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SOUTH EDITION
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26 AUG - 1 Sept 2011
Issue 619
Boar wars by Jack Troughton
Fire empties village RESIDENTS OF a Murcia village were forced to flee their homes when strong winds fanned the flames of a huge forest fire. Officers of the Guardia Civil went house to house knocking on doors in the village of Portman to alert people to the danger and some 1,400 were evacuated. It was estimated 420 hectares of parkland and mountainside were destroyed in the fire that raged across the area last week. The devastation was described as an “environmental tragedy”. Read the full story on page 5
GOLFERS had a lucky escape when a rampaging wild boar charged their buggy prompting a terrifying race for safety. The “huge” beast – spooked by the start of the hunting season - found its way onto the course at Javea Golf Club as friends were enjoying a round of their favourite sport. Restaurant owner Allan Langley-Smith managed to take a short piece of film of the boar before it actually turned to attack the golfers on the third tee. “It was not a very pleasant experience. If it actually got hold of you, it would do a lot of damage,” he said. Allan said his playing partner had asked if it was common place to see wild boar on the course. “I replied it was not, since the club had spent a lot of time and money reinforcing the outer perimeter to prevent them entering and causing damage. “He then pointed out that there was a rather large wild boar heading in our direction at speed – being spooked by the start of the shooting season - inside the fence.” LEAP Allan said on a previous encounter with a boar, and safely in his car driving home to Moraira one night, he had witnessed it jump up a dry stone wall at least two metres high. “It was
horrendous; it just leapt up and over. “That’s how I knew they could jump, although my partner didn’t believe me until it cleared the eight feet onto the raised tee.” He said he took a short piece of film as the boar passed by looking for an exit – but then the animal turned and doubled back. “We proceeded to return at haste to our buggies and at this point it turned towards us and charged – I put my foot down and plotted a course back to the clubhouse,” said Allan. “Fortunately my partner’s terrifying panic in grabbing the steering wheel and heading towards a palm tree did not cause our getaway to fail. “It probably got to within 10 feet of us and that was close enough! You could see the whites of its eyes and hear it grunting.” FREEDOM He said at some stage the boar decided freedom was more important than chasing golfers and it was seen “wallowing” in a patch of mud before escaping through a perimeter hedge. Allan said the course had been closed for 30 minutes while armed police attended – although they took no action to prevent the boar going back to the wild. Continued on page 3
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR
The case of the eight disappearing doctors at Torrevieja Hospital
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Neither has the hospital clarified whether the doctors are working independently or whether they are working on a ‘buddy system’ under supervision of other doctors – even if they have actually been replaced and by whom… Nope, the hospital is sticking to its original and robotic statement: “All physicians enrolled in a specialty, assisting the Department of Health Torrevieja, have a corresponding degree that enables them to pursue that specialty.”
prosecution, he was asked to appear before the magistrate with his credentials but did not make the deadline, according to counsel for the child’s family. Yesterday, Puma Association 22 (Platform for Medical Members Area 22) began taking steps to try to get a listing of not only the eight doctors concerned but all the staff practising in the region, with the aim of reassuring the public on exactly who is treating whom and for what… Sources have speculated that the eight disappearing doctors have not left the hospital but are engaged in other departments as it would be impossible to replace medical staff so quickly.
CONTROVERSY
RELOCATED
The chain of events began when a doctor was charged following a complaint from the parents of a child who died after receiving care at the hospital, an incident covered in an article by RTN’s Julie Day. In his court statement, and subsequently at the request of the
‘Health Bank’, a public service that is privately run, and a major partner of the Torrevieja Hospital, refused on Tuesday to clarify what specialties the eight doctors covered, although it was confirmed that the physicians had been “relocated.”
BUDDY
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ESPAÑA FIESTA FUN
Great Weekly Day Trips Sun Benidorm on market day.
by Jan Gamm FOLLOWING A series of allegations of poor practice at Torrevieja Hospital in recent months, along with the controversy surrounding the hospital’s pioneer computerised communication system, ‘Florence’, eight doctors seem to have disappeared into thin air from Torrevieja Hospital’s extensive and well-reputed medical team. A number of cases concerning the hospital’s treatment of patients and its policies are in the hands of the courts at present, yet despite Director Frank Leyn’s assurances that the hospital was committed to transparency, the press is unable to draw a satisfactory explanation as to where the eight doctors in question have been deployed.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Continued from front page He said it was a frightening experience. “If you can imagine watching a documentary where a rhino just seems to shuffle into position and then charge at you, well it was very much like that. “It could have been a lot more serious – at the moment it is something you can look back on as an experience and have a laugh about it.” Wild boars are not protected in Spain and are seen as fair game to hunters. Normally nocturnal animals, the shooting season had started on August 15th, a national holiday in Spain and Allan confirmed they could hear guns being fired. They are highly intelligent animals and normally avoid contact with humans. However, they are listed as a potentially dangerous and one guide to Spanish wildlife says: “If cornered or injured they are extremely vicious and will attack.”
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Dire shortage of police vehicles in Valencian region
One of Aspe’s two available cars covering 200km
by Jan Gamm ACCORDING TO the Professional Union of Police and Fire Fighters (SPPBL), there is a dire shortage of police patrol vehicles causing a serious lack of cover for the Valencian region. In Aspe near Elche there are only two vehicles available to cover an expansive area of more than 200,000km.
The problem has arisen since older vehicles were retired from service and not replaced. Motorcycles are available for police use but unfortunately are unsuitable for use in certain rural areas. When emergency and dangerous situations occur, such as the fire in the La Ofra area recently, both vehicles are utilised for the same incident, leaving the rest of the region poorly covered.
New case of baby theft in Alcoy by Jan Gamm A NEW allegation has been made by a woman living in Alcoy that her daughter was stolen at birth. The family has filed a complaint with the prosecutor in Alicante through the ADD (National Association of People Affected by Irregular Adoption) that following the birth of her daughter in 1968 the mother was not permitted to see the body or even the coffin of the child. The case is typical of a number of birth irregularities that followed a pattern throughout the sixties, seventies and into the eighties. This particular case is a little different in that it involves a private hospital, the San Jorge de Alcoy; the others all involved public institutions. In the event of ‘stolen babies’ being traced, the ‘adopted’ family could face charges of illegal detention, kidnapping and forgery.
Fire empties village by Jack Troughton Currently the cause of the blaze is being treated as arson. Detectives are examining materials recovered from what was believed to be the seat of the fire near La Manga Club. Winds blew the flames away from the club, its golf courses and urbanisations and across the countryside towards Portman – which lies between La Manga and Cartagena. Hundreds of fire fighters and soldiers were mobilised to fight the fire and both helicopters and aircraft were scrambled to drop water on the flames. By Sunday the fire was under control and some 70 fire fighters were left damping down and preventing the danger of flames reigniting at hotspots. FLAMES RTN understands no-one was injured in the emergency, although a fireman needed treatment for heatstroke. One property in Portman was destroyed by flames. One eyewitness said: “The countryside has been wiped out – the land from La Manga all the way down to Portman, which had to be evacuated, has been completely destroyed. “The landscape now looks like Lanzarote; it looks like a black volcanic landscape. It is not good.” And Scott Hosie, of golf clothing company Levante Lebeche, based at La Manga Club, said the fire had scorched all the surrounding forest land although the two golf courses had “largely got away with it.” He added: “But going towards Portman it looks as if there has been a volcanic eruption. There is ash at the side of the road and the countryside is black and scorched. “Some of the ridges look like a porcupine’s back, while there are patches of green forest and scrub that has oddly survived.”
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011 Scott said a prevalent Levante wind from the north had pushed the fire away from the heavily populated La Manga area over the hill towards Portman. He said the Pena del Aguila was devastated by the fire but the parkland of Calblanque and the Sierra de Atamaria was also affected. “The beautiful big forest of the Pena has taken the brunt of the fire.” ARSON Regional government spokesman Rafael Gonzalez Tovar has confirmed police were treating the incident as arson and promised anyone found guilty of the crime could expect long prison sentences. In a radio interview, he commented: “People like this should not be allowed to live amongst us – their actions hurt us all.” And experts have predicted it will take up to 70 years for the countryside and a variety of plant species to recover from the fire. A team from the British Consulate in Alicante travelled to Murcia last Friday morning and was able to confirm no UK citizens were hurt or any of their properties damaged in the fire. It was the third time in nine months consulate staff took part in a “crisis deployment” in nine months and Consul Paul Rodwell and Vice Consul Liz Bell were able to speak to British evacuees, representatives of local authorities and members of the emergency services. Mr Rodwell said crisis management was a key part of the consulate role, and the team worked with the Spanish authorities to make sure British nationals were safe and well. He said it was the third time a crisis team was deployed since he became consul a year ago – the previous occasions being a hotel fire in Benidorm and the earthquake in Lorca. “I was impressed with the coordination and determination of the emergency services which have saved lives and homes. I have personally thanked the President of Murcia and the Mayor of La Union for the support received by British residents taken to the evacuation centre.”
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Furious Benidorm mayor slams Iberdrola by Jan Gamm THE MAYOR of Benidorm, Agustín Navarro, has warned electricity giant Iberdrola that the city has “had enough” of big companies neglecting to serve the city to the standard it deserves and urged the company to ‘shape up or ship out’. The warning follows a blackout incident in Calle Gambo in Benidorm on Friday, one of the city’s busiest commercial are-
as, that was plunged into total darkness for a full twenty minutes, wrecking the opening ceremony of the Tour d’Éspaña in an embarrassing outage that also left bars and restaurants struggling to deal with customers by candlelight. The mayor went on to add darkly that failure to upgrade the antiquated network could result in “permits being withheld.” He also demanded publicly that a thorough inspection of wiring was expected and must lead to a complete overhaul of lines serving the central district. COMPENSATION
Benidorm in darkness on Friday
Girl hit by van in Javea A GIRL aged 15 was hit by a van while crossing the Avenida Palmela in Javea on Tuesday in an area not regulated by traffic lights. The driver, blinded by the fierce sunlight, did not see the child crossing the road with her friends, directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. The girl, A Colombian national living in Javea, was treated for abrasions to her arm, face and ribs. Javea has been criticised frequently for poor pedestrian safety, especially in the area near the Arenal where drivers are required to negotiate a number of converging roads as well as pedestrians filtering onto the thoroughfare from between the parked cars lining the beach area.
Furthermore, Navarro pointed out that companies affected financially by the disgraceful lack of service on Friday evening should seek appropriate compensation against damages from Iberdrola to reflect significant losses at a time when shops, restaurants and bars were packed to capacity at the busiest time of year and the height of the tourist season. “…and the City Council will be the first in the queue to file a complaint!” he said, adding, “How many people would choose to stay the night in a hotel where they could be trapped in an elevator due to a power outage?!”
Agustin Navarro Mayor of Benidorm
FARCE The blackout affected about 1,600 subscribers, including twelve hotels. The Tour d’Éspaña opening ceremony hosted by the municipality and intended to showcase the city as a leader in tourism to race organisers and participants, turned into a farce by the power cut that presented Benidorm’s image in ‘a poor light’.
Statue causes havoc in Orihuela
One, two, three, heave…!
by Jan Gamm SAINT PETER was de-throned on Wednesday while being transported from Madrid back to Orihuela after an exhibition - part of World Youth Day coinciding with the Pope’s visit that concluded on Sunday. ‘The Denial of St Peter’ is the work of artist Vicente Gimeno and depicts the Saint on a large - and extremely heavy - ornate throne. TRAILER The trailer commissioned to transport the sculpture broke in Albacete, requiring the help of the Guardia Civil and considerable manpower to transfer the statue to an alternative vehicle. A Guardia Civil escort was then required to assist St Peter in his negotiation through heavy traffic to his destination: he was installed in Orihuela with the help of ramps and plenty of muscle! While in Madrid the statue attracted the interest of around 20,000 visitors.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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hot staffing Aussie wins Costa Blanca leg of La Vuelta Aproblem for Baix by Louise Clarke
AUSTRALIAN CHRISTOPHER Sutton, from British Team Sky, sprung a surprise by winning the sprint on the second stage of the La Vuelta or Tour of Spain. The annual bike race made its way through the Costa Blanca last Sunday; starting in La Nucia, near Benidorm and ending in Orihuela Costa. Thousands of spectators of all nationalities lined the 174 kilometre route to cheer on the dozens of elite cyclists from all over the world. “It’s a dream come true,” commented a happy Sutton following his victory, “I have only come to protect Bradley (Wiggins), but I asked for the freedom to try to win and I knew the end was coming up the road and when I looked behind me the pack was way behind so I knew that this could be the stage for me.” CHEERING The N332 from Guardamar to Orihuela Costa came to a complete standstill for just minutes during the race and credit must be handed to the dozens of Guardia Civil officers who kept spectators safe both before and after the race, all along the route. The four footbridges along the Orihuela Costa section of the National dual carriageway were packed with people wanting to get a perfect view of the
Vinalopó Fire Service
La Vuelta winner
race and after what seemed like a long wait, they finally got a glimpse of the TV camera crew’s helicopter overhead, signalling the arrival of the cyclists. As they pedalled past the throngs of cheering spectators like lightning, flag waving could be seen all along the road and hand clapping and cheering could be heard. And almost as soon as they arrived, they had gone! One spectator commented to RTN: “Was that it? If you’d blinked you could have missed it!” SCORCHING Although the east wind forced yellow flags onto the Orihuela Costa’s beaches, a large number of people, despite the
scorching heat, descended onto the Caleta De La Glea beach in Campoamor to see the final section of the second stage. At the finish line awaiting the arrival of the cyclists was the President of the Alicante Diputation, Luisa Pastor; Vice President of the Diputation and former Orihuela Mayor, Monica Lorente as well as the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon and the Mayor of Murcia Miguel Angel Camara. La Vuelta continues through Spain throughout the next three weeks with the final stage taking place in Madrid on Sunday 11th September. Live coverage can be seen on Eurosport and on ITV4.
Ring of car thieves in Torrevieja smashed by National Police NATIONAL POLICE have broken up an organised gang of car thieves that specialised in stealing vehicles for scrap throughout the Alicante province. Police went into action on 19th August when a Volkswagon Golf reported stolen in Benidorm was monitored, leading agents to a warehouse in Torrevieja. Six men were arrested, Bulgarian, Romanian and Colombian, aged between 19 and 42, one of whom was responsible for shipping and transportation; two were engaged in activities to disguise the cars’ identification details such as registration and the remaining gang members were involved in scrapping the vehicles.
By Jan Gamm THE FIRE Department in the Baix Vinalopó area has every reason to celebrate the arrival of a shiny new fire truck equipped with state of the art fire fighting tools, bringing the fleet to a total of 16 vehicles. Fire fighting equipment in the region consists of a comprehensive range of kit. However, the problem is that there is a shortage of manpower to operate said equipment in incidents that occur in Elche, Crevillente, Santa Pola, Aspe, Catral, Albatera, Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes. The area employs 88 fire fighters - too few to provide three teams for each shift. Despite having the best equipment and all the ‘bells and whistles’, the manpower is simply not adequate for demand. The Operational Officer for the area of Baix Vinalopó, José Soler Bonet, said, “Our area is very large, serving around 500 incidents per year. We have a big industrial park, an airport and the third largest city in the Valencian community, so it is necessary to increase the workforce.” The provincial authority in Alicante promised 25 new fire fighters but to date only 17 joined in recent months with no indication of when the remaining eight will arrive. In the meantime present crews have been given an increase in salary and hope that emergencies in the region occur one at a time to avoid a serious risk to fire officers and also the public.
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Health matters
LEBARA IS AVAILABLE AT The Phone Shop: Cabo Roig - 688 228 888
THE POST BOX
Dona Pepa, Quesada - 966 731 928 www.thepostboxquesada.com Martyn Standing explains the health system
by Jack Troughton SPANISH HEALTHCARE experts join British colleagues for an “invaluable” and unique Consulate in the Community evening in Torrevieja on Thursday 8thSeptember. The representatives of the Valencian health authorities have confirmed they will join the team from the British Consulate in Alicante – the first time they have taken part in such an event. And RTN was told their participation underlines the importance of working with the British community to insure people are correctly registered for healthcare. Martyn Standing, of the Pension, Benefit and Healthcare team, said: “I am really pleased that the healthcare authorities have agreed to attend the event. This will enable us to work together to insure that British nationals living in Spain can access healthcare correctly. “In the Valencia region, everyone can register for healthcare, it is just a matter of finding out which cover to get. Having the experts at this event will enable people to find out which cover to apply for and how.” And as well as Valencia’s health authorities, other organisations represented at the Consulate in the Community include the Diputacion de Alicante, social services, Age Concern, the Royal British Legion, MABS Cancer Support Group, HELP Vega Baja, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Charity groups said they were looking forward to the evening. Jacqui Phillips MBE,
of MABS, said: “Work done by the Consulate to advise British nationals about where to seek assistance in Spain is invaluable. “I feel without a doubt they bring people closer to the department and charities, putting names to faces.” And Peggy Wyatt, of the Royal British Legion, said the charity was “delighted” to take part in the evening. “This is a tremendous opportunity for local British residents – prior to the main meeting – to chat with the many charities and organisations established in Spain offering assistance and advice in co-ordination with the consulate. “For the Legion, we appreciate the consulate giving us an occasion to speak with these organisations and the large numbers of British residents and visitors. Our aim is to offer assistance and comradeship via our Legion branches. By all working together we can improve the ‘sign posting’ of information and integration.” The evening runs from 7pm until 9pm in the Centro Cultura Virgen del Carmen theatre, Calle Del Mar 28, Torrevieja. Anyone wishing to attend can reserve a place by going to ukinspain.fco.gov and completing an online form, alternatively they can call 902 109 356. The first part of the event will be a ‘wellfayre’ where visitors can get information from local authorities and participating charities, followed by a presentation by consul Paul Rodwell, the Pension Benefit and Healthcare team and a short question and answer session.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Blind, deaf and forgotten at El Altet by Jan Gamm JOSHUA DOMINGUEZ, a deaf and blind man requiring assistance from AENA’s disabled service at El Altet Airport, was abandoned by irresponsible staff at the airport on Monday, causing him to miss his plane and leaving him with a nine hour wait for the next flight to Madrid. At 1pm on Monday Joshua reported to the disabled assistance service at El Altet prior to taking his flight to Madrid at 2.45pm. He was taken to a bench and told not to move. Twenty minutes later Joshua made his way to the service window again and was again told to wait. Five minutes before the flight was due to leave, a distressed Joshua was angrily told to produce his boarding pass before being rushed to the departure gate, too late
to catch his plane. Asociación de Sordociegos de España (Asocide) The Deaf Blind Association of Spain, has severely criticised the airport’s treatment of Joshua. A spokesman said, “How could they so neglect someone with no hearing and no vision? He could hardly go unnoticed as he was accompanied by a guide dog!” Joshua had to wait until 11pm to board the next available flight. According to Asocide, the service extended to disable passengers at El Altet is paid for by the Ministry of Development under the guidance of the Spanish Committee of Disabled People (CERMI). A company spokesman for AENA said, “We admit that there was a lack of coordination in the service due to human error. We serve
The ‘disabled service’ window at El Altet
thousands of passengers every month and this has not occurred throughout the year in El Altet. It was the first time. The passenger was relocated on the next flight to Madrid, did not have to pay anything and was served
a snack and dinner.” At the time of going to press Joshua was unavailable for comment as to whether he considered a snack and dinner to be adequate compensation for his nine hour nightmare.
