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Issue 606

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Couple’s little miracle by Jack Troughton SKILLFUL MEDICAL teams saved the life of baby Leana born last August suffering from the incredibly rare Vacterl Association – a condition that causes a number of birth defects. Parents Wayne Hutton and fiancée Nicole Matthews told RTN how their brave little daughter has undergone a series of major operations since her birth by emergency caesarean at Denia Hospital. A total of 17 prenatal scans had highlighted some of the problems but failed to spot a problem with Leana’s oesophagus – within minutes she had undergone an emergency tracheotomy and was rushed to Alicante in a hi-tech ambulance for a mammoth 11 hour operation. And in her short life the tot – known for her bravery, good nature and cheeky smile – has already been through four major operations to correct problems. Wayne and Nicole, who recently moved to Javea from Murla, wanted to tell of their little daughter’s plight after reading letters in the press moaning abut the Spanish health service. “I thought that’s it, something has to be said because what they did for my daughter was a miracle – it saved her life,” said Wayne. “She is living and breathing proof that the health service here is fantastic and I take my hat off to all the doctors and nurses.” SURGERY

Nicole with little Leana

Vacterl Association – sometimes known as Vacterl Syndrome – develops in early pregnancy, possibly from defective chromosomes. It causes a range of seven groups of problems – Leana needed surgery to her oesophagus and anus, while a kidney condition is carefully monitored and checks made of her heart. Continued on page 3

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

continued from front page “When she was born she was given to me and I thought everything was OK but she suddenly stopped breathing in my arms,” said Wayne. “I shouted for a nurse and she checked Leana and ran into the hallway shouting, “Blue baby! Blue baby!” “Doctors were everywhere and brought her back to life. She had an emergency tracheotomy and was put in an incubator.” Wayne chased the ambulance down to Alicante; Nicole was forced to wait in Denia for news. “They had been very thorough all through the pregnancy, I had 17 scans and they knew of the kidney problem very early on,” added Nicole. “Because of the problems they keep checking her and a number of times we have to take her for blood tests – currently they are studying one kidney to decide whether to remove it or whether it will cause problems in the future.. “But we are very fortunate they can operate and solve the problems. Years ago they would not be able to do that and Leana would not be here.” HOME Wayne said when he first arrived at Alicante the translator had finished her shift but refused to go home and waited for him to arrive. ”The surgeons came out still in their scrubs and explained what they had done and how happy they were with the operation,” he said. “They brought Leana out and it looked as if she had been beaten with a baseball bat.” At the time he said he was in “massive distress” seeing his tiny daughter taken away and put into ICU and transferred in an ambulance “Which looked like the Space Shuttle inside”. And both parents praised the dedication of all the medical teams that helped Leana and continue to be involved as the baby recovers. Nicole said: “I was at Denia doing some paperwork and stopped for a drink and the ambulance came in and asked how she was. When we are at Alicante for tests the surgeons always ask after her.” Wayne added: “They are just so personable and on the ball – they call Leana their miracle baby. “She is always smiling and happy – she is an amazing young lady when you consider all she has been through.”

Faith’s homecoming at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre MINIATURE HORSE Faith of the EHCRC arrived home after a seven and half hour journey, along with Cookie, another mini who had visited vet Gaspar Castelijns in Barcelona. Faith is the first horse to have a front leg amputation in Spain. Sol TV, Canal Vega TV, the Mayors of Rojales and Benijofar, local politicians and the press, along with celebrity representative Georgie May, welcomed her home, where she posed for photos before tucking into her food. Faith is pain free and stood in the horse trailer all the way from Barcelona, despite the trailer not really being designed for sick or disabled horses: the Centre is desperate for funding to enable them to buy a new horse trailer to transport sick animals to the Alicante Hospital and to Barcelona to attend specialist vet Gaspar Castelijns. Rod and Sue would

Finally home like to thank everyone who donated to The Faith Appeal, and the Centre’s tireless fundraisers for all their efforts, but we still need another 567€ to pay for Faith’s surgery whilst in Barcelona. She has three experimental prosthetic limbs, all slightly different, made for her on a budget. Now she is more active she needs a more permanent

design at cost of 1,000€ for each limb. To make a donation please contact Sue on 652 021 980 or visit www.easyhorsecare.net. Visit Faith any day at the Rescue Centre from 1.00 to 4.00pm, with homemade cakes and refreshments available on open days and Sue’s very popular horse tours on Wednesdays and Sundays 1.00 to 4.00pm.

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27 MAy - 02 June 2011

15-M: When will they go home? by Jan Gamm 15-M IS becoming a by-word for organised protest and living proof of the power of serene demonstration on the part of the citizen masses. This is no passing mob with a few banners and a flask of coffee. This is a tide of determined human outrage with more than a basic knowledge of modern communication gizmos capable of calling up support via petitions that expand at an incredible 5,000 signatures per second, Tweeting on a live stream encompassing the entire civilised World. Los Indignados, based at the Puerto del Sol, also known as simply ‘Sol’ are nothing if not organised, with an army of volunteers smart enough to understand that a self-sufficient and comfortable crowd will stay in place for a longer period if there is a reliable porta-loo nearby; so encouraging the demonstrations to continue… WHO ARE THEY? Mostly well-educated ‘twenty-somethings’- young and fit enough to rough it out under tarpaulins in the rain if necessary,

for a long time… They started on 15th May (hence the name 15-M) with just 40 protesters that quickly mushroomed into thousands that effectively killed off the Socialist government’s last hopes of re-election on 22nd May. They are representative of the 44% of Spain’s young intelligentsia that is skilled, qualified and tragically unemployed. WHAT DO THEY WANT? They want everything that many of us have and some take for granted. They want jobs. They want a workable social and political system free of corruption. They are sick of the economic crisis and want radical change - now. And they are prepared to be ‘difficult’ if they do not get it. The 15-M movement sees the present political system in Spain as unfair and demands representative democracy and also participative democracy. They want to see an end to lifetime incomes for politicians and want politicians under investigation for corruption to be removed from electoral lists.

Protests continue

Shopkeepers have politely asked demonstrators to remove their posters from shop windows and street lamps, saying the chaotic untidiness is bad for business. “I have not sold anything for a week,” said one newsagent, “…and if you complain they brand you a fascist!” WHEN WILL IT END? It is widely thought the demonstrations will fizzle out with the introduction of the

new government and a meeting is scheduled for Sunday to debate a continuance. Pundits believe that even if the demonstrators go home now, they will return prior to the 2012 election. Sol is more than a few disgruntled students and young out-of-work professionals flinging their Tweets out of the pram. This is a modern political movement with the potential to derail political and fiscal reform that does not run along the lines they envisage for a New Spain.

Flagging priorities in Catalonia By Jan Gamm THE SPANISH Parliament is to debate on whether the Spanish flag will be removed from public buildings in Catalonia in response to a proposal put forward by the CiU (Catalan Nationalist Party). The CiU claims that provided the Spanish flag is present somewhere within a building, the interests of current legislation and

formalities are satisfactorily upheld and there is no requirement for the flag to be flown either inside or outside of said buildings. One RTN reader commented, “With four million unemployed, families struggling to survive, the streets full of 15-M protestors, the economy on its knees and the country wrestling with the transfer of power from a Socialist government it is interesting to

The Spanish and Catalan flag

Forensics link StraussKahn to the scene

learn that the CiU’s first priority is securing a decision on what kind of flag should fly on the roof.”

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION services have confirmed that DNA traces on the victim’s clothing have linked the disgraced former managing director of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, to the crime scene in a luxury Manhattan hotel, where ‘DSK’, as he is called, is charged with committing seven counts of sexual abuse and attempted rape. He is presently under house arrest against bail of one million dollars.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Socialists lose power

Happy birthday Bob BOB DYLAN celebrated

by Julie Day ON A national level, the population has finally found a voice and the motivation to act, as the ruling Socialists suffered a crushing defeat in the municipal elections last Sunday 22nd May, losing power in all of Spain’s major cities including former strongholds such as Barcelona and Seville, retaining control of only a handful of the country’s 17 autonomous communities.

CLR member and candidate for the position of Mayor, stated that he would ask for Lorente’s resignation should a coalition between the two parties be formed. The rise of the CLR-CLARO party, predominant on the coast, who gained three seats, was decisive in the demise of Lorente’s PP.

LOCALLY

In the Vega Baja area 14 of the 27 municipalities saw no change in the ruling party and include towns such as Torrevieja, Formentera, Algorfa, San Miguel, Crevillente, Almoradí and Los Montesinos. 11 of the 14 were and are ruled by the PP and only 3 by the PSOE.

Whilst the resounding victory of the PP nationally is reflected locally in municipalities such as Torrevieja, Elche, Guardamar del Segura, Almoradí or Pilar de la Horadada, much of the Vega Baja region has been put into turmoil as the PP have not held their majorities and several municipalities are now looking at government from a coalition of two or more parties. ORIHUELA Possibly the most astonishing result locally is that of Orihuela. The former ruling party for the previous 25 years, the PP, headed by Monica Lorente, received the highest number of votes but did not win an outright majority. The PP won 12 seats but a majority of 13 are required to win outright and the remaining 13 seats were divided between the PSOE (6 seats), CLRCLARO (4 seats) and Los Verdes (3 seats). This means that the future of Orihuela City and Orihuela Costa could lie in the hands of a coalition between the PP and CLR, who they say are most similar in views and policies; or a coalition between the PSOE, Los Verdes and CLR-CLARO. Whatever happens, it is possible that Monica Lorente will no longer govern Orihuela as Pedro Mancebo,

his birthday on Tuesday, at 70 still one of the most controversial and widelyfollowed musical icons of his time. No other artist in popular music has produced such a volume of highquality original material over such an extended period of time.

NO CHANGE

CHANGE IN PARTY A change in government will take place in three municipalities: Guardamar, Redován and Rafal. The first two, will change from PSOE to PP, whilst the latter will be led by the PSOE instead of the PP.

Jay walker dies in Alicante

Pedro Mancebo, CLR member celebrates the election result

ed on the outskirts of the city and in the urbanisations, reaching only 28% at its highest.

TORREVIEJA

COMPLICATED

Whilst Torrevieja will continue to be ruled by the PP, it will do so with a new mayor in the form of Eduardo Dolón, former councillor for Culture and Fiestas. The PP won with an absolute majority of 15 seats, one more than last year, and 47% of the votes, whilst 4 seats to new party APTCe, headed by former PP member, Domingo Soler, led to the complete wipe out of the Izquierda Unida (IU) and the loss of both of their seats. High numbers of voters were registered in the centre of town and in La Mata, with figures reaching 80%, whilst a poor voting turnout was record-

Whilst the result in many of the municipalities is clear cut, in others it is slightly more complicated and coalitions will have to be formed in order to gain an outright majority. In Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales and Dolores the PP and PSOE have a similar number of seats, where joining one of the smaller parties could tip the balance either way. In the case of San Fulgencio, the PP have 8 seats, 3 more than 2007, and the other 3 parties, APSFU (4 seats), PSOE (4 seats) and PIPN (1 seat). It seems that PIPN has the deciding seat.

A MAN died in the early hours of Saturday morning in the Albufereta area of Alicante after being hit by a car at around 6.30am in the Avenida de Villajoyosa. The victim, a 35-year-old Colombian man, was witnessed jay-walking in the middle of the road, obviously intoxicated, and was hit by an oncoming car as the driver swerved to avoid hitting other vehicles. Residents in the area have constantly complained of noise from the all-night bars in the area.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

El Plantio lifts trophy by Jack Troughton RTN GOLF Club members voted picturesque El Plantio their favourite course in a unique survey of the sport on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The club, which nestles between Alicante and Elche, claimed top spot with a stunning fifth of the vote to name the region’s top course. One member summed up feelings by praising “the consistent way they provide e a great golfing experience every time I visit.” El Plantio claimed 20.7% of member’s nominations against Las Colinas in second place with 14.6%, and third, Fonts del Llop with 10%, the three setting the standard for next year’s competition. This week RTN golf correspondent, top coach Noel Eastwell, was at the club to present the owner’s son Manuel Ferry Sanchez and general manager Santiago Fernandez with the silverware. It means El Plantio is the first holder of RTN’s Seve Ballesteros Memorial Trophy – fittingly named in honour of the Spanish golf legend who sadly died earlier this month. And also scooping a prize for the best suggested improvement at the region’s courses was Bill Fantom – who scoops 500€ of specialist golf clothing from Levante and Lebeche. RIVALS Noel believes the success of the competition will spark friendly rivalry between clubs – and improve the sport and its facilities across the Costas. “We were overwhelmed with the response our readers have made and we have received some extraordinarily good suggestions about how to improve golf along the coast, he said. “We have already received requests from golf clubs for copies of RTN Golf Club members gave on how to improve golf and the enjoyment of the sport.” And he said of the results for the best course: “The top three clubs must appreciate they have created something quite unique and set the bar for future years. “Those lower down the field will now see the challenge as they all want to be named number one.”

Undercovered guests

By Jack Troughton HOSTS WELCOMING guests to the Costa Blanca sunshine can easily find it a little costly - but family and friends could seriously damage an expat budget should they fail to take out travel insurance. Meals out, empty fridges and freezers are an expected and accepted expense of having loved ones to stay. However, potential problems such as a medical emergency can be much more serious and costly. Now Spanish expats are being urged by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to persuade their visitors to plan ahead and make sure they have comprehensive travel insurance to cover their stay.

(left to right) Manuel, Noel and Santiago with the trophy

Bill Fantom won his prize after suggesting golf clubs should have someone nominated to handle customer service. He wrote: “I believe clubs should have customer service personnel whose dedicated role is to see to all visiting players as well as their own direct members. WELCOME “Being made to feel welcome enhances the pleasure of your visit and will in turn lead to repeat trade in the future.” Noel added he thought the Bill deserved the prize for making a positive point that would genuinely help out players. “A point of contact for all players at clubs is a very good idea. “We are very grateful for all the input from all our members who have taken the time to complete the survey and make such positive suggestions – we now look forward to seeing

A survey commissioned by the FCO discovered a third of people fail to take out insurance before staying with family and friends abroad – more than three quarters – some 77% - planning such a visit this year say that making savings is a key factor in their decision over where to holiday. And the research also shows younger people are more likely to invest in a gift for their Spanish hosts than look for insurance cover, some 63%. Expect food – baked beans, teabags, shortbread or custard – alcohol, clothes, or a bit of nostalgia like a Union Jack mug or a board game. However, the figures also warn that more than a third, 39% of visitors from the UK will be forced to rely on their expat hosts when things go wrong during the trip – whether it is a hospital stay after falling ill or unexpected financial woes. The results of the research were released yesterday (Thursday) after 4,647 adults took

improvements at golf courses.” Another suggestion in the running was to improve road signs pointing the way to golf courses as some were difficult for first timer visitors to find. However, it was felt the solution was to actually pressure the Tourist Board. Improved marshalling on courses at busy times was a common theme in the responses as frustrated members said better golfers should be allowed by official to play through. And many golfers want to see better value at courses – whether it be a loyalty scheme, better discounts for visiting groups, and cheaper green fees for visiting members of other clubs. There was even a call for more refreshments being sold around the course, a ‘stop me and buy one” style selling of cold drinks rather than just at the traditional 19th Hole.

part in the UK survey. Only 55% said they took out travel insurance. And the figures are now being used in the FCO’s ‘Before You Go’ campaign to encourage British nationals to adequately prepare for foreign travel to avoid preventable problems. The British Consul for Alicante, Paul Rodwell commented: “When friends or family visit, it’s natural for them to feel at ease and not prepare in the same way as they would for other holidays. “But things can quickly become very stressful if your guests end up in a tricky situation and lack travel insurance. So if you are asking guests to bring out your favourite teabags or newspaper, ask them to get travel insurance as well, and save yourself and them from what can otherwise be difficult and expensive situations.” For more information visit: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Defence Minister’s car stolen from her home A CAR belonging to Defence Minister Carme Chacon has been stolen from the car park of her residence in Barcelona. The Catalan police have conducted investigations ‘quietly but without success’ following the disappearance of the black Volkswagon Golf earlier this week. The theft took place when the property, a detached two-storey townhouse, was empty and has raised concerns over Chacon’s personal security.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

World Cup wonder arrives in Torrevieja

by Julie Day JUST SHORT of 2,000 people of all ages and nationalities attended the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on Saturday, not to watch a theatre performance, but to touch and be photographed standing next to the World Cup Trophy currently being taken around various cities in Spain. People queued throughout the day, from as early as 7.30am, in a bid to witness and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The theatre opened its doors to the public at 10am after Torrevieja’s councillor for Sport, Daniel Plaza, removed the trophy from its protective case and positioned it on a stand, and former mayor, Pedro Hernández made a speech and was the first to be photographed with the prestigious cup.

Pedro Hernández and Dani Plaza with the cup

Art students exhibit their work

The children and their parents attended the inauguration

By Julie Day STUDENTS FROM Torrevieja’s Municipal School of Painting are exhibiting 86 original works of art that they have carried out as part of their final exams for the 2010/2011 year. Out of the 86 paintings, 77 are by children who have painted with tempera, a fast-drying medium, whilst the nine older students had the choice of which medium to use in their paintings. The exhibition is being held at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in Torrevieja until next Saturday 4th June. At the inauguration, which took place on Tuesday, students were handed their diplomas by painting teacher María García and María Dolores Sánchez Roca, director of the municipal museums. Torrevieja’s new mayor, Eduardo Dolón was also present.

An invitation from Alcoholics Anonymous ARE YOU concerned about your own level of drinking? Does your personal or professional life bring you into contact with a problem drinker? Members of Alcoholics Anonymous invite you to attend, without obligation, an ‘Open Meeting’ on Friday 3rd June at Calle San Miguel de Salinas 2, (Corner of Calle Santomera), Torrevieja at 1pm. AA Helpline: 625 912 078. www.aa-costablanca.org

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Banks come to the rescue in Lorca this week by Jan Gamm IN LORCA an amazing 200 architects, civil engineers and surveyors are assessing the damage to 600 buildings damaged in the earthquake of 11th May, from the Centre for Assessment of Damage and Needs Analysis, on a voluntary basis. The damage to the buildings ranges in severity from a few cracks to imminent collapse requiring a demolition order. Well organised teams of engineers each consisting of a team leader and five technicians are analysing 29 sections of the town, returning each day laden with readings and reports to be collated and prioritised. REPORTS The damage reports are colour-coded: red indicates 589 buildings with very serious structural damage; 955 have localised damage (yellow) which indicates that inhabitants must evacuate pending structural repair; green coded buildings are habitable but are flawed and in need of attention. As the effects of the quake continue to develop, some buildings that at first seemed to sustain minimal damage have graduated through all the colours and eventually had to be evacuated. When the test result is red, an elite team of architects, en-

Architects assess damage reports

gineers and structural experts is deployed before a demolition order is authorised by the municipal architect, Maria Garcia. So far, six more buildings have been demolished in addition to the two that collapsed during the earthquake. REBUILDING Up to 106,000€ has been allocated for total rebuilding per home, with 24,000€ for partial reconstruction, but it is already apparent that many residents are in financial distress as they come to terms with the reality that claims for much

First crop of jellyfish hits Benidorm By Jan Gamm A PLAGUE of Cotylorhiza Tuberculata, otherwise known as ‘Fried Egg Jellyfish’, arrived on the coast yesterday, swept in by warm winds and ocean currents into the Bay of Benidorm. The Department of Environment and Beaches says there is no cause for alarm as this species has only “…mild stinging ability.” Even so the jellyfish

were removed from the beach. Bathers at Rincón de Loix, Levante, were amazed at the number of jellyfish brought in on the tide. The more dangerous species of jellyfish known as ‘Portugese Man o’ War’, that can inflict more serious injury, floats on the surface of the water with trailing tentacles typically around 30 feet in length.

Bathers on the Levante Beach inspect unwelcome visitors

needed cash will take some time to process. In an effort to speed up the rebuilding process, the Caja Murcia Bank has extended 100% credit to its Lorca customers against applications for aid relief, free of interest over six months, with a further period of grace granted for mortgage payments: Cajamar and Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo are preparing similar offers. And 24-month rental allowances are being authorised from the disaster fund for people that have been evacuated from their homes on a red code.

A bridge too far A resident of Benidorm is claiming substantial damages from the local council after suffering a fall in March, caused by heavy concrete slabs stacked in an unsafe manner near the construction site of the Emilio Ortuño Bridge. The accident resulted in a triple fracture to the lady’s shoulder requiring a titanium plate to be fitted along with fifteen screws, leaving her arm badly scarred. Work on the bridge has been fraught with delays and criticism over the budget and it is alleged that this is not the first accident to have occurred near the site.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Fast Track Hypnosis and the Grey Area by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

OVER THE 25 years I have been in practice I have helped well over 50,000 people using Fast Track Hypnosis / Hypnotherapy. Some problems are quite simple, such as the Stop Smoking or the Weight Control session to the severe problems such as confidence issues, phobia, blushing etc. But on occasions I am asked to help with problems that I would class as ‘the grey area’, in other words I don’t know if I will work until I try it and I stress this to the client. Here is a self-explanatory letter from one of my ex clients: Dear Alan, We can’t thank you enough. For thirteen months C...... has been through so much. Having different tests done - attending hospitals every few weeks. During this time she was losing confidence in herself and because she had to wear a splint on her hand she didn’t like going out of the house. At 12 years of age this was having a terrible effect on her. C. was only one year old when she had her thumb removed and up until now her hand was functioning well. For no explainable reason it stopped, until she went to see you. With just ten minutes into the second session her hand was working perfectly. It is unbelievable. We have been on a ‘high’ ever since. It’s great to have her back to herself again. Thank you. R, L and C. The story behind this is the mother had been to me years ago to successfully stop smoking and had telephoned me about her daughter and could I maybe try something to help her even if only with her confidence. I agreed but stressed that as regards her hand not working and since all the tests had come back negative that it was physical, we could try something but not hold out any hope. On the first session I put her under hypnosis and did a visualisation technique with her and her fingers moved a fraction of an inch. I gave her a CD to listen to for a couple of days and brought her back in for the second session.

