The Courier Week 106 by TKO UK

Edition 106

www.thecourier.es

Friday, March 1, 2013

FROM DEBRIS TO DELIGHT! Floor-collapse school to be replaced SANTA Pola is to have a new school to replace the crumbling Colegio Hispanidad – where nine children and a teacher were injured when a floor collapsed recently. And in another boost for local education, regional education director Rafael Carbonell visited the Principe De Espana School in Rojales to assess whether it also needs a new building. The Mayor of Santa Pola, Miguel Zaragoza ( p i c t u r e d ) announced the C o l e g i o Hispanidad decision at a council meeting this week, over a month after part of the suspended floor of one classroom in the current building gave way. The incident underlined the drastic deficiencies in health and safety standards which both students and staff are subjected to on a daily basis, resulting in a full investigation by the Valencian Government. This week’s meeting was attended by

By HEIDI WARDMAN regional education councillor María José Catalá, who informed the Mayor that, following recommendations by official government architects, the school should be demolished. She revealed that a technical report noted that the entire structure of the building has reached the same stage of deterioration as the area which collapsed, and refurbishment would be futile. Construction of a new school was the only solution, she said. Architects have also conducted surveys to determine the future of nearby schools Azorín and Cervantes, although the results have yet to be made public. The Mayor gave no indication when building work on the new school will start, but hinted that the wheels have been put in motion. He also invited suggestions from parents for an interim plan until such time as the school is completed. Representatives of the Parent-Teachers Association expressed their satisfaction with the decision, although some were a little disappointed at the absence of a deadline for completion of work. The majority of parents requested that for

NEW HOPE: These Colegio Hispanidad students will get a new school

the present, Colegio Hispanidad students continue to attend classes at the José Tovar School, where they were relocated following the accident. Meanwhile, Principe De Espana School parents were celebrating Snr Carbonell’s personal visit, which came as a result of a meeting in Valencia a week earlier with Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Pérez, head teacher Mauricio Pacheco, education councillor Tatiana Cañizares and AMPA president Soraya Fernández. Severe deficiencies within the school

were put across the table - the most alarming being the absence of a fire escape on the first floor of the building, deteriorating lead piping throughout the school, inadequate electrical and heating systems, crumbling supporting beams, poor drainage and general dampness. Although the Education Director gave no indication as to the future of the school, his continued interest is seen as a positive move forward - and it is hoped a permanent solution will be agreed during another meeting scheduled for next month.

Our latest edition is always online at www.thecourier.es

Friday, March 1, 2013

Are you a snapper? Do you have a great photo? Send it to design@thecourier.es and if we think it is good enough we will publish it as our Picture of the Week TELEPHONE

96 692 1003 679 096 309

Photograph by MELVYN WAITE, Ciudad Quesada

965 99 66 66 E-MAIL office@thecourier.es WEB www.thecourier.es HEAD OFFICE Calle Luis Canovas Martinez 1. Urb Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja 03183, ALICANTE PHONE: 96 692 1003 Email: office@thecourier.es OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 1030 to 1730 CONSULTANT EDITOR Donna Gee ADVERTISING SALES 966 921 003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 966 921 003 679 096 309 Sally Los Alcazares, San Javier 618 391 491 Myra Quesada, Rojales, Torrevieja, San Miguel Tel. 618 583 765 Jean La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Tel. 618 898 034 Janine 616 332 178 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel 685 901 265 Writers Donna Gee Sally Bengtsson Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Tony Mayes Heidi Wardman John McGregor

Affiliations

Picture of the Week

JUNGLE DRUMS

IBERIA STRIKES COSTING COMPANY €10M A DAY

ANOTHER five-day strike by Iberia pilots, cabin crew and ground staff will mean a further 1,300 flights grounded next week. Starting on Monday and running until next Friday, (March 8) inclusive, workers will down tools in protest over the 3,807 redundancies planned by the airline as a consequence of restructure plans. Employees have already presented viable alternatives, including methods of increasing productivity and pilots even proposing to take a 26% pay cut, but these have been rejected by management and negotiations have reached stalemate. This means that next week, 431 Iberia flights, 100 Iberia Express, 316 Vueling and 434 Air Nostrum flights will be cancelled – a total of 1,281, or 59 more than during last week’s five-day strike. Flights through other firms – such as Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa – could also be cancelled or suffer delays since Iberia's ground staff provide

services to up to 120 companies in Spanish airports. Those flights which do take off are likely to see long delays – and a further five-day strike is planned for the week of March 18 to 22. For each day Iberia staff are on strike, the company is set to lose €10 million.

Jennifer Cunningham The advert for Jennifer Cunningham printed in our edition 104 contained an incorrect telephone number. We apologise for the inaccuracy - the correct number is 965 724 734.

Publication Published by Rainbow Media, S.L. Printed by Localprint S.L Depósito legal A - 132 - 2011 The Courier, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

Friday Rain High 14° Low 7° Chance of rain 65% Monday Cloudy High 16° Low 12° Chance of rain 25%

Tuesday Rain High 17° Low 10° Chance of rain 80%

Saturday Cloudy High 16° Low 8° Chance of rain 3% Wednesday Partly cloudy High 19° Low 14° Chance of rain 9%

Sunday Cloudy High 14° Low 9° Chance of rain 25% Thursday Showers High 17° Lo 12° Chance of rain 60%

Friday, March 1, 2013

20 years for lunatic who beheaded gran BULGARIAN monster Deyan Deyanov has been sentenced to 20 years in a psychiatric unit for killing and beheading British grandmother Jennifer Mills-Westley in a Tenerife supermarket. The 60-year-old was shopping in the quiet resort of Los Cristianos when she was attacked by the homeless drug addict. Deyanov had earlier asked a shopkeeper for a "big" knife as he was planning to kill someone. He then walked into the Mas Articulos Mejor Precios shop, where he repeatedly stabbed Ms Mills-Westley, The 29-year-old killer then walked out of the shop carrying her head. His defence had argued that he was not criminally responsi-

ble for his actions due to paranoid schizophrenia, but he was found guilty by a jury of nine last week. When asked by the magistrate if he had anything he wanted to say, Deyanov answered through his interpreter: "I am the second reincarnation of Jesus Christ

and I will bring the fire of the Holy Spirit to bear against this court." A crack cocaine and LSD user, Deyanov was well-known to police and a warrant for his arrest had been issued three days prior to the killing. Twice sectioned under the

Mental Health Act, he had spent time in Glan Clwyd hospital, North Wales, and Tenerife's La Candelaria hospital before being bailed in February 2011. Road safety officer Ms MillsWestley had retired to Tenerife in 2009 and owned two apartments in Los Cristianos. In a statement issued after Deyanov was found guilty, her family said: "Since May 13, 2011, Jennifer Mills-Westley has become known as the lady who was beheaded in Tenerife. "The truth is she was our mum, our mentor and our best friend. "She was a highly gifted, selfless person with so much love in her heart and who has been taken away from us in her prime."

Text-fury beach strangler is jailed for 24 years A BRITISH man who beat and strangled his girlfriend to death while on holiday in the Canary Islands has been jailed for 24 years. Christopher Chittock killed 23year-old Sarah Shields (pictured) on a beach in Gran Canaria after finding text messages from an ex-boyfriend on her phone. On the night of the attack, Chittock repeatedly punched his

girlfriend in the bedroom of their holiday apartment in the resort of Mogan.He then dragged her in the dark to a deserted beach, punched her to the ground, banged her head against a rock and strangled her. Before burning her clothes, he dumped Sarah’s body in the sea, where it was found the following morning. The engineer then flew back to the home he had shared

with her in Ipswich. In a desperate attempt to cover up his crime, he kept his girlfriend's phone and sent texts to her family pretending to be her. A European arrest warrant was issued and he was detained in September 2010 before being extradited to Spain.The 38-yearold was convicted of the murder by a jury at the Provincial Court in Las Palmas last Friday.

Police swoop lands 2000-year-old coin SPANISH police have seized a "unique" ancient Roman coin that was stolen in a €600,000 haul in Madrid last year. The brown bronze disc bearing the portrait of Augustus -- the Roman emperor who conquered parts of Spain -- was the most important of the 867 such coins seized. "The collection is very important as much for its economic value as its historic, artistic

and cultural importance," said Antonio Tenorio, chief inspector of the expert cultural heritage brigade, which recovered the coins. Police arrested a gold dealer in Madrid in connection with the case. Along with jewellery, the coins were stolen by burglars who broke into the home of a private collector in Madrid last April. Tenorio said the Augustus coin was mint-

ed to commemorate victories against the northern Iberian Cantabrian and Asturian tribes. "It is quite heavy and is one of the biggest ones ever seized. It seems to be a unique piece," Tenorio said. "There is not another one like it known in the world." A police statement said the collector acquired the coin in 2002 at an auction house in New York for €30,000.

LIFE IN SPAIN

PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy announced on Tuesday that Spain’s final deficit for 2012 stood at 6.7% of GDP, four points above the target agreed with Brussels. This means that the total deficit has been reduced by 3.5 %. Rajoy commented that he is very pleased with the results, adding that the news will result in increased confidence in Spain, and although little economic improvement has been made so far, will convince citizens that the Government’s policies are working.

TORREVIEJA Hospital’s management board has informed unions that it cannot meet some requested salary adjustments in the collective agreement which affects 1,100 members of hospital staff as well as those working in the primary care department. Furthermore, it has hinted that it will not be renewing contracts for 11 members of staff which end in the spring. The Hospital allegedly links the current lack of funding to the Valencian Government’s recent health reforms which saw 15,000 foreign patients lose their rights to healthcare thus reducing the budget allocation by €600 per person during the course of the year.

THE Orihuela authorities have pledged their commitment to the Social Housing Fund, which will allow families evicted from their homes and meet certain requirements to rent properties for between €150 and €400 a month. Those facing eviction will also be given the opportunity to stay where they are, as long as they pay the subsidised monthly fee. The properties have been donated by selected banks and building societies.

THREE hundred members of the Spanish security forces, including the Military Emergency Unit, plus 200 members of other emergency services will participate in a mock earthquake scenario in Torrevieja next Tuesday, March 5 (9pm to 3pm). Mayor Eduardo Dolon explained that with Torrevieja an area of high seismic risk, the city council is keen to ensure all the correct procedures are in place to deal with a catastrophe. The perceived earthquake will measure 5.5, similar to Lorca’s, and the clean-up operation will include three helicopters, transport services for the injured, fire simulation, evacuation of three schools and rescue of those trapped in the debris.

THE Guardia Civil are investigating the suspicious death of a new born baby at a home in La Mata. After an anonymous phone call, an ambulance crew found that the mother had given birth over a month early, and the baby had suffered a cardiac arrest. According to eye witnesses, the mother was "calm and relaxed" and showing obvious signs of mental problems.

Friday, March 1, 2013

THE WED PLANET Plan to send Married couple on 501-day mission to Mars

A MILLIONAIRE wants to send a married couple on an audacious manned mission to Mars by 2018. Dennis Tito, the world's first space tourist, has launched the non-profit initiative to speed up the process of manned exploration of our solar system. The ambitious "Inspiration Mars" plan would see a pre-existing space capsule and rocket sent to the planet for a quick fly-over and return in 501 days. The astronauts would not land on the planet at any point in their 16-month journey but would instead fly past at a height of about 100 miles. The cost of the mission has been put at $1 billion or more, and funding has not yet been secured. The mission would be possible thanks to a brief window in which the Red Planet and Earth are aligned much more closely than normal. Normally the journey to Mars and back could take two to three years, but the window in 2018 would make it possible to cut this in half. Taber MacCallum, who is chief technical officer or the project and might be a crew member, said that the mission was a "Lewis and Clark trip to Mars". MacCallum said a middle-aged, husbandand-wife team would be sought for the journey, for both practical and symbolic reasons. "This is very symbolic and we really need it to represent humanity," he said. "When you're out that far and the Earth is a tiny, blue pinpoint, you're going to need

a concept render of the Inspiration Mars craft someone you can hug" Tito added in an interview with Space.com. "What better solution to the psychological problems you're going to encounter with that isolation?" Also part of the project are Paragon Space Development Corporation, which works on life support systems, and space medicine expert Jonathan Clark of Baylor College of Medicine. The technical details of the mission have not been decided on - and many remain sceptical it will ever launch. But Tito said that pre-existing space equipment could be used to lower the cost, such as the Dragon space capsule made by SpaceX - albeit so far only for unmanned cargo missions. But unlike SpaceX and other private space travel projects such as Virgin Galactic, Tito said he wasn't intending to emerge with a viable long-term company. Instead he said that the primary reason for launching it was to inspire a new generation of space explorers who have never seen a man walk on the Moon in their lifetime.

Paul Cunningham Nurses SL Helping to fund PCN Charity Working Hand in Hand Please can you help us to secure the future?

We Need You Now The Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity continues to work tirelessly to offer Hospice Care at home to members of our community who need us. Nurses are provided ‘free of charge’ subject to an assessment to terminal prognosis patients at home. Nursing care & any equipment needed is available free for the term of nursing care required. The nurses also give much needed support to family members throughout the dying process. Once a nurse, carer has been introduced to the patient & family that person will remain on hand for the period required. It is important to build a relationship with Patients & family members at this very difficult time to allow confidence & peace of mind for all involved. Paul Cunningham Nurses have helped many patients die in peace without pain. The Charity relies solely on donations to be able to offer the services that it does. An ever increasing age population and the rising price of general costs are making a very heavy demand on our funds. The Charity has taken steps to help protect its future in these difficult times. Two new funding channels have been introduced. 1 We need you. Become a ‘Friend’ by setting up a regular donation. The charity has set up a bank account for direct debit payments to be received. The direct debit scheme is aimed at anyone within our community who wishes to help. Payments can be accepted from individuals, groups, clubs or companies. If you belong to a club or

group, please get together and see if you can help. All Group Sponsors will be named on our website. 2 We are helping ourselves. Paul Cunningham Nurses SL is a private home nursing service for anyone in the community who needs nursing/carer/home help services. PCNSL has been in operation since September 26th 2012 & has a patient list in excess of twenty patients to date. Services vary from direct nursing care to personal hygiene or someone to stay & give a carer/family member some respite time. PCNSL was set up after PCN nurses received regular requests for longer term non terminal nursing & care services by many members of the community. The PCN Charity was not able to fulfil this need & PCNSL was introduced. PCN Nurses are involved with PCNSL therefore ensuring the high standard of care given to our terminal patients is carried through to PCNSL patients. All profit from PCNSL after tax & costs will be donated to PCN Charity. Introducing a self-funding element to the Charity. Please call to see if we can help you, your family or friends/neighbours. For information on all services available please visit the website for PCN Charity www.paulcunninghamnurses.com or website for PCNSL Company www.paulcunninghamnurses-sl.com For information on regular donations through the direct debit scheme please see the website PCN www.paulcunninghamnurses.com or call the La Marina office Mon/Fri 09.30am-13.00pm 966790363

Friday, March 1, 2013

editor@thecourier.es

COURIER POSTBAG: YOUR VIEWS ON OUR NEWS Zenia shops are no La thing matter JUST read today's issue (No.105) and what a good read it is, as usual. However, like all the local English language newspapers, you cannot seem to be able to print the correct name for Zenia Boulevard. You actually call it La Zenia Boulevard five times. It is not called La Zenia Boulevard, it is called Zenia Boulevard. The area is La Zenia - the shopping centre is not! And yes, I should get out more. ADAM KEITH, Orihuela

I WAS a little, no very disturbed by the slant of the description of the young person with Crohns Disease (Donna Gee’s column last week). My daughter was diagnosed with this two years after returning from the first Gulf War. and has also had part of her gut removed and various stays in hospital in the UK. It is a horrible condition to have but new sufferers do not need to be terrified by reading such a vivid article. The pain and some symptons can be controlled by diet and/or medication, and with the correct care and support the condition is manageable. A full and active life is possible with the right mental attitude of the sufferer and family. Please also report on the child’s improve-

Living and coping with Crohn’s ment and future achievements. DIANE KELLY (via website) Diane, I did not mean to frighten anyone with my description of my granddaughter Daisy’s suffering over the past few months. I just wanted to make people aware of the situation, and of the cause I am trying to help with my Sponsored Diet. To date, I have raised more than £500 for CICRA, the Crohn’s in Children Research Association... with hopefully a lot more to come. Anyone who would like to help can donate at www.justgiving.com/donna-gee or by calling the Courier office. - DONNA GEE

YOUR readers might be interested to know that Neighbourhood Watch in Spain (Vecinos Cooperando y colabando de espana) has been involved in the plan of action should an earthquake occur in the Torrevieja area. The Neighbourhood Watch people involved with the extra skills required to help in situations likely present in a time of crisis will be an additional help to the police etc. Should you wish to become involved in not only helping in this type of situation but in helping create a safer and more secure environment, you can contact the Neighbourhood Watch by visiting our website at www.nhwinspain.com. SCOTT BLAIR. Press and Communications Officer.

