RTN South Edition 639

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Issue 639

13-19 January 2012

“We won a cruise from the RTN Network!”

See page 4

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13-19 Jan 2012

Taxing times

by Jack Troughton

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SPANISH PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy has defended tax hikes saying his Partido Popular government had “no option” in the battle to cut the country’s public deficit.

In his first press interview since unveiling his Cabinet last month, the Premier explained the surprise rises in personal income tax and IBI, the town hall rates – first announced at the end of 2011 – and further rounds of spending cuts during 2012.

“There was no other option,” said the Premier. “It was a hard painful decision but absolutely necessary to get out of the spiral in which we found ourselves.”

The tax hikes were unveiled on December 30 and members of the Cabinet blamed inheriting ‘damaged property’ from the government’s socialist predecessor, namely the outgoing leadership failing to meet a 6% deficit target by 2% points.

The PP claims this was a hidden problem and came after Mr Rajoy actually praising the briefings he received from members of Social-

ist government during the handover of power.

However, the tax rises remain controversial. During the campaign for the November general election in Spain – in which the PP won a landmark absolute majority - Mr Rajoy pledged not to increase the tax burden.

During the interview with EFE, the Prime Minister admitted he was still against raising taxes but maintained his administration would not increase the burden of indirect tax paid as VAT. “That would mean an immediate rise in prices,” said Mr Rajoy. “And that does not seem to be the fairest way, but if we had felt it was necessary to hike VAT, we would not have hesitated to do so.”

He also revealed that the measures announced at the end of last year were only “the beginning of the beginning” as the government’s main priority was to reduce public debt – targeted to fall to 4.4% of Gross Domestic Product this year.

“In the state budget we will present on 31st March, we will make further cuts in public spending,” he warned.

Defective breast implants under review GILLIAN Roberts 607 744 948

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gillian@ roundtownnews.com

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THE DEPARTMENT of Health has decided that the General Hospital of Elche is to be the reference centre in the province of Alicante to address the concerns of women with defective PIP breast implants that can rupture and cause an inflammatory reaction. The move follows widespread concerns over leaky and poor grade silicone implants supplied by French manufacturer PIP. The Provincial Hospital of Castellón and Valencia Peset will also act in their respective provinces as units of reference for women who may wish to seek advice on having Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) breast implants removed.

For more information and advice on PIP silicone implants in Spain visit the Elche Hospital website at www.dep20.san. gva.es or telephone 966 616 900; the Provincial Hospital of Castellon at www.hospitalprovincial.es, Tel 964 359 700; or the Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Tel 961 622 300.

Six year old dies of meningitis complications

Jack Troughton LOUISE CLARKE jack@roundtownnews.com

louise@roundtownnews.com

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jan gamm jangamm@roundtownnews.com To air your views Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Monday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be given to letters dealing with local issues. We reserve the right to amend or shorten letters. (RTN accepts no responsibility for readers comments) Customer service If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can call 902 118 999 or write to Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante.

To get your paper If you any difficulty in getting Round Town News each week please call 902 118 999 or visit our website www.roundtownnews.co.uk for the distribution map.

Joel with his parents

RESIDENTS OF Benissa are united in support of the parents of six-year-old Joel Ortega Serra, who died on Sunday as a result of an infection that overwhelmed his weakened immune system. Joel contracted Meningitis at 18 months and was left with a neurological condition and a severely depleted immune system. A number of local charitable organisations and NGO groups, including the Rotary Club of Benissa and Teulada, raised funds through charity concerts to help Joel’s family pay for expensive neurological treatment, with funds escalating above 5,000€ still held for further therapy. Joel’s death plunged Benissa into mourning and the church of the Purissima Xiqueta held a memorial service for a brave little boy who lost his battle for survival.

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All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). RTN does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. The publisher does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed by readers in the ‘Mailbox’ section of this newspaper. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited.E:&O.E.

Coastal bus success

Bus service to continue

by Louise Clarke SINCE OCTOBER, the Orihuela Department of Transport has been piloting a bus service between Orihuela city and the coast. This week, the Town Hall has announced that the first three months of this project have been very successful and they are happy for the service to continue.

At first it was thought only a small Costazul bus would suffice but soon the weekly trips became so popular a larger bus became necessary. The Councillor for Mobility and Transportation, Martina Scheurer, told RTN that the majority of the routes have been occupied in whole or by more than 50%.

She said: “The success of this project has shown that there is a demand for this route and that residents and visitors to Orihuela Costa need, want and have indeed used this urban transport service to visit the city of Orihuela, either for visits to the historic city centre, the weekly market or to make necessary appointments with the tax office or social security office. Furthermore, this is a service that is also well

used by the residents of the Entrenaranjos urbanisation.”

Due to this success, the Department of Transport has decided that the service will continue during 2012 and funding has been included in this year’s budget.

As the market has finally been moved, the bus stops will remain the same as before.

In addition, the Department of Culture has produced a new list of tourist visits and tours to coincide with the coastal bus service and on each visit it is possible to visit a different monument.

The Councillor also said that Orihuela Merchants Association of the Old Quarter is very satisfied with this bus service as they have noticed an influx of Orihuela Costa residents and visitors coming into the city and causing a positive impact on sales in Orihuela’s shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Reservations for the bus service can be made by calling 96 676 0000, ext. 31 or 32, or alternatively by email to touristinfoorihuelap@gva.es or in person at the Orihuela Costa Tourist Information Office in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall.

Small earthquake hits Torrevieja A SMALL earthquake was registered off the coast of Torrevieja yesterday morning. Measuring 1.7 on the Richter scale, the tremor occurred just after 6am about seven kilometres out to sea.

It is one of dozens of tremors that occur annually in the area and the small number residents who actually heard and felt it said that it sounded like distant thunder.

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13-19 Jan 18 - 2012 24 NOV 2011

Rescue package promised

By Jack Troughton PEOPLE LIVING in a huge but unfinished Marina Alta urbanisation have been promised public funds to complete the development’s infrastructure.

It is estimated 300 of 700 homes built on Gata Residential stand empty, blinds drawn. Work never started building on certain empty plots.

And the crisis and end of the property boom has meant many of the buildings remain unsold – especially those built in the later phases of construction.

The urbanisation, on the mountain above Gata de Gorgos, was started in 2001 but six years later had largely ground to a halt. A survey has identified “serious deficiencies” in the infrastructure of the development.

Now Gata Town Hall has pledged to a rescue package of work that is expected to reach 5.7 million Euros and will be completed during 2012.

It was decided that the construction industry had boosted the local economy over the years, while local residents, the majority expats, also spent money in the community.

Gata’s Mayor Ana Maria Soler accepted there was huge task facing the town hall but said it was the council’s responsibility to carry out the work. “Residents must live in the best possible conditions.”

El Altet recovers from loss of Ryanair routes FOLLOWING THE shock announcement of Ryanair that 31 of its routes from Alicante El Altet have been cancelled, airport authority Aena has announced that the Irish low cost airline has indicated a willingness to resume service for 14 of those destinations from March despite its turning down Aena’s offer of bus transport for passengers as an alternative to using air bridges. Air Wow will be joining the fleet at El Altet with a weekly service to Reykjavik and Edelweiss Air will provide links to Zurich. Easyjet currently flies between Alicante, Basel and Geneva. Air Berlin announced on Thursday that next summer there will be non-stop direct flights to Palma and Nuremberg every Friday.

continued from front page DELIGHTED COUPLE Eddie and Mary Wood are looking forward to life on the ocean wave after winning a cruise in the prize draw offered by RTN Network.

They won the nine day trip round the Med offered by the communications company after signing up for the 44.95€ ‘bundle’ at the beginning of December – which gives them unlimited 3MB broadband, free UK television, 120 free minutes of free European landline calls and includes the line rental.

Earlier this week a disbelieving Eddie and Mary heard they were winners – but suspected they were the victims of a practical joke until a RTN liveried car pulled up outside their Marina Alta home on Wednesday.

Speaking at their villa in Alcalali, Eddie said he had just returned from playing bowls when the ‘phone rang and he was given the good news. “I said ‘you are kidding!’ who are you?”

Mary added she was in the garden.

“He came outside and said we had won – and I said ‘stop pulling my leg’.

We couldn’t believe it and we didn’t until the company car pulled up.”

FABULOUS They said it was a “fabulous” late Christmas present – made extra special because like most expats the Woods are counting the pennies in the current climate.

“We had decided we would not spend money going on holiday this year and cut back a little and enjoy the beautiful countryside around here instead,” said Mary. “I will obviously have to go out shopping now before we go away.

“We have never won anything in our lives except for the odd bottle of wine.”

The ‘Spring Escape’ cruise on the

The MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra sails from Valencia on 1st May and takes in some of the Mediterranean’s best sights and ports of call – the prize was offered by RTN Network courtesy of leading Costa Blanca travel agent Gandia Tours.

The couple have enjoyed cruising before and have fond memories of sailing round the Gulf of Mexico some 30 years ago.

Eddie remembered that a short mini-cruise to Norway was not as successful. “It was blowing a Force 10 gale, Mary went to bed when we boarded and didn’t get up until we arrived in Oslo, but it was a tiny ship!”

HOTEL Originally from Staffordshire, the Eddie and Mary retired to the Costa Blanca from Penzance 10 years ago where they had run a successful hotel business.

They have a daughter and son-in-

law living in nearby Orba, and a son and daughter back in the UK, where their grand-daughter also now resides after attending school at the Laude Lady Elizabeth School.

Both are keen members of U3A Val de Pop and as well as playing bowls, Eddie is a keen member of a computer club and keen gardener, while Mary bakes and decorates cakes, enjoys photography, and takes Tai Chi and yoga lessons. She also works in the Jalon Valley HELP shops in Jalon and Alcalali.

“Really we have not got a lot of time, we also like eating out,” said Mary.

However, Eddie insisted: “We can do a nine day cruise, we are not that busy.”

And the couple are avid readers of RTN – Mary said they made sure they read a copy every week “without fail.”

Eddie added: “As far as I am concerned RTN beats all the rest – we like the format and the way it is set out.”

Coastal camper vans causing concern

The vans are back on the car park

by Louise Clarke RTN HAS been contacted by several Orihuela Costa residents with regards to the presence of several campervans on the Mercadona car park in Playa Flamenca.

A large number of vans seem to pay an annual visit to this plot of land, especially during this time of year and residents are frustrated that the van owners are using this plot of land as a ‘free’ campsite and worry about the hygiene implications of having so many people there with only basic toilet facilities.

RTN contacted Bob Houliston, the Councillor for the Coast at Playa Flamenca Town Hall to find out what, if anything, the Town Hall can do to resolve this issue. He said: “The so-called ‘Mercadona car park’ in Playa Flamenca is actually a plot of private land that does not belong to Mercadona. The presence of camper vans on this land is

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not therefore directly a matter for the Town Hall but rather for the owner of the land.”

RESPECT However, since the presence of camper vans is an issue of public interest, the local police do carry out certain controls. Unfortunately, the local police cannot directly prohibit a practice which is tolerated by the landowner, but they do carry out for example, checks on hygiene and rubbish disposal.

Bob continued: “On the whole, the police assure me that the camper van owners respect all normal standards.”

Furthermore, the local police do indirectly control the duration of the presence of individual camper vans and ensure that in practice they do not stay for longer than a few days.

Bob concluded: “In addition, as you

will be aware, a number of public events do take place on this plot of land with the prior consent of the landowner. One such event has been this week’s Town Hall-organised programme of Christmas celebrations, which included a three day amusement park for young people with bouncy castles and other fun activities.” In order to hold this event, with the agreement of the landowner, the Town Hall cleared the car park of camper vans. Bob added: “Please be reassured that, within the limits of action which the Town Hall is able to pursue, we do keep an eye on the presence of camper vans and seek to ensure that they do not conflict with public interests.”

Unbelievably, within hours of the amusement park area closing, the vans returned and as RTN went to press there were as many as 20 vans in situ on the car park.

Jan2011 2113-19 - 27 OCT 2012

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€5 million for AVE link

By Louise Clarke JUST AS the British government announces that in 20 years there will be a high speed rail line from London to Birmingham, the Spanish high speed rail lines into the Valencia region are either complete or are well under way.

This week, the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (ADIF) has notified the Orihuela Town Hall that it has approved the spending budget in order to complete the work on the new high speed rail link, the AVE, into the municipality of Orihuela.

Councillor for Infrastructure, Pablo Vidal, and the Councillor for Communication and Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, held a joint press conference on Tuesday to announce that the total budget which has been confirmed

by ADIF amounts to €5 million. This record amount of money guarantees all the improvements needed to facilitate the new link that were included within the agreement which ADIF and the Orihuela Town Hall signed on 30th November 2011.

The high speed rail link is expected to arrive in the city in 2014, 18 years before it gets into Birmingham!

Pedro Mancebo and Pablo Vidal

Celebrations for San Anton THE ORIHUELA Councillor for Fiestas, Carolina Gracia, has announced this week that there will be a traditional fair in the city to celebrate the day of San Anton, the patron saint for amongst other things; lost articles, lost people and even lost spiritual goods as well as animals and fishermen. The festivities start at 9am in the centre of Orihuela this coming Sunday, 15th January, with a procession by the Virgen del Remedio de La Matanza Musical Society. There will be a mass to celebrate the Saint at 10.30am and then at 11.30am, the 30th International Charlatans Competition will take place in Ramonet Square in the centre of the city.

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13-19 Jan 2012

by

Jennifer Cunningham

Why was it allowed to happen?

JANUARY 2012 is as usual a time for reflection, more so than other years. Why? Because of the dreadful financial state that Europe and America are in: relatively easy to get into but is proving extremely hard to get out of.

My granny (bless her) taught me as a young girl never to purchase anything unless you could pay for it in full and in real money. I have tried to do this and apart from mortgages have achieved it.

Credit cards I consider useful but evil and so tempting. In our defence we were all encouraged to take out loans, top up our credit cards and spend, spend; Christmas being a nightmare and advertising on TV just adding to the pressure. Children are always subjected to ‘peer pressure’. Not a very good start or example for the young: ‘I want I get’.

What did the UK Government do about the credit boom? Nothing as they were busy borrowing more money to pay loans back. At the same time the UK became the most wonderful country to arrive in from all over the world. How stupid to give so much away when the people who are supporting their generous payments are the exhausted tax payers.

It amazes me that the people in the UK think all of Europe gives the same benefits - no they don’t as we all know. Why should they?

What has happened to experienced business men going into politics with knowledge of how to run a profitable company? Why is it that the UK has ended

up with just career politicians, many of them independently wealthy? Do they know what it is to budget and work day and night sometimes; worry endlessly about how to afford the mortgage; rent; electricity etc.

Even with both parents working life is hard and becoming harder. Having said that I am sure there are many still alive today who went through the last war who would say “you don’t understand what hard means.” It’s not long ago when cars, central heating, TVs , foreign holidays and huge expectations just weren’t part of everyday life - just luxuries for some, not, as it is now, a divine right.

Are we all happier? I don’t think so. With suicide rates and depression higher than ever, divorce as a standard all due to the pressures of every day life.

How sad it all is. Where and when will it change?

With no discipline the next generation of adults frightens me, plus drink and drugs seem to be accepted and all very cheap.

I look at the UK with astonishment sometimes: what next?

Politicians wake up stop borrowing money and get a grip. Stop fighting each other and think of the coun-

try. The UK press are a nightmare but celebrities and scandal sells papers.

Please children aspire to be a scientist, doctor or serviceman, not a hoody; part of a gang; footballer or a reality TV star. There is much more to life!

Having thoroughly depressed myself, I’ll go and have a drink of red wine as I am assured one a day does me good…

Although Spain is in a similar economical down turn it never seems to be so very depressing or frightening. Is this because we don’t consistently listen to Spanish news or read Spanish newspapers? Yes I am sure this is a good point but the Spanish don’t talk themselves into a big crisis. Their culture is so very different to ours with fiestas being very important to them no matter what.

As the out going Prime Minister said: “Crisis? What crisis?” Well there is a huge crisis and how long it will take us to get out of it is anyone’s guess. Why was it allowed to get to this stage? All I know is our EU Masters frighten me to death. One very important point: unlike making all cucumbers straight it’s not so easy with humans, especially the British - we tend to be a very bolshie lot.

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

New management of children’s centre

by Louise Clarke IT HAS been announced this week that the management of the Orihuela Early Stimulation Centre will be handed over to the ADIS Association in February.

The Councillor for Social Welfare, Emilio Zaplana, held a press conference on Wednesday to announce that the association will manage the centre from next month after the current organisation that runs it, Astrapace, stated that they would not be prepared to continue running it. According to the Councillor, Astrapace sent a ‘burofax’ to the Town Hall in which they indicated that they did not want to take over the service in 2012.

The City Council and Astrapace had an annual agreement by which the group took over the centre in exchange for a subsidy of around €430,000.

REASSURANCE Zaplana explained that the 2011 agreement expired on December 31st but that Astrapace will continue to run the centre until end of January. He said: “In view of this, the first thing was to talk to ADIS as they had

Payments for pensioners

06 - 12 JANUARY 13-19 Jan 2012

7

already expressed their intention to take over the service and the Association has a strong knowledge of early stimulation.”

The Councillor thanked the Association, which assists children with special needs aged 0 to six years, for entering into the management agreement with the Town Hall and said that he had already met with the parents of the children who benefit from the service to advise them of the situation and reassure them, especially because due to the age of the children involved “…it is very important not to lose a moment.”

PERFORMANCE He also said that all the staff bar one, who is leaving due to personal reasons, will be kept on at the centre by ADIS, stating that this one of the most important factors of negotiation as “…a change of therapist or psychologist could be very detrimental to children of this age.”

Emilio The centre will have the same schedule, the same Zaplana and number of professionals and have the same performrepresentatives ance and the agreement with ADIS is for the same from the ADIS amount as with Astrapace, i.e. 430,000€ per year.

Association

THE TORREVIEJA Town Hall is currently handing out 300€ to all pensioners living within the municipality. In order to qualify for the payment, you must be of pensionable age, have been a resident on the ‘padron’ in Torrevieja for more than two years and earn less than the annual income threshold of 11,400€. Only one application is allowed per household and you can apply for the payment via the Town Hall.

A Spanish tax return and a year’s bank statements must be presented upon application and further help with the application process can be obtained through the OARI (Residents Office) in Torrevieja.

Road resurfacing in La Mata

400,000€ worth of funding has been made available to resurface the main road (CV-898) from the N332 at La Mata down to Playa Los Locos in Torrevieja. The decision to fund the road works, which have been necessary for several years, was announced in the Alicante Diputación official bulletin and the money will be spent on the re-asphalting the four kilometres of road surface as well as the installation of new street signs, lighting and other street furniture. Tenders for the works are being sought and construction companies have until 19th January to send them into the Diputación. It is expected that the resurfacing work will start in the spring, after Easter and finish before the busy summer months start.

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13-19 Jan 2012

El Perpetuo Socorro (EPS) celebrates its 60th year

by Millie Munroe, EPS Agent TO COMMEMORATE this proud family business and its enduring commitment to servicing the public in the Alicante Province with high quality medical care, EPS has launched a series of changes.

A new Sales and Commercial Director, Pedro Alvado, brings new energy to the company and is committed to moving it forward into the new era.

There is a new look and feel to the company’s logo.

The new branding is more stylish, modern and eye catching. The vibrant colour scheme now includes a pleasant plum, tangerine and white design.

Along with the changes comes an attractive discount of up to 30% in savings, depending on age and family size, until the end of January 2012.

What has not changed is their 24 hour helpline in

Retired and furious

QUEUES ARE getting longer every day outside the offices of Metropolitan Transportation Alicante (TAM) since public transport travel allowances for the elderly were reduced from 90 to just 12 trips. Neighbourhood associations launched a petition that now supports more than 5,000 signatures in protest to the cuts while pensioners feel cheated as they have been left with a fraction of their previous entitlement. One 91-year-old, on a pension of just 295.47€, has to take four bus journeys per day and has already used up his entire allowance applicable from 1st January. “I have come to see what solution they can give me, because we know nothing officially, the information we have is zero,” he explained from his place in the queue. It is possible that the City will agree to a reduced rate fare on the production of a pensioners’ bus card in the near future but details are yet to be confirmed. Until then, the queue continues to lengthen…

English so that you can feel secure to phone day or night with your emergencies and questions.

