RTN SOUTH EDITION 646 by Round Town News

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south EDITION Adios Bob!

Bob Houliston announced his resignation last Friday, the day after the monthly ‘pleno’ meeting p5

RTN exclusive

Meet Terra Natura’s little miracle. p8

Sunday’s now just another Sun day... Old Murdoch-most-foul has re-launched the News of the World as the Sun on Sunday. Would it work?. p22

British Consul opens new community centre The community centre in La Romana will be run by the charity Amigos de La Romana. The charity stems from a need for the British community to have somewhere to go for up to date information p39

A disturbing incident What happens when an individual in a golf society gets too much power. p70

Your English Newspaper

02 MAR-08 MAR 2012

iSSUE 646

Dog food scare by louise clarke & Jack Troughton

SUPERMARKET GIANT Mercadona has removed an own-brand dog food from the shelves as “a precaution” after pet owners claimed it was making their animals ill. Dogs were said to have suffered renal failure – and some have reportedly been put to sleep – after eating the Compy wet dog food. The first symptoms of a problem were pets developing an insatiable thirst and a resulting need to pass urine. RTN was told of some animals “screaming for water”. Social networking sites along the Costas have come alive with chatter and warnings about the food and how owners have racked up hundreds of euros in vet bills. A high salt content was blamed for the problem, which apparently started when the food packaging was switched from tins to cardboard ‘bricks’. Most dogs have made a full recovery after worried owners took their vets’ advice and switched to another brand of food. The supermarket recalled the Compy food, which comes in chunks or as a ‘pate’, on Caroline February 24th to allow the food to be tested. and Ben Manufacturer Tunaliment has discovered Penny with their an excess of Vitamin D. dog, Lucy Continued on page 3

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

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Lufthansa pulls out of El Altet

RYANAIR IS not the only airline with issues at Alicante’s El Altet airport. German flag carrier Lufthansa has decided that “fleet limitations” make Valencia Manises a more viable Spanish base for the airline with its 22 weekly destinations to Berlin, Munich and Dusseldorf. A spokesman for the airline confirmed this week that future plans for Alicante El Altet had not been “ruled out” but for the time being Manises is the airline’s choice. Alicante hoteliers and tourism bosses are concerned that El Altet is becoming type cast as a ‘low cost carrier’ base with the added possibility of severe competition from the soon-to-open Murcia Corvera airport. 2011 was a record year for passenger numbers at El Altet, with 9.9 million in passenger traffic, but the total number of passengers arriving from Germany was just 656,954 – a decrease of 14.5% on 2010. Air Berlin also followed Ryanair’s lead and removed 9 flights from El Altet to Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Zurich for the summer period – representing a 45% cut in services.

Pharmacies call off three-day closure PHARMACISTS IN crisis in the Valencian region called off athree-day closure planned for 1st – 3rd March after receiving a promise from the Valencian Generalitat that the cash owed to them by the administration will be paid 29th February. Pharmacies in the area are facing ruin following a financial siege that left many businesses in jeopardy due to the Generalitat’s failure to pay up money owed on drugs purchases. Many pharmacies are owed several months in arrears and face bankruptcy within weeks if the situation continues. And for many more the cash payment at the end of February could come too late.

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02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Great weekly day trips Sun Benidorm on Market day 11€ Tues Caravaca,Calasparra, Blossom time. With lunch 24€ Wed Benidorm on Market day 11€ Thurs Murcia shops including Primark/IKEA. 11€ Rosey Sach with a recovered Paco (left) and Lucy

11€ Thurs Murcia city on market day Thurs Cartagena plus train to Mar Menor 14€ Fri Jalon Valley in blossom - incl lunch/wine 23€ Fri Benidorm Palace dinner,dance,show 47€

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Guadalest / Algar waterfalls

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continued from front page Caroline Penny’s dog Lucy started to have problems with an “upset tummy” before needing to drink lots of water. Caroline, who lives in Entrenaranjos, who purchased the food in Mercadona, at San Luis, Torrevieja, said: “I took her to the vets and they diagnosed an allergic reaction, her stomach was really hard so they gave her an injection to reduce her swollen tummy and some special food.” Lucy’s health improved and was again given Compy and developed the same symptoms. “Caroline said: “She was sick a couple of times and I took her back to the vets who suggested a diet of chicken and rice and a twoweek course of tablets.” Again the pet improved but it was only when a friend said her dog was seriously ill with kidney failure after eating Compy that Caroline made the link, a theory supported by her vet. “My friend will be denouncing the manufacturer because she has spent a fortune in vet fees and it is likely to have serious long term effects. I am just grateful Lucy is OK and it wasn’t more serious for her – I feel so sorry for those people who had to put their dogs to sleep.” Sarah Sach, from Benitachell, said they had been feeding the new-look Compy to dogs Lucy and Paco for about a month and noticed they were staring to drink more. “About two weeks ago it got really bad. I was up all night because the dogs were scratching at the bathroom door and pushing to drink out of the toilet bowl. They were crying all night and peeing everywhere.” She said she was “back and forth” to the vets

who were “baffled” by both dogs’ condition. “Within a couple of days Lucy, our podenco, started wetting herself as she walked along, actually becoming incontinent – there was pee everywhere. “At the vets, I was saying it couldn’t be the food because we hadn’t changed it – only the packaging had changed so we thought they must have eaten something when they were out walking.”

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THEORY Sarah said she later heard of the alleged problem with the Mercadona food. “The vet said the theory made sense.” A spokesman for manufacturer Tunaliment said the Compy cartons were removed from Mercadona shelves in Alicante, Murcia, Albacete and Almeria on February 24th and people with stocks of the product were asked to return it to supermarkets. The move came “after several clients called to inform us about the detection of urinary problems that their pets were suffering.” He said analysis showed an increment of Vitamin D. “According to veterinary reports, this Vitamin D increment could cause urine problems, but only in those cases where the pet has had high doses or quantities of the product.” He added: “Tunaliment is sorry for the inconvenience that this product has caused and wants to apologise publically to all clients whose pets may have been damaged.” Mercadona has a hotline dedicated to customers with problems with Compy, call Chris Johnson on 900 500 103.

Man arrested for throwing corrosive liquid POLICE SOURCES have confirmed that three children have suffered first and second degree burns to their necks and faces after a man attempted to throw corrosive liquid into their eyes. Their condition is described as “not serious” and police investigating the incident believe the man may be suffering from a mental disorder. There is no evidence linking the perpetrator to other crimes concerning minors. National Police arrested the man on Monday in La Coruna following his attack at around 2.15pm on the three children and a woman at a bus stop in Calle Juan Florez. All suffered injuries of varying degrees and one of the children remains hospitalised at the University Hospital of A Coruña with chemical burns to the eyes.

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CAM Bank Challenge

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

by louise clarke FOLLOWING RTN’s front page story last week, more affected home owners from Bosque del Lomas III have contacted the newspaper. Roger Adams is one of those who own a house on the community in El Galan and as soon as he read the article, he booked himself on a flight to Spain to ascertain the situation for himself. RTN met up with him and his Father-in-law, Peter, after they had visited their solicitors, Aroca. “They were no help,” commented Roger. “They basically told me that there was nothing that they could do to prevent the auction of my house.” The father of one also contacted Atlas, which was responsible for selling him the house, to see if they would be prepared to support for the 15 owners who will lose their houses thanks to the remortgaging scandal. He is still waiting for an answer…! WHY? Roger wants to, through the pages of RTN, challenge the CAM bank to a face to face meeting to explain to him directly why they are taking his home. He said: “There are 45 empty houses that they can auction off, why do they have to have ours too? Surely the sale of those empty houses will recoup sufficient cash for them.” Roger paid for the holiday home with the proceeds of a house; self built with money left to him by his father. He told RTN: “When

Dad died he left us some money and I bought a plot of land and built a house on it. I worked twelve hours a day, seven days a week; it nearly killed me. The money I got from the sale of that house bought our dream holiday home in Spain.” And now eight years after making that purchase, through no fault of his own, he is going to lose it; thanks to the deceit and fraud of someone he has never even met. How can that be right? HELP If the bank had the foresight to think about this logically, everyone in this sorry situation could win. Roger said: “If they sold the empty houses, the community would thrive and flourish. There would be more fees generated and more could be spent on it; we would get proper electricity and the place could finally be what it was marketed to be all those years ago.” One tiny positive came out of Roger’s visit though and that is that the bank will not legally be able to go after the homeowners for any remaining debt should the houses not reach the valuation at auction. Roger added: “Surely there is someone, somewhere who can help us?” The family is booked to come out on holiday in August. Roger concluded: “We can’t come now knowing that someone will be living in MY house; the one that I sweat blood and tears for to buy.”

Peter and Roger came to Spain after reading last week’s front page article

AENA in hot water again THE CNC (National Competition Commission) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against airport authority AENA for possible restrictive practices and “anticompetitive conduct” concerning its dealing with car rental companies operating at the airports under their jurisdiction, such as Hertz. Investigations include the analysis of airport’s policies and marketing strategies regarding ‘vehicles without drivers’ and possible “very serious” anticompetitive conduct. The CNC has allowed a maximum of 18 months for its investigations and findings to be concluded. Possible fines that might be imposed as a result of the CNC’s decisions could approach 10% of AENA’s total annual turnover.

Company to pay up over Asbestos exposure claims THE LABOUR Court in Madrid has ordered the company Uralita to pay 1,727,000€ in compensation to 23 workers from its factories in Getafe and Ciempozuelos for “failing to take necessary protective measures” against exposure and inhalation of asbestos. The Asbestos Victims Association (Avida) expressed “great satisfaction” that the judgment found the company guilty of “not preserving the health of its workers.” A total of 40 workers brought proceedings against the company but 17 were dismissed. However, Avida says the legal basis of the judgment recognises that Uralita was at fault in all cases and therefore will appeal over the rejections.

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02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Adios Bob! by LOUISE CLARKE IT’S BEEN another eventful week in Orihuela Costa as Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, handed in his resignation. Bob’s departure means that the Orihuela Town Hall has no overall majority and is in effect being run as a minority government. Bob announced his resignation last Friday, the day after the monthly ‘pleno’ meeting, citing “the present near paralysis of an important sector of the administration of the coast.” This paralysis was caused by the sudden and abrupt transfer to Orihuela of the coastal Engineer and as a result, Bob lost the services of a competent and very experienced officer. In his resignation letter to the Mayor, Monserrate Guillén, Bob wrote: “The legal, administrative and financial problems which this departure created are already considerable. I am not prepared to take political responsibility for resolving problems which others have caused.” OBSTACLES Tensions have been particularly high on the coast after it was revealed exclusively in RTN that almost all of Bob’s competences had been taken away from him without his knowledge or approval. He continued: “I do not wish to go into the detail of all the incidents of non-cooperation and the placing of obstacles to the carrying out of my work which have been caused by the CLR element in the government over the past seven months. “The consequences have been to divide and weaken the management of the coast against the interest of the people living on the coast and their democratically expressed wishes as to who should represent them.” He concluded: “This long and painful experience convinces me of the impossibility of carrying out my work in the interest of Orihuela Costa. I will, of course, continue as an elected member of the Town Hall to work for the interests of Orihuela Costa.” DEDICATION Meanwhile, residents of Orihuela Costa watch these developments unfold and wonder why these politicians cannot just stop all this infighting and work together. One reader contacted RTN to say: “At school there were kids who played chess, others who played football or cricket. Those involved

Bob Houliston resigned as Councillor

in the team sports were always fiercely loyal to their teammates while those who played the loner sports never really got to grips with the whole idea of working in a team, sharing the work, the disappointments and the glory. “Bob Houliston was like a chess player; focused only on the political game he was playing as a loner and preoccupied with his opponent’s next move. He was oblivious to the team around him. Orihuela Costa is important to hundreds of thousands of people who live and holiday here. Neither Bob Houliston nor the lone ranger can solve our problems here; there are not enough hours in the day for that. We need a team of dedicated people working tirelessly to resolve our many and varied problems.” The Town Hall later said in a statement, “The Mayor and all the Councillors have expressed their intention to continue to lead the municipal government and expect not to betray the principles that have governed the work of the CLARO party on the coast for more than four years.”

Costa Allegra carried to safety on the tide THE STRICKEN cruise ship Costa Allegra carrying more than 1,000 passengers and crew was carried on the current toward Mahe in the Seychelles this week, arriving at around 5pm GMT. A fire in the ship’s generator room on Monday knocked out power to its engines, lights and air conditioning. Emergency generators kept the ship’s control room illuminated and radios operational. The blaze came just six weeks after the Allegra’s sister ship Costa Concordia hit a reef and capsized off Italy, killing 32 people. Both ships are managed by Costa Crociere, owned by the Florida-based Carnival Corporation. The CEO of Costa Cruises in Spain, Bernardo Echevarria, said on Tuesday that the 15 Spanish passengers on board were “safe and in contact with their families,” although conditions on board were stifling and severely uncomfortable. Most of the passengers slept outside on the decks. Supplies of food, phones and other emergency supplies such as torches were delivered by helicopter as the ship was carried on the tide through pirate-infested waters assisted by tug boats. Nearly 400 of the 627 passengers on board decided to go on with their vacation: 251 are returning home.

Welcome to RTN, Peter! RTN is pleased to welcome Peter Clarke, no relation to reporter Louise, who is joining us as a Sales Representative in Costa Calida. Having lived and worked in the area for the past ten years, Peter’s local knowledge of both Spanish and English businesses is second to none. This, coupled with the business contacts established over the past ten years, made him a perfect candidate for the position. Peter has owned and managed Legs and Co for eight years and has decided to take his career in another direction whilst his wife Donna continues to manage their successful businesses. Peter felt that he was ready for a new challenge for 2012, and who better to do it with than the most popular free paper in Spain!

EXCITING Having successfully developed his businesses to a manageable level, his wife and their brilliant staff are now able to run them with little ‘interference’ from him! He said: “This is leaving me with far too much spare time and ready for a new and exciting

Peter is the newest member of the RTN team

challenge. When RTN left the Costa Calida area there were a lot of groans from within the business circles here so I am excited to bring such a successful brand back to Murcia and Mar Menor.” Peter was a police officer for nine years when he lived in the UK as well as running his own driving school and RTN is delighted to have him on board. Welcome to the team Peter!

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

More protests against education cuts by louise clarke DOZENS OF teachers, parents and pupils took to the streets of San Miguel de Salinas last week to protest against the education cuts being forced upon local primary and secondary schools within the Valencia region. The protest march, organised by the Platform in Defence of Public Education and Public Services in San Miguel, started at the town’s church square and made its way to the Town Hall. Once there, teachers from both the Gloria Fuertes Primary School and the Los Alcores High School spoke to the gathered protestors, detailing the consequences that these severe cuts will have on them as teachers and on the students whom they teach. Spokeswoman for the Platform, Bienvenida Campillo Lorca, told RTN: “With the excuse of the economic crisis, the Valencia government has applied these severe cuts in the education budget, cuts which are now very visible and brutal.” She added: “They pretend that these cuts are necessary for the economy but all they are doing is destroying and debilitating public services, especially education.” Bienvenida concluded: “We have to save public education and we have to do this together; teachers, parents and pupils together and united.”

Motorcyclist dies in a collision with two cars in Els Poblets

A 22 YEAR OLD man has died in a traffic accident on the CV723 near Els Poblets when his motorcycle collided with two other vehicles, according to the Centre for Emergency Information Coordination (CICU) and Traffic. The collision occurred at 8.50pm on Saturday. Two others were injured: a 27-year-old man who suffered a chest injury and a 51-year-old man who sustained a mild concussion. SAMU and Basic Life Support (BLS) transferred the wounded to the Denia Hospital.

Benefit mum behind bars

by Jack Troughton SCROUNGER DEBBIE Williamson has been jailed for 18 months for her fraudulent double life – enjoying the Spanish sun while illicitly claiming benefits at home. Sheffield Crown Court heard that between 2004 and 2009, the mum stole more than £42,558 from the British taxpayer, continuing to claim a number of ‘non-exportable’ benefits – including income support – while living in Spain. The court heard she was not entitled to claim the support after her circumstances changed. Williamson, from Rotherham, maintained she had no links to Spain but investigators discovered she owned a property in Valencia, made regular cash withdrawals from abroad, and her daughter attended a local Spanish school. Her case makes up a small part of an estimated £79 million of benefit fraud committed by Brits abroad – while most UK citizens claim their entitlements from overseas quite legally; Spain is a hotspot for cheats. In most of the cases of fraud, a claimant has deliberately The younger failed to inform the authorities of a change in their children circumstances. Anyone in receipt of a UK pension or of San benefits has a duty to keep the Department of Work and Miguel Pensions up to date with their circumstances. will be And anyone who suspects someone of cheating the the most system can call the free and confidential Benefit Fraud affected Hotline on 900 554 440 or click on http://campaigns.dwp. by the gov.uk/campaigns/benefit-thieves/english.asp to help UK severe investigators close the net on the benefit thieves. cuts

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Plans to beautify the coast by Louise Clarke STRONG HEALTHY tourism activity and promotion helps businesses; that is a fact. Increased tourist numbers also directly influence rental incomes, which in turn increases the value of property. With that in mind, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Tourism and Coordinated Services for Orihuela Costa, Pedro Mancebo, has launched a brand new and brave initiative to increase tourism numbers in Orihuela Costa and at the same time lift the aesthetic value of the entire area. This will also help business in the area and will boost the economy of coast. Mancebo told RTN: “Along with the maintenance of beaches, upgrading of public parks and infrastructure, we are launching a bold new campaign called: Orihuela Costa – Graffiti-Free Zone.” LIFE-BLOOD “We will set up a small graffiti task force to photograph and clean or paint over graffiti as soon as it appears anywhere in Orihuela Costa,” explained Mancebo, “A graffiti hotline will be set up so residents can phone in the location of new graffiti and the graffiti task force will respond immediately. Using existing council employees and using a selection of paints, this innovative approach to beautifying the area will only cost a few hundred extra euros per year.” According to the Councillor, Tourism is the life-blood of

Caboroig

Orihuela Costa and the whole of Orihuela. He concluded: “Without it more businesses will close and more home owners will go into negative equity. With all the businesses and residents of Orihuela Costa working together with the Town Hall, we can become the most desirable tourist destination in Spain. Together we can and we will improve Orihuela Costa.”

New Head of Department of Tourism for Valencian Region SEBASTIÁN FERNÁNDEZ Miralles has taken on the position of Head of the Department of Tourism within the Valencia Generalitat; an appointment seen as a considerable challenge due to the department’s financial difficulties. There are rumours that Benidorm hoteliers specifically requested his appointment. Miralles said: “I will work closely with industry professionals in tourism administration to achieve the present and future challenges of this vital sector.” When asked how he would cope with the tourism promotion budget of 13,749,500€ he replied that there were plans to partake in 17 national and international promotional expos in 2012, with opportunities for marketing collaboration with industry associations and destinations. He also indicated there would be a concentrated effort to increase involvement in the online environment, specifically social networking.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

A star is born

by jack troughton THE FIRST baby Indian Rhino born in captivity in Spain made her first public appearance at Benidorm´s Terra Natura yesterday (Thursday) drawing gasps of delight from the watching press. Weighing in at around 55kg, the inquisitive youngster – yet to be given an official name – trotted along in the sunshine with proud mum Shiwa, never straying more than two metres from protective custody. The baby was born on 8th February. There

was initial concern for her welfare and she needed to be bottle fed, her 1,800kg giant of a mother having to be milked by keepers because the calf lacked a feeding instinct. However, a natural public performer, she is now in perfect health and enjoying life as the latest and possibly rarest attraction at the popular theme park. Grab the chance to see the baby with the RTN exclusive price of 10€ per person to visit Terra Natura , just call 902 118 999.

Shakira nominated for awards

COLOMBIAN SINGING star Shakira has been nominated twice for the Prince of Asturias Awards this year: proposed for both the International Cooperation Award and the Concordia in recognition of her work on behalf of disadvantaged children in Latin America. Each of the Prince of Asturias Prizes endow a cash award of 50,000€ and a sculpture by Joan Miró. The presentation will take place at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo in the autumn, headed by the Prince of the Asturias. Shakira is also an ambassador for UNICEF and a US Government Advisor on Education for Hispanics and was recently honoured by the French Government with the Knight Order of Arts and Letters.

Road blocks stop more than 300 cars By Louise Clarke THE COUNCILLOR for Security and the Police in Torrevieja Eduardo Gil Rebollo, has reported this week that following last month’s preventative security controls, which were performed by members of the Local and Regional Police in the urbanisations of the city, a total of 323 vehicles were stopped. The road controls took place in the urbanisations of Los Balcones, Los Altos, La Siesta, El Chaparral and San Luis and as a result, 33 of the 323 that were stopped were found to be illegal for various reasons; mainly having an expired Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV), a lack of driver’s license or compulsory car

insurance. Seven vehicles were seized and taken to the municipal car pound. As well as the illegal cars, one person was found to be over the alcohol limit and one was arrested after being found to be under an arrest warrant in another municipality. Eduardo Gil Rebollo told RTN that these road blocks will continue in the future and will also be extended throughout the Torrevieja municipality as they proved very successful. He added that the intention of the local and regional governments is to continue to join their efforts and resources in order to ensure greater effectiveness and provide a safer and more secure Torrevieja.

mail

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

talk tous

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

letter of the week

Outrageous charges A FEW weeks ago I received a bank statement from Banco Santander in the UK showing that I had a balance of £29 pounds in a long-forgotten account. I emailed them to ask for a transfer to my Spanish account, and after a phone call to establish identity, they agreed. Okay, not a lot of money, but it´s mine! (I thought). When a credit of 13.65€ appeared in my Spanish bank account, I queried this. My bank (Bankia) told me that Santander had converted the sterling to 34€, deducted 10€ commission (for what?) and sent 24€. Bankia then

deducted 10€ commission (for what?) plus a ‘fee’ of 0.35€, leaving me with 13.65€ from my original 34€! Little wonder that major banks are posting multi-billion profits. Outside of a bank this would have been called ‘a robbery’ and people would go to jail. The bank clerk had a sense of humour, though: She said “Good job you had more than 20€ in the Santander account, or else you would have ended up owing us money!” John Fletcher Javea

A lot safer Crack down on foreign cars

WE ARE all aware of the ‘spat’ between Michael O’Leary and Alicante El Altet Airport concerning the use of air bridges to embark/disembark Passengers. Mr O’Leary prefers to use buses but this is not very fair when you consider that Ryanair makes a charge for ‘Priority Boarding’. Fine - those who have paid for this, get on the bus first - not a dedicated bus, but a bus for all, so that when the Priority Boarders have boarded, everyone else gets on the bus and taken to the aircraft. What happens then? - Last in, first out - the Priority Boarders are left in the slipstream of ‘ordinary’ folk who get on the aircraft first. How long before passengers realise that this ‘extra’ charge is levied for a facility that is just not available when using buses. With an air bridge, the Priority Boarders do just that - get on first. Ryanair uses air bridges at Gatwick and Manchester without any grumbles, so why not at Alicante? It is a lot safer! Best regards, Mick Prentice, A regular Monarch Passenger

I REFER to your article in RTN 10-16 February 2012, (Crack down on foreign registered cars). It is about time that the Spanish police got to grips with this issue. There are those of us who have made a commitment to live in Spain and have made every effort to adapt to Spanish life, which includes the legal aspects. That in itself is very frustrating when others circumvent the law! On a more serious note though – insurance - local insurance companies that are covering those foreign registered cars may well pay up in the event of a minor claim without much investigation, but I feel sure that in the event of a serious accident with fatal consequences, there is little chance that they would be prepared to pay out after they discover that the vehicle in question is on the road illegally, which in turn may affect the other fully legal party. Maybe it is time for the insurance companies to ask more questions! And finally, in this period of economic turmoil, the money that could be acquired in fines and reregistration fees could be put to very good use. Name withheld

Getting away from the politics of UK I SEE, once again, that you are allowing Mr. Jack Johnson to air his political views in your mail column, and letter of the week to boot!! I can only assume that since you publish so many of his distorted and rabid left wing views, you share his political beliefs!! Frankly, one of the reasons that I came to Spain, was to get away from the politics of the UK.

