RTN South Edition 635

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south EDITION New citizen helpline for Pilar residents

Your English Newspaper

Issue 635

16 - 22 dec 2011

Camps on trial

It has been has announced this week that the Town Hall of Pilar de la Horarda has launched a Citizens Advice phone line in Spanish and English p5

by Louise Clarke

Beware of bag snatchers

RTN would like to warn all its readers to be extra vigilant after being told of an incident that happened earlier this week in Benijofar p10

January 31st another deadline Find out more on p31

There’s nothing like a really good steak Read ‘ON the boil’ with Edwin p45

Football success for Castelar college

THE CASTELAR College in San Pedro del Pinatar is celebrating its recent sporting success after taking part in not one, but two football tournaments p63

Maria Wilson

Rudolf would be proud MORE THAN 200 people turned up to take part in last Sunday’s first ever Reindeer Walk in Orihuela Costa. The three kilometre walk started at Fit 4 All in Punta Prima and many of the participants were dressed in festive attire including Father Christmas outfits and reindeer antlers!

Read the full story on page 16.

THE FORMER President of Valencia, Francisco Camps, is on trial this week for alleged passive bribery.

The former PP President testified in court in front of a jury on Tuesday and was in the dock for nearly five hours.

During his testimony he suggested that his arrest and subsequent trial was a “very important political attack” against him by opposition party PSPV-PSOE. The so called ‘Gürtel’ corruption case, which is based around whether or not Camps accepted gifts including tailored suits not only involves the politician, but also several high ranking members of the PP party who were in positions of power in the Valencian Government.

The former President told the court that he had called the tailor immediately when he learned that a newspaper was going to publish a story accusing him of receiving suits worth 30,000€. He said: “The tailor went quiet and explained that he had been called by the prosecution and interrogated.” According to Camps, the tailor said that he had been asked if Camps had paid for his suits and that he had responded with: “The clothes were for important people.”

VOICE RECORDINGS Camps also admitted that he had tried to get the paper to stop printing the story, to which they initially agreed, but they went on to print it

anyway after telling him that there were “hundreds of voice recordings that were coming out” proving that he knew what was going on.

Camps told the jury that he had returned all the gifts that he had been given, including the ones that his family had been given for Christmas in 2008. But the anti-corruption prosecutor refuted that, saying that there is still a watch given to Camps’ wife and a leather bracelet given to his daughter, outstanding. To which the former President said that he didn’t recall such gifts being given.

ACCUSATIONS The President went on to say that since May 2009 he has “never” been taken to court for allegedly receiving gifts, so he has not had the “opportunity to explain.” He also said that because of this impending trial he had to leave his job as President of the Valencian Community. He said: “This has been a three year process where I have been ‘gagged’ constantly and it is only now that I have been given the opportunity to defend myself and now I am finally able to respond to these accusations.” He also said that not once as President of the Valencia Community did he ever ask for a receipt for purchases or meals. He insisted: “The reason people need receipts is so that they can deduct the amount for tax purposes, so I did not need to ask. I never asked for receipts in taxis or restaurants, or the sports club where I go. I never ask.”

The trial continues.

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

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21 27 16 18--22 24 OCT Dec NOV2011 2011 2011

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by Louise Clarke THE PARENTS Association (AMPA) at the Playa Flamenca Institute has organised a demonstration this evening (Friday) at 5pm and would like to invite all coastal residents to come along and support them. They are protesting about the unacceptable state of the current school facilities which are jeopardising student’s safety and wellbeing as well as the lack of any progress in the building work on the new Institute.

The demonstration will take place outside the current secondary school premises, located at the top of the market road by the roundabout. Parents and students will then march down to the Orihuela Costa Town Hall.

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FLOODING The teachers and students of this school have had to put up with poor, deteriorating port-acabins plus dangerous and potentially fatal work conditions for over eight years. Students are having to learn in these include pre-fabricated classrooms, some of which have leaks; are damp with non-functioning heating or cooling systems; exposed electric cables; uneven floors; and holes and cracks in the concrete walkways. All of which comes in addition to regular flooding and ground movement towards the adjacent ravine after heavy rain.

A spokesman for AMPA told RTN: “The Valencian Government has continuously failed to address the situation and now that building work has ceased on the new Institute it is time to say ‘enough is enough’ so we would ask all concerned to please come and show their support.

Everybody is welcome, be it parents, students or just members of the local community!”

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Choral Christmas concert in Torrevieja THE MANUEL Barberá Choral Group will be hosting a special Christmas concert tomorrow evening, 17th December, in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre. The concert starts at 9pm and is just €3 per person. All proceeds from the concert will go to the AECC cancer charity. Get there early to avoid disappointment and tickets can be purchased at the Theatre Box Office beforehand.

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- 242011 NOV 2011 16 - 22 18 Dec

El Altet’s November traffic falls by 12% as it fails to replace Ryanair traffic

by Jan Gamm RYANAIR ANNOUNCED on Tuesday a 50% summer 2012 cutback on its Alicante service, following a 50% cut in Ryanair’s winter 2011/12 services. El Altet will lose six base aircraft, 18 routes and traffic of an estimated 1.5 million passengers.

During November, the first month of these cutbacks, Ryanair estimates that Alicante’s seat capacity has fallen 50% from its October figure, with traffic is down 12% on November 2010.

Ryanair blames the cuts directly on airport authority AENA’s air bridge policy that compelled no-frills Ryanair to pay some €2m p.a. in fees at Alicante instead of boarding directly from the ground as they do everywhere else in Europe At a press conference in Alicante, Ryanair dismissed AENA’s ‘false claims’ about the air bridge issue as follows: “AENA have claimed that air bridge use is a ‘safety issue’.

This is untrue. The majority of flights boarding at most Spanish and other EU airports operate without air bridges and with absolute safety. Even very large airports such as London Stansted and Gatwick permit walk on/walk off boarding with no use of air bridges. AENA has claimed that half of Alicante’s flights can board using walk on/walk off procedures, with the other half using air bridges, clearly disproving that the claim that the compulsory air bridge use is a ‘safety issue’.

“AENA has claimed that Ryanair’s cutbacks were ‘planned

anyway’. Again this claim is untrue. Ryanair’s route and traffic cuts at Alicante are the direct result of AENA’s decision to force Ryanair to use and pay for unnecessary air bridges.

REVERSE Ryanair has confirmed that if this compulsory air bridge use is withdrawn, then these Alicante flight, traffic and jobs cuts will be reversed.

Announcing 50% cuts for 2012 in Alicante, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said: “When Ryanair announced these cuts earlier this year AENA Alicante claimed that other airlines would step in and take up these flights. The evidence of Alicante’s 12% traffic decline in November proves these claims were also false.

“Ryanair is the only airline capable of growing traffic rapidly at Alicante, and without us no one else seems willing to grow or use and pay for these unnecessary air bridges either.

AENA Alicante is now proving that inefficient air bridges and higher fees will result in the airport suffering route, traffic and job cuts. We call yet again on AENA to reverse this abusive decision to force Ryanair and other airlines to use and pay for unnecessary air bridges at Alicante.

COURT In the meantime Ryanair and AENA are to face each other in the Spanish courts again in early February. If Ryanair’s ap-

Michael O’Leary peal is successful, the cuts at Alicante could be reversed in time for Summer 2012.

For now, Palma de Mallorca will benefit from the partial abandonment of operations at Alicante, as Ryanair opened a base in the Sont San Joan Airport, where the company does use the jet ways, with four of the planes removed from El Altet.

Splinter group claims responsibility for kidnapped aid workers Enric Fernandez and Gonyalons Ainhoa

ON SATURDAY a splinter group of the terrorist cell of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Tawhid Wal Jihad Fi Jamat Afriqqiya Garbi, claimed responsibility for the abduction of Spanish aid worker Ainhoa Fernandez and Enric Gonyalons,

as well as the Italian Rossella Urru last October in Tindouf (Algeria).

They were kidnapped from a refugee camp on 23rd October by an unidentified group that arrived in an off-road vehicle.

New citizen helpline for Pilar residents

by Louise Clarke THE TOWN Hall of Pilar de la Horadada has announced this week that it has launched a Citizens Advice phone line in Spanish and English. This is the first time that the municipality has had a service of this kind and it’s primarily for offering useful information but also will handle complaints and receive suggestions from the municipality’s citizens.

The Councillor for Staff, Francisca Canovas, told RTN: “With this helpline, our intention is to promote and build interest among all the people that we serve.” All information will be received via the municipal operator and will then be forwarded to the relevant departments so that they can solve problems or take on board suggestions as soon as possible.

Francisca added: “The caller will have to provide their name, address, NIE or passport number and a contact telephone number for the relevant department to be able to contact them should they need to.”

RESPECT The Councillor also said that the departments of the Town Hall will also provide feedback to the caller with regard to their complaint or suggestion should they desire it. “All the suggestions and complaints that we receive will be passed onto our municipal services and we have made it clear that

Pilar Town Hall

they must always maintain the respect of the caller and not offend or violate the dignity of others, therefore no personal data or information will be passed on.” A Town Hall officer will be responsible for dealing with calls in Spanish and English, since a high percentage of residents in the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada are English speaking. “In the SAC (Citizen Service), the workers speak English perfectly,” concluded the Councillor, “and therefore we can accommodate both languages adequately.” The phone number is 965 351 519 and will be operational during business hours from 8am until 3pm, Monday to Friday.

New sports development in Los Balcones THE TORREVIEJA Councillor for Employment, Parks and Gardens, Carmen Gómez Candela, has announced this week that as part of the Mediterranean Employment Workshop VI, a new sports area will be built on Avenida Maria Asuncion in the Los Balcones urbanisation. With an investment of €864,000, the sports zone will be 10,000 square metres in area and will include two indoor soccer or handball pitches, two basketball courts and two tennis courts. The Councillor also announced that south of the sports zone, the Town Hall hopes to construct a large green area, which will include a large children’s park, petanca pistes, a jogging track and a climbing wall with a large balcony viewpoint that takes advantage of the natural elevation of the urbanisation with spectacular views of the Torrevieja salt lakes and its natural park.

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Protecting Crime pays Elche’s treasures ELCHE’S MOST treasured landmarks, its palm trees, are under threat from the dreaded Red Palm Weevil.

by Jan Gamm To protect the valuable trees in the Huerto del Cura (the Garden of Healing) Francisco Orts, the garden’s artistic director, is taking no chances and has launched a programme of preventative measure to keep the palms safe from infestation.

SISSI The star interest in the garden is the Imperial Palm, named after the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as ‘Sissi’, who visited the Huerto del Cura in 1894.

This species of palm tree usually grows ‘children’ at the bottom of its stalk - but this one had its children very late in life and the ‘kids’ sprouted high from the ground, turning the tree into a unique eight-armed candelabra.

STEEL And as all the ‘children’ sprouted at around the same time, they are all around the same size. They are now supported by a steel contraption, as the weight of the ‘arms’, exceeding eight tons and at a height of 17 meters, would be impossible for the tree to bear alone.

The Imperial Palm, along with the hundreds of others in Elche’s Huerto del Cura, declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 by UNESCO for its singular beauty, is now being dosed and sprayed diligently by the most experienced gardeners in the region, all of whom are keeping The their green fingers crossed in the hope that Elche’s mag- Imperial nificent palm garden will be spared.

Palm

Nemesio Antonio Pisonero

PROFESSOR ANTONIO Nemesio Dominguez, serving 26 years in prison for killing his wife in 1998 by shooting her in the face and also for killing his son with shots to his chest as he tried to defend his mother, is benefiting from a ‘widow’s pension’ which he applied for after the murders, to the tune of 800€ per month.

Furthermore, the ‘lifer’ is now in a third grade prison where he is permitted to enjoy daily freedom, returning to his cell only to sleep at night.

And for one week in the month he is allowed total

freedom. He rides an expensive motorcycle and also drives a VW Passat.

His sentence is due to complete in 2018. And prisoner Dominguez’ case is not the only example of a situation where prisoners convicted of domestic violence, who killed their partners, later receive a widow’s pension. The court sentenced Dominguez to two prison terms of 14 and 18 years.

A year later the Supreme Court reviewed the sentence, imposing 26 years for the two homicides under ‘aggravated’ circumstances.

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Share your car

by Louise Clarke ORIHUELA COUNCILLOR for Modernisation and Transport Management, Martina Scheurer, has launched a new car sharing initiative this week on the municipal website. Users must register to share vehicles on the platform and enter their data, including what routes they regularly take on a day to day basis. Those who want to take advantage of this new initiative and share cars, must equally contribute to the cost of petrol or diesel for each trip travelled. “Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) should be a concern for everyone,” said the Los Verdes Councillor. “This system has been implemented successfully in other areas, including the University of Alicante, and it makes good sense to implement it here in Orihuela.”

COST SAVING Ms Scheurer stated that this new project is ideal for students who go to school every day, for workers who have to go to industrial sites or for parents who pick up their children

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from schools. The Councillor also added that the inclusion of this new website link will have no extra cost to the Orihuela Town Hall and that the initiative, “can be a useful and cost saving tool whilst also promoting a benefit to the environment.”

REVAMPED WEBSITE At the same press conference, which was held at Orihuela Town Hall, Ms Scheurer also announced that within a few weeks, the new face of the municipal website will be launched. She told reporters that the home page is being completely revamped and will become an essential point of reference for all residents of the municipality, as well as serving to publicise events to potential visitors to the municipality and to show the different services offered by the municipality. The development of the site has been carried out

by Town Hall officials and employees of the government team, so this too has had no additional cost to the local administration. The Town Hall website can be found at www.orihuela.es.

Martina Scheurer at the press conference earlier this week

Success for first coastal golf tournament THE ORIHUELA Costa Neighbours Platform was delighted with the success of the recent Coastal Golf Tournament, which was the first of its kind in Orihuela Costa. Following the event, which was jointly held at the Las Ramblas Golf Course and the Compoamor Golf Course, an awards dinner was held at the restaurant of the Orihuela Costa Resort Hotel, where the players and Town Hall dignitaries were treated to a delicious meal served by the friendly and warm members of staff. Amongst the Town Hall officials who attended the event was the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, Councillor for Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, and Councillor for Commerce, Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas. The Orihuela Town Hall wholeheartedly supported Town Hall the event, to which the organisers were extremely grateful and it is hoped that this will become an annual officials, tournament in the coast’s golfing calendar. The first prize was won by Mr Andrew Thomas. He was the lucky members recipient of a trip to Mexico for two people in an all inclusive five star hotel, which was generously donated of the

by TM Construction. Organisers were so happy with the level of participation in this tournament they have Platform and Andrew decided to try to hold a three day golf tournament on the coast during the month of May. RTN will have full details and more information nearer the time.

Thomas

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Facebook used to home dogs

by Louise Clarke THE TORREVIEJA Councillor responsible for Health and Animals, Carmen Mateo, has announced this week that volunteers at the municipal dog pound have been authorised to set up a Facebook page in order to help home some of the dogs in its care. The page was set up last month and since then more than 20 dogs have been adopted. On the page, there are details and photos of the animals as well as the information on lots of different items that have been donated by generous citizens and are for sale to provide additional cash for the running of the centre. The page already boasts 1200 friends and is constantly active with posted questions and queries from ‘friends’ answered on a daily basis.

INFORMATION DESKS As well as the Facebook page, the Department of Health has also launched an information campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of adopting dogs, especially during the approaching holiday season. This includes the installation of information desks in Constitution Square, opposite the church, in the centre of the city during weekends in order to provide information to potential adopters on how the dogs, which are in the pound, can be adopted and the obligations and duties of their new owners. You will also be able to see all the dogs that are in the pound and choose the one that is right for you.

You can find the Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003140291137.

One lucky dog goes home with its new owner

No nuts for Christmas

by Jan Gamm THE SPANISH Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEICAP) has recommended that children under three are not fed food containing nuts over the festive season. The increased consumption of sweets and cakes over Christmas and The Kings, especially by children holidaying away from home, leads to an increase in adverse allergic reaction according to Dr Flora Martin Munoz

at the Allergy Unit of La Paz Children’s Hospital. 3% to 8% of children suffer with allergies, with milk and eggs the most common, followed by fish, nuts and legumes. However, nuts cause the most dangerous reaction and can lead to urticarial; angioedema; asthma; rhinitis; conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal symptoms. For recipes without nuts, milk or egg, visit the website of The Spanish Association of Allergy to Food and Latex (AEPNAA): www.aepnaa.org

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Practice drills for earthquakes put in place in Elche

by Jan Gamm IN THE spirit of being prepared, last weekend Elche showed it had learned a lesson from quakestricken Lorca by hosting the fourth conference of Civil Protection training, involving approximately 450 volunteers throughout the Valencian Community, to conduct a civil protection exercise marking resources and emergency action protocols in the event of an earthquake.

The Fourth Conference for Building Civil Protection Volunteers of Valencia was organised by Trained the City in collaboration with the city’s Civil Protection, the Department of Interior and the dogs Partnerships Association of Civil Protection Volunteers Valencia. About 450 volunteers from involved in more than 60 local groups and associations participated in the event, aiming to organise the earthquake community in practice drills and evacuation processes. drills

New Torrevieja exhibition THE VISTA Alegre Exhibition Centre in Torrevieja is the venue for a new exhibition of photographs and items of importance to the city, dating back to 1890. The exhibition, which shows the history of Torrevieja and its people for more than 120 years through photographs and artefacts, was officially opened last week by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon and the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana. The exhibition features more than 80 photographs over six different sub categories and the Mayor commented that some of the photographs within the collection show a true reflection of much loved holidays and fiestas in Torrevieja over different generations; memories of which have been captured perfectly by a camera. The exhibition will remain open until 8th January 2012.

Beware of bag snatchers

by Louise Clarke RTN HAS been told of an incident in the Mercadona car park in Benijofar earlier this week and would like to warn all its readers to be extra vigilant.

Two ladies had been shopping in the supermarket and were just getting into their car when a man approached them and told them in good English that the cashier had made a mistake on their transaction and that they needed to return inside.

The ladies immediately got out of the car to return to the supermarket and as they did so, the man reached into the car and snatched both their handbags.

He made off with them in a nearby car

that had its engine running and was ready for a quick getaway.

Unfortunately, one of the ladies had put her card PIN code into her diary and as a result, by the time the Local Police arrived at the supermarket, money had already been taken from her bank account using an ATM in Benijofar.

The ladies were understandably shaken by the incident, but wanted to make RTN readers aware of the kinds of techniques that these robbers are prepared to use in order to distract you.

It is also a very good idea not to write your PIN number down anywhere in case it - and your bank card - gets into the wrong hands.

Nomofobia the latest hang-up for students

Addicts cannot leave home without their mobile phone

A STUDY conducted by the University of Granada has revealed that 8% of students suffer with an irrational fear of being without a mobile telephone - a new techno-phobia named ‘nomofobia’. Sufferers display certain traits such as a low threshold for boredom; low self-esteem; problems with accepting their bodies and deficient social skills along with a reluctance to face conflict. According to addiction expert and director of the

Department of Personality Evaluation and Psychological Treatment at the University of Granada, Francisca López Torrecillas, nomofobia manifests in symptoms that include anxiety, malaise, anger or anxiety, denial, concealment… According to Lopez, “The mobile phone becomes an ‘umbilical cord’, especially among students and their mothers. If you lose or break them, they feel frustrated, angry and isolated.”

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Soldier raises cash by not going anywhere

by Louise Clarke A TORREVIEJA couple has been following the pursuits of their soldier son as he rows and cycles nearly 9000 kilometres for charity. The only thing is that Mark Kokocinski is not actually going anywhere and is staying put at his Afghanistan base of Camp Bastion. Henryk Kokocinski and his wife Wanda , who retired to Los Balcones nearly eleven years ago from Burnley in Lancashire, have been proudly receiving updates from Mark as he virtually rows and cycles his way from Camp Bastion to the military hospital in Sellyoak, Birmingham. Mark is raising much needed funds for BLESMA, the British Limbless Ex-Servicemans Association, through sponsorship, and is asking RTN readers for support.

Mark has volunteered to ride a static bicycle and row a static

machine over the whole distance from Camp Bastion in Afghanistan to the hospital in Sellyoak, a total distance of 8863 kilometres. This is an individual event, not a team or a relay, so it is an enormous physical challenge, which he hopes to achieve during the 150 days of his six month tour of duty in Afghanistan and it is all being carried out during his ‘spare time’!

Mark is a Staff Sergeant who has served for the British Army for over 22 years as a motor mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, or REME. This current active service tour in Afghanistan should be his last before entering civilian life and during his career, he has seen active service in Kosovo, Bosnia, both Gulf wars, and now Afghanistan.

CHALLENGE Married to his Danish wife Charlotte, with two young sons, Mark has always been a keen sportsman. His Dad, Henryk, told RTN: “Mark is very fit and his great passion is golf. He plays for the British Army team and holds the course record at his old golf club in Sennelager, Germany.” Since Mark started his challenge on October 15th, he has passed the equivalent of Syria, a distance of over 3000 km. His Dad continued: “He is doing quite well and he tells us that in his first eleven days, he travelled 800 kilometres and lost eight kilograms!” If you would like to support Mark and follow his progress you can visit his fundraising web page at www.justgiving.com/Homealone

Cycling

Recognition for Emaus founder Rajoy appoints new presidents of THE SAHRAWI Delegate from Alicante and Dar al Karama Association, a shelter for Sahrawi sick children aged 0 to 14 years, delivered the highest distinction of solidarity recently, the ‘Rose from the Desert 2011’ to Francisco Nadal, founder of Emaus.