TIME FOR A POPE WHO CAN BRING US HOPE I READ Tony Mayes’ article (Issue 105) about wanting a Pope with insight. I so enjoyed reading it as it’s so true. I was brought up in a religous cult, Plymouth Brethren / Strict Baptist. Religion people are the worst for not practising what they preach and their ideas of life are cloned with whatever way they translate the Bible, to their own beliefs. All religious people judge the way others live to the point where suicide has been known. As for the condoms, the answer would be as you say a useless statement . My sister was raped by a Church Elder as he took her home after she fell ill in Church. So much for principles! We had to eat everything on our plate at meal time or my father (who was a complete control freak) would say, "What about the starving children in

Africa?" This can cause eating disorders later in life,and doesn’t help the situation one bit. My father was an obsessive, cruel man. I was born into it and didn’t manage to break away until I was married which was also arranged by my father. Both my sister and I had our marriages arranged and both divorced after some years which was another sin to bear. Religion is a cult and all people look the same and follow like sheep. There is supposed to be one God so why are there so many ideas as to which way to go? We had no television, radio or books, bar one obvious one. No contact with the outside world except school, which was very difficult. Other people were all cosidered sinners - even our relatives. How judgmental is that? As for the Pope, things will never change. It’s all too deep-rooted. One can only hope that one day… maybe. Name and address supplied

Mystery of Easyjet’s no-fly zone I WONDER if you can shine a light on the fact that Easyjet will stop flying from Stansted airport to Alicante on June 16? This amazes me as I have used this service for many years. You are now offered flights from Southend airport, or of course Gatwick and Luton. Which is not convenient at all, in fact a nightmare. I have to travel from Norfolk to fly, and Stansted is the easiest and most convenient to get to by bus or train. Gatwick would mean crossing London, and the same with Luton. I suppose Southend is the only

option. So we are then at the mercy of Ryanair! I have had no real problems with them, apart from the 15kgs weight, and my goodness are they spot on about that. There used to be fairly regular flights from Norwich airport, but now there are no flights at all to Spain from there? Again why? What is the problem? It would be fair that Easyjet could at least explain why they have discontinued their services to Alicante from Stansted, instead of a message saying - no more flights - we can offer the alternative, as I have

mentioned. Is it possible we shall see another airline take over this busy route? Surely there must be an answer? L. WILKINSON - Torrevieja We emailed the Easyjet press office asking for a response but at the time of going to press had received no reply. Either they are very busy, very ignorant - or just plain inefficient. In the meantime, since Easyjet’s media department seems to have problems landing on time, we’ll reserve space for a response in next week’s Courier - EDITOR

EDITOR’S NOTE: Letters and emails will only be considered for publication if an address and contact number are provided (not for publication)

SO there are still people crying "Crucify him" in this day and age. History will prove Pope Benedict XVI to have been one of the greatest of leaders whom lesser men will jibe and sneer at. It has happened since time began. Trying to steer the barque of Peter through the troubled waters he inherited after the death of JPll was a task only a great mind like Joseph Ratzinger could accomplish.He is an intellectual and somewhat introverted whereas John Paul was a sportsman and outgoing. Both men loved the Church and its people and were loved in return. Benedict was able to subdue sceptical men of Science and was therefore an excellent choice for the technological world we now inhabit. Perhaps your journalists might think about really researching their subject before next putting pen to paper. S CHAPMAN

HOSPITAL JUST DID NOT CARE I WAS recently an in-patient at Torrevieja Hospital and my treatment was appalling. I also had the feeling that there was no humanity shown. I was traumatised with my injuries but I felt 100 times more traumatised by the lack of caring. I am a nurse of 25 years and have never known a person be treated like I was, so I can empathise with your story in last week’s Courier. I came away with the feeling that we were not wanted there. I am not at all racist and never thought I would even think like that. JANE HANNAH HEPEHI

Horror of seeing my mum shackled I READ the article about Torrevieja Hospital and the use of shackles (Issue 104). About seven years ago my mother was admitted to Vega Baja hospital after a bad fall. She was disorientated so they put her in a bed with cot sides but the next day when I arrived she had been moved to another ward in an ordinary bed with her hands tied to the bed frame with bandages. I was appalled and asked why they had done this and they said it was because she kept trying to get out of bed. When I asked where the cot sides were as she was too weak to climb over those, it was met with a shrug, I said this was unacceptable and to take the bandages off. After a brief argument they found more cot sides and put them on. I was told that tying 'at risk' patients down was normal as the nurse did not have time to watch all the patients. After treatment mum regained her faculties and strength and fortunately remembered nothing of being tied down which distressed her very much at the time - and also myself. LYNDA RIDSDALE, Quesada

LETTERS EXTRA PAGE 14

Friday, March 1, 2013

SWEET NOTHINGS Use your Sugar loafs and cash in on those bins

I CAN’T say I like Alan Sugar – indeed, I can’t imagi ne a more unlikely marriage of sweet name and bitter sourpuss . But you have to respect the Lord of the Apprentice, if only for his entrepreneurial nous. I read old Grate and Lyle’s autobiography recently with mixed feelings. Admiration for the way a pimply workingclass lad built himself a multimillion pound empire, to disgust at his innuendo in one aside that gazumping is a noble trait. Gloat if you must, Lord S, but in my world, renaging on an agreed deal just to make more profit is both immoral and dishonest. Maybe that’s why I’m a journalist rather than a businesswoman, but if business success means jumping into bed with the devil, then I’ll settle for bankruptcy any day. Having said that, nothing would be more welcome right now than an injection of a few thousand Sugars into the Spanish economy. Coming from the UK, a country where most of the unemployed youth are either workshy or short of a marble or two, it’s weird to encounter university graduates strug-

gling to find work even in bars, let alone at the challenging level their skills deserve. With 50 per cent of under25s having no work – and little sign of the situation improving - more and more young Spaniards are joining

SUGAR: Sweet ‘n sour the exodus to countries where their talents are in demand. I know a number of welleducated Spanish lads in their mid 20s who speak four languages, yet when it comes to work, have only the

odd summer shift earning buttons at a beach bar to look forward to. Their obvious route to selfrespect is to head for a country like France or the UK, where they can utilise their knowledge of French and English. Or to South America, where the cultural ties with Spain would make them feel more at home. Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to puzzle out how young entrepreneurs among the unemployed could make themselves a few euros. The most original idea I’ve come up with would work best in the UK, but that should be no obstacle to Spanish youngsters prepared to travel. So what is this great idea? Well, it’s linked to the fact that the refuse collection service in Britain has deteriorated in recent years to the point that in many areas it is, in a word, rubbish. Example - in Bury, Greater Manchester, where my family

DUMPY OLD GRAN’S SPONSORED SLIM

What a weigh day! IT’S two weeks since my last official I’ll hopefully be able to confirm the weigh-in – and I’m gagging to know how good news when I get back to Spain early much nearer to my target I am. The prob- next week. In the meantime, I’m putting lem has been that I am currently in the up the unofficial figure so we do at least UK, so can’t have my reguget some continuity in covlar Wednesday morning TOTAL LOSS, 7 WEEKS erage of Dumpy Old Gran’s weigh-in at the Beauty and great weight meltdown. Wellness Salon in Pueblo So unofficially, I have now Bravo. lost 7.5 kilos in seven Last time I was officially weeks…that’s 16.5 pounds, weighed, I was 87.1 kilos –a or one stone 2.5lbs. And I loss off 6.1 kilos, or just feel a lot better for it – not UNOFFICIAL under one stone, since I least because I’ve raised started my sponsored diet January 10 - 93.2 kilos over £500 for the Crohn's in on January 10. When I February 28 - 85.7 kilos Children Research stepped onto the scales this Association in the process. morning at my UK home in Manchester, I’ve still got 8.5 kilos more to lose so if the reading was 85.7 kilos. Now that is there’s anyone out there who would like very unofficial – but it does at least seem to sponsor me, you’ll find the donation to confirm that I haven’t GAINED weight page at www.justgiving.com/donna-gee during my travels. Onward and downward!

7.5 kilos (16 lbs 8 oz)

live, the cash-strapped council only remove general household waste once a fortnight. And for the vast majority of families, that is simply not enough. Enter the budding impresarios. The gap week presents an open invitation for enterprising youngsters to whip

superfluous rubbish down to the local tip for their neighbours at a couple of quid a trip. The neighbours would welcome it. But the council would naturally try to put a stop to it, while the official binmen would go on strike in protest. Indefinitely, with a bit of luck.

And that would leave an army of youngsters with an open door to start their own refuse collection service. It couldn’t happen, of course, because official jobsworths would block non council employees dumping large amounts of waste at the local tip. But wouldn’t it make a welcome change for British homeowners if they had a super-efficient daily collection service whizzing around the streets at night. You know, like in Spain. But then, we Brits have had a lot more practice when it comes to bureaucratic incompetence.

Friday, March 1, 2013

MAN ALIVEâ&#x20AC;ŚJUST!

I DON'T like hospital visiting at the best of times. And this was the worst of times. Ol' Red Eyes, a founder member of our pub social group, had been found in a state of collapse on his bar stool. Nothing unusual there. Ol' Red Eyes was always to be found in a collapsed condition. But there is 'collapsed' and then there is 'COLLAPSED.' And, oh boy, was Ol' Red Eyes in a COLLAPSED condition. An ambulance was immediately requested but after a brief examination the paramedic announced that it was too late. Ol' Red Eyes had passed away hours before. 'If only you had contacted us earlier,' pronounced the ambulanceman, shaking his head gravely. 'But Ol' Red Eyes always appears to be dead,' said Dave the barman. 'Would you mind checking him again?' 'Blimey,' said the shocked paramedic moments later. 'I've never encountered any-

thing like this before. The patient is still breathing even though I could have sworn he's in rigor mortis.' Ol' Red Eyes was prised off his bar stool and stretchered out of the hostelry. We, his pub pals, piled into three cars and a van and -with a battered old bicycle bringing up the rear -- followed the ambulance. By the time we arrived at the infirmary and had parked our vehicles and the clapped-out bike, Ol' Red Eyes had already been examined by the triage nurse and dispatched to the mortuary. 'You've got to bring our friend back to Accident and Emergency,' insisted Dave the barman. 'He isn't really deceased. He just looks that way.' Dave wasn't in the best of moods because he'd had to shut the pub. But I earnestly believed that he was a decent bloke who accepted that health matters took

precedence over business. My hypothesis was shot down in flames when Dave groaned: 'That sick sod Ol' Red Eyes is costing me money! Would all of you stop feeding my potential bar takings into the hospital's vending machine. It's not fair.'

After confirming to the A&E bookings clerk that nobody knew Ol' Red Eyes' real name, the patient was transferred to a ward where a doctor was waiting to examine the new arrival, Mr A.N.Other. 'Well, doc?' we pub mates chorused. 'What's the

prognosis or diagnosis -whichever word applies?' 'I'm sorry,' said the doctor. 'I'm having great difficulty in establishing the cause of your friend's problem.' 'A complicated case, then?' we said. 'Not necessarily,' said the doctor. It's just that I can't get near the patient with you lot faffing about around his bed. Either wait outside or fetch me a longer stethoscope.' We shuffled out of the ward and back to the hot drinks machine. 'Save your money, fellas,' pleaded Dave the barman, checking his watch. 'We might be able to get back to the pub before closing time.' When the doctor returned to us, he had good news. 'It's a Vitamin D deficiency. Tell me, does your friend spend any time in natural daylight?' We all guffawed. 'Are you kidding?' sniggered Dave the barman. 'The guy spends every possible moment in my pub.'

'Then he shall have to change his lifestyle,' insisted the doctor. 'He must start spending more time in the open air.' 'Hmm,' said Dave the barman. 'I suppose I could sit Ol' Red Eyes on a chair on the pavement and serve him his drinks at the kerbside. But I'd have to tie him to a lamp-post in case he dozed off and fell into the road. 'The main consideration is that I don't lose Ol' Red Eyes as a customer. He's my primary source of income, you know.' 'You're a very compassionate man,' observed the doctor. 'I shall provide Mr Other with a month's supply of Vitamin D tablets. But please don't let him take more than the prescribed dosage otherwise he'll become too healthy too quickly and might shock himself.' 'Thanks, doc,' said Dave the barman as we trooped out. 'Would you tell Ol' Red Eyes that when he's ready to be discharged, we've left his bike in the car park.'

Friday, March 1, 2013

SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH LESSON 60 WELCOME to another week! Soon I will be starting my introductions in Spanish as I feel you are now sufficiently able to understand. As these lessons go on I will incorporate more Spanish and hopefully you will understand almost all if not everything. First, the answers to last week’s revision questions on adverbs - and then, as promised, we will continue with verbs and start some different tenses. We’ll begin with one of the past tenses which is the easiest to learn and ideal for beginners. Last week’s answers: Lo siento es demasiado tarde (late), no te sientes ahí, porque está recién (freshly) pintado, mi hermana no sale casi nunca (hardly ever), yo sólo (only) quiero una casa grande, los compro muy baratos (cheaply) llego demasiado tarde la tienda está cerrada los recién casados deciden pasar su luna de miel en el Caribe me gustan coches rojos más , son mis favoritos Apenas salgo, no tengo mucho dinero No puedo ver claro a esta distancia puedes aparcar gratis en esta aparcamiento, no tienes que pagar Trabajo todo la noche, estoy agotado Now we’ll start learning different tenses of verbs - which is where a lot of people may lose interest. There can be a feeling that everything can be said in the present tense by adding words such as ´yesterday´ or ´tomorrow´ to convey a sense of tense; while this is true when that is the only tense you know, as you become more proficient in the language, using the correct tense goes a long way to make yourself understood. And you have come this far, so why stop now? You may want to go over some previous lessons, all of which can be found on the Courier website, just to refresh

your memory and remind yourself of verb conjugations. We are going to start with one of the past tenses. There is more than one way to say something happened in the past and this I believe, is the easiest way. It is the way in English we say ´have´ for example...I have been to the shop, I have done my homework, I have seen a nice house. With this tense we have to use two verbs, as we do in English. However, in Spanish we do not use the verb we know means ´To Have´, which is ´tener´ because this only relates to the examples that were given in the lesson on tener which was back in Lesson 16. That is physical possession, having to do something/go somewhere for example - and the expressions, tener hambre, etc. With this tense the verb we have to use that also means ´to have´ is haber. This is how the verb haber conjugates yo HE, tú HAS, él/ella/usted HA, Nosostros/as HEMOS, Vosotros/as HABÉIS, Ellos/ellas/ustedes HAN

vivIR – to live I have lived – he vivIDO, they have lived – han vivIDO So, as you see, once you have learnt the conjugation of haber in this tense, it is simple to conjugate the second verb in the past participle. However, there are of course certain verbs which are irregular and these have to be learnt, the most common of which are: abrir (to open) - abierto (open), decir (to say) - dicho (said), escribir (to write) - escrito (written), freír (to fry) frito (fried), hacer (to do) - hecho (done), morir (to die) muerto (dead), poner (to put) - puesto (put), romper (to break) - roto (broken), ver (to see) - visto (seen), volver (to return) - vuelto (returned) Most past participles can be used as adjectives, in which case they will change their endings to agree in gender and number with the noun that they modify: Example: Las puertas están cerradas – the doors are closed, El restaurante está abierto – the restaurant is open. However, when the past participle is used with haber (conjugated) IT NEVER CHANGES. It keeps the IDO or ADO ending. Note that for -er and -ir verbs, if the stem ends in a vowel, a written accent will be required: Creer (to believe) – creído , Oír (to hear) – oído Note: this rule does not apply, and no written accent is required for verbs ending in -uir. (construir, seguir, influir, distinguir, etc.)

Then there is the second verb; look in the above examples and you will see: TO GO, TO DO, TO SEE These verbs also need to be conjugated, of course, and they are conjugated to the past participle which can be used in other ways but we will concentrate on this which is the present perfect tense. And it is very easy to do with regular verbs: With AR verbs, take off the AR and add ADO Example: hablAR – hablADO Let´s check your knowledge with some homework, transSo, to say “I have spoken” you take the conjugated yo form late the following into Spanish: of haber = HE and you add the conjugated form of Hablar = I have opened the door; I have seen the children; I have HABLADO which makes HE HABLADO done my homework; I have spoken with him; I have made the With ER and IR verbs, take off the ending and add IDO bed; You have closed the window; I have written a letter to Example: comER – to eat my daughter; I have put it on the table; Have you seen the I have eaten = he comIDO, you have eaten – has car? He has eaten everything; We have seen the parade comIDO (desfile).

Friday, March 1, 2013

WHATEVER LOLA WANTS, MY GERMAN SHEPHERD LOLA GETS… CAN HANDLE ANY DOG IT was great to meet so many wonderful people at my seminar in Spain a few weeks ago and the passion and enthusiasm you all have for dogs was a pleasure to witness. We are finally moving to Spain in just over a week’s time, so things are a little hectic here, with all the packing under way. I will be available for consultations by mid March in Spain, but am also looking forward to helping to rescue as many dogs as possible. We will then look to rehabilitate these dogs and rehome them. A great aspect to our rescue side is that members of the public will be able to offer a new home to one of our rescue dogs and they will be balanced from the start. I am also looking forward

to helping Viv Wharton, who runs www.actin-spain.com ACTIN stands for Animal Care Treatment International Network and the aim of this organisation is to make changes for the better for animals in Spain. Viv is passionate in trying to help abused animals and it will be a pleasure to assist her. Along with Viv, I will also be of assistance to Raquel Lopez Teruel, an animal lawyer in Murcia, who is working towards the same goal as Viv in helping animals in need in Spain. I met Raquel at my seminar and her enthusiasm was amazing to witness. Meeting Courier reporter Sally Bengtsson, another passionate dog owner, was great and I would like to thank Sally for her review of the seminar in this paper a

couple of weeks ago. It has been an inspiration to meet many Spanish and British people who are all

working to help the many homeless animals in Spain and by us all working together I feel we can make a big difference. Once we are set up in Spain, we will also be offering an interesting and helpful service, where clients’ dogs suffering from behaviour problems can come and stay with my pack of dogs to be rehabilitated. I am truly blessed to have my pack of six and they can work their magic on other dogs and help them to achieve calm and balance in

a very natural way. Only this morning, one of my clients visited me with one of her dogs, who was showing signs of aggression towards other dogs. The blood from her face nearly drained as she watched me walk her dog into my home to meet my six. Straight away the dog started to growl and snarl at my pack, as he lunged for Sanchez, one of my small Spanish rescue dogs. With this, Lola, my female German Shepherd, calmly approached the dog and touched his back with her mouth and instantly there was silence and calm. The client watched in complete disbelief as her dog began to settle into the pack. This dog was proving that although many people did not trust him around other dogs, if he had access

to a calm pack of dogs, which he now had, he could become calm and balanced in a matter of minutes. That is the beauty of having a calm pack of dogs. They can show another dog how to behave quicker that any behaviourist out there, including me. Lola is an absolute expert at this and to think she was found homeless on the streets of South London in her first year of life! When she was collected by the local dog warden she was frightened out of her life. The warden probably thought that he had just collected another street dog with fears and phobias. What he did not realise was that in actual fact, he had just collected one of the greatest dog behaviourists of all time!