Although I do not share Mr. Johnson’s political leanings, I would not wish to join in any rants about any particular political party in a well read newspaper such as yours. Continuing to publish such personal beliefs of someone who appears to have such an axe to grind, is insulting to many of us who wish to live in peace. If

Mr. Johnson is so obsessed with hatred of the government that is not of his particular persuasion, why does he not go back to the UK and air his views to “The Daily Worker” or whatever? Why do you publish his views? Comments such as his have no place in the RTN or other newspapers. Yours Aye. Terence M. Newman

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

New Swedish Ambassador visits Torrevieja

The Mayor greets the new Swedish Ambassador to Spain

by LOUISE CLARKE THE MAYOR of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon and the Councillor for Citizenship welcomed the new Swedish Ambassador to Spain, Cecilia Julin, to the Town Hall during her recent visit to the city. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Consul of Sweden, Enrique Lorca and the President of Nordic Club Torrevieja, Henrik Westman. This was the first visit to Torrevieja by the Ambassador and was an important destination especially as Torrevieja has a substantial population of Swedish residents; with over 3,100 registered on the ‘padron’. At this first meeting, the Mayor encouraged a fluid communication channel between the Embassy

and the Consulate in order to enhance cultural relations between the Swedish people and the Torrevieja Town Hall. Also, the Mayor highlighted the excellent integration of Swedish citizens in the city, having been historically among the first tourists visiting Torrevieja. The Mayor then personally invited Ms Julin to the International Contest of Habanera this summer in which several Swedish choirs have participated in the past. He gave the Ambassador a traditional Torrevieja salt boat as a memento of her visit as well as several Habenera CDs and a box of spicy salt taken from the salt lakes of Torrevieja.

Changes in health policies

THE MINISTRY of Health is to decide on which features and services are to be financed by public health and which are not, based on their cost-effectiveness. This was decided on Wednesday during the first territorial health board meeting. Minister for Health Ana Mato explained that products and technologies that are “expendable” or “obsolete” will be dispensed with and other innovations will be financed to achieve improvements. Also, a single vaccination policy is to be created, effective from 2013, including a 5 million flu vaccine programme. . In addition, the ministry is to establish a single health card format, so patients can be treated without problems in any Spanish health system: each citizen will be assigned a unique code that will also integrate Spain into the European Health Card system.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

The Fast Track Hypnosis Diaries I SEE people every day to lose weight either by my Fast Track Weight Control or Fast Track Gastroband and each have their own reasons to lose weight. For some it is for vanity while for others it is for medical reasons. I had a lovely lady in for a session last week who needed to lose weight for a very different reason. She was overweight and had arthritis in her knees and back, so losing weight would obviously help her a great deal, but the main reason she was with me was because of her daughter-in-law. She was in her twenties, had a terminal brain tumour and was only expected to last a few months at the most. She was leaving behind a young daughter and the woman simply wanted to regain her fitness to the best of her abilities as she would have to care for her granddaughter for the rest of her life. It really does put things into perspective when you hear about something like this. There is an old expression I heard years ago: “I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man with no feet!” Last week also saw a variety of different problems. There was the chap who was an insurance representative (in Ireland they are called graveyard bookies) who couldn’t do ‘cold calling’ (the practice of appearing at a place and introducing themselves in the hope of getting new business). His problem was that he would simply drive up to the prospective new client address and sit in his car convincing himself there was no point in going in as it would be a waste of time before driving off to the next one! This is actually a very common one to do: it normally takes approximately four sessions to help with this by putting into the sessions goal setting; targets; ambitions; decision-making, etc., plus teaching auto hypnosis so they can do it themselves - to calm themselves down while outside in the car! Nurses giving reports is another common problem and I had three in last week for this. My main office in Belfast is right beside the City Hospital and I would get quite a few of the personnel there coming to see me

for various problems each week. Giving reports at the end of the nurses’ shift usually goes hand in hand with blushing and lack of confidence. Indeed I also would get the junior doctors in with this as well. Driving on a motorway is another one that comes up every so often. This usually occurs when the person for some reason or other has had a panic attack while driving or as a passenger on the motorway. The mind then goes into the ‘what if’ scenario: “What if I go onto the motorway and have one of these panic attacks how do I get off, particularly if I am stuck in traffic?” Therefore they will not go on them or plan a journey with plenty of turn offs – just in case! This one is very common with people who have to drive for a living, i.e. midwives, lorry drivers, etc. A phobia will only hit where it can do damage. You would not have a phobia of polar bears unless you worked in a zoo! It must do damage otherwise it is not a phobia. Another interesting problem last week was a young chap called Neal who has a phobia about eating food. He can’t eat foods that are not within his comfort zone. He is restricted to chips, beans and some meats. He simply can’t bear the thought of trying something new. Obviously this is a very unhealthy diet and he doesn’t want to take supplementary vitamins for the rest of his life. It’s not my job to force him to eat different types of food (which I can’t – nobody can ) but simply to help him over the fear of trying to taste something new and then make it into a personal choice if he likes it or not, which he wants to do. “I write on behalf of my mother-in-law Rita, who came to Alan as she was a heavy smoker, 40/60 per day. All avenues had failed. However, after one session

she was completely ‘smoke free’ and didn’t even have a craving for cigarettes! We were delighted for her because she struggled for so long and 20 years on she was still smoking. Unfortunately Rita has passed on, but thanks to Alan, she had a ‘smoke free’ life and enjoyed herself. I am now seeking help from Alan for my son Neal, who has a phobia and I am confident that Alan once again will ensure Neal will overcome this in time, so anyone who has any kind of problems, seek Alan’s advice: you will be pleasantly surprised... Partricia.” There were also a couple of people who came back to me to stop smoking I had seen several years ago. They left some feedback on how Fast Track Hypnosis had helped them with the problem they had: “My partner and I had made the decision to travel to Australia and get married whilst there. Unfortunately I was considering not going due to my dreaded fear of spiders! After attending Alan’s Belfast clinic for 3 - 4 sessions my life completely changed. I was no longer scanning rooms for creatures, I do not break into ‘cold sweats’ at the sight of them; I am a calmer, more controlled person. I will never like spiders but I can remain calm and deal with the situation much more effectively. I was able to go to Oz - get married and have a fabulous time! Thanks Alan… Toni.” “I approached Alan as I suffered exam stress. Prior to my consultation I had previously walked out of exams due to stress. This was despite having prepared properly. After my consultation I passed every exam. When I felt myself getting stressed I could hear Alan’s voice and the positive suggestions he made to me. I would recommend Alan to anyone who needs to eliminate exam stress... James.” More Fast Track Hypnosis next time.

Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm and NEW in Los Alcazares. Alan is also the creator of the ‘Stop Smoking in under 30 minutes Fast Track System’. For an appointment, brochure or a free of charge initial consultation on your particular problem, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408 or visit his websites www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com or www.hypnosiscostablanca.com

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

British expats star in Channel 4 TV documentary by Louise Clarke The programme ‘Our Man In… The Costas’, which is due to be broadcast next Thursday, 8th March on Channel 4, stars British residents on the Costas. The widely-praised TV documentary series on the work of the British Consulates features expats at an outreach event in Torrevieja, shoppers meeting consular staff in Iceland supermarket and Brits caught up in a forest fire in Murcia. The programme provides exclusive, behind-the scene access to the work of the British Consulate in Alicante in helping Brits in distress. The job of the eightstrong consular team is to provide assistance to an estimated 330,000 British residents in the Alicante district, plus 3.5 million British holidaymakers who visit the area every year.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Spanish court clears exjudge in Civil War probe BALTASAR GARZÓN, the Spanish judge well known for his involvement in high-profile human rights cases, was acquitted by the Spanish court on Monday. A panel of judges ruled that he had not overstepped his jurisdiction when he launched an investigation into right-wing atrocities connected with the1936-39 Spanish Civil War. It was found that Garzon “misinterpreted Spanish law but did not knowingly and arbitrarily violate the limits of his jurisdiction,” as would be required for a conviction, according to the Supreme Court justices in their 6-1 vote and 63-page ruling.

Prescription exercise

PRO-ACTIVE Paul Rodwell, Alicante Consul, told RTN: “The programme shows some of the expats we are here to help. Our pro-active visits to the community are designed to listen to the concerns of British residents, and help them with issues ranging from property to pensions. We’re also very keen to get the message across that residents can do simple things to help themselves and their friends. Make sure your visitors have got travel insurance, or they could end up asking you for money to help with huge medical bills. There is a lot of help that is easy to find on the ukinspain website. It could save you from confusing and incorrect advice that circulates on the expat rumour mill.” INSIGHTFUL ‘Our Man In… The Costas’ is the second in a three-part series on the work of the British consulates in Spain that has been widely praised by the critics. “The job title may suggest a world of panama hats and ambassador’s receptions but the life of a British consular officer is far from glamorous”, says The Daily Telegraph. “Her Majesty’s representatives are there to pick up the pieces” says The Times, while the Mail on Sunday describes the series as “Insightful… light hearted and tragic by turns”. As well as helping Brits caught up in a forest fire, the programme shows consular staff working with Spanish police to manage an invasion of tartan-clad football fans for a Spain vs Scotland game in Alicante and dealing with a fatal road traffic accident in Benidorm. The programme about Alicante goes out on Thursday 8th March at 23.00 CET, was filmed mainly in August and September last year and is produced by Screenchannel Television, a Londonbased independent production company.

by Louise Clarke THE SAN Javier Town Hall along with the Murcia Health Authority has launched an initiative this week to prescribe exercise to patients. San Javier is collaborating with the municipalities of Los Alcazares, San Pedro del Pinatar and Torre Pacheco to offer an active prescription programme of physical activity and counselling to promote a healthy lifestyle. Patients who undergo this programme will perform 30 sessions of physical activities, according to their ability, over three months which will be supervised by a specialised fitness instructor in the relevant municipal sports centres for free. The Health and Social Policy programme was presented by the Mayor of San Javier, Juan Martínez Pastor, after the signing of the cooperation agreement between the local British Town Halls and the regional Ministry for Health. He told Consul RTN: “This programme aims to improve the quality of life of for patients in the area.” Alicante, Pictured are the four Mayors and the Minister of Health Paul Rodwell and Social Policy, Ángeles Palacios

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

New neuro-rehabilitation centre opens

by Louise Clarke

TUESDAY SAW the official opening of a brand new neuro-rehabilitation at the USP San Jaime Hospital in Torrevieja. The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, the Regional Director of Health, Jose Angel Sanchez, Deputy Mayor and Diputada of Provincial Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo, and the manager of USP San Jaime, Roberto Ferrándiz. The new and pioneering neuro-rehabilitation unit is the first of its kind in Spain as it will be using interactive technology for the treatment of neurological injury. The unit is unique in Valencia and staff in the unit will diagnose and treat those with neurodegenerative diseases as well as offer a comprehensive and personalised treatment to patients. WORLD CLASS Thanks to the innovative interactive technology of the neuro-rehabilitation unit it will be able to provide training support to patients and their families as well as caregivers in order to better understand neurological pathology. The manager of USP San Jaime, Roberto Ferrándiz welcomed the launch of this new unit. He told RTN: “This unit offers a pioneering service with the best facilities and world class technology and the opening of it means that the people of Valencia, Alicante and especially the city of Torrevieja have, from this moment, one of the only neuro-rehabilitation services in Spain. And above all, it is the first in the country offering training support to families and patients with interactive reality technology using the Biotrak virtual rehabilitation and multi-touch screen.”

The unit’s physiotherapist explains the how the unit can help those suffering from neurode generative diseases

BENCHMARK The interactive reality system combines virtual images with real images and facilitates spatial understanding through virtual objects displayed in 3D. This technology has the purpose of training for patients and relatives and because the understanding is much faster and intuitive, patients respond quicker. The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, congratulated the USP San Jaime Hospital for continuing to be at the forefront

of the Spanish health system and thanked its continued support of the city of Torrevieja. The Mayor told RTN: “In just a decade, Torrevieja has grown from a city with many gaps in healthcare to become a benchmark both nationally and internationally.” Eduardo Dolon added that he was delighted to be asked to open the new unit and that the city of Torrevieja will continue to collaborate and support all the initiatives of the USP San Jaime Hospital to be aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.

Over 200 Brits attend open day in Algorfa

Freemasons help Men’s Refuge in Gandia

More than 200 Brits attended the event

by Louise Clarke MORE THAN two hundred Brits attended last week’s Consulate Road Show in Algorfa, all of whom were keen to hear about consular services and find out about their entitlements to pension, benefit and healthcare. “How many of you are happy living here?” asked the British Consul, Paul Rodwell, prompting more than 200 hands to be raised in the air. “How many of you continue to watch British television?” he continued. Again all raised their hands. “And how many

voted in the last municipal elections?” to which only a handful of residents held their hands up. This sad indictment is exactly the reason why these Consulate Road Shows are so beneficial to British expat residents living in the Costa Blanca. The Consul used the presentation to explain what the Consulate can and cannot do and also to encourage residents to integrate and get involved in their local community. Algorfa was not selected as a venue at random. The town has 4,800 inhabitants,

72% of which is of foreign origin and the English community represents 59% of the total. Residents were keen to discuss local issues and learn from the experts about their entitlements in Spain. The Pension, Benefit and Healthcare team went on to clear up doubts that British nationals have about how to access healthcare in Spain and the benefits they can continue to claim once they leave the UK, explaining that all the information covered can be found on the UK Foreign Office website in Spain – ukinspain.fco.gov.uk.

THE GRAND Lodge of Spain, under the Grand Master Oscar de Alfonso Ortega, recently allocated 3,000€ to the Men’s Refuge in Gandia, run by Franciscan monks. New ‘hospital wings’ have been built over the last 12 years on the site of old farm buildings, by local businesses at virtually no cost to the Refuge. These new wings meet new ‘Care Standards’ with wide doors and corridors, en suite facilities and each double room has a balcony. However the electrical supply needed updating with 3 Phase electricity and a ‘Transformer Fund’ was launched to help raise the 90,000€ required for the work. The Original Charity Shop in Javea has given many thousands to help and slowly the money has trickled in from a variety of charitable sources but there is still a long way to go. Further information on Freemasonry or the Refuge may be obtained from Ray Horn on rayhorn38@gmail.com

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Exhibition is a winner by patricia thompson

MILLIE MUNRO and her sales team were very pleased to meet with many new people as visitors poured into the ‘This is Spain’ exhibition over the weekend in Orihuela Costa. The event proved to be a success, generating many good leads and allowing Millie to mingle with lots of friendly faces. Millie was also visited by her Golden Leaves Sales and Marketing Director, Barry Floyd. He came to the exhibition with Stephanie Gardner, an administrator who works out of the Croydon office in London and introduced her to the team. The entire team was invited to dinner at the Orihuela Costa Hotel by Mr. Floyd, which started off with champagne followed by a delicious meal. Everyone shared their stories

L to R: Simon Nathaniel, Pedro Quintais, Millie Munro, Mike Thornton, David Longworth and Paul Bell

and the dinner proved to be an endearing feast. Millie and her team would like to thank everyone who participated in the prize draw at the exhibition with winners to be announced soon. Also, Millie would like to remind all generous

people that her office, in Benitachell, is a Food Bank where dried and tin foods can be dropped off. The ‘Feed The Hungry’ campaign continues as the need for food to help families increases daily.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Record breaking carnival

The Santiago del Ribera Carnival was officially record breaking

by Louise Clarke LAST WEEKEND’S Santiago del Ribera Carnival was officially record breaking after more than 2,500 people took part in the historical parade. More than 50 different groups participated in the event which was viewed by thousands of people who packed the Avenida de Mar Menor and came from throughout the Murcia region to see the spectacle. The good weather added to the success of the Carnival which has claimed its status as a Regional Tourist Interest with the largest gathering of public participation in its history. The parade lasted for nearly four hours with the participation of all local associations and groups as well a many from other local municipalities including a large contribution from Cartagena.

The Road to Morocco

FOUR ADVENTUROUS Elche residents set off this week in Fiat Pandas on a 5,000km Expedition to Morocco to help with schooling for 2,000 children in Southern Morocco. Javier Moreno, Mark Callejo, Enrique Sanchez and Miguel Angel Munoz are the four friends who will represent Elche over a seven day events dubbed the ‘Panda Raid’, featuring 84 vehicle entrants from Spain, Italy and Andorra. The party departs from Madrid and proceeds to Algeciras and Tangiers, the gateway to Africa. The friends are taking with them 40 kilos of school supplies. Divided into six different stages, the route travels snow covered mountains in northern Morocco, the Southern desert and the Moroccan beaches.

David Bisbal shows how it’s done IT WAS a full house at Torrevieja’s new Music Auditorium last Saturday to see former Spanish talent show winner David Bisbal perform his second concert in the city. More than 1,200 people, many of whom descended on Torrevieja from towns across Valencia, Murcia, Almeria and Albacete packed into the new venue which amazed everyone, including David Bisbal himself who said he was impressed with its spectacular infrastructure and design. In his first visit to Torrevieja, the Almeria born singer was delighted to receive a traditional gift of the city; a Torrevieja lagoon boat covered in salt from the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana. The concert, which was sold out literally within minutes, lasted for two hours and finished with a song dedicated to his daughter who he called his “princess” and a standing ovation by the grateful audience.

The other side of the fence

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Chris Marshall Expat blogger www.almerimarlife.com

AS I write this I am sat in the UK digesting a Sunday Carvery and reading the first edition of The Sun on Sunday. The Carvery was excellent, but at £9.49 not cheap, especially considering that it only included a main course. Starters and desert were extra, although you could visit the carver as many times as you wanted for extra vegetables, not for additional meat. Must be about 15 years since I last had a Carvery and back then you got starter, desert and as many trips back to the counter for meat etc. as you wanted. That said one plate was enough for all of us and it was certainly all exceptionally well cooked, and good quality. How did it compare to the ‘equivalent’ one plate Sunday Roast available in many an English Bar along the Costas? Well it was certainly more expensive, but I suspect made from better quality ingredients and with a wider range of vegetables on option. We all thought the price was a little expensive and could have included a starter or a desert, but we had no complaints as far as the value went, and no regrets paying the price. So - better than I have encountered here in Spain quality wise but more expensive. The most notable feature of the meal though was the number of people that they served. The restaurant could hold 100 easily, we arrived at 1pm and it was already pretty full and my mate and I left about 6pm after watching the rugby over a ‘few’ pints and they were still going strong. They must have served 600 people at least during the day, and it was refreshing, to be honest, to be sat in a busy restaurant for a change! As for The Sun on Sunday: it was horrible! Absolutely nothing like the News of the World content wise and the layout was just far too fussy and busy with loads of little text boxes and snippets of information all over the place. I did a bit of a survey of the people around

Rupert Murdoch with the first edition of The Sun on Sunday

me and they all agreed that it was just too messy to read, it was hard to stay focused on a story with all the other bits and pieces on the pages. Back in Spain a few stories caught my eye: Some good news for Malaga and Motril which are further down the coast to us as the government has derailed plans to bring the so-called Mediterranean Corridor inland through the Serrania de Ronda… and decided it should run along the coast. PP leader Mariano Rajoy has announced that the rail route should go from Algeciras to Almeria, via Malaga. The new proposal, which will cost 11.7€ billion, is now being taken to the EU for its final approval. I had to smile at the story that Mijas police lost a fleeing fugitive because they couldn’t cough up the 3.20€ toll fee quickly enough! I have actually seen this happen when a police car with its blue light flashing

has had to stop at the toll to pay to get through. Surely it is time to lift the charge on the police, fire and ambulance services. The weather back in the UK was very mild and we even saw the sun, but they have had a pretty bad winter recently. Unlike Spain, where this winter has been the driest for seventy years according to the State Meteorological Agency, with only sixty litres per square metre of rain since December. The past three months surpasses the previous record, set in 1981, of 81 litres per square metre and the quarter so far is the driest since 1940. Most reservoirs are at around 60% capacity, however, due to the rains of the past couple of years but odd ones are already in trouble, down to 40% in some cases. So the question I leave you with is: which country has a hosepipe ban in place already?

Chris is a freelance writer who writes a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat as well as a weekly column for the RTN. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, five cats, two Harley-Davidsons and more often than not a bottle of red wine. He runs the successful expat blog www.almerimarlife.com, and his wife runs the cat re-homing and transport project www.alstrays.com. Chris’s columns are sponsored by www.spain-holiday.com and www.campaya.co.uk on the Telegraph Expat site and by www.blitzcleaning.es here on RTN. You can hear Chris every Friday discussing his views, thought and experiences of life in Spain on www.italkfm.com.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Lawyers bid big by jack troughton GENEROUS LAWYERS Pellicer and Heredia won a sealed auction to secure a poppy painting created to mark the Royal British Legion’s 90th Anniversary in 2011. Painted by artist Ana Ayen, the picture was presented to Ignacio Pellicer and Pedro Heredia on Wednesday morning by British Consul Paul Rodwell – a neighbour of the pair as their Alicante offices are in the same building as the Consulate. The lawyers were successful with a 1,000€ bid and the cash will help support former service men and women and their families living in the huge geographical area covered by Royal British Legion in Spain District North. The money will be added to the record 134,131€ raised in last year’s Poppy Appeal, a figure 25% up on the annual appeal 12 months earlier and bucking the trend of the current economic gloom. Mr Rodwell said the appeal’s success was “incredible” and the money from the auction “will also go to supporting Brits in need which is fantastic”. District North Chairman Chris Wyatt added: “We were quite astounded by the generosity of Pellicer and Heredia in purchasing this painting for 1,000€.” Pictured (left to right) are Mr Wyatt, Mr Rodwell, Mr Pellicer and Mr Heredia with the painting.

The adoption of foreign children grinds to a halt SPANISH FAMILIES receiving foreign children for adoption have met with increasingly obstructive restrictions from foreign governments in the last two years, particularly from countries such as China. While in 2004 there were 841 adoptions of foreign children in Madrid, the figured almost halved in 2011 to 459, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. In 2004 the requirements for adoption focused on the purchasing power of families, their emotional stability as a couple and basic health issues. Demands for information imposed upon host families now include details on Body Mass Index and a description of the cultural pursuits of the applicants, with the process taking more than three years to complete. Despite the obstacles, successful applicants still describe the wait as: “Worth it: worth more.”

The UCI to bail out Spanish cycling IN AN effort to keep the wheels turning for the Spanish cycling fraternity, the International Cycling Union (UCI) is to intervene to prevent the suspension of the Tour of the Basque Country and the San Sebastian Classic Cycling Race. Both races are on the verge of suspension due to financial pressures. The UCI’ intervention programme will pay for the vital equipment necessary to run the races and prevent the demise of Spain’s cycling heritage. The fate of other, small races has not yet been decided. UCI president Pat McQuaid is to travel to Spain this weekend to participate in the XXIII Congress of the European Cycling Union to be held in Segovia on Sunday.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Sunday’s now just another Sun day...

WELL FOLKS, the prediction we made in this column way back in July has finally come to pass: old Murdoch-most-foul has re-launched the News of the World as the Sun on Sunday. Wall-to-wall ads on Rupert’s Sky Channels heralded the news with much fanfare while we mere mortals held our breath. Would it work? Without a team of work-experience researchers to pound the streets for me I had to sally forth on Sunday and do a bit on me tod. As I drove up the A38 from Sutton Coldfield to Lichfield I called in at half-a-dozen petrol stations and to my surprise every single forecourt had run out of copies of the Sun. And this was only mid-morning! I decided that on Monday I’d pop into my favourite newsagents in the whole of the Midlands, namely Mercia News in Tamworth’s Victoria Road, and have a chat with Mark. Now, Mark who owns it, along with wife Mandy (who is the real boss) is a fount of knowledge in most things ‘newspaperly’. Mark told me that he’d sold half of the copies of the Sun that he’d been sent. “But,” he added, “they did send me quite a lot and to be fair I sold three copies of the Sun to every other newspaper.” That’s the broadsheets and tabloids alike. He chuckled, “They even wanted to set up a stand outside the shop and provide me with a couple of sales-people.” On BBC’s Question Time, Labour MP Emily Thornberry called the re-launching of the paper “audacious and arrogant” adding “but that’s Rupert Murdoch.” And that same Murdocian audacity saw the grizzled Antipodean peg the cover price at just 50p! Naturally, the other Sunday titles had to follow suit and drop their prices. How long this price can be sustainable we’ll have to wait and see and of course for you folks on the Costa Blanca the Spanish version will be considerably more. I’ve heard that it cost 2€, please let me know if that’s correct; you know the address: p.watts@roundtownnews.com Steve Hewlett, presenter of Radio 4’s, The Media Show said, “Launching the Sun on Sunday makes commercial sense. There is probably a space in the market...” You’re ‘probably’ not wrong there Steve. A

Mandy shuts her eyes in horror at the hoards of approaching Sunday Sun readers, while Mark and Kimberly stand brave

rudimentary glance at Willing’s Press Guide reveals that since the departure of the News of the World no take-up of rival titles has been made by ex-News of the World readers. It would appear that over two million readers had simply stopped buying a Sunday paper. Only just the smallest percentage moved to the Mail on Sunday, Sunday Mirror or Sunday Express. Mandy at Mercia News confirmed this. She told me that after the News of the World had finished all of the other Sunday papers, rather than increasing, had suffered. “We’ve sold fewer of the others since it went,” she said. Maybe, the Sun on Sunday’s launch will reju-

venate the Sunday paper market once again. But will the Sunday edition of the Sun ever beat the News of the World’s top position? Last week Steve Hewlett said, “With 2.7 million readers and a brand as strong as The Sun there is every reason to think it’ll work.” Well, Stevie boy, work it certainly did because, as we now know, last Sunday old Murdoch shifted 3,250,000 (yup, that’s three and a quarter million) copies! Is it any wonder that News Corp shares rose by 60 percent? Of course, not all of those copies were sent to Mark down at Mercia News... Watts in Sun soaked Britain, so you don’t have to be.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

La Marina power surges by louise clarke RTN WAS contacted by La Marina resident Pat Wakefield earlier this week asking us to look into why La Marina is plagued with power cuts. She told us: “We have lived here since 2004 and I can honestly say they happen frequently. The problem is they are playing havoc with our electrical equipment and alarms are continuously going off all over the urbanisation.” She added: “There is obviously a serious problem with the power supply that needs to be addressed. We have spoken to other people who don’t live on the urbanisation and who have lived here longer than us and never had a power cut. We have just thrown away our third DVD player which cost over 300€ each, which is a lot in seven years. Please help because there must be so many people like us who are at their wits end.” RENEWAL Eager to get to the bottom of the problem for Pat and her fellow La Marina residents, RTN contacted the Councillor for

Urbanisations, Jeff Wiszniewski. He told RTN that he contacted Iberdrola a few months ago regarding this very situation. He said: “I was informed that the company is in the process of renewing many of the switches in the local areas as some are as much as twenty years old and are beginning to break down. The new type of switches will be connected to a central computer and will be able to monitor the power supply, to ensure that a proper service can be maintained.”

