLIE MUNRO SERVICES Requires experienced S/E Sales Consultants. You will be promoting Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, Private Health Insurance and our other services targeting the expat regions of Spain. This is also a great opportunity to expand your existing business. You can expect to earn excellent commissions and full product

Maintenance Call 619-336-762

TEETH WHITENING. Professional and pain free. Cosmetic One Hour Treatment, from 99€. J avea, Denia, Calpe, areas. Tel:680-501-404 or email: info@ nulookteeth.com WEIGHT LOSS GUARANTEED/GET FIT world class personal trainer €50 per hour.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

18 - 24 February 2011 9.30pm. Tel: Andrea and Brian 616-478-157 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

fwreurocars.com BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-875497 or 618-592-396 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied

IM PAINTING interior and exterior painting to the highest standard. smooth or textured finish. up to 10 year guarantee. references available. call ian on 696-708-567

and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds. All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers! Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S 2-door fridge/ freezer, as new.Varous flat screen TV:s.Chest freezer with large drawer at bottom. Over 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Very high quality Chesterfield leather 4-piece suite, large 3-seater+2seater+armchair+foot stool. See photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaelsjavea.com Tel 96-579-1328 S.O.S. INSURANCE CarHome-Health-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787-123/ 622-275-561/686-116-297

WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used, like new, 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€ Tlf:-627-019-403 INDUSTRIAL CATERING EQUIPMENT chicken machine with stand 1200euro,combe oven 650euro,pizza oven 600euro, dough maker 400euro, 3mtr canopy and motor 1200euro,bottle fride 200euro,heated display cabinet 350euro,and much more tele:693-004-845 FOR SALE IN OLIVA Trailer, 6x3ft, cover, new tyres incl spare - €250 ovno; Mountain Bike, 21 speed, extras - €120 ovno; Honda Petrol Rotavator, service record & manual - €260 ovno; Continental headlights for Renault Scenic 1998-2002 - €250 ovno & Renault Laguna 1996-2001 - €200 ovno. Tel:962-838-882 after 1600hrs HAIRDRESSING EQUIPMENT 2 backwash units, 2 hairdressing chairs, Hood Dryer on Stand, Climazon Dryer Nearly New 1600€. Tumble Dryer 200€ Genuine Interest Only Tlf:-620-408-678 2 X MATCHING SOFA TABLES Circular, Diameter 60cm, Height 55cm, 3 legged pedestal base, Light oak finish. VCG. Altea area, Buyer collects. 50€ the pair. 691-202-307 POOL TABLE FOR SALE. BRAND NEW Never Used. Bought new for 1500€, will accept 750€. Tel:-637-583-373 TUBE HEATERS tubular heaters. suitable for wardrobes, bathrooms, garages etc. low running costs. new with guarantee. all areas covered. From 30 euros. 628809829 tubularheaters@gmail.com

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595

BALLROOM/LATIN/ SEQUENCE DANCING with LA BAMBA’s. Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenida Baleares, Torrevieja, New Beginners class Monday 10.30am-12.30pm. SOCIAL DANCE Saturday 7.30pm-10pm. Tuesday Improvers Lesson 7.30pm8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm-10.30pm. New Venue: The Wok Royal, Benijofer (966-714-820) New Beginners Class: Monday, 7.30pm8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE: 8.30pm-10.30pm. Bienvenido Chinese restaurant, at La Zenia roundabout.New Beginners Class: Wednesday 7.30pm-

