RTN South Edition 622 by Round Town News

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SOUTH EDITION

Issue 622

16 - 22 Sept 2011

British Consul backs new youth initiative THE BRITISH Consul, Paul Rodwell announced his backing of a new youth initiative aimed at young people in the area. p5

How to prepare for divorce in Spain about 1.2 million marriages have been dissolved by divorce since the Divorce Law was passed in Spain p27

Showbiz Goss

Read what Peter Taylor has to say on Britney Spears, the new Bond movie and Keith Richards p46

Super Sergio Sergio Aguero may have cost City £36 million but he could end up being one of the signings of the season p54

Liz Bunce’s grief is still visible yet she is starting to move on with her life

Do they really care? by Julie Day LIZ BUNCE contacted RTN after reading the recent story of Hungarian-born Andrea Toth who is suing Torrevieja hospital for alleged negligence after her husband, Germán González, died following a supposedly simple operation. Liz’s own husband Fred died on 4th March this year after losing a sixmonth battle against cancer. She feels that his case was mismanaged from the start, with alleged misdiagnosis, lack of information and a total lack of care by the nursing staff at the hospital. Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is a sad and heart-wrenching experience, made worse

when the health system you trust to provide answers, treatment and support lets you down and turns the end of a life, something that we all wish could be peaceful and without suffering, into a horrific and terrifying ordeal. WARNING Liz acknowledges that Fred would probably still have died. However, she would like to warn readers of her experience so that other families can avoid similar distress and the traumatising memories that haunt Liz on a daily basis. “I’ve been through months of hell,” she said, “and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It was a truly scary time. I felt they were torturing him rather than helping him.”

Fred, an active and healthy man living on the Costa Blanca since 2006, began to feel discomfort, as if he had a lump in the prostate area, around the end of September 2010. He visited his GP in Quesada, was given a cursory examination and was told he was “constipated,” before being prescribed some laxative sachets, despite informing the doctor that he ate a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables. Liz feels that this is where the whole horror and neglect began, becoming steadily worse. Appointments were given for blood tests two weeks later, with a wait for results. He was diagnosed at the end of October with a “severe urine infection.” Continued on page 3

16 - 22 Sept 2011

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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR

16 - 22 Sept 2011

continued from front page Their relief was immense, yet short-lived within a matter of weeks Fred was in such pain that he was taken to A&E: once again he was prescribed antibiotics and told to “go home.” A stream of emergency visits to Torrevieja hospital and the GP in Quesada followed, with more talk of infection, very little information, now with abruptness and what felt like annoyance by many of the hospital staff. Fred’s condition worsened… On 23rd December the couple were finally given an appointment to see a urologist at the hospital, hopeful to at last receive some help. “You will never live without a catheter and I have to take your prostate out,” was the consultant’s greeting. They were offered another appointment for 25th January. But severe back pain, dark red blood in the catheter bag, unable to urinate, exhaustion and weight loss led to Fred’s admittance to hospital, where tests were carried out. ‘Infection’ was mentioned; the doctor swept in and out without a backward glance; and Fred was vir-

tually ignored by hospital nurses. At the end of January the word ‘cancer’ emerged, only due to the fact that the couple’s son pinned down the doctor in the corridor to drag information out of him. To list all of the incidents of lack of care, unprofessionalism, discrepancies and mismanagement would fill this newspaper. Fred was fading away before his family’s eyes and it seemed that no one wanted to listen or talk to them. FLUENT And the doctor spoke fluent English and so the language barrier was not a problem! Fred was discharged on 18th February and although the family was informed that he was “dying” by one doctor, he was told by another that he would “live for one to two years.” He died two weeks later. RTN has been in constant contact with Torrevieja Hospital following its promise to respond regarding this case “as soon as possible.” Two weeks on, the hospital has failed to offer a reply, comment or acknowledge RTN’s numerous phone calls and emails.

Pensioners receive subsidy from town hall TORREVIEJA’S COUNCILLOR for Pensioners, Inmaculada Montesinos, handed out 200 subsidies of 300€ each on Tuesday to retired pensioners qualifying for municipal assistance. Applications are made in December, yet the cash 60,000€ is handed out in meetings was staggered throughout the handed year. This is a pioneering iniout to pensioners tiative in Spain that has been running for several years. this week

Woman who fell off Torrevieja’s tourist train dies in hospital By Julie Day THE BRITISH woman who fell from Torrevieja’s tourist train last Wednesday has died. According to police statements, the victim stepped off the train at an unauthorised stop, taking advantage of the fact that the vehicle had come to a halt momentarily in an area close to where she lived. The driver of the train did not see the woman and continued to set off on his route. The Brit then fell under a wagon and was run over, sustaining serious injuries. She was conscious and immediately rushed to hospital by ambulance staff who attended the accident. Police reports suggest that the accident happened due to “imprudence” by the victim. Two days after the incident, Local Police demanded the shut down of the tourist train, as it was revealed that it has been circulating without the correct municipal licenses and authorisation required by the town hall. The cessation of the tourist train took place a few hours after leader of the Alternativa Popular party, Domingo Soler, started a petition demanding the resignation of the councillor for Security and Traffic, José Gil Rebollo, whom he deems responsible for the accident.

ESPAÑA FIESTA FUN

Great Weekly Day Trips Sun Benidorm on market day.

11€ 23 Sep Cartagena Romans & Carthaginians 12€

Big processions, dazzling costumes & mock battles

Sun Mundomar (Seaworld) at special price 17€ incl. entry against the ancient city walls. Sun Aqualandia water park. Ad. 28€ child 25€ incl. park entry Sun Alcala del Jucar Spectacular cave village. Lunch incl. 27€ Mon Guadalest/Algar waterfalls. Incl Lunch

24€

Mon Alicante -- Castle, beach marina, shops

11€

Tues Jalon Valley- Fabulous scenery- quality meal

23€

Wed Benidorm on market day

11€

Wed Mundomar (Seaworld) Special price 17€ Incl. park entry

What’s New ? Last few places 4 day Toledo/Avila/Aranjuez 5-8 Oct

199€ HB

TUESDAYS - JALON VALLEY

Fabulous scenery with autumn colours, samWed Aqualandia water park Ad 28€ Child 25€ Incl. park entry ple local wines at a village bodega. Then a fabulous Wed Caravaca/Calasparra. Inland Murcia with meal incl.24€ meal at Monroes carvery. Price: 23€

Thurs Cartagena with train ride to Mar menor

14€

Thurs Murcia shops special. Over 200 shops

11€ See the burst of activity in a genuine bodega as the 15€ grapes come in. Then a traditional Spanish meal in a country restaurant. Price: 29€ 29€

Thurs Lorca castle and town Fri Jumilla bodega at harvest time.Incl lunch/entry Fri Benidorm Palace dinner,dance, show. Fri Benidorm. A night on the town Sat Benidorm Circus. Incl pre show meal/entry

FRIDAY - Jumilla at grape picking time

47€ SATURDAYS - Benidorm Circus An afternoon meal and then all the delights of an 12€ animal free circus. These perfomers are breathtak31€ ingly good Adults: 31€ Children: 25€

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GRANADA CITY 4 DAY

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199€

298€

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16 - 22 Sept 2011

Demonstrators to be hunted down by the prosecutor for ‘crimes against the state’ by Jan Gamm THE PROSECUTORS’ Office has requested detailed reports on the incident where protesters burned national flags – Spanish and French – and also pictures of King Juan Carlos during demonstrations in Barcelona on National Day last weekend; actions that are seen as ‘crimes against the state’, punishable by fines and up to two years in prison. A group of masked men mounted a stage erected on the Paseo del Demonstration Born and torched a picture of the King first, by fire in followed by French and Spanish flags. Barcelona

Fitch downgrade for five Spanish autonomies ON WEDNESDAY the Fitch agency downgraded the long-term debt of Andalusia; Canary Islands; Catalonia; Murcia and Valencia, with a negative outlook on five other autonomies. However, Fitch recognises that with controlled spending the autonomies could recover by 2013.

Fighting fire with hard work

Crews work hard to cut down tinder and dry scrub

by Jan Gamm IN THE Alcoy area Servef crews are working hard to cut down four tons of brush and scrub over seven hectares in a bid to prevent more wild fires. The project began in early July concentrating on the cleaning and maintenance of municipal lots and recreation areas that could represent an easy target for arsonists. Areas near the river have also been cleared. The program is part of an initiative of the Alcoy consistory with a grant of 34,000€ under the direction of the Councillor for Environment, Jordi Tormo. The work is to continue until mid-October.

British Consul backs new youth initiative The British Consul, Paul Rodwell and the Viva TV team

by Louise Clarke THE BRITISH Consul, Paul Rodwell, used the opening of a new media centre in Orihuela Costa this week to announce his backing of a new youth initiative aimed at getting young people in the area to do something positive ‘for themselves’. The Viva Media Centre in Pueblo Principe officially opened on Tuesday afternoon, attended by the British Consul. The new initiative, called ‘Youth Tube’ has been devised by local TV company Viva TV and together with the backing of the British Consulate they hope to be able to give a voice to the thousands of young expats living here on the Costa Blanca. DAUNTING The British Consulate in Alicante is well aware of the difficulties that young people face here in Spain, especially British citizens. Paul told RTN: “For many of the children that come to live here, it can be a very daunting time in their lives. Leaving behind family and friends is bad enough, but being thrown into a completely new way of life, new schools and learning a new language can often be too much for some. That is why we are delighted to be supporting this initiative.” TRUANCY It is not only the British Consulate backing the new project; the British Embassy in Madrid is also keen to champion Viva TV’s ‘Youth Tube’. Simon Montague, the Director of Communications at the British Embassy in Madrid, told RTN: “One of the biggest issues for us is that the area with the most integration problems centres on younger expats, especially in the Alicante province.”

He added: “We have had meetings with the local authorities who have raised the issues of high drop out and truancy rates amongst teenage Brits from schools in the area. “The causes are being cited as ‘integration issues’ when children are thrown straight into local Spanish schools. If parents could see what other people’s kids think, it could go a long way to help them understand their own children and bring home some reality, instead of what is sometimes more of a dream.” EXCITING As a result, Viva TV is inviting all youngsters in the Alicante province to record their experiences of life here on the Costa Blanca. They can use their mobile phones or any other recording equipment which they have access to and it will then be broadcast on ‘Youth Tube’ on Viva TV. Trevor Lugmayer, one of the Directors of Viva TV said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this exciting new project. Viva TV is at the heart of the community and there are a lot of young people who feel isolated within the community. We hope that ‘Youth Tube’ will be way of really finding out what they think about life out here. The production team at Viva’s new media centre will be available to give technical help and advice if required, but the content is entirely down to the young film makers themselves.” For more information please contact Viva TV at info@vivatv.es or visit their website at www.vivatv.es or Facebook Page: Viva-Tv Spain. RTN will also be wholeheartedly supporting this initiative and will be reporting on the young people as they go about making their programmes. You will be able to read all about them and their film making experiences in future issues of RTN.

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Ortega Cano says breath test “faulty” RETIRED STAR bullfighter José Ortega Cano appeared in court No 9 in Seville this week to answer charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol following a car accident on 29th May in Seville that fatally injured another driver, 48-year-old Carlos Parra. Cano was tested for blood/alcohol levels at the time and found to be over the limit at 1.26g alcohol / blood (test results: National Toxicology Institute). Ortega Cano arrived at the court shortly before 10am, accompanied by several of his relatives including his brother and his son to be greeted by a crowd of press photographers. Cano, smartly dressed in a grey suit, looked frail and slightly nervous but said he was “confident,” adding, “whatever God wills and the law dictates.”

Cano testified that he had not been drinking heavily on the day of the accident and had only ‘wet his lips’ with “less than half a glass” of champagne, afterwards taking care not to exceed 80kph (the findings of the Guardia Civil indicate a speed of 125kph). When asked to explain why he tested over the limit, he replied that “…there must have been some mistake.” He went on to imply that the accident had been caused by a dizzy spell: “Seconds before the accident I felt faint and dizzy. I am under medical treatment for arrhythmia since the death of my wife.” Witnesses yet to be called include the statement of a person who dialled the 112 Emergency Service number minutes before the accident, saying that a vehicle being driven at high speed had crossed a solid line; and another driver with a separate eye witness account.

CHAMPAGNE

SHAMELESS

During the court hearing and in response to questioning regarding his visiting to up to five hotel establishments prior to the crash,

On leaving the court, Cano was heckled with shouts of “Shameless!” and “Killer!” from the waiting crowd, thought to include fam-

by Jan Gamm

New Charity Shop for Paul Cunningham Nurses PAUL CUNNINGHAM Nurses will officially open their new Charity Shop in La Marina on Wednesday 21st September. Come along for a visit between 5pm and 7pm for free drink and nibbles - on offer while stock lasts! Music entertainment will be courtesy of ‘Dan the Man’ and the new shop will be opened by a well-known personality. Come along and join us! The shop can be found in Avenieda Londres 1, AB Oficina 9. The shop is on the right hand side of Av Londres before the SuperValu supermarket in La Marina Urb. For more information on PCN visit www.paulcunninghamnurses.com or call 96 679 0363.

Cano arriving at court

ily members of the crash victim Carlos Parra, prompting one of the defence lawyers in the Ortega Cano entourage to call for respect for the defendant, reminding the hecklers that he had “responded quietly” to all the questions asked and remarking that the trial ahead would prove “interesting.”

Cano said, “I have made the declaration required of me. That is all I have to say.” It is thought that evidence submitted by the Guardia Civil that includes the statement: “A clear opposite lane invasion by Ortega Cano,” will carry the verdict. The trial continues…

Aznar speaks out

by Jan Gamm AS SPAIN wrestles with the highest unemployment rate in Western Europe, hovering around 20%, as well as soaring national debt and a pension shortfall, with many debating whether the country will require a large bailout similar to those granted to Greece and Ireland, exSpanish Prime Minister José María Aznar has spoken out. He expressed his concern that the Eurozone could disintegrate completely and also passed comment that the European Union in its present structure could be “unsustainable,” speaking at the John Hopkins University in Washington. The ex PM, who served from 1996 to 2004 – observed that despite Spain’s “epic” challenges, the solution to the country’s problems, according to Aznar, is fairly simple: “more fiscal discipline.”

Consulate Team Come to Torrevieja by Louise Clarke THE BRITISH Consulate team in Alicante descended en masse in Torrevieja last Thursday to present a ‘Consulate in the Community’ Road Show for British expats living in the municipality. The day started at the Iceland supermarket with Vice Consul Lloyd Milen and Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) Advisor, Laura Leeman. They had been invited by Store Manager, Kenny Thomson, to speak to customers and inform them about the Road Show that evening, which took place at the Virgen del Carmen Theatre. Whilst at Iceland, Lloyd Milen took some time out to speak to RTN. He said: “The purpose of us coming here and for the Road Show itself is to engage the people who don’t or wouldn’t usually come to us. We are primarily here to promote the event this evening and this is the first time that this kind of promotion has been done by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office anywhere in the world.” DELIGHTED British Consul, Paul Rodwell and his team, including the DWP team, headed by Martyn Standing, also welcomed more than a dozen charities to the Road Show event, including Age Concern, the Alzheimer’s Association and MABS, as well as representatives from the Diputación of Alicante and the Torrevieja Town Hall. For the new Diputada for European

Paul Rodwell, Mercedes Alonso and Joaquín Albaladejo

Residents, Women and Youth, Mercedes Alonso, who is also the Partido Popular Mayor for Elche, it was her first official duty in her provincial role and she was delighted to have been invited to the event. She was accompanied by the Torrevieja Deputy Mayor, Joaquín Albaladejo and other Torrevieja officials including Rosario Martínez Torregrosa, the new Councillor for Foreign Residents and the Head of the Foreign Residents Office (OARI), Graham Knight. INTEGRATION Ms Alonso told the audience of more than 150 British expats; “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to our province. You are all citizens of Alicante and profoundly important to our province. The European Residents Office will continue to promote integra-

16 - 22 Sept 2011

More than 48,000 people entitled to the new Citizen Card fail to apply

By Julie Day THE CONTROVERSY surrounding Torrevieja’s new Citizen Card that allows free travel on municipal bus lines rages on. By the time the old bus pass becomes invalid, next Monday 19th September, less than 5,000 residents will have registered and picked up their new Citizen Card from the 54,000 entitled to do so. Firstly, despite extending the office hours during which the cards can be collected, there are still chaotic scenes taking place outside the old town hall, as only 180 people can be seen in one day, resulting in the formation of very long queues hours before the offices are due to open. Although the office is open until 8.15pm, all of the 180 people will have been attended to long before then. It has also been reported that the 35€ residents are required to pay for producing the card was being paid into a private account belonging to the Costa Azul bus company. Initially the town hall denied this was true but then backtracked and admitted that they had made a mistake, later issuing a new account number with the CAM bank. This has caused confusion as to the identity of the real recipient of the money, said to cover production costs only. There are approximately 90,000 of the old bus passes still in use, of which 40% are alleged to be fraudulent, either being tion and the ConeXiones programme, which was successfully launched two used by someone other than the titleholder or by a holder not years ago.” She added: “We will also con- actually resident in Torrevieja. The issue of the new Citizen tinue to work closely with the British Card purports to combat fraudulent use. Consulate and exchange information and ideas.” The Deputy Mayor also welcomed the audience to the Road Show and reiterated the Torrevieja government’s support for all British expatriates who live in THREE YEARS have passed the municipality. The evening continsince you left. We all miss ued with a detailed outline of what the you more and more each Consulate can and cannot do for you by and every day. Paul Rodwell, before an informative talk Mum, Dad, your brothers about health and pensions by Martyn and sister, Sharon, Paige Standing followed by a brief questions and Alistair and all your and answers session. friends, Both here in Spain All the information shared by the and back in Scotland Consulate at this event can be found on “T” You were ‘Simply their extremely informative website The Best’. www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk.