SURGE PROTECTOR Unfortunately at the moment, when one of the older switches breaks down it puts increased pressure on the grid. This is what Iberdrola think could be the cause of the power failures. Jeff continued: “It is hoped that the majority of these switches will be replaced by the end of the year. It would be advantageous for readers to buy surge protectors for their most expensive equipment. The cost of a surge protector far outweighs the cost of a new computer, television or CD/DVD player. I would also say that as most power cuts seem to happen during the night, readers should remove the plugs from their sockets as the surge can cause the plugs and sockets to overheat and the wiring to degrade. Even small power spikes can degrade internal circuitry and dramatically shorten the life of electronic devices. For this reason, all important electronics and appliances should be connected to a surge protector.”

money

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

It’s not all doom and gloom in 2012: a recession busting service – and a huge business opportunity

MANY RESIDENTS on the Costa Blanca are already profiting from Sporting Arbitrage, a trading facility that consistently provides clients a monthly return of 2.75% tax free. It’s a facility that until relatively recently had only been utilised by the banking industry and/or the mega wealthy. Milton Express, the Seychelles-based originators of the scheme, actually market a sports advisory service that pays significantly higher returns – but with a degree of volatility.

Steve Kelly

Steve Kelly, founder and director of Milton Express, has no doubts that people who try the full range of services will soon reap the rewards. Such is his confidence in the quality of the services that the company are offering a three month cut price trial with a money back guarantee should the service fail to make a profit. But that’s not all! The company has introduced a stunning concept named ‘Winning Express’ – where members will not only benefit from the services themselves but can promote them to others via a free replicate website. Steve explains: “We know there will be a demand for these services. For years I have catered for a small exclusive band of clients who have genuinely prospered significantly. My colleagues and I sat down with our marketing people and devised a way to bring all these advantages to the masses.” What Steve and his team considered was a series of indisputable facts. “We knew,” continued Steve, “that the majority of people

no longer had faith in the banks, the pension companies, the stock market and certainly not politicians! We felt we could find a way to not only enhance the lifestyle of those with spare capital but we could at the same time transform the lives of those who’ve suffered because of the UK and European recession by giving them an opportunity to make money for themselves.” And substantial incomes are genuinely available: ‘Winning Express’ not only provides free marketing tools to promote the services but offers a staggering eight levels of commission that can genuinely reward members with a six figure annual income. One long-standing client of Milton Express is the former top flight footballer and now respected BBC pundit Steve Claridge who has no reservations in recommending the services – and the opportunity on offer. “I think it’s brilliant that the expertise that’s been available to just a well-informed chosen few is now going to be available to so many,” said Steve, “…and I’m excited to be involved in the launch of Winning Express, as this is

Steve Claridge

a concept that can change peoples’ lives for the better.” So, whether it’s a bigger return on your capital you’re seeking or simply a chance to earn a huge income, Winning Express sounds like the vehicle for you. To speak to someone about it ring the La Regia office on 96 532 2863.

money

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

The Spanish Property Inheritance Tax Ticking Time Bomb by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

INHERITANCE TAX may be payable in two jurisdictions by owners of Spanish Property and their Beneficiaries - Spain and the UK. In Spain it is the person who is inheriting the property that is taxed whereas in the UK it is the estate that is taxed. This means that on the death of an owner of a Spanish property, the surviving Spouse and/or any other Beneficiaries will need to probate the Estate in both Spain and the UK. Inheritance tax laws in Spain provide that immovable assets such as property cannot be realised in order to pay the inheritance taxes due. Common Misconceptions: 1. A Spanish Will negates the problem Incorrect â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Spanish will can often complicate matters as it may conflict with an earlier Will prepared in the UK. A Spanish Will cannot be varied after death and therefore limits the options of the beneficiaries. If there is only a UK Will then with agreement of the beneficiaries the Will can be varied to accommodate the inheritors wishes. The only requirement of the Spanish authorities is to be presented with a death certificate and letters of administration from the UK, translated, notorised and apostiled. If the property is owned in individual names a UK or Spanish Will makes no difference to the Tax as it will still have to be paid in Spain on death. 2. Double taxation treaties between Spain

and the UK will help with the tax being reduced. While this is true in respect of identical taxes, Inheritance Tax is not subject to this rule due to two different entities being the subject of the Tax. In the UK it is the estate which is taxed and in Spain it is the beneficiaries who are taxed meaning that one tax cannot necessarily be offset against the other. Unilateral relief is potentially available in the UK but is complicated to establish and may only allow a small percentage of the taxes paid in Spain to be offset against UK inheritance tax. 3. Re-financing the property will avoid IHT. If there is a mortgage on the property (Hipoteca) and a loan subject to that mortgage then effectively the property owner does not own that part of the property subject to the loan. Therefore inheritance tax is only payable on the net value inherited. Of course it may be that the bank have an insurance policy assigned to them which will clear the loan on death. This means the full value of the property will be inherited and full tax payable. The alternative would be that the beneficiaries have a loan on the property on which the payments will need to be maintained and the borrowing ultimately settled by the executor of the estate. 4. Joint ownership of the property with your children/beneficiary means they do not need to pay IHT. Passing ownership of your property to your

inheritors has many complications, and one has to consider the implications in respect of gift tax, transfer tax and capital gains tax in both the UK and Spain. Furthermore it is not advisable to dispose of your assets until you have completely finished using the benefit. If you transfer part of the asset probate will still be required on any balance you retain. A second complication of using this tactic is that the asset could be at risk should there be a marital or financial issue with one of your co owners and of course it is always possible that a son or daughter could predecease their parents which would mean the parents would be at risk of losing control of part of their asset depending on the Will or marital status of the deceased person. Wincham Consultants offers 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 and avoid acquiring an illegal or encumbered property. Whether you currently own a property in Spain, are about to purchase one or own the property in an offshore or Spanish SL Company, Wincham Consultants 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

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

property, been operating in Spain for almost 20 years, but we own a portfolio of properties using the UK Company structure which we advocate our Clients use. Our team of qualified professionals includes UK Lawyers, Tax Consultants, Chartered Accountants, Gestores (Qualified legal Assistants), Economistas, Abogados, (Spanish Lawyers) and Notary Public. The company holds a money laundering licence issued by HMRC and Professional Indemnity Insurance. Priding ourselves on a professional, friendly and informative service, you will always receive communications in your native language wherever possible and undertake to respond to enquiries in a prompt and courteous manner. Contact Wincham for Help & Advice If you would like to understand your Tax implications in Spain and receive our free Spanish Inheritance Tax illustration then please contact one of our Consultants on +44 (0)1260 299 700 (UK) or 0034 965 830 991 (Spain) or visit our website www.winchamiht.com. Our Consultants can also explain some of the other benefits of moving your property into a UK Company today. With Spanish taxation on the increase there are many benefits to restructuring your assets now, saving you and your beneficiaries, money in the future. Providing solutions to your problems.

money

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

The domino effect

WE ARE all looking to reduce our outgoings and the area we are focussing on is the electricity bill, one of the largest household bills. Someone recently asked me if I thought it was worth going to all the trouble of switching companies just to save a cent or two per kilowatt. What he didn’t realise is when you reduce your kilowatt rate, it has a knock-on effect which helps lower the overall bill. By paying less per kilowatt you reduce the amount of electricity tax you pay (charged at 4.86%) which in turn, reduces the IVA you pay (18%). If you only reduce your rate by a cent or two, the long term effect can be very worthwhile. And then of course, if you manage to fix your rate, every time there is a price increase the difference between what you would pay with your current supplier and the new company becomes greater. Iberswitch is an independent company who act as middle men between you and the electricity companies. They will handle the entire process of switching but won’t stop there. They monitor the market and when a better rate is available, switch you again automatically. Once a client, they can supply you with a Power Saver to further reduce your bill. It works by reducing the wastage caused by surges when you switch on appliances and lights. They have an offer exclusive to their clients of 40€ plus IVA per device. Most homes only need one and can see long term savings by using one. For more details give Iberswitch a call: 96 626 5089.

Company Women celebrate local women in business

IT’S BEEN a tough couple of years on the Costas but we continue to celebrate successful women in business. These women need your support and the recognition for keeping a business afloat; seeing a gap in the market; supporting a local charity or simply delivering excellent customer service. The judging has taken place and our finalists have been chosen. Congratulations go to: Customer Focus Award: Shirley Adams: Business Development Manager Lloyds Bank International Karen Love: Proprieter of Postroom Benijofar, Sponsored by Company Women Business Excellence Award: Gina Marks: Sol Productions Ena Cummings: Golden Keys Property, sponsored by Print Room Spain Best New Business Award: Denise Richardson: My Piece of Cake Cathryn Glennon: Crown Jewels Ena Cummings: Nursery Hire, sponsored by Debbie Mackleston, Euronics, Blue Lagoon Fund Raiser Award: Norah Bond: Help at Home Annette English: Emaus Linda: Animal Aid, sponsored by Post Room Benijofar Business Women of the Year: Debbie Mackleston: Euronics (Blue Lagoon) Gina Marks: Sol Productions Karen Love: Post Room Benijofar, sponsored by The Foreign Trust A huge thank you to our judges for taking time out of their busy schedules! Richard Cavender – Viva TV, Dave Bull – All Abroad and Author of ‘It Just is!’, Mary Davidson – Pinks in Benijofar, and Norman Love the fastest printer in the west....Print Room Spain Benijofar! For more information about Company Women visit please visit our website on www.companywomen.org

legal

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

What to do if an estate agent claims his fees from a vendor even though the sale did not complete by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

Dear Sirs, I have recently agreed a sale of my property through an estate agent who introduced me to the purchaser. The purchaser and I signed a private sale contract and I received from him 10% of the total sale price as a deposit. Unfortunately the buyer was unable to continue with the purchase; and we terminated the contract by agreeing that I would keep the 10% paid as compensation. The estate agent is now claiming his commission from me but I believe that I can refuse to pay him, as the house was not sold, and nor was the full amount received. Can the agent claim against me for his fees even though the intended purchaser and I did not sign a Deed and the property was not sold in the end? Dear reader, Thank you for your query. Unfortunately without being able to read the actual contract signed between you and the estate agent dealing with the sale of your property, it is impossible for us to

provide you with complete and full legal advice. However, if we take it that your main concern here is to know at what stage of the proposed sale the estate agent is usually entitled to demand his commission, one view is that this normally only happens when the sale contract is signed by both parties (seller and purchaser) or only when the vendor receives total payment for the property (which usually occurs when the sale is completed and the public Title Deed is signed in front of the Notary). Conversely, though, it is true that this matter could be argued differently. Because it may be the case that this is the sort of contract where the real estate agent is effectively acting as a broker i.e. where he is tasked to mediate and find a third party interested in purchasing the property. Therefore it could be understood that he will have the right to demand his commission once his finding of a proposed purchaser has proven to be effective, and the purchasing contract entrusted to him has been signed. Although there are Court Orders in both directions, we understand that this second view is the rule in the majority of cases as written by the Supreme Court in Order 101-1922 and its following clauses, which confirm that the mediator has the right to the agreed remuneration even if the contract does not reach completion. So if a purchasing contract was signed as result of his work and negotiation, the view can be taken that in fact the mediation contract was completed. If unfortunately

the signed purchasing agreement does not move ahead, or indeed fails to complete as in your case, it is still understandable why the broker-agent is claiming that he has done his job successfully even though you, the vendor, have not received the total payment. This is of course only a general indication; clearly each case must be individually studied because the outcome will greatly depend on the type of agreement entered into with the agent, the wording and clauses of the signed contract, and the terms set forth on the contract that could tie in the agent’s payments to the sale being completed, or with the signing of the Deeds, etc. Therefore if you are an agent, or an individual owner looking forward to selling your property, you should first of all make sure that you know your obligations, rights and especially when your agent’s fees can be demanded. Should any reader be 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. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

money

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Who’s been collecting your taxes? Banco Santander by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

ONE THING is clear: tax is in demand at the moment. Every country is vying for your taxes and nobody is anxious to concede that another treasury is entitled to your hard-earned money. However, between Britain and Spain there are some clear rules around this: IF YOU LIVE FOR MORE THAN 183 DAYS IN SPAIN THEN YOU SHOULD PAY YOUR TAXES HERE Did I hear a sharp intake of breath and exclamations of, “Yes, but…!’ There might be a handful of exceptions, but 99.9% of people do live in one place for the majority of the year and should pay their taxes in the place where they live. Certainly there is no excuse when a double taxation agreement exists, as it does between the UK and Spain. This means that the two countries agree that it is only necessary to pay tax in one country. Of course, it does not absolve you from paying taxes anywhere as some people seem to think. Aside from those who live in their own world of tax immunity there is a second group of people who think they can choose where they pay their taxes. That it’s up to some kind of eeny, meeny, miny, moe whose treasury they should bolster. It’s quite clear. Once you have been here for more than 183 days your tax situation changes. You are no longer a non-resident property owner paying imputed income tax but a Spanish resident making an annual income tax declaration in May/ June – case closed. With one exception – crown service employment tax is currently deducted in the UK. The Tax Bands in Spain will change next year but are currently 24%, 28%, 37% and up to 43% for incomes over 52,360€. Most pensioners do not come into this tax bracket! In fact some won’t have to pay any tax at all. If you are trying to do the right thing and pay your taxes in Spain then you might have come across the ‘Spain Individual Form’ (previously FD9)

HOW TO FILL IN THE FD9/ FORM SPAIN INDIVIDUAL The form itself is available from the HMRC site: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/spain-individual.pdf It is meant for anyone who is a resident in Spain but receiving either: • A pension • Purchased annuities • Interest • Royalties arising in the UK Its purpose is to ensure that you don’t have to pay taxes in both countries. The form asks for: • Your personal details • Name and address of a tax adviser who can be contacted about the information you provide – completing this box is not compulsory but means that your fiscal representative will receive copies of any information that is sent to you. • Spanish tax reference number – this is your NIE • When and to whom your latest tax return/ declaration was sent – this only needs completing when you have made an income tax declaration as a resident. • Date when you started paying tax in Spain – this is usually from the 1st January each year For your state pension you only have to complete the date on which payment began but if you have a private pension you must include information about your pension provider. One very important point – don’t just send this form off to the Spanish tax office as it suggests you do. If you do, it will simply sit somewhere gathering dust. You need to take it first to a specialist in your area such as a fiscal representative. They will know what the procedures are where you live and will process it accordingly. Then you can return it to the UK to make sure you’re not taxed twice. So, check your calendar and do your sums. If you do have tax to pay is it the right country collecting it? Every penny/centime counts these days.

to reduce its board THE BOARD of Banco Santander is to be reduced from 20 members to 16, five of which are to be executive directors and 11 external directors, with details to be discussed at the next shareholders’ meeting on 30th March. The bank stressed that this reduction is in line with recommendations of the codes of good governance and international practices. So far it is known that Antonio Basagoiti and Antonio and Luis Alberto Salazar EscámezSimpson are outgoing directors. It has also been proposed that Esther Giménez-Salinas, Doctor of Law and Chancellor of the University of Ramon Llull will be appointed as an independent director. Antonio Basagoiti will continue as executive chairman of Banesto and Escámez Antonio and Luis Alberto SalazarSimpson will become part of the international advisory board of Grupo Santander. The board recognised and thanked departing directors for their “great work.”

currency Greece takes medicine 30

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

TROUBLED GREECE has swallowed another round of austerity measures – helped down with another spoonful of bailout funds – to bring short term stability back to the Eurozone.The unpopular measure, marked by violent protests and demonstrations in the streets, calmed market fears the Southern European state was about to default on sovereign debt repayment. And the pressures on the euro itself were further eased by the European Central Bank (ECB) making another huge tranche of cash available through its Long Term Financing Operation (LTRO). The moves increased the value of the euro against sterling. A month ago, the pound was trading in the 1.19 to 1.21 range, in the last few days this has fallen back to 1.17 to 1.19. However, RTN was warned that while Europe’s debt crisis looked stable for the next month, continuing unrest in the Middle East and surging oil prices could still upset fragile Western economies by triggering inflation. STATIC Moneycorp’s Adam Jordan said despite so much going with “very complicated news” the currency markets were largely “static.” The senior private client dealer at the leading foreign exchange company said: “There is very limited movement in the exchange rate and through a narrow range which is

frustrating for some people.” He explained how the euro had rallied. “It is arguable that Greece is in a better position today than two weeks ago and the imminent threat of a messy default in March seems to be over. “The bailout package has to be agreed and ratified by Germany but the immediate threat being removed has helped put the euro on a better footing.” Adam said this meant Greece would have the money to service its debts through March and not default in the coming month. “That gives stability in the short term.” And he said the ECB had given world equity markets a boost by making another 500 to 750 billion euros available to banks in three year 1% loans to banks – increasing liquidity and allowing them to trade while keeping government bond yields low. “This has worked before and is likely to do so again.” PUMP At the same time the Bank of England has announced another round of QE, quantitative easing, with £50 billion being

pumped into the UK economy and the indication there was more to come. Adam said it could trigger a slight fall in the rate of exchange against the euro to the 1.17 to 1.18 range. He explained both moves either side of the Channel were designed to boost trade and the economy. “It is the only way to move forward.” However, Adam warned the markets could be hit by “difficult to predict” events in the Middle East, describing them as “known unknowns”, adding: “It is a great problem, tension is growing in Iran, the ongoing crisis in Syria, and oil prices are rising, which is very inflationary – in the UK oil is at an all time high. “Inflation makes it difficult to install further QE, because that is inflationary in itself and it is the same all over the EU, if oil prices continue to rise it becomes a tremendous problem.” He said if “panic” entered the market he expected sterling to perform well – the UK still enjoying a ‘triple A’ rating - but while the Eurozone remained stable the value of the common currency would hold up.

legal

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

New inheritance rules coming for Brits in Spain IN MY article ‘EU to act on cross border inheritance tax problems’ published in this paper on 20th January I wrote about the steps which the European Commission was taking to try and ensure equal inheritance tax treatment for EU citizens across the whole of the European Union. The EU has also been at work for some years in devising a common set of legal procedures for dealing with inheritances, known as ‘Brussels IV’. These rules are likely to be agreed this year and will probably come into force in 2014 or 2015. ‘Brussels IV’ will impose rules that will apply throughout the EU except in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, although the rules will affect UK and Irish Citizens with property in other EU countries, and citizens of other EU countries who have any kind of assets in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. The new rules will provide that if you become habitually resident for 2 years in another EU country, such as Spain, you can choose in your Will either for your estate to be distributed according to the rules of inheritance that apply in the country of your nationality, or the rules of the country in which you

have become habitually resident. If you do not choose which rules apply then the rules of the country in which you are living at the time of your death will automatically apply. This will have far-reaching consequences for UK citizens living in Spain. In England & Wales there is complete freedom as to how a person may dispose of their estate, and at the moment the Spanish Civil code stipulates that a foreigner’s estate is to be disposed of according to the law of their own nationality. Spanish law imposes compulsory heirs, often called ‘forced heirs’. If the deceased leaves a surviving spouse and children, the surviving spouse is only entitled to a lifetime interest, with the children being entitled to inherit 2/3 of the estate absolutely. The rules become more complex if the deceased does not leave any descendants or if there are descendants from previous marriages. Once the new rules of Brussels IV come into force, if a UK citizen who has been resident in Spain for two years dies without making a Will or without making a Will specifying which law is to apply, then Spanish law will be imposed on the distribution of all of their of Spanish estate, whether movable or immovable property. This could mean that relatives who the testator did not

want to inherit become entitled to a share of their estate. There will also be a new international Probate Certificate which will give the executors or other representatives of the deceased the authority to act across borders. This will remove the need to re-apply for Probate in the various EU countries in which the deceased may have owned property, but of course each country will still have its own inheritance tax rules, until in time these may also be harmonised. The UK and the Republic of Ireland have been allowed to opt out of these new rules because of the difficulty of reconciling their ‘common law’ systems with the ‘civil law’ systems of the continent. 2014 or 2015 when Brussels IV will come into force may seem a long way off, but time has a habit of catching up with you. If you have any kind of property in Spain even if it is only money in the bank, it is vital that you have a properly prepared Spanish Will specifying which country’s law is to apply to the distribution of your estate. Do not be persuaded that you can manage with an English or Irish Will alone; after all, have you tried to train a fish to ride a bicycle? For more detailed advice on making a Spanish Will or administering an Estate please contact us at Link Point.

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

free

uk tv

120mins european landline calls

line rental

included

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Success for 4th annual charity walk AS THE sun shone in what was, without doubt, the best day of the year so far, more than 250 people took part in last Sunday’s annual Charity Challenge Walk at Casa La Pedrera in Torremendo near San Miguel.

By Louise Clarke Team RTN was just one of the many teams to take part in the event, which also saw more people there to support the walkers than ever before. In its fourth year, the well organised walks were divided into three distances; 5km, 10km and 15km and there was also two cycle routes of 10km and 20km to take part in. The largest team to take part was the 16 strong group from Taberna el Naranjo in Entrenaranjos and they had already raised 300€ for the charity event, which was in aid of Paul Cunningham Nurses and By Your Heart, before they had even set off! PLEASURABLE Team RTN was made up of Southern Sales Reps, Gillian Roberts and Catherine Allen and Southern Reporter, Louise Clarke. They managed the 10km walk in just over two hours and were all very pleased with themselves afterwards. A well deserved Diet Coke awaited the trio after the walk as well as gift of a small bottle of Licor 43 liquor and two liquor chocolates, which had been kindly donated by the company to the organisers of the event. Maria Wilson and four of her Pink Ladies, who are themselves in the process of planning their second annual walk in aid of the AECC on June 3rd in Orihuela Costa, also took part in the 5km walk. Susan Reader, Fundraiser for PCN, told RTN: “So far the charity has raised 1700€ from the event, with more to come and we are so grateful to everyone who participated. It was a really pleasurable walk in stunning surroundings and with great weather; you couldn’t ask for more!”

Team RTN with PCN Fundraiser, Susan Reader

Easter Craft Ancient Grease tickets Fayre in selling fast! Torrevieja THE TORREVIEJA Christian Fellowship is holding an Easter Craft Fayre on Saturday, 24th March between 2pm and 4pm. Hand-crafted Easter gifts; greetings cards; bric-a-brac; jewellery and toiletries as well as home-made jams, cakes and scones and other delicious refreshments will be available and admission is free. Avda de las Cortes Valencianas 68, (between Iceland and the Needle opposite Maxi Dia) Bring along your friends and neighbours an event not to be missed!

TICKETS ARE selling so fast for Stagestruck’s production of the musical comedy ‘Ancient Grease’, that the founder of the group Stella Reardon has said that at this rate they will be looking for at least another two dates and possibly another venue! And they have still got three months to go! The story of Sandy and Danny in the musical ‘Grease’ was a huge hit many years ago but the songs are still as popular today as they were then and are all featured in ‘Ancient Grease’, performed by the cast using Zimmer frames and walking sticks! With a glass of wine included in the ticket price and lots of fun and laughter with hilarious characters it promises to be an eventful and thoroughly entertaining evening for all. Please note: some of the content of the show is not suitable for children. Dates for the show are Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May at the School of Music and Culture in Los Montesinos. Tickets are 5€ including a glass of wine and all proceeds go to Adismon for disabled children. Doors open 7.15pm and the show starts 8pm. Contact Stella on 96 678 6154 or Sally on 648 783 601 for tickets and information. And if you want to go on the Friday night, be quick!