875-497 or 618-592-396 MERCEDES 230 CLK, UK PLATES black, 6 speed box, taxed til end june mot 4 months, just serviced, Elegance model, all extras, perfect for returning to Uk. great condition, 2450euro may part exchange. tel:-680665-583 WE BUY any car,van,motorhome,boat, jet ski. Instant decision at good prices. Tel 680 -665-583 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail. com BMW 120D SPORT Reg 12/05.63k.clim cont. QROPS FEES! Have you looked at transferring or cashing in your UK pension only to be dissappointed by expensive fees? If so call me. Lowest QROPS Fees Guaranteed! Paul 965-058-488 or 691-219-354 PINE SHOP SALE Double Bed. 270€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE Hall Mirror 85€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE Gate Leg Table 85€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE Sideboard 155€. Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Large Bookcase 135€ . Tel:628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Treble Robe 150€ . Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Double Robe 180€.Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE 5+2 Chest. 135€. Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Bookcase 57€.Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE King size bed. 285€.Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Bedside Chest. 20€.Tel:-628-499-448. KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER “Brand New” 500GB. 70,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 275euros Tlf:-657-766-341 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666933-726. www.spainpool.com

PICASSO CITROEN DIESEL SX HD110 2007. Low Milage, Returning to UK. 7990€. Tel :-696-655-028/UK:-07540-932133. briansierra@hotmail.com LOOKING FOR A CAR? FWR has a good selection of LHD and RHD Vehicles for sale or exchange. New and Used Vehicles Sourced. Call Frank at Your Friendly English Car Sales on the Costa Blanca. Tlf:600-726-221/965-687-976 or simply view our website www.

Silver,18”alloys,privacy glass. ITV 2012.6sp.5 dr. Immaculate condition. 11,800€ tel:-966-731156/699-808-656 WANTED, MERCEDES CLK CLK Elegance Wanted. Excellent condition, leather, 2004 or later, will pay up to 12,000€. 618-133-799 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 AUTO 2003 Spanish lhd 104,000km 8,500euro tel:660-375-093 FUEL SET FUEL TREATMENT Are you worried about your car failing the ITV because of emissions? Check out www. liquidengineeringspain.com for details of Fuel Set, which could solve your fuel emission problems. Tlf:-663-324-519 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI Turbo Diesel. Sep/2003,LHD 5door, only 69,000klm, approx 43,000 mls, F/S/history, air/con e/windows, remote c/locking, remote CDplayer, possible px, lady owner. Very economical. 4195euros ONO, 656-676-541 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. Free collection. Tel.689929395

GENERIC VIAGRA SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 100mg blue pills 24 for 50€ or fast acting oral jellies. Call Ron TTMarketing Tlf:-966-499-204 TORREVIEJA GENTLEMAN Very Fit and Active, is looking for a lady with a view to long term companionship. Tlf:966-784-665 BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH! Blonde, English, Aged 44. 40€ all inclusive. Tlf:-626-324-088 NEW IN BENIDORM MATURESUSI, 49 discrete, dedicated flute player, made in Switzerland. Offers from sensual massage to full premium service as outcalls or incalls. 7days 10am - 8pm Call 672-836-234 or www.maturesusi.com 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 DAVID TORREVIEJA 24 years old, gym body, Very sexy and hot, come see it for yourself for men and couples.call me 678-179-616. TORREVIEJA TRANS CORAL stunning blonde,Huge breasts, sculptural body.Speciality erotic masage.Very feminine and sexy. Call me 671 42 44 56 GENERIC VIAGRA 100MG 12 tablets for 30€ or 24 for 50€ also fast acting jellies and weekenders. Free discreet delivery. Quesada & surrounding area. Derek 685-207-378 ELEGANT, SLIM, SEXY LADY ESCORT My Place, Home or Hotel visits. Torrevieja-La Manga-Mazarron Areas. Tlf:693-357-526

18 - 24 February 2011

DANI 24, SWEET GERMAN GIRL Offers erotic service. House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534 Torrevieja PORNO DVD´S! The Best You´ve Ever Seen! Gay, Bestial, She-Male, BDSM 10€ each. Tlf:-636-929-511 SEXY FUN AND GAMES 63 year old. Sub/Dom Switch. Your place or mine. Available for females, males and couples. Specialising in more mature females and cross dressers. Torrevieja to Benidorm. Low Fees. Tlf:-655-058-554 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609573-468 or 639-832-118 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 639-622-285

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. We are the Professionals with over 8 years served 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. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 Email info@ pristineswimmingpools.com www.pristineswimmingpools. com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www. pooltechspain.com