Obituary: Kerr Roberts: 16th Sept 2008

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Cartagena celebrates Romans and Carthaginians Fiesta Scene from the reenactment of the battle to take Cartagena

by Julie Day

LEBARA IS AVAILABLE AT The Phone Shop: Cabo Roig - 688 228 888

THE POST BOX

Dona Pepa, Quesada - 966 731 928 www.thepostboxquesada.com

THIS FRIDAY sees the start of one of the most colourful, vibrant, lively and traditional fiestas in the region - The Romans and Carthaginians fiestas of Cartagena, celebrating historical acts that took place more than 2,200 years ago. If you have never visited the city of Cartagena during this period of festivity and celebration, you’ve certainly missed out. About 5,500 locals are the protagonists, as they dress up in fantastic costumes to re-enact the most important historical events of their city, from the foundation of Qart-Hadasht (Cartagena) by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal until the conquest of the city by the Roman Scipio and his later occupation from 209BC. The festival begins on Friday 16th September and continues until Sunday 25th September – ten days of historic acts, battles re-enacted, troops landing at the port, processions and parades and plenty of eating, drinking and merriment that will take visitors across the whole of the city to celebrate. Throughout the ten days a huge historical camp is set up where visitors are invited to

explore and also sample local dishes, tapas and drinks of the region. This area is open until the early hours of the morning and throughout the night there is an abundance of music, food and dancing. A huge funfair is located next to the camp with attractions for all ages, especially children. The main events take place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September where Romans and Carthaginians will parade through the town, as well as re-enact the great battle to take QartHadasht. The battle will take place on Friday at 7.45pm on the green outside the castle walls after the Romans disembark in the port at 7.15pm and march towards the castle. This will be followed by the great military procession after the surrender of the city at 9.15pm following the route of Calle Esparta, Paseo Alfonso XIII, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Antón, Soldado Rosique, Puente Cartagonova and up to the camp. The grand procession of troops and legions will take place on Saturday at 6.30pm following the same route as Friday. For a full programme of events for the ten days, please visit www.cartaginesesyromanos.es, which can be viewed in English.

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Fast Track Hypnosis by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

EVERY SO often I am contacted by Fellow Hypnotherapists (mostly newly qualified) asking how my approach to hypnosis is different from their training. I have had them come to me from as far afield as Canada! This was a recent one and her feedback about her time spent at my clinics both here and in Ireland. “On a recent visit to the Costa Blanca, I picked up the local papers and noticed Alan’s advertisements in them for Fast Track Hynotherapy. As a Counsellor and recently Qualified Hynotherapist, I was fascinated on how his system worked. Smoking, Weight Loss and Gastric Band treatment in 30 minutes, and in just one session: Well! I telephoned him to find out more. He was more than helpful and invited me along to one of his clinics where he asked if I would like to sit in on the sessions, all with the full consent of his clients of course. I didn’t need asking twice. The clients were very helpful and the majority didn’t mind me sitting in on their session. I was overwhelmed at all the technology but being a true professional, he explained everything as we went along. I was amazed at how many people he actually sees in his clinics, every 30 minutes, all day. Obviously for more complicated problems the time scale is discussed with the clients. His system cuts out the need for lengthy consultations as it deals with the now and not the past, hence making it more affordable for clients needing help. I can’t deny I was sceptical…being a logical thinker! But I loved to be proved wrong. Then my holiday ended and back to work at the Therapy Centre where I work in London. At a meeting on the Monday morning further training was discussed, at a seminar in Belfast. My name went down immediately. Again I phoned Alan to see if he was in Ireland on those dates. He was! So we arranged for me to come to his office in Belfast on the Monday. I was there for 9.30am (his first client was 10am). Alan showed me round his offices... a spacious waiting area, where the walls are covered in thank you letters and

letters of success. A notice stand in the corner is full of newspaper clippings of this man’s success over the last 25 years, then his consultation room. On the wall as I walked in I noticed all his qualification certificates: they covered the wall. Impressive! He had already set up his equipment in readiment for his first client of the day. Once started, there was a constant flow of clients, to stop smoking, lose weight, phobias, blushing, stuttering… it was absolutely fascinating. Throughout the day Alan worked ceaselessly and showed me his appointment book - he was working until 10.30pm. It is evident that Alan has seen thousands of clients both in Spain and in Ireland, and all his other clinics throughout each area, so his advert tells a true story. The stories he has to tell about the troubles in Ireland and how he was called in to help the unfortunate people that were hurt, both physically and emotionally,

during this time, were spellbinding. This modest man knows his profession, has an amazing gift and has devised a way of treating people in the most effective and quickest way possible. I learned a lot from Alan in the time I had spent with him, even down to the welcoming way he greets his clients and making them feel at ease, whether they are the first in or the last. Thank you, Alan, for the opportunity to learn and for making time to teach. Regards Carole Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm. For an appointment, brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. www.alangilchrist.com or www.thegastroband.com

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

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Please can you help? WE URGENTLY need to find a voluntary fund raising manager and a number of fund raising supervisors to help with a structured fund raising programme of events and help develop new ones. Whilst HAH Costa Blanca is a voluntary organisation to help ex pats of all nationalities, it does incur substantial costs and needs continuous income. The right people will be trained and supported by the Fund Raising Press officer and the Treasurer. Please call 695 135 134 or email pd4fun@hotmail. com if you are interested in joining this fabulous team of caring people. Peter Day, fund raising press officer HAH (Costa Blanca)

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Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Keep the noise down IMAGINE THAT for 70 consecutive nights of the summer you were told that there would be a band playing in the street until late into the night. 70 nights of having to close the doors to the summer heat; 70 nights of turning on the air-conditioning in order to breath and 70 nights of dispelling all notions of going to sleep early: worse still, being powerless to do anything about it. Well welcome to the world of La Florida. Having bought a house here nine years ago, it would at that time have been hard to believe that things could become so out of control in the La Florida Centro Commercial. despite numerous calls by the affected residents to the police and confirmation from the police just this year that outside music is illegal, nothing happens! Nothing! The police don’t even respond to calls. Despite residents formally asking

Would you call it compensation? IT WAS of interest to me reading your article about the unfortunate person stranded by AENA’s inability to provide a ‘disabled’ service. It is not, as they say, “The first time” either, for interestingly they gave me the same excuse when they left my elderly father sitting in a wheelchair to wait for ‘whoever’ to collect him for his flight home. Luckily he still has the presence of mind to realise he was going to miss his flight, and he would have if he waited, but he made his own way to the embarkation gate by wheeling the chair himself and gaining assistance from a young man boarding the same flight. At no time did he receive any assistance at the gate or otherwise from any airport staff. As a reply, after making my complaint in writing to AENA, the same excuse given in your paper was given to me. Nothing changes then, and that was last year. It’s an abysmal situation when people requiring assistance cannot be catered for with a sense of responsibility and reliability by such a major airport company. It said in your article: “Did a snack and a meal compensate for the anguish and an eleven hour wait for the poor individual?” As an individual with all your faculties about you, would it compensate you? Mike Prynn, San Luis

the Town Hall to confirm that these premises have licenses for this type of noise pollution (they don’t) and despite a visit to the local offices of CLARO to ask for the intervention of Mr. Bob Houliston, nothing happens. And yes before anyone reading this wonders, if we as residents have approached these businesses to ask for a reduction in the volume or an earlier cutoff time, the answer is ‘yes’. The replies were in one case a threat of violence, in another a shrug of indifference. We are continually hearing of establishments being closed down due to complaints by residents, or having to soundproof their venues, or even show some regard for their fellow neighbours. The residents would like an answer as to why nothing has been done and a peaceful night’s sleep. Name withheld

Spain saved his life!!! REGARDING THE article on ‘The case of the eight disappearing doctors at Torrevieja Hospital’, I took a friend to the hospital on Wednesday of last week. I was called to his home by his partner, as she couldn’t wake him up - I took one look at him and said, “Get his E111 and passport - I will get the car!” We got him into the car and we arrived at Torrevieja hospital at about 3.30am. Before I could get a wheelchair to the car, three doctors were there to help!! They took him away, we registered him and about 15 minutes later someone called my friend in and told her he’d had a heart attack and had been taken into ICU. After a while a doctor called us in and explained that he had a blood clot on the heart that they were trying to disperse with medication, if not he would have to have a stint from his groin to disperse the clot....we were allowed to see him at 4.35am - I looked at his monitor at 4.40 and he had been wired up to the machine for 52 minutes....would you get that sort of treatment in the UK? NO! He would probably be dead! And they made their diagnosis in about an hour...8 hours later they said he had to have open heart surgery....a triple bypass ...this man is 50...and Spain saved his life! It is just 3 days later and he will be having his operation in Elche...the staff and treatment have been second to none. Please put this to press, as the medical staff at Torrevieja Hospital is fantastic!

They are more scared of us than we are of them! The front page article with the title ‘Boar Wars’ was almost certainly inaccurate and unnecessarily alarmist. The wild boar was, as stated, alarmed and frightened, probably by hunter’s gunfire nearby. On a charge these animals can top 30 miles per hour, whereas a typical golf buggy has a maximum speed of 12-15 mph. Had the boar charged the buggy, it would certainly have caught it and there would have been a collision. Also, the boar has no reason to fear a golf buggy, so why charge it? It is

almost certain that this animal was simply panicking, not sure where to go, and looking for the best way to escape. I don’t doubt that it ran towards the buggy but it was not on a charge. Last year, whilst walking in the campo, I surprised a sleeping wild boar in daylight, (a very rare event). It was only a few meters away, and its response was to run directly away from me at high speed. I don’t think the occupants of the buggy need have been so frightened. Geoff Hall

Nameless needs you I HAVE been playing the drums all of my life and have been in many bands and groups from the late 60`s, I moved to Spain taking early retirement 3 years ago but have been missing those round things I used the beat the hell out of. First I tried to join a band by advertising my drumming skills in the papers but to no avail. Then I had an idea - what if I advertised for musicians and started my own band up? It worked and I had the luxury of being picky about my choice as there was more than I anticipated - needless to say I have the best! We cover music from the 60s to the 80s from artists like The Hollies, Free, Bad Company,

Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bad Finger, Eric Clapton and Elvis. At our regular practise day at Casa Ventura the manager Kevin asked us the name of the band so he could put it in the diary each week: “We haven’t got one,” I said, and Eric shouted out, “Just put ‘Nameless’ in!” That’s it, we all said, ‘Nameless!’ The line up so far: Eric – Lead Guitar; John - Base Guitar; Keith- Rhythm Guitar; Ray – Drums/Backing Vocals. Nameless are now looking for a good vocalist to front the band, so if you can sing rock and pop music and have a good sense of humour, give Ray a call on 966 712 987, Quesada and surrounding areas.

Joining the boycott YOU ARE right David - customers expect a degree of security when shopping at a store! They would have enough to say if you had walked out without paying for their goods. I for one will be joining your boycott. Up yours, Lidl!

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Tear gas stops slaughter of a bull in Tordesillas

The annual ritual in Tordesillas: particularly abhorrent to animal rights groups

by Jan Gamm A WOMAN animal rights activist launched tear gas into the crowd attending the Toro de la Vega celebrations this week in the town of Tordesillas, 28km southwest of Valladolid during a traditional ‘bull run’ that takes place in the second week of September each year. The annual bestial ritual of ‘spearing’ a bull carefully selected for its weight (which must be more than 500kilos and of a specific age and quality) is particularly abhorrent, especially amongst animal rights groups. TORTURE The ugly ritual involves men armed with

spears torturing the animal until it eventually collapses before it is killed and its testicles cut off for the entertainment of crowds of spectators. The man who deals the fatal blow traditionally receives the gift of an iron spear. ARRESTED One of those affected by the tear gas was a local Guardia Civil officer, attending the ritual to prevent interference by activists. The woman that released the gas was arrested and handcuffed at the scene before being transferred to the Guardia Civil barracks. Investigations are under way to determine whether the woman acted alone or with support from fellow activists.

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Benidorm Pride 2011 charity wristbands by Patricia Thompson ‘PLEDGEBANDS’ WENT on sale this week online and also in selected Benidorm bars and businesses. This is a unique charity wristband scheme courtesy of the Pride Committee and the Benidorm Gay Businesses Association, available to revellers with a 10€ pledge wristband voucher, exchangeable a few days ahead of Pride for wristbands that grant visitors access to the main stage, located on Mal Pas beach, as well as all satellite stages and participating bars and clubs. A PledgeBand¬ spares the holder a €2 entry charge to access the main beach and satellite stage areas, or when visiting any of the participating bars or businesses, where they would be asked to make a €1 donation on each occasion – saving cash and at the same time benefiting three charities: ALGBT, (The Association for Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals); the HIV/AIDS charity Amigos, and ‘26th December’, an organisation providing assisted accommodation services for the elderly gay community. €1 from alcoholic beverages (at the usual prices) sold on the beach during Pride will go towards the nominated charities, with soft drinks yielding a 50c donation. The PledgeBand scheme has the potential of being adopted by Pride events in other parts of the world: purchase yours here: www.benidormpride2011.com The charities will also benefit through Ho-

tels.tv (http://www.hotels.tv) as preferred providers of accommodation for Pride in Benidorm – special rates were negotiated with over 100 hotels and apartment owners; a large percentage of the booking fees earmarked for charity. It is essential that accommodation for the event is booked via Hotels.tv, the only hotel provider supporting Pride financially - contact them right away to discuss your requirements. There is also an additional direct link to Hotels.tv on the official Benidorm Pride website www.benidormpride2011.com. Visitors may call 0870 922 190 (9am – 9pm GMT) where advice is available on accommodation, flights, transfers and car hire. THE ROUTE FOR PRIDE’S ‘COME AS YOU DARE’ PARADE Setting off from the Bullring at 6pm 21st October, the parade will pass through the Old Town via Parque De L’Aiguera and The Town Hall, along The Walking Street and to the Harbour Area, onto the Main Stage Beach, before Pride swings into action with the main event on the Playa Mal Pais, featuring acts from all over Europe. There will be satellite stages in other nearby parts of the gay village - late-night licenses being granted to bars for the event. Benidorm Pride 2011 will be a brilliant 24/7 community celebration likely to put the city on the map as a premier Pride destination for years to come.

Diamond wedding in La Marina

Three generations with Alan & Mavis at the back, Susanne & Roger next and Sasha & Shane in front

ALAN AND Mavis Rouse of La Marina celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 6th September with a party that continued until the small hours, organised by their daughter Susanne and her partner Roger. Alan was an active member of the Harmonisers until recently, while Mavis is an artist with recent exhibitions at Rojales Caves and Casa Pedrera. Granddaughter Sasha - a chef – accompanied by her partner Shane, came over from the UK to produce a delicious gourmet Indian meal for the guests.