EPS continues to bring you preventative medical check such as mammograms, bone density scans and ECGs and pre-prostate checks for the men.

As you know, the Social Security system in Spain is under extreme financial pressure and the hospitals are under the crunch. There has been a cut in the number of consultants and doctors, which means longer waiting times for appointments, scans, tests, surgery and beds. It is becoming ever so clear that a secure solution to your medical requirements needs to be covered by a high quality private medical company. Your health is too important to submit to this crisis.

“Rest assured that when you need assistance, you can count on us.”

Millie Munroe, EPS agent

Spain’s new Russian settlers

By Jan Gamm PROPERTY SALES are benefiting from a Russian ‘gold rush’ with Russian buyers drawn to bargains now available in the Spanish housing market.

Spain’s other attractions are in sharp contrast to Russia, with new residents embracing the sun, sea and relaxed lifestyle and Russian families are relocating in droves to Spain in search of a better quality of life for their children.

The Vega Baja area and towns such as Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja and Orihuela are doing spectacularly well on sales with Russian purchasers, with intense activity a direct result of promoters’ hard work in estate and tourism fairs.

Sokolov, who relocated his family to the Mediterranean coast from Moscow,

said, “Here in Spain the whole environment was an attraction: food products; the climate; the quality of life…”

And many of Spain’s new Russian residents conduct their business via the internet, so do not need to be in Russia to earn their living.

The history of the Russian community in the Vega Baja goes back to the early nineties when 3,000 registered in Torrevieja. Now Russian sales represent half of those achieved Vega Baja, according to data from the Promoters and Builders Association of Torrevieja and District (Procosta).

13-19 Jan 2012

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13-19 Jan 2012

Youth in focus in Torrevieja

by Louise Clarke THE TORREVIEJA Councillor for Youth, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, has presented a programme of events, activities and workshops designed especially for the young people of the municipality.

The programme, devised alongside the Youth Information and Animation Centre (CIAJ), includes events during the first quarter of 2012 (January, February and March) and will benefit many of the young people living in Torrevieja.

The most important aspect of the programme is a month long, free Employment Workshop for young people to attend to gain help and support getting a job. The workshops will help with interview techniques, how to find work on the internet, application form filling and writing your CV. The workshops take place throughout March and will be based at the CIAJ every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5pm until 7pm.

SKIING As well as the employment workshops,

Tour guide recruitment

By Louise Clarke THE ORIHUELA Tourist Department has announced this week that it is finalising the process of hiring two, possibly three people with a university education and experience who can give guided tours within the city.

The guides will have to deal with groups of visitors who go to the tourist office and book guided tours. Councillor for Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, announced that they have planned to provide city tours in the Cultural and Tourism Agenda of 2012.

Mancebo said: “We hope that there will soon be two tourist officers and a tour guide employed by the Town Hall and we are looking for people with experience and qualifications who will need to be experts in some field or speak a particular language.” The Department also plans to start charging tourists for tours around the city’s main attractions in order to gain a direct income from tourism.

At the moment it cannot do so as the rates have already been set for this year.

Pope slams gay marriage POPE BENEDICT XVI said on Monday in a New Year speech for diplomats accredited to the Vatican that gay marriage is “one of the most serious threats to the traditional family unit” and that it undermines “…the very future of humanity.” The Pope told diplomats from almost 180 countries that children needed a family unit founded on marriage between a man and a woman and that “policies that attack the family threaten human dignity and the very future of humanity.”

The Vatican and Catholic authorities worldwide have protested against efforts to legalise gay marriage in Europe on the grounds that although homosexual tendencies are not sinful, homosexual acts are, and that children should grow up in a traditional family with a mother and a father.

Despite the Pontiff’s views gay marriage is legal in several European nations, including Spain and the Netherlands.

there are ‘Aerodance’ and ‘Funky Fusion’ dance classes, felt and craft workshops and carnival make up classes to prepare the youngsters for the two carnivals that are taking place in the city in February.

There will also be an event to coincide with the Day of the Tree, which is the 31st January, where the young people will be invited to take part in a reforestation exercise throughout the municipality, along with representatives from the Town Hall’s Department of the Environment.

Finally, a weekend skiing trip to the Sierra Nevada is planned on 16th March where young people and their parents can enjoy a subsidised trip to Spain’s major ski resort. The price for young people aged 1424 is just 149.50 to include transport, half board accommodation in a 3* hotel and ski insurance, while for older residents the price is 156.50€. Younger children also have special discounts and prices are Rosario available on application.

Martínez For more information visit www.ciaj.es, Chazarra presents the call 96 571 4072 or email ciaj.torrevieja@cv.gva.es. The centre is also programme for young on Twitter and Facebook. people

Poverty to increase

Home dialysis service

Homeless man shelters in a shop doorway

THE EC has warned of increasing poverty in Spain due to unemployment with the economic growth forecast for 2012 “not enough” to improve the employment situation. Brussels warns in its report that the problem of long-term unemployment in Spain, which has quintupled since the crisis began in 2008 to stand at 8.6%, is double the European average. According to EC data, long-term unemployment affects about 40% of the unemployed in Spain. One consequence of the problems of employment in the country is the increase in poverty recorded. According to 2010 figures, 25.5% of the Spanish population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion; two points more than the previous year. The number of people living in workless households doubled between 2007 and 2010, reaching 12%, compared to the 9.9% average for Europe.

By Jack Troughton PATIENTS SUFFERING kidney disease in the Marina Baja could soon benefit from a home dialysis service.

The Department of Health is implementing a new initiative for peritoneal dialysis and suitable patients will have access to equipment and all the necessary training to carry out a “simple and reliable” procedure.

The ‘at home’ service allows treatment to fit around people’s daily lives and schedules and it is estimated some 80 percent of patients were suitable for the treatment should they choose to take the option.

The general hospital at Villajoyosa has already assigned medical staff, room and equipment to teach patients how to perform the technique.

According to health experts there was an average of 28 new patients every year requiring renal therapy and the possibility of a transplant.

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13-19 Jan 2012

Hot metal

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by Jack Troughton METAL THIEVES are operating in the Marina Alta as the price of scrap continues to soar, householders were warned this week.

Neighbourhood group Vecinos de Benissa has notified its members that a gang of bandits are again working in outlying parts of the municipality and asked people to be vigilant.

The town’s local police have stepped up patrols but reports of intruders onto private land are increasing and residents believe it underlines the need for a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Neighbourhood security was an issue raised with Mayor Juan Bautisa Rosello by the Vecinos de Benissa at its last meeting – and the issue will again be discussed on 30th January.

GANG In a letter circulated to members of the group, Charles Svoboda said he did not want to be alarmist but it appeared a gang of metal thieves were in the area.

“Our neighbours in Coma de Pou reports that there have been people – two or three – stealing metal objects and other small items from their property – back again last night for a fourth night in a row,” he said.

Charles said the neighbours’ dogs had hopefully been a deterrent but despite reporting the matter to the police – and increased patrols – the suspects had returned.

And he said beforehand he had already encountered a stranger on his property possibly checking “what we had that could be stolen.”

He said the man was around 35-years-old with an Eastern European accent, possibly Romanian, was six feet tall with greying hair and wearing a tracksuit.

Charles Svoboda

PROPERTY “I was working in the back of the house when our dog started barking. When I went to see what was happening, I noted our small gate was open. I had closed it about 10 minutes earlier, so he had probably tried to enter our property,” said Charles.

“I confronted this fellow, who gave me the feeble story he was passing out ‘propaganda’ for a locksmith – all he seemed to have was a roll of stickers with commercial addresses, one of which was a locksmith.”

He added: “I thought this was very odd, but with our neighbour’s report, it made unpleasant sense – she said one of those she saw matched the description of the man I saw.”

Charles speculated it could be the same gang stripping copper wire off old telephone lines about a year ago “if so, they know the area well”.

He appealed for everyone to let he police know of any strange callers or night time visitors by ringing 96 573 0733 or 092.

Reward for return of missing jewellery RTN HAS been contacted by Pauline Stewart, Mum of local swimming sensation Adam and Flamenco dancer, Lucy, after Lucy mislaid her precious white and yellow gold rope necklace following a recent performance at The Dance Academy and Stage School at Casa Ventura in La Siesta, near Torrevieja. Pauline would like to appeal, through the pages of RTN, for the safe return of this necklace, which was a gift from the President of Disability Sport in Taiwan, and two other items. Pauline told RTN: “We are prepared to put up a reward for the return of this necklace and also the silver cross necklace with coloured glass inserts, which was blessed for her at a shrine in Portugal and a silver bracelet that is engraved with her name and date of birth (20/11/89), which she received for her 21st Birthday.” If you have any information please contact Pauline on 966 761 455 or 687 786 749

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13-19 Jan 2012

Costa Blanca Christmas Spirit

by Patricia Thompson AS THE world economic crises digs its sharp teeth ever deeper into our sunny Costa Blanca coast and more and more businesses and private individuals find themselves in economic difficulties, it’s truly a wonder that this year’s Christmas community spirit has surpassed all other years.

People from all nationalities and all walks of life, schools and local associations, young and old have all worked hard and pulled together to help the less fortunate and most venerable people among us, the elderly, the handicapped, woman who have suffered from severe domestic violence and children in care.

A record number of bags were delivered to The Bed Centre and some people who were returning to their own countries to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones made generous donations.

Some decided to give money to children’s projects instead of sending Christmas cards and

others bought extra goodies to add to the cheer at the homes this holiday. The icing on our Christmas cake has to have been a 4 week supplies of milk and nappies for the baby unit from our Scottish friends the Tartan Army.

Local businesses have been especially generous in allowing the use of their premises to collect presents and other practical items for the Emaus association.

Every one of the children, elderly residents and the handicapped in Emaus’s care received a lovely present thanks to a very special community. The carers were in their element choosing appropriate gifts for each of the children in their care and the president of the group, Montserrat Fitur, was delighted to have your collaboration once again this year. A heartfelt thank you to you all.

For more information on future events or how Montse, The you can get involved, look at www.emausong.es, President of e-mail info@thebedcentre.com or find us on Fathe Emaus cebook.

Association

The ‘Rebajas’ are on!

CASH-STRAPPED Spain flocked to the January sales last Saturday in search of bargains with discounts ranging from a cursory 10% to a whopping 70% in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres. El Corte Inglés opened an hour earlier than usual, at 9am, and closed an hour later, at 11pm to accommodate enthusiastic shoppers that queued for hours for a shot at the best early morning deals. Customer service desks were also kept busy exchanging customers’ gifts received during the Kings celebrations. And in Madrid, seminude shoppers queued in an icy wind for free clothes during a promotion by a Spanish retailer on 2nd January. The first one hundred shoppers were allowed free clothes on the first day of the January sales.

Anti-competitive behaviour

By Louise Clarke SANCTIONS HAVE been issued against three Spanish mobile phone operators by the country’s National Competition Commission (CNC). The Commission initiated disciplinary proceedings earlier this week against Telefónica Móviles, Vodafone and Orange for possible anti-competitive practices.

According to the information provided within the official complaint, the three mobile phone

operators have engaged in an abuse of their dominant position either individually or collectively in various markets of the mobile telephone sector, by the alleged conduct of consistently narrowing margins.

The prices for wholesale mobile phone calls are set by an independent body when the calls originate and terminate within their national jurisdiction and they recommend the retail prices for mobile call services,

especially in the enterprise segment.

However, it is alleged that the three companies are in breach of these guidelines to the detriment of other companies within the mobile phone market.

The investigation into these claims could take up to 18 months to complete and the CNC has said that they will issue a full report into its findings and issue any applicable fines after the investigation.

13-19 Jan 2012

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13-19 Jan 2012

Can any readers help I HAVE a holiday apartment in Torrevieja near Playa Los Locas beach. When I bought it I was so happy and for some reason thought I would make a lot of new friends and live happy ever after.

Unfortunately it did not work out like that. My husband and I divorced five years ago. The apartment I bought has only two other couples who speak English and they visit only occasionally.

I’m at the stage now where I hate going over to the apartment, but I don’t want my family to know as it cost me a lot of money and they will be worried if they find I don’t speak to anyone for days on end while I’m there.

I’m 60 years old, very healthy and love people. I don’t drive and although I’m taking Spanish lessons in Dublin I find it hard to understand what the locals are saying to me.

Can any of your readers help me to find a friendship club, walking club, or any way I can meet other English speaking people?

Helen Curry

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letter of the week

One man, crime-stopping hero MY WIFE and I moved to the Mar Menor region in 2005 to begin our well earned retirement in the sun. We quickly settled in to the Spanish way of life and also became accepted by the local people. Along with other expats we read about crime in the newspapers but we give little regard to the fact that we could be victims ourselves.

A man casually approached us and clearly demanded money be handed over. We are both in our early seventies and unable to defend ourselves. Fortunately for us, a man came to our aid and very quickly dealt with our attacker leaving him screaming on the pavement with his arm in a very unnatural position. He never actually took our money but if our rescuer had not had the common decency to intervene it could have been a different story indeed - he left just as quickly as he arrived and sadly we never got the opportunity to express our gratitude to him.

We have heard of his heroics before our event occurred. On one occasion he went to the aid of a young disabled girl in San Javier who was the victim of an armed mugger and his equally cowardly assistant. Leaving them unconscious on the floor he gave the young girl her bag and, as with us, he disappeared into thin air.

Another time he prevented a rather violent attack by the Deutsche Bank in Los Alcazares. Aside from the aforementioned occasions we have heard from others he has helped. He clearly possesses a skill in martial arts or self defence and if it wasn’t for people like him our Christmas would have been thoroughly spoilt.

Our pensioners’ social group often discuss him as the bald, stocky man who without much thought for himself comes to the aid of the victims and then calmly leaves. To us he is a true hero, and in today’s times of austerity we give so much time to thinking in a financial matter that we forget wonderful people who shine in dark times.

Through your newspaper can you try and find this man so that he can lay claim to these events and receive the recognition he so rightly deserves. As we do not know his name we have called him ‘Zorro’ from the old TV programme. We know he does not wear a mask or is a true caped crusader but to us he is.

We will forever be in debt to this man for his actions and his kindness. We dearly hope that you can be of help in finding our one man, crime-stopping, bone crunching hero.

John and Edith Williams

What progress has been made?

THE TRUE measure of a politician or a political party is how well they deliver on their promises made publicly in their election manifestos.

Before the local elections in 2007 CLARO election manifesto promised to save Cala Mosca and to separate Orihuela Costa from the Orihuela town hall. That was almost five years ago and I would like Mr. Houliston of CLARO to tell us what progress they have made towards achieving these two main promises in the last five years? John Carroll

Contrasting emotions

POOR EXCUSE, again! I read Ken Turner’s latest submission in your Christmas edition with very contrasting emotions. Anger at the dismal of all the good work achieved by successive governments regardless of their political roots soon melted to pity. I find it extremely annoying that those who show their support for Margaret Thatcher and today ‘Dave’ Cameron have to dress their party failures as ‘Tory bashing’. What a pity that party supporters are unable to hold their hands up and

admit to mistakes rather than blaming others, the media, the unemployed, the opposition etc...

Finally the overwhelming emotion I was left with was of satisfaction when the latest round of documents were released from the Thatcher era which provides us with the proof if ever it was needed the ‘Iron Lady’s’ real agenda in perpetuating the class divide and lining the pockets of the already rich at the expensive of the poor.

Connie Stewart, Urb La Marina

13-19 Jan 2012

Brits on the sick in the sun

by Patricia Thompson

AT LEAST 10,000 British emigrants are enjoying life in the sun on sickness benefits of up to £94 a week, costing the taxpayer almost £1million a week in a time of austerity. And 4,000 recipients can continue to claim until their retirement. This is because Iain Duncan Smith’s Department of Work and Pensions will not re-test the entitlement of those over 60. And the British Government is forced by EU rules to pay certain benefits even if the recipients eventually move abroad. Winter fuel allowances paid abroad are also being re-examined. Tory backbencher Priti Patel said: “Huge sums of public money are going to people unjustifiably, and it is all down to EU regulations.”

Claiming on benefits?

Spain explained LA NUCIA Town Hall is to launch a second round of lectures for expats explaining how public services work in Spain.

The Department of Foreign Residents has organised the talks in English, Dutch and German and it is planned to shed light on how various institutions and social systems work. It is believed residents benefit because every country had its own legal system and rules and the talks helped

integrate foreigners and answered common queries.

The series of lectures begins with ‘The Notary in Spain’ – all the talks are free and it is planned to stage them in the social Centre at La Nucia Nou Espai, but it is asked residents book a place by calling or emailing the town hall beforehand.

The explanation of the Spanish notarial system will be in Dutch on Wednesday 18th January; in English on 1st February; and in German on 15th February. All three begin at 10.30am.

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John Hemmons

Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers Chairman 1998 – 2000 We have received the sad news of the death of John Hemmons on 14th December 2011. Those who knew him and walked regularly with him remember him as a person of great courtesy and thoughtfulness.

He was a ‘gentleman of the old school’.

Mary Gowland, who knew him well, records a couple of her memories: “I would show up for a tough or scary walk if John was leading it because I had complete confidence in him and I knew he would be patient with my slow pace. I remember my friend.

George Goddard hurt himself on a recce that went seriously ‘off piste’. His two companions were Bob Stansfield and John Hemmons (they were looking for ‘Mary’s route’ but had neglected to invite me along to show it to them) and George’s knee was pretty badly hurt. He re-

marked afterwards: “I never knew John Hemmons very well before this happened.

Now I know there isn’t a better person to have with you when you are in trouble.” He is remembered by many as an exceedingly straight and honest person and was also known to tell a silly story on himself with relish.”

The Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers recognise him as an excellent leader and a good companion to be remembered with fondness.

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13-19 Jan 2012

Black Flamingos arrive in Torrevieja

by Louise Clarke WHAT LOOKS like a flock of black flamingos grazing in the sea by Playa del Cura is really the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club (aqua division) testing out their magic sticks! These detectors are a special underwater type which can detect metal objects underwater as well as on land. “We are a club that likes to promote our professional club so all members wear their photo IDs when doing club activities as we have a very strict code of conduct,” says team leader Roderick Toms.

HEALTHY EXERCISE The club helps to clean the beaches and sea of any sharp metal objects and batteries which all helps for a cleaner environment for us all to enjoy. Roderick added: “In total, we have 40

members who wave their sticks up and down the coast in the sea and on the beach. It is an exciting hobby and gives us plenty of healthy exercise as well as a bit of fun. We also donate the odd coin or peseta to the ADAPT organisation charity pot.”

HISTORY

The club offers a FREE search and recovery service for anyone that has lost a sentimental metal object on the beach (subject to conditions). Roderick concluded: “What we would really like, is the opportunity to metal detect on some dry land, possibly a farm or a plot of land to help find the history beneath our feet as it all around us here and we don’t know it.”

So, if there are any archaeologists, historians or land owners reading this article and are interested in this club’s activities, they can contact Roderick on r.toms@btinternet.com

The ADAPT Metal Detecting Club (aqua division)

We three kings of Orient are

by Jack Troughton EXCITEMENT RAN high as crowds filled the streets for the annual visit of the Three Kings last Thursday night for the traditional parades in towns across Spain.

Families lined the route as Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar arrived accompanied by hundreds of attendants and bands – children busy collecting sweets distributed during the procession.

In some towns the ‘Reyes Magos’ were mounted on impressively decorated floats, in others they rode horses, and in Gandia’s huge parade, the kings were mounted on a horse, a camel and an elephant.

Traditionally the celebration is the time for giving presents during the festive season in Spain – as the carol suggests the Kings arrive bearing gifts – and it is only in recent years Father Christmas has risen in popularity.

SANTA Spanish friends explained that until around 20 years ago ‘Papa Noel’ did not exist in Spain and blamed growing commercialism at Christmas for the rise in Santa Claus’ popularity.