PETS’ CORNER: CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT? Ricki is approx 3 years old and was rescued from a perrera. He is a lively, playful dog, chipped and good with other dogs. His long coat was extremely matted but has now had a good cut and blow. Call: 645 469 253. www.petsinspain.com

Rocky is a German Shepherd that has been tied up for most of his life, He is 10 years old and is now ready to find that special person that will care for him for the rest of his life. Please ring Laurence 680856235 www.catsndogsaid.com

Marta is a beautiful black and tan German shepherd cross,2 years old medium sized . She is spayed is a very gentle and affectionate dog. She is good with other dogs. Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 for more info www.k9club.es

Rocky

Marta

Monty is 8 months old, he is a staffie cross and would love to find a forever home. He is neutered, chipped and vaccinated. He loves being with people but would prefer to be the only dog. Call: 950 466 055. www.petsinspain.com

Pol born Feb 2012 is a little nervous and he is medium sized, found wandering. He seems to be a sweet natured dog and is good with female dogs. He is a young dog who is currently living in a garage, so he desperately needs a home. Call PEPA helpdesk on 650 304 746.

Minime: Daschund X born Oct 2011. He’s a bright, friendly and happy little dog who’s fostered with other dogs and cats. Castrated and fully vaccinate. For more information please telephone P.E.P.A. on 650304746 www.pepaspain.com

Ricki Roddy is a medium/large 12 year old male who was abandoned by his owners because he grew old. He was put in a long-term foster home to try to keep him out of kennels because the weather is too cold for him, but he was left at the kennel gates when they didn't want to keep him any more. He is a nice natured old boy and all he needs is a comfortable, loving home for the years he has left. Please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563

Roddy

Monty

Pol

Minime

Friday, March 1, 2013

LÍNEA DIRECTA REPORTS ON DRIVING IN WINTER

Línea Directa is one of the key players in the fight to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. For almost 20 years, it has promoted research into accident rates in order to encourage safe driving habits. Due to the risks involved with driving in winter months, it now offers advice on how to act in adverse weather conditions.

With respect to the car: 1.Check your car, especially the mechanical components. Pay attention to brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and brake fluid, antifreeze and oil levels. 2. Don’t forget to check the condition of your tyres including the spare wheel, checking pressure, tread and the grooves of each tyre, which must have a minimum depth of 1.6mm. 3. Always take a reflective jacket, two warning triangles and a torch with you. Also ensure that your mobile is charged in case you need to use it in an emergency.

With respect to driving: 1. If you often drive in snow, consider buying winter tyres. In any case, avoid any sudden movements and, as a general rule, do not overtake. Take special care with snow which has turned into ice and always drive at low speeds. 2. If it is foggy or raining, adapt your speed and distance from the vehicle ahead to the weather conditions. Do not brake suddenly to avoid skidding. 3. Aim the vehicle’s heating system at the windows to prevent them from fogging up as a result of humidity. 4. When overtaking, reaching crossroads, leaving tunnels and in open spaces, be careful with any sudden gusts of wind, which might lead to a loss of steering and the vehicle overturning.

Call now for more information on 902 123 104

Friday, March 1, 2013

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

AS I wrote last week, my life is now at a point where I am content. I am living in a lovely country, I have jobs I enjoy doing, I get to spend quality time with my son in places I never dreamt I would be seeing let alone living near - and my life is comfortable.

When he arrives and leaves my place we always have a long hug and as I was hugging him goodbye the other day I began to think that if we lived together this wouldn´t be happening. Living together means you tend to take the other person for granted, long hugs when one of you leaves happen no more, kissing goodbye on the doorstep is reduced to a peck rather than part of the embrace that both of you want to last forever. When you know that you will see the other person in a few hours, that feeling is gone. The anticipation, the longing to never let go, gazing into each other’s eyes, all can be gone with the mundane reality of living together. So, maybe seeing someone occasionally really is the best result. Some marriages last for years with the two people living far from each other. Boredom and the fundamental realities of life are not there when you are living separate

I find my bills can get paid and most importantly my health is good; life is definitely on the positive side at the moment. However, there is one part of my life, as I´ve written about many times, that is not quite as perfect as I´d like. Or is it? When it comes to relationships I´ve never quite managed to find someone to meet me at the end of the aisle, and I always thought this was a bad thing. For someone like me who wants so much to get married and have my happy ever after, not being Four Weddings and a Funeral - I’ve seen it countless times walked towards my Prince is something I´ve that line just seemed to stick with me. Perhaps, then, I always felt was lacking in my life and something I´ve aimed lives. for. Not desperately of course, I have had a few opportuni- should have known that my future was as a single girl! There is always the excitement and anticipation; knowing My reason for the quote is this, I have recently met someties to marry but the guys in question were never going to be when your other half is on his way and the knowledge that one, we got in touch via the internet and he lives about 20my prince, so desperation has never come into my life. the visit will be over far too soon can add to the flame However, I digress, my column this week is about NOT 25 minutes’ drive away. He works incredibly long hours in remaining lit. three different jobs, which means that I don’t get to see him being married. So maybe I will content myself with my occasional visits There is a famous scene towards the end of the film ´Four too often, maybe twice a week for a few hours if I´m lucky. when we are both able, and maybe one day things will move Weddings and a Funeral´ where Hugh Grant turns to Andi to another level. But for now I am determined to enjoy the At first I began to worry that this wasn´t going to be time we spend together knowing full well that the reason he MacDowell and says: “Would you agree not to marry me, and do you think not being married to me is something you enough for me. When I am in a relationship I like to see the isn´t by my side is because he is working hard for his future, could do for the rest of your life?” To which she replies: “I person as much as possible but it occurred to me the other not because he just doesn´t want to be here. do”. day, as a friend was complaining about her husband always And I will enjoy those brief moments and the rest of my Sad maybe, but I just wrote that line from memory having being at home and her not getting any peace, that maybe my life, already filled with work and my son, will carry on as seen the film countless times, albeit not for a few years. But situation was a better compromise. before. Maybe I really do have the best of both worlds.

Letters extra

Shackles: Case for the defence

(OF BOTH PATIENTS AND HOSPITAL STAFF) NOT wishing to fill your columns with the same stories every week I feel that after reading your readers’ comments on patients being "shackled" whilst in Hospital, perhaps my experience may help to allay anyone's fears. On February 1, 2011 I suffered pains in my chest and after managing to drive to Vega Baja, Orihuela Hospital I was placed in a wheelchair in the waiting room where I suddenly started to feel cold and my body started to shake. The next thing I was aware of was waking up some eight days later to find my right arm and both legs tied down to a bed at the wrist and ankle with a nurse in the process of tying my left arm the same. My wife was at my bedside and we managed to persuade the nurse to untie me and inform me why I was being restrained. It would appear that I had "died" in the wheelchair and it had taken the staff 90 minutes to revive me, after which I was apparently fitted with a pacemaker and moved into critical care where I spent eight days suffering from pneumonia and other complications and under sedation. It would seem that whilst being fitted with an external pacemaker I had tried to "rip it off" and similarly with any tubes they were trying to insert,and whilst "throwing myself about" had inadvertently kicked one of the

staff in the face so I was subsequently "shackled" for my own safety, and it would appear the staff's, in order to continue my treatment. Whilst in the intensive care after coming round it was explained to me that the "shackling" was a necessary evil that is used at times for patients’ safety. Although it was, to say the least, very disconcerting to wake up and find yourself being tied down, in my case without this I may have suffered permanent damage (as might the staff) whereas. two years down the line and two stents fitted I am back to normal and possibly fitter than I have been for some years. As for the "shackling" being" inhuman and unethical and against the Hippocratic oath", as quoted in your front page story issue 104,without the care and attention and "SHACKLING" given to me I would not be sat at my desk typing this e-mail to yourselves. I can only say that the treatment I received at the Hospital was second to none and has given me a new lease of life and, if shackling has to be part of the treatment in the future, they can use it anytime in the future should I have a repeat of any life threatening illnesses. MR L M LEVETT-SMITH (Address supplied)

Friday, March 1, 2013

The A to Ed of credit ratings

Triple A sounds like some kind of tiny battery, but it’s the highest form of rating given by the financial credit agencies. So you can imagine the hubbub that was caused when one of those agencies, Moody’s, stripped the UK of that status, by taking it down by a tiny notch. It’s no big financial deal, with France and the USA having gone down that road, weird ideas. He pointed out but there’s political symbolthat unemployment levels ism here. George Osborne have not reached some of has spent the last four years the high-predicted levels, saying that Britain had to and that exports are rising. keep its high status at all Inflation though is too costs, but the announcehigh, and growth ment of the down-grading levels are not what came as no great surprise. the coalition govLabour’s Ed Balls couldn’t ernment had wait to say that he’d spend expected. more money, which would Economic probably get the UK credit messes are rating heading in a downnot cleared up ward spiral to Triple Z. overnight, but I Meanwhile, some right-wing always find economists from La La Land what Cable suggested that Osborne has to should cut much deeper and have some big tax giveaways. A more sensible response came from the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, who rubVince Cable bished all these

say on the subject as credible and human, as opposed to Osborne who always gives the impression that he doesn't care about the concerns of the ordinary British family. T h r e e months after the publication of the excellent Leveson report on the bad practices of the British press, absolutely nothing has happened to

implement it. Labour and the Conservatives can’t seem to agree on the way forward, which appears to be caused by David Cameron being nobbled by some of the press barons. There’s a Uturn of self-interest here from the Prime Minister, who appears to have forgotten the dreadful treatment handed out to the Dowler and McCann families, amongst others. Are some favourable column inches in the papers for the Tories more important than a rigorous and statutory form of redress for anybody wronged by a newspaper? It’s only what the broadcasters have to do anyway, so why is it so different for the written word? Having interviewed the man on a couple of

occasions, I can genuinely vouch that the Universities minister, David Willetts, is not a fool. But it appears that he put on a dunce's cap when he suggested that people in their 60s should go to university so that they can get employment in another career. Most of the high tuition fees would be waived because of the low income for the over-60s, but is the minister really expecting people of that age to put on cap and gown, when retirement is what they are really thinking about? Last year, I lambasted Britain’s most senior Catholic, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, for his most unChristian comments over gay people and gay marriage. Then on Monday came the news that he'd

suddenly quit his position as Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, following weekend revelations that four priests have complained to the Vatican about “inappropriate behaviour” from O’Brien some 30 years ago. Their letter was sent a week before the Pope’s resignation with rumours recently swirling around that the Pontiff quit not because of ill health, but because of a big sex scandal that’s set to be uncovered. O’Brien has denied any misbehaviour and the resignation wasn’t as dramatic as it seemed, as he was retiring anyway this month on reaching his 75th birthday. At least he won't now be going to the Vatican to choose the new Pope, and you can only conclude that there's no smoke without fire over these allegations. All of this should be a matter for the Scottish police, let alone the Vatican, and after the Savile scandal, this must be pursued with great vigour, either clearing O’Brien’s name and reputation or to show him up as yet another hypocrite who has besmirched the name of the Roman Catholic Church.

Friday, March 1, 2013

GLUTEN FREE!

Cutting out wheat, rye, oats, barley and more means being inventive when sourcing alternatives. These no-gluten dinners are wholesome and nourishing- just be careful to check the label when using any processed products. SALMON WITH NEW POTATO & CORN SALAD & BASIL DRESSING Ingredients 400g baby new potatoes 2 sweetcorn cobs 4 skinless salmon fillets 2 very large tomatoes, like beefsteak FOR THE DRESSING 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped handful basil leaves

Method

1. Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender, adding corn for final 5 mins, then drain and allow to cool a little. 2. For the dressing, mix the vinegar, oil, shallot, capers, basil and some seasoning. 3. Heat grill to high. Rub a little dressing on the salmon and cook, skinned-side down, for 7-8 mins. Slice tomatoes and place on a serving plate. Slice the potatoes, cut the corn from the cobs and arrange over the tomatoes. Top with the salmon, then drizzle over the remaining dressing.

SMOKED HADDOCK WITH LEMON & DILL LENTILS Ingredients 100g/ 4oz Puy lentils 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 celery stick, finely chopped 300ml/ ½ pint vegetable stock 1 rounded tbsp half-fat crème fraîche 2 tbsp chopped dill zest ½ lemon 2 x 100g/4oz smoked haddock fillets 50g/ 2oz baby spinach leaves

Method

1. Tip the lentils into a pan with the onion, carrot and celery. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Give it a stir, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins, until the lentils are tender. 2. Mix together the crème fraîche, half the dill and the lemon zest, adding a little seasoning. Put the fish in a shallow dish

with a splash of water and cover with cling film. Microwave on Medium for 4-6 mins until the fish flakes easily. 3. When the lentils are cooked, stir in the spinach until the leaves are barely wilted, then stir in the crème fraîche mixture. Divide between 2 warmed plates and top with the haddock. Scatter over the remaining dill and serve.

WARM QUINOA SALAD WITH GRILLED HALLOUMI Ingredients 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, sliced 1 large roasted pepper from a jar, thickly sliced, or a handful of ready-roasted sliced peppers 200g quinoa 500ml vegetable stock small bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped zest and juice 1 lemon large pinch sugar 250g pack halloumi cheese, cut into 6 sliced

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a medium saucepan. Cook the onion and pepper for a few mins, then add the quinoa and cook for a further 3 mins. Add the stock, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook for 15 mins or until soft, then stir through half the parsley. Heat the grill. 2. Meanwhile, mix the lemon zest and juice with the remaining parsley and oil, and a large pinch of sugar and salt. Grill the halloumi until both sides are golden and crisp. Serve the salad with the grilled halloumi and the dressing poured over everything.

TERIYAKI PRAWNS & BROCCOLI NOODLES Ingredients 50ml low-sodium soy sauce 50ml mirin 2 tbsp lemon juice 1½ tbsp caster sugar 200g soba noodles 140g thin-stemmed broccoli 140g cooked prawns 1 small red chilli, thinly sliced

and sugar. Simmer for 5 mins until syrupy, then remove from the heat. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, then cook the noodles and broccoli for about 3 mins, adding the prawns a few secs before draining. Divide the mixture between 2 plates, pour the warm teriyaki sauce over the top, sprinkle with the red chilli and serve.

ROSEMARY ROAST CHOPS & POTATOES Ingredients 3 tbsp olive oil 8 lamb chops 1kg potatoes, chopped into small chunks 4 rosemary sprigs 4 garlic cloves, left whole 250g cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method

1. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat half the oil in a flameproof roasting tin or ovenproof sauté pan. Brown the lamb for 2 mins on each side, then lift out of the pan. Add the rest of the oil, throw in the potatoes, then fry for 4-5 mins until starting to brown. Toss in the rosemary and garlic, then nestle the lamb in with the potatoes. 2. Roast everything together for 20 mins, then scatter over the tomatoes and drizzle with the vinegar. Place back in the oven for 5 mins until the tomatoes just begin to split. Remove from the oven and serve straight from the dish

GARLICKY GREEN BEANS Ingredients 300g green beans, trimmed 2 garlic cloves, sliced 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Cook the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 mins until just tender, then drain well and steam-dry for a min. 2. Meanwhile, gently fry the garlic in the oil until pale golden - no further. Toss with the beans, season and serve.

FRESH TOPPED PIZZA Ingredients

200g gluten-free flour ½ salt 2 tbsp olive oil Method 7g sachet fastIn a small saucepan, heat the soy sauce, mirin, lemon juice action dried yeast 1 tbsp chopped rosemary 1 tsp ground black pepper 125-150ml warm water 210g jar tomatoes bruschetta topping FRESH TOPPING SUGGESTIONS 140g mozzarella, thickly sliced ½ avocado, thickly sliced

Friday, March 1, 2013

STICKY CHICKEN WITH SHERRY, ALMONDS & DATES Ingredients

70g pack rocket cherry tomato, halved 4 slices Parma ham 4 slices ham olive oil balsamic vinegar

Method 1. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Put the flour, salt, olive oil, yeast, rosemary and pepper into a food processor. Pulse until well mixed. With the motor running, add enough water to bring the flour to a soft, but not sticky dough. Tip onto a work surface and knead until it comes together. 2. Halve the dough. If you only have one shelf in your oven and are cooking in batches, wrap one half in cling film. Roll out each half directly onto lightly oiled baking sheets into very thin 25cm/10in rounds. Do not form a rim at the edge. Spread the tomato topping over each piece of dough, almost to the edge. Leave to stand for 15 mins. Bake in the hot oven for 12-15 mins or until the dough is crisp. 3. Lift each round onto a plate and serve warm. Pass the toppings around and let each diner assemble their own pizza.

STEM GINGER & SQUASH STEAMED PUDDING Ingredients butter, for greasing 3 balls stem ginger from a jar, finely chopped, plus 4-6 tbsp syrup from the jar 3 large eggs 200g golden caster sugar 200g peeled and finely grated butternut squash zest 1 large lemon 175g rice flour 50g ground almonds 2 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp baking powder

Method

1. Lightly butter a 1.5-litre pudding basin. Put one-third of the stem ginger and all the ginger syrup in the bottom. Set aside. 2. In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Fold in the butternut squash, lemon zest and the remaining stem ginger. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture with a large metal spoon until well combined. 3. Fill the basin with the sponge mixture. Cover with a layer of buttered baking parchment and foil, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Tie on securely with string, then put in a steamer or large pan with an upturned bowl in the bottom. Add boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin, cover with a lid and simmer for 1½ hrs. Check the water level every now and then, and top up if you need to. 4. To test when the sponge is ready, insert a skewer into the centre. It should come out clean with no trace of raw mixture. Unwrap and serve hot.

