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Edition 268

Friday 22nd April 2016

BANGED TO RIGHTS

ALEX TRELINSKI

Brits Assaulted By Vicious Masked Gang

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gang of masked thieves, described by the Guardia Civil as one of the most violent ever seen in Murcia, have been arrested in two dawn raids after being involved in at least 70 robberies in recent months. In January, they threatened to cut off the fingers of a British pensioner at a Mazarron home, and in another robbery, they beat up a Roldan jeweller.

Such was the intensity of the violence that the Guardia drafted in their expert assault team from Madrid for "Operation Stevedore" to arrest the six strong gang of Moroccans aged between 20 and 40 and a Spanish woman in Torre Pacheco and Pozo Estrecho. Dozens of officers, many with machine guns, and backed up by surveillance helicopters staged dawn raids to round up the gang at two addresses. One of the suspects tried to escape by running over rooftops in scenes akin to a Hollywood movie but was caught by Guardia agents.

Guardia assault team boss Manuel Robles said that the masked gang had operated since the autumn, and after concentrating on rural robberies, they decided to change their targets, as they focused on amusement arcades, restaurants, shops, and private homes where they targeted safes.

A British couple in Mazarron had their home broken into at the end of January with the masked invaders armed with knives and scissors. They threatened to cut off a man's fingers unless he told them where his safe was. His frightened wife told the crooks where it was, and she then got her arm broken by

an iron bar into the bargain.

Another incident saw a Roldan jeweller badly assaulted at his shop when he was thrown to the ground and repeatedly kicked.

The gang had brought numerous complaints from the Mar Menor and Campo de Cartagena areas, with the Guardia mobilising neighbourhood watch patrols and

calls for extra vigilance. in addition to extra security patrols. A large amount of stolen goods was recovered from the two addresses in Torre Pacheco and Pozo Estrecho including flatscreen televisions and money as well as firearms and vehicles. The gang are in the hands of a Cartagena court.

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News

Friday 22nd April 2016

Missing Money

Suspect Held

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Orihuela’s Partido Popular mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, claims that external auditors have uncovered what he described as a “scandal” involving the management of the municipal organisation, Orihuela Cultural, which allegedly between 2012 and 2015 was booking performers to the tune of over 600 thousand euros at the city’s Teatro Circo without appropriate invoicing and charging of IVA. The mayor said that over 10 thousand was not accounted for at all at the Teatro Circo box office.

Bascuñana would not expand to reporters on Monday whether he felt that people had been paid “on the

black”, but added that there were serious questions to be answered by the previous PSOE-Green led council, namely the lack of control and supervision of Orihuela Cultural. He added that the issue was uncovered by external auditors that he brought in last autumn to go over the books of the previous administration, but he did make the point that he felt it was an issue of competance rather than people “putting money into their pockets”.

The external report has now been passed onto council auditor, Fernando Urruticoechea, who will decide whether to pass on the file to the anti-corruption prosecutor.

A 26-year-old Moroccan man claimed to have strong links to the Islamic State group and alleged to be pushing for attacks to be carried out in Spain and elsewhere in Europe was arrested by the National Police on Tuesday.

A statement from the Police said the man was arrested in Palma de

Mallorca, where he lived. It said the detainee poses "a clear threat to national security" given that he used the internet to promote recruitment for IS, help send potential combatants abroad and encourage attacks in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. It said he maintained close contact with

IS leaders in Syria.

In a separate development, the German “Bild” newspaper quoted intelligence sources in its Tuesday edition as saying that the Islamic State were planning “terror” attacks on popular coastal resorts in southern Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy.

Owners Together

Pedal Link

Sally Los Alcazares, Tel. 618 391 491

Myra Torrevieja & North Tel. 618 583 765

Jean Orihuela Costa Tel. 618 898 034

Julie Tel. 616332178

Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel. 685 901 265

Writers Alex Trelinski Mark Nolan Dave Silver Tony Mayes John McGregor Ivie Davies Nicola Cross

A new bicycle route between La Marina village and the international campsite is to be built at a cost of 275 thousand euros. The announcement was made by Alicante Provincial Council deputy Mercedes Alonso

with the ex-Elche mayor saying that the project was being totally funded by the Council, who would also be giving 240 thousand euros to improve the irrigation of Elche's municipal parks and gardens.

Pilar Pipes Over 100 thousand euros is to be spent to reduce storm flooding around several streets of Pilar de la

Horadada. New pipes are to be laid in the La Ronda Alfonso X el Sabio and La Avenida San Pedro areas.

Torrevieja restaurant and bar owners have organised their own spring tapas festival after what they claim has been a failure by the local council to put together the event.

Joaquín Guillamó of the Torrevieja Hospitality association launched «¡Nos vamos de tapas»!(We’re going for tapas) this week, with the event running over two

weekends, namely from yesterday through till this Sunday, and then again from Thursday April 28th until Sunday May 1st.

A drink and a snack will cost two euros fifty with the majority of the 46 participants being around Torrevieja city centre, though establishments in La Mata, Punta Prima, and Náufragos beach have also

got involved.

Guillamó said that the two weekend event was being staged due to public demand as well as that of his members, adding that there has been an enthusiastic response to what his association had put together. The traditional Torrevieja council-organised Ruta de la Tapa will still be staged this November.

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Friday 22nd April 2016

From Russia With Love

Kiss And Make Up

Norway violated mass killer Anders Behring Breivik's human rights by keeping him in a "completely locked world" after being sentenced for killing 77 people in 2011.

A Russian woman who repeatedly rammed her car against her boyfriend, who was sandwiched between the vehicle and a wall, has been arrested in Benidorm. The coupled had been involved in a heated argument last

Friday night and the angry female took her partner's car and drove at him when she spotted him outside the Hotel Pueblo in the Rincón de Loix area of the resort.

The ferocity of the fuming driver was such that

part of the wall collapsed as she kept driving at it and the man, whilst the boyfriend was taken to hospital with serious injuries. A breathalyser test showed that the woman was over the alcohol limit and was arrested.

The Electromar Music Festival is to stay in Torrevieja after organisers signed a fouryear-deal with the council, after a war of words earlier this year with organisers accusing the city’s culture department of showing little interest in hosting the event which is regarded as one of Spain’s leading electronic

music gatherings. The council in turn had accused the organisers of not paying for the use of municipal land last year.

Last July’s eighth staging of the festival attracted around ten thousand people to the Antonio Soria park, and this year’s event will take place on Saturday July 16th.

Worming Away

Germany plans to look into stripping Islamic State fighters of their German citizenship to prevent them from coming back to the country.

The U.S. State of Illinois has made it illegal to toss cigarette butts on the ground.

China will encourage ships flying its flag to take the Northwest Passage via the Arctic Ocean, a route opened up by global warming, to cut travel times.

Lady’s Return Plan

The EU proposed offering visa-free travel in Europe to Ukrainians, delivering on a key pledge to the pro-Western government in Kiev.

The Valencian Government, led by President Ximo Puig, is to join forces with Elche council to have the iconic Lady of Elche statue permanently on display in the city. The Lady of Elche is a polychrome stone bust that was discovered by chance in 1897 at L'Alcúdia, an archaeological site on a private estate just south of Elche. It's believed to be a piece of Iberian sculpture from the fourth century BC, with the Elche

municipality having campaigned for a long time for it to be permanently displayed in the area.

Despite the pleas, the Madrid government has constantly refused to yield ground on the possibility of the statue returning on either a temporary or permanent basis to Elche from its current home of the National Archaeological Museum in the capital.

After the first ever meeting of the Valencian

Government team in Elche, Ximo Puig said that a joint commission would be formed between his administration and the Elche council to lobby the Spanish ministry of culture to create a branch of Archaeological Museum in the city, where the Lady could be on permanent display.

"It would be an excellent solution", said Puig. "The Lady would be here but would still be part of the national heritage".

Dry As A Bone Rainfall across the Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, is some 40 percent down on average levels between October 1st

and the end of last month, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

The last six months

should have seen rain of around 188 litres per square metre, as opposed to the normal average figure of 320 litres per square metre.

Almost six thousand cyber attacks happen every day on computers within the Valencia region, according to figures produced by the National Cyber Security Institute. A quarter of the attacks involve the

Conficker worm that tries to steal information from computers via the mass mailing of spam e-mails. Valencia City gets two thousand attacks a day whilst Alicante gets around 750 with Elche on 300.

Fiber Pledge Fiber-optic super broadband internet will be available to nearly everybody in Alicante Province via Telefonica by 2020, according to the company boss, Luis Miguel Gilpérez. He said that half of the population had access to the company's fiber optic services at the moment and that their target was to get to 98.9 percent within four years, with a promise that all communities of a thousand people and over would be served by 2020.

U.S. top court rules Iran bank must pay 1983 bomb victims.

Last known Ebola patient discharged in Guinea.

Tunisia expects to attract 5.5 million foreign tourists this year, about the same as last year, after increasing security.

Volkswagen has reached a deal with U.S. authorities to settle diesel emissions tests case that would involve paying each affected customer $5,000.

Switzerland opens process for 2026 Winter Olympic bid.

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Family Tiff A man in his early twenties has been arrested on domestic violence charges after his father rang the police to come to their Santa Pola home on Calle Trasmallo. The man had locked himself in on his own in the building, so firefighters smashed the door down, with local police calming him down when they got in. The Guardia Civil described the domestic attack as "mild".

Events Boost

Local council representatives across the Vega Baja and Baix Vinalopó areas have been briefed on how 600 thousand euros is going to be spent promoting non-profit local events in the area. The meeting in Rojales was organised by the Alicante Provincial Council, and chaired by the tourism representative and vicepresident, Eduardo Dolon.

He said that the promotional budget had gone up by 16 percent compared to last year.

No Hiding Place

The National Police have detained a 27-yearold man in San Javier who is wanted on a string of forgery and fraud charges, including the sale of high-end cars and parts for them, by using fake documents that claimed he had the right to sell them. He was apparently hiding out in the Mar Menor area, aware that authorities across Spain were after him.

Water Worries

Over two thousand people have been affected by an outbreak of gastroenteritis linked to bottled water in the Catalunya region. The area's health authority said that people had been treated for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and high fever.

The agency said that bottles of water have been withdrawn from retail outlets and scientific samples are being taken from bottling plants and distributors to determine the source of the outbreak. It did not name the company. The bottled water company Grupo Eden Springs, however, said in a statement at the weekend that it had withdrawn pallets of bottled water that came from its source in Font d'Arinsal, near Barcelona.

Friday 22nd April 2016

Bridge Switch

Motorists heading to and from Alicante-Elche airport are to suffer some minor delays as bridge improvement work continues on the bridge that goes over the N-332 at Gran

Alacant. A diversion will take drivers down a service lane by the Repsol service station at the commercial centre, with changes running for the next four weeks.

Pimps Locked Up

Time Called

The regional police have forcibly closed down an Almoradi bar after it broke the the law 57 times over noise opening hours and was fined 43 thousand euros in January. The Bar Irlanda on Calle Canalejas was shut down for a fortnight after a stream of complaints by residents over the last 18 months to the local police and the council, as reported earlier this year by

The Courier. The bar reportedly reopened under a different name, with the police moving in two weeks later to make sure that time was called on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile Almoradi mayor, Jaime Pérez, has rejected calls from bars and restaurants to keep their terraces open well into the night. Pérez said that he has no problem in special

extensions for holidays like Easter but added, "You cannot keep the terraces until half past three in the morning during every night of summer because you have to think about the residents".

The opposition Ciudadnos party along with local businesses had called for a relaxation at weekends, saying that the hospitality industry was in a state of decline.

Expand And Contract The Guardia Civil have rescued 29 Chinese women who had been drugged and forced into prostitution in hotels and nightclubs across Spain in an operation that smashed a human trafficking ring. Another 29 people were arrested as part of the operation carried out with the help of the Chinese, French and Andorran police under the auspices of

Europol.

“The victims were forced to take medication to overcome their resistance to prostituting themselves in their homes, or hotels or nightclubs," according to the Guardia in a statement.

The arrests were made across seven Spanish provinces including Valencia province and around the capital, Madrid.

Third Time Lucky Orihuela’s popular Medieval Market starts today, after a series of hitches following the postponement of the event from the traditional date of early February, and then from the start of the month.

The event in the centre of Orihuela City will be officially declared open at 11.00 am today and will feature a variety of shows and performances. The closing parde will start this Sunday evening at 9.30 pm.

Caixabank has launched a takeover bid for the 56 percent of Portugal's fourthbiggest bank BPI that it does not already control.

The news came days after plans were announced to lay off around 500 workers, mostly in its home region of Catalunya.

Spanish banks including leader Santander are shutting small domestic branches and laying off hundreds of employees in response to rising regulatory costs and a push into digital services. Caixa values the Portuguese BPI at one point six billion euros.

Barcelona based

Caixabank was one of Spain's most expansive banks during the financial crisis as it attempted to offset falling profitability in its domestic market by buying up smaller savings banks

Mess Most Foul

Not To Be Sniffed At

The Guardia Civil have broken up a clever drug smuggling operation in Barcelona which involved injecting some 210 kilos of cocaine paste into furniture. The paste, which is used as the basis for making cocaine, was then transferred from the port to several nearby warehouses, would have produced a tonne of the drug.

Eight men and five women from Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Spain and Morocco, were

arrested. The gang recruited impoverished individuals who were sent to Peru where they lived for several months at the group's expense while pretending to work before returning to Spain. "When the gang planned the return of these people to Spain they would hide the drugs inside the furniture that was supposedly part of their home during their stay in Peru," the Guardia said in a statement.

hit hard by a property market crash. As a result, Caixabank is the biggest lender in Spain in terms of branches with more than 5,200 domestic offices as of 2015.

Madrid dog owners who don’t pick up their pet’s mess could be forced to sweep up the streets of the nation’s capital as part of a new shock campaign to rid the area of dog dirt.

Mayor Manuela Carmena announced on Monday a new zero-tolerance campaign against dog mess on Madrid’s pavements with a “massive” wave of fines against offending owners.

Catral council has been fined 100 euros after one of its municipal motorbikes didn’t have an up to date ITV test on it.

The local police handed out the penalty to the redfaced authority after the

bike had been involved in an accident. The irony is that bike is frequently used by the local police themselves, and it appears that it had never gone through the ITV procedure in a decade. The council is now

“We know who you are and, beware, a massive wave of fines is coming your way,” Ms Carmena said. “Two districts will be targeted due to an exceptional quantity of dog mess on the pavements”, she added.

Madrid’s bylaws are very strict with the fines for not collecting poo ranging from €750 to €1,500. Carmena refused to reveal which districts the local police would be focusing their efforts on under the new campaign.

“We are preparing a plan to substitute fines with cleaning work,” the 72year-old mayor explained.

“Saturdays and Sundays sweeping or whatever is needed from 8am to 2pm”.

TUT! TUT! launching disciplinary action against their transport department, and they claim that the two-wheeler was being used illegally despite warnings from the authority going back three years.

News

Friday 22nd April 2016

‘We Can’ Says ‘They Can’t’

A second Spanish general election within six months is an odds-on certainty after the anti-austerity party, Podemos (We Can), declared that 88 percent of its members have

rejected joining with the Socialists and the centerist Ciudadanos party for a coalition government and ending four months of political paralysis.

Podemos said on Monday that the proposed deal was rejected by the nearly 150,000 members who voted, as they overwhelmingly supported its leader Pablo Iglesias' call to form a leftist-only alliance, which would cut out Ciudadanos. That route has been shunned by the Socialists.

Spain's four big parties are running out of time to form an alliance. A failure to get enough support to agree on a new prime minister by May 2nd would trig-

ger another election. The PSOE Socialists and Ciudadanos have a government formation deal but lack parliamentary support Podemos could have delivered. Podemos leaders rejected an alliance including Ciudadanos, saying it would not bring about political change.

With the parliamentary figures not stacking up, and despite the fact that King Felipe will be seeing all the party leaders next week for a final shot at seeing whether a government can be put together, a second election will almost certainly be held on Sunday June 26th, with no guarantees of any impasse being solved after that vote.

Help Yourself A 26-year-old Portuguese man who stayed in 14 top class hotels in the Barcelona area without paying saw his luck run out when he was detained for not settling his one thousand euro bill at one of them. He was discovered staying in another five-star hotel nearby and was arrested for fraud by officers from the Catalan equivalent of the Guardia Civil, Los Mossos d'Esquadra.

It was revealed that he ran up bills of over seven and a half thousand euros in Barcelona, checking into several hotels using maxed

out credit cards. He then enjoyed the facilities, including gyms and restaurants, and charged the extras to the room before slipping away without paying. At the time of his arrest, he was

listed as staying in four different establishments.

Reports suggest that the man's operations may have been more extensive than the 14 cases that have been uncovered so far.

Couscous Delight Four Algerians who tried to smuggle a thousand packets of cigarettes stuffed into lunchboxes after arriving on a flight from Oran, have been arrested by the Guardia Civil at Alicante-Elche airport. A suitcase inspection by the Guardia uncovered the premium Marlboro and Winston cigarettes hidden in plastic boxes full of couscous and biscuits. The cigarettes would have had a retail value of around four and half thousand euros.

Hail Romans!

Gladiators will be mingling in with shoppers and spectators at Torrevieja’s Roman Market over the weekend.

The event, which started yesterday and will run until Sunday, is based around the city’s Paseo Vistalegre opposite the Real Club Náutico.

There’ll be a variety of attractions including jugglers and musicians, as well as a chance to learn some of the military tactics used by the Roman army. Galician-style octopus, spare ribs, and Arab mint tea will be some of the culinary items on offer.

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Better Flow

Work has started on building a new roundabout to help cut bottlenecks on a busy Mar Menor route. An official launch of the project on the RM-12 in Cabo de Palos by the Las Dunas shopping centre was attended by Murcia’s regional public works minister Francisco Bernabé, with the roundabout expected to be finished within eight weeks in time for the summer rush.

Sharp Shock Prosecutors are calling up to eight years in jail for a six strong gang that was arrested by the National Police last year for extorting money from businesses across Alicante Province.

The racket involved the gang making threatening phone calls and personal visits to people claiming that they owed them money, after providing complementary machine and knife sharpening services. The operation saw arrests across the region including raids in Elche and Catral, with 10 thousand euros being recovered at a finca.

Double Deal Pilar de la Horadada council has reopened its municipal office in Torre de la Horadada in addition to opening a new facility at Mil Palmeras.

The Torre office on Calle Manuel Molino will be open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm, whilst the one in Mil Palmeras will be based at the plaza Mil Palmeras at the corner of Avenida de Francia, and will be open on a Monday and Wednesday morning between 11.00 am and 1.30 pm.

Councillor José Tomas Saura said the two offices will provide an improved service to the local community as well as catering for visitors to the area.

Summer Dreams?

Torrevieja council is looking at June for the reopening of the Teatro Municipal which was closed down eight months ago for not having had appropriate safety work done to it, as well as safety licenses in place. Some 200 thousand euros has been earmarked

for the improvements but the Informacion newspaper reports that the original architect has still to sign the necessary papers for the work to start on the ten-yearold building despite having had several meetings with planning councillor, Fanny Serrano.

Let’s Play

Rein It In

Spain's regional governments, including those based in Valencia and Murcia, have been told to give the country a helping hand in cutting its deficit by not increasing spending levels and to use savings from lower interest rates on debt payments to pay down their regional deficits. Acting Treasury Minister, Cristobal Montoro, also said that there would be central governmnent cuts of two billion euros.

The news comes at a

politically uncomfortable time one for acting Partido Popular government at a time when Spain is likely to hold a second general election in June after the indecisive December vote.

Spain's 17 regions manage their own budgets on big ticket social spending in areas such as health and education where cuts lose votes. Over-spending by the regional governments helped lead the country to the brink of an international bail-out at the time of the

euro zone debt crisis.

Since then, many of the regional governments have changed hands from the PP to coalitions between the opposition Socialists and leftist newcomer parties, like in Valencia, making it more difficult for Madrid to enforce austerity. Only three of the 17 regions - the Canary Islands, the Basque Country and Galicia - met their deficit targets for 2015.

Six even oversaw spending rises from the previous year.

Landmark Battle An extended and improved children's playground has been formally opened in Formentera del Segura by Alicante Provincial Council vice-pres-

ident, Adrian Ballester. The extension at the plaza Aurora Rubí was funded by the Council and cost 90 thousand euros and includes new rubber surfacing.

Useful Blast

A renewable fuel company hopes to use air currents from Madrid's metro line to create electricity.

Túnel Energy has signed a deal with the underground rail board to allow it to install a prototype of aerogenerators in ventilation outlets.

Using the stretch between the stations Alonso Martínez and Gregorio Marañón, on

Line 10, Túnel Energy believes it could generate 250kW per day with its 100,000 aerogenerators – enough to supply electricity to 25 homes for a full year. The generators are disc-shaped, almost flat and are a maximum size of 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter, meaning they can be fitted easily and quickly.

Work Appreciated

Alicante Unsocial Network An Alicante man has been arrested on corrupting minors when he used internet social networks to make contact with underage girls and tricked them into recording videos of a sexual nature. The age and nationality of the accused man has not been revealed and he used his legal right to remain silent when he appeared in court.

News

Friday 22nd April 2016

Aidemar, which is the association for the integration of the mentally handicapped into the Mar Menor community, got special recognition for its work within the community by receiving San Javier’s gold award at a ceremony on Saturday.

San Javier mayor, José Miguel Luengo made the

presentation to Aidemar president Francisco García in the council chamber.

Aidemar was formed in 1982 to help the parents of children with incapacities, by providing the youngsters with rehabilitation and the parents with respite. They look after hundreds of children and adults on a daily basis.

A man is suing a homeopath in Valencia's Provincial Court for telling his son that he could cure his leukaemia with alternative medicine.'

Julian Rodriguez's son, Mario Rodriguez, lost his battle to cancer after going for alternative remedies as opposed to conventional medicine, and now his father has gone legal over the matter in what is seen as a landmark case in the Spanish courts.

The Provincial Court of Valencia decided that medically untrained Jose Ramon Llorente should be held accountable for his claims that he could cure cancer, and that a case could be brought against him on the grounds of 'professional intrusion'. If convicted, Mr Llorente could face two years in prison.

Doctors had recommended a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy for Mario, who was a 21-years-old physics student when he was diagnosed. But according to his father, he feared the effects of chemotherapy and was "convinced" by Mr Llorente, president of the Association of Orthomolecular Nutrition, into a homeopathic 'orthomolecular treatment'. Mr Llorente prescribed four thousand

euros worth of alternative medicines, including vitamins, fungi and alcohol.

As Mario was later dying from an intestinal infection, he said to his father: "Dad, I was wrong". Mr Llorente denies that he claimed to cure diseases, but said "we train the body to enhance recovery and if cancer is cured, then perfect." He said of Mario's decision: "If he was wrong, he was wrong."

Bottle Battle Campoamor residents are trying to get Orihuela council to pass a by-law ahead of the summer that will stop outdoor alcohol drinking or ‘botellones’ or as they are called. Local

groups have passed their concerns onto the Federación de Asociaciones de Orihuela Costa (FAOC), who in turn has called on Orihuela council to implement a

measure at its next plenary meeting. FAOC say that residents in the area have the right to have a peaceful life and that the problem needs to be seriously addressed.

Tony Mayes - About Life

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Friday 22nd April 2016

Stop This Oriental Dumping Madness Do you watch “Rip Off Britain” on the tele? If so you will have seen all the countless items of sub-standard and often downright dangerous products which are imported from China.

The one that really shocked me was that about three-

piece suites and matresses which are imported in their tens of thousands. Tests showed that many did not pass strict fire safety tests and were both illegal and dangerous. Not only that, China went to Europe to get import licences and had the

Jez’s Remarkable Change

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who has achieved an amazing U-turn on his new-found belief in the EU. Having spent a lifetime criticising the institution, he has shown total hypocricy by now supporting the stay-in campaign.

On one hand he says there is much wrong with an undemocratic Europe and then says we should stay in to promote changes and improvements. Anyone who thinks that one lone voice

can make changes against the remainder who are hellbent on a fully-integrated Europe is in cloud cuckoo land. And in a pathetic attempt to justify Britain's remaining in Europe, he claimed that it will be a brake on the Tories making a "bonfire" of workers' rights.

Only die-hard Communists and other “ists” would believe that "Conservatives would dump equal pay, annual leave and maternity pay rights" if Cameron didn't have the restraints of EU membership. It could just as easlily be argued that a left-wing Labour government under Corbyn's leadership and without EU restraints would tear up all union restraining legislation and give back total union power, destroying companies in the process. Perhaps this is much more likely if ever Labour were returned to power, and heaven help us if they did with Corbyn at the helm!

products tested there, where the testing legislation is apparently less stringent than in Britain.