On the second session, once again back into hypnosis, this time I got her to visualise her arm and to imagine a healing white light travelling down it towards her hand and then when it came to the blockage to clear it away and to start working again. And that is exactly what happened! The mother and father were stunned and so was I: I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. There were a lot of tears that day and I received a phone call from the mother the next morning saying that C...... had been able to put on her clothes by herself for the first time in two years. I was delighted to be able to help. Here are another two in the grey area “...... one thing that amazes me and delights me is that having suffered for years with imbalance of the inner ear for which I have been taking pills three times a day, I find they are no longer needed. Apparently there is no cure for this condition ONLY HELP. So how could this have happened?” (NB: the person had come to me for something completely different and I didn’t know she had a problem with her balance) “Dear Alan, thank you for all your help in helping me to find my misplaced necklace; as you know it was of considerable value, not to mention the sentimental value. I could not have achieved this without your help. Yours gratefully, Patricia” So Hypnosis is not only about stopping smoking or Grey area losing weight. Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis ses- problems may sions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm. respond Alan is also the Creator of the ‘Stop Smoking in under to 30 minutes Fast Track Hypnosis’ and ‘Laser System’. hypnosis

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

Teenager survives leap from seventh floor balcony by Jan Gamm

Jacob Evans recovering in hospital

SPANISH AUTHORITIES are warning about the dangers of ‘balconing’, a crazy activity that involves jumping from a balcony into a swimming pool below. An incident on Monday resulted in British teenager Jacob Evans sustaining serious injuries after jumping from a seventh floor balcony at 8.30am in the Torrenova Playa Hotel in Calvià, Magaluf. The 19-year-old was admitted to hospital with a broken arm and a wrenched ankle: the Civil Guard said he was lucky to be alive and nicknamed the boy “The Reborn.” This is the second such incident in two months. Last year ‘balconing’ claimed four lives in Spain.

Test centre frauds THE TRAFFIC department of the Guardia Civil has arrested and charged ten people this year for sitting a drivers’ test while posing as another person bearing a physical resemblance, mostly those of Oriental and sub-Saharan origin.

Some hoaxers make the obvious mistake of leaving test centres in their own vehicles. Impersonators face between six months and three years’ imprisonment: surveillance has been stepped up at test centres.

Queen Mum of Song retires JEAN TOWNSON has decided to retire from public singing at the tender age of 83. First appearing on stage at the age of six, by the time she was a teenager, Jean was being hailed as the new ‘Isobel Bailey’. Over the years she starred in many musicals, and sang on radio and television in variety shows with many famous stars. Jean preferred to remain an amateur, married her childhood sweetheart Rowland and had two daughters. She and Rowland have been married for over 60 years

and he has always been her biggest fan. A loved and respected member of almost every singing group on the Costa Blanca since retiring in San Luis with her husband in 1991, Jean has a huge repertoire of songs and has often stepped in at a moment’s notice to fill a gap in the programme. For the last couple of years, Jean has only sung with Crescendo, including the RBL 90th anniversary concert in Alicante in April, the day before her 83rd birthday where she was interviewed for local TV; the oldest member of the

160 strong choir. At Crescendo’s rehearsal last Wednesday, Chas Smith the MD asked Jean if she would sing a solo facing the choir, as all they could normally see was her back as she sang! Her daughter Janice quickly provided the music for Sue Trick to play and Jean sang ‘Bill’ from Showboat, bringing tears to a lot of eyes. Jean was presented with a bouquet and a specially made plaque from Crescendo. She will be singing with the choir for the last time at Chas’ farewell concert on 25th May.

Jean in full voice

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

27 MAy - 02 June

“Barkis is willin”: Dickens - David Copperfield: WELL, THE Willoughbys were willing to vote in the local elections but instead went on a ‘Car Treasure Hunt’ and never found our quarry...our allocated polling station in an obscurely-named local school (or ‘colegio publico’). Firstly we parked and negotiated the roadworks to the place where we had voted four years ago –WRONG! That school has been pulled down! Along the way we met several other would-be voters, papers in hand. After some discussion it was decided that we should be at a school near to the ITV centre. WRONG AGAIN! Here we met others, two blokes who said “We’ve just voted, you wanna be near the Genius pub.” However, it was agreed by all of us that we had on our forms ‘Urb: Torreta 111, Patricias (except for one well known Belgian chap who has lived here for many years but who had a slightly differently numbered school on his ‘tarjeta censal’ than the rest of us)… So off we set again towards the landmark of ‘Bar Patricia…’ “…must be near there…” we all agreed. WRONG AGAIN. We couldn’t find any schools in the vicinity. We never met up with the others again and we drove home despondent and fed up! None of us struggling knew the Torretas at all well as we all live on the other side of the Crevillente Road. Also none of us knew where any of the schools are as we are pensioner voters and would rarely have the need to visit any schools. Oh by the way ... we never saw a single sign: ‘POLLING STATION THIS WAY’ in Spanish or English, to help us out. Well, you`ve got to laugh... the bonus is that the sun is here to stay (?) At last! C&C Willoughby

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

So who in reality is being paid large sums of money? MANY COMMENTATORS write of the Spanish as being ‘orgulloso’. This does not just mean ‘proud’ but can also mean ‘arrogant’ and ‘haughty’. Couple this trait with instinctive greed and a breathtaking degree of economic illiteracy and you can almost guarantee how they are going to respond when the numbers of golfers decline and costs increase. All the courses I have played at are predominantly staffed by South American ground keepers - so who in reality is being paid large sums of money? People are thinking like King Canute if they believe that golf course managers, with

their comfortable cartel, are going to keep costs down. Also, if you check the web you will find that a number of golf courses are controlled by top knobs with close ties with companies like Adidas and Reebok, and links with local town halls; they seem to regard their investments as trophies. They do not care a damn about the likes of us, as long as their ultimate employers continue to back their apparent enterprise and initiative. You do not have to incorporate these minor changes. It is just me being fussy! Regards, Barry Easton

Thank you, Vodafone! THERE ARE so few companies here in Spain that care about their customers, once they have made the sale. I would like you to print this letter regarding the excellent service I received from Vodafone when I purchased a telephone with an internet connection from the Vodafone shop in Quesada. Struggling with the jargon of apps, downloads, Bluetooth, software etc., which were all new to my vocabulary, I was given an in-store demonstration at the ease of use of a Sony Ericsson – on which I only had to choose an icon, glide my finger across the screen and was instantly able to obtain a keyboard on which to write emails or access the web! For the next few days I struggled with my new ‘toy’ and gained confidence but try as I might, I could not access the internet. I returned to the store for help and would never have dreamed that the assistant would have spent so much personal time and effort in getting my phone to work – which eventually turned out to be a problem with the Lynksys wifi system in my home, which he managed to correct and I am now connected. This shop in Quesada has excellent staff that really cares about its customers and customer service is second to none. Muriel Bell, Algorfa

Doing the RTN Crossword pays off! JUST TO let you know how much we enjoyed our meal for two, as the prize for the crossword. Due to circumstances we asked if we could have a take away, which was willing supplied and we enjoyed it at home. The RTN is the one weekly paper we think of as a must and enjoy all the news and views contained in it. I find the airport information link especially useful and very easy to use. Thank you again and we will keep on doing the crossword in the hope of being successful again! Margaret & Chris Tracey

PCN Japanese earthquake fund closed

I WOULD appreciate it very much if you would print this letter advising those clubs and associations that very recently generously donated to the PCN nurses fund are concerned that the funds will be allocated to the Japanese via PCN. Please, I assure you this has not happened and would never happen. Reluctantly, I have closed the Japanese earthquake fund due to the total lack of any funds being placed. My thanks to RTN and Currencies Direct for their support. Jennifer Cunningham

A wonderful service

I AM writing to let your readers know about the wonderful service we have received from Millie Munro. We took out a Health Care Plan with El Perpetuo Socorro with her company and are delighted with the service from them and from Millie. Nothing is a problem to her. She even

mail

talk tous

emailed me on the day of an important hospital test to give me moral support and all this from a lady I have not even met. If we have a problem it is sorted out immediately. In this day and age of companies not caring it is so refreshing to meet people who care. Hilary Petrie, Daya Nueva

Reply to GA Marques I AM writing in reply to the letter from GA Marques last week. We are pensioners who have had our property on the market for eight months. We have no financial difficulties fortunately but are returning to England for family reasons. We paid 136,000€ for our property, cash, and have spent 29,000€ on all the mod cons and garden since 2004. We have two bedrooms on the ground floor with very large garden. We are registered with a local estate agent and have had viewers. With every viewer we think we have a sale, from their reaction as soon

as they come in. They ask our name and telephone number and what happens… we are offered ridiculous amounts like 80-90,000€. Don’t these people realise we have to go back home and start all over again? Only two couples out of the 44 viewings have told us straight that the property is too small for their family. I might add we have also had seven other estate agents asking for our business so the buyers are out there. Buyers please don’t keep building our hopes up and be straight with us sellers by either saying yes or no! Yours sincerely, Name and address withheld

Help for Lorca I HAVE a spare bedroom and can offer temporary to a person who is homeless after earthquake in Lorca. I live near Alcoy. I feel very sorry for those who suffered and cannot contribute financially but I am willing for someone to live here temporarily. Please email rtnmail@roundtownnews.com and we will pass on your details. S Dearson, Alcoy

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Gastromony Week in Orihuela Costa THE FIRST ever Orihuela Costa Gastronomy Week starts next Monday, 30th May. For five days at five different restaurants on the coast, you are invited to enjoy some of the restaurant’s culinary delights and sample a selection of their extensive wine list. The event starts on Monday at the Restaurante Punta Prima on Avenida del Mar. (Tel 96 532 8106) On Tuesday, it is the turn of the Cabo Roig Restaurante on Calle Torreón in Cabo Roig (Tel 96 676 0290) and Wednesday sees the Orihuela Costa Resort in La Zenia host their event. The resort is on Avenida Las Palmeras (Tel 96 676 0800 or 96 676 1272). On Thursday 2nd June, the El Pony Restaurante in Dehesa de Campoamor will be the featured restaurant. It is located on Calle Gabriel y Galan (Tel 96 532 0238). Finally, next Friday, 3rd June, the Restaurante Las Villas on the N332 will be providing its delicious menu. (Tel 96 532 0005 or 96 532 0766) Reservations are essential so please call the individual restaurants to book your table.

Music, Art and Crafts Festival at the lake by Julie Day WELL-KNOWN Grand Designs house Casa la Pedrera is to host a fantastic two-day Music, Arts and Crafts Festival, during the first weekend of June. There will be numerous events of all kinds taking place over the weekend of 4th and 5th June, including an exhibition of beautiful Andalucian and Venetian jewellery plus displays of lace-making, beading, patchwork, mosaics and other types of handmade crafts. Local artists and photographers will also be displaying their work. Music and entertainment will be provided by UK contemporary band, Zephora; young singer Emily Hullmann, who is taking the Costa Blanca by storm; Just Brass and local radio station TKO. As well as music, there will be plenty of dance, as the event will be inaugurated with a horse parade at 12 noon on Saturday followed by a display of flamenco dance from Raquel Peña and her troupe, ‘Flamenco Para Todos’. The event will

close with ‘Lord of the Dance’ from the fabulous Footwork Dancers. There will also be a chance for members of the public to demonstrate what they can do by taking part in a ‘Penalty Shoot Out’ with Tony’s Soccer School or a ‘One on One’ with the Los Montesinos Netball Club. Alongside all of the above events Casa la Pedrera will offer pony, quad bike and hay rides down to the lake, an all-day BBQ and paella, plus so much more. This event is being organised to raise money for several charities including Animal Aid, The Lions, The San Miguel Food Bank for families affected by the economic crisis and Paul Cunningham Nurses. Entrance free for children and only1€ for adults, from 11am until 6pm both days: Casa la Pedrera is located along the CV95 road that links San Miguel to Orihuela, between the exits for Torremendo and Bigastro. For a full list of exhibitors and performers, please visit www.thingstodoinspain.info or call Jenni Ray on 660 816 620.

Spain v UK in a friendly veterans football match Landrover Rangerover (2002) 3.0 Diesel - Toyota Avensis Auto (2004) 2.4 Petrol - Fiat Punto Grande (2008) 1.4 Active Petrol - Chevrolet Aveo (2008) 1.4 16v 70ps LS Petrol - Hyundai i10 (2008) 1.1 Petrol - Renault Kangoo (2007) 1.5 DCi Diesel - Suzuki Ignis (2006) 1.3 DDIS Diesel - Ford Focus (2005) 1.6 TDCi Diesel - Opel Corsa (2006) 1.2 Twinport Petrol - Peugeot 206CC (2004) 1.6 Petrol - Kia Rio (2005) 1.3 SOHC Petrol - Peugeot 407 (RHD) (2006) 2.0 SE HDi Diesel - Citroen C2 (2005) 1.1 i Furio Petrol - Renault Scenic (2003) 1.9 DCi Diesel - Ford Focus Estate (2002) 1.8 TDDi Trend Diesel - Ford Focus (RHD) (2003) 1.6 Zetec Petrol - Renault Megane Scenic Auto (2002) 1.6 RXE Petrol - Opel Corsa (2003) 1.0 Petrol - Citroen Xsara (1999) 2.0 Image HDi Diesel -

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Ford Focus (2007) 1.6 Trend 39.000km - Petrol - €8,995

By Julie Day A VERYspecial football match is set to take place tonight between the Manchester City Veterans and the Los Montesinos Veterans. All of the veterans from Manchester City are ex-England international players with the exception of one who used to play for Scotland. The team members have been holidaying in Benidorm this week but will make their way down to Los Montesinos to play at the town’s football grounds this evening. Some of the players whose names may be familiar to older football fans include Andy Dibble, Andy Morrison, Asa Hartford, Eric Nixon, Peter Barnes and Tommy Booth. On the Spanish side, the players are all amateurs and veterans of the Los Montesinos Football Club. The match, organised by the Costa Blanca Blues Supporters Club, will take place tonight, Friday 27th May, at the municipal football grounds in Los Montesinos, located off Avenida del Mar. ‘Kick off’ is at 7pm with the introduction of the players and national anthems at approximately 6.45pm. Entrance is free and there is a bar at the grounds, which will open from 6.30pm. At present, 200 – 300 people are expected to cheer on the teams, but many more are welcome.

Normal Price Homeclean Price 3 Piece Suite from €120 from €60 2 Piece Suite from €100 from €50 Leather Suite Price on application Carpets Price on application Oriental Rugs Price on application Curtains in Situ Curtains Full Length from €90 €45 Curtains Half Length from €80 €40 Mattresses cleaned Single €20 and Double €30 Marble Floors Cleaned and Polished

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

“I Wanna be a Kindleback Writer...”

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

ARE YOU a Kindle reader (a Kindle, for those not in the know, is an electronic book) or are you a traditional book reader? Maybe you are both. If you are, which do you prefer? The reason I ask is because this week it’s been revealed that in Amazon’s sales of downloaded books (since April 1st) two hundred and forty two ebooks have been shifted on its UK site for every one hundred hardback print copies. And they claim that the gap will continue to grow. “But,” I hear you ask, “What about paperbacks?” Well, apparently numerous popular titles in this format have also been outsold. Amazon asserts that in the paperback arena their ebooks are “outstripping the combined sales of print copies 105 to every 100.” Is the book on its way out? I for one hope not. Look, I’m no Luddite and every week I eagerly read my RTN on the computer. I love gadgets of all sorts but I also love to read a book – as a book, in book form, with pages I can ‘dog-ear’ and scribble notes on. Obviously, as my Nearest-and-Dearest (a Kindle convert) will no doubt argue, on just one Kindle you can have a whole library of books: hundreds of ’em. I guess many of you would have transported books out to Spain and will know how heavy a box of just twenty or so are. Blimmin’ heavy! I put my back out loading mine up. So, from a point of convenience a Kindle makes sense but what I think will be missed is the touch, feel and smell of a real book. And that’s not to mention ‘serendipity’ aspects. Let me give a couple of examples. Back in the mists of 1995 I was re-

searching for a dissertation and wanted to get hold of a book called Broadcasting by a Captain Robertson. After an initial search I found a copy was held at the East Sussex County Library Archive. Some days later I was informed it was ready to be picked up at my local library. On opening the book I discovered it had been written and published back in 1936. Now, the thing that really astonished me was the last person to have read that book was in October 1941; a distant fifty-four years earlier. The original “Keep this book clean and safe and bring it back by...” flap was there with the last date stamp entry 14/Oct/1941. The last time a librarian had stamped the book; and the last time someone had taken it home to read it before me – well, the flippin’ Yanks, sorry the Americans, hadn’t even entered the war! How incongruous my ‘return by’ date of 3/5/95 looked beside the faded ink of the previous entry. I felt I was holding an artefact that was a link with the past. That wouldn’t happen with an electronic Kindle version. The following year ’er-indoors was ferreting around a jumble sale and came across a copy of J B Priestley’s, English Journey. It was an ‘everyman’ edition (I’m guessing that meant an ‘el cheapo’ copy) published in 1935. She very kindly secured it for me for a fiver. Interestingly, the price seemed to include several other artefacts. Inside the front flap was a cloakroom ticket and nestling between the pages was a ‘tuppenny’ (2d) bus ticket to Tooting Beck and a picture postcard displaying a scene of rural Sussex. Turning it over the postage was

date stamped June 6th 1935 and in the correspondence area a message written in the most glorious hand writing. Now, if I were an inventive novelist or screen writer it could well have been the beginning of a wonderful story. I often wondered what had happened to the person I’d shared Priestley’s book with. Did she/he take up the offer on the postcard to visiting Dolly down in Seaford for tea sometime? Had he/she been living in Tooting Beck or were they on route elsewhere? Does it re-

ally matter? No, of course not; but it’s strange to think that those little bits of what a historian might call documentary evidence, had lain nestled and undisturbed between those pages for all those years. My point is you just don’t get that with a Kindle, folks and besides which Paul McCartney’s lyrics for Paperback Writer would never work. What are your thoughts on all this, dear reader? p.watts@roundtownnews.com Watts in Brum, clinging on to me paperback...

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Paper-pushing is becoming a health hazard by Jan Gamm A REPORT by the Valencian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SVMiC) this week has revealed that general practitioners are overloaded with paperwork and administrative formalities that eat up precious consultation time. Doctors report that at least 30% of their time that should be spent in the diagnosis and treatment of patients is spent wading through prescriptions, school and work documents, flyers and reports. A number of proposals are made in the report designed to reduce the paper trail for

doctors, among which are plans to provide a system of repeat prescriptions that may be processed through attending medical staff instead of via a consultation to the doctor and also for some of the responsibility for children’s health at school to be passed to parents. The report warns of over-loading doctors with administrative tasks and also points out that the volume of paperwork is used as an excuse for a small number within the Too much medical community to not fulfil their other administration, too little time… professional obligations.

The disappearance of Ryanair FR5562 By Jan Gamm NO, THIS was not one of those ghostly incidents from a Stephen King novel: Ryanair FR5562 from Alicante El Altet to London Gatwick on Monday 16th May simply “did not exist” according ground staff. Kenny Corris was booked on FR5562 as a ‘priority’ passenger – he had paid for his ticket online on a ‘priority’ status and paid 8€ for the privilege, plus a further charge of 12€ to validate his priority boarding: it was unclear, he said, why the two charges were made separately. Kenny had enjoyed a Ryanair flight one month previously and was looking forward to his journey. He was therefore deeply disappointed to find that, far from alighting the plane via one of Al Altet’s shiny new airbridges, he was instead bundled onto a bus (admittedly first – the only ‘priority’ shown throughout Kenny’s miserable boarding experience) where a cross-tempered bus driver barked instructions at his

passengers in Valenciano in an effort to establish their ‘priority status’. Kenny was made to stay in his seat until the other ‘nonpriority’ passengers had been boarded. Understandably aggravated and at a loss to understand why such treatment should constitute ‘priority’ boarding, Kenny politely enquired of the handling staff why, when as far as he knew, the Spanish courts had ruled that ALL airlines must use airbridges at El Altet until further notice, Ryanair had chosen to board passengers in this uncomfortable manner. “Oh, that’s because when the aircraft is parked outside the red demarcation line, it does not exist. Any aircraft parked in this position does not have to use the airbridges,” was the cheerful reply. MARBLE PALACES CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary has freely criticised airport improvements in Spain,

not only in El Altet but also in Barcelona El Prat, his famous ‘No Frills No Thrills’ outlook sharply contrasting with what he describes as “…thousands of Euros wasted on constructing marble palaces.” And he refers to airport authority AENA’s privatisation as bad for consumers and for competition. Ryanair has so far not reversed its decision to cut capacity at Alicante by 80% later this year. The company is confident that its new fleet of 50 additional aircraft will be adequately utilised by summer trade despite its decision to ground 80 aircraft in the winter months. Ryanair’s comment to RTN on this matter was, “Ryanair operates over 1,400 daily flights and we have a policy of not commenting on minor flight incidents.” In the meantime the battle over the airbridges at El Altet continues defiantly – the other side of the red line.

Nonexistent aircraft parked the other side of the red line

Sea tragedy at La Marina

A 65-YEAR-OLD Irish man drowned last weekend at La Marina. He was spotted at about 2pm by other swimmers who retrieved his body from the sea and attempted to revive him but he was pronounced dead when emergency services arrived on the scene. On the beach at La Zenia a 48-yearold woman and a man of 65 were treated for mild choking and a 28-year-old for exhaustion. A fourth man, aged 53, required treatment for anxiety and exhaustion after taking part in a rescue.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Marathon Man is making his life a mission – not an intermission by Karla Darocas I AM always impressed by people who set out on grand quests in order to raise public awareness about the faults in our humanity. And, as we all know, faults come in all forms and the cracks they make in our communities often grow to be nasty big holes! I believe that American humourist and publisher Arnold Glasgow had the right idea about our human condition when he sparked the quote “Make your life a mission – not an intermission.” Recently in Javea Port, I had the chance to interview a South African who was in the process of making it his mission to give back to his adopted community and home of Ronda, Andalucia. Andrew Campbell knows from personal experience how health issues and medical expenses can create cracks in families and holes in pocketbooks. So, he is doing something about it. “I have the chance to do something big for the first time in my life,” expresses Andrew. “I decided to walk from Rome to Ronda in order to raise awareness and financial aid to help support the families in my region with very sick children who are facing financial hardship.” The foundation he created is called the ‘Fundación Fabrica de Sueños’, which translatesas ‘Factory of Dreams’. INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW CAMPBELL What did your family think when you decided to go on the fundraising journey? None of them believed I was serious, even during my training and weight loss period. I started weighing 130kg in Sept 2009 and now I am 90kg. I’ve been involved as a volunteer in charity work all of my adult life so fundraising didn’t get their attention, but the notion of walking 2,700km certainly captured their attention. My parents have been surprisingly supportive, especially after reading my blog where I describe my experience of meeting homeless people and finding myself in unsavoury places and situations. My family are also very proud of me for doing this walk. My sister keeps telling me she’s amazed I’ve been able to keep going. Little does she know I’ll probably sleep for week when I get back to Ronda.