3 tbsp olive oil 8 chicken legs 2 medium onions, chopped 15 garlic cloves, left whole in skin 1 tsp ground cumin 250ml sherry, such as Oloroso or Manzanilla zest and juice 1 lemon, plus extra zest to serve 50g whole blanched almonds (we used Marcona), roughly chopped 12 large soft dates, chopped 20g pack flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Method

1. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a large frying pan. Season the chicken, then brown on all sides. Remove the chicken, place it in a large baking dish, then set aside. Add the remaining oil, the onions and garlic to the pan, then season. Fry for 10 mins until golden. Stir in the cumin, sherry and lemon zest and juice. Bring to the boil, then add the almonds, dates and half the parsley. 2. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover with foil, then roast for 1 hr until tender, taking the foil off after 15 mins. Spoon the liquid over the chicken a couple of times during roasting. Serve piled up on a large platter with the sauce poured over, the garlic cloves, remaining parsley and some extra lemon zest.

CHICKEN AND WHITE BEAN STEW Ingredients 2 tbsp sunflower oil 400g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into chunks 1 onion, finely chopped 3 carrots, finely chopped 3 celery sticks, finely chopped 2 thyme sprigs or ½ tsp dried 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried 600ml vegetable or chicken stock 2 x 400g / 14oz cans haricot beans, drained chopped parsley, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the chicken, then fry until lightly browned. Add the veg, then fry for a few mins more. Stir in the herbs and stock. Bring to the boil. Stir well, reduce the heat, then cover and cook for 40 mins, until the chicken is tender. 2. Stir the beans into the pan, then simmer for 5 mins. Stir in

the parsley and serve with crusty bread.

MUSHROOM STUFFED CHICKEN WITH LEMON THYME RISOTTO Ingredients 25g dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 250ml water for 30 mins, soaking liquid reserved 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 150g pack baby button mushrooms, finely chopped 2 thyme sprigs or lemon thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped 175ml white wine 4 skin-on chicken breasts FOR THE LEMON THYME RISOTTO 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 140g risotto rice 600ml hot chicken stock 2 thyme sprigs or lemon thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped juice and zest ½ lemon 50g Parmesan, grated, plus 1 tbsp extra to serve

Method

1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. First, make the stuffing. Finely chop the soaked porcini and set aside. Heat the oil in a shallow pan, then gently cook the onion for 5 mins, stirring occasionally. Add the porcini, button mushrooms and thyme leaves, season, turn the heat up, then cook for another 5 mins until the mushrooms have softened. 2. Add the wine to the pan, then reduce fiercely until nearly dry. Add 50ml of the porcini soaking liquid, then continue to reduce for a couple of mins until you have a syrupy sauce. Allow to cool for a couple of mins, then carefully spoon between the skin and the flesh of the chicken breasts. Can be made a day ahead and chilled, or frozen for 1 month. Defrost in fridge before cooking. Season, place on a baking tray, skin-side up, then cook in the oven for 20 mins, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. 3. While the chicken is cooking, make the risotto. Heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan. Add the celery and onion, then cook over a medium heat for 5 mins until softened. Add the rice, coat it well in the oil, then cook for 1 min. Gradually add the stock a ladleful at a time, stirring with each addition until absorbed. Continue adding the stock and stirring until the risotto is oozing and thick - about 20 mins. Stir in the thyme, lemon juice, zest and Parmesan. 4. When the chicken is cooked through and golden, remove from the oven. Spoon the risotto onto serving plates, sprinkle with the extra Parmesan and top with a chicken breast. Spoon over the juices from the chicken pan, then serve immediately.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Ways to treat and prevent tennis Elbow You don't have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. In fact, about 95 per cent of folks with this condition never set foot on a court. Instead, they garden, they type, they turn wrenches, and they carry briefcases: activities that require them to repeatedly rotate the elbow or flex the wrist, usually while gripping a heavy object. Like a good backhand, tennis elbow takes time to develop. The first sign is usually soreness or a dull ache on the outside of the elbow joint that gets worse when you grasp something. Eventually, the pain may radiate down the top of your forearm, sometimes all the way to your wrist. Here are some tips that you can consider to

adopt to relieve your elbow pain.

Pick Up Where You Left Off

You can ease back into your normal routine when your elbow no longer bothers you. As a general rule, there should be no pain associated with day-to-day tasks before you move on to something more demanding. Give yourself time to see how your elbow reacts. Don't overdo it just because you don't feel pain right away.

Use Soothing Strokes Relaxing the surrounding muscles can take some of the pressure off an aching elbow. Gently massage the full length of your forearm muscle from your elbow to

BEAUTY AND OBESE Career breakthrough: Make the fattest the fittest OBESITY has reached epidemic proportions and this trend is set to continue. The future population is going to need many more Health Professionals to help to curb this trend. Are you looking for a worthwhile career that is guaranteed to keep you in business and give you a healthy income and a worthwhile, fulfilling professionally qualified career? Slim Fit Europe is a new kind of health and fitness business that is now looking for partners to expand in all geographical areas. The basic concept is simple as it combines well known methods and products to help people lose weight and improve their fitness levels. The success of this over its competitors is that Slim Fit uses a complete "one to one" approach therefore encourag-

ing those people who are morbidly obese and therefore much less likely to seek help because of their embarrassment or the fact that they have little confidence to approach the traditional gyms and weight loss groups. Slim Fit partners can elect to work in their own homes or rent a room wherever they feel is most appropriate to see their clients. No previous experience is needed as Slim Fit give full training and included in the package is the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification at Aset Level 3. All advertising and support is provided along with a full initial week of training and a complete starter pack. For more information on this exciting new career path visit www.slimfiteurope.com Email: info@slimfiteurope.com Telephone Nigel on 965 060 811

above your wrist, not just where you feel pain.

Try Homeopathy The homeopathy remedy Ruta graveolens can help soothe a sore elbow. It is recommended taking a 6X dose every hour while your pain is severe, then three or four times a day as your condition improves. You will find Ruta graveolens in health food stores and wherever homeopathic remedies are sold.

Say "Ahhh" With Ice Freeze some water in a paper cup, then peel back the top of the cup and rub the ice on your elbow in a circular motion for 5 to 7 minutes. Repeat this treatment at least two times a day for the first five days that you have pain.

Make Some Muscle

Brace Yourself

Once your elbow is on the mend, gentle strengthening and stretching exercises can help rehabilitate the joint and protect it from re-injury. It is recommended to give this move a try, but only after any pain and inflammation subsides. While holding a 2pound dumbbell, rest your forearm on a table top, with your wrist extending over the edge and your palm facing down. Slowly raise and lower the dumbbell, moving your wrist through its full motion. Repeat 15 to 20 times, and then change hands. Do the exercise three times a day. If you experience any pain, try switching to a lighter weight.

Try an elbow support. It prevents you from contracting the extensor muscle when you move your hand. It also reminds you to give the injured area a rest. You can buy one of these devices in a drugstore or a medical supply store.

Stick With An Old Standby A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can relieve pain and swelling. But you can stop taking medication once you resume a normal level of activity. You want to be aware of any pain that occurs so you know when you are straining the area.

WHEN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS FAILS TO DETECT DISEASE Quite commonly, people go to the doctor with a health concern, only to be told after medical investigations that there is nothing wrong with them. Often times, the only investigations that would have been carried out by the doctor are blood tests and Xrays. As important as these investigations are, their use in medical diagnosis can be very limiting. Medical Diagnosis in hospitals can be seen to consist of 2 main processes – Clinical, and Investigative (laboratory and imaging). In clinical diagnosis, the doctor takes a history which includes the patient’s symptoms in relation to the body systems, as well as their previous state of health. Next comes the actual physical examination of the body, and then sometimes, the patient is also referred for further investigations. These investigations depend on a number of factors, such as the part of the body with the problem. Someone complaining of breathing problems will be sent for a chest X-ray, while a complaint arising from the stomach will lead to an endoscopic examination.

DR MACHI MANNU’S ADVICE CLINIC Email your questions and comments to machimannu@gmail.com

However due to health care budget cuts, doctors are discouraged from sending patient’s for investigations except on emergencies or what they determine to be serious health problems. Increasingly, doctors are only relying on their clinical knowledge to determine what is wrong, a process I refer to as ‘guess work diagnosis’. The accuracy of this type of diagnosis is very low, even when combined with the commonest forms of investigative diagnosisblood tests and X-rays. Most people are aware that blood tests nearly always never show anything wrong. Furthermore, blood tests are not very sensitive, and mostly detect a problem when the illness has progressed. They can also be very confusing for the doctor. For example, creatine kinase – a protein detected in routine blood tests can be elevated when someone has a problem with the heart, kidneys or muscles. X-rays use deadly ionizing radiation to create an

image of the body especially of the bones. Very recent studies have linked X-rays to cancers, with the risk of developing cancers increasing in direct proportion to the number of times the body is exposed. CT-scans are a form of X-ray that captures a 3 dimensional image of the body, on a computer screen. While X-rays take single snap shots of the body, CTscans (Computerized Tomography Scans) take continuous pictures, exposing the body to thousands of times more radiation than Xrays. CT-scans only take pictures of the body in shades of grey, making its accuracy dependent on the skill of the person (oftentimes a radiologist) analysing the result. There is also a limit to what anyone can tell about an illness from images. MRI’s (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are a lot safer than CT-scans, and are mainly used for identifying cancers in the body. They can also be used to tell some prob-

lems with the brain, heart and muscles, but are very rarely recommended to patients for cost reasons. Endoscopy refers to the process of looking inside the body with a camera to identify an illness. The main problem with such diagnostic technologies is that they rely on some form of imaging

technique to make a diagnosis. But the most current medical research now points to inflammation as the underlying cause of nearly every disease known to man, making it unlikely that imaging technologies (X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, endoscopy) will successfully diagnose most health problems. This is why the medical diagnosis carried out in our clinic using Sensitiv Imago technology is regarded as the standard for

the future. In simple terms, it measures the electromagnetic waves coming from the whole body, and using advanced computerized calculations, it outlines the organs and systems of the body undergoing changes due to inflammation or degeneration. It even predicts the future state of health in a year and 5 years and much more. In addition, it is completely safe and non-invasive.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Why does my husband have numb feet? Q

For a year or so my husband has suffered with a numb feeling in his feet. Our doctor in England suggested it may be a deficiency in Vitamin B but before he could have blood tests we moved our health care to Spain. When he mentioned it to the doctor here, he was told not to wear tight shoes. He is on medication for high blood pressure and gout, although he tries to control both by exercise and diet. As the problem is not improving and he believes you wrote an article about this, we would appreciate your advice.

Numbness, especially of the fingers and feet, can be caused by a number of disorders. One of the earliest signs of blood sugar intolerance or imbalance is numbness in the hands and feet. Blood sugar (glucose) intolerance is referred to as early stage diabetes. Early stage diabetes cannot be detected through urine and blood tests, leaving a five- hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) as the only reliable way for confirmation. But GTTs can be very cumbersome to perform and are not usually done in GP surgeries. The test is also not very conclusive. Diabetes is a complex slowly progressive disorder that comes and goes with stress, dietary habits, chronic disease, fatigue and hormonal imbalances. In practice I would consider early stage diabetes as a possible cause of numbness, in addition to other likely causes. In the absence of a glucose toler-

ance test, a supplement known as R-lipoic acid can be safely used to maintain blood sugar levels in early stage diabetes. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are also common causes of numbness in the feet. In fact the regulation of blood sugar depends on a number of minerals such as; zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, vanadium, calcium, and magnesium. Low levels of minerals such as calcium, and magnesium have been linked to numbness in the fingers and feet. A number of vitamin deficiencies are also known to cause pins and needles. These include vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12. A deficiency in Vitamin B1 results in poor blood circulation which may lead to pins and needles. Vitamin B2 deficiency causes nerve inflammation leading to numbness that affects the hands, fingers, feet and toes. Vitamin B12 is useful for the production of myelin – a fatty coat that protects nerves from injury. A low level of vitamin B12 is

associated with the sensation of numbness, pins and needles in the hands and feet. Some medical conditions may also cause numbness in the hands and feet, and these include; low thyroid hormones, Raynaud’s disease, migraines and shingles. Raynaud's disease is a disorder that causes constriction of the blood vessels usually in the toes and fingers, causing periodic attacks of numbness. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox – herpes zoster virus. This virus may stay dormant in the body for a very long time, and when the immune system is low, it ‘wakes’ up and starts attacking the nerves. Other causes of numbness of the feet include; medications, toxins such as heavy metals and alcohol use. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium are known causes of nerve inflammation. Lead has been known as a nerve poison for many decades. Mercury is a toxic metal, and a major source

into the body is amalgam tooth fillings that contain up to 50% mercury.

Q A

What are the health benefits of ginger? Ginger is derived from the rhizome of a tropical plant native to south-east Asia. It contains a variety of unique chemicals such as gingerol, zingerone and essential oils. Ginger has analgesic (Pain-relieving), antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseant and stimulating properties. Furthermore, it has a warming effect, and is often used to treat cold feet and hands caused by Raynaud’s disease and chilblains, as well as fevers. Ginger is frequently used to alleviate motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and to relieve nausea that arises after surgeries. It appears to work by stimulating stomach contraction and emptying. It also helps relieve indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, suppressed menstruation, poor circulation, dizziness, and migraines. Ginger has a similar structure to aspirin, and may help to reduce blood clotting, boost blood circulation and lower blood pressure. Its antiinflammatory property helps relieve muscle and joint pain caused by arthritis. A study involving 247 people with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee found that a standardized extract of ginger produced a moderately significant reduction in pain on standing. For health benefits, up to 250 mg of ginger extracts can be taken 2 to 4 times daily. 1 – 2 grams of fresh ginger powder can also be taken every 4 hours.

Friday, March 1, 2013

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca, they provide quality computer services at realistic prices and specialise in working with home users and small businesses.

Richard moved to Spain seven 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 (usually) 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: Pete was having problems with the BBC iPlayer ADVICE: Mike wanted to know how to send pictures with his Windows Live Mail system. desktop Hi Richard , I have tried downloading iPlayer a number of times each time after uninstalling both I player desktop and adobe. Programmes that were downloaded earlier are still available if I right click the icon, but I am unable to download new programmes using desktop. The page appears but remains stubbornly blank. This is a problem that has occurred previously but I have managed to re-establish desktop using the method outlined above. I believe many others are experiencing problems. If you are not able to help, I completely understand. Cheers Pete.

Hi Pete, the following is a link to the BBC help site for problems with iPlayer… http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/downloading/desktop_problems …some of it can be technical (checking log files etc.), so let me know if you want me to book an appointment to come along and help you sort it out.

Hi, using windows 7 how do you send photos by email? Reply: Hi Mike, what email program or website are you using? Reply: Hi Richard. You probably realise I am not computer literate; however my inbox states Windows Live Mail.

Hi Mike, thanks for your reply I just wanted to check the program you were using to confirm I had the right information for you, now I know its Windows Live Mail you should be able to use the instructions below... http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Send-pictures-in-e-mail Hope it helps, if it doesn’t work then I would need to come out and go through it in front of your computer to figure out what's happening, let me know how you get on.

ADVICE: Margaret wanted to know if it was ok to cancel an antivirus update part way through.

Q A

Hi Richard, I have AVG 2013 free download and it has been great but it is updating and seems to be stuck on 60%, is it safe to cancel. Margaret

Hi Margaret, I assume you are referring to an antivirus definition (a normal daily update rather than an update of the whole program?) If that’s the case then yes you can cancel it, just restart the computer and Update: Thank you very much, the problem is sorted. It required the deletion of hidden try it again, you will probably find it works fine the next time. files. I am most grateful... Pete

ADVICE: Chris wanted to know how to use Allway Sync

Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter @bluemoonspain Alternately why don’t you sign up for my newsletter. You can do this by going to:www.bluemoonsolutions.es and fill in the form that is on any page except the front page.

Hi Richard, thanks for the newsletter. I tried to utilise a tip ‘allway sync’ but cannot see how to actually use it. I have downloaded but cannot see what to do. Yes, I am a bit dumb, but is it foolproof?? I want to take all files from the computer I type on now, to my back up hard drive. Cheers, Chris.