Conclusion: We don't want rubbish and we don't want sub-standard or less stringent legislation imposed on Britain by

Europe.

Another reason for Britain to quit the EU - or perhaps Europe could apply to become part of the United Kingdom, complying with UK legislation - now wouldn't that be good!

And we don't need

David Slays Goliath

An interesting voctory was scored by the not so rich against the rich last week, when BP shareholders staged a revolt against big boss pay.

They rejected, by 59%, a pay package of almost £14m for chief executive Bob Dudley at the oil company's annual general meeting. Sadly, the decision was not binding on BP but chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg promised to review future pay terms. Mr Dudley received the rise despite BP's falling profits and job cuts.

These never-ending pay rises for company chief execs, chairmen and directors have done nothing to redress the ever-growing divide between the richest and poorest in society, which is now more pronounced in Britain than almost everywhere else in

Europe. There are two forces at work here - the first is to stop bosses being rewarded for failure, and secondly, to stop the huge increases in top bugs' pay. The gap between rich and poor threatens to seriosuly damage the fabric of society and is one of the most important issues that must be adressed by government. It is the one issue which gives Jeremy Corbyn his credibility and if there are no signs of the gap narrowing between now and the next election, it may put an end to any hopes the Tories have of a future term in power. Top bosses awarding themselves huge pay rises year after year while at the same time plotting in their boardrooms to keep ordinary workers' pay at rock bottom is morally obscene.

Cameron and any other Tory going over to China to drum up trade which results in even more cheap substandard tripe imported into Britain produced in Communist subsidised sweat shops, all on the altar of making money at the

expense of British jobs and health and safety. And that must surely apply to what's happening in Spain too, with countless Chinese stores selling products undercutting Spanish-owned shop prices and doing the locals out of jobs.

Pure Parish Pump Everbody keeps telling the UK public about the need to eat less and to exercise more to combat obesity whih leads to premature death. Fair enough - and many organisations have got the health message by encouraging people to get out in the open air, walking, jogging or going to the gym.

And all that makes the attitude of blithering idiots of Stoke Gifford Parish Council near Bristol even more stupid and irresponsible. A national orgnisation called Parkrun has been organising people to use public parks to do weekend runs to get and keep fit. But the small minded crackpots of the parish council decided that because it put more wear and tear on their park open space there should be a charge. The parish council members said the vast majority of runners were not local people but outsiders, driving to the park to take part. I have long held the view that such parish councils are not fit for purpose.

The attract all the wrong

kinds of people to sit as members, either retired old farts, or people like that charactierised by snobby Sally Metcalfe in Coronation Street - power going to her head and having little or no idea of life in the real world.

Let me give an important message to parish councils and other small minded councillors everywhere.

Public parks are provided out of council taxes for the benefit of all. Once a week use of land by runners is hardly likely to put excessive wear and tear on the grass and if it does, then the answer is to put up the rates by a fraction of a penny to cover it, or pass ownership to the district council which has more financial clout to maintain a park without having to impose charges on people trying to keep fit. I was amused to hear that notices have been appearing around the park stating that in future parents will be charged for allowing their children to play on swings, and any failing to pay will be reported.

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New Tax A new Valencia-wide tourist tax is in regional government tax reform plans for 2017. President Ximo Puig says that the levy on overnight hotel stays would raise 30 million euros annually.

Why Not Join Us For Breakfast?

On Tuesday 26th April At - RACIN’ TOAST Citrus Centre, Horizonte, Playa Flamenca The Team invite you to join them for complimentary breakfast to discuss issues such as: Your ‘frozen’ UK pensions and the budget.

Getting the best return on your savings.

Modelo 720 – annual asset declaration.

Inheritance Tax, Wills, Funeral Plans …. and more!

CALL 965 02 04 02 to Register.

DON’T DELAY – Call now as places are strictly Limited.

Richard Samuels, Wealth Manager, DeVere Spain Tel 965 02 04 02 or Mob 692 352156

News

Friday 22nd April 2016

Carry On Parking Motorhomes are not being parked illegally in areas of Torrevieja like Punta Salaret, according to the city's mayor, José Manuel Dolón. The council chief said that the local police had looked into the matter after getting a complaint from a resident, but he said that no laws were being broken, assuming that the motorhomes were properly parked in the first place, like all the other vehicles.

The mayor also announced that two sets of traffic lights, powered by solar energy, would be installed in time for the summer peak season, including one in the port

area opposite the casino which would improve the

flow of cars in and out of the parking area.

Out He Goes

Spain's acting Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria resigned last Friday following allegations of links to offshore dealings which emerged after he was named in the Panama Papers. Soria, who denied all wrongdoing, said he was stepping down to limit any damage to the caretaker Partido Popular government, following reports of alleged

links to an offshore company on Jersey.

Broadcaster La Sexta and news website El Confidencial said they had documents showing that he headed an offshore firm with his brother. The government said acting Economy Minister Luis de Guindos would take on the Industry Minister's brief alongside his current responsibilities.

Sikh’s Celebrate

Torrevieja was awash in colour on Sunday as the area’s Sikh community held their annual Nagar Kirtan

parade and party to celebrate the creation of the religion.

The event attracted several hundred participants.

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Friday 22nd April 2016

Expats Leave Millions Of Pounds In Unclaimed Pensions “Frozen” Pensions explained by Richard Samuels, deVere Spain Last year the government introduced a number of changes to the Pension system in the UK known as ‘Pension Freedoms’. This has alerted a number of expats to the issue of “forgotten” pension ‘pots’. Sometimes they are also referred to as “frozen” or “deferred” pensions.

If you are resident in Spain or intending to be, then EU law gives you the right to transfer to an Overseas Pension scheme (QROPS).You can transfer several UK pensions and consolidate them into a single scheme. Transferring

If you have worked in the UK, you may have enrolled (sometimes it was automatic) onto a company or local authority pension scheme. Often the employee will have made contributions from their salary, however, with some schemes only the employer contributed. This may have been what’s known as a “final salary” scheme which would pay a proportion of your final salary annually upon retirement.

Over the years, people’s working habits have changed.

Gone are the days when people started with one company and stayed there until they retired. People now move to other companies and locations in search of better pay and conditions, or for a change of career.

Consequently, when people leave a job they can also leave their pension behind without realising. They could be totally unaware that a pension pot has built up, or they may have not kept in touch with the pension scheme administrators.

To his surprise the total turned out to be £105,000. Mr P decided to transfer these funds to an overseas scheme. He has decided to take a 25% tax free lump sum next year which will help him to purchase his dream property here in Spain and enjoy a well-earned early retirement.

The point is…many thousands of people are in the same position but don’t realise it!

There are literally Tens of Millions of Pounds owed to savers who have lost track of their, or their deceased partner’s, pension funds in this way.

What Can You Do?

How Does It Work?

During a recent deVere client meeting, we asked Mr P (age 54) where he had worked in the UK. Although he had worked at numerous companies before relocating to Spain he felt sure he had not contributed to a pension scheme with any of them. One of the companies he worked for was a major Utility Company. We knew that the Utility Company used to have a non-contributory “final salary” scheme. Therefore, we informed Mr P that even though he had made no contributions, his employer would have done, during the 6 years he was there.

Having given deVere authority to contact the Utility Company and the other companies on his behalf we were able to trace Mr P’s pensions and legally request a “transfer value” for each one.

What Are They?

Although these pensions could be from many years ago the term “frozen” is misleading. The funds will have remained invested or been index linked to account for inflation. This means your pension pot may be worth significantly more than you think. You could have built up several smaller pensions from each of the companies you have worked for.

of 55 (including taking a lump sum) with no penalties!

Our pension tracing service is absolutely free of charge - our aim being to repatriate our clients with the pensions they worked hard to accumulate.

to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme is a legitimate transfer that is recognised by HMRC. A QROPS will allow you to access the benefits from the age

If you want further information, including a deVere Factsheet on the above, please contact: Richard Samuels, Wealth Manager, DeVere Spain on Tel 965 02 04 02 Mob 692 352156 or e-mail richard.samuels@devere-spain.es

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Local & News

Friday 22nd April 2016

Double Donation

The Royal Naval Association in Torrevieja has been busy handing out money to local charities, with members deciding to donate to the Cruz Roja and Alimentos Solidarios in the city.

RNA branch chairman, Paul Edwards (pictured) gave a cheque to Cruz Roja, whilst vice-chairman, Danny

Kay, performed a similar duty with Alimentos Solidarios.

The RNA meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5.00 pm the Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour, in Torrevieja, and membership details are available from the secretary, Margaret Forshaw, on 966 921 996.

Over The Line

Age Concern Costa Blanca South will soon be taking delivery of their new minibus soon as their fund-raising target was reached thanks to a two thousand euro donation from the Ladies Who Lunch

group. Pictured at their recent meeting at the La Herradura restaurant in Los Montesinos, is the Ladies chairman, Janine Williams handing over the money to Age Concern President, Maureen Payne.

Chaos Reigns!

Movie Magic

The Rascals showgroup are staging a tribute to the great movie musicals in their latest show, Saturday Night at the Movies which is being put on at the end of May. There’ll be plenty of songs and comedy routines for all tastes from musicals like Calamity Jane, Chicago, and The Sound of Music.

There’ll be three performances at the Los Montesinos Music School between Wednesday May 25th and Friday May 27th, with curtain up at 7.30.

Tickets are priced at seven euros are available from Sue on 966 784 874, or via the rascals website www.therascals.org.

Sofas And More

Choirs Together The Torrevieja-based Crescendo International Choir is to put a special concert in May with the Chivenor branch of the Military Wives choir, raising money for two major charities. The special joint concert will be on Saturday May 7th at the Torrevieja Christian Fellowship church on Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, starting at 5.00pm. Tickets, priced at 10

euros each can be obtained by calling Mary Mitchell on 965 725 641.

Once expenses have been covered, proceeds from the concert will be shared between the Torrevieja branch of the Royal British Legion (which is Crescendo’s charity) and S.S.A.F.A. (The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), which is the nominated beneficiary for the Military Wives.

A side-splitting comedy will be the next production for the Gran Alacant Santa Pola Theatre Group(GASP) as ’Breath Of Spring’ is put on for two nights at the Santara Life Resort in Gran Alacant on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd.

The play features pensioners, fur coats, a

maid, and a policeman, which certainly leaves plenty to the imagination. The performances start at 7.30 pm, and all proceeds go to GASP’s regular charity, the Cruz Roja. Tickets are available from David on 966 181 113 or email gasptheatre@hotmail.co. uk

The Elche Children’s Home is better off to the tune of nearly twelve hundred euros after a recent chairty night at the Restaurante El Alto La Dolores in Guardamar, and event organisers Marlene Brown and Joan Rampton went over the Home to hand over the

Successful Help

Help at Home Costa Blanca has recorded its most successful year financially thanks to the success of its charity shop at Playa Flamenca. Figures revealed at the charity’s recent AGM show that takings at the shop have soared over the past year, going up from just under five thousand euros in the first quarter of 2015, to nearly 13 thousand euros in the final quarter of 2015.

Much of the success is due to new shop manager, Esther Tucker (pictured at the front on the extreme right), who with her equally enthusiastic team have transformed the shop into an inviting place, rivalling many retail shops in the area. She has brough her experience in working in UK retail outlets to the Playa Flamenca store, specialising

in good quality items at reasonable prices.

Fund raising events have brought in a total of 9,468 euros last year for HAH, which enables the charity to offer a range of help to people, such as helping out in bereavement and illness, perhaps with housework or shopping, and offering basic care and advice. The charity is discussing with Orihuela Council the possibility of opening of a drop-in meeting place every Monday at the council's premises in Campoamor.

HAH will be holding a visitors' celebration at their Playa Flamencia charity shop in the commercial centre on Wednesday May 4th from noon till 4pm, with entertainment and also refreshments.

money in person.

The home’s recently appointed manager, Alfonso showed them some of the broken lounge furniture, saying that the money would allow them to buy a couple of second-hand sofas, with the balance being spent on new bedding for the children.

Friday 22nd April 2016

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APADAC Concert

APADAC stands for the Asociacion Protectora de Animales Domesticos Abandonados de Callosa de Segura. They look after lost, stray, abandoned or abused cats and dogs, and is a registered charity that is funded by donations.

The group is constantly fund-raising and they will be staging a saxophone concert in Quesada at the Cultural Centre on Sunday May 8th at 11.30 am backed by the local

Pets

Friday 22nd April 2016

council, to raise money for the vets bills; food; insurance; and even detergent for the washing machines.

APADAC is staffed by unpaid volunteers who work for the shelter and every cent that is raised goes directly towards the animals. There are more details of their work plus a list cats and dogs looking for new homes at their website, www.protectoraapadac.org

Sorting Out Your Scared Dog

Last week we looked at why your dog gets frightened due to temperament or bad past experiences, and we now look at what you can do about it!

Desensitising Your Dog Through Repetition: Begin by working out what might frighten your dog.

Often there are only one or two stimuli that upset your pet. It can be an object, a noise or a specific odour. It can be a person or another dog. It can be dependent on the setting or place in which the event occurs.

Once you have determined what it is that frightens your pet, arrange a way to recreate the situation when you need to. If it is the vacuum cleaner or some similar object, move it to the centre of the living room so the dog can become used to the sight and smell of it.

Introduce your dog to the object as you calm and praise him. If the object smells like something he

really likes (food?) he is more apt to accept it.

Remain relaxed because your dog will clue off of your emotion. Give your pet some treats as you praise him. You can even hide some treats under or around the object. It is best to do this while the dog is on a leash and quite hungry and the machine is off. Leashes bandanas and harnesses add a sense of security to your pet. When your pet remains relaxed near the object, turn it on or make it perform whatever action it is that frightens the pet while the dog is some distance away. Slowly, in multiple sessions, lead the dog closer to the object while praising and reassuring him and offering him treats and praise.

Conditioning a dog not to fear human beings is much the same. In this case, the person substitutes for the feared object. If your dog has snapped at a particular person or at people in

particular situations, replicate the situation while the dog is muzzled so he can not nip. Use an all-cloth muzzle that fits snuggly but not too tight. The strange person should crouch down at let the dog approach the person rather than the person approach the dog.

When the stranger pets the dog it should be on the chest rather than the head. Give a cooperative stranger plenty of food treats to reward your dog.

Help Your Pet Through Modification Modification introduces new thought patterns to your dog while in the presence of the feared object. If you instruct your dog to perform a pleasant activity that does not cause fear while in the presence of a feared object, person, animal or situation you will decrease the fear factor.

If your pet has ever bitten from fear, begin with the pet muzzled. Start by teaching

your pet to do a trick such as “roll over”. After the roll over, give the pet a treat and praise him effusively. Then, gradually ask him to perform the roll over while in the presence of the feared stimulus. In this way you will gradually get your pet to associate pleasant sensations with the stimulus or event - rather than fright.

If you feel that you cannot instruct your dog alone or if progress is too slow, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or a friend whom the pet trusts. Dogs, like children, learn better from certain individuals more than from another.

Dogs that do not receive enough exercise during the day react badly in social situations. Dogs are social animals and spending time isolated and alone is hard on them. Next week we will look at counter-conditioning in helping to divert and interrupt your pet’s scared behaviour.

Pets Corner: Can You take in a Homeless Dog or Cat?

BENJAMIN

EMILY

GALAXY

JACK

JIMMY

Benjamin is one of three puppies who were abandoned in the campo.

He is around nine weeks old and when he was found he was covered in ticks and fleas but has now been treated and in good health.

He is a very playful little boy and will be medium/large size when fully grown.

For more information, please call 645 469 253 or visit www.petsinspain.com

Emily is a medium sized dog, who was rescued with her brother when they were tiny puppies.

The brother was adopted into a loving home, but sadly Emily was left alone and is still waiting to find her own new adoptive family.

She is a lovely natured dog, who would be a great companion for someone.

To meet Emily, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Galaxy is a gorgeous four month old Braco/pointer cross pup, who was dumped at the perrera along with his siblings.

Galaxy is a very laid back doggy and is very loving and ready to go to a home of his own with his new adoptive family and friends.

He will be large when fully grown. If you can offer him a home please phone PEPA on 650 304 746 or email: p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

Jack was rescued from Death Row where abandoned dogs are regularly put to sleep. He is a lovely dog and a big softie, but stereotyping of dogs like him, put people off giving them a loving home. He is a strong dog, so needs someone able to handle him, but with the right owner he will make a very loving and faithful companion. To arrange to meet Jack, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

Jimmy was found wandering in a small town and is a lovely natured friendly dog who is now fostered with other dogs and cats but looking for his forever home.

Jimmy is about 11 months old and is now vaccinated and blood-tested clear and in good general health.

If you can offer Jimmy a home please phone PEPA on 650 304 746 or email: p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

ROCCO Three-year old Rocco was found at the side of a main road late one evening scavenging for food. He was very thin, full of ticks and had very inflamed skin. Rocco is a very happy boy who loves to play; he will make a super companion. If you think that you could give Rocco that special home then please contact the K9 kennels on 966 710 047 or sned an email to info@satanimalrescue.com

Friday 22nd April 2016

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Dave Silver

Friday 22nd April 2016

Pub “Open House” Leads To Shock Find...

I was driving along in the rain when suddenly I realised I couldn't see a blasted thing.

It was like trying to peer through a shower curtain.

Either my windscreen wipers had packed up or I had burst into tears for no apparent reason.

I stopped the car and dabbed at my peepers. They were dry. It had to be the wipers, then.

My mobile phone had run out of charge and I'd left the flaming thing at home anyway so I tackled my double whammy (three whammies if you include the dormant wipers) by climbing out of my jalopy and making for the nearest pub.

'May I use your phone?' I asked the landlord. 'I need to ring the AA.' The landlord started to hide away his stock of spirits.

'Not that AA,' I said. 'The other one.'

The landlord pushed the phone towards me and I stabbed at the dialling buttons without recourse to my AA membership card. With my track record of duff car ownership I knew the emergency breakdown number by heart.

Asked for details of my vehicle, I mentioned that I had purchased the car for a mere 75 quid. The asking price had been £1,000 but the owner said he would accept the nearest offer.

When I said £75, the owner had shook me firmly by the hand and giggled with glee.

'And what is the problem with your vehicle, sir?' asked the motoring organisation bloke.

'Everything,' I said. 'But the

latest fault is that the windscreen wipers won't wipe.'

'And what is your address, sir?'

'But my car isn't at my house as we speak.'

'Really? You paid £75 for a car and you've managed to drive it somewhere. It sounds like a miracle.'

'No, it's not a Miracle. I think it's some East German make. But I really can't be sure because the maker's badge fell off the first time I took out the car.

'So what is your vehicle's current location, sir?'

I put my hand over the mouthpiece and turned to the pub landlord. 'What's the name of this place?'

The landlord ignored me.

'Please give me a break here,' I implored. 'Is it The Red Lion? The Blue Bull?

The Yellow Banana? The

Purple People Eater?'

For the first time, I surveyed my surroundings. The pub seemed strangely quiet.

And what was even more strange, there were no tables and chairs. Just a sofa and two armchairs. And seated on the sofa was an angrylooking woman clutching a fidgety infant to her bosom.

Realisation dawned. 'This isn't a pub, is it?' I observed to the landlord.

'No,' said the landlord.

'And you're not a pub landlord, are you?'

'No,' said the man who wasn't a pub landlord.

'Then where am I?' I asked.

'You are standing uninvited in my front room, annoying me, my wife and my child.'

I desperately tried to think of something to say. 'Nice cocktail bar,' was all I could

come up with.

'Excuse me, sir,' said the man at the other end of the phone. 'My shift finishes in a couple of hours.'

'Er, I'll ring you back,' I mumbled and cut the connection.

I started to pace up and down the parlour of the stranger's house. 'I want you to know that I'm a nice person,' I said, 'And I can assure you that this unfortunate state of affairs will not develop into a hostage situation.'

'Then please put away the weapon,' urged the householder.

'Weapon? What weapon?'

I glanced down at the object in my hand. 'That's no weapon. It's my handbrake. It fell off as I climbed out of the car to come to your pub . . . I mean house.'

The man who wasn't a pub

landlord could plainly see that I was getting into a state.

'Look, why don't you ring back the AA and have a drink while you're waiting for them to come.'

'That's very kind of you,' I said. 'You are a lovely guy with I'm sure a lovely wife and child when they both stop looking daggers at me.'

'So what would you like to drink?' asked my new pal. 'I think you'd agree that we need to do something to break the ice.'

I thought deeply for several moments and then came up with what I thought was a relevant suggestion .

'I find that one of those little ice hammers is good for chopping up the cubes,' I volunteered. 'And if you haven't got a hammer you can always borrow my handbrake.'

Friday 22nd April 2016

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Friday 22nd April 2016

TRELI ON THE TELLY WITH ALEX TRELINSKI

What do you do when you have two bags of rubbish to schedule on a Saturday evening and you want some poor suckers to watch them? Simple! Just wrap them around one of your prize assets, namely the terrific Britain’s Got Talent, and then try and fool innocent viewers by branding it all as Super Saturdays (Why the plural). First things first, and let me say once again that BGT was on fire for ITV last weekend, and incidentally became the most-watched UK show of the year, and deservedly so. Now the trash starting with Bang On The Money, which is a boring rip-off of the old Ant & Dec BBC show, Friends Like This. Presenters Rickie Haywood Williams and Melvin Odoom appeared plain bored in something so complicated that it would be easier to broker a peace deal in Syria. We got two teams pressing buzzers and one of them walking away with thousands of quid at the end, but I’d pressed my fastforward button by that stage as my brain cells had been truly numbed. On the other side of BGT, we got the return (why?) of ITV’s awful

Not So Super Saturdays

rip-off of Sky’s fabulous A League Of Their Own, called Play To The Whistle. I redcarded this tripe last year and it even got the ultimate acolade of James Corden and his vastly superior Sky show hilariously “rubbishing” it a few months ago. Play To The Whistle is so bad that it makes A Question Of Sport look like comedy gold, and Holly Willoughby is unsuitable to host it, as she looks

out of her depth on sporting matters. By the way, I’m trying to make contact with Romesh Ranganathan’s agent because I want to find out how he manages to get him booked on every thing going. He’s good but not that good. As for Super Saturdays, ITV could just subsitute Super with a another shorter four-letter word that starts with the same letter which would

sum up two of their underwhelming elements in this ill-conceived concept.

I love Peter Kay, but there’s a strong odour of cheap TV about his Monday night Comedy Shuffle programme on BBC 1. Six halfhour compiliation shows on one comedian….come off it!

Yes, it was great to see clips of Potter and the Phoenix Nights crew, but if the Beeb need to fill a slot cheaply,

then why not get the rights and show the whole load of Phoenix Nights ? This is plain lazy, and for me only Eric and Ernie, and the Two Ronnies deserve such primetime clip treatment.

Writers Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni came up with the funny ‘The Worst Week Of My Life’ some years back, and then saddled Sir David Jason with what I thought would have been a

career-killer in the shape of ‘The Royal Bodyguard’, until ‘Still Open All Hours’ came to the rescue. Bussell and Sbresni have now reunited with ‘Worst Week’ star Ben Miller for BBC 1’s new comedy, I Want My Wife Back, with the title pretty much saying it all. There was one fundamental flaw with the show:- it wasn’t funny, which is a bit of a problem for a sitcom.

My Monday evenings are now barren after the end of the latest series of University Challenge on BBC 2. It’s always been worth watching just to get the odd glimpse of humanity from question-master Jeremy Paxman that we never saw on Newsnight.

I can’t believe that we are heading towards the end of this current run of Line of Duty this coming Thursday on BBC 2. In a fantastic year for BBC Drama, this for me is neck and neck with Happy Valley for sheer brilliance and arguably even more tension.

Knowing that another series is on the way, I can’t believe that everything will be neatly tied up next week. Cliffhanger anybody?

Friday 22nd April 2016

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What Would Be Your Miracle?

Thursday - ITV “If suddenly you can’t see or hear anything, it scares me to death…I don’t want to be like this, I hate it. That’s why I’ve got to take this chance, it’s got to work.”.

Andrea Dodds, ahead of her cochlear implant operation In this brand new series Emma Willis follows the inspirational and emotional stories of people whose lives are transformed by the power of modern medicine, people who are all hoping for miracles.

In each episode, Emma meets two people having incredible operations in the hope of changing their lives and those of their families forever. Over two years, Emma charts the progress of these ordinary families going through extraordinary times.