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San Miguel Fiestas start this weekend by Louise Clarke

THE ANNUAL fiestas in San Miguel de Salinas start in earnest today (Friday) with the traditional neighbours’ supper, a great opportunity to have a get together with those who live in your neighbourhood and have a drink or three! Tomorrow (Saturday 17th) at 21:30, the coronation of the new infant and senior queens takes place in the main town square by the church. For the first time in San Miguel history, the Juvenil Queen, Lorna Bartlett and her Damas all come from either Great Britain or Ireland, so it will be a great evening for positive integration between Spanish and British expat residents. On Sunday, the first ever Mountain Bike race takes place at 9.30am and at 5.30pm the Crazy Car Race makes its way along the town’s main road - it can get a bit hairy, especially as the

cars descend (without control!) down the hill towards the Town Hall, so please make sure that you stay well back! PAELLA Moving onto next weekend, on Saturday 24th September at 10am the first ever San Miguel Fun Run makes its way through the town and its urbanisations. At 7pm, the annual carnival starts and with hundreds of San Miguel residents turning up in amazing fancy dress, it promises to be a great night! The fiestas conclude during the weekend of 1st and 2nd October with the second Tapas Route taking place during Saturday 1st and the traditional giant paella and children’s funfair taking place at the Recinta Ferial at the top of the town. A full programme of fiesta events can be collected, free of charge, from the town’s Tourist Information Centre.

The Juvenil Queen, Lorna Bartlett (right) and her Damas, Leona (centre) and Hannah (left)

AECC promotes Orihuela discusses action in the event of heavy rain awareness

THE AECC of Torrevieja is offering free breast scans, smear tests and prostate tests during the month of September to help raise awareness of the charity and to encourage as many as possible to check their health. The tests are free. However, any donations made for the service will be greatly appreciated. For further information please contact the AECC office located at Calle La Calera 2, Torrevieja, by calling 96 571 6679 (English-speaking on Wednesday morning only) or via email at info@aecctorrevieja.org.

Emergency services reps and local councillors were at the meeting

By Julie Day A MEETING was held on Tuesday this week to discuss the plan of action and procedures to follow in case of heavy rain and extreme downpours in the Orihuela municipality. Heading the session, which took place at the Centre of Operative Coordination of Municipal Emergencies (Cecopal), was mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, accompanied by the councillor for Security and Emergencies and other council members including Robert Houliston and Rosa Martínez. Representatives from emergency bodies such as Cruz Roja, Local Police, Protección Civil and the Fire Brigade were also present. During the meeting, which takes place on a yearly basis, the role of each emergency body in such cases was discussed. The municipal of Orihuela is particularly susceptible to problems such as the build up of huge amounts of water during periods of bad weather, especially in the autumn season, due to the high quantity of gullies, ravines and watercourses that cross the region.

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Levante & Lebeche new store opening in Villamartin, Orihuela Costa by Patricia Thompson LEVANTE & LEBECHE are delighted to announce the opening of their new store at Villamartin this coming Monday, 19th September. The Performance Golf Wear brand that launched in La Manga Club this spring has had a fantastic year which saw the brand worn on the LPGA Tour; Ladies European Tour; the Challenge Tour and will soon be seen on one of the European Tours up and coming stars. The new store at Villamartin is ideally situated opposite the Plaza towards the golf club. The new store will stock the full Levante & Lebeche performance golf wear collections for men and women, plus a range of exclusive brands for golf and fitness.

The complimentary brands include some very unique products such as True Linkswear Shoes from the USA; Bushnell range finders; Bolle performance eyewear; and Casall of Sweden active wear for yoga, Pilates and fitness. “We are really excited to be opening the new store in Villamartin, as we believe that our own range and the complimentary brands will be attractive to both residents and visitors to the area, whether for golf or general fitness,” said Sonia Hosie. The new Levante & Lebeche store will be open from 10am on Monday 19th September at Villamartin. There will be a number of fantastic opening day offers and a prize draw to win men’s and ladies’ polo shirts from the latest collections.

Letter found with instructions to find buried treasure A FLAMENCO group performing at a wedding in the church of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Lepe, Huelva, has discovered a letter beneath a tile, handwritten and dated 1936 (the date of the onset of the Spanish Civil War), announcing that the church housed “buried treasure”, hidden from Republican forces. “The Reds are chasing me. If I die I expect to fall in good hands,” it says on the sheet, “I’ve hidden my best treasure with five tiles left.” The Mayor of Lepe, Manuel Andrés González (PP) has confirmed the discovery in a statement, although recognises that the issue is a church matter requiring clarification as to its authenticity with the permission of local priest Fr Feliciano Fernandez. Gonzalez has stated that the City will “remain on the sidelines” and leave any decision on whether to raise the floor of the church in response to instructions in the letter in the hands of the Diocese of Huelva.

Camps requests hearing at the Supreme Court

Camp’s damage limitation exercise

by Jan Gamm EX-PRESIDENT of the Valencian Generalitat Francisco Camps has requested that his case, in which he faces charges of ‘passive corruption’ in connection with allegations linked to the Gürtel scandal, be heard at the Supreme Court. The case in its early stages is at present in the hands of the Valencia high Court of Justice. Camps’ formal request is being viewed as a damage limitation exercise and a ploy to postpone the hearing of the case until after the General Election.

The Search is on…

who will the slipper fit? by Patricia Thompson BIG FISH Entertainment is auditioning talented youngsters in the search for Cinderella! Following the huge success of the professional production Blood Brothers and more recently, Shirley Valentine, Big Fish Entertainment, sponsored by RTN, is now preparing to wow family audiences across the Costa Blanca with a spectacular Christmas performance of Cinderella. The search is on for a young adult performer to take the lead role of Cinderella with a supporting cast from the existing team, giving the successful ‘auditionee’ the chance to work in an exciting and professional environment. She should have previous stage experience and strong vocal skills. To arrange an audition and obtain further information, interested Cinderellas should call 662 515 628 or email info@bigfishentertainment.biz In addition, children from all over the Costa Blanca are invited to audition for the chorus and casting will take place this Sunday, 18th September at L’Ancora studios Javea Arenal.

Big Fish are searching for 16 -20 talented all round performers between the ages of 4 -18 and the auditions will take place at the following times: - 2pm: 4 -8 yr olds - 2.30pm: 8- 12 yr olds - 3pm: 12 yrs and above For more information call 662 515 628 or visit: www.bigfishentertainment.biz or like the Big Fish Entertainment Facebook page for regular updates. Big Fish Entertainment is delighted that RTN are sponsoring Cinderella and for your chance to win tickets to see the show, keep reading all about us exclusively in the RTN.

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Camps requests hearing at the Supreme Court

Camp’s damage limitation exercise

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Junk your old analogues; Digit Al is here! HERE IN the West Midlands we’re quietly waiting for the winds of technological change. You see, dear reader, ours is the last region in the whole of the UK with analogue TV signals. But finally, it’s time now for Brummies to decide. We have to make a big choice; shall us junk our old TV sets for new or buy a digital tuner? Yes, from Dudley to Digbeth it’s time for us to go digital. The build up to this event has been growing in intensity for ages now and the face of the big ‘digital switch-on’ is that ubiquitous and irksome little robot, Digit Al. He is everywhere: on the telly, on the radio, in the cinema, on advertising hoardings, bus shelters and telephone boxes. And, quite frankly, we’re all a bit fed up with him now. Many readily took his advice and re-tuned their tellies on 7th September but now he’s telling us to do it again - next week on 21st September. What’s going on? With all this modern technology at our fingertips how come we are re-tuning twice? The little old lady up the road is in a complete spin. She just can’t understand any of it. “I just want me Corrie Street,” she cries. Doris says that “back in her day” we just “put the set on and let it warm up a bit.” And then, I guess, choose from one of the two available channels. I remember the bit about warming the ‘set’ up. When we came in from school our mum would turn the telly on and as we changed ‘into civvies’ it’d warm up. I guess it took about five long minutes before we got an actual picture. That was, of course, if it was after 4.30pm - because until that time there was bugger-all being broadcast anyway. Well, apart from the test card and maybe fifteen minutes worth of ‘Watch with Mother’ just after lunch. Oh yeah, life was easier in the good ole black and white 425 line days. The burden of choice was not a problem either – it was BBC or ITV. End of! And operating the receiving equipment was easier too. There was no complicated remote controller that needs someone under the age of twelve to show you how to use it. You simply strode across your living room and moved a turret control one space to the left or right. Anyroad, getting back to Doris and Digit Al, she’s decided to keep her old set and get “something to plug into it.” Here are some of the ‘simple’ instructions she will receive with her Freeview box: “Select the full re-tune option - this is sometimes called ‘first time installation’, ‘factory reset’, ‘default settings’ or ‘shipping conditions’. Do not select

‘channel update’ or ‘add channels’ and if you see picture icons, select the tool box, satellite dish or spanner.” Are you still with us, Doris? How about this instruction? “Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if you want to delete all your channels: don’t worry this is normal.” Delete your channels but don’t worry? Can you imagine how that would fill Doris with confidence? Digit Al says: “People aged 75 and over... are entitled to practical help from the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme.” There you are Doris, no need to worry about how to set it all up. Digit Al says: “For £40, they will be given equipment to switch one TV per household to digital. They will be able to have that equipment installed if they want it, a demonstration of how it works and a number to call while they get used to things.” Back in my day digital tuning meant your Dad, perched up in the loft or on the roof, dexterously moving the aerial back and forth while relayed instructions from the TV screen were shouted from a line of people that stretched from the front room, through the hallway to midway up the stairs. “That’s it dad, dad – hold it there...” He would start to clamber back down only to hear the cry, “Oh no, it’s gone again...!” Andy Hamilton made me laugh on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz last week. He was thinking about digital tuning etc and was convinced that all “the looting in Tooting a few weeks back would never have happened back in analogue times.” As he said its one thing “walking away with an LCD flat screen under your arm but you try it with an old twenty-eight inch; the looters would have gotten hernias trying to lift them!” He’s right; the bloody things had three foot of cathode tube sticking out of the back. Me, I’ve decided to stick with radio instead – the pictures are better anyway! Watts in Britain, so you don’t have to be…

Restored treasures to find a home at the Gran Teatro, Elche

ELCHE COUNCILLOR for Culture Pablo Ruz has announced that the City Council is in the process of restoring furniture and wall décor from different periods that were treasured for years by collector Antonio Pascual in his home at Ferrández Hort del Gat. On his death the items became the property of the City Council and were stored for more than 20 years in a warehouse, rediscovered recently. The items, that include 18th Century gilded mirrors, desks, chairs and tables, are to be used to adorn the lobby of the Gran Teatro and some are in a deplorable condition. The restoration costs will be negligible as the work will be undertaken by municipal technicians.

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Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

Unblocking the flow

In the course of my teaching, I

A weekly ‘cut out and often come across students with keep’ feature helping you a similar problem. To put it in a to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs nutshell, the problem is that they

are doing everything right as far as studying the Spanish language is concerned, but they still find they are unable to communicate or understand the language in real situations. This problem is one of the hardest ones for a Spanish teacher to address because of the fact that all the usual resources have been tried – practising basic expressions, learning vocabulary, learning grammar, focusing on pronunciation and speech patterns and all the other traditional things that go on in a language classroom. I think this problem lies in a number of different areas which have to be addressed outside the classroom environment. Firstly, and most importantly, is the fact that whilst you can learn Spanish as a subject, just as you can learn Maths or History as subjects, the use of it as a language in real situations is really quite a different thing. Communication requires other skills and aspects of our personality, including the desire to communicate, a sense of self-confidence, comfort in a social situation. Also, to assimilate a language, rather than just learn the theory of it, there needs to be an element of enjoyment, relaxation and curiosity, in other words, what people nowadays call the “feel-good” factor. Another aspect of the problem is that most of us, and this is increasingly true as we get older, expect too much of ourselves. A child picks up a language by guessing most of the time, listening to tone of voice and observing body-language to draw their own conclusions (No, I can’t have that toy! Throw the ball over here! ) Children don’t have any complexes about feeling foolish or not understanding much of what they hear around them. All the language they learn is picked up unconsciously and put into practice by trial and error - with plenty of error. Having taught Spanish to adults

for about 10 years, I can definitely say that, apart from the obvious difficulties of understanding the mechanics of the language itself, the two biggest problems are lack of self-confidence and expectations that are too high, both of which can create a feeling of defeat and failure. Added to this is the fact that our contact with the language is often in bureaucratic or other very specific situations which create anxiety in themselves for a variety of reasons. So, having analysed the problem - what on earth is the solution? Here are some tips which I hope will be of use: 1. Don’t bore yourself by going over and over the same ground. Find different ways of discovering the language using TV, radio, internet and creating new social contexts. 2. Don’t expect to understand everything you hear. Realise that “guesswork” is a very important factor in communication even in our own language. 3. Find things that interest you to learn from and communicate about. If you like cooking, watch Spanish cooking programmes, if you like sport, watch Eurosport in Spanish, if you like politics, listen to debates on Youtube, if you like hill-walking or singing, join a Spanish hill walking club or choir. Don’t worry that you don’t understand a large percentage of what you hear. If you are enjoying the situation anyway, you will tune into the general idea, use guesswork and you will also learn things unconsciously. 4. Be prepared to feel foolish. This is a really tough one, but it is the inevitable consequence of “having a go” at the language in real situations. You will learn from the mistakes you make really efficiently! Unconscious learning is the other great tool which we fail to recognise as adults. If you relax and let the language in without panicking or feeling negative, you will pick up speech patterns, repeated expressions and get a general sense of meaning which will gradually filter through your conscious mind in a pain-free way!

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money

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PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCES: How can I find the right one for me? At ASSSA Health Insurance we are specialists in the field of healthcare, caring for the health of thousands of people. Our company, established in 1935, is fully legal and registered with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. We have a chain of customer service offices along the coast for the convenience of our clients and our service in unique, with friendly and multilingual staff to impart information on achievements and policies without obligation to purchase. Many of ASSSA’s customers come to the company through personal recommendation from existing clients. On joining ASSSA, a personal contact is allocated that speaks your language to deal directly with your personal issues for medical assistance and support. DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS ASSSA offers its customers an extensive directory of private clinics, GPs and specialists working from the finest private healthcare hospitals where if the patient’s language is not spoken a translation service is provided. And many English-speaking professionals are under contract with ASSSA. QUALITY INSURANCE Flexible health cover ranges from a top-up

insurance (starting from 41€ per month) to fully comprehensive cover (starting from only 83€ per month) to align with the global financial crisis and meet individual budgets. The following discounts are offered to new customers until 30th September 2011: • 10% to 30% discount for the entire policy for life on certain health insurance policies. • 50% reduction in premium for children on the parent’s policy if under 16 years of age. • Fractional payment of the annual premium, free of the normal surcharges. • DENTAL insurance at a 30% reduction on the annual premium. ASSSA’s Funeral Plan offers clients favourable premiums and a great level of flexibility. The plan does not have to be paid for in advance - instead, you pay a small annuity. For example, a 60-year-old will pay approximately 200€ per year and enjoy full cover from day 1. The policy gives peace of mind for your loved ones that all matters will be taken care of in a foreign country with just one telephone call (24 hour service) ASSSA UNIQUE GUARANTEES The age you are when signing the agreement always remains the basis for calculation of the annual premium, i.e. premiums do not increase simply because you grow older.