What do you do when it rains? That is a very good question. I’ve been very lucky so far that I haven’t had any heavy rain while I’ve been walking, only drizzle. But those four days of drizzle were terrible. I was soaked right through. Luckily my backpack has a rain guard, but every time I used my phone it got wet and that panicked me. It rained almost continuously from Nice to Aix-en-Provence. What kind of responses do you get from people on the road? You must understand that I don’t walk on the side of the road outside the white line where the road often drops away or is broken and has unnatural cambers. I generally walk inside the white line in the car zone wherethe surface is usually maintained and flat because this is actually the safest area of the road. Most drivers probably think I’m crazy, but they give me a wide berth. There are even a few who wave encouragingly and toot their horn politely. Others are horrible, they drive too close and behave frighteningly or they yell obscenities at me. I walk with a reflective vest and hiking sticks, and if I think a driver hasn’t seen me I wave my sticks and it gets their attention quickly. In the cities the biggest problem is people who don’t respect pedestrian crossings. I make a show of photographing number plates and that gets a quick apology. Before my walk I was hit by a car, which damaged my right knee and has caused recurring problems while walking. Now I’m very aware of the traffic around me. Did you ever think that you would be doing such an adventurous thing with your life? Honestly no! I started my career in sales and got promoted to sales management along with other things. I quit to focus on renovating houses andmy life became much more relaxed. I actually thought I’d spend my days renovating and mowing the lawn. Here I am now, practically ascetic and walking a huge distance for people I’ll probably never meet. Why do you feel that life is precious? I’m not a terribly deep thinker. My friend Simon Wheeler says the best philosophy can be summed up in two words. Be Nice!

Andrew Campbell

However, an example of my feelings about the preciousness of life can be found in the unconditional happiness of a young child who hasn’t learned to discriminate yet. That child will play with any other child or talk to any person or even talk to street gangs without fear… and I long for a world where everyone lives without fear. Have you met any of the children that need these funds? Yes I’ve met some of the children, but due to a combination of laws about exploiting minors and respecting their privacy, I don’t blog about them. What I find amazing about these children is that they never cry. They are always happy to meet a new friend and tell their stories. But it breaks my heart when I see the parents sob uncontrollably because they feel powerless to help their sick children and every month their situation seems to get worse. Social security only covers so much and families that were struggling before a child becomes ill really have atough time afterward. The entire family suffers not just the sick child. The brother and sisters often feel neglected. The parents who must appear positive for the sake of their children, in reality can’t function from grief and worry. To Learn More About Andrew Campbell and his Mission – read his blog (www.romaronda.info) On his blog you can also contribute to his cause and help to fill crack and holes to heal sick children and their families.

The HypnoBand Virtual Gastric Band I have pleasure in writing this unsolicited letter to you as my appreciation to you and to hopefully dispel any apprehension that prospective future clients might have prior to visiting you for what is a “Life Changing Experience” 5 Stones lost in 7 Months Diets don’t work I’ve tried the lot over the years, I retired to Spain in 2006 & have enjoyed a very unhealthy lifestyle until September of last year when enough was enough....... I was desperate for a solution... Everyone was passing comment as to the weight I had put on, I got that I did’nt want to go out my confidence had gone. Bearing in mind that diets don’t work in the long term I had to change my outlook with regard to food and drink... Having seen Fern Brittan and Anne Diamond on television going on about the Gastric Band I considered it but did not want surgery so I chose the HypnoBand Virtual Gastric Band Weight Loss System which I had also heard about via the media. I had to seek out a Qualified Hypnotherapist who operated from an Established Health Clinic with a fantastic reputation.... This is when you Mark came into my life. Having been a Professional Golfer for 43 years I know one of the important criteria is the ability to establish a relaxed atmosphere in the right environment... You Mark fill this criteria on both counts. I was impressed by the fact that I was not certain to be taken on by you until you had met me for a free initial consultation, this I found very reassuring. Luckily for me you took me on for the four sessions that have changed my life in just 7 months.......I’ve regained all my confidence, my wife Kay says she has got back

the man she married, friends keep telling her and me they cannot believe the change in my appearance and personality.....I can go into a shop now and buy without even trying clothes on...fantastic feeling... I feel wonderful every morning and look forward to each and every day........who needs to win the lottery... I feel I’ve won the Jackpot... and I’ts down to you Mark and the Hypnoband... You are a truly gifted chap. Thank You, Peter “Stebbo” Stebbings. Albir. If you would like to hear more please contact Mark directly on Freephone 900 808 559 or email at mark@hypnospain.com or visit www.hypnospain.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Costa Blanca Samaritans Fundraising Events THE COSTA Blanca Samaritans are hosting a charity double on Saturday 18th June at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club. During the day 80 golfers will play a team Stableford event with a shotgun start at 10am and there are still a few places available. The winning four-man team will each win a widescreen TV courtesy of John at Rental and Sales Centre Los Dolses. In addition, any player getting a hole in one at the par three on the 14th will win a brand new car. The prize giving ceremony will take place as soon as possible after the finish. Cost of entry is 60€ per person to include buggy and complimentary light refreshments, and a

donation to Costa Blanca Samaritans. Anyone wanting to play should phone John on 679 871 156. Although there are limited spaces for players, Costa Blanca Samaritans are still looking for sponsors for individual holes and prizes - anyone interested in being a sponsor should contact Graeme on 693 688 939 or by email to challenclark@aol.com. In the evening a Gala Dinner Dance is being organised at 45€ per head, to include a Cava reception, 4 course meal with wine, beer, soft drinks and coffee plus entertainment from The LA Concert Band and Paul Allen’s Brat Pack-style tribute. During the proceedings a raffle will be held with many major

Chas & Dave split as Dave retires ONE OF Britain’s longest running and best loved rock acts are to split up after Dave announced his retirement from Chas & Dave. Chas is to appear at the Lounge Bar Torrevieja in his new one man show. The cockney duo had been playing together since 1972 and was responsible for classic tunes such as ‘Rabbit’, ‘The Sideboard Song’, ‘Aint No Pleasing You’ and ‘Snooker Loopy’. Bassist Dave Peacock, 64, has announced his decision to retire from the music industry following the death of his wife Sue from lung cancer. Although Chas & Dave went together like apples and pears, lead singer and pianist Chas Hodges has vowed to continue playing their hits under the new name of ‘Chas And His Band’. Chas will also perform some one man

shows in selected venues, the Lounge Bar Torrevieja being one such venue. Chas, 65, today said: “Obviously it’s sad. It’s the end of an era but the start of another one - the show goes on. I still see Dave every week and he’s coping but I don’t think he wanted to do the gigging any more. He has horses and he loves driving them round his grounds and painting gypsy wagons which he’s very good at so I don’t think he’ll miss the gigging. Chas & Dave is a legendary name but I shall be taking over the gigs. I’ll be doing the old songs as well as new ones and talking about Dave during the show.” Chas will be performing his one man show at the Lounge Bar Torrevieja on Tuesday 14th June. Tickets are on sale now

prizes donated by local businesses and individuals, with all proceeds going to Costa Blanca Samaritans. Raffle tickets are available from the offices of all the main sponsors – Canal Print Rioja, Rental and Sales Centre Los Dolses, Golf Factory Cabo Roig – so even if you cannot be at the event you still have the opportunity to support this highly worthwhile charitable cause. The Costa Blanca Samaritans is a non profit making self funded registered charity providing emotional help to those in need. For further information about either the golf day or the evening dinner dance contact Denise on 699 168 819 or email denise1sams@hotmail.com

from the bar priced at just 7€ and that price includes your first drink free!

Relief trucks for Lorca FOUR RESIDENTS in the Carrús neighbourhood in Elche launched a large scale emergency campaign this week to provide emergency goods to earthquake survivors presently living in tents. All kinds of products were collected including diapers, toiletries and blankets and loaded onto six trucks bound for Lorca. Organiser Balbina Cuadra expressed his appreciation to everyone for their support and commitment.

Not sure how to keep the kids entertained over the summer months? ONCE AGAIN Castelar College is delighted to offer an entertaining, enjoyable and extremely stimulating programme for children during the hot summer months ahead.

SUMMER SCHOOL The children’s days are packed full of fun throughout the day as they take part in a variety of activities whilst enhancing both their English & Spanish. Castelar has on hand highly qualified staff with a wealth of experience in organising and running activities for children of all ages and teachers are fully qualified native speakers. This coupled with the excellent facilities on offer at Castelar ensures children have a summer to remember! Not to mention a stress-free couple of months for parents! DATES 4th July - 12th August: enrolling now! Please note: due to popular demand we have extended the age to 12 years.

For more information Tel: 968 17 82 76 or check out Castelar’s website on www.castelar.org RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMPS Summer Camps have a distinct nautical flavor, with children aged 8 -17 years taking part in a variety of nautical activities including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving to name but a few. Full board accommodation is provided in the college’s excellent residence, where all rooms are equipped to a very high standard and are complete with en suite facilities and air conditioning throughout. All bed linen and towels are supplied. The 7-night programme consists of 2 hours daily Spanish classes and 20 hours of water sports per week. Each week a one day visit is arranged to a local landmark/attraction of local interest… Dates: 4th July-15th August: enrolling now! For more information Tel: 96 817 8276 quoting Ref: RTN 100.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

27 MAy 2011 20- -02 26June may 2011

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Jennifer Cunningham

Earthquakes do happen in Spain SINCE I have lived in Spain, there have been a number of tremors and just recently a very nasty earthquake very near to us, with lives lost and the tremors felt miles away. The claims for the damage will of course be handled by the Consortium, if you have an insurance policy in force. This is the goverment regulated Consortium of insurers which cover extraordinary events, to which all policies sold by Spanish insurance companies pay part of each policy premium. Any damage not paid by the consortium would then hopefully be picked up by the insurer, but only if accidental damage is included in the policy. I suggest you check your policy carefully for consortium payment and accidental damage. To date this year my company has received more claims for burglary than for the whole of last year. This of course is frightening for both the insurer and especially for the person being robbed. Many people who have gone for a cheaper home insurance quotation, subsequently on claiming have been horrified about their policy and many have not been paid out or received restricted payment. One thing is for certain, we offer straight forward cover on content cover. We always advise clients to add up the full amount of what it would cost to replace everything in the house. On doing this many are amazed at how much this comes to and often find the cover they have been advised to take is either not enough or not available. This always makes the policy cheaper, but what is the point when there is either not enough cover or just a few selected items. If you have expensive jewellery you will find very few insurers who will cover these precious items. If high risks items are not mentioned in the policy I can assure you they will not be covered. Another factor are the excesses: UK based policies often charge two excesses on every claim, one for the contents ( items stolen) and one for the building ( broken door/window). On Spanish policies only one excess per claim will be used. With the advent of many more burglaries happening this year, please check your policy very carefully; you could be in for a nasty surprise when claiming. In Spain there are many Spanish companies working for years in the insurances world and many agents/brokers. In this very competitive business please make sure the company is known to many and has been trading for a long time. An SL company is the equivalent to a LTD company, whilst an SA to a Plc. All companies will be regulated by the Spanish Goverment via the DGS. This is equivalent to the FSA in the UK. The FSA has no authority in Spain, therefore, any legal problems would have to be sorted out in the UK. I find it very odd when I see large advertisements in the press proclaiming loudly that the company and policies are authorised and regulated in the UK, and some people seem to feel comfortable with that: I wonder why, when they live in Spain? On another serious issue, I was quite shocked to hear from one of JCC’s Sales Consultants that tenants living on urbanisations are being advised at meetings that they no longer need a top-up insurance on their community insurance, and to cancel it if they have already taken a top up. How dangerous is that advice. You would require full contents cover preferably with accidental cover as community insurances do not cover earth tremors. We would also recommend a reduced buildings insurance to cover all internal fittings and give you protection against the damages that can be caused by split internal pipes. Remember you could also be liable for damages caused to neighbouring properties. Therefore, you do need both a top-up on buildings and full content cover. With the increase of burglaries taking place, would it not be sensible to install an alarm, and not just the ones which make a noise or those which can be cut off by the burgular. The only ones that really seem to work are those connected to an alarm central and that give instant notification to the Guardia Civil. Yes, a little bit more expensive, but so much safer and it will reduce your insurance premium. Why would a person break into a house when the Guardia Civil will be called? One last thought: please would you check your security measures, because the insurers are becoming harder on clients’ claims, out of sheer necessity. For example, a multi-lever deadlock is a high security lock in the UK, but it simply does not cut it here in Spain. Not having ‘rejas’ on all the windows and access points might cause an issue if you have declared to have them. Also, if you have declared to have an alarm, this must be connected when you are away from your property; if not your claim will be invalidated. There are so many issues to consider and whilst you may think it is a bonus to find a cheap policy, it could turn out to be a serious and expensive mistake to buy on price alone. Our consultants are available to advise you on the correct policy, plus all claims including those via the Consortium will be handled by our Claims dept. No waiting on the phone. What joy. STOP PRESS Funeral Insurance 30% discount for 2011 and 15% for all subsequent years... Ask for information and an individual quote. NB : extra special offers on new health insurance policies with ASSSA, free upgrades, interest free installment payments... for life. A special policy to back up social security and give you instant access to GPs and specialists. Ring now – your health is important.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.

20 - 27 26 MAy may -2011 02 June 2011

23 25

04 10 February 2011 27 -MAy - 02 June 2011

Strike up the band! by Jan Gamm LOCAL RESIDENTS in El Altet decided to channel their musical talents and form a small band, informally tagged ‘The El Altet Musical Society’. Interest in the band took off with enthusiasm and it has now reached orchestral proportions with 60 members ranging in age from 3 years to over sixties! For just 20€ per year there are lessons provided for beginners in musical language and song and members are also taught to play instruments such as guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. In September there are plans for tuition in strings.

Classes take place on Fridays at 7.30pm and Saturday mornings from 11.30am, at the society’s headquarters in an old nursery school. Francisco Casanova is president of the tenmember board, with Fernando Albero in the position of musical director of the band and the school: “We are one big family,” he said, “The experience is great – having fun with music and making people feel proud.” There are plans for a musical to debut this summer but in the evenings there are plenty of activities for children and parents to share in various activities and workshops.

Boat owners spending money like water in Spanish marinas

IN A list of 15 of the World’s most expensive marinas, Spain has no less than three entries: Puerto Banus in Marbella; Ibiza Magna and Marina Port Vell in Barcelona, at fourth, fifth and eighth place respectively. The boat market, despite high maintenance costs, is ‘bouyant’ with a healthy turnaround for second hand pleasure craft.

Barcelona’s magnificent Port vell Ranks within the top 15 most expensive ports in the world

Kids of the El Altet Musical Society

Green idea: Use of bottle tops to seal a bag off the top of the bottle and take off the cap. Push the bag through the bottle neck, fold it over the edges, and twist the cap back on. Now, your bag has an air and water tight seal, and you didn’t have to waste the bag. (Note that the bag should not have any ‘airholes’ to start with!) Cut off the bottle cap

WHOEVER THOUGHT of this should get a green medal - no more twist ties or rubber bands. This method is water proof and air tight. Great! SEAL PLASTIC BAGS WITH OLD BOTTLE CAPS Zip-top bags are great but sometimes you buy something in bulk and you’re stuck with an un-sealable bag. All you need to do is cut

The finished product

- 21-october 2010 2715 MAy 02 June 2011

Perception is reality MANY, MANY years ago, before the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites, I started my career as a Graduate Trainee in the Customer Services Division of a large UK Computer company. From day one it was drilled into us that ‘perception is reality’. It didn’t matter how good the call to fix times were, if the customers perceived them to be poor we had to accept that and sort it out, not least because customers talk to each other at User Group meetings and the like, so word of mouth then, like now, could be your best friend or your worst enemy. As I said this was before all the messaging, communication and discussion options that are available today, all of which have in effect given more power, and importance, to the word of mouth. I was reminded of this last week when I read that Benidorm, fed up with how people perceive it, want to change their brand values and go more ‘up market’. First thought? Good luck with that one! Second thought? Why? As the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke – don’t fix it!” And like it or not, Beni-

23 27

dorm does ‘exactly what it says on the tin’ as far as

where one local Mayor proudly said a week before

the online blogs and websites. The issue of benefit

I doubt anybody goes to Benidorm expecting an-

of votes needed ... “money talks,” as they say, and

stamp out, as demonstrated by the establishment

everyone’s perception goes.

ything other than what they get, and rarely come away thinking they have had anything other than a great time. To try and change that I suspect will be a

the elections that they had secured the number allegedly the going rate for selling your vote was 300€ this year!

The general perception among the expats living

disaster. The current customers will stop going and

in Spain around here is that the Spanish have no

exactly what they want and if they can’t get it at

believe they are actively against having the English

head off in search of its replacement, as they know Benidorm they won’t think twice about finding an alternative. And as for the new profile of customers they want to attract, well let’s be honest ...would

you want to be the first to try and see if they had got it right?

I would leave things be: milk what you have and

accept that perception is reality, and with so many

people still happy to pay for that particular reality

interest in the English and in many cases people in their towns. Now I doubt that is the reality, but it is certainly the perception of many. In discussing

this with friends recently I took my life in my own hands and pointed out that IF that was the case

would it be so hard to blame the Spanish? By way of example I referenced three bits of news from this week.

everywhere was only to be expected, as was the fact

that the majority of powerful, or is that corrupt, ob-

tained the votes they expected. We even had a case

ties are launching a fresh purge on the problem. Now I know that these cases relate to the signifi-

cant minority of British Expats living in Spain, but

put yourself in the position of the Spanish, reading this day in and day out, and what would you think?

Perception is reality, and my suggestion was, and is, that if we British Expats truly want to be accepted by our Spanish hosts we should put our own house in order first.

Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.

Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the

tensive search: Mr Dempsey had an international

few surprises. The fact that the PSOE got hammered

and at estimated 80€ million a year the UK authori-

the town of Benhavis by Spanish police after an in-

Moving on…

you are, but generally down our way there were

cause the issue of ‘abroad fraud’ refuses to go away,

almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor

most wanted criminals in Britain, was arrested in

elections in Spain. Don’t know how it went where

of a dedicated fraud hotline for expats in Spain be-

On the Costa del Sol Jamie Dempsey, one of the

in this current climate I would be extremely grateful.

Last Sunday we had the local and some regional

fraud is one that authorities are particularly keen to

search warrant issued against him for the crime of drug trafficking. On the same day it was reported

to a number of publications and radio stations in Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger.

He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four

that the National Police had arrested a 48-year-old

cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass

edly attacking another British man with a knife af-

Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car

British man, named with the initials P.D., for alleg-

ter he accused the other man of having sex with his wife. On Tuesday the following story was all over

of red. His column in RTN is sponsored by Central leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals.

Views from a balcony is sponsored by Central Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals. See also http://almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Essential Spanish lesson

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 159

TODAY WE are going to cover two subjects, irregular past simple verbs and indirect object pronouns. I thought I would give you that advanced warning, just in case you thought you could snooze your way through the article between having a beer and doing the Sudoku. As ever I will resist the temptation to reteach everything and limit myself to questions, the answers to which will appear next week. The following four verbs have what I call “small irregularities” in the past simple tense. Fill in the missing forms in these conjugations, without looking them up first if at all possible! Pedir – to ask for, to order Pedí pedimos pedíste pedisteis p_____ p______

(I ordered) (we ordered) (you ordered) (you ordered – plural) (He/she ordered) (they ordered)

Seguir – to follow/to continue Seguí (I followed) seguimos (we followed) seguiste (you followed) seguisteis (you followed – plural) s_____ (he/she followed) s______ (they followed) Sentirse – to feel Me sentí nos sentimos te sentiste os sentisteis se s______ se ________

(I felt) (we felt) (you felt) (you felt – plural) (he/she felt) (they felt)

Dormir – to sleep Dormí (I slept) dormimos (we slept) dormiste (you slept) dormisteis (you slept – plural) d______ (he/she slept) d _______ (they slept) (1 point each – 8 points in total)

Flamenco show to help Lorca victims By Julie Day A CHARITY gala has been organised by the Casa de Andalucía ‘Rafael Alberti’ in Torrevieja in aid of those affected by the earthquake in Lorca two weeks ago. The evening will feature performances from four professional copla dancers including Maribel Segura from Murcia; Irene Martínez from San Pedro and Rosa María Luján and Maribel Castillo, both from Lorca. The flamenco duo Sancho y Martínez together with the Agustina Esteve Academy of Dance of Torrevieja will also collaborate with the show. This charity gala will take place this evening, Friday 27th May at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja and tickets priced at 5€ each can be purchased at the theatre box office today from 11am until 1pm or two hours before the show.

Now we are on to the real nitty-gritty – irregular past simple verbs. Actually they’re not so bad it’s just a case of getting used to them, like everything else! First of all complete the conjugation (this time written along one line) and then translate the sentence. Dar - di, diste, dio, dimos, disteis, dieron Translate into Spanish: We gave you the answer. Decir - dije, dijiste, dijo, dijimos, dijisteis, dijeron Translate into Spanish: What did he say? Estar - estuve, estuviste, estuvo, estuvimos, estuvisteis, estuvieron Translate into Spanish: We were there last week. Hacer - hice, hiciste, hizo, hicimos, hicisteis, hicieron Translate into Spanish: The children didn’t do their homework Ir - fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron Translate into Spanish: I went to Cuenca last month with my mother. Querer - quise, quisiste, quiso, quisimos, quisisteis, quisieron Translate into Spanish: What did that man want? Tener - tuve, tuviste, tuvo, tuvimos, tuvisteis, tuvieron Translate into Spanish: I was lucky that day. (3 points per correct answer – 21 in total) And finally, here is a topic that I haven’t actually covered in detail in these articles, namely, indirect object pronouns. As scary as they sound, you may be surprised to realize how many of them you are already familiar with as you hear them in everyday speech. Here are a few common examples for you to translate into English. Mi madre me lo dijo. Te lo voy a explicar. Dámelo por favor. ¡Pásamela! A tu amigo se lo mandé ayer. ¿Me puedes comprar uno? (3 points for each correct translation – 18 in total) No comment about this for now – just good luck and see you next week!