Gas leak causes evacuation of 50 residents in Calpe A FIVE floor building plus a penthouse apartment in Calpe was evacuated on Wednesday due to reports of a gas leak. The leak occurred in Avenida de la Diputación and forced the evacuation under the command of Alicante’s Guardia Civil. The eviction was carried out at 3.30pm and evacuees were allowed to return to their homes at around 5.30pm. Nobody was injured in the incident.
Steve Jobs leaves Apple
CEO OF Apple, Steve Jobs, has resigned, handing over to chief operations officer Tim Cook effective immediately, it was announced on Thursday. Jobs’ resignation from his role as CEO of the technology giant was sudden although not entirely unexpected after a lengthy period of ill health since 2004 when
he overcame pancreatic cancer, undergoing a liver transplant in 2009. Cook has been at the forefront of operations for some time, with the board immediately accepting Steve Jobs’ recommendation for Cook as his replacement. “The board is fully confident that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” said Board Director Art Levinson.
New conductor for the Philharmonic in Altea THE COMPOSER James F Ripoll is the new director of the Symphonic Orchestra of the Musical Society Alteana, introduced last Friday at the headquarters of the Philharmonic. The new director will be collaborating closely with the Conservatory of Altea, not only with the orchestra but also with other musical projects to emerge in the near future. Ripoll said, “I will put in all my knowledge and experience to make improvements within the orchestra, with the help and cooperation of the musicians.”
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Take my advice
WITH REFERENCE to your recent item on taxis, legal and otherwise, I had an experience recently where a legal and licensed company agreed a firm price of 100€ to take three young girls to Javea from Alicante. On arrival the driver demanded 155€ and refused to hand over the girls’ luggage until the price was paid! In an emergency situation, Radio Taxis Javea promised faithfully to arrive in less than 10 minutes, showed up 40 minutes late and still expected to be paid! My advice is: if you know a friend of a friend who will do the job, use him – it beats getting ripped off and conned by the legal companies. The police are of no use, they could not care less. Address withheld
talk tous
Email letters to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com with your full name and address
Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
Backdoor tax: A warning
I am writing with regard to the recent promotion in Europe of unsold properties in Spain by the Spanish government. I was extremely annoyed when I read about this promotion... I will relate my story about what was then a reasonably priced purchase: In 2009 I found an old cortijo that someone had gutted and added a large extension to, but with no roof and no mains electricity. It had permission to reform to a 220m2 property but was totally uninhabitable. I agreed a purchase price of 51,000€ to include various equipment and materials worth around 3,000€. The purchase concluded in September 2009 with no problems. Then the big shock - in May 2010 I received a demand from Hacienda for 500€ underpaid tax as my property was undervalued! I was incensed at this... I am a pensioner with small state UK pension and my funds were IN JANUARY of this year extremely low having spent a considerable Iberdrola increased tariffs sum on reforming works to the cortijo. by 10% and this was widely So with great reluctance I paid this reported in the local newspapers. money through my solicitor to get them This month I notice further off my back. increases in my bill, although Then would you believe, two weeks later more surreptitious – i.e. a very receive yet another demand for 4,300€, low amount of kWh at the old price and a much higher amount this time again because my property was undervalued - now valued at 108,000€ at a new and higher price, even this amount being the difference between higher on the ‘valle’ of the dual tariff. I estimated an average what I had paid on purchase and the increase of approximately 3.8%. further 500€! I have read nothing of this new I was gobsmacked and didn’t know what hike in the papers - why not? to do. My dear solicitor said, “…just send Facturas sent bi-monthly, are us a cheque and we will send it on for now being sent monthly - bad you.” HOW kind. They seem to think that news for folk who budget! we all earn money at the same rate as
Increased tariffs
Regards, Gillian Beynon
these thieves. I wrote back indignantly and put them straight! They said to fight it would cost maybe around 2-3,000€, so was it worth it? How can the hacienda revalue when they haven’t even SEEN the property? It’s beyond me! Yes I know the government needs taxes, so why don’t they chase the black economy instead of this iniquitous back-door tax on property purchasers? I did a lot of searching on the internet and eventually found a company of asesores that supposedly specialised in appealing these iniquitous demands and with very reasonable charges and with a percentage of their fee refunded if their appeal was unsuccessful. So I went with them. Had to give them power of attorney, another 80€....then they made the appeal. In May this year the hacienda informed the company that the appeal had been unsuccessful, adding that they were now “unwilling to accept any appeals.”! So I wrote back to the asesores and said well look, I just do not have this money… what am I supposed to do? I budgeted very carefully when I purchased the cortijo and I don’t have this money to pay them. I am still awaiting the reply from hacienda… So this is a salutary warning to ANYONE contemplating buying a CHEAP property in Spain. Watch out for the sting in the tail where they DOUBLE the value of the property on paper so that they can fleece you AFTER the purchase. I am sure that the government promotion to Europe will forget to mention this seedy tax! An aggrieved purchaser… Graham P
Handed in IF ANYONE left a laptop/notebook in Alicante airport on Sunday morning, 21st August, around 9.30am, it was handed in to the desk just before we came through arrivals. Elizabeth Tyler
Professionals should learn to behave What on earth is the Town Hall thinking of? SOME PROFESSIONAL players and managers must learn to behave when they can’t win. I was really impressed by the Barcelona v Real Madrid second Supercopa leg football display on Wednesday 17th August in Barcelona. It was one of the greatest football matches I have ever seen, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid by 3-2 and won the Spanish Supercopa. Unfortunately, and with only a couple of minutes to finish the match, a very strong Marcelo’s Real Madrid tackle on Barcelona’s Fabregas almost caused a third world war on the pitch, with players from both sides attacking and fighting each other, including some players on the bench. Some of them were sent off by the referee as consequence and - surprise, surprise -Jose Mouhrino, Madrid’s Manager, (this is not the first or second or the third
time he does it) joined the fracas and apparently made things much worse. It was an unpleasant spectacle by so called ‘professionals’ in front of millions of people watching the match on television around the World. I always followed Real Madrid and don’t think that Madrid or its football team deserves to have a Manager and some players behaving so badly and letting the club down. Jose Mourhino can be a good manager; Marcelo or Pepe can be good players but Real Madrid’s reputation is down the drain around the World because this Manager and a very few of his dangerous players on the pitch, i.e.Marcelo and Pepe, do not seem able to behave when they can’t win. Jose Rivero Santana
I WRITE regarding the party (if such an event can be referred to as a party?) held here in Campoamor on Thursday evening through to the following morning which I have been told was organised by the Town Hall. What on earth is the Town Hall thinking of, organising such an event in a residential area? We and our neighbours were looking forward to the fiesta here on the coast this weekend: after reading the programme there was something for everyone. However, what was the idea of Thursday evening/Friday morning? Live music well into the early hours and you can imagine the amount of rubbish that was left by thousands of party revellers. The noise from cars and motorbikes driving backwards and forwards all night was nearly as loud as the music! I do not want to stop the young ones having their fun but would it not have been more sensible holding this pop festival out in a field in ‘el campo’ or like the discos in Torrevieja and Guardamar on the industrial estates where they can make as much noise as they like and do not disturb anyone? Come on Ayuntamiento, get your thinking caps on! Regards, Rita Brummer
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Bomb shelter makeovers inspire Valencia by Jan Gamm THE VALENCIAN Council de Cultura is concerned that disused bomb shelters in the area are being allowed to fall into disrepair. The shelters were used extensively during the Spanish Civil War but are now in poor condition and badly in need of repair and restoration. The Council cited the example of Alcoy, Albacete, Almeria, Cartagena and Barcelona; all cities that restored bomb shelters now being pressed into service as exhibition centres and venues for cultural events. Alcoy has a total of 25 bunkers dug between 1936 and 1939. The former PP government, at the initiative of Councillor
Amparo Ferrando, used funds from the Tourism Promotion Plan to rehabilitate the shelter ‘El Paseo de Cervantes’ in Alcoy and open it to the public. An exhibition was opened that included various artefacts of the Civil War along with photographs and an unexploded bomb. Promoters considered including in the museum project certain multimedia effects to replicate air raids and bombing. Eventually the idea was ruled out to avoid causing trauma to survivors of the conflict. Although the Community has a rich archive of relics of the Civil War, the Council of Culture considers that there is still a “lack of awareness” of the historical value of the bomb shelters that should become “a symbol of the new culture of peace.”
Shelter restored to its former standard
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Yorkshire Linen Supports Maria and the Pink Ladies
Dogs have their day
by Louise Clarke EARLIER THIS week, at the invitation of the Habaneras branch of Yorkshire Linen in Torrevieja, cancer sufferer Maria Wilson and her team of Pink Ladies were the beneficiaries of a fund raising event held at the store. Maria and her Pink Ladies raise much needed finds for the AECC and so far in the last 14 months they have raised more than €30,000 for the cancer charity and Phil at Yorkshire Linen was only too happy to help to add to that total during the store’s ‘Three Day Spectacular’. The fundraising was centred on a strategically placed dartboard located inside the store and customers were offered the opportunity, for a small donation, to win up to 50% discount off their purchases at the store, the majority of which were already heavily discounted in their summer sale, which continues until the end of the month. The Pink Ladies also ran a raffle during the three days, the prizes of which were kindly donated by Phil and his team at Yorkshire Linen. Over the three days, €310 was raised from the darts, €150 from the raffle and Yorkshire Linen also donated a further €330 giving a grand total of €790 raised for the cancer charity, which is a great result! Maria and her Pink Ladies would like to thank Phil and all his team A Yorkshire at Yorkshire Linen for all their efforts and kindness in helping to raise Linen customer this money for AECC. tries his If you would like to hold a fundraising event for Maria and her luck on Pink Ladies call Maria on 966 775 160 or email her at the Pink mariawilson1712@hotmail.com. dartboard
Club members and best friends
by Jack Troughton PROUD DOG owners put pets through their paces at the end of obedience courses run by the Campoverde Canine Club and were presented with certificates and trophies. The final examinations were held at the Polideportivo sports ground in Pinar de Campoverde and the club congratulated everyone who passed. The club was formed in July 2000 and since then many owners have benefitted from the expert tuition and are now able to control their best friends. And organiser Roy told RTN: “It just shows what can be achieved with a little effort by the owners of the multitude of dogs going through the hands of various rescue charities.”
In memorium
John Maplesden: 19th August1940 – 21st August 2011: RIP
JOHN MAPLESDEN passed away suddenly at home in Doňa Pepa on Sunday 21st August aged 71, the dearly loved partner of Carol Holder and father to Karen and Paul, Grandfather to Samantha, Roanna, Harry and Jack, brother to Ann and father-in-law to Susan. John was a very popular figure and over the past nine years resided in Doňa Pepa with Carol. Together they ran two bars: CJ’s
and Jack’s Bar in Ciudad Quesada. He was a lovely man and words can never convey how much he was loved. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and will never be forgotten. A private cremation was held last Wednesday at the Torrevieja Tanatoria. As a young man John played professional football for Brighton and Hove Albion and Crawley Town. A memorial service in Brighton is planned later this year.
PROGRESS Winner of the basic class Beverley Farmer made enormous progress during the 10 week course and with dog Tilly – one of three Podencos she has rescued – scored 108.8 points out of a maximum 110. Paul Baxter and Alma won the intermediate class scoring 133.9 marks out of 140. And consistently performing well over 10 weeks to win the advanced class was Kathy Dowsett and collie Ali. They scored 137.5 from 140. New courses begin in September. Anyone interested training their four legged friend should call Roy on 96 676 2265 or email taffthedog@hotmail.com
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Transexual reverses gender due to discrimination by Jan Gamm A TRANSEXUAL from Valencia by the adopted name of Adriana Turuelo has decided to reverse her sexuality and return to the male gender after suffering intolerable discrimination while seeking employment as a woman. Born Juan Daniel Turuelo, Adriana received considerable publicity while undergoing her sex change. Since undertaking her new image, however, prospective employers refuse to give her work, fearing media pressure as her legal identification documents proclaim her original identity as a man. STREET When Adriana and her mother became homeless in the economic crisis, the city council in Valencia offered them a home in a municipal shelter but Adriana was required to share a room and bathroom with men re-
sulting in bullying and harassment: both mother and daughter preferred to sleep in the street. Several television studios have offered Adriana a fee for her story but she feels she would prefer an ordinary job and an ordinary life so decided to return to being a man. “Going back to the sexual gender displayed on my ID card has been the hardest stage of my life,” says Juan, “No one gave me a chance as a woman. I even had to change my profile on social networks. NEW LIFE “When I looked for work I presented myself as a woman, but as soon as employers look at my ID they decline to hire me.” Turuelo now asks only to be allowed to forget about Juan his sex change so that he can start afresh with a new Daniel life. Turuelo
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Welcome to the Card Place Parts 1 – 2 and now 3 Born In Benimar. Rojales a few years ago to proud parents Rob & Lisa, The Card Place fast became THE PLACE to get your daily newspaper, log onto the internet, treat yourself or a loved one to a new book or stuff yourself with a selection from the pik n mix sweeties. The shop soon grew as did the selection of goods on offer as can be seen in the main advert. The cards and gifts are good value and a big difference a good choice to select from and you can even post your cards an letters from here using the world Wide Post service from as little as 70 cents. The good news is Rob & Lisa have added to their family and have two other shops, one situated in the Punta Prima Commercial centre (behind Drunni Perfume shop) and their latest addition situated within the C/Commercial Mercadonna in Torretta II, Torrevieja easy to find just off the new road from Habeneras into Torretta II. And Remember you can pick up your RTN each and every Friday at all three shops.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Gull culling at Fontcalent
Gulls at Fontcalent
by Jan Gamm HUNTERS HAVE been hired by the City Council in Alicante to “shoot to kill” the thousands of seagulls that feast daily at the landfill waste at Fontcalent. The decision to hire the riflemen was made earlier this month in a bid to clear birds from the flight paths of planes landing and taking off at El Altet. RISK The landfill is irresistible to birds from Urbanova and the nearby salt marshes, posing a risk to aviation. The council, having failed in a series of projects to clear the birds, has now opted to commission experienced hunters that are likely to achieve “a clean shot.” The Department of Urban Services headed by Councillor Andrew Urban Llorens, consulting with the Department of Environment and also with Seprona (Service for Nature Protection of the Civil Guard) opted for a more robust remedy to the problem with the intention of shooting some birds and scaring others. RESULT Four to eight hunters attended the landfill to carry out three raids on three different days throughout the first half of August. The culling is already said to have achieved a “positive result” with the numbers of birds reduced significantly. “The hunters will remain until the gulls are eliminated,” according to the City Council.
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Ortega Cano statement delayed until late September by Jan Gamm JOSÉ ORTEGA Cano, the exbullfighter involved in a car crash that left another driver, Carlos Parra, dead at the scene on 28th May is to undergo further surgery on his left leg on 14th September. This will further delay his appearance in Court 9, Seville, to answer alleged charges related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and possibly reckless homicide. A hearing will now be set for some time in late September.
Fancy FREE Hotel Accommodation? by Louise Clarke HOW WOULD you like to have FREE accommodation in a four star hotel? Well, that is what the Costa Narejos Hotel is offering for stays from 18th September until 5th November AND again next year from 29th March until 6th June. All you have to do is book a room based on two people sharing and pay for your breakfast and evening meal (€35.50 per person) and the hotel room and all the hotel’s facilities are completely FREE! The hotel has recently been nominated as the ‘Best Beach Hotel in Murcia’ by popular holiday websites Trivago and TripAdvisor and it is also listed in the Top Ten Hotels in Spain. It is located close to Los Alcázares and beside one of the best beaches in the region. So if you want to extend your summer, why not have a break and get yourself down there? FAMILY ROOMS
RTN readers can now enjoy an affordable day out for all the family!
If you don’t know Los Alcázares, it’s a brilliant place to visit. The beach covers nine kilometres of the Mar Menor coastline and there is a pleasant promenade providing visitors with an ideal place for a stroll. The beach is very pleasant and the sea is calm, with shallow waters, making it an ideal place to take children as there are no riptides or other dangerous sea conditions. The hotel has been designed to provide for the maximum enjoyment and comfort for its guests. Each of their rooms has fully equipped ensuite bathrooms and there is also a luxury suite and five spacious junior suites. There are 58 fabulous family rooms that include a lounge, a convertible bed and a small but practical kitchenette. All the rooms have been furnished to the highest standard and are equipped with a hair-dryer, air-conditioning, a LCD TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a refrigerator. HEALTH AND BEAUTY The hotel offers an extensive and varied buffet service, adult and children’s swimming pools and an outside Jacuzzi, solarium,
Pool area
terrace and gym inside. The hotel also has a sumptuous spa area with two Jacuzzis, a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, massage service and health and beauty treatment areas. The hotel is a popular venue for many of the region’s performers and on Thursday 15th September, the fantastic ‘Swingtet’, will be performing there. Their amazing ‘Big Band Dance Night’ is certainly a night to remember and if you cannot make it in September, they will be there again on 20th October. If you would like to know more about the free accommodation offer, please visit the hotel’s website at www.hotelcostanarejos.com or call 96 858 3980. *STOP PRESS: Costa Narajos has just announced that their special Free Hotel Accommodation Offer will also be available on the night of Swingtet’s ‘Big Band Dance Night’. So you can enjoy a fabulous show, in aid of the Help Mar Menor Cancer Support Group AND get free accommodation too!! Contact the hotel at info@hotelcostanarajos.com and book your room NOW!
Get entry to both Terra Natura & Aqua Natura with our combined ticket at an unbeatable price!
1 5€ € 20 adults
Children 4 to 12
years
Seniors (over 60)
Tickets can be collected from our La Nucia Office (minutes from the parks) Mon-Thur 10am - 6pm, Fri 10am - 2pm Or ask for next day delivery to your door for 1€ per person.
Call 902 118 999
Happy Birthday Petit PETIT, TERRA Natura’s coolest pachyderm, celebrated her 39th birthday on Tuesday with seventy kilos of frozen fruits and vegetables and a long soak in a cool bath. Nicknamed ‘Ugly’ due to her exceptionally unattractive appearance at birth, Petit was bullied mercilessly and finally rejected by her herd. She was adopted by Terra Natura in 2006 and now Petit has blossomed into a fine figure of an elephant weighing more than 300 kilos. She shared several kilos of ice cream with her friend ‘Kai Blah’ to mark the occasion.