Having had their operations and, in some cases, endured months and months of rehabilitation, they reach the moment they find out if the miracle they’ve dreamed of for years will happen. From parents watching their 10-year-old child try to take his very first unaided steps, to a daughter hearing her dad’s voice through her new cochlear implants and a woman seeing after 30 years of blindness, these are the incredible, climactic moments when they realise that life could be changing forever.

And now thanks to modern medicine, it’s possible to fulfill their dreams. From scoring a goal in front of thousands of football fans, to taking a class at the Royal Ballet School to flying through the sky, in this heart-warming series, experiences which, for them, were previously impossible, become a reality.

In episode one on Thursday, Emma is in Aberdare, South Wales, to meet nine-year-old Garin Morgan, his parents Ashley and Adele, and big sister Emily. Despite being a strong, healthy baby, Garin soon began to show signs that he was different to other children. At the age of two

he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and his parents were told it meant their son would never walk.

Dad Ashley says: “That hit me very hard. How do you feel? How do you cope? You start running through his life in fast-forward. How’s he going to get a job? How’s it going to affect his life as an adult?”

Garin tells Emma: “At playtime it is quite hard for me. Sometimes some of my friends play football. I feel quite upset because they’re all having fun and I’m just like on my own and nobody to play with.”

Asked by Emma what his miracle would be, Garin says: “To play football.”

In the same week Garin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, his mum Adele fell ill and was told she had multiple sclerosis, meaning she too is in a wheelchair and unable to walk unaided. It’s another reason his parents are longing for him to leave his wheelchair behind.

For years, Garin and his parents have hoped that modern medicine would offer him the chance of making his dreams come true, and now, thanks to surgery pioneered in America, there’s a possibility it will.

Just two months after a successful operation at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, in which nerves that connect Garin’s brain to his legs were cut, and the subsequent physiotherapy, this young boy’s life could be about to change forever.

As he prepares to step from his wheelchair and walk unaided for the very first time his family and specialist

team urge him forward.

Nearly a year later Emma catches up with the family, and there’s a surprise visit to Cardiff City Stadium for Garin, who has the chance to fulfil his dream of playing football and scoring a goal.

Also in episode one, Emma meets 55-year-old Andrea Dodds, a mother-oftwo from Burnley, who has always had a close relationship with her mother June.

As June says: “Andrea was a lovely little girl, jovial, bubbly. Me and her, we’ve the same sense of humour.

We could fall on the floor laughing at things.”

Diagnosed as partially deaf as a child, Andrea used hearing aids, but as she got older her hearing got much worse and she came to rely on lip-reading.

However, on a family trip to the seaside Andrea became concerned there was also something wrong with her eyes. She was then diagnosed with Usher Syndrome and told that as well as being deaf she was also going blind.

Today, Andrea can no longer see well enough to read lips, and as her condition means that what hearing she does have is fading all the time, her hearing aids are now nearly completely useless.

Currently there is no cure for Andrea’s eyesight, but she is about to be thrown a lifeline and undergo an operation to be fitted with a cochlear implant, in the hope that it will allow her to hear. Andrea says: “I could be in total silence and it’s terrifying to think that everything’s going to be cut off

from you. If suddenly you can’t see or hear anything, it scares me to death…I don’t want to be like this, I hate it.

That’s why I’ve got to take this chance, it’s got to work.”

Implanted behind Andrea’s ear, the coin-sized device, when switched on, will feed sound directly to her brain, though with no guarantee she will instantly be able to hear.

Andrea say: “I’m hoping it’s going to give me something back of my old life. If I can join in again with conversation, with family, with friends, then that would be my miracle.”

Undergoing the procedure at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Andrea returns one month later where the implant is switched on for the first time. However, Andrea’s brain is unable to understand the sounds the implant is sending it.

She says: “Oh my god, what is this? I can’t tell you what it sounds like. Oh my god, my voice. I can’t make a single word out. My own voice sounds weird. Oh god, oh god, I don’t like this, I don’t like it. It sounds so weird.”

All Andrea can do is wait in the hope that with practice her brain learns to make sense of the sounds.

Emma says: “It was so sad to see how much it knocked her and how it wasn’t what she wanted to hear.

But you can only hope that this will work for her because this is her last chance, this is it for her.”

Six weeks later Andrea returns to see how her brain is managing the implant.

Because Andrea loved music so much when she was younger, Deborah the Audiologist wants to see if she is now able to hear it again.

One of her favourite songs - (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me – is played, leading to a nervous wait to tell if Andrea is able to hear it once again. Thankfully, it’s not long before her face lights up and she begins to smile.

Flying Scotsman With Robson Green Friday - ITV Robson Green tells the remarkable story of Flying Scotsman whilst spending a year with the men rebuilding the most famous steam engine in the world.

If they succeed he will have the opportunity to fullfill a boyhood dream and ride on its footplate.

It is February and Robson meets the works director and team leader, Colin Green, who shows him Flying Scotsman and gets him to do some welding.

Robson wants to discover why they believe it is so important to rebuild what

some might regard as a boiling kettle on wheels. In search for answers in the Durham Coalfield near his own home, Robson discovers how steam changed the world.

Driving on to Doncaster, the town that built the Scotsman, he meets sprightly 93 year old Peter Townend, who worked in the very same plant and shares his memories of conditions for workers in it. Robson discovers that Peter can hardly hear, a consequence of working in a ‘mad house’ with noise levels unimaginable. As we reach May, the

team are re-wheeling Flying Scotsman and putting on its boiler. Chargehand Greg McGill leads the team for the day and Robson helps wheel expert David Smith to put a tyre on a wheel. Then he’s off to the North York Moors where he tells a remarkable, and for Robson, emotional, story of how Flying Scotsman came into his family in dramatic fashion. During the General Strike in Britain in 1926 men from his great grandfather’s own trade union, The Northumberland Miner’s Federation, derailed the train. Seven men went to jail

and Flying Scotsman’s reputation was soured.

At the North Yorkshire Moors Railway he meets historian Robert Gwynne who shows him a brilliant invention by the Scotsman’s original designer, Nigel Gresley, which allowed the train to drive from London to Edinburgh without stopping – a world first - and helped turn Flying Scotsman into a global brand. Robson experiences a taste of the sauna like heat pouring out of the train’s fire box measuring 42ft square and is shown how this device would have been operated by the crew

Louis Theroux: Drinking To Oblivion

Sunday - BBC Two Louis Theroux spends time at King’s College Hospital in London, a specialist liver centre, where he immerses himself in the lives of patients in the grips of alcohol addiction and the medical staff trying to make them better.

Alcohol addiction is the most common addiction in the UK. Many people drink more than they should, but the patients Louis meets at King’s are drinking far more than normal, sometimes to the point of self-destruction. Louis explores the effects this is having on their lives and the consequences for their loved ones, when drinking loses its social aspect and becomes a potentially fatal compulsion.

There are many reasons why people become addicted to alcohol and Louis looks at why it is impossible for some to stop drinking - even when it is killing them.

To outsiders it may seem like an easy decision, but it is nowhere near that simple. Louis spends time with patients and their families as they struggle to find a way out of their addiction to alcohol, before it's too late.

Inside the Billionaire's Wardrobe

Tuesday - BBC Two Furs and animal skins are back in fashion, and are being transformed by top designers into accessories and clothes at jaw-dropping prices. But how do animal products reach the hands of the wealthy? In this one-off documentary for BBC Two, Reggie Yates is on a mission to find out the truth behind fashion and the animal trade. His journey begins in Russia, where he explores the fashion industry’s fascination with luxury fur. From a top fur designer, he learns that wild sable is the most exclusive product. But how are they caught?

In Siberia, he meets a hunter who snares the sable in traps buried in the snow, although this is not the only way they arrive in the boutiques of the world. Reggie travels to a Russian fur farm, where sable and others animals are kept in small cages. Many are clearly in distress.

The next stop for Reggie is a crocodile farm in Northern Australia. These predators provide the skins for some of the most expensive handbags on the planet. This means the sale of exotic crocodile skins is a thriving business and the farm’s conservation measures mean the population remains unharmed.

His last destination is Indonesia, where he meets even more cold-blooded creatures who are hunted for their decorative skins: pythons. The traders yank these snakes from the water by the scruff of the neck. It’s a dangerous business but its vital importance to the local economy means there are concerns over the sheer numbers being taken from the forest.

What Reggie learns is that the demand for fur and animal skins has now gone way beyond the super-rich, as the highstreet sources cheap animal products in imitation of high fashion trends. Will this growing popularity lead to a lack of sustainability for ever more species and even threaten their survival?

5

Friday 22nd April 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The Day I Met the Queen 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs are Thief 12:45 Coming Trackers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Code 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Money for Nothing 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport

07:00 The Day I Met the Queen 07:45 Flog It 08:30 Escape to the Country 09:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 10:00 Sea Cities 11:00 World Championship Snooker 13:00 The Daily Politics 14:00 World Championship Snooker 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain

20:00 Canals: The Making of a Nation Liz McIvor tells the story of the people who operated the canal boats, 21:00 EastEnders Nancy carrying fuel and goods and Tamwar find themaround the country selves in an awkward situation 20:30 The Food Detectives

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Chopping Block 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Belle faces a choice 20:30 Coronation Street Michelle’s birthday takes an unexpected turn

21:00 Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant John travels along the impressive Peak Forest Canal from Derbyshire to Tameside Alice tests the claim that some people feel less bloated and more alert when they 21:30 Coronation Street Michelle caves into her cut out gluten passion

21:30 MasterChef The chef’s have only one challenge: to cook one superb showstopper dish to wow the judges and secure their 21:00 Grand Tours of semi-final place Scotland Paul goes in search of Scottish sunshine 22:00 Have I Got News for You Paul and Ian are joined 21:30 Gardeners’ World by guest host Victoria Monty gets his new vegCoren Mitchell etable garden underway by making raised beds 22:30 Boomers John decides to do something 22:00 Rick Stein’s Long different for his birthday this Weekends Rick begins his year - attend a Murder first adventure in autumnal Mystery Party, Bordeaux 23:00 News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 00:25 Room 101 00:55 Film - Girl From Rio (15) 02:30 World Championship Snooker - Extra 05:30 Weather for the Week Ahead 05:35 News

22:00 Flying Scotsman with Robson Green Robson Green tells the remarkable story of the Flying Scotsman as he spends a year with the men rebuilding the most famous steam engine in the world.

At the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, he meets a man who shows him a brilliant invention by the Scotsman’s designer Nigel Gresley which allowed the train to drive from London 23:00 Two Doors Down to Edinburgh without stop23:30 Newsnight 00:05 ping Later with Jools Holland 01:05 World Championship 23:00 News 23:40 Film Snooker Highlights 01:55 GoldenEye (12) 02:05 Question Time 02:55 Inside Jackpot247 04:00 Murder, Obama’s White House She Wrote 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 03:55 This is BBC Two

07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will and Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:30 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:00 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 14:10 Racing: Sandown 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Too Many Cooks 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 20:30 Unreported World Krishnan Guru-Murthy travels to Israel to reveal how thousands of Holocaust survivors are spending their final days living in poverty, struggling to afford basic food and heating 21:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Treehouses George looks back over some of his favourite projects from across five series of Amazing Spaces, starting with George Clarke’s Amazing Treehouses 22:00 Gogglebox Britain’s favourite opinionated TV viewers share their sharp, insightful, passionate and sometimes emotional critiques of the week’s biggest and best shows 23:00 Lookalikes 00:05 First Dates 01:10 Rude Tube 02:05 Film - 13 Assassins (15) 04:10 Toast of London 05:05 Location, Location, Location

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Beware!

Cowboy Builders 13:10 News 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 NCIS 16:20 Film - The Good Mother 18:00 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 News 20:00 The Gadget Show In this ‘Money Is No Object’ special, the gang delve into the world of luxury technology 21:00 Henry VIII and His Six Wives Dan and Suzannah recount how Henry changed history to divorce Katherine of Aragon and marry the woman who had captivated him, Anne Boleyn 22:00 Ben Fogle: The Great African Migration The adventurer travels to east Africa, stage to one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on Earth the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, zebra, antelope and other mammals 23:00 Eamonn and Ruth: How the Other Half Lives 00:00 The Hotel Inspector 01:00 Super Casino 04:10 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away 05:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away 05:45 House Doctor

DON´T MISS

On This Day

FLYING SCOTSMAN WITH ROBSON GREEN Robson spends a year working with the team of engineers who have been commissioned to rebuild the most famous steam engine in the world. Starting in February, Robson is given the task of cutting off the front end of the Scotsman and welding on a whole piece, and sets out to Durham, where he discovers how the invention of the steam engine helped to change the world. After a year in the workshop, the iconic train is ready for its first test run, and Robson realises a lifelong dream and gets to ride on the footplate as it sets off.

ITV 22:00 up the courage to SOAPS David how she feels.

tell

Also today, Finn strikes a dodgy deal with Charity when he unwittingly agrees to help her shift some knock-off action figures.

In Emmerdale the fallout continues at the factory and Joanie despairs at Zak’s jealousy.

Meanwhile, David is moved when he meets a young lad called Dylan at the hospital, who has the same condition as him.

Later, David needs to speak to Pollard. Is it the news he’s been dreading?

Elsewhere, Tracy plucks

Finally, Bernice is clearly out of her depth as she tries to sort the business herself, while Pierce decides to stay on in the village.

In Coronation Street, Michelle opens her birthday cards. A bouquet arrives but Michelle is disappointed to see that the flowers are from Will rather than Steve.

Will also calls at the pub with a birthday cake for Michelle. Telling her that Saskia is away, he suggests she comes round for dinner. They’re interrupted

by Liz, whose disapproval is evident.

When Tim unwittingly reveals that he’s sent a driver to the airport to collect Steve, Michelle is overjoyed to realise her husband is coming home for her birthday after all.

However, when it emerges that Steve wasn’t on the flight, Michelle is upset all over again. Convinced Steve no longer cares about her, she heads to Will’s house. Kissing her on the cheek, Will shows

In the second episode, Liz breaks the news that Michelle’s party is cancelled as Steve failed to show up. However, Steve soon arrives in The Rovers, looking tanned and relaxed as he carries a cane donkey. Liz demands to know where he’s been.

At the same time, Michelle

confides in Will she just wants to be with someone who cares about her. Will kisses her and she responds passionately.

Michelle leads Will upstairs and they kiss again.

Suddenly coming to her senses, Michelle pushes Will away. Telling him she loves Steve, she leaves in haste. Will is disappointed.

Things get even worse for Michelle when she arrives home to find Steve in the living room. They hug and Michelle cries in his arms, regretting what has happened with Will.

In

Eastenders,

ITV3 07:00 Doctor at Large 07:25 Heartbeat 08:25 Where the Heart is 09:30 The Royal 10:35 Judge Judy 11:55 The Darling Buds of May 13:00 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Heartbeat 15:05 The Royal 16:10 Where the Heart is 17:15 Doctor at Large 17:50 On the Buses 18:20 George and Mildred 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 23:00 Prime Suspect 01:00 A is for Acid ITV4 07:00 Football’s Greatest: Ronaldo 07:05 Hogan’s Heroes 07:55 The Chase 08:50 The Professionals 09:55 Minder 10:55 Ax Men 11:55 The Chase 12:55 The Professionals 14:00 Storage Wars 14:55 Storage Wars New York 15:55 Hogan’s Heroes 17:00 Minder 18:00 The Professionals 19:00 Storage Wars New York 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 FA Youth Cup Final Live: Manchester City v Chelsea 23:00 Film - Death Wish 5: The Face of Death (18) 00:55 Film - Space Cowboys (PG)

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack 19:00 Andy James

1959: Dame Margot Fonteyn released from jail her in.

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 10:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 10:30 Psych 11:20 Royal Pains 12:15 Dinner Date 13:15 Emmerdale 14:15 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 14:45 Ellen DeGeneres 15:35 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Film - Delivery Man (12) 00:15 Family Guy 01:10 American Dad

Nancy

isn’t happy over Masood’s latest bombshell and urges Tamwar to tell his dad that they want to do this alone. Before Tamwar can do anything, they overhear Mick telling Masood not to go. When Nancy hears Masood’s reasoning, she tells him that they want him to come.

6

Saturday 23rd April

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 MasterChef 13:00 News 13:10 Football Focus 14:00 The London Marathon: A Million Reasons to Run 14:30 World Championship Snooker 17:30 News 17:50 Match of the Day Live: Everton v Manchester United

06:55 Crucible Classics 08:55 Film - Fort Apache World 11:00 (U) Snooker Championship 13:00 Rick Stein From Venice to Istanbul 14:00 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Escape to the Country 15:45 Money for Nothing 16:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain 17:00 Gardeners’ World 17:30 Final Score 18:15 Flog It 20:15 Michael Mcintyre’s 19:00 Bake Off Crème de Big Show Family entertain- la Crème ment with Michael McIntyre World 20:00 21:05 The National Championship Snooker Lottery Shane Richie hosts Another quarter-final spot the game show that sees will be filled on day eight of couples playing to win the the World Championship prizes of their dreams 21:00 Dad’s Army The puts warden 21:55 Casualty Big Mac’s chief secret is getting on top of Mainwaring in court him and he’s not the only one who’s reached their 21:30 Shakespeare Live! limit From the RSC David Tennant assembles a host 22:45 Mrs Brown’s Boys of luminaries from the Agnes is upset that her son worlds of film, theatre and Trevor has been called music to celebrate the life, back to the missions in work and legacy of William Shakespeare, 400 years Africa after his death 23:15 News 23:35 Match of the Day 00:20 Peter Kay’s 23:30 QI XL 00:15 World Snooker Comedy Shuffle 00:50 The Championship London Marathon: A Million Highlights 01:05 Film Reasons to Run 01:20 Mesrine: Killer Instinct (15) World Championship 02:50 Film - Mesrine: Snooker - Extra 04:20 Public Enemy No 1 (15) 04:55 This is BBC Two Crucible Classics

07:00 Bottom Knocker Street 07:25 Pat and Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Share a Story 08:05 Sooty 08:15 Super 4 08:30 Nerds and Monsters 08:45 Tom and Jerry 09:00 Thunderbirds are Go 09:25 News 09:30 Weekend 10:25 Murder, She Wrote 12:15 Jeremy Kyle USA 13:05 News 13:15 Jeremy Kyle 14:15 Planet’s Got Talent 14:45 BBQ Champ 15:45 Film Beethoven (U) 17:25 The Wine Show 18:30 News 19:00 You’ve Been Framed 20:00 Bang on the Money `Pecs & Flex’ and `Tooniversity Challenge’ battle it out to hit a specific target number `bang on’

07:10 Asics Greater Manchester Marathon 07:40 British GT 08:05 Brighton Marathon 2016 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:55 The Simpsons 13:55 Come Dine with Me 15:00 Racing: Sandown Park, Ripon and Haydock Park 17:30 A Place in the Sun: Summer Sun 18:30 Homes by the Med 19:30 News 20:00 The Secret World of Lego Behind the scenes of the construction kit company 21:00 Arnie Schwarzenegger’s 50 Greatest Ever Stunts Arnold guides viewers through some of the world’s most cunning stunts

21:00 Britain’s Got Talent 22:30 Film The Ant and Dec host the third Transporter (15) Frank is round of auditions hired to “transport” packages for unknown clients 22:15 Play to the Whistle but when asked to move a Holly Willoughby hosts package that begins movanother episode of the ing, complications arise sports-based quiz show 00:20 Film - Contraband 02:20 Hollyoaks 23:00 News 23:15 Film - (15) The Fast and the Furious: Omnibus 04:30 Tricks of the Restaurant Trade 04:55 Tokyo Drift (12) 01:10 Selling Houses with Jackpot247 04:00 Murder, Amanda Lamb 05:50 She Wrote 04:50 ITV Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Nightscreen Free

07:00 Milkshake 09:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30 The Saturday Show Live 12:30 Police Interceptors 16:10 Now That’s Funny 18:15 Toddlers Make You Laugh Out Loud 19:10 NCIS: Los Angeles 20:05 NCIS: New Orleans After three people are killed in a diner a clue leads LaSalle to suspect a killer who escaped justice when Hurricane Katrina washed the evidence away 21:00 NCIS The team tackle a group of cyber terrorists who cause havoc when they shut down the internet in Washington DC 21:55 News National and international news

13:20 Britain’s Got More Talent 14:25 The Almost Impossible Gameshow 15:25 Scorpion 16:20 Film - Batteries Not Included (PG) 18:30 Film - Hotel Transylvania (U) 20:15 Film - After Earth (12) 22:15 Britain’s Got More Talent 23:15 Celebrity Juice 00:05 Family Guy ITV3 13:30 Film - Man About the House (PG) 15:20 Columbo 16:55 Rosemary and Thyme 19:00 Midsomer Murders 21:00 Foyle’s War 23:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple 01:05 Blue Murder ITV4

22:00 The Championship Extended highlights of the weekend’s matches from the Championship, including Derby County v Sheffield Wednesday at iPro Stadium, and Hull City v Leeds United at KCOM Stadium

13:30 British Touring Car Championship Highlights 15:00 FIA Formula e Championship Live 17:30 BRDC Formula 3 Championship Highlights 18:30 The Darts Mavericks 19:30 The Big Fish Off 20:30 Film - Space Cowboys (PG) 23:05 Film Get Carter (15) 01:15 Film - The Fog (15)

23:00 Goal Rush 23:30 NCIS 01:15 Super Casino 04:10 The Best of Bad TV: The 90s 05:20 Criminals: Caught on Camera

09:00 The Weekend Mix, 12:00 Suzy G, 15:00 Keith Nicol

Sunday 24th April 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 09:30 The London Marathon 14:30 News 14:40 Sunday Politics 15:50 The Day I Met the Queen 16:50 Songs of Praise 17:35 Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute 19:05 Paul O’Grady: The Sally Army and Me 19:35 News 20:00 Countryfile To mark 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, Countryfile travel the length and breadth of the country in search of the landscapes that inspired him 21:00 Antiques Roadshow The Antiques Roadshow visits Trentham Gardens near Stoke-onTrent 22:00 Undercover Terrified that Maya might be close to discovering his secret, Nick controls the situation with a devastating lie. Taking solace in work, Maya continues to search for the witness 23:00 News 23:30 Match of the Day 2 00:40 Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights 01:10 Would I Lie to You? 01:40 World Championship Snooker - Extra 04:40 World Snooker

07:30 Gardeners’ World 08:00 An Island Parish 08:30 The Beechgrove Garden 09:00 Countryfile 10:00 The Andrew Marr World 11:00 Show Snooker Championship 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:15 Points of View 14:30 The London Marathon 15:30 Championship World Snooker 19:00 The London Marathon Highlights

07:00 Bottom Knocker Street 07:25 Pat and Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Share a Story 08:05 Sooty 08:15 Super 4 08:30 Nerds and Monsters 08:45 Tom and Jerry 09:00 Teen Titans Go 09:25 News 09:30 Weekend 10:25 FIA Formula e Championship Highlights 11:20 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 Jeremy Kyle 13:20 News 13:30 Jeremy Kyle 14:30 All Star Family Fortunes 15:15 Fierce 16:15 Britain’s Got Talent 17:35 Midsomer Murders 19:30 News

World 20:00 Championship Snooker Live second-round action continues at the Crucible.