Mrs. Ilde García Felipe, during the presentation of the award, specifically mentioned the outstanding social work performed within the Valencian Community.

The NGO Emaus, led by Francisco Nadal since its founding in 1979, conducts programmes in support of vulnerable groups. ‘The Desert Rose’ is presented in recognition for 32 years’ service to the community.

The same distinction was given last year to D. Pedro Cavadas, called a ‘miracle surgeon’ in recognition of his pioneering contribution to medicine.

For more information please visit: www.emausong.es

senate and congress

JESUS POSADA has been appointed the new President of Congress (the Spanish government’s version of the UK’s ‘Speaker of the House’) by newly elected Mariano Rajoy.

Pio Garcia Escudero is to be President of the Senate, with Alfonso Alonso as PP spokesman in Congress. In the process of appointing the new government’s key players, Rajoy re-confirmed that the byword was austerity, targeting growth and creating jobs to conquer Jesus Posada Spain’s crippling unemployment figures.

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Be alert

I WOULD like you to let your readers know of a scam going on at the moment. I was at Lidl at Los Alcazares on Friday when I was reversing from the parking bay and a car drew up across the back of me, stopping me.

The driver was blasting on his horn and I thought he had seen a friend, but he kept blasting. I got out of the car [stupidly] and he asked for directions [would you believe ]to the police station. He has a piece of paper with Consum and Lidl written on it and across the road the police station. As I was telling him which way to go he drove off at some speed. I got back into the car and my handbag had been stolen. There is so much of the same sort of thing going on at all the supermarkets you would have thought by now they would fit CCT, but all you get when you tell some one is a shrug of the shoulders. So everyone be alert especially at this time of year.

Maureen Morrissey

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

letter of the week

Legend in his own mind

THESE PAST few days I have been reading about what is happening in Europe and the euro crisis with particular interest because of the mess the socialists have left Spain in.

It has been interesting to see David Cameron’s stance concerning the euro. It has been equally fascinating to see Cameron’s weak kneed deputy Nick Clegg doing an incredible flip flop in the space of a weekend. Mr. Clegg had suggested the UK is too weak without the European Union.

What other words come to mind about Mr. Clegg besides arrogant, self indulgent, petulant, mushy, and spineless?

Well, let me think, give me a couple of hours and maybe I will think of some other words but at the moment I can’t think of anything more apt. Surely Mr. Clegg is not a legend in his own time but rather a legend in his own mind!

It seems obvious that David Cameron will never see eye to eye with the likes of tough little Angela Merkel. She would look perfectly dressed wearing boxing gloves.

How can Cameron see eye to eye with her when he is 6´ 2´´ feet tall (188cms.) and she is only 5´2´´ feet tall (158cms.).

Of course Merkel and Sarkozy see eye to eye, they are both only 5`2´´.

Sincerely Lucy P

Employee should be dismissed for behaviour RE: JAN GAMM’S article on the treatment of the four dogs at El Altet Cargo - I am absolutely appalled at the behaviour of this employee and as to cautioning him - in my opinion he should be dismissed completely for Animal Cruelty. It is stressing enough for cats and dogs to be shut in cages for long lengths of time. Also to be able to hear their owners’ voices and then having them disappear is atrocious. Also the importation costs for the four dogs in my opinion could quite easily been handled with a credit card. After all the passengers would have had their passports with them for proof of identity.

In the last seven years I have three times transported small dogs into El Altet Airport by way of Monarch Airlines, and each time I have been treated with complete civility, but this was at the old cargo area. On my first trip our flight was delayed, the dogs had been in cages for over eight hours

and trying to find the cargo area in an unknown airport was distressing for us as well. Yes, the cargo area appeared to be shut up, but our dogs were being well cared for and had been given water. They were being talked to in a language they did not understand, but in a friendly manner. What has happened to this airport?

After reading this article there is no way I would transport any animal via this cargo area if that employee is still employed by Calderon Cargo Handling. What is wrong with some Spanish people to be so difficult in such circumstances? ‘Compassion’ is a word that comes to mind. It is stressful enough for the dogs, but the same is felt by the owners.

Keep people updated as to what the situation is with this employee, because I think we all deserve to know this.

Carol Sear - owner of Yorkshire Terriers

Town Hall is blind

It is regrettable that the ‘Camping Ground’ in Punta Prima, in such a busy tourist destination, nobody is interested to find a solution to clean the camping area, which is closed and fenced.

Inside there are camping caravans and cars that have been vandalised and robbed.

It is amazing that the Torrevieja Town Hall is blind and does not see how bad this place looks!

Dr Stanley Janyk, Orihuela Costa

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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Making of Ryanair 2012 cabin crew charity calendar takes YouTube by storm

by Jan Gamm WITH LESS than 1,000 calendars remaining, a behind-thescenes video is sizzling on YouTube as Ryanair’s calendar sales top €90,000 for charity DebRA, giving the 2012 Ryanair Cabin Crew Charity Calendar a final push as it approaches its €100,000 fund-raising target.

The ‘making of’ video shows 13 of Ryanair’s hottest cabin crew on location during the calendar photo-shoot in Lanzarote last September.

Ryanair’s remaining 1,000 copies of the 2012 Ryanair Cabin Crew Charity Calendar are available online at www.ryanair.com and on board its aircraft for just 10€, while the making of the 2012 Ryanair Cabin Crew Charity Calendar can be viewed on www.ryanair.com (or YouTube http://youtu.be/iaoSGDwDS28).

“OUTSTANDING” Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said: “DebRA does outstanding work for children with EB (epidermolysis bullosa). We encourage everyone to buy one of the few remaining copies for themselves or as the ideal Christmas gift to guarantee a sunny smile, every day in every month during 2012.”

DELIGHTED DebRA’S Chief Executive, Jimmy Fearon, said: “We are delighted with the fantastic support given to Ryanair’s Cabin Crew Charity Calendar throughout Europe. We thank everyone at Ryanair and especially the wonderful cabin crew volunteers for helping us make the lives of these beautiful children a little easier.”

Sexy Ryanair cabin crew pose with notso-sexy Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary

Ready for action THIS WEEK the Alicante Prevention and Rapid Response Unit exhibited equipment and tactics used during riots and other emergencies. The province has 120 agents divided into four groups monitoring activities at sporting events, festivals and civil demonstrations to prevent incident.

Each team has five vans specially equipped to intervene in altercations with up to six men in a group. Each wear helmets, vests and anti-trauma protection such as riot shields, armed with equipment that fires rubber bullets.

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21 - 22 27 OCT 16 Dec 2011 2011

Rudolf would be proud

More than 200 people joined in

by Louise Clarke MORE THAN 200 people turned up to take part in last Sunday’s first ever Reindeer Walk in Orihuela Costa. The three kilometre walk started at Fit 4 All in Punta Prima and was organised by cancer sufferer, Maria Wilson and her Pink Ladies, along with the Torrevieja Tigers, Jason Scawthorn from JPS Fitness and Alina from the Fit 4 All gym. Many of the participants were dressed in festive attire including Father Christmas outfits and reindeer antlers! Santa was expertly pulled along the route by members of the Torrevieja Tigers Rugby Club and in his sleigh contained dozens of donated Christmas gifts for the children of the San Jose Orphanage in Orihuela. Jason Scawthorn headed the procession and assumed the role of Rudolf, complete with a full reindeer suit, courtesy of Party Time Fancy Dress Hire in La Marina and walkers were entertained by Just Brass before and after the walk playing various festive songs.

SUCCESS The sleigh was kindly provided by Lo Rufete outdoor pursuit centre in San Miguel and a very large amount of

toys were donated by The Nook in Las Filipinas and also by friends Len and Audrey. A huge total of €1850.75 was raised on the day from registration fees, donations and a tombola stall, which will be donated in the majority to the cancer charity, AECC. The remainder of the money will be given to the orphanage for improvements to their outdoor play area. The day was such a fabulous success that it will now become a regular event in the fundraising calendar of Maria and the Pink ladies. Maria told RTN: “I would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make this a fantastic success. Both the AECC and the San Jose Orphanage in Orihuela will benefit from the funds raised and I would also like to say a great big ‘thank you’ to Vibe Radio DJ, Suzy G, who once again gave her time free of charge to a Maria and the Pink Ladies fundraising event.” Meanwhile, four members of staff at the Aguas Nuevas based THEsalon also took part in the walk and raised over €150 for the AECC. Owner of THEsalon, Mandy Findlater, told RTN: “We would just like to say a big thank you to all our lovely clients who sponsored us. We had a great time and we are all looking forward to the next Maria and the Pink Ladies fundraising event.”

Nursery Christmas Fair THIS SATURDAY 17th December, from 10am until 2pm, the Montessori Nursery in San Miguel de Salinas will be holding a Christmas Fair to raise funds for a climbing frame at the nursery. They will also be holding a dried food collection for the San Miguel Arcangel Neighbours Association, which is supporting the needy families of the village. They have already filled one box with food and are keen to fill another so please go along tomorrow and donate generously.

There will be lots of Christmas goodies for sale, some of which have been handmade by the Nursery children and good

quality bric-a-brac as well as jewellery, games and toys.

The kids, who are all aged between one and four years of age, will be singing Christmas carols and there will be a violin performance as well as lots of fun, games and refreshments including tea, coffee, mulled wine and cakes. The Montessori Nursery is located above Rincon de Paco in the centre of San Miguel village. A spokeswoman from the nursery told RTN: “We look forward to seeing everyone for some festive fun and we would still like to receive raffle donations from local businesses as well as bric-a-brac donations and of course, dried food.”

Caring for the children this Christmas

THE SOL Productions Christmas present collection thanks to the generosity of residents and business owners on the Costa Blanca was astounding. 37 sacks full of presents were collected, kicking off another cracker of a children’s Christmas party. Sol Productions would like to extend thanks to all involved in helping make the second children’s party a reality. On Saturday 10th December more than 50 children from EMAUS, San Miguel Arcangel and ALPE arrived at Fairways Restaurant in the Villamartin Plaza, to be greeted by Santa - aka Kelvin from Captain Carters - and the smiles began… faces lit up and the party games commenced, along with dressing gingerbread men with icing sugar and chocolate drops kindly donated by Linda from Cookies.

Then it was time for Santa to hand out the presents - that is what makes Christmas - seeing delighted faces receive a present just for them. Thank you to all who donated presents, the children’s faces said it all...without your generosity, it would not have happened.

SOL Productions would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Stuck for a New Year Resolution?

IN A recent survey, people who don’t usually bother making New Year resolutions were asked - why not?

Surprisingly, 62% said it was because they knew they wouldn’t stick to it and 38% said they were perfect and didn’t think they needed to change anything about themselves whatsoever.

The same people were asked which household bill they would most like to reduce. The results were astonishing. A staggering 100% of people surveyed said their electricity bill was the most worrying and expressed concern that the trend of inflated price hikes would continue unchecked.

So, great news for all the people out there who either have no staying power or, consider themselves to be just perfect – if you act quickly, you can freeze your 2011 electricity rate

Inditex achieves record gross margin INDITEX, THE Spanish-owned Zara chain, has achieved its highest ever gross margin despite a seasonal slowdown caused by warm weather that resulted in a drop in sales of its winter line. The Galicia-based group this year surpassed H&M to become the World’s largest listed clothing retailer. 358 new outlets have been opened this year, at an incredible pace of 10 new stores per week in 45 countries, bringing the chain to an impressive 5,402 stores. New shops are to open soon in Georgia and Peru.

16 - 22 Dec 2011

for the whole of 2012.

If you consider there may be a 20 – 26% increase in the cost of electricity between now and the end of 2012, it may be a good time to review your stand on resolutions.

For a one-off admin fee of €30 plus IVA Iberswitch will switch you from your current supplier and connect you to one of the many alternative electricity companies in Spain and protect you from increases. Furthermore, monitoring the market, they will switch you again when even better rates are available.

If you would like to miss the pending January price increase, you must act quickly. Lodge your request on the Iberswitch system and reserve your 2011 fixed rate.

Call Iberswitch today and protect yourself from rising electricity prices: 966 265 089

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Good luck superstitions for the Christmas Lottery MORE THAN 60% of Spanish believe good luck lies with ritual for the Christmas Lottery, drawn since 1812. According Ventura24 some of these rituals include: - Rubbing the belly of the tenth pregnant woman you see - Rubbing the head of a bald man - Rubbing a cat’s back - Wearing a gold pin on the day of the draw - Keep an old iron key in your pocket - Hang a horseshoe - Give the ticket to a friend or family member as a gift - Don’t give the ticket to anyone – it could break the chain of luck - Carry a sprig of parsley; a yellow candle; or coins - Buy the same numbers

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

HELP of Denia and Costa Blanca Marina Alta welcome walks the Festive Season

SATURDAY 24TH DECEMBER Serrella Castle: A moderately strenuous walk, over some rough terrain: 12kms of 5 hours’ duration with a 500m ascent: No dogs: For further details Tel: Peter 669 873 159.

Bernia East Ridge and Summit: A moderately strenuous walk over some rough terrain with some scrambling - for experienced mountain walkers. Impressive views! 12kms of 5 and a half hours’ duration with a 550m ascent: No dogs: For further details Tel: Peter 620 3129 797.

Walks depart promptly at 10am unless otherwise noted.

Boots and adequate drinking water are required. First aid kit is recommended, as well as protection against sun and wind. Walkers participate at their own risk.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the weather and passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and guidelines for walking are given on our website at http://www.cbmwalkers.org.

Who’s your date Tom? HELP’ Human Fruit Machine

by Patricia Thompson HELP OF Denia and Marina held their popular annual Christmas Fayre at Casa Holanda on Saturday 10th December in a festive atmosphere with stalls selling Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and delicious homemade scones with jam and cream.

Cakes and homemade preserves disappeared as if by magic and visitors were more than happy to part, trying their luck at the Tombola stall, the bottle stall, ‘Play Your Cards Right’ and this year a new and popular addition, which proved most amusing and popular, ‘The Human Fruit Machine!’

The organisation would like to thank members and their friends, some of whom spend all year knitting, sewing and creating items for this Christmas Fayre, for their help and generous donations of prizes and bric-a-bra etc which helped to make this event a success once again.

For more information relating to HELP or to find out how to become a member please visit www.helpofdenia.com.

THE 85-YEAR-OLD billionaire Duchess of Alba posed for pictures with her husband and 49year-old superstar Tom Cruise on the red carpet outside the Callao Theatre at the Madrid Premiere of Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol this week. The mother-of-six aristocrat with more titles than Queen Elizabeth II was delighted to cosy up next to Cruise for photographers. The latest Mission Impossible movie follows Ethan Hunt’s adventures to get to the bottom of the plot when the IMF is shut down after being implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin.

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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ACASA launches Christmas appeal

by Patricia Thompson

ACASA – THE National Casework Service of Age Concern España – has launched a campaign to ask expats in Spain to give what they can this Christmas to help Britons who have hit hard times. The charity is hoping to raise at least 50,000 euros to support its work, helping the less fortunate in the British community.

The charity has two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who

New cancer analysis unit IT HAS been announced that the Pathology Department at the Hospital de Orihuela has a new analysis unit that allows the detection of cancer cells that have spread to the armpit.

The procedure enables surgeons to remove the breast plus lymph nodes, the first area where cancer can spread, using intraoperative information provided through OSNA (One-step nucleic acid amplification).

The process takes a node for analysis with results given in 30 minutes, before the conclusion of surgery and without subjecting the patient to a second surgical intervention.

Belen Visit

A FREE bus will be laid on from Orihuela Costa to the City and back, for coastal residents who would like to see the famous Orihuela Belen (or nativity scene). The free bus service will be made available on December 22nd.

If you would like to take advantage of this free service, you must put your name down at the Tourist Information Office at the Orihuela Costa Town Hall in Playa Flamenca. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their families, as ACASA does the work of SSAFA Forces Help in Spain. It helps people overcome problems of poverty, isolation and illness, and assists them with better mixing into the Spanish way of life. It also helps them access benefits and support, and works to identify charitable grants.

Kim Stollard of ACASA said “One of the best presents anyone can give is help for people less fortunate than themselves. We welcome gifts of any size, whatever people feel they can afford, to help people who need advice and help on living in Spain, or about returning to the UK. Our seventy plus volunteers receive four or five new cases of hardship every week, and hundreds of enquiries a year, and

Christmas donations will help us keep up the good work in the New Year.”

Recently the charity helped a lady with mobility issues source funds to purchase a mobility scooter. She told us that the scooter,named ‘Nellie’,has changed her life because she can now go out with her dog or go shopping on her own.

“We could never have done it without the

generous help of the British community. A Christmas donation, whatever its size, will help someone else who is in distress. It´s easy to donate just go to our website www. acespana.org and press the ‘donate’ button or contact us at 902 00 38 38 or CCM@acespana.org.”

ACASA - Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Cheers to the cheers bar!

by Louise Clarke

CHEERS BAR in Eagles Nest, San Miguel is a big bar with a very big heart and thanks to last Sunday’s ‘Light up a Life’ charity event, which attracted over 80 people to go along and enjoy a three hour programme of music and dance, more than €230 was raised for the Paul Cunningham Nurses. Jon Summer was the fabulous MC for the evening and also displayed his own excellent vocal talent and the Variety Show Group, led by the very talented Eileen Carpenter, performed a wonderful collection of Christmas songs and Christmas Carols.

The audience were encouraged to join in and join in they certainly did. Graeme Mykal made an appearance once again for Paul Cunningham Nurses as the Magician and entertained mums, dads and children alike with his fantastic table magic and his incredible balloon magic!

REMEMBER Martin had the idea of ‘Light up a Life’ along with his wife Dawn and brother and sister-in-law Rod and Sue and as a result, the ‘Fab’ four worked really hard to make the event a huge success. ‘Light up a Life’ will continue until Christmas Eve and anyone can go along to the bar and for just a €1 donation to Paul Cun-

ningham Nurses they can write a message to put on the tree to remember a loved one and light a candle to put under the Christmas Tree. Paul Cunningham Nurses would like to say a huge thank you to the owners, staff and customers of Cheers for making this event such a huge success. Not forgetting of course, Jon Summer, The Variety Show Group and Graeme Mykal, who all generously gave up their time to support the charity.

STOP PRESS Following the tremendous success

Christmas decoration competition

By Louise Clarke THE FIRST ever Christmas lights and home decoration competition will take place this year in San Miguel de Salinas.

Residents are invited to decorate their homes with the best, most original light and festive display to be in with a chance of clinching the top prize in the competition.

Houses throughout the municipality, including the urbanisations, will be judged on the originality and creativity of their festive and light displays and the best will be in with a chance of winning the honour of San Miguel’s ‘Best Decorated House’.

Only lights on the outside of your property will be judged and anyone wanting to take part in the competition must register at the Town Hall before Monday 19th December.

A judging panel made up of Councillors and members of the Fiestas Committee will be travelling around the town from 6pm on 23rd December and will then make their final decision.

The winner will be announced shortly after that and will take back to their brightly and festively lit house a whole fresh turkey, sweets and some cava. The second placed at Cheers Bar with owner Martin’s homeowner will also win some sweets and cava. So what idea of ‘Light up a Life’, the Variety are you waiting for? Get decorating your house!

Show Group is going to be doing a repeat performance on Wednesday 21st December during the afternoon at Alan’s Bar in Calas Blancas. Alan’s Bar is in Calle Bruselas and is less than five minutes from the Torrevieja THE ORIHUELA Councillor for Culture, Ana Mas, has anIceland and the Needle, Call Alan on nounced this week that for the next three Sundays (18th, 966 706 318 or 628 755 254 for direc25th December and 1st January), there will be an artisan tions or email Christmas market on Calle Arriba, close to the Miguel Hernsueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and you andez Museum, in Orihuela City. Products on sale will include will be sent written directions. Please paintings, pottery and craft items. support PCN this Christmas.

Christmas artisan market

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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09 - 15 Dec 2011

Standing ovation for Sophiscattzz’s river dance

Seasonal reminder

by Louise Clarke LA GRUTA in Pilar de la Horadada opened its doors to a fantastic evening recently. Debbie from Sophisticattzz organised ‘A Christmas Variety Charity Night’ with a line-up that included the smooth soul sounds of Eddie, Jacqui as Karen Carpenter, Smithy Guitarist, Ant as Shelia Blighe, DJ Vegetable and the Sophisticattzz Dance Troupe.

Choreographed by Debbie, the ladies had the guests in uproar with their performances, especially their version of Alesha Dixon’s ‘The boy does nothing’, dancing as 1950’s housewives in nighties and rollers.

The Troupe received a standing ovation for their second dance performance; their version of ‘River Dance’ - so entertaining that the troupe has been asked to dance at an Irish wedding reception here in Spain in June, which of course they have agreed to do!

THANKS The evening raised €312 for the Grewer Family charity and has made the grand total raised by Sophisticattzz for the family, nearly €1,000 in just

Sophisticattzz

over six months. Sophisticattzz would like to thank all the artists that offered their services for free on the evening as well as Steve and Mick for working on the door.