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Fruit trees can flourish in Spain SPAIN IS a fantastic place to grow your own fruit. Both coastal and in land climates are suitable for growing a wide range of fruit and it is possible by careful selection to harvest one or more fruits on every day of the year – even from apartment terraces. Indeed some of the easiest fruits to grow can be grown in various types of containers. by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

For instance strawberries in a strawberry barrel or window box, a grape vine in a tub trailing along a balustrade or supported on an end wall and a perpetual flowering/fruiting Lunar lemon and early season white fleshed peach tree in large pots. With the latter not only do you get the benefit of picking perfectly ripe tasty juicy peaches for immediate eating but also the early blossom. Our tree in a tub started to flower in the middle of January while the almond blossom in the garden below was still out. With a garden one can obviously expand and plant fruit trees in containers on terraces, trained on walls or as spring flower-

ing/summer or autumn fruiting trees anywhere in the flower beds. Naturally if you have a large property one can develop a dedicated orchard. So much is possible but there are a number of important success factors each covered in detail in our book. Firstly do plant fruits that you like. Over seventy are described in the book including tropical/subtropical fruits for frost free areas of the coastal plain and temperate types that need inland frosts to fruit well. The former include citrus fruits, mangoes and avocados and the latter cherry and pear trees. Secondly select strong plants and if oranges or mandarins check out when they will be ready to harvest. In both cases there are early, mid-season and late-season varieties to choose from – some ripening in October and others as late as early June. We list some of the most popular varieties in the book. Thirdly prepare the ground and planting holes in advance and ensure that the young root ball is spread out when planting. If not strangled roots could develop resulting in stunted, poorly fruiting trees.

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

The RTN earthquake survival guide

BECAUSE OF the earthquake which we had recently in our area, RTN has been asked to publish a detailed survival guide for its readers. This is just a brief version, but a full and detailed article can be found on our website at www.roundtownnews.com. RTN hopes this information will be useful for you. As many of you know earthquakes in Southern Spain are a frequent occurrence and there are approximately 2,500 of them every year. Most are so slight they cannot be felt and so go unnoticed but there are some, like last month’s tremor, which are very noticeable and can be very frightening. Earthquakes occur more often in areas which have experienced earthquakes previously, so our area is more susceptible to tremors. D O N ’ T PA N I C During an earthquake the release of energy in the form of seismic waves is seldom the direct cause of human injury and death. The majority of victims are killed as the result of falling objects, partial or whole building collapse, so preparation and planning will greatly mitigate the effects of the disaster and improve you and your family’s survival rate. It is essential to have a contingency plan and that you ensure members of your family know what to do should an earthquake occur; with a full action plan including knowing the various telephone numbers of the emergency services. It is also essential to keep a clear head during the seismic event and the priority is to stay calm and not to panic. For more information see the full article on our website.

Home & Garden

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Partagat-Confrides Castle circuit Date Saturday 18th February 2012 Leader: Kees THIS MOUNTAIN walk and climb was a ‘classic’: A lot different from normal and one to remember. I’m sure all of us will want to walk it again and again. It was led by Kees, a ‘long-standing young-at-heart’ leader for the CBMW. We started from Fuente Partagat near Benifato at about 600 meters above sea level. Within a few minutes we were traversing the Sierra de Aitana and sliding about on frozen snow/ice tracks (not a PR route). Kees, having excellent knowledge of the area decided at one stage to lead us on a slight detour to a waterfall (At this stage we were about

Home & Garden

1,000 meters up). Would you believe the waterfall was frozen! Photos were taken from all angles. One photo was of Peter walking at the bottom of the waterfall. This is the closest he will get to walking on water. Our lunch stop was within a quiet hollow looking down, in one direction onto a well-kept small holding and in the other direction over to the Sierra de Serrella and d’Aixorta mountains and beyond. Our final challenge was to climb up to Confrides Castle providing us with 360 degrees clear views. We could see Guadalest below and over to many other magnificent mountains, as far as Montgo. An excellent time was had by one and all, thanks to Kees our ‘Mountain Man’.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

British Consul opens new community centre in La Romana LAST FRIDAY saw the official opening of the community centre in La Romana, which will be run by the charity Amigos de La Romana. The charity, which was founded by British resident Alan Cook, stems from a need that Alan saw for the British community to have somewhere to go for up to date information, as well as a means of raising funds to help the most vulnerable members of the community.

Alan Cook, the Mayor and the Consul with charity volunteers

By Louise Clarke Alan has worked closely with the Town Hall to set this project up, at all times seeing the charity as a way to encourage integration between the 500 members of the village’s population which is British, and the remaining, mainly Spanish, residents. IMPRESSED RTN was delighted to be invited to attend the inauguration in the beautiful inland village and was proud to see such positive integration between the British and Spanish communities. The Town Hall has provided the building for the community centre and the Mayor, Manuel Hernández Riquelme, also attended the opening. Amigos de La Romana is also working actively with other charities such as MABS, RBL

and ACASA to offer even greater level of support to those in need or distress and most of the fundraising will be done through a charity shop, which is within the community centre. After attending the event, the Consul told RTN: “I was very impressed by the way Amigos de la Romana has set up a central hub in the village where residents of all nationalities can get information and welfare support. The fact that it is run by both Spanish and British volunteers is a superb sign of integration and I welcome initiatives from both Amigos de la Romana and the Town Hall to set up language interchange sessions in the near future. The fact that Amigos de la Romana have asked for help from other charities in the area such as MABS, RBL and ACASA is a very sensible move to offer the very best support to those in need.”

STRENGTH Alan Cook, the president of Amigos de La Romana thanked everyone who attended the official opening of the new centre. He said “We feel privileged that Paul Rodwell found the time in his busy schedule to officially open our centre together with the Mayor. The support from major charities who attended was overwhelming which tells us that this type of charity in Spain is desperately needed. From now on we will grow from strength to strength helping and integrating with the Spanish community.” Residents of La Romana can visit the new community centre at Calle Mayor 47, 03669, La Romana, Alicante. Anyone wishing to find more information on living in Spain, and what support organisations exist for British nationals, can visit www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life celebrations

Happy Birthday Marie! By Louise Clarke WHATEVER MARIE Rowe has, she should bottle and sell it; she would make a fortune! RTN felt very privileged to meet this special lady from Las Chismosas in Orihuela Costa after a tip off from her very good friend Maggie that she was celebrating a very special birthday this week. To be very honest upon meeting Marie, RTN was tempted to go home, sure that this was a hoax and we were even tempted to ask to see Marie’s passport because we were convinced that there was no way that this lovely lady is celebrating her 80th, yes 80th birthday! Sure enough, after her husband Jonathan’s assurances, we were eventually convinced that Marie was soon to be an octogenarian, although throughout the interview, we did keep checking!

ROUND THE WORLD Marie Ellen Rowe was born on 1st March 1932 in London and was brought up in Bognor Regis. She trained to be a nurse, married and had three daughters, but her marriage didn’t last and in 1971, Jonathan she met Jonathan who is 16 years her junior. “It was and quite controversial in those days,” she commented, Marie “but we were soon head over heels in love and married Rowe

Happy 10th Birthday Looking Good Boutique!

LET’S BE honest, there are not many businesses here on the Costa Blanca that can boast ten years of successful trading, so it is with great pleasure that RTN can announce the 10th birthday of Looking Good Boutique, which is based in La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa. In order to celebrate a decade of success, owner Louise would like to invite all RTN’s readers to their 10th birthday party which takes place on Friday 16th March. As part of the celebrations, there will be lots of special offers as well as three, yes three, fashion shows during the day. The first show will be Shoes and Bags, to celebrate the opening of their new shoe department. They will be showing the brand spanking new collection at 11am. This will be followed at 2pm with a Wedding Guest and Mother of the Bride fashion show, featuring all the latest outfits for that special day and the start of the 10th Birthday Sale, which can only mean one thing: GREAT DISCOUNTS! The third show takes place at 5pm and features Spring 2012 fashion with all the lovely new collections that the boutique is receiving on a daily basis. There will also be birthday cake and cava all day long and they will be giving away 10 x €50 vouchers throughout the day. So, just go along to the Boutique for your chance to win. Everyone is welcome to the shows, seating is offered where available and there will be raffle prizes and fun also on offer, so come if you can, Louise and her friendly staff would love to see you!

in September 1972.” The couple then embarked on an extraordinary and fascinating life living in several different countries as a result of Jonathan’s job as a writer for engineering manuals. From Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Boston in the US and then onto Papua New Guinea and Australia, the couple have been round the world and back several times; as has some of their furniture! And now after nearly 40 years of marriage, they are settled here in Spain. RELAX The couple fell in love with Spain in the early 1980’s and met their good friend, and the lady responsible for this interview, Maggie Swaida, in Lloret de Mar where they had a holiday home. Maggie soon made her way south to Torrevieja and it was as a result of their visits to see her over the years and the fact that they couldn’t settle back in the UK that they decided to make a home here. “There will be no more moving,” said Marie, “we just want to stay here, relax and enjoy our retirement.” The couple will be going on a two week trip to Tenerife and Lanzarote over Easter as part of both Marie and Jonathan’s birthday celebrations and RTN would like to take this opportunity to wish you both a very happy birthday!

Coastal carnival success

By Louise Clarke MORE THAN 500 people took part in last Saturday’s Carnival in Orihuela Costa. The event, which was only the second carnival to take place on the coast, saw a parade and live entertainment and thanks to the glorious weather, lots of coastal residents turned out to see the dozens of floats. Entitled ‘Festival Multicolor’ or ‘Multicoloured Fiesta’, the event brought together the children of the coast, from the various schools and coastal associations and was double the size of the inaugural carnival last year. The parade made its way along Calle Nicolas de Bussi before heading down Calle Pablo Picasso and towards the Mercadona car par which

housed the entertainment marquee and hosted a range of children’s activities as well as live entertainment, music and a bar to keep the adults happy! Every effort was made to make the carnival a fabulous event and it certainly succeeded. It was also attended by a host of Town Hall representatives including the former Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, Councillor for Tourism and Communication, Pedro Mancebo, Councillor for Education, Rosa Martinez and the leader of the PP opposition party and former Mayor, Monica Lorente. Organisers hope that the event will continue to grow and will soon become a ‘must’ visitor attraction for residents and holiday makers from all over the region.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life people

“Oh, Bert, Costa Blanca You Shoulna Writers Bookcase Done That!”

This month we spotlight Agnes Hall. I was born in Liverpool of Irish parents, the second of six children. My background was not in writing but in Art. I attended Liverpool College of Art at the time of John Lennon but after marrying and before completing my course there, I moved to Leeds where I qualified from Leeds Metropolitan University with a B.A. Honours degree in Furniture Design. For twenty years I worked at

Jill Launchbery

Colin Hall

Yorkshire Television and eventually retired in the year 2000 from the position of Head of Design and moved with my husband to the Costa Blanca which is when I started writing. It is often quoted that ‘there is a book in all of us’ and it also appears to be a generally held view that a great deal that is written in novels is based on personal experiences. My first novel, ‘The Canvas Bag’ confirms there was at least one book in me. ‘The Canvas Bag’ is set in the early 1900s, a time of mass emigration from Ireland. As far as the content of ‘The Canvas Bag’ and personal experience is concerned, the main character of ‘The Canvas Bag’ is Mikey. Mikey was born into a life of poverty on a farm in Ireland and as a young boy, ran away to Liverpool in an attempt to create a better life for himself. My father grew up on a farm in Ireland and he too made his escape in an attempt to make a better life for himself in Liverpool. The story tells of Mikey’s progress in Liverpool from that of a naive young boy to that of a confident man who manages to create a successful business as a haulage contractor, starting off with one lorry and ending up with a fleet. This was also true of my father,

Dick Handscombe

Agnes Hall

so these two examples agree with the commonly held opinion of writing often being based on personal experience... but the remainder of the story is pure imagination. All I needed was a kernel around which my story could grow. ‘The Canvas Bag’ has led on to my second novel which is currently ‘a work in progress’ and is a sequel to ‘The Canvas Bag’. The working title for this second book is ‘The Conchy’ and tells the story of Mikey’s son, David, his relationship with his father and his refusal to fight in World War II. So... watch this space… One other novel is also ‘work in progress’ and has no connection to ‘The Canvas Bag’. ‘Raspberry Summer’ tells of two young sisters enjoying what should have been a blissful holiday in Scotland when the holiday becomes not nearly as blissful as it should have been. Now I have to finish this column in order to write my quota of novel words for today. ‘The Canvas bag’ and other members’ publications can be sourced through our website: www.costablancawriters.com Richard Handscombe will be next month’s contributor to Costa Blanca Writer’s Bookcase.

Keith Geddes

Michael Hillier

CAMPOVERDE THEATRE Groups 3 ‘Berts’, in the guise of Tom, Colin and Norman, taking time off rehearsal to be shown how to toss a pancake by Director Pat. Obviously their dramatic achievements are more successful and can be enjoyed at the forthcoming production of ‘Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea’. The Society is very much looking forward to performing for the first time in San Miguel’s Casa Cultura on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9th, 10th and 11th March. The show will bring laughter and music and memories of some of the ‘End of the Pier’ style shows. 30 members are involved in the entertainment, including some new voices. Tickets at 8€ are available from San Miguel’s tourist agency and the Bargain Bookshop, or you can ring Colin on 96 677 4127. Seats are not reserved and the doors will open at 7pm for curtain up at 8pm. The company was disappointed at not being able to perform the high standard of pantomime for which it is well known this year because of changes within, so we want you to join us in San Miguel. You’ll have a great night and monies raised from the proceeds will be donated to the restoration of San Miguel Church. Hope you had more success in tossing your pancakes!

Changes Cold play in valley at the Top

AT THE Annual General Meeting of the Costa Blanca Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) held on Tuesday 21st February, a new President, Bruce Heath, and a new Chairman, Terry Joy, were voted in. Brian Todd, the outgoing Chairman, during his farewell address, commented that during his time in office as Chairman, he was very pleased to have overseen an active and friendly Branch that had continued to play an active role in supporting local traditions and raising significant funds for the ‘Wings Appeal’ as well as supporting other worthy causes. If you would like to learn more about RAFA then please contact either, the Chairman, Terry Joy 96 626 2922 or visit the web site on www.rafacostablanca.com

by Jack Troughton FREEZING TEMPERATURES failed to chill the high spirits of more than 80 people stepping out on Jalon Valley HELP’s annual blossom walk. Despite the cold and a disappointing show of flowers on almond trees, supporters travelled to the Val de Pop from as far away as Campello and Albir to enjoy the stroll – and indicated they would be back next year. And donations swelled HELP’s coffers by more than 136€ - helping the charity continue its programme of community projects. A spokesperson for the charity commented “It was good to see such support, Jalon Valley Help is a hardworking organisation dedicated to improving life here in the Valle de Pop and to assisting in individuals and families in times of need. “To do this we are heavily dependent on the generosity of both local businesses and the wider community.” The charity is always pleased to hear from people who are prepared to offer their time and enthusiasm in pursuing

Braving the cold

the aims of the organisation and is always grateful to accept items at its shops in Alcalali and Jalon to sell. HELP has also organised a walk in

the orange groves of Orba followed by a Ploughman’s Lunch, on 17th April, Further details in due course or visit the website www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life spanish The Letter

‘W’

THE LETTER W is not actually a native Spanish letter. The name of it in the Spanish alphabet is “uvedoble” and the few times it does appear it is pronounced in the same way as the “uve” or V – that is, as a soft B sound. All the words in Spanish containing W are imported words. For example, we have “whisky”, “walkman”, “walki-talki”, and “windsurf” and that’s about the lot! I suppose we could now add to that the commercial name Windows which will inevitably sound like “bindows”. The most surprising W word for us English speakers is “wáter” (now often spelt váter) which means “toilet”, as in the actual object, rather than what you ask the way to in a restaurant. This comes from “water closet” but the pronunciation sounds totally different in Spanish – something like “vattair” (Oh how I hate writing Spanish words that way!) Of course, with the advent of the World Wide Web, the Spanish are stuck with loads of Ws whenever they have to say their website address. You will hear them on radio and television adverts rushing to get out “uvedoble, uvedoble, uvedoble” as quickly as they possibly can. Sometimes they say “tres uvedobles” and one can almost hear a slightly irritated tone of voice at such an imposition. Well, let’s face it; World Wide Web doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue in English either! There is a similar sound in Spanish to the English W sound and this is made when other vowels have the letter “u” in front of them. For example, “jueves” (Thursday); “puedo” (I can); “guapo” (handsome) all sound to English ears as though they contain a W. In the case of words which actually start with this sound you will always find the letter H written at the beginning, as in “huevo” (egg) or “huele” (it smells). Occasionally the letter O is used to similar effect as in the word for “west” which is “oeste”, although the “o” as a strong vowel

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

The twits of the week Holly Valance@HollyValance: Just used t/hotel lotion & thought ‘Oh this feels much creamier than yesterday?’ Yes. Because it was conditioner. Legs have no knots at least.

is given a separate beat, something like “oh-este”. However, the difference in sound is really quite subtle, especially when heard by our non-Spanish ears at speed. Even more subtle is the fact that the initial “g” sound in these combinations really disappears altogether. This can be illustrated by the way the letter W has crept into “text speak” (that is the spelling that the younger generation use to send text messages) and by extension onto the graffiti that appears around us occasionally. You may have seen the word “wapo” or “wapa” painted across some wall somewhere, which is the text spelling of “guapo” and “guapa”. Occasionally I have witnessed Spanish children learning English spell the number “one” as “guan”. This looks very incongruous to us, but does actually express the sound the Spanish hear every time we say “one” in English! You no doubt know the song “Guantanamera” and perhaps would have assumed the first letter was a “w”. Interestingly the song is about a girl from “Guantanamo” in Cuba – oh how times change! Strangely enough, there is one particular name beginning with W which seems to have found its way into Spanish society, and that is Wenceslao (as in the good king of the Christmas carol). Although the name is originally Bohemian, there is a small sprinkling of Spanish men called Wenceslao, particularly among the older generation. If your name begins with a W, I’m afraid you have to take the rough with the smooth. Wendy in a Spanish accent sounds more like “Bendy”, whereas William has a good Spanish translation “Guillermo.” And to conclude this letter I’m afraid I have no sayings with W words in them, unless you can think of one that includes whisky and walkmans!

Fraizer Campbell@FraizerCampbell: That awkward moment when you can’t open your hotel room door then you realise you’re at the wrong door! #memoryloss The criticism Jason Gardiner@officialJasonG : Saw Woman In Black film. Not a patch on the play. Actually quite droll and slow paced. Yawns. The grumpy tweet Professor Green@professorgreen: Ever growing discontent. I don’t like people. The funny tweets James Argent@RealJamesArgent: Me n @ JoeyEssex laughed so much we had tears in our eyes cos we put our emergency contact number as 07NoChance n 07JogOn on a form! So Sad! Chris Kamara@chris_kammy: Quick break, I must have chat with the mrs before the next game comes on. Need a topic though? Got it! Do you think Chelsea will win haha Kevin Doyle@Kevin_Doyle29: Congrats to Liverpool on winning the Carling Cup! Now just waiting for Charlie Adam’s penalty to land here in the midlands... Max Rushden@maxrushden: ROCK AND ROLL SATURDAY: I’m at home with a mint tea and a hot cross bun.

Life books

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

A-Z Family Medical Encyclopedia A REVIEW of a medical encyclopedia! Whatever next? But the mention serves to illustrate two points: that this column is catholic in its scope of reviews and that the sponsoring retailer stocks across the literary spectrum. Librería Europa of Calpe is a longestablished bookseller with the reputation of being able to provide any book published anywhere in the world. A proud boast? True enough but one I personally saw fulfilled when searching for a book written by a maternal ancestor in the 18th Century. A copy was found with a bookseller in New York and was on my desk within two weeks. As for a British medical encyclopedia, it should be recommended reading, especially for those of us living in a foreign country where translation is not always exact and approaching the age when every twinge becomes a symptom. This weighty volume is illustrated to describe modern techniques of medicine and surgery and is an essential reference to over 7,000 medical terms of symptoms, diseases, drugs, and treatments to provide a positive reassurance in the home. And if you’re still looking for that elusive title, why not give Gil a call on 96 583 5824 and get the ball rolling on finding that special book? Meanwhile stay

Suduko Answer

healthy and informed with the A-Z Family Medical Encyclopedia. You know that, at least, makes sense. Author: British Medical Association Publisher: : BMA (hardback) Price: 33.75€ ISBN: 978 1 4053 2987 3

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life going out

A cup of tea for ‘ChariTEA’ THE OFFICIAL School of languages in San Javier is organising its second ‘ChariTEA’ event at the end of March and has asked RTN to publicise the event to make it even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, which is being held to raise much needed funds for various local charities. The beneficial tea will be dedicated to four associations in the Mar Menor region: AIDEMAR, MABS Cancer Support Group, ADAPT and HELP. The event will take place on Thursday 22nd March, between 4pm and 8pm at the San Javier Civic Centre, which is located in the Parque Almansa, and everyone is welcome. This activity aims to raise awareness of the commendable work and the help that these organisations provide and to encourage volunteerism in the area. Moreover, since some of these charities are formed mainly of British citizens, it is an exceptional opportunity for students to practise the English language. The event will consist of a typical British ‘tea’, with tea, coffee, pastries and Last cakes available as well as a raffle with attractive prizes year’s and live entertainment. Each of the charities will also inaugural have a stand to publicise their work. event

STOP PRESS! Crescendo...! CRESCENDO ARE to give a concert at Montesinos Music School on Saturday 3rd March at 8pm. It will be their first concert with their new pianist Toni Guillen who, along with Irene their trainee conductor, is a pupil of Sixto Herrero.

PCN events

COMING UP in March, Paul Cunningham Nurses have a full programme of fundraising events; starting with the charity’s Friendship Group’s Sunday Lunch at El Corazon Hotel for just €9.95 on Sunday 4th March for anyone wishing to join our newly formed friendship group or just come along anyway! Booking is essential. On Sunday 11th March from 7pm is ‘Magic Night’ at The Indian Ocean with Graeme Mykal,

Costa Blanca’s very own amazing magician. Tickets are just €12 for a welcome drink, main course rice, naan bread and a side dish! Please call The Indian Ocean direct on 966 718 211 to book a table. Kenny Corris, RTN’s Astrologer, Medium and Clairvoyant comes to El Corazon on Thursday 15th March to do private readings during the day at 25€: starting at 7.30pm there will be ‘An Audience with Kenny Corris’. Tickets are only 10€. On Saturday 17th March, the charity needs volunteers to just walk around with a bucket to

collect donations as they have been invited to get involved with the Cabo Roig Paddy’s Day Parade for St Patrick’s Day starting at 3.30pm. Finally, on Saturday 24th March there is an Art Competition at Procomobel /Moncayo Market: all levels welcome for just 5€ to enter. Free Entry and free raffle ticket for all viewers. Artists must call Anne Day on 96 671 8607 for more information. Unless otherwise specified call 639 318 526 or email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for more information and tickets

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life food

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Food Consultant Edwin Cheeseman

It’s okay to say I don’t know IT’S TRUE to say that I know very little apart from my own area of expertise. I can’t service the car, put up a shelf that’s either permanent or straight and I simply hate mowing the lawn: all the old tools that I have accumulated are spread evenly throughout the house terrified that they will eventually be found and used for anything except the purpose for which it was originally intended. Never-the-less I love food and all its associated subjects especially when someone brings up a long held negative passion for something they either hate or have strong opinions on even though they have never tried it. Take for instance the subjects of Veal, Sea Urchins, Oysters, Caviar and especially Suckling Pig. Over dinner once I was explaining that the finest suckling pig I had ever eaten was in “The Oldest Restaurant in The World” according to the Guinness book of records, the Botin restaurant in Madrid which at the time was still using coal to heat the stoves. We could not secure a table after 8pm which had been recommended so we were amongst the first to enter the restaurant as it opened and as usual I headed straight for the kitchens and was warmly welcomed and shown around whilst I marvelled at the enormous stacks of pre prepared suckling pig and lamb ready for the ovens. Chef then asked me why the hell we had arrived so early amongst all the tourists and not waited until later when the locals ate, I said it was the only time I was given at the time so he asked if we would mind if the kitchen decided what we were to eat. What followed was an endless supply of food and drink until the early hours when we were joined in

the restaurant by all the kitchen staff after closing eager as we were to swap foodie stories. It’s no wonder the restaurant is regularly full to busting considering the history, the location and best of all the quality of their food. Meantime one of my dinner guests was recoiling in horror at the mere thought of consuming such a young thing and disgusted that I had decided to. The conversation moved swiftly onto the production of Veal. Now I can understand a little why some people have no idea why veal calves have to be produced even though they regularly drink milk but surely just before you are to condemn the practice out of hand you too should find out why. Similar views were aired to every conceivable odd sounding food without the slightest hint of knowledge on the subject. This would have been perfectly fine and I understand that everyone is entitled to their own views, as I am, but this particular conversation solely about the age of the pig was whilst we were in the middle of eating sardines. So I simply asked if age was such an issue how old were the sardines that she had just eaten without a single negative comment.