Matches are the best of 25 frames and are played over 19:55 The Chase three sessions Celebrity Special Have Wadia, Linford Born Nina Natural 21:00 Winners Donovan, Gareth, Christie, Sarah Harding Iwan and James complete and Tyger Drew-Honey got what it takes to win thoutheir world tour in Japan sands 22:00 Louis Theroux Louis Theroux spends time 21:00 The Durrells Leslie at King’s College Hospital falls in with a bad crowd in London where he and ends up being accused immerses himself in the of armed robbery lives of patients in the grips 22:00 Home Fires Teresa of alcohol addiction is asked on a date, but can 23:00 Film - Half of a Yellow she throw off her old life so Sun (12) 00:45 World easily Snooker Championship The 23:00 News 23:15 Flying 01:35 Highlights People v OJ Simpson: Scotsman with Robson American Crime Story Green 00:15 Murder, She 02:40 Countryfile 03:35 Wrote 01:15 Jackpot247 Holby City 04:35 This is 03:30 Motorsport UK 04:20 ITV Nightscreen BBC Two

07:20 King of Queens 08:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 14:30 Film - Maid in Manhattan (PG) 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:35 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:35 News 19:05 Grand Designs

07:00 Milkshake 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja The 11:30 Turtles Championship 12:30 Goal Rush 13:00 The Gadget Show 14:00 Grannies Make You Laugh Out Loud 15:00 Budgies Make You Laugh Out Loud 16:00 Film - What to Expect When You’re Expecting (12) 18:00 Film - Miss Congeniality (12)

20:00 The Fearless Chef Kiran visits northern Ethiopia, where he attempts to make ice cream in scorching 52C heat, using a C02 fire extinguisher as a coolant

20:00 Now That’s Funny Comedy clip show featuring user-generated video content from around the world

21:00 Mystery of the Crossrail Skulls Documentary examining the discovery of dozens of Roman-era skulls by engineers working beneath London’s Liverpool Street station

21:00 Penn and Teller: Fool Us in Vegas Victor and Diamond demonstrate why they are the biggest Dove Act in Las Vegas

14:05 Catchphrase 14:50 Film - The Flintstones (U) 16:35 Film - Charlotte’s Web (U) 18:30 Britain’s Got Talent 19:50 Britain’s Got More Talent 20:50 Film - Paranoia (12) 23:00 Family Guy ITV3 13:35 Film - The Queen (12) 15:40 Film - Ben-Hur (PG) 19:55 Doc Martin 21:00 The Cruise Ship 21:30 Royal Stories 22:00 Great Estates of Scotland 23:20 Film - Elizabeth: The Golden Age (12) 01:40 A Touch of Frost ITV4

21:55 News

22:00 Indian Summers The Whelans’ marriage faces its darkest hour as the Maharajah and Sirene return to Simla and the Maharajah makes Ralph an indecent proposal

22:00 Film - Runner Runner (15) When a poor who student college cracks an online poker game goes bust, he arranges a face-to-face with the man he thinks cheated him, a sly offshore entrepreneur

13:30 Film - Destry (PG) 15:35 Film - The Cimarron Kid (U) 17:15 Film Thunderball (PG) 19:55 The Wine Show 21:00 River Monsters 22:05 Film - Assassins (15) 00:45 Film - Sleepers (18)

23:00 Gogglebox 00:05 Film - The Lincoln Lawyer (15) 02:10 Embarrassing Bodies 03:00 Come Dine with Me

23:40 Film - Cradle 2 the 01:45 (15) Grave Criminals: Caught on Camera 02:10 Super Casino

09:00 The Weekend Mix, 12:00 Suzy G, 15:00 Tony De Love

7

8

Monday 25th April

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs are Coming 12:45 Oxford Street Revealed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Code 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Money for Nothing 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 The One Show

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Flog it!

Trade Secrets 08:30 The Sheriffs are Coming 09:15 The Day I Met the Queen 10:00 Caught Red Handed 10:30 Gardeners’ World 11:00 Triathlon 13:00 The Daily Politics 14:00 World Championship Snooker 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain

20:30 Panorama Reporting from Port Talbot to see whether the steel industry has a future

20:00 World Championship Snooker Hazel Irvine introduces the final session on day 10

21:00 EastEnders Libby drops a bombshell on Denise

21:00 The Food Detectives We spend a staggering four and a half billion pounds on diet drinks a year Do they help us keep the weight off?

21:30 MasterChef The semi-finals get under way with the eight remaining contenders being split into two teams of four 22:00 Peter Kay’s Comedy Shuffle More classic moments from the comedian’s career 22:30 I Want My Wife Back Murray and Bex break the news to their friends and family that they are separating 23:00 News 23:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 00:30 PFA Awards Highlights 01:10 The Graham Norton Show 01:55 World Championship Snooker - Extra 03:55 Crucible Classics 05:55 Weather for the Week Ahead

21:30 An Island Parish Mother Mary turns her hand to DIY as she puts the finishing touches to her sanctuary and chapel 22:00 Horizon Dr Hannah Fry uses Dr Xand Van Tulleken as her guinea pig to test whether the algorithms that dating sites use to match people actually work 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 00:35 World Championship Snooker Highlights 01:25 The Women’s Football Show 01:55 MasterChef 02:55 The Celebrity Apprentice USA 04:20 This is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Chopping Block 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale Tracy discovers a secret 20:30 Coronation Street Michelle is stunned by Will’s announcement 21:00 Wild Australia with Ray Mears Ray Mears explores the wildlife of Australia. In this programme he journeys to the Great Barrier Reef, where he encounters a humpback whale calf learning how to swim, and ventures underwater to interact with giant manta rays, green turtles and a host of marine creatures 21:30 Coronation Street Jason receives some shocking news 22:00 Marcella An aborted attack on an old man gives the police a new lead in the Grove Park killings Marcella tries to track down the taxi driver from outside Grace Gibson’s house, fearful that he saw her on the night of the murder 23:00 News 23:45 The Agenda 00:30 Film GoldenEye (12) 02:45 Jackpot247 04:00 Jeremy Kyle 04:55 ITV Nightscreen

07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will and Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Fifteen to One 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Too Many Cooks 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 Dispatches Harry Wallop goes undercover to learn the secrets of a major player in the travel trade 21:30 The Food Chain In Lancashire farmer John’s shitake business is booming as his mushrooms are shipped all over the nation 22:00 The Island with Bear Grylls Following Patrick’s horrifying fall, the island is in crisis and Dr Dan’s expedition party is trapped in a tiny cove with a tropical storm on the way 23:00 Flowers 00:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 01:05 24 Hours in Police Custody 02:00 Manchester’s Serial Killer? 02:55 British Army Girls 03:55 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 04:50 River Cottage Bites 05:05 Selling Houses with Amanda Lamb

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:15 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 13:10 News 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS: New Orleans 16:15 Killer Collector 18:00 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 News 20:00 FIA World Rally C h a m p i o n s h i p Highlights Highlights of the fourth stage of the 2016 World Rally Championship from Argentina 21:00 Police Interceptors Liam and police dog Vader bring down a fleeing suspect, Kev and Spike rescue a man trapped in an overturned car, Pete is forced to pull his taser, and Spike disguises himself as a pizza delivery boy to carry out an unconventional raid 22:00 The Tube: Going U n d e r g r o u n d Management has decided to crack down on fare dodgers, but it is revenue inspectors Simon and Paul who have to deal with an aggressive passenger refuses to pay at the Angel 23:00 Gotham 00:00 Person of Interest 01:50 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 02:15 Super Casino 04:10 Castle 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Great Scientists 05:50 House Doctor

DON´T MISS THE TRUTH ABOUT CHEAP FLIGHTS

CHANNEL 4 21:00

SOAPS

In Emmerdale, Tracy insults David when she thinks that he has rejected her, causing Pollard to privately tell her that David has cancer. David is soon thrown when Pollard suggests that he should give Tracy a chance.

Soon afterwards, a nervous Tracy rambles to

It’s that time of year, when dreams of a summer escape will soon be just an air ticket away, if only you can find the best price.

Reporter Harry Wallop goes undercover to learn the secrets of a major player in the travel trade.

Are the lowest fares all that they seem? Are you getting the best deal? And if your plans need to change, how will you be treated?

Harry uses secret camera footage to test the promises of the travel business.

David, telling him that she really fancies him. She’s thrown when he suggests she should stay for a drink and is tempted to tell him that she knows what he’s going through, but when he moves in to kiss her, will she decide against it?

that Phelan was behind the break-in. Todd, Jason and Yasmeen head to the builder’s yard hoping that the CCTV camera there might have picked up the intruder who broke into the community centre.

Phelan arrives and points out they’re wasting their time as the camera is unplugged.

Yasmeen thanks them for all their hard work and hands them a generous cheque, while an uneasy Todd looks on.

In Coronation Street, Jason and Phelan head to the community centre to put right the damage, but Todd remains convinced

Later, as Eileen settles down for an evening in front of the telly, she’s interrupted by a visit from the police. They explain they’re looking for Jason

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 Coronation Street 10:30 Psych 11:20 Royal Pains 12:15 Dinner Date 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 Ellen DeGeneres 15:35 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Family Guy 23:00 Plebs 23:30 Family Guy 00:00 American Dad 00:55 The Cleveland Show ITV3 07:00 Doctor at Large 07:25 Heartbeat 08:25 Where the Heart is 09:25 The Royal 10:30 Judge Judy 11:55 The Darling Buds of May 13:00 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Heartbeat 15:00 The Royal 16:05 Where the Heart is 17:10 Doctor at Large 17:45 On the Buses 18:20 George and Mildred 18:55 Heartbeat 19:55 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 22:00 Long Lost Family 23:00 Law and Order: UK 00:05 The Knock 01:45 The Darling Buds of May ITV4 07:00 Football’s Greatest 07:05 Hogan’s Heroes 08:00 The Chase 08:55 The Professionals 09:55 Minder 11:00 Ax Men 11:55 The Chase 12:55 The Professionals 14:00 Pawn Stars 14:30 Storage Wars 14:55 Storage Wars New York 15:55 Hogan’s Heroes 17:00 Minder 18:00 The Professionals 19:00 Storage Wars New York 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Motogp Highlights 22:00 Film - Exit Wounds (18) 00:10 Bundesliga 01:10 Motorsport UK

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack 19:00 Andy James as they need to talk to him about his father...

blames himself.

Meanwhile, Michelle is grumpy after a restless night. Steve reckons it’s because she’s got used to having the bed to herself, but Liz has her own suspicions. As Steve goes to hug Michelle, she pulls away and suggests they talk later. Steve is left disappointed and confused.

Phelan calls at Number 11 and when he hears the news, he gives Eileen a comforting hug. Todd watches him sceptically.

Clearly angry, Jason tells Eileen that he blames Liz for Tony’s death because if it weren’t for her, he’d still be living near his family and they could have saved him.

In the second episode, Eileen breaks the news to Jason that Tony was found dead in his flat with a suspected heart attack. Jason is shocked to the core.

When Jason discovers that Tony may have lain dead for three days, he

In Eastenders, Libby is back on the Square for another visit. She tells Denise that she is pregnant but isn’t keeping the baby. Refusing to accept her daughter’s decision, Denise starts to celebrate the pregnancy regardless

- forcing Libby to turn to Kim for moral support.

Later, as Denise continues to celebrate, Libby drops another bombshell...

Meanwhile, as the darts match continues at The Vic, Ben notices that Phil is in a better mood and decides to kiss Paul publicly. Phil reacts badly and storms off home.

9

Tuesday 26th April 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs are Coming 12:45 Oxford Street Revealed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Code 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Money for Nothing 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News and Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders Libby is stunned by Denise’s behaviour 21:00 Holby City Arthur rallies when Morven’s dad Austin is admitted with end stage liver disease 22:00 The A Word It’s the launch day of Paul’s gastropub, and the family gathers to open its doors. While Maurice gets to grips with the half-done décor, Alison determines to reconcile with Paul. As Luke’s romantic gesture falls flat with Rebecca, Nicola has some shock news for Eddie 23:00 BBC News and Weather 23:45 Never Again: Fear and Faith in Paris 00:15 Room 101 00:55 Live at the Apollo 01:25 World Championship Snooker - Extra 04:25 Crucible Classics

07:00 Rip Off Britain 07:45 The Sheriffs are Coming 08:30 Escape to the Country 09:15 Flog It 10:00 Caught Red Handed 10:30 Great British Railway Journeys 11:00 World Championship Snooker 13:00 The Daily Politics 14:00 World Championship Snooker 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain 20:00 World Championship Snooker Jason Mohammad presents live coverage of the quarter-finals, where the difference between winning and losing is £33,000 21:00 Bake Off Crème de la Crème In the Miniatures Challenge, the teams have just three hours to produce 36 dacquoise slices, 36 fruit tartlets and 36 petits gateaux in the shape of a cube 22:00 Inside the Billionaire’s Wardrobe Reggie Yates investigates the reality behind the global super-rich’s insatiable appetite for luxury goods 23:00 Later Live with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 00:15 World Championship Snooker Highlights 01:05 The Super League Show 01:50 MasterChef 02:50 This Farming Life 03:50 This is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Chopping Block 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale It is a big day for Finn 20:30 River Monsters Jeremy Wade investigates a recent fatal incident in Alaska’s remote and unforgiving wilderness where fishermen have been vanishing without trace for years 21:00 Fierce Steve Backshall travels to Guyana, home to gigantic anaconda, piranha, jaguar and other lethal predators 22:00 Drive It is the semifinal and the star drivers, including Colin Jackson, Johnny Vegas and Angus Deayton, are thrown into the world of rallycross.

They battle it out against each other and a Shark car in the hope of landing a place in the final. The two at the back of the pack then face a fight for survival 23:00 News 23:40 Paul O’Grady’s Animal Orphans 00:45 Bargain Shop Wars 01:10 Jackpot247 04:00 Loose Women 04:50 ITV Nightscreen

07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will and Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Fifteen to One 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Too Many Cooks 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 The Tiny Tots Talent Agency A zombie film, a seaside photo shoot and a top-end touring musical are some of the jobs on offer for the Bizzykidz children in this episode 22:00 One Born Every Minute This episode explores life at Liverpool Women’s Hospital through the eyes of its only male midwife, former navy trauma medic Chris 23:00 Flowers 23:35 First Dates 00:35 24 Hours in A and E 01:35 PokerstarsCom European Poker Tour 02:30 KOTV Boxing Weekly 02:55 Gillette World Sport 03:20 Asics Greater Manchester Marathon 03:50 British GT 04:15 Brighton Marathon 2016 05:10 Selling Houses with Amanda Lamb

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:15 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 13:10 News 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Film Nightmare From the Past 18:00 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 News 20:00 Ben Fogle: The Great African Migration Ben joins Dr Grant Hopcraft to tag four wildebeest to monitor their individual progress on the migration via a GPS 21:00 The Yorkshire Vet This time the vets tend a wildly eclectic assortment of patients including hairy Hungarian pigs and a precious pug dog 22:00 Tribal Teens Here Comes Trouble 19-yearold nightclub dancer Courtney and 17-year-old ultra-vain Charlie face up to life on the frozen Mongolian plains as they live with a family of hardy Kazakhs in a communal tent with only the most basic sanitation 23:00 My Mum’s Hotter Than Me 00:00 20 Moments That Rocked Talent Shows 01:30 Lip Sync Battle UK 01:55 Super Casino 04:10 Castle 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Great Scientists 05:50 House Doctor

DON´T MISS

On This Day

THE A WORD

BBC1 22:00

SOAPS

It’s the launch day of Paul’s gastropub, and the family gathers to open its doors. While Maurice gets to grips with the half-done décor, Alison determines to reconcile with Paul.

As Luke’s romantic gesture falls flat with Rebecca, Nicola has some shock news for Eddie. Seeing Joe is in the way, Maurice takes him on a visit to Louise’s - but within minutes the day has taken an unexpected turn.

out of trouble?

Meanwhile, after spending the night with Tracy, David is livid to realise that she knew about his illness and thinks she slept with him out of pity. David also confronts Pollard about telling Tracy.

she should ask her boyfriend to the pub for tea?

Also today, Megan finally agrees to let Jimmy look after Eliza.

Elsewhere, Belle and Lisa are relieved when Rishi offers Belle her job back, but will Belle be able to cover when Lisa suggests

drink - leaving his ex more convinced than ever that their divorce was the right decision. Over at The Albert, Phil makes a drunken pass at Shirley but she rejects him.

Denise also finds herself drinking at The Albert after arguments with both Libby and Carmel. Despite their hatred for each other, Phil gets talking to Denise and sneaks her back home.

One thing quickly leads to another between the unlikely pair...

In Emmerdale, Charity is uneasy to learn that Finn is hosting a comic convention in the village hall.

Later, Ross is furious when Finn is arrested for handling stolen goods.

James and Emma also despair to learn that Ross was in on the deal with Charity. Can Ross persuade Charity to get Finn

1975: Labour votes to leave the European Economic Community

In Eastenders, Phil is still struggling after Ben’s public show of affection with Paul. Despite Sharon’s pleas for him to change his attitude, Phil goes for a

Meanwhile, Pam is also disapproving over Paul and Ben - disappointed that her grandson has given Ben another chance.

In Holby City, Morven’s dad Austin now has endstage liver disease. It’s clear he needs a transplant today or he’ll die.

Arthur’s still recuperating himself and is exhausted, but he refuses to rest until Austin gets the treatment he needs.

Zosia finds herself unable to engage with Arthur, as Dominic struggles to care

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 Coronation Street 10:30 Psych 11:20 Royal Pains 12:15 Dinner Date 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 Ellen DeGeneres 15:35 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed 20:30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Film Delivery Man (12) 00:10 Family Guy 01:10 American Dad 02:05 Two and a Half Men ITV3 07:00 Doctor at Large 07:25 Heartbeat 08:25 Where the Heart is 09:30 The Royal 10:35 Judge Judy 11:55 The Darling Buds of May 13:00 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Heartbeat 15:05 The Royal 16:05 Where the Heart is 17:10 Doctor at Large 17:50 On the Buses 18:20 George and Mildred 18:55 Heartbeat 19:55 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 Law and Order: UK 00:00 The Knock 01:10 The Darling Buds of May 02:15 Where the Heart is ITV4 07:00 Hogan’s Heroes 07:50 The Chase 08:50 The Professionals 09:55 Minder 10:55 Ax Men 11:55 The Chase 12:55 The Professionals 14:00 Pawn Stars 14:50 Storage Wars New York 15:50 Hogan’s Heroes 16:55 Minder 17:55 The Professionals 19:00 Motogp Highlights 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 The Chase: Celebrity Special 22:00 Film - Assassins (15) 00:40 Film - Inside Man (15) 03:00 The Darts Mavericks

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack for him alone. She displaces her helplessness over Arthur’s illness by persuading a terminal patient to be a guinea pig for Jac’s new stent.

Bernie’s thrown when she’s served with divorce papers and finds her ex is going for the jugular. But the AAU family gather round to lift her spirits and show her she’s not alone.

10

CODE CRACKER

DOUBLE CROSS-WORD

Code Cracker is a crossword puzzle with no clues; instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number. In this week's puzzle, 17 represents D and 9 represents Y, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

Solve the Double Cross-Word puzzle using either the standard or cryptic clues, the answers are exactly the same.

QUICKIE

In this week’s Quickie crossword, all the answers are ANAGRAMS of the clue words: Across 1 Nibbles (5) 4 Puts on the market (5) 7 Accuracy (9) 8 Ill (4) 10 Happen (5) 12 Have a loan of (6) 13 Limbs (4) 16 Consciousness (9) 18 Dispatches (5) 19 Perhaps (5)

Down 1 Farm buildings (5) 2 Pinnacle (3) 3 Look for (4) 4 Swap (6) 5 Free time (7) 6 Transmit (4) 9 Sure (7) 11 Wraps (6) 12 Bills (5) 14 Vapour (5) 15 Appear (4) 17 Introvert (3)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Spins, 3 Costs, 6 Owl, 8 Certain, 9 Sent, 10 Models, 12 Master, 13 This, 16 Nearest, 17 Pan, 18 Diet, 19 Names.

Down: 1 Shots, 2 Sack, 3 Carton, 4 Spaceship, 5 Sings, 7 Landscape, 11 Seven, 12 Mined, 14 Sinks, 15 Stun.

Scribble Pad

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Implied diplomacy protects one (5) 4 Tee, rough, gutter (6) 9 Salt in submarine rainwater (7) 10 Many sound prospects for prospectors (5) 11 Grind? Put right finally with lubrication (4) 12 Unspoilt old city in South African region (7) 13 Allow rent (3) 14 A warrior in the Cherokee tribe (4) 16 An instrument of love and honour (4) 18 We hear this boy of ours is a star (3) 20 Nearest damaged grave (7) 21 This is one indication left inside (4) 24 Roots about at the bottom of the trunk (5) 25 Whirling eel in enclosure (7) 26 Rearranged medals for a young lady (6) 27 Miss a trick (5)

Down 1 Boy at orchard’s entrance for fruit (6) 2 The Queen’s dog is caught by college head or an American soldier (5) 3 Very small team in New York, initially (4) 5 In connection with someone in the family?

(8) 6 Endure in the grip of the Thunder God (7) 7 Has a shilling to back the Spanish fight (6) 8 Seaside feature is a cover for illegal activities (5) 13 To the listener it’s an advance addition only (8) 15 A murder suspect, one hears? (7) 17 Frenzied cheat, editor admits (6) 18 Bad weather in which a pastor must go out (5) 19 Eagle you hear all over the place, is about three miles away (6) 22 Learner taking the Great North Road? He’s landed up in Scotland (5) 23 Learn from a book about placing a short advertisement (4)

STANDARD CLUES

Down 1 Love apple (6) 2 Welsh breed of dog (5) 3 Minute (4) 5 Family member (8) 6 Experience (7) 7 Irritate (6) 8 Face (5) 13 Forlorn (8) 15 Tympanic membrane (7) 17 Frenzied (6) 18 Tempest (5) 19 Association (6) 22 Scottish landowner (5) 23 Understand writing (4)

Across 1 Unspoken (5) 4 Channel (6) 9 Seaman (7) 10 Ore deposits (5) 11 Drudgery (4) 12 Normal (7) 13 Give permission (3) 14 Brave man (4) 16 Double-reed instrument (4) 18 Star (3) 20 Serious (7) 21 Evidence (4) 24 Upper body (5) 25 Staggering (7) 26 Young unmarried woman (6) 27 Move in and out (5)

Last weeks Solution Across: 7 Damage, 8 Target, 9 Keys, 10 Termites, 11 Caramel, 13 Nepal, 15 Cabin, 17 Parapet, 20 Debonair, 21 Tern, 23 Debase, 24 Errant.

Down: 1 Kale, 2 Nausea, 3 Heathen, 4 Stark, 5 Bruise, 6 Beverage, 12 Awakened, 14 Farrier, 16 Isobar, 18 Actors, 19 Cadet, 22 Rank.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

2 letter words Am As At Be Ma No 3 letter words AGM Aha Min Nat Ode Pot Sac Sad Sin Sue Sun

Won 4 letter words Ages Egad Mart Nero Ohms Trap 5 letter words Aches Adept Agree Alien Amass Argot Heron Maths Messy Salsa

Set-to Shrub Sight Stews Stone Sumps Testy Treat 6 letter words Leaned Sashes 7 letter words Dahlias Ghillie 8 letter words Stencils Telecast

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD

Improve your Spanish - clues in Spanish, answers in English or vice versa.

Across 7 Cheap (inexpensive) (6) 8 Cebada (6) 9 Jaula (para animales) (4) 10 Stepson (8) 11 Volcán (7) 13 To be born (5) 15 Down (physical movement) (5) 17 Pigeons (7) 20 Montaña (8) 21 Cinturón (4) 22 Vulture (6) 23 Plata (metal) (6)

Down 1 Married (person) (6) 2 Coffee (4) 3 Nada (ninguna cosa) (7) 4 Bee (5) 5 Transfer (move) (8) 6 Grado (nivel) (6) 12 Small cushion (8) 14 Tristeza (7) 16 Hinchar (globo) (4,2) 18 Dormido (6) 19 Sueldo (semanal) (5) 21 Campana (de iglesia, puerta) (4)

11 Across 1 Which alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon, is widely used in construction? (5) 4 What name is normally given to the members of a jury? (6 9 What was the surname of the Chilean statesman, president from 1970 to 1973, who was the first avowed Marxist to win a presidency in a free election? (7) 10 In tenpin bowling what name is given to the act of knocking down all the pins with two balls? (5) 11 See 23 Down 12 What is the name of the wine cup used in the Christian Eucharist? (7) 13 What was the surname of the American short-story writer, poet, and critic whose most notable works include The Fall of the House of Usher, The Murders in the Rue Morgue and The Raven? (3) 14 What was the name of Tarzan’s girlfriend? (4) 16 What name is given to a shoemaker’s model for shaping or repairing a shoe or boot? (4) 18 What was the first name of baseball star DiMaggio and snooker champion Davis? (3) 20 What was the title of John Lennon’s second British number one hit single and his 1970 best-selling album? (7) 21 Which country in the South Pacific consists of a group of around 840 islands, of which only about 100 are inhabited?