Debbie told RTN: “A big thank you must also go to Val from CakeMagic for donating a delicious chocolate cake and our grateful thanks to Ray, from Ray’s Bar, Via Park, Campoverde, where the girls have been rehearsing their dances and Lewis and Louisa from La Gruta for letting us use their premises for this event.”

The Sophisticattzz dance troupe is also available to dance for your charity event. Please contact www.sophistcattzz.com or Debbie 96 676 2931 for more information.

AT THIS time of year, please remember to take extra care in protecting yourself and your property.

Increase your safety and security by following simple these actions; it can make all the difference.

• When going out only take with you what you require.

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure.

• In the house or car do not leave valuables where they can be seen.

• Make sure that money etc is kept safe when visiting markets.

• Remind friends and guests that if using a hire care remove the sticker from the window.

These simple actions will hopefully lead to a safer festive season. Have a very Merry Christmas from everyone at Neighbourhood Watch.

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Watts is crackers 09 - 15 Dec 2011

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

“CHRISTMAS IS coming the goose is getting fat, time for silly Watts to don a Santa’s hat...” I know a lot of us moan about the commercial hijacking of this season but I can’t help thinking that the best bit about Christmas is the reaction of the children.

After all it’s really all for them... innit? All that preparing for Nativity plays; dressing up, learning lines, singing carols and, of course, the mince pies afterwards.

A few (perhaps that should be many) years back I was helping in my daughter’s class as we made Christmas crackers. Hint: a good supply of toilet roll middles required. Anyway, as we filled them with tat from CostCutters and prepared to wrap around the crepe (hope I spelt that right) paper covers the teacher said, “Oh, hold on a sec... we’ve got to put the jokes inside.” The teacher wrote some example ‘jokes’ on the board and then asked the kids for their own ideas. It’s really funny what makes them laugh.

Anyway, all that reminded me that last year I asked RTN readers for some cracker jokes of their own. Well, they’ve been lying dormant in a dusty hard drive for the past year but it’s time now to shake them out. So, if you and your children, or grandchildren, are making homemade Christmas crackers here are a few, erm, jokes you might feel inclined to use.

What do you call a blind reindeer?

No eye deer.

What do you call a man with brown paper trousers?

Russell.

What’s furry and minty?

A polo bear.

What do you get when you cross a lion

with a snowman?

Frostbite.

What did the fish say when it swam into a wall?

Dam. What do you call a penguin in the Sahara desert?

Lost.

Why did the baker’s hands smell?

Because he kneaded a poo What sort of pizza does King Wenceslas like?

Deep pan, crisp and even What do Santa’s elves use when they’re sick?

The National Elf Service New government regulations say that Santa’s helpers must wear a seatbelt when they’re on the sleigh. “Flippin’ ’eck, it’s elfin safety gone mad.”

Why did Santa call the Mind helpline?

He was worried about his mental elf.

Got my wife a wooden leg for Christmas; Not her main present, it’s just a stocking filler.

What did Snow White call the dwarf who voted Liberal Democrat?

Dopey Two parrots on a perch. One turns to the other and says, “can you smell fish?”

Why are there no aspirin in the jungle? Coz the Parrots-eat-em-all Man walks up to a barman and says “I just tried to buy cigarettes from your vending machine and it just swore at

Just add Watts’s crepe jokes....

me.” Barman replies, “Sorry sir, it’s out of order.”

Okay, okay enough already... But just before I go; how about this post-watershed, slightly risqué Xmas cracker joke

from a reader called Jim in Calpe?

Patient: Doctor, doctor, my bum is broken! Doctor: How do you know? Patient: It has a crack in it.

Watts in his own winter wonderland (hic)

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Liquid gold at La Herradura LICOR 43 glasses were clinking and the conversation was flowing in La Herradura Restaurant in Los Montesinos for the Paul Cunningham Nurses Masquerade Ball, which took place last Saturday night.

The Courtyard in La Herradura was sold out as more than 70 people attended the event and with around another 70 in the main restaurant it proved to be a very lively evening. PDQ provided the entertainment and as usual after the meal, there was no sitting down as everyone got their dancing legs on.

The guests enjoyed a four-course meal with welcome drinks and liqueur coffees, kindly provided by Licor 43, all for an amazing 19.50€!

DESSERTS The delicious homemade desserts were provided by Tony Wellstood, winner of last month’s ‘Make a Dessert’ competition; Katharine Ralph, Queen of Cakes; Jennie Lowe, who is a great supporter and volunteer of PCN; Kim Herring from Pasty Shack in La Marina (If you get chance you need to try Kim’s special 5.50€ Christmas lunch!) and Maddie Pinfold from Ladies who Lunch. Maddie, who was ‘volunteered’ at the very last minute, made her speciality Bread and Butter Pudding which was devoured by everyone who chose it.

La Herradura also joined in the fun and offered a prize of a dinner for two with Cava for the maker of the dessert that ran out first and Maddie was the winner! So, although she could not be at the Masquerade Ball in person this year, at least she will now be able to enjoy a delicious meal for two at La Herradura! With mince pies and chocolate mints to finish off, the guests were then treated to a Christmas gift of Liquid Gold to take home, courtesy of Licor 43 and they then also arranged

The ball raised over 1000€

for everyone to be able to send a Christmas gift of Cuarenta y Tres and a recipe book to a friend in the UK! THANKS Paul Cunningham Nurses would like to thank Francisco Lidon and Chef Aurora Torres, and all of the wonderful staff at La Herradura. Also everyone for their kind donations of raffle prizes and auction lots, with special thanks to Johnsons Supermarket in Quesada; Sierra Golf; Coen Motorsport; Hair OTT; SAMM for

four boat trips; Capital Hair and Beauty; Caroline Konig, who made a stunning three tier Masquerade Cake; Alejandros Restaurant and Looking Good Boutique, both in La Zenia. And with a generous bid for an auction lot from Cuarenta y Tres, the final total raised for the charity was a phenomenal €1069!

Photographs are thanks to Ken Taylor who very kindly made a special visit to La Herradura for Paul Cunningham Nurses on his way to yet another event! If you would like to see the photographs go to www.kentaylorphotographer.com

Men hate shopping!

Photo by Kristoff

NORMALLY MEN hate shopping - but on this occasion members of The Harmonisers were more than happy to be out Christmas Shopping with a difference! Under the strict supervision of some of their wives, the men were busy filling up their trollies with rice, pasta, baby food and all manner of non-perishable food stuff, for onward donation to the Rojales branch of Caritas - the charity that gives support to those families in need of a little help in the present crisis. The funds for this shopping spree were generated from The Harmonisers annual Variety Show on 3rd November held at Teatro Capitol in Rojales. Sincere thanks goes to the Ayuntamiento de Rojales for their assistance in the organisation of the show. The Harmonisers also wish to thank all their supporters and people attending their show - without them they would not be able to help others in this way! Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year to you all!

Guardamar gets a Christmas tree

THE ROTARY Club of Guardamar del Segura has donated a Christmas tree to the city.

As many people know, the Rotary Club was founded with the main aim of helping people and collaborating within the community and the Guardamar branch, which is made up of Spanish, Brits and other European nationals, has organised this festive gift for the city at no extra cost to the municipality.

The tree has been placed in the city’s main square in front of the Town Hall and the club was delighted to be able to give the people of Guardamar such a lovely Christmas present.

A Spokesman for the club told RTN: “We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this donation happen and of course, we would like to wish all the residents of Guardamar and RTN readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

For more information on the Rotary Club of Guardamar, please visit their new website: www.rotaryguardamar.com

Christmas fashion show for Alzheimer’s Association The models, volunteers and members of AFA with the hostess from The Royal Nautical Club, Cisci

by Patricia Thompson THE ROYAL Nautical Club in Torrevieja was once again was the venue for the Alzheimer’s Association (AFA) Christmas Fashion Show. With the harbour lights reflecting on the water through the masts of the moored yachts and a candle lit stairway, catwalk and tables, the scene was set for a superb show.

The Club as hosts treated everyone to a welcome glass of cava from glasses dipped in sugar crystals and the show itself was off to a great start with Maria O’Hara giving the most fantastic rendition of Nessun Dorma as part of her rep-

ertoire. Some would say it was a hard act to follow, but up stepped Jeff Hyde, the master of ceremonies and musical director, who continued with the very high standard, set by Maria.

VOCAL TALENT The fashion show itself then started, with volunteers from the AFA shop giving an excellent demonstration of the fashions to be had from the charity shop, which is located just off Constitution Square in Torrevieja.

The models gave three sessions of catwalk showings interspersed by dancing from the wonderful Raquel Pena danc-

ers, including a solo from Lucy Stewart, which nearly brought the house down.

Also in the programme, Jose Angel wowed the audience (especially the ladies) with his songs in both Spanish and English. And finally after the showing of some of the lovely evening wear available, Shani Ormiston displayed her amazing vocal talent, accompanied by her guitarist Carlos. To close the evening, the raffle was drawn for a star prize of a brand new exercise bicycle, which was won by Jean, whose husband had recently had a knee replacement operation, so it is just the thing to help him with his rehabilitation routine.

14 - 22 20 OCT 16 Dec 2011 07 13 OCT 2011

HAH Christmas extravaganza TOMORROW, 17TH December, sees the Help at Home (HAH) Christmas extravaganza at the Emerald Isle in La Florida on the Orihuela Coast. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening promises to be a great night out and will hopefully provide much needed funds for the charity.

The Emerald Isle has kindly allowed the charity to join in with their usual ‘Saturday Night Special’ entertainment to help raise funds. The programme of events is as follows: 7.30pm Bingo session-come and join in with the regulars 9pm -10pm A fantastic auction of services offered and buy your raffle tickets for just €5 a strip 10pm onwards Entertainment 11pm The raffle draw 9pm - 10pm You can also pay Lucy €5 and become a friend of HAH with additional entitlements; more details on the night.

Norah Bond from HAH added: “We will auction all/some of these items when we see how many people turn up: 1) Round of Golf at Vistabella: 2 green fees and buggy, valid up to 28/2/2012 (there will be a reserve price on this fantastic item) 2) Pick up and return to Alicante/Murcia airport, valid up to end of June, 2012, subject to driver availability, maximum of 3 people (reserve price) 3) Minibus transport-up to 8 people, day/night out. 10km radius of Villa Martin 4) Round of Golf Roda: 2 green fees and buggy, valid to 31/12/12 (reserve price) 5) Window clean - maximum 6 windows 6) A two-hour house clean - weekend only 7) Two hours of ironing Raffle prizes include: Sunday Lunch for two at Royal Oak, Campoamor; Sunday Lunch for two at The Park-Via Park 2; a voucher for €20 at Bocados, La Zenia; a voucher for €20 at Athena Taverna; a wash, cut and blow dry at Wendy’s Hair Salon, Zeniamar Commercial Centre; a Christmas Hamper; car cleaning products and bottle of wine from Costa Cars and much more. Please go along on the night and help support the HAH charity.

Community Christmas carol concert at Entre Naranjos A COMMUNITY Christmas carol service will be held this Saturday, 17th December at 5pm at the Entre Naranjos green area to raise funds for the 2012 Fiesta which will be held next July.

As well as the singing of traditional carols accompanied by a group of brass musicians, the event will commence with music from

The Jazz Band. Homemade mince pies and mulled wine, along with other drinks will be available and a Christmas Raffle will be held with lots of fabulous prizes to be won.

Everyone is welcome. Entre Naranjos is located in between Los Montesinos and San Miguel; just follow the signs to Vistabella Golf.

Association donates to Algorfa’s needy LO CRISPIN’S Integration Association have donated 1,000€ to the less fortunate of Algorfa. The donation was made to Councillor for Foreign Residents, Samantha Biddles Plummer, by the President of the Association, Colin Ranson. Samantha told RTN: “On behalf of the Town Hall of Algorfa, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the members of the Association for all their hard work and kind generosity.”

The money was raised as a result of the annual fiesta which was held in Lo Crispin earlier this year as well as from day trips, Tombolas and raffles.

Samantha Biddles Plumber, President Colin Ranson (r), and Association Treasurer, Syd Kingston

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Sign up TfOorDyAouYr

cwhainncthe is to ruise C

currency

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16 - 22 2011 4 2010 Feb 26Dec - March

by

Transferring sterling to euros

Kevin Wright I TRANSFER money from sterling to euro on a regular Account Manager, Moneycorp basis but because of the poor exchange rate I have often thought of looking at exchanging the sterling to another currency first to maximise the amount of euro I receive. What are your thoughts on this?

Moneycorp says: To be fair, this has come up quite often during the past 18 months and on the surface can appear quite a logical tactic. However, it is a dangerous approach as in effect you are speculating on the currency market and the risk with foreign exchange can be high. If you do purchase an intermediate currency then you are simply waiting for that currency to strengthen against the euro (or vice versa) as opposed to sterling.

You are also trading away margins and costs with each transaction therefore eating away at any potential gains you may make.

David Kerns, Client Trading Manager for Moneycorp suggests: “The more trades you do, the higher the exposure to cost and risk.

There is also the possibility that you could

be stuck with a currency that you neither want nor need.”

In our opinion there are just too many factors that point towards risk. A better approach is to try and ensure that the timing of your trading is right. At the moment fluctuations are common and there will always be a good or bad time to exchange your currency. For larger amounts (car purchase, building work, house purchase or sale) Moneycorp we are committed to help you trade at the optimum time between the currencies you need and have a range of services to help.

If you are trading small amounts regularly for pensions, mortgage payments, etc, then it is far more cost effective to use the Moneycorp Regular Payment Plan. (Don’t forget to look out for the 20€ rebate offer in conjunction with RTN Network).

For more information on how Moneycorp can help you to save hundreds of euros on your Spanish bank fees, as well as helping you get more pounds for your euros, contact us on 902 887 243 or email Moneycorp directly at roundtownnews@moneycorp.com

Euro/Sterling Weekly Market Update brought to you by &

Merkel vetoes boost for EFSF And puts another dent in euro confidence UK inflation lower again at 4.8% It is easy enough to imagine EU leaders facing a tough line of questioning in the aftermath of a mass sovereign default and the breakup of the euro.

“But Frau Merkel, surely you must have seen shed-loads of documents setting out what would happen if you prevented the ECB and the stability fund from supporting government bonds?”

The German chancellor dropped another brick on the euro’s foot this week when she told her party members that she would prevent any increase to the European Financial Stability Facility’s €500bn lending limit. Whilst it is almost immaterial whether the ceiling is half a trillion or one trillion euros (since neither would be enough to rescue Italy) the comment was the latest in a series of psychological blows to confidence in Euroland and its sovereign borrowers.

It also spoiled what might have been a relatively relaxed day for the euro.

ZEW’s survey of economic sentiment among institutional investors in Europe found them less pessimistic than expected. The market had been geared

up for readings at least as negative as a month ago. Instead, economic sentiment in Germany improved by more than a point to -53.8 and in Euroland as a whole by a full five points to -54.1.

They were still not good numbers but at least they were a step in the right direction.

Nevertheless, it was the euro that bore the brunt of market nervousness on during the week. It starts this morning at the bottom of a league table topped by the US dollar and the yen.

Huddled in the middle are the Canadian dollar, the rand, the franc and the pound, all of them unchanged against each other on the day.

Today’s UK employment figures are projected to include a 14k increase in jobless claims and an unemployment rate steady at 8.3%. Euroland reveals October’s industrial production and ZEW reports on Swiss business confidence.

It is likely that Euroland government debt auctions will be the focus of investors’ attention, with Italy and Germany both in the market. Sterling will be wearing its AAA rating as an amulet but should expect to encounter resistance as it approaches the year’s high.

To read the full report click on Currency Guidance at www.moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

money

King’s son-in-law hires new lawyer: business partner questioned IÑAKI URDANGARÍN, Duke of Palma and the King’s son-in-law, has issued a public statement via telephone to Spanish news agency EFE, disassociating himself from the King’s household in relation to his personal business dealings, following accusations of misappropriation of private and public funds within the Nóos Institute, of which the Duke is president.

The Infanta Cristina and her husband and four children now live in Washington DC. It is rumoured that the Infanta and her husband moved to New York in 2009 following the King’s disapproval of Urdangarin’s alleged ‘questionable conduct’ in business. Don Iñaki Urdangarín’s business partner was questioned by New York police this week, although the Duke has not as yet been indicted. The Infanta’s husband has also informed EFE that Barcelona-based lawyer Don Mario Pascual Vives has been appointed his new legal adviser and spokesperson. Meanwhile the palace has issued a statement announcing that the Duke has been removed from royal duties. It is not clear whether the Infanta Cristina will continue with royal appointments.

Spaniards on the bread line THE EUROPEAN Network to Fight Poverty is claiming that 22.5% of the Spanish population is living on the bread line with an income lower than 60% of the country’s average wage. The organisation views the year ahead as a tremendous challenge, with ten million living on less than 500€ per month, a figure insufficient to retain a basic living and certain to have an adverse effect on family life.

The Duke of Palma de Mallorca

CAM bailout the biggest ever THE CAM savings bank was finally handed over by the Bank of Spain to Banco Sabadell last week for the token price of one euro. The Catalanbased bank is to take over the CAM following the central bank’s FGD (Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos) cash injection of €5,249 million – historically Spain’s largest ever bailout in Spain’s financial history. 80% of the CAM’s losses will be covered by the Esquema de Protección de Activos (EPA). The Bank of Spain estimated the CAM’s losses at a whopping €5,600 million.

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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money

16 - 22 Dec 2011

Want a Risk Free and Tax Free Income?

ARBITRAGE IS the purchase of currencies, securities and commodities for immediate resale at a profit: Banks are constantly engaged in arbitrage situations, racking up huge profits for themselves in the process. In Sporting Arbitrages cases the ‘commodities’ are horses or football teams and the market is the biggest on the internet - the betting industry. BUT they do not gamble with your money. Sporting Arbitrage predominantly employs Betfair, a trading platform with a £450 million weekly turnover, engineering tiny margins with no risk.

How does Sporting Arbitrage produce returns at minimal risk?

If we back at a bigger price than we lay then we cannot lose. This fact is demonstrated on the website and at our various presentations. Traders create margins, no matter how small, to ensure clients benefit from around 60% of all the horse races in the UK, with NO losses racked up on the remainder; also grabbing margins on major football matches, dealing in mathematical certainties.

Will I know the events on which you are trading on any given day?

Without question - indeed it is a legal requirement that we provide you the ability to ‘opt out’ each day.

A lump sum may be invested or make regular contributions to build capital that way. £200 per month will be worth almost £7,000 after just two years!

You can opt out on a daily basis and withdraw part or all of your investment at 14 days’ notice, on a minimum contribution of £100, with the facility to draw off profits monthly or roll them over.

Sporting Arbitrage’s Steve Kelly has made big profits for his personal clients since 2003. Here on the Costa Blanca, Sporting Arbitrage opened their La Regia offices in May, engaging the services of John O’Brien, a City stockbroker for thirty five years before settling in Catral seven years ago. The office provides full administrative support and personal presentations can be arranged.

Sporting Arbitrage Ltd, Sophia Business Centre, 11 C/Isla Formentera, La Regia, Orihuela Costa.

Steve Kelly

Due to holidays the office will be open on a parttime basis.

money

by

Paul Clarke

AES International

14 - 22 20 OCT 16 Dec 2011 07 13 OCT 2011

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AES International Ranked 11th in Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 AES INTERNATIONAL has been named the United Kingdom’s fastest growing financial services company in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and is the only financial advisory and wealth management company to make the league table in 2011.

AES CEO Sam Instone said: “We’re delighted to be recognised as the UK’s highest ranked financial services company by The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100. To come in as the 11th fastest growing company within all sectors is also something our staff and advisers can be very proud of.”

Instone attributes this phenomenal achievement to the company’s core values of professionalism, integrity, knowledge, transparency and fairness, upon which the company is built. “It has always been AES’s mission to bring positive change to international financial services, introducing standards where none existed, placing AES decades ahead of our competitors,” he said, “It demonstrates that taking a radically different approach to the rest of the industry, being highly professional, 100% transparent and focused on improving both consumer and adviser outcomes is the

recipe for long term successful growth.”

Paul Clarke, Private Client Consultant in the Costa Blanca, adds: “Being part of a rapidly growing company that boasts a reputation for positive change is an important validation for our clients, who want the reassurance of knowing they’re working with trusted advisers backed by a strong company.”

According to Instone, “In addition to the industry recognition we have already received, including the Financial Times New Breed Adviser Award, and being shortlisted for Money Marketing awards, being recognised by The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 is an important credit, which will help everyone stay focused on achieving positive change within our market sector.”

AES is the only international financial services company to be listed. It operates in several jurisdictions around the world, providing financial planning and wealth management services to expatriates living and working in Europe, the Middle East and other international markets.

AES is regulated in all EEA states under both MiFID and the IMD with branches established in Ireland, Spain, Gibraltar, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Poland and the UAE.

ABOUT AES INTERNATIONAL: AES International has become a recognised brand for dynamic wealth managers, with offices across the world, including Europe and the Middle East, offering financial planning, wealth management and private banking services to expats throughout the world with specialist cross-border needs. AES is the only international financial services firm to hold such a broad range of local investment and insurance licenses throughout Europe and the Middle East via legitimate branch establishments.