VILLA, 4BED, 3 BATH, 1300M2 10m pool, Busot. Reduced from 380k last year to 270,000€. 696-655-028/UK:07540-932-133. CLASSIC SPANISH OLD TOWN HOUSE CALLOSA. 3 double bedrooms (one en-suite) new kitchen, large living room/ diner. Bbq terrace and LOTS more. Recently reformed/fully furnished. 135,000€ Tel:609177-032. MOBILE/PARK HOMES On Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15,000€. Alucasa park home with 34mtr l/shape conservatory 3 sheds 2 a/c eng tv. Tel. Completly furnished. Must sell 25,000 euros ono. Carol:-968-192-

425. Mob:-626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com LOOKING TO RELOCATE We have new and pre-owned luxury park homes for sale throughout the UK 12 month occupancy part exchange considered on your Spanish or UK home for more information call 0044151633-2321 or email :alan. aitken@hotmail.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER Los Altos, Detached Villa, 220 square metre plot, only 113,000€ 669-283-973

VILLAMARTIN AREA Middle Town House, 2/3 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Seperate Toilet, Garage, F/F, Fitted Kitchen, 89.000€. Tlf:-669-283-973

APARTMENT FOR RENT 3 bedroom, clean spacious apartment in Pedreguer town, close to all amenities. 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, aircon and lift. Available now €450 per month bills included. Call 638-207-343 1ST FLOOR APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA In a 3apartment country house, halfway between Altea/Altea la Vella. Refurbished, Fully Furnished. A/C and C/H, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large lounge, Kitchen/Diner. 40M2 Sun Terrace with Bar-b-que. Very large Garden, Private Pool. Transport essential. No Pets or Children. 495€ per month plus bills. Available March 2011. Tlf:-966-881058/691-202-307 1 BED BUNGALOWS on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties.Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www,mobilehomesmarmenors pain.com VILLAMARTIN HOUSE FOR RENT PRIVATE POOL Lovely 2-3 bed house for long term rent in quite area, Air conditioning, Furnished and an 8m x 4m Private swimming pool and Garden, english owned. 475euro PCM Tlf:-626-822-014

LONG TERM RENTAL, JAVEA AREA Small Villa preferred, or ground floor apartment. Retired male, non smoker. Needing garden, TV, Internet. Tel.:-680-501-404.

quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 LARGE EMPTY VAN with experienced owner, driver returning to UK regularly. Dave: 965-329-610/ 686-767-839

VENUE NEEDED for DANCING CLASS

(Ballroom / Latin) Albir, Alfaz or Altea area Once per week 7pm - 9pm (Mon, Tues or Thur) Starting March 2011 Suitable for 20 persons I provide own music / player Drinks / Refreshments sold by you Contact Dawn:

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-Lingual Spanish-English, High Level French and German. Confidential and Reliable Service. Competative Rates. Torrevieja Area. Call Virginia on 629-201-192. TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.

96 688 1413 or 619 682 335

COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@ KarlaDarocas.com Referrences www.KarlaDarocas.com BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER Offers secondary/ primary tuition. English/ Mathematics. Tel:-Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516/616-660-687

SPANISH LINKS LTD Removals & Deliveries. Spain/ Uk/Spain www.spanishlinks. co.uk Ring 0044-1209-843971 VAN LEAVING FOR THE U/K every two weeks space both ways. Great rates contact Joe on 966-074-576 or 650-341-087 or email civic1235@msn.com MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van. man@hotmail.co.uk MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or

ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS Installed, Maintained and Repaired. 10 years experience with Satellites in Spain. All areas covered. Tlf:-Hugh690-275-223 SMALLDISHTV@HOTMAIL.

CO.UK UK TV no subscriptions fitted from 299.00 Euros Games consoles repaired. 605-547-662 SKYSUPPLIES Sky+/Humax HD/SD Digibox`s, White cards, LNB`s. Faults/realignments. Advice. 966-194-013/ 600-899-096. CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com LNB SATELLITES The No 1 Satellite Company covering all the Costa Blanca since 2000. Telephone 965-873-726 or 669686-587 or see our advert on Page 2 every week.

TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Brica-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere!965-319-220/ 618-165-877 RECORDS AND CD´S WANTED Top cash paid. Pop, Rock, Blues.Tlf:-630-665-363

18 - 24 February 2011

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 Airport Parking

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18 - 24 February 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay Mrs Kay for UEFA

f l o G N T R e t a d p u Club Dennis Jordan

Mike Probert

Region

NORTH

HERE IS some basic information on the courses in the north for this week: The winter special offer at Font del Llop has now ended. Don Cayo is at present in very good condition, since they created different tee positions on the back 9 last year, which improved the overall playing experience. There is some work being carried out on the 620 yard par 5 Fifth Hole which fortunately doesn’t affect play. At Alicante Golf the grass is a little brown at the moment but when the temperature increases with the spring this will turn green and they have extended their special winter offers until late March.Enjoy your game.

Jooinur

club!

Alex Corbisiero

I was playing rugby in the garden the other day with my 8 year old son and got a little too competitive after he’d rounded me for the third time to score yet another try. The next time he had the ball, I clattered in to him a little too forcefully and sent him flying. His mother, who was in the kitchen, wasn’t perfectly positioned to see the incident but she saw enough to give me a right ear bashing. Perhaps she should have been refereeing the AC Milan v Spurs match on Tuesday night instead of Stephane Lannoy. Mr Lannoy only brandished a yellow card for Mathieu Flamini’s awful tackle on Tottenham’s Vedran Corluka. Flamini couldn’t have made a worse challenge if he’d attacked Corluka with a sledgehammer. It was a straight red card offence to everyone who saw it apart from the official. If he had been sent off, Flamini would have been banned. I suggest for missing it, Lannoy should also get an enforced lay off. He won’t of course, as gross incompetence has never stopped anyone from forging a successful career within UEFA.

SOUTH

ALL IS quiet on the western front from the courses in the south of the region with very little to report where despite the excellent weather over the last few weeks the courses remain relatively under-used. The last week has seen the end of more special winter deal promotions and now there are only a handful of such promotions available so book now to avoid disappointment as the remainder of these will end on 28/02/11. Vistabella and Roda will be popular in the next few weeks given the excellent value of the deals and the good condition of the courses. Take a slightly longer drive to Hacienda Del Alamo and experience one of the best courses in the region at low season prices.

NORTH Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alenda

€45

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€46

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

Font del Llop

€68

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Par 62

€30

Single Green fee + Buggy

Villaitana Par 72

€40

Single Green fee

For more information email Dennis at dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373.

SOUTH Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Altorreal

€55

2 Players and 1 Buggy (Fridays)

Hacienda del Alamo

€89

2 Players and 1 Buggy

La Serena

€76

2 Players and 1 Buggy

Roda

€80

2 Players and 1 Buggy

VistaBella

€72

2 Players and 1 Buggies (Weekend) 2 Players and 1 Buggy (From 2.00pm)

€45

There many more winter deals available and to obtain more information contact Mike at mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.

PLAYING GOLF for RTN Golf Club members could not be better as everyone scores a hole in one to enjoy a complete discount package at the best prices possible. Players can get out on 30 Costa Blanca courses and pay the most competitive green fees available. This ‘superb’ deal means a RTN Golf Club member and up to seven guests can all be enjoying spectacular discounts at clubs along the coast. To book a round, all members have to do is to

send their requirements to the two agents, who will deal with requests quickly and efficiently. For the south email: mike@ roundtownnews.com and for the north email: dennis@roundtownnews.com To apply for your membership card go to: www.roundtownews.co.uk and click on the Golf club logo on the homepage. Allow 21 days for delivery