(4) 24 Which solid-hoofed plant-eating domesticated mammal with a flowing mane and tail, is used for riding, racing, and to carry and pull loads? (5) 25 What is the name of the inflatable life jacket that is named

Quiz Word

after an American film actress noted for her large bust? (3,4) 26 What was the surname of the manager of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team? (6) 27 What name is given to the daughter of one’s brother or sister? (5)

Down 1 What is the surname of the cartoonist who created the schoolgirls of St Trinian’s? (6) 2 What is the first name of US comedienne DeGeneres? (5) 3 Which industrial city in northern Austria, lies on the River Danube, and is the capital of the state of Upper Austria? (4) 5 What word means prone to psychiatric problems or sudden changes of mood? (8) 6 What is the name of the female reproductive organs in which eggs are produced? (7) 7 What is the surname of the American folk musician and songwriter, who composed If I Had a Hammer and Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (6) 8 What is the informal term for reconnaissance? (5) 13 Which lapdog is a short-legged breed with long hair and a snub nose, originally brought to Europe from the Summer Palace at Beijing in 1860? (8) 15 What word, phrase or name is formed by rearranging the letters of another? (7) 17 Which musical instrument consisting of a flat wooden soundbox with numerous strings stretched across it, is placed horizontally and played with the fingers and a plectrum? (6) 18 What name is often given to the short crowbar used by a burglar to force open a window or door? (5) 19 By what other name is the hallux also known? (3,3) 22 What was the forename of comedy actress Ms Handl? (5) 23/11 What is the name of the former St Helens and Great Britain rugby league scrum half who was banned for three months in 2004 for betting against his own team? (4,4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH Countries

SUDOKU

Match these English and Spanish names of countries (answers below), then try and find the Spanish names in the wordsearch. Buena suerte!

1. Alemania , 2.Grecia,

17.Inglaterra, 18. Escocia,

i.Sweden, j.Ireland, k.USA,

3.Suecia, 4.Suiza,

19.Francia, 20.Irlanda,

l.Hungary, m.Turkey,

5.Arabia Saudi, 6.Estados

21.Gales, 22.Marruecos.

n.Denmark, o.Ireland, p.Holland,

Unidos, 7.Belgica, 8.Dinamarca,

1. Who landed on Timor Island after being cast adrift?

2. What was unusual about convict 2599 who was doing time in Pen State prison 1924?

3. What was Bumper Harris' (who had a wooden leg) job on the London Undergorund?

4. Angelo Scicilano was better known as who?

5. Who designed the WW 1 plane the Camel and co designed the Hurricane?

6. Who was poisoned, shot and drowned in the Neva River in 1916?

7. The Blur Max medal was named after Max who?

8. What country did Italy invade in 1935?

9. Only 6 people died in what historic event?

10. The Mau Mau were terrorists in which country during the late 50's early 60's?

1. Captain Bligh 2. It was dog doing life for killing a cat.

3. To ride new escalators to prove they were safe. 4.

Charles Atlas 5. Thomas Octave Murdoch Sopwith 6.

Rasputin 7. Max Immelmann 8. Abyssinia - Ethiopia 9.

Fire of London 1666 10. Kenya

ANSWERS

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 1 Sprat, 4 Lamour, 9 Evil eye, 10 Santa, 11 Lynx, 12 Mitford, 13 SOS, 14 Chic, 16 Axle, 18 Don, 20 A A Milne, 21 Cent, 24 Ghent, 25 Ocarina, 26 Rosary, 27 Edsel.

Down: 1 Stella, 2 Reign, 3 Them, 5 Alsatian, 6 Own goal, 7 Rwanda, 8 Beams, 13 Sculptor, 15 Hammers, 17 Badger, 18 Defoe, 19 St Paul, 22 Emirs, 23 Babe.

9.Paises Bajos, 10.Noruega,

a.Greece, b.Romania,

t.Norway, u. Finland, v. UK,

11.Finlandia, 12.Reino Unido,

c.Morocco, d.Saudi Arabia,

w. Scotland, x. France.

13.Turquia, 14.Rusia,

e.Germany, f.Belgium,

15.Rumania, 16.Hungria,

g.Switzerland, h.Wales.

B L U S A U D I F I S Z A K Z

I GRE CI S N O S WS P UGNE A A Y E L I L P I A CA E OGNNI T DA DA A A R I WWM I A MS OC E RL A NDA ODI NUC S OJ A B I GE URON GQUUCF M T D WZ A Soduko

A A F DA E A O QI S I I S S D NCA NNT E I RORA A A S N D C A MMD I U RS B A UOA I E E I RRS P D Q R A C O H WG U R R A MB A A L QL A E I I H I A RL S RA H DP GUGK J K DI RNT E J X CS UI Z A CC B HZ E S DDB Span - Eng

Answers: 1e, 2a, 3i, 4g, 5d, 6k, 7f, 8n, 9p, 10t, 11u, 12v, 13m, 14r, 15b, 16l, 17q, 18w, 19x, 20j, 21h, 22c.

history QUIZ

q. England, r. Russia, s. Finland,

ALEMANIA ARABIA BAJOS BELGICA DINAMARCA ESCOCIA ESTADOS FINLANDIA FRANCIA GALES GRECIA HUNGRIA INGLATERRA Quizword

IRLANDA MARRUECOS NORUEGA PAISES REINO RUMANIA RUSIA SAUDI SUECIA SUIZA TURQUIA UNIDO UNIDOS Fill It In

12 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs are Coming 12:45 Oxford Street Revealed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Code 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Money for Nothing 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders Denise is left mortified by her actions the night before 22:00 MasterChef The MasterChef semi-finals continue with a spectacular challenge, as the eight remaining best cooks in the competition head to the biggest naval base in Western Europe to embark on a special mission to serve lunch to members of the Royal Navy on board one of its longest serving ships, anti-submarine frigate HMS Northumberland 23:00 News 23:45 I Want My Wife Back 00:15 Boomers 00:45 Secret Britain 01:15 World Championship Snooker Extra 03:45 Crucible Classics 05:45 Weather for the Week Ahead 05:50 News

Wednesday 27th April 07:00 Rip Off Britain 07:45 Flog it! Trade Secrets 08:15 Homes Under the Hammer 09:15 Money for Nothing 10:00 Now You See It 10:30 Great British Menu 11:00 World Championship Snooker 12:30 The Daily Politics 14:00 World Championship Snooker 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain 20:00 World Championship Snooker The concluding sessions of the quarter-finals, with the first players to 13 frames moving into the last four 21:00 Caravanner of the Year It’s the final, and all three couples who have made it to this stage have been working on their winning strategy. Whether it’s planning and precision; soft toys and costumes or breaking out new recipes they all want the title 22:00 Mary Beard’s Ultimate Rome: Empire Without Limit Mary takes in the mythology, history and archaeology of Rome 23:00 Normal for Norfolk 23:30 Newsnight 00:15 World Championship Snooker Highlights 01:05 Louis Theroux 02:05 MasterChef 02:35 Five Star Babies: Inside the Portland Hospital 03:35 Britain’s Biggest Superyachts: Chasing Perfection 04:35 This is BBC Two

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Chopping Block 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News 20:00 Emmerdale The stakes are high for Lisa 20:30 Coronation Street Jason’s grief bubbles to the surface 21:00 Tonight at the London Palladium Bradley Walsh welcomes Go West, singer Tony Hadley, - Meghan Trainor, the cast of the new hit Disney musical Aladdin, The Corrs, ladderman and acrobat Uzeyer Novruzov 22:00 Scott and Bailey As the team makes a significant breakthrough in the case, Rachel hopes that the killers will become sloppy without the meticulous preparation that characterised the early murders.

When Janet’s attempt to help her daughter Taisie results in a complaint, Rachel has no choice but to caution her friend, but Janet is starting to question the value of doing everything by the book 23:00 News 23:40 UEFA Champions League Highlights 00:45 British Touring Car Championship Highlights 02:00 Jackpot247 04:00 Murder, She Wrote 04:50 ITV Nightscreen

07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will and Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Fifteen to One 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Too Many Cooks 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:15 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 13:10 News 13:15 The Gadget Show 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS: Los Angeles 16:15 Film Driven Underground 18:00 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 News

20:00 Police Interceptors Liam and police dog Vader bring down a fleeing suspect and Kev and Spike rescue a man trapped in an 21:00 The Supervet A overturned car four-year-old Chinchilla requires surgery for a bro- 21:00 GPs: Behind ken leg But his tiny airways Closed Doors Two longand bones make it a diffi- term patients arrive for a consultation, one with cult procedure excruciating back pain who that all the 22:00 24 Hours in Police thinks painkillers are affecting Custody Bedfordshire her, the other a long-term Police investigate potential cannabis user with depressex offenders and gather sion enough evidence to try to build a case. The suspects 22:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll are brought to the attention Take it Away Cases of the police by the work of include violent tenants who modern-day vigilantes, threaten to burn down the who are posing online as house, a shifty contractor who was accidentally overunderage girls in order to paid, and a mother and lure men to meetings daughter devastated by debt 23:00 Flowers 23:35 Gogglebox 00:40 The 23:00 Nightmare Tenants, Island with Bear Grylls Slum Landlords 00:00 The 01:35 Snowbombing 2016 Tube: Going Underground 02:30 Film - Heartbreakers 01:00 Ben Fogle: The (15) 04:35 Tricks of the Great African Migration 01:55 Super Casino 04:10 Restaurant Trade 05:00 On Benefits: Life on the Location, Location, Dole 05:00 Wildlife SOS Location 05:55 Kirstie’s Fill 05:25 Divine Designs Your House for Free 05:45 House Doctor

DON´T MISS

On This Day

24 HOURS IN POLICE CUSTODY

CHANNEL 4 22:00 SOAPS

In Emmerdale, Belle’s latest date with Dr Bailey is interrupted when he takes a call and has to go on a house visit - to the Dingles’ as Lisa has had an angina attack.

While at the Dingles’, Bailey sees a picture of Belle in her school uni-

Cameras follow officers from Bedfordshire Police as they race against time to investigate potential sex offenders and gather enough evidence to try to build a case. The suspects are brought to the attention of the police by the work of modern-day vigilantes, who are posing online as underage girls in order to lure men to meetings. After filming their public confrontations, the paedophile hunters post the evidence on the internet, as well as demanding that the men they entrap hand themselves in to the police.

form. Will the penny drop about Belle’s age? And how will Belle feel when she realises Bailey was in her house?

Meanwhile, Finn is furious at Ross after being arrested and is adamant that he’s not getting a criminal record. Charity and Ross see Finn showing the police into Dale View and they believe he’s going to tell them everything. Finn decides he’ll keep their names out of it, but it will come at a cost.

In Coronation Street, Todd arrives at Number 11 and announces that he’s moving back in, as it’s time they pulled together

as a family. Phelan masks his annoyance. Billy tries to offer comfort an angry Jason, but he refuses to listen and leaves.

Later, Phelan meets up with an important building contractor, George Duggan, to talk business.

Making out he’s the brains behind the operation and Jason is merely his lackey, Phelan talks George into giving him a building con-

1984: Libyan embassy siege ends in London tract. When Jason turns up drunk, he almost costs them the deal.

As the day continues, Eileen breaks the news of Tony’s death to a shocked Liz. Jason then rants at Liz at The Rovers, blaming her for Tony’s death.

Phelan puts his arms around Eileen and assures her he’ll always be there for her.

In Eastenders, Denise is left horrified over her passion with Phil the night before. When Patrick shows her a letter from Libby, she goes to support her at the clinic and they finally make amends.

Denise is also relieved

when she realises that Phil has no memory of what happened between them, but there could be more trouble to come as Libby points out that Denise’s necklace is missing.

After an emotional goodbye to Libby, Denise comes up with a plan to get her necklace back and pays a visit to Louise. Will she be able to sneakily snatch the necklace back without anyone realising what happened?

Meanwhile, Jack is roped in to host the Pride of Walford Awards. Ian wants the night to be perfect so that Beales’ can go out

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 The Cube 10:30 Psych 11:20 Royal Pains 12:15 Dinner Date 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 The Cube 14:45 Ellen DeGeneres 15:35 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Almost Impossible Gameshow 23:00 Plebs 23:30 Family Guy 00:30 American Dad 01:30 Glitchy 01:55 Two and a Half Men ITV3 07:00 Doctor at Large 07:25 Heartbeat 08:30 Where the Heart is 09:30 The Royal 10:35 Judge Judy 11:55 The Darling Buds of May 13:00 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Heartbeat 15:00 The Royal 16:05 Where the Heart is 17:10 Doctor at Large 17:45 On the Buses 18:15 George and Mildred 18:50 Heartbeat 19:50 Murder, She Wrote 20:55 Wycliffe 22:00 The Ivy 23:00 Law and Order: UK 00:00 The Knock 01:15 The Darling Buds of May ITV4 07:00 Football’s Greatest 07:05 Hogan’s Heroes 08:00 The Chase 09:00 The Professionals 10:00 Minder 11:00 Ax Men 11:55 The Chase 13:00 The Professionals 14:00 Pawn Stars 14:55 Storage Wars New York 15:50 Hogan’s Heroes 17:00 Minder 17:55 Film - Destry (PG) 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 FA Youth Cup Final Live: Chelsea v Manchester City 23:05 Film - You Only Live Twice (PG) 01:25 Film - Nighthawks (18)

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack 19:00 Andy James with a bang. Tina is hoping for a romantic night at the event, but Sonia thwarts her plans by revealing that she’s taking Bex instead.

Not backing down easily, Tina steps in to help when she learns that Ian is short-staffed for the ceremony. Kyle’s friend Soph also offers to help Ian when she pays a visit to the Square.

13

Thursday 28th April 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs are Coming 12:45 Oxford Street Revealed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Code 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Money for Nothing 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders Ian drops a bombshell on the residents of Albert Square but how will they react?

21:00 MasterChef In the third of four semi-final programmes, the seven remaining amateurs take full control of the kitchens at the Bluebird restaurant in Chelsea 22:00 Secret Britain Ellie Harrison, Chris Hollins and Denise Lewis explore Northern Ireland As one of the least touristy places in the UK, the province is brimming with secrets.

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis is chastised for a lack of focus when she competes in an unusual and unique local competition 23:00 News 23:45 Question Time 00:45 This Week 01:30 World Snooker 03:30 Weather for the Week Ahead 03:35 News

07:00 Rip Off Britain 07:45 Flog It 08:15 Money for Nothing 09:00 The Great Interior Design Challenge 10:00 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 News 13:00 The Daily Politics 14:00 World Championship Snooker 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Pubs That Built Britain

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Chopping Block 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 News

20:00 World Championship Snooker The second semi-final gets underway. Live coverage of the first eight frames is introduced by Hazel Irvine from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield

20:30 Tonight In the second of two programmes, Peston examines how leaving or staying the EU might impact security at home and how the vote could affect immigration in future

21:00 Natural World The nature documentary tells the story of a mother moose bringing up her calf in the wilds of the Canadian rockies 22:00 Line of Duty DS Steve Arnott is arrested on suspicion of murder but continues to protest his innocence. Does DC Kate Fleming’s undercover operation hold the key to Steve’s guilt and the identity of the Caddy?

23:30 Newsnight 00:15 World Championship Snooker Highlights 01:05 Mary Beard’s Ultimate Rome: Empire Without Limit 02:05 Panorama 02:35 Paul O’Grady: The Sally Army and Me 03:05 Tribes, Predators and Me 04:05 This is BBC Two

20:00 Emmerdale Marlon is unimpressed

21:00 Emmerdale Belle plays a dangerous game 21:30 Bargain Shop Wars The new kids on the bargain block face the challenge of supplying fast and fickle customer demand 22:00 What Would be Your Miracle? Emma Willis presents the stories of people whose lives are being transformed by modern medicine, and follows them as they make their wildest dreams come true. Emma meets Adele and Ashley who are desperate to see their son Garin, who has cerebral palsy, walk for the first time 23:00 News 23:40 UEFA Europa League Highlights 00:40 Murder, She Wrote 01:35 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen

07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will and Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 15:10 Fifteen to One 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Too Many Cooks 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 News 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Love it or List it Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer return for a new series of the show where they help people who’ve fallen out of love with their homes 22:00 The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis A remarkable, uplifting documentary following the extraordinary story of a man trying to rebuild his body and his family after a devastating illness 23:00 Flowers 23:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 00:35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 01:30 Embarrassing Bodies 02:20 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 03:15 One Born Every Minute 04:10 Dispatches 04:40 Unreported World 05:05 Selling Houses with Amanda Lamb

DON´T MISS

07:00 Milkshake 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:15 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 13:10 News 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:10 Film Cradle of Lies 18:00 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 News 20:00 Toddlers Make You Laugh Out Loud Iain Lee narrates a collection of comic clips 21:00 On Benefits: Life on the Dole Kim and Nathan have just set up home for the first time on their £900 a month benefits. They are struggling to afford to eat so Nathan decides to catch some rabbit, upsetting animal lover Kim 22:00 The Secret Life of Puppies A dog’s-eye view of its first year of life. The puppies experience their first eight weeks of life from birth to becoming part of a human family 23:00 My Million Pound Council House 00:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away 01:00 Super Casino 04:10 Film - Henry VIII and His Six Wives (PG) 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 House Doctor

On This Day

THE EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF ALEX LEWIS

CHANNEL 4 22:00 SOAPS

In Emmerdale, Rhona is grateful when Pierce offers to look after Leo. Later, Marlon is unimpressed when he finds Pierce looking after Leo in the cafe. He also tells Rhona that Pierce has told Paddy not to call the house anymore.

Will Pierce be able to explain himself?

Documentary about a man rebuilding his body and his life after a devastating illness. In November 2013, Alex Lewis caught a common cold, but in an extremely rare case, it developed into toxic shock syndrome, as a result of which he lost both legs, both arms and part of his face. The film picks up with Alex just days after he lost his limbs and reveals how his physical rehabilitation was just half the story. Even more challenging was rebuilding his relationship with his partner Lucy and winning back the love of his three-year-old son.

Meanwhile, Doctor Bailey asks Belle to tell him the truth. She’s worried to realise that she’s been rumbled, but will she be able to explain her way out of this situation?

Elsewhere, Megan is reassured when Jai shows his support for her fundraiser and he’s encouraged as he thinks he’s winning her round.

Also, Pollard and Tracy are concerned to see how stressed David is, Nicola disapproves of Jimmy’s friendship with Jai, and Finn hands in his notice at the B&B.

2001: First space tourist blasts off from Kazakhstan.

can help her exact some revenge. Will devilish Charity agree to get involved?

In the second episode, Belle chats to Dr Bailey’s oblivious wife Angie at the fundraiser. She relishes his panic as she joins them and continues to push her luck.

Later, Charity is surprised when Belle tells her that she’s been seeing a married man and asks if she

Meanwhile, Victoria and Holly are underwhelmed

by Finn’s idea to open a cab firm, but he’s determined to have something for Pete to get involved in went he gets out of prison.

Finn tells Ross about his idea but is gutted when Adam tells him he might not get a license due to his criminal record.

Elsewhere, David hits the bottle as he is thoroughly depressed about his orchidectomy tomorrow.

David is naked and drunk

and doesn’t notice Pollard letting himself in to check on him.

Also, Cain is rattled when Charity teases him about Pete’s return, Rhona starts to get jealous over Pierce, and Megan is shocked when Jai suggests that it would be good for Eliza to have a proper family.

In Eastenders, Tina and Soph sleep together but both agree that it was a one-off, vowing to make a go of things with their current partners instead. At the same time, Sonia confides in Mick by revealing that she thinks it’s over between her and Tina.

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Dinner Date 08:15 Ellen DeGeneres 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 Coronation Street 10:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 10:30 Psych 11:20 Royal Pains 12:15 Dinner Date 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 14:45 Ellen DeGeneres 15:35 Jeremy Kyle 18:50 Take Me Out 19:50 The Hot Desk 20:00 You’ve Been Framed 21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Release the Hounds 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 @Elevenish 00:20 Family Guy ITV3 07:00 Doctor at Large 07:25 Heartbeat 08:25 Where the Heart is 09:30 The Royal 10:35 Judge Judy 11:55 The Darling Buds of May 13:00 Murder, She Wrote 14:00 Heartbeat 15:05 The Royal 16:05 Where the Heart is 17:10 Doctor at Large 17:50 On the Buses 18:20 George and Mildred 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Lewis 23:00 Law and Order: UK 00:00 Trial and Retribution 01:00 The Darling Buds of May ITV4 07:00 Hogan’s Heroes 07:50 The Chase 08:50 The Professionals 09:55 Minder 10:55 Ax Men 11:50 The Chase 12:50 The Professionals 13:55 Pawn Stars 14:25 Storage Wars 14:50 Hogan’s Heroes 15:20 Film - Kojak: The Marcus Nelson Murders (15) 18:10 Film The Cimarron Kid (U) 20:00 River Monsters 21:00 The Big Fish Off 22:00 River Monsters 23:05 Film - Gangs of New York (18)

08:00 Peter Hurst, 11:00 Trev Massey, 14:00 Alex Trelinski, 16:00 Gordon Lack 19:00 Andy James Later, Mick is disappointed when Tina tells him that she slept with someone else and still doesn’t know what to do about her future with Sonia. Tina admits things have been tough between them for a while, which sparks a debate among the Carters about what should happen next.

What will Tina decide?

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14

Food & Drink

Friday 22nd April 2016

1

Dessert Raspberry Cranachan Ingredients

Serves: 4 5 tbsp porridge oats 150 ml (5 fl oz) whipping cream, 150 g (5 1/2 oz) fromage frais, 2 tbsp clear honey 2 tbsp whisky, 400 g (14 oz) raspberries Directions Prep:35min › Ready in:35min Preheat the grill to high. Line the rack in the grill pan with foil and spread the oatmeal over the foil. Toast under the grill for about 3 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the oatmeal is golden. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.

Put the cream and fromage frais in a bowl and whip together until thick. Stir in the honey and whisky, then fold in 4 tbsp of the toasted oatmeal.

Reserve a few raspberries for the decoration. Layer the remaining raspberries with the cream mixture in 4 glass serving dishes, starting with raspberries and ending with a layer of the cream mixture.

Decorate with a sprinkling of the remaining 1 tbsp toasted oatmeal and the reserved raspberries. Serve immediately (or keep in the fridge for up to 1 hour before serving).

The Queen's favourite food: Chocolate, sole, and Dubonnet - but no carbs Most of us have jobs that leave little room for meals – breakfast on the hoof, a quick lunch, supper rushed before bed. But for the hardworking Queen it is the other extreme. The monarch’s meals are rarely informal – they are dates kept for aeons in the royal diary, and subject to strict planning. She cannot be seen eating a fortifying sandwich in the car (although one rather hopes she enjoys the odd mint on the road).

The Queen really needs her staff of 20 chefs at

Buckingham Palace. Not to fuss over a dinner for two with her husband, but because her Palace can be something of a hotel.

She may well be taking dinner with a friend while the Duke of Edinburgh hosts 100 guests in another dining room. The younger members of the Royal family might be entertaining friends on the same night, and the kitchen might have a banquet coming up and need to ‘prep’.

But the Queen’s daily diet is mainly carbohydrate-free, consisting of grilled meat –

usually chicken – or fish (she loves sole), served with two vegetables or a bowl of salad. Fruit follows. She is not keen on wine, but finishes the day with a Dubonnet and gin cocktail. Many of her tastes can be inferred from foods carrying her Royal Warrant: Baxters Potted Shrimps, Ryvita, Lea & Perrins and HP Sauce, Gordon’s Gin and several chocolate makers including Bendicks and Charbonnel et Walker – the Queen loves chocolate. Fortnum & Mason also has a warrant.

Move Over Prosecco Ask a crowd of wine lovers to name an Italian sparkler starting with the letter ‘P’ and almost every one will shout ‘prosecco!’, of course.

But don't panic. There are alternatives bubbling up.

region to region, so Alsace and Loire crémants tend to be more crisp and mineral than the creamier wines made in Burgundy or Limoux. Expect your crémant to taste dry and serve it as an aperitif or with light savoury food.

MOSCATO D’ASTI CAVA Italian sparklers labelled Asti and Moscato d’Asti are generally very sweet, and very low in alcohol. Don't dismiss them because of their sweetness - match them with fruity desserts, sorbets, ice cream and cream cakes and they come into their own. They are made in north-west Italy, from muscat, and taste like sugared green grapes. The lightly spritzy Moscato d'Asti is the better (but pricier) of the two, generally.

Have we forgotten about Spain’s classic sparkling wine cava in our rush for prosecco and now pignoletto? I hope not, as cava (which is a traditional/champagne method sparkler, usually made from a trio of local Spanish grapes) can deliver wonderfully refreshing green apple and lemon notes with a firm and lovely mousse and a very crisp, bone-dry, slightly yeasty finish. It’s superb with seafood, in particular.

CRÉMANTS LAMBRUSCO A term for traditional (champagne) method sparkling wines made outside the Champagne region of France. Look out for this word on a label - it usually indicates a decent bottle of sparkling with some yeasty richness to the wine. Styles vary from

Still in Italy, authentic lambrusco is dry, not sweet, gently sparkling and quite rich on the palate, with a tangy finish. The best are red or a rich rosé colour.

Served lightly chilled with cold meats, especially peppery charcuterie.