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Five weeks ahead
Watts In Britain By
Paul Watts
NOW THEN where was I? Oh yeah, I remember now, it was over three weeks ago and I was blathering on about early falling leaves. I was worrying and getting in a panic as to why it was happening in late July and early August rather than in October. And lo, the good ole RTN readers, who never cease to amaze me, rallied to the cause. I must report, with due gratitude, that I received a lengthy and erudite email from Mary Elliot whom sought to quell my concerns. Just before the riots kicked off (Did that all really happen? Was it not just a bad dream?) Mary wrote to tell me that in respect of the falling leaves, the writing was on the wall earlier on. She says, “This year everything is about five weeks ahead of itself.” And apparently, the early arrival of the orange tip butterfly was among the first clues. Doh! The orange tip, I should have realised that. Mary, who is one of 40,000 volunteer observers for the Woodland Trust, explains that, “The provisional average emergence date for the Orange Tip in 2011 was 13th
April. And that’s three days earlier than the previous record of 16th April in 2007.” Mary said the data collected by the Woodland Trust stretches back to the 17th Century and is used by scientists to assess the impact of climate change on wildlife in the UK. Hmmm, oh, okay Mary, that’s the promo out of the way - anything else we should know? Well, this year has seen the “earliest leafing since at least 2000 for 11 out of 13 tree species and the earliest arrival of six species of spring migrant birds.” So, I guess early leafing equals early fall, eh? By eerie coincidence Professor Tim Sparks, who is the nature advisor to the Woodland Trust was on Radio 4 this week on this very subject. He said: “We had a cold winter but this was followed by a particularly warm and dry spring, which included the warmest April on record.” Tim added: “This warmth is undoubtedly the main factor which led to many events occurring earlier than usual. It will be interesting to see what impact the early leafing and dry summer has on autumnal events, which is why we need the public to continue
to send us their recordings in the coming months.” I wonder if Professor Tim would like to see my own recording. You see, dear reader, the WattsinBritain household is also about to experience an event scheduled for the autumn that’s going to happen much earlier. Although, I seriously doubt the accelerated seasonal change could have any bearing on it. Or maybe it could... My step-daughter Alex is all set to have her baby this week – five weeks ahead of due date. The baby was due in October but she’s arriving on Wednesday. So, as you can imagine there is no time to sweep up any fallen leaves now. Oh no, things have gone into overdrive over here and the ‘management’ has been rushing around, in every decreasing circles, organising the rotas for taking care of baby’s bigger sisters. I’ve got my overnight bag, with extra pants, already for the call. I must say it’s very exciting times - and by the time this goes to print our new arrival will be two days old. Watts in Britain; ready with the wet wipes...
On Golden Pond
A POND at the natural water park El Hondo is to be used to rehabilitate birds from the Wildlife Recovery Centre of Santa Faz. The Centre rescues, rehabilitates and releases bird species. However, some birds sustain wing injuries that leave them unable to fly. El Hondo will provide a safe yet natural environment for the rehabilitation of birds. A proposed adaptation of the pond includes a perimeter fence around a ‘no fly’ zone of around 4,000 square meters, to provide a natural environment for birds that might not survive in the wild. The fence is to be ‘camouflaged’ with pond reed to give it a natural look. For more information on El Hondo call 96 667 8515.
The Duchess of Alba and Alfonso Diez to marry in October
By Jan Gamm THE CONTROVERSIAL and eccentric Duchess of Alba is to marry her sweetheart Alfonso Diez in early October in a ceremony attended by her children. The intimate service is to take place in ‘strictest privacy’ and no friends will be invited to avoid offending those not included due to the limitations of space. The 85-year-old Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, said to be the richest woman in Spain, had announced her intention to marry 60-year-old Alfonso Díez in September but has now amended her plans to early October in a statement sent to Europa Press. The Duchess has also announced that the press will not be invited to attend the event, although “a statement and official photographs will be circulated,” and appealed to the media to “respect my peace and privacy.” The Duchess of Alba inherited the Duchy in 1953. She has six children from her marriage with Luis Martinez de Irujo and Artacoz who died in 1972. Six years later the Duchess married former priest Jesus Aguirre, who became the 18th Duke of Alba. Aguirre died in Madrid in 2001. The groom, Alfonso Díez, has waived his right to any inheritance from the Duchess’ estate. She is the third woman to hold the Duchy title within the family.
Tomatina time!
Mad people enjoying Tomatina
by jan Gamm TOMATINA, THE planet’s biggest food fight, is held on the last Wednesday in August (31st) in the little town of Buñol, 38km west of Valencia. This year celebrations tend to start on Tuesday 30th August and continue until at least 1st September. Thousands of participants battle for supremacy in a sea of more than hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes, thrown into the streets from trucks, and the festivities feature music, parades, dancing, and fireworks. On the night before the tomato fight, participants of the festival traditionally compete in a paella-cooking contest. Approximately 40,000 people come to Tomatino to join the 9,000 residents of Buñol in a world-class stress-reducing exercise. Buñol is unable to accommodate the demands of so many visitors so they opt to stay in Valencia and take a bus or train to Buñol for the tomato fest. Shopkeepers tend to barricade their storefronts to protect them from the pounding afforded by a river of tomato juice that lends a whole new meaning to the term: ‘Painting the Town Red.’ FUN At around 10 or 11am on the morning of the tomato battle, tomato-filled rockets burst into the sky to kick start the event. Sometimes a ham is placed upon a cockaigne pole (a large, greased pole). The tomato fight begins only after someone is able to climb to the top and bring down the ham. Once the ham has been
recovered, the fun begins… Cannon fire signals the onset of chaos as each person crushes over-ripe and squishy tomatoes before hurling them at – well – whoever is nearest…! Those who partake are strongly encouraged to wear protective safety goggles and gloves. In the midst of the mayhem the rules are few but actually quite strict: no additional missiles such as bottles or any hard object; no tearing of clothes; no inappropriate touching, all common sense really… The fight usually continues for more than an hour, sometimes up to two hours, and stops on the second cannon. The streets are then washed with water from the Roman aquaduct by the local fire department using hoses – while participants trail off to take a dip in the river and scrape off the worst of the sticky red goo. TIPS Wear clothes you are willing to throw away - you will never get them clean again! Take a change of clothes for the return bus or train journey. There are some public showers in Buñol near the river. (You cannot ride on public transport looking – and smelling like a squashed tomato). Wear goggles or a snorkelling mask but not glasses in case they are damaged. Tomato juice stings! Wear sturdy shoes that have a decent grip. Have fun but stick to the rules – Buñol is proud of its accident-free record at Tomatina and would like to keep it that way.
Cirque du Soleil class act finales on Sunday
The ‘bouncing Bed’ act
By Jan Gamm THE IMPRESSIVE Cirque du Soleil will bring down the curtain on a stupendous run of performances on Sunday, having entertained 90,000 during its ‘Corteo’ Big Top Tour at the Grand Chapiteau, Recinto Ferial de Rabasa. The Big Top spectacular opened on 15th June, stunning not only its spellbound audiences but also its critics by its constant procession of professional artists, each bringing their special talents to the ring, including acrobats, theatrical characters and breath-taking dancers. There are only a few performances available for those who have not yet seen the show. On Friday the show will start at 6pm and 10pm; on Saturday at 4.30pm and 8.30pm and finally on Sunday there will be a farewell performance starting at 5pm. Tickets are still on sale via www.cirquedusoleil.com or at the box office next to the big leagues. The artists and the entire production team at the Cirque du Soleil would like to thank their audiences on the Costa Blanca for an enthusiastic and hospitable welcome.
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Orihuela River Segura bypass to be discarded says mayor by jan Gamm A PROPOSED bypass for the River Segura was one of the Socialists’ main election promises in 2011: a 600,000 square meter enterprise to divert the path of the river to the south of the city to prevent flooding and create a green space in the recovered ground. The new mayor of Orihuela, the Green Party’s Monserrate Guillén, has now withdrawn his support for the project. Guillen maintains that the banks of the Segura are among the main landmarks of Orihuela and “define it as a city.”
CHALLENGING
The proposed bypass would be a challenging project, requiring approval from the Hydrographic Confederation of Segura (CHS) and would resemble the diversion operation of the old River Turia, diverted from the city of Valencia in the late fifties after a destructive flood: it is now the site of parks and playgrounds for children. The project envisaged by the PSOE converted the 600,000 square meters to parks, sports courts, bike paths, a theatre, gardens and promenades. Guillén considers that the river could be developed more effectively in “other ways.”
Demand for Torry Citizens Card leads to further extension
THE CITY Council of Torrevieja has announced that due to exhaustive demands for the new 35€ Citizens Card that affords freedom of the city’s transport system, the application deadline for the card has been extended to 19th September. Councillor Antonio Box says he is delighted with the enthusiastic reception for the card, currently being issued at a rate of 1,000 cards per week from the transport office in the town hall, open for 12 hours each day. He did not comment on the number of complaints received from people queuing for hours in the heat to secure the card.
Orihuela – danger of flooding
Less paperwork, more patrols for Elche police by Jan Gamm THE NEW PP government team in Elche is re-structuring the police network in the town to release more officers from the burden of paperwork, enabling street patrols to increase in a bid to improve security for residents, both in the town and in the Camp d’Elx. Councillor for Security Sebastian Pole said, “More police on the streets will optimise safety in the town and also in rural areas.” Administrative staff is to undertake paperwork previously processed by beat officers. Meanwhile Elche measures are being considered to increase the number of police officers in Elche which is considered to be “below quota.”
The weather Spanish lessons by
Jane Cronin
A weekly ‘cut out and keep’ feature helping you to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs
It is a complete myth that only the British talk about the weather. Admittedly in the north of Spain where I used to live the weather was at least as changeable as in Britain, so there was more to talk about. Even so though, how hot it is and how cold it is provides a source of small talk, comment and complaint here as much, I suspect, as anywhere else in the world. So, as a good conversation opener, or at least a way of saying something friendly to neighbours and passers-by, here are a few `weather’ words and expressions. Let’s look at the most obvious ones first. “Isn’t it hot!” or alternatively “How hot it is!” is expressed in Spanish in two words “¡Qué calor!” whilst “Isn’t it cold!” or “How cold it is!” is “¡Qué frío!” Although the coasts of Spain are quite temperate, inland Spain, and especially the huge areas of high level flat land called ‘la meseta’ tend to suffer from just that, too much heat followed by too much cold. So what about rain? Yes, it does rain in Spain as well, though not so much on the plain as on the coasts, and at certain times of year - in the Mediterranean area mainly in Autumn and Spring. Actually I can tell you exactly when it rains, it rains the day after I’ve washed my car - making the effort useless for two reasons. If the rain’s clean, I needn’t have bothered because it’s done the job for me, and if the rain’s dirty, that is full of sand as it very often is, then obviously my efforts were wasted anyway. Right, so you want to look up to the heavens with a wry smile, and comment “It’s raining!” or “What a lot of rain!” The word for rain is `lluvia’, so a way of exclaiming that there’s a lot of it is to say “¡Qué lluvia!” or “¡mucha lluvia!”. You can also say “¡mucha agua!” which means “a lot of water”, and just about sums up the situation. “It’s raining” is “está lloviendo”. If the Mediterranean coastal area is where you live, then you should be aware of a certain phenomenon called the `gota fría’, literally the `cold drop’, and while the word cold is a good description, the word `drop’ is a little misleading. The raindrops that make up a genuine `gota fría’ are truly enormous. They look like raindrops from the land of giants. And the amount of these drops is totally unbelievable, you simply cannot believe that there could be that much water in the sky. The `gota
fría’ traditionally appears on the scene around October/November time, as summer temperatures drop. They can cause dangerous flash flooding and any warning of an impending `gota fría’ really must be taken seriously. I had no idea what this really meant when I first moved to the Mediterranean coast, but I soon found out - I had my car flooded twice and on a third occasion had to abandon it in the middle of what had been a road and was now a river as the water got into the exhaust pipe. Not very funny. Don’t worry about what you should say on these occasions as you won’t be speaking, and if you are you won’t be heard. By far the best thing to do is to stay holed up at home and not go out until the sun’s shining again. So that’s rain - let’s think about wind now. The word for wind is `viento’, so on a windy day you can say “What wind!” “¡Qué viento!” Whether they’ll hear you now depends, I suppose, on whether they’re downwind from you or not! In fact the Spanish often say “what air” rather than “what wind” “¡qué aire!” Well, you might think I’m being pessimistic, but we could briefly look at the word for snow just to be complete - I like to be thorough. I’m not about to tell you that the Spanish coasts are prone to sudden snow storms, although they have been known to happen. Elsewhere in Spain though, it is a different matter. Many people don`t realise that inland Spain suffers tremendous snowfalls every year, with hundreds of small towns and villages being cut off for days on end. The same applies to the Spanish mountain ranges, which in some cases are snow-covered nearly all the year round. This is where the name Sierra Nevada comes from. Oh, sorry, I haven’t told you the word for snow yet, it’s `nieve’ and Sierra Nevada means `the snow-covered mountain range’ which provides a spectacular back-drop to the city of Granada in Andalucía. Of course, not all weather is extreme. Spain also enjoys light showers, called `chubascos’, and breezes called `brisas’. On the other hand, we do have the occasional hurricane or `huracán’, but I wouldn’t worry about that - I’m sure you’ll recognise it when it comes! Chapter from “Going Native” by Jane Cronin, which is available as an e-book on www.janecronin.eu
2615AUG 1 sept 2011 - 21 -october 2010
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
business
by
Karla Darocas
Information Technology & Communications
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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Business feedback is essential to business performance ALL TOO often I see business people struggling to make ends meet. They get caught up in the cycle of repetition, never taking risks and never asking for feedback. They do not see how they have trapped themselves into a vacuum. Taking risks, moving in different directions, and obtaining feedback area all vital to business performance. Feedback helps businesses people to evaluate what is working in their enterprise and of course, what is not working. It doesn’t matter what size of business you are, feedback from your clients, business associates, competition, friends and family is critical to learn, improve and to grow in a more professional manner. Let’s take a look at some other reasons why feedback is essential to your business performance. Feedback helps you to protect and to build your reputation. Every day millions of people flock online to read and share reviews about products and services. It is very important to allow your clients a way to communicate their opinions about your business. Displaying these reviews and testimonials will build your reputation. You must promote and encourage feedback – both good and bad. Bad feedback helps you to debug and find problems with your business
and its performance so that you may make changes and fix them before they impact your reputation. Feedback helps you to boost your sales and your consumer confidence. Research indicates that more than two-thirds of consumers today refer to online reviews and ratings before making purchase decisions from on or offline businesses. A simple form on your website will help you to capitalise on that phenomenon and word-of-mouth marketing - by enabling you to share real, honest opinions and comments from your customers and turn shoppers into buyers. Feedback helps you to improve your customer service and satisfaction. Studies have shown that most unhappy customers don’t complain - they just look for another company to give them what they need. This means you could be losing customers without even knowing why. It is important to give your customers an interactive method to provide insightful, honest feedback (good or bad) to ultimately create a more satisfying customer experience. Feedback helps you to stay connected with customers. Staying connected and communicating with customers can help you build loyal lasting relationships. Relationships can get more reviews and feedback to improve your business. Now that I have shared this lesson on the importance
Karla Darocas * Business Communications Software Training & Computer Repairs *Helping You to Help Yourself 965 973 234.
of feedback to your business performance, why not share some feedback with me? Visit my website and sign my Guestbook. Tell me how my articles in this newspaper are raising your awareness about your business? Visit me: www.KarlaDarocas.com
money
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Selling your home? Don’t take a shortcut by
Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco
I LOVE taking short cuts. There are few things more satisfying than leaving a tail back of miles and negotiating a few back streets to pick up an empty road again. Bliss… Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes you leave the main route and get lost. Or even go round in a complete circle or find yourself stuck in another queue just as long as the original one. Nightmare… Satisfying though it can be, there is an element of risk in taking a short cut. And it’s not just in driving. It’s part of human nature to look for the quickest route saving time and money. But what might look like the quickest can turn out not to be to your advantage in the long run. Recently in the office we came across a sad case of a short cut that went wrong. A couple of non-resident
home owners decided to sell their home without using a solicitor but relying exclusively on the estate agent and translator engaged by the purchaser. Not a good move. It might seem quicker and appear to save money but this is a risky route to take. Having your own solicitor isn’t cheap but it is highly recommended here in Spain. In many cases the estate agent is only focused on one thing – getting the money from the purchase. Your post-sale obligations as a vendor do not show on the sat nav; a fact that this couple unfortunately discovered later. When you sell a property in Spain as a non-resident 3% is retained until it is decided whether you owe capital gains tax or not. In this couple’s case they had sold at a loss so there was no need to pay CGT. However, the 3% retention had been submitted on the purchaser’s behalf. What hadn’t been submitted was the form 212 which is
needed for the 3% to be returned. Our couple, who had not been informed about any of this, are now trying to submit the 212 to reclaim their 3% after the time limit to do this has expired - a process that becomes far more complicated and incurs a fine. What should have been a straight forward process for a few dollars more has become a minefield of complications with a whole new set of hold ups as a result. Taking a short cut is a risk that can be worth taking but not when you’re buying and selling property in Spain. Ábaco can help with all legal aspects of a sale or purchase. Contact Ábaco’s helpline (+34) 96 670 3748 for a free consultation.
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
CAM closure under a cloud of allegations of corruption at high level THE PROSECUTOR has received from the ‘Manos Limpios’ (Clean Hands) union written complaints against the former officers of Caja Mediterráneo (CAM) outlining various alleged incidences of misappropriation, forgery and corporate crime. The complaint extends to the former Director of the CAM, Roberto López Abad and Maria Dolores Amorós among others. The crimes under scrutiny are said to cover several credits 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
and loans to directors and senior managers of the CAM with a staggering €161 million granted at zero interest to a number of officials, including CAM’s last president, Modesto Crespo and his predecessor Vicente Sala who died on Tuesday after being named in reports to the prosecutor on Monday.
legal
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
CAR ACCIDENT: Lawyers and doctors specialising in Personal Injury by
Carlos Baos
of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors
I recently suffered a car accident in Spain where the other driver went out of his lane and struck my car. My wounds are not very serious but I have not been able to return to work. I contacted my insurance company and they referred me to a lawyer whom I hardly understand as he doesn’t speak good English and my Spanish is very poor. He has told me that I will need to hire the services of a private doctor to assist us with the claim. Can I change lawyers? Should I hire the services of the private doctor? Dear reader, Thank you for your consultation. In relation to free choice of lawyer / solicitor: You have absolute freedom to hire the lawyer you deem appropriate either because you have more confidence, understand him better, or for any other reason. You should also know that it is quite common for this type of car insurance policy to include the
payment of fees for lawyers and the procurator (a kind of Clerk of the Court) making the claim, so usually your insurance company should cover these expenses. You should, however, check if you policy covers the total expenses or is subject to any limitations, or financial limits. You should always be careful when taking out a car insurance policy and make sure to read the proposed text or small print; as some policies will only cover the fees for the lawyers and procurators appointed by them. It is fair to say that this may be detrimental for the insured, as the insurance company is effectively causing a disadvantage by not giving the insured the freedom to choose the lawyers he deems most suited to defend his interest. Some insured persons are reluctant to use the services of the lawyers appointed by the insurance companies, given the fact that the insurance companies have agreements between them, since they are constantly claiming against each other and the insured fears that there could be a common interest between them. In relation to contracting the services of a doctor who specialises in Personal Injury Assessment In principle, hiring the services of a Personal Injury doctor could be advisable. However, this will greatly depend on the severity and type of damages you have suffered, as well as on the kind
of procedure to be used for the claim. If the procedure to be used for your claim is a minor offence trial (juicio de faltas), which is very common, the doctor assigned by the Court will be responsible for quantifying your sick leave period and the damages and secondary consequences suffered by you, thus the compensation that you will receive will be based on his reports. Occasionally it could happen that the reports of the Court’s Doctor are incomplete, not fully comprehensive, or do not include all the damages. This is mainly due to the fact that the injured person does not explain the exact damages suffered, or does not, or cannot, provide him with all the full medical records / reports. Depending upon on your exact case, it will need to be decided if it is appropriate or not to contract the services of such an expert. Should any reader find himself or herself in this situation or similar please do not hesitate to contact us and the appropriate advice will be provided. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos. com/blog/. Your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.
Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © 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. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com
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Orihuela one million short of business license tax
COUNCILLOR ANTONIO Zapata of Town Planning and Heritage in Orihuela announced yesterday that the city of Orihuela has failed to collect between €1.2 and €1.5 million against all types of business licenses over the last five years in a new indictment of the competance of the previous council. The figure relates to a total of around 1,200 licenses per year and approximately 6,000 payments.
property
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Unleash your home’s true potential by
Carlos Franco
CDF Arquitectura
HOME IMPROVEMENT, by definition, is about upgrading, enriching and perfecting your dwelling. It is also about adding value. But as always, the devil is in the details, and decisions about how to spend your home-improvement funds wisely can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming. Often homeowners may fail to see the full potential of their property, simply because they may not be aware of all the options available to them. Many home improvement decisions are viewed as choices over how many square feet could be added, what tiles to pick for the new floors or whether you can really afford that swimming pool you have dreamt about. By limiting your choices, however, you may be underestimating the possibilities that your home offers to transform the space and, in the process, give you extra comfort, efficiency and superior style. And it is important also to add long-lasting value to your home. In the face of these perplexing dilemmas, why not consult an expert? Clients Carol and Jim, who live in the UK and own a second home on the Costa Blanca, struggled for a long time with how to go about fixing up the residence that they loved, but in common with many Spanish properties it fell short of their needs for space and functionality. Carol and Jim contacted us for professional advice a couple of years ago: “This went so well that we bought another house and asked Carlos to draw up some plans for an extension.” We looked at their property and gave them some
ideas for how they could reconfigure the house, not just to make better use of the available space but also to increase the interior-exterior connection. Some relatively simple design changes, in addition to upgrades to their rooms and bathrooms, completely transformed their home: “Carlos and Ana gently suggested alternatives, at times better than our own ideas,” Carol told us after the project was completed. As architects, nothing pleases us more than to satisfy the client, and also help them overachieve on their initial vision for what they wanted to do with their home. We worked on Carol and Jim’s home over this year, providing them regular updates and emailing them pictures of how the house progressed: they were still able to oversee things from the UK. “Our project is coming to an end and we have no hesitation in recommending CDF Architectura,” Carol said. “They have listened to us and are clearly a couple who take enormous pride in their work and want their clients to be totally satisfied too.” For many property owners finding a professional whom they can trust to make renovations and major improvements to their home can be a stressful and traumatic process. It shouldn’t be. If you are considering home improvements, if you believe that your home is falling short of your growing needs for comfort, style and functionality, or if you just have big-picture questions about what is the true potential and worth of your abode, we are here to help. You can contact us by phone at 96 583 2922, by email carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com or visit our website at www.cdf-arquitectura.com Alternatively,
Inside before and after
Outside before and after
come by our office in Calpe at Pedro Garcia Ortiz 25, Plaza dels Mariners. We look forward to answering your questions.
A visit to their office of Ana and Carlos Franco is recommended where a no obligation discussion can take place to discuss your needs. CDF is located on the Calle Pedro Garcia Ortiz 25A, Plaza dels Mariners, Calpe 03710. Telephone 965 832 922 or 660 928 037: carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com and www.cdf-arquitectura.com
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Home Garden
Brought to you by
www.spanishhomefinder.com
Introducing Shading Spain BASED IN Costa Blanca North, Shading Spain is a leading supplier of custom made tensioned shade. SHADE SAILS BLOCK UP TO 97% OF HARMFUL UV RAYS Shade sails are not new, originating over 30 years ago in Australia, where they have become the accepted standard for children’s playgrounds, schools and all public open spaces. They give an aesthetic shade solution, whilst offering utility and privacy, as well as essential protection from the sun. Shade sails are extremely versatile, either on their own or in a combination of several sizes and colours. The sails are fixed directly into walls, mounted on posts or a combination of both so can be utilised virtually anywhere where shade or privacy is required. EXTREMELY STRONG, & VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE FREE Other shade systems such as toldos, gazebos or parasols tend to be effected by wind, staining and discolouration from the sun. ‘Shading Spain’ shade sails do not fade (10 year guarantee), are not affected by rain or dust, can withstand winds up to 120Km/h and be left
up all year round. Cleaning is a simple case of washing down with hose pipe and mild washing up liquid, making them virtually maintenance free. CUSTOM MADE Custom made sails add another dimension, being made to fit the exact area, maximising shade coverage and removing unsightly ropes and wires. All the fixings are installed prior to taking the final measurements for manufacture; this ensures the fixings are not compromised and maximum shade is achieved. The shade sails are manufactured here in Spain for fast delivery from authentic heavy duty Australian shade cloth and edged with colourmatched webbing. Its strength makes it ideal in the harsh environmental conditions of wind, rain, dust and UV exposure that we find in Spain. ‘Knitted’ cloth allows air to pass through keeping the shaded area cool for you to enjoy the outside space and reducing the effective wind load, making it stable in high winds. The shade cloth is available in a range of popular colours to suit your individual taste, and comes with a 10 year UV warranty. The high tension applied to the sails requires the fixings and support posts to be of the ut-
most strength. Where required we use minimum 100mm diameter steel posts with 6mm wall section. The posts are finish painted in a colour that complements the sail and blends with the surroundings to soften the overall effect. To fit the sail we only use the best quality stainless steel fixings and shackles usually found only on yachts. They are strong and keep their appearance, making sure the investment you make with Shading Spain looks good for years to come. UV protection up to 97% - Ozone layer Stable in high winds Custom made – maximises shade, fits any where Colour fast – 10 year guarantee Made in Spain – Fast delivery Authentic Australian shade cloth Aesthetically pleasing High strength posts Stainless steel fittings Any Shape, Any size, Anywhere For more information, contact Andy or Geoff at Shading Spain on 96 648 1152 – 620 210 251, Or email info@shading-spain.com, website: www.shading-spain.com
2 sails
Arab roof
Courtyard
Arab garden
Car port
Hotel 2 colour
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
by
Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors
TUCKED INTO our book Your Garden in Spain are two chapters which the then Publisher wanted to leave out: those about pools and garden furniture. We won the battle and they are there in the book in Chapters 2.13 and 3.3. They, together with Chapter 2.9, ‘Provide for Shade for the sun’, provide the answers to the most common problem raised with us in recent months - it is so hot by the pool that we can’t enjoy the garden - what can we do? Unfortunately the real solutions were not implemented when the garden was laid out. Firstly keep or plant trees on the south side of the garden to provide shade into the garden. Secondly, train trees that will stay in leaf throughout the summer to be as broad as possible. We have seen some incredibly wide and relatively low Carob, Olive, Cherry, Acacia, Pine Kernel, Pine and Fig trees for instance that yield and shade well. The only one that has a problem is the fig that can be pestered by wasps from midAugust to mid-September: some have leaf
Cooling down the pool and garden fall to be swept up but the shade is free. Thirdly, maximise the use of the natural shade from the house, on the west side in the morning and the north and east side as a summer day progresses, or build a south facing deep covered terrace into which the sun does not penetrate in the summer, for summer sitting areas. Also locate the pool in the sun but near to one of the above shaded areas so that after a dip in the pool there is somewhere nearby to stay cool. If the above is not achieved, unnatural alternatives need to be used, but hopefully ones that are really effective and visually aesthetic. What do not work are small umbrellas which make it necessary to constantly move position, whether sitting or lying, to stay in the shade. Umbrellas of three to six metres in diameter will work as they create a shadow sufficient to stay cool for hours without moving, allow groups to stay cool and able to dine together in the shade. But they often have two draw
backs: firstly the base for holding the supportive post is two light and two narrow to hold the umbrella upright except on calm days or in the slightest breeze. Secondly the feet attached to the central post need to be bolted to the ground and the design often looks unsightly and constitutes a trip danger. Better are plant or canvas-covered gazebos or awnings. These can be placed around the pool or between the house and the pool while retaining a view of the pool if a must. The most elegant like those in the Uniopu catalogue are luxurious but expensive. One less expensive and flexible alternative is to commission the local metal worker to produce a gazebo frame on wheels that can be covered with a concertina awning that can be used when sunning and wound back in windy weather. This you could park over the terrace at the end of the pool for normal use but with the possibility of rolling the gazebo partly or completely over the pool to enable the family to cool off without being burnt
Clodagh and Dick’s instructive books are available to help you achieve a great garden from scratch or improve an existing garden. You will find them in bookshops including Bookworld, Carrefor and Humpty Dumpty. For convenience many internet bookshops stock them including Santana Books, Amazon UK, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com
Home & Garden
Enjoy the shade from an Olive tree
when it is 40ºCentigrade in the shade. Pool terraces can be made to appear cooler by planting drought-resistant low leaf fall plants in containers around the pool terrace, especially at the deep end where fewer people enter the water. Since these containers and their plants are affected not only by the suns direct rays but also by the reflected heat from the hot surface of the terrace it is worth lining the containers with two or three centimetres of expanded polystyrene sheeting before filling with compost and then mixing in Terracottem gel soil improver to the compost. Hopefully your next summer will be more bearable.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com
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Changing face of tourism HUMBLE PIE, more of the same, i.e. domestic violence, driving in Spain, and yet more evidence of the changing face of tourism here in Spain are the attention-grabbing stories for this week’s column. I was wrong last week when I predicted that the proposed strike by Spanish footballers wouldn’t go ahead, with the first match day of the season cancelled as the league and the players association failed to reach any agreement on the wage round. Of course that didn’t stop the ‘Super Cup’ between Barcelona and Real Madrid taking place which somehow seems wrong to me, but then again what do I know eh, other than the overpaid, overrated, and overly arrogant modern footballer continues to believe that they are ‘above it all’ and that normal rules don’t seem to apply to them, or those involved in the administration of the game. Personally I am fed up with the over-hyped nature of today’s football. The quality has increased in no way in proportion to the amount of money thrown around in the game, so I am not going to be watching anywhere near as much this year: the cricket on the other hand has been excellent and I am looking forward to the Rugby World Cup, although I have next to no hope that any of the Home Nations will get beyond the quarter finals. Yet more evidence that the future face of tourism has changed in Spain with SOTC, the outbound travel brand of Kuoni, claiming to be the first Indian travel agent to organise a seven-day package to the La Tomatina festival which is held in the southern Spanish city of Bunol on the last Wednesday of August. Revellers hurl tomatoes on each other in friendly fights, in a tradition that goes back to 1945. As for the Brits, they are favoring Cyprus and Corfu this year, with
both reporting significant increases in popularity this summer, and Tunisia and Morocco already topping the winter destination tables. Evidence that more Brits are staying at home, known as ‘Staycations’ in these days when everything has to be labelled, came from a rather interesting source: an increase in the use of ‘branch lines’ across the railways of the UK where the 10 branch lines with the biggest percentage growth saw total journeys increase from 4.5m to nearly 7m between April 2008 and March 2011. Unfortunately another domestic violence tragedy with twin boys beaten to death by their Spanish stepfather in A Coruña: the un-named suspect is an unemployed construction worker who has lived with the boy’s mother, a local woman from A Coruña, for the past year. He was found with them in the flat when officers arrived on the scene and is reported to have been under treatment for psychiatric problems. A couple of driving-related stories grabbed the eye this week: the unfortunate death of nine people and serious injuries to six over the last bank holiday weekend highlighting once again an on-going concern, while the recent research showing that children are safer being driven by their grandparents than by mum and dad was a surprise to say the least as traditionally the view has been that the elderly are more likely to be the cause of accidents due to poorer reactions and failing eyesight but the study found that a child’s risk of injury was found to be a staggering 50 per cent lower when in the car with Grandad. I suspect it has a lot to do with experience and not rushing everywhere! And finally … drinking and driving is wrong, there can be no excuse, and those caught deserve everything they get, but that said it is hard not to feel an element of sympathy for the driver caught three
times in one weekend. The first checkpoint was at 9.30pm on August 14th, when police officers stopped a car on the A-4 (Madrid-Cádiz). The driver, a 33year-old man from Córdoba, tested positive for alcohol (0.46) and was duly denounced and fined. At 1:50am on August 15th, the same driver was stopped at another control point on the A-4, at km and this time tested positive with 0.62 per litre of breath - so another fine. And then at 4:45am he was again stopped at a checkpoint on the A-431 between Córdoba and Lora del Río. He was tested and this time scored 0.50 on the Breathalyser scale. The three offences now mean he could face a fine of up to €1,500 and lose 14 points from his licence, meaning he will be banned from driving. As usual a ‘mixed bag’ then, and not all of it great news: in fact reading the news these days no doubt ‘drives many to drink’ in which case I may have some good news for you! According to researchers at Barcelona University red wine is good for you in the sun. A study in conjunction with the Spanish National Research Council reveals that flavonoids found in grapes can protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor to a number of publications and radio stations in Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass of red.
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 www.almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog Email: chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group
Home & Garden
Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com
Residents of La Concha could well be doing the Conga!
Photos by Kristoff
ALL ARE welcome to join residents of La Concha for a Euro Night and BBQ organised by the La Conch Social Group, Las Mimosa at 6pm, Monday 29th August, in the Pool Garden, to raise funds for Paul Cunningham Nurses. A 5€ entry fee entitles everyone to a meal and a drink and also includes a quiz sheet. There will also be a fun session of Play Your Card Right, a raffle and an auction, with bar drinks at 1€ and extra nosh, also at 1€ for those with larger appetites! And children enter free of charge! La Concha is near La Florida and with the landmark of The Horatio Bar, everyone is welcome and if you are not quite sure where La Concha is give Maxine a call on 96 531 9123 - she is a whizz at directions! Pictured are Social Club members at a winter event – just to cool readers down in the summer heat!
Spurs Supporters Spain SPURS SUPPORTERS Spain, based in Cabo Roig at Moores Bar, is pleased to announce that it has received formal recognition that it is now an Official Tottenham Hotpsur FC Supporters Club - the first anywhere in Spain! Moores Bar shows every game live on the big screen and other screens both inside and on the sun terrace, with members getting a free half time buffet, while Spurs Supporters Spain holds special Spurs themed events and organises trips to selected away games, including last season´s match at Real Madrid. This is to continue but will be extended to include more events in the future. Membership is a one off payment of 15€ and an annual subscription of 15€. Members receive a limited edition polo short, membership card and a bumper sticker, plus access to a range of discounted products and services all supplied by local businesses run by other Spurs fans. For more information check the website www.spurssupportersspain.com which also includes details of how to find Moores Bar.
Broadway & Hollywood show makes a comeback to raise money for Adam Stewart LAST WEEK RTN published details on the Broadway & Hollywood Show, staging a ‘one show only’ fundraising performance to generate funds for Adam Stewart so he may represent Great Britain at the 1st DSISO (Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation) Open European Championships and International Swimming Competition in Coimbra, Portugal from 15th to 21st November. The show stars ‘Mr Voice’, Andy Jones, in Jukebox Promotions’ highly successful show, with tickets at just 7.50€ and a special block booking deal for groups of 10 or more - 2 tickets FREE. Food will not be served - just a fantastic not-to-be-missed night’s entertainment. RTN apologises for last week’s omission of the venue’s name, ‘AREA’ at the Filton Centre, Los Balcones – don’t miss this fantastic show to support the tremendous sporting achievements of a remarkable young man. The Broadway & Hollywood spectacular will be shown at AREA, The Filton Centre, Los Balcones, on Thursday 15th September at 8.30pm: 7.50€ per ticket – don’t miss it!
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Computing with aunty virus
Problems with wireless adapter
Angela from Calpe asks: HI AUNTY. When I switch on my notebook it says: “This program cannot start because ‘wlidcli.dll’ is missing from your computer” and when I go to the internet cafes I cannot get on because it says there is a problem with the wireless adapter. Aunty Says: I think this maybe a problem with Windows Live Essentials Angela. You should be able to remove or uninstall the program via ‘control panel’ ‘programs’ and download and install the latest version from the Microsoft.com website. There is also a possibility that you have some spyware or virus that is causing this missing dll problem, which may also be interfering with your wifi adapter, so do a full scan and let me know how you get on.
Impossible to ‘kill’ Colin via email asks: HOLA AUNTY. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, the first page I turn to in RTN every Friday is the Aunty Virus page. Thanks for your continued support. I cannot for the life of me download Chrome and a few other applications because a Windows Application Error Box is displayed with the following message: ‘The application failed to initialize properly (Oxc0000135). Click OK to terminate the application’. I terminate and then another box appears saying “The following pages have become unresponsive. You can wait for them to become responsive or kill them. The page referred to in the box is
“Untitled” and is Impossible to kill when clicking on the “kill” box. Aunty Says: Glad to be of assistance Colin. The first two things that spring to mind are that you either have some spyware or a virus on your computer or you need to update what is known as ‘Microsoft Dot Net Framework’. The first thing you should do is scan your computer with updated anti spyware/virus programs such as Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware and AVG. If this does not solve the problem then download the latest Net framework4 (standalone installer) from the download section of the www.microsoft.com website.
Ancient knowledge Percy via email asks: HI AUNTY. I hope you are able to help or put me in the right direction. In 1983 I bought an Olympia People PC, no hard disk in those days just two 5.25 inch floppy drives. It has been a great machine and was in daily use for 14 years, and when we upgraded to a computer it was still working when we put it into store. My problem is that on two of the discs there is some information that I require but when we switched the old darling on, the little green light which says there is power to the screen did not come on, and although the machine is booting up the screen stays blank. Can you help? Do you know of anyone with such ancient knowledge, or do you know of someone with a machine that can read 5.25 floppy discs? Aunty Says: I remember the big old 5.25” floppy discs Percy but I’ve not heard of one of those machines so I can’t be sure of anywhere that can fix it. There are some online services that will transfer information onto CDs for a small cost, but as to whether you will be able to read them on you new machine, I will need to know a bit more about the software you were running on the Olympia PC.
Removing and deleting
Robert from Torrevieja asks: I AM new to computers so I am confused to say the least. My problem is that I have downloaded my music etc. but it is copied twice. How can I remove or delete it? I have the Computing for Dummies book but I cannot find an answer. I hope you can help. The music is downloaded to a memory stick from my laptop and Windows Media player and my photos are the same. I look forward to any help you can give me.