Hi Chris, I’ve done a bit of googling for you and found this document which nicely demonstrates how to set up a sync

folder… http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/sync-folders-usb-drive-allway-sync-windows/ …please come back to me if you are still struggling.

office@bluemoonsolutions.es www.bluemoonsolutions.es Mobile: 655 044 970

Office: 902 906 200

Friday, March 1, 2013

CURSE OF THE BIG TIP RIP-OFF

A MODERN form of daylight robbery is sweeping Britain - yet another nasty from America. And it's hitting people in the pocket. This version has to be avoided at all costs, and let's keep it well away from Spain. I'm talking about the nonsense of restaurants slapping a service charge on bills, regardless of whether you've had good service or not. Why we've all been sucked into this crazy tipping, heaven knows, but it's really got out of hand in Britain. It started at the highclass restaurants and now, apparently, it is happening at rank and file eateries too. These crazy service charges are now spiralling to 20 per cent on top of the bill and it's just outrageous. Customers should boycott these restaurants, or flatly refuse to pay. The additional service charge is grossly unfair, because if a diner chooses a more expensive dish he's penalised even more, but the actual service is no different. Personally I hate this tipping culture, it's just plain crazy. Why on earth should we pay a tip to someone who takes our order, pours out a couple of glasses of wine, brings our dishes to the table, takes the empties away and gives us our bill? Isn't that the job description of waiters and waitresses? Why are there some jobs where tipping is expected? I would understand if the waiter/waitress wasn't paid by the restaurant and relied on tips. But that's not the

less tons of stolen metal from the railways and BT, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Statistics published last week revealed that one in three British criminals

case. Perhaps it's about time restaurants charged a fair price for the meal, paid their staff a decent wage, and told customers to stop tipping. Why on earth do we tip some people and not others for just doing their jobs? You wouldn't dream of tipping your bank clerk for taking your money in the bank; an estate agent for showing you around a home; when you visit your solicitor, or when a traffic warden slaps a ticket on your car. So why on earth do we select waiters, waitresses, hairdressers and bar staff for special treatment, and humbly cough as much as 20 per cent service charge at a restaurant? Or do we just like pouring our hard-earned money down the drain? Daytime television can be boring and repetitive, but I'm drawn to watching those programmes which highlight the despicable and often inventive ways in which low lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheats the benefits system. It seems there's a ready-

made, never-ending supply of benefit cheats who are brought to the courts after notching up huge amounts of money illegally. There are the cheats who pretend they are single parents when there's an undisclosed partner contributing to the household. Then there are people claiming sickness benefits when they are fit and healthy. Yet more fail to disclose rental income on other properties they own, while even more manufacture aliases and/or addresses to gain multiple benefits under different names. These programmes follow the wrong-doer into the court system, and the one thing guaranteed to get right up my nose is when some soft magistrate or judge simply hands out suspended or community sentences rather than slapping a prison sentence on them. Oh to be a judge, because I would fast win a reputation for being the jailing judge (in

a r e prolific offenders, with more than 15 convictions, and the number is ris-

previous generations I would have been a hanging judge). The only way to deter some people from committing crime is to make the consequences so horrible they will not risk criminal activity. What on earth is the good of giving someone a few hours community service or a suspended sentence for stealing thousands of pounds from the public purse? Can you tell me where the deterrent is? It must be so frustrating for council staff and police tracking down criminals only to see them virtually being let off scot free. Police worked for months trying to track down people fencing stolen metal - cable from railway lines and the like. And what did they get? Yes, suspended sentences. They had received count-

ing. Doesn't that demonstrate that for some, prison is no deterrent? What's needed is a much harsher prison regime, or better still, prisoners forced to do meaningful work in return for their food, "board and lodgings". The figures showed that 1.86 million people were either given a caution or other out-of-court disposal or taken to court in the year to September. And 8,000 criminals were given community service 11 times before being jailed it's been called Britain's 'revolving door system' of non-custodial punishment. It's a national disgrace, and it's putting the public at risk from criminals who are simply not being given punishments they justly deserve. Britain's hopelessly inadequate road network, currently peppered with potholes, has long been a national joke, as has UK

railways, always playing catch-up with demand. But Britain is now a national joke again, this time because the lights may be going out across the country within a few years, or there will be a big price hike. The problem is that ageing power stations are due for closure and there is insufficient new capacity to take up the shortfall. In other words Britain is just not spending the money it needs to spend on maintaining and improving its infrastructure. The result will be that more gas will have to be imported, just at a time when prices are likely to rise. It really is a sick joke that while Britain has had a seemingly bottomless pit of money to pay in benefits, it just cannot muster enough money to keep its roads in good shape and build more to cope with demand; can't compete with Europe's rail network, is failing to provide aircraft runway and terminal capacity around London, and now can't guarantee sufficient energy to keep the lights on. You know Britain is sinking when more than 1,700 job hunters apply for just eight vacancies at a new Costa Coffee outlet in Nottingham. There were 212 applications for each post - highlighting the extent of the employment crisis across the UK. And now, to top it all, Britain loses its top credit rating from one credit rating agency. Get the feeling the UK is heading down the plughole?

Friday, March 1, 2013

Diamonds are forever (well, 60 years anyway) IWAN AND BETTY’S GRIN AND TONIC By HEIDI WARDMAN

A HAPPY Quesada couple have 60 special reasons to smile as they prepare to celebrate their Diamond Wedding anniversary next week. Because Iwan and Betty Prokopowycz’s daughter-in-law reckons that laughter is the reason they have remained together for so long. Betty and husband Iwan tied the knot on March 7, 1953 and Wendy told The Courier they are a star couple and an example of how true love can last forever. “I think that the secret of a happy marriage is laughter, and over the years there has been plenty of that!” she grinned. Iwan, better known as John, was born in the Ukraine and moved to the UK soon after World War Two. He met Betty, originally from Birmingham, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, in 1952, and they made their vows in St Peters Church less than a year later, when John was 28 and Betty just 17. The couple had five children - Elaine, Kevin, Ian, Jason and Craig; and the family has since expanded to encompass of seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. John and Betty remained in Bromsgrove throughout their working lives, before choosing to spend their retirement

abroad. After holidaying for many years in Benidorm, the Costa Blanca was always their first choice, and they eventually found their dream home in the then very new urbanisation of Ciudad Quesada. The British community in Spain was a relatively small one at that time, but John and Betty did their best to integrate, becoming members of a variety of expat organisations, such as the Brit Bingo and Social Club and the Euroleisure Club, where they found many new friends. Betty is still a member of Quesada Ladies Club, and enjoys an active social life, although John, now 88, is no longer in the best of health, with Betty doubling her role as his best friend and his carer. They have no regrets about their move to Spain, even through John’s illness, and have been offered overwhelming support by organisations such as Age Concern and the Alzheimer’s Association AFA, who have helped ease the pressure for Betty. John and Betty have already received their Diamond Anniversary greetings card from Buckingham Palace, and will mark the occasion with a modest celebration at their home, attended by family and a few close friends.

Fish, chips and Spanish CONEXIA celebrated a popular fish and chip night at Café Golf last Saturday, with over 80 people eating an authentic dinner, served in paper cones with wooden forks and lashings of salt and vinegar. Spanish and English speakers came from all the Conexia venues, to mingle and chat in both languages, while enjoying some delicious food in pleasant surroundings. Conexia is an ideal way to make new friends, practice speaking Spanish and help Spanish and British people to integrate. Their next event will be Chariteas on March 13 from 5pm to 8pm in the Parque Almansa Civic Centre in San Javier. Charities such as MABS, AIDEMAR and HELP will have stalls there, with music by Meggy Vanuls and the San Javier Conservatorio, a raffle and catering by Café Golf. For further details see www.http://conexiaeoisj.blo gspot.com.es

THE Raquel Peña Professional Flamenco Dance Company will perform at Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on May 19. It was incorrectly reported last week that the Flamenco For All Dance Group (an amateur group) will be the performers. The Flamenco For All group are adult students between 40 and 75 years of age who do not charge, while the Raquel Peña Flamenco Dance Company is considered one of Spain’s best professional groups.For more information conract: 630 689 431 or raquelpenya@hotmail.com

BEST FOOT FORWARD

GET ready to Twist and Shout again - The Liverpool Band will be back at Restaurante Los Rosales in Guardamar on Saturday March 9. The highly acclaimed musicians are rated as the best Beatles Tribute in Spain. And having appeared at The Cavern in Liverpool, the Spanish “Fab 4” know what it takes to deliver the authentic Beatles sound. . They have already packed this venue twice before and helped raise over €1,100 for the last two charities to attend. This time the raffle will be for Help Vega Baja. Tickets cost €12.50 for show and meal. Call Jax on 697501992 or email losrosalesshows@gmail.com

CATS – the purrformance FOLLOWING their highly successful Calpe production of CATS, the Footlights Youth Theatre is bringing the world-renowned Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the Teatro Municipal in Torrevieja on Saturday March 9 at 8pm. The show, which is being promoted by the Torrevieja Costa Lions club, has really grabbed the imagination of Torry’s theatregoing public and with more than a week before the show, the Lions were preparing the ‘Sold out’ notices with only four seats left

in the auditorium. The Lions will be raising funds in the theatre foyer with a prize draw. Ticket, at just €1, will be on sale before the show starts and for a short while during the interval. The Lions are indebted to Ayuntamiento Torrevieja for providing the venue to Footlights Youth Theatre, to the local press for assisting in promoting the event, to TV Choice magazine for hosting the CATS tickets competition - and of course to the theatre-going public of Torrevieja.

‘PANACHE’ are looking to increase their ladies’ dance troupe, so if you have experience in tap, modern, comedy and jazz dancing, why not pop along to their weekly rehearsals, have fun and learn new interesting and exciting dance routines? By joining the troupe, you will be helping to raise funds for various charities in the area. Rehearsals are every Monday morning, from 11am to 1pm at the Casa Ventura, San Luis. Also every Friday afternoon at the Sports Complex, La Marina Urbanisation from 1pm to 3.30pm. For further information please contact Chris on 634 310 314 or email rytethen@gmail.com

Friday, March 1, 2013

MURCIA BROTHERS TARGET NEW SUPERMOTO GLORY THE Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia are busy training and making final preparations for the first round of this year’s Spanish Supermoto championships in Seville on March 10. The year 2012 saw the two FordDunn brothers right at the sharp end of the results with Mat finishing second in the SM30 championship and his younger sibling Anthony fourth in the Elite championship despite being injured for part of the season. The potential for great results this year is high, with Mat now one of the favourites to take the newly-formed SM Masters 35 class and Anthony moving over to the highly competitive SM Road category that has Spain’s best Supermoto racers competing on an asphalt only circuit. The Supermotoland team have decided to continue with last year’s SML 450 supermoto bikes, which are prepared and developed at the team’s base in Murcia. The brothers have been busy testing alongside a selection of Moto 3 and Moto 2 riders from the MotoGP World Championships to further hone their skills.

OH GLEE OF LITTLE FAITH THE long-awaited turf has arrived for Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre’s now-famous three-legged pony. Little Faith, who had to have a leg amputated, is currently residing very happily with equine foot and leg vet Gasper Castelijns in Barcelona, while she awaits her return to the EHCRC. She is doing really well and getting used to moving on her newest prosthetic leg, which arrived from America last week. As with all artificial limbs, the leg changes shape as it settles, so Faith’s prosthesis is

The Murcia and UK based International removal company ‘Advance Moves’ will continue to be the team’s headline sponsor, but the search continues for additional sponsors to help the brothers achieve their goals and benefit from the success and publicity 2013 has to offer.

Anyone interested in joining the team as a sponsor should visit the www.supermotoland.com website for further details and contact information. The website also contains race reports, videos and photos that will keep everyone up to date with the team’s progress throughout the year.

Children’s charity shop hits €3,000 milestone ELCHE Children’s Charity Shop, which is located on the Lemon Tree Road at Campo de Guardamar, has raised an impressive running total of over €3,000 since it opened in May last year. The shop operates out of ‘Cars R Us’, and accepts all manner of donated goods, from clothing to kitchen utensils. These are then sorted into three sections, with some being sold in the shop and the rest being divided for delivery to Children’s homes in Elche and Altea.

Manager Lorraine says that visitors to the shop have spiralled, especially since she gained the support of Russ ‘The Rag N Bone Man’, who regularly restocks the shop with the multitude of items he collects on his travels. She says Russ was even kind enough to invite her to join him on his stall at El Moncayo Market to sell books and toys in aid of the Children’s Homes. Lorraine is also supported by the team at ‘TC's Curiosity Corner’ in Benijofar, which has agreed to act as a

PLAYING FOR HIGH STEAKS! TORREVIEJA Branch of the royal British Legion enjoyed a superb lunch at Ramon’s Restaurant in Urb La Marina . The steaks were excellent and very large, done to individual choice - and all washed down with very good wine. A very pleasant way of spending an afternoon with good friends. If you would like to join the Branch on their restaurant outings, you will be made more than welcome. It is not necessary to be ex-Service and anyone interested in joining is invited to contact membership secretary Pauline on 966 704 146. Membership is €20 per annum with meetings held on the second Friday of each month at the Casa Ventura in San Luis (6.30pm for 7pm).

drop-off point for donated goods and also a venue for hosting various fundraising events, such as charity auctions. For further information please contact Lorraine on 691 305 749, Russ The Rag N Bone Man on 603 903 984 or TC's Curiosity Corner on 622 899 906. JOIN us at the Strictly Social Club for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games. We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings. We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30pm and 5pm on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Open to all age-groups. For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159. Looking forward to meeting you.

continually monitored with adjustments made to suit. On her return to the centre, she will require soft, stable ground and the centre extends thanks to its volunteers and supporters for helping to raise the money for Faith’s garden. “We hope you will all be proud of the beautiful garden you have helped us create for her’’, say EHCRC officials. Meanwhile, both Rocky and Cruz , the rescue horses found on Rojales hill before Christmas, are enjoying their first few days of freedom out with their friends in the fields.

Friday, March 1,16, 2013 Friday, December 2011

Friday, March 1, 2013

UK HEADLINES

‘TEARFUL’ LE VELL BAILED Corrie star ordered: No unsupervised contact with under-14s

Daily Mail CORONATION Street actor Michael Le Vell was accused in court on Wednesday of raping a child six times and 13 other sex offences. Le Vell, who plays car mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court under his real name Michael Turner. The 48-year-old has been charged with 19 offences including six counts of raping a child, six allegations of indecently assaulting a child and seven counts of sexual activity with a child. The alleged offences relate to one complainant and all took place between 2001 and 2010, the court was told. Le Vell looked tearful as he was rushed by security out of the central Manchester court, through a

media scrum and into a waiting Mercedes van. He has been in 'Corrie' for 30 years and insists he is innocent of the allegations, vowing to ‘fight the charges

vigorously’. However, the show’s bosses said he would not be appearing in any further episodes while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The actor was first arrested in September 2011 and questioned after a teenage girl claimed he had sexually assaulted her from the age of six. Three months later, however, prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to take the allegations to court and no charges were brought. At the time the father of two, who last year split with his wife Janette Beverley, said he was ‘delighted’ to have been ‘completely exonerated’. He thanked police for their ‘thorough investigation’, and expressed his gratitude to fans and the Coronation Street cast for their loyal support during ‘a most difficult and upsetting phase in my life’. He returned to the show after a short break and is currently involved in some of its main storylines.

During the short hearing on Wednesday, which lasted just eight minutes, the defendant, wearing a white shirt and black tie, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. Four members of his family sat towards the back of the court on seats usually reserved for officials as the public gallery was packed with journalists. District Judge Khalid Qureshi asked Le Vell’s solicitor, Richard Gowthorpe, if there was any indication of plea, to which he replied: 'No indication of plea today other than the

Disabled children 'should be put down' Independent Cllr Collin Brewer was condemned by parents, fellow councillors and officials over his controversial remarks. He said: "This was my first indiscretion but it is not an excuse for that. I was bloody stupid." He told Disability Cornwall worker Theresa Court at a Truro meeting: "Disabled children cost the council too much money and should be put down." She made a formal complaint and eventually Cllr Brewer was forced to write a letter of apology. Cllr Brewer, 68, an independent councillor for Wadebridge,

Cornwall, repeatedly apologised for his "flippant" remark adding: "It was something I said but not something I advocate." Some parents were in tears and furious when they heard his comments being broadcast on local Cornwall radio stations but Brewer initially refused to quit, saying: "I don't think I've done anything wrong." He claimed that he had been inundated with calls and "most were sympathetic" towards him and said half a dozen councillors asked him not to resign and "stick in there".

He said: "They know what I am, what I am like. They find it strange I made this remark. It is against my character." Model Katie Price, who has a disabled son, said: "Many disabled contribute more to society than Mr Brewer - ask our Paralympians." The Disability Cornwall charity at the centre of the row, said that they did not want people to engage in a "hate campaign" against the councillor. In a local poll 96 per cent of the 1,700 people who responded said the pensioner should quit his job. The Director of Children's

Services at Cornwall Council, Trevor Doughty, said : "I am shocked and disappointed by the remarks made by Cllr Brewer. "The comments were cruel and ignorant and are contrary to the Council's policy of supporting all people with disablities. "We are very proud of the disability services provided in Cornwall and wish to totally dissociate ourselves with these completely unacceptable views." And Cllr Brewer agreed with the paid official saying;"I agree with him. I was wrong and I admit it. I will continue to apologise. It is very

fact that the charges are contested, and will be fully contested in the Crown Court.' The matter was adjourned to Manchester Crown Court on March 20. Le Vell was bailed on condition that he surrenders his passport, does not contact named witnesses and does not have unsupervised contact with any child under14. The actor, who was following the proceedings from the dock, nodded to the judge when asked if he understood the conditions. He made no comment as he left court.

Collin Brewer: "I wish I could delete this day from my life." painful. This will live with me every day for the rest of my life. I regret it happened. "I wish I could delete this day from my life." He claimed his "abrasive" behaviour may be down to a medical condition but said he was quitting "Cornwall Council forthwith". But he said my may think about seeking re-election in the May elections. Cllr John Wood, leader of the Independent Group on Cornwall Council, called on him to resign after the row blew up and kicked him out of their group.