If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life health More bright smiles are on the way

THE THIRD Smile White Training Academy was held last weekend, and RTN went along to meet the new delegates. From a wide range of previous backgrounds the three delegates are now looking forward to brightening many smiles along the Costa Blanca. One of the prerequisites of becoming a Smile White technician is the need to study, sit and pass a training course complete with theory tests and practical examinations, under the watchful eye of experienced and qualified professionals. Presenting the ‘oral hygiene’ and ‘identifying dental conditions’ module of the training course was Michele Kesselring who offers Smile White treatments in her dental clinic where she is a hygienist working with her husband Dr Kesselring in their practice located at Euro Clinica Dental, Moraira. Michele gives invaluable knowledge and ongoing support to all the Smile White technicians. Jane Hennessy is the Senior Technician & Training Manager and has been in the teeth whitening industry for years until Smile White head hunted her and she moved to Spain almost a year ago. Jane is available to support all the technicians with practical advice, marketing and promotional activities as well as servicing new and existing salons. The first delegate at this training weekend that RTN spoke with is Gordon Eddie, whose recent ambition has been to find a successful new business venture in Spain. After extensive research he decided teeth whitening would give him the opportunity to work in his local province of Valencia with flexible working hours and provide a great earning potential. Gordon had considered returning to the UK to study teeth

The new technicians supervised by Stuart LennoxGordon (2nd from the left) and Michele Kesselring (far right)

whitening there but instead was very pleased to find Smile White Europe, which runs the only dedicated teeth whitening training academy in Europe. Jennifer Macmillan hails from Scotland and moved to Orihuela Costa 3 years ago. Originally from an accountancy background Jennifer’s long held ambition has been to work within the beauty industry. She is looking for a career that will allow her flexibility with a young family and all the demands of modern life. Jenny too had researched the teeth whitening industry and felt Smile White could offer her the best training course, with in-depth Industry knowledge, a wealth of marketing tools, and a tried and tested product. The third delegate is Marcos Paulo Favaro, who is an economist by training. Recently Marcus has enjoyed working for Massarati and Ferrari in Japan before moving to Spain two years ago. He also has been looking for a business

opportunity in which he can use his wealth of talents including sales and marketing, language skills and business acumen. Marcus will be working the Alicante area, and developing some international markets. All three technicians left the academy after completing the training course with the confidence and tools to go out within their regions and be successful teeth whitening technicians. They commented that the course was very intensive, very structured and detailed, and also offers ongoing business and marketing support. Both Karen Laundon and Stuart Lennox-Gordon, the founders of Smile White Europe, wish all of our new and existing technicians the greatest success in the future. The next course is scheduled for the end of March, so be a part of this successful team please visit our web site www.smile-white-europe.com or call Karen on 610 027 154.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life health Attention all RTN readers a health offer not to be missed! THE FAMILY Medical Centre in Albir (near Benidorm), is offering the first 100 people who telephone them a FREE Diabetes Screening Test (including a symptom and risk factor assessment and a fasting glucose blood test). As described in their article below, Diabetes is an extremely serious condition, and the earlier it is diagnosed by far the more serious consequences can be avoided. This is an offer to the FIRST 100 CALLERS only: for enquiries and bookings call 96 686 5072 now to reserve your place. Do you have Diabetes?… No? Are you sure? THE ONSET of diabetes may be 10 years or more before diagnosis because people are not regularly screened. At diagnosis, half will already have complications. THE TRUTH ABOUT TYPE II DIABETES • 52% of diabetics will die from cardio-vascular disease. • There is a 2 fold increased risk of stroke within 5 years. • Diabetes is a major cause of impotence. • 1 in 3 will develop kidney disease. • Diabetes is the most common cause of end stage kidney disease. • 11% of diabetics will die from kidney disease.

• Within 20 years of diagnosis 2 in 3 will have diabetic eye disease. • Diabetics have twice the risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts. • Diabetics are 10-20% more likely to go blind. • 1 in 20 will develop a foot ulcer within 1 year. • 1 in 10 ulcers result in amputation. AND THE GOOD NEWS… With early diagnosis, education and good medical management these consequences can be avoided. The even better news is that in order to identify undiagnosed cases, the Family Medical Centre is offering totally free Diabetes screening to the first 100 callers. Screening consists of a symptom and risk factor assessment and a fasting glucose blood test. This offer is limited and appointments are essential. Please book early to avoid disappointment. For enquiries and bookings call 96 686 5072.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life health

Get on yer bike By Gary and Lynn of Cyclogical Cycle Route 9 Quesada to San miguel castle LEAVE QUESADA by the Arches go round the large roundabout and come off at the cycle track which runs along the side of the dual carriageway towards Torrevieja but instead of going on the cycle track take the tarred road that runs parallel to the right of it along past Alonso’s garage. Stay on this Camino / Canal road (the canal is to your left under the concrete slabs) and pass over a hump back bridge just before you enter Urbanisation La Herrada. Carry straight on through La Herrada going straight on at the roundabouts until you come to signs saying Camino / Canal road no entry carry straight on until you come to a main road junction ( which is the main road to Zoco Market ) go straight across this road and again follow the Camino road to the next junction . This time turn right ( this is the main road to

Monthly cycling tips, advice and routes

Algorfa and La Finca ) and cycle for 1.2kms uphill past a large sign saying Contra Vega , pass over the AP7 and then about 200metres on your left you will see the start of the canal road . You will see count down markers on the side of the canal starting at 5.1km and they are at 100 metre intervals all the way past Entre Naranjos to a pumping station . At this pumping station turn left and just follow the canal all the way up and into San Miguel . Half way through San Miguel you will come to a cross roads ( still on the canal track ) and on your left you will see O’Neills Irish pub which is a great place to stop by the way. Turn right here over the canal and immediate left up the hill to the main road where you turn right and head for the castle which you cannot fail to see. At the castle you can get a Tinto de Verano , cold beer , coffee and a great selection of Tapas .Once watered and fed just about turn and head back following the same route in reverse or

continue on up to Rebate . ( Route in a few weeks time ) The canal route is absolutely stunning most months of the year and goes all the way to Cartagena and beyond with breath taking scenery and views. We have cycled most of it and hope to go all the way to Cartagena in the summer. TotalCycling time : 3 Hours. Total Distance : 42 Kms. Summary : Fantastic easy flat route with only the occasional vehicle, breathtaking views. All routes are now available from our website: www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com Gary and Lynn are available at Cyclogical in Quesada Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and from 10am till 2pm on Saturdays to assist and advise on all your cycling requirements including route maps.

Do you like a bargain? YOU’RE IN luck because on Saturday March 2nd at 11am a Fundraising Auction will be held on the Entre Naranjos Green area on Entre Naranjos, to raise money for a Summer Fiesta in July. Anyone who would like to bring good quality items to auction off is welcome, such as bric-a-brac, household items,

small pieces of furniture etc and also books in good condition, DVDs, CDs etc. which will be sold separately (sorry NO clothes or Partners) or come and see if you can grab a bargain. Viewing starts at 10am and there will be refreshments available. Bring your own chair and your money. For further details ring Yvonne on 96 500 8086.

David’s Coachtrips raise money for HAH By Louise Clarke David’s Coachtrips SL has sponsored the Costa Blanca and Mar Menor branches of Help At Home and raised €1142 from sales of raffle tickets on their coach trips. The prize was an all inclusive three day trip to Granada in March plus €100 spending money and the lucky winner was a Mrs Williams. Meanwhile, the Torrevieja Show Group presented €1,000 to Norah Bond, the President of Help At Home Costa Blanca as a result of their recent shows ‘Paella and Chips’ which were held at La Rustika Restaurant in Torrevieja. Derek announced that they will again be raising funds for HAH CB at their next event to be held on 15th and 16th May. ‘That Sinking Feeling’ is a musical comedy farce. If you would like tickets, please call Derek on 966 261 627 or Jenny 966 181 951 for tickets which are priced at €9 each and includes buffet food and a drink. The next meeting of volunteers will be held at The Emerald Isle next Monday, 5th March. You can call Sheila on 603 245 020 between 9.30am to 6pm to become a volunteer or for FREE Help At Home short term care. To become

David of David’s Coachtrips SL together with Norah and Eric Bond, Jean Gush, and Angelique Van Walsum

a Friend of Help At Home call Lucy on 672 991 824 from 10am to 5pm. IMPORTANT MEETING Meanwhile, on the initiative of Manfred Schwarting and Norah Bond along with Snr Carmen Gonzales, the Director of Social Services, an important information meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th March at 10am at the Civic Centro in Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa. For the approximately 33,000 citizens living in Orihuela Costa, there is no provision of a care or nursing home, even though there are more elderly people in the district of Orihuela Costa due to the majority of these people moving to Spain

during their retirement, to live their dream! Outside of Orihuela Costa, there are few such facilities, so, the question is, what to do with this age group? Do they remain in Spain or return to their homeland? Who for many years of their life have lived here, some for decades, they feel integrated, they no longer have any ‘old country roots’ and these people are concerned about who will take care of them when they do need help. To get an overview of the situation, you are cordially invited to attend the meeting next Tuesday and the organisers would appreciate as much support as possible, so please tell your friends and neighbours.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Acne and traditional Chinese medicine ACNE IS an unpleasant disorder of the skin that usually occurs during adolescence, beginning at puberty when, due to hormonal changes, the oil-secreting glands in the skin increase in size and become more active.

The oil released by the glands helps remove old skin and keeps your skin soft. Some of these glands become blocked, and the normal secretion (sebum) is trapped inside. It becomes thick and hard as it dries out and may also become infected. The gland, along with the surrounding tissue becomes swollen, red and itchy or painful and develops a pus-filled ‘head’- the typical whitehead. The other type is the blackhead, usually smaller and simply the swollen outer opening of the gland filled with dried sebum. Acne usually occurs on the face, neck and shoulders and tends to clear up during late adolescence or early adulthood. Acne tends to run in families. It may be triggered by: Greasy or oily cosmetics and hair products, certain drugs like steroids, estrogen and phenytoin, humidity and sweating. Other aggravating factors include: food allergies; other diseases; cortisone therapy; vitamin deficiency; ingestion of halogens (chlorine, fluorine, or iodine); contact with various chemicals (such as tar or chlorinated hydrocarbons) and psychological factors such as stress, worry and depression.

Acne may be triggered by: Greasy or oily cosmetics and hair product

TRADITIONAL CHINESE PERSPECTIVE According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are several different types of Acne; it is not simply a single disease that requires a uniform treatment. Two major factors are taken into consideration: one is the person’s body type or constitution, and the other includes all of the different external influences which affect the development of the disorder such as diet, environment, climate, life-style, mental and emotional state and medications. Each individual’s body has different strengths and weaknesses and different tendencies towards imbalance. Often two people will react in completely different ways to the same thing, e.g. eating a bar of chocolate or being exposed to hot, humid conditions such as we have in Spain. Therefore the TCM practitioner aims to understand the root of the problem (which is the individual’s basic constitutional make-up) as well as to distinguish which particular type of Acne the patient has. In terms of TCM, Acne develops usually because of an

excessive build up of internal heat. This heat may arise due to a combination of internal and external factors. Those who suffer most from acne generally have a constitution which predisposes them to become ‘overheated’. This may show itself in different ways, e.g. a low tolerance for hot temperatures, strong reaction to certain foods (such as hot spices, seafood or chocolate), or often having high temperatures when ill. TCM treatment addresses both the Acne and the person’s underlying constitution, concentrating mainly on the symptoms in the beginning. Later on, once the symptoms have been relieved, treatment is aimed mainly at correcting the underlying constitutional imbalance and preventing recurrence. The time it takes for successful treatment varies from person to person, but, like all skin conditions takes time and patience. In my practice I treat this condition with a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. TCM is wonderful, but not magic!

Written by Robert Vandevelde Former President Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine Association, Contact him on 660 032 862. Write to me at robertvdvelde@telefonica.net javea-acupuncture.blogspot.com

BURSITIS LASER THERAPY TREATMENT

Our patients are a testimony to its success.

Benijofar Chiropractic Clinic

Dr Hans C. Madsen D.C. - Member of the Danish, Spanish & European Chiropractic Assoc There are 160 bursae in the body. The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

A bursa can become inflamed from injury, or due to an underlying rheumatic condition. It is an inflamed bursal sac. A bursal sac is a sac filled with fluid that acts to lubricate and reduce the friction between two surfaces in the body, usually muscles and tendons as they glide over bony prominences, however their purpose in not limited to just muscles and tendons. The symptoms of bursitis are directly related to the degree of inflammation present in the bursa. The inflamed bursa can cause localized pain and tenderness. If the bursa is so inflamed that swelling occurs, it can cause local swelling and stiffness, sometimes associated with local redness and warmth. The inflammation can make it painful to support body pressure. For example hip bursitis can make it difficult to lay on the affected side of the hip. Bursitis of the knee, can make it painful to lay with the knees touching each other. Bursitis of the hip: There are two major bursae of the hip, the trochanteric (front of the hip) bursa and the ischial (side of the hip) bursa. Inflammation of either can be associated with stiffness and pain around the hip joint. It is separated significantly from the actual hip joint by tissue and bone. Most commonly, bursitis is caused by inflammation resulting from local soft tissue trauma or a strain injury. Bursitis of the knee: The knee joint is surrounded by major bursae at the tip of the knee and over the kneecap bone, is the prepatellar bursa. This bursa can become inflamed (prepatellar bursitis) from direct trauma to the front of the knee. It can lead to varying degrees of swelling, warmth, tenderness, and redness in the overlying area of the knee. As compared with knee joint inflammation, it is usually only mildly painful. It is usually associated with significant pain when kneeling and can cause stiffness and pain with walking. Prepatellar bursitis can occur when the bursa fills with blood from an injury. It can also be seen in rheumatoid arthritis and can occur from deposits of crystals. Laser treatment: Here at the Benijofar Chiropractic clinic we are able to apply the use of highly specialised lasers. The laser lights are applied to the affected area, leading to reduced inflammation, decreased pain, an increased range of movement and increased blood flow to the damaged area. Laser light also increases blood flow to the injured area promoting faster healing. If you are affected by Bursitis, please ring us for more information or alternatively you can make an appointment by ringing us or sending us an e-mail Opening hours: Mon & Wed: 10.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Tues & Thurs: 15.00 - 18.00 - Fri: 10.00 - 13.30

Tel: 966185242 / 693371616/617 - E-Mail: info@chiropractor-benijofar.es Calle Federico Garcia Lorca, No. 90 L8 03178, Benijofar (opposite the Citroen Garage)

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life showbiz goss It’s all in the game THIS IS an odd little item about Andrew Flintoff, the 34-year-old retired cricketer whose spectacular career took him to the top of the world rankings in bowling, the proud distinction of having for a season or two captained his country, and being named ‘Man of the Series’ when England beat Australia to win the Ashes in 2005. And the word ‘man’ is the key to this rather unusual story. Andrew, or Freddie as he is better known, was spotted out on the town in London a week or so ago at a place called Madame JoJo´s inside which is a bar called Trannyshack. A journalist from online newspaper Metro wrote

Bring on the fashion police

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

“ Andrew partied all night with the glamorous Drag Queens and even agreed to play a game of musical chairs with 5 of the dolled-up fellas”… a witness told the reporter “ all the drag queens loved him!” Freddie has always been out there doing it if you know what I mean, and this story certainly fits that scenario rather well! … The footnote is that it has been reported that Andrew, like so many top sports people, has been suffering from depression since he gave up the game, so it’s good to know that he has now found another game to play even if it is musical chairs with guys who like being ladies.

TWO EXTREMELY famous former catwalk queens had to smile sheepishly at each other at a dinner hosted by Stella McCartney a week past Monday when they both turned up for the Meal/ Fashion show do in virtually the same dress. The Mayfair bash was a warm up to Stella´s winter fashion collection for 2012 and sadly for Kate Moss and Yasmin Le Bon they both chose what is called the ´Illusion’ dress, named so as it accentuates the figure to make it look like an hour glass … oh dear … oh dear … is that a super faux pas or what! … Kate´s was a short skirt version and Yasmin´s the long look, but faux pas it remained… Many dozens of peeps from the fashion world turned up for the free scoff and an early view of what Macca’s daughter was planning to show at the main event, but the talk of the evening was of the two former supermodels not knowing where to put their faces. Has this ever happened to you ladies? … You turn up at a Tupperware party and the lady selling the raffle tickets strolls in bold as brass in the same cardie as you … the shame of it all!

Kinky Cyndi ALSO IN 2005 there was a wonderfully funny, but not too well known movie around called ‘Kinky Boots’, and the word on the street is that it’s going to be made into a stage musical and the person who will be writing the words and music for the show is to be Cyndi Lauper. Just in case you’re trying to remember the song she was famous for it was ´Girls Just Wanna have Fun’ and it got all the way up to No 2 in the early part of 1984. The New Yorker will be working with a couple of heavyweights in the world of theatre production and all being well the show will open for a test run in Chicago in the autumn before hitting the bright lights of Broadway. The film centres on a shoe factory boss who has an idea of how to change the fortunes of his ailing company, and the plot line connects rather sweetly to the Andrew Flintoff story as what he decides to do is produce a line of footwear, Kinky Boots, to sell to transvestites. It all sounds like great fun to me, and if the show moves to London, going to see it will definitely be high on my list of things to do.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life TV

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

02nd March - 8th March

Friday 02nd March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

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CHANNEL 5

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VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 A Picture of Health 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Indian Doctor 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Show Me What You’re Made Of 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 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 21:30 Room 101 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws

07:00 Childrens TV 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Mastermind 22:00 Melvyn Bragg on Class & Culture 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 Weather 24:50 Hard Candy

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Safari Vet School 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Lethal Weapon

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Three in a Bed 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:30 Objective, Burma! 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 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 Bank Job 23:00 The Mad Bad Ad Show 23:50 Rude Tube 24:50 10 O’Clock Live

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 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 Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:10 Perfect Romance 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Castle 23:55 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:55 Inside Hollywood

06:30 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Love in the Wild 21:00 American Idol 23:00 American Idol

05:00 Ugly Betty 05:45 Switched 06:05 Switched 07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:40 Scrubs 11:10 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:40 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Supernanny US 22:00 I, Robot 24:10 Playing It Straight

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift- Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 FAQ – Animal passports & Home Help 18:30 Let’s Talk – Simon Baldock’s with ex Savoy chef Stuart Greveson 19:00 An Evening With... more from 2 of the best tribute artists – Ultimate Tributes 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Let’s Talk - Simon Baldock’s with Stuart Greveson 18:30

SATURDAY 03rd March BBC1

BBC2

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itv2

VIVA TV

06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:35 Rachel Allen: Home Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 British Olympic Dreams 14:30 Swimming 15:00 The Haunted Mansion 16:20 Winter Wipeout 17:20 Final Score 18:15 A Question of Sport 18:45 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:05 Pointless Celebrities 20:00 Let’s Dance for Sport Relief 21:20 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 22:10 Casualty 23:00 BBC News and Weather 23:20 Match of the Day 24:40 The Football League Show

07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:20 Garth and Bev 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Pinky Dinky Doo 08:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 08:30 Dennis & Gnasher 08:40 Scooby-Doo Show 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 10:00 Ultimate Sports Day 10:30 Blue Peter 11:00 My Life 11:30 Trapped 12:00 Hacker Time 12:30 The Ministry of Curious Stuff 13:00 MOTD Kickabout 13:15 The Fox and the Child 14:45 McLintock! 16:50 Birds Britannia 17:50 Escape to the Country 18:50 Flog It! 19:50 Dad’s Army 20:20 The Story of Light Entertainment 21:20 The Story of Musicals 22:20 I’m in a Girl Group! 23:20 TOTP2 24:20 Son of Rambow

05:30 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 This Morning: Saturday 13:20 Murder, She Wrote 14:20 ITV News and Weather 14:30 The Jewel of the Nile 16:30 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 18:35 Granada News and Weather 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:05 All Star Family Fortunes 20:05 You’ve Been Framed! 20:35 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 21:05 Take Me Out 22:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:20 ITV News and Weather 23:35 Wanted

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 Road to London 2012: Paralympics Extra 08:30 FIM Superbike World Championship 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everyone’s Talking About... Top 10! 10:25 T4 at the NME Awards 2012 11:00 Playing It Straight 12:00 New Girl 12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 Charlie’s Angels 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 17:30 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:10 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:10 4thought.tv 20:15 Obsessive Compulsive Hoarder 21:10 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 22:10 The Bank Job 23:10 The Happening 24:55 The NME Awards 2012

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 Family! 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Megastructures 12:00 Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol 13:00 The Dirty Dozen 15:50 Capricorn One 18:15 Hell Boats 20:00 5 News Weekend 20:05 NCIS 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:50 Inside Hollywood

06:20 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Coronation Street 09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Take Me Out 13:15 Take Me Out: The Gossip 14:00 Love in the Wild 15:00 The Biggest Loser 16:00 You’ve Been Framed! 16:25 American Idol 18:20 American Idol 20:10 *batteries not included 22:20 Take Me Out: The Gossip 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 The Mummy Returns

04:20 Greek 05:00 Ugly Betty 05:45 Switched 06:05 Switched 07:00 Switched 07:25 Switched 07:45 Switched 08:05 Switched Up! 09:05 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 10:10 Supernanny US 11:05 Supernanny US 12:00 Gok’s Fashion Fix 13:00 Supernanny US 13:55 Supernanny US 14:50 Hollyoaks 17:25 Perfect Couples 17:50 Scrubs 18:20 Scrubs 18:50 The Big Bang Theory 19:20 The Big Bang Theory 19:45 Happy Endings 20:10 How I Met Your Mother 20:40 Rules of Engagement 21:10 Rules of Engagement 21:40 The Big Bang Theory 22:10 Independence Day

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift- Inspirational & Motivational poems 18:05 FAQ – Animal passports & Home Help 18:30 Let’s Talk – Simon Baldock’s with ex Savoy chef Stuart Greveson 19:00 An Evening With... more from 2 of the best tribute artists – Ultimate Tributes 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

The Mummy Returns 23:45

FAQ - Animal passports & Home Help 18:05

Sunday 4th March BBC1

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itv2

VIVA TV

06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Record Europe 07:00 Breakfast 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Bargain Hunt 12:30 Sunday Politics 13:30 Match of the Day Live 15:45 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 18:10 Songs of Praise 18:45 Land Girls 19:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Upstairs Downstairs 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Room 101: Extra Storage 24:05 Would I Lie to You? 24:35 The Sky at Night

07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:20 Garth and Bev 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Pinky Dinky Doo 08:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 08:30 Dennis & Gnasher 08:40 The ScoobyDoo Show 09:05 Paradise Cafe 09:30 Wingin’ It 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Escape to the Country 13:30 EastEnders 15:20 Hidalgo 17:25 Death Defying Acts 19:00 I’m in a Girl Group! 20:00 World’s Most Dangerous Roads 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:15 QPR: The Four Year Plan

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Ade in Britain 11:30 May the Best House Win 12:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:35 Murder, She Wrote 14:40 Columbo Cries Wolf 16:40 Midsomer Murders 18:35 Granada News and Weather 18:50 ITV News and Weather 19:05 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:35 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 and Weather 23:45 Whitechapel 24:45 Premiership Rugby Union

06:20 Countdown 07:05 Channel 4 Presents 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 That Paralympic Show 08:30 Sailing 08:55 Channel 4 Presents 09:00 Hollyoaks 11:35 The Big Bang Theory 12:10 The Simpsons 12:45 The Simpsons 13:20 Alaska 15:35 Alvin and the Chipmunks 17:20 Deal or No Deal 18:20 Time Team 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 The Political Slot 20:05 Home of the Future 21:00 War Horse: The Real Story 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Inglourious Basterds

07:00 Childrens TV 08:15 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Family! 08:35 Make Way for Noddy 08:50 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:15 Grey’s Anatomy 12:15 Cowboy Builders 13:15 DARYL 15:10 Dragonslayer 17:15 Gremlins 2: the New Batch 19:10 The Da Vinci Code 21:55 5 News 22:00 Ultimate Police Interceptors 23:00 The Exorcism of Emily Rose

07:00 Gossip Girl 07:45 Emmerdale 10:30 Coronation Street 12:55 Winners & Losers 13:50 American Idol 15:40 All Star Family Fortunes 16:20 The Only Way Is Essex 17:05 The Only Way Is Essex 17:50 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 20:00 Richie Rich 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Ocean’s Twelve

02:50 Bob’s Burgers 03:15 The Ricky Gervais Show 03:45 The Ricky Gervais Show 04:10 Switched 04:30 Hollyoaks 07:00 Switched 07:20 Switched 07:45 Switched 08:05 Supernanny US 09:00 Supernanny US 09:55 Gok’s Fashion Fix 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:00 Supernanny US 13:55 Supernanny US 14:50 Privileged 15:40 Make It or Break It 16:40 Make It or Break It 17:35 Samantha Who? 18:05 Being Erica 19:05 90210 20:00 The Golden Child 22:00 Desperate Housewives 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:00 Skins

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift – Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 Buying a Car in Spain 18:30 Guardamar Discovered - History 19:00 Let’s Talk –Simon Baldock is joined by Orihuela Councillor Martina Scheurer 19:30 Spanish Eye – Torrevieja’s Carnival Girls 19:45 Handmade – More fishing for huge catfish on the Ebro 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Richie Rich 20.00

Spanish Eye 19:30

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life TV

02nd March- 08th March

monday 5th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Postcode Lottery 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 I Want My Own Room 16:30 Wingin’ It 16:55 OOglies 17:15 Deadly Art 17:30 Blue Peter 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 Panorama 22:00 Empire 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Late Kick Off 24:35 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:40 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:45 Small Potatoes 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Coast 14:20 Press for Time 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 This World 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff 22:00 The Tube 23:00 Watson & Oliver 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Three Men Go to Ireland

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Whitechapel 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Agenda 24:05 That Sunday Night Show 24:40 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:45 The Cowboys 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Out on a Limo 24:05 Keith Allen Meets Nick Griffin

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 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 The Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:10 The Boy She Met Online 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Stansted: The Inside Story 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Royal Marines: Mission Afghanistan 23:00 Untraceable

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 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 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 The Biggest Loser 21:00 Gossip Girl 22:00 The Nutty Professor 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 The Vampire Diaries

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:45 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Skins 24:00 Fresh Meat 24:55 The Big Bang Theory

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift – Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 Costa Blanca Life – A lively mix of people & places 19:00 Let’s Talk –Simon Baldock is joined by local actor Billie Gaddes 19:30 Mixed Marriages – the trials & tribulations of Spanish/English marriages 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Mixed Marriages 19:30

tuesday 6th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Postcode Lottery 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 I Want My Own Room 16:30 Wingin’ It 16:55 OOglies 17:15 Deadly Art 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 Prisoners’ Wives 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Racing with the Hamiltons: Nic in the Driving Seat 24:30 Who Do You Think You Are? US

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Guess with Jess 10:40 Uki 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Coast 14:05 Coast 14:25 The Early Bird 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 21:00 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 22:00 Horizon 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Rubicon

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live FA Cup Football 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Benidorm 24:35 The Cube

07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 The Hoobs 07:55 Channel 4 Presents 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:50 Gunfight at the OK Corral 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 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 Ultimate Police Interceptors 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:10 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:20 Torn Apart 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21:00 Revealed 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 CSI: Miami

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 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 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 21:30 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 Perez Hilton Superfan 24:00 Winners & Losers

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:45 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:45 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 90210 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy 24:00 Ricky Gervais: Science

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 FAQ – Insects in Spain 18:30 Spanish Dive Adventures 19:00 Let’s Talk Special – Football manager Jim Leishman 19:45 Spanish Eye – La Manga 20-20 youth cricket 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Let’s Talk Special 19:00

wednesday 7th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Postcode Lottery 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 I Want My Own Room 16:30 Wingin’ It 16:55 OOglies 17:15 Deadly Art 17:30 My Life 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 The Food Inspectors 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Kevin Bridges What’s the Story?