Aunty Says: Hello Robert. I’m not sure exactly what you have done but you should be able to easily delete any duplicate copies of your photos and music from ‘My Computer’ and double click on your memory stick. If you are seeing duplicate files in Windows Media Player then you can right click on one of the duplicate entries and choose ‘properties’ and you can see which folder/ drive it is stored on. You can then right click and delete the ones you no
Change to wireless Sheila in Albir via her iPad asks: REFERRING TO Tom’s letter about wireless router I had the same problem. I brought an iPad in Australia on my return to Spain I wondered what the best way would be to change to wireless. I had the same ‘monopuerto router’ with Telefonica and I telephoned them and ask about changing to wireless. They said no problem and they would send me a wireless router free of change (you just pay 7€ for delivery which they add it to your invoice). It came within 6 days and once I put the clave number into my iPad (it’s on the bottom of the router) hey-presto it was up and working. It could not have simpler now I can sit in my garden talking with friends on Facebook. Aunty Says: It’s certainly worth calling your ISP and asking them if they will send a wireless router, but unless they’ve changed their ways, I think you were lucky with Telefonica as most of the time there’s a €50 charge.
That’s all for this week, email me on auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out
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GADGET INSPECTOR
Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: The Sony DEV-5 Binoculars THIS WEEK the Inspector is on stake-out duty with the Sony DEV-5 Digital Recordable HD 3D Binoculars. Binoculars have a dubious reputation, and anyone possessing a pair and stating, “I like to bird-watch…” is likely to be viewed with suspicion at best – not because they may actually be an ornithologist but because people are more likely to assume they are regular up-loaders to OutdoorVoyeurs.com (this is not to be found in the Inspectors´ bookmarks before anyone asks…) Alternatively, binocular owners may be viewed as suspicious types intent on spying and the invasion of other peoples’ privacy – but whatever the category the Sony DEV-5 Binoculars are the Dogs Balearics: let’s find out why… The Sony DEV-5 Binoculars are Digital Recordable HD 3D – great! But what the heck is that all about? Well, the Sony DEV-5 sports a 10x optical zoom (a digital zoom function allows up to 30x magnification, but degrades picture quality…) with built-in image stabilising and auto-focus, so they´ll be no problems viewing magnified steady images with perfect clarity - even if your hands are shaking a bit. But with other binoculars already on the market that can do this, what’s so special about the Sony?
Firstly, you can record what you’re viewing in Full HD resolution with stereo sound for playback on an HD television or computer. And just in case dull old 2D is too passé for you, these little beauties have a 3D mode which will record scenes in thrilling stereoscopic (you´ll need a 3D Television to get the full benefit…) 3D mode does reduce the available magnification to 5.4x, but this is a small price to pay. To add the icing to the cake, the Sony DEV-5 also boasts variable zoom allowing you to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject – for example a surrounding landscape finishing on a bird in a tree, or an apartment building and then that stylish bathroom suite you´ve been admiring with the nice colour balance and fitments. The Inspector’s Verdict: The Sony DEV-5 Binoculars are available on pre-order at €1,600. They are certain to bring a whole new dimension of viewing pleasure to whatever activity they are used for. Just make sure you’re careful what you do with the recordings, unless you happen to have recorded Wayne Rooney in one of Coleen’s finest – in which case make sure you get it onto YouTube pronto.
health
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011 8-14 JANUARY 2010
Another testimonial received about the successful Hypno-Band™ by
Mark Phoenix Murphy Dhp MIAPH MNRAH
WHEN ASKING for the Hypno-Band™ please make sure it is the licensed Hypno-Band™ -Phoenix Hypnotherapy is the only Place on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria where you can get the Hypno-Band™ Weight Loss System. Testimonial by Sandra Ramm: I have great pleasure in writing this letter for Mark Phoenix Murphy.After a full hysterectomy 11 years ago (and then 6 months later I gave up smoking) I put on over 5 stone and I struggled with weight loss. I went to Slimming Clubs - two of the very well-known ones -a few pounds lost despite doing what I was told! Just a few pounds lost...so I gave up! When I moved to Spain five years ago I weighed
Sandra Before
17.5 stone, so I decided I would not buy a tin of anything unless it was tuna or tomatoes, and I never did. I ate healthy, and I lost a stone, but nothing else would shift and five years down the line I still felt that I should lose more, for my health. So I did some research, and I was looking at surgery, then I found information about hypnotherapy, as this was how I had given up smoking. The one I was interested in particular was the Hypno-Band™, as I had seen it on C4 Embarrassing Bodies, and, I thought this could really work for me. I had my ‘Surgery’ on the 23rd March 2011. I am now 14 stone, and with not much of a tummy....very pleased! My daughter was over recently, and said: “Where’s my Mum gone? Where’s your bum gone Mum? You look fantastic!” I have thrown shed-loads of clothes away and looked like I was wearing a sack, so I went out a bought a ‘FREE’ size dress -I would never have got in one of them four months ago! I dropped from a size 24, to a size 18 and a 16 trouser size. People think that they can go to slimming clubs, walk in and automatically lose weight...you have to work at it! And even with this Hypno-Band™, you have to think differently about how to eat, and thanks to Louise Murphy, (Mark’s wife who is a qualified Nutritionist) I have maintained that thought. I do find that sometimes I have to force myself to eat, as I am just not hungry…and a glass of wine has not passed my lips since the 20th March! (I do think
Sandra After
that drinking wine was one of the biggest downfalls). I have recommended your services to many of my friends - and thanks again, Mark….Sandra Ramm. You could be the next happy and successful client if you use the well-known HypnoBand™. Please check www.hypnoband.com for a registered practitioner elsewhere in the world, or if you are on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida or Costa Almeria call Mark on 654 202 996 or visit his website www.HypnoSpain.com to book your free 30 minute consultation.
Close Shave for MABS
MABS MURCIA volunteer Val Vickery, recently diagnosed with breast cancer – is a much valued volunteer overseeing the weekly MABS book sale outside The Arches in Los Alcázares. When it became obvious that Val would lose her hair due to aggressive chemotherapy, Malcolm wanted to ensure she did not feel out of place so came up with the idea of having his own head shaved to keep her company - and the idea snowballed! A Sponsored Head Shave is to take place at The Arches in Los Alcázares, Thursday 15th September, 7.30pm for an 8pm start, with tickets available at The Arches for just 5€, to include a buffet. Arches owner Ali was happy to help Malcolm with the fundraising and Suzy G offered to entertain everyone. Martin Lawrence of Customer Services at MABS also volunteered for a shaved head. To sponsor Malcolm and Martin, or for tickets, please call Malcolm on 96 813 5346 or email info@mabsmurcia.com To volunteer, donate or if you need help, contact MABS on 693 275 779 or visit: www.mabsmurcia.com
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Wearing unsuitable sunglasses can cause more damage than wearing none at all This summer, Specsavers Opticas in Spain have conducted a survey about protecting the eyes from the sun, and with some interesting results. Almost 100% of people asked know the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun, but not all of these people wear suitable sunglasses to protect their eyes from damage. According to the survey conducted in the Costas and Mallorca, at least 40% of people aged 18-34 wear sunglasses for fashion purposes as well as protection. However, not all sunglasses provide sufficient protection from damaging UV rays. To ensure adequate sun protection, choose sunglasses that meet industry standards and carry the ‘CE’ mark which indicates these shades have met the necessary requirements for the European market. The National College of Opticians and Optometrists in Spain (CNOO) have been campaigning for years on the importance of protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. They report on their website that close to 80% of the 12 million sun glasses sold in Spain during 2005 haven’t passed any quality control. They say “It is fundamental to use lenses with special filters that fit the following criteria: stop dangerous solar radiation reaching your eyes, like infrared and ultraviolet, and reduce the intensity of the visible radiation to remove glare and have a clear and comfortable vision. Only sun glasses bought in optical stores with advice and prescription of an optician or optometrist can guarantee the quality of the filters and the eye health of the user.”
Get on yer bike Monthly cycling tips, advice and routes
By Gary and Lynn: Cyclogical Quesada The Dark Nights and Safe Cycling THE NIGHTS have started to close in and it will only be a matter of weeks before the clocks go back and it will get considerably darker in the evenings. If you are planning to ride your bike at night or in the early mornings you must ensure that you have not only a front and rear reflector but also bright lights on the front and a good red light at the back of your bike. The darkness comes down very quickly and it is very easy to go out cycling and get caught out by the darkness. You may have stayed somewhere longer than expected, or set out for home when it is already dark. Many of us have to cycle home regularly in the dark due to the hours / shifts that we work therefore we should also consider purchasing and wearing either a fluorescent harness, armbands or a waistcoat and always remember to carry a strong lock with you and wear your helmet as it’s the law here. So think health and safety
and of other road users and be seen. Remember Gary and Lynn are available at CYCLOGICAL in Quesada, Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and from 10am till 2pm on a Saturday to assist and advise you on all cycling requirements including route maps. Cyclogical Cycle Route 6: Quesada to the Castle at Guardamar via the canal road FROM THE Arches in Quesada cycle straight up the main street, Calle Las Naciones, passing the bar / restaurant with the same name, past the Patagonia steak house and keep cycling about 1km till you come to a sharp bend to the right heading to the shops at Dona Pepa. After this bend take the second on the left (this is the canal road). follow it past the turn offs for Pueblo Bravo and Lo Pepin until you come to a ‘No Entry’ sign which says ‘camino / canal road’ - follow this road for a couple of kilometres until you come to a junction: stop
Spain first artificial heart patient discharged SPAIN’S FIRST artificial heart transplant patient went home on Monday after undergoing surgery in early May. 67-year-old Pedro Antonio Pérez García suffered a heart attack in the 90s but has now been fitted with an electronic pump with a tiny external cable that is connected to a battery-controlled unit on a 12 hour charge. The pump has a ‘shelf life’ of around ten years. Pedro is pictured outside the 12 de Octubre Hospital on Monday.
at the junction and turn left. You now have a great downhill cycle for another couple of kilometres. At the end of this road you join the back road to Rojales which is a nice road for your return journey. Turn right and still continue downhill until you come to the road works (you would normally go straight on under the tunnel). Follow the signs to the roundabout on the N332 and go straight across: you should now see the castle. Cycle uphill toward it until you come to the road that goes directly to the castle. Take this road and cycle up as far as you can (we cycled to the top). Lock your cycles somewhere secure and walk around enjoying the fantastic views. From this point you can make your way home by following the same route, or take the back road to Rojales or follow the river: it’s not advisable to cycle back along the N332 at present due to the road works. Nice short route. Total Distance: Approx 20 kms Total Time: Allow three hours
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Up and over Many people are scared, some curious and others fascinated by sitting in Séance. Since Victorian times it has always been possible to join a Medium for direct contact with physical Spirit. The pioneer Mediums who worked in this field of contacting Spirit often cheated by swallowing yards of butter muslin and producing it as ectoplasm, or having an accomplice tap the water pipes to simulate an eerie connection with the Spirit World. Indeed the first ever Séance was a set up in Upstate New York in 1848, with the infamous Fox sisters. The two girls decided to charge admission to a spooky show in their Hydesville home, and were surprised to find that the tricks and treats they were to bestow on their gullible audience were eclipsed by actual Spirit contact, which took over the evenings activities very nicely, and that they were indeed Mediums. The Spiritual fever of direct contact with the Other Side crossed the Atlantic very quickly and then became highly fashionable in the United Kingdom. Here the cabinet became the sitting place of the Medium, and the unexplained took place within that cabinet. Curtains were pulled back, and even a fearless and bold gentleman sitter would not have the impertinence to want to touch a lady Medium in full swing. Physical contact has always been my speciality since I was a young man. I did play with Spirit Children in my garden as a kid, and my Mother was forced to believe that this wasn’t imaginary friends, when one day my Victorian buddies left behind a hoop and a top on the grass. I never saw my Spirit friends arrive or leave, but I did know that they would ask me to cover my eyes and to count to ten, then, they would make a quick exit! My lack of fear in spiritual contact led the way to being able to communicate with them under prescribed conditions. I could see that when people came to me for readings as a very young man that they were bringing with them their departed loved ones. This ability has continued from strength to strength and I have never lost my own enthusiasm for physical contact. When you see that a grieving son has his Mother’s arms around him, and a Father comes through to stand closely behind
Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday August 29th and Wednesday August 31st from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213 Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic summer event for your favourite charity. Some dates available for September. Autumn Workshops: Listing shortly: Please email to be included in the mailing list!
a grieving Daughter; you know that this ability to channel can bring great happiness to my clients. Reuniting those loved ones who have made their transition with the living faithful, generates love and happiness. There are some very negative people who question that the dead are sleeping and that nobody should disturb them. To these people I always respond that I simply send the message up, and that it is the right for those who wish to contact to make a choice to respond, or not, whatever the case may be. Parlour Seances are becoming increasingly popular once more. Generally they are held under dim light with a red light used to act as a beacon to attract Spirit. There is usually a table in which a small group sit around in a circle, and the energies of all assembled can bring quite astounding results. Fear will stop things happening, and it is always good to have some tuned in sitters aboard to help the energies to come through. An open mind is also required, but there is no need for previous experience, and every Séance is an experiment. True there have been some happenings. Table tiltings and tappings, some great emotions coming through, and loved ones are able to get close, and allow us to feel their energies It is a great time to try out your own psychic energies, and it is something that attracts thinking people. Come along to see a show and you just may be disappointed. Come to join in and you will leave without a doubt, with an experience that takes you closely into the wonderful realms of communication, proving that the Spirit World exists and that you can be very much an active part of it too. Thankfully the World is experiencing many changes and it is now acceptable to talk openly about all aspects of Spiritual phenomena. Before anyone with a spiritual gift felt cursed, or were found to be silly, mad, crazy or just plain weird. We are open more to the many facets of Spirit, and the great good it does to show us, the living, that this life here on Earth is just the beginning and need not be the end when we pass on, up and over.
Love & Light... Kenny Corris
postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com
Amy Winehouse abused her body and lived a tortured life. Does it mean that she will find peace in the Other Side? Daz and Jak(SMS) Hi Daz, Hi Jak. I was particularly sad to hear of the tragic death of Amy. As a fan I loved her voice, and her talented lyrics, and her death at 27 is indeed a great loss to the Music World, her family, her friends and neighbours and her fans. Amy will find peace in a World where her soul will be released, and there she will no longer face the trauma she endured living her life on this difficult Planet. She leaves behind wonderful songs and the legacy of her music will be what she chose to give the World in her young life; and this will become our remembrance of her. Rest in Peace Amy!
contact Appointments: 96 587 8424 • Mobile: 686 361 594 Web: www.kennycorris.net Forum: www.kennycorris.net/forum Email: kennycorris@hotmail.com Please contact me for inclusion in my healing list!
horoscopes by Kenny Corris Uranus calls the shots in a week when two dramatic astrological events have their influences on you. With Mercury in direct and Jupiter in retrograde expect that it may very well be slow progress in one direction, whereas something long awaited is literally brought to your door. The mixed blessings however do serve to show you that you are only human and that patience here will prevail. With a departing Jupiter, as it retrogrades until early Christmas Day morning, there is a strong independence and a new stance to take on. Defensive blows have seen you running for cover recently, but when you stop to think and take control then the situation is changing and finding a loophole and standing your ground is the only way. Who cares if a few necessary home truths have to be told? Mercury directs in Leo, and this may have an initial impact on you since you appear paused and yet ready to take something on. Whatever you do refrain from officialdom in the form of signing anything. Stall for time if you really have to, but clearly see what you must before jumping out of the frying pan and straight into the fire. Slowly slowly catchee Monkey! Somethings brewing and you are very happy to have the opportunity to stick your oar in for a change. Instead of having to listen to how things could be your actions speak louder than words ever could and set the cat amongst the pigeons. Long gone are the terms of peace and you aim to finish what you have had to start. Things could have been easier, but that’s not your fault. Mercury directs and brings solutions to a sticky situation. You shouldn’t have to have taken sides but what options were you given? A quick balanced solution rides on the back of the forgotten promise someone has made you. With your emotional energies brought to the surface and an ultimatum in the offing do what you can to sense the solution closest to your soul. With Mercury adjusting from retrograde it is time to shuffle your life into a highly productive phase. At a time when many are relaxing you get the green light on something that you can really get your teeth into, for a change. As the good all rounder that you are don’t doubt your performance as things have to go like clockwork to enable you to maintain the balance you need and deserve. Jupiter brings distractive energies into play and though you do not need the smokescreen there is now a suitable time for you to accept the challenge that your emotions are bringing you, and to work on higher inner levels to prove the positive. That sensitive balance that you thrive on may be tilted in another direction, so keep options open and look for what support you need to make a go of things. Someone has rattled your cage and you are rightly furious about something that was nearing solution but which now adds to your current burdens. There has been an interpretation, and this has provoked a situation that would be easy to resolve if everyone played their part. As usual you are left holding the baby, but with all the will in the World what options do you really have? Jupiter takes reverse actions and the two day fall out seems to be the clearing period that you need to calm down and plan your next move without pressure or hindrance. Someone is jealous of your success and is green eyed with the thought of your good fortune. No matter what, nothing must stop you, especially as time is of the essence, and when clearance comes next week make your move. Passion and Love connect with you this week as you finally open your heart and realise what’s on offer. The time is right to make adjustments and to embrace what’s on offer to you. The pain of the past can be obliterated somewhat when you are in the arms of someone who really does love you; and yet has been harshly judged by your own set of standards in the past. Make good use of a break from routine, but let it be a time of self development and positive changes. Your routine is important to you, but your own development is stifled and spasmodic with constant pressure on you. With time on your side start to look within and visualise that which you want to happen right now. It will be as blueprint that shows future hopes, wishes and desires. Being unafraid makes a great difference to your achievements right now, and confirms what you are about to do. You have had so many knockbacks and changes of priority that confusing energies have been sent out by you. What you have to do right now is to make sure that what you propose is what you really want, and then take steps to see that your inspiring decision is applauded and upheld.
If it’s your birthday this week... Timing is vital when there is a motive to adapt to current pressures with a view that shortly they will be swept away, and a new focus comes along which you need to bond with quickly, for all concerned.
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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.