Beatrice’s hat: final bid on the royal titfer

Beatrice in the World’s most famous hat

By Jan Gamm FOR THOSE dying to know, the final bid on Princess Beatrice’s weird and wonderful wedding hat, auctioned to raise money for children’s charities, was £81,100.01. The princess was teased once too often over her dramatic taste in headwear and decided to flog it for cash. At the drop of a hat (sorry) the Little Bee Initiative was set up to handle the sale with the proceeds to be donated to UNICEF UK and Children in Crisis. The twist in the tale, however, is that it is now uncertain whether the final bidder (anonymous) has the cash to pay eBay for the nutty pink fascinator and the hat may yet go to the penultimate bidder. The Philip Treacy creation defies gravity and good taste and perches on the wearer’s hairline, held in place by a clever invisible wire.

legal by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Important: succession law that could apply to Europe in the future

WILLS, INHERITANCE and of course Inheritance Taxes are important matters that greatly concern our readers. In this respect we will focus on the EU Proposal for ‘European Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and authentic instruments in matters of succession and the creation of a European Certificate of Succession’ and on the effect that this proposal could have on those Wills already made. The first thing that we must make clear is that this Regulation HAS NOT yet been approved by the European Union; thus we do not know exactly what the final wording will be when it is approved, but we must consider some very important facts. 1. The proposal does not try to unify all the Inheritance Laws of all the countries members of the EU into one Law; neither does it try to make one single European Inheritance Law for all these countries. But it does propose to establish the criteria that should determine which Law (if English, Spanish, Dutch Law, etc) would govern over the succession in each different case. 2. The draft of this regulation favours one uniform unique law for all the assets, which means that the same Law, whatever it is, would apply to ALL of the estate of the deceased, which of course does not coincide with the Inheritance rules of countries like France, the UK or Ireland where one law applies to movable assets (bank accounts etc) and another different law could apply to immovable assets (real estate, houses etc). 3. One of the most striking facts of this potential legislation is that the main criteria to determine which Law should

Don’t hesitate; let White & Baos assist you with a proper Spanish Will today

be applied to the Inheritance is the deceased’s habitual (i.e. normal) residence at the time of death. At this point the interpretation of the concept habitual residence is under discussion, as in the UK and Ireland this concept is understood as ‘domicile’ but it does not necessarily mean the place where you normally live. This is a very important change because as of today, for example in Spain, the law that applies to a succession is the Law of the nationality of the deceased BUT if this potential legislation passes then the law that will apply, as said, will be the law of the habitual residence. It is also a feature that this potential legislation foresees the possibility of the testator to expressly choose his national law, by stating so on his Will. As an example, let’s take the case of a British man living permanently in Spain who has assets in both England and Spain. He makes a Spanish Will in the year 2000 leaving

everything to his wife, substituting her (in the case she is not able to inherit e.g. if she dies before him) by 1 of their 3 children. If this man passed away NOW (when the regulation is not approved) his Will in principle will be perfectly valid and enforceable, as the applicable law would be the national law of the deceased/testator (English Law) which allows him to leave all assets to his wife. But if the same gentlemen passes away AFTER the potential referred regulation is approved (if it is approved) the Will would not be directly enforceable, as in principle, the applicable Law to his succession would be the law of his habitual residence i.e. in this case Spanish Law, and according to this law, at least 2/3rds of the deceased’s assets should go to his children (and thus not to his wife). In summary we advise you to review your Wills regularly to see if they could be affected by this proposal and please keep in mind that a proper Spanish Will should consider your National Law, Spanish Law and also European Laws and their possible future modifications. Please remember that in order to make sure that your national law will apply to your Will and succession, this must be expressly and correctly stated within your Will. If you need our assistance in this regard please do not hesitate to contact us. The information provided on 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 at 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 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

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money

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Moneycorp

In the process of selling your house in Spain and converting the money back into Sterling? What can you do to make sure that you get the most for your money, particularly regarding the charges levied by your Spanish bank? AFTER THE article last week the response has been staggering. Many RTN readers were not aware of the bank charges associated with the sale and repatriation of funds to the UK.

one of the UK’s major banks as a significant shareholder. • Moneycorp exchanges in excess of £10.5 billion every year, making Moneycorp the largest foreign exchange company in Spain.

When explained, the Moneycorp repatriation service makes total sense to those clients we have spoken to but a common theme running through each conversation was:‘Is my money safe?’ At Moneycorp we understand that not only do clients want the best rate but also for the funds to arrive on time and securely.

• Moneycorp has its own SWIFT code, which means same-day bank-to-bank transfers.

So did you know? • Moneycorp, the number one choice for currency exchange in Spain, has been dealing in foreign exchange since 1979, making it one of the longest established currency brokers • Moneycorp is the only foreign exchange company to have

• Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority • Moneycorp is the only foreign exchange company to achieve ISO 9000 quality assurance accreditation • Due to its size and strong buying power, Moneycorpis able to provide the best rates of exchange If there is one foreign exchange company that you can trust above all others to provide exceptional customer

service, it has to be Moneycorp.That is why the RTN recommends Moneycorp to all its readers. For more information on how Moneycorp can help you to save on your Spanish bank fees as well as helping you get more pounds for your euros, contact us on 902 887 243 or email Moneycorp directly at roundtownnews@moneycorp.com

money

Scam alert!

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

SCAMS, PHISHING, trolls… All language of the internet and all reminders of more opportunity, but they also increase threats. Scams have always existed but never in as much abundance as with the arrival of email. The ways they think of confusing, beguiling and defrauding us are legion. Approaches taken vary from frightening us, ‘your account will be closed if…’ to delighting us, ‘you have won…’

We might tut and shake our heads at the gullibility of those who did click here, but it’s easily done. In hindsight the

spelling errors, lack of official language and dubious wording might seem obvious but at the time these scams play upon our emotions and worries in such a way that we don’t always see them clearly for what they are. For example, would you recognise a scam masquerading under the heading of the Tax Office? Some of our clients have recently reported receiving emails from HMRC and Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish Tax Authority). They begin with the enticing statement, ‘You are eligible to receive a tax refund of…’ and of course then go on to ask for bank account

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

details for the money to be refunded. Beware! As tax advisers we can assure you that you won’t be contacted in this way if a refund is due. Coming up to the June deadline for resident tax declarations we do sometimes have the pleasurable duty of informing clients that they can expect a rebate. But it doesn’t happen by email. On completion of your annual tax declaration you will be informed by your tax adviser of whether you owe money or if money is due to you. If you’re lucky enough to have a rebate it will be paid automatically into your bank account as your bank account details are on the tax declaration you complete. You will receive your rebate in your account by the 31st December: no need to inform anyone of anything by email. So, the moral of this tale? Don’t let down your guard when answering your

emails. If they ask for any financial details they’re almost certainly not genuine. Of course, if you have a fiscal representative you’ll already know if you’ve tax due or not. Sometimes it is good news but don’t let the prospect of a payout put your security at risk.

“If you would like a FREE, no obligation tax consultation and help with completing your annual tax declaration contact one of Ábaco’s friendly team on ÁbacoConnect Help-line 966 703 748 | www.abacoconnect.com”

Mortgage drop compared to March last year A TOTAL of 43,176 mortgages were granted in Spain in March, reflecting a 20.2% drop against the same period in 2010. This follows declines of 7.9% in January and 8.8% in February. Mortgages were referenced against the Euribor for 90% of new contracts.

Tel: 96 558 7633 M obile 61820473 1

•QROPS Pension Transfers •Inheritance Tax Planning •Retirement Planning •Life Assurance

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

Baskerville Advisers S.L. CIF B-63/137.020; Correduria de Seguros; No. de registro RDGS J2306; Seguro responsabilidad civil AIG Europe No. 0131900503.1330; Registro Mercantil de Barcelona, Tomo 35489, Folio 170, Seccion 8, Hoja B-269534

legal

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Frauds and Scams in Spain AS THE recession or ‘crisis’ continues unabated we are seeing an increasing number of clients who by have been the victims of fraudsters, scammers and confidence tricksters who have persuaded them to part with money, cars, or other valuable property only to find themselves deprived of it by the very Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services people they trusted.

Michael Olmer

Often the perpetrators of these offences pose as professionals or reputable business people and like all good con-artists encourage their victims to place their trust in them, especially when they are both foreigners in a strange country. The Spanish Penal Code differentiates between Fraud, known as ‘Estafa’, and misappropriation or embezzlement known as ‘Apropriacion Indebida’. ‘Estafa’ or ‘Fraud’ is defined in Article 248 of the Penal Code as obtaining property or money to the value of more than €400 by deception, including the use of electronic means, or by credit or debit cards. The penalties for Fraud range from a prison sentence of between one and six years and/or a fine equal to between six and twelve months salary. In especially serious cases which damage the financial security of the victim or their family, or which involve a sum of more than €50,000, or where the perpetrator has abused his commercial or professional relationship with the victim, the penalty is increased to between four and eight years imprisonment and a fine of between twelve and twenty four months’ salary.

Lawyers and other legal professionals can be subject to especially heavy penalties for fraud. They can be fined between three and five times the amount which they have swindled and may be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least five years. ‘Apropriacion Indebida’ is defined in Article 252 of the Penal Code as the failure by a person either to properly account for money or goods worth more than €400 willingly deposited with them by their victim. Because the subject matter of the crime was originally deposited with the perpetrator voluntarily by the victim the penalty is lower. The Penal Code specifies a fine of between three and six months’ salary, unless the property concerned is of special artistic, historic, or scientific interest when the penalty can be between six months and two years imprisonment. It is also a criminal offence to fail to return money or other property which a person has received by mistake, again provided that value exceeds €400. If a person is convicted of a first offence and the sentence imposed by the Court is a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less, the sentence will automatically be suspended. If the penalty imposed is a fine then the Court will either set the fine by reference to their actual monthly income or by reference to the average monthly income for the province in which they live. To protect yourself always check that anyone to whom you hand over money or valuables is the ‘genuine article’. If they claim to be a member of a recognised profession

such as a Lawyer, Accountant, or Gestor, check that they are a member of the relevant professional association. They should be happy to produce their registration details. If not, then walk away. This is especially important if you are asked to deposit large sums of money with any intermediary. When dealing with small amounts of money or property worth less than €400 at least check that you are dealing with an established business, and always get a receipt bearing the NIF, NIE, or CIF number of the person to whom you entrust your money or property. You should be especially careful when buying goods or services ‘online’ as these are often of low individual value, but can net the scammer a very large amount of money as a whole. In return, a reputable professional person or business will want to know who is paying them money or putting their valuables into their hands so do not be offended if you are asked to provide evidence of your identity and that you are indeed the true owner of the car or other property you leave with them. Should the worst happen and you believe that you are the victim of an ‘Estafa’ or ‘Apropriacion Indebida’, do not hesitate to go to the Police or Guardia Civil and issue a ‘denuncia’ or formal complaint. The authorities now take these matters very seriously as they reflect badly on the reputation of the country as a whole. We at Linkpoint are available to assist with drawing up written complaints or accompanying you on your visit to the authorities to make your ‘denuncia’ in person.

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

money by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns OVER THE last week things have happened which should have cause to make you think. THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IS FAR FROM OVER The Greek government has to introduce a further round of cuts to public sector pay and pensions and there is talk of the Greeks defaulting on their sovereign debt. Call it what you like, ‘restructuring’, ‘extending term’, etc... it will be seen by the financial markets as ‘default’. And do not think Spain is necessarily out of the woods with a 21.5% unemployment rate and an astonishing 45% of under 25s out of work. Maybe the Spanish have had enough as small scale and peaceful protest in the centre of Madrid has grown in number to several thousand with similar demonstrations taking place in other Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia. THE PROBLEM OF THE US $14.3 TRILLION DEBT The USA would have hit the buffers of the $14.3 trillion limit on public debt a few days ago but for a suspension of contributions by the federal government to the US equivalent of the civil service pension scheme. According to the Daily Telegraph, “Timothy Geithner, the US Treasury Secretary, announced the move in a letter on Monday to Congressional leaders as he explained that the move extends the government’s breathing space to August 2nd to avoid an unprecedented default on its borrowings.” Could this happen in the UK?

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Could this happen to your UK pension fund?

IRELAND’S NEW PENSION LEVY And in Ireland a 0.6% tax rate is to be charged on all the value of funded pension schemes and personal pension plans. The levy will apply for four years, commencing this year, and will raise a projected € 470m annually. Do you really believe this will be for just four years? COULD THIS HAPPEN IN THE UK? UK pension funds are massively more than those in Ireland. Might the UK Government think about following suit as a smaller levy would not seem much at the level of the individual but would raise billions? SILENTNIGHT In any event UK companies can walk away from their pension obligations. This has most recently been the fate of the hapless members of Silentnight which dumped its liabilities in the lifeboat of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). This means Silentnight’s 1,340 pensioners could lose about a third of their pension entitlements. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR UK PENSION Sadly it is a myth to consider your UK pension fund as being ‘safe’. There are risks associated with taxation, there are risks associated with default. The only way you can be sure of avoiding

In an uncertain world let Premier Pension Solutions help you make the right decision

these risks is to take control. If you are a long term UK resident we can arrange for the entire fund to be released - the ultimate control. Or we can arrange a transfer to a QROPS or a self-invested personal pension putting you in control over how the fund is managed. For further information about QROPS and Pension Planning opportunities please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.prempensions.com and http://www.qrops.es

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L., May 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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

01 --07 27 MAy 02april June 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Why electrics go wrong SOMEONE ASKED me the other day how long does an electrical cable last? There are so many contributing factors, the actual length of the cable, how often it is used and what it is actually supplying power too, these are just a few things that can affect the life span of an electrical cable. I suppose the real question is: why do cables and other electrical devices wear out? Firstly electricity creates heat, and over a period of time this heat breaks down the insulation on

A plug contains small copper pieces

the cables and the copper cable itself. One of the contributing factors to this can be ambient temperature. For example: if a set of cables are run through a big conduit/tube the air can circulate around the cables keeping them cool. If, however, you reduce the size of the conduit/ tube then there is less air and more heat. Also if the conduit is placed in the direct sunlight this can increase ambient temperature - this is obviously something that is more of a consideration here in Spain, as the temperatures are generally higher than in the UK. If a cable is not fixed tight into a terminal, for example in a socket, then the resistance at that point is increased and creates heat, again causing deterioration to the cable and socket. I have seen on many occasions here that people find it acceptable to use an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) trip switch, as a light switch. The MCB is a safety device that works the same way as a fuse, i.e. on an overload or short circuit. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suppose any of us, when we lived in the UK, took the fuses out to turn lights on and off;

nor did we clamber under the stairs to get to the consumer unit to operate the switches. Installing an additional light switch is an easy task for a competent electrician. Constant switching of the MCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s causes damage to your safety devices within your electrical system. When we plug an appliance (kettle, toaster, TV etc) into a socket, the connection is made by small pieces of copper inside the socket acting as a spring and pushing against the pin of the plug: if you constantly push and pull the plug in and out eventually the spring will bend out of shape and not make a tight contact. This will then cause arcing and subsequently heat. Also dusty connections can cause arcing as the dust impairs the electrical contact. In the same way as the socket, if you screw a new light bulb in too tight you can bend the contacts inside of the lamp holder, again causing arcing/heat. All electrical installations should be periodically checked and in accordance with the Spanish wiring regulations: that time period is set at ten years for residential premises and five years for

By Daniel Smith, Adept Electrical SL, see his advert in the classified section

An MCB

commercial premises. Electricity is an essential part of modern day life and ensuring it is installed safely is part of my job.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

New glamour for your home! ARE YOU a contemporary type of person? Do you like modern, elegant design? Do you insist on comfort, yet like to make a statement? Would you like a chair designed to fit you personally? What about a chair accessorised by you to add your own individualism? And made in high quality leather, available in over 40 colours? Throughout history there have been iconic chairs such as the Eames lounge chair from the 50s, the Tulip chair from the 60s and the Barcelona chair which was originally made for Spanish royalty but which are now seen in office reception areas throughout the world. Style and comfort live on in these pieces, and at Prominent we would like to introduce to you our new chair called the ‘Elba’ which we believe will give you a similar and everlasting feeling of Specialness, simply because each and every chair is precisely that...special. Special because of the top-grade quality leather used which is available in a rainbow of over 40 colours; special because the design is enduringly elegant and beautifully contoured; special because the built-in footstall will allow you lie back and relax in upmost comfort; special because the design of the base can be selected from our range to add your own unique flair. And special because the height and dimensions can be designed to fit you personally: special because the price will be

distinctly affordable for such undeniable luxury. At Prominent for years we have been making powered riser chairs, arm chairs and recliners of the highest quality. Our Scandinavian craftsmen use only the finest foam, frames and leather, and every chair will provide proper support now and for many, many years. The ‘Elba’ adds to our range because of its classic and timeless good looks. It is the perfect chair in which to put your feet up, perhaps watch television, listen to music, read a book, and relax. Right now at Prominent we are offering a bespoke ‘Elba’ chair in leather for approximately €2000 + IVA (price depends upon your choice of features) and we have a remarkable offer of a second bespoke ‘Elba’ chair for just one single €1. Both chairs can be completely individualised in the way described above, for example to suit a husband and wife of differing sizes to give each precisely the correct support in every seating position. Or if you prefer fabric, this is also possible, at a lower price. To know more about the Elba chair please call 965 793 229 or even better call into our large showroom at Poligono Industrial Teulada (where the Sunday market is) to try one out. Come early and try our chairs for four hours, we guarantee four hours of absolute comfort. There is ample parking and our opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10.00-14.00: www.prominent.nu

The Showroom

Home & Garden

Elba Chair

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

The car coming off the truck in Albir

The car being driven into the truck in Leeds

RTN tried and tested – Silverdale Transport: simply the best

WHEN RTN’S Danny Wilkinson and his girlfriend Louise decided to return from Leeds to the Costa Blanca they didn’t fancy the long drive through France, across the Pyrenees and through northern Spain. Because with Louise being 7 months pregnant, two days stuck in the car was not high on their wish list! They therefore needed someone they could trust to bring their car and possessions back safely, so they enlisted the services of Silverdale Transport who have been advertisers in the RTN for nine years and are known to be fully insured, professional and trustworthy. When you are transporting valuable goods (and by valuable this can be in the monetary sense, or items of sentimental value) it is absolutely vital to check that your transport company has full and valid Transport Documentation and full and valid Insurance. Silverdale Transport carries a full International Operators Licence to cover Europe which allows them to pass freely through the UK ports. Vehicles that do not hold this licence and are 7.5 tons and over take the risk of being stopped by the authorities and the vehicle

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

(and goods loaded in the vehicle!) being impounded when entering UK ports. As you can see from the photos the car was driven into the truck using ramps and there it stayed until reaching its destination – sunny Albir. This is a door-todoor service; with Silverdale Transport when any item is loaded into the truck it is never off-loaded partway or transferred between vehicles, meaning that there is no chance of goods being lost or damaged. Silverdale also transport bikes, which are put onto their large tail lift and raised up into the truck, where they are secured using straps and then covered with wrappers. Silverdale covers all of Spain, the UK and Europe and from collection to delivery all goods can be delivered within seven to ten days, sometimes even sooner. Their vehicles are fitted with air suspensions, giving a smoother ride for goods over the continent. For more information please visit: www.silverdaletransport.net Email: silverdaletransport@hotmail.com or Telephone 01270 849 157 or 07952 170 306.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Herbs

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

NO INLAND or coastal garden in Spain should be without herbs, whether you are a resident or absentee gardener. They have so many uses and can be planted in the garden in containers/window boxes or in terracotta herb barrels. Apartments as well as villa dwellers can therefore easily grow and benefit from an interesting collection of herbs with culinary and medicinal uses as well as looking and smelling nice. The benefits include the following: 1. The perennials such as lavenders, rosemary, thymes, sages, chives and bay are naturalised Spanish plants and are therefore easily established. Most importantly they are among the most frost and draught resistant plants. 2. The numerous varieties of some types of herbs enable interesting collections to be built up. For instance thymes, lavenders, basils and sages. Amazingly there are over 800 varieties worldwide of sages and many can do well in Spain. 3. Many annual herbs such as basil, parsley, coriander, and dill can be raised from seed or purchased as small plants each spring and are reasonably easy to care for in semi shaded positions. 4. Wherever planted they can be regularly trimmed for using in salads, cooked dishes and for healthy infusions. Lamb chops or shanks coated with garlic and freshly chopped rosemary or thyme, fresh basil with pasta and oregano, chopped over slices of freshly harvested tomatoes soaked in virgin olive oil can’t be beaten for taste. Nor can a poleo menta, mint tea or infusion made from freshly harvested leaves. 5. Planted along paths, within mixed flower beds, on a rockery or in a dedicated herb garden their leaves and flowers add perfume to the garden, which in turn attracts many species of butterflies. 6. Herbs can be harvested for hanging in bunches or mixing into potpourris to provide natural aromatherapy effects on the terraces or in the house 7. Co-planted on the vegetable plot they can be useful attractors of beneficial insects (rosemary and lavender), in attracting pests away from crops ( sage, dill, fennel and coriander), the basis of natural insecticides ( garlic) and fungicides ( horsetail) and the

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

Home & Garden

basil can be grown from seed or bought as small plants

basis of valuable natural fertilizers(comfrey, borage and nettle). 8. If we sprain a muscle mountain walking or gardening we find that a rue infusion is a quick acting gardeners’ remedy as is a comfrey poultice. What other type of garden plants can be of so much benefit for a relatively little outlay! If you have inherited a mountainside or woodland full of naturally growing herbs you have a head start on others! Part four of ‘Your Garden in Spain’ describes and illustrates the most popular herb plants for gardens and likewise ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’ in Part 9. Many herbs can be easily propagated at almost any time of the year to increase your number of plants inexpensively or as gifts for friends. Success only requires a fertile free draining gritty, non-clayey soils and potting composts, regular watering of perennials until established, daily summer watering of herbs in containers and a regular short back and sides to stop them becoming leggy and woody. Some herbs such as mint and the wonderful scarlet-flowered pineapple sage can spread quickly so plant them where you are happy for them to expand or plant in large containers sunk into the ground or added to your collection of annual and perennial herbs on villa or apartment terraces. If you are a herb enthusiast it’s worth sending off for the Chiltern Seeds catalogue (info@chilternseeds.co.uk, Tel: 0044 1229 581137) which lists many varieties of herbs not normally found in garden centres in Spain.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Selective panels on roof

Solar energy:

the facts about installing a solar energy hot water system and government grants THE PAST few years have seen an ever increasing amount of publicity in the media about solar energy and general awareness of the technology is on the increase. One of the most popular applications for solar energy is the heating of water for domestic use. Here, Fidelma Matthews from Solar in Spain answers the main questions that people tend to ask about solar hot water: HOW DOES A SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM WORK? It’s really is very simple. In a compact system, where the tank and the panel are one unit, the tank must be placed higher than the collector. The water circulates naturally between the tank and the solar collector because of differences in water temperature. The system has a closed circuit filled with water and an anti-corrosive/anti-freeze solution. WOULD A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REPLACE MY EXISTING HOT WATER SYSTEM? Yes it can. As the solar hot water storage tank comes fitted with an electric immersion heater for periods of poor weather, your existing water heater can be removed. If you have a boiler that provides heating as well as hot water, solar energy can be incorporated to work with the boiler. WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM? A well designed solar hot water system will last for 25-30 years. DOES SOLAR ENERGY ONLY WORK ON SUNNY DAYS? No. Diffused radiation means that a solar collector will still generate a lot of energy on cloudy days. Vacuum tube collectors are particularly efficient in these conditions. Because they operate in a vacuum they can heat water regardless of how cold the outside temperature is provided there is some sunlight. To give you some idea of its effectiveness, solar energy works well in the UK climate where 50% of solar radiation is diffused. ARE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE? Systems vary in design and size but to give you an idea; a system can be fully installed for less than €57 per month. In addition, you will benefit from a generous government grant from the Valencia Energy Board of up to 45%. WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL PAYBACK ON A SYSTEM? As there are so many variables involved, number of occupants, hot water demand etc. a detailed financial study is available to anyone considering a solar hot water system. Normally a system will pay for itself within 3-5 years. ARE GOVERNMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE? There are grants available for solar energy hot water and electricity systems that are certificated by the Spanish Government and installed by accredited installers. Solar in Spain is one of the few accredited companies that have been working for many years with the government’s energy department to obtain generous grants for their clients. Solar in Spain will take care of all the grant paperwork on behalf of their clients. The closing date for 2011 applications is 15th July. It is important that anyone who wants to have a system installed this year registers with the Valencia Energy Board (AVEN) before this date to ensure they get their grant application registered. WHERE CAN I SEE A SYSTEM IN OPERATION? Solar in Spain has hundreds of systems already installed and clients who are happy to let people view them. Alternatively, you are welcome to attend our Introduction to Solar Energy event at the Javea Golf Club in Javea on Thursday 2nd June 2011. Doors will open at 9.30am when coffee and refreshments will be served. The event will run from 10am to 12pm and is free to attend. Places are limited so we would ask everyone to pre-register by calling 902 636 570 or by sending an email to info@solarinspain.com

See our main advert in the Services Section

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Stop the junk

Low battery John from San Miguel asks: I HAVE a 6 month old Toshiba laptop and the battery seems to be running low a lot quicker than when it was new. I have heard so many different opinions on how to keep my battery healthy but I’m not sure what’s true and what’s not. Can you advise please?