Likewise, it is impossible for ASSSA to give notice to terminate your policy - this guarantee of lifetime cover is available from day one of the policy. Many other insurance companies make these promises verbally but if they are not written into the contract there is no obligation for the company to deliver them. CHANGE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE NOW Has your private health insurance company drastically increased your premiums? Are you dissatisfied with the service provided by your current insurer? Call in and see us for a personal consultation and premium quotation without obligation, Monday to Friday: 9.30am - 1.30pm with later appointments or home visits available by arrangement. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICES - La Zenia/Orihuela Costa: Tel: 966 761 794: Katrin Sasse & Teresa Howard - Ciudad Quesada: Tel. 965 725 421: Ilka Thiede - Altea: Tel. 966 882 680: Magdalena Koczon - Moraira: Tel. 965 744 033: Kate Taylor - Denia: Tel. 965 786 969: Ana Maria Valerio. - Vera: Tel. 950 392 487: Louise Zarb - Mazarrón: Tel: 968 153 396: Diane Nolan

Katrin Sasse

Ilka Thiede

Teresa Howard

Magdalena Koczon

Kate Taylor

Ana Maria Valerio

Louise Zarb

Diane Nolan

money

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Has your pension fund fallen in value by 15% in August? Time to act now! by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns HAS YOUR pension fund fallen by 15% last month? August 2011 has been a month to forget for stockmarkets. Unless your pension fund was invested in Gold or Silver it will likely have taken a bath. “Ahh,” I hear some of you say, “…no problem, as my pension is safe and secure in a defined benefit scheme, increasing by inflation each year before it becomes payable in a few years’ time when I’m 65.” Not necessarily true anymore, unfortunately, because such schemes have changed their basis so that the future protection against inflation is now measured by taking the change in value of the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) instead of the Retail Prices Index (RPI). As the CPI goes up each year about 1.5% less than the RPI this is quite a serious attack on

future pension rights and has been reflected in recent transfer values by as much as 20 %. This change will also significantly reduce pension benefits provided in the future. ARE YOU TAKING STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF? If your pension fund is in a defined contribution scheme or a personal pension the chances are that you have no idea about how it is being invested. Stock markets have tumbled and in our view may well continue to do so - are you taking steps to protect your position? AND IT GETS WORSE Annuity rates have fallen further in the last few months. When Stephen joined the pensions industry in 1976 a pension fund of £100,000 would buy a 65-year-old man a pension of £15,000 a year. This was, in those days, a substantial income. 35 years later, that pension fund will now buy a pension of just £6,600 a year, and if you want any bells and whistles like inflation protection or a pension for a spouse who survives you, well you can halve this figure. The average UK pension fund by the way is just £30,000. SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR LONG TERM INTERESTS?

Well the first step is to evaluate properly exactly what you currently have. It may be a bit of a shock but no point in sticking your head in the sand. Then consider what can be done to protect and improve your current position. These are all things we can help you with - after all pensions advice is what we do and have done for hundreds of clients in Spain and elsewhere over the last few years. Transferring your UK pension fund to a QROPS may be one answer. You may be able to access a capital sum which can be invested under your control and not by some anonymous pension trustees or insurance company. If your fund is relatively small it may be better to access the capital now via a New Zealand QROPS rather than receive a paltry sum each month when you are 60 or 65. This opportunity is unlikely to be around indefinitely as a bill has been introduced in the NZ Parliament which will prevent such transfers in about one year’s time. So do not procrastinate, the time to act is now. For further information about QROPS, Pension Planning and long term investment opportunities please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.prempensions.com and http://www.qrops.es quoting reference RTN0911.

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L., September 2011. Please see our advert on Page 2. At the forefront of the industry with over forty years combined experience with pensions, regulated and authorised, liaising directly with providers and HMRC, Stephen and Robert are two of the leading authorities on QROPS. E: review@qrops.es T: 965 790 918 www.qrops.es www.prempensions.com or www.qropsnz.com

Patrimonial tax hits millionaires THE NEW ‘patrimonial tax’ to be tabled today (Friday) appears to target assets of over €1million, superceding the previous tax that applied to assets of more than 120,000€. Estimates suggest that around 90,000 tax payers will be affected by the new tax in an incentive to generate around €1.4billion. Minister for Development José Blanco said on Wednesday, “Nobody is being persecuted here: it’s about people with large fortunes contributing to the public Hacienda,” while the Socialist candidate Alfredo Pérez-Rubalcaba’s only regret was that the tax had not been implemented sooner, saying “…a year has been wasted…” (in carrying out the necessary reforms to introduce the new tax).

BRIC countries to meet to consider Euro bailout proposals

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

THE BRAZILIAN Finance Minister Guido Mantega confirmed on Tuesday that meetings will be held in Washington next week with counterparts from China, Russia and India, fondly known as the ‘BRIC’ countries, to assess possible aid to European countries affected by the Euro crisis and to “…see what we can do

to help the European Union (EU) out of this situation.” The meeting is to be held at the side of a separate meeting of the IMF (International Monetary Fund). China’s prime minister, Wen Jiabao, says his country is “Ready to extend a helping hand” with investments in the European Union.

legal

16 - 22 Sept 2011

How to prepare for a divorce in Spain by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

ACCORDING TO Spanish newspaper El Pais about 1.2 million marriages have been dissolved by divorce since the Divorce Law was passed in Spain. In 2010 the divorce rate in Spain increased slightly compared with 2009, but the fact is that overall since 2008 there has been a downward trend. Many believe that the main reason for the decrease in the number of divorces is the economic crisis affecting most families that generally have a lower income and therefore a greater economic dependence amongst family members. It is also more difficult to sell a property, etc. This means that sometimes, at least temporarily, couples are forced to stay together because financially they have no other choice, since they cannot afford to start a divorce or leave the family home and rent an alternative property, etc. Traditionally in Spain there is an increase in divorce applications right after the summer months and after other holiday periods. This is shown directly in the number of enquiries that we receive at our office and has prompted us to write this week’s article, to advise our readers on some basic information should you be in a situation of marital crisis. Your first action should be to seek legal advice in reference to your rights, the legal procedures, your economic expectations

and the legal consequences, even before informing your spouse or making any definite decision. It is obviously highly desirable from a legal point of view for the spouses to reach an agreement that will allow them to get divorced by consent. This will allow greater security in the results of the divorce and will mean significant savings in time, nerves and costs. But please note that before trying to reach an agreement, starting a contentious divorce proceeding, or even discussing the possibilities with your spouse you yourself should first be prepared from a legal point of view. This preparation can be very simple or extremely complex, depending on each case and the spouses’ personal circumstances, the marital estate, whether there are children, etc. We will assist you to make decisions in regards to: 1) Determining which is the applicable law for the divorce and the selection of the most appropriate Court. If there is a possibility of choosing between more than one Court we will first check what the differences are and then assist you to choose the one most helpful for your case. 2) Obtaining the relevant information and documents in relation to the marriage and children from the marriage, and determining the various rights of the parties to the properties and other marital assets. The contributions made by each of the spouses to the marriage will need to be taken into account and all these details could be relevant and / or necessary to start a proceeding. In particular it will be necessary to obtain the original Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificates of the children, and it will also be of great importance to obtain documentation to prove the existence and value of the investments of the spouses, the property rights, shares,

pensions, other assets, etc. 3) Determining which assets, properties, shares, pensions, etc may potentially be a cause for dispute between the spouses, and finding the way to protect your assets from any future claims. 4) Protecting your interests and assets from your spouse: we will also advise on how to prevent any money from being withdraw from common bank accounts, and how to stop the hiding of certain documentation, etc. 5) Preventing your spouse from relocating, hiding or reducing his/her assets or investments before the divorce proceeding, as this could certainly damage or reduce the potential outcome of the divorce. So you can see that with good legal preparation for a future divorce there are more options to get your rights adequately protected, and a vastly increased likelihood of obtaining better results and recognition of your claims. Thus if you believe that either you or your spouse could be making this type of decision in the near future and that you could find yourself involved in a divorce situation we recommend you to consult a lawyer without delay to obtain swift advice about how to be properly prepared. Should any reader be in this situation, or similar, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will ensure that you will receive the most appropriate advice. 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/ and facebook (WhiteBaos-Abogados-Solicitors) 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

legal

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16 - 22 20114 2010 Feb 26 Sept - March

Property Buyers Beware – ‘Caveat Emptor’ WHAT ARE your rights in Spain when buying a property here which later on turns out to have hidden structural defects?

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

Anglo-saxon purchasers are often perplexed by the fact that the profession of building surveyor as we know it in Britain does not really exist here, although there are architects, and building and structural engineers. A case in the Spanish Supreme Court heard on 22nd July this year clarified the rights of buyers in this situation. That case concerned hidden problems caused by the use of high alumina cement in a building, but the principles of the case apply to anyone considering buying property Articles 1484 and 1485 of the Spanish Civil Code state that a seller is obliged to inform a buyer of hidden defects which render land, buildings, or other property, unfit for its purpose. This duty applies not only to land and buildings but to any other item. If a seller fails to inform a buyer of hidden defects, which the buyer later discovers, the buyer can either choose to set the contract aside and recover the expenses which he has incurred, or continue to go ahead with the contract and claim a reduction in the price from the seller. The seller is not under any duty to inform a buyer of any defect which is either apparent or which could have been discovered either by a normal inspection by

the buyer, or which they should have been aware of from their own specialist knowledge. It is also possible to specifically agree that a buyer will purchase property ‘as they find it’ and take responsibility for any defect whether apparent or hidden. This is particularly important if you are considering buying repossessed property from a bank after the original owner has defaulted on the mortgage. Contracts for the purchase of property being sold in this way usually state that the buyer takes the property ‘as it is’, and that the selling bank will not be responsible in any way for its condition. It is also possible to invoke the principle that the seller and buyer should deal with each other in good faith. When they do not deal in good faith and they enter into a contract, the contract is invalid if there was undue influence, threats, or intimidation, or if there was a fundamental mistake about the subject matter of the contract. To take an extreme example of a mistake, if the seller sells a shop but the buyer genuinely believes he is buying a house, the contract can be set aside. If the mistake only relates to the price to be paid then the only issue is to adjust the price. When buying property you should always have it inspected by an architect, building, or structural engineer. Do not be pressured into signing a contract – remember it is a buyer’s market.

This advice applies not only to resale and repossessed property, but also new property. If there are defects it is important to establish that they will be corrected by the builder before you are committed to buy rather than try and claim under the builder’s guarantee after completion. There are qualified professionals in this field, including architects and building surveyors, we at Link Point can suggest firms that may be able to help and help you make sure that these issues are covered in the contract to buy your property.

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

Cash poor Americans equal Spain’s entire population ACCORDING TO the US Census Bureau, economic challenges facing Barack Obama’s administration include a poverty rate that has escalated to 46 million Americans – equivalent to the entire population of Spain! The poverty rate in America has climbed for the third consecutive year, hitting 15.1% in 2010, the largest number of people on the poverty line since records began in 1959. The data also revealed that children under 18 numbered the highest that are affected by the poverty rate – 22% compared with adults and the elderly. “The deterioration in the labour market caused incomes to drop, poverty to rise and people to lose their health insurance,” said Heidi Shierholz of the Economic Policy Institute think tank.

Waiting for Imserso by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

AS YOU know if you regularly read this column, I’m usually engaged in giving advice about tax and legal matters. It might have seemed a tall order at first. An article every week – what could there possibly be to write about? Plenty! I don’t think there has been a week when we’ve really struggled to find subject matter. There have been so many changes, so many difficulties and so much to draw people’s attention.

This week, it’s not because we’re short of subject matter that we’re diverting attention away from tax, inheritance and the complexities of Spanish law. It’s to stem a rising panic. Soon you’ll be hearing it in every bar, restaurant and on every street corner, ‘Have you got your Imserso letter yet?’ Imserso, in case you don’t know, is the name given to the holidays for resident pensioners in Spain subsidised by the Spanish government. It’s a brilliant scheme that has given millions of pensioners the opportunity over the last 25 years to experience cheap holidays during low season in Spanish resorts; it’s also kept lots of hotels open and people in work. Usually we don’t have to write about it. People who are eligible are pretty keen to find out the details

without any prompts (not like tax you understand!) However, there is a bit of a looming crisis that could leave Ábaco phone lines jammed and the pension population on guard by their post boxes. The confirmation letters that usually arrive around this time every September have not yet arrived. In fact, it’s not that they haven’t arrived that’s the problem - it’s that they haven’t been sent. There are many conspiracy theories as to why this might be the case. We’re not speculating too much yet. However, we do desperately need to spread the message that the reason you haven’t received your letter isn’t because you’re British and sent to Coventry after the riots or because your neighbour’s dog has frightened the post person away. You are amongst the millions of Spanish with perfectly functioning post boxes who are anxiously waiting for theirs too. As soon as we hear that the letters are out we will be letting all those people who have registered with us know by email. We’re even planning to have a ‘help desk’ available for those baffled by booking procedure - when the time comes. So, don’t worry, don’t put your life on hold, be patient and don’t panic…yet…

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

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

FLATPAXABIA - We go to IKEA so you don’t have to! FLATPAXABIA, THE original personal and professional shopping, delivery and assembly service for all your IKEA needs is a local family-run business - serving the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida since 2007. In January 2007, Bob and Rosanne watched Rosanne’s sister Kate furnish her apartment. Kate had chosen IKEA, which entailed driving to Murcia, parking, shopping, loading, driving back, unloading and assembling. The cry from Kate – “Never again!” gave Bob and Rosanne the idea for Flatpaxabia.

“Over the past four years we have seen competition come and go. We heard that one said: “We don’t know how they can do it for those prices,” said Rosanne. However, they do and have been doing so for a long time, with literally thousands of satisfied clients – borne out by genuine testimonials on their website. Their aim is to make your life easier, and here are some points showing how they passionately strive to achieve this: They are a registered company, legal and insured - a family business offering a personal and professional service, with workmanship guaranteed. Clear quotations for shopping and realistic estimates are provided for assembly, based on their four years’ experience. They stay in constant communication with their clients, establish timings in advance and keep to delivery times - exactly as arranged. Flatpaxabia’s returns / replacement policy is second to none. If there is anything wrong with a product, or even if you simply don’t like it, they will get it changed. They keep their overheads low and prices

as low as possible to maintain a very high standard of service. September 2011 sees the opening of Flatpaxabia’s beautiful new showroom in Benitachell shared with Lotus Home Styling and Vista Awnings & Blinds, where you can visit for inspiration and ideas, sit on an IKEA sofa or just pop in for a catalogue and a coffee! Call in at Carretera de Moraira 16, (2nd parade of shops on the right as you turn from Benitachell to Moraira). At the company’s a base on the Javea Arenal, you can place your IKEA order, pick up a catalogue and collect your ‘small items order’ at a discounted service charge. This is at NetWorking on the Avenida del Pla No 124, between Bar Vicent and Bilbo’s. Flatpaxabia…they go to IKEA so you don’t have to! They shop - they deliver they assemble! FLATPAXABIA… look out for the big FX Call on 902 881 121 or 96 579 4090, email at info@flatpaxania.com or order via www.flatpaxabia.com

Joe, Rosie and Bob formed FLATPAXABIA in 2007

Joe, Rosie Bob and FLATPAXABIA going strong in 2011

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Some September questions by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

SEEM TO have had constant problems with accessing the internet this month. Not sure whether atmospherics, everyone back on holidays or what. But it’s frustrating not being able to send in our weekly copy to RTN or answer questions received via our website. So in the short term some general questions are being answered in this column. Just had to break off writing to make an urgent phone call and discovered a benefit of internet access being almost impossible. Friends who are normally working most of most days on the computer have unexpectedly found time for gardening! Internet free weekends as part of the government’s emergency cost savings might lead to more colourful and productive terraces on apartment blocks! Can vegetables and comfrey be grown on shaded apartment terraces? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Indeed the shade will be to the advantage in the hotter months. If one had five comfrey plants growing in pots the leaves could be dried and mixed into the compost or put into water bin a small bucket for a couple of weeks and then used as a liquid fertilizer. If the plants stop producing a good head of leaves because of tired soil, you would need to re-pot the plants in a soil-based compost. By the way there are many photographs in our book ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’

showing various ways of growing vegetables in containers, even in window boxes fixed to the door opening out onto the terrace. When can I replant the containers on my apartment terrace as the geraniums are finished? I am afraid to at present as it is still hot. Just this morning I walked under some amazing displays of geraniums in window boxes. I suspect that the visible awnings would be down for the hottest hours of the day, the plants regularly deadheaded and dead leaves removed, sprayed each week against the geranium moth and fed with a dilute liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. So firstly see if you can persuade the geraniums to re-flower for the autumn. Secondly, find a sheltered shady place for the cyclamens that you have already purchased. Can one buy small plantlets as inexpensive plugs in Spain, as one did in the UK? Unfortunately rarely… But this year we noted that Leroy Merlin had some. Only thing is to keep one’s eyes open. In fact we have purchased some stevia plants as plugs from www.dolcarevolucio.cat for the Parcent Autumn Fair. Where can one obtain comfrey plants on the Costa Blanca? Come early to the Parcent Autumn Fair on 25/26th September and we should have some cuttings left on the Gardeners Corner stand. How can one get water down to the roots of newly planted trees and shrubs? We lost many of the plants in our new garden as the drip irrigation system did not soak far into the soil during the hot weather. Firstly improve the soil around where you plan to plant to ensure that roots will be able to grow sideways and downwards rather

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

than hot a solid dried out clay wall or floor within centimetres of the planting hole. Secondly sink one of the following around the plant or tree and water into them until they fill up. One or two lengths of five to ten centimetre plastic water tubing. One and a half litre or five litre water bottles with the bottom cut off and with the bottom uppermost to create a funnel. Deep plant pots. Also mix some TerraCottem into the bottom of your planting holes to hold a deep reservoir of moisture between watering. Hope those answers help a few readers. Clodagh and Dick’s books are now five as now have a copy of the front page of the latest ‘Living Well from Our Garden in Spain’. All are comprehensive and practical, designed for beginners as well as already experienced gardeners wanting to come to grips with the challenges of gardening in Spain fast. They are available from bookshops and internet shops. Latest release ‘Living Well from Our Garden in Spain’ is available by post including postage and packaging for 5€ by sending your address and payment to Clodagh Brown, PO BOX 572, Javea 03730, Alicante.