They said Three Kings still remained the main time to give presents although children did receive smaller gifts on Christmas Day. However, they said one problem with the traditional celebration on 6th January – a national holiday – was the new school term started the following King day and remembered there never seemed enough Gaspar time to play with new toys as a child. Fortunately in this year the fiesta day was followed by a weekend! Javea

13-19 Jan 2012

It just is…

By Louise Clarke DAVE BULL has been living and working in Spain since 2000 and is now a full-time writer, living with his son, Mitch and two dogs in Gran Alacant. He has been penning his experiences and observations on living life as an expat in Spain and on Wednesday, RTN bumped into him as he was delivering copies of his new book, ‘It Just Is…’ to Bargain Books in San Miguel de Salinas.

Keen to find out more and after an impromptu interview, RTN bagged its own copy, which after it has been read and reviewed will be up for grabs to one of our lucky readers.

Always from his own ‘different’ perspective, Dave publishes one of the most successful magazines on the Costa Blanca. Although clearly not professionally trained as a writer (his words not RTN’s!)

Dave invites you to have a read (and hopefully a laugh) about his experiences as an expat here in Spain. As ever, in his own unique style, he reveals just what some of us expats get up to in Spain, which in Daves’ case included getting arrested, getting dumped

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Dave with his new book ‘It Just Is…’

(often – again his words not RTN’s) and having a blind date… with an Aunt! He now boasts his own radio show and is currently touring with his ‘One Man Show’ throughout the region.

Dave is well known on the Costa Blanca and is fast becoming a recognised name throughout the expat community in Spain and beyond and has even been asked to write articles on expat life for both The Daily Telegraph and Lonely Planet. RTN will have a full review of Dave’s book in next week’s paper as well as a competition for one lucky ready to win your own copy, but in the meantime, if you cannot wait until then, get down to Bargain Books in San Miguel or you can order ‘It Just Is…’ as an e-book or paperback version online direct from Amazon.

Dates for carnival announced

THE CONFETTI from the Three Kings Parade is still evident as you walk through the streets of Torrevieja and before it has even started to biodegrade, the dates and times have been announced for the amazing Torrevieja Carnival. Following their very first outing last year, it has been confirmed that the Rascals will once again take part in the afternoon carnival, which takes place on Sunday 12th February at 4pm. The more risqué evening carnival will take place the following week on Saturday 18th February at 10pm. Make sure you make a note of these dates and times on your calendar or in your diary as Torrevieja’s Carnivals are brilliant to watch and they are fast becoming the best carnivals, not only in the Valencia community, but in Spain.

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13-19 Jan 2012

Skyline tunes in to RTN

by Jack Troughton TELEVISION AND satellite expert Skyline is broadcasting the success of its advertising campaign with the Costa Blanca’s favourite free newspaper RTN. The Calpe-based company, which boasts retail, wholesale and technical service wings, maintains using the paper triggered the best response it had ever enjoyed.

And with nine out of 10 new customers having spotted Skyline in RTN, the company has no plans to end its three year relationship with the newspaper – and has used the RTN Design Studio to produce advertising leaflets.

Owner Stephen Macdonald launched a wholesale satellite business in 1988 and also began installing systems. In 1997, he opened a retail shop to have a public face and Skyline was born.

“Every time we have a new client we ask where they heard about us and nine out of 10 times it was RTN,” he said. “It is easily the best advertising we have done.”

“We are always open to new ideas and when we saw the prices for the RTN Design Studio, we changed our flyers and we are really pleased with the results.”

The company has found that as the recession continues to bite people are cutting back on going out and are spending more money on home entertainment.

TEAM At present Skyline is based in a parade of shops at Avenida Generalitat Valenciana 1 in Calpe and a helpful team are ready to help in the shop and installation experts cover an area stretching from Alicante to north of Gandia and inland.

However, the wholesale side of the business means equipment is shipped across Spain and out to the Balearic and Canary Islands.

The company’s Dawn Connor said a growing client base included a number of expats from different European countries and Spanish customers.

Stephen added: “Any television system can be made to suit a client’s needs – we deal with people from any country, not just the UK. It is very international.”

Skyline offers a free no obligation home visit and is currently helping people upgrade systems to high definition

Skyline engineer Ramiro in the Calpe shop

television.

Stephen said: “We also specialise in bespoke systems for communities, especially apartment blocks. We have developed ways of doing things our competitors have not.

“And a good thing is once we have installed a community system, people tend to come to the shop to buy other equipment.

REPAIR “We are also able to trouble-shoot for clients, both existing and new customers, and repair systems and obviously realign satellite dishes – a problem that frequently occurs after high winds.”

Dawn said equipment in the shop was competitively priced and stock was familiar leading brands. “You can come

in to the shop and have all your questions answered and we will deliver and install.”

Skyline is a company that believes in top rate service to its customers and is pleased its own high standards have been met by RTN. Dawn said: “Members of RTN staff are always very helpful and friendly whenever you ring up.”

And Steve added: “It is the one paper out there that we would not think of stopping or changing our advertising.”

For more information about Skyline call 96 583 8225 or 96 583 3461, or email info@Skylinesat.com. The company also has a website www.Skylinesat.com. The shop, which has free parking, is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 2pm and 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm.

Your chance to get ahead in 2012

by Patricia Thompson SO HOW tough a year is 2012 going to be for your business? Whether you are an Autonomo, SLU, or a SL company, is your firm likely to struggle, tread water, or flourish and thrive? If you have failed to plan for this year already, then you are already partway along the rocky road of planning to fail.

But it is not too late. You don´t have to leave things to chance.

B2B4U the Costa Blanca´s smartest way to promote your business and to collaborate with major companies launches on 17th February 2012.

Membership of B2B4U is free and the inaugural event will be held in the Auditorium of Ciudad Patricia, Benidorm at 11am: free Refreshments provided from 10.15am.

B2B4U is being organised by RTN, Vives Pons & Asociados, 2020 Tel, MoneyCorp, Europa Network, Spectrum FM, Ibex Insurance, Connections Marketing Group, together with Cuidad Patricia.

This is a wonderful opportunity to become an Associate of a strong and unique virtual networking group…to build your contacts, to enhance your business image and to be equipped to seek key help and information from fellow Associates.

Being ´virtual´ means that all B2B4U communications can be done via telephone or email; making it unnecessary for meetings as a group on a regular basis.

Each Associate will be able to participate at www.B2B4U.biz – one perfect example

of this being that Vives Pons & Asociados of Denia, Alfaz del Pi & London will give every Associate a free consultation on tax advice, on legal matters, or planning issues.

Another example will be that RTN will give Marketing advice and substantial discounts to fellow Associate members.

B2B4U is a non-profit making organisation with no Committee or Hierarchy to answer to; with each Associate member being of equal importance.

It will naturally follow that B2B4U Associates will wish to give special offers online to fellow Associates, hence enhancing and increasing their business within the group.

Register Now! If you would like to know more about B2B4U, or wish to book your seat at the Inaugural meeting, then register at www.B2B4U.biz After the inaugural event there will be a fantastic chance to meet and network with fellow Associates with lunch (optional) being available at the venue for only €10 pp including wine – and naturally, since this is a virtual networking group, your lunch booking should also be done via the website.

Swiss tourist carves initials into a wall of the Alhambra

A SWISS tourist has been arrested after being caught carving a heart and initials into a wall of the Alhambra Golden Room at about 5.30 pm on 7th January. The woman was apprehended by police and charged with criminal damage. According to police sources the woman, whose identity has not been released, refused to co-operate and was therefore consigned to a police cell for the night. In a separate incident in December a man carved his name with a coin into a wall in the Palacio de Carlos V at the Alhambra, resulting in a 120€ fine and a further 200€ compensation to the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife.

Sponge Bob comes to Torrevieja THIS SUNDAY, 15th January, there will be a children’s musical at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja. ‘Los Cantamúsicos’ will be performed twice during the day, once in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

Tickets cost 10€ for adults and 8€ for children aged between two and twelve years of age. Hello Kitty and Sponge Bob Square Pants will be amongst the fictional characters making an appearance at the event. For more information contact the Theatre Box Office.

13-19 Jan 2012

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13-19 Jan 2012

Help supports the needy of San Miguel

Specsavers in Torrevieja supports the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club:

Donate your old spectacles

THE HELP Association of Vega Baja knows that at Epiphany, the Three Kings gave gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the baby Jesus. Whilst welcome gifts at that time, they do not seem so appropriate for those who are known to be struggling to feed themselves and their families, in the present economic crisis. As a result, the Association decided that they would continue the act of giving, but in a more practical and modern way.

During December, HELP successfully raised €1,500 to help the needy families of San Miguel. This money was raised entirely from donations given for items brought into their San Miguel office in Calle Lope de Vega.

Donate your old glasses

by Patricia Thompson LIONS CLUBS International has a commitment Worldwide to help provide aid and support to countries where eye care provision is either limited or non-existent. For many years the Lions have provided spectacles for people whose eye sight is impaired and many thousands have benefited from the help of the Lions and their specialist teams.

In Spain the Lions have their own dedicated recycling plant near Alicante that annually receives, cleans, grades and redistributes around 100,000 pairs of spectacles.

With the help of Colin and Michaela, owners of Specsavers in Torrevieja and their staff, the Torrevieja Costa Lions

Club have already donated over 6,000 pairs of spectacles to the recycling plant to be redistributed to those most in need. The need for spectacles of course is on-going.

This month The Lions would like local people to bring their used spectacles to Specsavers in Torrevieja for collection.

Everyone who wears glasses probably has an old pair or more lying in a drawer ‘just in case they may be needed’. Irrespective of condition, age or style - even if they are Edna Everage style - the Lions can recycle them, so please bring all your old specs to Specsavers this month.

Specsavers Torrevieja are holding an OPEN DAY on Thursday 26th January 2012 from 10am when highly trained professional staff will be on hand to

provide all sorts of information on eye care and keeping your eyes healthy.

In addition to the professional aspect there will also be entertainment with drinks, prize draws, fun events, and good music provided by Sunshine FM and their excellent outside broadcast team. Funds raised will be donated to the Lions to assist with Lions Charities locally. The Lions will also be in attendance at Specsavers, on hand to provide any information that you require about Lions. You may even consider becoming a Lion when you find out about the tremendous work done throughout the world as well as locally.

Specsavers Torrevieja is located on Avenida Rosa Mazon Valero adjacent to Habaneras shopping centre.

ESSENTIAL With the money raised, the Vice President of HELP, Jean Thomas, presented the Asociación de Vecinos Arcangel, with a festive hamper for each of the families registered as in need, in the San Miguel de Salinas Municipality.

The festive hampers were kindly prepared by Vlerortega, a local family run supermarket, to ensure that these families would not go without essential items of food and other necessary items, at the recent celebration of the Three Kings.

HELP Vega Baja would like to thank all those who donated items which supported this act of giving.

Hit the ground running!

NOW THAT the Christmas pudding and mince pies are eaten and the New Year’s been toasted, it’s time to polish our shoes, blanco our webbing and sharpen our bayonets – metaphorically speaking, of course. The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch is swinging into action in 2012 with their Branch Meeting on Friday 13th January, at Casa Ventura Restaurant, Calle Arbizu, San Luis, starting 7pm.

Members, potential Members and interested parties are invited to ‘come on down’ and meet the new Committee (some old, some new) and join in the activities that have a dual purpose: partly social and partly to raise money for exservice personnel (and their families) down on their luck. Try us out before you sign on!

For further information, call 96 678 5259.

13-19 Jan 2012

By

Chris Marshall Expat blogger www.almerimarlife.com

21

Happy New Year or should that be Good Luck!

IT WOULD be remiss of me not to start the first column of 2012 without wishing everyone Happy New Year, although if the midnight greetings from our part of the world are anything to go by ‘Good Luck’ was the most uttered phrase that I heard.

More than once I saw the New Year welcomed in with a stoic face, solid hand shake and an intense good luck for 2012 uttered, and it is easy to see why.

I mean just look at the news, which in many cases reflects more of the same from 2011.

Only this week Iberia pilots held two one day strikes cancelling 266 flights, adding to the 218 they cancelled during the two one day strikes in December. The dispute is over the intention to create a new budget airline, Iberia Express, which pilots’ union SEPLA says will mean lower salaries; reduced working conditions; and job losses. Given the huge financial issues facing Iberia at the moment one suspects the alternative to setting up the new budget airline and competing in that market would be reduced hours, lower salaries and job losses it is hard to have any sympathy with the pilots, as yet again Spain kicks off the year shooting itself in the foot.

Car sales - a benchmark indicator of the strength of consumer spending - were 18% down on 2010 for 2011 and the lowest since 1993. Not one region in Spain showed any growth at all in car sales, with the highest declines being Extremadura (36.3%) and Galicia (33.9%).

December 2011 saw Spain’s jobless hit a new record

high of 4.42 million, a fifteen year high of 21.52% and the highest among major industrialised countries.

It gets worse: the start of 2012 will see income tax increase and pensions rise by one per cent, but electricity, gas bottles and telephone standing charges will be frozen. Young people between 22 and 30 years of age can no longer claim the 210€ benefit for buying a first home, but those currently in receipt of it will continue to be able to claim. The tax reduction on a first home will be reintroduced, and IVA will not go up, but income tax will rise. Toll fees on motorways will increase by up to 3.2%. The percentage charged on land registry values for IBI, or asset tax will rise, and the cost of postage stamps will increase by 2.86%. Rail travel will go up, but the exact figure has not been calculated so far.

On a more positive note, at least as far as the Costa Blanca is concerned, Javea, Moraira and Denia shared 10th place in the most popular summer destinations list for 2011 and Alicante and the Costa Blanca remain the favourite locations for foreign property hunters according to an article in A Place In The Sun. Returning to a couple of old favourites of mine from last year: it was good to see that a British cou-

ple have been jailed for a holiday scam, known as ‘packing and stacking’ bookings after they leased their €1.2 million holiday home in Mallorca to a retired expat businessman, who made the six-bedroom property his permanent home.

Despite this, the couple continued to advertise the villa on several holiday websites and took deposits from families looking to rent between February and July 2009.

Unfortunately we have already seen the first reported domestic violence fatalities of 2012, proving that we need more groups like the Costa Blanca based Woman in Business Club who continue to spearhead a campaign to help the women and children lucky enough to escape abuse and reach the shelters.

On a more positive note for all you Spanish mobile phone owners, Spain’s anti-trust authority CNC has launched a probe into mobile phone operators Telefonica, Vodafone and Orange for alleged anticompetitive behaviour: “There is evidence that the operators abused their dominant position, either individually or collectively, in various markets in the mobile telephone sector,” it said in a statement.

Good luck with that one!

He lives in Almerimar with his five cats, two Harleys and wife Sands, and together they are heavily involved in the re-homing and transport of rescued and abandoned animals to Germany and the UK through their project www.alstrays.com. His column in the RTN is sponsored by www.blitzcleaning.es boat cleaning and valeting experts across the Costas of Spain.

Email: chris@almerimarlife.com http://almerimarlife.com http://chrismarshall.ws’ http://expatlifespain.com http://alstrays.com

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13-19 Jan 2012

Don’t be a Twitter twit

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

TEN YEARS ago the expression ‘social media’ hadn’t been coined. But now you can’t walk more than a dozen yards in any city centre without encountering people busily adding to the ‘wealth’ of human knowledge onto some social media site.

Well actually, you can’t walk the aforementioned distance before bumping into someone who has their head bowed in the ‘texter’s nod’ busily thumb-ing away on their keypad; more often than not completely oblivious to the reality going on around them.

It has become a way of life though, this broadcasting of thoughts and feelings to a wider public, even though it can have hidden consequences especially, if you’re a footballer or a politician. Both of these groups haven’t quite fully grasped yet, that the second you hit the ‘send’ button your disparate, and sometimes desperate, musings are out there in the public arena for all to enjoy. Politicians Diane Abbot and young Ed Miliband have both made Twitter gaffs this week.

The danger with Twitter, as Diane Abbot found to her cost, is that each Twitter utterance will be taken as a ‘stand alone’ statement and that’s quite a powerful thing. This is what Abbot tweeted: “But you are playing into a ‘divide and rule’ agenda. White people love playing ‘divide and rule’. We should not play their game.” However, her snippet was not taken in context, as part of a longer conversation but as her true actual feelings. Mind you, she further compounded that idea by seemingly accusing white people of peddling a ‘tactic as old as colonialism’. Oh dear, Diane you’ve got proper tangled on Twitter. Anyway, as a result of these goings-on Di was given a severe ticking off from boss Ed Miliband and forced into making a public apology.

But then blow me down, less than 24 hours later Eddie is making a prize twit of himself on Twitter. The Labour leader tweeted a tribute following the death of game show legend Bob Holness — but blundered by claiming the star presented BLACKBUSTERS, not Blockbusters. Miliband tweeted: “Sad to hear that Bob Hol-

That’s all from Blackbusters..

ness has died. A generation will remember him fondly from Blackbusters.”

The message, as you can imagine, was quickly deleted and replaced with the correct spelling but this was not before Twitter users had grabbed screen shots. Pub landlord comedian Al Murray played on the classic Blockbusters line with a tweet at the opposition leader.

He joked: “I’ll have an O please @Ed_Milliband.” Have you not grasped the concept of spell-check, Ed? Do you not proof-read your own copy, Ed? No... Hmmm, a bit like me then - although I do have the Brigadier in Javea to answer to when I mess up. And also I get angry comments from the Ed, Ed. But hang on folks, read the ‘stop

press’ because it wasn’t Eddie’s fault after all. Oh, that’s okay then. No, it was just some underling acolyte writing as Ed! Here’s how The Sun reported this news: “Mr Miliband’s aides tried to protect their boss by blaming the gaffe on a ‘junior’ member of staff. His spokesman said: “It was a typo by one of the people in the office.

Ed always knows what is being tweeted — sometimes he types them himself, sometimes someone else does.”

Maybe if you’re putting your name to something you should type it yourself. Do you know what dear reader, I reckon if Eddie ever gets into power the first thing he’ll do is create a minister for Tweets. Or should that be Twits? Watts in Britain, tweet me if you like...

13-17 Jan 2012

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13-19 Jan 2012

Make their Valentine’s Day

by Louise Clarke NO SOONER is Christmas, New Year and the Three Kings done and dusted, our thoughts turn to the next significant event in the calendar; Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t even thought about what to buy the man or woman you love, why not think about treating them to a trip to Granada? Gandia

Tours have a trip to the Andalucian city leaving on 12th February, with pick ups from all over the Costa Blanca. For those of you who don’t know the city, Granada is one of the most beautiful in Spain and it’s home to the amazing Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens, that stands at the foot of Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below.

At the centre of the Alhambra stands the massive Palace of Charles V, which is one of many outstanding examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture and other major Christian monuments found in the city include the stunning Cathedral, which is a ‘must’ visit for everyone.

TAPAS BARS For just €190 per person (€170 without transport), you will be expertly guided through the city and the nearby Sierra Navada by Gandia Tours and amazingly, the price also includes breakfast, evening meal and accommodation in the four star Hotel Alixares, which actually faces the Alhambra; now you cannot argue with that! The four day tour starts with an early morning departure towards Granada from various departure points across the Costa Blanca.

There will be stops en route and you will arrive at the hotel in the afternoon, allowing some free time before dinner.

The next morning after breakfast, the tour of Granada starts in earnest, with a visit to the world heritage site of Alhambra, tour prices are not included in the package price but it is well worth a trip. You will then have a free afternoon for visiting the city, which is made up of different quarters and full of fabulous tapas bars. Then, it is back to the hotel for dinner.

WRAP UP The following day is Valentine’s Day and is made up of a half day excursion to witness the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada, again this is extra, but well worth it. You may need to wrap up warm though as it won’t be Costa Blanca temperatures up there! You will have chance to do some exploring before returning to Granada and another free afternoon in the city. This special trip of ‘love’ also includes a romantic Valentine’s Day gala dinner, so make sure that you pack your ‘glad rags’! And on the final day, there is the option (not included in price) of an additional minibus excursion to the old Arab quarter, Albayzin, with its beautiful views of the Alhambra and labyrinth of stepped streets and cave houses before setting off in the early afternoon back to the Costa Blanca.