Aunty Says: The first thing you must do with a new battery is to ‘deep cycle’ at least four times. This is basically a repeated full charge followed by full drain. This is supposed to wake the battery cells up and help them work to their full capacity. If you use your laptop plugged in to the mains for more than a week at a time then it is important to perform a deep cycle once a week to keep the battery healthy. If you notice a significant decrease in your

Bert via email asks: COULD YOU please tell me how I can stop receiving certain junk mail? Thanks for all your help.

battery’s performance then you may need to pop it out and give the contacts a clean. Switch your laptop off and unplug it from the mains. If you turn your laptop over you will see one or two release catches clearly marked that will allow you to slide or ease the battery out. You will see some gold contacts on the battery and inside the battery bay which you can clean with a cotton bud and pure alcohol. I also do this occasionally with my mobile phone and I have certainly noticed an improvement there as well.

Aunty Says: You can normally flag persistent email addresses as spam using the ‘junk’ or ‘report as spam’ button but the spammers quite often send out bulk emails from random email addresses that change daily. I notice you are using hotmail as your email provider Bert, this will certainly add to your daily dosage of spam as hotmail users seem to be specially targeted. I would strongly recommend opening a Gmail account via Google as they have a far superior automated spam filter system running at their end so you rarely even receive spam emails, and if you do they will automatically end up in your spam folder.

New install Rose via email asks: WE HAVE just installed the new Office 2010. We have transferred our files, and although we can open close and save documents, they save in the original list. It must be possible to open and then save them in the new Office 2010, otherwise we have two lists running, and it is getting confusing! Hopefully you can help. Aunty Says: Hello Rose. It is possible and you will need to

get used to the ‘save as’ menu option that will allow you to save in loads of different file formats and into different folders. Older versions of Office used to have ‘.doc’ as the file extension (i.e. document. doc) but when Microsoft

Cannot download or upgrade

Phil from Orihuela asks: I HAVE an Asus EEEPC with Linux system. When I go to Firefox I get a page saying I must download and upgrade to the new browser, however, when I follow the link I manage to download but cannot get them to run. I do not understand the Linux commands and there is no setup files like windows, whenever I click on a file that looks like it is a run command I get a message ‘preparing to copy’ then the window closes! HELP please. Aunty Says: As much as I admire Linux (and all the hundreds of different versions) I’m afraid it can be a bit tricky to install programs and drivers. This area is probably the one thing Microsoft has really excelled in as 99% of the time installations with Windows are usually a few clicks of the mouse. I know the EeePC used to come with the Xandros version of Linux and there was a known problem with the new Firefox 4, so maybe a quick look on the Firefox or Xandros website may help. There are also other and more up to date versions of Linux, such as Ubuntu and Mint, that may run on the EeePC but again you will have to do some research on the Asus website.

Not genuine Sue via email asks: HELLO AUNTY. I am a receiving a message telling me that my copy of Windows 7 is not genuine. I bought the PC in Quesada and it had no discs or Windows license with it. I have been told this is normal and that I can keep using it with no problems. Is this true?

upgraded to Office 2007 they decided we had to start using the ‘.docx’ file extension. When you are happy that you have loaded an old document and then ‘saved as’ the newer version, you can go through your folders and delete the older copies.

Aunty Says: Not really, Sue. You don’t normally get any discs these days, but you should definitely have a Windows license sticker somewhere with a 25 digit code that you need to ‘activate’ Windows via the Microsoft website. Running a non genuine copy will mean you cannot get some of the important security updates and Microsoft programs. I suggest you take the machine back and ask them to fix the problem.

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet THIS WEEK the Inspector is definitely going around the bend with the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet. Sounding like it should be the result of a dubious sponsorship deal between an 80’s rock band and a sanitary ware manufacturer, the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet is certainly not your basic Thomas Crapper. The Toto Neorest is more like your average politician – shiny, with a Teflon like ability, yet deep down still does a pretty dirty and unpleasant job. On first impressions the Toto Neorest looks little different to any other super-sleek modern lavvy. Yet as you approach, the seat slowly rises as if by magic – pretty unwise really considering what is about to happen to it, probably locking itself and sounding a siren would have made more sense. However, this is just the start of the ultimate ‘spending a penny’. Firstly, the seat can be warmed to a pre-set temperature. Then once you’ve had your penny’s worth there is a choice of front/rear pulsating and oscillating wash modes and warm air drying. The front wash is for the ladies, but you can bet the men are going to try it – why not? As you rise from the throne, the Toto Neorest automatically engages its Power Catalytic Air Purifie

function – no need to utter those time honoured words “…just give it a minute…” Six seconds after you’ve moved beyond the range of the toilet’s sensor zone, it will automatically flush and close both the lid and the seat. There is also a wireless remote control which can open, close or warm the seat, change the water temperature and even perform a powerful ‘Cyclone flush’ instead of the automatic light flush. It can even control the wash modes for that perfect finish. The manufacturers have thought of everything – the toilet is even glazed with a super smooth, ion barrier called SanaGloss, effectively making it self-cleaning every time you flush. Whether the claim was made after the Quality Control Department installed one in the local Indian Restaurant on a Friday night after the Vindaloo Special is open to question. The Inspector’s Verdict: Not likely to be a flash in the pan, though you are going to need plenty of the folding stuff to afford the 4,000€ cost of the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet. Probably not too many better ways to literally flush this sort of money down the khazi.

health

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 8-14 JANUARY 2010

Prostate problems: Prostate Cancer (Part 3) by

Michael Lord BPharm(hons) MRPharmS UK Pharmacist with 20 years experience

PROSTATE CANCER is the most common cancer in men in the UK with 35,000 cases diagnosed every year, mostly in men over 65. Prostate cancer is unusual in that the presence of cancer cells in the prostate is very common, especially in older men and may not cause any problems for many years, if at all! RISK FACTORS Age – most cases present in older men. Family history of prostate cancer or of breast cancer linked to a faulty gene. Ethnicity – Afro-Caribbean men are at higher risk whereas Asian men have a lower risk of contracting prostate cancer. Healthy diet – a diet high in fat and low in fruit and vegetables will increase the risk of prostate cancer. Exposure to cadmium appears to increase risk. SYMPTOMS The symptoms of prostate cancer are often the same as for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) such as; hesitancy, dribbling, urgency, frequency, poor stream and poor bladder emptying. Other symptoms which may be present include pain and occasionally passing blood which are NOT seen in BPH. If the cancer spreads, other symptoms can present, particularly bone pain / tenderness in the pelvis, hips or lower spine. DIAGNOSIS If prostate cancer is suspected a number of procedures can be carried out:

Examination – feel the prostate gland with a gloved finger via the rectum PSA – prostate specific antigen test. The levels of PSA are raised in BPH and cancer, but generally the higher the level, the more likely the cause is cancer. PCA3 test – this is a more specific test to detect cancer; certain levels in the urine can indicate cancer. Biopsy – usually carried out to confirm a diagnosis. A small sample of the prostate tissue is examined by microscope. The severity of prostate cancer is determined by three factors; the grade of the cancer cells, the stage of the cancer and the PSA levels present. Grade: Cancer cells are examined and given a score on the Gleason scale. 2-6 is a low grade cancer and likely to grow slowly. 7 is an intermediate cancer that will grow at a moderate rate. 8-10 is a high grade cancer that is likely to grow quickly. STAGE If cancer is confirmed, often assessment will be made to check if it has spread to neighbouring tissues, lymph glands or other areas. This can be done by; ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan, MRI scan or others. TREATMENT The choice of treatment (or even no treatment) is dependent on the severity of the cancer and also on the age and general health of the individual. Many cases of early diagnosed prostate cancer will

not require any treatment as they are slow growing and are unlikely to affect life expectancy. Others will require treatment, such as: Active surveillance: ‘keeping an eye’ on the progress of the disease, together with regular testing. Surgery: Prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) Radiotherapy: Either external (from a machine) or internal (from radioactive implants inserted into the prostate) can shrink tumours and ease symptoms. In cases where the cancer has spread beyond the prostate itself, additional measures can be taken: Hormone treatment: Prostate cancer cells need testosterone to grow and multiply, so reducing levels of the male hormone can greatly slow down the growth of the cancer for many years. Drugs such as goserelin block the production of testosterone in the testes, whereas others (cyproterone acetate and flutamide) block the action of testosterone. These can cause unwanted side effects of impotence, hot flushes and sweating. Orchidectomy: Surgical removal of the testes to stop production of testosterone. Chemotherapy: Whilst not commonly used for prostate cancer it may be employed in advanced cases. There have been a number of studies into the beneficial effects of the supplements Selenium; Vitamin E; Vitamin C & Omega 3 in the prevention of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the results are unclear at present and require further investigation. For more information about prostate cancer go to: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

Michael Lord BPharm(hons) MRPharmS UK Pharmacist with 20 years experience. Now at Health & Beauty Abroad, Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre, Orihuela Costa. Tel: 965325116 HealthandBeautyAbroad.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Electronic cigarettes: Great new idea, or just blowing smoke..? by Bill Pole ON 2ND JANUARY 2011, new public smoking laws were introduced in Spain. It finally meant an end to ALL tobacco smoking in bars, cafes, and indeed ALL ‘enclosed’ public areas.However, you may have recently spotted a new, smug breed of folks puffing away openly in indoor public spaces, on what appears to be a toy cigarette. What are they up to? What do they know that the rest of us don’t? What they’re actually using is an electronic cigarette, or ‘e-cig’. Themodern e-cig deliversREAL nicotine to the user in a vapourmist form which looks, feels and behaves very much like real smoke. Nicotine is not known to be harmful or carcinogenic when separated from tobacco, the burning process, and the other 4,000+ chemicals which make up a traditional tobacco cigarette – it’s more on a par with a shot of caffeine, according to many doctors. E-cigsdon’t need lighters or ashtrays,

Migraine to be treated with Botox A REVOLUTIONARY treatment for Migraine is expected to hit Spain before the end of the year. The treatment involves Botox injections administered in courses over three months. The Head of Service at Galdakao Neurological Hospital, Juan Carlos Garcia-Moncada, says the treatment is an option for chronic sufferers that fail to respond to conventional treatments.

they don’t burn down or go out, and they’re a much cheaper and healthier low-risk alternative to cigarette smoking;they also restorelost freedom and personal rights by allowing users to ‘smoke’ in places where tobacco is normally banned. So what’s in an e-cig, and how do they work? Modern e-cigs come in 2 parts – a rechargeable battery, and a liquid nicotine cartridge. The contents of the cartridge are gently heated, turning it into a vapour mist that can be inhaled at the mouthpiece. This is usually achieved using propylene glycol (PG), a safe, inert and common vapourising mixture found in many foods and medical treatments such as asthma inhalants, amongst others. The user exhales a visible cloud of water vapour which lookslike smoke, but which disappears within seconds. There’s no lingering smell from a good e-cig, and no second-hand smoke. The 4 basic ingredients found in most e-cigs are liquid nicotine,

Health concerns for cannabis addicts

CENTRES FOR educational therapy are expressing concerns over the increase in dependency on cannabis in Spain along with a casual approach to the dangers of addiction amongst the younger generation. Of 1,500 individuals seeking treatment that were profiled, more than 90% live at home and 74.6% are either working or studying or both. However, requests for treatment for cocaine addiction have fallen from 18.3% to 9.1% since last year.

propylene glycol, water, and flavouring. That’s it! Nicotine cartridgesare the necessary disposables which you buy instead of cigarettes. Depending on your brand, cartridges contain the equivalent of between 5 - 30 traditional cigarettes each, making themcheaper than cigarettes. E-cigs are not a toy, nor are they officially approved as a device to help you quit smoking. They’re designed as a healthier replacement or substitute to tobacco.It must be stressed that nicotine is addictive, and should not be used by under 18s, nonsmokers, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Doctors are coming out in droves to approve of e-cigs over tobacco in general, and the tobacco companies are starting to look a little worried, for the first time in history.The message for you to take away from this feature is that there is now a way to enjoy your habit without killing yourself, offending others or costing a fortune! Bill Pole is the founder of Pro-Cig Professional Electronic Cigarettes, based inJavea on the Costa Blanca. Our amazing e-cig kits come with a 30-day ‘love-it-oryour-money-back’ guarantee, and a unique lifetime replacement warranty! Call (0034) 660 638 975 or visit www.Pro-Cig.com for more information.

20MAy - 26 may 2011 2011 27 - 02 June

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

Let it be! JUST SOMETIMES I wake in the morning to the beauty of my village, with the birds singing, the church bells ringing and the sun shining. They say that the best things in life are free, but we too have to free ourselves from the pressures of everyday life. Nevertheless there is a golden moment in each day when we open our eyes and everything seems to be okay. Our awakening heralds a new day, and whatever it brings. We may have specific plans, and take pleasure in trying to see that all goes well, only to find that it doesn’t, or that it wasn’t what we were exactly expecting. We can face a day that has no plans and find that everything just happens with spontaneity throughout the day. However beautiful our rouse from slumber may be, the pressures and the worries of our lives come through loud and clear. We start to project what may happen, worry about the bills, our loved ones, our future; and what will we do. Many people are trapped in houses they no longer want to live in, or need to sell and move away from. Some are stuck with jobs that they no longer enjoy, but which they need to earn money. Hey presto many of us not only feel pressured, but we are prevented from moving on in a static energy that denies us our freedom and our passage of movement around this World. You may not realise just how Spirit can help with this elimination of static but I assure you that it can and does work on levels that you may not believe are possible. Yes, faith helps, so never abandon your dreams, hopes, and aspirations, oh, and never say never! There is a power of positive thinking that everyone can embrace. Think of the negative for so long and you trap yourself in a world of second best. Instead of seeing what you do not have right now, do the exact opposite and list in your mind all that you do have, and you will find this is a long list. Some people only tell you their bad news, but they do not share the good things that are happening, about to happen or that will happen by the power of positive thought. At this stage I introduce you to the ‘Vision Board’. Whether you decide that this is an actual board, like a kitchen note board, or whether you use your

postbag

computer and develop a screen slideshow as a screen saver, that’s your choice. But no matter how chaotic your life may be the practical application of the board works and works surprisingly well. Simply place on your board that which you want to happen, short or long term, or both. If you need to move, cut out pictures of the home you want to move to, together with some pictures and information of where this will be. If there is something that you really want, add it to your vision board by printing and cutting out a suitable picture! Each and every time you pass by then send your message out to Spirit. This is what I deserve; this is my next move; I am going to succeed in getting what I want. Do not beg, but concentrate on what you really want and be brief in asking for it with the view that you deserve it, and will receive it. I was offered a trip to New York a few years ago, but the many Spiritual churches I would have served were not going to pay me enough to pay my fare and expenses. A great little trip, but if you fly the Atlantic you really want to have a few days of holiday in the City. This is what I wanted, but I didn’t have the spare cash to do it. I made a vision board on my computer, and I looked up all the places that I wanted to visit during my stay on Google image. I then loaded them onto my screen saver, and constantly there was a slideshow of the bookshop I wanted to go to, the restaurant I wanted to try, and even the market I wanted to browse at. Lo and behold I got a call from a lovely spiritual couple in Schenectady, Upstate New York. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when they told me that they wanted to pay my return airfare from Spain to the USA. I was able to make the trip, and have my few days in NYC! The power of positive thinking, together with the visual, works. I have used it ever since and am not afraid to ask for what I need. Try it, it works because it is backup, and because it is not wrong, but very right, to ask for what you need. I want to hear how you do, so let me know, and be just as positive as you can be, however hard that is. It works, and it works well, if you just let it and take control.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary

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

MONDAY MAY 30TH : Readings at Bistro Maya, Albir from 16.30. Call: 966 868 213 for bookings and further info.

KENNY, MY husband tells me that I talk in my sleep, and that sometimes a voice seems to reply to me. I am very afraid of spiritual things as I was raised in a family where God was controlling and the supernatural was the unnatural. Kate B

THURSDAY JUNE 2ND: Service for the ASF at The Forum Alfaz del Pi at 18.30: All are welcome to this event which includes a demonstration of clairvoyance.

Kate, thanks for your letter. There is nothing to fear with the Spirit World, and peoples’ conception of it has thankfully changed over the years. Above all it seems that you are making contact whilst unconscious. Why not ask your husband to record your voice so that you can have a better notion of what is going on? Above all see this is something that is happening quite naturally and that you need have no fear of it whatsoever. Those in the Spirit World can and do make contact with us, and I will help you to take this further if you eliminate any notion that this is nothing more than those who have made their individual journey over to the other side making contact. There is nothing ungodly about spirituality, there never has been; and you may get a far better result with this clearance. Let me know.

THURSDAY JUNE 9TH: Sanctuary: an inspiring afternoon workshop of meditation techniques and inner connections, to help to use specific positive energies, bringing spiritual empowerment: 686 361 594. SATURDAY JUNE 11TH: Readings at La Fustera, between Calpe and Benissa from 10.00: Call Penny Smith on: 96 574 9182 or 687 926 021.

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!

Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and although your intuition won’t allow it to make an iota of difference, you are saddened at the tactics that stoop so low. With your defences in play and a sincere need to make careful and concerted choices right now, you are as cool as a cucumber and free to make your own decisions without the spoke in the wheel that nobody needs. Mars and Venus have been side by side in your fifth house of hospitality, and they have together allowed you to see a clearer way forward that all will approve of. Though it isn’t selfish to take good care of yourself you are still very mindful of others and particularly their feelings. This week sees you finally giving yourself a big dose of self-love; and don’t worry - there will be plenty left over for others. Mercury enters at the end of a busy week bringing the best opportunities for you to benefit from. As things take a turn for the better you are the very best person to iron out any creases and to assure that everyone both can and will play their part in the new proceedings. Great things are coming from a source yet untapped, so do your homework and be sure that what you do brings positive changes all around. As anger subsides you may need to see things from a very different angle since you are too close to an emotional issue that has hurt you. Though it is only right to take offence, you acted rashly before a compromise could be considered, and you must now give all this your very best shot if the solution is to benefit you and those that depend on you. Turn to a fresh page, but stick to your guns! The Partial Solar Eclipse mid week gives you an immediate excuse to stall over a matter you are obviously not okay with. Pressure should be eliminated if you are to turn all this around and make something of it all. You are happy to be centre stage but right now you are only making a diversion which others may turn into a loophole: a time to know what you do, and to do it without question. Expect confusing shifts in all levels of communication. You may rightly feel as if you are being held back, but you do not yet know why this is necessary right now; and you are about to find out. With stubborn Taurean energies abounding and a need to have your say there comes a conflict of interests. Nobody should have to take sides over this, but someone has and they are making a mountain over a molehill. Your stability is often highly prized by others, and vaulted by you, but taking control isn’t an option, it is a great necessity. There are far more important issues right now to deal with, but this is a true storm in a teacup, and it threatens your dignity, and nags at your conscience. Through no fault of yours you have been roped into this situation, but it would seem your bark is worse than your bite! An inner rage has to be dealt with as you cannot turn back the clock. Two and two make four but this is not clear to others who are disadvantaging you by demonstrating their current selfish absence of logic and clarity. Keep your temper, because losing it is not an option in this climate, nor is it going to get you anywhere very fast, but time your response and make it a command performance. Jupiter is wayward and the actions of a sulking Saturn bids clearly for your attention in something that doesn’t interest you but which is gaining momentum. Like the proverbial rolling stone, things are better thrashed out now than they be allowed to linger, and gain the further attention of those who would be better off getting their own house in order. Slow and steady will bring results. You love to have the benefit of the doubt, but just now are wondering what to do. The answer is not to get involved, but to be there to be a source of comfort when the time comes. There is no point in wasting your time with a problem that veers out of control, but in the real light of day there is a solution that has to be taken on board by those concerned. You may have to walk away to minimalise any further damage. We are approaching the Neptune retrograde, and so leave no stone unturned if you want to bring resolve and intelligence into budding conflicts. As the truth keeper of the horoscope you now need that someone makes an apology, and maybe a hasty exit too before you offer the best solution with respect and calm. Nothing is achieved by shouting, and your laid back approach will work a treat. There comes a conflict of interest when someone throws a spanner in the works and the whole World goes upside down. You are working on much higher levels and have boosted your confidence so much that you can better see the problems of others, but need to keep your distance when decisions have to be made. Send your energies and expect the very best from those who know what you are so capable of.

If it’s your birthday this week... Make hay while the sun shines and start putting your emotional energies where they belong; and where they can be better dealt with when the time comes, to pull out all the stops in a challenging astrological year ahead.