AES International is the trading style of AES Financial Services Limited, regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority in the UK and authorised in all EEA member states to give investment advice under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and insurance advice under the Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD).

AES Middle East Insurance Brokers LLC is wholly owned subsidiary of AES International and is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Economy, United Arab Emirates.

For further information, please contact Paul Clarke Office 965 058 488 Mobile 691 219 354 Email paul.clarke@aesfinance.com

More information can be found at www.aesinternational.com/paulclarke or call Paul on 965 058 488 (office) or 691 219 354 (mobile) or email Paul at paul.clarke@aesfinance.com AES International is a trading style of AES Financial Services Ltd which is registered with the Spanish Comisión Nacional del Mercado del Valores (CNMV) and the Spanish Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS) and is authorised to give investment advice under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFiD) in all EU Countries.

+

free

uk tv

120mins european landline calls

line rental

included

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legal

16 - 22 Dec 2011

Is it legally possible to deny services to an Owner who does not pay their community fees? by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

THERE IS one neighbour in the urbanisation where I live, who systematically refuses to pay the Community fees, which of course upsets the other owners. Can the Community approve at the General Board Meeting a decision to stop those neighbours not paying their fees from using the pool, lift etc? Thank you for your help.

Dear reader, thank you for your question.

Notwithstanding that our opinion may be unpopular with all the owners who do pay their Community fees, it is our considered opinion that it is not possible to stop a neighbour from using the common services solely for the reason of them not being up to date in paying the Community fees.

Law 49/1960 on Joint-Horizontal Property Ownership establishes a series of penalties and consequences derived from non payment of Community fees. The following are worth highlighting as an example: 1) PENALTIES: Article 15.2 of this Law foresees the penalty of depriving the neighbour debtor of his right to vote and

states the following in paragraph two: 2) “Those home owners who are not up to date on their community payments when the (Annual General) Meeting starts and have not contested the Meeting Minutes (ACTA) at Court or made provisions to deposit the amount due in Court or the Notary, will be able to participate in the meeting but will not have the right to vote. The names of the home owners with no right to vote as well as their shares in the community will be reflected in the Meeting Minutes but will not be taken into consideration to reach the majority required

by Law” FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DEBTOR IN CASE OF COURT CLAIM In cases of claims against Community debtors the Spanish system foresees the possibility of claiming for the amount owed to the Community plus additional expenses such as: a) Expenses, money spent on registered letters, burofax etc sent to the debtor requesting payment provided the expense is recorded and proof of the amount spent is attached to the claim (Article 21 of the LPH). b) Costs for a solicitor/lawyer and a procurator even though they are not mandatory. This is an exception to the general rule, which aims to make small claims less burdensome for the Community of owners when hiring a solicitor and procurator (Article 21 of the LPH). c) In addition, the claim could be filed requesting interest on the debt and also a surcharge (penalty) for late payment as long as this is approved at the Community Board

Meeting (JUNTA) which we highly recommend to do.

And in direct answer to your question whether the Community can deprive or prevent the debtor from using the common services such as the lift solely as a result of not being up to date on the Community payments; it is our understanding that this is not only impossible to do, but it would also be against the Law and could be considered as a coercion (blackmail) and as such could have criminal consequences for the Community.

IN SUMMARY: The Community can and should take every possible measure allowed by Law to pursue the debtors legally i.e. by making sure that the claim includes all the possible penalties allowed by Law, including, as we have previously stated, approving a surcharge for late payment in the Board Meeting (JUNTA). But we stress again that it would be incorrect to deprive the debtor of his rights as an owner or to coerce or threaten to impede the use of the lift, or any other common elements.

Should you have this or other problems in your Community, please contact us, we will be more than pleased to provide you with specialist 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 (White-Baos-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

money

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

January 31st – another deadline

CAN YOU keep up with your deadlines? I recently had an enquiry from a rather disappointed Imserso (Subsidised Spanish holiday for pensioners) wannabe who hadn’t realised that the deadline for the current round of registrations was 1st December. Understandably she had fixed on another deadline instead, the 31st December – actually the deadline for non-resident tax declarations.

It can be confusing, so at the bottom of this article I’ve added another table just to clarify what’s due and when, as I feel another deadline coming on.

January 31st 2012 - the final day to present tax declarations for non-resident companies with property in Spain.

So who does this apply to? It’s self-explanatory really, any company based in another country who owns property here. This might be property that is used for entertainment, long weekends, employee holidays or business meetings somewhere sunny. Lucky people.

This property is subject to Tax in Spain unless you complete, present and apply for an exemption along with your tax declaration. The good news is that if your business is based in the UK then under the double taxation agreement it will be exempt but you must present the relevant documents to prove it. If you don’t have the necessary documents or the company or shareholders are not subject to the double taxation agreement, you will have to pay. The amount payable is more than the usual non-resident tax at 3% of the rateable value.

To claim exemption you will need: • A certificate of fiscal residency from the UK confirming the resident status of the company • A certificate of fiscal residency from the UK confirming the resident status of the shareholders • A copy of a valid passport for each of the company shareholders With these in order and presented you should be able to avoid paying tax on non-resident company property in Spain to the Spanish Tax Authority at least.

Now, back to those deadlines:

1st December

Imserso applications for the current holiday season

Don’t worry if you’ve missed this, we are already taking details in preparation for the next round – starting soon!

31st December

Non-resident tax declarations

Just round the corner, so if you’re a non- resident owner of Spanish property – you need to be taking action now

20th January

Tax on rental income

Payable every quarter, this is the date when the next one is due

31st January 2012

Non-resident company tax declaration

Read this article. If you have and still want to know more, contact Ábaco

When you’re out in Spain you don’t want to have to be remembering deadlines. Having a fiscal representative does mean that they will be the one reminding you what you need to submit and when. And if you already have one? Then I advise you to use this article for your fish and chips instead.

If you want to know more about any of these deadlines and haven’t used this article for fish and chips contact us for free tax advice by calling our helpline 96 670 3748 www.abacoconnect.com

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

The Letter

‘N’

JUST AS we saw last week with the letter M, I am happy to tell you that the pronunciation of the letter N is the same in Spanish as in English. As usual there are plenty of words beginning with the letter N that remind us of their equivalents in English. First we will look at a whole group of words which are related to each other.

These are interesting because they show us how words are built up and also how we can sometimes guess at the meanings of words from their roots.

We’ll start with these three: “nación” (nation), “nacional” (national), “nacionalidad” (nationality).

Notice particularly that the Spanish ending “-dad” is the equivalent of “-ity” in English and there are scores of words that work in the same way. Then there is “nacionalismo” (nationalism) and “nacionalista” (nationalist). Also related to this group of words is “nativo” (native). In English we usually associate this word with primitive people, but in Spanish it simply means someone born in a particular country. If you were ever to advertise your services as a native Englishspeaking English teacher (you could of course be Scottish, Welsh, Irish, American or Australian!) you would use the phrase “profesor nativo” for a man or “profesora nativa” for a woman. Then we have the word “natural” (natural) which in every day speech translates as “fresh” as in “zumo de naranja natural” “fresh orange juice”, but also refers to the place someone comes from. In slightly more formal speech or writing we come across “Juan García, natural de Murcia” (Juan Garcia, originally from Murcia, or native of Murcia).

Within the same family, but moving away from words that translate as “N” words in English, we have “nacer” (to be born). To say “I was born” is “nací” and he or she was born “nació”. Where were you born would be “¿Dónde naciste?” Grammatically speaking we are moving into the realms of irregular past tenses, but the words are useful enough for us to learn them without necessarily understanding the grammar. And finally we have word “nato” meaning “born” as in: “es un músico nato” (he is a born musician).

Now going on to other N words which link with English equivalents, we have “necesidad” another “-dad” word meaning “necessity”, “neutral” (neutral)

– be careful with the pronunciation, a combination of the Spanish “e” and “u” with the “e” being the stronger sound, “normal” (normal), “nostalgia” (nostalgia), “nutrición” (nutrition), “norteamericano” (North American). This is an interesting one in that the Spanish differentiate clearly between the continent of America and the various countries belonging to it. When we say “American” we usually mean someone from the US, whereas for the Spanish “americano” means someone from any part of North or South America. A Spanish friend might tell you they have a “primo americano” coming to visit, in which case expect him to come from Cuba, Venezuela or another South or Central American country. The word for someone specifically from the US (Estados Unidos) is “estadounidense”.

An interesting “estranged cousin” is the Spanish word “nervioso”. This can mean nervous in the English sense of timid or fearful, but is more often used to mean nervy, agitated or energetic. It is the same as when we say in English “he has a lot of nervous energy”. If a parent says to a teacher: “Mi hijo es muy nervioso”. (My son is very active or energetic) the teacher usually expects the worst!

Now here are two rather picturesque “N” words which I thought you might like. One is Adam’s apple which is “nuez de Adán” (Adam’s walnut!) and the name of a flower “nomeolvides” which translates “don’t forget me” and that’s exactly what it is, a “forget-me-not”.

And to finish off, here are two saying containing the letter N. “Los niños y los locos dicen las verdades” literally “Children and fools cannot lie.” I’m not sure how true this actually is, but the equivalent phrase in English is “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings”.

Another short saying which is very common is “perder el norte”, literally “to lose the north”. This comes from the idea of navigation and orientating oneself by the north star. However, we use it to mean someone who loses their way in a more personal sense. The colloquial equivalent in English is simply “to lose it”. When some poor soul is getting everything out of perspective and getting upset for no reason, we say “ha perdido el norte” – he’s lost the north on his compass and his (or her) world is in disarray!

health

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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A New You for 2012

FIRSTLY I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my clients, past and future for making the Phoenix Mark Phoenix Hypnotherapy clinics one of the leading permanently based clinics on the Costas Blanca, Calida and Almeria Murphy and to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2012. by

Dhp MIAPH MNRAH

Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals.

Most peoples New Year Resolutions are to lose weight, kick the habit of smoking, change their lives for the better, either through finances, or becoming more positive, maybe they would like to rid themselves of a phobia or to take control of negative thoughts and feelings.

That is where Phoenix Hypnotherapy can help you. I can help you stop smoking easily in only one 30 minute session. I use a technique called the Rob Kelly Method, and have been using the same method since 2003, it has a success rate of 92.5%*.

It has such a high success rate simply because I do not take every prospective client on, they may not be truly ready, so every single client has a completely FREE 30 minute consultation immediately prior to the hypnotherapy session; this is to assess your suitability. And until the end of January, I will give you a real incentive to stop smoking…I am offering you the chance to become a non-smoker using this method for only 100€ (usually 140€) and together we can help you become a non-smoker.

Or maybe you would like to lose weight and then control it once you have reached your target. The

HypnoBand™ has featured on many programmes, such as Channel 4´s Embarrassing Bodies, it has also featured in countless news articles worldwide.

Phoenix Hypnotherapy pioneered The HypnoBand™ programme in Spain in 2009. This type of treatment, the virtual gastric band, is not just a simple one off session, but a programme of four carefully designed sessions spread out over a period of time. And again for weight loss this time I will give you a real incentive to lose weight….until the end of January, I will offer this unique treatment for 275€ for the whole treatment.

I am the only Registered HypnoBand™ practitioner on the Costa Blanca, Calida and Almeria. Maybe you only need to lose a small amount of weight and just want that extra boost, well at Phoenix Hypnotherapy I also still continue to offer a one off Weight Control session at a special price of 75€ (normally 85€).

If you are unfortunate to suffer from depression, phobias, anxiety, sexual problems, panic attacks or any other negative obstacles in your mind, why not book in for a free consultation, to discuss your problems in a confidential and safe environment. I only work from registered clinics and for your peace of mind I am registered here in Spain and have a Spanish Governing Body.

At Phoenix Hypnotherapy we can even help with your blood pressure problems using the new

HypnoTension™ programme.

So make that resolution to yourself today…. to change for the better...pick up the phone today and call Mark directly on 654 202 996 or visit www.HypnoSpain.com * See website for details

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16 - 22 Dec 2011 2010 8-14 JANUARY

Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre Dr Ben goes to Peru Tinker by

The Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre

DR BEN Tinker from Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre (CBCC) has made the first step in completing their mission to not just help their local community but also people from around the world as well. CBCC’s mission is “to empower our clients, our community and the world toward optimal health, happiness and the full expression of Life, by helping the Divine perfection within everyone of us express itself.”

Chiropractic is the number one leading health care profession in the world which does not prescribe drugs or surgery, with more than 1 million people going to see a chiropractor every day, and this number continues to grow as more people find the long lasting health benefits of chiropractic care.

Dr Ben Tinker, chiropractor, represented the CBCC on a 2 part mission trip to Lima, Peru. The first part aimed to help as many people as possible in a district in Lima called San Borja. A local and very well known church in the area was kind enough to promote chiropractic and the mission trip, and let us use their old temple to treat people and help organise donations for part 2 of the mission. In a complete day Dr Ben Tinker checked and gave his chiropractic services to over 300 people. His team on this day consisted of 8 people in total to organise the people, tell them what to expect and collect donations. There was

such a demand for his services that the team could not leave before confirming that they will be back next year to help again. A news television channel came to interview Dr Ben, they did a good job with the 2 minutes they had with the chiropractor as he was incredibly busy.

After recharging for 2 days in the sun and beauty of Lima, part 2 of the mission trip came along and this was the main reason for CBCC’s presence there. A well known Christian organisation called CIMA casa-hogar (CIMA home) looks after abandoned and extremely poor boys from the ages of 7 – 18. They give them rehabilitation and love in order to change their lives from nothing into something special.

These boys normally live on the streets of Lima city making a living any way they can. One boy told us a story that while he was robbing a passerby for money and possessions he was hit by a car. After waking up, he was approached

by Father Jean-Louis, who runs CIMA casa-hogar, who told him of a place where he can go where he will be safe.

He has never turned back and his life is now back on track again.

In chiropractic we look to help people get well and keep them from getting sick again. There are 3 main causes of health problems which we see daily here in the Costa Blanca which are universal; 1. Physical stress (bumps, falls, car crashes, etc.). 2. Emotional stress

For an appointment with Dr. Tinker, please contact The Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre on 966 865 432

and, 3. Chemical stress (drugs, alcohol, medication...). Obviously, the impact of being homeless in a dirty, unhelpful, poor city while smoking drugs and sniffing glue with, what seems to be, no hope of a way out, has really put these young children’s body in a state of shock and dis-ease (the body not being in balance). Chiropractic is the only profession in the world currently which specifically locates and corrects these problems which put your body out of “ease.” The reason why we have so much success is because we focus on the body’s ability to function, find and fix where it is currently not functioning (dis-ease) and not on what feels sore.

This approach has been shown to be the only long term help for any functional pain or problem. Rubbing your foot because it hurts when the pain is coming from a pinched nerve in the back doesn’t make any sense. Let’s go straight to the cause and correct it.

There are about 90-100 boys in CIMA

casa-hogar and about 20 staff members and volunteers. Dr Ben Tinker gave his time to carefully check each and every one of them so they can be free of any physical and neurological stress so they can be at their optimum on their journey to a better life.

A big thank you to all of our current clients who donated money to the cause, it was gratefully received and was put towards buying school supplies which they are desperately in need of.

Maybe you do not have as much stress as these boys in Lima, but in our current society, financial climate, desk jobs and chronically bad postures our bodies are in great need of a service. Exactly the same as servicing your car when it needs it. A chiropractor is more than qualified to see if your tired, physical body is in need of a service. Remember you deserve to be looked after too.

If you wish to make an appointment with Dr Ben Tinker please call 966 865 432.

Busy times for HAH

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

HAH volunteers enjoying the festive spirit

A BUSY couple of weeks for the HAH fundraisers with stalls at three separate Christmas markets, which netted almost 700€. Last Saturday, a Horse Racing night at Henry’s Bar in Los Alcazares, brought in almost 300€, and raffle for a ‘drinks’ hamper is being run until Christmas Eve. Our thanks to all who helped, donated and supported HAH. We have taken on 7 new clients in the past 10 days, bringing the total number of people helped to date to almost 200, which proves what a valuable service is offered.

The volunteers had a well-earned break last Monday when they held their Christmas Lunch at Campbells restaurant in

Roda. 46 people sat down to a superb 3 course lunch, and were then festively entertained by 2 of HAH’s own volunteers, Celia Ryan (fundraising) and Angela Coady (Caring Services.)

During the Christmas period our resources will be stretched due to volunteers’ commitments. Although we will endeavour to support existing clients, we ask that if you need medical assistance, please contact your G.P., or ring 112 in an emergency..

HAH would like to wish all their clients, sponsors and supporters a very merry Christmas and a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR..

Kathy hogs the bottle

ON WEDNESDAY the 7th December the first draw was made for “The Torrevieja Costa Lions club” giant whisky bottle Christmas raffles.

The first winner was a patron of Hoggies Bar, owned by Julie Purdy in the San Luis area of Torrevieja and on the following Tuesday,Lions Club membership Director David Daniel handed over the bottle to the winner Kathy Barron also from San Luis.

There are other bottles and baskets on display in various bars and businesses in and around the local area so please try your luck when you see one. There are still tickets available in Claptons bar in Quesada, Quesada Fish and Chips, The Olive Grove and The Windsor Tavern.

Proceeds from the raffles will go to helping local charities and good causes in the Torrevieja area and around the world. Kathy and David are pictured at the hand over of the giant bottle in Hoggies Bar. Well done Kathy have a merry Christmas.

You can meet with the Lions at La Zenia Beach on Christmas Day around midday.

If you would like to find out more about “The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club” mail David with your questions at davedanie@gmail.com

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

QUESADA IS looking forward to Christmas! There is a festive vibe about the urbanisation that has not been seen before and it has to be THE place to go this weekend for your last bits of Christmas shopping. With only eight shopping days to go until the ‘big’ day, forget about going to the ‘mad’ town centre shopping malls, where everyone else will be flocking, and get yourself down to the friendly shops of Quesada and experience that local high street feeling which is so lacking, not only here in Spain, but also now in the UK. SEXY UNDERWEAR The Treasure Chest is located on the main street and can supply you with the best and most exquisite pieces of jewellery and fine gifts on the Costa Blanca.

Also on the main high street is GiGi’s Boutique, where you can find a great selection of day and evening wear from Adini as well as real lingerie for real women!

UK sized bras from 30–46, B–K cup and a free bra fitting service and not forgetting those magic knickers! Guys, this is the place to buy your wife or girlfriend some sexy underwear and don’t worry if it doesn’t fit, GiGi’s friendly staff will exchange it for you after Christmas!

And for the boys, why not visit the newly opened JP Golf Shop on Calle Los Arcos? They have a wide range of affordable golf accessories that make ideal Christmas gifts for that golfer in your life.

THE HOLLY AND THE IVY If clothes, jewellery and lingerie are not what you are after this Christmas, why not go to Diamond Flores, the English florist, on Avenida las Naciones? They have lots of beautiful Christmas poinsettias in stock as well as traditional holly and ivy, plants and fresh flowers. But be warned though, the shop smells SO nice that you may never want to leave and you could end up having your Christmas dinner in there! Once you have sorted your gifts outs for Christmas, what about those last minute cards? The Post Box in Doña Pepa not only has a great selection of cards for you to choose from, they will also post them!

POSH PARTIES What about a Christmas night out? Now ladies, you know that before you even step out of the door, you have to make sure that you are looking your best and so why not get yourself down to Panache Hair and Beauty which offers a full range of hair and beauty treatments?

And what about a posh party frock...? Redz Boutique offers the best ladies day and evening wear, shoes and accessories as well as lots of classic and trendy items of menswear. And if money is an issue, why not have a look through your drawers and see if you have any unwanted gold or items of value? Both the Quesada Gold Centre on Calle Los Arcos and Spanish Pawn Stars will buy your unwanted jewellery or items of value and give you that extra cash which we all need at this time of year.

Quesada Ciudad

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Quesada has some of the best bars and restaurants in the area all of which offer an array of different cuisine from all over the world and if you want a great night out, then Quesada is the place to go. Firefly on Calle Los Arcos, is not only a great bar it is also a nightclub with a resident DJ and a great atmosphere. You can get your dancing legs on and dance the night away to your heart’s content! The venue will also be hosting Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Balls, so if you haven’t yet decided where to go, why not head to Firefly?

If dancing isn’t your cup of tea, just head along to Bobby’s Bar, off Avenida las Naciones, where there is a range of events for the festive season and so you don’t have to argue who is going to be the designated driver, the bar offers all its customers a ‘Get You Home Service’. And finally, if all this talk about Quesada has made you want to move there, why not contact Spanish Life Property for the best range of property in Quesada and the surrounding area?!

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

Computing

Is it just the battery?

with aunty virus

Options are greyed out

Dave via email asks: HI AUNTY, I read your article every week with interest and have found some answers very helpful. My problem is that when I’m surfing the web, and I find a page that might be interesting to a friend, when I go to ‘send the page by email’ and ‘send link by email’ the options are greyed out.

How do I solve this? Your advice would be most welcome.