So, what are you waiting for? Treat that special person to a four day trip to Granada and make their Valentine’s Day, call 966 106 872.

money

1413-19 20 OCT Jan2011 2012 07 - 13 OCT 2011

25 23

Company ownership for your Spanish Property by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

WINCHAM CONSULTANTS provides owners or prospective buyers of Spanish property legal and Taxation advice to structure the ownership of their Spanish property to significantly limit themselves and their Beneficiaries from Spanish inheritance tax liabilities.

Whether you currently own a property in Spain, are about to purchase or own the property in an offshore or Spanish SL Company, we have a solution and method to help to transfer your property into a UK Limited Company to avoid Inheritance Tax in Spain.

Not only have Wincham, market leaders in the provision of Consultancy Services in respect of corporate ownership of Spanish property, been operating in Spain for almost 20 years, we own a portfolio of properties using the UK Company structure and would not recommend our clients use any methods that we had not proven ourselves.

We are also approached by many clients who own Spanish property in either Offshore or Spanish SL Companies.

SPANISH SL COMPANIES Generally a client who has structured the ownership of their property using a Spanish SL will have done so as they have been led to believe that this method will protect them and their beneficiaries against Inheritance Tax in Spain. This is not so, as in Spain, it is the beneficiaries who have to pay the Taxes on death and not the deceased’s Estate. This means that whether the non Spanish Domiciled beneficiaries are inheriting the shares and assets of the SL Company, or the property directly, then Inheritance Tax will still have to be paid in Spain as well as the UK. A further consideration is that a property owned by an SL Company will require the company to pay commercial interest to the shareholder on any loans made by the shareholder to the company, the company is also required to retain 24% of the interest and pay this to the Spanish tax office so creating further costs to the owner of the SL Company, but this only applies to Spanish companies that do not trade.

OFFSHORE COMPANIES Offshore companies registered in places such as The Isle of Man,

Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey etc, are not part of the European Union and, therefore, do not benefit from EU Treaties. Consequently owning a Spanish property in an Offshore Company can be highly expensive as Spain can Tax these companies annually, it currently taxes the assets of offshore companies at 3% a year. This means they are paying 3,000€ a year for every 100,000€ of assets owned in Spain. A UK Company is not an Offshore company but a Non Resident company of Spain and so is not subject to 3% annual Tax as Companies do not pay Wealth Tax. HOW CAN WINCHAM HELP? Whether you currently own a property in Spain, are about to purchase in Spain or own the property in an Offshore or SL Company, we have a solution and method to help to transfer your property into a UK Limited Company.

By owning a property in Spain using a UK Limited Company structure the individual owners are not required to submit a Tax Declaration (Return) in Spain for the ownership, instead the UK Company submits a single Declaration once a year which is submitted and

Wincham Consultants Limited, Wincham House, Greenfield Farm Trading Estate, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4TR, England.

(Wincham Consultants also have offices located on the Costa Blanca) UK Tel: +44 (0)1260 299 700 | Spain Tel: +34 965 830 991 | Email: iht.info@wincham.com | Web: www.winchamiht.com

filed at zero unless there is any income derived in Spain.

It is important to remember that these methods are not loop holes but use Spanish Laws which are unlikely to be changed or modified. Whilst Spain and the UK are members of the EU they cannot make local Laws that contravene their International Treaties.

It is always necessary to consider every case on an individual basis and our trained Consultants can advise on the best structure to adopt for your own Spanish property ownership. Please call to speak to one of our Consultants on the numbers below or visit our website www.winchamiht.com for further details and to obtain your ‘free of charge’ Spanish Inheritance Tax illustration demonstrating your potential Tax liability and the potential savings you could make by employing a different structure of ownership.

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13-1926Jan 2012 4 2010 Feb - March

legal

13-19 Jan 2012

27

Compensation-allowance (alimony) between spouses: how much is to be paid and for how long? by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

Dear Sirs, I am married with no children and am seriously considering getting divorced. However since I have a job but my wife does not work, I have been told that I may have to pay her an allowance for the financial imbalance caused by the divorce, called in Spain Pension Compensatoria. Please confirm if this is the correct situation and is this something I would have to pay for life? Or is there a time limit? And what amount might I have to pay?

Thank you for your consultation: We can confirm in relation to the above, that under Spanish Law it is possible for this compensation to the spouse (pension compensatoria) to be temporary. Whilst there have been differing Court Orders in relation to this matter, it is our opinion that currently there is no doubt about the potential to set a temporary allowance.

Indeed, the possibility for setting a temporary allowance and compensation has been recognised in many Court Orders, amongst which we can highlight some recent ones from the Supreme Court of Justice, i.e. case numbered 472/2011 dated 15th June and one dated 17th October 2008, both of which

reiterate and confirm this possibility.

Furthermore, this possibility was admitted and expressly recognised by the Spanish legislators (the equivalent to the UK Parliament) when under Law 15/2005 amended article 97 of the Spanish Civil Code it was stated in its first paragraph that the granting of compensation may be permanent or temporary as quoted below: ´The spouse to whom separation or divorce produces an economic imbalance in relation to the other spouse’s position which implies a worsening in their situation before the marriage, shall be entitled to compensation that may consist of a temporary or indefinite allowance or a one time payment, as determined by the regulatory agreement or the Court Order´ However, the setting of a permanent or a temporary compensation will depend upon the specific circumstances of each case. In order to be able to determine if a misbalance exists after divorce or separation, and if so to establish the amount and time for compensation, the following criteria contained in article 97 will be considered: 1) The agreements reached by the spouses.

2) Their age and health status.

3) Their professional qualifications and their chances of accessing employment.

4) Their past and future commitment to the family.

5) The cooperation in working with the spouse’s marketing or professional activities.

6) The duration of the marriage or the time living together.

7) The eventual loss of a pension entitlement.

8) The value of the assets and the financial means, as well as

the necessities of each spouse.

9) Any other relevant circumstances.

This criteria is similar to the criteria used for example in the English and Wales legal system, to set a possible compensation between spouses as per article 25 of the MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ACT 1973 which indicates that the following should be considered: a) Income, earning capacity, property and financial resources of each spouse. b) Their financial needs, obligations and responsibilities. c) The living standards of the family. d) The age of each party to the marriage, and the duration of the marriage. e) Any physical or mental disability of either of the parties. f) The contributions made by each spouse to the marriage. g) The conduct of each of the parties, if that conduct is such that it would in the opinion on the court be inequitable to disregard it. h) The valuables and benefits that each spouse may lose with the dissolution of the marriage.

Should any reader find himself or herself in this situation or similar please do not hesitate to contact us and the appropriate advice will be provided.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors) your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2012 - 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

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13-19 Jan 2012

New year, new tax rate by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

WE KNEW it was going to be an ‘austere’ month. January always is. The bills come in and the money has already gone out. However, this January sees some mixed blessings. Yes, we probably all spent too much over Christmas but at least we’re getting more for our pound, those of us who are dependent on sterling for our supper that is.

Unfortunately this good news is rather out on its own. We all know that Spain, like many other EU countries, is in the doldrums and is expected to lift itself out of them. One of the ways that the new government intends this to happen is through cutting budgets and increasing revenue from taxes. A tidy sum of €8,900 million is to be cut from government departments and €6,200 million collected by the Tax Authority.

From the most recent Agencia Tributaria bulletins we have been told that 85% of that €6,200 million tax bill is to come from resident income tax. This affects the employed; self-employed; people with savings and retired people receiving income from outside of Spain such as pensions. It will be administered as a complimentary income tax in addition to the current 24% + income tax that residents already pay. As you might have guessed this

tax is on a sliding scale according to how much your income is: Tax range

Complimentary income tax

€0-€17.707

0.75%

€17.707-€33.007

2%

€33.007-€53.407

3%

€53.407 – €120,000

4%

The increases continue proportionally to a grand total of 7% for anyone earning more than 300,000€: serious money.

Unfortunately it doesn’t stop there.

Central government has ordered local government to increase the council tax rate or IBI (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles). Properties that are above the average for their municipality will be affected along with those whose catastral value was last reviewed before 2002.

A figure of up to 10% has been indicated as the likely increase.

We are told that both of these tax increases are temporary and will apply over the next two years.

These are the ways the government intends to claw back money but it’s not for the purpose of spending

it. Instead this money will be used to reduce the deficit and bring down borrowing. All the different government departments will have their budgets reduced too. Perhaps not essential knowledge but you might be interested to read where the government is cutting back most: Public works/ buildings - budget reduction €1,614 million, Industry, energy and tourism – €1,091 million, Treasury – €1,083 million, Foreign affairs – €1,016 million, Education, culture and sport – €485 million, Employment and social security – €439 million, Inland Revenue and public administration – €432 million, Health, hospitals and social services – €409 million, Agriculture, food and the environment – €401 million, Defence – €340 million, Justice – €48 million, Government – €19.6 million And we’re told this is only the start. To get us through our own January doldrums let’s focus on the positive and take pleasure in the pound. Let’s hope it keeps buoyant enough to provide those extra euros we’re going to need for the next few years to come.

If you want more information about the taxes you should be paying as a resident or non-resident, contact us for a free, no obligation tax consultation by calling our helpline: 96 670 3748.

Benidorm’s IBI tax hike BENIDORM’S AVERAGE IBI bill is to rise on an average of between 30€ and 50€, increased for the second time in five years by central government in its effort to alleviate the deficit. The new measure was made public on 30th December.

In October 2007, the Consistory and the tax rose by 25% within a package of measures included in the recovery plan to address high municipal debt. The tax rate went from 0.6 to a 0.75 - as it has stayed until now. €34 million in property tax was collected from 84,992 residents by Benidorm City Council in 2011, according to data compiled by the Directorate General for Cadastre.

money

13-19 Jan 2012

29

Línea Directa: the best company for expatriates at the best price SINCE 1998 Línea Directa, the market leader in the sale of direct car, motorbike and home insurance in Spain, has offered an exclusive telephone service entirely in English and German.

This service, the first of its kind in Spain, forms part of the company’s commitment to quality and excellence that has made it the market leader in this business sector, due to the fact that it currently has over 63,000 foreign customers residing in Spain.

As a result, services such as purchasing a policy; making enquiries; processing claims; sending documents and 24-hour assistance can all

be carried out in English or German at a time convenient for the customer by making just one phone call.

And not only does Línea Directa offer the best, it also offers its services at the most competitive price on the market. This is the result of a strategy which is permanently geared towards offering customers the very best quality at the very best price.

Call now on 902 123 104.

Fraudsters escaping justice for up to 20 years in Spain SPAIN’S ECONOMIC crisis is proving to be a breeding ground for tax fraud. The latest figures from the Spanish Attorney General shows a 40.87% increase in tax offences reported over the past four years. Prosecutors in Alicante have warned that such crimes are becoming increasingly difficult to investigate and bring to justice due to the complexity of methods used by fraudsters and also the overloaded court system. Among specific cases is that of an Elche shoe enterprise alleged to have committed €1.5 million in VAT and corporate tax fraud. In some cases trials could be delayed by up to 20 years. In one criminal court case this month in Alicante 33 members of a family are alleged to have concealed assets in a textile company in Alcoy concerning events that date back to as far as 1995!

Spain must find €40 billion to meet deficit target MOODY’S IN a report released on Monday estimates that Spain needs to find savings of €40 billion to meet the budget deficit target. The figure is 42.8% higher than the combined cuts and tax hikes and savings implemented between 2010 and 2011. At the end of last year, the PP Government unveiled incoming tax hikes of €6.2 billion and €8.9 billion in spend-

ing cuts. Moody’s said the situation requires further austerity measures to return the state’s finances to a “sustainable” path. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro said that the Government does not plan to raise VAT to rein in the deficit, and insisted that hikes in income tax and the valuation-based municipal tax (IBI) were “only temporary.”

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13-19 Jan 2012

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

The Letter

ONLY A few letters in Spanish are really hard for English speakers to pronounce, but the letter P is definitely not one of them! It is just like the English P, the only difference being that it is slightly softer.

This happens with many of the Spanish consonant sounds, they are lighter and less emphatic than ours. So the P is a gentler sound that at times can be slightly more difficult for us to distinguish when we are listening to it. For example, there is a town in the north of Spain called Palencia which to English ears can sound remarkably like Valencia – so be careful!

There is absolutely no shortage of words beginning with P in English and Spanish that have similar meanings, so here is a small selection of them. “Paciente” (patient, in the same two senses as in English), “pacifista” (pacifist), “pacto” (pact), “pálido” (pallid, that is pale), “paralelo” (parallel), “paranoia” (paranoia), “patriota” (patriot), “pedal” (pedal), “pelvis” (pelvis), “penal” (penal), “perfecto” (perfect), “perfección” (perfection), “perfume” (perfume), “permanente” (permanent), “persona” (person), “politico” (political and politician).

Well, there are plenty more where those came from, but as always, there are also a few words that look as though they match but don’t.

One of these is “parientes” which means relatives or relations and not parents. The word for parents is “padres”, which also translates as “fathers”. These problem translations work both ways and you will sometimes hear Spanish people mistakenly using the word “fathers” for parents when speaking English.

Another example of this is the word “particular” which means “private” or sometimes “individual”.

For example, you might hear “Es un camino particular” “It’s a private road”, or “Voy a clases particulares” “I go to private classes.” “Particular” has a few meanings in English but the Spanish translation of the most obvious use, as in “a particular place”, would be “un lugar específico” or “un lugar determinado”.

On the ever fascinating topic of the way that words develop, there is a common way in which words extend in meaning which is to add “prefixes” to the beginnings of them and “suffixes” to the ends. A com-

‘P’

mon prefix which can open all sorts of meanings for us is “pre” which means “before”. Here are some examples of what I mean. The verb “to say” is “decir”, therefore “predecir” means “to say beforehand” in other words “to predict”. Notice how the English word takes on the Latin form “predict”, whereas in our language “to say” is not “to dict” – although we do have words like “diction” and “dictation”.

Here is another example, the verb “to suppose” is “suponer”.

Therefore “presuponer” means to “presuppose”, that is, to suppose something beforehand. From this we have the Spanish word “presupuesto” for what we would call an “estimate” for a piece of work, that is the “presupposed” price.

I particularly like this final example, which is to do with judgement on the one hand and “prejudgement” on the other. In this case we have the word “juicio” meaning a judgement or court case, whilst “prejuicio” translates directly as “prejudice”. I like this one because we sometimes use the word “prejudice” which thinking of its real meaning, a judgement that is made prematurely (another preword) and is therefore not reliable.

Now for something entirely unrelated and trivial: you remember all those family photos when you instructed granny and the kids to say “cheese” before you pressed the button? Well, the Spanish photographers always tell their subjects to say “patata”. This is curious in as much as this produces a different mouth shape from “cheese”, although it does illustrate rather nicely the openness of the Spanish “a” vowel. I think this is one to practise in the mirror.

And finally let’s look at some more Spanish sayings containing a P word. Here’s a nice one: “Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando”, which literally means, “It’s better to have a bird in the hand than a hundred flying” but of course is our “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. Here’s another rather pleasing one: “Llamar al pan pan y al vino, vino”. “To call bread, bread and wine, wine”, in other words, “To call a spade, a spade.” which is what I try to do, although perhaps don’t always succeed!

Alessia Martegiani & Di Fulvio Trio: Jazz and Brazilian Songs

THE NEXT concert of the L’Alfás Music Society will feature Brazilian and jazz songs, on Saturday, 21st January at 8pm at the Casa de Cultura in L’Alfás del Pi. The Society will present a concert by the Italian singer Alessia Martegiani, accompanied by the Maurizio di Fulvio trio.

With a backing of guitar, bass and drums, Alessia Martegiani will perform a popular programme of songs by Stevie Wonder, Antonio Jobin and others in the Society’s 2012 opening concert. Alessia Martegiani specialises in Brazilian music and is also a renowned jazz singer.

Guitarist Maurizio di Fulvio and his trio have recorded several CDs and enjoy an international reputation. Tickets are 10€ at the door for non-members, and L’Alfàs del Pi Classical Music Society also offers annual membership for 60€. Full details are at www.alfasmusica.com.

13-19 Jan 2012

31

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Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Preparing your garden for sale Part one Keeping your garden tidy when selling your house

by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

THE HOUSING market in Spain certainly continues in the doldrums. Houses in many areas, new and re-sales, reduced by up to fifty per cent to get even a sniff and when a sale is negotiated and closed it can be the garden that finally tips the sale . But perhaps that is not surprising when one considers that one of the main reasons people buy in Spain is the weather that allows one to live an outdoor lifestyle.

A good garden can therefore result in an exquisitely designed decorated and furnished house only being used for a few hours a day from Spring to Autumn and for entire days only on the colder, wetter days of winter – provided the garden is designed for outside living and does not require substantial maintenance activity every week of the year.

So what can you do to prepare and modify your garden to give yourself a better chance of a fast sale at an attractive price to both the seller and buyer? We highlight some tidying tasks, likely attractions and improvement needs.

BASIC TIDYING NEEDS Buyers are attracted by a tidy and uncluttered garden that suggests manageable maintenance - with or without the help of a gardener - so as a minimum ensure that the following are done and maintained to present the best image to unexpected visits by potential buyers.

1. If you have a lawn ensure it is regularly cut even in the winter months if sunny weather stimulates growth and treat it to a combined weed killer fertilizer mix.

2. Ensure that the swimming pool and jacuzzi are kept pristine even if you normally give it little winter attention.

3. Keep all paths and terraces swept and edging plants trimmed

neatly back. If the surfaces look a little dirty and mossy clean them with a pressure hose.

4. Re-point damaged surfaces and the facing of garden walls, and repaint garden walls.

5. Prune back straggly plants and deadhead plants that continue to flower.

6. After Christmas do the major winter cutback as normal explaining to visiting potential buyers that you are doing it to improve the shape sizes and Spring/Summer flowering potential of plants. What to do is explained in Chapter 6.9 of ‘Your Garden

Clodagh and Dick’s instructive books are available to help you achieve a great garden from scratch or improve an existing garden. You will find them in bookshops including Bookworld, Carrefor and Humpty Dumpty. For convenience many internet bookshops stock them including Santana Books, Amazon UK, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Home & Garden

in Spain’.

7. Tidy the garden shed: clean tools and remove smelly out-ofdate or leaking chemical products.

8. Check that the watering system is working effectively. Turn of unnecessary tubes and drip jets and stop leaks…

9. Clean up potted plants and their pots/containers.

10. Prepare a tidy hidden area for the compost heap, leaves rotting down in bags, logs etc.

To be continued next week…

13-19 Jan 2012

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13-19 Jan 2012

Need advice in your Spanish garden?

Why not ask the experts?

IRON ART Factory Outlets at Gata De Gorgos are planning a fantastic schedule of monthly events to be held on the third Saturday of every month.

The first one of these will be the ‘Ask The Expert’ Day being held on Saturday 21st January.

This event is being held to give members of the public the opportunity to ask experts in their field questions regarding products for their home and garden.

To start the event, Lee Charlesworth from Char-

lesworth Gardens will be giving a talk at 11 am and 2pm regarding the problems with the Red Palm Weevil. This will be following by a question and answer time on any aspect of the garden.

At 12.30pm and 3pm Paul from Canadian Spas and Saunas gives a demonstration of how to clean and look after your Spa: Total relaxa-

Home & Garden

tion 365 days a year.

Other ‘Experts’ on site include: Dave Lowe – Iron Art Factory Outlets purchasing director. Dave has established excellent relationships with manufacturers to ensure that he buys the best quality furniture at realistic prices thus passing on the advantage to the customer.

Dave is available to all day to answer any questions on Garden Furniture and Artificial Grass Piscinas Maderia: Affordable above ground pools requiring NO planning permission.

Vista Awnings: Made to measure blinds and awnings.

Gates & Grills: Fabricated security grills, fencing, electric gates and much more.

Neater Heaters: Norway’s affordable and cost effective answer to heating.

Coola Shade: Virtually maintenance free shade sails.

Also within the beautiful grounds there will be small market with traders selling a variety of goods including jewellery; handmade soaps;

cakes; books; clothes, etc.

Iron Art’s catering team will be serving up sandwiches, homemade soup, cakes and refreshments in our Tea Room to ward off the January chill, which will give you time to sit and relax and perhaps meet new friends.