Food & Drink

15

Friday 22nd April 2016

Sautéed peas with chorizo pieces and golden fried egg This Basque delicacy makes use of the unforgettably sweet local peas If you are lucky enough to try guisantes de lágrima (peas of tears) in the Basque country, then you will surely agree that these are the best peas ever. I believe they got this name simply because they are very small. It’s true, they are really tiny, with an unforgettable sweet flavour.

So few are produced that they can exceed the price of gold! Don’t miss the harvest, which runs from March to June. I think this dish is perfect at any time – for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Proper comfort food! (serves 6) Olive oil, 2 banana shallots

(echalions), finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 400 g (14 oz) fresh baby peas, 125 g (4 oz) cooking chorizo, cut into small cubes 150 g (5 oz) stale bread, cut into small cubes Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 free-range eggs Handful of mint leaves Heat a little oil in a pan and gently fry the shallots and garlic for a few minutes. Add the peas and a little splash of water and sauté gently until tender.

Meanwhile, fry the chorizo in a separate pan with a little

oil. Once it has started to turn golden and has released all its fat, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the bread cubes to the chorizo oil and fry until crisp. Put the chorizo back into the pan, mix together and season.

Heat a good layer of oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the eggs, so that the whites bubble up and go crispy but the yolks stay soft. Serve the sautéed peas and bread cubes with the chorizo migas, (“crumbs”), scatter with mint and top with the crispy golden egg. Serve immediately.

How to cook cracking crab I like to think that my table manners are impeccable, but I can remember one occasion when they let me down. I had ordered the potted crab in a beautiful country pub and when it arrived, it looked perfect. I took a large forkful, but within seconds I had to spit it out.

The butter was rancid and the crab underneath not much better. I can’t vouch for how long it had been sitting in the fridge, but it would have taken many days for the butter to spoil so much. I guess the chefs thought that as potting is an old method of preserving – where the layer of butter protects the main ingredient – the pots themselves didn’t need to be covered. Big mistake: it was inedible.

Usually it is a great dish that inspires me to adapt it for my own menu. In this case, I thought the idea of potting crab was lovely, even if the execution had been found wanting. So I decided to try to make a more appetising version.

I thought it would be fun to take the idea of potted crab, but put it together at the last minute, using hollandaise on top instead of the traditional butter.

The crab itself would be super fresh, as it would have been cooked and picked that morning. The dish would also be a way of capturing one of my favourite moments in a kitchen; when I was working at a local fish restaurant, and we had to check if the crabs were cooked by

cracking open a claw.

At the same time the hollandaise had just been made for lunch service, so we would dip the claw into the fresh, foaming butter sauce. This was a perfect food combination.

I am always surprised that crab is so much cheaper than lobster. I love both, but feeding four on lobster would cost about 60€, while a large (2.5kg) crab can cost just 20€.

I would also argue that crab is easier to cook and tastes better than lobster. In my kitchen, we have our own way of “dressing” each ingredient. In the case of crab, I add a few drops of hazelnut oil and lime juice to coax out the nuttiness of the white meat.

Any ambitious home cook should try to cook their own crab, because the difference between just-picked white meat and a pot that has been sitting on the shelf is massive. But the problem is the mess that picking it makes. A good compromise would be to buy the whole cooked claws from a fishmonger and then crack them yourself.

All this fuss does remind me of the value of restaurants, as they will do all of the difficult bits for you, cooking, dressing and washing up without having to worry about decorating the walls of your kitchen with seafood.

Though, I suppose, you could pretend that crab is the latest colour from Farrow & Ball.

The secret to great fishcakes Pappardelle with cod cakes in tomato sauce

I went to stay with my parents over Easter. The predictability of my mother cooking meatballs when we get together is, for me, one of life’s great comforts. I now make them for my own kids, and they always remind me of home. The secret to both meatballs and fishcakes is, I think, to cook them with

grain, in the mix itself (as with the cod cakes’ breadcrumbs or the lamb’s bulgur) or in the pan (the fregola). Either way, it’s the grain that allows the flavour and moisture from the sauce or stock to be fully absorbed. This is what makes meatballs so full of flavour and big on moistness, and also allows them to taste

as good – if not better – the next day. Pappardelle with cod cakes in tomato sauce Pappardelle are large, flat and broad pasta noodles.

The name derives from the verb “pappare”, to gobble up.

If you can’t get hold of them, use fettuccine instead.

Serves six.

115ml olive oil, 2 onions,

peeled and finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed, 2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¾ tsp ground turmeric, 700g cod, skinless and boneless, roughly chopped into 5cm chunks, 60g fresh white breadcrumbs (about 2½ slices, crusts removed) 1 egg, beaten, 20g preserved lemon skin, finely chopped (skin of 1 small lemon), 20g parsley leaves, roughly chopped, 20g mint leaves, roughly chopped, Salt and black pepper, 2 tbsp harissa 600g chopped tinned tomatoes (ie, one and a half cans) 650ml chicken stock 2 strips shaved lemon skin 1 tsp caster sugar 600g pappardelle Heat three tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan on a medium-high flame. Fry the onions for 10 minutes, stirring a few times, until golden brown and soft, then add the

garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer half the onion mix to a small bowl, then add the ginger and spices to the pan, fry for a minute, then spoon into a large bowl and set aside to cool down.

Blitz the fish in a food processor a few times (you want it to be roughly minced, not overworked), then add to the large bowl with the onion and spices. Using your hands, mix in the breadcrumbs, egg, preserved lemon, a third each of the parsley and mint, three-quarters of a teaspoon salt and a good grind of black pepper. Once the mix is well combined, form into 12 cakes, 6-7cm wide and 2cm thick.

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large saute pan on a medium-high flame. Fry the fishcakes in two batches, cooking them for two to three minutes on each side, until golden-brown; keep the first batch on a plate while you fry the second in two more tablespoons of oil.

Return the onion and garlic mix in the small bowl to the pan, add the harissa and fry for a minute, stirring the whole time. Stir in the tomatoes, stock, lemon skin, sugar and three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt, bring to a gentle boil and leave to bubble away for 10-15 minutes, stirring a few times, until the sauce has thickened.

Return the fishcakes to the pan with the remaining parsley and half of the remaining mint, and cook for five minutes, stirring gently now and again, then take off the heat and set aside.

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain, return to the pan and mix with two teaspoons of oil.

To serve, divide the pasta between six shallow bowls and spoon over as much sauce as you like (the lemon skin can be discarded), top with two fishcakes per portion and sprinkle with the remaining mint.

16

Friday 22nd April 2016

The weekend cook: two tasty spring dishes

Food & Drink

Pudding recipes

Out with the old and in with the new: recipes for farro, halloumi, tomato and pomegranate salad

I’ve been making the most of pomegranates, and those delicious, shocking-pink seeds, while the last of the crop is still in the shops.

Today’s salad is an ode to spring – crisp, sharp, fresh and vibrant with herbs. It is also inspired by my recent discovery that, although the seasons are by no means a natural fit, the sharp, vibrant flavour of pomegranate matches beautifully with the sweetness of tomatoes.

Green leaves also make an appearance in this week’s

second recipe, in which a sauce made with wilted and blitzed watercress provides a glorious backdrop for griddled steak and chargrilled lettuce.

The flavours may be gutsy and uncompromising, but the finish is undeniably light.

Farro, halloumi, tomato and pomegranate salad Every mouthful of this colourful salad is an explosion of flavour, with its collection of fresh herbs, fruit and crisp vegetables – a platter of this will make any lunch table look magnificent. Serves four.

½ red onion, peeled and finely sliced, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, ½ tsp caster sugar 150g farro (or freekeh), rinsed, ½ cucumber, chopped, 150g baby tomatoes, chopped, 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, outer layer discarded, the rest chopped 1 big handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped, 1 big handful fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped, 1 small handful fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped, Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, 5 tbsp extra-virgin

The fruit and veg that should be kept apart One should never compare apples and oranges, as the old saying goes. And it's literally the case when it comes to storing one's fruit and veg, apparently.

Apples and watermelons, for example, should never be kept together in t h e fridge

because a ripening apple will spoil the accompanying watermelon. Onions and potatoes are also a bad match, while the dreaded banana shouldn't be paired with anything.

Food Friends: Berries and grapes - both need to be refrigerated immediately to prevent decay.

Onions and garlic – both

like cool and dark places Citrus and pineapple – both cease to ripen once picked. Best stored on counter top

Cucumbers and peppers – both need to be kept away from fruit. Keep in the fridge Apples and cherries – cherries aren't damaged by ethylene. Keep in the fridge Kiwi and avacado – store on the counter top until ripe then refridgerate Tomatoes and plums store in fridge and bring to room temperature before eating

Peaches and pears – Premature refridgeration causes loss of flavour Carrots and beetroot – all like to be refrigerated Cauliflower and broccoli – store in the fridge, away from ethylene Sweetcorn and peas – keep in fridge, but will lose sweetn e s s after a couple of weeks Potato and sweet potato – keep in cool, dark place away from fruit Food Enemies Apples and watermelons – apples produce lots of ethylene, which turns watermelons mushy Onions and potatoes – potatoes are prone to being tainted with onion flavor Bananas and EVERYTHING – will result in most fruit or veg ripening quickly and spoiling

olive oil, 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, Seeds from ½ pomegranate, 250g halloumi, cut into 1cm slices.

Put the onion, sherry vinegar and sugar in a small bowl, stir and leave the onion to pickle while you get on with cooking the farro. Put the rinsed farro in a pan and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring to a boil and leave to simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender, but retaining a little bite.

Meanwhile, chop all the vegetables and herbs. Drain the farro, then transfer to a large bowl and season to taste. Stir in three tablespoons of oil, the pomegranate molasses and the onion pickle, followed by the cucumber, tomatoes, herbs and pomegranate seeds. Mix and season again to taste.

Set aside while you fry the halloumi.

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a frying pan and, when hot, add as many halloumi slices as you can fit in the pan without overcrowding. Leave to fry for a couple of minutes, without moving the cheese, until dark golden on the base, then flip and fry the other side. Serve immediately alongside the salad.

Roast rhubarb with lavender.

This comforting bowlful is lovely served with a few biscotti or other crisp cookie. Serves four.

600g rhubarb, cut into 4cm pieces, ⅓ tsp dried lavender, 60ml sweet dessert wine, 70g light muscovado sugar, 4 strips finely shaved orange skin 220g creme fraiche, 20g pistachios, lightly roasted and roughly chopped.

Heat the oven to 200C/390F/gas mark 6. In a medium bowl, mix together the rhubarb, lavender, wine, sugar and orange skin, then pour into a 25cm x 20cm ceramic baking dish or oven tray.

Roast for 15 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft but still holds its shape, and the juices have thickened into a rich syrup.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

To serve, divide the creme fraiche between four bowls and top with a little pile of the rhubarb.

Spoon over a tablespoon of the syrup, sprinkle with the pistachios and serve.

Apricot galettes Apricots are just about the only fruit I use from a tin – they’re consistently good in cakes and tarts.

Don’t feel that you have to eat these galettes on the day they’re made, because they’re still damned good the day after. Serves eight.

375g all-butter puff pastry, pre-rolled, or rolled out into a 25cm x 38cm rectangle, 80g ground almonds, 70g demerara sugar, plus 15g extra for sprinkling on the pastry, Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, 1 tsp fine-

ly chopped rosemary, plus 2 sprigs extra to garnish, 3 tins apricot halves (720g drained weight), 1 egg, whisked, 50g unsalted butter, melted, ¼ tsp almond essence, 50g smooth apricot jam.

Heat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5. Cut the pastry in half widthways, so you have two 19cm x 25cm rectangles.

In a small bowl, combine the almonds, sugar, lemon and chopped rosemary, then sprinkle this mix over the two sheets, leaving a 3cm empty border all the way around the edges.

Arrange the apricots cut side up on top of the almond mix, so each pastry rectangle is covered by four rows of about eight apricot halves, all overlapping and sitting together snugly. Lay a sprig of rosemary on top of each tart, then brush the empty pastry border with egg wash.

Pull in the four sides of the tarts a little, crimping them to create an edge, then brush all around with more egg wash. Mix the melted butter with the almond essence, and brush generously over the apricots and rosemary.

Sprinkle the remaining 15g sugar over the galettes, then put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Bake for 40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown, then leave to cool.

In a small saucepan on a high heat, melt the apricot jam with a tablespoon of water until combined and just starting to bubble.

Brush this all over the galettes and serve.

Food & Drink

Friday 22nd April 2016

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Friday 22nd April 2016

DVD’S

Record Of The Week!

A brand new feature will be appearing live on your local TKO fm radio station - starting on Monday 25th. Every week we will be having a different person choosing the Record Of The Week, and we start the ball rolling with each presenter in turn. The first week sees the choice of Gordon Lack – our 4pm to 7pm Drive time host. Gordon has extensive radio experience behind him – and we cant wait to see what he has chosen! The rules we have given them are that it does not have to be a new record – but either one that has some meaning to them or they have a great reason for justifying it taking up air time - as it will be played by each presenter on every show, giving us all , and you the listeners - the opportunity to voice our opinion of it. I can forsee some disagreements somewhere down the line!

Will the track be forever remembered in our minds? Or will it be consigned to the pit of despair? Once each presenter has had their choice, we will then extend the selection of the track to our listeners and advertisers. This is a wonderful opportunity for a sponsor too – imagine your name and business being promoted Live 5 times a day So don´t forget to tune into TKO 91.9 & 90.8fm and www.tko.fm every day from 8am to hear .The brand new Record Of The Week ! For sponsorship deals and advertising please call 966 921 003 or email office@tko.media

BOX OFFICE

TOP 10 1. The Jungle Book 2. Barbershop: The Next Cut 3. The Boss 4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 5. Criminal 6. Zootopia 7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 8. Miracles from Heaven 9. God's Not Dead 2 10. Eye in the Sky

Mojave

'The Jungle Book' Roars Into Top Spot DIRECTOR Jon Favreau GENRE Adventure, Drama, Family SYNOPSIS The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart.

RELEASE DATE 15 April 2016 DURATION 1 Hour 45 mins "The Jungle Book" ruled the box office with $103.3 million in its debut weekend, the lat-

est Walt Disney Co. live action adaptation of one of the studio's cartoon classics to score big with moviegoers.

The larger-than-expected debut succeeded by drawing a wide audience to the wellreviewed PG-rated film. Only five PG-rated films have had larger openings. But Jon Favreau's CGI-enabled update of the "The Jungle Book" landed the second highest April opening ever.

Disney has gone back to their 60s classic The Jungle Book for a remake, and audiences have turned out in droves.

The blockbuster feature has

scored $103 million at the US box office, making it the third film to break 100 million already this year and the second largest April opening ever, after Furious 7. It's also one of Disney's biggest first weekends in the last number of years.

In the rest of the world The Jungle Book picked up $187 million for a global total of close to 300 million, or around €260 million. Early review for the film had been overwhelmingly positive but this haul is still well over what was estimated by the studio.

The film is also releasing at a

good time - a few weeks on from Batman v Superman and with no major competition at this scale or aimed at younger audiences. It's expected to have serious legs, though it won't be long before Disney's own Captain America: Civil War comes along to nab some of the box office.

Opening solidly in second was Ice Cube's "Barbershop: The Next Cut" with $20.2 million, according to final box office figures released Monday. The Kevin Costner action thriller "Criminal" limped into theaters with $5.8 million.

Agricultural Tours or how to enjoy the local experience

Agricultural Tours invites you to discover Valencia Region all through the excursions and meals it organizes in wonderful local places.

Enjoy Valencia Region with the agricultural excursions that AgriculturalTours Valencia offers you. We invite you to find out more about our indigenous products thanks to local farming cooperatives and to enjoy tasty meals and guided tours through many different interesting places in a land full of nature, culture, gastronomy and amazing history.

Explore our world from another point of view!

But you won’t be alone in this new adventure. Our experts will guide you and teach you all the secrets of the land.

The excursions calendar has been created according to the different cultivation times, the cooperative activities and the different festivities and events in each town.

All activities include a guided tour in one of the many farming cooperatives, as well as lunch with local traditional products and a cultural route according to the concept of food, agriculture and cultural tourism.

And there are activities for all family members!

Some of the activities include the artichoke fest in Benicarló and a guided tour in the town of Vinarós, finding out more about loquats in Callosa d’en Sarrià with a visit in Guadalest, tasting the honey of Ayora or the Valencian tomato in El Perelló in a excursion that will show you how they grow this product in the area of the Parc Natural de L’Albufera and learning more about the old wine tradition in Moixent and Font de la Figuera in a place known as the “Valencian Tuscany”.

Start date: 11/04/2016 End date: 12/06/2016

Desperate to escape his humdrum luxury existence, an incredibly successful filmmaker n a m e d Thomas goes off to the desert to find himself. Fueled by vodka and irresponsible driving, he finds himself facing off with a drifter who possesses a razor-sharp intellect. In a dangerous game of cat and mouse, it soon becomes obvious that these two characters exist at opposite sides of the life spectrum. Now that they've met, there's no turning back.

The Expanse A brewing conflict between Earth and Mars has a conspiracy at its heart that could affect the future of humanity. A corporate security agent and the captain of an icetransport s h i p begin to uncover c l u e s t h a t reveal this disturbing plot during their search for a mysterious heiress.

They cross a solar system where the workers who toil to forge new worlds from barren planets are growing restless from misuse.

Heartland After surviving a car crash that killed her mother, Amy Fleming must take over the responsibilities of the family ranch and deal with her survivor's guilt as well.

Helped along by her grandfather and brother, s h e m u s t continue to help the sick and injured animals t h a t were her mother's and now her life's work. Amy must balance her personal feelings with what is best for the business so that things can continue on as her mother wanted them.

Friday 22nd April 2016

Adventures Of

Hi everybody from TKO Teddy and I hope you are all enjoying the sunny weather.

Doesn’t time fly when you are having a brilliant time, and I just can’t believe that I have been popping up here in The Courier for the last six months. I’ve had everything happen to me since last autumn from visiting local shops and charities; switching on some Christmas Lights; and more recently being kidnapped(admittedly for a good cause) by a person unknown!

That’s a lot for any ordinary bear to do, but I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m very keen to carry on, and even expand my visits right across the area now that I’ve got my paw very firmly underneath

the door:- to change an old human phrase!

The great thing is that I get lots of nice pictures from all my trips and then I pass them onto The Courier to print a few of them, and there’s a massive selection on my Facebook page, TKO Teddy.

So, don’t forget if you want me to give your charity or business a bit of a push, I’m your bear! Don’t forget as well that with all the spring and summer events that are coming, I like to enjoy the great outdoors, and I’m reliably told that just by turning up, I can boost your attendance. That’s not bad, is it?

Just drop me a line and check me out on Facebook:TKO Teddy. See you next weekend.

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Friday 22nd April 2016

We Can Help Sell Your Business

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Health

Friday 22nd April 2016

Online comparison tool to help GPs cut number of antibiotics prescribed Contact@medb.es

Website: www.medb.es

System allows doctors to see how many drugs other surgeries hand out

UK GPs are being given a “new weapon” in the fight against the growing menace of antibiotic resistance in a bid to encourage them to hand patients fewer of the overused drugs.

Family doctors will be able to compare via computer the amount of antibiotics their surgery is prescribing with

other surgeries across England. NHS bosses hope that GPs who realise that they are high prescribers will then reduce the number they hand out and treat patients with some ailments in a different way.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “We’re giving GPs the power to see the latest

data on how many antibiotics their peers are prescribing. I want to see antibiotics being prescribed only when necessary and hope this will be a new weapon to help GPs cut the numbers of antibiotics needlessly being given out.”

His move follows George Osborne’s warning last week that the ability of infections to withstand antibiotics will pose a greater threat to people across the world than cancer by 2050 unless urgent action is taken. The new tool, called Fingertips, is being managed

by Public Health England.

It will give GPs monthly updates on how many of the drugs their surgery is prescribing. It shows, for example, that GP practices in the Camden clinical commissioning group area of north London currently prescribe the fewest antibiotics.

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, backed the move, but stressed that it should not be

used to name and shame individual surgeries because of their prescribing habits.

“Any tool to support GPs to make informed decisions about whether to prescribe antibiotics should be welcomed. But this data must not be used as a stick to beat GPs with. If, for example, one practice can be seen to be prescribing more than a neighbouring one, there may very good reasons for that,” she said.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, has previously warned that an “apocalyptic scenario” could develop over the next 20 years, where patients die during routine operations from previously treatable infections. She welcomed the move: “GPs can now compare their prescribing patterns, which will hopefully encourage people to think whether antibiotics are really needed and help save modern medicine as we

know it.”

The new aid for GPs comes as it emerges that a new, antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhoea is spreading across England and has resulted in a doubling of the number of reported cases. The outbreak of “super-gonorrhoea”, which cannot be tackled by one of the two antibiotics that doctors usually deploy, began the north of England last September In all, 16 cases were initially reported: 12 in Leeds and four in Macclesfield, Oldham and Scunthorpe.

However, health experts are worried because the number of confirmed cases has now risen to 34 and people have been found to have contracted it in the West Midlands and south. Public Health England is due to issue an update on the outbreak on Sunday.

The new strain of the sexually-transmitted infection

poses a potentially serious threat to public health because it is resistant to azithromycin, one of the two antibiotics usually used together to treat it. But it is still being successfully repelled by the other drug, called ceftriaxone.

The number of antibiotics being prescribed by GPs is falling thanks to calls to review their practices and resist patients’ demands for them, and also as a result of financial incentives that NHS England introduced last year, which has cut the number handed out by 5.3%.

Patients need to get used to receiving antibiotics less often when they fall ill, Baker said. “Public perception needs to change. Our patients need to understand that when diseases become resistant to antibiotics, it means that antibiotics will cease to work and as it stands, we don’t have an alternative.”

Is your NutriBullet making you fat?

We’re knocking back smoothies crammed with fruit, good fats and so-called superfoods.

But are we doing more harm than good?

I feel we’ve reached peak smoothie. You can’t even look at Instagram now without seeing a healthyite with a home-made superfood concoction in one hand, yoga mat or boxing gloves in the other.

At increasing numbers of exercise classes, there’s now the option of a post-workout shake to greet you at the end of your sweat-sesh, and at every hip health food café worth its nutritional credentials, the superfood smoothie now has a menu and zone of its own (at Deliciously Ella’s new Mae café in London, the smoothie-making area is the same size as the rest of the food counter).

The trend has leapt on to our kitchen work surfaces too – the NutriBullet has replaced the Nespresso machine as the must-have kitchen gadget

(one was bought every 30 seconds on Black Friday before Christmas).

Meanwhile, the Vitamix Professional, the £650 RollsRoyce of the blender world, has become the ultimate wellbeing status symbol with its ability to blend anything to a smooth consistency (they say it can even blend an avocado stone).

Smoothies, the health brigade proclaim, are a way to cram loads of healthy ingredients into one hit.

Avocados, nut butter, dates, health powders – it’s all natural. So it’s got to be good for us, right?

Well, no, not exactly. One friend of mine complained recently that she bought a smoothie maker and had gained a stone in weight since. Another told me a tale

about a ‘Snickers’ smoothie she had after a tough workout that contained huge dollops of almond butter, bananas, honey and cacao nibs.

‘It was so good,’ she said, ‘it tasted like Ben & Jerry’s – and it was all natural.’ But we agreed that it had almost certainly wiped out her hour’s workout in one sticky gulp.

Overloading our bodies with so-called natural foods is something that nutritional therapist and Stella columnist Amelia Freer has been concerned about for a while.

‘People are loading up their smoothies with up to five portions of fruit. While it’s great to get nourishing foods into our bodies, we aren’t thinking this through,’ she says.

Freer isn’t a fan of counting calories, but is a big fan of being sensible around food.

‘Basically we are overeating, and even though the ingredients are natural, they can still be incredibly fattening if eaten in large quantities,’ she says.

The type of ingredients that Freer is talking about are bananas, high-sugar fruits, nut butter, dates, maple syrup, coconut butter and avocados, all of which, while from natural sources, won’t help us fit into our Frame jeans if eaten in excess.

And don’t get her started on the latest Instagram trend for smoothie bowls – a move on from the traditional smoothie in a glass, these are gloriously coloured bowls of liquidised fruit decorated with yet more fruit, nuts and the latest superfood sprinkles.

‘They look really pretty,’ Freer says, ‘but people are overdoing it.’

MedB Health Dr M. Mannu

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Friday 22nd April 2016

Living alone in retirement

Today more than ever, more people in retirement are living alone, many of which have never had children.