A comfrey plant

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Don’t just clean your pool, swim in it ...with clean solar energy! FOR MOST people, the swimming season does not extend beyond June, July and August, but would you like to extend your swimming season to seven months of the year instead of just three? We all know about electric pool heaters, but with their high running costs and poor environmental credentials, what about solar pool heating as an alternative? A solar pool heating system seems very high tech, but does it really work? Spain has the perfect climate for solar energy and pool heating is one of the most popular applications. A Solmate solar energy pool heating system is fully automatic, which means that you do not need to worry about the technical aspects. In addition, it is virtually maintenance free.

Solar panels can be ugly...how can I have a system that blends in with my property? A Southerly facing roof of a property is an obvious place for the solar panels and Solmate panels are available in either black or terracotta. However, your house roof is not the only option for the panels. Solar panels are regularly used as the roof of a carport or pergola. In this way, not only is your pool being heated but at the same time the panels are providing shade. The panels can also be sited on a frame structure on the ground.

Terracotta Solar Pool heating, Denia

How much warmer will my solar heated pool be? The swimming season in a Solmate heated pool starts in early April and runs until late October. In the shoulder months of April, May,

Communal pool heating

September and October a solar heated pool will increase the pool water temperature by 5º to 6º. If a pool cover is used in conjunction with a solar pool heating system them the temperature difference can be as much as 8º to 9º. As well as extending your swimming season, a Solmate pool heating system will not break the bank. A Solmate system will cost less than a good quality heat pump. It is guaranteed for 10 years and has a life expectancy of in excess of 25 years. It really is the only way to heat your pool. There are many different types of solar pool heating systems available on the market and before you make your choice it is important to speak to an installation company’s previous clients and have a good look at their work.

Home & Garden

Solar in Spain only installs renewable energy products and with over 10 years experience in the sector has become the leading solar energy company on the Costa Blanca. For more information on solar pool heating or how a solar energy system can reduce your monthly household bills, please contact Solar in Spain on 902 636 570 or email info@solarinspain.com. www.solarinspain.com. Why not call in and see the new energy-efficient wood pellet stove on display in Solar in Spain´s showroom in Pedreguer. You can also meet the team at the new shop in La Finca Golf, Algorfa. They can also be found in RTN’s Services on page 53.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Solar is the way to go By Julie Day “SEVENTY FIVE per cent of new homes and buildings will be equipped with thermal solar panels by 2020,” according to a study carried out by the Institution for the Diversification and Saving of Energy, which “as well as helping the environment will potentially save 70% of electricity consumed in the heating of hot water.” These figures reveal that the total area dedicated to solar energy will multiply by 400% and in the near future using solar panels will be the norm. The province of Alicante will be one of the main markets for this type of renewable energy, following major

capitals such as Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona. In addition to making a considerable saving when it comes to paying the electricity bill, an important factor to consider while energy costs are constantly rising is that the cost of installation of solar panels is approximately 50% cheaper than it was a few years ago. The renewable energy sector is awaiting the implementation of the new Law of Auto-consumption, which will allow private homeowners to produce their own energy and obtain a direct saving on their energy bill by selling the energy that they do not consume to the electricity company.

Solar panels are installed at a home in Alicante

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Cannot get the sound to work

Computing with aunty virus

Accessing websites Asking for network password Paul via email asks: I AM trying to access some websites and for some reason I get the message telling me that I am running Internet Explorer 6, which they don’t recognise. I downloaded IE8 (which because I am on dial up took me 52 minutes) and at the end I got a message stating. “The procedure entry point SHRegGetValueW could not be located.” I am running Windows XP on dial up, any ideas? P.S. gonuts4free is still running on free dial up but the email is now being charged which is why I have changed to Gmail. Aunty Says: This error message is usually associated with missing or out-of-date Windows system files. Make sure you have SP3 (Service Pack 3) from the download section on www. microsoft.com and install any other updates that may appear thereafter. As you are on dialup Paul you may want to download the updates/ SP3 onto a machine which has an ADSL connection and burn them onto a DVD (or USB memory stick) and install them that way. Of course you could always try Firefox or Chrome instead.

Phil via email asks: HOW DO I get Microsoft Outlook to stop asking me for my network password? I am able to send and receive emails, however it continues to pop up asking for my email address and password. I have tried changing settings from ‘Tools’ ‘Email Accounts’ and it confirms that it was successful, but after a while the same message appears and it’s driving me mad! Aunty Says: Unfortunately Phil this is one of those horrible Microsoft problems that has been around for a while and has accumulated a lot of very complicated solutions. You are obviously fairly well versed with Outlook so maybe try creating another POP3 email account, with a different name but the same settings, as this seems to be the easiest and most effective solution.

Hotmail problems David Green (and a fair few others) ask: HOLA AUNTY, I wonder if you can help. Within the last week I have been having problems with Hotmail emails where the text of the email is appearing OK but any images are replaced with a plain white square with a red cross in it and I am unable to open these images. Aunty Says: There are a few things that can cause this problem and probably the most common is that one of the many security settings within your browser is blocking images. I am assuming you are all using IE, but if not the principles are very similar with other browsers. Open Internet Explorer and from the ‘tools’ menu click ‘Internet Options’. Click the ‘Advanced’ tab and then check that the ‘Show Pictures’ box is selected under Multimedia. Click OK and restart IE. I have also seen over-zealous security programs such as Norton and MacAfee cause this, so to test it by switching them off temporarily. Also check you have all the latest Windows updates form the download section of the www.microsoft.co.uk website and also the latest Java from www.oracle.com. If you are still having problems after this then maybe try another browser.

Tony via email asks: HI AUNTY, Hope you can help. I recently formatted my hard drive and reinstalled XP Pro and ever since my sound does not work. I have tried all the remedies I can from the internet but nothing works. I even bought a new sound card but still no sound. When I look in ‘control panel’ ‘sounds’ it states no audio device (even though it is installed) my audio device is not listed. In device manager there is listed ‘multi-media audio device’ but it has a yellow question mark next to it so there is a conflict but I don’t know how to resolve it. Aunty Says: This looks very much like a missing or incorrect driver Tony. Probably the easiest thing will be to use your new sound card and disable or remove the existing one. You will also need to download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and check you have the KB888111 Widows update from Microsoft.

Should i uninstall program? Shirley via email asks: DEAR AUNTY, I have noticed that something called ‘Rapport’ seems to be using up a lot of space on my computer when I look in task manager. I think this is a security program that I was advised to install by my UK bank a while ago. Do you think I need it as I very rarely do online banking, just occasionally check a balance. Is my AVG sufficient protection, and if so should I uninstall the whole Rapport program?

Aunty Says: Rapport is an additional security program that some banks are encouraging customers to use for their Internet banking. I have had far more bad reports than good, with some RTN readers having to have Windows completely reinstalled to fix problems, so yes you should remove it. If you are using XP then maybe consider one of the free firewall programs, such as ZoneAlarm or Comodo, which will work happily with AVG free. If you have Windows 7 or Vista then AVG plus the built in Windows firewall is fairly good, but replacing AVG with Microsoft’s Security Essentials will give you a better all round level of security.

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

16 - 22 Sept 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Steampunk Sensations THIS WEEK the Inspector is going all retro with a trio of steampunk-inspired gadgets. So what is steampunk? Sounding more like the name of a heavy metal band, steampunk actually refers to an era where steam power was widely used, usually Victorian Britain, and that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Various modern gadgets have been created to mimic this style, and yet still function as originally designed. Today we will take a look at three such gadgets. Firstly we have the €200 steampunk USB drive. We are all familiar with the dull and functional modern USB drive, they are everywhere. But this steampunk inspired casing hides an 8GB drive, which for further protection can be kept in the supplied faux vintage tin box. There is even a velvet cushion on the inside of the tin to make sure it stays extra safe. Mobile data storage has never been so interesting! Secondly there is the €50 steampunk webcam. Most modern laptops have a built in webcam, but for those with a desktop this stylish little webcam would be a worthy addition. Although at first glance this appears to be made of metal, it is in fact painted plastic – but still realistic looking. The webcam is simple to install, and can shoot video at 640 x 480 resolution, or 1.3 megapixel still shots.

Try to concentrate on whoever you are video calling, and not stare at this fascinating little device though. Lastly there is the €300 dubious sounding steampunk iRetrofone iPhone base. Finding a truly individual iPhone accessory these days is a tricky business in this mass produced world. The steampunk iRetrofone iPhone Base was designed to redress this balance. The gadget is completely hand-sculpted and made out of cold cast copper, with astonishing attention to detail. For those of you worried about mobile phone radiation, you’re in luck with this base – no more holding the iPhone to your ear. It can accommodate syncing and charge options through the USB cable supplied with your iPhone. The base is also compatible with all iPhones. Steampunktastic! The Inspector´s Verdict: With the modern trend of function before form, these steampunk inspired devices certainly make a stylish alternative. Whether they suit your taste is a different matter – they certainly have the Marmite factor (you either love them or hate them). And in most cases costing many times more than their contemporary counterparts will put potential customers off. But in the Inspector´s book it´s worth it!

health

16 - 22 Sept 2011 2010 8-14 JANUARY

“Absolutely wonderful nurses”

“MARION AND I do not know what we would have done without them,” said Bill De Havilland. Continuing the series of nursing articles we have been running recently about the home care team from Anneke Integral Services, RTN visited Marion and Bill De Havilland at their home in Orbeta. Bill and Marion have lived in Spain for five years and throughout this time Bill suffered with sporadic illnesses, including occasional bouts of epilepsy and summer gout. But nothing was to prepare Bill and his wife Marion for what happened to him a month ago when Bill experienced sudden and relentless pain all over his body; a serious attack of gout, and severe weakness and dehydration. Various visits to the local chemists and to the local Health Centre failed miserably. Bill’s condition was worsening, he was becoming increasingly ill and he and Marion were feeling very low alone and with no-one to turn to, wishing that they were back in England with a proper national health system to reply upon. Bill was then referred by his GP to nurses Paula Reed and Karen Sheldon of Anneke Integral Care Services, and Karen visited without delay. She medically assessed Bill; he was indeed most unwell, and Karen arranged for an ambulance to go to Denia Hospital. However, given that Bill’s condition was that he was extremely poorly, but (thankfully) not yet a life or death emergency situation, the ambulance service refused to take him. Karen hot-footed it to the Seguridad Doctors in Orba to get a Doctor’s letter so that Bill could get an ambulance. This achieved, Bill was transported by ambulance to the hospital, with Karen following and meeting up with them

again and acting as interpreter. Bill was treated at the hospital but assessed as not being ill enough to warrant being admitted full-time. A room was arranged at Benimeli residence so that Bill could be continually monitored there and also to give Marion a break and a chance to catch her breath. Because Marion herself, despite being no stranger to caring for the elderly having cared for her father for many years, was in need of some respite from caring for her husband for a while. After a week at Benimeli residence Bill returned home and Karen and her colleagues have been monitoring and nursing him every day since. “They have been absolutely wonderful nurses; Marion and I do not know what we would have done without them” Bill tells RTN. “Karen is an absolute bonus - she was a godsend and such a reassurance. She has a great sense of humour and is a really positive person. Although it is being a bit cheeky after only a month or so, and Karen may not agree (!) but I would like to think that the three of us have become good friends, because she certainly feels like an important part of our family.” Marion, continued, “I can’t put it any better than Bill has. Although we can sort of laugh about it now, the situation a month ago was very different. I was at a loss and I didn’t know what to do. Karen and the other nurses have made a big difference, and they have been a big comfort.” Karen concurs with Marion about the dire state that Bill was in back then. “Yes, Bill was seriously ill and immediate attention was needed. Whereas we aim to keep our patients in their homes whenever we can because this aids speedy recovery, given Bill’s condition back then, hospitalisation was the right thing. Normally we would have placed Bill in the

Karen taking Bill’s blood pressure

Anneke residence for him to have been superbly looked after there, but that distance was too much for Marion to visit, so we arranged for him to go to Benimeli instead. Now I am checking on Bill every day, and he is making sound progress.” Continual assessment of Bill’s needs and health is going to be required for a while yet. Every day Karen monitors and runs tests, and slowly his life is returning to normal. Being part of the Anneke Integral Nursing group means that the nurses have access to all kinds of specialist medical equipment; it is all immediately available, meaning no waiting. And at the drop of a hat should the nine-strong home nursing team ever need it they have the full back up of the many Nurses and Doctors at the Anneke residence. If you need nursing care for yourself or for one of your loved ones, you can contact the Anneke Integral Care Services HQ on 96 680 7844. This is a 24-hour telephone number. More information on the services can be read in English at www.annekeresidence.org and www.thuiszorgspanje.com

Alzheimer’s Awareness Day NEXT WEDNESDAY 21st September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. AFA Torrevieja has planned a number of activities to commemorate the day and encourages support from anyone who can help, not just those affected by Alzheimer’s. AFA Torrevieja has enlisted the support of a number of volunteers to man an information desk in the main plaza in Torrevieja in front of the Town Hall on Monday 19th September and Tuesday 20th September. Volunteers will be on hand to provide information about Alzheimer’s. Information will be available about the day centre and the new project ‘Buy a Brick’ which aims to raise as much money as possible to provide a much needed residential care home for Alzheimer sufferers. On Wednesday 21st September a tree planting ceremony will take place at 10am outside the Alzheimer’s day centre in Avenida de la Estacion, in Torrevieja. Representatives from the company Johnson Controls will provide support along with AFA committee members and family and friends of the Association. All are welcome to come along and lend a hand at this event, with refreshments available at around 11am. The day will continue with an exhibition from the new Gymnasium Fit4All and conclude with a special choir performance for the patients in the afternoon. Matilde Sanchez, the newly appointed President of AFA Torrevieja, said, “We encourage as many people as possible to come along and provide their support during our Alzheimer’s Awareness events. We rely heavily on the generosity of local people to be able to continue our work and are very grateful for the ongoing support we get. Please help us if you can: we accept most items in our shop and our volunteers will collect donations at all this week’s events.” For further information, contact Matilde Sanchez on 647 119 991, Judy Ferris on 610 082 593, or call at the shop in Calle Maestro Francisco Valejos.

charity

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Looking Good models hot stuff! MORE THAN 50 ladies and a sprinkling of gentlemen attended the Fabulous Fashion Show by Looking Good Boutique at La Herradura in Los Montesinos recently. Organiser Jane, compere Katie and six models produced a hot show. Special thanks go to Lorraine from Hair OTT in Los Balcones who talked to the ladies about

L - R: Mary, Maggie, Joan, Julie, Georgia and Landis

holistic therapy and also hair treatments. Also stepping in – literally at the eleventh hour –were Mary and Tracey from Pinks Hair and Beauty in Benijofar, giving advice on day and evening make up and performing a makeover on a lady picked from the audience. Restaurant owner Francisco Lidon gave two extra prizes on the day: dinner for two at La Herradura Restaurant and three special cookery lessons at La Herradura - won by Heather Meston - a home economics teacher back in England! Many thanks too to TKO radio, constantly advertising all our events and to be at our very special auction at The Marjal (N332 Guardamar) on Tuesday 8th November – viewing is from 6pm. The Friday raffle, with prizes from Looking Good Boutique, Fiona Harlowe at Vanilla, Body Harmony, OTT, Kalma Days, Nails by Landis and a special 1-21 Pilates Class with Sharon, brought a total raised to €525! PCN was also delighted to welcome Taffeta from Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, who has become the mascot of Looking Good Boutique.