Sudoku
Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 6. Late tributes to somebody coming from the wars! (7) 7 & 9 Across. Could they be the barriers between political factions? (5-5) 9. See 7 Across 10. Daily record at the saw-mill? (3-4) 12. A man with unbelievable relations! (5-6) 14. He displays an advertisement for William’s watch (4-7) 18. Strike another match (7) 19. Could possibly be synonymous with power (5) 21. Young attendants used by bookmakers (5) 22. One who will produce hand-made predictions (7)
DOWN 1. Put your weight on a rung of the ladder (5) 2. Plaque that shows a different battle (6) 3. No-one who is brazen will be cast! (3) 4. A jagged point will get the Spanish fish (6) 5. Swimming movements for oarsmen! (7) 8 & 20 Down. Get in touch with the fellow - he’s an intermediary (7,3) 11. See 17 Down 13. According to the letter, it’s illuminated with real variation (7) 15. He conducts the German songs we hear (6) 16. This is quite a problem - give me a gin well mixed (6) 17 & 11 Down. Could they be authors of “The Wraith” and “The Phantom Spirit”? (5-7) 20. See 8 Down
Wordwheel
Quick Crossword ACROSS 6. Malady (7) 7. Beneath (5) 9. Crease (5) 10. Least (7) 12. Command (11) 14. Component (11) 18. Unaffected (7) 19. Amusing (5) 21. Player (5) 22. Move forward (7)
DOWN 1. Passage (5) 2. Keep (6) 3. Employ (3) 4. Maintain (6) 5. Assault (3,4) 8. Alcoholic cordial (7) 11. Moral (7) 13. Sovereign (7) 15. Coma (6) 16. Usual (6) 17. Negligent (5) 20. Uneven (3)
Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 618 - John McDonald, Javea
Win a meal for 2! The Planet Bar in Parcent (North Costa Blanca) (Fish & Chip Supper for two)
by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly.
Answers by email to: production@roundtownnews.com *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification
Euromillions Draw Friday 19th August
6 14 16 28 31
2
11
2
4
No jackpot winners
Tuesday 23rd August
4 6 14 42 50
No jackpot winners
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Vibes From The Costas by
Tony Poole
from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com
music scene
Neo Soul Singer Colonel Red at Vocal Booth Weekender SOUL MUSIC, like all genres, is ever evolving. Those artists that best embrace new trends and effectively utilise the latest technology, not only with their artistic output, but also with the marketing of their wares, are the ones that generally receive critical acclaim. The soul singer of today is a very different animal than what emerged from the original Rhythm & Blues style of the 60s. To emerge into the mainstream over the last 15 years are names like D’Angelo, Amp Fiddler, Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, John Legand, Cee-Lo and a promising independent artist from Birmingham, soon to showcase his talent here, Colonel Red. Back in the late 60s, record producer Norman Whitfield re-invented the Motown Sound by mixing soul with psychedelic rock, for what become known as ‘psychedelic soul’. Following the lead of Jimi Hendrix in psychedelic rock, psychedelia began to have a widespread impact on black artists, particularly the stars of the Motown label. Groups like the The Temptations moved from being a relatively light vocal group, to deliver much more serious material. As tastes began to change during the 70s, psychedelic soul paved the way for the development of funk and disco music, and the next new thing.
Technology started to make a serious impact at the turn of the 70s. After the decline of disco and funk in the early 80s, soul music became heavily influenced by electro music. It became less raw and more slickly produced, resulting in a style known as contemporary R&B. It wasn’t until the soul ‘revival’ movement in mid 90s, that ‘neo soul’ emerged into the mainstream. ‘Neo soul’ was a term coined to market and describe a style of music that emerged from soul and contemporary R&B, and perhaps could be better redefined as black pop music as it draws influences from several popular genres. This brings us to the sound of Colonel Red and the release of his third album ‘Keep Walkin’, on 9th September, perhaps indicating the similar mindset that the spirit of Whitfield shares with this project. Accompanied in production by keyboard player Erik Ritfeld, Redz has penned a collection of profound original tunes which resonates influences from the past, life stories from the present, and a vision for the future, all delivered with lush vocals straight from the heart. Less electro sounding than ‘Sweet Liberation’ (2009) and ‘Blue Eye Blak’ (2005), Redz opts for a more soulful approach this outing. If you’re an open-minded ole’ soul boy, looking to revisit the bygone days of
Marvin Gaye with a twist of modern beats then this album is for you. But don’t take my word for it, sample ‘Keep Walkin’ at http://www.colonelred_keepwalkin.virb.com Colonel Red will be performing poolside at Andy Ward’s Vocal Booth Weekender at the Montepiedra Hotel in Campoamor on Sunday 18th September. For ticket and booking info visit www.vocalboothweekender.com
More festival and concert information at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!
The Strictly Social Club
up and running again The Punjabi´s - New Indian Restaurant now open in Pueblo Bravo! We, The Punjabis are an Indo – Aryan linguistic group from south Asia. Punjabi cuisine has an immense range of dishes and has became the world leader in this field so much so that many entrepreneurs have invested in this sector and built large personal fortunes due to the popularity of Punjabi Cuisine throughout the world. We always prepare and serve fresh food, we are well known in this town
for our quality and taste, both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. Simply The Best, The Punjabis, for hospitality, service and satisfaction is our motto. Open 7 days Mondays from 6pm – 11:30pm Tuesday –Sunday 12:30 – 3:30pm and 6 – 11:30pm. Our menu of the day is served Tuesday – Sunday 12:30 – 3:30pm is three courses and includes first drink free. Bookings accepted for celebration/ parties etc. Tel 966 848 491 or 632 503 168
THE STRICTLY Social Club is to resume meeting on the first floor at The Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima, on Wednesday 14th September at 2.45pm. All are welcome to join: every 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. Hope to see you all there.
- 1 sept 2011 Feb2626AUG - March 4 2010
Elvis rocks at Cabaret Dance in Los Balcones The first cabaret dance at Los Balcones was a huge success on Saturday with 70 people and a great atmosphere. Jukebox Legends provided some great dance music and Elvis 2000 rocked the joint for the first cabaret. Gerhard, the owner of ‘AREA’ in the Filton Centre said: “This was a fantastic night and I have had so many customers telling me how much they have enjoyed it and that they will be back next week.” Comments from other happy people at the dance came in thick and fast such as: “Amazing - Great to see something like this happening at last.” – “What a great night” – “Can’t wait for next Saturday - such good value for money.” This Saturday sees a completely different type of cabaret. The fabulous Patti Ross will be there to bring Big Band and Ballroom to the occasion. Peter, from Jukebox Promotions says: “Patti is a fantastic singer and entertainer and has performed with
Errol Flynn takes Lead for ADHOC THE ADHOC Theatre Company have announced dates for the first performances of their latest production ‘Run For Your Wife’ , a comedy Farce by Ray Clooney, Directed by Debbie Payton and Produced by Billie Anthony Gaddess. The venue is at Los Monesinos Theatre in the Music and Culture Centre on 17th, 18th & 19th November. The Very Popular Theatre Company is also in discussions with two other venues, with the possibility of playing in other towns around the area. Kevin Errol Flynn will be playing the lead role in this production as a bigamist taxi driver, with Shirley Watts and Jackie Lawson as his two lov-
ing wives; Chris Powell as the sponging neighbour; Peter Cook and Richard Winter as the Police Sergeant’s; Martin Robinson as the Reporter and Billie Anthony Gaddess as Bobby. Last week 10 members of the ADHOC descended on Benidorm to attend the auditions, along with many others, for the popular TV sitcom Benidorm. The Company are actively recruiting at this time, both for adult members and youth company members. For the Adult Company: adhoctg2010@hotmail. co.uk Or Phone Debbie Payton: 96 671 9864. For Youth Company information contact: Suzanne by
Smithy
email: thedanceacademyandstageschool@yahoo. co.uk Tickets will be on sale at selected venues at €8. For more information on ticket sales, ‘phone Karen: 96 671 2382.
‘SMITHY’, OTHERWISE known as Ian Smith, has been performing along the Costas for some time now, playing electric 12 string guitar accompanied by high quality backing tracks to give a great sound. Singing songs that are great to sing along or dance to, from a wide variety of sources and genres with examples being – Eagles, Beatles, Neil Diamond, Everly Bros, Billy Ocean, Drifters, Status Quo, Johnny Cash, Robbie Williams, Mavericks, Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Showaddywaddy and many more. He is a versatile act with a performance that can offer a 50s/60s/70s set, Country Music, Rock n Roll, an Irish Set or just a great variety of styles to suit most tastes: great for pubs, clubs and private parties.
Dan the Man DAN THE MAN is a legend in his ‘own mind’ very entertaining and one of the most soughtafter acts on the Costa Blanca. His show is a mixture of music, comedy and always involves the audience. From Reggae to Soul, pop to rock this entertainer will leave you with a smile on your face. He never takes himself seriously - his emphasis is on fun and entertaining his audience.
some of the top big bands internationally over the years. Saturday is going to be another great night and Jukebox Legends will be there again to make sure that the rest of the evening is just one big party and dance occasion.” The fabulous venue for these cabaret dance nights is called ‘AREA’, underground at The Filton Centre in Los Balcones. The events start at 8.30pm Tickets available at ‘AREA’ at just 5€ or call 608 908 720 / 695 135 134. Info at www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk / www.jukeboxlegends.com Booking is advised as free food is available to those that book in advance. Entry on the door is subject to availability. Fund-raising cabaret dance nights are planned every week at AREA, offering a different cabaret and featuring some great dance mixes to suit everyone: all supporting Help at Home (Costa Blanca).
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This is my grandson Jack aged 4 and his cousin, my niece Camerin aged 5 first day at school and they are in the same class. Well done kids love Oompa, Granny and Mackenzie.
Summer in full swing at the Lounge Bar ONE OF the signs of summer is the Lounge Bar Cabaret Nights. These fantastic free cabarets are on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night stars the funniest drag artist on the planet Stevie Spit. A truly funny show, no one is safe from Stevie’s wicked wit. Stevie is supported by one of the best voices in Spain, Dee. Our Dee has been with the lounge bar for many years and is a great favourite with regulars and holiday makers alike - a fantastic voice that will have you up on the dance floor before you know it! Saturday nights are more traditional cabaret. A full cast of singers and dancers with a bit of everything else thrown in! Get in early and be entertained for a full three hours, fantastic costume changes, a sexy, but very tasteful burlesque spot, fantastic light show and the best singers and dancers on the Costas!
Out & About 25TH AUGUST Buddy ‘B’, The Black Bull, El Chapparell Paul Melba, Catorce Restaurant, Benijofar 26TH AUGUST Connor, Montys Bar, Algorfa Cris Johnson, Longs Bar, Catral Matt Blackwood, Harrys Bar, Ciudad Quesada Brian Cavanagh, JP’s, Las Palmeras 27TH AUGUST Greg Freeman, Dos Chicos, Torrevieja Connor, Hogs Head, La Marina Smithy, Bar Imanyo, Daya Neuva Mike Peters, Rojales Steak House, Rojales It Takes Two, Final Whistle, La Marina Tony Kelly, Sierra Golf Club, Los Balsecas 28TH AUGUST Magic Supreme, Rocajuna , Punta Prima 30TH AUGUST Wildcat, Baybrooks, La Finca Golf ,Algorfa 31ST AUGUST Steve Finn, Bar Virgo, Nr Torretta Three 1ST SEPTEMBER Claire Daniels, The Black Bull, El Chapperall Buddy ‘B’, Pepas, Ciudad Quesada
The show is suitable for all ages, from kids to grannies so come down early, take advantage of our meal deals (two main courses for 5€!) and have the best night of your holiday!
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tv Friday
26 AUG 1 sept 2011 Feb 26 --March 4 2010
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wreck or Ready? 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 My Family 22:30 Miranda 23:00 BBC News 23:35 John Bishop’s Britain 24:05 My Favourite Joke 24:35 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:45 Cursed
07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Kerwhizz 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Coast 12:40 The White Tower 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Wanted Down Under Revisited 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Flog It! Ten of the Best 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 South Africa Walks 20:30 The Bear Family and Me 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 India on Four Wheels 23:00 Rob Brydon Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show at the Edinburgh Festival
07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel 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 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Fraud Squad 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 UEFA Super Cup Highlights 24:35 Jaws 2
07:20 Freshly Squeezed 07:45 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:10 According to Jim 08:35 According to Jim 09:00 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 10:00 90210 10:55 N-Dubz: Live at the O2 11:55 Big Bang Theory 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 Channel 4 Presents 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:15 Damn the Defiant! 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 4thought.tv 20:35 Merits of Ferrets 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 22:35 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 23:25 Sean Lock: Lockipedia Live 24:25 Big Bang Theory
07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 My Son Is Innocent 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 The Bachelor 24:05 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side
06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Football Focus 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:10 Formula 1 15:15 Live Challenge Cup Rugby League 18:05 BBC News; Regional News 18:25 Epic Win 19:10 Total Wipeout 20:10 Doctor Who 21:00 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 21:50 Casualty 22:40 John Bishop’s Britain 23:10 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day 24:50 The Football League Show
07:00 Childrens TV 08:55 Hounded 09:25 Prank Patrol 09:55 Trade Your Way to the USA 10:20 Fee Fi Fo Yum 10:50 Mission: 2110 11:25 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 OOglies 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Coast 13:20 Ensign Pulver 15:00 The Victors 17:30 Final Score 18:30 International Rugby Union 19:30 Dad’s Army 20:00 The Normans 21:00 Hans Litten v Adolf Hitler: To Stop a Tyrant 22:00 BBC Proms 2011 23:40 Rob Brydon Show 24:10 Confetti
06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 Ten Mile Menu 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News 13:50 Countrywise 14:05 Columbo 16:05 Thunderball 18:30 Granada News 18:45 ITV News 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 The X Factor 22:15 A Night with Will Young 23:15 Bourne Supremacy 24:15 ITV News 24:30 Bourne Supremacy
07:25 Treacle People 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Volkswagen Racing Cup 2011 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Channel 4 Presents 10:00 The Hollyoaks Music Show 10:35 Smallville 11:30 Live Athletics 16:10 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 17:35 Come Dine with Me 18:05 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Channel 4 News 20:05 4thought.tv 20:10 Athletics 21:10 Great Migrations 22:15 Sex and the City: the Movie 24:55 Jason Manford: Live
07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Mist:Sheepdog Tales 09:40 Rupert Bear 09:55 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Milkshake! Show 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:05 Mexican Food Made Simple 11:35 How Do They Do It? 12:00 The Gadget Show 13:00 Celebrity Big Brother 14:05 Autumn in New York 16:05 Jane Doe 17:45 The Sheepman 19:30 5 News Weekend 19:35 NCIS 20:30 Law & Order 21:20 CSI: NY 22:15 Celebrity Big Brother 23:15 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
07:00 Emmerdale 09:25 Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 10:25 The Hot Desk 10:35 Holiday Showdown 11:40 The Only Way Is Essex 12:40 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 14:50 Back to the Future Part III 17:05 The Xtra Factor 18:10 Bean 20:00 Superhuman 21:00 Baby Hospital 22:00 The Hot Desk 22:15 The Xtra Factor 23:15 Celebrity Juice 24:00 Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason
06:00 BBC News 06:30 British Olympic Dreams 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 10:00 BBC News 11:00 Sunday Morning Live 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 BBC News 13:05 Formula 1 16:30 My Family 17:00 Spice Britain 17:30 Escape to the Country 18:30 Songs of Praise 19:05 Deadly 60 on a Mission 19:35 BBC News; Regional News 20:00 Britain’s Hidden Heritage 21:00 Countryfile 22:00 Ocean Giants 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Match of the Day 2 24:45 Texas Rangers
07:10 Dipdap 07:15 Pinky Dinky Doo 07:30 Garth and Bev 07:40 Octonauts 08:00 Deadly 60 08:30 Arthur 08:55 Junior MasterChef 09:25 Bear Behaving Badly 09:45 Hotel Trubble 10:15 Jinx 10:35 Wingin’ It 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 The Great British Bake Off 13:30 Flog It! 14:15 EastEnders 16:15 Equestrian 18:30 Formula 1 19:30 Live MotoGP 21:00 Dragons’ Den 22:00 Page Eight 23:40 The Hours
06:30 ITV Morning News 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 12:25 This Morning: Sunday 13:20 Survival: Tales from the Wild 14:20 ITV News 14:25 The X Factor 15:40 Midsomer Murders 17:10 Ladies of Letters 17:35 The Queen 19:35 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Joanna Lumley’s Nile 21:00 David Jason’s Greatest Escapes 22:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 The Fugitive
07:00 Sali Mali
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 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:05 Emergency Bikers 12:00 Ultimate Police Interceptors 13:00 Celebrity Big Brother 14:00 The Bachelor 15:00 The Bounty Hunter 16:35 Riders of Vengeance 18:10 5 News Weekend 18:15 Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle 20:10 The Da Vinci Code 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 Losing One of My Giant Legs: Extraordinary People
07:00 Coronation Street
tv Saturday
tv Sunday
07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 Live Athletics 14:10 Channel 4 Presents 14:15 Undercover Boss 15:15 The Simpsons 15:45 The Simpsons 16:15 Runaway Bride 18:25 Deal or No Deal 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 Presents 20:05 Athletics 21:00 Holiday Hijack 22:00 Rush Hour 3 23:45 Beverly Hills Cop II
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Holiday Showdown 09:15 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:30 Holiday Showdown 18:35 Judge Judy 19:50 All Star Mr & Mrs 20:50 Back to the Future Part III 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Devil’s Advocate
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:05 Accidentally on Purpose 13:35 Accidentally on Purpose 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 22:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 23:00 Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags 24:05 Embarrassing Teenage Bodies
10:00 Deal or No Deal 10:45 How Clean Is Your House? 11:20 First Men in the Moon 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 3 Minute Wonder 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:15 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Flight of the Phoenix 24:10 Heroes of Comedy
Fraud Squad ITV1, 22.00
07:00 Switched Up! 07:50 Supernanny USA 08:40 Supernanny USA 09:30 How to Look Good Naked 10:30 How to Look Good Naked 11:30 Supernanny USA 12:25 Supernanny USA 13:20 Made in Chelsea 14:20 Made in Chelsea 15:20 Hollyoaks 17:55 Friends 18:25 Friends 19:00 One Tree Hill 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Big Bang Theory 20:55 How I Met Your Mother 21:55 Friends 22:25 Friends 23:00 Predator
10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:35 Time Team 11:35 Time Team 12:35 Time Team 13:40 Time Team 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 16:15 The Thirty-Nine Steps 18:05 Grand Designs 19:10 Grand Designs 20:15 Grand Designs 21:20 Grand Designs 22:25 Grand Designs 23:30 The Flight of the Phoenix
Hans Litten v Adolf Hitler: To Stop a Tyrant BBC2, 21.00
09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:25 One Day: Premiere Special 14:55 71 Degrees North 15:55 You’ve Been Framed! 16:55 Bean 18:45 The X Factor 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 Biggest Loser 22:00 Hot Fuzz 24:25 Marbella Belles 24:55 Marbella Belles
07:00 Style Her Famous 07:25 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 08:20 Supernanny USA 09:10 Supernanny USA 10:05 How to Look Good Naked 12:10 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:15 Supernanny USA 14:10 Supernanny USA 15:05 Supersize vs Superskinny 16:10 Beauty and the Geek 17:10 Nacho Libre 18:55 Friends 19:30 Friends 20:00 Smallville 20:55 Edward Scissorhands 23:00 The Inbetweeners Top 10 Moments 24:05 Big Bang Theory
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle Channel 5, 18.15
10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:35 Scrapheap Challenge 12:40 Scrapheap Challenge 14:50 Coach Trip 15:55 Coach Trip 17:05 Coach Trip 17:40 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:15 Come Dine with Me 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:25 Come Dine with Me 21:00 Beyond River Cottage 21:30 Beyond River Cottage 22:00 Grand Designs Australia 23:05 Jaycee: My 18 Years in Captivity 24:10 Spaced 24:45 Spaced
26 JulY AUG -2011 1 sept 2011 8 - 14
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tv Monday
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- 1 sept 2011 1426- AUG 20 may 2010
07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Heir Hunters 10:45 Homes Under the Hammer 11:45 Fake Britain 12:15 Cash in the Attic 12:45 Bargain Hunt 13:30 BBC News 13:45 Regional News 13:55 Total Wipeout 14:55 StreetDance 16:25 The Incredibles 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:20 Regional News 19:30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2011 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:10 Regional News 23:15 The Field of Blood 24:15 The Celebrity Apprentice USA 24:55 Life or Something like It
07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Kerwhizz 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Ill Met by Moonlight 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Animal Park 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Flog It! Ten of the Best 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 Wonderstuff 20:30 Victorian Pharmacy 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Antiques Master 22:00 Conspiracy Files 23:00 Ruth Jones’ Summer Holiday 23:40 Shooting Stars 24:10 Stepford Wives