Even so, a growing number of people with adult children are now living far away from

them. While those who have always lived alone may have developed the knack to do so, others who find themselves living alone either from the loss of a spouse or other reasons may find it difficult to

cope alone. Either way, there are problems that come with living alone, especially with advancing age.

Loneliness:Loneliness is surely the most difficult aspect of living alone. We, humans, are social animals and we crave each other´s company, and some of us need this more than others. Recent studies show that older people who have no one to talk to from one week to another suffer more chronic ailments than people who have regular company. Finding reliable friends is certainly not easy, but when you consider that there are many people just like you, who are seeking friendship and companionship, you realise that more people are eager to meet you than you think. Participating in

social activities such as dancing and games as well as community events is a good way to meet people. The internet is also a good platform for meeting people especially those that share similar interests as you. Pets also make very good companions.

Security and Safety: Security and Safety is a big worry for older people living alone, especially when there is a health problem. What if I pass out when I'm alone?

What will happen to me if I´m no longer able to speak for myself? It is important to list your fears to know what they are, and then do something about them. If you suffer a health problem and you are worried about passing out and no one finding you, you should consider having an

alert service or system that provides round the clock surveillance. People without close relatives should appoint a proxy such as a specialist lawyer to act on their behalf in case of emergencies. You should have your will clearly written and also document the choices you wish to make if you are no longer able to speak for yourself.

Nutrition: A healthy diet will keep you healthy and independent for as long as possible. You may believe that ageing goes hand in hand with illnesses, but from many accounts, it appears that the human body is capable of staying healthy up to the last days or weeks of our lives. Of course, we slow down with age.

Exercise: Exercises are

important not just for the body, but also for the mind. Those who have formed the habit of exercising regularly, suffer fewer health problems and have more self-confidence than those who don’t exercise. Exercising the mind is equally as important as exercising the body. One of the biggest fear of ageing is losing the mind to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies show that those who actively engage their minds are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Brain stimulating activities such as reading, crossword puzzles, quizzes, Sudoku, etc. are good ways to keep the mind active.

For A Full Body Diagnostic Scan Call MedB Clinic on 965071745, 966189074.

Boots could face regulator's investigation after report Boots faces the prospect of an investigation by the pharmacy watchdog, following a investigation into the multibillion pound chain.

Drugs body, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is calling in evidence on the allegations made in the report, which revealed that managers at Britain’s biggest chain of chemists have been

forcing staff to milk NHS schemes, in order to increase company profits.

The report also detailed a recent and yet to be published survey by the pharmacy trade union of its members, to which more than one in 10 of all Boots chemists responded. Asked “how often do you believe financial cutbacks imposed by your main

employer have directly impacted upon patient safety?”, more than 75% of those who responded to the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) said that was the case at least half the time.

The union has been asked to show the pharmacy regulator its survey and other relevant documents, in what are

understood to be the first steps towards a possible full investigation of Boots.

The regulator said on Sunday night: “Our standards are clear that pharmacy owners have a responsibility to enable their staff to make the care of patients their first priority and to raise concerns with the relevant authority about any issue that may

The RPS is especially concerned by allegations that NHS schemes, such as the Medicine Use Reviews (MUR) and New Medicine Service, are being exploited

by Boots managers for the public money the schemes pay out.

The NHS pays £28 for each MUR, which is intended to give sick patients profes-

macists must have professional autonomy when providing patient care wherever they are working.”

She confirmed that the newspaper’s allegations that understaffing at Boots is threatening patient safety had also been raised with the RPS by its members.

Within hours of the Guardian publishing the

affect patient care or public safety.”

But it was attacked by the PDA for being far too slow to act on the business culture at Boots. “The GPhC must be aware of the extent to which the undermining of the professionalism of pharmacists is a significant problem, not least because we have repeatedly told them about it,” said Mark Pitt, the union’s assistant general secretary.

He added that since the watchdog was established in 2010, its officials have been regularly updated by the PDA on the problems at Boots – but that no action taken.

The regulator has also approached the Guardian for information.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the professional members’ body for chemists, has also responded with alarm to the Guardian report, saying the paper’s allegations “will make difficult reading for many in the sector”.

sional advice on medicine and diet. But the Guardian discovered that Boots managers were pressuring pharmacists to carry them out on people who did not need or want them – and even to give them to other staff members.

If the chain carries out the limit of 400 MURs at each of its pharmacies, it stands to make about £30m from the scheme.

Staff who have questioned or resisted the alleged misuse of the MUR system report that their pay and career prospects have suffered. All allegations were denied by Boots. It said: “We make it clear to our colleagues that these services should not be undertaken inappropriately.”

Sandra Gidley, who chairs English pharmacy board of the RPS, said: “There is an urgent need to address the issue of target setting and unacceptable commercial pressures within large company settings. Individual phar-

investigation, Boots staff received two messages from senior managers. The newspaper has seen both. The first, from the director of retail pharmacy operations, Kevin Birch, attacked the Guardian for “a very specific and strong negative agenda”. He also directs staff that if asked by customers about the allegations, “please reassure them we take patient safety seriously” before putting them “in touch with the customer care team”.

In a second note, the chief pharmacist at Boots, Marc Donovan, advised the chain’s pharmacists: “Services must be for the benefit of patients, not the attainment of numerical targets.”

Boots’ pharmacists who contacted the Guardian about the note argued there was a wide gulf between company policy and their experience on the shop floor. One simply described Boots’ note as “complete nonsense”.

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Motoring

Friday 22nd April 2016

Best SUV for the 3rd year running...

The best-selling Nissan Qashqai started the crossover craze - we review the favourite SUV The Nissan Qashqai is the family hatchback that thinks it's an SUV. That could have been a recipe for disaster but Nissan's engineers managed to blend the qualities of both vehicle types to produce a brilliantly well-rounded product.

The Qashqai serves up a high quality driving experience with low noise levels and ride comfort emerging as clear strengths. The handling isn’t the sharpest in the class but most owners won’t be too put out by that.

Economy is good with the 74mpg 1.5-litre dCi rivalling the greenest familysized cars around.

• Best crossovers Inside it’s spacious and the build quality is good but

back

to 2006 when Nissan took the bold decision to replace its fam-

those who remember the old Qashqai+2 seven-seater will be disappointed with the new Qashqai as it is only available with five-seats. For two more seats, buyers should look towards the larger Nissan X-Trail instead.

Our Choice: Nissan Qashqai n-tec DIG-T 115 6-speed manual Britain's love affair with the crossover can be traced

ily hatchback - the Almera with the Qashqai. The faux4x4 Qashqai spawned a whole new class of cars which combine the rugged looks and high driving position of an SUV with the size, economy and driving dynamics of a classic family hatch.

While Nissan's somewhat

gone back on this by introducing the Pulsar, it hasn't neglected the best-selling Qashqai and the latest model is as desirable as ever. It sits in the middle of a three-strong SUV lineup - flanked by the more compact Juke and the larger, seven-seat XTrail.

T h e Qashqai r a n g e includes front-wheeldrive and 4x4 versions (though no models are true 'off-roaders') and there's a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.

Prices are competitive next to hatchb a c k rivals like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, while crossover rivals like the Skoda Yeti or

Kia Sportage are comparable too. Yet it's worth noting that Renault offers the Kadjar crossover - based on the same platform, with a lot of shared technology, yet a lower price tag.

• Best family cars Launched earlier this year, the second-generation Nissan Qashqai takes over from where the old one left off but has moved the game on a bit too. While it may not be as game-changing as the model it replaces, there are significant improvements to the safety and multimedia technology available, not to mention the build quality.

There are five trim levels available on the new Qashqai: Visia, Acenta, ntec, n-tec+ and Tekna.

Nissan has long been committed to constantly improving the Qashqai and the Japanese brand introduced the aforem e n tioned ntec+ in October 2014, giving customers even more value for money.

Round-The-World Motorcycle Trip Worldwide trip on the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro to start out from Borgo Panigale on 4th July 2016, exactly 90 years after the company's founding As it completes the various stages of the journey, the bike will carry a special torch to symbolise that burning Ducati passion Applications to be one of the 7 globetrotters who will relay the flame over the 30,000 km route are now being taken Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 20 April 2016 – Ducati is getting ready to celebrate a major anniversary: its 9 0 t h .

The glor i o u s Ducati brand was founded on 4 July 1926.

Now, exactly 90 years later, we're celebrating by riding the world, taking in those places that have played a key role in the firm's impressive history.

Starting out from Borgo Panigale, the route will head east across Europe. It will then follow the legendary Trans-Siberian route, taking in Russia, Mongolia, China and then Japan before crossing the ocean to the USA and heading back home across Western

Europe. Before returning to Borgo Panigale, the closing miles of this round-the-world trip will include the exhilarating bends of the Futa Pass near Bologna (where many Ducati bikes have been developed and tested over the years). The expected return date is 15 December 2016.

The star of this tough 30,000 km 120-day odyssey will be the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro. The new B o r g o

Panigalebuilt multibike will, quite literally, be a 'torch bearer', carrying a special flame designed by the Ducati Style Center: a fitting symbol for that passion which burns so bright in Ducati.

The trip will be divided into seven stages, to be completed by seven different riders.

True globetrotters that Ducati aims to start selecting over the coming days. Ducati

is looking for seven people with a taste for adventure; we'll be choosing the most expert applicants, people who will be entrusted with both bike and torch, ambassadors of Ducati passion travelling the roads of the world.

Applicants need to be competent motorcyclists with wanderlust and will also need to have a good level of English. Another key quality will be a natural gift for storytelling, in both written and photographic form.

Ducati is thus looking for bloggers or travellers used to writing and talking about their experiences on both traditional and social media, people with a talent for sharing their experiences, emotions and passion for adventure.

Initial candidate assessment will give rise to 14 finalists. These will then go through a secondary selection process involving evaluation of riding skills and psycho-aptitude testing under the supervision of a professional team that includes former Paris-Dakar racer Beppe Gualini. This second phase will decide the names of the 7 globetrotters to ride the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro, relaying the Ducati torch along some of the world's most beautiful, enthralling roads. To apply please fill in the form on their website which is http://www.ducati.com/globetrotter_90.do

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Friday 22nd April 2016

Visit the website, n332.es

Hay Fever and Driving Problems driving particularly problematic for sufferers.

Drugs to combat the physical symptoms can help ease the dreaded onset of Hay Fever, but some of these drugs also cause problems with driving, sometimes causing drowsiness, or other problems, and can interact with prescribed medication.

Sufferers of Hay Fever might have already realised that the pollen season has started early once again in Spain, but it can vary depending on the geographical location.

Within the car, keeping the vehicle clean, inside and out, As sufferers will no doubt already be aware, it´s hay fever and allergy season once again, and although spring may be in the air, so are the allergens that can pose a potential risk on the roads when symptoms are combined with driving.

In a recent campaign by the DGT, they revealed how a sneezing fit of just 5 seconds, means that a car travelling at 90 kilometres per hour covers a distance of 125 metres, the distance

greater than a football field, when the driver´s attention is distracted as a result. The sneezing fit can often last longer than 5 seconds though, perhaps 8, 10 or more, with the vehicle continuing to travel without the driver´s full attention.

On a normal, dry road, the overall stopping distance for a car travelling at 90 kilometres per hour is calculated at 65.7 metres, just half of the distance covered during our 5 second sneezing fit. During

On Your Bike

This week saw the global celebrations of the bicycle with the internationally recognised World Day of the Bike.

Locally, members of the Orihuela government joined with the local police and residents for a celebration bike ride along the Orihuela Costa.

Nationally in Spain, the Liberty Seguros insurance company has started to pay its employees for coming to work on a bike.

Since the beginning of April, more than 1,000 employees in offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao have been able to claim 0.37 euro per kilometre if they cycle to work, the as the set amount payable to employees who have to use a car for their duties whilst in work.

This is the first time such a move to eco-friendly trans-

port has been promoted in Spain, continuing the success of similar campaigns in France, where it is included in legislation.

The idea is not only to cut down on vehicle emissions that cars can cause, thus helping to ease the burden on the environment, but it also makes for healthier staff who are exercising on the commute. María Eugenia Muguerza, director of Talent at Liberty Seguros, explained that “encouraging bicycle commuting is a consequence of our commitment to the health of our employees and our respect for the environment”. Furthermore, the aim is to “encourage and motivate people working in Liberty to leave their cars parked and climb on a bicycle. Not only do they move differently, but also healthily and with economic benefits”.

can remove much of the residual pollen, as can the installation of filters in the air distribution system. Keeping windows closed, wearing sunglasses and avoiding key problematic times such as dawn and dusk can all ease the symptoms.

All antihistamines sold in Spain should carry a pictogram on their packaging, depicting a car within a danger warning signal, which is designed to alert drivers of the possible effects on the ability to drive safely.

However, it may not be present on imported medication.

But, if you see this sign you

need to be aware that your driving ability is likely to be affected. If you are taking any medication, make sure you read the instruction leaflet, or check with your doctor or pharmacist about interactions with other medication and driving.

The website from the Spanish Sociedad Española de Aerobiología can be viewed by visiting, www.polenes.com, and offers information within Spain, and allows you to select the different regions to see the current status of pollen and help you plan your driving activities.

the reaction time alone, the vehicle would have travelled 25 metres. In other words, in the event of an incident ahead, there would not be enough time to react and stop.

Sneezing is only one symptom of an allergic reaction, most commonly Hay Fever at this time of year, severe itching of the eyes, irritation, congestion or a runny nose, light sensitivity and many more combinations of symptoms, all make

New Cycle Rules Here are a selection of new rules for cyclists.

On urban routes where the speed limit is 30kph or less, the municipal authority may permit bicycles to travel in the contrary direction, by the use of corresponding signage serving to inform all road users thereof. In this case, the cyclists must travel as closely as possible to the right hand edge of the road in the direction they are driving.

Cyclists will travel at the speed which allows them to maintain control of the bicycle, avoiding falling off and allowing them to stop at any moment, always within the limits set out in other rules.

Likewise, they may travel below the speed limits, in accordance with that provided for in other rules.

Assuming that the cyclist is riding on the pavement and other pedestrian areas, they will adapt their rate of motion to that of the pedestrian, stopping the bike whenever necessary, to guarantee the pedestrian's priority.

Cyclists may exceed the speed limit provided for their vehicles, especially in steep descents, without in any circumstances surpassing the speed limits established for other vehicles.

On bicycles, except on the highways, loads and passengers may be transported if the rider is an adult. Those cycles which, because of their construction, may not be occupied by more than one person, may nevertheless if the rider is an adult

carry a minor up to the age of seven in an additional seat, which must be certified in accordance with the regulatory provisions developed by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

The transport of persons or loads must be carried out in a way which may not: a) Be dragged, drop down totally or partially, or move about in a dangerous manner. b) Compromise the stability of the vehicle. c) Cover the lighting appliances or visual signalling.

It is permitted to utilise trailers, half-trailers or other fixtures on bicycles which are duly certified in accordance with the regulatory provisions developed by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, for the transport of persons or loads, on urban routes or roads reserved for this type of vehicles.

Cyclists, and where applicable their passengers, are obliged to use approved or certified protective helmets according to current legislation whilst travelling on intercity routes, except on steeply ascending slopes or in conditions of extreme heat.

Minors under the age of sixteen are obliged to wear the protective helmet without exception, regardless of the route they are travelling on.

Racing cyclists are regulated by special rules.

Cyclists may use a bell to indicate their presence to other road users.

Bicycles may be trans-

ported by other vehicles using apparatus designated for the purpose and complying with the general rules regarding fastening and securing of loads. The general rules of fastening and securing loads must also be taken into account when transporting bicycles inside the vehicle.

Cyclists must have lights switched on which have to be installed on bicycles according to the General Regulation of Vehicles, when they are travelling between sunset and sunrise, or at any hour of the day in tunnels, underpasses, sections of road indicated by the sign “Tunnel” (S-5) and where meteorological or environmental conditions exist which greatly reduce visibility. In these circumstances, where they are travelling along inter-city routes, they must also wear

an approved reflective garment which allows other drivers and road users to distinguish them at a distance of 150 metres or, failing this, adequate reflective elements which allow them to be distinguished at this distance.

In order to indicate their position to those vehicles approaching them from behind, on inter-city roads, cyclists may use signalling apparatus which indicate the lateral separation every vehicle driver must respect whilst overtaking.

These apparatus: a) Will be of a flexible material and may include reflective elements. b) May protrude laterally up to a maximum of one metre from the longitudinal axis of the bicycle. c) May not compromise the stability of the vehicle they are attached to.

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STAFF WANTED

SWIMMING POOL SERVICES

BUSINESS

TV & SKY

25 Pringle vending machines setup. Nett 1200€ mth all cash.

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BUSINESS FOR SALE Prestige Discoteca, La Mosca, Orihuela Costa, licence and trespassa for sale, only newly built to a very high standard. legally liecensed from 5pm 7.30am. Contact number 602474948.

CHURCH SERVICES

SWIMMING POOL SERVICES SECOND HAND

SNOOKER

International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am. Children's church 11am.. Please telephone the team today 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

CHURCH SERVICES SURVEYOR

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183, all welcome to their friendly and lively 10.30 am. Service each Sunday morning.

They will not be holding the Wednesday night meeting at 6.00 pm. For further information and/or directions please telephone 966700391 or visit our website on www.tcfspain.org.

TUITION / FITNESS

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Guitar lessons for beginners, as well as improvers. From 10€ per hour. Call Peter NOW on 966789612 or Mobile number 629975378.

QUIZ MASTER Experienced quiz-master /question setter with personality If you would like a quiz master that is entertaining, questions that are challenging yet not too difficult and is available to host quiz nights in local bars. Please Tel: 664 838 581.

SITUATIONS VACANT RADIO COSTA MEDIA needs self-employed salesperson for Torrevieja & surrounding areas. Call 685 901 265 or email info@radiocosta.eu

Digital tools recommended by social media pros The growth of Facebook is the success story of our times.

The Communications Social Media Roundtable, I’ve felt lately as if my relationships with my steady collection of digital tools and resources has hit a rut. After getting more than a few ideas for spicing things up through picking the brains of some of the best in the business, I’m feeling much more optimistic about the future.

1. Feedly. I was one of those people who clung to Google Reader, holding out hope until it smacked me with a breakup notification. I was forced to play the field. I reluctantly gave Feedly a chance, and now I realize what I had before: nothing. Feedly enables me to embrace my passion for organization. I can create folders for various topics and then add content to them, so everything is easily accessible. My inner

journalism major digs the clean “magazine” view, which displays large images with articles.

2. Offerpop. I’ve planned dozens of social media promotions for clients, so I’ve tried out quite a few different apps. Offerpop offers a wide range of products across social platforms—Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, even Tumblr and Vine—and it’s not lacking in options for promotions, from Pinterest contests to Facebook and Twitter sweepstakes. Maybe most important: It’s easy to get along with.

We can draft customized content for each promotion, and the text instructions and image dimensions are out there for everyone to see. So, our graphic designer can easily come up with visuals and drop them

in, no coding needed.

3. PromoJam. Though it doesn’t have quite the number of promotion options as Offerpop, PromoJam is significantly more affordable (about $30 each month for a basic account), so it works well for one-off Facebook promotions and for clients with limited budgets. The interface is userfriendly and requires no coding, so customizable promotions can be set up quickly.

I’ll also give them kudos for customer service. I had an issue a couple of weeks ago setting up a promotion on a client’s Facebook page, and they were enthusiastic about helping to fix it.

4. GroupHigh. I was not a fan of GroupHigh a couple of years ago, but since its makeover it is growing on me again. I work

closely with food bloggers on behalf of clients almost every day, so a database of bloggers sounds like it’d be a stellar fit for me. It is, to a point. GroupHigh is a useful tool for identifying topic-specific bloggers in various locations.

It is also very helpful for quickly finding bloggers’ social media stats and information, which I often include in proposals and in reports for clients. What it isn’t is a substitute for creating genuine, strong relationships with bloggers and for really getting to know them. A food blogger does not want to know that you found them through a search on GroupHigh. They want you to read their blog, connect on social media, and get to know them before shooting off a blind invitation to get together.

42

Friday 22nd April 2016

RICHARD CAVENDER

BlueMoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca.

BlueMoon Solutions come to you at home or work, our personal service covers from Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada.

Richard moved to Spain ten years ago having left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to sort out the problem there and then.

Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: The font size had changed to very small for ADVICE: Joya wanted to disable the Windows 10 upgrade on her computer.

Dudley’s Internet email

Q A

Hi Richard, the print size on our E-mail has suddenly become very small. How do I enlarge it? Thanks Dudley.

Hi Dudley, you don’t mention which browser you are having problems with so it’s hard for me to give you specific advice, however all of the main browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Firefox) respond in the same way to zoom in and out so I wonder whether this will help fix your problem, you should hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and use the “wheel” on your mouse to zoom the browser display in and out until you’re happy with it. *****why not visit and LIKE our facebook page***** *** www.facebook.com/bluemoonsolutionsspain***

Q

Hi Richard, I have Windows 7 on laptop purchased from yourself and which I use for business- therefore am quite happy with what I have & do not want Win 10. I read that Windows 10 now installs itself automatically sometimes. (it's turning the upgrade into 'recommended ' or something so that it can install without permission) ...anyway, came across the page below....do you think it safe to try? Thanks for any adviceJoya http://www.brucebnews.com/2016/04/finally-a-simple-way-to-prevent-windows-10upgrades/

A

Hi Joya, yes this download is certainly from a reputable company, grc.com is a wellknown security company so I would have no issue in using their tool and a bit of research suggests that it is easy and “does what it says on the tin”, so go for it if you really don’t want Windows 10 - your reasoning seems sound and legitimate to me.

office@bluemoonsolutions.es www.bluemoonsolutions.es Office: 902 906 200 Mobile: 655 044 970 Don’t forget you can follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/bluemoonsolutionsspain/ Alternatively why don’t you sign up for my newsletter. You can do this by going to:www.bluemoonsolutions.es/newsletter .

SOLD

43

Friday 22nd April 2016

Loris Set For New Challenge

Best Till Last

The final Murcia Rugby Union federation league match of the season for bottom-placed ITV Orihuela Vega Baja saw their senior side impressively win their first division encounter against the league champions, Murcia University, 2417.

The team entertain

Cartagena University tomorrow evening(Saturday) in the FERRMUR cup with a 7.00 pm kick-off.

In the cadetes league, ITV Orihuela ran out 31-16 victors over Murcia University to make it an Orihuela double over the University outfit.

15-year- old Murcia-based teenager Loris Ford-Dunn has had a busy winter testing his new ktm Supermotoland.com SMR 450cc race bike as he hops up from the youth Supermoto championships of Spain and into the highly competitive adult classes for 2016. But Loris is no stranger to Supermoto racing where racers battle on circuits made of asphalt, with off road jump sections thrown in to make some of

the most spectacular and close racing seen in Spain.

Last year Loris finished fourth in the Spanish Youth championships for 85cc machines in his first year of racing. He knows that he is now stepping up to the top class, against many racers that have much more experience than himself but he is relishing the opportunity to learn from the best.

This year will essentially be a learning year as he gets used to the more powerful

bike and the tougher competition. With Loris competing under the wing of the Supermotoland.com race team with continued sponsorship from Advance Moves International Removals, he is guaranteed the backing and support that he needs to get himself up to speed.

His season starts on Saturday April 30th at the Albaida circuit near Alcoy, with the first round of the Spanish championships on one of the toughest supermoto tracks in Spain. The very next day, the world's best Supermoto racers will be racing at the same circuit for the 2nd round of the world championship Grand Prix. Tickets are available on the gate at 12 Euros and the action kicks off from 10.00 am on both days. For more details, check out w w w. m o t o a l b a i d a . c o m where circuit directions and further details can be found.

Fit As Fiddles Over 960 competitors took part in last Sunday’s twelfth staging of the Arenales triathlon based around the Arenales del Sol beach and surrounding area. The event, organised by the Elche Triathlon club, saw the experienced Eneko Llanos(pictured) take the men’s contest, with Sara Loehr winning the women’s event.

Seconds Out

Torry’s Big Night Some of Spain and Ireland’s top young amateur boxers will be gloving it up in San Pedro del Pinatar tomorrow (Saturday April 23rd) in a sub-22 contest, with Olympic places at stake in Rio this August.

San Pedro sports councillor Daniel Perez officially launched the event on

Monday accompanied by Felipe Martínez of the Murcia Boxing Federation who is a national Olympic boxing coach and team selector.

Perez said he hope it would be the first of many such events in the area, especially with the recent setting up of a local boxing club.