Friday, March 1, 2013

UK HEADLINES

MIRACLE MAN The Sun

A BRIT is wheeled into hospital — miracle survivor of a horrific balloon inferno which killed his wife. Tourist Michael Rennie, 49, leapt for his life after the balloon exploded near Luxor, Egypt. Three Brits, including Michael’s wife Yvonne, 48, were among 19 of the 21 aboard who died. They were killed outright or fell to their deaths after the disaster over the fabled landscape of ancient Egypt. Some had jumped for their lives in a desperate bid to save themselves — but only two survived with terrible injuries. The only other survivor was the Egyptian pilot, who was said to have leapt out near the ground. On Tuesday night the dead Britons were identified as 40-year-old Joe Bampton and his partner Suzanna Gyetvai, 34, from Clapham, South London, and Yvonne Rennie from Perth in Scotland. Mrs Rennie’s husband Michael, 49, escaped alive and was rushed to hospital with serious burns. Disaster struck as the distinctive green and yellow striped balloon was coming in to land after a dawn sightseeing trip near the

Nile and legendary Valley of the Kings, where Pharaohs are entombed. As it was only 10ft from the ground near the historic city of Luxor a cable is believed to have snagged on a gas canister, causing a blast which filled the canopy with more hot air and sent it shooting skywards again. Mr Rennie and the pilot are believed to have jumped out first, but that lightened the basket and caused it to rise faster. As many as nine people were said to have been seen jumping for their lives as the balloon quickly soared out of control to 1,000ft. US photographer Christopher Michel was on another balloon — one of eight airborne

at the same time — and took a series of shots just before the 7am tragedy. Christopher said: “We heard a loud explosion behind us. I looked back and saw lots of smoke. It was the balloon behind ours.” Mohamed Youssef, a pilot with Luxorbased Alaska Balloons, said his own craft was about 100 yards away coming in to land too. He said: “I saw people jumping, five or six, when it was 100ft up. Some were killed on contact with land, others died from burns.” Cherry Tohamy, a Kuwait-based Egyptian on holiday in Luxor, was in yet another balloon which was landing at the time. She said: “There was an explosion and flames. Our pilot told us that the balloon had hit an electrical cable. People were jumping out from the height of a seven-storey building.” Immediately after the tragedy — thought to be the worst in hot air ballooning history — all flights were suspended and an investigation was launched. The four Britons involved were all on holiday with tour operator Thomas Cook. The other tourists were said to be from countries including France, China and Japan. Last night questions were being raised over safety standards on the Luxor flights. Two Brits were among 16 hurt when a balloon hit a phone mast in the same area

Man killed by FOUR Great Whites FOUR Great White sharks tore apart a swimmer as cops blasted 20 shots into the school of killers. The 47-year-old man was swimming in New Zealand when he was attacked by a four-metre long beast. Three other sharks quickly joined the frenzy before police shot at them multiple times, firing from a helicopter and a speedboat. Rescue crews were quoted by local media as saying the sharks were “white pointers”, commonly known as a Great Whites. Shocked witnesses at Muriwai Beach, west of Auckland, said that one aggressive shark refused to let go of the man’s

Attack ... police shoot at school of sharks

body until police blasted it. One dead shark was later dragged ashore. Shark attacks are extremely rare in New Zealand, with 11 fatalities since records began in 1847. The last was in 1976 in the Bay of Plenty, south-east of Auckland.

Shaken fisherman Pio Mose said that he had seen a man swimming nearby. He said “All of a sudden we saw the shark fin and next minute, boom, attacked him then blood everywhere on the water." “He came back up, his head

was on the water... then we noticed he was already dead.” Police Inspector Shawn Rutene said in a statement that the swimmer was about 650ft offshore when the shark attacked. He said police went out in inflatable lifesaving boats and shot at the shark, which they estimate was 12ft to 14ft long. Rutene said: “It rolled over and disappeared." Police recovered the body of the swimmer, whose name was not immediately released because his relatives had yet to be notified. About 200 people had been on the beach at the time of the attack.

Leap from tragic balloon saves Brit tourist’s life in 2009. Former policewoman Linda Lea, 67, from Stoke, who still suffers from injuries received in that crash, said: “They promised to tighten safety procedures after my crash. These balloons are just too unstable.” Film emerged of the SAME green and yellow balloon almost smashing into a lake two years ago when it bounced along the surface and nearly collided with a boat. British ballooning expert Phil Dunington, a commercial consultant, said safety supervision in Egypt was “patchy and in some cases inappropriate”. He also said balloon operators competing for business had led to “great commercial rivalry”.

SMOOTH PANDA Panda Yang Guang is getting in the mood for love by listening to former Radio 1 stars Simon Bates and David “Kid” Jensen. Edinburgh Zoo bosses have switched his radio from Classic FM to the sensual sounds of Smooth Radio hoping it will encourage him to mate with Tian Tian. The station has responded by playing a daily song for Yang Guang, including Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On. Interest is growing around the world as the panda mating season approaches and intimate details of the pair’s warmup routine have already emerged, including physical exercises, special lightning and extra rations of bamboo. But it seems that music - as much as bamboo - could be the food of love for Yang Guang. A spokeswoman for Edinburgh Zoo confirmed: “We play easy listening radio to Yang Guang in his off-show area. “He has always been more sensitive than Tian Tian to background noise, so it’s settling and soothing for him to have it playing softly in the background.’’

Friday, March 1, 2013

SPANISH NEWS

SPAIN EMPLOYS MURDERER AS SECURITY EXPERT A MAN who carried out one of the most notorious murders of Spain’s democratic transition is currently employed by the country’s interior ministry as a security expert, according to a newspaper exposé. Emilio Hellin was a member of the far-right group Fuerza Nueva when he shot dead a student, Yolanda González (19), in 1980. Two years later he was sentenced to 43 years in jail, serving 14 years. However, an article published by El País newspaper on Sunday reports that he has changed his name and is now a senior adviser to Spain’s civil guard on terrorism and crime, as well as training and giving conferences to the police. The interior ministry is investigating the identity of this expert on its payroll in light of the revelations, El País said yesterday. “He’s one of the best-trained civil experts and he’s way ahead when it comes to certain specialist areas,” Ramin Garcia, a now

retired senior civil guard, told the newspaper. “I don’t know anything about the past of this gentleman, all I know is that he’s always given us what we have wanted.” The paper said Hellin (63) had changed his name to Luis Enrique Helling. He specialises in tracing mobile phones and computers that

have been used for criminal purposes. When he carried out the murder, the dictator Francisco Franco had died only five years earlier and the country was in a period of political turmoil as it adjusted to democracy. Political violence was common, but even so, the killing shocked Spain. Hellin and several other members of Fuerza Nueva had erroneously identified González (pictured), a socialist sympathiser, as a member of Basque terrorist group ETA. They abducted her in Madrid, drove her to the outskirts of the city and Hellin shot her twice in the head. One of the conspirators confessed to the crime, leading to Hellin’s arrest and 1982 conviction. Then in 1987, he fled to Paraguay while on a short prison leave. He and his family were taken in by the right-wing dictator-

ship of Alfredo Stroessner and Hellin worked as an adviser to the Paraguayan security forces until his extradition to Spain three years later. He was released in 1996, when he apparently changed his name and embarked on a new career leading to his current relationship with the security forces. When El País confronted him for its exposé, he claimed to be a brother of the convicted murderer and that Emilio Hellin was now dead. But the death is not registered in official records and the newspaper tracked down the name change. “It’s outrageous that this man should be doing that job,” said Asier González, the brother of the murdered woman. “I don’t know if he regrets it [the killing]. Everyone has the right to a second chance, but if he does it with a new identity, it just shows the kind of person he is.. . . it’s clear that in this country people linked to the extreme right enjoy privileges.”

Emilio Hellin: Changed his name

Ryanair: Lower departure tax and we’ll axe cuts RYANAIR is to follow through on a threat to cut its operations in Spain in protest at increased airport departure taxes. Then budget airline’s move takes effect at the end of March and will see the airline reduce its Spanish flights by 12 per cent - the biggest cuts coming in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valladolid. In addition, Ryanair will stop flying from the northern airports of Asturias and Bilbao. In a press statement, they said the reductions will lead to the loss of more than 5,000 jobs and that they will cut the company’s traffic by 5.4 million passengers this year, to about 30 million.

In 2011, Ryanair was Spain’s biggest domestic carrier, according to government figures. The company warned it would take these measures last November, but it insists they are still reversible if the Spanish authorities lower airport taxes. AENA, which owns and runs most of Spain’s airports, raised the charge in 2012 by an average of 19 per cent, although it doubled in Madrid and Barcelona, the country’s biggest airports. In 2013, the tax has been raised a further 8 per cent. “This increase will cause severe cuts to traffic, tourism and jobs in Spanish airports,” said Ryanair spokesman Robin Kiely. “Ryanair will keep growing in other

European airports and will keep offering low fares.” AENA, which is struggling with a €14 billion debt, insists the increases are justified and within the law. Ryanair has had a difficult relationship with Spanish authorities in recent months. Last September, public works minister Ana Pastor announced plans to lobby European authorities for tougher action against foreign airlines failing to comply with safety regulations.

Friday, March 1, 2013

SPANISH NEWS

SPAIN BACK ON STREETS AS TIDE OF FURY GROWS

SPANISH citizens took to the streets once again last weekend – in a new series of antigovernment demonstrations dubbed the “Marea Ciudadana” (Tide of Citizens) and encompassing 50 cities. Tens of thousands of protesters throughout the country’s major population centres showed their dissatisfaction at the government’s latest policies and corrupt reputation. In Madrid, Spanish police said they arrested 45 people, including nine minors, following disturbances near Atocha railway station after a protest against strict austerity measures. Though Saturday's Madrid protest was mainly peaceful, police said they later found four firebombs in a backpack abandoned on a street. The interior ministry said officers also seized 22 firecrackers, five flares and a stick from two minors near Atocha

station. Some 40 people needed minor medical attention after the altercations, including 12 police officers. But no-one was seriously injured, officials said on Sunday. The protesters carried placards which condemned everything from cuts in the health sector to massive bailouts granted to Spain's banking system. Others banged drums and chanted, while dozens of riot police stood on the sidelines. The march coincided with the anniversary of a failed coup attempt in 1981 by Civil Guard officers who stormed Parliament and held deputies hostage until the next day. In Alicante an estimated 2,500 protesters formed part of the “Tide” waving banners. Many of the participants were teachers and civil servants. No arrests were made, although this was the biggest demonstration of this kind that the city has seen.

INNOCENT – AFTER Canoeist’s NINE YEARS INSIDE body found FREE CHEERS: Jose Antonio Valdivielso celebrates his reelese with his his dad

A TORREVIEJA man has been freed after serving nine years in jail – on the ruling of a judge that he was wrongly convicted. José Antonio Valdivielso was jailed at the age of 21 after incorrect photographic evidence pointed the finger at him for a crime involving robbery and attempted murder. He always insisted he was innocent, and that he was at his parents’ house at the time of the crime. Jose Antonio’s parents and sister are all looking forward to spending Easter together, and will be eternally grateful to lawyer Isabel Torrada for her part in the overturning of the sentence. Jose Antonio’s father didn’t rest until he found the real author of the crime.

THE body of a canoeist was found by emergency workers in the Mar Menor on Sunday morning – 11 hours after he had been reported missing. A search of the waters was launched after a relative reported that the canoeist had failed to return home on Saturday evening.

Coastal police from Cartagena, Los Alcázares, San Javier and San Pedro del Pinatar carried out land and sea searches and found a bag containing a phone and personal items before locating the canoe. A helicopter eventually located the body.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Market Commentary 1 March 2013

Italian election continues to weigh on Euro sentiment Welcome to your market analysis commentary from Currencies Direct where you can stay one step ahead of your friends on the latest news and reviews of the financial markets. Our aim is to provide you with an easily digestible weekly overview of how the financial market is performing using the expertise of our dealers who make it their sole aim to keep on top of the market movements

EURO

The upcoming Italian election this weekend continues to weigh on Euro market sentiment. The lack of a clear frontrunner and the emergence of the Italian comedian Beppe Grillo is spooking the political establishment and the markets. Data out of the Eurozone points to a mixed outlook as proved by business sentiment and the dire economic data that is released out of the EZ. Thursday's Flash Eurozone Services PMI, a business survey and one of the earliest monthly indicators of economic activity, would add to tentative signs that a recovery is in the offing but the indicator fell in February to 47.3 from 48.6, marking a year below the 50 threshold for growth. On Friday the EU Commission slashed growth forecasts and revised them to an anaemic 0.1% in 2013. If the data out of the single currency block next week continues to disappoint, the Euro might drift further through the first quarter of 2013. The odds are now that the ECB will look to cut rates later in 2013.

STERLING

From the Bank of England’s perspective it’s been a successful week. The Bank indicated it wanted a lower exchange rate to ‘rebalance’ the UK economy and the market duly obliged, sending the Pound to multi-month lows across the markets. Sterling hit a seven month low on the Greenback following comments from Martin Weale that the MPC wanted a weaker pound to boost export demand. The pound kept losing throughout the week against the USD and the Euro as the market digested a Bank of England more than willing to tolerate higher inflation and consider other types of asset purchases. The vote on QE was also very divided with a 6-3 vote with governor Mervyn King being outvoted for only the fourth time in his long tenure. The misery continues and if anything is gathering momentum for the pound which has fallen off a cliff. Compounding the move was rumours of a credit rating downgrade by S&P and a slight increase in the ILO unemployment rate despite record numbers of people now in work within the UK.

US DOLLAR

After a muted start of the week due to a Bank holiday in the States, markets focused on the Federal Reserve minutes. The minutes showed conflict between members, which the equity markets in particular did not like. This month was the first hint the Fed gave about the withdrawal of stimulus (and it was nothing more than a hint that they were considering it) and it presents policy makers with a rapidly changing macro outlook. So much of recent risk gains have been fuelled by the prospect of unlimited easing and a slight change to the Fed policy will have large ramifications for asset prices in the future. There is currently a disconnect between market prices and the underlying economy and that gap was being sustained by the prospect of unlimited QE. Now we have the prospect of that not happening for as long as the market hoped and so that gap must begin to narrow. Essentially the tone from some in the FOMC is to slow the pace of asset purchases and this has led to USD strength and a downturn in risk sentiment. Information provided by Currencies Direct, leading providers of foreign exchange. Call to find out how we can help you get the best rates and save your transfer fees. Contact the La Zenia office on +34 965 994 830 or email costablanca@currenciesdirect.com. The contents of this report are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation to trade or a solicitation for funds. Currencies Direct cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages arising from any action taken following consideration of this information.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Horrorscopes Aries March 21 - April 19 Breaking out of your shell is best done sooner than later. Your brain is overflowing with ideas, some of which are truly brilliant and you must focus on making your dreams a reality. You struggle with your sexuality like a lizard trying to put on a pair of y-fronts. Speaking as a robotic horoscope monster, I can only wish you the best of luck when the revolution comes.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Banning people from your house can work, especially if reinformed with large heavy blocks of swingable wood. The cigarette burn mark on your arm may fade over the coming days and will be replaced by a tattoo of a young lady swathed in roses. All the advice I could share with you would blow your mind and leave nothing to the imagination.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 Careful how you handle yourself today others may be more tense than usual. Perhaps it's true that you're not the immense stud you once were. Express yourself, do a backflip, try to do the splits. Dance and the world will be yours. The accuracy of any prognostication is likely to be determined by how unlucky you generally are.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 The smell of dead moles may begin to affect you today. You may feel like today has started like a horror story, but it will get better this lunchtime. The media will try to control your life today. Many congratulations! Avoid happy thoughts, they'll only bring you down with a crash.

By Pandora Leo July 23 - August 22 The world moves pretty fast around you and you must learn to slow it down to a reasonable pace. Much of this can be done with a hefty broad-sword. Your heroic attempts to liven up various meetings and get-togethers are all for nought this week as you are finally brought down to ground by a professional clown.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Reading through a dictionary is the least effective way to learn more about the world. Get out there! You tend to be less true to yourself at work, but today you may let a little of yourself slip out at a most awkward moment. Being sexy and being sexist are not one and the same. Your face may become sore and chapped today due to all the slapping.

Libra September 23 - October 22 You may find solace in someone's choice of underwear today. If it's laughter you're after then don't stop to shine your buttons. Mouldy coffee cups may not be breeding the penicillin you hope they are. You will find a butterfly in your face some time this week.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Distinguished guests will honour you today with their presence. Morale boosts are for needy geeks - you're as hard as nails and neither require nor deserve any praise. You are easily replaced - don't take your boots off. The end is more like the beginning than you'd think.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Weeks are made to find new ways of entertaining yourself during boredom. Make sure your weekend reflects this happier time. Your words are, to some, like finger-nails scratching a black-board. Dentist's teeth are not always as great as you'd think. You may be better off taking charge of your own laundry today for reasons that the stars do not make clear.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 When Elvis sang, it's like he was thinking of you. Oh yes, especially when he does those "groin dips". All your better ideas have already been stolen and used in the past. Which perhaps suggests you should prefix "crackpot" to the unofficial title you give yourself. Grey is definitely the colour of the week for you.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Today is going to be like most days, certainly in terms of its length and the frequency of sun-rises to sun-sets. The more money you get this month, the more you realise you should be doing something more constructive with it. Many of the solutions given to you in life make you feel like there's no hope. This is true.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Take care when opening up an email from a friend today as you may not enjoy the electronic content inside. Magi cannot be expected to turn up at your convenience. However, they will usually leave a calling card asking you to re-arrange a visit. Everything you have done is brilliant and you will get the reward you richly deserve.

Friday, March 1, 2013

PiXie Harness seatbelt for pregnant women

Brilliant though the threepoint diagonal seatbelt is, having apparently saved over 1 million lives since Volvo first introduced it on a production car in 1959; it isn’t a perfect solution for women during pregnancy. The concern is that the diagonal portion of the belt may do more harm than good to the unborn child in the event of an accident. So British company Technological Systems Ltd has come up with an alternative called the piXie Harness. The piXie Harness is a cross- or x-shaped belt arrangement that goes over both shoulders above the baby bump. It works by attachment to the existing three-point belt. As a pregnant driver or passenger you simply put the three-point belt on as usual, with the lap portion

below the bump, but slip the diagonal section over your head and shoulder so that it is behind rather than in front of you. The piXie Harness then attaches to the diagonal part behind the back, holding you securely without placing any straps directly over the baby – reducing the risk of crush damage in an accident without risking sending you flying in the crash. It also has the added benefit of holding you more securely in both lateral directions, which could prove

beneficial in side-impact situations by preventing you from being thrown across the car. The design has already won double Gold awards at the British Invention of the Year Awards, attracted the attention of trucking firms in the United States, and been supported by McLaren boss Ron Dennis CBE. The piXie Harness has also featured on the Discovery Channel and the Simon Mayo Show on BBC Radio 2. There are already further developments in the pipeline, including a solution for Storma patients with colostomy-type bags who are currently exempt from wearing seatbelts at all A version for toddlers that would transform into reins is also being considered; while a variant for older children to stop them slipping out of the traditional belt when they fall asleep has already been devised. The piXie Harness is priced at £199.00, and available directly from the manufacturer at www.pregnancyseatbeltharness.com, with delivery charged at £3.95. More information, including videos, can also be found on the website.