Fronting Up English rugby is in pretty good shape at the moment and not just because of the two wins over Wales and Italy in the 6 Nations. England has strength in depth as has been shown by the performances of flanker Tom Wood in both matches and by prop forward Alex Corbisiero in the latter game at Twickenham. Corbisiero was called in to the team at short notice due to an injury to Andrew Sheridan and produced a great display to get one over on Martin Castrogiovanni. When you include the likes of Ben Foden. Ben Youngs and prolific try-scorer Chris Ashton, it’s clear that England has a crop of youngsters who now look like the real deal and the next match at home to France could be a cracker. Don’t miss it. World Cup Yawn The ICC world cup gets underway this weekend but don’t worry if you are busy and can’t watch the opening game. That’s because the tournament lasts for six weeks. It’s an absolute nonsense as many of the 49 games will be onesided thrashings and lots more totally meaningless. Indeed, 42 matches will be played before the quarter-finals. By the time we get to 2nd April and the final, I predict that virtually all of us will have lost all sense of interest in this bloated, over-long event and moved on to other things.

ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335

A simple mistake Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

THIS WEEK I witnessed first-hand how distressing it is for someone to have valuables stolen when they are out enjoying themselves on the golf course. Just imagine the day. It starts with you looking forward to the challenge ahead. You arrive and have your coffee and a chat with your playing partners of the day and then go to the range and hit a few balls. Everything is going well. You go out onto the course for 5 hours of competitive and friendly golf and have a great time playing a beautiful golf course. Afterwards you return to the clubhouse where you hand in your scorecard and then go to your car to put your clubs away so that they will be safe. You will also collect your wallet and valuables that you left in your shoebag so that you can buy a drink in the bar. As you approach your car you see some broken glass beside it and then you are hit with the awful fact that your car has been broken into. The thief has broken the rear window and taken your shoebag and all its contents: your watch, wallet, ID Card and credit cards and house keys. You thought it would be safe to leave the items in your shoebag in the back of the car because the car park had CCTV cameras that would keep all vehicles and their contents safe. The club is always busy so there is nearly always someone in the car park anyway. How wrong you were! I experienced this very situation at one of our golf courses where the above description matches exactly what happened. Thankfully for me it was not my stuff that was stolen but the people concerned were incredibly upset. Matters got no better when the police arrived and showed little sympathy towards the vehicle owners for leaving valuables in the boot of an unattended car where the CCTV was just a ‘dummy system’. I dare say that the couples insurance company will show even less sympathy than the police. It

is bad enough losing the valuables but just think of the aggravation now faced to get credit cards replaced, ID Cards replaced, locks changed, glass replaced in the car and then the cash - well there is no hope for that at all. Please be aware the boot of your car is not the safest place for your valuables. I am no security expert but please be more careful where you leave valuables. When you go to play golf your car will be unattended for many hours giving a thief plenty of time to do his worst and make good his escape. 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 FEBRUARY 2011: What is the maximum number of clubs allowed to be used during a round of golf? A. 12 B. 14 C. 16 All answers must be received no later than 17.00 28th February 2011 to be entered into February’s draw, to be made on 28th February. The winner will be announced in RTN on 4th March 2011. NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Get help to improve your golf. For the very best in golf tuition, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

Rotary Club Guardamar: First benefit golf tournament at ‘La Finca’ THE ROTARY Club in Guardamardel Segura has organised a golf tournament for the first time with the intention of making it an annual event in the region. The Rotary international programme Polioplus aims to eradicate polio, an illness that has now disappeared from developed countries but is still prevalent in developing nations and the old countries that made up the USSR. (For further information see www.rotary. org) The tournament will take place at La Finca de Algorfa golf course on 26th February with an inscription cost of €50 – this amount, minus the Green Fee, will go to the International

Rotary Polioplus Programme. THE INSCRIPTION OFFERS: - Entry to participate in the first La Finca benefit tournament - A commemorative tournament polo shirt - A picnic bag - Access to the sponsor’s drinks stand Prizes for the first three places are still to be determined, although they will be equal in value to the following amounts: First prize: Trophy and €450. Second prize: Trophy and €300. Third prize: Trophy and €150. To sign up for the tournament send an email to: inesmorasklepic@hotmail.com