27 MAy - 02 June2010 2011 8-14 JANUARY

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. As lately burnt by students? (8,3) 9. Look at the old boy kick off at tennis! (7) 10. Does it tell one when to keep a look-out? (5) 11. More of a complex tradition (5) 12. It falls at the end of the action (7) 13. She puts an end to progress (6) 15. It’s little Susan making material (6) 18. How policemen operate? (2,5) 20. She features in the declaration (5) 22. Nothing in firm to save (5) 23. The actors played first and made a move on the chess-board (7) 24. Very angrily took food to excess (11)

Down 2. Piece let in dress of with-it group? (5) 3. Is the foregoing neither lady’s (7) 4. Sound oil from the Mediterranean (6) 5. Wrote about a feature of a church, perhaps (5) 6. Crying raggedly? (2,5) 7. Leave the darkness to be revealed (4,2,5) 8. Come into different ownership and get fresh workers (6,5) 14. Curb the chorus (7) 16. One of the teeth in which a cutting remark might be thrown back? (7) 17. Stormy spot for drinkers? (3-3) 19. See the wrinkle in Bridget’s brow (5) 21. Assign everybody to return (5)

Across

Down

1. Indiscriminate (11)

2. Awaken (5)

9. Dived (7)

3. Nomad (7)

10. Earlier (5)

4. Tranquil (6)

11. Musical drama (5)

5. Superior (5)

12. White ant (7)

6. Turn to use (7)

13. Agreement (6)

7. Chance (11)

15. Exhausted (6)

8. Impiety (11)

18. Disregard (7)

14. Etch (7)

20. Evade (5)

16. Violinist (7)

22. Characteristic (5)

17. Cord (6)

23. Mohammedan (7)

19. Praise (5)

24. Warlike (11)

21. Devil (5)

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 *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification

Euromillions Draw Friday 20th May

10 14 20 25 42

One French ticket won the 27,642,654 Euros (£24,115,451) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54. Winner for 605 - Jimmy Murray, Entre Naranjos

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

music scene

Spotlight on guitarist John Scofield

Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

ONTINUING OUR series of previews for this year’s San Javier International Jazz Festival. Last week we featured the much anticipated return of Eric Burdon & The Animals, and if that wasn’t enough excitement for one evening, together on the same bill is John Scofield, one of the ‘big three’ modern-day jazz guitarists (along with Pat Metheny & Bill Frisell). Scofield makes his debut appearance at the festival with a dream quartet featuring the renowed jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller, an excellent pianist who plays in a style influenced by McCoy Tyner, Scott Colley the bassist of choice for such jazz legends as Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Andrew Hill, and Michael Brecker, and one of the world’s greatest drummers, Bill Stewart. Scofield’s guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70s and is still going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive rock-oriented sound that is often a bit distorted, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk and R&B. Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, Scofield took up the guitar at age 11, inspired by both rock and blues players, attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. After a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary Burton Quartet. He began his international career

as a bandleader and recording artist in 1978. From 1982-1985 Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis, placing him firmly in the foreground of jazz consciousness as a player and composer. Since that time he has prominently led his own groups on the international jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics) including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He’s played and recorded with the Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Terumasa Hino along with many jazz legends. Throughout his career Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music. All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind. In 2005, Scofield paid tribute to legendary soul man Ray Charles with ‘That’s What I Say’. Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University. The John Scofield Quartet plays Jazz San Javier on Friday 22nd July, together with Eric Burdon & The Animals. Tickets are 25€. For reservations contact the San Javier Festival Office: 96 819 1588 or 96 819 1568 or email festivales@sanjavier.es

Full programme information at www.jazz.sanjavier.es: Facebook users visit XIV ed. San Javier International Jazz Festival 2011 (Spain).

More festival and concert information at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!

An evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

47 47

Saturday 25th June - Orihuela Costa Resort - La Zenia

he Costa’s leading popular musical group, Melody Makers International, has announced that tickets for its forthcoming production, ‘An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber’ are now on sale. It will take place in the Orihuela Costa Resort at La Zenia on Saturday, 25th June at 20.00hrs. This concert is proving popular with both performers and audiences, with more than half the available tickets being sold in thr first week. Recent productions by Melody Makers International, including ‘An Evening with Rodgers & Hammerstein’ and ‘An Evening at the Movies’ have played to sell-out audiences. The high quality of the singing, plus the accompaniment by a professional band, keeps audiences entertained and asking for more. The children’s choir, Cantemos!, formed just six months ago, will feature in the concert with music from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Song & Dance’ amongst their contribution. At least twelve Lloyd Webber shows will be featured in the concert. These will include music from Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, Cats,

Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aspects of Love and many more. Conductor, Nigel Hopkins, has put together a superb lineup of professional players for the band. These will include Jo Nicholls, on bass guitar. Jo is currently playing in ‘Lion King’ in the West End, and is taking a weekend off to visit the Costa. Also featured are Robin Payne, one of the UK’s finest drummers, and Matthew Hopkins, Director of Music at Nottingham Trent University, and a most accomplishrd keyboard player, conductor and singer. Tickets for the concert of the year are priced at 10€ and are available from the Orihuela Costa Resort Box Office on 966 760 800. Patrons are advisedf to book early to avoid disappointment. Melody Makers International has been asked to repeat this concert for the Santa Pola Fiesta which takes place at the end of July. This will also serve as an advert to the local populace of what they can expect when the choir opens its second branch in Gran Alacant/Santa Pola in September.

MMI in concert (standing)

‘Mr Voice’ Andy Jones will star in Broadway & Hollywood spectacular TOUR DATES are now available for a sensational tour of eight venues featuring ‘Mr Voice’ Andy Jones. The tour starts 9th June, illustrating fabulous Broadway and West End hit songs. And Andy is just the singer to bring it all to life on the Costa Blanca! Over 37 years, Andy has been on stage with the Doyle Cart’e Opera Company and performed in almost every Gilbert and Sullivan Show including Carousel, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, Camelot, Merry Widow, The Card and Calamity Jane, performing with top stars such as Bernard Manning, Vince Miller, Wayne Fontan and many others. Such a powerful voice from such a small guy is amazing - Andy says, “I have been to numerous auditions for the big shows and I have been told that although I can sing and act the parts perfectly, I am too small to be considered!” Well, small or not, Andy will be belting it out on this tour! Broadway & Hollywood also features great songs from musical movies made famous in the 60s and 70s. Films that you will know and love and songs that will bring memories flooding back will be performed by Jukebox Legends. Peter & Fiona will once again show their amazing versatility as they support the incredible talent that is Andy Jones for this three hour spectacular fund raising tour in aid of HAH (Help at Home - Costa Blanca). Someone could win 50€ at each show with the very popular HAH ‘Will the Key Turn’ competition. Jukebox Promotions Peter Day says, “Tickets are just 7.50€ and there is a special block booking deal where groups of 10 or more can get 2 tickets FREE at any one venue. Each venue will offer a pre-show meal option at a great rate although tickets for the show

Andy Jones is Mr Voice

can be booked without buying food. It’s going to be a great tour - so don’t miss it!” TOUR DATES Thursday 9th June La Rustika (Los Arcos), Torrevieja Friday 10th June Casa Venture, San Luis Tuesday 14th June Olympia, Mil Palmeras Sunday 19th June Casa Nicolas, Altos del Limonar Monday 20th June La Marina Sport Complex, San Fulgencio Thursday 23rd June Rocajuna, Punta Prima Tuesday 28th June Asturias, N332, Punta Prima Wednesday 29th June The Club, Quesada

UGLY debuts in Orihuela

NETWORKS THEATRE in the heart of Orihuela proudly presents ‘UGLY’, a cracking musical version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, on Thursday 2nd June at 8pm, Friday 3rd at 9pm and Saturday 4th at 7pm & 9pm. And if you think it’s just for kids, think again! Old ducks and chicks alike will enjoy a great night’s entertainment from a cast of 22, written and directed by theatre professional Nick Moore. For information and tickets (Adults 7€ with a special price for students/children at 3.50€) please call 96 530 0207: if unattended call 96 634 21 28 to leave a message or visit: www.networksenglishstudies.com/theatre

charity

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Funday this Monday!

ONCE AGAIN it’s a Family Fun Day for Paul Cunningham Nurses! Cheers Bar and Restaurant at Eagles Nest is just two minutes away from Villamartin Plaza and is part of the home ground for San Miguel Green Bowls Club. This Monday, 30th May starting at 11am there is a Fun Day! The bar area will have a selection of market stalls and they have booked a face painter and a magician for the children and the young at heart. Outside there will be live entertainment from lunchtime onwards. Martin and his wife Dawn, brother Rod and his wife Sue, all from Nottingham, usually have three charity events a year and this time they have decided to support Paul Cunningham Nurses. Food will be available all day and a fun raffle with ‘Teddy Tickets’ as well as a special Free Draw will bag a Sunday Lunch for Two! Whether you have half an hour to spare or all day do come along and join in the fun. Also coming up for Paul Cunnignham Nurses is ‘Auction Mania’ on Friday 1st July: an evening auction at Coopers Arms

Fun at Cheers Bar

in Dona Pepa with amazing lots of beautiful kitchen ware, original paintings, two fabulous designer outfits and more - we expect a least half the lots to be fun to bid for and you may very well get a real bargain for 5€ or 10€! Look out for more news in next week’s paper and at www.paulcunninghamnurses.com We are looking for companies and individuals to sponsor this event and of course a helping hand is always a bonus. Please contact Susan on sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or text or call 639 318 526

La Zona generates funds for HAH

THE ROYAL Wedding celebrations on 29th April prompted HAH fundraisers to enjoy a fun day at La Zona Bar, Los Narejos. A ‘Best Hat’ competition was followed by an excellent meal and entertainment by Wardi, local rock legend and superstar.Enough money was raised to buy a much needed wheelchair for the sole use of HAH clients. Pam Prince of HAH thanked Joanne (La Zona) and

L to R HAH volunteers Pam, Elaine, Celia, Jackie and Jane, and Wardi taking a break in the new wheelchair Wardi and his wife, along with the many people who support these events. HAH would also like to thank Lloyds Bank International, Los Alcazares, for its continued support. To become a volunteer, telephone: Jackie on 96 857 5231. For fundraising, call Celia on 96 857 4576, email helpathomespain@gmail.com, or visit www.helpathome.es

The Variety Show Group and The Marina Tappers support PCN THE VARIETY Show Group have dates booked from now until the end of the year with shows not to be missed. The first show coming up for Paul Cunningham Nurses is on Friday June 3rd at Casa Ventura, San Luis; a fun night with 60s country ballads and also ‘sing-alongs’. The Marina Tappers will also be there with some fantastic routines. The show starts at 8.30pm with tickets just €4 and food will be available. The next show is at Tony G’s in Toretta II on Wednesday 15th June and then on to Catorce in Benijofar on Friday 15th July: check the PCN website for more dates as they are booked. Call or text 639 318 526 to reserve tickets.

Football ‘Fun’draiser

FOOTBALL, FOOD, fun and fundraising - all on the one night… This Saturday is the final of the Champions League (8.45pm kick off) and Clarkes Bar in Playa Flamenca is putting on a night to celebrate the game. As well as the match itself, which pits the English champions against their Spanish counterparts, viewable on screens inside and out, Tommy and Mary are providing a free buffet at half time. In addition, there will be all sorts of other activities during the evening. These include sweepstakes on both the first and last goal scored, plus a raffle with a top prize of a VIP dinner ticket to ‘An Evening with Tommy Docherty’ (3rd June). All proceeds from the evening will go to Asociación de Alzeheimer de Torrevieja (AFA). Come early to guarantee the best seats.

AFA Alzheimer’s prepares for Summer Fashion Show

A TEAM of volunteers from the AFA Alzheimer’s Association of Torrevieja are busy preparing for the Summer Fashion show to be held at the Real Club Nautico in Torrevieja on Friday 10th June. The event promises to be entertaining with a real feel of summer. Several acts will be providing entertainment, including Tony Kelly, Juan Angel, Maureen Roberts and Yvonne performing their favourite pieces ‘live’. Doors open at 5pm to enabling a preview of the costumes and additional range of clothes available and to pre-purchase. All clothes have been donated to AFA and a

mix of new and nearly new will be on display. The show begins at 6pm against the beautiful backdrop of the Torrevieja Marina. Weather permitting, seating will be made available outside too. The show is likely to run for two hours, after which it will be possible to purchase any remaining items. Tickets are priced at 5€, available at the AFA shop in Calle Maestro Francisco in Torrevieja or on the door. AFA are still accepting donations of clothing at the shop or day centre in Avenida de La Estacion. For further information please contact either Matilde Sanchez on 647 119 991 or Judy Ferris on 610 082 593.

A Night of Clairvoyance A NIGHT of Clairvoyance is to be held at the Baker Foundation in aid of the Davila/Grewar Family Fund (otherwise known as the ‘Laura Appeal’), to take place Friday 10th June starting at 7pm promptly. Mediums appearing will be Carol Bohmer, Debbie Granville and David Darnborough. A raffle will be held with a free reading as a prize and entrance is just 5€ at the door, with all proceeds to go to the Family Fund. For further information contact: Lyn 96 507 7014 or Terry 96 571 6386.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Restaurant Paraiso MABS Charity Night RESTAURANT PARAISO, Parcent would be pleased to accept any donations of bric-a-brac, books and jumble sale items for their MABS charity night. All items are greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to come along on June 3rd for a 100€ free raffle and Elton John Tribute Show: Help us to help MABS. Any enquiries call 96 640 5398.

Fashion Show PAUL CUNNINGHAM Nurses Charity Shops are holding their 2011 Fashion show at El Corrazon Hotel (near La Maquesa Golf Club, Quesada) on Thursday 9th June - a significant day for the Charity as it is 2 years to the day from the opening of its very first Charity shop. All the Models will be Volunteers from PCN shops and doors open at 6pm for the show to start at 7pm. The show will be held outside around the swimming pool and there will be tapas and drinks available. Tickets are on sale from any of PCN’s charity shops or the office in La Marina. The 3€ Ticket includes a free glass of Cava.

Wanted: A decent restaurant I’m thinking of turning the tables on advertising to help narrow the gap between what we expect from a restaurant and what we actually get. Although I usually end up in the kitchen anyway as I get a better understanding of what’s actually going on. It’s a language problem you see and I don’t mean Spanish to English I mean what’s printed on the menu and what I end up with on the plate. Am I the only person who wishes they had ordered the meal that someone else just had delivered? I would eat out more, I really would, if only I could get on the plate what it was I really fancied. It’s a problem that even my computer can’t solve, good as the internet may be it still can’t smell, taste or even touch which renders it a bit useless when picking a place to eat. Talking to a waiter or waitress can sometimes be like talking to a brick wall especially when they don’t even know what the soup of

the day is: where have they been all day? Have they not seen the chef since they arrived for work? Can you imagine trusting the receptionist at your local doctor’s surgery with the list of ailments you are suddenly having without actually seeing the doctor? You give her a list and she then disappears through a door only to return with a prescription a few minutes later for you without any proper consultation… What used to be a restaurant art has been surpassed by the importance of the ‘Chef’. No longer is it common to see the restaurant staff prepare not only the table for the customers, but also some of the food. Steak Diane may well be as old as me but when someone expertly takes a Sole off the bone at the table it not only does the hard work for you but it shows you how to do it yourself should the need arise, at the same time. So I’m thinking of running an advert in the restaurant section of

Could you prepare a steak to my taste? this paper asking for a restaurant who can supply, for instance, a decent thick cut steak, dry aged, on the bone, for at least 21 days, cooked medium rare on a furnace grill so that it’s crusty like a crème Brule on the outside as the natural sugars turn to caramel and yet warm in the centre served with crispy wild mushrooms some proper flavoursome grilled tomatoes and just a few crispy thick cut chips or baked potato and maybe even a handful of fresh

watercress and little mustard or béarnaise sauce on the side. Or maybe a really fresh sole on the bone (better flavour) cooked simply and quickly in butter on a hot Plancha or in a large frying pan (because I want a big one) sprinkled with some sea salt and a grind of fresh black pepper and serve it with some fresh spinach and perhaps some plain boiled potatoes? How many restaurants do you think would answer the advert?

Edwin Cheesemen is a practical food consultant. If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

tv Friday

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27 02 June 2011 14MAy - 20-may 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 12:45 Bargain Hunt 13:30 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Remote Control Star 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Outnumbered 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 The Rainmaker

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:25 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Racket 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 Windfarm Wars 21:00 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 22:30 Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Book Review Show 24:50 Golf

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 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish: The Final 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Baboons with Bill Bailey 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Paul O’Grady Live 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 An Audience with Neil Diamond 24:35 The Cube

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Paralympic World Cup 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:20 The Frogmen 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity Five Go To 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 22:00 Million Pound Drop Live 23:25 That Peter Kay Thing 23:55 PhoneShop 24:30 Ricky Gervais Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Stansted: The Inside Story 13:00 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:10 Killer Flood 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:50 Rough Guide to...

08:00 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 The Real A & E 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Body Language Secrets 13:00 Bite Size Brainiac 13:10 Road Wars 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Wild Vets 17:00 Lie to Me 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Middle 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 Modern Family 22:00 Raising Hope 22:30 A League of Their Own 23:30 Spartacus: Blood and Sand 24:35 Brit Cops: Zero Tolerance

08:30 Cycling 09:30 French Open Tennis 10:45 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 14:30 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 21:00 Cycling 22:45 Horse Racing Time 23:15 Strongest Man 24:15 French Open Tennis

Paul O’Grady Live ITV1 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Bones 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Saturday 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Great British Menu 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:10 Formula 1 15:30 Golf 17:50 Don’t Scare the Hare 18:25 BBC News; Regional News 18:45 So You Think You Can Dance Live 19:45 Doctor Who 20:30 So You Think You Can Dance 21:00 National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 21:50 Casualty 22:40 John Bishop’s Britain 23:10 BBC News 23:25 Face/Off

0707:00 Childrens TV 09:50 Sam & Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 10:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 10:30 Deadly 60 11:00 Relic: Guardians of the Museum 11:30 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 Mortified 12:25 OOglies 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Bell, Book and Candle 14:40 Cheyenne Social Club 16:20 Two Greedy Italians 17:20 Escape to the Country 17:50 Golf 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Dad’s Army 20:30 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 21:00 Terry and June 21:30 The Many Faces of June Whitfield 22:30 Absolutely Fabulous 23:00 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 23:45 QI XL 24:30 Grumpy Old Holidays

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 House Gift 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News 13:55 You’ve Been Framed! 14:25 Carry On Cowboy 16:10 For Your Eyes Only 18:30 Granada News 18:45 ITV News 19:00 Animals Do the Funniest Things 20:00 Live UEFA Champions League Final 23:25 ITV News 23:40 UEFA Champions League Highlights 24:40 Premiership Rugby Union

Cryptic Solutions for 605 Across: 1 Outbreak; 5 Crow; 9 Mend; 10 Penchant; 11 Put on; 12 Elusive; 13 Clamorousness; 18 Partisan; 19 Mare; 20 Improve; 21 Anger; 22 East; 23 Redolent. Down: 2 Unequal; 3 Bedroom; 4 An eye for an eye; 6 Realise; 7 Withers; 8 Scouts; 13 Capsize; 14 Apropos; 15 Orison; 16 Nominal; 17 Surgeon. Quick Solutions Across: 1 Bankrupt; 5 Aped; 9 Gain; 10 Scissors; 11 Merry; 12 Useless; 13 Predetermined; 18 Critical; 19 Sled; 20 Inertia; 21 Banal; 22 Gate; 23 Meditate. Down: 2 Amateur; 3 Kindred; 4 Picture palace; 6 Protean; 7 Disused; 8 Esteem; 13 Picking; 14 Evident; 15 Exists; 16 Instant; 17 Elegant. WORDWHEEL 606: LABYRINTH

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Film Show 08:00 British GT Championship 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Friends 10:25 Koko Pop 11:00 T4 Movie Special 11:30 Glee 12:30 Friends 13:00 Paralympic World Cup 15:00 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:25 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 Channel 4 News 19:20 4thought.tv 19:25 Titanic 23:00 Million Pound Drop Live 24:20 Dylan Moran: Aim Low

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Chinese Food in Minutes 11:05 The Gadget Show 12:05 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 13:05 Hotel Inspector 14:05 Staircase Murders 15:50 Last of the Dogmen 18:05 Two Mules for Sister Sara 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 Rough Guide to...

08:00 My Pet Shame

08:30 Cycling

07:00 Nothing to Declare

09:00 Gladiators

09:30 French Open

08:00 Jerry Springer Show

10:00 WWE: Superstars

Tennis

08:30 Maury

11:00 Soccer AM

10:30 Game, Set and

09:30 Four Weddings

Mats

10:30 Biggest Loser

13:00 A Different Breed 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 16:00 Futurama 17:00 Futurama 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:00 Emergency with Angela Griffin

11:00 Live French Open Tennis 14:00 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and

12:30 Drop Dead Diva 13:30 Drop Dead Diva 14:30 Bones 15:30 Bones 16:30 Bones 17:30 The Witches 19:10 CSI: Crime

20:00 The Simpsons

Mats

Scene Investigation

21:00 Road Wars

21:00 Fight Club

21:00 Supersize Kids

22:00 Brit Cops:

23:30 Cycling

22:00 Katie

Frontline Crime UK

24:30 French Open

23:00 Criminal Minds

23:00 The Running Man

Tennis

24:00 Criminal Minds

Live UEFA Champions League Final ITV1, 8pm

tv Sunday

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27 MAy June42011 Feb 26 - 02 March 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 BBC News 13:05 Formula 1 16:20 EastEnders 18:15 Points of View 18:30 Songs of Praise 19:05 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 19:35 BBC News; Regional News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 24:20 BBC News; Regional News 24:45 The Football League Show

07:10 Penelope 07:15 Toddworld 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Space Hoppers 08:30 Bear Behaving Badly 08:55 Shaun the Sheep 09:00 Gimme a Break 09:30 Me and My Monsters 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Escape to the Country 13:30 The Long Ships 15:30 Golf 19:10 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Britain’s Secret Seas 22:00 Louis Theroux 23:00 Queen: Days of Our Lives 24:00 The Shadow Line

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 May the Best House Win 10:25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 11:25 60 Minute Makeover 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:30 ITV News 14:40 Honey 16:30 Animals Do the Funniest Things 17:30 Midsomer Murders 19:30 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Coronation Street 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Scott & Bailey 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 The Classic Brit Awards 2011 24:45 The Day John Lennon Died

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 That Paralympic Show 08:30 Freesports on 4 09:00 Friends 09:30 Friends 10:00 Hollyoaks 12:30 Being N-Dubz: The A-Z Guide 13:05 Glee 14:05 The Simpsons 14:40 The Simpsons 15:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 15:40 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:15 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:45 Deal or No Deal 17:45 Channel 4 News 17:55 4thought.tv 18:00 Home Alone 20:00 Come Dine with Me 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

07:00 Childrensd TV 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:20 McFly on the Wall 11:50 Family Food Fight 12:20 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:20 Three to Tango 15:10 Contact 17:55 Mission to Mars 19:55 5 News Weekend 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 Pirates of the Caribbean: The True Story 22:00 Most Shocking Talent Show Moments 24:55 Russell and Katy Get Married

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 My Pet Shame 09:00 A Different Breed 10:00 Oops TV 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Stargate Universe 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 The Simpsons 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:30 Raising Hope 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Middle 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 House

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Fake Britain 10:45 Homes Under the Hammer 11:45 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:00 Bargain Hunt 13:45 BBC News 14:05 Regional News 14:15 Escape to the Country 15:15 The Cat in the Hat 16:30 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave 17:00 Pixar: 25 Magic Moments 18:00 WALL-E 19:30 BBC News 19:45 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Saints and Scroungers 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Egypt’s Lost Cities 23:00 BBC News 23:05 Regional News 23:15 A Question of Sport 23:45 Football League Show 24:25 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The 39 Steps 14:00 Rowing 15:30 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Story of Ireland 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace 23:00 Queen: Days of Our Lives 24:00 Queen: The Legendary 1975 Concert 24:50 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Dinner Date 11:25 This Morning 12:30 Loose Women 13:30 Midsomer Murders 14:30 ITV News 14:40 Granada News 14:50 You’ve Been Framed! 15:20 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Coronation Street v Emmerdale 19:00 Granada Reports 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous

07:05 The Hoobs 07:55 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:50 Frasier 09:50 Friends 10:20 Accidentally on Purpose 10:50 Location, Location, Location 11:50 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 12:55 Jamie at Home 13:20 Clash of the Titans 15:35 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:05 4thought.tv 20:10 The Italian Job 22:00 Gordon’s Great Escape 23:00 Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story 24:55 The Event

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 How Do They Do It? 12:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:25 5 News Lunchtime 13:35 Home and Away 14:05 Neighbours 14:35 Coroner Creek 16:25 Fort Worth 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 Monkey Life 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 A Few Good Men

08:00 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 The Real A & E 10:30 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Stargate Universe 22:00 A League of Their Own 23:00 Spartacus: Blood and Sand 24:15 Caprica

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Sadie J 17:30 Andy Tracks Usain Bolt: A Blue Peter Special 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Panorama 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Crimewatch on the Streets 24:35 The Lock Up

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Gunga Din 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Britain’s Secret Seas 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Country House Revealed 23:00 Lead Balloon 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Time to Remember 24:50 French Open Tennis

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 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Loose Women v Olympians 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Mickey Blue Eyes

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:30 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 In Your Dreams 13:15 The Home Show 14:20 Appointment in London 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Four Rooms 22:00 Secret Millionaire 23:00 Jamie’s Food Revolution Hits Hollywood 24:05 Misfits

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:15 Sub Zero 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Zoo Days 21:00 Supersize Grime 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 CSI: NY

tv Monday

tv Tuesday

08:30 Cycling 09:45 Live Porsche Super Cup 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 16:00 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 21:00 Boxing 22:30 World Series by Renault 23:00 Motorsports Weekend 23:15 Cycling 23:45 French Open Tennis

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings US 11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Four Weddings US 14:00 Four Weddings US 15:00 Passport Patrol 16:00 Bones 17:00 Bones 18:00 Nothing to Declare 19:00 Nothing to Declare 19:30 Nothing to Declare 20:00 Four Weddings Revisited 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 The Hunks 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest BBC1 22.00

08:30 Motorsports Weekend 08:45 Stockholm Marathon 09:00 World Superbikes 09:45 French Open Tennis 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:55 Cycling 22:30 Champions Club 23:00 World Superbikes 23:30 Live World Superbikes 24:30 World Supersport Championship

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Dating in the Dark 22:00 Four Weddings Revisited 23:00 16 & Pregnant 24:00 Criminal Minds

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

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 16:30 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Road Wars 23:00 The Running Man 24:55 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK

08:30 Game, Set and Mats 09:00 Cycling 09:45 Cycling 10:15 World Superbikes 11:30 Champions Club 12:00 WATTS 12:15 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 19:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:00 Athletics 21:30 Boxing 23:00 World Series by Renault 23:30 Motorsports Weekend 23:45 French Open Tennis

Supersize Grime

Channel 5 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 Little Man: Looking for Love 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Wednesday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 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 16:05 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Little Howard’s Big Question 17:30 Barney’s Survival Adventure: A Blue Peter Special 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 Waterloo Road 21:30 Life of Riley 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Not Going Out 24:15 Forces of Nature

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Berlin Express 14:00 See Hear 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Springwatch 2011 21:30 Springwatch Unsprung 2011 22:00 Wonderland 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired! 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle 24:50 Louis Theroux

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 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: This Morning v Daybreak 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cumbria, One Year On 24:35 Long Lost Family

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 In Your Dreams 13:15 My Eden 13:25 The Home Show 14:25 Great Sioux Massacre 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Diagnosis Live from the Clinic 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:05 Big Bang Theory 24:35 Big Bang Theory

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:05 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 McBride 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Giant Animal Moves 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker: Aussie Millions

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Friends 10:30 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 The Home Show 14:05 The Silent Enemy 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Three in a Bed 22:00 Meet the Elephant Man 23:00 Bums, Boobs and Botox 24:05 Secret Millionaire

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:20 Summer House 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Zoo Days 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 23:00 Resident Evil: Apocalypse 24:45 Sex Lessons

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Emergency with Angela Griffin 22:00 Brit Cops: Zero Tolerance 23:00 Fringe 24:00 Chicago Code

08:30 Marathon des Sables 09:00 Athletics 10:00 Champions Club 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 19:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:00 Wednesday Selection 20:10 Show Jumping 21:10 Riders Club 21:15 PGA Tour Golf 22:15 European Tour Golf 22:45 Ladies European Tour Golf 22:55 Golf Club 23:00 Yacht Club 23:05 Wednesday Selection 23:15 Olympic Magazine 23:45 French Open Tennis 24:30 Game, Set and Mats

53 53

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Four Weddings Revisited 22:00 Bones 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy 24:00 Criminal Minds

Emergency with Angela Griffin Sky1 21.00

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 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 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Project Parent 17:30 Horrible Histories 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 Andrew Marr’s Megacities 22:00 Traffic Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 Presumed Innocent

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Escape to Burma 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Rewind the 60s 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Shadow Line 23:00 Psychoville 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Time to Remember 24:50 French Open Tennis

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 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Strictly Come Dancing v Dancing on Ice 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 When Piers Met Sir Cliff 24:35 Amanda Holden’s Fantasy Lives

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 X-Men: First Class Special 12:30 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Special 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 Chicago Code 23:00 Lie to Me 24:00 Martina Cole’s The Take

08:30 Show Jumping 09:30 Horse Racing Time 10:00 Game, Set and Mats 10:30 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 18:00 Game, Set and Mats 18:30 Euro 2012 Flash 18:40 Live International Football 20:45 Fight Sport 23:00 French Open Tennis 24:00 International Football

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 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Chuck 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 16 & Pregnant 24:00 Criminal Minds

27 MAy June42011 Feb 26 - 02 March 2010

54 44

Baffling BAFTA Kath Kirby dies

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

IVEN A choice of ‘Downton Abbey’ or ‘Sherlock‘, which would you say was the best drama series of last year? I thought both were terrific, and fortunately the BAFTA TV awards made up my mind for me last Sunday, as the judges gave the nod to ‘Sherlock’. Also it was good to see Daniel Rigby getting the best actor award for his wonderful portrayal of Eric Morecambe in Victoria Wood’s delightful play, ‘Eric and Ernie’, plus Graham Norton getting a BAFTA statue for his entertaining talk show. However, there were plenty of mistakes elsewhere… The unfunny ‘Rev’ getting the best comedy show over ‘Mrs.Brown’s Boys’ and ‘Peep Show’,

and it’s star Tom Hollander getting best comedy performance above Miranda Hart: pull another one! Do you think that ‘The Cube’ is a better entertainment show than ‘The X Factor’, or in the viewer-voted category, where we had the awful ITV2 reality show, ‘The Only Way is Essex’ beating ‘Miranda’, ‘Sherlock’ and ’Downton Abbey!’ Plenty of controversy and award shows would be dull affairs if we all agreed with the eventual winners, but I thought it was outrageous that ‘Eastenders’ beat ‘Coronation Street’ in the best soap category. Can anybody please tell me why and how?

A complete joke Genuinely creepy

Much as I love ‘Coronation Street’, the latest stuff involving John Stape and his prisoners in the Hoyle’s cellar is a complete joke. If Chesney could impregnate Kate, then surely he would have the gumption to jump this gormless goon and bring our misery to an end? Fortunately, we get rid of the boring Stape next week, and the crazy plots that we have had to endure involving him for the last four years. Miles better was ‘Eastenders’ on Tuesday, as once again the brilliant June Brown showed the rest of the cast how to act in a wonderful and moving portrayal of her problems in caring for her hubby Jim.

I was almost hiding behind the sofa for the first time in over forty years with the start of the latest ‘Dr. Who’ story, ‘The Rebel Flesh’, which concludes tomorrow on BBC 1. It was genuinely creepy but not as distressing as watching Jason Bradbury and ’Don’t Scare the Hare’ earlier on. Whoever came up with this rubbish must have been on an LSD trip as the whole thing is just bizarre and just plain unentertaining. It might just appeal to a restless child, but that’s about it. For any parents reading this, just record it, and play it out as a punishment for your little one misbehaving

Did you know that the sixties icon Kathy Kirby died last week at the age of 72? I wouldn’t have found out but for the internet, but last Friday there was not even the briefest of mentions on the early evening bulletins on BBC 1 or ITV 1. Perhaps it was reported earlier in the day, but I only came across reports of the drug-addled fool Pete Doherty getting six months behind bars for possession. Sad that a lady

The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

IN 1977 I stood in front of an iron gate with the words Arbeit Macht Frei welded on the crest. I was in Brzezinka, Poland, and the gates in front of me led into the old Nazi labour camp of Buna-Monowitz Oświęcim, known to the world as Auschwitz III. When I saw the camp it had become a memorial to the thousands of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and other categorised untermenschen of the Third Reich who were worked to their deaths or murdered in the nearby extermination camp. I was a tourist and I made my way in with trepidation, for an unseen yet sensed miasma of grief and appalling suffering still pervades the atmosphere. Yet in 1944 a British soldier who was held in a nearby POW camp voluntarily smuggled himself into Auschwitz III to bear witness to the horrific treatment meted out to its tragic population. On two occasions he spent the night there and experienced at first hand the cruelty of a place where slave labourers had been sentenced to death through labour. Work did indeed make them free. Astonishingly the soldier, Denis Avey, survived to witness the aftermath of the Death March where thousands of prisoners were murdered by the Nazis as the Soviet Army advanced into Poland. After his own long trek across central Europe, Avey was repatriated, broken and nightmareridden, to Britain. For decades he couldn’t bring himself to revisit the horrors of the past. Many years passed before

Suduko Answer he finally felt able to tell his story – and what a story it is. Gripping and moving in equal parts, it offers the reader a unique insight into the mind of an ordinary man who, faced with unspeakable evil, found the moral and physical courage to overcome its horrors while recording his story for future generations. Today men like Denis Avey are our first line of defence against a repetition of the horrors of man’s inhumanity to his fellows that took place under Hitler’s Third Reich and his book is a fitting and worthy tribute to the fallen. Author: Denis Avey with Rob Broomsby Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Price: 27€ ISBN: 978 1 444 71416 6

The winners of the RTN book competition who have won a copy of The Truth About the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann are Irene Stafford, Mo Williams and Ann Edghill

who was a TV ever-present fifty years ago, and represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest was thought not worthy of a tribute, let alone a twenty second report of her death, as opposed to an idiot that nobody cares about. I can only presume that the trendy Oxbridge educated editors, barely out of nappies, had never heard of Kathy and the pleasure she brought to millions.

motoring

If you have an old, especially diesel-engine vehicle on UK plates, how do you go about re-registering it onto Spanish plates?

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

in recent years if the engine has a high pollution rate, it has becomemore difficult. Spain, like most of the EU countries, is trying to eliminate ‘dirty’ cars/vehicles from the roads. But if it is over 25 years old it qualifies as an ‘historic’ vehicle and so can be admitted on special plates. However, Spain may follow other countries where such vehicles are banned from major city centres due to the exhaust pollution (Germany is one such country already) and although the insurance will be lower than a newer vehicle, the mileage will also be limited, i.e.okay for historic rallies but not for everyday use.

I am trying to import a car that was a Japanese import to the UK and it is now 16 years old. The ‘expert’ that I am paying to do the work advised me that there are ‘big problems’ with the transfer. What could these be?

The main one is that even if it has UK registration, it will most likely not be homolgamated (approved) for the EU, so it will need a special one-off approval by the certifying engineers at the (usually) ITV station where such work is carried out. This again is a problem of not only pollution but mechanical safety standards as all other approved vehicles have been tested from the initial manufacturing stage before being sold in the EU. Japan has had a system for some years now where when a vehicle reaches 3 years of age, the road taxes are increased so much it is often cheaper to sell it and buy new. They do this for pollution reasons and possibly to keep output from the vehicle factories high. The old vehicles are usually sold to another country, especially in the third world, where the parts may not

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

be the same as the local vehicles of the same make and the type approval will not be the same. I have a local expat with this problem with his valued 16-year old Toyota people carrier with an old diesel engine; all in very good condition. Knowing the facts means that you can be aware when considering buying a used vehicle here or importing one from elsewhere.

We are taking a Spanish registered car back to UK and will be getting it re-registered there. Our concern is to notify the Spanish authorities that we are doing this. Do we just have to declare baja (due to export) on the Solicitud de Baja del Vehiculo form (downloaded from the internet)? Should we take this to our Traffico office in Alicante or just post it to them? Also, is there a fee to pay?

Yes, declare it scrapped and the form can be downloaded from the Trafico website, but make sure that Trafico gets the acknowledgement and you have an official receipt. You can then use the scrapping (baja) receipt part for the re-registering procedure in the UK. Normally there is no fee to pay if you do it yourselves. It is worth a trip to the local Trafico to avoid delays and to make sure it is done correctly. Make sure that you have all the documents with you in the car if you are driving it back as the UK police are very hot an illegally registered vehicles and tell your insurance agent what you are doing to make sure the insurance cover will still apply. The Trafico forms can be downloaded from: http://www.dgt. es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/vehiculos/modelos_impresos/ Use the Castellano option and if in doubt the details of each form in English are in my book on page 142. Keep a duplicated copy which can be stamped at Trafico as a receipt.

Alonso struggles to keep up

FERRARI’S CHANCES of the 2011 Championship title may be significantly depleted following Vettel’s fourth victory of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The ‘Red Bull’ won four out of the first five races and leads Alonso, Ferrari’s best hope, by 67 points. Spaniard Alonso led the race over 18 laps but could not sustain his lead to the finish. Ferrari is expected to step up the pace for Monaco this Sunday and the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks later.

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Not just one but a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN special offers at Costa Car Clinic! these their ‘Magnificent Seven’ special offers:

MOST BUSINESSES will have a special offer available from time to time, but a single offer may not be of interest to everyone at that time. Richy and Helen Lister have been having great success at their new garage, Costa Car Clinic, opened in January. Since their opening they have been running monthly offers but they have noticed a lot of clients coming back and asking “is this offer still on?” or “is that service still available?” Helen and Richy want to be known for giving the best value for money first time and every time, so they are now having all of their fantastic offers running simultaneously. They call

• Free Air Con Service with every full service • Servicing starting from as little as 79€ • Air Con Service (re-gas and leak test) only 35€ • Free Brake checks • Brake Fluid Change only 19.99€ • Faded Headlamp Restoration from 5€ per lamp • Free Visual ITV health checks

Richard and Helen believe that honesty and reliability are rewarded with loyalty

Richy has been a car mechanic for 20 years in the UK, his main employer being Jennings Ford, the largest Ford and Mazda dealership in the North East of England with 12 branches. He was a fully trained mechanic there, and then became a Quality Controller and MOT tester, completing

inside of garage with car raised on ramp

numerous Ford recommended courses. He also became a specialist in automotive air-conditioning systems, obtaining many Ford recognised Diplomas. Richy is carving a niche in the market by being an honest and professional car mechanic repairing all makes and models of vehicles to the highest standard. Costa Car Clinic is situated on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate (site of the Sunday market) and Helen and Richy welcome anyone who wants to call in for a look around, for a talk with Richy or to get a quote. Their belief is that, “Honesty and reliability is rewarded with loyalty” and with their ‘Magnificent Seven’ offers they look forward to helping you soon. Costa Car Clinic – keeping you on the road – situated on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate (site of the Sunday Market). Tel: 96 576 1023 Email: Costacarclinic@Gmail.Com

Classified Ads 27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 1)

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 13.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmailcom. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk PAWS PET TRANSPORT SpainUK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com

CONSTRUCTION All types of building work.Tiling BBQ´s.Have your own bar built.Painting and Maintenance service.call Paul for free estimate and advice. Moraira and surrounding areas. 660-290-412/966-197-354

DRIVING TO THE UK? English guest house in France, close to Spanish border. Peaceful location, secure parking. www.millefleursbb.co.uk B&B MORAIRA B&B Moraira Ensuite rooms available from 29.00 euros per night. Tlf:-655-912-044

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helplines South - 625-912-078 North - 648-169-045 www.aa-costablanca.org

MOTOR SAILOR Lovely Traditional Lande motor sailor, moored in Cabaroig, much admired. New engine and prop, New sails, Refitted cabin, electric windlass. All super condition, too many extras to mention. Over 10,000 Euros spent on upgrades. Will accept 8,000 Euros for quick sale. Contact; John:966-761-650 (Spain) +44-1472-343-459 (UK daytime) SSR SPEED BOAT 4.5Mtr + New Trailer. Yamaha 28hp, E/S. possibility auxiliary engine. Brand New upholstery + extras. 2500€. Tlf:- 665-068-649

SECOND HAND SHOP Bargain Prices. Also 2 man Removal. Tel:-678-067-163 E.mail rastroaltea@hotmail.com

SUN ROLLER QUEEN 4 berth 1.500euros. Loads of extras incl. awning, stabiliser, heater, hot water and lots more. Extras alone worth more than purchase price.Tlf:-965-791-241/ 679-394-657-Javea BENIMAR 2 BEDROOM ideal retirement/holiday home £25.000 see youtube.com search Benimar near Benidorm or phone 657-438-559 STATIC HOME FOR SALE Immaculate 2 bedroom 35x12ft Static holiday home for sale on picturesque family run holiday park near Pinosa, Alicante. Located on a spacious plot with large master bedroom, shower, toilet, huge living area this holiday home also has Double glazing and air conditioning. Ground rent is paid in full until April 2012. Reluctant sale but must go - €18,000. Please call 0044-7855-490-945 for more details or to arrange a viewing MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000€ Fully furnished ready to move into, A/c, tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, bar/res, pool, tennis, gym, shop.Walking distance to San Javier. 5mins to beach, Airport, hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent & caravans plots short term or permanent stays.) 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

BUILDER Leemabuilders Ltd. All groundworks and building works undertaken Domestic and Commercial No job too small Contact Lee:-634-349-039 www.leemabuildersltd.com TRANS-PET We do regular, door-to-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634-638-664/ visits 20 mile radius,Benidorm. We also buy PCs/computers

ESTABLISHED BAR/ RESTAURANT FOR SALE in Quesada town centre. 300sqm terrace, 300 covers. Fantastic opportunity. 660 819 009 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€44,900.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

COMPUTER REPAIRS For all Computer Repairs, Andy @ Wizard Computers - Home Visits. No Call Out Charge - No Fix No Fee. Qualified Technician established on North Costa Blanca over 5 years. For friendly reliable advice Mobile: 648-065-224 Office: 96-647-0815. www.wizard-computers.biz

TO RENT HOLDS 30 CARS - FULLY LICENSED LOW RENT! TEL 620 738 023

have experience and be flexible. Call Jana on 635-354-102, jana@ estudiosaladar.com QUALIFIED LIFEGUARD NEEDED either English speaking or Bilingual, from 27th June to 25th August, Mon-Fri for 2 hours a day, from 3pm-5pm, to maintain safety and discipline around the pool area but also to oganise pool activities, like races, skills, competitions etc. Javea area. Call:-650-426-677/965-795-197 Email:caroline.sinfield@chit-chat.es PART TIME VACANCY Are you Outgoing, Bubbly, Experienced Telesales Person, ready to join the team in our Benitachell Office. No cold calling, uncapped commission earnings, only limited by your potential. Tlf:-Simon966-493-082/696-986-082 AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 1865, required as models. Excellent rates. Tlf:-697-697-842

WILL THE EURO WEAKEN, FURTHER? Safeguard your savings, change to GBP. Legal, safe & private. Profitable, paid 8-10% interest, last decade. Requires offers 50K, plus. Details:petersharp4u@gmail.com

EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS English families required from July, within 30 minutes of Lady Elizabeth college, host Spanish summer students, and earn great rates. If you are interested, please send your details to richc_spain@ yahoo.co.uk or call 627-068-561 QUALIFIED ENGLISH TEACHER REQUIRED, language school Denia. Immediate start, must

EDEN GARDENS Specialise in Garden Maintenance and Clearance, Palm trimming, planting, exterior wall painting and pool care. Javea to Moraira. Free quotations call:-616-748-667 GARDENING GENERAL Garden Irrigation Systems. Supply and Install from 500 euros, 12 month guarantee. A cost effective way of watering the garden. Tel:-965-583-574 GENERAL GARDENING Palm Trees/Pine Trees, Tree specialist. Size not a problem. Quick with quality service. Plastic and gravel work. Economical prices. Free quote. Call:-634-625-792 Daniel TORREVIEJA GARDENING Palm trees, treat, clean, cut. Tel:-633-300-651

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 ALTEA-MORAIRA GARDENING Garden Rubbish removed from 40euros. All gardening and painting 8.75 per hour OR priced work. Altea - Moraira Tel:-692-998-243 TEULADA/MORAIRA GARDENING Jon Cooper Garden Services.Clearance to regular maintenance. Hedging, graveling, etc. all aspects of garden maintenance. Most areas North Costa Blanca. email:- joncooper@ hotmail.co.uk 680-337-656 PEDREGUER GARDENING Garden design, maintenance and landscaping covering the areas of Pedreguer, Pego, Jalon, Els Poblets, Javea, Orba and Denia. 637-298-799 JAVEA GARDENING Perfect gardens Javea. Garden design. Tidy up. Hedges, Palms, Lawns, Irrigation, Gravel, Pools. Professional service call: John on 606-711-587 GUADAMAR DEL SEGURA GARDENING El Raso Garden Services: Community, residential or holiday home garden maintenance with monthly plans, one off visits or specialized individual jobs covering all aspects of garden maintenance. Located at Manuel Ferrandez el Raso, 03170 Guardamar del Segura. Tel:-620-585-783 CALPE GARDENING All gardening work undertaken from small general tidy up, to full landscaping services. Covering the areas of Calpe, Moraira, Javea and the surrounds. Tlf:-659-369-348

PLUMBER AND HANDYMAN Available for Roller Shutter Blinds, Repairs and Renew. Odd Jobs. Tlf:-646-236-291

TEETH WHITENING. Professional Pain Free Cosmetic Treatment, from 99€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, Benidorm areas. Tel:-966-473-166 or 680501-404. See www.nulookteeth.com ANXIOUS-DEPRESSED? Find the cause and eliminate it permanently using Psychotherapy. Call San Luis Clinic 965-405-631/669-649-002 BECOME FREE OF ALCOHOL

At The Sanctuary. Residential or day clinic, Crevillente. Call 965405-631/669-649-002

www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Castilian rustic furniture. Light coloured Rustic Indian cabinet. White/red bedroom furniture with guest bed and more. See photos: www.michaels-javea. com Tel 96-579 1328 AT 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 Two very high quality large desks with matching filing cabinet. NEW English high quality modern bed settee, very comfortable. 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.michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

Torrevieja. Saturday SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - 10pm.Tuesday IMPROVERS LESSON 7.30m8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm. Monday NEW BEGINNERS CLASS 10.30am - 12.30pm: At - Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Thursday NEW BEGINNERS CLASS 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tel: Andrea & Brian 616 478 157 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

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

TECNICS DIRECT DRIVE Automatic Turntable System, SL-DL5. Stereo cassette deck RS-TR373M2. Integrated Amplifier SV-V300. Tlf:-669-829-848 TRADITIONAL STYLE CASSETTE WOOD BURNER Fan assisted. Width 87cm. Height 61cm. Cost 1200€. Accept 300€. Photo available, buyer collects. 965-570-187 or 645-099-662. AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €399!! Automatic Garage Doors €249!! Fully Installed/Guaranteed! All brands repaired 627-191-639/ www.elektro-nex.com 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 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used. 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403

AT MICHAEL’S See on our website more than 30 different dining table sets in various styles, Castilian, modern, classic, wicker, pine, designer etc :

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:965792-595

G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need table s,chairs,crockery,glasses. Outside catering and bar for all occasions. Then contact me for more information on.635-109375/693-371-654/966-194-984 BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. at - La Rustika [Los Arcos] restaurant, Avenida Baleares,

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500CC 1700Kms only. Many Extras, Spanish Registered, Insured, Fully Legal, One Owner. Half New price 2500€ ONO. Tlf:606-075-644/966-786-858

LOOKING FOR A CAR? Ford Fiesta 1.4 Trend, 5 door, July 2003 only 52,000km, full service history, Air Con, CD, Front Fogs and much more! Metallic silver, beautifull condition only €4250. Tel 600-726-221/965-687-976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com 2004 RENAULT SCENIC (RHD) 1.6 Petrol,Silver,Taxed 2011,ITV Oct 2012,one owner from new, full RSH. 2,750euros O.N.O. 966-482-607/679-143-508 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877145 or 618-592-396 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:966-877-145 or 618-592-396 BREAKERS YARD HGV, Vans,

4x4, Cars, Bikes. Most vehicle parts in stock. Delivery service for engines, etc. Vehicle sales and scrappage service. Free pick-up and transfer. Call 692-790-377. E-mail: hgmservices@yahoo.com WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. Free collection. Tel.689-929-395

WARNING!!! Are you exterior painting? Before you paint, get this FREE essential report. Tlf:966-114-546 or download at www.paintmyvilla.com PAINTOR AND DECORATOR Exterior/interior Spray Painting Specialist. Woodwork, iron work, all aspects. For a free friendly, no obligation quote call Kevin Guilfoyle. 965-831-209/636-653516 or Guifoyle. kev66@gmail.com

KUBOTA 3 TON MINIDIGGER 3 buckets, brand new rubber tracks, works well. 7000euros. Tel:-646-164-896 KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER Special Offer 500GB. 80,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 195euros Tlf:-657-766-341 SINGERS, DJ\’S, KJ\’S 1TB media drive inc:-110k up to date karaoke tracks, 1k + M/F/duet backing tracks, 500+music videos. 400+ music albums. Karaoke & DJ software etc etc. 225euros. CC accepted via paypal. call Paul . 659-511-951 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com

reem1 cleaning services .... Be Inspired ....