07:00 Childrens TV 10:40 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:45 Small Potatoes 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Just My Luck 15:55 Escape to the Country 16:40 Flog It! 17:25 Perfection 18:10 Antiques Road Trip 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Watson & Oliver 21:00 The Fisherman’s Apprentice with Monty Halls 22:00 Wonderland 23:00 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Storyville

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:25 Party Political Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League 24:35 Kidnap and Ransom

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:45 Edge of Darkness 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Gok Wan: Made in China 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 23:55 Mad Bad Ad Show 24:45 Random Acts 24:50 360 Sessions

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 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 Ultimate Police Interceptors 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 Flood: a River’s Rampage 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 Big Body Squad 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

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 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 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 Love in the Wild 23:00 Music and Lyrics

06:00 Switched 06:20 Switched 07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:45 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:15 Scrubs 14:45 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Night at the Museum 23:10 Independence Day

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 The British Consulate – What does it actually do? 18:30 Spanish Eye – St Patrick’s Day 18:45 Handmade – A Day in Elche 19:00 Ad Hoc presents – Allo Allo 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Spanish Eye - St Patrick’s Day 18:30

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

thursday 8 March

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Postcode Lottery 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 I Want My Own Room 16:30 Lockie Leonard 16:55 OOglies 17:15 Deadly Art 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 The Great British Countryside 22:00 David Walliams’ Big Swim: A Sport Relief Special 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Guess with Jess 10:40 Uki 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Coast 14:30 Up in the World 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Natural World 22:00 White Heat 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tube

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

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage 13:55 A Room with a View 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Make Bradford British 23:00 Our Man In 24:05 Embarrassing Bodies

07:00 Childrens TV 07:50 Castle Farm 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 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 Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Wedding Daze 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Holiday Heaven on Earth 20:30 Live UEFA Europa League Football 23:15 Mercenary for Justice

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 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 American Idol 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Nutty Professor 2: the Klumps

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:05 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy 23:30 PhoneShop 24:00 Pete Versus Life 24:35 Rude Tube

14:00 Non Stop Music 16:00 Shopping and Info 18:00 The Gift Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18:05 Youth Tube – A group of youngsters discuss their life in Spain 18:30 Dave & Andy’s Excellent Adventures: more high-octane shenanigans 19:00 Real England – The Lost Gardens of Heligan 20:00 – 22:00 Local Information and Non Stop Music The Real England 19:00

Crossword Solutions for 645 QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Furthermore; 9 Skimmed; 10 Given; 11 Annul; 12 Antonio; 13 Lavish; 15 Asleep; 18 Surplus; 20 Trait; 22 Evict; 23 Elation; 24 Undertaking. Down: 2 Union; 3 Tumulus; 4 Endear; 5 Might; 6 Revenue; 7 Established; 8 Incompetent; 14 Version; 16 Set-back; 17 Ascent; 19 Lithe; 21 Alien.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Overlooking; 9 Ice-floe; 10 Tight; 11 Taste; 12 Abstain; 13 Naples; 15 Random; 18 Torpedo; 20 Irons; 22 Olive; 23 Moorhen; 24 Plate-layers. Down: 2 Views; 3 Relieve; 4 Operas; 5 Kites; 6 Niggard; 7 Distinction; 8 Stone-masons; 14 Partial; 16 Alimony; 17 Formal; 19 Erect; 21 Other. Wordwheel: APPREHEND

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life music

CostaVibes Tony Poole

Robert Glasper:

the shape of jazz to come

“REAL MUSIC is crash protected,” state the liner notes of ‘Black Radio’, a future landmark album by the Robert Glasper Experiment that boldly stakes out new musical territory and transcends any notion of genre, drawing from jazz, hiphop, R&B and rock, but refusing to be pinned down by any one tag. Like an aircraft’s black box for which the album is titled, ‘Black Radio’ holds the truth and is indestructible. Robert Glasper has long kept one foot planted firmly in jazz and the other in hip-hop and R&B. He’s worked extensively with QTip, playing keyboards on the rapper’s 2008 album ‘The Renaissance’ and co-writing the album single ‘Life Is Better’ which featured label mate Norah Jones. Glasper also serves as the music director in yasiin bey’s (Mos Def) touring band, and has toured with the multiplatinum R&B singer Maxwell. Glasper drove that point home with his last album, ‘Double-Booked’ (2009), which was split neatly in half. The first part featured his acoustic Trio, which had gathered a great deal of acclaim in the jazz world and beyond over the course of two previous Blue Note albums ‘Canvas’ (2005) and ‘In My Element’ (2007). The second part featured his electric Experiment band and hinted at the shape of things to come, even earning the keyboardist his first Grammy nomination for “All Matter,” a collaboration with the singer Bilal that was a contender for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2010. ‘Black Radio’ features many of Glasper’s famous friends from across the spectrum of urban music, seamlessly incorporating appearances from a jaw-dropping roll call of

special guests including Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), and yasiin bey. “I wanted to do a record that showcased the fact that we play with artists in other genres,” explains Glasper, adding that the album has “more of an urban, hip-hop, soul kind of vibe, but the spine of it all is still a jazz spine.” ‘Black Radio’ presents new collaborative originals and surprising cover songs. The Afro-Cuban standard ‘Afro Blue’ with Badu, Sade’s ‘Cherish the Day’ with Hathaway, David Bowie’s ‘Letter to Hermione’ with Bilal, and Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. Glasper and Lupe Fiasco co-wrote ‘Always Shine’ which features Fiasco’s lyrical flow as well as a searing chorus sung by Bilal. On ‘Gonna Be Alright,’ the R&B singer Ledisi highlights Glasper’s bright melodicism by writing lyrics for his instrumental ‘F.T.B.’ from ‘In My Element’. The track ‘Ah Yeah’ with singer Chrisette Michele is a coincidental meeting that results in one of the album’s highlights. Reflecting back, Glasper is rightly proud of ‘Black Radio’, but also humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support and talent that it took to bring the album into being. “Everyone just said yes, period, we’ll do it. It was smoother than I ever thought it would be to get all these great, amazing artists to come together and do this project.” The Robert Glasper Trio is performing at the Murcia Teatro Circo on 21st April as part of the Jazz In Blue Festival.

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

A great achievement!

An evening with Crushed Ice

OVER THE past six years the Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group has raised over 10,000€ for local charities in La Marina and San Fulgencio. The intention was always there right from the start, to put something back into the community, but, what they didn’t appreciate was all the fun they would have on the way. A group spokesman told RTN: “Many of our members have been ‘treading the boards’ since we started in 2005. Some even before that, which inevitably means we are not getting any younger! If there’s anyone reading this article that would like to join us we are currently rehearsing for our next production in May, we would love to meet you. Please just come along on a Monday afternoon to the Theatre in San Fulgencio, once you’ve let your inhibitions go, a fun time is guaranteed. We are the Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group, for more information please call Maria on 96 671 5891.”

Red Holloway RIP JAZZ SAN Javier has lost another of its adopted son’s. The American tenor saxophonist Red Holloway has died aged 84 following a stroke and kidney failure. Red originally made his mark in the riotous Chicago jazz and blues scene during the 50s and went on to be a prolific leader and sideman. He was a gritty, sweaty-streaked, blues player and strong bebop soloist able to hold his own among his peers, as was evident in the 70s when he battled with Sonny Stitt on their recorded collaboration. From Muddy Waters to Lester Young, Holloway played with them all, in blues bars and jazz joints across America for over six decades. James W. “Red” Holloway was born in Helena, Arkansas on 31st May 1927 to a mother who played piano and a father who played violin. At the age of five, he and his mother moved to Chicago, where he graduated from DuSable High School and played in the school big band with Johnny Griffin and Eugene Wright, and attended the Conservatory of Music. He joined the Army when he was nineteen and became bandmaster for the U.S. Fifth Army Band, and after completing his military service, returned to Chicago and played with Yusef Lateef

and Dexter Gordon, among others. In 1948 he joined blues vocalist Roosevelt Sykes and later played with other blues musicians such as Willie Dixon, Junior Parker, Lloyd Price, and John Mayall. In the 50s he played in the Chicago area with Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Ben Webster and Aretha Franklin. During this period, he also toured with Sonny Stitt, Memphis Slim and Lionel Hampton. He became a

member of the house band for Chance Records, led by Al Smith, in 1952. He subsequently appeared on many recording sessions for the Chicagobased independents Parrot, United and States, and Vee-Jay. From 1963 to 1966, he was in organist “Brother” Jack McDuff’s band, which also featured a young guitarist, George Benson. In 1974, Holloway recorded The Latest Edition with John Mayall and toured Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. From 1977 to 1982, Holloway worked with Sonny Stitt, recording two albums together. After Stitt’s untimely death, Red spent most of his time touring the States and Europe, either as a single or with his own band. He also played and recorded with trumpeter Clark Terry. Red performed at the XII edition of the San Javier International Jazz Festival in 2009 as part of the Kevin Mahogany Kansas City Revue along with the AllStar group, the Godfathers of Groove featuring Reuben Wilson on Hammond B3, Grant Green Jr. on guitar, and the legendary Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on drums. Red Holloway died on 25th February 2012, one month after Etta James, with whom he had worked extensively.

ON FRIDAY 9th March at Casa Ventura in San Luis, the Royal British Legion will be holding an ‘Evening with Crushed Ice’. The local five piece band, Crushed Ice, will be performing from 8.30pm onwards and there is a 3€ entry charge: all proceeds will be going to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. For more information call Ray on 966 712 987. Date for your diary: Crushed Ice will also be performing at Quesada Country Club on Friday 16th March from 9pm.

Awesome tribute to Karen Carpenter Supported by the spectacular Abba Girls (with Abba sing-a-long) A UNIQUE and outstanding tour of eight venues comes to the Costa Blanca in March. The shows will feature a fantastic Tribute to Karen Carpenter. Jackie Whyte has the exact voice and style of the superstar of The Carpenters who died at such a young age and she will take the audience through all of the songs that Karen’s amazing style portrayed so well in the 70s.

Jackie, who has been a singing sensation in Ireland for many years, says: “Karen had one of the clearest voices ever in music and she was simply a legend. I hope to illustrate some of her style and perform some of her incredible songs.” Packed with fun, great music, nostalgia and memories, the show will also feature an incredible performance by the Abba Girls. Made up of Jackie and Jukebox Legends very own Fiona McLean, they will sing the Abba songs you all know and love and they will amaze you as their powerful voices reach the notes and ‘hit the spot!’ This part of the show will also have a new feature for Jukebox Promotions events as they will offer a fun, exciting sing-a-long! Words will be available so if you need glasses to read, bring them along! Support for this show will be from Peter Day, with great songs of the past - It’s ‘bring on the memories all the way’ with this great fund-raising tour for the fabulous charity Help at Home (Costa Blanca). Pre show meals are available at most venues. Please ask at the venue for details. All three hour shows start at 8.30pm. Seating at 8pm. Tickets are available at all venues at 7pm – 50€ each (unless stated) or they can be booked online at www.jukeboxpromotions.co.uk Ticket info line is 695 135 134.

Phoenix Promotions Showcase

DURING THE Month of March, every Tuesday a different venue will have up to 7 acts performing during the evening. On Tuesday 6th March the first bar to hold a showcase is El Mundos in Benimar and the evening starts at approx 8.30pm. The Showcase is open to other bars/venues and members of the general public and it promise to be a mixed bag of entertainment. Already booked in are a 4-piece live band, duos, trio and solo act. So it will be an evening of ‘something for everybody’. Come down give the acts your support and have an enjoyable evening of fun and music. Watch out each week in March in this column for the next showcase! For further information please call Phoenix Promotions 677 222 352.

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Out About

and

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

THURSDAY 1ST MARCH Pat Martin, The Dome, Catral

MARCH DATES & VENUES: Monday 19th, The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja, 966922134 Wednesday 21st, The Club, Quesada, 966717028 Thursday 22nd, Las Palmeras, Crevillente, 965400188 Friday 23rd, Casa Ventura, San Luis, 966789247 Monday 26th, AREA, Filton Centre, Los Balcones (tickets at Cyber Pub, Filton Centre - 966799735) Tuesday 27th, La Marina Sport Complex, 966796389 Thursday 19th, Rocajuna, Punta Prima, 965997260 (tickets 10-00 € - includes pre show finger buffet at 7pm) Friday 20th, Santa Pola Life Resort, Gran Alacant, 966619010 (this show Theatre style - Tickets 8-50 €) This tour is fund raising for Help at Home (Costa Blanca) - We care, they care – ‘Just for you!’

FRIDAY 2ND MARCH Chris Johnson, Cagneys, La Marina Connor, Jp’s, Mil Palmeras SATURDAY 3RD MARCH Shirelle, Shandon Bell, Villamartin Plaza Enigma, O Duills, Gran Alicant TUESDAY 6TH MARCH Phoenix Promotions showcase El Mundos, Benimar: 7 Acts Performing

Art exhibition

A NEW art exhibition was inaugurated yesterday (Thursday) in Pilar de la Horadada. The beautiful and romantic images of artist Else Martin are on display at the Casa de Cultura in the town. The exhibition, entitled ‘Romantic Impressions’, is a collection of photography and watercolours by this German artist who has been based in the town for more than two decades. The exhibition will run until 25th March and will be open Monday through to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm (except holidays).

02 MAR - 08 MAR 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. Spoils for the war-god (4) 3. Not at home in the open air (8) 8. Possibly mean to call (4) 9. Burly Pat got reformed in a very sudden way (8) 11. Makes a resounding comeback (12) 13. He returns help in a tavern (6) 14. On paper he has an important job (6) 17. Attractive perch on top of the world (8,4) 20. Possibly a tree-top entertainment (8) 21. Not an area of growing importance in Asia (4) 22. But this is quite different to mal-de-mer (3-5) 23. Poor average? (4)

DOWN 1. Transport system invented by a one-track mind? (8) 2. Went to another house when ousted (7) 4. Not brought up to be rude (6) 5. He may go to pot! (4,6) 6. The route of extravagance (5) 7. Where those for the ferry were always late (4) 10. In age erect as a relatively young woman (5,5) 12. Well, it’s near a disturbance (8) 15. Most woe-begotten pair? (7) 16. Not a figure of speech! (6) 18. A venue in which sports are naturally held (5) 19. Outstanding manager (4)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Headland (4)

1. Coal-mine (8)

3. Scatter (8)

2. Sunshade (7)

8. Decoy (4)

4. Untouched (6)

9. Famished (8) 11. Directions (12) 13. Narrate (6) 14. Steering apparatus (6) 17. Sweat (12)

5. Special (10) 6. Rule (5) 7. Therefore (4) 10. Objecting (10) 12. Soaked (8)

20. Dexterously (8)

15. Wanderer (7)

21. Engrave (4)

16. Helm (6)

22. Emblem (8)

18. Incorporate (5)

23. Poke (4)

19. Legend (4)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 644: Gregory Ainsworth, Campello

Euromillions Draw Friday 24th February 2012

3 7 12 26 34

One UK ticket won the 54,897,476 Euros (£46,432,285) jackpot prize

Tuesday 28th February 2012

1 10 17 33 48

No ticket won

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life horoscopes WILY Mercury and demanding Uranus both vie for your attention this week. Be on your best as regards to knowing that something is coming your way, and know that this conjunction between two Major Planets is designed to show you in the very best possible light. When all is said and done you have a proven track record and your experience counts for all. With your Planetary leader, the seductive Goddess of Love, Venus, at your side there comes the chance to throw caution to the wind and show that deep affectionate side of your heart. Often you are so afraid that you will be hurt by a lack of respect from others since you prize and uphold love in its purest form, and now have a chance to prove it. Mercury enters into Arian space and this alone brings some negativities and insecurities back on the menu. You have to know that you do not have to repeat the past, and neither do you have to recreate or subscribe to anything that is not under your conscious control. A little give and take is needed, especially as you have pre judged somebody very wrongly and need to make amends. Temper, temper as you find out that somebody didn’t pass on a message that would have made such a difference. Take this opportunity to ensure that you devise your own way of apology and in future do not leave things to chance that are better handled with your expertise and discretion. Deal with the aftermath and you will set a precedent that clears the air once and for all. With hindsight this current dilemma would never had happened but truly there was no other way to show you the errors of your ways. Blame actions with an ebullient Uranus that have led you astray and look towards making things better by being true to yourself and letting go of whatever holds you back right now. Things don’t have to be this way, so take control to ensure there are no more bad reactions. Stubborn pride and a lack of decisions have landed you where you are right now. You were warned, but you are not even listening to your own body vibrations at the moment. The right choice is something left to your better judgement, but nothing is written in stone. Take stock and bite your tongue and just let bygones be bygones since there are ways and means of turning things around. With Venus in Taurus there is a way of establishing your balance and to restore things that have led you astray just now. You can and will bounce back, but on your own terms and not just on a mere whim. Others are waiting for you to make your move but what comes next is yours and yours alone, and some things are not for sharing, no matter how natural they feel. As Aries responds in tandem with an inspiring Uranus there comes a time to look for pastures new and to move on to where you really should be right now. See this as moving on but not running away, since you have to know that you have done all that there is, and you have to conserve that which you have to make for a very special future out there on the horizon. As Jupiter leaves Taurus and Venus slides into Neptune there are some immediate questions that need to be answered. Your wit and your wisdom allow you to complicate something that is really very simple; but added complication places the ball in your court, and you alone must decide what it is you have to do. Make it simple as there are more pressing needs to be dealt with. Chiron instructs you and guides you onwards to the start of a new project that needs to be initiated. Strike while the iron is hot. You can see that a job worth doing is worth doing well; and that you have something to occupy your mind at a difficult time. As things get better so are your talents well and truly appreciated by those who never lost faith in you or your abilities. Inconclusive energies bring you to make a positive commitment though many will say that you have bitten off far more than you can chew. One thing you do not do well is compromise, and things have reached boiling point. Do not walk away, but walk on, you have to be rewarded someway for a job well done and for this don’t hold your breath! Forceful Neptune and inspiring Chiron make a decision very difficult right now, but everything points to your making the subtle changes that are needed to ensure that you get the very best deal of all. This is a time to make a commitment to yourself, as the inspiration is not always around you, and even when it is you sometimes cannot see what you should.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

Coming through THE OLD lady walked gingerly across the room, paused to give me one final fascinated stare, making me feel as if I really shouldn’t have been there, and then disappeared through the wall somewhat majestically. My client sat with her mouth open at what she had seen, Spirit coming through loud and clear. Well, her grandmother actually. A soapy, floral smell wafted across my office and a click was heard signifying that all was back to how it was. My client had recognised her maternal grandmother, Gwendolyn. She even remembered the dress she was wearing as it was a well worn favourite for gardening. Sometimes, Spirit chooses to come through physically, and can tune into the Medium for guidance and support since they know that a return to Earth is strictly forbidden. Nobody could have dared stop Gwendolyn and her two minutes of fame. Someone may or may not have told her that she had been dead for over twenty five years, but it wouldn’t have made the slightest difference to her need to come through directly from the Spirit World to give living evidence of her survival in another dimension. Sadly, very often a repeat performance as such in public isn’t possible, much energy is used up when Spirit World dwellers make a decision that they want to return to be amongst the living one more time; it is not easy for them, and they must have faith enough to return to whence they came when the time comes, without question. One afternoon my client felt the call of nature and disappeared to the bathroom just when I felt there was someone coming through for her. I was right, and there was a reason for her Mother choosing to materialise when her daughter was, as such, indisposed. Mother dearest came through from her feet upwards. Something I have never seen before and may not see again. I waited for the head to ascend above the neck, but it didn’t. In fact there was no head, no face, just a pillow. My client had killed her Mother; smothered her with a pillow to be exact. Don’t worry, Mother needed assistance to help her into the next World - it was a mercy killing. As the door to my office opened and daughter returned, Mother smiled at me and went. There is something very charged in the atmosphere when Spirit comes back. Ether can be smelt very often, the atmosphere thickens into a swirling mist and there is an electrical

Kenny’s diary 2012: THE Golden Age: Into the Fifth Dimension: Saturday March 3rd at The Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz: 10am to 5pm: Show with Kenny Corris and Torben Thoger, Mette and Laerke Lund. Advanced Booking at: www.kennycorris.net or 686 361 594. Tickets 25€: Bookable Lunch 10€. THURSDAY MARCH 15TH In aid of Paul Cunningham Nurses at the Hotel Corazon in Quesada: Bookable Morning and Afternoon Readings, and at 7.45pm a Clairvoyant Show, ‘An Audience with Kenny Corris’: Tickets 10€: Information from Sue Reader on: 96 671 3503 or 639 318 526 THURSDAY MARCH 22ND ‘An Audience with Kenny Corris’ at the Hallelujah Bar in Jalon at 8pm: Tickets available from Jan on: 686 508 634 WEDNESDAY 29TH FEBRUARY The Golden Age 2012 Demo at Bistro Maya, Albir: From 5pm: 2012 The Golden Age demo with admission tickets on sale. Call for details: 96 686 8213: Bistro Maya is next to the BBVA bank, close to the Beach. Free off-street parking 200metres.

charge of static electricity. I shall never forget a very dear client who came to me to contact her deceased husband especially. He chose to come through the wall to see her, and she was not the least surprised as she could only comment on how well he looked. As I looked on the bottom half of husband disappeared into a funnel of smoke, but it was the dialogue that riveted my attention. He was shouting at her, and was very poetic in his delivery as if he was reading a script. My partner Carl was downstairs and could hear all the shouting, he couldn’t believe that it was someone coming through in Spirit, when I spoke afterwards. The shouting went on for several minutes, then husband flung his arms out and took a bow whilst simultaneously exiting backwards through my office cupboard. My client explained that her dear departed was an actor. That he always spoke to her as if she was sitting in the back seat of the stalls, and was always reciting lines he had to learn with her help. She had enjoyed a return to the noisy household they had inhabited together, albeit a short and sweet performance of love. It was shouting to me. Spirit has to be happy in the welcoming in. If they find themselves in hospitable circumstances they will open out and reveal more and more, even showing off if they can. Hence Gwendolyn’s sneer at me! The more shown the shorter the visit, however, and usually there will not be a repeat performance. Such enterprising Spirits find their way home and right to the very back of the queue. Seldom is there a second chance, but nothing here is written in stone. Loved ones very often are not where they should be in the Spirit World. Sometimes I see them waiting, pinched faces, desperate and anxious, just waiting to come through and keen to see those they had to leave behind for one last time. A physical appointment isn’t for everyone and sometimes unless fear is eliminated on behalf of the client, a connection isn’t possible or won’t be picture perfect. Keeping an open mind and sending love as a message of hope really makes for a good performance, which anyone can applaud. In the end that vital message of survival can be proven and shared as the silence is broken and the most poignant of Spiritual contacts begins.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com KENNY, I would love to come to see you, but I am so very frightened that my stepfather would come for me. He abused me when I was small and I am sure he would come back if he could to haunt me. May E. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you May, I promise. I always put my clients in charge of the sitting. They can say yes or no, and they can leave by the door of my office if they are afraid, though no one has ever left me yet. I am so sorry that you were taken advantage of at a young age. It is hard to forget and impossible to forgive, I know. As for haunting you, he cannot unless you let him, and you are safe from harm I can assure you. May God bless you, and if you need me I am here for you, don’t let something bad from the past affect you now: move on.