07:00 Jeremy Kyle Show 08:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Dinner Date 11:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 12:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:10 ITV News 14:25 Granada News 14:30 Midsomer Murders 16:30 Diamonds Are Forever 18:45 Funniest Ever You’ve Been Framed! 19:30 Granada Reports 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise Kitchen 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 23:45 ITV News 24:00 Stay Alive
07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 According to Jim 09:20 According to Jim 09:50 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Channel 4 Presents 11:00 Live Athletics 15:10 Three in a Bed 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:15 4thought.tv 20:20 Athletics 21:00 Stephen Fry’s 100 Greatest Gadgets 24:05 Alan Carr: Tooth Fairy Live
07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 Celebrity Big Brother 14:05 Neighbours 14:35 Mutiny on the Bounty 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:30 Cowboy Builders 20:20 Alone Among Grizzlies 22:00 Soho Blues 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Fake Britain 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Gimme a Break 17:30 Horrible Histories 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Harry’s Arctic Heroes 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Donor Mum: The Children I’ve Never Met 24:30 Is Breast Best? Cherry Healey Investigates
07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Koala Brothers 10:10 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Kerwhizz 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 They Were Not Divided 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Animal Park 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Flog It! Ten of the Best 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 The Great British Bake Off 22:00 The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 India on Four Wheels
07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 House Hunt in France 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Grimefighters 21:00 Cops with Cameras 22:00 Unforgiven 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Dreamcatcher
07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 According to Jim 09:25 According to Jim 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Live Athletics 12:50 Channel 4 News 12:55 Live Athletics 15:10 Three in a Bed 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Athletics 21:00 Inside Nature’s Giants 22:00 Seven Dwarves 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 24:55 UK & Ireland Poker Tour
07:00 Childrens TV 09:50 Olivia 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Family Recipe 16:20 Jane Doe 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Mexican Food Made Simple 21:00 Revealed 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 CSI: NY
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Holiday Showdown 09:15 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Holiday Showdown 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 Minute to Win It 22:00 Batman Forever 24:25 Eyes Wide Shut
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Fake Britain 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 School of Silence 17:30 Serious Explorers 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 National Treasures Live 21:00 Village SOS 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Live at the Apollo 24:30 Bringing Down the House
07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Koala Brothers 10:10 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Kerwhizz 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Coast 12:40 Dangerous Moonlight 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Animal Park 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Flog It! Ten of the Best 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 Natural World 22:00 Horizon 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Secret War on Terror
07:00 Daybreak
07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 According to Jim 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Help! My House Is Falling Down 12:00 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Channel 4 Presents 13:10 The Gift Horse 15:05 Channel 4 Presents 15:10 Three in a Bed 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 9/11: The Firemen’s Story 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 23:45 Shameless 24:50 V Festival 2011
07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 The Memory Keeper’s Daughter 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Garden ER 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 JLC: Living Las Vegas 24:00 The Beat Goes On
07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Holiday Showdown 09:15 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Holiday Showdown 18:40 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 Take Me Out 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Batman and Robin
tv Tuesday
tv Wednesday 09:30 Lorraine
10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 House Hunt in France 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Lewis 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Dante’s Peak
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Holiday Showdown 09:15 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 12:00 You’ve Been Framed! 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Catwoman 19:45 A Night with Will Young 20:45 The X Factor 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Devil’s Advocate
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Make It or Break It 12:10 90210 13:05 Accidentally on Purpose 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:25 Samantha Who? 16:55 Glee 17:55 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers
10:00 Deal or No Deal 10:45 How Clean Is Your House? 11:20 Great Expectations 13:30 Channel 4 Presents 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 Relocation, Relocation 18:45 A Place by the Sea 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Three in a Bed 23:00 Coppers 24:00 My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:05 Accidentally on Purpose 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:30 Cleveland Show 24:05 Shameless
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Thief of Bagdad 13:30 Channel 4 Presents 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 Relocation, Relocation 18:45 A Place by the Sea 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories 24:20 The Homecoming
Emergency Minute to with Win It Angela Griffin ITV2, Sky1 21.00 21.00
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:10 Make It or Break It 12:10 90210 13:05 Accidentally on Purpose 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:25 Samantha Who? 16:55 Glee 17:55 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 19:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Beaver Falls 23:00 Franklin & Bash 24:00 Predator
Who Do You with Think Emergency Angela You Are?Griffin Sky1 BBC1, 21.00 22.00
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 Broken Lance 13:25 Channel 4 Presents 13:30 Channel 4 Presents 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 Relocation, Relocation 18:45 A Place by the Sea 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Time Team 23:00 A Time Team Special 24:05 Commando
tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Fake Britain 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 16:35 Bear Behaving Badly 17:00 Gimme a Break 17:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 Torchwood: Miracle Day 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Our War 24:35 House of Sand and Fog
07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Koala Brothers 10:10 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Kerwhizz 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Coast 12:40 Bombardier 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Animal Park 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Flog It! Ten of the Best 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 Coast 21:00 Monty Halls’ Great Irish Escape 22:00 Jig 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The World’s Most Expensive Paintings
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 House Hunt in France 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 9/11: Day That Changed the World 23:45 ITV News 24:15 Granada News 24:20 Help! I Caught It Abroad 2
CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 618 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Matches; 7 Bound; 9 Act; 10 Breakdown; 12 Close second; 15 Dance for joy; 17 Stampeded; 19 Tip; 21 Media; 22 Drought. Down: 1 March; 2 Ice; 3 Bear; 4 Conductor; 5 Untwine; 8 Raiser; 11 Blackmail; 13 Soften; 14 Baytree; 16 Right; 18 Eire; 20 Cue.
07:10 Sali Mali 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 According to Jim 09:30 According to Jim 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Live Athletics 12:45 Channel 4 News 12:50 Live Athletics 14:45 Big Bang Theory 15:10 Three in a Bed 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Athletics 21:00 Country House Rescue 22:00 The Killing 23:00 Undercover Boss USA 24:05 Seven Dwarves
07:00 Childrens Tv 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Taking a Chance on Love 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 CrocMan 22:00 Cowboy Builders 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side
QUICK SOLUTION Across: 6 Display; 7 Later; 9 Due; 10 Delivered; 12 Drunkenness; 15 Precipitate; 17 Conscious; 19 Top; 21 Felon; 22 Clarity. Down: 1 Minus; 2 Apt; 3 Rate; 4 Paternity; 5 Release; 8 Bisect; 11 Precision; 13 Napkin; 14 Crooked; 16 Booty; 18 Ugly; 20 Ire. Wordwheel: QUARRYING
07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Holiday Showdown 09:15 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Holiday Showdown 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Minute to Win It 21:00 The Cube 22:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 The Only Way Is Essex 24:45 Coronation Street
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:05 Accidentally on Purpose 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 17:55 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:05 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Friends 21:15 Friends 22:00 Big Bang Theory 22:30 How I Met Your Mother 23:00 Little Box of Horrors 23:30 PhoneShop 24:00 Beaver Falls
Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170
45
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 The League of Gentlemen 13:10 Channel 4 Presents 13:15 Channel 4 Presents 13:20 Channel 4 Presents 13:25 Channel 4 Presents 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 Relocation, Relocation 18:45 A Place by the Sea 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Shameless US 24:00 Without a Trace
46 44
26 AUG 1 sept 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010
Easy Pickings
Showbiz Goss by
Peter Taylor
Writer and Broadcaster
S
OMETIMES I have to dig deep to find items that are worthy of this page, but when it comes to one of those ten a penny actresses having a birthday bash it really does becomes easy pickings. Maria Fowler, she of ´The Only Way is Essex´ was 25 last week and hit the town big time with all and sundry along for the ride. Alcohol soon gripped the proceedings - 20 minutes I’m guessing, 30 at the most - and suddenly Maria was seen heading towards the floor. Several of her mates scrambled to try to stop her from hitting the ground
Rioja ‘n roll
but unluckily for her all that friendship thing resulted in one of her golden globes popping out, and sadly a paparazzi chappie was close at hand with a full roll of film. Maria tweeted the next day: “OMG! (Oh My God) slipping a nipple is potentially hugely embarrassing but thankfully there’s enough of that of me on the web already.” Nice. Confirming her status as a top drawer ladette, Ms Fowler and boyfriend Craig Church closed out her very special birthday do by dining afterwards at Kebabland.
A headlock for breakfast All you females out there who were rejoicing recently when George Clooney parted from his Italian girlfriend and got to thinking that he might pop over to the Costa Blanca for a weekend will have to dampen your ardour as I´m afraid mega handsome man has found another. Her name is Stacey Keibler and she is a former Wrestler. Yes you read right, a lady who used to throw other ladies out of a ring to great cheers of approval from the burger-munching coke-drinking masses. George said: “I grew up around strong women.” Yes, George, but surely you don’t mean ‘strong’ as in ‘muscles’. Talking to Hello magazine, that odd remark suddenly sent George in a completely different direction when he said: “I don’t surround myself with people who are on my payroll, there´s a lot of smooth talking going on…” you mean bulls****ing I guess - then he added, “… for every person who says to me, ‘Wow! You were brilliant in that!’ there’s a friend or one of my family rolling their eyes and going, ‘Yeah George, you really are a genius, I´m thinking the drinks trolley must’ve been close by.’” To round off this rather strange tale of Georges new ex Wrestler girlfriend and all of this strong women stuff, could it be that our man prefers a roll in the ring to a roll in the hay.
We Were Soldiers Once …And Young Book IN NOVEMBER 1965, 450 men Review by of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
Danny Collins
under the command of Lt Col Hal Moore, were dropped by copy@dannyjpcollins.com helicopter into a small clearing in the La Drang Valley of Vietnam and immediately surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. Three days later, only two and a half miles away, a sister battalion is chopped to pieces. Together, these actions at the landing zones X-Ray and Albany constitute one of the most savage and significant battles of the Vietnam War and set the tone of the conflict to come. The above sets the scene for a bloody and true account of what it was like to go to war as a young American and find yourself caught in ferocious and remorseless combat with an enemy as courageous and idealistic as you were. Hal Moore was as great a leader as any combat soldier could wish for and war correspondent and photographer Joe Galloway proved his worth by hitching a ride on the first bullet-scarred helicopter making a return run into the battle zone. Together they have produced one of the finest war stories ever to come out of US conflict. The book has been made into a film starring Mel Gibson as the valiant Hal Moore at landing zone X-Ray who is always the first man in
Suduko Answer and the last man out and he leaves no one behind, living or dead. Barry Pepper plays Galloway and fans of Sam Elliot will be delighted by his portrayal of grizzled old timer Sergeant Major Basil L Plumley. I’ve read the book and seen the film and, as ever, the screen version isn’t quite as accurate to events but, hey, that’s Hollywood. Get the book first – it’s a great read. Authors: Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Rtd) and Joseph L. Galloway Publisher: Corgi (paperback) Price: 13€ ISBN: 978 0 552 15026 2
Whatever has happened to the world of heavy metal music when rats heads were bitten off and a bat flew outa hell, as I discovered last week that Australian Rock Band AC/ DC have scored a deal with a New South Wales company to produce a collection of wines, and they are going to use the titles of their songs to attract our attention. ‘Back in Black Shiraz’ is one, ‘Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon’ another - truthfully, I´m not making this up - and ‘You Shock me All Night Long Moscato’ bringing up the rear. Woolworths’ general manager said “this is a worldwide phenomenon and a first in the marketplace” (sounds like you need to get a life matey). And so I return to my original question: whatever has happened to heavy metal music? All those big power chords and naked torsos and all that arrogance must surely now be lost forever, as how can you get on stage and be mean man when you travelled to the gig discussing what fish would go down well with your Moscato?
26 aUG - 1 sept 2011
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Samaritans celebrate three years in Spain with 2nd Annual Dinner & Dance A GALA dinner and dance hosted by Crystals Restaurant at La Fuente, Campoamor on 14th September marks a highly successful three years for the Samaritans in Spain, commencing with a Cava reception followed by a threecourse meal including a half bottle of wine per person. Entertainment will be provided by the fabulous Duet Amertiz, ensuring an exciting evening with a masked theme (optional). Tickets at €25 are available at Crystals Restaurant on 96 677 4439 or from Denise on 699 416 819 denise1sams@hotmail.com The Samaritans first centre in Benissa opened 2008 with a Torrevieja branch in 2009 and a ‘drop-in centre’ in Calpe opened in May this year (10am to 12pm every Monday at Laura’s, West Beach, Avenida Gabriel Miro, 35. Costa Blanca Samaritans offer completely confidential, telephone-based emotional support for English speakers of any age. The helpline on 902 88 35 35 (national, not premium, call rates apply) is open every evening from 8pm until Midnight. For more information contact info@costablancasamaritans.com or www.costablancasamaritans.com
Local Produce? WE ALL have little misunderstandings now and then, not caused by malice of forethought but just a mere slip of the tongue. Sometimes things just don’t come out anywhere near the way that you intended. As if someone has started to speak on your behalf before you, mouth already engaged whilst brain is still trying to find the right gear, leaving you to try and find an easy exit or another place to hide for a week or two. You didn’t really mean it did you? But in my defence it’s easy to misinterpret when I have trouble understanding one single word at a time, such as the word local for instance. Does it mean locally produced, locally bought, locally wrapped, cooked or simply warmed up or eaten locally, and where exactly is local to you? A recent conversation with a substantial grower brought to light a new one to me, which was local meant Europe, rather than Africa or the Far East: that adds a whole new meaning to the phrase “I’m just going down the local.” Of course whilst I’m a great advocate of local produce, if your local produce comes from a lousy grower or rubbish area the fact that its local
doesn’t guarantee that it’s going to be any good. And if the Chef leaves it to rot before using it and mucks up the dish in the process, being local loses its impact. As the word local is being used more on packaging and promotion, I can only assume that the word has some positive effect on our Supermarket buying habits, if only we understood what it meant. It’s a little worrying as its beginning to spread to restaurant reviews. Eager to show new restaurants in a positive light, reviewers are unfortunately missing the mark. For instance, the following is a real restaurant review which recently appeared in a local magazine: Brian & Shirley (names changed to protect the innocently challenged and the restaurants now closed anyway) are excited to announce the opening of their new restaurant where Chef Brian hopes to conjure up new, as well as existing traditional dishes using only locally sourced produce whilst Shirley attends to the guests front of house. Their specialities will include what some would describe as their signature dish of braised New Zealand Lamb.
Now I can understand this write up if it appeared in a New Zealand magazine but this appeared in a local magazine…in Europe. And Fresh (don’t get me started), when it comes to fresh fish it means ‘not frozen at the point of sale’ and you wonder why I buy most of my food from the markets. Having suffered a lousy steak in America I was told the quality was “Prime sir, the very best quality.” When I asked how he could tell, he said, “It’s written on the bag it comes in.” So the next time I’m in trouble for being misunderstood I’ll refer back to the dictionary, a good book without much of a story but every word is explained in detail as you go along.
Edwin Cheeseman is a practical food consultant. If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
21st, 22nd, 23rd October 2011, don’t miss out and book your hotel today and witness Benidorms first ever
GAY PRIDE!
Exclusive accommodation agents for Benidorm Gay Pride 2011
Make your reservation with Nicola on 966 809 153
motoring
by
Brian Deller
Author of Motoring in Spain
CAN YOU tell me if it is possible to travel in a car with a 20 month-old youngster in his mother’s arms providing she is strapped in? I ask the question as we have family coming over from Cape Town and we envisage one 4-year-old in a proper seat, a mother and father, driver (me) and their granny plus the aforementioned little one. The car is a five seater. What is the law on this? Hoping you have the answer...
First of all welcome to Spain from South Africa. My wife and I used to run a big club for ex-South Africans here. Regarding your query, the laws in most of Europe for carrying children are quite specific and the seating of a child in any vehicle seat is allowed only if he/she is at least 1, 5 metres tall and the seat-belt fits comfortably and safely as it should to prevent injury in the event of a sudden stop/crash. Otherwise there is a range of special, approved children’s seats to suit all ages and weights and a comprehensive list is in my book Motoring in Spain. The police are very hot on safety laws here as in recent years nearly 50% of victims killed/seriously injured in cars were not even wearing seat belts or using a car
seat for children and any traffic fines for visitors must be paid on the spot even if it involves driving to an ATM. If you are intending to rent a car, give them advance warning in writing of your needs and you should receive the vehicle with the correct child’s seats already installed. Refuse the vehicle if it is not, as the driver is responsible for the safety standards. Young children and babies are not allowed in the front passenger seats due to risk of injury due to air-bag operation: all really common sense stuff. Mandatory medicals I have recently been receiving more emails from readers about the need for taking the mandatory medicals when expats are resident here, and some show concern due to their medical condition. The UK has a stupid system where at age 70 when the standard (non-commercial) driving- licence expire, the driver can make a self-statement attesting to his OK health and fitness to drive so he/she can have the driving licence renewed. To many of us who are aware of the rank dishonesty of many people, this is lunacy of the highest degree.
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
Let me make the facts known here - again. If you are resident in Spain , you may drive on your current UK or foreign EU driving licence as long as you obey the same rules as the Spanish drivers have to and this includes taking the periodical mandatory medicals which vary depending on whether the licence is a standard (type-B, etc.) or a commercial, (HGV, omnibus etc.) Regular readers of this column will know that I have expounded the facts as advised in more detail in my book at regular intervals in the past, but there are always new arrivals. I am also happy to say that I have found that most of the Spanish insurance companies are ignorant of the laws as they appertain to us expats, even though some advertise that they offer the best service to us. The Fourth Edition, Motoring in Spain. As the Third Edition has been completely sold out for a few weeks, I am forced to finish my work on the updated Fourth Edition which should be on sale in a couple of months and I am also considering an E-Book version. Meanwhile, stay legal and stress-free as well as not having to pay fines for motoring offences and be safe out there.