Extra Special Run Around fifteen hundred runners from around the Murcia region, and further afield, took to the streets of Murcia City last Sunday in the “Run For Parkinson”

event that took place simultaneously in 23 other cities across Spain. There are four thousand registered Parkinson’s disease sufferers within Murcia.

CD Torrevieja are planning to stage a Gala Awards Presentation evening for the players next month based on what turned out to be a successful night last year.

Torrevieja’s El Huertano restaurant will be the venue once again for the event

which will take place on Tuesday May 17th, with tickets for the event priced at 15 euros. Six trophies were presented last year, including the Player of the Year Trophy, which went to exkeeper Oscar, and the Fans Player of the Year Award, the

Val Lancaster Memorial Trophy.

The club are after sponsors for the trophies please contact Vice-President Jeff Scott at this Sunday’s match at the Vicente Garcia Stadium, or via e-mail:jeff53ref@yahoo.co.uk.

Open Sea

Anybody with an interest in trying any kind of waterbased activity can do it free of charge on Saturday May 1st as all of the nautical federations in the Valencian region come together for a special day featuring all of the sailing, rowing, canoeing, and fishing clubs in the area.

«Abrimos el Mar» translated as ‘We Open The Sea’ is an initiative that will try, according to José Martínez of the Valencia Sailing Federation, “to break down the elitism surrounding his sport”.

Netball Feast Rojales Netball Club finished fourth in a tournament they hosted last weekend with teams from Madrid, Valencia, La Manga, and locally Quesada taking part.

It was challenging for both Rojales and Quesada as both teams were short on practice, but they held their own against the likes of Madrid “B” and La Manga Club, coming away with healthy wins.

Rojales worked hard just being pipped by one goal against Valencia but Madrid A proved one step too far for them. uesada started off slowly losing by two goals to Valencia but grew during the day, only being beaten by Madrid “A” by a score of 3-5.

The local clash between Rojales and Quesada, saw Quesada run out 5-2 victors.

Madrid A took the winners trophy, with Team Players of The Day gifts going to Roni from Rojales and Sophie of Quesada. The next challenge for Rojales is this June at La Manga Club where they will be facing teams from the UK. If you are interested in joining them on a Tuesday evening contact Tracey 679 539 995 for more details.

44

Friday 22nd April 2016

Ivie Davies on Golf

Hollow Tining Explained

We are coming up to the time of the year when important work is carried out on the greens and can be often confronted with “We are hollow tining the greens in May and September” when trying to book. Some golf courses now send out the dates that maintenance will be carried out to Golf Society Secretaries, but how many of you know what hollow tining is or the reason for it?

The hollow tining of greens, tees and even fairways is an essential part of most golf course maintenance programmes. It’s a recognised and proven technique carried out every year at most golf clubs.

But at those clubs you’ll hear cantankerous golfers bemoaning the holey putting surfaces.

Here I will give you the lowdown on what hollow

tining is and why it occurs.

WHAT IS HOLLOW TINING? It’s the physical removal of cores of turf (grass and soil) from a playing surface.

The holes are generally 1316mm in diameter and of varying depths depending on the reason for the tine.

The cores are ejected, swept up and removed.

They make excellent compost. When completed, a smaller mass of soil will occupy the same area of green/tee/fairway.

WHY IS IT DONE? Course traffic causes the ground to become compacted and hardened.

Because grass roots grow in the air spaces of the soil and this means drainage is less efficient and the grass’s roots are prevented from absorbing oxygen. Hollow tining allows the compacted turf

to expand and air and moisture to be more easily absorbed.

The coring helps address the problem of thatch. (Thatch is a layer of grass stems, roots, and debris that settle and accumulate over time.) A thin layer is acceptable but too much thatch will hold water like a sponge.

Tining also removes accumulated fibre in the grass’s root zone. It allows for the exchange of a poor soil for a better one through top dressing.

That’s why the greens are normally covered in sandy top dressing immediately after they’re cored.

In addition, coring allows for overseeding: another effective way of improving the quality of the playing surface.

WHEN IS IT DONE? Hollow tining is generally done outside the main playing season:

often in late spring and early autumn. It’s important that the tining is completed before the weather turns too wet and cold so there’s time for growth and for the holes to seal up. So the best time to hollow tine is late May and early September, but this coincides with the playing season at most clubs. It’s a difficult balancing act for greenkeepers.

IS IT A TREATMENT FOR DISEASED GREENS? It’s generally accepted that drier surfaces will be less susceptible to diseases like fusarium. As hollow tining is a good way of improving drainage it’s also a way of preventing the spread of disease.

IS IT JUST FOR GREENS? It’s a potential treatment for any turf suffering

from compaction and the other conditions explained above. Many clubs hollow tine their tees and, if they have the manpower, some will even hollow tine the fairways.

IS SOLID TINING THE SAME THING? Not quite. Solid tining doesn’t go as deep as hollow tining. It’s useful for aerating the upper level of the root zone but it won’t relieve the problem of compaction. It can be carried out at any point through the year and is particularly good where there is sandy soil that doesn’t need much compaction relief.

SLITTING, SCARIFYING AND VERTICUTTING Slitting is another method of aerating the turf and counteracting thatch. Deep slitting is normally carried out through the winter when

the ground is softer and more receptive. It’s done with blades that penetrate from 125 to 300 mm.

These will be attached to a machine pulled by a tractor. You’ll normally see this treatment on the fairways. Surface slitters penetrate just 40mm.

These are designed to keep the surface open during the summer months aiding water percolation.

Scarifying is a way of physically removing thatch using heavy-duty vertically mounted blades. Verticutting controls thatch build up by vertical mowing. The blades sever horizontal roots preventing lateral growth. This can be done all through the growing season.

So now you know and I hope have a better understanding of what a greenkeeper gets up to.

TITTER ON THE TEE A Golf Pro says to his Caddy- “ I'm changing the schedule for touring, only this year I'm going to do it a bit different. Three years ago I toured in Spain my wife got pregnant. Two years ago I toured Portugal and my wife got pregnant. Last year I went to Italy and she got pregnant."

His Caddy asks – “So what are you going to do this year?"

The Pro replies – “I'm taking her with me!"

The Courier Sport

45

Friday 22nd April 2016

Who Needs Training?

Barclays Premier League Saturday 23 April

13:45 Manchester City v Stoke City 16:00 Aston Villa v Southampton 16:00 Bournemouth v Chelsea 16:00 Liverpool v Newcastle United

Sunday 24 April

15:05 Sunderland v Arsenal 17:15 Leicester City v Swansea City

Monday 25 April

21:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion

Sky Bet Championship Friday 22 April

20:45 Preston North End v Burnley

Saturday 23 April

PATERNA 2 CD TORREVIEJA 2 Though there was little to play for in this encounter, this turned out to be a very entertaining match where both sides created countless chances, and both would have been disappointed to have only got a point out of the game. For Torrevieja, it was a good effort from the players as they masked their dissatisfaction at the delayed payment of their wages, which meant they had boycotted all training last week in protest, and will do so again ahead of this Sunday’s home encounter against Recambios.

Torry took the lead in the 12th minute, after

Carrasco prodded the ball home from a yard out after Lewis Allen got to the bye line and set it up on a plate for him. Paterna levelled up in the 38th minute, through a superb rocket from Fran from just outside the box, driving the ball low into the corner of the net with Miguel floundering to get close to it. The temperature was rising and it was end to end play with Prieto spearheading Torry's forays and Lewis Allen and Higon battling with strength and desire for every opportunity.

Paterna took the lead four minutes after the restart. They had troubled Torry all day with long

throw ins and it was this tactic that now brought dividends. Nacho got it right into the goal area and as Miguel came out to claim it, Selu got his head to it first and guided it into the net.

After that Paterna were on a high and their confidence knew no bounds. Torry had to withstand much pressure and the manager made three changes in just less than ten minutes. On the hour, Matej replaced Martin, then Burguillos took over from Carrasco and with twenty minutes left, Pedreno brought on Suarez for Sanchez.

It was Suarez who saved the day within four minutes of coming on with a simply

exquisite direct free kick 25 yards from goal, placed to perfection in the top left hand corner, with keeper Chencho leaping in that direction but unable to get close to it. Both sides battled hard for the winner, with Paterna grazing the crossbar and Prieto smashing the upright with a volley from just outside the box after a sweet pass from Suarez.

Twelfth-placed Torry are at home this Sunday afternoon with a 6.00 pm kickoff as they entertain Recambios Colon, who are just outside the relegation area, so there will be plenty to play for as far as they are concerned.

Monte March On

Only a hundred spectators turned up for Monte’s first home match to be played on a Saturday for many years, and the poor turnout will cer-

tainly lead to a lot of food for thought over the wisdom of such a move. Those who did sacrifice their early evening witnessed another Monte

Derby County v Sheffield Wednesday Blackburn Rovers v Bristol City Cardiff City v Bolton Wanderers Charlton Athletic v Brighton and Hove Albion Fulham v Nottingham Forest Huddersfield Town v Birmingham City Hull City v Leeds United MK Dons v Brentford Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town Queens Park Rangers v Reading Wolverhampton Wanderers v Rotherham United

Tuesday 26 April

20:45 Hull City v Brentford

Spanish La Liga Friday 22 April

21:00 Las Palmas v Espanyol

Saturday 23 April

16:00 Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid 18:00 Atlético de Madrid v Málaga 20:30 Barcelona v Sporting de Gijón 22:00 Eibar v Deportivo de La Coruña

Sunday 24 April 12:00 16:00 18:10 20:30

Levante v Athletic Club Sevilla v Real Betis Getafe v Valencia CF Villarreal v Real Sociedad

Monday 25 April

CD MONTESINOS 1 CD ALMORADI “B” 0 win against a decent Almoradi side, with Monte now sitting fourth in the table with five matches remaining.

It’s a long shot for them to make the play-offs, but they are five points behind RP Orihuela and Racing San Miguel, and so Monte have to win at least four of their five final fixtures and hope that mistakes above them happen, though something will have to give as Orihuela and San Miguel will play each other in the run-in.

The first quarter of an hour was an even affair, and Almoradi should have gone ahead after a sitter was blasted over the bar from just eight yards. Monte midfielders Pley and Mario strung some good wide passes to both flanks and the away team found Josema quite a handful.

Almoradi started to play a high line and it back fired on the half-hour mark when an Orourke pass beat the offside trap for Josema to calmly put the ball into the left corner of the net for what would be the only goal of the evening. He should have doubled up his and the

13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00

20:30 Celta de Vigo v Granada CF team’s tally minutes later, when he just missed connecting with a glorious Fernando cross, and then he rattled the post in the closing stages of the first half.

Almoradi got seriously tough in the second half but a very good young referee stamped his authority on their tough tackling by waving five yellow cards in just 10 minutes, and it was somewhat inevitable that they would be down to 10 men as a second caution appeared.

Monte kept pressing for a second goal, with good efforts from substitute Wallace and Mecan, though the biggest cheer from the measly crowd came when local favourite Carlos came on to replace Fernandez, after being out for seven weeks through injury. Norwegian, Erling Witzoe was the match sponsor, and he picked out Manuel as his man of the match.

It’s technically an away match for Monte this Sunday, as they play perennial strugglers Todo Deporte Montesinos at the town’s municipal ground.

Scottish Premiership Friday 22 April

20:45 St. Johnstone v Aberdeen

Saturday 23 April

16:00 Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian 16:00 Partick Thistle v Dundee

Sunday 24 April

13:30 Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Kilmarnock 16:00 Celtic v Ross County 16:00 Dundee United v Hamilton Academical

Champions League Tuesday 26 April

20:45 Manchester City v Real Madrid

Wednesday 27 April

20:45 Atlético de Madrid v FC Bayern München

46

Friday 22nd April 2016

Barca Nightmare

Back In Business

BARCELONA 1 VALENCIA 2

DEPORTIVO 0 BARCELONA 8

Barcelona slipped to a third successive league defeat as Valencia blew the La Liga title race wide open with a victory at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Barcelona endured a nightmare first-half, with Ivan Rakitic diverting the ball past the despairing dive of Claudio Bravo after 26 minutes to give Valencia the lead, before Santi Mina stunned the Camp Nou with a second in first-half stoppage time. Lionel Messi netted his 500th goal for club and country to get Barca back in the match just after the hour mark, but they couldn't find an equaliser for all their possession.

Real On A Roll GETAFE 1 REAL MADRID 5

Luis Suarez scored four goals as Barcelona got their La Liga title charge back on track with an emphatic Wednesday win at Deportivo La Coruna.

Having opened the door to Atletico and Real Madrid with three consecutive league defeats, the Catalans could ill afford another slip up in the title race. Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi, Marc Bartra and Neymar were also on target in a romp for Barca.

The result means Barca are on track to retain the La Liga title, if they can win their final four games, as they remain ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference.

They entertain Sporting Gijón tomorrow evening.

Tight At The Top REAL MADRID 4 VILLARREAL 0

Zinedine Zidane was delighted with his side's performance as Real Madrid moved within a point of Barcelona at the top of La Liga at the weekend, but insisted they are taking it one game at a time.

Karim Benzema, Isco, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo were all on the scoresheet in a demolition job away to lowly Getafe on Saturday, and Zidane was quick to praise his players.

"The most important thing is the work we're doing and not to look beyond that. We are only ever looking to the next match”, said Zidane.

Villain And Hero ELCHE 2 LUGO 0 A missed penalty from the Segunda league’s top scorer Sergio León didn’t prove to be costly for Elche on Saturday as they beat Lugo to keep their chances of getting into the end of season play-off spots very much alive. Such is the tightness of the table that at least 11 teams have realistic hopes of getting a spot, and that doesn’t include the the top two sides who both lost last weekend. Incredibly the seventh-placed Ilicitanos are now just five points off a direct promotion place, with eight matches remaining.

Lugo were the best side for the first half hour on Saturday, but Elche cranked up the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty for handball, which keeper José Juan saved from León, much to the shock of the local fans. León though made amends before the interval with a terrific run ending with a fine shot which the keeper could do nothing about in one of his best goals of the season.

The Galician visitors bravely fought back in the second half, but Elche doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through substitute Cristaldo on the finishing end of a counter attack. Next for the Ilicitanos is a trip to second-placed Alavés this Saturday for an 8.15 pm start, with the home side smarting from last weekend’s one-nil defeat at Girona.

The Courier Sport

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Real Madrid kept up the pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga with their win over fourth-placed Villarreal on Wednesday night. Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Real in the first half, before Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric secured the three points after break.

The result keeps Zinedine Zidane's side a point behind leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atletico, who had both won earlier in the night. Madrid travel to Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.

Transfer Gossip Tottenham are set to make a move for Wolfsburg midfielder Andre Schurrle.

The former Chelsea man, who signed for the Bundesliga side just over a year ago, is reportedly eyeing a move away from Germany.

Barcelona are willing to fork out €60m to sign Paris SaintGermain midfielder Marco Verratti.a’

Neuer’s New Deal Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has signed a new five-year deal with Bayern Munich.

World Cup winner Neuer's previous deal was to expire in 2019, and he follows team-mates Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Javi Martinez in committing to the club until 2021.

The Germany international, 30, has won three Bundesliga titles, two German Cups and the Champions League since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011.

Pep Guardiola's team are on course to win the treble this season.

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>> Luis Suárez scored four

Agbonlahor Aston Villa have suspended striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and begun an investigation after he was allegedly pictured with laughing gas canisters.

According to reports, the 29-year-old was pictured partying in London on the same night Villa were relegated.

Agbonlahor was already on the sidelines after being told he was not fit enough.

He was suspended by Villa earlier this month after he was pictured appearing to hold a shisha pipe while in Dubai, but the club took no further action.

Villa were relegated from the Premier League after losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

They are bottom of the table after collecting only 16 points from 34 games.

The West Midlands outfit are also without a manager following the exit of Frenchman Remi Garde and have been hit by two key resignations.

Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein and Lord King, a former Governor of the Bank of England, both quit the board on Monday.

John McGregor on Sport

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Friday 22nd April 2016

BOUNCE BACK! DEPORTIVO DE LA CORUÑA 0-8 BARCELONA

Neymar To Miss Copa America

O V I T R O P E D D E H S A R TH

0-8!

goals as Barcelona dismantled Deportivo La Coruña.

Suspended!

Having been on the club's books since he was a schoolboy, Agbonlahor, who reportedly earns £50,000 a week, has scored only one league goal this season.

The form of the club's record Premier League goalscorer has been symptomatic of a woeful season at Villa Park.

Last season's FA Cup finalists lost two key players in the summer striker Christian Benteke to Liverpool for £32.5m and England international Fabian Delph to Manchester City for £8m - but won their opening Premier League game.

However, they did not add a second victory until January, by which time they had sacked manager Tim Sherwood.

His replacement, Garde's reign came to an end on 29 March, after less than five months in charge. Garde left the club after a 6-0 home defeat by Liverpool - Villa's worst in 81 years.

Neymar will play for Brazil at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics but will skip the Copa America, Barcelona said on Wednesday.

Neymar had said he wanted to play in both tournaments and the Brazilian soccer confederation had asked for his release, but Barcelona did not want to lose the striker for so long and feared that his participation in both events could affect his preparations for next season. Clubs are not obliged by FIFA to release players for the Olympics, but had to do so for the Copa America Centenario in the United States, but a deal has been struck to ensure Neymar is exempt.

It Ain’t Over Yet!

If somehow Leicester blow it and fail to win the Premier League this sensational season it wouldn’t be good being Jamie writes JOHN Vardy, McGREGOR. Last Saturday, the Foxes were leading 1 – 0 at home against West Ham, in control and looking good for yet another brilliant win, when league-leading goalscorer Vardy got himself stupidly sent off.

Shocked and stunned, Leicester immediately unravelled, buckling under the increasing West Ham pressure and were soon two-one down going into injury time. Following a dubious penalty, the Foxes fortunately equalised to come away with a precious point - one that just might prove priceless come May 15th. Now top Prem scorer Vardy is in trouble with the FA for dramatically disputing his dismissal and will be sorely missed, just when his team need him for the vital run in. Now with only four gigantic games to come, Leicester must pick themselves up, starting sin-

sinner striker Jamie against Swansea at the King Power stadium on Sunday. Foxes form on paper, no problem – on grass? Hey, this is football.

Meanwhile over in the Potteries on Monday night, second-placed-and-playing-superbly Spurs duly slashed the gap at the top to five points by hammering Stoke 4 – 0. Next the Lillywhites entertain middling/going nowhere West Brom, again on Monday night to keep up the pressure on Leicester. Surely the Foxes fairy story’s not going to end Masterfully, Jordan Spieth like, Willett?

It’s cruel, but… three out of four teams in the Dreaded Drop Department are condemned men, the Walking Dead.

Hey, as Bill Shankly once said, football’s more important than life and death. We know one doomed drop-out is Aston Villa, but who’s the two others? Survivor Sam’s Sunderland have the Houdini pedigree, and nuking Norwich 3 – 0 in the Canaries cage could prove

the Black Cats’ finest hour - and Norwich’s nemesis.

A hugely important visit to the Emirates is next for Sunderland on Sunday, and Arsene’s army appear awesome - but we’ll see, and Sunderland have that vital game in hand.

Norwich’s nasty run in is Arsenal (but not until 30th April), Man United, Watford and Everton, the scary air highly unsuitable for Canaries survival.

Rafa Benitez’s dozy Newcastle have woken up too late with a win over Swansea and a creditablethough-useless 1 – 1 draw against Champions League semi-finalists Man City. The Mancunian Blues also needed more to ensure the Blues top four position, with Stoke coming to the Etihad early doors on Saturday. Next for Newcastle? Why, it’s only Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow, Kop King Klopp’s kids crazily content, bragging rights registered from battering their Blue neighbours 4 – 0 in the Red corner of Merseyside. Magpies last stand?

The Latest Sport Headlines FOOTBALL Roberto Martinez: Everton boss embarrassed by Liverpool defeat Everton boss Roberto Martinez described Wednesday's 4-0 defeat at Liverpool as his worst moment at the club.

SNOOKER Chinese superstar Ding Junhui held off a gutsy Martin Gould fightback to win a tense match 108 and progress to the second round of the World Championship.

SAILING Alison Young has won gold in the Radial class at the Laser World Championships to boost her hopes of Rio 2016 success.

Young, 28, won the final race of the regatta to beat the USA's Paige Railey by a single point.

FOOTBALL Liverpool striker Divock Origi has not broken his ankle but will have a further assessment on the injury he sustained in their win over Everton.

The 21-year-old Belgium international scored the opening goal in Wednesday's 4-0 victory at Anfield.

But he was substituted in the second half after a challenge by Ramiro Funes Mori, which saw the defender sent off.

RACING On Saturday at Sandown, Richard Johnson will lift the trophy confirming that he is jump racing's champion jockey.

In mathematical terms it means that he has ridden more winners than any other jockey this season. In the context of horse racing, and sport in general, it is a triumph of commitment and perseverance which may never be rivalled.

JOSHUA’S JUNE DATE

IBF heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will make the first defence of his title at London's O2 on Saturday June 25th, though the name of his opponent is yet to be announced. Joshua, the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist, won the IBF title earilier this month with a second-round stoppage of American Charles Martin.

THE ROCKET RETURNS

Top snooker star Ronnie O’ Sullivan is back in action tomorrow afternoon at the World Championships as he takes on Barry Hawkins in the first session of their second round encounter. Rocket Ronnie got a formal warning from World Snooker after failing to fulfil media obligations at the Crucible in Sheffield, following his first-round win over David Gilbert.

LVG’S LAST

SHOT! e m a S e h T s ’ t I ... And For Everton’s Martinez!

FA CUP SHOWDOWN

Of the four FA Cup semi-finalists this weekend only Manchester United are riding high - ish - in the Premier League, the other three are all in the bottom half of the Prem. The Red Devils are in a disappointing fifth place with now perennial worries over future Champions League qualification. So this domestic Cup campaign represents one great opportunity for Louis van Gaal and his much-adjusted team to get some silverware in what is probably LVG’s last season, although the Dutchman’s contract runs for another year. United are on a good run of late with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard a revelation during this strange Old Trafford season.

ROSSI’S HOPES Valentino Rossi says a rostrum finish on Sunday at Jerez is a must as he tries to claw back some ground in the MotoGP championship following his tumble in the last race at Austin, Texas. He’s now 33 points behind leader Marc Marquez as he holds third place, 12 points back

It’s official: Everton fans are revolting. Tomorrow at Wembley, Man United play a Toffees team that have infuriated the Blues’ loyal supporters over this topsy-turvy season. Manager Roberto Martinez is under huge pressure down in 11th place with a team full of exciting promise, but which has failed to live up to expectations on too many occasions.

Wednesday’s abysmal 4 – 0 capitulation in the Liverpool derby by Klopp’s kids will have hurt Blues’ fans hard. So this weekend’s northern alternative Cup Final represents a huge opportunity – their only one - for Everton FC to show the football world what they are capable of, and march on to the real final – but which Everton will show up?

S R E D I S T OU

!

H S A L C

It will be a North v South FA Cup final next month, because this Sunday the second semi is between Crystal Palace v Watford for the honour of playing Man Utd or Everton.

The Hornets have been a revelation this season, their first campaign up in the rarefied atmosphere of the Prem. How well have Quique Flores and his merry men done to have consolidated a sound mid-table position, plus now with the bonus of reaching the FA Cup semi-final.

The real underdogs of the draw are Alan Pardew’s Palace, a team who had a great first half of the season and were actually fifth going into 2016, but have been steadily slipping since. The latest defeat was on Wednesday, going down ineffectively 2 – 0 to Man United with seven changes from Saturdays creditable 1 – 1 draw with Arsenal. Now virtually certain of Prem survival, quite simply the Eagles have nothing to lose by going full tilt for a win against Watford - and if the vastly-experienced Pardew can pump up his players to perform like they started the season Palace are in with a fighting chance.

Cup Final Courier commentator prediction: heart says Everton v Crystal Palace - but head says Man United v Watford!

CHED’S

!

E C N A CH

Footballer Ched Evans had his conviction for rape quashed yesterday at the Court of Appeal in London, but will face a new trial. The ex-Wales international was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old at a Premier Inn near Rhyl.

The former Sheffield United, Manchester City and Norwich player was released from jail in October 2014 after serving half of his five-year term. Mr Evans, 27, has always denied raping the woman.

The striker's case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, after new evidence emerged.

Evans has not been signed by a new club since his release from prison.

on team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

Although it is the first of four rounds held in Spain during the MotoGP season, Jerez is the only one that carries the name ‘Spanish Grand Prix’ in an event that many regard as the true start of the season. The race begins at 2.00 pm.

THE COURIER No.1 for SPORT! All the action p 44-47