Aunty Says: Hi Dave. I think I know what you mean and I’m guessing

you are using Internet Explorer 9 and want to use the menu option that automatically pops a link of the page you are on into an email ready to send. For this to work you need to be using a locally installed email client such as Outlook Express or the Windows Live Mail program from Microsoft. Most of us have given up on local email programs and we all stick to what is commonly known as ‘webmail’ such as Gmail, Yahoo mail or Hotmail. Your best bet would be to copy the URL (the complete http://www..... bit in the address bar) into an email

Cannot believe the improvements Carol from La Siesta asks: HI AUNTY, I took your advice and changed my email address to Gmail and it works perfectly and now my friends receive the pictures with the emails I forward on. I noted from today’s column (online) that Tony had changed from IE to Firefox, I have now changed to Firefox and can’t believe the speed and total improvements, especially now that I can also type on Facebook (I had avoided going on FB as the air would turn blue) Now there are no missing letters and waiting for my comments to appear, it’s all going smoothly thanks to your valued advice.

Aunty Says: Always a pleasure Carol. I have since had a load more folk with exactly the same problem so it seems Internet Explorer has an issue running Facebook. As for moving over to Gmail, I have always sung Google’s praises for introducing and maintaining such a secure and reliable email service, and the fact that it is free makes it even more fantastic.

Marina via email asks: HELLO AUNTY, I hope you can help me. My 3 year old computer has developed a problem in that it has recently began losing its date and time when I shut down in the evening and I have to update it the next day. I had the same problem years ago with an old Apricot and had to periodically replace a battery inside it, but I cannot imagine this could be the case with today’s computers. I should be grateful for your help.

Aunty Says: Unfortunately it does sound like a battery problem again but it’s not really a major job changing a CMOS battery on a PC as you can simply pop it out with a pen.

Make sure the PC is switched off and inside look for a flat chrome disc about the size of a 10c coin.

It is held in by a simple spring loaded clip and you can get a replacement in most supermarkets. Avoid the cheap Chinese ones as you’ll be replacing it again in a few months.

Cannot print just one page Gloria via email asks: HOLA AUNTY. I have an HP Deskjet all in one printer and I have no idea how to print just one page. As you probably know the printer does what I call ‘back to front printing’. How do I print only the one page when I have a document with more pages?

I usually have to print all the pages which more often than not I don’t need. Thanks for your help.

Aunty Says: Hello Gloria. You should see the option to select the ‘page range’ when you go through the print option normally on the menu at the top of the program you are using. For example in Word, when you click on the Office button + print or in (older Office versions and Firefox etc on ‘file’ ‘print’) there is an option to choose page 1 of 5 which will only print page one. If you don’t see the normal menu

then sometimes a right click of the mouse somewhere around the top should allow you to enable it.

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

Activation period has expired

Deena via email asks: HELLO I’M a lady, and would like to be Computerwoman if I can. My problem is Window 7 ultimate. The activation period has expired and I must find product key 25 number. How I can find it?

Hope i will hear from you.

Aunty Says: Hello Deena. If you don’t have a Microsoft sticker with the 25 digit code stuck somewhere on your computer then you may need to take it back to the supplier and ask them to activate Windows for you. It is normally found on one side of a tower/PC and stuck underneath on a laptop.

16 - 22 Dec 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of:

Mood Marvels

THIS WEEK the Inspector looks at a magnitude of marvels to mellow the mood – or maybe they´re just a bunch of gizmos with pretty lights...

Top left is the 55€ Remote Control Mood Lamp. Powerful LEDs emit a therapeutic array of colours allowing you to set the mood and ambience of the room. A click of the button on the remote control and you can change the colours and intensity for different effects.

The adjustable base allows for easy positioning and projection of the light around the room, and its mains powered so no need for batteries; a perfect companion to that Lava Lamp you have hidden away in the loft.

Top right are the 45€ Water Dancing Speakers. Connect any music source via the 3.5mm jack, plug in the USB cable to power them and get ready to relax. As soon as the music starts 4 jets illuminated by multi-coloured LEDs bounce according to the volume and pitch.

The speakers are completely sealed, so no leaks. The water display is bright enough to be seen in daylight, but best effect is at night. Water marvellous idea!

Bottom left is the 40€ Jellyfish Tank. We´ve all owned a goldfish or an aquarium at some point - remember all that cleaning and aggravation? Well no need to fish around for an alternative - just get yourself a Jellyfish Tank.

No need to feed or clean them, just plug into the mains

and enjoy. The jellyfish are actually plastic with a realistic movement as they glide around the tank. There are also 6 LEDs that shine down through the water changing colour or fixed to a shade of your preference. With a Jellyfish Tank you can now finally consign that old aquarium to Davy Jones’ Locker!

Bottom right is the 35€ Zen Aroma Diffuser. Forget about those smelly candles, air fresheners and incense sticks – there´s a 21st Century solution to creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.

The Zen Aroma Diffuser is a mini fountain of water and fragrance eliminating the need for air fresheners. Cutting edge ultrasonic technology combines with an elegance of design to enrich your surroundings with a soothing, cool and scented mist.

For safety the Zen Aroma Diffuser incorporates a patented auto shut-off, which operates when the water falls below the required level. So all you need is water, your favourite essential oil and Elton John playing through your Water Dancing Speakers and relaxation is guaranteed.

The Inspector´s Verdict: Work hard, relax harder (nobody plays unless they´re still at school). If you need gadgetry to help you then any of the above may help. Alternatively you could try reading a book or learning a new craft, but hey, who does that anymore? And no - there´s not an app for that.

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16 - 22 Dec 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 1. Fussy about just one item? (10) 7. Time of year in which Capri looks its best (5) 8. Agreeing to a nap? (7) 10. Hand over a representative (8) 11. Pole enters by way of a special permit (4) 13. Choice form of potion (6) 15. The force of emphasis (6) 17. Unproductive sort of raid (4) 18. Boring task for the affluent (4-2-2) 21. Old map I produced for a degree (7) 22. Turning points in revolutions (5) 23. He should recognise golden opportunities when he sees them (10)

DOWN 1. I get a number to follow through danger (5) 2. One girl I converted to the faith (8) 3. Hotel having tea break is natural (6) 4. Free from any sound of disturbance (4) 5. Inane is another way of putting this (7) 6. This fight will be very close (4-2-4) 9. Where they try to force soldiers to be good? (10) 12. Stout fellow broke the law in the beginning (8) 14. Accident-prone excursionist? (7) 16. A household word in France (6) 19. Vessel carrying fuel from Loire (5) 20. Plenty of sites for builders (4)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Lawful (10) 7. Once more (5) 8. Called (7) 10. Value highly (8) 11. Standard (4) 13. A dish (6) 15. Coloured pencil (6) 17. Pile (4) 18. Figure of speech (8) 21. Model (7) 22. Perform (5) 23. Interpreted (10)

DOWN 1. Depart (5) 2. Desperado (8) 3. Inn (6) 4. Reverie (4) 5. Completely (7) 6. Warship (10) 9. Grow worse (10) 12. Embellish (8) 14. Renegade (7) 16. Dog-house (6) 19. Listened to (5) 20. Eager (4)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 634 - Jim Stokes in Denia

Euromillions Draw Friday 9th December

12 21 29 44 47

1

2

No ticket won the 26,824,531 Euros jackpot prize

Tuesday 13th December

7 12 18 33 37

1

11

No ticket won the 34,268,471 Euros jackpot prize

Queen Liz I FIRST saw those haunted eyes looking back at me from behind a couple of station trolleys full to the brim with plastic sacks. Liz, as she was to introduce herself to me, is known as the Queen of Sixth Avenue, New York. She sleeps sometimes on the grating of a subway extractor close to 47th Street, and she was a journalist in her time. We talked after I gave her half of my kilo heavy deli sandwich, and a 20 dollar bill. She was concerned that I was going to be cold, and assured me that she didn’t drink or smoke, but she shivered as we chatted in the November chill of a dark night.

I began by telling her off, asking her what got an intelligent woman to live on the streets with all possessions exposed to the elements and a destroyed life in tatters and rags. Giving her my fleecy jacket and ordering her to wear it, she smiled when she found it was warm and grinned through three teeth back at me. She began her story.

Tragically her home was repossessed and she found herself ending a violent and abusive marriage and having nowhere to go. She was temporarily re housed amongst drunks and drug addicts, and they stole her only treasure, a silver framed picture of her son who died in cot death as an infant. I didn’t want to see the tears running down her face, but she allowed me to continue to tell her off and held my arm as if she wouldn’t let go.

People on the sidewalk looked away from her, but looked at me in stunned surprise.

Liz gazed at the deli sandwich, said that she had a friend up on 53rd Street with a dog, and that they would share this meaty treat for breakfast. I didn’t want to leave Liz. She was so starved of friendship that she kept me talking; she was good at that I have to say, and we talked about the World. Life in Spain, Obama, The City, Cops. I did not want to leave her, but she was making tracks towards the subway station. Here she had a place to store her trolleys at night, and a subway clerk always made her tea and spoke to her. I asked her what was in the huge bags, and why she has chosen this sad and solitary life withdrawn from even human gaze, especially since she had worked in the media. Liz wouldn’t or couldn’t answer. I last

Kenny’s diary Saturday Dec 17th: Christmas Fair at the Maya Bistro in Albir. Come and enjoy a variety of stalls, Christmas gifts and Readings.

From 12.00 until 17.30. Bistro Maya is next to the BBVA bank and across from the Post Office. Free parking near by. Call: 966 868 213 for details.

Monday 19th and Wednesday 21st Dec: Readings at the Bistro Maya, Albir from 17.00 onwards.

Bookings and further details from Els and her team on: 966 868 213.

Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for your favourite charity. Some dates available for December.

saw her trundling heavy trolleys and a beaten up Samsonite suitcase as she disappeared uptown from my sight with a wave.

I am a very sensitive soul, and I fought tears as I entered the warm glow of the lobby of my hotel; mostly in anger that such a wonderful person feels there is nothing for her; feeling guilty too that I would sleep in a warm bed and have a hot shower, waking to a hot breakfast.

I looked for Liz the very next day but there was no sign of her. She told me that she had to keep going and that the Cops knew her and generally left her alone. It is a Federal Offence to beg for money or food on the Streets of this, one of the World’s greatest Cities, where it is a crime to be homeless, unloved and uncared for too.

Many would say that she chose this way of life and yet there seems to be no care or respite when a fifty year old woman takes to the streets, mourning, as she always will, her dead son. Remembering that she told me that he was blue the last time she saw him and held him, and as cold dead as a A Train subway rat in Harlem.

I will never forget Liz, the Queen of Sixth Avenue. As we are under a new Worldwide attack financially that has seen the mighty fall, and all of us tighten our belts. It is harder than ever to find work, whilst prices rise and we are forced to make changes, but to bare the brunt too. We here in Spain are approaching a difficultly in celebrating Christmas, doing what we can, putting a brave face on things, and we will get through.

Many of our friends have already gone away, driven back to the UK by the falling worth of pensions and lack of work.

Still I hope that you readers, as Spiritual people, will join me in sending out a message of Love and Light, bringing hope, calling on Angels and doing whatever you can to help those who are so very worse off than we are. The needy aren’t confined to New York City either. There is always hope, and that says such a lot to vanquish fear and to help us onwards to the better times of enlightenment, just around the corner.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com KENNY, I know that I am not alone when I say that I dread Christmas. To me it always brings back unhappiness and bad memories from the past. There is something very sad about tinsel and trimmings and family parties, and I am glad when it is all over.

Morgan J. Hi Morgan. I feel you are very much not alone in your seasonal sentiments since I get mail from so many who like to try and forget this celebratory season. The trouble is that when you try to shut out something it has the habit of never really going away. My mother died on Christmas morning, and rather than mourn her passing I use the day to celebrate as she would have wanted me to do so. Each year I dedicate the Christmas Tree to her and celebrate a day with friends. I have never had the real family Christmas, since I have never had a big family, and maybe I am the lucky one in that respect. Memories can be happy or sad, and I only hope that this year happy memories will be forged for the future. In these difficult times we need something to focus on, and however you choose to spend this, the Festive Season, may you have a good time enjoying it, or forgetting it, whichever you do best!

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!

16 -- 26 22 may Dec 2011 20

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

23 41

With the interaction of Uranus midweek the tables are turned and you can expect to be able to tell your side of the story. Others have unfairly judged you, and now they must know the right reasons for you doing what you had to. With all the will in the World you will achieve peace and calm but others will have to see that they got it wrong, and you were oh so right all along!

Venus, your planetary leader takes on Saturn whilst entering into Aquarius to square Jupiter and to sextile Uranus. This brings energy, power and love and light into play and it’s all there for the taking. Things are about to change, and for once you are in full charge of what you are about to do, with no holds barred, and a brief to go and do what you know that you need to any which way, with no going back.

The recent Total Lunar Eclipse brought you subtle shifts in opposing directions, but now it is really up to you to plan your next move and go for it! Mercury’s recent reaction in Sagittarius sheds light on something special, and you have the green flag to make new contacts and to move on, with no fear that you are running away, in the knowledge that change and resolve are just around the corner.

Crablike scuttling away need not be an option because at last there is no need to hide away your innermost hopes wishes and desires. Someone has been trying to get close, but your pain of the past kept them at arm’s length from you. As Venus opens your emotional centres and Jupiter inspires you with good fortune the spell of distant traumas is broken and the way ahead is set.

Left to your own devices you have come up with the perfect solution and can see your easy way down from a mountain of responsibility and doubt. Hard work is the way forward, and this brings with it a fair chance of making amends and showing what you can do if you try. Prepare to make it clear that in no certain terms you will do what you have to and give this opportunity a go.

Mars brings a prick of conscience but serves to show you the whole package, illuminating it for just what it is and what it stands for. You are not pressured to make plans, but you can relax knowing that the next phase of your life eliminates complication and shows you clearly that your own heart always does show you the right way, and that, determined, just like now, you will make it your way.

Last minute plans may have to be scuppered as there are new and more exciting matters to deal with this week. Finally things are coming together, which is what you wanted to happen, but you didn’t expect the rush. A wary Mercury has seen that the coast is clear for what you are about to do, and there may not be a better time than this to square and consolidate everything once and for all.

Astral energies and Cosmic mysteries are investing in the subtle energies as you enter a magic period and much is revealed to you. With dreams bringing deep visions of the future, and safe in the love you share, there is a need to show just what you really want. It isn’t selfish to ask for what you deserve, it’s self preserving and it could make a world of a difference to embracing your real needs.

With Jupiter in cahoots with mighty Uranus and a highly sensitive Venus, love is on the cards, together with luck and fortune. Things would be so very different if you could better predict your wants and needs, and then take responsibilities on that self same level. You are more, much more, than you think that you are, and finding out will bring into play the mechanics that you need.

The midweek Winter Solstice on the 21st sees the Sun exalted and entering into your sign with the usual gusto, heralding the Christmas season with light and love. This is, however, time to chill and to look at both sides of a situation that needs your expertise to see it safely through, and to ask yourself what is in it for you? Be prepared for some heartfelt decisions made for the best reasons.

Venus enters midweek bringing more than just a ray of sunshine to your busy life. There seems to be no point in nagging you, but a gentle reminder serves to show you that there must be more to all this than meets the eye. Whilst others are manipulative of your time you need to be involved in the priorities that put a very well deserved smile on your face and reward you for what you do best.

Dreamy and romantic, the energies around the Cosmos at the moment are driven by love from Venus and fortune from Jupiter. This has to be a time when you recharge your spiritual batteries and spread some loving kindness all around. However, you are the source of this highly tuned energy, and so use it to bring closure to that which you wish to be released from, and light and love to show you the way on.

If it’s your birthday this week...

The Cosmos is both open and willing to fulfil your destiny, but are you ready to release fear, and the past? Do so and you will experience the green light on something you have so long awaited.

42

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Fire Safety: Preventing heating fires in the months ahead YOUR HEATING system is an important part of your home. To ensure it’s ready to keep you and your family cosy when temperatures drop, proper maintenance is important.

At Liberty Seguros, we want the best for your family, so we’ve prepared this easy-to-use checklist for getting the most from your home heat sources.

FIREPLACES AND WOOD STOVES • Have your chimney or flue inspected by a certified professional at least once a year.

• Use a protective screen in front of open fireplaces.

• Keep combustible materials at least three feet away from fireplaces or wood stoves to prevent them catching on fire.

• Never throw liquid fuel, compressed gas canisters or batteries into a fireplace or wood-burning stove.

• Completely extinguish fires before leaving your home or going to bed.

• Place ashes (which can remain hot for several days) into a non-combustible container. Store the container outside and away from combustible materials such as decks and wall siding.

HEATERS • Have vents, chimneys or flues inspected every year by a qualified service provider.

• Inspect your heater for damage before starting it up for the first time each year.

• Use caution when extinguishing or relighting lights on gas heaters.

• If you smell gas, turn off the heater, immediately leave your home and from a safe place call both the gas company and the fire department.

• Always select a licensed and insured contractor to service, replace or install your gas or electric heater.

• Check with local building codes before making any changes to your heating system.

SPACE HEATERS • Always keep the heater at least three feet from furniture, walls and anything that could ignite from the heat.

• Use only the manufacturer-recommended fuel in your portable heater.

• Never add fuel or top up a liquid fuel space heater while it’s in use; always wait until it has cooled completely before refilling, and fill it outdoors.

• Check electric heaters for cord damage, other dam-

age and missing parts before and after each use.

• Keep children and pets away from space heaters at all times.

• Turn off space heaters, unplug them (if applicable) and wait for them to cool before going to bed or leaving the room.

OTHER TIPS • Never attempt to heat your home with a gas or

electric range (oven).

• Use carbon monoxide (CO) detectors throughout your home.

• Test your smoke alarms before cool weather begins, and replace batteries annually. Replace smoke alarms every ten years or immediately if defective.

For more information on home or other insurance or to find your nearest Liberty Seguros broker visit: http://www.libertyseguros.es/expatriates/en

Kevin Jones invites you to a Christmas open day SINCE THE opening of the new showroom in Benitachell, Kevin Jones Construction, Kitchens & Bathrooms has gone from strength to strength. To thank all of our past and present clients and to welcome future clients, we would like to invite you to celebrate our continued success at our Christmas open day on Saturday 17th December from 10.00am – 14.00pm - enjoy Bucks Fizz, mulled wine, mince pies and festive cheer with us!

You will be able to take the opportunity to see displays of the best in kitchens and appliances, as well as to discuss your requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable team - whether you need a kitchen facelift to help sell a house or you want to turn your garden into a welcoming outdoor living room ready for the Spanish summer.

Find us on the Javea – Benitachell road, next to Mas y Mas. Wishing a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2012 to all!

Tel: 96 649 3051 Website: www.kevinjones.es Email: info@kevinjones.es.

Home & Garden

16 - 22 Dec 2011

43

Thinking about gardening Christmas presents? by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

IF SO here are some practical ideas: A new pair of sharp, easy-to-use pruners is always welcome - ready for the winter cutback in the New Year.

Wearing out old shoes or walking boots is not really the best thing for one’s feet, ankles and knees so how about a pair of comfortable shoes or boots with reinforced toes…

Thinking about knees - how about a new pair of knee pads for all those kneeling jobs?

Gardening gloves are welcome, especially waterproof ones at this time of year.

In some households gardening is not a shared activity so a promise to help out next year, especially in getting a vegetable plot going, may go down well.

How about a miniature gardening kit for young children to get them involved young – perhaps

give them a few square metres of soil or a collection of containers for their own garden.

Sorry for including them but our five gardening books are good Christmas presents, especially as they are designed to be used throughout the year and not just a few hours read in front of the Boxing Day log fire.

If the intended recipient is new to gardening on Spanish soils how about a set of three sizes of mattocks that are easier to use than a British fork and spade.

Every ten years a new wheelbarrow might be an idea. But do buy one with a wide, bouncy solid or blow-up tyre.

Winter days are often sunny but they can be windy and cold so a snug gardener’s green sweater or padded waistcoat could be appreciated.

It’s not too late to plant deciduous fruit trees and bushes to add to the existing collection of fruits for healthy living.

To ensure a chemical-free garden next year a present of bottles of neem oil insecticide and propolis fungicide.

Cutting hedges gets no easier as one grows older so perhaps arrange for someone to come and cut the hedges and prune tall trees in January.

A small grape press could help the family press next year’s grape harvest rather than using the bath and feet!

If the garage is getting cluttered with garden tools and products how about a Garden shed?

If you enjoy or would like to try growing sprouting seeds buy yourself an automatic sprouting machine.

Several times during the year we have mentioned drying fruit, herbs and seeds on our tray drier.

They are very handy. We use ours several times a week. Currently for drying slices of tangerines for dipping in chocolate to eat after dinner or when needing a boost on winter walks. Raisins and sultanas were dried for the Christmas cake!

Gardening socks wear out every few years. Perhaps this is the year for a couple of new pairs.

If you see a stylish straw hat in the local agricultural cooperative buy one ready for the first hot sunny days next year.

To attract wild birds how about bird boxes, feeders and a bird bath. We notice that the Wiggly Wigglers catalogue includes a bird box with a built in internal video camera to connect at the end of a 30 metre lead to the television.

A good bottle of Spanish brandy to warm up af-

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

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

ter a long cold winter day in the garden…

Happy Christmas Shopping!

Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s comprehensive gardening books are available from high street and internet bookshops, plus the authors’ website: www.gardeninginspain.com

44

16 - 22 Dec 2011

by

Carlos Franco

Home Improvements: Tough Decisions Made Easy

YOU JUST bought a fixer-upper and you have a vision for how to turn it into your CDF Arquitectura dream home. But the devil, as we know, is in the details. And when it comes to home improvements, dealing with the details can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make it all work within a limited budget.