Disappointing weekend for Orihuela RFC Juniors ORIHUELA RFC juniors went up to Denia who are the ‘in form’ junior club this year. The results were to say the least disappointing: since the turn of the year the juniors have seemed to have lost their way. The juveniles had a very disappointing result considering their great start to the league season, and went down 70-0 away to Denia. The cadets followed suit, but at least they managed to get points on the board, but still lost 81 –12. fter the first two results it looked quite bleak for the infantiles, but they put up a great fight (not literally of course) and managed to hold their own, coming away with a very credible draw with the final score being 20-20. This coming week the juniors will find out if they

FC Cartagena update FC Barcelona‘B’ 3 FC Cartagena 0

18 - 24 February 2011

will be in the play offs and be playing at home or away this weekend. Hopefully they will be able to get their season back on track along with that winning streak. The club trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Miguel Hernandez University, the seniors and older juniors, juveniles from 20.30 to 22.30, with the younger juniors from 18.15 to 20.00. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level. For details on local rugby and for your rugby gear, see me at the Moncayo Market most Tuesdays and Saturdays or call me on 692 767 242. For information on the Club, phone the president Álvaro on 630 313 298. For the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish).

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE Amazingly, Cartagena are still in 7th position and next week sees them play a home div 2a match against 10th place Numancia. Make a note of Saturday 19th February, KO 18.00, when the hosts will try to make amends inside Cartagonova stadium, for an early season defeat at Numancia. Check out www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for regular updates on FC Cartagena.

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279 For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@gonuts4free.com THIS WEEK’S match was the last in the Gary Smith Challenge Cup, the venue being the 8 foot drain. Again this week, even though there is some depth of water, 8 anglers blanked: the cold weather is certainly putting the fish off feeding. Now we have sections on the drain called ‘cyanide alley’ because at present there are no fish there, as if they have been poisoned.

and Mark (Kens Friend) Harrington - they caught one fish each weighing 0.260grams on the pole and maggot and both anglers were in the same section. We are pleased to say we have now received our Murcian Federation and Insurance cards for the coming year. All details are available from The Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368.

TOP ANGLERS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell, fishing the pole using maggot with 4.58 kg 2nd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson, fishing the pole using maggot with 3.37 kg 3rd Jim (The Medic) Hovey, fishing the pole using maggot with 3.30 kg

HONDON TROUT FISHERY The next Saturday competition will be on 5th March. If you want to participate in one of these competitions please contact Jan on 636 314 033.

POINTS ON THE DAY Rods and Reels with 16 pts Abbey Anglers with 20 pts OVERALL RESULT Rods and Reels with 86 pts Abbey Anglers with 59 pts PLEASE NOTE There are two vacancies within the club if anyone is interested in joining please contact Sue Swann on 966 729 293. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The venue was changed from Nancy’s due to lack of water and fished on the Mercadona stretch for this week’s 3rd round of the Abbey Angling Cup Match. Eleven of us turned out on a cold and foggy morning but only two caught fish, although three anglers did lose big fish in the reeds. The cold weather is certainly keeping the fish at bay but hopefully in the next few weeks the temperatures should improve; I have now gone two matches without a bite. The two joint winners were Mike (The Arsenal) Hill

Anglers Together ANGLERS TOGETHER was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater. Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters. Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting to see what we’re about. The next meeting at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) will be held on Friday 11th March at 12.00. There is a new venue for the Puerto de Mazarron meeting starting in January 2011. On Saturday 12th March at 12.00 the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the seafront between Isla Plana and the Port: refreshments and lunch are available at each location. Come along to a meeting nearest to you.

La Vila to play in Spanish Premiership Liga Renfe NEXT SUNDAY 20th February, at 12.30, at Villajoyosa New Rugby Stadium, La Vila will play in their most important game of the season against El Salvador Valladolid in the Spanish Premiership Liga Renfe. Tickets are available at €10 with under 18s free. Don’t miss out! Spectators are eagerly welcomed to fill the stadium and support La Vila.