Professional Vehicle Valeting Service Car - 25€ INSIDE AND OUT

Call Reem today on 646 619 466 Other cleaning services also available!

Benidorm, Albir, Altea and La Nucia area only

BMW X5 Sport

Sep ‘06 - Luxury 4x4. 3.0 Turbo Diesel Auto/Tiptronic 76,000 kms, 1 owner. Full service history. A/C (Climate), Met black, full cream sports leather. Loads of extras €POA 600-726-221/695-687-976

www.fwreurocars.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

MAY-EROTIC FROM INDONESIA 38 petite attractive full service, will spoil you with a sensual relaxing massage. No withheld numbers. Call:-698-896-034. Mon-Fri TORREVIEJA TRANS AMANDA Stunning Blonde.Huge breasts, sculptural body.Speciality erotic masage.Very feminine and sexy. Call me 671-424-456 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 NEW IN LA ZENIA horny, passionate Argentinian, woman 36, enjoys making your fantasies come true. Also attention for couples, fetish, change role, voyeurism. Next to Consum supermarket Tlf:-629-437-893 NEW IN CATRAL Shirley 28, qualified masseuse. Sensitive or deeper, with Oriental techniques prostate msg. Private. Tlf:638-789-562. Close to Ciudad Quesada Tlf:-617-709-701 BONNIE, NEW BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH GIRL, 21 , offers you erotic and sensitive massage, stimulating all your body, alone or with a passionate mature woman, 4 hands massage. Live this new experience Find us on Facebook. Masajes Costa Blanca Nachuli. Tlf:-672-872-050 Cabo Roig, 10mins Torrevieja TRANSVESTITE TORREVIEJA Transex Kamila.Skin brown,big breast,big surprise,erotic massaje,full services.610-934-279 www.negratrans.blogspot.com TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1 AGENCY CAMPANILLA Pretty and pleasant girls only for hotel and home service. 24hr. Discreet. Seriousness. Alicante and Murcia areas. Call us 626-750-746. ENGLISH LADY 42 provides various services for mature gentlemen. Torrevieja 666-376-887 SAFE AND EFFECTIVE BLUE PILLS for an enhanced love life. Call Ron, TT Marketing. 966-499-204 DANI 24, SWEET GERMAN GIRL Offers erotic service. House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534 Torrevieja FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any other time? If so you need bluies. phone Derek 685-207-378 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 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. 609-573-468 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. 682-776-068 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:-Karen 662-049-021 ELEGANT, SLIM, SEXY LADY ESCORT My Place, Home or Hotel visits. Torrevieja-La Manga-Mazarron Areas. Tlf:-693-357-526

WOODWORM, BORING BEETLE or Termite problems? Call Woodtech now on 675-107-252. COCKROACHES, RATS, MICE, WASPS or Hornet problems? Call Pestkill now on 625-160-325

and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com 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. regrouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com

WWW.PARAMOUNTPROPERTY MURCIA.COM Luxury front line Golf Villa, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, €1195.000. Luxury appointed Independent Estates, dependent advice. Tlf: 625-457-555 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 0044-151633-2321 or email :alan.aitken@hotmail. co.uk JAVEA Fly in & inspect from your helicopter secluded villa. 3/dB + e/s, 9x5m lounge, naya, K/dinette, utility: Semi-det. S/c flat dB, bath, Kit, lounge - for Granny or letting, 3000m2 orchard, pool & BBQ. Offers:Petersharp4u@gmail.com MOBILE/PARK HOMES On MOBILE/PARK HOMES On Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15,000e Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 Www,mobileho mesmarmenorspain.com

LA JARA FLAT FOR SALE 5 mins walk from Denia hospital 3 bed, bath, kit, utility, newly decorated, 4th floor no lift €60,000 call:-629-544- 219

INDEPENDENT ESTATES, INDEPENDENT ADVICE Near Sucina and Balsicas. Finca, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. 960m2 plot. Country living near Golf and towns. 20 minutes Paramount Resort. 159.999euros. www. paramountpropertymurcia.com Tlf:-625-457-555.

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected

INDEPENDENT ESTATES, INDEPENDENT ADVICE Torrevieja. 1 bedroom apartment, Furnished, Near Carrefour. 39,900€ www. paramountpropertymurcia. com Tlf:-625-457-555 email:independentestates@hotmail.com INDEPENDENT ESTATES,

INDEPENDENT ADVICE Golf Apartments reduced from 145,950€ to 85,245€. 3 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom. 20 minutes Paramount Resort. www. paramountpropertymurcia.com Tlf:-625-457-555 WWW.PARAMOUNTPROPERTY MURCIA.COM 70m from beach/facilities, sea views, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, furnished apartment. 89.000€. email:independentestates@hotmail.com Tlf:-625-457-555

1 BED GROUND FLOOR FLAT Mar Azul/Eliseos playa area 2nd line to beach. Midway between Torrevieja Centre & Punta Prima. 275€ pcm + bills. Ready to move in. tel:-686-188-929 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT El Chaparral urbanisation, Torrevieja, Ground level, fully furnished, 250Euro per month plus bills. Phone:-0044- 1675-470668/697-325-047 JALON VALLEY Quality apartments and Villas to let long term. All facilities. Call Rod 605-231-331 BENITACHELL/MORIARA Spacious 2bed apt for long let fully furnished to a high standard, 5mins from Moriara beach, very close to Supermarkets. 450E plus bills. No Pets.Tlf:-646-700-236. 1 BED PART FURNISHED BUNGALOWS on Camping Pueblo in San Javier. With lots of ameneties Carol tel 968-192425 mob. 626-055-662 Www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com TO LET 2 Bedroom House Els Poblets Weekly/Monthly Lets available. Tlf:-655-912-044 BRAND NEW TWO BED FLAT In Algorfa, partly furnished, town centre, communal pool.350euro inclusive . No bills to pay. Ring:0044-7949-589-539

VALKEA MARINA is looking for properties for sale in Albir-AlteaCalpe-La Nucia-Moraira-Jáveaarea.www.valkea-marina.com. Tel:-966-882-611Scandinavian Professionals at your service!

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 EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported Next run to UK-End of June Returning Early July. Space Available. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965300-959 Mobile 0034-648-102529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719. Email info@euromove4u.eu MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 00447519-186-355 email:-van.man@ hotmail.co.uk SIMPLY REMOVALS SpainUK-Spain. Local/Storage. Experienced in Transport. Mel Landon (Torrevieja). Tlf:-603-192957. email:melvyynleo@yahoo.com MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or 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

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRATOR Benidorm bi-lingual Spanish/ English Translation decuments, letters, visits-medical, townhall, tax, MOT. Economical rates. petergeorge123@gmail.com Tlf:-698-278-589 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.

MH BLAND TRAVEL SERVICES Your English speaking Travel experts. Cruises from as little as 58 pounds pp per night. Whatever your reason for travelling our professional and friendly team will help you plan your holiday, cruise or business trip to suit you. Contact us via: tel: +350-20077221. Email: travel@mhbland.com

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 GUITAR TUITION Beginners or improvers, one-to-one. Also Mandolin /Ukulele. Tlf:-966-781710/655-312-433 TRANSLATOR 30 years experience. Torrevieja and surrounds. Good rates.Geraldine. Tlf:-636-709-826 SPANISH LESSONS ONLINE I can teach you the easiest way to speak Spanish.Tlf:-600-400-668. www.howtospeakspanish.es

SKYSUPPLIES Humax and Sky+ HD. Sales, Repairs, Hard Drive

Upgrades. White Cards, LNBs, Remotes, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted. 966-194-013/600899-096 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:-965-584097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

WANTED 3M X 3M (or bigger!) Metal Market Stall Frame. Altea (North Benidorm) Tlf:-691-202-307 WANTED TECHNICS 1200 OR 1210 TURNTABLE in good condition. Tel:-617-893-036 or email kath_poole@hotmail.com GOLD WANTED!! English Jeweller, will buy for cash, broken or unwanted gold jewellery and coins. Tlf:Peter-664-890-990 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319220/618-165-877 RECORDS AND CD´S WANTED Top cash paid. Pop, Rock, Blues. Tlf:-630-665-363

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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27 MAy - 02 June 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay

RTN Golf Club update

www.andykayevents.com

ONE OF the most common faults with the swings of amateur golfers is the ‘Chicken wing’, where the left

Grow up Fergie

SIR ALEX Ferguson should be applauded for all that he has achieved this season. He’s led Manchester United to a record-breaking 19th title, he’s been recognised as the LMA manager of the season and on Saturday there’s the small matter of the Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley. However, despite all this, he still has the ability to act like a spoilt child. Take Tuesday’s CL press conference for instance. One reporter had the nerve to talk of Ryan Giggs by name. He didn’t mention that Giggs has reportedly been playing away from home or that the Welsh international had been revealed as the holder of a super-injunction. Instead he asked how important Giggs would be to United on Saturday given his Champions League experience. Even though he was looking for Fergie to add fuel to an already pretty impressive fire, it was a legitimate question. Ferguson gave a one line answer but then later on, spoke to his press officer and demanded that the reporter in question be banned from the next press conference. How pathetic is that? What’s he going to do if Barcelona score first on Saturday? Run on to the pitch and stop the game by declaring that it’s his ball? Indeed, think about this: what if referees reacted with the same pettiness as displayed by the United manager this week? So after every Fergie tirade they refused to officiate at the next United game unless the manager was banned from the stadium. Isn’t about time that a Knight of the Realm and a 69 yearold grandfather stopped acting like a pre-school infant? TENNIS HEADLINES The amount of press coverage given to British women tennis players this week has been quite extraordinary, given that the French Open is still in its early stages. The reason is that Elena Baltacha and Heather Watson both won their opening matches, ensuring that two British women would contest the second round for the first time since 1992. Whilst both players should be congratulated, I can’t think of any other nation, certainly not one that hosts a Grand Slam event, getting overly excited about this fact. All it does is highlight how poor British women’s tennis has been over the past two decades and how rubbish the cash rich LTA has been at improving it. BYE BYE BLACKPOOL Last Sunday was an extraordinary day of football which summed up the Premier League. Teams were falling in to the bottom three and then crawling out of it, courtesy of a goal here or a goal there. It was amazingly exciting. Sure, the skill levels compared to Spain or Germany might have been a bit lacking, but it was still the most compelling TV viewing. In the end, Birmingham and Blackpool were the ones consigned to relegation. I’ll miss Blackpool and their charismatic manager Ian Holloway. Blackpool played like their manager spoke – from the hip and with a degree of risk. I hope they make a quick return.

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€53

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Cure this fault by putting a credit card under your arm

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

making you aware that you need to keep your arm

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

tight and close to the body and not let the card drop

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green Fee

down. You’ll soon find your upper and lower body

Villaitana Par 62

€39

Single Green fee + Buggy

moving more in sync, increasing your distance and

Villa Aitana Par 72

€45

Single Green fee

accuracy: simple! Try some practice swings at home.

PRIOR TO my holiday last week I played the delightful 9 hole course at La Tercia and must say that the greens were some of the best that I have played on all year and the course is no push over and well worth a game. Watch out for hollow tining at Saurines, Alhama Condado, Lo Romero and Las Colinas The RTN exclusive deal of only €78 for 2 players and one buggy is still available at Vistabella for the remainder of May so book now to avoid disappointment. Deals of the week are at La Tercia which is only €65 for 2 players and buggy and at Las Ramblas where for only €210 you can have 4 players and 2 buggies. UPON HEARING that the Senior Spanish Open was taking place at the nearby El Valle Golf Resort, there was only one place The Hound was heading this week. The tournament boasted a high class field, including Gordon Brand Jr, ConstantinoRocca, and the eventual winner Carl Mason.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

Comments

€45

leading to weak and poor strikes!

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

RTN Price

Alenda

arm gets separated from the body through impact,

Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Golf Course

On first impression it was clear to see why El Valle was chosen for such a prestigious event. The greenkeepers had clearly been working overtime in the run up, with every aspect of the course in pristine condition.This was a clear sign of respect to theability of player on show and the stature of this event. Above all, it wasthe standard of the greens that stood out. Ordinarily they are first rate on Nicklaus designed courses, but evidentlythey were given some extra attention to play even quicker, and test these top players. It really was a pleasure to witness putting of such high quality on these greens, especially the players’ distance control. Congratulationsto the tournament winner Carl Mason,

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

Comments

Altorreal

Golf Course

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy (Mon&Fri)

Hacienda del Alamo

€96

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Serena

€90

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Polaris World Courses

€92

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Roda

€78

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€94

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

For more information contact Mike at mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.

now the most prolific player on the Senior Tour with 24 victories. Now is the time to play El Valle, whilst it is in such immaculate condition - make sure you ring The Hound to book your green fee today!

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€41

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€70

2 Green fees

Aguilón

€40

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Two night stay

€189

Almerimar

€60

Single Green Fee

Desert Springs

€65

Single Green fee

Two night stay

€189

2 night, 1/2board, 3 Green fees

2N, 1/2board,3Green Fees

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 671 748 625.

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

Where are the marshals? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

IN THE past I have questioned the role of the course marshal and in particular how much power they were given when it came to dealing with problems on the golf course. We have just come out of the ‘high season’ in our part of the World and our courses were, thankfully for their owners at least, busy again. Just where were our course marshals during the time we needed them most? Many have been replaced by caddymasters who now have to do two jobs in a time of economic hardship. That itself is not a major problem if these people actually do something when things go wrong. Last week I went out onto the links with my wife on a day off to play nine holes on a local course. A golf society was in the ten flights ahead of us, which did not bother us in the least. At least not until we realised we were about to take two hours forty five minutes for nine holes. The worst part of the day was when I was approached by some members who pointed out that a complete par five of over 500 metres did not have a single player on it; not good when there are so many golfers on the course. No wonder it took so long to play 9 holes! The above is just one of the many areas where a good course marshal would more than pay for his keep. The frustration of most of the golfers in the bar afterwards made it clear that they would be unlikely to visit that club again during busy times; very sad bearing in mind most were members. This situation and many more like it can be removed, enabling people to enjoy their golf if a little common sense is used. It seems to me that when the golf courses are busiest the people we want to see take some

responsibility do a disappearing act to avoid confrontation. This is no good - we need to see that people can enjoy their sport and offer some level of service and care instead of seeing clubs just pursue the shortsighted view of taking as much money as they can as quickly as they can. The British and Irish expatriate community has so much experience in golf that they could be used by many clubs to improve things. I know there are fewer of us nowadays but I would not mind betting a big percentage of us would help out if we were given something in return. So let’s talk to the clubs and offer our services - you never know, you could find that playing golf gets and awful lot more affordable as a result. 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 27TH MAY 2011 Which golfer is known as the Golden Bear? A. Jack Nicklaus B. Arnold Palmer C. Lee Trevino All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st May 2011 to be entered into May’s draw, to be made on 31st May. The winner will be announced in RTN on 3rd June 2011.

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

Cast Off with

Robbie France

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails..” William Arthur Ward.

SO IT’S here, again. Can it be really only have been September 2010 when we were egging on Emirates Team New Zealand, (or at least I was) to secure victory in Sardinia and take the Audi MedCup honours? Time has flown by and we’re here in Cascais, Portugal, to start the circuit all over again. This is our trophy; The Audi MedCup; taking place in our back yard…and for hundreds of thousands of sailors and normally land-loving spectators. It’s a wonderful spectacle to watch these gladiators of the oceans do battle under our very own noses. It’s a time when all of us are simply ‘Mediterráneos’. Saying that, it was the German team, Container (led by Markus Wieser), making their Audi MedCup debut who turned more than a few heads after the first day, having made a more than respectable start with two second place finishes. Herr Wieser explained. “We only decided to build the boat at the end of last year and so the first day of building was 6th January. We were never even sure we could make this first Audi MedCup Circuit regatta. So this event was looking like it is a test event for us under racing conditions, but in fact we are quite well up with our schedule, so we now can operate the boat but I have to learn the boat more. But we have a very experienced crew and they are helping a lot. I think our target is to do as well as possible.” As we saw, this was always going to be a frantic first regatta in Cascais, with each team trying to iron out the wrinkles which inevitably come with new boats,

to set themselves up for a summer of racing that can be watched by all of us courtesy of the internet. You can follow the whole of the Audi MedCup ‘live’ or watch the highlights on www.medcup.org/replay/ Briefly…RAN (Sweden/Britain) won the Coastal Race, a marathon set over 62 kilometres, setting up a tense finale for minor placings on Sunday… Because inevitably Ed Baird & Quantum (USA) made her presence felt, taking the final and 5th out of the 8 races on Sunday afternoon to take the Cascais Trophy: brilliant sailing from the American team. The whole circus now ups stumps and move up the Med to Marseille for the next round starting on June 14th. What about the new Soto 40 class? Breath-taking teamwork from Iberdrola made them the team to beat. However, those of us who watched the final of Saturday’s race were amazed at the sheer determination of Portugal 22, using every breath of wind to try to grab the last few metres of speed towards the finish line, (ultimately to no avail)…but riveting telly! Congrats to Iberdrola. We’ll bring you all the news over the course of the event. Don’t forget…whether you’re 7 or 70, the Audi MedCup can be seen by everyone on that dedicated internet channel and in the flesh in Cartagena in August.

Santa Pola Sharks Rugby Academy SANTA POLA Sharks Rugby Academy was set up by Antonio Nawaqavou. Tony, a Fijian ex-international rugby player who played most of his rugby in New Zealand from the good old days of rugby is looking at bringing it back. He has already set up academies in the USA, Fiji and New Zealand, run by Pat Lam and Wayne Shelford, and one in Spain just south of Madrid. The idea of it is to help local clubs from Alicante down to Murcia etc along the N332 to develop their players and clubs respectively. At the moment the Santa Pola Rugby Academy, SPRA, is looking for under 23 and under 26 players to play in an invitational tournament in Valencia on 21st May 2011, plus other pre-arranged matches. There are already a group of players from Novelda plus others already committed to the game. So for further information about the Santa Pola Rugby Academy, SPR, and its other various arms,

as well as tournaments, contact Tony on 671 980 258 or email: santapolasharks@gmail.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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 competition was the 3rd in the Summer League, the venue being the Eden canal at Guadamar. After last week’s weights from Argos it was a bit of a change for this week, with nobody even breaking into double figures. The river did not have much pace, and with an upstream wind, kept the float virtually stationary. Big fish are not really showing whether they are still breeding or just getting over this period - only time will tell! TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Jim (The Chairman) Rouse, fishing the pole using maggot and corn with 9.020 kg. 2nd Lenny (Excultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using bread and maggot with 7.60 kg. 3rd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen, fishing the pole using maggot with 6.74 kg. RESULTS AFTER 3 MATCHES 1st Lenny Bolton with 10 points 2nd Dave Hutchinson with 11 points 3rd Terry Screen with 13 points ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week saw the 6th round of the Spring Series at Argos on 17th May 2011. Considering we are now in the middle of May the weather continues to be quite cool with this blustery wind all the time. Along with the excess rain that we have been having the water levels on Argos is higher now than in the nine years I have lived in Spain and the water has also coloured up which should induce the fish to feed but weights are still poor. On 18th May 2007, four years ago this week, I caught 80.070kg of fish on Argos, which I believe is still the best

match weight caught there - a few of the fisherman in those days would regularly produce 30kg, and one or two managing 45 to 50 kg which is over a 100lb of fish and now we are lucky to break 30kgs in a match. THIS WEEK’S RESULTS ARE: 1st Pete (The Peg) Hampshire, with 16.560kg on the feeder using corn 2nd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, with 16.420kg on feeder using corn 3rd Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe, with 16.280kg on feeder using corn All details available from Terry Screen the Match Secretary on 96 532 8368 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 10th June at 12 noon. On Saturday 11th of June at 12 noon the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and the Port. NOTE The subs are now due at these meetings: €5 for renewal and €10 for new members.