The event is totally free of charge but once again Iron Art tries to put something back into the Community by supporting CARITAS the charity who help the needy and homeless and therefore ask if anyone has any unwanted gifts, books, clothes etc to please bring them along and drop them off at the CARITAS collection point.

It’s not very often that you can have a FREE day out but this is definitely one not to be missed.

With ample parking and the experts at your disposal you would be crazy not to put this date in your diary.

Anyone wanting any further information can contact Mick or Debby at Gata de Gorgos on 0034 680 491 740 or email ironartgata@gmail.com.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

13-19 Jan 2012 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

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13-19 Jan 2012

What a treat!

by Louise Clarke GOING THROUGH months of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer is a tough assignment. With this in mind, MABS Director, Lyn Baines, decided to arrange a special outing for some of the patients and carers in the Murcia region.

Sponsored by the lovely guys at Tuxedo Limousines of Mazarrón, Eddie, Monica, Val and Malcolm were treated to an hour’s ride in a luxury limousine with Cava and canapés. MABS translator Elvira and her husband, Steve, were also invited along.

Lyn explained: “Elvira is so passionate about helping our cancer patients that nothing is too much trouble for her or for Steve, who does all the driving to and from various hospitals. They work so hard throughout the year to ensure that each of our patients and their partners receive the best attention possible and understand what’s happening throughout the treatment.”

A PLEASURE Another ‘MABS VIP’, Care Co-ordinator Jill Chorley, was also included in the party.

Jill is on call 24/7, heading up a dedicated care team, providing help and support to everyone affected by cancer in the Murcia region. “We are so lucky to have such great volunteers” said Lyn. “Jill goes beyond the call of duty every day and our patients insisted that she had some fun with them for a change.”

The chauffeur, Lord Christopher Vaughan Powney, took his special guests on a tour of San Javier and San Pedro del Pinatar, before returning them to the MABS Centre in San Javier. He told RTN: “It’s always a pleasure to help MABS and today has been particularly rewarding for us.”

MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit www.mabsmurcia.com.

For more information on Tuxedo Limousines, contact Chris on 96 896 9648, email info@tuxedolimousines.es or visit www.tuxedolimousines.es or Facebook.

health

13-19 Jan 2012

37

New Year – New You! by

Mark Phoenix Murphy Dhp MIAPH MNRAH

YOU DON’T need me to tell you that 2012 is here and with a bang! The start of January is always a time to sit back and think of the goals you intend accomplishing this year. Perhaps you’ve grown tired of the whole New Year’s Resolution tradition, more used to breaking them within two hours than keeping them for an entire day.

BUT WHY SHOULD THIS YEAR BE THE SAME? Why shouldn’t 2012 be the year for success? Be the year for attaining those long sought after goals or finally doing something you’ve only ever dreamt of doing?

Rather than taking the passive route, why not take the proactive route? Taking our lives in our hands and really going out for what we need rather than letting it slowly pass us by. Why not take the bull by the horns and really live our lives to the full?

One of those proactive routes is to make certain changes in your life. Firstly, you need to decide which parts of your life you don’t like, which make you unhappy and which are holding you back. You then need to assimilate how you’re going to combat this negativity and then you take that first step towards change. And whether this year it’s a desire to stop smoking or a desire to lose weight, or even leave that relationship that is doing nothing but dragging you down: Remember, it’s a fresh start and a fresh you!

Because that is the ultimate goal; a new You to be proud of; a You that you’re happy to be.

Okay, so maybe it’s not as easy as that. Maybe you need a helping hand to take that bull by the horns and

if so, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and it’s where someone like me comes into play.

Hypnotherapy’s efficacy comes from the power of suggestion and you should never understatement the potency of that. It also delves deep to the real reason you smoke; seeks the root of your tendency to overeat; or why you’ve made no move to leave that destructive relationship. Nothing happens without a purpose and hypnotherapy searches for that purpose and then with the power of suggestion, can combat it and in most cases, cancels it out.

To make that first step is an important psychological progression. You’re no longer living passively and are on the right track. Maybe that should be your New Year’s Resolution - rather than to generally exclaim that you’re going to quit smoking for example, maybe you should say, ‘I’m going to get help and change my life for good’.

There’s no better time to start than now and if you’re ready to take that first step, then I’m here to help.

Mark Phoenix Murphy Adv.Dhp MIAPH MNRAH is the only registered HypnoBand Practitioner (the revolutionary weight loss system) on the Costa Blaca and Costa Calida. Mark, for

your piece of mind, is also registered in Spain and has a Spanish Governing body. He is a consultant Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Pure HypnoAnalyst, and is the sole IAPH member on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.

Mark offers a free 30 minute consultation. If you have any issues with anxiety, depression, stress, or need a helping hand during hard times then call Mark on 654 202 996 or visit www.HypnoSpain.com for more details about his clinics.

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13-19JANUARY Jan 2012 2010 8-14

Coughs and colds

by

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

COUGHS AND colds are common at this time of year; they are usually caused by highly infectious viruses spread from person to person. Using tissues and washing ones hands regularly with anti-bacterial soaps or solutions can reduce the contagion, but close contact in confined spaces (typical in winter) make ideal conditions for infection. Most coughs caused by infection will clear in a few days, but if they persist for more than 2 weeks further medical advice should be sought.

Antibiotics are generally useless against viruses, but are occasionally prescribed for patients with other conditions, for example respiratory disease. However other products available can provide relief of the troublesome symptoms common with coughs and colds.

A cough is a reflex action designed to clear the airways of mucus or other irritants such as smoke or dust. They are described as ‘productive’ if the cough results in the extraction of mucus or ‘non-productive’ if not. This later type, often described as a ‘dry’ or ‘tickly’ cough is often caused by secretions from a runny nose ‘dripping’ back into the throat, but some drugs can also be a cause, most notably the ACE inhibitors (e.g.

Captopril, Lisinopril).

These are used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems and can produce an irritating cough in about 5% of users and generally a change of medication would be required to remedy this. Dry coughs can be relieved by either cough suppressants such as pholcodine, codeine and dextromethorphan or antihistamines and decongestants, such as diphenhydramine, menthol and pseudoephedrine to dry up the irritating secretions. Often cough medicines will contain a combination of these ingredients

providing a multi-action effect.

Productive coughs, also known as ‘chesty’ coughs, are accompanied by mucus or phlegm, and this can range from clear to yellow, green, brown or rusty.

Thin and clear mucus is generally a sign of allergy or viral infection as is thin yellow secretions, however if they become green and thick this is a sign of a more significant viral or bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment. These types of secretions are common in lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. A brown or rusty appearance can indicate the presence of blood or dust or can appear in the sputum of smokers. The presence of blood can indicate infection or, more seriously, cancer.

Productive coughs are treated with expectorants such as guaifenesin, ipecacuanha and ammonium compounds - these have an affect on the mucus blocking the airways so that it becomes thinner and easier to expel. They have either a mucolytic effect (breaking down the mucus) or an irritant action that stimulates secretions in the airways. Steam inhalations either alone or with added volatile oils, for example eucalyptus or menthol crystals can also help clear blocked airways. A common complication of a productive cough is sinusitis – painful, infected sinuses located at the sides of the nose and between and above the eyes. The pain is often worse when bending or lowering the head and it can result in a smelly discharge. Antibiotics are usually required.

A doctor should be consulted if a cough persists beyond 2 weeks and if any of the following are present: • Coughing up blood • Suspected pneumonia – rapid shallow breathing,

temperature, wheezing, coloured sputum • Whooping cough • Cough in asthmatics, particularly at night • Suspected drug causes • Recurrent chest infections – bronchitis • Suspected cancer – with associated weight loss • Concomitant wheeze or breathlessness • Symptoms in the very young or very old Remember, if you are eligible, to have your flu vaccine, wash your hands regularly and at the first sign of infection take vitamin C and zinc. Alternatively, use occasional doses of the herb Echinacea to strengthen your immune system. Other vitamins that help the immune system include; A, B and E Order your favourite remedies now at low UK prices www.pharmacy4less.co.uk

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

Tel: 965 325 116 HealthandBeautyAbroad.com

13-19 Jan 2012

39

Free short term help at home

by Louise Clarke HELP AT Home (HAH) Costa Blanca is proud to announce that they are now looking after clients in the Quesada and Rojales areas and are developing a new group of volunteers to cover this area more efficiently. They already have a UK/Spanish qualified nurse and a Volunteer Co-ordinator in place plus some volunteers to help, including a retired nurse and a retired ambulance driver.

These amazing people have volunteered to help those in need of a little FREE short term help at home, whatever their age or nationality. But in order to develop this area further, they need more volunteers.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for HAH, a meeting of volunteers is being held on 18th January at 3pm in the La Marabu Restaurant on the Lemon Tree Road, near Quesada. Please do go along to the meeting if you can but if you cannot make it that day and still want to become a HAH CB Volunteer you can telephone Jean, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 96 684 8715 or

Sheila on 603 245 020. You can also email HAHCBvolunteers@hotmail.co.uk.

RECEIVE, RESPOND, RELEASE Help At Home Costa Blanca is developing a network of areas that need their services and they intend to expand soon to cover La Marina and Santa Pola. To be able to do this though they need volunteers in each of these areas who have a few hours to spare.

President of HAH CB, Norah Bond, told RTN: “Ideally, we need ten volunteers to start in each area, this must include a qualified nurse of any nationality and a Volunteer Coordinator; someone who is a good organiser and does not mind visiting each client to assess their needs, which could be anything from nursing care to home help.” Norah continued: “We pride ourselves on the 3 ‘R’s; receive, respond and release. This service is provided FREE for the short term but should a client need long term help, we will contact the local Social Services on their behalf to ensure that to the best of our ability, their needs are taken over before they are released.”

Norah and her team of volunteers in Orihuela Costa

CALL NOW Help At Home Costa Blanca offers you peace of mind should you wish to stay in Spain and be cared for here. You may be a person who lives alone or you may be a carer looking after a partner that has a medical

Fix festive excesses with fresh fruit and veg EXPERTS OF the Nutrition Center (NC) attached to the pharmaceutical nutrition sector have warned that crash dieting after Christmas and the Kings can lead to poor health and the ‘yo-yo’ effect that throws the body into “nutritional chaos.” Specialists advise that the way to lose extra pounds gained over the winter holiday season is to eat small, regular meals that include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and fibre and avoid ‘skipping’ meals. To suppress the appetite before meals the experts recommend eating a piece of fruit, preferably the kind you can eat unpeeled, and drink a glass of water.

condition and needs help.

HAH CB is here to help you, so just give them a call on 603 245 020 and Sheila, the Area Co-ordinator will happily do her best to ensure you receive the help you need.

Are you up for a challenge?

THE NEXT big event for PCN is the Charity Challenge Walk on Sunday 26th February, which will again take place at the Casa La Pedrera in Torremendo, near San Miguel.

You can choose to walk, run or cycle around the Pedrera Lake and raise money for this worthwhile cause. You can walk or run 5km or more and the cycle challenges are 10km and 20km.

For more information on PCN visit www.paulcunninghamnurses.com.

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13-19 Jan 2012

Diamantes does it for MABS

A fun New Year resolution

The ladies from Diamantes present a cheque for 1,149€ to MABS

by Louise Clarke AT THE beginning of 2011, Diamantes Restaurant in El Mojón launched the Ebony & Ivory Ladies Lunch Club with the aim of raising 1,000€ for the MABS Cancer Support Group by the end of the year. In September, with just three months to go, the figure had already reached an amazing 688€ and, through the press, an appeal was made to encourage more ladies to share in the monthly lunches thus ensuring that the final target would be met.

Well it was – and more! The December lunch saw the ladies enjoy a wonderful Christmas meal with entertainment

by Viva Quartet. Everyone dug deeply into their pockets to buy those extra raffle tickets and at the end of the lunch, Diamantes’ owners, Terri and Karla, announced that they had exceeded their goal and proudly presented MABS with the fantastic sum of 1,149€.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS “This is a marvellous achievement and I’d like to thank Terri, Karla and everyone who attended the lunches for supporting us,” said MABS Fundraiser, Janet Bell. “It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know everyone during the year and I know we all intend to continue these friendships.”

And indeed they will, because the Lunch Club is going to carry on through 2012. The first lunch will be held on Tuesday, 21st February at 1.30pm for 2pm. The three course lunch and glass of wine is just 10€. All Ladies are welcome to come along to meet and to make new friends. Book your place with Diamantes on 96 535 2947.

MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit: www.mabsmurcia.com

DO YOU bother with New Year resolutions anymore?

How about trying something really different? Laughter is guaranteed; a new group of friends is on the cards; you might even lose weight and stimulate your mind, body and soul.

I bet you’re getting a little bit interested now? I can hear you saying: “This is going to cost me…” You are wrong! Well, in the broad financial sense anyway… It will cost you a few hours of your time a week and a year’s membership of 5€.

Now, you’re really interested aren’t you?

In these hard economic times I don’t think you’ll find anything that will not only give you so much for such a small outlay but also allow you to help raise funds for various local charities as well as have lots of fun too.

If you are suitably intrigued and would like to make further enquiries, call Maria on 96 671 5891 or come along to the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio on Monday afternoons when rehearsals will begin for our 2012 production. That feel good factor is only a few weeks away!

The pirates do it for the kids THE PIRATE Petanca Team is having a charity competition this coming Sunday, 15th January to raise money for a local orphanage. Players from all over Europe, including the UK, Sweden, Belgium and France will be taking part in the event, which is taking place at the Rocajuna, just off the N332 in Punta Prima.

All the proceeds from the competition will go to the orphanage.

The Mayor and a few other local dignitaries will also be present as well as a representative from the orphanage to accept the money that has been raised. The competition will start during the morning and is expected to finish at approximately 4pm, with the presentation taking place shortly after. Please go along and support this worthwhile cause.

13-19 Jan 2012

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free

uk tv

120mins european landline calls

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included

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tv Friday 413-19 - 10 NOV Jan 2011 2012

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Deadly 360 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 All Over the Place 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:40 Fake Britain 22:00 Hustle 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 The Brothers Grimm

07:00 Childrens TV 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Bob’s Mini Projects 10:50 Louie 10:55 Hoof and Safety with Nuzzle & Scratch 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Darts 16:00 Real Rescues 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Great Barrier Reef 21:00 The Great Sport Relief Bake Off 22:00 Sicily Unpacked 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Weather 24:05 Darts 24:55 Darts Extra

07:00 Daybreak

23:35 True Crime

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Undercover Boss Australia 11:25 Vacation, Vacation, Vacation 12:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Celebrity Five Go To 14:10 Channel 4 Presents 14:15 I Was Monty’s Double 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 4thought.tv 20:35 Come Dine with Me 21:30 New Girl 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 Milton Jones’s House of Rooms 24:00 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Hotel Inspector 15:15 Law & Order 16:15 The Last Chance 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21:00 World’s Toughest Trucker 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Celebrity Wedding Planner 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 World Olympic Dreams 14:30 Bargain Hunt 15:30 Live Darts 17:30 Final Score 18:15 BBC News; Regional News 18:35 Winter Wipeout 19:35 The Magicians 20:50 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 21:40 Casualty 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 BBC News 23:20 Match of the Day 24:40 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 10:00 Deadly 60 10:30 Barney’s Latin America 11:00 Animals at Work 11:30 Trapped Ever After 12:00 Hacker Time 12:25 OOglies 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 The Sky at Night 13:20 Miss Sadie Thompson 14:50 Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont 16:30 The World’s Fastest Indian 18:30 Escape to the Country 19:30 Flog It! 20:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 The Man Who Made Eric and Ernie 22:00 Ken Russell: A Bit of a Devil 22:50 Women in Love 24:55 Darts

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:35 Step Up 12:30 This Morning: Saturday 13:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:30 ITV News 14:45 Animals Do the Funniest Things 15:45 All Star Family Fortunes 16:25 The Lost World: Jurassic Park 18:45 Granada News 19:00 ITV News 19:15 You’ve Been Framed!

19:45 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:15 Take Me Out 21:30 The Talent Show Story 22:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Celebrity Juice 24:30 Wimbledon

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 The Grid 08:30 GT Academy 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everybody’s Talking About 10:30 Flicka 12:20 The Simpsons 12:50 New Girl 13:20 Playing It Straight 14:25 Big Bang Theory 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Channel 4 Presents 17:05 The Simpsons 17:35 Come Dine with Me 18:05 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:10 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Come Dine with Me 20:10 Channel 4 News 20:40 4thought.tv 20:45 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer 22:30 The Million Pound Drop Live 24:00 Blade: Trinity

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Little Princess 09:20 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:35 Angelina Ballerina 09:55 Rupert Bear 10:05 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:20 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:15 It’s All About Amy 12:15 Celebrity Big Brother 13:15 World’s Toughest Trucker 14:15 Gray Lady Down 18:10 The Devil’s Brigade 20:30 5 News Weekend 20:35 NCIS 21:30 Celebrity Big Brother 22:35 Along Came Polly 24:15 Hotel Inspector

06:00 BBC News 06:30 Nicole’s Legacy 07:00 Breakfast 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 Sunday Politics 14:00 EastEnders 16:05 Bargain Hunt 16:35 Escape to the Country 17:20 The Royal Bodyguard 17:50 Lifeline 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 Antiques Roadshow 19:35 BBC News; Regional News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 Sherlock 23:30 BBC News; Regional News 23:55 The One...

24:35 All of Me

07:00 Childrens TV

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Ade in Britain 11:30 Dinner Date 12:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:30 You’ve Been Framed!

14:00 ITV News 14:05 Murder, She Wrote 15:10 Columbo 17:10 Vera 19:00 Granada News 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Dancing on Ice 21:30 Wild at Heart 22:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 23:00 That Sunday Night Show 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Bloody Sunday

07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freesports on 4 08:25 That Paralympic Show 08:50 Channel 4 Presents 08:55 Beyonce Live from Roseland 09:50 One Tree Hill 10:45 Hollyoaks 13:15 Shipwrecked 14:15 Big Bang Theory 14:45 Big Bang Theory 15:15 The Simpsons 15:45 The Simpsons 16:15 Entrapment 18:25 Deal or No Deal 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Hugh’s Three Hungry Boys 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 The Reader 24:25 Underworld

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Mio Mao 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:25 Funky Town 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:10 Grey’s Anatomy 12:10 Celebrity Big Brother 13:10 Hotel Inspector 14:10 The Pink Panther 15:55 Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby 18:00 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective 19:40 Hellboy 22:00 World’s 22:50 5 News Weekend 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:05 Not Another Teen Movie

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 15:59 Granada Weather 16:00 Lewis 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Safari Vet School 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News

tv Saturday

tv Sunday 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Everything’s Rosie 08:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 08:30 Dennis & Gnasher 08:40 Scooby-Doo Show 09:05 Paradise Cafe 09:30 Wingin’ It 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 The Long Duel 14:20 Live Snooker 18:00 Ski Sunday 18:45 Live Darts 21:00 Great Barrier Reef 22:00 To Boldly Go 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:00 Frank Skinner’s Opinionated 24:30 Fast and Loose

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 11:50 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 Beauty and the Geek 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 22:00 The Holiday 24:45 The Jonathan Ross Show

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Smallville 08:35 Wildfire 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Smallville 12:15 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 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 Desperate Scousewives 22:00 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 24:10 Playing It Straight

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

11:35 Location, Location, Location 12:10 Location, Location, Location 12:45 Dark Command 14:35 Deal or No Deal 15:35 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 Jamie at Home 17:15 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:50 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 The Client 24:20 Dylan Moran: Aim Low

Hustle BBC1, 22.00

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Coronation Street 09:20 Emmerdale 12:15 Take Me Out 13:15 Take Me Out: The Gossip 14:00 Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties 15:35 Holiday Airport: Lanzarote 16:35 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 17:30 About a Boy 19:30 Casper 21:30 Take Me Out: The Gossip 22:15 Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason 24:30 The River Wild

07:00 Switched 07:25 Switched 07:45 Switched Up! 08:40 Dirty Sexy Things 09:35 Supernanny USA 10:30 Supernanny USA 11:25 Gok’s Fashion Fix 12:30 Supernanny USA 13:25 Supernanny USA 14:20 Hollyoaks 16:55 Desperate Scousewives 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Happy Endings 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Rules of Engagement 21:30 Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rude Tube 22:30 Big Momma’s House 24:30 Big Bang Theory

10:00 Time Team 11:00 Time Team 12:05 Time Team 13:05 Time Team 14:10 The Nutty Professor 16:15 Location, Location, Location 16:45 Location, Location, Location 17:15 Grand Designs 18:20 Grand Designs 19:25 Grand Designs 20:25 Grand Designs 21:30 Grand Designs 22:30 What Makes a Masterpiece?