Friday, March 1, 2013

CODE CRACKER 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, 11 represents Y and 22 represents Z, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

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

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Ask for a form of colitis (7) 5 Tribe regenerated river (5) 8 Unfavourable notice on poet’s output (7) 9 Hispanic country’s secret fear (5) 10 Money to be won and where to keep it (5) 11 Drug addict ate holding order (7) 12 Game in which the bully is seen off? (6) 14 Enrols untidy, antisocial types (6) 17 Delivered cooked rice with Ted (7) 19 Dossiers? No sir! Medical units (5) 22 Constellation seen from Mediterranean or Ionian Sea (5) 23 A monk accommodating graduate in a state (7) 24 It can go round either way (5) 25 Let it disturb the deed and then be erased (7)

Down 1 Mark item in album? (5) 2 Lifting device found in the cleverest hiding place (5) 3 Get core rebuilt for the procession (7) 4 Finish in an attempt to be hip (6) 5 Subject twitching about work (5) 6 A long time after 007’s detention (7) 7 Sports equipment scams (7) 12 How one may nurture a grudge or shelter a ship (7) 13 Tour de France competitor ruined little city’s college (7) 15 Wandering bald, old eccentric (7) 16 Prince’s awful dread about onset of war (6) 18 Sounds fishy but he actually adjusts the sound (5) 20 A biased way of looking at an inclination (5) 21 Draws up to an area of open grassland (5)

STANDARD CLUES

Down

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

2 letter words As Me 3 letter words Arc Box Ion Nip Sat Ski Sue Tee 4 letter words Aces Asia Aver Bade

Bath Bibs Blah Boos Cava Cuds Dabs Data Earl Erne Ever Hers Isle Kern Logs Love Nova Ores Over Pert

Pier Pout Rice Snow Star User Vest Wets 5 letter words Airer Aspic Bagel Bairn Caret Civet Cutie Eider Exalt Haven

Hives Hoist Inane Linen Lives Loose Manes Marry Motes Pious Salsa Sauna Savvy Spent Start Stool Waive Waver 6 letter words

Assess Braces Recess Robert Robust Slight Spares Sugars 8 letter words Cavities Clarinet 9 letter words Baguettes Discharge

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

Across

Down

1 Reveal (8) 7 Fright (5) 8 Uncontrollable desire to set fire to things (9) 9 Collection (3) 10 Layer (4) 11 Shrink (6) 13 Short sleep (6) 14 Conduct yourself (6) 17 Discuss (6) 18 Go wrong (4) 20 Health resort (3) 22 Doubt (9) 23 Choose by ballot (5) 24 Slapdash (8)

1 Storehouse (5) 2 Snake (7) 3 Feeble (4) 4 Guard (6) 5 Church house (5) 6 Motion (7) 7 Stroll (7) 12 Serious (7) 13 Punish (7) 15 Greediness (7) 16 Former name of Iran (6) 17 Escapade (5) 19 Connections (5) 21 Helper (4)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Busy, 3 Shambles, 9 Stamina, 10 Since, 11 Bleak, 12 Screen, 14 Desire, 16 Writhe, 19 Concur, 21 Chase, 24 Error, 25 Premier, 26 Treasure, 27 Cede. Down: 1 Busybody, 2 Scare, 4 Hoarse, 5 Miser, 6 Lenient, 7 Sped, 8 Bicker, 13 Rehearse, 15 Scourge, 17 Richer, 18 Draper, 20 Cares, 22 Alike, 23 Beat.

Scribble Pad

1 Trample (5) 1 Appeal for (7) 2 Crowbar (5) 5 Italian river (5) 3 Ceremonial procession 8 Contrary (7) (7) 9 Terror (5) 4 Fashionable (6) 10 Money holder (5) 5 Subject (5) 11 Prescribe (7) 6 Slavery (7) 12 Ball game (6) 7 Noises (7) 14 Individualists (6) 12 Port (7) 17 Read aloud (7) 13 Biker (7) 19 Measured portions (5) 15 Eccentric person (7) 22 The Hunter constella16 Name of six kings of tion (5) England (6) 23 US state (7) 18 Radio receiver (5) 24 Helicopter airfoil (5) 20 Tilt (5) 25 Erased (7) 21 Grassland (5) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Sash, 3 Mattress, 9 Elopers, 10 Route, 11 Calms, 12 Ironic, 14 Legend, 16 Islets, 19 Mascot, 21 Ingle, 24 Medal, 25 Tangent, 26 Sprinter, 27 Enid. Down: 1 Stencils, 2 Shoal, 4 Assail, 5 Torso, 6 Erudite, 7 Step, 8 Lessen, 13 Assented, 15 Grander, 17 Skinny, 18 Statue, 20 Colin, 22 Glean, 23 Emus.

Across

Down

1 Urraca (6) 5 Spider (5) 8 Morena (8) 9 Tail (of dog, bull, ox) (4) 10 Abuelos (12) 12 To roast (4) 13 East (4) 17 Hijastra (12) 19 Appointment (with client, bank manager etc) (4) 20 To carve (meat) (8) 22 To fry (culinary) (5) 23 Aparecer (presentarse) (6)

2 Overcoats (7) 3 Bread (3) 4 State (nation) (6) 5 Bees (6) 6 Acuerdo (decisión conjunta) (9) 7 Abad (5) 11 Avión (9) 14 Terrace roof (7) 15 To sing (6) 16 Eagle (6) 18 Ladrón (5) 21 Taza (recipiente) (3)

Friday, March 1, 2013 Across 8 What name is applied to each of the four pointed conical teeth, two in each jaw, located between the incisors and the premolars, often greatly enlarged in carnivores? (6) 9 Brown, short-eared, scops and tawny are all varieties of which nocturnal bird of prey? (3) 10 In the game of chess, by what other name is the castle also known? (4) 11 What name is given to a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision? (10) 12 What is the name of the Japanese sport, in which a wrestler wins a bout by forcing his opponent outside a marked circle or by making him touch the ground with any part of his body except the soles of his feet? (4) 13 What collective name is often applied to wealthy and fashionable people who travel widely and frequently for pleasure? (3,3) 16 With which sport would you principally associate

Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Joe DiMaggio? (8) 17 What is the nickname of the American football team that plays in Cincinnati? (7) 18 Which very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar is often used as a building stone? (7) 22 The diamondback is a variety of which aquatic turtle of the family Emydidae? (8) 25 Which adjective means ‘of, relating to, or resembling bears’? (6) 26 Prior to the introduction of the euro, what was the main unit of currency in Italy? (4) 27 What is the name of the recreational lake in London’s Hyde Park, created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline? (10) 30 Which sports manufacturer takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory? (4) 31 Which word can precede: age, cap, cream, cube, pick and shelf? (3) 32 The name of which deep covered dish from which soup is served is derived from the Latin for ‘earth’? (6)

SUDOKU

Quiz Word

Down 1 What name is normally applied to the back of a person’s neck? (4) 2 In the television sitcom

Dad’s Army, what was the surname of the Home Guard platoon member and junior bank clerk portrayed by actor Ian Lavender? (4)

3 From the Latin for ‘foot’, what name is given to the base or support on which a statue, obelisk, or column is mounted? (8) 4 Which city in Andalucía, founded by the Carthaginians, was under Moorish rule from 711 to 1236, and is renowned for its architecture, particularly the Great Mosque? (7) 5 Which children’s programme that was broadcast by the BBC many times from 1977 to 1988 featured the characters Grandpa, Father, Mother, Posie, Perkin and Pootle? (6) 6 The emblem normally associated with pirates is commonly known as the skull and [what]? (10) 7 What name for the rounded knob on the end of the handle of a sword, dagger, or old-fashioned gun is shared by the name for the upward curving or projecting part of a saddle in front of the rider? (6) 14 What name is often applied to the calm region at the centre of a storm or hurricane? (3) 15 The founding members of

which English pop girl group formed in 1998 were Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan? (10) 19 Which gambling game was a 1959 UK number one hit single for Russ Conway? (8) 20 Sn is chemical symbol for which silvery-white metal? (3) 21 What is the name of the short tube used by swimmers to breathe through while under water? (7) 23 What name for a magical or medicinal potion, comes from the Greek for ‘powder for drying wounds’? (6) 24 In botany, what is the name given to the female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary? (6) 28 A dish containing both seafood and meat, typically shellfish and steak, is often referred to as ‘surf and [what]’? (4) 29 What first name is shared by the English dramatist, actor, and composer Coward and the former Oasis lead guitarist Gallagher? (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH

BEBIDAS - DRINKS

Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch. (Answers below)

history QUIZ

ANSWERS: 1. Field Marshal Rommel 2. Pierre Cardin 3. Babylonians 4. Hands 5. Jane Seymour 6. One 7. Ovid 8. China 9. Chad Varah 10. Dwight D. Eisenhower 11. Montgomery Ward 1874 12. Erwin Rommel 13. Spiders 14. Choked on a fly

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Word Solution Across: 1 Euphrates, 6 Scalp, 9 Booby, 10 Streetcar, 11 Wheelie bin, 12 Bach, 14 Measles, 15 Emerson, 17 Stepson, 19 Sherman, 20 Cusp, 22 Acrophobia, 25 Atonement, 26 Stela, 27 Latte, 28 Serengeti. Down: 1 Elbow, 2 Promenade, 3 Royal flush, 4 Tassels, 5 Sardine, 6 Shem, 7 Accra, 8 Parthenon, 13 Lederhosen, 14 Music hall, 16 Semibreve, 18 Nucleus, 19 Scooter, 21 Shout, 23 Amati, 24 Bede.

licor

batido

limonada

cafe

naranjada

cerveza

oporto

cerveza amarga

refresco

ginebra

ron

hielo picado

sidra

jerez

vino

leche

zumo

Empareja estas palabras - Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz. 1.agua, 2.batido, 3.cafe,

13.oporto, 14.refresco, 15.ron,

j.beer, k.cider, l.wine, m.gin,

4.cerveza, 5.cerveza amarga,

16.sidra, 17.vino, 18.zumo.

n.sherry, o.coffee, p.lemonade,

6.ginebra, 7.hielo picado,

a.port, b.bitter, c.orangeade,

q.milk, r.liqueur.

8.jerez, 9.leche, 10.licor,

d.crushed ice, e.juice, f.water,

11.limonada, 12.naranjada,

g.soft drink, h.milk shake, i.rum,

Soduko

Span - Eng

Quizword

Answers: 1f, 2h, 3o, 4j, 5b, 6m, 7d, 8n, 9q, 10r, 11p, 12c, 13a, 14g, 15i, 16k, 17l, 18e.

1. Who Was Nick-Named (The Desert Fox)? 2. Who was the first French women's designer, to design for men? 3. Marduk was the creator of the world to what ancient people? 4. The guillotine was invented for chopping off what? 5. Who Was The 3rd Wife Of Henry Viii? 6. How many astronauts manned each Project Mercury Flight? 7. Who said "necessity is the mother of invention"? 8. Which country invented the mariner's compass? 9. Who founded the Samaritans in 1953? 10. Who was President of the USA from 1953 till 1961? 11. What company first guaranteed 'satisfaction or your money back'? 12. Who was nicknamed 'The desert Fox'? 13. Astronomer Joseph-Jerome de Lalande would eat what on bread butter? 14. How did Pope Hadrian IV die?

agua

Fill It In

Friday, March 1, 2013

TRELI ON THE TELLY

with ALEX TRELINSKI HASN'T TV light entertainment been dreadful on a Saturday night over the last two months? There's been more chance of getting a burger without horsemeat than any new or returning programmes offering us a decent and intended laugh. Fortunately the drought is over, with the cavalry arriving in the return of Ant and Dec to ITV. After some format flops like the awful Red or Black, the lads were on top form with the resuscitated Saturday Night Takeaway. Yes, some of the routines seemed to be over rehearsed and yes, the Twitter feature went on for ages, but there was plenty

HORSING OVER, HERE COME THE CAVALRY! of fun and energy about it all, including David Walliams as the announcer. The Louis Walsh segment was hilarious, and future skits will feature Jeremy Kyle, Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. It’ll keep that Saturday slot nice and warm

for the next six weeks, until guess what? Ant and Dec returning with the new series of Britain’s Got Talent. I’d barely got used to seeing Timothy West on Coronation Street when his character, Eric, snuffed it in the Rovers on Monday night, leaving Gloria in the lurch. With a new producer running Corrie, it appears the Grim Reaper is going to be working overtime in Weatherfield over the next few weeks, helped by a convenient “contract not renewed” fire at the Rovers. Over at Eastende rs, one of the show’s few decent actors, Scott Maslen, is quitting as Jack Branning later in the year. The former

Bill star wants to try something different, but what’s the betting that he might pop up on Holby or Casualty? Talking of which, why has nobody ever commented on the fact that Holby City hospital looks completely different on Casualty as opposed to Holby City? It’s not just the appearance of the building, but also the surrounding area, which in reality is Cardiff for Casualty and Elstree for Holby City. There are shops and bars close to the Emergency Department, but there’s just a big car park and trees in leafy Holby. It must be one hell of a massive hospital complex! To be a long-running high quality drama, you need to have many elements in place besides good writers and actors. You need the occasional game-changer and not to be predictable. That’s what makes the serial-

killer drama, Dexter, on Fox so enjoyable. Series seven has just kicked off with our hero (if that’s the right word) having bumped off the baddie from the last series, but his cop sister walking in on it all. It really was an exciting opener and with the knowledge that there’s only one more series to be made after this one, you just know that a happy ending is not going be on the agenda! In total contrast, Shameless kicked off its final series for Channel Four, having long outstayed its welcome. I stopped watching some five years ago what was, for the first two series, some of the most sharply written and entertaining drama on UK TV. What a shame nobody had the guts to pull it when it was on a high, having made stars of James McAvoy, Anne-Marie Duff and Maxine Peake.

When they left, and creator Paul Abbott passed on the writing baton to other people, the magic of the show went up in a puff of smoke. That's a misfortune the groundbreaking Dexter never suffered from, and that programme will almost certainly finish on a high in the next 12 months. If you got fed up with the antics of The X Factor last autumn, then I strongly recommend you to watch the current series of American Idol over on 5*. There’s the strange novelty of the four judges not bickering amongst themselves, and offering full and constructive critiques to all the contestants. It’s actually bordering on being an intelligent watch, and based on what I’ve seen so far, there’s a strong chance of a female winner for the first time since Jordin Sparks back in 2007.

Friday TV

March 1

23:35 The Graham Norton Show 00:35 This Week 03:30 Skiing Weatherview 03:35 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:30 HARDtalk 05:50 BBC News 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Hospital Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Mary and Martha 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather

00:20 Winterwatch 1963 - The Big Freeze 01:20 The Culture Show 01:50 Panorama 02:20 Close 05:00 Schools - Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey 06:00 Schools - Human Planet: Change and Sustainability 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Saints and Scroungers 08:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 09:15 Show Me the Monet 10:00 Live Athletics 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain's Heritage Heroes 16:15 Rachel Allen: Bake! 16:40 Live Athletics 20:00 Coast 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Sea City 22:00 Wild Arabia 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 Grimefighters 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:20 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Wild Britain with Ray Mears 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan's Life Stories 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 Gladiator

MARY & MARTHA One-off drama by Richard Curtis, starring Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn. American Mary and Englishwoman Martha have little in common apart from the tragedy that unexpectedly brings them together - they have both lost sons to malaria. Empowered by their friendship, they form a partnership and dedicate themselves to helping eradicate the disease.

00:05 00:10 01:15 02:10 03:05 03:35 04:30 05:25 06:20 07:05 07:10 08:05 08:30 09:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:05 13:35 14:45 Away 15:45 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:55 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:00

Random Acts Embarrassing Bodies Freaky Sleepers A Great British Air Disaster Dispatches Time Team War Horse: The Real Story Deal or No Deal Countdown Sali Mali The Hoobs According to Jim Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier The Secret Millionaire USA Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Channel 4 News Midday Come Dine with Me What's Cooking? A Place in the Sun: Home or Countdown The Common Denominator Deal or No Deal Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News 4thought.tv Come Dine with Me 8 Out of 10 Cats The Last Leg Alan Carr: Chatty Man

00:50 Inside Hollywood 01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dirty Great Machines 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Person of Interest 16:15 Love's Resounding Courage 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Saturday TV March 2

00:20 Armageddon 02:45 Weatherview 02:50 Click 03:00 BBC News 03:30 The Week in Parliament 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Click 04:45 Newswatch 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Five Minutes With 06:00 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater's Simple Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 The Shaggy Dog 15:30 Live Athletics 17:25 Final Score 18:20 Animal Antics 18:50 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:10 Pointless Celebrities 20:00 Let's Dance for Comic Relief 21:25 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 22:15 Casualty 23:05 BBC News; Weather 23:25 National Lottery Update

00:00 The Review Show 00:45 Weather 00:50 They Shoot Horses, Don't

They? 02:45 Question Time 03:45 Close 07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:30 Great British Menu 09:00 Great British Menu 09:30 Great British Menu 10:00 Great British Menu 10:30 Great British Menu 11:00 A History of Britain by Simon Schama 12:00 Meet the Ancestors 12:30 Map Man 13:00 Indian Food Made Easy 13:30 Mastermind 14:00 University Challenge 14:30 Talking Pictures 15:15 Doctor in the House 16:40 Coast 17:25 Live Athletics 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Dad's Army 21:30 Natural World 22:30 Howard Goodall's Story of Music 23:30 The First Grader

02:20 Jackpot247 04:00 That's Carry On 05:30 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Handy Manny 07:25 The Hive 07:45 Dino Dan 08:10 Canimals 08:25 Bookaboo 08:40 Matt Hatter Chronicles 09:05 Ultimate Spider-Man 09:30 Share a Story 10:00 Jessie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham 12:25 Dinner Date 13:25 ITV News and Weather 13:34 ITV Meridian Weather 13:35 Columbo: Negative Reaction 15:35 The Chase 16:35 DragonHeart 18:30 ITV News Meridian 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 You've Been Framed! 20:00 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 21:15 The Cube 22:15 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:15 ITV News and Weather 23:29 ITV Meridian Weather 23:30 Body of Lies

00:05 Paddy's TV Guide 00:55 Random Acts 01:00 Hot Shots! Part Deux 02:30 2 Broke Girls 02:55 Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 03:20 Bob's Burgers 03:40 Happy Endings 04:05 Southland 04:45 St Elsewhere 05:30 Deal or No Deal 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Will & Grace 08:25 FIM Superbike World Championship 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:50 Frasier 11:50 The Big Bang Theory 12:45 The Simpsons 13:20 The Simpsons 13:50 Undercover Boss USA 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:00 4thought.tv 20:05 Edward VIII: The Plot to Topple a King 21:00 Kevin McCloud's Man Made Home 22:00 Transporter 3

00:55 Inside Hollywood 01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Motorsport Mundial 05:25 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Mio Mao 07:10 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:20 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:25 The Mr Men Show 07:40 Olive the Ostrich 07:45 Abby's Flying Fairy School 07:55 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 Animal Antics 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:35 City of Friends 08:50 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:40 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:05 Looney Tunes 12:15 Highland Emergency 12:45 Robson's Extreme Fishing Challenge 13:45 Beat the Ancestors 14:45 Mosquito Squadron 16:30 Vera Cruz 18:20 Chisum 20:25 5 News Weekend 20:30 CSI: NY 21:15 NCIS 22:10 NCIS 23:05 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

00:05 Jumper 01:45 Tim Minchin: Ready for This? 03:15 Southland 03:55 Hollyoaks 06:00 Countdown 06:45 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:05 The Big Bang Theory 13:35 The Big Bang Theory 14:05 The Simpsons 14:35 The Simpsons 15:05 The Princess Diaries 17:25 Time Team 18:25 Deal or No Deal 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Ottolenghi's Mediterranean Feast 21:00 Meteor Strike: Fireball from Space 22:00 The Tourist

00:05 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 HouseBusters 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 County Secrets 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:15 The Milkshake! Show 06:40 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:30 The Mr Men Show 07:45 Milkshake! Monkey 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:05 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:10 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Animal Antics 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:50 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:20 Mio Mao 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:40 Milkshake! Show Songs 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:00 Once Upon a Time 13:00 Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment 14:40 See No Evil, Hear No Evil 16:30 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 18:45 Beat the Ancestors 19:40 5 News Weekend 19:45 Rocky 22:00 Person of Interest 23:00 Crank: High Voltage

THE CUBE New series. Firefighter Jason and competitive swimmer Michelle try to complete a series of increasingly difficult challenges, ranging from agility tests to skill trials, within the confines of the cube, under pressure to hold their nerve as friends, family and the studio audience watch their every move. The further they go in the competition, the more money they win, up to a jackpot of ÂŁ250,000. Phillip Schofield hosts.