The process can be stressful and time consuming. Your first thought might be to hunt down a contractor and obtain the necessary construction permits. But before you hurry to hire a builder or sign any contracts, here’s another item you might want

to add to your checklist: Seek professional, unbiased advice from an architect.

This really makes sense considering that you are probably making one of the biggest investments of your lifetime. Building contractors might be well versed in construction but they may not be able to give you proper guidance on big-picture issues such as how to maximise the use of the property, how to design your home so it best suits your needs, or what other upgrade options might be available within your budget. In other words, you need proper and impartial advice on how to make the most of your investment, and an impartial architect will be able to help.

This is particularly critical when you have a set budget to achieve your desired renovations. Does this mean you have to choose between a new kitchen, a new bathroom, or a new master bedroom? What about that sunroom that you have always wanted?

And it is true that some features do actually add to the resale value of the home, whereas others might not. So even within a fixed budget, there are all sorts of tradeoffs and choices available that you might not be aware of.

Also, a builder may not always be qualified to give you expert, objective advice regarding issues such as climate-control and energy efficiency. Plus there are also important decisions to be made about lighting, floor-

ing and windows. Every item on your home remodeling checklist should not be looked at in isolation; but rather within an overall plan that fits within your budget.

Renovating or building your dream home should be an enjoyable and exciting endeavor. It should also be as stress-free as possible, and having the peace of mind that

you are making the right choices in how you invest your hard-earned money is an important part of this.

If you have questions or would like a consultation on how to go about improving or rebuilding your home, give us a call, send us an email or come by our office. We look forward to chatting with you.

A visit to their office of Ana and Carlos Franco is recommended where a no obligation discussion can take place to discuss your needs. CDF is located on the Calle Pedro Garcia Ortiz 25A, Plaza dels Mariners, Calpe 03710. Telephone 965 832 922 or 660 928 037: carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com and www.cdf-arquitectura.com

Home & Garden

Brought to you by

- 22 Dec 2011 Feb 2616 - March 4 2010

45 45

Festive events in Almoradi

There’s nothing like a really

good steak UNFORTUNATELY, THE ones I have eaten recently have been nothing like good steaks. This could turn out to be a very long article as what Michael Winner described recently relating to steak as “even a trained gorilla can cook” seems to be almost impossible for most restaurants and especially in your own home or even friends BBQ. So what makes the perfect steak and who should the prize for the best steak be awarded to?

Contender No1 The Farmer, in whichever country who, subject to demand, selects not only the breed such as Black Angus, Aberdeen Angus, Dexter, Welsh Black, Charalais, Kobe and Highland to name but a few. Then there’s the feed - either grass fed or Corn fed (with all the associated digestion problems) even the occasional pint of beer for Kobe Contender No2 The Wholesaler who decides on the importance of traceability issues, age and sex of the animal as well as the type and duration of the aging process. Dry aged on-thebone, wet aged in the bag or even not aged at all.

They all have their supporters of being the best.

Contender No3 The Butcher who decides on the best cuts to sell to you or the restaurant.

But not all beef is suitable for steaking.

Contender No4 The Chef (which could be you)

who has to cook it as well as decide on with what to cook it? Contender No5 The Customer who all have their own personal likes and dislikes, is usually very easily swayed by atmosphere, reputation, promotion and sales gimmicks; has no idea what country of origin the meat came from or what breed it was, what it was fed on, how it was aged or for how long, how long its been in the restaurant, what was sprinkled on the steak before it was cooked or who cooked it, on what, just as long as it is called a steak and close to something like they had in mind. After all they do pay the bills so pleasing the customer is paramount.

Before you decide who should win there still are many factors to consider which can muck up a steak. Wet aged or poor quality steak needs cooking longer than dry aged. Ask anyone who asks for a well done steak why they want it well done and the answer is usually “I don’t like blood” either visually by running out on the plate or genuine bad taste of it. A dry aged on the bone steak where all the blood has evaporated during the aging process can be cooked fairly rare without it being bloody almost like a thick slice of roast beef. The problem comes when as a business you lose up to 30% of the weight during this drying process and that means money.

It’s just a communication thing finding out what you really like and what you really don’t like, starting with someone willing to ask you. Do you want the restaurants secret seasoning on it? Are you going to smother it with your own seasoning afterwards? Are you more interested in the chips than the steak?

In a supermarket in America we were discussing the steaks with the manager who said “All of our steaks are crap, but if they were any better then we would lose sales on the spice rubs and tenderizers that people buy to improve it.” If you are thinking of feeding me steak and you are a friend or restaurant somewhere near me my particular favourite is Grass Fed, Prime, Aberdeen Angus Rump steak ,15-18 months old, dry aged for at least 4 weeks, cut really, really thick and cooked on a very hot furnace grill or Josper until the natural sugars caramelize, just under medium rare, crusty on the outside but still rare in the centre but still juicy, not bloody, served with chips cooked in duck fat with a big bunch of fresh watercress. I agree anyone with a bit of training, perhaps even a gorilla can cook a good steak, and it’s the sourcing of it that’s the problem.

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

THE III Feria Del Comercio Artesano De Almoradí will take place 17th and 18th December in the Plaza De La Constitución from 10am until 9pm.

The inauguration of the traditional Belen will be on Saturday 17th December at 12pm in the Plaza De La Constitución.

A concert by the Orquesta De Cámara will be held on 18th December at the Auditorio Municipal at 8pm with an entrance fee of just 5€.

The 3rd Handicraft Fair in Almoradí is on 17th and 18th December, in the Plaza De La Constitution, opening from 10am until 9pm.

The ‘Bethlehem Opening’ is 17th December at Midday, in the Plaza De La Constitución.

The Chamber Orchestra Concert takes place 18th December at the Municipal Auditorium at 8pm; Tickets are 5€.

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music scene

16 - 22 Dec 2011

Another9ine for 2011 CostaVibes

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

A

NOTHER CHANCE to share the ViBES as we round up the year with some more recommendations released over the last 12 months. 2011 has seen the boundaries of jazz continue to expand with artists progressively fusing the music with elements from other genres, especially electronica and hip-hop. As Berry Gordy Jr. said “It’s what´s in the groove that counts!” So here is another CostaVibes9ine to get your groove on; The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a group featuring eight brothers.

Originally from Chicago they were a street ensemble before recording in 2004. This year they released ‘Bulletproof Brass’.

The innovative Italian DJ, producer, guitarist and bandleader Nicola Conte is renowned for incorporating bossa nova, Italian movie themes and ethnic rhythms into his music. His latest album ´Love & Revolution’ is his most satisfying release to date.

Keyboard wizard Jeff Lorber re-visits ‘Fusion’ and the sound he helped pioneer in the70’s. His latest album ´Galaxy’ is ‘Now Is the Time’ part 2 from last year. Features Randy Brecker, Paul Jackson Jr., Eric Marienthal… nuff said!

Amercian jazz singer Rene Marie is destined to be one of the modern greats. Her album ‘The Voice of My Beautiful County’ was released Stateside in 2008, and finally got a European release this year. Marie´s cover of

Jefferson Airplane’s ´White Rabbit´ is swinging psychedelic jazz… as the dormouse said “Feed your head”.

Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom is noted for her use of live electronics, using a foot pedal to trigger various electronic effects that alter the sound of her instrument. The trippy ‘Life on Cloud 8` from `Wingwalker’ is one of my favourite tunes of the year.

Italian Raphael Gualazzi is an extraordinary vocalist and pianist who represented his country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest (but don´t let that put you off) and came second. His vocal delivery is sort of jazz and blues but yet totally unique. Check out ‘Reality and Fantasy’ for something off the wall.

Guitarist Eddie Roberts of the British funk band ‘The New Mastersounds’ released my favourite jazz funk album of the year ´Burn’. Covering tunes like ´Big’ John Patton’s ‘Latona`, Hadley Caliman´s ‘Cigar Eddie’ and ´The Lope Song’ by Eddie Russ, it´s pure retro yet extremely fresh.

Gerald Short of Jazzman Records is renowned for “diggin´deeper”.

Recently he uncovered recordings from Mexican drummer Tino Contreras. In his own country he’s a living legend of Latin jazz but practically unknown elsewhere. ‘El Jazz Mexicano de Tino Contreras’ is a compilation of waltz-time exotica, latinesque choral chants, and psychedelic modal jazz.

Soil & “Pimp” Sessions is a Japanese club jazz sextet who formed in Tokyo

10 years ago. They are known for their energetic live performances, having coined the term “death jazz” to describe their music. This year’s offering is ‘Magnetic Soil’. From it ‘Freedom Time’

takes no prisoners, high octane stuff… your granny wouldn´t like it!

You can listen and download samples by visiting my blog at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com

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

A warm welcome awaits you at Pepas Bar MOTHER AND daughter Maria and Nicky welcome you to Pepas Bar in Doña Pepa. With a warm family run atmosphere and good home cooked food, what more could you ask for? Maria and Nicky have been running Pepas between them now for a year and a

half and have continued to do so since Steve Lotts became the new owner of the bar 6 months ago.

Maria has been chef there for 6 years and her homemade dishes have become a Pepas trademark.

There is a full menu of delights to tempt you and a variety of daily specials such as two winter warmer deals for just 7€. These are served Mondays to Fridays. Sunday roast is another speciality of Marias and at the moment you can get a free starter or dessert with every Sunday roast. Fish and Chip Fridays are fast becoming a popular treat. Enjoy your meal and a drink on the terrace come rain or shine as there is soon to be terrace toldos installed.

Football Fans are also welcome at Pepas, and

Nicky, Maria and Steve have recently installed a full HD TV system which shows all live football. Many of the Costas bars show football but at Pepas, they go that extra mile and offer free bar snacks at half time during the live games. If that’s not enough to make you want to visit Pepas, they also boast Happy Hour every day of the week! Happy Hours run from Monday to Saturday 5pm to 8pm and Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.

Friday nights are made special with the resident Pepas entertainer, Darren Jones from 9pm every Friday covering 3 decades of music and all the classics.

So what are you waiting for? Head to Pepas for a friendly smile, some good food and happy prices!

Pepas Bar (above Gama), Doña pepa, Ciudad Quesada. Call 672 517 408

16th DECEMBER Wildcat, Longs Bar Catral Smithy, PJ’S Las Palmeras Jimmy Mac, Harrys Bar, Quesada James Golding Disco/Karaoke, Lo Maribu Bar, Quesada Samantha Curtis, Catorce Restaurant, Benijofar 17th DECEMBER Samantha Curtis, Catorce Restaraunt, Benijofar Cris Johnson, Pj’s @the rendevous , Torrevieja Smooth Groove, Bar Imanyo, Daya Nueva Pat Martin, Shanndons Bar, Villamartin Plaza Alan Warden, Meroil garage, Callosa de Segura, Catral 18th December Magic Supreme, Rocajuna, Punta Prima Richie, Jacks Bar, La Marina Wildcat, Cagneys, La Marina

Talented People Needed for Theatre Group T

HE ADHOC Theatre Company have just celebrated the runaway success production of Ray Cooney’s hilarious farce “Run For Your Wife”, which was held at The Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos. Audience members had plenty of belly laughs and the general opinion of the theatre goers was that they “hadn’t had such a good laugh for ages”.

This amateur theatre group also had a roaring hit with their production of “Ello, Ello” last year, and have raised thousands of Euros for local Spanish charities. Despite having just finished one play, plans are already in the pipeline for the next production, which is due to be produced in April.

Do you need a little Christmas? Here comes STAR! Saturday, 17th December 2011 STAR IS a Christmas Concert created by Nick Moore and the Networks Theatre team and performed by over 20 people. It’s a concert with a difference! Alongside some traditional Spanish songs there are lots of English Christmas songs, both pop and carols, and even some songs in Greek and French for a truly international flavour! You’ll have a great time and share the spirit of Christmas! Tickets are 4 Euros each and can be reserved by sending a message in Facebook or calling 966 342 128 and leaving a message. The concert is not at networks it’s at La Lonja!!!

Find us on facebook; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Networks-Theatre/112154935513270 All proceeds are to be given to Vega Baja Acoge, a charity that helps immigrants integrate into life in Orihuela and S.A.T. S an animal charity based in Dolores. We want to fill every seat! We’d love to see you on the 17th December at 8pm in La Lonja, Orihuela. Tickets can also be reserved by visiting www.ticketmaster.es and searching the event.

Alan Warden passion for playing the guitar.

And few can argue that Alan can perform material from Dire Straits to Gary Moore, Prince to Chuck Berry. His tribute to the Guitar heroes of Rock is a very popular show and each time there is always that something different. If you want to see this ‘quiet’ man of rock, look out for the out and about diary ……if you have a request involving major guitar acts then I’m sure Alan will be able to add that personal touch to the evening..

For further information please call Pat Martin at Phoenix Promotions 677 222 352.

Pat Martin

47 47

A family affair

days before “Run for you Wife” was to be performed. She is now the newly appointed press officer and is well know for her award winning fundraising activities.

The present members are a very friendly bunch and will soon be announcing an open evening for those of you who fancy a slice of the action to come along and meet them.

If you have a skill you would like to share, or a yen to be on stage, please email – adhocspain@hotmail.com or Telephone - 677 600 809 for a chat.

ADHOC NEEDS YOU! As new members are always welcome, Adhoc are cordially inviting you to join the group. They would like to hear from people interested in not only acting, but also backstage crew, painters, set builders, seamstresses etc and front of house staff who are willing to sell tickets and welcome guests to their seats.

“We are looking for all types and age ranges, as the more diverse a group we become the more variety of plays we can produce to raise money for charity. Our aim is to entertain people while doing good for the local community,” said Jax Lawson, who stepped in to play “Sergeant Troughton” when a main cast member fell ill 2

DURING HIS career in the RAF Alan had always and still has a

- 22 Dec 2011 Feb 2616 - March 4 2010

AS WE head towards the end of 2011 we take stock of changes in the entertainment industry around the Torrevieja area. One of these changes was the changing hands of Phoenix Promotions.

Previously owned by Mike and Norma Reilly, Phoenix Promotions is now in the capable hands of Pat Martin, who previously owned his own entertainment agency in the UK before moving here almost two years ago. The agency has gone through a number of changes including a new refreshing and modern website which should be uploaded at the time of publishing this article. More and improving changes to go ahead in 2012.

Pat is also an established act in and around the Costa Blanca area.

A versatile and experienced act that will be able to adapt his show to any audience requirements. From stand up comedy to a tribute to the music from the 80’s to music from 60’s onwards his show is both entertaining and professional complimented by lighting, backdrop, smoke effects. Keyboards and guitar…

For further information please call Pat Martin at Phoenix Promotions 677 222 352.

TEATRO DEL Sol’s Sound of Music, directed by Rob Barendsma and Joanne Venet features the real-life family of Joanna and Philip Baldwin. Three of their five children (not quite the Von Trapp seven!) take the roles of Rolf, Martha and Gretel Von Trapp in an impressive production of the 60s popular musical.

The Baldwins embarked on a journey to Spain during a career break, with their first four children living in a caravan. When Jo became pregnant with their fifth child, they settled in more permanent accommodation - a wooden house in the mountains

behind the Jalon Valley.

The older children attend the Lady Elizabeth School, where Philip now works as a teacher. Jo teaches and conducts choirs and performs as a soloist.

This lovely family is looking forward to entertaining you at the Auditori de la Mediterrània in la Nucia on 27th, 28th and 29th January at 7pm. Tickets at only 10€ can be purchased at the Auditori de la Mediterrània box office, online at www.servicam.com, by phone from Servicam 96 511 7117 or by calling Joanne Venet on 679 646 145.

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tv Friday 416 - 10 NOV 2011 - 22 Dec 2011

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Noise Squad 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Barney’s Latin America 16:35 Splatalot 17:00 Alesha’s Street Dance Stars 17:30 Postcode 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 Millions

07:00 Childrens TV 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:25 Louie 11:35 Octonauts 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 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Coast 19:00 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 MasterChef the Professionals: Michel’s Classics 22:00 Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The End of Year Review Show

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Murder, She Wrote 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Wild Britain with Ray Mears 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Big Quiz 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Unforgiven

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss Australia 10:55 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 11:55 A SuperScrimpers Christmas 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:15 Miracle on 34th Street 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Christmas 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 Come Dine with Me 22:00 British Comedy Awards 2011 24:10 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 24:55 Sean Lock: Lockipedia Live

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Mickey Mouse: Have a Laugh 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Chinese Food in Minutes 15:25 CSI: NY 16:20 Single Santa Seeks Mrs Claus 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 Cars Toons 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 22:00 Speed 24:25 Just for Laughs 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Home Cooking Made Easy 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 British Olympic Dreams 14:30 Equestrian 15:25 Bargain Hunt Famous Finds 15:55 Who Framed Roger Rabbit 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Winter Wipeout 20:00 Strictly Come Dancing 21:10 Merlin 21:55 National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 22:05 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results 23:15 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day 24:55 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:25 Arthur 08:50 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Splatalot 10:00 Deadly 60 10:30 Dick & Dom Go Wild 11:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 11:30 I Want My Own Room 12:00 Deadly Art 12:15 Dennis & Gnasher 12:25 MOTD Kickabout 12:45 The Preacher’s Wife 14:40 Splash 16:25 Flog It! 17:25 One Man and His Dog 18:05 Triple Cross 20:05 Top Gear 21:20 Dad’s Army 22:00 Defiance 24:05 Top of the Pops 2

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:40 ITV News 13:45 Countrywise Kitchen: Stocking the Winter Larder 14:15 About a Boy 16:10 Death Becomes Her 18:00 Granada News 18:15 ITV News 18:35 You’ve Been Framed: The Next Generation 19:35 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 22:05 Westlife: For the Last Time 23:05 The Boat That Rocked 24:10 ITV News 24:25 The Boat That Rocked

07:55 Channel 4 Presents 08:00 Sailing 08:25 The MedCup 2011 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 The Hollyoaks Music Show 10:55 T4 Stars of 2011: The Unseen Bits 11:45 Sunday Brunch: Saturday Starter 12:05 Real Stories 13:10 Big Bang Theory 13:45 Big Bang Theory 14:15 The Simpsons 14:50 Channel 4 Racing 16:50 Come Dine with Me 17:20 Come Dine with Me 17:50 Come Dine with Me 18:25 Come Dine with Me 18:55 Come Dine with Me 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 100 Greatest Toys with Jonathan Ross 23:00 Catherine Tate: Laughing at the Noughties

07:00 Childrens TV 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:05 Animal Rescue Squad 11:25 Justin Bieber: The Making of Under the Mistletoe 11:45 The Gadget Show 12:45 Eloise at the Plaza 14:30 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 14:35 Snow 16:25 Mrs Miracle 18:15 A Christmas Carol 20:15 5 News Weekend 20:20 NCIS 21:10 NCIS 22:10 The Mentalist 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 CSI: NY 24:50 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Breakfast 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets Brian Blessed 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 Escape to the Country 13:45 Match of the Day Live 16:05 Bargain Hunt Famous Finds 16:35 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 17:20 Lifeline 17:30 Songs of Praise 18:05 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 Lost Christmas 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Young James Herriot 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Take That: Progress Live 24:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:25 Arthur 08:50 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 I Want My Own Room 09:35 Wingin’ It 10:00 Christmas Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Twelve Days of Christmas 13:30 Flog It! 14:00 EastEnders 16:00 Live Equestrian 18:05 Antiques Road Trip 18:50 Great British Railway Journeys 19:20 Celebrity Eggheads 19:50 Top Gear 21:00 James May’s Man Lab 22:00 A Night with the Stars 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks

07:00 Mini CITV

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Survival of the Fittest 09:00 One Tree Hill 09:45 Hollyoaks 12:15 Sunday Brunch 13:05 Cee Lo Takes the UK: Christmas with All the Goodies 13:20 Sherlock Holmes 13:40 The Simpsons 14:10 Shipwrecked: The Island 15:10 The Simpsons 15:45 A Christmas Carol: the Musical 17:30 Deal or No Deal 18:30 Channel 4 News 18:40 4thought.tv 18:45 The Political Slot 18:50 Fred Claus 21:00 Home for the Holidays 22:00 Black Mirror 23:00 Brüno 24:35 Carrie

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Funky Valley 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:05 ThunderCats 12:05 Andre Rieu: Live in Concert 12:50 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 13:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 14:00 Scrooge A Christmas Carol 15:45 A Grandpa for Christmas 17:25 Miracle in Manhattan 19:10 Our First Christmas 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 Hancock 23:00 Renegade Justice 24:45 Indiana Jones: The True Story

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

08:25 CITV 10:25 Monk 10:30 Horrid Henry 10:45 Planet Sketch 10:50 The NeverEnding Story 12:30 A Cinderella Story 14:10 ITV News 14:15 Jack Frost 16:05 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 18:00 All Star Family Fortunes 18:45 Granada News 19:00 ITV News 19:15 Odd One In 20:00 Just Henry 22:00 Michael Buble: Home for Christmas 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Ocean’s Twelve

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Pushing Daisies 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Beauty and the Geek 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 The X Factor USA 23:00 Amy Winehouse: Her Life and Legacy 24:00 Perez Hilton Superfan

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:35 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:10 Desperate Housewives 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:10 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Desperate Scousewives 22:00 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 24:05 British Comedy Awards

10:00 How Clean Is Your House?