23:35 Frank Skinner: Live from the NIA Birmingham 24:45 The Accused

4: Rise of the Silver Surfer Channel 4, 20.45

07:00 Nanny 911 07:45 Emmerdale 10:35 Coronation Street 13:00 Biggest Loser 14:00 Paddy’s 2011 Show and Telly 14:55 The Hot Desk 15:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!

16:00 All Star Family Fortunes 17:00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 17:30 You’ve Been Framed!

18:00 The Borrowers 19:55 Happy Feet 22:00 Winners & Losers 23:00 Winners & Losers 24:00 The Holiday

07:00 Switched Up! 07:50 Supernanny USA 08:35 Supernanny USA 09:35 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow: Get the Look for Less 10:35 Gok’s Fashion Fix 11:40 Supernanny USA 12:35 Supernanny USA 13:35 Gok’s Fashion Fix 14:40 Privileged 15:35 Make It or Break It 16:35 Being Erica 17:30 Samantha Who? 17:55 The Wedding Planner 20:00 90210 21:00 David Blaine: What Is Magic?

22:00 Desperate Housewives 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:00 Rude Tube

Winners & Losers ITV2, 22.00

10:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 11:00 Scrapheap Challenge 15:20 Four in a Bed 15:50 Four in a Bed 16:25 Four in a Bed 16:55 Four in a Bed 17:25 Four in a Bed 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Come Dine with Me 20:10 Come Dine with Me 20:45 River Cottage Bites 20:55 River Cottage Every Day 22:00 Relocation, Relocation 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:00 Heston’s Mission Impossible

13-19 Jan 2011 2012 28 OCT - 3 NOV

43 43

tv Monday

44 61

13-19 Jan 20122010 14 - 20 may

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Deadly 360 16:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab: The Experiments 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 All Over the Place 17:30 Dani’s House 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 The One...

22:00 The Royal Bodyguard 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport

07:00 Childrens TV 10:45 Bob’s Mini Projects 10:50 Uki 10:55 Hoof and Safety with Nuzzle & Scratch 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Baking Made Easy 20:30 A Question of Taste 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Stargazing Live 22:30 Stargazing Live: Back to Earth 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Cornwall with Caroline Quentin 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Above Suspicion 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 When Ali Came to Britain 24:35 That Sunday Night Show

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 According to Jim 08:55 According to Jim 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:20 The Virgin Queen 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity 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 Richard Wilson On Hold 22:00 Coppers 23:00 Secrets of the Shoplifters 24:05 Random Acts

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Milkshake! Monkey 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Family Recipe 16:20 Prairie Fever 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 World’s Toughest Trucker 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 When Paddy Met Sally 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Deadly 360 16:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab: The Experiments 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 All Over the Place 17:30 Pixelface 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Crime Scene Forensics 24:15 Sus

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Bob’s Mini Projects 10:50 Louie 10:55 Hoof and Safety with Nuzzle & Scratch 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 21:00 Stargazing Live 22:00 Stargazing Live: Back to Earth 22:30 Horizon 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 River Monsters 21:00 The Exit List 22:00 Biggest Loser 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Benidorm 24:35 Homes from Hell

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 According to Jim 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:20 Ride the High Country 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity 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 Fat Fighters 22:00 15 Kids and Counting 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Desperate Housewives

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Milkshake! Monkey 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Family Recipe 16:20 Jane Doe 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Celebrity Wedding Planner 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Deadly 360 16:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab: The Experiments 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 All Over the Place 17:30 My Life 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Rip Off Britain 21:00 DIY SOS 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Would I Lie to You? 24:15 Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman 24:55 Trees Lounge

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Bob’s Mini Projects 10:50 Louie 10:55 Hoof and Safety with Nuzzle & Scratch 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Live Snooker 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 21:00 Stargazing Live 22:00 Stargazing Live: Back to Earth 22:30 The Crusades 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live FA Cup Football 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 FA Cup Football Highlights 24:35 Police, Camera, Action!

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 According to Jim 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Channel 4 Presents 13:10 Come Dine with Me 14:10 Danger Within 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity 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 How to Cook Like Heston 21:30 The Fabulous Baker Brothers 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 talhotblond 24:15 Random Acts 24:20 Secrets of the Shoplifters

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Milkshake! Monkey 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 McBride 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 Benidorm ER 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Kate Thornton - Anorexic: My Secret Past 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 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 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Biggest Loser 21:00 World’s Best Diet 22:00 Notting Hill 24:25 The Whole Ten Yards

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Smallville 08:35 Wildfire 09:35 One Tree Hill 10:25 90210 11:15 Smallville 12:10 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 90210 16:30 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 22:00 Playing It Straight 23:00 Desperate Scousewives 24:05 Rude Tube

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Location, Location, Location 11:35 Location, Location, Location 12:05 Hud 14:15 River Cottage Bites 14:35 Deal or No Deal 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 River Cottage 17:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Secret Millionaire 23:00 Undercover Boss 24:10 The Daily Show Global Edition

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

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 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 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Winners & Losers 22:00 Winners & Losers 23:00 The Bucket List

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Smallville 08:30 Wildfire 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 90210 11:10 Smallville 12:05 Desperate Housewives 13:00 Greek 14:00 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 90210 16:25 Desperate Housewives 17:20 Rules of Engagement 17:50 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 Shipwrecked 22:00 90210 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:35 Allen Gregory 24:00 Rude Tube

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

11:35 Location, Location, Location 12:10 Location, Location, Location 12:40 My Darling Clementine 14:35 Deal or No Deal 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 River Cottage 17:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories 24:20 The Real Da Vinci Code

Emergency with The Exit Angela GriffinList ITV1, Sky1 21.00 21.00

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Beauty and the Geek 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Take Me Out 21:15 Take Me Out: The Gossip 22:00 Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason 24:15 The River Wild

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Smallville 08:35 Wildfire 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 90210 11:20 Smallville 12:15 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:35 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 90210 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Charlie’s Angels 22:00 Sleepy Hollow 24:05 Rhod Gilbert & the Cat That Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst

Benidorm ER Emergency with Angela Griffin Sky1 21.00 Channel 5, 21.00

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

11:35 Location, Location, Location 12:10 Location, Location, Location 12:45 Ten Tall Men 14:35 Deal or No Deal 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 River Cottage 17:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Time Team 23:05 Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day 24:10 Nefertiti and the Lost Dynasty

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Deadly 360 16:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab: The Experiments 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 All Over the Place 17:30 Leonardo 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Earthflight 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 The Large Family 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Bob’s Mini Projects 10:50 Louie 10:55 Hoof and Safety with Nuzzle & Scratch 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Wibbly Pig 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Lifeline 13:40 Live Snooker 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Live Snooker 21:00 Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure 22:00 Putin, Russia & the West 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

13-19 8 - 14 JulY 2011Jan 2012

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 The Hungry Sailors 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Eternal Law 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:35 Take Me Out

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 According to Jim 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Relocation: Phil Down Under 12:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Channel 4 Presents 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:25 The Cross of Lorraine 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Restoration Man 23:00 True Stories 24:35 Random Acts 24:40 Coppers

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:10 Mercy Mission: the Rescue of Flight 771 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 World’s 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side 24:00 It’s All About Amy

Crossword Solutions 638

QUICK SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS

Across: 1 Sash; 3 Dethrone; 9 Exploit; 10 Theme; 11 Play for

Across: 1 Itch; 3 Bend over; 9 Swathed; 10 Strip; 11 Lamen-

money; 13 Sherds; 15 Apathy; 17 Thankfulness; 20 Ennui; 21

tations; 13 Eleven; 15 Pliant; 17 Disorientate; 20 Their; 21

Elector; 22 Preclude; 23 Pass.

Narrows; 22 Patients; 23 Stud.

Down: 1 Sheepish; 2 Sepia; 4 Extort; 5 Hot-gospeller; 6

Down: 1 Insulted; 2 Charm; 4 Endear; 5 Disciplinary; 6

Overeat; 7 Ever; 8 Confidential; 12 Eyesores; 14 Enhance; 16

Veranda; 7 Ripe; 8 Change course; 12 Stressed; 14 Exigent; 16

Offend; 18 Extra; 19 Deep.

Linnet; 18 Aloft; 19 Stop.

Wordwheel: MOONLIGHT

Viva TV Schedule

Friday 13th Jan – Thurs 19th Jan Friday 13th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 FAQ with Ann Brown 18.30 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock – Ricky Neil & Paloma del Rei 19.00 An Evening With...

Hollywood Showtime with Andy Jones 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Saturday 14th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 FAQ with Ann Brown 18.30 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock – Ricky Neil & Paloma del Rei 19.00 An Evening With...

Hollywood Showtime with Andy Jones 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Sunday 15th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Dave and Andy’s Excellent Adventures 18.30 Buying A Car in Spain 19.00 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock – Ex ELO guitarist Davis Scott Morgan 19.30 The Wedding Show 19.45 The British Consulate – We interview with British Ambassador, Giles Paxman 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Monday 16th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Passion Play – Interpretation of local author’s story

18.30 Mixed Marriages – The challenges of an inter-cultural marriage in Spain 19.00 Let’s Talk with Simon Baldock – Olympic Medal hope Bianca Bam Bam 19.30 The Wedding Show – The Photographer 19.45 Spanish Eye – Cabo de Palos on the Costa Calida 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Tuesday 17th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 FAQ with Ann Brown – Health & Car Maintenance 18.30 Viva TV’s Best Bits of 2011 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Wednesday 18th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Costa Blanca Life – Different aspects of living on the Costa Blanca 19.00 Learn The Lingo – Spanish Lessons 19.15 Spanish Eye – Parahawking 19.30 Viva Vino 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Thursday 19th January 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 Viva Vitality 18.30 The British Consulate – Health & Pension Benefits 19.00 Orihuela Scooter Club 19.30 Hayes Guide - River Segura Cycle Path 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Holiday Showdown 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 The Exit List 21:00 Help!

I Caught It Abroad 22:00 American Idol 24:00 Deep Blue Sea

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Smallville 08:35 Wildfire 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 90210 11:20 Smallville 12:15 Desperate Housewives 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:10 Hollyoaks 15:40 90210 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:30 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 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:35 The Inbetweeners 24:10 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night

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

51 45

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

11:35 Location, Location, Location 12:10 Location, Location, Location 12:45 Dark Command 14:35 Deal or No Deal 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 River Cottage 17:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:55 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 The Good Wife 23:00 The Big C 23:35 Dylan Moran: What It Is 24:40 The Good Wife

46

13-19 Jan 2012

music scene

Music without Frontiers CostaVibes

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

M

USICAS SIN Fronteras (Music without Frontiers) is the annual spring festival staged in Rojales. The festival acts to promote cross-cultural exchanges and celebrate diverse music styles through cultural collaborations with national and international artists and help break down prejudice through music. In addition the event raises money for local charities: last year it raised over 2000€ for special care centres in Torrevieja helping Alzheimer and woman shelters.

The line-up for this year’s event has been announced by the tourism department of the Ayuntamiento de Rojales and features a programme of three live concerts including Latin jazz, bebop and Flamenco music. The festival takes place over three consecutive Friday evenings during March.

Opening the festival is the Joshua Edelman Band on Friday 16th. Edelman was born and grew up in Manhattan. He studied at the High School of Music and Art, Manhattan School of Music and New York University. As a pianist and composer he combines his classical and jazz training with the passion he feels for the Latin music he fell in love with in his youth in New York. He relocated to Valencia in 1980 and now resides in Madrid. There he leads a band next to other nomadic musicians from all Latin America presenting a project called ‘Calle de Rosario’. His band features the Cuban trumpeter Manuel Machado, formerly of the ground breaking Afro-Cuban jazz group Irakere.

The following week it is the American sax tenor Scott Hamilton with the Fabio Miano Trio on Friday 23rd. Hamilton is no stranger here and a firm favourite of jazz audiences having performed recently at Musicas del Alma in San Javier and L’Alfas del Pi Jazz Festival in Albir. He is generally considered to be one of the few musicians of real talent who carried forward the tradition of the classic jazz tenor saxophone in the style of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins and Illinois Jacquet. He teams up once again with Alicante´s finest, one of Spain’s most respected jazz pianists, Fabio Miano.

The finale is the Carlos Piñana Trio is Friday 30th.

Carlos Piñana Conesa was born in Cartagena in 1976. He is son of Antonio Piñana, also a guitarist, and grandson of the famous flamenco singer from Levante of the same name. Carlos first started to learn classical guitar at the Cartagena Music Conservatory in 1996. However, he decided to focus on Flamenco and was taught by Manolo Sanlúcar, Rafael Riqueni and Enrique de Melchor.

He has won the Bordón Minero award in La Unión in 1996 and the Ramón Montoya award at the Cordoba National Contest in 1998. He has recorded several albums,‘Palosanto’ (Big Bang Producciones) regarded as being the most celebrated.

All the concerts are at the Teatro Capitol in Rojales and start at 21:00. Admission is 3€. For more information is available from the Rojales Tourist Office, Tel 96 671 3275, or visit www.rojales.es

Jazz festivals, gigs and new releases at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!

Dee WITH THIS act you are drawn in to her show by the professional and entertaining approach Dee puts into her show. Excellent custom produced backing tracks, ensure material that most venues will recognise- but the power in the performance and sound are something that little bit special. Her bubbly and fun loving personality is in abundance and with the ability to change and perform all types of music to suit her audience, any venue will be glad to book this consummate professional act…performed all over Europe this is a truly international act

Enigma in every sense of the word. As Dee says herself. She just loves to sing and entertain...

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

AFTER SEVERAL years as a major part of a very popular karaoke on the Costas, Kev and Viv decided to branch out and put across their own style of Karaoke. Almost immediately they have become one of the most entertaining and professional Karaoke acts around at the minute.

They have the ability to invite the audience up on to the stage without inviting them! The audience want to be part of the show. Any venue or party will have a fun evening with Enigma providing material that is accessible for any potential ‘star’ for the evening. You won’t be disappointed with this Karaoke: very professional both on and off the stage. For further information please call Pat Martin at Phoenix Promotions 677 222 352.

13TH JANUARY Chris Johnson, El Parquet, O’Nil Pat Martin, Rusty Nail, Campoverde 14TH JANUARY Shirelle, Shandon Bells The Substitutes, Bar Imanyo, Day Nueva Enigma, O Duills, Gran Alicant Magic Supreme, Bosot, El Camparell Shadoogie, Meroil Garage, Catral Jimmy Vincent, PJ’S at the rendezvous, Torrevieja Pat Martin, Calpe

13-19 Jan 2012 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

47 47

‘An Evening with Disney’ sells out

Darling, I’ve got the crabs WITH SO many customers shopping at Supermarkets these days you are less likely to be as excited as I am with the onset of seasonable produce. With strawberries being available at Christmas, as well as fresh apples which have been stored under gas for up to twelve months, you cannot really be sure how old freshly bought produce is or where in the World it came from.

For me there are few things more exciting than the start of the Cromer crab season. I love to attack a whole freshly cooked crab with a hammer, piles of newspaper and melted butter but this wasn’t practical for the ladies who lunched in our restaurants who delicately wanted to pick at a prettily dressed crab salad.

Having known the family who not only catch them but dress them for your convenience it was, and remains, a pleasure to see them if it wasn’t for the painstaking trip to get there. Now I like a drive in the beautiful countryside especially in Norfolk with the Cliffside caravan parks and local arable farming of both vegetables and animals such as pigs and turkeys. It certainly gets the senses going whether you like the smell or not. But farming and caravans do not a suitable partner make when you are on hurried trip to get fresh crabs. Stuck behind a tractor or caravan without being able to pass for miles is painful, believe me.

Venting my frustration was always met by the calming words of “every caravan buys a crab.”

However, waiting for the first crabs to emerge from the deeper water every year is more of a

problem, trying to guess when exactly the crabs will start to emerge whilst stuck on a boat at sea every day must be worrying indeed. Richard told me once after a prolonged spell of waiting and with a tear in his eye he confessed that he was fearful that one day they just wouldn’t come at all - luckily they did, eventually.

I loved these very early morning trips watching the sun come up and arriving to the back of the shop where the crabs were being freshly boiled and the ladies were expertly dressing them, in the same time you or me could coddle an egg.

On the way back to our restaurants after one of my many trips laden with hundreds of freshly dressed crabs and having missed breakfast due to the early start, I stopped at a roadside caravan for a quick bacon sandwich and cup of tea. “Brown bread or white” he asked followed by “Do you want Supermarket soggy sliced or local crusty farmhouse, back or streaky bacon and I’ve even got unsmoked if you prefer. Would you like butter, margarine or maybe olive oil on your bread and I don’t suppose I could tempt you to a fried egg with that could I?” Turns out he was a local builder just passing time making a few quid whilst waiting for some planning permission. In my view he’s proper Thieves Kitchen material. Having explained my day so far we agreed to swap my breakfast for a fresh crab, both happy…result.

We decided to take a trip back to Cromer on a recent UK visit, to see the family, the business

having now passed to the next generation. Sons going out fishing and the daughter running the shop (R&J Davis in Garden St. if you are ever in Cromer) and pick up some freshly dressed crabs.

The town was heaving with tourists whilst we wandered about trying to find something to eat for lunch, a dressed crab or prawn salad, maybe even a crab sandwich. Could we find anything of the kind? No, the majority of places were offering fried fish & chips or ice cream, which didn’t fit our bill. Are we so odd? We returned to the shop picked up two of the crabs we’d bought and with a wooden fork sat on a bench gazing out to sea eating our crabs, bliss. By the way, did you know that Cromer is one of the few places where you can see the sun rise and sun set from the same window?

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

TICKETS FOR the evening performance of ‘An Evening with Disney’, to be performed by Melody Makers International at the Orihuela Costa Resort Hotel at La Zenia on Saturday 28th January, have sold out. However, tickets may still be obtained for the 2pm matinee performance.

The concert includes dozens of magical musical Disney favourites. The outstanding children’s choir, ‘Cantemos!’ will perform alongside the 60 strong Melody Makers International chorus; the accompaniment provided by a professional band with players from the UK and the Costa Blanca.

Tickets for the afternoon performance can be obtained from the Orihuela Costa Resort reception (Tel: 96 676 0800), or from CallNet internet cafe (down the alley next to Paddy’s Point) at La Zenia (Tel: 96 676 1171).

This is a concert suitable for the whole family, and support from the concerts will be donated to local charity The Samaritans.

Jukebox Promotions to help raise Funds for Help at Home (Costa Blanca) in 2012

FOLLOWING LAST year’s successful fund raising for Help at Home (CB) Jukebox Promotions have agreed to support the charity again in 2012. Tour events with different themes have been arranged monthly between February and November in the Costa Blanca with fund raising at every show.

Jukebox Promotions’ Peter Day says, “We have loved working with the fabulous team at HAH (CB) and are only too pleased to continue supporting them in 2012. We have a schedule of tours planned this year that will hopefully attract people to come and see top quality entertainment performed professionally and at budget prices. That way, everyone wins and HAH (CB) receives some financial help towards their running costs.”

The shows lined up for 2012 include King & Country; Karen Carpenter tribute with Abba singalong; Broadway & Hollywood; Buddy’s in town (UK Buddy Holly tribute); Chas & ‘Dave’ (Chas Hodges with Dave Seccombe); Ricky Valance specials; Elvis & Shakin Stevens

Beside the seaside, beside the sea

KEEPING FIT in the New Year are five members of Campoverde Theatre Group, now enjoying rehearsals for the society’s forthcoming Spring production – no, not always on La Zenia, beach but on a Monday or Thursday afternoon at The Rendezvous Bar, El Principe. Campoverde Theatre has moved location and has a new venue for their entertaining Spring production in San Miguel on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9th, 10th and 11th March.