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
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Renault Kangoo (2008) 1.5 Diesel - €9,995
Nissan Micra (2008) 1.4 Limited Edition Petrol - €8,995
Peugeot 207 (2008) 1.4 HDi Diesel 5door - €8,995
Alfa Romeo 147 (2005) 1.6 Twin Spark Sport Petrol - €6,995
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Renault Kangoo Combi (2007) 1.5 DCi Diesel - €7,995
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Classified Ads 50
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
All Major Credit Cards Accepted - 0.31e per word + IVA
Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)
EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com | WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk | Fax: 96 585 60 54 | Or see our list of classified agents on page 2
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
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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
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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@hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz
service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helplines South - 625-912-078 North - 648-169-045 www.aa-costablanca.org
si.whitworth@gmail.com DIGITAL HEARING AIDS SongbirdUltra, Volume Control, 4 Sound levels, As new, 350€, Guardamar Tel 965729756 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€. Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627019-403
VW WESTFALIA CAMPERVAN 1995 VW, 4 berth Hi Top California Club 1.9 Diesel 9 months M.O.T taxed. 11-000euros o.n.o.for full details and photos e mail ann.nicklin@hotmail.com Tel 685 777 254 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, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan plots short term or permanent stays) Tlf Carol 968192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com
GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990.
DRIVING TO THE UK? English guest house in France, close to Spanish border. Peaceful location, secure parking. www.millefleursbb.co.uk
GARAGE SALE
SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST 9.30 12.00 C/SAMPAN 11 PLAYASOL 2 BOLNUEVO PUERTO DE MAZARRON MANY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS INC. GLASS DINING TABLE 6 CHAIRS/FRIDGE/ DISHWASHER/ GLASSES AND MUCH MORE.
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BUILDER Leemabuilders Ltd. All groundworks and building works undertaken Domestic and Commercial No job too small Contact Lee:-634-349-039 www.leemabuildersltd.com
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.965-326-442/659696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587 PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give joe a call on 966074576 or 650341087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@ hotmail.com HOUSE AND BED SITTING call Margaret experienced and multi lingual Tlf: 968186781 or 659824156 MOVE IT NOW Professional Pet Transporters Spain/Uk/Spain. Travel with your pets. www.moveitnow. co.uk Ring 0044(0)209311123 or Spain 600247535 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring
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CURTAINS, BLINDS, CUSHIONS LEMON TREE INTERIORS homevisit soft furnishings service. Wide range of fabric samples. Covering all Round Town News areas. 968698770 mob. 626614850
WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of self-employed livein cares in the U.K. We require livein cares to provide housekeeping and personal care for our elderly clients in their own homes particularly during the autumn and winter months. Flexible bookings of 2-4 weeks to suit your personal situation. Experienced nurses or carers welcome, also those with no previous experience, our in-house training is available. British/EU passport/references/drivers/good spoken English essential. This progressive friendly company was established in 1962 and is a market leader in U.K. live-in care for the elderly, CONSULTUS CARE AND NURSING LTD. Call our local consultant Sandra Field on 658 965 204 or email s.field@consultuscare. com or visit our website www. consultuscare.com. CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com 24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hourh omecareservices.com
S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297
STANDARD UPRIGHT Chilled display cabinet 2 metres long 18 months old used once per week. Cost new €3890 will accept €800. fridge freezer €70. Small chest freezer €30. 10 Litre water boiler with tap €35. Shop electrical weighing scales with cost per kilo €35. Call Eric on 699333374. PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. €385 Will Delivery Free. 622-791-907 or
WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595
WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794
BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. At La Rustika [Los Arcos] Restaurant, Avenida Balaeres 34, Torrevieja. Saturday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10pm Starting 5th September - Monday - New Beginners Class - 10am - 11.30am Monday - Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday - Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 8th September - Thursday - Beginners class 7.30pm 9.30pm. Got more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011 other time? If so you need THE DIAMOND SHAPED BLUE PILL, Quesada and surrounding area. ring Derek 685-207-378 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 682-776-068 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 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:-Karen 662-049-021 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1
INVERTER/CHARGER Description: Xantrex DR series 12 Volt Inverter/ charger. €500. 664794882 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com
flat plot with decorative paving for easy maintenance. Lots of extras, security system, AC/CH, American Kitchen, Purpose build BBQ, Private parking, Solarium, 360º views of mountains and Mediterranean, Community Pool and Gardens. Ideal holiday home or for retirees.145,000€. For more info, contact Lynn on 966-881-048/691202-307 or email foundation@ rtnnewsgroup.com for photos.
YAMAHA XC125 SCOOTER 2003 V.G.C 695€ new itv, Tel 607 891 877
LONG TERM CAR HIRE FROM 300€ per MONTH. FOCUS/SCENIC 450€ per MONTH. 7 seat KIA 250€ per WEEK CHEAP & EASY 965732851/ 696016718 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante. Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 CAR TRANSPORTER takes 2 tonnes, Spanish made in Ondara, 10 years old, ITV’d on 1st August 2011, road legal, 1600€ no offers part exchange welcomed. IFOR WILLIAMS FLAT BED TIPPER takes 2 tonnes, removable sides, cover, ITV’d on the 4th August 2011, all paperwork, 2600€ no offers, Please phone Richard 965730774 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com CAN’T SELL YOUR CAR FOR THE RIGHT PRICE? WE BUY TO RENT -> 696 016 718 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 FORD FIESTA A.4 TDCI, 2005 75,000km. Four door, white, reliable, economical and nippy. Excellent condition and two year ITV, 4,450€. Phone 661-403-016. REEM CLEANING SERVICES the Costa Blancas cheapest car valeting service for Benidorm and surrounding areas! Inside and outside clean ONLY 20€! Be Inspired.... and call the REEM TEAM today on 646-619-466. See our Facebook page by searching for REEM CLEANING SERVICES. ANY GOOD CONDITION cars wanted for cash. From year 2000, must have Air Con. Tlf:605-369-921. 9am - 9pm
TWO SEXY ATTRACTIVE YOUNG PASSIONATE GIRLS PROVIDE A COMPLETE AND CARING EROTIC SENSUAL MASSAGE ALONE OR TOGETHER CLIMAXING IN EXPLOSIVE HAPPY ENDING. SITUATED IN CAMPOAMOR NEAR TORREVIEJA. WE ARE AVAILABLE FROM 1200-2000 MONDAY TO SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PHONE 650854478 OR FOR FULL DETAILS WITH PICTURES EMAIL TO eleganzagirls@yahoo.com NEW SPANISH GIRL 18, Wonderful body, big natural breasts, caring... erotic sesitive massage alone or with her Thai girlfriend... Caba Roig opposite health centre 672 872 050 or 617 709 701 NEW IN CABO ROIG Thai lady 32 qualified masseuse, nice body, excellent attention, caring, so sweet, fantasies, opposite health centre 672 872 050 DAVID TORREVIEJA 24 years old, gym body, very sexy and hot, come see for yourself! for men and couples, call me 678179616 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa. Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga. Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective, live a full love life again, call Ron 966-499-204 FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any
POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected 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 966-774-199 or 678-080500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com
1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mobile 626055-622
TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.
LEARN HOW TO SPEAK SPANISH with a Native Teacher. The quickest and effortless way. www.howtospeakspanish.es - Call Martin 600400668 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
PRIVATE SALE TORREVIEJA house, 500 metres from beach, 3 beds, 2 baths, QUICK SALE. 125.000€ O.N.O. Tlf: 687698592
MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com
EASILY MAINTAINED DETACHED, 2 BED VILLA in La Alberca, Polop de la Marina. 240m2
via France 1st September, space available exc rates Tel: Christine 965 571 837 or 638 261 341 VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact joe on 966074576 or 650341087 or 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-Mid August Returning Mid September. Space Available. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034965-300-959 Mobile 0034648-102-529 UK Mob 00447803-893-719. Email info@ euromove4u.eu MOVE IT NOW Removals & Deliveries to Spain/Uk/Spain www.moveitnow.co.uk Ring 0044(0)1209311123 or Spain 600247535 LARGE EMPTY VAN experienced owner driver UK regulary/local, Playa Flamenca, call Mel on 966-848-607 mobile: 603-192-957 or 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
MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519186-355 email:van.man@hotmail.co.uk SPAIN 2 UK 2 SPAIN MAN AND VAN departing Costa Blanca for UK
SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs. Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted. Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.
CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:660-186-505/Ros:-965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com
TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319220/618-165-877 WANTED 3M X 3M (or bigger!) Metal Market Stall Frame. Altea (North Benidorm) Tlf:-691-202-307
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
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26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
All down to RTN Golf Club update one shot Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION
THE RTN Summer Greensomes League sponsored by Levante & Lebeche concluded this week at El Plantio with a hard fought for victory for Tony Chandler and Barry Daniel. After eight weeks of highly competitive golf where scores were at times incredibly high for the Greensomes format of golf, only two shots separated the top three teams. El Plantio proved to be a stern test at times and all 14 teams relished the challenge over the eight week period. Starting at 3.30pm each week players were challenged by the winds that come up at El Plantio in the afternoons. All 28 competitors agreed at the conclusion of the league that we had chosen the best venue for our first year. El Plantio responded by giving all players who took part in the final round vouchers for a free round of golf to be used at the players convenience. Over the eight weeks the lead changed constantly and going into the final round on Tuesday any one of eight teams could have taken the top prize and the Avril Grover Memorial Trophy. As it turned out Tony and Barry did just enough to see off the challenge from Paul Cogan & Steve Edwards by one shot and two shots from Alan Gifford and Barry Grinsell. THE TOP 3 TEAMS FINISHED AS FOLLOWS Tony Chandler & Barry Daniel 235 Stableford Points Paul Cogan & Steve Edwards 234 Stableford Points Alan Gifford & Barry Grinsell 233 Stableford Points
Mike Probert COSTA BLANCA REGION
Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region
I HAVE had lots of request about the courses further North on Golf Course RTN Price Comments the Costa Blanca so we will be adding some more discounted green fees to our already excellent list. Golfers already travel Alenda 2x1 offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy €89 an hour or more towards Benidorm and Alicante from Denia, 2x1offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy Alicante Golf €69 Javea etc, so we thought the courses further north are more Bonalba €59 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy than accessible. And it’s always great to try a new course and to challenge 18 holes that we haven’t played before, espe- Don Cayo €78 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy cially when the green fees are discounted - even better. El Plantio €45 Single Green fee inc Buggy Look out in September for the new courses. Font del Llop €74 2x1 offer inc Buggy Good deals at the minute are definitely the 2 x 1 offer at Villaitana Par 62 €29 Single Green fee inc Buggy Bonalba 59€ for 2 players and this also includes a buggy. Villaitana also has a 2x 1 offer on the Par 72 course at 69€ which Villa Aitana Par 72 €69 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy also includes a buggy. These offers are on all day: there is no restriction on time For more information email Dennis at so you can play really early morning or early evening and play dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to till dusk. If like many golfers that live here on the Costa Blanca www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373. you have friends that come on holiday and would like to play 18 holes but don’t have any clubs with them, we do hire out clubs subject to availability.
WELL YOU were warned…the hollow tining season has started with Vistabella and Lo Romero the first to start followed quickly by Las Colinas. However, September is the busy month for this work and finding a course that is not recovering from this essential maintenance work can prove difficult but our agents have details of these work programmes. In terms of special deals we are in what could be called the ‘last of the summer wine’ as the deals start to end one by one. Deal of the week is at La Ramblas where 4 players and 2 buggies are available for only €155 and the same deal at La Finca is only €164.
IT IS amazing to think that the summer is already drawing to a close - but fear not, golfers, The Hound is on hand to tell you that there is still time for you to enjoy some cracking offers on some of the splendid courses the region has to offer. See below for my best rates this month: La Manga Club: Twilight offer of 1 Green Fee for 52€ or2 Green Fees and 1 Buggy for 104€ - valid until 31st August. La Serena: 1 Green Fee for 38€ or 2 Green Fees and 1 Buggy for 75€ - valid until 14th September. Roda: 1 Green Fee for 42€ or 2 Green Fees and 1 Buggy for 85€ - valid until 15th September. El Valle/Hacienda Riquelme/La Torre: 1 Green Fee for 52€ or 2 Green Fees with 1 Buggy for 92€ - valid until 18thSeptember. As you can see, time is running out so get in touch with the Hound to take advantage of these special offers while you can!
RTN Price
Comments
Vistabella
Golf Course
€56
2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)
Altorreal
€55
2 PL and 1 Buggy
La Serena
€75
2 PL and 1 Buggy
Polaris World Courses
€92
2 PL and 1 Buggy
Roda
€78
2 PL and 1 Buggy
Las Colinas
€82
2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)
La Peraleja
€76
2 PL and 1 Buggy
Olagolf Courses
€90
2 PL and 1 Buggy
La Tercia
€65
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. Golf Course
RTN Price
Comments
La Envia
€33
Single Green fee
Alborán
€35
Single Green fee
Cortijo Grande
€29
Single Green fee
Almerimar
€42
Single Green fee
Aguilon
€40
Single Green fee
Desert Springs
€60
Single Green fee
Valle del Este
€90
2 Single Green fee+ buggy
La Manga Club
€52
1 Green Fee (Twilight)
La Manga Club
€104
2 Green Fees+Buggy
For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 651 045 700.
RTN Golf Club intends to continue with the Greensomes League next summer and is delighted that El Plantio has agreed to once again host the tournament on the same deal as this year. We will however start at 9am each Tuesday next July and August with a two tee start so that we can accommodate the 40 players who wished to play this year. The early start means we can get off the golf course before it gets too hot and home in time for lunch with the other half.
San Fulgencio 1 - Sporting Orihuela 3 SAN FULGENCIO started the season with their first friendly game against Sporting Orihuela and what a fantastic game to watch, played before approximately 150 supporters including the new Mayor of San Fulgencio, Carlos Ramirez. The home side got off to a very strong start, totally controlling the early exchanges and took the lead after 20 minutes through a penalty. San Fulgencio continued to dominate affairs and had chances to extend their lead before making a triple substitution just before half time. Half time score: 1 – 0. At the start of the second half, the game changed with the away side taking control and in the 63rd minute, Sporting Orihuela were level with a finely worked goal: play continued with Sporting Orihuela having the majority of possession and in the 75th minute, Sporting took the lead. There was good play from both sides with chances being made but Sporting Orihuela sealed the victory with a great free kick to the top right corner in the 85th minute to make the score 1- 3. Overall the game was entertaining, giving all involved great confidence for the new season.
ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335
26 AUG - 1 sept 2011
It won’t go down well with some Fishing Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891
RECENTLY I attended a meeting at one of our local golf clubs to discuss the ways that prices of golf could be further reduced for residents. The invitation to attend came as something of a surprise to say the very least. The outcome of the meeting was that practically all of our local golf course managers want to see affordable golf continue and want to reduce prices without it affecting their profit margins. There is real concern now in the golf clubs that we continue to see growth in the number of golfers playing the sport up and down Spain’s East Coast. This is something that I have been trying to promote for many years and maybe at long last we are making real progress. During the meeting late July I was surprised to see that the very subject we were to talk about was recently discussed on The Costa Del Sol and the results were published in a local newspaper there. The conclusion in the south was that the only way profits could be maintained was to eliminate the middle man and give the net rates directly to golfers. This means they were proposing that agents etc. would receive no commission, which in some cases is extraordinarily high, and pass the savings onto the golfer. The meeting here on The Costa Blanca agreed that perhaps this was the only way forward to make further savings without making even more staff redundant and cutting the level of service offered to even lower levels than we see now. I wrote some time ago about this subject and got tremendous abuse from some quarters, verbal and in writing. At this point I wish to make it clear: Agents do have their place in golf and many do a great job, but in my opinion they should be dealing with visiting golfers. Local golfers should be looked after first and foremost - they provide the bread and butter income to
golf clubs. Golf societies in particular should benefit from this initiative if it ever gets off the ground. The real big question is who will be the first to start passing the discounts to the golfers and risk upsetting the agents? Maybe the suspected cartel that many have felt operates locally could be of some use after all? Time will tell. I for one wish to see as many play our sport as want to and anything that makes the game more accessible to the masses I will support as long as I feel it is in the best long term interests of golfers in our part of Spain.
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 26th August 2011: Steve Williams caddied for Tiger Woods. How many majors did they win when they were together? A. 12 B. 13 C. 14 All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 30th August 2011 to be entered into August’s draw, to be made on 30th August. The winner will be announced in RTN on 2nd September 2011. NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Top quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members: contact Noel on 639 730 891.
Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com
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Maggots End by
David Hoare
968 199 279
For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk DUE TO the heat, and family visits, in the month of August, we have no matches. It is our selfimposed close season. The new season 2011/2012 begins 1st September. A reminder to the club that there will be the usual Club meeting at ‘Cagney & Lacy’s’ Sunday 28th August commencing at 10.30am. The Match Secretary will be circulating the match list for September and members can pay their Subscriptions due on 1st August. PLEASE NOTE The club’s AGM and prize giving presentation will be held 25th September at Cagney & Lacy’s bar at La Marina, commencing at 10am. This will be followed by a buffet supplied by the club. Numbers are needed, so anyone interested in coming, please contact Sue Swann on 96 672 9293 by Sunday 18th September. Subscriptions are also due from 1st August and to be paid prior to commencement of the AGM. Subs to be paid to Derek Swann and they are 25€. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week’s 8th round of the Summer Series on 16th August was fished at Nancy’s on the dead arm of the River Segura: it was on this stretch of water were the fish kill occurred the other week. I fished between the two irrigation channels at the top of the tee junction. Before the beginning of the match a young lady from the Enviroment Agency came along and was checking these two outlets for dead fish. The chain across the left hand channel had collected bottles, carrier bags, along with other sorts of debris including four dead fish, but ten minutes later someone up stream must have opened the sluice gate and all hell was let loose when all the rubbish including the four dead fish and a cat was washed out down the river. Although a lot of fish have been killed recently, good weights were recorded above and below the pollution point. 1st Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 14.600kg fishing the pole and pellet 2nd Ian (The Irish Wizard) Dalzell with 12.380kg fishing pole and paste 3rd Stan (The Man) Roberts with 12.260kg fishing the pole pellet and paste Anyone with broken poles
or rods in need of repair, I have now obtained a substantial amount of broken pole and rod pieces and if you need any repairs please contact me at the telephone number below. All details are available on our website www. abbeyangling.com or from the match secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368. A personal note from me: I would like to thank Pete Kerr who turned up at the end of the match and weighed all anglers in. This certainly helped, as it allowed all of us to get away quick and back home for a nice dip. Thanks, Pete. Anglers Together WE HAVE been having a lot of enquiries about licenses from anglers who are passing the ‘magic age of 65’ and therefore pensioners! Licenses are still required and are FREE providing you have a Spanish Pensionista card; otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees. Licenses are available from either Town Halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in Valencia region. In Murcia you will also require insurance. Make sure you take photocopies of all relevant documents to obtain your license, i.e. passport photo-page, NIE and insurance. 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 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 meetings are: Friday 9th September at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada). Saturday 10th September at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the seafront between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron: there will be some secondhand tackle and magazines available.