10:35 Cheyenne Autumn 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:15 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 Fifty Years of Sex 24:40 No Country for Old Men

British Comedy Awards 2011 Channel 4, 22.00

07:00 Emmerdale 09:30 The Hot Desk 09:40 Nanny 911 10:35 Holiday Showdown 11:30 The X Factor USA 13:00 The X Factor USA 14:00 The Cube 15:00 All Star Family Fortunes 16:00 The Xtra Factor 17:00 The Xtra Factor 18:00 The Xtra Factor 19:00 The Xtra Factor 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 Forgetting Sarah Marshall 24:15 Amy Winehouse: Her Life and Legacy

07:00 Supernanny USA 07:50 How to Look Good Naked 08:50 Wife Swap USA 09:50 Great British Hairdresser 10:55 Great British Hairdresser 11:55 Wife Swap USA 12:55 Supernanny USA 13:55 Hollyoaks 16:25 Desperate Scousewives 17:30 Scrooged 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Happy Endings 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Big Bang Theory 22:00 Die Hard 4.0 24:30 Big Bang Theory

10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:40 Time Team 11:40 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 12:45 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 13:50 The 100 Greatest Musicals 16:30 Grand Designs 17:35 Grand Designs 18:40 Grand Designs 19:50 Grand Designs 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 The Arbor 23:50 Rita, Sue and Bob Too

Westlife: For the Last Time ITV1, 22.05

07:00 Coronation Street 09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:30 The Big Quiz 15:30 Peter Andre: My Life 16:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:00 The Xtra Factor 18:00 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 20:00 Super Tiny Animals 21:00 Gremlins 23:15 Deep Blue Sea

07:00 Switched 07:25 Supernanny USA 08:10 Supernanny USA 09:00 How to Look Good Naked 10:00 How to Look Good Naked 11:05 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 12:10 How to Look Good Naked 13:15 Supernanny USA 14:10 Supernanny USA 15:00 Make It or Break It 16:00 Make It or Break It 17:00 Make It or Break It 18:00 Sorority Girls 19:05 Scrubs 19:35 Scrubs 20:00 The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Misfits 24:05 Tool Academy

Young James Herriot BBC1, 22.00

10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:40 Scrapheap Challenge 11:40 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 12:45 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 13:50 The 100 Greatest Musicals 16:30 Stars of the National Book Awards 17:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:15 Christmas at River Cottage 19:45 A River Cottage Christmas Feast 20:50 Christmas at River Cottage 21:55 River Cottage Christmas Fayre 23:00 Christmas with Gordon 24:05 Father Ted 24:40 Father Ted

- 22 28 16 OCT - 3Dec NOV 2011 2011

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tv Monday

50 61

14- -22 20Dec may 2010 16 2011

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Only Fools and Horses 15:30 Helicopter Heroes 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out England 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Young James Herriot 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Imagine...

24:45 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:20 SpaceCamp 12:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best 13:00 Restoration Home 14:00 The Weakest Link 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Merrill’s Marauders 17:05 Coast 18:05 Watching the Wild 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Raymond Blanc’s Christmas Feast 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff 22:30 Rob Brydon Show 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 The Funny Side of Christmas 24:30 QI

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Midsomer Murders 17:59 Granada Weather 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise Kitchen at Christmas 21:30 Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Dave

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Perfect Couples 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:50 Frasier 10:55 Big Bang Theory 11:25 Big Bang Theory 11:55 The Simpsons 12:20 The Simpsons 12:55 The Muppets Take Manhattan 14:40 Toys 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Christmas 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 The Year the Earth Went Wild 22:00 King of Christmas Lights 23:00 Home for the Holidays 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Syria’s Torture Machine

07:00 Childrens TV 10:10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:25 Hana’s Helpline 10:35 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:00 ThunderCats 11:35 Meerkat Manor 12:05 Ice Road Truckers 13:05 The Mentalist 14:00 5 News Lunchtime 14:05 Eloise at Christmastime 15:50 This Christmas 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments 2011 19:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 19:55 How to Play Baseball 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 Charley Boorman’s Extreme Frontiers 22:00 Step Brothers 24:00 Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Only Fools and Horses 15:30 Helicopter Heroes 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 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 Young James Herriot 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Imagine...

24:45 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Junior Bake Off 09:30 Deadly 60 10:00 What’s New, Scooby-Doo? 10:20 Eliot Kid 10:35 Herbie Rides Again 12:00 Rick Stein’s Christmas Special 13:00 Restoration Home 14:00 Equestrian 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 The Red Baron 17:05 Coast 18:05 Rabbits of Skomer 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Christmas Party 22:00 Mock the Week 22:30 Rev 23:00 Life’s Too Short 23:30 The Making of QI 24:30 QI

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Midsomer Murders 17:59 Granada Weather 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Adventurer’s Guide to Britain 21:00 The Butlin’s Story 22:00 The Comedy Annual 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Bourne Supremacy

07:15 Treacle People 07:25 The Hoobs 07:50 The Hoobs 08:15 Freshly Squeezed 08:45 Perfect Couples 09:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:10 Frasier 10:40 Big Bang Theory 11:10 Big Bang Theory 11:40 The Simpsons 12:10 The Simpsons 12:40 Swiss Family Robinson 15:10 Cheaper by the Dozen 2 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Christmas 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 Food Hospital 22:00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 23:00 Home for the Holidays 24:05 Black Mirror

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:25 Hana’s Helpline 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:00 ThunderCats 11:35 Meerkat Manor 12:05 Ice Road Truckers 13:05 The Gadget Show 14:05 5 News Lunchtime 14:10 Animal Rescue Squad 14:25 Christmas List 16:10 Crazy for Christmas 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments 2011 19:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 19:55 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 20:00 World’s Strongest Man 2011: Qualifiers 21:00 Monster Moves 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Only Fools and Horses 15:30 Helicopter Heroes 16:15 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Christmas 21:30 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 22:00 The Royle Family 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Match of the Day

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Junior Bake Off 09:30 Deadly 60 10:00 Shaun the Sheep 10:10 Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo 11:50 Lifeline 12:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Christmas Party 13:00 Restoration Home 14:00 The Weakest Link 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Mackenna’s Gold 17:35 Coast 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 20:00 Christmas University Challenge 20:30 Top of the Pops 2 22:00 Rick Stein’s Spanish Christmas 23:00 Ruth Jones’ Christmas Cracker 23:40 Grumpy Guide to Christmas 24:40 QI

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Midsomer Murders 17:59 Granada Weather 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Downton Abbey: Behind the Drama 21:30 A Night of Heroes: The Military Awards 2011 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Michael Buble: Home for Christmas

07:25 The Hoobs 07:50 The Hoobs 08:15 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Perfect Couples 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Big Bang Theory 11:00 Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Simpsons 12:00 The Simpsons 12:30 Freaky Friday 14:25 Oliver Twist 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Christmas 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 Kirstie’s Home for Christmas 22:00 Obsessive Compulsive Hoarder 23:00 Home for the Holidays 24:05 Black Mirror

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:25 Hana’s Helpline 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:00 ThunderCats 11:35 Meerkat Manor 12:05 World’s Strongest Man 2011: Qualifiers 13:05 Ice Road Truckers 14:05 5 News Lunchtime 14:15 Animal Rescue Squad 14:35 Eloise at the Plaza 16:15 A Carol Christmas 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments 2011 19:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 19:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 20:00 World’s Strongest Man 2011: Qualifiers 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Bad Santa 24:00 The Brothers Solomon

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Pushing Daisies 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 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 Beauty and the Geek 17:35 Loose Women 18:30 Jack and the Beanstalk 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 You’ve Been Framed: The Next Generation 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:30 Practical Magic

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:35 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:10 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:10 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Desperate Scousewives 24:05 Sorority Girls

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Carousel 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:05 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 22:00 Secret Millionaire 23:00 Bin Laden: Shoot to Kill 24:40 The Daily Show Global Edition

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

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:20 Pushing Daisies 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 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 Beauty and the Geek 17:35 Loose Women 18:30 Cinderella 20:00 Peter Andre: My Life 21:00 The Nutty Professor 23:00 The Only Way Is EsseXmas 24:00 Forgetting Sarah Marshall

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:35 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:10 Desperate Housewives 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 David Blaine: What Is Magic?

22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Tool Academy 24:05 Tool Academy: The Yearbook

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:35 The Truman Show 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories 24:40 Come Dine with Me

Emergency The Hairy with Bikers’ Angela Griffin Christmas Party Sky1 21.00 BBC2, 21.00

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Pushing Daisies 08:15 Nanny 911 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:35 Holiday Showdown 17:35 Loose Women 18:30 Aladdin 20:05 A Cinderella Story 22:00 Peter Andre: My Life at Christmas 23:00 Perez Hilton Superfan 24:00 Catwoman

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:35 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Ugly Betty 12:15 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:35 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:25 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Charlie’s Angels 22:00 Drillbit Taylor 23:55 Misfits 24:55 Big Bang Theory

A Night of Heroes: Emergency withThe Angela Military Griffin Awards 2011 Sky1 ITV1,21.00 21.30

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Are the Filthy Fulfords Now? 11:35 The Nativity Story 13:30 3 Minute Wonder 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 22:00 Time Team 23:00 Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day 24:05 The SS

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Only Fools and Horses 15:30 Keeping Up Appearances 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Sports Personality of the Year 2011 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Gavin & Stacey 24:35 Blades of Glory

07:00 Childrens TV 08:30 Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up 09:00 Junior Bake Off 09:30 Deadly 60 10:00 What’s New, Scooby-Doo? 10:20 Shaun the Sheep 10:30 Herbie Goes Bananas 12:00 Rick Stein’s Spanish Christmas 13:00 Restoration Home 14:00 The Weakest Link 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon 17:15 Coast 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 Lorraine’s Last Minute Christmas 22:00 The Young Victoria 23:40 The Choir: Military Wives

8 - 14 JulY 2011 16 - 22 Dec 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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Midsomer Murders 17:59 Granada Weather 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Lakes at Christmas 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Without You 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Tomorrow Never Dies

Crossword Solutions 634 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Plunder; 7 Veils; 9 One; 10 Proffered; 12 Tape measure; 15 French chalk; 17 Stammerer; 19 Gay; 21 Yearn; 22 Servant.

Down: 1 Blunt; 2 End; 3 Peer; 4 Reversals; 5 Allegro; 8 Afresh; 11 Say no more; 13 Echoed; 14 Fritter; 16 Banns; 18 Eyes; 20 Ivy.

07:10 Sali Mali 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Perfect Couples 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Big Bang Theory 11:30 Big Bang Theory 12:00 The Simpsons 12:30 The Simpsons 12:55 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids 14:45 Princess Diaries 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Christmas 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 Living with the Amish 22:00 London’s Burning 23:00 Home for the Holidays 24:10 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 24:55 Random Acts

07:00 Childrens TV 10:10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:25 Hana’s Helpline 10:35 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10:50 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 11:00 ThunderCats 11:35 Meerkat Manor 12:05 World’s Strongest Man 2011: Qualifiers 13:05 Ice Road Truckers 14:10 5 News Lunchtime 14:15 Zoo Days 14:20 Snow 16:10 Twice upon a Time 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments 2011 19:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 19:55 Disney’s 12 Days of Christmas 20:00 World’s Strongest Man 2011: Qualifiers 21:00 Fairground Attractions 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 It’s All About Amy 24:00 Police Interceptors

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Musical; 7 Petty; 9 Jet; 10 Appraisal; 12 Acknowledge; 15 Contemplate; 17 Deference; 19 Art; 21 Agree; 22 Engrave.

Down: 1 Quiet; 2 Aim; 3 Rasp; 4 Delineate; 5 Strange; 8 Trowel; 11 Scattered; 13 Number; 14 Foreign; 16 Grave; 18 Cant; 20 Era. Wordwheel: PALATABLE

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Pushing Daisies 08:15 Nanny 911 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Holiday Showdown 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Loose Women 17:35 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 18:00 Dick Whittington 19:35 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 21:30 The X Factor USA 23:00 Celebrity Juice 24:00 The Only Way Is EsseXmas

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:35 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:10 Desperate Housewives 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:25 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Big Bang Theory 22:00 Made in Chelsea 23:35 Tim Minchin: Ready for This?

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

51 51

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 David and Bathsheba 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 3 Minute Wonder 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:15 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 22:00 Snowstorm: Britain’s Big Freeze 23:00 The Closer 24:00 The Killing

52 44 48

28 - 33NOV 28-OCT OCTNOV 2011 28 16 22 Dec 20112011

Showbiz Goss by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Rampant Boy on the Pull!

IT WILL all be a bit ´Jolly Hockey Sticks´ at Sandringham Palace come Boxing day when the full complement of Royals will be in attendance for a bit of scoff followed by a stroll in the grounds for a bit of pheasant shooting and all that rot! … But have I got news for you, as in what is normally a seriously exclusive day for royals only, protocol has been broken … Big Time! …

As we all know Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge when she hooked up with Wills in the summer which of course qualifies her for the invite to the Boxing Day bash … but the shock horror factor kicks in as we find out that Kate´s sister Pippa will

also be there … and she´s just a pleb like you and me … so why is she going to be there? … well, the word is that Kate felt she might be a bit overwhelmed by such an occasion, being as it’s her first time and all that, and that drafting her sister in would mean she´s more likely to have a better day at the office … I get the feeling that maybe Wills might be at the back of this convincing his Grannie to break rules for his new bride, or could it be that it´s rampant boy the ´Ginger Prince´ who´s set it all up as we are all well aware of his extracurricular activities … Lunch … Bag a Pheasant or three … Ginge and Pippa behind the bike shed … works for me.

Short and Shot!

Four Nice Little Wordy Earners CHEZZA, CHERYL Cole for the uninitiated, has been out of the news for a bit, but all you fans of the wee lassie from Geordie land will be pleased to hear that she is back and gave her first interview with Grazia magazine in which she was quoted as saying “I´ve got my boobs and bum back and I like it! … I think it’s sexy!” … Ah … Ok … what’s she mean by that then … it seems that Chezza has spent the last couple of months at home relaxing and cooking, and that the boobs and the bum statement relates to her adding what she said was 4 kilos in weight … by my reckoning that’s a kilo for each boobette and each cheek … then oh pretty one went off the rails a bit when she then said “I´m promoting shoes for StylistPick.com online and have to admit to having a strong fetish for shoes and have over 2000 pairs at home” … so there you have it … Cheryl Cole is back in the limelight and has managed to get the words … boobs, bum, fetish and sexy into the copy, so I´d imagine her publicity agent will be on a nice little earner for crimple time.

Monsoon Book Review by

Danny Collins

WILBUR SMITH is a prolific writer with millions of fans rather than thousands all around the world.

copy@dannyjpcollins.com It’s no exaggeration to say

that most readers have one of his blockbusters on their bookshelves. I certainly have and each one would make a great Christmas read.

Monsoon is not new. It was first published in 1991 and drops nicely into the saga of the Courtneys, the South Africanbased family of hunters and entrepreneurs descended from English freebooters who roamed the seas and made vast fortunes for their kings. Monsoon tells of 17th century master mariner Sir Henry Courtney’s latest and most dangerous voyage in the name of the Empire and the Crown. It also follows the fate of his four sons each of whom has a crucial part to play in shaping the Courtney’s destiny. Tom Courtney will escape the clutches of his elder stepbrother Black Willy and his own bitter twin Guy to seek his younger brother Dorian, who was captured and sold into slavery by the Caliph of Muscat many years before.

Their fateful meeting as grown men leading opposing sides in a monumental battle between the

I´LL MAKE this short and not so sweet as its yet more conformation that Russell Brand needs castrating … last week on TV in America oh bearded one spoke about how the Twitter pages were saturated with rumours that he and Katy Perry´s marriage was floundering and saying “I am now treating the whole internet thing like it’s a wicked liar and I´m not going to engage with the technology anymore!” … Ok we can go along with that … then el saddo promptly stuck his size tens in his gob when he added “it will be difficult mind you because of a lot of nude women sites I enjoy!”… The man´s a verbal thug who has created a genre of so called comedy that uses offending as its method of getting laughs … there has always been comedians who´ve earned their living by extracting the urine out of others, but to simply embarrassing them like Brand did on that TV show is a cheap shot … talking about needing shot …

Viva TV Schedule Friday 16th Dec – Thurs 22nd Dec Friday 16th December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 FAQ - Politics & Neighbourhood Watch 18.30 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock.

Andy Ormiston & Susan Reader 19.00 An Evening With….The silky vocals of Irvin Doomes 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Saturday 17th December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 FAQ - Politics & Neighbourhood Watch 18.30 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock.

Andy Ormiston & Susan Reader 19.00 An Evening With…The silky vocals of Irvin Doomes 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Sunday 18th December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Dave & Andy’s Excellent

Adventures - Sea Fishing 18.30 Spanish Dive Adventures 19.00 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock.

Easy Horse Care volunteer Katrina 19.15 Spanish Eye - Beagle Rescue 19.30 The Wedding Show 19.45 Hand Made – Monster Catfish on the Ebro 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Monday 19th December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Dave & Andy’s Excellent Adventures - More High Octane Sports 18.30 Spanish Dive Adventures 19.00 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock.

Charity Cyclist Ed Warren & Gymnast Lily 19.30 The Wedding Show - Flowers 19.45 Hand Made – Monster Catfish on the Ebro – pt2 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Tuesday 20th December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info

Suduko Answer

British marauders and the Omanis is breathtaking in the sheer ingenuity of Smith’s plot. As with all Wilbur Smith’s novels it’s heavy to pick up and hard to put down but worth the effort. With nearly 700 pages I suggest you clear up any backlog of work before sitting down with Monsoon, as once into the plot the reader risks becoming addicted to Smith’s swashbuckling tale.

Author: Wilbur Smith Publisher: Macmillan (hardback) Price: 28.80 euros ISBN: 0 333 637771 2

18.00 FAQ – Home Electrics & Beach Safety 18.30 Youth Tube Xmas 19.00 Real England – The Real Devon 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Wednesday 21st December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Costa Blanca Life – It does what it says on the tin!

19.00 Learn The Lingo 19.15 Spanish Eye – Flying With Hawks in Gran Alicant 19.30 Viva Vino 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Thursday 22nd December 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The recent Kingfisher Formula 1 Day in Torrevieja 18.30 Ad Hoc presents – Run For Your Wife in Los Montesinos 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

motoring

Classic car club WEDNESDAY THE 7th December was the Monthly Meeting at our base ‘The Cafeteria Marina Club’. It was attended by 23 members who all agreed that the club had had a very good year , and agreed outline plans for the next 6 months rallies.

Corvera Airport progress run Last months trip on the 13th November to Corvera’s airport perimeter was enjoyed by all those who attended and it gave Members a chance to see the location and the idea of the travelling time it will take to get there, with it being further in land than San Javier airport. The run was good

with a start on the motorway and then taking in a few villages followed by a good meal.

Associations Day The Associations Day on 4th December was a great success. We had 10 cars on display on the paseo in front of the “Hombre del Mar” statue.

The Town Hall had made a banner which was strung between two palm trees and stated that we were part of the Associations Day and was printed in both English and Spanish. The picture shows Graham Knight and our President Ron Blackwell discussing ‘old cars’.

22 Dec 28 OCT-163 -NOV 20112011

Christmas celebrations Sunday the 11th was the Club Christmas Dinner with a 12.00 pm start from the Nautilus restaurant in Punta Prima, from where we made our way out through the country lanes, via Torremendo to the Rabate Restaurant. We arrived just before 2.00 pm to a cava and canapé reception under the trees, before the 47 of us sat down to a very generous meal, followed by the raffle and dancing till late evening. Everyone agreed it was probably the best day out the club had ever had.

For more information on Club Torrevieja please visit www.ClubTorrevieja.com, or contact Ron Blackwell on 96 679 1212 or come along to one of our next monthly meeting which is Wednesday 18th January at 19.30 in the Cafeteria Marina Club in the International Marina.

Clubcarshow in Torrevieja

53 53

Lexus concept for car show

Lexus will unveil a sportylooking concept car at the Detroit motor show next month.

Lexus has released a teaser image of the concept car, showing the front headlight and front air intake.

The concept car has been designed by the Lexus design studio in Newport Beach, California, and shows the design direction future Lexus models will take.

The Detroit motor show takes place from January 9th, 2012.