Watch this space for further information or ring Colin on 96 677 4127.

tribute; 60s & 70s spectacular; Cliff & Elvis; Dusty Springfield & Tina Turner tribute and Country Rebels.

Jukebox Promotions are also negotiating with a top International singer from Ireland, a great country hoedown band and one other top act with a view to seeing if they can bring them over for tours this year.

“Things are difficult this year,” says Peter, “We have a programme in place but it may change a little as everyone is so unsure about the Euro and the general economic climate.

“What we would love to see is Brits in the Costa Blanca coming out to support what we are doing each month so that we can continue to bring high quality entertainment to them at low cost! Our tickets prices are pretty much the same as 2011 and we were told so many times last year that people were amazed that we could offer such great shows at these prices! Well, it is important to understand that this can only happen if people support it and want it. We hope they do and this will mean that we can provide some good revenue for HAH (CB) as a result.”

Photo by Kristoff: Peter & Fiona Jukebox Promotions and Jukebox Legends

48

13-19 Jan 2012

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. Not the first form to be not very good (6-5) 9. Help first-rate dunderhead (3) 10. Small letters not acceptable in a higher court?

(5-4) 11. Chooses implements for excavating (5) 13. Before noon, one clever enough to be worth loving (7) 14. Obviously a small amount of time (6) 16. Worse than the duckling who turned out well (6) 18. Steeped as far down as one can go (7) 19. It may sound very small, but there’s power there! (5) 20. Subordinate to worker, being sly (9) 21. Confinement for the writer (3) 22. 2 or 3 for example offering a first-class anaesthetic? (5,6)

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

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Own (11) 9. Criticise harshly (3) 10. Watchfulness (9) 11. Happen again (5) 13. Attire (7) 14. Meditate (6) 16. Defeated (6) 18. Fancy (7) 19. Military student (5) 20. Fruit (9) 21. Fire-arm (3) 22. Leading performer (11)

DOWN 2. Study (3) 3. At no time (5) 4. Tepee (6) 5. Oval (7) 6. Produced (9) 7. Suitable (11) 8. High boots (11) 12. Receptacle (9) 15. Distinguished (7) 17. Needlework (6) 19. Purify (5) 21. Fuel (3)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 638: John Collins, Alicante

Euromillions Draw Friday 6th January 2012

1 6 10 12 31

2

7

One French and one Spanish ticket won 36,556,782 Euros

Tuesday 10th January 2012

4 9 10 30 40 2

9

No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros jackpot prize

Fearless FEAR IS a four letter word. It is a process, a conception and it knows no direct pattern of entry into our lives. What scares the hell out of somebody can be somebody else’s biggest thrill. Fear is therefore a personal expression of each our own perception, monitored by both the seen and the unseen; and brought about by our own interpretation of our individual instincts.

I know that fear stops people coming to my door however much they may need me.

Fear cancels out pleasure and brings on negative vibrations. In my case this means that the fearful miss out on what could be the strongest communication with those whom they have loved and lost. When fear is experienced it follows a pattern of connection with past fears, linking in to the dreaded moments of previous traumas and bad experiences. We associate fears with our own personal collection of fears and further fears develop in this consolidatory way.

Fear is ruled by the Urinary system of the human body. It demands whenever I am about to go on stage that I have to visit the Little Boy’s Room whether I really need to or not. It also explains that if someone seriously threatens your life in anyway you can expect to empty your bladder on the spot.

Many would say that they are fearful of being any part of making contact with the Spirit World. They are frightened for many different reasons. The main reason is that those who have life in another dimension are nevertheless dead in relation to our Earthly existence. Many are frightened that they haven’t done their best and that wrath exists in Spirit and will be administered strictly by making contact. So too are there those people who slavishly see the realm of the Spirit World as being inhabited by those who sit in judgement of us all. As with all conceptual barriers we are free to view Spirit as we wish, but the ultimate level of those who have passed over is to abolish any fear in an invisible process that benefits both the living and the survived dead.

Kenny’s diary Monday 16th and Wednesday 18th January: Readings at the Bistro Maya, Albir from 17.00 onwards. Bookings and further details from Els and her team on: 966 868 213.

2012: The Show with Torben Thoger: COMING SOON 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 January/ February

Fear should never ever be there on the menu at any time. But hey it’s a free World, and the reserve and rights of all must be upheld. However how many are waiting up there to send fear free messages of survival to those who have the temerity to receive them?

Fear alone totally stops what are the greatest messages of all being received and acted upon.

I know what I see when I make the connections. I see the lost and the lonely in Spirit wanting to guide and send their blessings to those whom they love on Earth, but oh, so often there is nobody here on Earth to receive them; for whatever reason, but primarily fear or ignorance.

The art of the Medium demands the faith in the Supernatural, and that is just what it says. A process which is Super in it’s concept and Natural in it’s context, and which means to bring about no fear whatsoever; merely wishing to establish channels of communication between those who have made a satisfactory transition to the other side and us, the living souls. They now inhabit a very special holding place and wait for their energies and strong vibrations to be heard through dream contact and a host of attention seeking messages designed to provoke Earth dwellers into action by suggestion Above all they fear greatly our fear, because they know that their communication is going to be one way until somebody, one day steps into the light, opens their heart chakra and conscious soul and accepts that in the clear light of day that there is no fear to experience in this process, only love.

Everyone is entitled to their own interpretation of events and to transmit this as fear as experienced by them. There is no whitewash that says that fear must be automatically be relinquished, and no blanketed prescribed way of eliminating it, but the freedom it brings eliminates stress and reverses the processes that work against the peace that lives fearlessly within our souls.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny. I always feel good when I work with Angels, what is it that I feel when they are around me?

Aggie. N. I know exactly what you mean. When I was given my very first set of Angel Cards I couldn’t describe the feeling of well being that came from my heart and soul. I felt balance, protected, energised and focused and determined to find out more, and to work with such beings of light that do so much for us here on Earth.

I was prompted to start working with Angels and my workshops and connecting people to their Guardian Angels have become a great part of my Spiritual working life. Belief in the Angels is something so special I feel inadequate to explain the energy I receive, and the help and guidance I never thought was possible!

Continue with your working with Angels and they will be there for you, just like a faithful friend who knows that you need them without having to be asked!

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!

Jan 2011 2012 2013-19 - 26 may

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

23 49

Balance is achieved by the current actions of wily Saturn affecting a strident Aquarius. This is the time to really re think your most immediate plans since the have no safe foundation, and there is more than one way to skin a rabbit. Put your confidence at ease with a deep reflection into priorities and keep your feet on the ground.

Venus directs actions with Jupiter, Neptune and Pisces serving to put love and devotion back on the menu. You have to have an open heart to experience the next stages, and it is important that you see things from all angles before your make your hapless decision to put all of those gathered eggs into one basket.

Give yourself the benefit of the doubt before you jump to conclusions brought about by the misconceptions of others. See what is on offer on face value and feel what this could mean in the near future when you are free, once again, to make your own mind up; and the coast is finally clear for what you know that you can do.

Being stubborn and digging in your heels only shows just how involved you have become, and because you are using your predictive skills of foresight and intuition, the future looks rather better than before. Allow others to have their say and then do what you very well know by now that you have to do.

You need to reverse the processes enforced upon you in a current situation. There is not a time for sentiment, and acting in anger is no solution either whilst here is so much to be said and done. Actions with Saturn and Venus restore the love you thought you had lost, but is this what you really want right now?

Indecisive behaviour has lost you time and precious moments that should have been shared. Someone somewhere around you is being very economical with the truth since you now are left holding the baby, and this certainly wasn’t in your scheme of things. Make a fresh start, you are moving on, not running away.

Saturn is in cahoots and connects to your powerful way of forward thinking. It has been hard to take sides lately, but what alternative was there when emotional pressure was forthcoming from all angles? Stress right now your reasoning to exit out of this no win no lose situation because it begs to destroy all you stand for.

Motivated by strength and not inner anger for a change, you are loving and forgiving to those around you right now. Something however does not add up, and confusing messages delayed by a hesitant Mercury together with a brief to seek the justice you deserve you are at logger heads with yourself. Chill, pause, and hold back.

There are some things best forgotten and though you have forgiven from the depths of your heart there are some aspects of an issue you currently face that you will quite rightly never forget. One bitten is twice shy, but as for giving someone a second chance, wait and see, the leopard can never change his spots.

With both Mercury and Pluto in attendance there are mixed blessings and fortunes around you now and one is cancelling out the other. As a message is finally received loud and clear there comes a need to examine the process that allowed this to happen in the first place and to start to put things right back where they belong.

You are experiencing the conjunction of Venus, bringing you love, and Neptune telling you to stay on track and follow your instincts. This is a busy time for you, and whilst it is definitely not a time to make your forward plans, it is time to see a way through current conflict and turmoil whilst focussing on changes you will make.

Venus and Chiron bring love, luck and a host of new experiences all reflecting your many talents. It is time to select something and to follow it through rather than to have to make decisions right now, which do not take into account your hidden expertise, and your need to move on to pastures new to develop them.

If it’s your birthday this week Expect reconciliation that brings things together as they should be. To share the fight within and to see the horizon of changed possibilities and new ventures is both inspiring and self preserving. You need to know your limits, and how far you can push the boundaries your way!

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13-19 January 2012

Computing with aunty virus Modem not functioning properly Jane via email asks: SINCE CHRISTMAS I have changed from a desktop to a laptop (brand new Toshiba) and in the past I have successfully ran dialup via Windows XP on an external modem. I have contacted my ISP to set the same up again via Windows 7 using the same modem. As yet I have failed to get a connection and only receive error messages saying there is a problem with the modem or adaptor, or that the modem is already in use. Do you have any suggestions please whether I need to adjust anything so that the modem will function properly?

Aunty Says: Hi Jane. Any problems like this are usu-

ally caused by missing or incompatible software drivers which your modem (and all other parts of your computer) need to communicate properly with Windows. You may be able to resolve this by identifying the make and model of your modem and going on the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for Win7. These days ISPs are keen to hang on to their customers and will gladly provide you with upto-date equipment to connect to their service, so maybe contact them again if the above solution doesn’t work. If you draw a blank then let me know your ISP and the modem you are using and I will investigate further.

Cannot read items

Robert via email asks: HI AUNTY. My laptop keeps bringing up items in Spanish which I cannot read, items that were once in English. Have I pressed a button or done something silly? I cannot get rid of it and I’ve tried everything that I can think of (which is not much). My Laptop is a Fujitsu with Vista that I purchased in Spain.

Aunty Says: There are a few settings that could cause this Robert, and you can change them via ‘control panel’ ‘region’ ‘change location’ and set them to the UK or Ireland. If it web related items that are coming up in Spanish, then you could try replacing the .com or .es part of the website address with the co.uk (or.ie for Ireland) which should bring up the English language version.

Cannot remove oblong box

Derek via email asks: HI AUNTY, I read your column every week and hope you will be able to help me.

When I boot up my computer I am getting an oblong box which I cannot remove.

This box is connected to the brightness of the screen. It is telling me that the brightness is 100%. I have tried everything to remove it without success. Is it possible to remove same or do I have to purchase a new monitor?

Aunty Says: It does sound like you are in need of a new monitor Derek.

There will be a few buttons on a panel somewhere on the front or side of your screen, and maybe one of these has got stuck, and sometimes completely removing the power lead can reset a stuck menu, but apart from that there’s not much else you can do I’m afraid.

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

Printing problem Ray via email asks: HELLO AUNTY. I have a printing problem where I tried to print a recipe from the BBC Good Food website. There were 5 stages on a page describing preparation and at first the print out only had the first two. After some fiddling about I managed to get stages 1,2 and 5 printed on one sheet but 3 and 4 were missing. Do you have any advice to just print the page complete without bits missing? Your help would be appreciated. I have a Canon printer and Windows 7.

Aunty Says: Hello Ray. Printing from the web can still prove to be a minefield and I have found that using Canon’s ‘Easy-WebPrint’ and HP’s ‘Smart Print’ helps no end. You can download them from the respective websites, or type them into Google and follow one of the official links. I often find copying and pasting the contents of the page into a Word document can simplify printing and it also allows you to delete the unwanted pictures and rubbish that often clog up webpages.

Downloading Ubuntu Eddie via email asks: HELLO AUNTY, I am trying to download Ubuntu and it gets almost to the end but then I get an error message stating something along the lines of ‘error, not permitted, see log’ Can you help please? I really would like to try as you recently said it was good.

Aunty Says: Not sure about this Ed-

Swing

by Swing Golf GPS Range Finder

SWING BY Swing has been able to harness wireless and GPS technology, to bring you a FREE GPS Golf Range Finder that gives you reliable distance-to-green accuracy right on your mobile phone. No more searching for yardage markers, and no more guessing your distance.

We all understand the importance of knowing how far you are from the pin. Five yards can be the distance between one club or another... and using the right club for a shot often determines your score on a hole. This is the main reason GPS golf range finding devices are so popular.

Next time you’re on the golf course, you can use your mobile phone to see a satellite photo of the obstacles in your way, the green and exact distances to everything. Your location is always shown at the bottom of the screen, and the green is always at the top. Simply touch the screen to view the distance from to the selected point.

It works no matter where you play, and automatically switches between holes as you move around the course.

Install Swing by Swing on your Android, iPhone or Blackberry today - and gain the upper hand over your buddies next time you hit the links. For further information please phone 966 260 777.

die, but I suspect this is a problem caused by Windows rather than the Ubuntu download site.

Have you tried clearing out all your temp files and browser cache using Ccleaner? This will often sort out strange download problems and is a fairly important preventative housekeeping task that we should all do weekly regardless.

13-19 January 2012

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector:

Most Anticipated Gadgets of 2012 THIS WEEK the Inspector takes a look into the Gadget Crystal Ball and highlights the most anticipated gadgets due for release in 2012.

In 2011 Apple released the iPhone 4S, which was supposed to really be the next generation iPhone5, but left users disappointed. Due for release in 2012 the iPhone 5 sports the latest A5 processor chip, iCloud service, higher-resolution camera, and a 4inch screen size. Will the real iPhone 5 please step forward…

Hopefully there will be a more enthusiastic reception for the Apple iPad 3, due to launch February 2012.

The new tablet will feature a thinner, sleeker design and a full touchscreen High Definition display.

Battery life is increased over the previous model, and will feature wireless charging technology – a first for this type of device. Competition is increasing from the Samsung Galaxy Tab, so it will be interesting to monitor

how the new iPad fares.

Due for release March 2012 is the Nintendo Wii U games console, direct successor to the Wii. It will feature 1080p High Definition graphics, new controller, touchscreen, and camera.

Gaming will be enhanced by a gyroscope, accelerometer and rumble feature.

It will also feature internal flash memory for media storage and saving games, with external support of SD cards and USB hard disk drives.

In direct competition will be the Sony Playstation Vita portable games console.

Replacing the hugely popular PSP, the Vita packs quad-core graphics, 5 inch OLED touchscreen and 24 bit colour.

Rumoured to include front and rear cameras supporting face/head detection and tracking, the Vita will be the benchmark in portable gaming for 2012.

Other notable mentions go to the next iteration of the Windows Operating System, Windows 8. With a new user

interface dubbed ‘Metro-style’, it has been designed to show the most important information. Let´s hope it doesn´t become Windows Hate.

Facebook also plans a new feature called Timeline, planned roll-out in January 2012. Designed to be a better way to ‘tell your life story’ – whatever that means. Who needs a family tree?

Our entire existence will soon be mapped out online, for better or worse.

And finally, to compete with the iPhone 5, Samsung are planning the Galaxy S3. Following on from the hugely popular Galaxy S2, the S3 will offer increased processing power and Google´s latest Android OS. Will this prove to be a true iPhone basher?

The Inspectors Verdict: Apple products again dominate the gadget landscape for 2012 – no surprise given the amount of products in everyday use.

But with Sony and Nintendo also vying for the gadget dollar/pound/euro 2012 will be a very exciting year!

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13-19 Jan 2012 28 - 33NOV 28OCT OCTNOV2011 2011 28

Showbiz Goss by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Has she no shame

IT’S INTERESTING to reflect on no matter how famous and popular celebrities become, they can come across as not being much different to you and me, and the lovely Rihanna has added quite a bit of weight to this theory in her latest round of Tweeting. “I need a boyfriend for 2012” said the lass from Barbados, which I am sure inspired great numbers of young males to crank up their computers and offer their services. RiRi then added “I also want to lose weight and rake in more cash.” Again just like you and me, although I have to say it´s a bit worrying to think that she wants more dosh. A source close to the girl told The Sun “she’s always on the lookout … but she’s pretty fussy!”

‘Not too much of a surprise there’ I’m thinking. So, just to recap for all you individuals who are thinking, okay me and Rihanna in 2012, yep I can run with that, why don’t you Tweet the girl and tell her how you are the one she´s looking for and if she doesn´t get back to you we´ll then know that the whole thing is just a serious piece of selfpromotion. Shame on you Rihanna! … pullin’ everybody’s plonker like that!

Where is the art?

I HAVE to say that I am bemused by the news that the latest celebrity to accept a job on Britain’s Got Talent judging panel is to be David Walliams, he of Little Britain fame, a series of comedy programmes that were so far out there it was hard not to reach for the off button. And here is the big man selling out his art to a piece of TV pap for what can only be the money; £300,000 of money I might add.

David Walliams and Matt Lucas, love them or hate them, took on an area of comedy in Little Britain that challenged your senses on subjects that included the ugliness of racism, how people use and abuse others, the right to be gay and so much more. I said at the top about how I was bemused, and I said that because I am finding it difficult to work out how a person who was clearly switched on to the world around him from his work in Little Britain is now looking to move around in the min- numbing circle that is Britain’s Got Talent. David being patient and waiting for a more fitting opportunity to earn would have been a much better option in my opinion, but sadly a fist full of dollars has won the day yet again.

Is Downton going down.....

AS MOST of you are aware Downton Abbey has already become an institution on British television, but the word going round the business is that they could well be in the process of taking a huge gamble with the award-winning series. According to the people who keep their ear to the ground the enigmatic Joan Collins is being courted to join the show in the next run of production to play the part of the cousin of Dowager Countess of Grantham played by the delightful Maggie Smith. And what’s wrong with that I hear you all say … well, if you allow your mind to drift back to Joan´s previous big TV show Colby you will recall that when she was in a scene it was all about her starring all over the place and hogging the camera with her oversize ego and as far as I am concerned Downton Abbey is the star and not the people in it, and all the current actors are appreciative of that and perform their scenes with that in mind. If it’s not broke don’t fix it fits rather well here. We love you Joan C but don’t go messin’ with Downton Abbey sweetheart.

Beginning Spanish LAST WEEK I challenged those who have made a New Year resolution to learn Spanish to actually do so – so here’s another text book for willing students.

LAST WEEK I challenged those who have made a New Year resolution to learn Spanish to actually do so – so here’s another text book for willing students. Over the years I must have introduced scores of Spanish language books through my Book reviews. Spanish language books are Review by popular, as well they should be. We live here after all and the grimace beneath the smile of our Spanish neighbours when we mangle their copy@dannyjpcollins.com language could be assuaged if we tried just that bit harder.

The Spanish, remember, use subjunctives when we generally wouldn’t know one if it bit us from behind. And subjunctives aren’t that difficult to use. Spanish is a melodic language and it pays to get the tenses right. This book from McGraw Hill is called Beginning Spanish but the fact is all such books are revision.

Fluent or intermediate speakers of Spanish as a second language benefit equally by going over texts dedicated to beginners and this book is no different in that respect.

It deals with all the nuances of Spanish grammar and struck me as a course in itself. Get to page 244 absorbing the details of each section and that grimace of which I wrote earlier would be nonexistent.

The book also comes with a disk to check your pronunciation –‘repeat after me’ - but you

Danny Collins

Suduko Answer might do well to bear in mind that US produced disks favour Latin American Spanish so you might end up speaking like Speedy González.