If it’s your birthday this week Don’t leave everything to chance when there is so much at stake, and you are gearing up to make a difference. Your own energies are connecting to the Cosmos, so ask for what it is that you really want and see what you get!

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

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Technical jargon

Using Skype

Mike via email asks: Hi, I’ve been using Skype for a few years now without a problem but since downloading the latest I’ve had a distortion and echo problem which I can’t resolve. I’ve been on the Skype troubleshooting links and am convinced that all my settings are as they should be and have checked my equipment including the headset so I can’t fathom what’s wrong. The ISP has been and our landline works fine. The symptoms are strange with Skype as for an initial 50 odd seconds, the clarity is perfect then it changes so that everything the caller says is repeated, albeit they can hear everything clearly at their end. Aunty Says: I have heard a few problems with Skype echoing and it is probably either your sound card drivers or some kind of leak or feedback between the headset mic and desktop speakers. You will need to do a bit of experimenting at your end which will involve going into ‘control panel’ ‘sounds’ and muting various settings. Your sound card driver you will need to get from your PC manufacturers website. Check the caller hasn’t got their desktop speakers feeding back through their mic as well.

Ann via email asks: Dear aunty, I have a recent problem printing e-mails or web pages. Print preview shows a page of technical jargon and I have been told that my computer is running in html mode. How can I change this please so that I can print as normal again? I am able to print normally from Word. Aunty Says: There are a few things that can cause this Ann and some are a bit tricky to fix. A few things to try are to check IE is your default browser. Go to ‘tools’ ‘internet options’ and the ‘programs’ tab. Click the ‘make default’ button and restart IE. If this does not work you could try using Firefox as your browser. Let me know how you get on.

Duplicating photos Invited to Tony D via email asks: Dear Aunty, can you help please, this is driving me nuts! When I click on any photo from My Documents it automatically duplicates and I find I have several duplicate copies that I don’t want (e.g. copy (20) which would be the 20th duplicate of the same picture. Also a window opens showing a status bar transferring files from file name to file name. i.e. Villa to Villa, thus resulting in duplication. Is this a virus or a setting fault?

Am I doing something wrong? What do I need to do to stop this happening? Aunty Says: I really have no idea about this one Tony. For sure you should scan for Virus and spyware but I’ve not heard of any that do this kind of thing. The only thing I can think of at the moment is maybe you are running a picture manager program such as Picasa or Kodak Easy Share and this is somehow causing a problem. I will look into it.

download Rapport

Michael via email asks: Morning Aunty. I use Nat West Online Banking and this morning I have been invited to download a product called “Rapport” which is designed to protect users from Malware, Identity theft, etc. I have downloaded it but have not fully activated it as yet. The Software Malicious Removal Tool” does not have any objections to this software, neither does Adaware or AVG. Can you please have a quick look at it and allay any fears that I may have, especially as there is a box which states that error reports are sent to the Software Company “anonymously”. Aunty Says: The Rapport software is a legitimate security application which Nat West are recommending to their online customers. There have been some complaints about it interfering with normal web surfing but it is safe and there isn’t any real reason not to give it a try.

Buying a new laptop Brian via email asks: Hi, I am living in Denia and want to buy a laptop. As they are much cheaper back in the UK, I plan to have one sent over. I haven’t got a landline so I will probably sign up with a service provider here or in the UK for a dongle. Please advise if you can any see any snags with this idea. Aunty Says: The Laptop will work fine Brian but you will need to buy the ADSL dongle from a Spanish provider. The only other problem is the warranty should anything go wrong with the laptop.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Gadget Inspector Investigates:

Zeal Optics GPS Goggles GET THE power of eBay in the palm of your hand. Easily browse, shop, sell and manage your eBay activity wherever you are. Using eBay while you are on the go is fast and easy with this must-have app for Android! Download the app today to take advantage of these powerful features: • Search, watch, and shop eBay on the go • Sell your stuff! List, relist or revise an eBay item from anywhere. • Enter and track package shipment information • Easy access to My eBay • Pay for items directly in the app • Get device notifications when you need to take action or when an item’s status changes • Check in-app reminders to see what requires your attention • View and leave Feedback • Save your favorite searches and get notified when new items are listed • View items from your favorite sellers • Scan a barcode to find matching items on eBay or pre fill listing details from eBay’s product catalog • View seller ratings and recent Feedback • View seller’s other items • Read and respond to your eBay messages • Access to 16 eBay sites worldwide • Support for 5 languages – English, French, Italian, German and Spanish THIS WEEK the Inspector is blinded by science and needs the help of the Zeal Optics GPS ski goggles to clear things up. I always thought anyone with the desire to ski would be able to achieve the same end result by first spending four hours in a butcher’s freezer riding an exercise bicycle at full pelt, then emerging to receive a broken arm or leg from a sledge hammer, finally end up in casualty with frostbite. Apparently there are people out there who regard skiing as a leisure activity, so the Zeal Optics GPS ski goggles are definitely for you. This pioneering snow-ware features a colour LCD display in the corner lens that displays real time statistics relating to your latest black run attempt. Complete with polarised, photochromic lenses you won’t be going snow-blind any time soon either. Soon you´ll be perusing your speed, altitude, distance travelled - both vertical and on the ground, GPS location and even temperature. Even better the information appears to hang six feet in front of you, so no looking down as you´re approaching that cliff face. And there is also a built-in stopwatch/chronometer to compare your run with the times of your friends – all controlled from glove-friendly buttons mounted on the frames.

And if that´s not enough for you, the Zeal Optics GPS goggles come with a USB interface and easy-to-use software so you can upload all those fascinating stats to amaze your friends. You can even plot your next ski routes using Google Maps. Outstanding! The goggles are fitted with a rechargeable battery with enough power for 7 hours of use – more than enough for a day of snow-bound high jinks, hopefully leaving you with enough energy for that all-important après-ski activity. You´re not limited to just using the Zeal Optics GPS goggles for skiing – they´re equally useful for snowboarding or any other snow-bound activity. But they´re not recommended for any Eddie the Eagle type exploits or trying to navigate to Iceland for your shopping. The Inspector’s Verdict: Remember the days when goggles were just a frame with some Polaroid lenses in? – Oh how things have moved on! The Zeal Optics GPS goggles are the ultimate in high-tech snowbound eye-ware. Now where is that snow forecast for Spain… Visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/zeal-optics-gps-goggles to purchase your Zeal Optics GPS goggles.

Europa Network: a new era! ESTABLISHED FOR 10 years this year and successfully providing tens of thousands of customers with cheap calls, internet and Free UKTV, Alan Dobinson and his Wife Maria Jose thought it was time to stamp their mark. “We have now moved premises and are located on the main dual carriageway in Javea between Iceland and Mercadona. Our luxurious offices are open Monday to Friday 9am till 6pm and we welcome you, the customer, to visit us between these hours to meet our staff.” To celebrate the move and new era we are offering the cheapest deals in Spain for both our WiMax wireless service and our fixed line internet. For WiMax internet we are offering 2 mb of ADSL for just 14.95€ per month and 6 mb for 24.95€ For fixed line we are offering ADSL of just 19.95€. For more information please pop along to our offices on Avenida del Pla and speak to one of our helpful staff or call the sales team on 96 579 6736.

All in all the Ebay app allows you to do everything you would do on your personal computer but now with the convenience of using you smartphone.

For more information or to order your unbeatable android mobile phone package call 2020tel on 966 260 777

E L A S N IO S S E C E R T E Y T S E G IG B OUR SALE LOOK HARD NOW NEVER YES IT’S OUR 24TH BIG EAPER! WILL YOU SEE SPANISH CARS CH

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02 OPEL CORSA SMALL AUTO

Unmarked met. Silver, A/C & PAS. Sold by Global when 6 m old. Totally immaculate, 12 months guarantee. First to see will buy @ 3,999€

06 VOLVO V70 2.4 KINETIC EST manual, met silver, half hide in grey, climate, alloys etc. most sought after family favourite, immaculate, gift @....................................12,999€ LATE 06 TATA SAFARI LWB DIESEL MANUAL GRAND MODEL black, great spec, forget the jokes these are mainly Ford (all colour coded) totally as new! ..............................9,999€ 99 AUDI A8 4.2L QUATRO AUTO silver, cream hide, stunning.................................. 9,999€ 07 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI AUTOMATIC DYNAMIC in silver, climate, alloys ect only...9,999€ 08 CITROËN BERLINGO 1.6 HDI SX plus all colour coded in silver, A/C, CD, etc great family bus, cost over 20,000€................................................................................8,999€ 08 SEAT TOLEDO 2.0 TDI S in rich met ocean blue, climate, alloys, CD, 8 x airbags, bluetooth tel, xenons, rain & light auto sensors................................................8,999€ 08 OPEL CORSA 1.3 CDTI NEW SHAPE funky cars, great reviews, top MPG, A/C, PAS, CD ect. 8,495€ 08 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDCi SPORTBREAK EST in ocean blue met.........................7,999€ 08 FORD KA 1.3 COLLECTION met zinc gret, A/C, PAS, CD, all colour coded ...........6,999€ 07 mod on 2011 PLATES FORD FIESTA 1.4 AUTOMATIC Titanium pack, met. Grey, hosts of extras, inc. A/C, alloys & CD, as new....................................................................... 6,999€

HARLEY DAVIDSON LOOK-ALIKE 1997 YAMAHA XV1100cc TOURING BIKE TWIN SEATER, SCREEN, PANNA SADDLE BAGS. YELLOW & BLACK, MIRRORS, SPOTS, REAR RACK, BIG CHUNKY BIKE, LOTS OF CHROME, THE JAPANESE ANSWER TO A HARLEY, GREAT LOOKER, RETRIEVE YOUR LONG LOST YOUTH 3,999€

06 DACIA LOGAN 1.5 DCI in silver, low kms, A/C, PAS, one owner,only................. 5,999€ 01 CITRÖEN PICASSO 2.0 HDI in met ice blue, climate, pas immaculate throughout gift at ....................................................................................................................... 4,999€ 03 Ford Fusion 5 Door Trend In Metallic Sage Green ,68000km, FSH by one owner, A/C , CD, as new............................................................................................................... 4,999€ 03 PEUGEOT 206 1.4 HDI A/C, PAS, met crystal green, low km.............................. 4,499€ 97 YAMAHA 1100CC BIG TOURING BIKE ................................................................ 3,999€ 98/2001 plates PEUGEOT 306 1.6 CABRIO met blue, A/C. Gift @ ......................... 2,499€ 93 PEUGEOT 309 AUTOMATIC a few ding and dongs but as cheap as chips.............. 999€ 93 SUZUKI AUTOMATIC a few dings and dongs but as cheap as chips....................... 999€

GENTLEMANS CARRIAGE STUNNING 05 JAGUAR S TYPE 2.5 EXECUTIVE AUTOMATIC

08 FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCI 115BHP TREND 4/door with boot, latest model in met vision blue, climate, CD, alloys, stunning colour, as new 7,999€ 08 FORD FOCUS TDCI EST TREND in ocean blue, climate, as new ........................ 7,999€ 08 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI in met fern green, climate, CD, etc. Hurry @................. 7,999€ 07 FORD FOCUS EST 1.6 TDCI TREND, climate, CD, FSH, met aquamarine ......... 7,999€ 07 mod PEUGEOT 307 Hdi climate, CD, glacier white, face lift, gift at ................ 6,999€ 07 FORD FIESTA NEWPORT TDCI, met blue, bluetooth, CD, ipod, climate ........... 5,999€ 03 HYUNDAI TRADJET CDI, Diesel 7 seater, in metallic silver blue, alloys, CD, great holiday car, grandads family bus.................................................................... 5,999€ 06 DAEWOO TACUMA 20 16V in silver, climate, 64,000km, FSH, as new ............ 5,999€

in racing green with full cream hide. Extras include climate control, alloys, sunroof hide, gps nav,bluetooth phone, CD, 8 x air bags, FULL SERVICE HISTORY totally as new throughout. Gift @ 15,999€

TOP SPEC DIESEL CABRIO - 04 RENAULT MEGANE CABRIO 1.9 DCI PRIVILEGE Met cava, cream hide, panoramic glass roof, elec sunroof, xenons, plus alloys, CD, FSH, 106,000km=65,000miles. Great car, great spec, great colour, great value @ 8,999€

Avantguard pack, climate control, alloys, hide, bluetooth phone, CD, sound system as new in every way on 2007 plates gift @ 14,999€

07 FORD FIESTA TDCI NEWPORTS 5 doors, climate, bluetooth phone, CD, in met. Grey, blue or silver. Give away crazy price of 5,999€ - Ring the police if you see cheaper! As for sure they will be stolen – hurry now! 07 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0 FSI CABRIO in glacier light metallic blue, cream interior, climate, alloys, CD, 52,000km, FSH as new ............................................................. 16,999€ 07 NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 DCI TEKNA in silver with panoramic full roof, climate, PAS, alloys, bluetooth-phone, CD ect as new .......................................................15,999€ 03/2007 PLATES MERCEDES E220CDI AUTOMATIC met silver, climate ,e/s/roof, CD, alloys, parktronic, full history, stunning example 5 litres per 100km only............... 14,999€ 06 mod/2011 plates MERCEDES A200 CDI AUTO SPECIAL EDITION in ice gold, half hide, full sun roof, alloys, FSH, as new, CD, parktronic 15,999€ 05/09 PLATES MERCEDES E220 CDI AUTOMATIC ESTATE in met teal blue, half hide, alloys, 6xCD, xenons, climate, nav, tel, avantguard pack, as new ........................... 14,999€

07 MODEL VOLKSWAGEN PHEATON 3.0 TDI AUTOMATIC Met black with full cream hide, nothing drives finer for sure cost 76,000€ gift @ 22,999€ once driven for ever smitten. NOV 06 VW PASSAT 2.0 FSI SPORTLINE met ice silver blue, climate, 10xA/B, CDx6, alarm, cruise, alloys, bi-xenons, bluetooth, tel, nav, DVD, multif. Steering wheel, FSH87,000km=54,375miles, as new fab car, fab value, executive motoring for only .....11,999€ 08 FORD MONDEO EST 1.8 TDCI TREND in met silver, climate, PAS, alloys, CD ect......... 11,999€ 08 NISSAN PRIMASTAR 2.0 Cdi COMBI white, 6 seater, we can get another row to make 9 seater @ cost if required ........................................................................................ 8,999€ 08 PEUGEOT PARTNER 1.6 HDI TOTEM COMBI white with special totem trim, CD 8,999€ 03 AUDI A6 2.4 MULTITRONIC met ice blue , climate, alloys, CD ect FSH................ 8,999€

LATE 06 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI 5 door, met ice blue, Newport model, climate, PAS, CD, etc, gift @ .....................................................................................................5,999€ 07 FORD FIESTA NEWPORT 1.4 TDCI, climate, cruise, CD, met great, low km, one owner, totally as new, compare price.......................................................................5,999€ 05 FORD FOCUS GHIA TDCI 4-door with boot, great size boot, climate, CD, alloys, in diamond white, a diamond of a car........................................................................... 5,999€ 01 ROVER 75 1.8 CLUB SE in racing green metallic with special two-tone interior black and cream top velour, this is an ex-Rover show car with fitted TV, SAT NAV, alloys, cruise, fog lamps, 50,000km WITH FULL HISTORY only .....................................................4,999€ 01/10 plates MAZDA 323, 5 door, in met blue, (focus size) A/C, PAS, gift @............3,999€ 05 DAEWOO MATIZ 5 door, A/C, silver, fab mpg, as new gift @ ...........................3,999€ 02 PEUGEOT 206 HDI XR 5 door, in white, fab MPG, fab car! ....................................3,999€ 07 FIAT PANDA 1.3 DIESEL, 5 DOOR VAN, A/C, PAS, in white, gift @ .....................3,999€ 98 SEAT ALHAMBRA 2.0, 7 SEATER A/C, gleaming white, great family bus only.... 3,999€ 02 FORD KA 1.3 A/C, PAS, in met silver, clean, as new, P/X gift @ ........................2,999€

03 MERCEDES CLK 320 AUTOMATIC IN UNMARKED SILVER WITH FULL BLACK HIDE, FSH,

08 FORD FOCUS TDCI 1.8 EST in rich royal blue met, FSH as new .......................... 7,999€ 08 FORD FIESTA TDCI 5 door, fern green, stunning colour, fab value at ................. 7,999€ 07 OPEL CORSA NEW SHAPE 1.3 CDTI in hulk green, A/C, PAS,these are funky cars fab MPG............................................................................................................................ 7,999€ 07 DACIA LOGAN 1.5DCI EST 4 side-doors and clubman twin rear doors, met claret, A/C, PAS, low km, great school run car @ less than half the price of new ....................... 6,999€ 08 FORD KA 1.3 COLLECTION A/C, CD, met zinc gey, as new ................................ 6,999€ 02 FORD FOCUS 1.6 AUTOMATIC 5 DOOR IN MET SILVER , A/C, PAS ect ............ 4,999€ 02 OPEL CORSA AUTOMATIC in met silver, A/C, PAS, small auto at only ................ 3,999€ 02 FIAT SEICENTO fuel-miser, A/C, PAS, one owner, 32,000km,FSH,in white blue trim....... 2,999€ 00 RENAULT MEGANE 2.0 COUPE IN STUNNING YELLOW, A/C , PAS,alloys, exceptional only..2,999€ 96 PEUGEOT 306 AUTOMATIC, A/C, PAS, met cobalt blue ..................................... 2,499€ PIAGGIO PORTER MINI PICK-UP in pale blue, a three wheel pick-up, a great promotions car, (Italian papers @ 1,999€).................................................................................. 1,799€ 99 CITROËN BERLINGO clean van, need s/h engine, take away ....................... @ 600€

04 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 2.0 TDI ELEGANCE 7 seater or fold for good space, UK tax and MOT till August 2012, FSH, exceptional top MPG...................................................................................................................... 4,999€ 2005 KIA MAGENTIS 2.0 LE AUTOMATIC SPORTS H-MATIC, one owner, 43,000miles, FSH, taxed and MOT until August 2012, cost 14,500pounds new, great ride home tremendous value for money @ only 4,999€ 2000 ROVER 825 AUTOMATIC FAST BACK in met blue, one owner, 71,000miles, full UK MOT, luxury @ 2,999€ 99 BMW 523i SE AUTO, blue, grey hide, alloys, v.clean,UK MOT to Oct’12......................................... 1,999€ 02 CITROËN BERLINGO 1.9 DIESEL VAN, immaculate, alloys......................................................... 1,999€

NOV 2008 FORD FOCUS EST 2.0 - TDCI 136BHP In diamond white, CD, A/C, PAS, FSH, direct from Ford Motor Co, with Sportbreak pack + Trend pack, drives like a train, looks a million dollars, great deal @10,999€ or 9,150 pounds. First to see will get their cheque book or credit card out, call now or ring Alan Finnie our general mgr

02 RENAULT KANGO 1.9 DIESEL VAN with side loading door + 2 rear doors + rear roof lifts up for ladders etc, very clean, few around, as new! ............................................2,999€ 04 RENAULT KANGO 1.9 DIESEL COMBI, A/C, PAS, white, 2000, very clean .........2,999€ 02 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 LS in red, A/C, PAS, immaculate throughout ..................2,999€ 00/04 ROVER 825 AUTO FAST BACK, met blue, luxury for only ..........................2,999€ 97 NISSAN ALMERA, A/C, PAS, emerald green, gift @ ......................................1,999€

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Life cars

Brian Deller Author of Motoring in Spain

Raising its ugly head: Motoring in Spain! MY HUSBAND and I came to live in Spain in 2003: he was 72 and had a UK driving license. When it expired I rang the DVLC for a renewal form but when they asked for our address I was told that we had to apply to the Spanish authority. He has been taking the Spanish driving test every two years ever since. If what you say is correct and legal, why won’t the DVLC issue forms here? Patricia A Leek: Algorfa. Dear Mrs Leek, The numbers of cries for help from expats who are in trouble because they do not know the laws is one reason I keep my book, ‘Motoring in Spain’ going despite the amount of work it entails. I am currently finishing the Fourth Edition. Spain is bound by the laws or Directives of the EU, when Spain obeys them, but the law basically, as explained in my book since 2004 (First Edition but the Third is more up to date), is that when you move to another EU country to take up residence (more than 183 days a year) you may continue using your original driving licence until it expires but you must obey the same rules as the Spanish licence holders have to. Some websites on Spain still supply the wrong, old information. 1. Remembering that commercial licences (HGVs, buses and some larger vehicles over 3 500 KG MAM) expire five years earlier than the normal private driving ones which in the UK expire at age 70, and you start the procedure few months before the expiry date, you have to change it for a Spanish licence. This is not expensive but you have to take the medicals that all Spanish drivers have to as your husband should have been doing since you settled here and noted

many times in this column. 2. If your husband’s driving licence has expired less than 3 years ago, you can still change it for a Spanish one. Over this period he will have to take the Spanish Driving Test again, and this is where I am confused as you write that he is taking it every two years. Perhaps you mean the medicals? He only has to take the driving test once unless he has fallen foul of the law for some offence and is ordered to retake it. If he still has his original driving licence and it is less than three years since it expired, then all is well. If it is older than three years, he will have to attend a local driving school and sit the test again after passing the theory classes and a few practical driving lessons at the school. The school will arrange everything for him but it is not cheap. You can also contact the DVLA in the UK even by phone and request a Form D737 which is a certificate that he qualifies for the classifications and there are no banning notices, etc against them but have all the details ready and a commonly used credit card to pay the small fee. It will be posted to you. Look at http://www.dft.gov.UK/dvla/ drivers.aspx, and related pages.

I wrote my book in 2003/4 when I found that there was very little information on the legal needs for expats in English and have since discovered that with my research, even Spanish lawyers and some policemen admit that after checking the info, I am correct and they did not know the details as far as foreign residents are concerned. But get them into Court and they know where to look as some expats have discovered to their expense. Finally, IF your husband is driving around with an expired licence, he is not insured and the fine if caught is up to 3,000€, plus other penalties depending on the arresting officer, plus the impounding of the vehicle if there is no other licenced and insured driver to take the wheel. Also the future insurance premiums will be increased. I advise this as I am now 74 on the 14th February (I only get birthday cards now) and I would be mortified if I was not allowed to drive. It is one pleasure that my wife and I enjoy a lot. The new edition will be publicised when it is ready soon. Good luck and readers please spend a little time and a small amount of money to know the laws. It is far cheaper and gives peace of mind in the short and long runs.