COMING UP FOR PCN A pre-Christmas Fashion Show on Friday 28th October is again at La Herradura but this time with two boutiques joining this ‘Fantastic Fashion Show’: Louise from Looking Good and Catharine from Gigi’s plan a spectacular Winter Collection Show. Tickets can be reserved now by emailing sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk A very special auction with TKO’s Dennis Christian is on Tuesday 8th November at The Marjal in Guardamar. CHRISTMAS Saturday December 10th PCN returns to La Herradura for its Christmas Event, a Masqued Ball. PDQ will be providing the music so don’t expect to sit down for too long! Tickets from sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk are priced at €17.50 to include a three course meal. For more information on PCN visit www.paulcunninghamnurses.com

El Plantio Golf Society Pig race raises cash for AECC Fundraiser in aid of Papyrus ON SATURDAY, 3rd September, El Plantio Golf Society held a fun day in the garden of members John and Dorothy Shuttleworth. As guests started to arrive so did torrential rain and it was all hands to the pumps – however, a bit of rain never deters anyone and looking at the copious amount of wine and food consumed, it was generally a wonderful success. During the afternoon a 60s music quiz gave everyone something to think about, and later in the day a raffle was held. Combined with donations and ticket sales, the society raised 607€. Organisers of the event would like to thank the many people who donated prizes. Special thanks go to Noel Eastwell who donated a much needed golf lesson and El Plantio Golf Club that continually supports the fundraising events of the society. Papyrus (parents association for the prevention of young suicide) was founded in 1997 by parents whose sons or daughters had taken their own lives. Anyone wishing to become a member or would like to know more about the charity can visit the website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Courtyard owner Veronica and her daughter holding one of the runners ‘Babe’

THE COURTYARD Restaurant in the Fulton Centre, Los Balcones, Torrevieja, recently held two pig-racing events to raise money for AECC and also awareness of the need for early screening for cancer. The two evenings resulted in plenty of boisterous shouting, merriment and of course betting, resulting in a wonderful contribution of 823€ to AECC Torrevieja. Local AECC Torrevieja representatives who managed to stay up on the Tote, distributed souvenir wrist bands to the many punters and the AECC banners and balloons hopefully reminded everyone that the main purpose of the evening was support for the fight against cancer.

HELP Murcia Mar Menor HELP Murcia Mar Menor invite you to attend COFFEE MORNINGS on the following Thursdays between 10.30 and 1 p.m. 22nd September, 20th October and 17th November Coffee and biscuits will be free of charge. On sale at a very reasonable cost will be Christmas cards, calendars and diaries. The coffee mornings will be held outside the HELP Office in Los Alcazares, Calle Penelope No 11, Urbanization Oasis (behind the Deutsche Bank). Come and join us to see what we can do to help you.

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Blanket

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

It happened last night. I knew that it wasn’t far away but it came much faster, and far sooner then I had expected. It began with the rushing of a cool wind, and it was the rustle of the plants on my balcony that alerted me and woke me during the early hours of a Spanish September night. I knew just what I had to do, and knew that I couldn’t stop it coming anyway or anyhow, but I had to do something. I went to the cupboard on the landing and gingerly extracted just what I needed from the bottom shelf. Returning to my bed a gust of wind spun a hanging crystal around and it sent sparkles of refracted light all across the room. I spread the warm blanket over me, and curled up defensively from the coolest touch of what had come this night; an inevitably approaching Autumn. This year we waited for Summer to come and it was late. The Summer itself, when it did eventually come, was a hot one for sure; with unprecedented levels of a stifling humidity, and hot winds from the Sahara punctuating long hot sun filled days. I spent the last week of August waiting for a shower, maybe a storm or the coolness of a wind; but nothing happened. Hey Presto! September appeared on the calendar, and a soon as it did, changes are on the way, once more. I began to consider that I am rather in the Autumn of my life. The sunshine of the Summer is fading slightly and Winter though is somewhat far away but nearing. It’s a wonderful place to be and I am safe and secure in my life and most aspects of it. Naturally I put this down to my happy years with Spirit, health, and the ability to continue my work along my own specific spiritual pathway. Maybe I now walk where I used to run. and policemen are getting younger every day, it is true. I do enter rooms wondering why I went into them, and endlessly lose my reading glasses when I am actually wearing them. More hair grows in my ears than on my head and I am starting to talk pensions and surgical stockings. However being as this is still the Autumn I do like Lady Gaga,

Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday September 19th and Wednesday September 21st from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213 Thursday September 22nd: Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Alfaz Spiritual Foundation, at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz del Pi: 18.30. All very welcome to attend this service! Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for your favourite charity. Some dates available for September/October/ November.

my new netbook, and Primark; there are compensations. Nature governs both the passing of time and the highly psychic energy of the seasons. Nature itself can be highly destructive or it can be a salve to a wound of flora or fauna. It is charged highly with fertility and growth. When strong winds strip the Autumn plants it is to prepare them for Winter, just as we are alerted in temperature drops to the approaching coldest season. Animals are called to hibernate and we slide into the coolest time of the year, naturally and inevitably. From Winter we look out for signs of Spring and the rebirth of another year, ever hopeful of the energies of what is yet to come. The year runs always in a full circle and Nature is the governess of it all, and always will be. Spirit takes the very best care of us day by day and season by season. From the palest pink blossoms of the almond trees to the chill of the coldest night they are always with us and awaiting our instructions and our needs. Many do not realise that such loving care is not only available but closer than they think. Though our relationship with Spirit is private and confidential the concept of our protection is universal. We have only to ask for what we need and it should be ours if it is within our destiny; and our hopes, wishes and desires permit it. Belief allows for such a lot, and faith fans the flames that warm us when the chill of night comes knocking on the door. To make a connection you only have to start a dialogue with the Spirit World and tell them any wants, needs and aspirations. They will do the rest. Now especially as the sun is less vicious and the skies are still blue we embrace the Autumnal energies now just around the corner. As winds and rain will come they do so to empower the season with just what it needs to survive, to bring us the fruits of the fields to fill the storehouse of our lives; and too, for sure, the golden days when we need the warmth of a night time blanket to send us cosily dreaming into seasonal slumber once more.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com What is a Physical Sitting? What qualifications do you need to attend a Séance? Will I be scared? Penny. S.T. A Physical Sitting is when the Medium sits with others for direct contact with the Spirit World. Whether by trance or not, overshadowing evidence of physical contact will be felt in the progress of the sitting. You need no qualifications whatsoever, just an open mind, heart and soul, and a need to help others to make contact. A belief in the Spirit World helps! Fear does stop much of the process, and yet I have never had anyone walk out on me in all these years. Fear also would stop others from getting the right response. In fact nothing should scare you and you wouldn’t be alone, and in good hands.

contact kenny Appointments: 96 587 8424 Mobile: 686 361 594 Web: www.kennycorris.net Forum: www.kennycorris.net/forum Email: kennycorris@hotmail.com Please contact me for inclusion in my healing list!

The Direct of Pluto just before the weekend prepares you gently but positively, for action next week. With Mars connecting nicely with an exalted Leo, the time may just be right to take centre stage for a change. You certainly have not only the green light on plans, but the impetus to ensure that your part of the deal is done and dusted, and that others are attracted to your calm control. Jupiter is by your side bringing depth to your hopes, wishes and desires whatever they may be. With a healthy dose of good luck and adrenaline coursing through your veins it is finally time you told things the way that they really are. Now that you have the support that you need and have dealt positively with that stored anger, the way ahead is clearer and awaiting your further instructions. Delaying in making a decision does not bode well for your future emotional assurance. There was a time when you would have jumped at the chances you have now, but somehow you are managing to make a mountain out of a molehill, and that won’t help anyway anytime. Show your strengths and in so doing eliminate weakness, which will not allow you to now accept second best. Uranus complicates your need to make excuses right now. The choice should be yours and yours alone, and anything that violates your depth of conscious cannot be right for you. Someone isn’t playing by the rules and does not have your true interests at heart. Whilst you are at it clear away the debris of the past that seems to haunt you. Better times are really closer than you think, so hang on! Mars inspires you to put your best foot forward. You could have everything if you wanted but you enjoy the chase and are prepared to go it alone if you need to. Avoid any attention seeking behaviour by others and keep your temper even if others are losing theirs. Calm and patient energies reveal the inner you, where there is some work to be done if you are going to catch up. Recent actions with Mercury have led to you telling the truth to someone not ready to hear it! Do not blame yourself that others work in strange ways to achieve what they think that they need. Just know that these are not the actions of a true friend, and you have done nothing wrong except to uphold the truth of the matter, and to tell it your way with no holds barred. Venus, your trusty leader, the Goddess of Love, is connecting with you midweek; together with your twin planet, Taurus in an action with Jupiter that sees something of a result. Somehow though so much has lately gone wrong for you in terms of minor irritating things, there is clearance and fortune and good luck together with love and energy coming your way. The Cosmos salutes your undertaking. It can’t have been easy to see your way out of a tricky situation, but there is at long last, a light at the end of the tunnel as darkness turns to light. Use this power base to ensure that you get the clearance to take a chance on one last little problem, using your reasoning and intelligence to glean information all along the way, you deserve it. Play your cards right and things will be a lot different from hereon in terms of an emotional relationship. You are very quick thinking, hard on yourself and sometimes forget your own sincere needs when others are concerned. Time to move on to just where you should be, but do eliminate that you are running away in any shape or form, the next few weeks will prove much to you. Actions of Pluto have left you somewhat in the lurch, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and you have the guidance and direction now that you have long awaited. Living life as you do, in the fast lane sometimes you just have to slow down to check out that which you may just pass by. A twist to a tale told you this week inspires and consolidates all that you hold dear. Mighty Uranus is in cahoots with Aries. A time to plot and plan and organise before someone does all this for you and takes away half the fun. Without your forethought much does not happen, so turn your magic into a solution at work, and take the opportunity to slip away from something that beckons you on, but which you secretly dread. Your own great psychic powers will spur you on. Inspiring energies of Chiron see you opening a door to something new, something that with tender love and care could really work out for you. There is no need to re invent yourself, but someone has to start to play fair so that you can be true to your heart and soul and take on what you need to, whether they like it, or they like it not. Time will show that you are being shown the way because you must now take better control of it, and follow your destiny.

If it’s your birthday this week... A challenging Cosmos brings so many new things into your life that you may find it hard to cope. This is just the start of how things really can be if you tune into the energies of your soul and great destiny.

16 - 22 Sept 2011 09 - 15 Sept 2011

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

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 4. It’s a strain becoming a skilled craftsman (7) 8. Breaks out, but the rest somehow holds up (6) 9. Not in a position to exercise one’s craft? (7) 10. Concerning a spot a long way off (6) 11. Directs transport (6) 12. He favours dictation above all his subjects (8) 18. Clearly not as others are (8) 20. To people, one is a danger (6) 21. Fuss about the French in Spain (6) 22. When one can look forward to retirement (7) 23. We arrange the sale of an animal (6) 24. Part of the meal you leave, we hear (7)

DOWN 1. It’s beaten by those who are themselves beaten (7) 2. Tops two thousand in legal actions (7) 3. It acts strangely, causing interference perhaps (6) 5. Crafty contests (8) 6. The meteorologist’s line (6) 7. It keeps the sun away from the lawn ingeniously (6) 13. Having paid, he recovers (8) 14. Smouldering anger? (7) 15. Makes slow progress by street-car (7) 16. Withdraw a direction to surrender (6) 17. Naturally, it raises awkward points (6) 19. A mason knows how it spreads (6)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 4. Entrance (7) 8. Merited (6) 9. Insult (7) 10. Expense (6) 11. Riot (6) 12. Rectory (8) 18. Gap (8) 20. Entertain (6) 21. Caress (6) 22. Usual (7) 23. Hand gun (6) 24. Quill (7)

DOWN 1. Rotate (7) 2. Defend (7) 3. Mend (6) 5. Wealthy (8) 6. Mistakes (6) 7. Yearly (6) 13. Estrange (8) 14. Covetousness (7) 15. Aged (7) 16. Strict (6) 17. Obvious (6) 19. Alien (6)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 621 - David Collins, Moraira

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 9th September

5 21 28 31 34

No jackpot winners

Tuesday 13th September

9 28 30 32 49 9

One French ticket won 162,256,621€ jackpot prize

16 - 22 Sept 2011

Cannot get the sound to work

Computing with aunty virus

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

16 - 22 Sept 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

42 40

tv Friday

16 - 22 20114 2010 Feb 26 Sept - March

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Animals at Work 16:35 Scoop 17:00 The Horrible Histories Big Prom Party 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Outnumbered 22:30 Would I Lie to You? 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Come Fly with Me 24:05 Mrs Brown’s Boys 24:35 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:45 Masquerade

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Real Rescues 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 Live Athletics 22:00 Digging for Britain 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:05 The Secret World of Whitehall

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Live Rugby World Cup 12:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 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 Love Your Garden 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 DCI Banks 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Walton Sextuplets: Moving On 24:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights

07:00 Sali Mali 07:05 Treacle People 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:35 Frasier 10:05 Supernanny USA 11:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Three in a Bed USA 14:00 Science Scams 14:10 My Eden 14:20 Bigger than Life 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 20:30 4thought.tv 20:35 Rare Chicken Rescue 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 Comedy Showcase 24:05 End of Days

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Meals in Moments 16:25 Rag and Bone 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 The Bachelor 24:00 Big Brother 24:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:35 Rachel Allen: Home Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Athletics 15:30 British Olympic Dreams 16:00 Triathlon 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 Epic Win 19:10 Celebrity MasterChef 20:10 Doctor Who 21:00 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 21:50 Casualty 22:40 Live at the Apollo 23:10 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day 24:50 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:55 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 Hounded 09:35 Splatalot 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 11:25 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 Eliot Kid 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 North West Frontier 15:05 EastEnders 17:00 Escape to the Country 18:00 Strictly Ballroom 19:30 Flog It! 20:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 Culture Show Special 22:00 QI XL 22:45 The Other Boleyn Girl 24:35 Scoop

07:40 Live Rugby World Cup 10:00 Live Rugby World Cup 13:00 ITV News 13:10 Coronation Street 15:30 The X Factor 16:30 Dancing on Ice Live Tour 2011 17:30 Rugby World Cup Highlights 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 22:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:00 Duplicity 24:10 ITV News 24:25 Duplicity

07:15 Sali Mali 07:20 Treacle People 07:30 The Film Show 07:55 British GT Championship 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Hollyoaks Music Show 10:25 90210 11:20 The Crush 2011 11:55 Smallville 12:50 The Simpsons 13:25 Big Bang Theory 13:55 Big Bang Theory 14:20 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Three in a Bed 17:55 Come Dine with Me 18:55 Come Dine with Me 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:25 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 River Cottage 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:20 The Departed

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:15 The Gadget Show 12:15 Highland Emergency 12:50 Big Brother 13:45 Big Brother 14:15 Royal Navy: Submarine Mission 15:15 Sergeant Rutledge 17:20 Sands of the Kalahari 19:25 Bridge at Remagen 21:40 5 News Weekend 21:45 Live International Boxing 23:15 Big Brother 24:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Emmerdale

06:00 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 08:10 Match of the Day 09:30 Andrew Marr Show 10:30 The Great North Run 2011 14:35 The Politics Show 15:45 Escape to the Country 16:45 A Question of Sport 17:15 Planet Dinosaur 17:45 Lifeline 17:55 Songs of Praise: 50 Years Ago 18:30 BBC News; Regional News 19:00 Nature’s Miracle Babies 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Spooks 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 My Favourite Joke 23:55 Outnumbered 24:25 Phenomenon

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:55 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 Junior MasterChef 09:35 Wingin’ It 10:00 Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Great British Bake Off 13:30 MotoGP 15:00 Canoeing 16:10 Live Show Jumping 17:25 Rugby League 18:20 Great North Run 2011 19:00 Dragons’ Den 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby 22:00 World’s Most Dangerous Roads 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:20 Mock the Week 24:50 Gridlock’d

07:30 Live Rugby World Cup 10:10 Live Rugby World Cup 13:00 ITV News 13:05 You’ve Been Framed! 13:35 Survival: Tales from the Wild 14:35 The X Factor 15:35 Midsomer Murders 17:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights 18:35 Granada News 18:45 ITV News 19:00 Countrywise 20:00 Holding Out for a Hero 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 Downton Abbey 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Magicians