But, other than the accent, from my time in South America the only grammatical difference I remember is the use of ‘vosotros’ and ‘vosotras’ in place of the Castillian ‘tú’ – plus a few rude words that have a perfectly genteel meaning in Spanish but you won’t find those on this disk so you can relax.

Authors: Ronni L Gordon, Ph.D., & David M Stillman,Ph.D. Publisher: McGraw Hill (paperback) Price: 18.90€ ISBN: 978 0 07 163865 4

motoring

by

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

13-19 Jan 2012

Insuring and registering your car in Spain I JUST brought my 1956 Jaguar XK 140 and 1968 Jaguar E-type from the USA and I am looking for help and directions to have these cars insured and registered in Spain. I live in Almunecar.

Can you help me? Mucias gracias, Waldemar Mikucki Welcome to Spain. The best way to get them registered is to do it through an expert and have then registered as ‘historic’. This will greatly aid any possible problems with homolgamation here.

This is more expensive than the standard way, but it adds a lot of value when coming to sell them and there are benefits such as cheaper insurance and taxes when you operate them here. Also they will be eligible to enter historic events. You may also enter historic motoring events social and competitions if you wish. The nearest club to you that has this relatively easy facility is the Club Balcones de Europa and Mauricio Yeo who is the president is fluent in English. He can be contacted via my website at: http://www.spainvia.com/historicvehicles.htm.

Good luck and perhaps we will meet in the near future. We live near Gibraltar bur occasionally I travel to historic events where I am welcome. I used to be very much involved in historic motorcycles, restoring and racing them as well as using them daily. One day I will be old enough to move to cars, but at this time I am only 74. Incidentally, I have a full set of workshop tools for old British vehicles, the British Standard Fine, etc. I could be persuaded to sell them as a set, not

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Record sales for VW

individually. Your cars will be American tool sizes though I guess.

HI BRIAN, I wonder if you can help with some info regarding renewal of a Spanish driving license, in particular the medical aspect. Some time ago you gave out a link in a copy of RTN for the location of local medical centres that could assist with the process.

Unfortunately I cannot find the cutting I took. I live in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, so anything local would help.

Sam McDiarmid.

The Trafico website address is: http://dgt.es/portal/es/ oficina_virtual/dir_telefonos/centros_rec_conductores/ ?tit=%BFD%F3nde%20se%20puede%20solicitar?

Just insert the local area/province and village (poblacion). Get a Spanish friend to check the costs by phone in advance so you are not overcharged when you go. Many of the Spanish think we are all retired millionaires. Also make sure you are given a certificate for years not just three months. Refuse to pay if only for three months. I am working on a letter that can be used by all resident expats who are driving on an EU licence other that Spanish to use in this case. The email link from my website no longer works and I am rebuilding it after buying a new PC with Windows 7 and a new email programme.

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

Seat has improved worldwide sales by 3.1% over 2011.

Now owned by the German Volkswagen Group, the company sold 350,000 vehicles, and did particularly well in Mexico, up 35%, in France up 14% and in Germany up 20%. Here in Spain Seat was the most popular brand, but only sold 73,524 cars in total, down 17.8%.

The Volkswagen Group saw record sales last year at 8.16 million, up 14.3% on 2010.

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13-19 Jan 2012

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

€4,495

€7,995

BMW 320 I SE 2001 4 DOOR

€3,995

RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC 2003 DIESEL

OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 1999 1.7 Ltr Diesel

€4,995

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

€6,495

€3,995

LOW KLM

PEUGEOT 206 2002 1.6 LTR PETROL automatic

21000 Klm

Ford Fiesta 2005 1.4 Ltr Diesel

Kia Sportage Nov 2007

€14,995

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€3,495

rhd spanish plates FORD FOCUS 2003 1.8 LTR TDDI DIESEL

€6,495

€1,495

6 seater

Kia Carens 2004 2 Ltr Diesel Low Klm FSH

Aprilia SR50 2006 50 c.c

€2,250

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2010 1.6 TDCI DIESEL ONE OWNER

7 seater OPEL ZAFIRA 2001 - 7 SEATER automatic

€11,995

€5,995

SUZUKI BALENO 1997 1.6 LTR PETROL

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 13-19 Jan 2012

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

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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

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13-19 Jan 2012

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772.

Mobiles:-680-154-432/676-265675. Email excelairconditioning@ hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted.

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

14 - 20 OCT 2011 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, door-to-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552-030/965960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

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.

FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at Villamar Campsite in Albir/Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines

SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

LOOKING FOR Could Michelle McCarthy also known as Woodhams or Brady please contact infoshaunmc@yahoo. co.uk or 00447517362968 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helpline, South 625 912 078, North 648 169 045. www.aacostablanca.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.

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 qaulified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 633 056 224. enquiries@ serenitysailing.com . www.serenitysailin.com

A.D.LAWTON CONSTRUCCIONES Digger hire, Ground-works, Excavation and Demolition. www. adlawtonconstrucciones.com.

Tel:648 052 911 or 965 770 798

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BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664

SPARE TIME, WANT EXTRA CASH? Start earning immediately by becoming an AVON representative. Info: ring Rosh 966785520 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.24ho urhomecareservices.com

13-19 Jan 2012 michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S A high quality Antique Roll-top desk from the famous American E.Feige Desk Company. Very big with lots of small drawers. See: www. michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc.

Look at: www.michaels-javea. com Tlf:965-791-328.

WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of selfemployed 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 nurses or carers welcome, also those with no previous experience, our inhouse 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.

MR FIXIT: for all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance repairs. No callout. 698 320 434

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

MAPA SOCIAL CLUB BENITACHELL ARE SELLING the contents of their club.

Comprising: full kitchen including fridge freezer, cooker/hob/hood, dishwasher, glass washer, large drinks cabinet, tables, chairs, cutlery, dishes and much more.

To view items, open day on 23rd January between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. More information, telephone 646351631.

PAIR OF ACTIVE SPEAKERS 600 watts including tripods 400€, ideal for bands call tony on : 675 878 601 2 X SOLAR PANELS 24 volt 150 watts. Call Tony on : 675 875 601 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable,150€. Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€. Both like new!

Tlf:-627-019-403

FLOOR POLISHING, proffessional tradesman.

Exellent proffessional ,exellent service. Free estimates.

Tel : 627 103 412

OASIS GARDEN pool maintenance. Calpe to Javea.

Telephone Martin 669 261 868 TREE SPECIALIS, Cut and removal of palm / pine trees.

Size not a problem. Also dangerous & difficult work.

Garden cleaning and gravelling.

Free estimates. 627 103 412 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

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 Several dining sets to choose from in different styles, classic, modern, bamboo, pine, glass etc. Many with matching sideboards: www.

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

MAZDA 3 2006 €5990.00.

1.6l saloon sports model FSH. LHD.80000km. ITV till 2014 call :667566998

VERY SEXY ATTRACTIVE STRICT LADY offering proffessional service for discerning gentleman. call athena on : 683605258 LOOKING FOR COMPANY? Do you want to explore your sexual fantasies with beautiful Brazilian and Oriental ladies? 24 hours, hotel or home visit Telephone 689526354 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 :638352129.

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

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.

CLASSIC KITCHENS 20 years on the Costa Blanca. Free quote and 3D design call Adrian on: 966865684 / 676699700.

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 9th January 2012 - Monday - Beginners Class - 10am - 11.30am Monday - Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 12th January 2012 Thursday - New Beginners class 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Intermediate class 8.30pm - 10.00pm. For more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

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Cars wanted

Good condition LHD Spanish Cars Wanted for cash 95 – 02 Transfers completed Tlf: 693 859 942 or 650 740 265

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

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13-19 Jan 2012

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 ENGLISH LADY 42 Provides various services.For mature gentlemen. Torrevieja.

681-362-442 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

PLUMBING & HEATING BATHROOM REFORMS TILING - WATER HEATERS - GENERAL PLUMBING. Tel: 630 049 773. email: stevehayward39@yahoo.com www.stevehayward-plumber.eu NORTH COSTA BLANCA SINCE 1996 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

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/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE mobile home sited at la-pedrera bigastro 2bed 2bath a/c tv internet shed with w/machine fenced plot rent paid till march 2013 €15,000 tel-630888570

2 BED END OF TERRACE in La Nucia on edge of town.

Close to all amenities with communal pool and parking €450 p/m + bills. Available long term if desired. Tel: 608 218 629.

ALTEA LA VELLA, COSTA BLANCA Holiday let for 4 people in a 2 bedroomed, first floor, fully furnished apartment.

A/C + C/H plus much, much more. Tlf:966-881-048 or email foundation@rtnnewsgroup. com for more information and photographs 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 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

Register your property for FREE at www. rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property

is 8 weeks. Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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 0034-648-102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719.

Email info@euromove4u.eu 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 MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600247-535 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

INTENSIVE SPANISH WEEK COURSES FOR BEGINNERS 27thfeb - 5th march and 7-14th of April 2012 .Unique formula in an equally unique environment .For More information http:// tinyurl.com/CoursesInSpain or 637063003 LEARN SPANISH NOW! PRIVATE LESSSONS Interactive tailor made courses, especially for people with difficulties in learning languages, more information 699256281 or jjmateo72@ hotmail.com Benidorm and surrounding areas.

TEACHER OF SPANISH / ENGLISH Spanish / English taught ..All Ages/ All levels experienced qualified teacher. tel: 605719992 BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/ Secondary English Mathmatics.

Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616660-687 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

L N B SATELLITES We are a satellite company on the Costa Blanca, we are looking to tidy Spain up. From the lots of television aerials and satellite dishes on the roofs of your houses. If you can’t get rid of or even moved. for just Euro 15.00 I will do this for you. We also do satellite and aerial installations 1.9.and.2.4m portugese dishes.

Phone 626755156. lnbsat@msn.com UKTELEVISION.TV watch British TV channels from anywhere. Easy Setup, Secure Connection. Only €5 per month. Go to www.uktelevision. tv for FREE TRIAL 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

I BUY RECORDS LP’S, SINGLES and cd’s any style, jazz, blues, pop, rock, etc... Top cash paid. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash.

Anything! Anywhere! 965-319220/618-165-877

13-19 Jan 2012

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Classified Services All Major Credit Cards Accepted - Prices start from 10â‚Ź a week.

Airport Parking

Builders

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

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13-19 Jan 2012

Business Consultants

Gardening

CarConditioning Hire Air

Builders Cont...

Business & House Auctions

Building Surveying

Ikea Trips

Locksmith

Computers

Maintenance

Electrical

Hire

Garages

Leaks

Limousines

13-19 Jan 2012 Plumbing & Heating

Solar Energy

Repairs/Sewing

Properties Wanted & Maintenance

Secure Storage

Removals

TV & Satellite

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13-19 Jan 2012

Club or Society Membership?

Noel’s world of golf

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

IN THE tough economic time we all now face the time has come for us all to consider the most economical way to play our golf. Annual golf club membership is one option; the other is golf society membership. Both have advantages and any decision would have to take into account the number of times we play in a certain period, whether that is annually or half yearly or monthly or weekly.

The golf clubs in our part of Spain usually need a cash injection at this time of the year so now is a good time to go out and negotiate a deal if you are considering annual membership.

Traditionally many of the expatriate golfers in Spain have played their golf in golf societies but nowadays this may not be the most economical way to play golf thanks to the way the golf clubs have been forced to change their stance on memberships.

A weekly society outing will cost something in the region of 35€ just to walk, a buggy can be hired but most clubs charge rip off prices for their hire so that has to be considered in any final decision. Annual membership of the vast majority of golf clubs can now be purchased for around 2,000€, sometimes including buggy.

Depending on the number of times you play if you select the correct golf course this option will be much cheaper if you play more than four times per month. The courses that charge an annual fee then add a charge per game; usually somewhere between 3€ and 7€; need to be avoided. These relatively small amounts add up at an alarming rate if you don’t keep an eye on them.

The cost of travelling for a society golfer can also add a considerable amount to the cost of one’s golf and although car sharing is used by many the costs are still not cheap to travel for an hour or so to a different golf course each week. Car sharing

can also be done if we are members of a golf club, usually a club that is nearer our homes than many society days out.

The options are there and the chances for membership at reasonable costs also.

Serious consideration should be given and we will almost all have different requirements but my advice is to go the club membership route and also join RFEG so that you get a recognized handicap and can play in official competitions. RFEG Members also get discounted green fees in other parts of Spain if they are members of a club so this may be worth considering if you travel in Spain.

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 13TH JANUARY 2012 Which country hosted the first event of The European Tour 2012 season?

A. Dubai B. China C. South Africa All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st January 2012 to be entered into January’s draw, to be made on 31st January. The winner will be announced in RTN on 3rd February 2012.

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

240 hopefuls tee off

The Ladies’ European Tour 2012 Qualifying School concluded matters at La Manga yesterday in respect of first stage qualifying. There were 240 hopefuls who teed it up at the start of qualifying in an effort to gain access to The Tour in 2012.

Once again those lucky enough to witness this event first hand were treated to some stunning performances from some very young and exciting players and Final Stage Qualifying starting in January 15th to 19th will be even better when there is so much at stake and the chance to upstage last year’s Tour School winner Caroline Hedwal who had a superb first year on Tour.

Sadly there will tears also from the few who will miss out on

the chance of a lifetime and the riches the Tour now has to offer and join legends such as Laura Davies playing our sport for a living. Any that can win even half of what Laura has done will have had a hugely successful career when they retire.

The age of those qualifying for tour cards seems to get lower each year and sponsors have certainly recognised the opportunity to support some of the younger generation with generous equipment and clothing deals.

The one concern would seem to be that so many of the young ladies with these deals seem to think they have already made it. They are in for a sharp lesson in the early weeks of the tour schedule if that attitude prevails. Competition

Last year’s Tour School winner

will be fierce and there seems to be a stronger competitive spirit amongst some of the ladies now with their tour cards than in their male counterparts. No doubt that competitive spirit contributed to the success of Europe’s Solheim Cup win last year in such dramatic fashion.

All concerned with The Ladies European Tour should be congratulated for the way they have secured sponsorship for so many events in 2012 in such difficult times.

We get the chance in Spain to see The Ladies European Tour up close and personal on just on occasion this year in the form of The Open de España Femenino in September.

Some more events are possible and are subject to confirmation in a season that runs until December when it concludes in Dubai.

GOLF Tips

Make sure your grips remain clean: it will prevent you holding the club too tight during the swing.

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

Andy Kay The Final Whistle

Smooth Stuart

Fun weekend for ITV Orihuela RFC

Its early days but I like the look of the new England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster. His squad for the upcoming 6 Nations Championship is full of bright young things and he seems to have made a clean break with a number of players who failed so miserably at the World Cup. Added to that, he currently has the support of the media who, until recently, have been merciless in their pursuit of the national team after their off the field exploits in New Zealand. Of course, it’s a long stretch from picking a bold, new squad and getting them to perform against some half decent teams over the next few weeks but it’s an encouraging start for the interim coach and I have a feeling that come the end of the 6 Nations, he could well be perceived by the RFU as much more than a stop gap.

Go Go Granny A friend of mine has a grandmother who’s 96. As well as her advancing years, her eyesight is appalling. Added to that, she’s never seen a football match in her life and hasn’t got a clue about the rules. And so, following the recent failed red card appeals by Vincent Kompany and Joey Barton, I’m thinking of putting her forward for a place on the FA disciplinary panel. I think she’d fit in nicely.

Jobs for the boys For a few fleeting hours, it looked as if Eric Cantona had launched a bid to become the next President of France. A letter in a national newspaper seemed to suggest that he was searching for backing but alas, although political, he was seeking support for another role all together. However, it got me thinking. Which current or recent footballers could do a decent job in the political world? Here are my picks...feel free to go on line at www.roundtownnews.com with your own suggestions: - Joey Barton – Head of the UK Diplomatic Corps - Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish – Race relations commission - Ashley Cole – Playing away from Home Office - Alan Shearer – Secretary for (sitting on) Defence - Ian Holloway – Chairman, Plain English Society - Lionel Messi – Leader of the House of Lords (they all dribble but he does it better)

London beckons Just in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s now 2012 and we are less than 200 days way from the London Olympic Games.

If things happen as normal, then this will probably be how events turn out. Over the next few months (just as in Athens) there’ll be loads of stories saying that London isn’t ready. Then (just as in Beijing) we’ll have to read about how the Games will be a dreadful failure. And finally (just as in Sydney) we’ll be told that no-one outside of the Host City is remotely interested. Well, call me an optimist but I think London will put on a brilliant event and that more importantly; LOCOG will do so with operating budgets that wouldn’t have kept the Beijing Organising Committee in rice and spring rolls.

13-19 Jan 2012

Fishing Fishing

Maggots End by

David Hoare 968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK’S match, the first of 2012, was held on the Rio Segura Eden canal stretch. It was the 4th in the Roundtown news challenge cup series.

When we arrived at the water the temperature was just above freezing! Knowing that the day was to be warm, we were not overly concerned.

Little did we know! The sun came up and started to warm everybody with the exception of the fish. Well, over half the field either did not catch or only caught one fish: this was people trying to catch mullet which at any other time would be a certainty.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Doug (Welsh Goldminer) Hornblow fishing the pole using bread with 4.34 kilos 2nd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson fishing the pole using bread with 4.04 kilos 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare fishing the pole using maggot with 3.66 kilos RESULTS Abbey Anglers with 8.72 kg Rods and Reels with 11.41 kg

LAST WEEKEND ITV Orihuela RFC had a fun day at the club in preparation for their big clash against Murcia UCAM this coming weekend at home. So the club had a training game to work off the Xmas fun with the juveniles against the seniors, while some of the vets joined in both sides for the fun.

For once the score did not matter, just having a good workout on the pitch, and for the coaches to see what work needs to be done on training nights.

This week it is back down to the serious stuff with the league starting up again for the New Year, so come on down and support local rugby on match day.

There are still some tickets left for the last home game in the Amlin Cup game for La Vila v Sale Sharks on Saturday 14 January, kick off at 4pm: so get your tickets from Garry before they all go due to the popular demand for this game.

On 24th - 26th February, ITV Orihuela RFC will have their usual stand again at the ‘This is Spain Exhibition’ at La Zenia Hotel supporting as always The Butterfly Children, stand number 7.

And there is now a new rugby union supporters’ bar in Rojales for the New Year. The new rugby bar is the Steak House in Rojales, showing all televised rugby games on Sky Sports and free to view channels. This coming week and weekend the Amlin and Heineken Cup games will be showing, starting on Thursday and continuing every day through to Sunday evening.

The club is training on Tuesday and Thursday at the Miguel Hernandez University for the juveniles and seniors starting at 8.30pm: juniors are on the same day at 6.15pm. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level.

For more information contact the club by phoning Garry on 692 767 242: for the juniors’ training contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)

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ACCUMULATIVE RESULTS TO DATE Abbey Anglers with 38 pts.

Rods and Reels with 26 pts.

PLEASE NOTE The club at present does have some vacancies: 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 The New Year saw the beginning of the Abbey Angling Series with the first round fished on the 3rd January on the Sweet Water Canal at Nancy’s. The excess water has now run off with only a little flow, and with the water temperature now cold making fishing patchy with low

weights.

1st ‘Girl power to the fore’ Marlene (The Sweetie Lady) Hutchinson with 7.340kg on feeder and maggot (I believe Dave has now to do the washing up for the week) well done Marlene!

2nd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen with 5.880kg on feeder, pole using maggot and sweet corn 3rd Mick (The Arsenal) Hill with 4.280kg on pole using maggot, (this weight was for just one Carp): Nice one Micky Just to remind members that the AGM is 30th January at the Abbey Tavern and the date for any proposals or amendments is now closed.

All details are available from 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 ‘Pensionist’ card; otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees. Licenses are available from 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.

THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS IN JANUARY The next meetings are: Friday 10th February at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) Saturday 11th February at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo: opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron.

Fishing

La Marina

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 STARTED the second half of the season last Saturday at Acero who were level on points with Torry . Torry took the lead in the 1st minute and the score remained 1- 0 at the break. In the second half Acero found the net 3 times without reply to seal a victory. Torry drop to 8th place, 3 points away from the final play-off place. Torry entertain bottom of the table Barrio Cristo on Sunday - 5.00 pm kick-off and need to win. Be there.