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The Freewheelers visit the Queen Elizabeth by Louise Clarke IF YOU thought the last Freewheelers trip was something, then this was something else! Visits to, and tours of, the new magnificent Queen Elizabeth are usually reserved exclusively for tourist office employees and the Press, so the group was very privileged to be invited aboard the cruise liner during its recent visit to the Port of Alicante. Launched on 12th October by Her Majesty the Queen, the new Queen Elizabeth has a gross tonnage of 90,400 GRT, a length of 294 meters, 32.25 meters wide and a speed of almost 22 knots. At a cost of £300,000,000, yes, three hundred million, you would expect quality and that is exactly what this ship has; quality in abundance! With a crew of over 1,000, the liner is capable of carrying over 2,000 passengers. There is also a segregation system where those paying the most and occupying the various suites on the top deck have privileged areas not available to others paying less and occupying lesser cabins. These include the exclusive French cuisine in the Queen’s dining room, very opulent, also an exclusive sunning area on the very top deck with panoramic views from the stern of the ship. ART GALLERY Next on the tour was the Princess Grill, where the Freewheelers group dined, and which is allocated for the
Music & Dance Night with Jose West and Roberto for PCN THE FUN starts at 20.00 at Hotel Corazon on Friday 3rd December with music and dancing with Jose West and Roberto. Fun Casino tickets at just €5 provide chips for gambling along with a ‘bowl of chips!’
Tickets are available at Gigi’s Boutique Quesada; the PCN Charity Shop Quesada; El Corazon Hotel and The Post Room, Benijofar. Alternatively, call Susan on 629 869 959 or 966 713 503 or email sueinthesun@ terra.es
Correction Global 4 Removals
next grade of passengers. Finally, there is a third tier for those paying the least. This includes an English style Pub with bar snacks and bar meals available 24 hour a day. Whilst those on the uppermost decks could come down to the lower decks, those on the lower cannot intrude on the more exclusive areas which are reserved for top deck passengers. There is even an outdoor games area for carpet bowls, croquet and paddle tennis. The ship interior is very much art deco with wood effect almost everywhere, thick carpets and artefacts from previous ships bearing the Queen’s name, and also an art gallery. A duty free shopping area offers high brand named fashion, perfume and accessories as well as a hire shop in case you forgot to bring your ball gown or evening dress suit. The meal was of the very highest quality, served by very professional waiters who did not need to ask who ordered what when serving the various choices requested, which was quite impressive. The ship oozes quality and opulence at every turn and does not feel like being aboard a ship. The tour took one and a half hours and was extremely informative. “How the other half live” was an often heard comment. The Freewheelers would like to thank Richard for another amazing and exclusive day out and it was all free! For more on the Freewheelers days out go to www.TorreviejaInformation.com/freewheelers and see the amazing places they have visited.
Fundraiser for ‘Blind Benito’
REGULAR READERS of RTN may remember the appeal to find a home for a blind Spanish Sheepdog called Benito who was rescued by the animal charity APAH. Benito was found in a pitiful state. Blind, he was chained to a wall by his owner because he could no longer herd sheep. Covered in ticks and fleas, starving and dehydrated, he was dying a slow death in the burning sun. After his rescue, he was cared for in a foster home and his health was slowly restored, but nothing could be done for his sight. After the appeal in RTN, APAH found him a home. Sadly for Benito, his owner returned to the UK and once again they appealed for a home for him. Margaret from APAH explained: “We did find a wonder-
LAST WEEK Global 4 Removals pictures that accompanied RTN’s article on Global 4 Removals’ excellent services carried incorrect telephone numbers. Apologies to our readers: the correct contact information is: Paul or Amanda on 965 994 832 / 618 342 447 or email global4removals@yahoo.com
The new Queen Elizabeth
ful family for him who love him tremendously and have tried to make up for the suffering he has had in his short life. His owner then contacted me last week to tell me that Benito’s eyes (which are completely white and sightless) are causing him a lot of pain. They have contacted a local vet who referred them to a Specialist who has said that he can operate and is recommending the removal of both eyes. As Benito has been completely blind for years, it won’t make any difference to him whether he has eyes or not, but the main thing is he will be pain free.”
Benito after being rescued by APAH
and so they have asked if APAH can help to collect some money to help them. Margaret continued: “To APAH, Benito is a very special dog and we have agreed to help the family however we can. We are going to organise a fund-raising event at Chimes Bar in San Miguel de Salinas, where the owner is very happy to help. We also have a band: three guys called Loose Change, all of whom have adopted APAH dogs, or been helped with a problem by Benito APAH. as he The night will be a ‘Benito was found Fund-Raiser’ and whatever is
CHIMES BAR Unfortunately, the operation is very expensive and the family, like lots of people, aren’t having an easy time of it financially
Moncayo Market: The countdown is on THE MONCAYO Market reopens every Saturday and Tuesday from 4th December! Traders are turning up everyday to book space on this new market, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The organisers are planning big celebrations for the first day and included in the entertainment will be Flamenco Dancing and live Spanish Music. For the kids there will be a specially designated play area, fenced for their safety. There will be food tasting from around the Globe and the organisers will be raffling off a brand new bike with the proceeds to the Paul Cunningham Nurses charity.
Refreshment stands will include two café bars selling both Spanish and English cuisine with a menu del dia offered at only €8.95. And the owners of the venue will be offering a free drink to all those who bring along a voucher available in most local free newspapers. So five thousand square metres of indoor retail space offers Spanish Flamenco Dancers, Spanish Singers, free refreshments (bring along your voucher) and the chance to win a bike! Everything for a good day out! Some pitches still available: to book, come along to the Market Office between 16.00 – 20.00 at the Procomobel Centre.
All this and entertainment too!
raised on that night will be given to the owners of Benito to pay for his operation. The event will be held on Thursday, 9th December and will start around 20:00. There won’t be any tickets on sale but there will be a raffle and the chance to donate money, however small.” Margaret concluded: “We know that we won’t raise the full amount, but anything that we can raise will help Bonito and his family.” Please go along to the event next Thursday evening and support APAH’s fundraiser for Benito.
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