07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 UK School Games 2011 08:20 Ironman 70.3 Ireland 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:35 Battlefront 09:50 Hollyoaks 12:20 Ibiza Rocks 12:35 N-Dubz: Live at the O2 13:40 Big Bang Theory 14:15 The Three Musketeers 16:20 The Simpsons 16:50 The Simpsons 17:25 Deal or No Deal 18:25 Best of British 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Grand Designs 21:00 Back from the Dead 22:00 He’s Just Not That into You 24:25 Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 Noddy in Toyland 08:40 Hana’s Helpline 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 Chinese Food in Minutes 11:25 The Beat Goes On 12:20 Big Brother 13:20 The Bachelor 14:20 Emergency Bikers 15:20 Baby Geniuses 17:05 The Next Karate Kid 19:10 50 First Dates 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 Warship 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Prom Night 24:50 Soho Blues

07:00 Coronation Street

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 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: Morning Surgery 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:45 Take Me Out 21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry 24:20 The Jonathan Ross Show

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Make It or Break It 08:35 90210 09:20 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 22:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 23:00 Embarrassing Bodies 24:00 Comedy Lab 24:35 Little Box of Horrors

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 The Comancheros 13:40 3 Minute Wonder 13:45 Deal or No Deal 14:45 The Good Wife 15:45 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:15 Coach Trip 16:45 Location, Location, Location 17:50 Relocation, Relocation 18:55 A Place by the Sea 20:00 The World Sheep Dog Trials 22:00 Double Jeopardy 24:05 Heroes of Comedy

DCI Banks ITV1, 22.00

09:25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:00 The NeverEnding Story 11:50 Minute to Win It 12:50 All Star Family Fortunes 13:30 The Lake House 15:35 Curly Sue 17:35 The Xtra Factor 18:40 You’ve Got Mail 21:00 Superhuman 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Ghosthunting with The Only Way Is Essex

07:00 Switched 07:25 Supernanny USA 08:15 Supernanny USA 09:05 Wife Swap USA 10:05 How to Look Good Naked 10:35 How to Look Good Naked 11:05 Supernanny USA 12:00 Supernanny USA 12:55 Wife Swap USA 13:55 How to Look Good Naked 14:25 Hollyoaks 16:55 How to Look Good Naked 17:30 Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! 19:05 One Tree Hill 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Perfect Couples 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Happy Endings 22:00 Sleeping with the Enemy 24:00 Cleveland Show

10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:30 Time Team 11:30 Time Team 12:30 Time Team 13:35 Time Team 14:40 Jungle Book 16:45 Grand Designs 17:50 Grand Designs 18:55 Grand Designs 20:00 The World Sheep Dog Trials 22:00 The Story of Film: An Odyssey 23:25 Double Jeopardy

Sleeping with the Enemy E4, 22.00

09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:40 71 Degrees North 15:35 You’ve Got Mail 18:00 The X Factor 19:00 The Xtra Factor 20:00 Biggest Loser 21:00 Celebrity Grimefighters 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:00 American Pie 24:55 The X Factor

Spooks BBC1, 22.00

07:00 Switched Up! 07:50 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 08:50 Supernanny USA 09:40 Supernanny USA 10:35 How to Look Good Naked 11:05 How to Look Good Naked 11:35 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:40 Supernanny USA 13:35 Supernanny USA 14:35 How to Look Good Naked 15:00 How to Look Good Naked 15:30 Supersize vs Superskinny 16:35 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 17:35 Beauty and the Geek 18:35 Garfield 20:05 Smallville 21:00 Day after Tomorrow 23:20 The Inbetweeners 23:55 The IT Crowd

10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:30 Scrapheap Challenge 11:30 Scrapheap Challenge 12:35 Scrapheap Challenge 13:40 Scrapheap Challenge 14:40 Four in a Bed 15:40 Four in a Bed 16:45 Four in a Bed 17:15 Come Dine with Me 17:50 Come Dine with Me 18:20 Come Dine with Me 18:50 Come Dine with Me 19:25 Come Dine with Me 20:00 The World Sheep Dog Trials 22:00 Heston’s Mission Impossible 23:00 Bums, Boobs and Botox 24:05 Curb Your Enthusiasm 24:45 Black Books

16 - 22 Sept 2011 8 - 14 JulY 2011

53 43

tv Monday

44 61

16 - 22 14 20Sept may2011 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Animals at Work 16:35 Scoop 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 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 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 The Queen’s Palaces 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Spooks

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Real Rescues 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 Buddha in Suburbia 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Antiques Master 22:00 Dragons’ Den 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 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 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Doc Martin 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Children of Men

07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:50 My Eden 13:55 The Battle of the River Plate 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 Dispatches 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 Tim Minchin: Live

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:15 Lost Holiday: the Jim and Suzanne Shemwell Story 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Royal Navy: Submarine Mission 22:00 Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Animals at Work 16:35 Scoop 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Barney’s Latin America 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 The Body Farm 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 The Bomb Squad 24:35 Amistad

07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Real Rescues 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 Great British Bake Off 22:00 Hairy Bikers Meals on Wheels 23:00 Later Live... with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference 24:50 A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 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 Mayday Mayday 21:00 Missing Millions 22:00 71 Degrees North 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 DCI Banks 24:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:30 The Green Berets 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 Inside Nature’s Giants 22:00 Seven Dwarves 23:00 Shameless 24:10 True Blood

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 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 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Real Food Family Cook Off 21:00 Revealed 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Ali G indahouse

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 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 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The X Factor 21:00 Minute to Win It 22:00 GoldenEye 24:40 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Animals at Work 16:35 Scoop 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Serious Explorers 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 Planet Dinosaur 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Ask Rhod Gilbert 24:20 League Cup Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Lifeline 14:40 Coast 15:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 17:00 Real Rescues 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 Natural World 22:00 Dragons’ Den 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference 24:50 Damages

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 19:50 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cops with Cameras 24:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:50 The Caine Mutiny 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 Grand Designs 23:00 Fresh Meat 23:55 Shameless 24:55 Ibiza Rocks

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 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:10 On Hostile Ground 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Banged Up Abroad

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 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 Loose Women 18:45 You’ve Been Framed! 19:45 All Star Family Fortunes 20:45 Take Me Out 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 TOWIE: Reem All About It 24:00 I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 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 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 GoldenEye

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 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Samantha Who? 17:05 Glee 18:05 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Made in Chelsea 24:05 Misfits

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Kidnapped 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 Country House Rescue 24:10 The Daily Show Global Edition

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 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:05 Glee 18:05 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Made in Chelsea 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:35 Cleveland Show 24:05 Shameless

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 An American Guerrilla in the Philippines 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 Relocation, Relocation 18:45 A Place by the Sea 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 Exit through the Gift Shop 24:55 Come Dine with Me

Emergency with Seven Dwarves Angela Channel 4, Griffin Sky1 22.00 21.00

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Make It or Break It 08:40 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:35 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:05 Glee 18:05 Scrubs 18:35 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Devil Wears Prada 23:10 Sleeping with the Enemy

Emergency with Law & Order: Angela Griffin Criminal Intent Sky1 21.00 Channel 5, 22.00

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 20,000 Leagues under the Sea 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 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 Time Team 23:00 A Time Team Special 24:10 What Sank the Mary Rose?

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Copycats 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 Crimewatch 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Crimewatch Update 23:45 Question Time 24:45 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Real Rescues 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 If Walls Could Talk: The History of the Home 21:00 Monty Halls’ Great Irish Escape 22:00 The Spitfire: Britain’s Flying Past 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Toughest Place to Be a...

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 621 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS

16 - 22 Sept 2011

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 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 Billy Connolly’s Route 66 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights

Across: 1 Happy medium; 9 Rat; 10 Note-paper; 11 Appal; 13 Observe; 14 Normal; 16 Attach; 18 Primate; 19 Sedan; 20 Eliminate; 21 Sue; 22 Undertaking. Down: 2 Act; 3 Panel; 4 Motion; 5 Deposit; 6 Upper hand; 7 Great-nephew; 8 Freethinker; 12 Perdition; 15 Avarice; 17 Depart; 19 Sleek; 21 Sin.

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:30 Ice Station Zebra 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 Country House Rescue 22:00 Educating Essex 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Seven Dwarves

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 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Miles from Nowhere 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Nature Shock 22:00 Big Celebrity Swim 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Stereoscope; 9 Cow; 10 Decompose; 11 Elfin; 13 Located; 14 Enrich; 16 Please; 18 Amative; 19 Alert; 20 Exhibited; 21 Lei; 22 Predecessor. Down: 2 Tow; 3 Rodin; 4 Occult; 5 Comical; 6 Prostrate; 7 Accelerates; 8 Dead certain; 12 Forgather; 15 Climbed; 17 Hectic; 19 Aides; 21 Leo.

Wordwheel: BACKSTAGE

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Minute to Win It 21:00 The X Factor USA 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 American Pie 2

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Make It or Break It 08:40 90210 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Make It or Break It 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 17:55 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Perfect Couples 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:35 Show and Tell 24:25 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night

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

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Green for Danger 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 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 The Closer 24:00 Without a Trace 24:55 24 Hours in A&E

46 44

16 - 22 20114 2010 Feb 26 Sept - March

We are not amused

BRITNEY SPearS is this month’s face and bod of Glamour Magazine and the stunt pulled by the magazine’s promotion team to raise our awareness Showbiz Goss is to let us know that … allegedly … in 1999 when by Prince William was a spotty faced teenager the Peter Taylor lovely Britney was his fantasy girl, posters on his Writer and Broadcaster bedroom wall, that sort of stuff … ahem. Brit then goes on to say that she has invited HRH Wills and wife Kate to her 30th birthday bash in December when she is performing in South America

on her current world tour. So let’s just quickly regroup here: Britney says that she was Prince William´s fantasy girl and now she is inviting the much older Wills, and his new wife, to a birthday do in South America. The interesting part of this piece is that there is no word from either Wills or Kate, not even a ‘no comment’. And so concludes the rather pushy, ‘let’s put out any old crapola’ story that is the world of magazine promotion.

Trains ‘n stunts ‘n curries

Filming on the new James Bond movie is due to begin in February next year in India but already there is a hitch. The Railway Minister Dinesh Trevidi is not best pleased about one of the stunts that Meester Bond plans to execute. What it entails is our all-action hero jumps from a motorbike onto to a fast-moving train packed with people before making his way up onto the roof of the train, again packed with people. Herein lies the Railway Ministers problem: Mr Trevidi said, “Rooftop travel in India is illegal and cannot be encouraged.” Director Sam Mendes obviously wants to go for authenticity but railway-minister-man is not having it - he´s even gone as far as to suggest they add to the script, “Indian Railways are as strong as James Bond…” … yeah, dream on my son… It seems to me that Sam Mendes will need to sit down over quite a few glasses of Jasmine Tea and a whole bunch of Chicken Tikka Masala with the railway guy if he’s to get the movie underway this coming February. What are the odds the minister ends up with a walk-on part in the film? Answers on an old 20€ note...

A true legend in his own lifetime There´s a really neat story to tell you about the legendary Keith Richards who not only received an award at the GQ event in New York last Wednesday for his biography ´Life´, but was pleasantly surprised when it was presented to him by his good friend Johnny Depp. The two men worked together in a couple of the ´Pirates ´movies with the Rolling Stone playing Depp´s characters father Captain Teague. Johnny D said: “Keith is a man who has lived his life on his own term.” There´s not too many folks will

disagree with you there Johnny! KR simply said upon receiving the award, “Don’t forget your heroes.” Wise words indeed, Keithie baby, wise words indeed… Not a lot of people know that Keith Richards wrote all the early songs for the Rolling Stone with Mick Jagger under the name of the Glimmer Twins which makes him one of my heroes, and I won’t forget you Keith, of that you can be sure. Get yourself a copy of his book ´Life ‘… it’s sure to be a vibrant and wildly interesting read.

First Family THE NIECE of Dan Cox is kidnapped and his wife calls in two ex Secret Service agents to find her. Sean Book King and Michelle Maxwell take Review by on the job but feel they’re not being told the complete truth, complicated further by the fact copy@dannyjpcollins.com that Dan Cox is the President of the USA and his wife is the First Lady. Adding to the confusion is the reality that the child’s mother, Pam Dutton, was murdered during the kidnapping and that her husband Todd, brother of the First Lady, is a serial adulterer. The scene is set for a lot of false clues and misleading information but Baldacci extends his plot further by introducing the reader to Sam Quarry, the gnarled old Alabama farmer who masterminded the abduction and now keeps Willa the kidnapped child imprisoned in an old mine shaft. Old Sam knows some secrets about the first family and one of them relates to Willa’s origins. And he wants revenge for the past. Just what did occur in the distant past? Read on, because that’s what

Danny Collins

makes the book so gripping and Baldacci doesn’t let the secret slip until the story ends in an explosive climax that leaves investigators King and Maxwell fighting against desperate odds as the might of the First Family turns against them to protect a secret that could bring down the presidency. Author: David Baldacci Publisher: Pan (paperback) Price: 10.20€ ISBN: 978 0 330 46356 0

Five generations PICTURED IS Arthur Leadbeater with his Great Great Grandson Harvey, 5th Generation in the family.

Suduko Answer

16 - 22 Sept 2011

The fairest of them all

Fresh Turmeric No1, kitchen or bathroom? MISS ANGOLA, 25-year-old Leila Lopes, was crowned Miss Universe 2011 on Monday evening, beating 88 other competitors, including Miss Spain, 23year-old Paula Guilló, to become the ‘Fairest of Them All’ in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Miss Angola received the crown from last year’s winner, Mexico’s Ximena Navarrete during a spectacular pageant watched by a billion viewers via NBC Live. Miss Ukraine, Olesia Stefanko, and Miss Brazil, Priscilla Machado, took the second and third place respectively on the podium. Miss Spain, disappointingly, went out in the first heat.

As this is not the BMJ (British Medical Journal) or the Lancet I really shouldn’t spend too much time expounding the health virtues of Turmeric, a plant native to South India and Indonesia. The resulting spice Turmeric and its active ingredient Curcumin are worth mentioning briefly because of the wide range of reported benefits some of which may surprise you especially for Chefs…It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. Also of interest for some chefs, Turmeric reportedly is a natural liver detoxifier and may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque build up in the brain. It prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice. It may prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide and reduces the risk of childhood leukaemia. On a visit to Malaysia, at 3am and suitably dressed in scruffs, we informed our local driver that we wanted to go to the market. He replied “Tourist market not open till 8am.” when we explained that the market we wanted to visit was the commercial market just outside the city he said “You bloody crazy, you really not want go that place, eh?” On arrival you could understand his concerns as it really was a farm, a feedlot, a slaughterhouse, a butchers and market stall for all things edible in one place. The advantage for me was that everyone seemed to be at least a foot shorter making access at least visible much easier. Talk about food chain or

miles, this was more of a link than a chain and miles became centimetres. The vegetable section was another matter altogether with the fragrant blast of herbs all but knocking you off of your feet. We wandered around the market trying to identify the different fruits and herbs on display with the stall holders eager to sell their wares. One thing however had me completely stumped. Sandwiched between Indian ginger and galangal (Thai ginger) was, I assumed due to its location, a type of ginger but what I can only describe as looking like a dead whitchity grub. Noticing my puzzled look the young stallholder rubbed her cheek and seemed to be painting a picture in an effort to explain to me what it was. Having established it was called Kunyit or Kamin, I bought some and hoped that someone back at the hotel could tell me what it was. Turmeric, fresh turmeric, once used for make-up (rubbing the cheek) and as a paint (painting the picture) as well as colouring the tunics of the Buddhist monks, but why was it for sale in the vegetable market? Now to describe the smell of powdered turmeric bought from a supermarket and its quite easy to agree with the description of it being musty or even of decaying wood….that’s because it’s gone off, its old, no wonder its known more for its colouring properties than its taste. Here in Spain it’s often used as a colour substitute to colour Paella mimicking the colour of saffron “but with no taste”. If there is one spice which deserves to be bought

and tried fresh it just has to be fresh turmeric, vibrant in both colour and taste like a milder version of Galangal. It’s most definitely a ginger with beautiful fragrance followed by a warming of the throat and mild nasal hit. For those who don’t much care for cauliflower, slice it raw, thinly and fry quickly until browned in ghee with some mustard seeds and some fresh, brined or powdered Turmeric and serve. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer. If you have to buy powdered try your local ethnic shops that have a high turnover and it will be fresher. We use it in soups, salads and pickles (it’s the colour as well as taste in Piccalilli) and chutneys, as well as in its more normal home of ethnic dishes where it is a main ingredient in curry powders and because we are working on a range of savoury desserts we use it in puddings too. So my No1 Spice not only cures all, from cuts to colds and even burnt scabby holes but tastes amazing too. Its versatility throughout the menu is unrivalled from savoury to sweet, from hot dishes to cold its almost the perfect No1 spice for me… Unfortunately it also lives up to its reputation as a colourant. It stains everything, from chopping boards to counter tops, white shirts and oven cloths in fact anything, and everything. If you get it on your fingers or your whites or an apron you will be forgiven for referring to turmeric as just another bloody colourant.