54

16 - 22 Dec 2011

28 OCT-16 3 NOV 20112011 - 22 Dec

VENUS

Torremendo

Tel.: 965 368 274

ESTABLISHED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS FULLY LEGAL S.L COMPANY

Cars S.L. www.venuscars.com

We Buy, Sell & Part Exchange Quality British & Spanish Cars Transfer Documents Completed Competitive Insurance Quotes. All cars Fully serviced and valeted

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

€5,995

€7,995

ONE OWNER

BMW 320 I SE 2001 4 DOOR

€3,995

€4,995

OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 1999 1.7 Ltr Diesel

FORD FOCUS ESTATE 2003 1.6 LTR PETROL

€36,995

€25,995

€8,495

HYMER 650CL, A CLASS - 1986 6 BERTH

LAIKA A CLASS ECOVIP H710, 2004 TOP OF THE RANGE

JOINT J148 2006 3 BERTH, ONE OWNER - 45000 KLM

ELNAGH 620 SL CLIPPER 1989 5 BERTH

automatic

€9,995

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€1,495

spanish plates

7 seater OPEL ZAFIRA 2001 - 7 SEATER automatic

€11,995 21000 Klm

52000 KLM

MITSUBISHI MONTERO IO 2002 4X4

€6,495

€5,995

rhd VAUXHALL ASTRA 2001 1.6 LTR PETROL - ONE OWNER

Ford Fiesta 2005 1.4 Ltr Diesel

€14,995

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2010 1.6 TDCI DIESEL ONE OWNER

55 55

Kia Sportage Nov 2007

€6,495

€1,495

6 seater

Kia Carens 2004 2 Ltr Diesel Low Klm FSH

€2,250

€6,995

SUZUKI BALENO 1997 1.6 LTR PETROL

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2005 1.6 LTR PETROL

Aprilia SR50 2006 50 c.c

wanted

UK AND SPANISH REGISTERED CARS - CASH PAID MOTORHOMES AND CLASSICS - ALSO WANTED - RING TODAY!!

ALL LEGAL PAPERWORK COMPLETED

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

Classified Ads 56

16 - 22 Dec 2011

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads.

Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 1460 74191 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

14 - 20 OCT 2011

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

PRISTINE POOLS

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience.

Extensive references. All work guaranteed Tel: 96 677 4199 or 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

16 - 22 Dec 2011

BOATING LICENSE NOW, A LEGAL REQUIREMENT In Spain.

Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat on sail and power.

If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 633 056 224. enquiries@serenitysailing.com . www.serenitysailin.com

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.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) 966865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

plots short term or permanent stays) Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

MERCURIO CONSTRUCTION . ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO NEW HOUSES. COVERING ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE COSTA BLANCA. www.conpro.com.es TEL: 669.669.339

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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.

ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 18-65, required as models.

Excellent rates. Tlf:-697-697-842

Energy Saving ALEXANDERS PAY TOP LONDON PRICES Javea Port seafront – Monday to Saturday - 10am till 3pm. Established since 2003 Tel: 965792595 or 667270969

Cleaning PET TAXI transporting your pet door to door in our air conditioned vehicles, stopping in pet friendly hotels travelling twice monthly. Accompanied travel also available. Tel: 952 541 147 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 need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.

Tel:600-552-030/965-960-658 www. trans-pet.co.uk

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

DO YOU SUFFER THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON DRINKING? Don’t suffer alone. We meet in Benidorm every Thursday at 5.00pm.

Al-Anon Established Worldwide for 60 years. Ring 634758539 for details .

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price. References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

PET INSURANCE Protectapet: Looking for Pet Insurance? Spains Leading Pet Insurance Provider. www. protectapet.eu 965 756 724 S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787-123/622-275561/686-116-297

PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664 AMBITIOUS? Life changing opportunity with a money back guarantee. For details telephone 965 322 863 A 6 FIGURE INCOME is eminently achievable with us – and there’s a money back guarantee.

Telephone 965 322 863 COLD DRINK / SNACK VENDING MACHINES EXCELLENT RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS WITH NO OVERHEADS AND ALL CASH. 5 COLDDRINK VENDING MACHINES €24,900. 25 PRINGLE MACHINES €14,900, ALL WITH GUARANTEED SITES. 619307318.

SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587 GARDEN MAINTENANCE Do you need help maintaining your garden? we can supply a full service at competitive prices. Call today for a free quotation 689075125

MOBILE/PARK HOMES from 17.000€, Fully furnished ready to move into, A/C, Tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, Bar/Res, Pool, Tennis, Gym, Shop, walking distance to San Javier, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan

CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com 24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off.

If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hourhom ecareservices.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 WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of self-employed live-in carers in the U.K. We require live-in carers 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

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable,150€.

Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403 AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €449!! AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR MOTORS €249!! FULLY INSTALLED/ GUARANTEED!! All brands repaired 627-191639/www.elektro-nex.com

- 10am - 11.30am Monday Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday - Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 8th September - Thursday - Beginners class 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Got more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

Fri 9am-8pm, call me 678179616 PLEASURE HOUSE TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America.

Come and enjoy, low rates from 40€.

Address: Calle Finlandia. 682-776-068 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury private chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Come and enjoy at: Avenida Asociacion Victimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118 BI/GAY MASSEUR OFFERS FREE MASSAGE Relaxing enjoyable and very stimulating.

Withheld numbers and texts not answered. Tel: 660 409 206

ARE YOU A GREAT SINGER? want to join a rock & roll band? are you out going? a team player? if you can answer yes to these questions. there is an opportunity for you now! call : 6610350963

AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Beautiful hand carved Spanish antique furniture all in high quality walnut - side board + dining set with leather chairs. See: www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Several unusual ornaments. Large Buddha statue in stone! Large wardrobes and many small patio sets in stock, + lots more.

See: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Free deliveries, usually the same day! Look at: www. michaels-javea.com to see more than 600 photos of quality pre owned furniture and new beds!

MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

FORD GALAXY 7 SEATER 2.0 LITRE July 1999. Left hand drive.

English registered. Long MOT. Red, aircon, CD. 1750€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com TATA 2 LITRE TURBO DIESEL SAFARI EX 7 seater, 4 x 2, 2002, 86,000kms. Alloys, bullbar, side step, aircon, CD, rear privacy glass, metallic silver. Bargain 3450€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FORD FOCUS 1.6 TREND 2006.

1 owner. 51,000kms. Full service history. Fully equipped. Metallic burgandy. 7750€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FORD FIESTA 1.4, 5 DOOR 2003.

70,000kms. Fully serviced. Aircon, CD, metallic blue. 4250€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com PEUGEOT 206CC CABRIOLET 2002.

71,000kms. FSH. Alloys, Solid Car Hood, Aircon, CD, parking sensors, metallic blue. Bargain 5950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FORD KA 1.3 COLLECTION November 2006. 53,000kms, FSH. Aircon, CD. Light metallic blue, stunning car. 4750€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

Cars wanted Good condition LHD Spanish Cars Wanted for cash 95 – 02 Transfers completed Tlf: 693 859 942 or 650 740 265 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante.

Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish.

Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

BASS GUITARIST AVAILABLE with vocals, will travel: 691-622-804

RENAULT SCENIC 1.4I 16v, RXE year 200. A/C, ABS, 6cd changer. full rxe spec. €2500 Tlf 671 063 686

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.

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. At La Rustika [Los Arcos] Restaurant, Avenida Balaeres 34, Torrevieja.

Saturday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10pm Starting 5th September - Monday - New Beginners Class

GAY, BI OR CURIOUS. H20 SAUNA. COM Safe, Discreet, Clean, Benidorm Old Town. 966 805 091.

GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective blue pill. Guaranteed happy ending.

Call Ron, TT Marketing, 966499204 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida.

35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 693-478-573 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa. Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga.

Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:-Karen 662-049-021 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1 VIAGRA GENERIC weekenders and jellies. Quesada and surrounding area.

Derek 685207378

FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES OF SHOWER and bath screens call Don the Showerman on 96 579 2285 or 639 292 081. Immediate delivery on all products from our stock. See our advert on Page 5 North for a map to our showroom

TORREVIEJA independent female escort, sexy masseuse offers erotic services for gentlemen. comfortable apaertment. call : 603522131 THOSE FAMOUS LITTLE BLUE PILLS will be available all over christmas. special christmas offer. buy 10 packs of 4 and get 1 pack of 4 free!!! call Tony now on :638852129.

DAVID TORREVIEJA 24 years old, gym body, very sexy and hard, for full massage for men and couples. Mon-

SPAIN. LOVELY 2008 40 X 22 PARK HOME BUNGALOW STYLE. On New Residential Park. Extra large patio,gazebo ,shed. Fantastic views of village, 2 beds with ensuit .Full bathroom. Large kitchen/ dishwasher..

Furnished. Large lounge. Dining.

Heating and aircon. Trains and buses village 6-8 mins walk. Beaches 1215 mins by car or bus. More details e-mail. rincondelviento@yahoo.co.uk Sale price would be £88.000 ovno MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired.

Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards.

Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed.

All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs.

Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www. pooltechspain.com

FOR RENT/SALE 450€PCM 120.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished. Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia. Tel: 609 177 032 WINTER LET. Available until May 2012. Los Lagos near Javea, 2 bed, 1 bath, Log burning stove, hot cold air con, phone line and ADSL, UK TV, washer/dryer, stunning mountain backdrop and award winning communal gardens. Sorry no pets.

450€ per month plus bills 620 144 315 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968192-425 mobile 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com ALTEA/ALTEA LA VELLA COUNTRY HOUSE Refurbished Apartment, First Floor. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, diner, 40m2 terrace, private pool, parking and gardens.

Sea and mountain views. F/F, Air Con/CH.475€ pcm plus Water, gas and Electric. Available 01.10.11.

Tlf:966-881-048 or 691-202-307

ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE SELLING your home? Why not visit www.partexchange-spain.com or text Px to: 650 132 078 ALBIR 2 BED to rent, couple with a baby and looking for a stable long term rent. Max price 525€ plus bills, Call Danny on: 646 619 466

JUST HIRE IT ONE WAY ! Van Hire To UK, Spain and France, different van and car sizes available tel: 952 541 147 / 667 235 205

16 - 22 Dec 2011 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 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail.co.uk EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads.

Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965-300-959 Mobile 0034-648102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893719. Email info@euromove4u.eu

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-lingual Spanish-English and high level French and German. Confidential and reliable accompaniment service.

Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings. Virginia 629201192.

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

59

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

SKY HD SATELLITE receiver with sports package cards, 240 euros plus monthly subs. Can deliver Tel Jeremy 667 235 205 SKYSUPPLIES New Sky HD and Humax receivers from 145€. Full package White cards, LNB`s, remotes, harddrives. Realignments, advice and backup. 966194013/600899096.

SKY SUPPLIES New sky hd and humax digiboxes from 145€. White cards, LNBs, spare remotes, hard drive upgrades. Advice and backup. Tel: 966 194 013/600 899 096 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ ccsattv.com

CASH PAID for old vintage designer clothes and accessories.

Tel: 667 270 969

Classified Services All Major Credit Cards Accepted - Prices start from 10€ a week.

Airport Parking

Builders

Book your advert now! 902 118 999 (ext 2)

60

16 - 22 Dec 2011 CarConditioning Hire Air

Builders Cont...

Business Consultants

Business & House Auctions

Gardening

Building Surveying

Hire

Ikea Trips

Computers

Locksmith

Double Glazing Maintenance

Electrical

Ferreteria

Garages

Limousines

16 - 22 Dec 2011 Plumbing & Heating

Solar Energy

Repairs/Sewing

Properties Wanted

Secure Storage

Removals

TV & Satellite

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16 - 22 Dec 2011

What is the answer?

Noel’s world of golf

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

SINCE RTN decided that we will only accept entries for our league championship next year from members of RTN Golf Club that are also members of Real Federacion Española de Golf I have been inundated with applications to complete paperwork for people. This to me is fantastic and shows that we made the right decision.

The majority of people who emailed me and spoke to me had the same reason for joining the RFEG; they want a handicap that will be accurate and recognised all over the World.

Many felt uncomfortable with the handicaps they currently have and the way they have been calculated. Many more mentioned the handicap protection that we have all seen over the years when it comes to certain golfers - alas we can do nothing about these golfers, they will always exist.

What we can do, though, is rule out the cheats who are ruining the reputation of the sport that we all love. As the various conversations have gone on with very many people that I have never met or spoken to before there were many references to the golfers who find counting a problem. This sad state of affairs is something that we need to address as a whole.

In competition golf it is difficult enough to call a fellow player for cheating but we can always politely ask others in the group if we think a player is continually miscounting. In society golf where the atmosphere is much friendlier it is even harder but all golfers have a duty to stop this and other types of cheating such as free drops where they are not allowed etc.

The correct way of course is for any dispute to be settled before we complete play on the hole we are playing but this is sometimes very difficult at a busy golf course.

It is the duty of everyone who plays this wonderful sport of ours to be strong when it comes to cheating and if a dispute cannot be settled then we must write or speak to the competition organisers making them aware of our suspicions. When we feel strongly about things we should refuse to sign the scorecards of the cheats; so as they are brought to the attention of those responsible for checking scorecards.

I receive many emails from RTN readers each week and it is surprising and disappointing how many mention this sorry state of affairs. Please do your best to stamp this plague in our game -- only by being strong can those who hold high the values of our sport win through. It could be you that loses out to the cheats next time; think how you’ll feel if you know the winner is a cheat.

WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection.

QUESTION FOR 16TH DECEMBER 2011: Where is Valderrama?

A. Spain B. Portugal C. Italy All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st December 2011 to be entered into December’s draw, to be made on 31st December. The winner will be announced in RTN on 7th January 2012.

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

For the best deals on the Costa Blanca and Murcia call the RTN Golf Club booking hotline 96 817 5716 or email rtngolf@roundtownnews.com

The Professional Scene

Qualifying School: The European Tour will have some very promising young players taking up their Tour Cards next year after Qualifying School finished late yesterday afternoon - we’ll bring you more news next week... The current crop of up and coming golfers will ensure that Europe will stay at the forefront of World golf for some time to come.

Sadly we will also be saying goodbye to some household names that failed to regain their status after poor performances last season that continued into Final Qualifying.

The Race to Dubai: Rory McIllroy ensured that we were going to see a thrilling finale to The European Tour 2011 season with his victory in Hong Kong two weeks ago. Two successive victories were his only chance of catching Luke Donald in The Race to Dubai standings. The impressive Donald though once again came through under pressure and created history by being the first to win the money lists on both sides of The Atlantic.

Donald now remains World Number One with McIllroy in second place. Many whould say this should be the other way around as Donald has not yet won a major championship. The rankings are worked out over a two year period and consistency is the aim of the calculations. In 2011 alone Donald has won 4 times and finished inside the top ten in tournaments twenty out of the twenty six tournaments that he has played in; an astonishing sign of quality.

Our friends on the other side of The Atlantic must now look longingly at what is going on in Europe.

The current crop of top players from our shores is perhaps the best we have had since the likes of Ballesteros, Faldo, Lyle, Langer and Woosnam ruled the World.

With The Ryder Cup points list now well under way we see a really strong group of Europeans ready to dominate the golfing world for many years to come. The top 5 in the official rankings are all European Tour members after the conclusion of The European Tour season last weekend.

The likes of Donald, McIllroy, Westwood, Kaymer, McDowell,

GOLF Tips

Rose and a resurgent Sergio Garcia will be a match for anyone on their day. The 2012 golf season could be the best ever for European golf, something to very much look forward to.

Welcome Home Paul: Amazingly Paul Casey has lost his Tour Card for The US PGA Tour for 2012.

Despite the fact that Casey sits at number 19 in The Official World Golf Rankings he does not have full playing rights for the new US season starting next month. This will mean we should see more of him in Europe, surely something that will rightfully see him regain a spot on Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup team?

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO: GOLFING TIP OF THE WEEK On shorter putts always make sure the ball hits the back of the hole. This will mean there will be no deceleration at impact.

Quality coaching is available at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members: contact Noel on 639 730 891.

A good rhythm is better than loads of power.

Remember, it’s a golf swing not a golf hit.

Paul Casey

Football success for Castelar College Castelar Coach, Josh with Castelar United

THE CASTELAR College in San Pedro del Pinatar has every right to be celebrating its recent sporting success after taking part in not one, but two football tournaments, both of which were held at Kings College in Murcia earlier this month.

In the first tournament the under 10’s competed against various teams from the region of Murcia, including Kings College and two other British schools based in Alicante.

Castelar’s Coach Josh Grocutt was delighted with how his team played. He told RTN: “The boys are a real credit to the school and have really worked hard together.” This hard work resulted in the team winning every one of their initial games in the tournament, ensuring that they would take part in a thrilling final against the ‘British School Alicante United’ team.

The game ended after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out that resulted in a 3-1 win for Castelar after an initial 0-0 draw at full time.

And that one goal was the only goal scored against Castelar throughout the whole tournament.

‘Castelar United’ and the newly formed ‘Castelar City’ were both out in force for the second tournament of the season earlier this week, with United continuing their winning streak by beating all the other teams to get through to the final against Kings College. The 1-0 victory in the final came after an excellent team performance and Man of the Match was the goal scorer Antonio Perez.

RTN Golf Club league finishes in style THE LAST day of the RTN Golf Club League took place last week at the El Plantio Golf Course, close to Alicante Airport.

Sponsored by Moneycorp, the league has been a tremendous success this year and the last match of the season took place in perfect golfing conditions with the sun shining and very little breeze.

Thirty two players took part in the final game and despite there being some tricky pin positions, the golf was great fun for all concerned. One player said: “I really enjoyed today’s game and it was a great way to finish the 2011 RTN Golf Club League season.”

The winner of the league was Alan Gifford. He won a weekend for two in Benidorm with dinner and a show at the Benidorm Palace, courtesy of RTN. In second place was RTN’s Golf Guru Noel Eastwell’s wife, Julie, who won a month’s free golf at El Plantio including a golf buggy and in third place was Barry Grinsell.

All the players are looking forward to the 2012 season which will start in January and the league matches will be played on the second Tuesday of every month at one of three courses; El Plantio, Alicante Golf and Benalba.

For more information on RTN’s Golf Club and next year’s league, contact Noel via email at golf@roundtownnews.com

Chelsea are preparing a £30m January transfer offer for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Sir Alex Ferguson will make a £20m January bid for Everton star Jack Rodwell as the Manchester United boss looks to settle a midfield crisis that has seen three of his main first team options sidelined with injuries in recent weeks.

Roma contract rebel Daniele de Rossi.

Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka could be heading to Roma, with his agent set to sit down with Spurs and sort out his future in the coming days.

Spartak Moscow are ready to go headto-head with Queens Park Rangers and Bolton for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba is set to reject a chance to sign a new contract and open talks about a Bosman move to Juventus.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has rubbished rumours of David Villa being sold to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, United are readying a bid for

Everon are chasing £700,000 French

Fishing

63

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 was the third in the RTN Challenge Cup. The venue was the Rio Segura at Murcia. Although the venue was pegged, it was decided by some anglers not to fish due to the atrocious conditions of the bank; it was like a quagmire. Of the remaining hardy souls it was decided to fish below the weir as this had never been fished before and the results are as follows: TOP ANGLERS ON THE DAY 1st Jim (The Chairman) Rouse, fishing the pole using maggot with 8.42 kg 2nd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, fishing the pole using maggot with 7.80 kg 3rd Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe, fishing the pole using maggot with 7.16 kg TOTAL WEIGHT FOR THE TEAMS Rods and Reels with 22.99 kg Abbey Anglers with 23.84 kg Total points to date: Abbey Anglers with 30 points - Rods and Reels with 24 points PLEASE NOTE The club does have some vacancies at present: if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 667 407 026.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen With all the league matches finished until the New Year, a few of us decided this week to explore for new fishing venues and we went to the Embalsa Alfonso X111. There were just six of us and as we neared the lake we could see a heavy blanket of mist in the valley and the temperature was down to 2º: the water levels are up and the places that were available to fish are now impossible. The only

Alan, Julie and Barry

Transfer Rumours

16 - 22 Dec 2011

place available to fish is a concrete ramp, closed in the summer because of water sports.

So as we had come this far and were nearly there we decided to fish the Embalsa de Argos. It was a red day and there were lots of people already fishing, so we fished the first six pegs on the cold side of the lake Lennie (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton had the best weight and was 1st with 15.140kg Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe was 2nd with 6.420kg Mike (The Arsenal) Hill was 3rd with 6.000kg all fishing pole and feeder These and all details are available via www. abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together WE HAVE been having a lot of enquiries about licenses from anglers who are passing the ‘magic age of 65’ and therefore pensioners!

Licenses are still required and are free providing you have a Spanish ‘Pensionista’ card - otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees.

Licenses are available from either Town Halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in Valencia region. In Murcia you will also require insurance.

Make sure you take photocopies of all relevant documents to obtain your license, i.e. passport photopage, NIE and insurance.

THE NEXT MEETINGS ARE: Friday 13th January at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) Saturday 14th January at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo (opposite the seafront between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron)

Fishing

La Marina defender Yohan Tavares from Portuguese club Beira Mar. Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath is keen to sign Arsenal’s midfielder Tomas Rosicky in January.

Sunderland will look to buy a striker after discovering they cannot recall Asamoah Gyan from his season-long loan at UAE club Al Ain. AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has warned Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez not to put the money available at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the glory he could achieve at the San Siro.

Fishing Rods, Reels, Floats Line, Hooks, Nets, etc + Many accessories. Fishing Tackle. Maggots available.

SHOP OPEN

15% DISCOUNT ON ALL PURCHASES OVER 50€ Avd. Europa, LA MARINA La Marina Market Thurs Montcayo Tuesday & Saturday Lemon Tree Sunday Market Tel Ken: 648 134 465 New Shop: 966 189 969

FC Torrevieja news

TORRY PLAYED strugglers Ribarroja at home on Wednesday and hopefully picked up all 3 points. On Sunday they play away to Valencia based side Mislata in their final game before the Christmas/New Year break and again hopefully will register another win and 3 more points to take them back into the TOP 4. Keep believing.