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

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2004 NEW MODEL MERCEDES CLK 240

AVANTGARDE CABRIOLET Black met. black leather, alloys, climate

14,995€ 2006 CADILLAC XLR 4.6 V8 AUTOMATIC hard top convertible, black, cream leather, every conceivable extra, 1 owner, only 4K......29,995€ 2008 BMW X5 AUTOMATIC NEW MODEL in black metallic with tan leather, Nav, climate, PDC, cruise, very high spec, 1 owner.............29.950€ 2004 NEW MODEL MERCEDES CLK 24O AVANTGARDE CABRIO Black met, black leather, alloys, climate...14,995€ 2005 MERCEDES SPORT COUPE C220 AUTO CDi DIESEL Ruby met. quartz leather trim, alloys, climate....12,995€ 2009 PEUGEOT 207 CC CABRIOLET 1.6 SPORT in bright red, alloys, climate, only 12K..............12,995€ 2004 NEW MODEL CHRYSLER SEBRING

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2008 SEAT LEON 2.0 TDi DIESEL STYLANC MODEL dark silver metallic with grey sports trim, alloys, climate, CD, cruise, low kms……12,995€ 2008 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCi DIESEL ADVENTURE SPECIAL EDITION Tango red met, very high spec, CD, climate, alloys, xenons, 1 owner..........12,995 10,995€ 2007 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TREND 5 door, light blue met, AC, CD, low kms, immaculate..............7,995€ 2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 1.8 VVTi 5 door, silver with grey interior, AC, CD etc...........................7,995€ 2002 FIAT BARCHETTA CABRIO FERRARI EDITION speed yellow, black leather, alloys, only 36K........5,995€ 2002 MERCEDES BENZ A170 CDi brilliant silver, charcoal trim, AC, CD, alarm, remote locking...........................................5,995 4,995€

2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 1.8 VVTi 5 door, silver with grey interior, AC, CD etc 7,995€ 2004 MODEL SMART FOURTWO DIESEL SEMI AUTOMATIC, white & black, AC, 1 owner...4,750 3,995€ 2004 FIAT STILO 1.9 JTD DIESEL black with grey check cloth trim, alloys, climate, CD…..3,995€ 2003 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR 1.9 DIESEL 5 door, crystal jade metallic with grey trim, AC, CD, only 43K, 1 owner.....................4995 3,995€ 1996 VW GOLF CABRIO 1.6 dark blue met, with beige trim, new black hood, alloys, AC, CD, new ITV......3,495€ 2001 FORD FOCUS 1.6AUTOMATIC silver with charcoal trim, AC, low kms, service history, P/X to clear….2,995€ 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 3 WHEEL SCOOTER….2,995€ 2007 RENAULT CLIO 1.2, 5 DOOR RIPCURL SPECIAL

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* 7 SEATS * VW GOLF VARIANT 1.9 TDI SPORT “2008” WAS 11995 € NOW 10995 €

* AUTO *

FORD FOCUS 1.6i TREND “2007” WAS 7800€ NOW 6995 €

CITROEN C4 GRAND PICASSO 1.6 HDI “2007” WAS 13995 € NOW 12995 €

3 x NISSAN MICRAS 1.2i VISIA “2010” WAS 8995 € NOW 7995 €

HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1i GLS “2008” WAS 7995 € NOW 6995 €

AUDI A4 2.0 TDI MULTITRONIC “2007” WAS 15995 € NOW 14995 €

FORD C-MAX 1-6 TDCI NEWPORT “2007” WAS 9500 € NOW 8500 €

RENAULT GRAND SCENIC 1.5 DCI “2008” WAS 11995 € NOW 9995 €

CITROEN C2 1.1i FURIO “2006” WAS 5995 € NOW 4995 €

HONDA CRV 2.0i 4x4 LEATHER,SUN ROOF “2001” WAS 5500 € NOW 4995 €

SKODA ROOMSTER 1.4 TDI HANDY “2007” WAS 8995 € NOW 7995 €

* ONE OWNE

FORD MONDEO 2.0 TDCI FUTURA X “2007” WAS 8500 € NOW 7500 €

* 5000kms * RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI EMOTION “2007” WAS 11500 € NOW 9995 €

* AUTO *

RENAULT MEGANE EST. 1.9 DCI “2007” WAS 8500 € NOW 7500 €

FIAT NEW BRAVO 1.9 JTD DYNAMIC 120 BHP “2009” 8995 €

HYUNDAI TERRACAN 2.9 CRDI 4x4 “20042 AUTO LEATHER-FSH 8995 €

* 7 SEATS *

HYUNDAI i10 1.0i CONFORT “2008” 7995 €

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i LS “2008” 8500 €

NISSAN XTRAIL 2.0 DCI XE 4x4 “2009” 15995 €

NISSAN MICRA 1.6i C+C CABRIO “2007” 7995 €

CITROEN C4 PICASSO 1.6 HDI SX “2007” 10995 €

* AS NEW *

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SEAT IBIZA 1.4i AUTOMATIC STELLA “2004” 4995 €

OPEL VECTRA 1.8i COMFORT HATCH “2005” 6500 €

CITROEN C4 1.6 HDI COLLECTION “2009” 10500 €

* HI SPEC *

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SKODA OCTAVIA EST. 1.9 TDI ELEGANCE “2008” 10995 €

OPEL ZAFIRA 2.0 DTI AUTO “2003” 5995 €

RENAULT CLIO 1.5 DCI LUXE “2006” 6995 €

RENAULT GRAN SCENIC 1.9 DCI PANORAMIC “2007” 9995 €

FORD FOCUS EST. 1.8 TDCI TREND “2007” 7995 €

OPEL ASTRA GTC 1.8CDTi SPORT “2008” 8995 €

3 x CITROEN C3’s 1.1i FURIOS “2007” 6995 €

HYUNDAI XG 3.0i V6 AUTO LUXURY “2002” 3995 €

HYUNDAI ATOS 1.0i PRIME “2001” 2995 €

FIAT NEW DOBLO 1.6 JTD PANORAMA “2010” 11995 €

KIA CERATO 1.6i GLX SEDAN “2005” 5995 €

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.00 DCIEKNA “2009” 17500 €

SEAT CORDOBA 1.4i 14v STELLA AUTO “2004” 4995 €

HONDA CIVIC 1.3IMA AUTO HYBRID “2007” 9995 €

KIA RIO 1.5i LS “2004” 4995 €

FORD FIESTA 1.3i AMBIENTE “2008” 6995 €

RENAULT CLIO 1.2i 16v “2008” 7995 €

* HI SPEC * CITROEN C3 1.4i COLLECTION “2007” 7500 €

Classified Ads 64

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

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• 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

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012 Richard 0034 633 056 224. enquiries@serenitysailing.com . www.serenitysailin.com

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:-680-154-432/676-265675. Email excelairconditioning@ hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING JR Construction for new builds, refurbishment,brickwork, blockwork, tiling, terraces, BBQ’S, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Roofing, Driveways, Swimming Pools, Disabled Facilities. No Job Too Small Tel 634 617 771 or 966 877 757 www. jrconstructioncostablanca.com

FRONTLINE spot on for flea and tick treatment contact stigmichael on 962 132 691or email mickheigh@gmail.com also scaliboir collers for large dogs 63cm PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www. protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 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:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

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

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MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000€ FULLY FURNISHED READY TO MOVE INTO, A/C, TEL, ENG TV, ON PERMANENT SITE, BAR/ RES, POOL,TENNIS,GYM, SHOP WALKING DISTANCE TO SAN JAVIER. 5MINS TO BEACH, AIRPORT, HOSPITAL, GOLF COURSES. BY CAR. ALSO BUNGALOWS , HOMES & PLOTS FOR RENT. CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

BUILT 2 SPEC, Building, Carpentry and Plumbing. Amazing discounts on Flooring, Wardrobes & Furniture. See main ad on page 9 of North edition or call Built 2 Spec on 965 065 412 or mobile 662 945 103 or email b2spec@yahoo.com

CHIMNEY SWEEP Clean efficient service :660844623 NEED HELP AT HOME? Cleaning, shopping & outings etc. Sympathetic service.call Sandra on 651482106 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price. References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

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

FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at Villamar Campsite in Albir/Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781068 for more information!

ITALK RADIO LOOKING FOR SALES REPS in the Costa

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QUALITY PARQUET FLOORING , timeless designs, hardwearing, smooth or textured, Easy to clean. See main ad on page nine of north edition or call built 2 spec on 965 065 412 or mobile 662 945 103 ANTI-SLIP PRODUCT Free-Sol has an anti slip treatment that reduces the risk of slips and falls on many diffrent types of floor surfaces, which become dangerous to walk on when wet or damp. The application of this anti slip product is quick and easy - there are even DIY kits available if you´d ike to carry out the application yourself. To find out more please phone Martin Freeman on 659 232 507 or send an e-mail to martin.freeman@free-sol.com

TREE SPECIALIST Cut and removal of palm / pine trees. Size not a problem. Also dangerous & difficult work. Garden cleaning and gravelling. Free estimates. please call adrian on 627 103 412 or www. costablancagardening.com OASIS GARDEN pool maintenance. Calpe to Javea. Telephone Martin 669 261 868 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

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

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HOLISTIC THERAPY sports injurys massage, reflexology, indian head massage ,reiki and counselling all by appointment only : 650 554 908. AT MICHAEL’S Several dining sets to choose from in different styles, classic, modern, bamboo, pine, glass etc. Many with matching sideboards: www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Free deliveries in our area - usually the same day! Look at: www.michaels-javea.com to see quality pre owned furniture and new beds! AT MICHAEL’S Now we have several high quality Castilian furniture in: Large wall units, dining sets, etc. See over 600 photos on: 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. HAS THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE DECREASED? Are you paying too much for house insurance since the property price crash? If so and you would like a free, no obligation quotation with excellent coverage, please call us. Grupo Catalana Occidente covers all insurance needs. Please call 965-855-600 and speak to Manuel Caneda or Lynn Keane in English, on 966-881-048/691-202-307. email: lynnschofieldkeane@gmail.com S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

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ADVICE WITH THE SPANISH SYSTEM Whatever you need to integrate into the spanish system, we can help you. NIE, residencia, empadronamiento, car import transfer, driving license transfer, schools, doctors, social security. Tel: 619 269 408 ADVISORY SERVICE Need advice on making a will, buying or selling property, tax, resident or non resident, starting a business in spain, we can talk you through and give you the best advice and help you settle in spain. Tel: 610 634 506

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.

FORD FUSION 1.6+, NOVEMBER 2005 2 owners, 49,000kms, 5 door, alloys, rear privacy glass, front fogs, stunning condition, metallic silver. 6,250€. Renault Megane Scenic 1.9DCI dynamique, Auto tiptronic, 2008, 1 owner, FSH, 70,000kms, alloys, parking sensors, rear sun blinds, auto aircon, isofix, auto fold mirrors, rain/light sensors, twin panoramic sunroofs, keyless entry, dog guard, dark metallic grey. 11,950€. Seat Ibiza TDI Cupra Sport, 160bhp, 3 door, October 2007, 2 owners, 37,000kms, FSH, 17inch alloys, on board computer, full cupra sports interior, met gun metal grey, stunning car. Not for the faint hearted. 7,950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com MERCEDES HYMERMOBIL 1992 4 berth, LHD, 2.7 diesel, ITV till 2013. Cycle rack, TV, DVD/CD player. very good condition €7500 ONO. Call 966 182 589 or 617 148 016. APRILIA SR50, 2006, 50CC SCOOTER. Red, one owner, pristine condition, totally original, 1495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FIESTA, 2005 1.4 Ltr TDCi Diesel Spanish LHD, Mid Blue Metallic. 5 door hatchback, air conditioning, CD player and electric windows in excellent condition throughout. 5995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 FIAT BRAVA,1996 1.4 Ltr SX petrol 5 door,champagne. Spanish LHD, Electric windows, stereo. 1495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 KIA CARENS, 2004, 2 LTR CRDI Diesel, silver, Spanish LHD, 6 seater, Full main dealer history, climate control, elec windows, roof bars, alloys, one owner. 6495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FOCUS 5 DOOR AUTO 2007 light blue metallic, aircon, aluminium wheels and cruise control. 1 lady owner from new, full service history by main ford dealer. Immaculate condition throughout. €7500 + half of transfer fee.no traders please : 638 352 129. WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there? Call 658 670 777 JAGUAR 2.5 V6 full itv, suma paid. R.H.D on spanish plates. drives perfect, any trial 628 499 448 CONVERTABLE PEUGEOT 307 CC. AUTOMATIC purple 5 years old, well looked after and full service history. 7,500€ or nearest offer. call 966 897 635 CHEAP TYRES & DISCOUNT BRAKES In Teulada, La Nucia and Alicante offer Quality New Tyres & Brakes at HUGELY DISCOUNTED PRICES! See our main ad on Pg 3 of RTN North edition for the address details of our 3 outlets. Or call 966 487 061 or email info@cheaptyres.es for details. LOOKING FOR A CAR We have over 75 LHD or RHD vehicles for sale or exchange. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com

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02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 693-478-573 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

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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

Properties for sale MOBILE/PARK HOMES ON CAMPING PUEBLO IN SAN JAVIER FROM 17,000E CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com EASILY MAINTAINED, DETACHED F/F,2 BED VILLA in l´Alberca, Polop-de-la-Marina. 249m2 flat plot. Lots of extras. Solarium with 360º views of sea and mountains. Community pool and Gardens, easy and low maintenance. 123,000€ Tlf Lynn: 966-881-048/691202-307 or email foundation@ rtnnewsgroup.com for photographs and more information

MORAIRA F/F 2 bedrooms, 1½ bathrooms, lounge-diner, naher & sun terrace. Sea views, garage & landscaped garden in cul-de-sac. 150m from sea, nearest village (15 min walk). €700 per month (+ bills).Mar - Sep 2012. Tel: 96649 9229 or judyrichspain@yahoo.com. MORAIRA F/F 2 bedrooms, 1½ bathrooms, lounge-diner, naher & sun terrace. Sea views, garage & landscaped garden in cul-de-sac. 150m from sea, nearest village (15 min walk). €700 per month (+ bills).Mar - Sep 2012. Tel 96 649 9229 or judyrichspain@yahoo.com TEULADA – LONG TERM LET 3 Bed 2 Bath Apartment Central Heating 154 M2 €450 p/m + bills Tel: 615 813 076 PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS BOTH EN SUITE FULLY FITTED ON CAMPING PUEBLO . WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. FULLY FITTED. ON CAMPING PUEBLO . WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. GOLF COURSES, BEACH, AIRPORT,HOSPITAL,5 MINS BY CAR. WALKING DISTANCE TO SAN JAVIER CAROL TEL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 6622 EMAIL. haydn47@hotmail.com www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com 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:966881-048 or email foundation@ rtnnewsgroup.com for more information and photographs www.fincafeliz.com FOR RENT/SALE 450€PCM 120.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished. Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia. Tel: 609 177 032

FIRST CLASS DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE To and from Spain with a single box 35 Euros to a full load. Call today for free advice and a free no obligation quote tel: 676 582 333 or +44 1268 728 855 MAN WITH A LARGE VAN local removals, deliveries, collections, house clearance, rubbish removal and disposal. No job too small - call now for competitive no obligation quotation tel: 666 703 499 EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965-300959 Mobile 0034-648-102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719. Email info@euromove4u.eu

reliable accompaniment service. Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings. Virginia 629201192. INTERPRETER English interpreter provides aid and assistance for visits to hospitals/ schools/tax offices/police stations etc. Friendly and reliable, available in Benidorm and surrounding areas. Call 600 809 698

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 600-247-535 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 0044-7519186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail.co.uk

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

SCIENCE TEACHER AVAILABLE Chemisty up to A level and Physics up to IGCSE. Call Edward :672 914 311 NAIL COURSES now available in Albir, call Claire 633147881 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. BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/Secondary English Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616-660-687

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02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

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02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

A disturbing incident

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

A DISTURBING letter arrived for me at El Plantio last Friday that seems to sum up what happens when an individual in a golf society gets too much power and confirmed exactly why the committees should have new blood injected every year. No individual should be able to call all the shots when the society has elected a committee to run its affairs. The letter contained an allegation by a member of a society that violence was used against another member to try to solve a minor dispute. The alleged aggressor was someone who managed to manipulate a situation whereby he became all powerful. He formed a clique around him that still supported him even after the alleged aggression towards the other member and the letter writer wanted my advice on how to deal with the situation. I am not in possession of the full facts and will in no way cast blame on any individual without knowing the full story and certainly not when the letter writer requests his name to be withheld. The point I would like to make is that society members have a duty to their society to stand for committee and do their bit for a few years and not leave the decisions and all the hard work to others. A society is only as good as its members and the

committee it elects to run the day to day challenges a society faces nowadays. Practically all our golf societies welcome new members each year and they should be encouraged to air their views and stand for election in order to prevent the society from going stale. The committee then has a duty to do their best for the members no matter how difficult those decisions seem to be. Responsibility is something all us adults have to take at various stages of our lives and no committee agrees all the time that is the way in a democratic society like the one we are lucky enough to enjoy here in Europe. Society golf is the lifeblood of the expatriate golfing community in South East Spain and we all need them to continue to go from strength to strength. That is why all societies should encourage something like a 20% change in the committee each year. Society golf is fun if we all share the workload that is needed to run a happy and thriving golf society.

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. WINNER FOR FEBRUARY Steve Ward QUESTION FOR 2ND MARCH 2012 Who is the current Masters Champion? A. Charl Schwartzel B. Phil Mickelson C. Rory Mcillroy All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 1st April 2012 to be entered into March’s draw, which will be made on 1st April. The winner will be announced in RTN on 6th April 2012.

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

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

The WGC Accenture Matchplay Championship last weekend was a true classic in matchplay terms with some of the fancied names eliminated in the first two rounds. Defending champion Luke Donald’s elimination at the hands of Ernie Els was perhaps the most surprising; the elimination of Tiger Woods far less so. Surely Tiger will soon have to revert to a proper method of swinging the club and abandon the amateurish way he swings it at the moment. The semi final match between McIllroy and Westwood took its toll on both players as both could have overtaken Luke Donald at the top of The World Rankings with a win in the event. McIllroy qualified for the final but both went on to give very lacklustre performances in the afternoon. Hunter Mahon went on to capture his second WGC Event and would have been good odds at the start of the week. Mahon played 96 holes on his way to victory and secured 35 birdies during the week, impressive to say the least and a performance that deserved to end in victory. Mahon now

moves to a career high ninth in The Official World golf Rankings. The Ladies Tours are now well under way with The HSBC Champions event last weekend being the first big event of the season. Once again the ladies from South Korea dominated the field in the early stages. Angela Stanford from Texas was the eventual winner after a four way play-off victory that went three extra holes. The WGC Championships are like London buses: you wait for ages for one and then two come along together. Next weekend we see the second of the season at Doral’s Blue Monster in Florida. Another limited field will compete for the first prize of $1.3m and the World ranking points that go along with it. Nick Watney will defend the title he won last year over one of the most feared golf courses in America. All the other top players in the rankings will also compete, many hoping for a better performance than last week. Paul Casey should be fit to return to action and Luke Donald will surely show some of the form that has taken him to the top of The World for the last forty weeks. McIllroy will no doubt be

Golf Club booking hotline For the best deals on the Costa Blanca and Murcia call 685 538 562 or email rtngolf@roundtownnews.com

smarting at missing out on a golden chance to get where he will inevitably be one day - World No 1 - and Westwood will also have his eyes set on getting his position back, one that he lost to Donald last year. NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO. GOLFING TIP OF THE WEEK Always keep your spare golf gloves in a plastic bag to prevent them getting wet when it rains. Quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

The hands of Ernie Els

GOLF Tips

Never play any shot until you are fully committed to it.

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Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

02 MAR - 08 MAR 2012

Sensible psycho

HATS OFF to Stuart Pearce… Taking charge of England for the first time in the mid-week friendly against Holland, his side played well enough but there was no inkling that he has a magic wand at his disposal to transform a young and willing side in to serious contenders at Euro 2012 this summer. And while the former defender says he’s happy to take the national team to that competition, he’s been honest enough to say that he’s not the long term solution the FA may be looking for as he lacks the necessary experience. It’s a sensible summation of the situation by Pearce who, at the very least, is buying the Football Association some time before the new man comes in, whoever that may be.

face of the champion’s brother Wladimir. Now, many of you might agree with the WBC’s decision but let me point out that this is the same organisation that has taken no action against its welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather who is to serve jail time for assaulting the mother of his children. Chisora too has a previous conviction for beating up his then girlfriend but that didn’t stop him fighting for a WBC title. No wonder then that I’ve heard a couple of people this week comment that rather standing for World Boxing Council, WBC actually stands for ‘Wife Beating Condoned’.

FOR RENT IN THE FULHAM ROAD

You may have noticed that I don’t normally write about rhythmic gymnastics in this column but something’s got my blood up. On the first couple of days at the recent London 2012 test event, the British team failed to record an Olympic qualifying score. However, on the third day of the competition, they surpassed the mark required. But, the BOA and British Gymnastics informed them that they were being judged on the first two days of competition, not the last and therefore they would not be allowed to compete in London this summer. This seems incredibly petty to me and I’m glad that the gymnasts have taken their case to appeal. Competing at a home Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity and as athletes often perform well above expectations in front of a highly supportive crowd, as was seen particularly in Barcelona in 1992, let’s hope their appeal succeeds.

According to reports, Jose Mourinho is house hunting in London. I can tell him that there is a very nice pad going in Chelsea. By all accounts the current tenant will soon be forced out by his landlord who’s not happy because he’s broken the lamps! NOT BOXING CLEVER Last week I wrote that Dereck Chisora, along with David Haye, had brought shame upon British boxing after their brawl in Germany. But now, the WBC has done more damage to the sport by banning Chisora and fining him despite not holding a disciplinary hearing. Their officials were also annoyed that the Londoner slapped Vitali Klitschko at the prefight weigh-in and then, once in the ring in Munich, spat water in the

OUT OF RHYTHM

Frustrating weekend for ITV Orihuela RFC LAST WEEKEND ITV Orihuela RFC went to Albacete with a much depleted squad of eleven senior players and three juveniles, after having already played a game earlier against their Albacete counterparts. When they arrived they found the ref was the same one that refused to give a try at home under the posts as he said they were “over the dead ball line,” but despite all of these disadvantages they took to the pitch with confidence. The 14 players include two of the coaches with lots of experience to help the younger players. ITV

Orihuela RFC managed to hold their own despite Albacete having a far heavier scrum, but the pick and go for Albacete was working very well against the young inexperienced travellers down 12-0 after only quarter of an hour. Not to be disheartened, Orihuela came back at them and Pablo, of the juveniles, pulled a try back against the run of play, going in at half time 19-7 down. In the second half the home team out-muscled the young Orihuela team and soon got the bonus point try, but not to be out done Orihuela came back with another try and

conversion, bringing the final score to 41-14. Despite the final score line the players can be proud of themselves to have kept the score line down and still come away with two tries of their own: the less said about the ref the better. The juveniles I was told faired little better and lost 37-11. I would like to thank everyone who came down to the exhibition this last weekend and all of the support that they gave to the rugby club and the Butterfly Children. Hope to see everyone down at the rugby bar over the weekend and at the next ITV Orihuela RFC match at home in

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare 968 199 279

THIS WEEK’S match was the final round of the Winter Championship held on the Rio Segura at Murcia. After hearing how bad the Eden stretch had fished the day before again we were expecting the worse. The river however, fished reasonably well for those who caught carp, but there were still some dry nets and a few anglers catching only bleak. Latest information on the river, according to a local who was there on the day, is that the river will start to be drained around end of March and we will not be able to fish it again until this time next year! TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare fishing the feeder using bread with 11.02 kilos 2nd Doug (Welsh Goldminer) Hornblow fishing the feeder using maggot and bread

with 10.36 kilos 3rd Alan (The Quiet Man) Reid fishing the feeder using bread with 7.98 kilos As this competition was the best 8 results from the 11 matches, the final reconciliation is as follows: 1st Dave Hoare with 23 points 2nd Dave Hutchinson with 27 points 3rd Bill Reade with 37 points PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present: if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 667 407 026. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The 8th round of the Abbey Angling Cup was fished this week 21st February on the Eden Stretch. All the banks have now been cleared

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

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two weeks’ time, at home against Torry. At the new rugby union supporters bar and club, the Steak House in Rojales will be showing over the weekend the Rabodirect and Aviva matches, and on Sunday the France v Ireland rescheduled match. Come along bring your friends to support this new venture and keep a full house going every weekend. The club trains on Tuesday and

Thursday at the Miguel Hernandez University for the juveniles and seniors starting at 8.30pm, with juniors on Tuesday and Thursday 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 contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish).

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk and the reeds that have been cut down have made the banks very slippery, and it now needs a couple of working parties to clear the existing pegs and to make some new ones The fishing cannot get much worse than it is at present, although the temperatures in the daytime have risen we are still getting frosts in the early hours of the morning, and the fish are reluctant to feed. Once again only four Anglers caught with just four fish, one Mullet, one Carp, and two Bleak 1st Doug (The Welsh Goldminer) Hornblow with 1.100kg on the pole and bread Joint 2nd Richard (The Lion Heart) King and Neil (The Boy) McBirnie both with 0.980kg fishing the pole and maggot 4th Terry (Swing Em) Screen with 0.920kg also fishing the pole and maggot

These weights also include the weigh net. All details are available on our website www. abbeyangling.com or the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together THE OBJECTIVE of Anglers Together has been reached (which was to introduce anglers to each other). Now that newcomers to Spain are few and far between, we have decided that monthly meetings are serving no useful purpose and the friendships that have been made over the past four years are now firmly established. We will continue to provide information through our email address if contacted but there will be no membership renewals in May. Thanks to all past members for their support. anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk. Tight lines… Dave Hoare

FC Torrevieja news

LAST SUNDAY Torry entertained Novelda and managed to secure a point, but only just, in the 89th minute through a Corcoles header. Novelda had taken the lead in the 35th minute through a fine strike by their no.7 . Torry had Juande somewhat harshly dismissed for tripping a Novelda defender with 10 minutes remaining. 10 men Torry battled on and got their just desserts. Torry are away to Jove Espanol next Sunday 5.00 pm kick-off and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 6 games. They are, however, likely to be down to the “bare bones” through injuries and suspensions.