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

16 - 22 Sept 2011

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Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

motoring

What are those new signs on the roads?

IF YOU see new chevrons on the road, quite large, they signify how far behind the vehicle in front the following driver needs to be at the speed limit, in this case 100kph until the new promised 90kph is enforced.

by Hello Brian: I hold a UK driving licence and,

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

having recently become resident in Spain, have taken your advice and made an appointment to take the medical test at a local clinic in Benissa, Alicante Province. However, when making the appointment, the receptionist advised me that the certificate is only valid for 3 months. She showed me a copy of a certificate and at the bottom it stated that the certificate expired after 90 days. The cost of the test is 60€. As I am 63, I understood from your articles that the certificate would be valid for 5 years.

Please could you advise me on this matter? With many thanks, Pat Montgomery.

I have received a few mails on this subject and it would appear that Trafico has once again omitted to advise their operatives of the true situation regarding resident expats with legal foreign EU driving licences. The fact is that expats in this condition must take the medicals as I have recently advised and must be treated the same as those drivers who have Spanish driving licences. But the Spanish Government still seems to be a bit miffed at the irrelevance of their original laws, in contravention of the EU Directive on the subject which is standard in all EU countries, especially as British drivers are not subject to any medicals for the standard licences until age 70, and then it is only a form completed by the driver not by an approved doctor/ testing clinic as described in my book. I am also upset with the new charge of £60 which

16 - 22 Sept 2011

for a retired person is excessive for what is less than 15 minutes work, but the clinics or ‘reconcimientoes’ are now online and look as if they have had to buy laptops with the Trafico software. If you pass the medical without any problems such as heart or eye troubles then in my opinion you should receive the maximum period before the next medical is due. Three months only appears to be to me a blatant way of ensuring that every three months the clinic has a guaranteed income of €60 each from expats. I have a Spanish licence and so I am treated as if I am Spanish (I assume) and last time in May this year I received a period of 3 years until I am 76. I have asked anyone who is treated in this way to send me an email with the date, details of the licence classifications, and the clinic address and how much you were charged. When I have enough ammunition I will take it further with our local Trafico Director officially. So far I have had three emails on the matter.

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

Citroën production grinds to halt in Vigo for lack of screws

production stops in Vigo

THE OMISSION of certain screws by the Agrati-Italian consortium that supplies the Citroën distribution centre in VieuxCondé, France has affected Citroën plants all over Europe and brought production to a halt in Vigo, North-Western Spain this week, paralyzing lines responsible for producing the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and System 2 where minivans are assembled. Production is expected to be restored within a week.

WANTED two post car ramp prefer three phase collection and dismantling no problem cash waiting, tel 620738023

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16 - 22 Sept 2011

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16 - 22 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

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BOATS FOR SALE LARSON 180 SEi BOWRIDER. Volvo 4.3 EFi 225 hp Excellent condition, many extras. + wakeboard tower.SSR registered, Snipe roller coaster trailer. 15,000 euros ONO Tel 636244846 SAILBOARD F2 DISCOVERY begginer/intermediate, new unused, 3.6 rig, board and sail bag, cost 1350pounds Bargain 500€ NO OFFERS, Tlf: 965770301 Javea

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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.

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 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you

MARKET PITCHES TO RENT FOR 6 MONTHS Marina Baixa area. For health reasons. High income. For more info tel: 634 523 922 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

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GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY For a good cook and average handyman. Small apartment in La Manga, in a chalet situated in the front line of Mar Menor, to let in exchange for light services. Judy and Bob please contact Ernesto. For full details telephone – 968 564 022 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 WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of selfemployed live-in cares in the U.K. We require live-in 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 TELESALES OFFICE IN ALBIR OPENING A NIGHT SHIFT 25 to 30 hrs per week, Basic, commission, contract and training offered. We are looking for reliable staff, willing to work hard in exchange for great commissions. We need..... * A sales manager * 2 Closers * 15 telesales staff * 2 Administration staff. This is a great opportunity to get in while the company is young, with offices throughout Spain, Tenerife, Malaga and Barcelona the world is at your fingertips! Call Kris now on 697551459

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16 - 22 Sept 2011

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SPAIN2UK2SPAIN man and van departing Costa Blanca for UK viaFrance regular trips all are full or part loads exc rates Tl: Christine 965571837/638261341 email: chriscurran490@gmail.com VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact joe on 966074576 or 650341087 or civic1235@msn.com 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

INTERPRETER English interpreter provides aid and assistance for visits to hospitals/schools/tax offices/police stations etc. Friendly and reliable, available in Benidorm and surrounding areas. Call 600 809 698

BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/Secondary English Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616-660-687 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

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.

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

STOP LIMESCALE Use an electronic water descaler. The answer to limescale and hard water problems. Reduces existing scale and prevents further build up. No chemicals, salt, alteration to plumbing needed. DIY installation. Price €249,- 6 months money back guarantee. Contact Stefan Martens 634360917 – www.smartsun.es

16 - 22 Sept 2011

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16 - 22 Sept 2011

Andy Kay With Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

ADMITTEDLY, ENGLAND’S opening game in the Rugby World Cup was something of a disappointment. Whilst it was always going to be an arm wrestle against an ageing but savvy Argentinean XV, England weren’t exactly overflowing with ideas in the pack and creativity in the backs. That said I’d rather be in England’s position of played one, won one, than that of Wales who were heroic against Sam Warburton South Africa, the defending champions, but who ultimately ran out on the wrong side of a 17-16 score line. Mind you, Wales have had the stand out performer in this competition thus far. Captain Sam Warburton put in an epic showing and it’s interesting to note that other sides that also employ an out-and-out specialist number 7 have also gone well, the prime examples being New Zealand with Richie McCaw and Australia with David Pocock. With a top open-side flanker you can expect quick ball for your own side and, if he’s doing his job properly through fair or foul means, slow ball for the opposition. England has no such player and as such, when it comes to the knock-out phase of the competition, I imagine we’ll be subject to more grinding, workmanlike performances from Martin Johnson’s team. It might not be pretty but as Johnson knows, if England win each of their remaining games in NZ by 4 points, then they’ll be world champions. So don’t expect any change from the England camp.

RTN Golf Club update Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert COSTA BLANCA REGION

SUPER SERGIO

I had the pleasure of attending Manchester City’s home game with Wigan Athletic last weekend; I say pleasure because I got to witness close up the talent of Sergio Aguero. He may have cost City £36 million but he could end up being one of the signings of the season. Aguero, as well as play maker David Silva, was simply mesmeric and his three goals were taken with huge skill, each one beautifully placed wide of the keeper and inside the post with only inches to spare. In four Premier League games this season, City has scored 15 goals and Aguero has got six of them. Rivals United may be top of the table but you can bet they’ll be looking over their shoulder every now and again with Aguero very much the man in view.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

HOT, HOT, hot - what excellent weather we have been having - the courses are busy and many have finished their Golf Course RTN Price Comments ‘hollow tining’. We have some new courses offering excellent discount Alenda €45 Single Green fee green fees available, such as La Gallina Golf, constructed €53 Single Green fee inc Buggy and designed by the brothers Santiago, Salvador and Kiko Alicante Golf €42 Single Green fee Luna and Felipe Rodriguez. It has a great location in the Bonalba Vall de la Valldigna,on the way to Valencia, about an hour Don Cayo €44 Single Green fee drive from Benidorm. It is a protected area of nature, where El Plantio €46 Single Green fee there are no residential buildings, and features spectacular Font del Llop €40 Single Green fee scenery and stunning views. €38 Single Green fee inc Buggy The course is 18 holes Par 72 and 6,975 meters from the back Villaitana Par 62 tees, and with six tees for each hole it provides a challenge Villa Aitana Par 72 €44 Single Green fee for all levels at the same time entertaining since the design of each hole has been studied for a continuous challenge for For more information email Dennis at even the most accomplished players. We are just waiting for dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to the discounted rate on this course, but if you would like to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373. play this or any of the courses you can contact us.

MID-SEPTEMBER sees the end of many summer deals and the on-set of serious hollow tining for many courses. The hollow tining period continues and the next few weeks see work commence at Alhama (signature), Las Ramblas, Saurines and Villamartin. The deals are now few and far between as we race head long into the high season period based around the month of October. There are still a few late summer deals available so get your booking in early to avoid disappointment but remember that my office is closed until 20/09/11 for holidays. The 4 player and 2 buggy deal at La Finca (164€) lasts through the month of September as do the various selection of deals at Vistabella.

AS WE move into golf season in Murcia and its surrounding regions, we are all probably hoping for a bumper season with lots of visitors populating our great golf courses and supporting the local bars and restaurants. I have been planning a trip myself this week to South Carolina – Hilton Head in particular. There are 40 public links around Hilton Head and 360 across the South Carolina area. This got me thinking: how many additional links would it take to make Murcia a truly global golf destination? There are some very good golf courses in Murcia, but is there enough variety and diversity to generate the return trip from visitors or are we losing them to Turkey and Portugal? Obviously the global economic situation doesn’t allow for development at this time, but in the future will the Murcia government have the vision to take the region to the top echelon of world golf tourism? I digress: it’s hollow-tining season again, so there are deals out there and some bumpy greens caused by this essential maintenance, so please check when reserving your tee times.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Vistabella

€56

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

Altorreal

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€90

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

Single Green fee

La Manga Club

€35

Single Green fee

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 651 045 700.

TROTT ON THE MARCH

You have to hand it to England cricketer Jonathan Trott. The batsman was named as the ICC’s cricketer of the year this week, an achievement built mostly on his 445 runs from number 3 in the Test series against Australia. However, such is the team ethic from within the England side, that when asked to name his favourite moment of the series, Trott highlighted his run-out of Simon Katich on the first morning of the second Test in Adelaide. Just in case you don’t remember it, the run out put England on the front foot and saw them claim the first three Aussie wickets for just 2 runs. They went on to win the match by an innings and 71 runs. Good on yer Trotty!

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

The wanderer Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

16 - 22 Sept 2011

WE SEE many strange things happening on the golf courses of South East Spain and the longer we play the more we learn. One of the strangest I see is a single player on a golf course. Why does the single golfer think he or she has a right to go anywhere they feel like on a golf course and then have every group give way to them? I firmly believe that golfers should be made up into groups of two or more players when the golf courses are busy. This will provide golfers with many benefits: Firstly the single golfer will have company for the four or five hours they will be on the golf course. Secondly, golfers who are in groups will not have their rhythm interrupted by a single golfer putting the evil eye on them to be allowed through. I am well aware that at times golfers are in a hurry and only want to play a few holes because they have other commitments that day. That is fine but should they be allowed to disrupt the enjoyment of others who also may have a short time to play? It is important that all golfers are catered for but the majority have to be the ones who have to be the most important surely? There are fewer more annoying things than seeing a single golfer wander onto a fairway or tee just in front of you and then have to wait for them to get out of your way as they play two or three golf balls, often all from different positions on the course in what they consider to be a form of ‘quality practice’. These golfers can be catered for but they must be made to be aware of their surroundings and forced to play the course when it is not so busy and also be aware of the other players on the course. The single golfer also seems to think they have plenty of time for searching for

others’ lost golf balls and at times completely forget that they are the ones now holding up play. All golfers should be made welcome on our golf courses but they must remember they are not the only ones playing the game. With a little more consideration we could all enjoy each other’s company on the golf course and perhaps even make new friends by asking “The Wanderers” to make up a ‘four ball’ or even a ‘three’ or ‘two ball’. ROUND OF WIN A GOLF FOR TWO 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 by RTN staff. 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 16TH SEPTEMBER 2011 Which golfer is the current European Ryder Cup Captain? 1. Jose Maria Olazabal 2. Jose Maria Canizares 3. Miguel Angel Jimenez All answers must be received by 5pm on 30th September 2011 to be entered into September’s draw, the result of which will be announced in RTN on 7th October 2011. NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY 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

ITV Orihuela RFC joins the Murcia League ITV ORIHUELA RFC got the great news that they had been waiting for when it was confirmed that they will be playing this season in the Murcia league. This means that the club will be playing a lot more league matches and at a higher level of rugby; a good learning curve for all of the players concerned. The teams that are in the league with ITV Orihuela RFC, are Elche and Novelda from the Alicante league last season and San Javier, Cartagena, UCAM, Murcia, Yecla, Almeria and Albacete. It also means that the majority of the matches are close to home. The great turnout continued last week with 30 players doing the beach rugby training at Guardamar, and new players coming along. On Saturday 17th September the season starts for ITV Orihuela RFC, playing their first friendly away against Albacete at 5pm in their annual warm up match this will

enable the club to see how much more work they have to do before the start of the season in a few weeks’ time, while the Cadetes go down to Murcia for their friendly. The juniors will return to training on 13th September – and they will be all back at school. So ITV Orihuela RFC - looking forward to your support this year for the new season. For details on local rugby and for your rugby gear club and international shirts as the Rugby World Cup has now started, also rugby brand clothing etc, call Garry on 692 767 242. The club trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Miguel Hernandez University: training started on Tuesday 30th August with the seniors starting at 8.30pm. New players are always welcome, no matter what age or skill level. For more information on the club, contact Garry on 692 767 242 and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish).

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK’S match, the first of the 2011/2012 season, was held on the Eden canal stretch of the Rio Segura. The river was moving at pace and was up by about 18 inches. The fish were very finicky as reflected in the weights. The match itself was not without its drama, with Doug Hornblow not only breaking his no 4 section before the match started but with an hour to go became snagged on the far bank, and after pulling for a break found his top 5 sections floating across the river. Undeterred, he stripped off and with a rope around him swam out and retrieved his parted sections in amongst the snakes and terrapins and all other horrid things that reside there. This is his second week of going in and there could be some credence in that his shower has packed up at home. Coupled with this, Alan Reid, fishing a short margin pole, let his guard down but for only a nano-second before watching his pole travel down the river at about 100 mph, never to be seen again!

The river had now settled since the thunder storms of the last weekend, and is now flowing at a steady pace. 1st Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton with 15.580kg fishing the pole and maggot 2nd Ian (The Irish Wizard) Dalzell with 8.460kg also on pole and maggot 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade with 6.340kg fishing pole maggot and floating bread The overall winner of the Summer Series based on the best 8 from 11 matches 1st Ian Dalzell with 79points: with Bill Reade and Terry Screen both on 69 points for 2nd place it was decided on aggregate weight over the best 8 matches which was closely contested, with Bill’s weight 131.980kg and Terry’s weight 128.100kg therefore making. Bill Reade in 2nd place, Terry Screen in 3rd place. From next week we begin the final series of the year which is the winter league which will take us up to Xmas Time. All details are available at www. abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the pole using paste with 9.180 kilos 2nd Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell, fishing the pole and feeder using pellet with 8.960 kilos 3rd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, fishing the pole using maggot and paste with 7.920kilos

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 Town Halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in the 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 photopage, 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 7th October at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada). Also Saturday, 8th October at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo - opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron.

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. THIS IS IMPORTANT Numbers are needed, so anyone interested in coming must contact Sue Swann on 96 672 9293 by Sunday 18th September. Catering will be ordered against the members that have notified Sue. 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 THE FINAL match of the Summer Series was fished on the Eden Stretch on the 6th September: this was the first match to be fished on this stretch of water for quite some time, letting nature take over with some of the pegs overgrown, and had to be cleared before fishing could commence.