Sunday TV

March 3

and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 2 00:55 The Football League Show 02:10 Weatherview 02:15 BBC News

01:05 The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

02:30 The Bottom Line

02:40 This Is BBC Two

03:00 BBC News

07:00 This Is BBC Two

03:30 Dateline London

08:10 Hot Enough for June

04:00 BBC News

09:45 Life in a Cottage Garden with

04:30 Our World

Carol Klein

05:00 BBC News

10:15 A to Z of TV Gardening

05:30 Click

11:00 Live Athletics

06:00 BBC News

12:40 EastEnders

06:30 The Bottom Line

14:30 MasterChef: The Professionals

07:00 Breakfast

15:30 Flog It!

08:30 Match of the Day

16:15 Live Athletics

10:00 The Andrew Marr Show

19:00 Food & Drink

11:00 The Big Questions

19:30 The Sea King: Britain's Flying

12:00 Sunday Politics

Past

13:20 Countryfile

20:30 Open All Hours

14:15 Bargain Hunt

21:00 Top Gear

15:00 Call the Midwife

22:00 Horizon

16:00 Walk on the Wild Side

23:00 Mock the Week

16:30 Escape to the Country

23:30 Dancing on the Edge

17:30 Songs of Praise 18:05 Penguins - Spy in the Huddle 19:05 Deadly 60 on a Mission 19:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News; Regional News

01:50 Jackpot247 04:00 In Plain Sight 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Handy Manny 07:25 The Hive 07:45 Dino Dan 08:10 Canimals 08:25 Bookaboo 08:40 Matt Hatter Chronicles 09:05 Rated A for Awesome 09:15 Rated A for Awesome 09:30 Almost Naked Animals 09:45 Almost Naked Animals 10:00 The Aquabats Super Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 Murder, She Wrote 12:25 Dickinson's Real Deal 13:25 ITV News and Weather 13:29 ITV Meridian Weather 13:30 Carry On Matron 15:15 Doc Martin 16:15 Agatha Christie's Marple 18:15 You've Been Framed! 18:45 ITV News Meridian 19:00 ITV News and Weather 19:15 Dancing on Ice 20:45 All Star Family Fortunes 21:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 22:00 Mr Selfridge 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:14 ITV Meridian Weather 23:15 Her Majesty's Prison Aylesbury

MAYDAY New series. Drama shown over five nights about the search for a missing teenage girl in a Sussex town and its impact on several locals, who suspect their loved ones of being responsible. It's May Day and the members of a small community go about their business as they wait for this year's parade to begin. But when the May Queen - local teenager Hattie Sutton - fails to appear, several townsfolk are sent spinning by the suspicion that someone among them has taken her.

Monday TV March 4

00:15 Room 101 - Extra Storage 00:55 The Sky at Night 01:15 The Apprentice USA 02:00 The Apprentice USA 02:40 Weatherview 02:45 The Bottom Line 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Being Eileen

01:05 The Science of Sleep 02:45 Holby City 03:45 Being Eileen 04:15 This Is BBC Two 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:10 Homes Under the Hammer 08:10 Saints and Scroungers 08:55 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 09:25 Show Me the Monet 10:10 Countryfile 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 Click 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Coast 15:20 Mastermind 15:50 Britain's Heritage Heroes 16:20 Great British Food Revival 17:20 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Food & Drink 22:00 The Flying Scotsman: A Rail Romance 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Weather

00:15 Premiership Rugby Union 01:15 The Store 03:15 Monk 04:00 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Cornwall with Caroline Quentin 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Broadchurch 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 The Agenda

00:05 The Quick and the Dead 02:05 My Funniest Year 04:00 4Funnies 04:25 St Elsewhere 05:15 Deal or No Deal 06:10 Countdown 06:55 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire USA 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What's Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

BROADCHURCH New series. Out-of-town DI Alec Hardy investigates the mysterious death of an 11-year-old boy in an idyllic seaside community, aided by local girl DS Ellie Miller, who has her work cut out dealing with her unyielding new boss. Meanwhile, the sadness of losing their child consumes Beth and Mark Latimer as they and the other residents of Broadchurch try to cope with the media frenzy surrounding the case.

00:50 Renegade Justice 02:45 SuperCasino 05:00 HouseBusters 05:25 Divine Designs 05:50 County Secrets 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:15 The Milkshake! Show 06:40 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Little Lodgers 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 The Negotiator 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Beat the Ancestors 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Robson's Extreme Fishing Challenge 23:00 Manchester United: Munich Air Crash

Tuesday TV March 5

00:05 Have I Got Old News for You 00:35 The Graham Norton Show 01:25 The Apprentice USA 02:05 Weatherview 02:10 Newsday 02:30 ABC World News with Diane Sawyer 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:25 National Lottery Update 23:35 The Matt Lucas Awards

00:20 Horizon

01:20 Film 01:50 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools: Eco Maths - Key Stage 3 05:30 Schools - Just a Few Drinks 06:00 Schools - Counting with Rodd 2 06:55 Wonders of Nature: Birds of Paradise 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Saints and Scroungers 08:50 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 09:20 Show Me the Monet 10:05 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 The Super League Show 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain's Heritage Heroes 16:15 Great British Food Revival 17:15 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 22:00 The Railway: Keeping Britain on Track 23:00 Heading Out 23:30 Newsnight

00:05 Monk 01:00 Jackpot247 04:00 Champions League Weekly 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

16 KIDS AND COUNTING The daily lives of seven of Britain's largest families, exploring such issues as sibling rivalry, discipline and finances. In this edition, Sue and Noel Radford, first seen on Channel 4 in January 2012, decide to get 11 of their 16 children christened on a tight budget, while Mohammed and Noreem Salim have a much-needed clear-out of their fourbedroom terraced home to make room for a party.

00:05 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 01:05 Random Acts 01:10 Shameless 02:05 The Shooting Gallery 02:35 Southland 03:15 Get Your House in Order 04:10 The Renovation Game 05:05 How to Look Good Naked 06:00 Deal or No Deal 06:55 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What's Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 16 Kids and Counting 23:00 Shameless

00:00 Rocky 02:20 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:10 'Til Lies Do Us Part 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Monkey Life 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Benidorm ER 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 Dallas

Wednesday TV March 6

00:05 Cuckoo 00:35 Who Do You Think You Are? US 01:20 The Killing Fields 03:35 Weatherview 03:40 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Fake Britain 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 National Lottery Update 23:35 A Question of Sport

00:20 The Flying Scotsman: A Rail

Romance 01:20 Brain Doctors 02:20 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Made of Money 05:30 Schools: Music, Mud and Making Money 05:55 Schools - Ecomaths: Primary 06:55 Wonders of Nature: Frogs 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Saints and Scroungers 08:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 09:15 Show Me the Monet 10:00 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:00 Food & Drink 11:30 See Hear 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain's Heritage Heroes 16:15 Great British Food Revival 17:15 The Living Planet 18:10 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 The Hairy Bikers: Everyday Gourmets 22:00 This World 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 01:35 04:00 04:45 06:05 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:25 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 23:35 Laurie

Piers Morgan's Life Stories Jackpot247 Loose Women ITV Nightscreen The Jeremy Kyle Show Daybreak Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV News and Weather ITV Meridian Weather Dinner Date The Alan Titchmarsh Show ITV Meridian Weather Ade in Britain The Chase ITV News Meridian Party Political Broadcast ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Food Glorious Food Lightfields ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV Meridian Weather First Among Equals: The Cunningham Story

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

00:05 Derek 00:40 Random Acts 00:45 One Born Every Minute 01:45 European Poker Tour 02:40 FIM Superbike World Championship 03:10 KOTV Boxing Weekly 03:35 Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge 04:35 Come Dine with Me 05:30 Wild Things 05:55 Deal or No Deal 06:50 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What's Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 Derek 23:35 Anna & Katy

Carol Vorderman continues her search for Britain's best home-cooked dish as hopefuls from the south-west of England gather in Devon to vie for a place in the semi-finals. Among those aiming to impress judges Loyd Grossman, Anne Harrison, Tom Parker Bowles and Stacie Stewart with their family recipes are a father-and-son team of crab fishermen, a pub landlord and one of the oldest pastry crimpers in the area.

00:50 CSI: Miami 01:50 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 02:10 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:45 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Robson's Extreme Fishing Challenge 21:00 Born to Kill 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Thursday TV March 7

00:15 The Matt Lucas Awards 00:45 Management 02:15 Weatherview 02:20 Newsday 02:30 ABC World News with Diane Sawyer 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Panorama 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time

00:20 The Railway: Keeping Britain on Track 01:20 See Hear

01:50 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools - In My Shoes: Germany 05:20 Schools - In My Shoes: China 06:00 Schools - In My Shoes: Rotterdam 06:10 Schools - Once Upon a Time 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Saints and Scroungers 08:50 Britain's Empty Homes Revisited 09:20 Show Me the Monet 10:05 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 15:00 Coast 15:20 Mastermind 15:50 Britain's Heritage Heroes 16:20 Great British Food Revival 17:20 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 The Planners 22:00 How to Get to Heaven with the Hutterites 23:00 Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 01:05 04:00 05:15 06:05 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:15 19:45 20:45 23:10 23:40 23:45

Safari Vet School Jackpot247 Columbo: Playback ITV Nightscreen The Jeremy Kyle Show Daybreak Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV News and Weather ITV Meridian Weather Dinner Date The Alan Titchmarsh Show ITV Meridian Weather Ade in Britain The Chase ITV News Meridian ITV News and Weather Emmerdale UEFA Europa League Live ITV News and Weather ITV Meridian Weather The Jonathan Ross Show

GOGGLEBOX Weekly TV review programme, narrated by Caroline Aherne, in which some of Britain's most opinionated and avid viewers comment on the best and worst shows of the past seven days, from the comfort of their sofas.

00:05 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 00:50 Random Acts 00:55 The Last Leg 01:30 The New Normal 01:55 Revenge 02:40 After the Sunset 04:15 Come Dine with Me 05:10 Deal or No Deal 06:05 Countdown 06:50 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What's Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Britain's Secret Shoppers 22:00 What Destroyed the Hindenburg? 23:00 Gogglebox 23:50 Embarrassing Bodies

00:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:50 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 02:10 SuperCasino 05:00 Divine Designs 05:25 Great Artists 05:50 Michaela's Wild Challenge 06:10 HouseBusters 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:05 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:10 Cries in the Dark 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Jack Taylor 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Friday, March 1, 2013

ACCOUNTANTS Pro Business Support – for all your accountancy needs in English; bookkeeping, taxes, wage slips and more. We cater for companies and self-employed people; we can deal with everything for you. Call us on 966 923 963 for first consultation free of charge.

AUCTIONS

ALARMS All types of alarms fitted, including CCTV. Give us a call on 966 923 963, and we will send a technician to give you a personalised quote. Call now on 966 923 963.

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Kitchen for rent in popular Irish Bar, Gran Alacant. March to October. Call 630 030 631(105)

the corner of Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 104, close to the windmill in Torrevieja, 667 533 597.

CARS FOR SALE

CHURCH SERVICES International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja. Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am. Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier. Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm. Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nationalities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276. Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact Pilar ChristianCommunity Church@gmail.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) meet at 10.00 each Sunday at their Torrevieja meetinghouse in the Torreaguas building on

BLINDS

Car insurance quotes – new extra discount on fully comprehensive policies at the price of third party! Excellent prices for expats, all policies and call centre staff in English. We will call you back with a quote. 966 923 963

INSURANCE CASER SEGUROS - for all your insurance needs, home, car, health, funeral. Policies available in English and German. Call Professional Business Support on 966 923 963 for a quick quote from our friendly staff.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Brand new 2 bed, unfurnished / furnished apartment. Algorfa town centre, swimming pool, rent €250 +150€ bills per month or yearly advanced €2700 plus bills. 0044-7949-589-539 londonangels@hotmail.com (111) 2 or 3 bed / 2 bath apartments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 350 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 636615716. (110) Ref: 61, A lovely two bedroomed ground floor apartment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swimming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking distance. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

Ref. KBJ3 – Luxury duplex penthouse apartment located near the marina in Guardamar. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, amazing panoramic views, inc.parking and storage. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR21 – A rare chance to rent a frontline beach apartment in Torrevieja! Ground floor with large terrace, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, direct and full-on sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR20 – Spanish style 4th floor apartment right on the beach! 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lovely balcony to soak up the amazing sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963

Ref. CBR19 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in sought after area beachside Punta Prima, with communal pool and fully furnished, only 400 € pcm. 966 923 963 CBR25 – Torrevieja town centre, 3 bed 2 bath apartment, bright and modern decor, only 10m from Playa Acequion, inc. Garage parking, unfurnished, long term rental only, 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR3 – 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse located in Algorfa, communal pool, fully furnished, 300 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. RS20 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment within private enclosed residential in San Luis, large terrace, 300 € pcm. 966 923 963

BATHROOMS / SHOWERS

CARPENTER CAR MECHANICS

MEDICAL Private Medical Healthcare – call us for your personalised quote, and get covered today, using the best private hospitals in the area. Call us now on 966 923 963, and we will call you back with your quote.

BARBER

CAR BREAKERS AIR CONDITIONING ALARMS

AIRPORT COLLECTION

CAR HIRE

CLEANERS

Friday, March 1, 2013 Ref: 49, 2nd floor one bedroom apartment situated conveniently located in the town centre of Torrevieja, with a small sun balcony overlooking the lovely communal pool. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 33, Ground floor spacious 2 bedroom apartment, located in Torre la Mata. Close to all amenities and beach. 3 month rental €300pcm Call: 965 707 188 CBR18 – Detached Spanish villa, beachside Punta Prima, 4 bedrooms, garage, 1200 m2 plot, own pool, 900 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref: 104, 2 Bedroom apartment in Torrevieja, (near gypsy lane), small balcony, near all amenities and Friday market. €350pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bedroom detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, supermarket, restaurants and bars. Short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 702: Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment, located near los Locos beach, beautifully furnished. Short term rentals from 175€ per week. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 El Chaparel/La Siesta Two bedroom apartment in a quiet gated urbanisation for rent €350 per month plus

bills. Reference No 17 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Monino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb communal pool area, in within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 CBR23 : Stylish new house in Los Montesinos, 3 bed 2 bath with large 65m2 garage, front and back terraces. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963

PROPERTY FOR SALE Home and Contents cover Comprehensive policies for house and contents with CASER Seguros - excellent prices for expats; policies available in. Call 966 923 963 for a quote. Ref. BRJ1 – 1 bedroom top floor renovated apartment in San Luis. Great sea and lake views. 55.000 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref: 510, €70,000. Bungalow located in San Luis. It is close to the supermarkets, bars and restaurants and is on the local bus route. An Opel Corsa car is

included in this sale. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. RS63 – 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse in Torrevieja, with communal pool and lots of extras. 95.000 €. Tl. 966 923 963 Ref. RS59 – Detached 3 bedroom 2 bathroom villa in San Luis, plot of 350m2, private pool, and additional “granny annex”. 169.000 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS1 – Detached 3 bedroom 2 bathroom villa with 900m2 plot located in Toretta Florida. Has private pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and much more! 320.000 € .Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS67 – 2 bedroom apartment with lovely sun terrace located in Playa Flamenca urb with communal pool. All amenities nearby. 59.995 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS98 - Spacious 2 bed, ground floor apartment 250m from La Mata beach, inc private parking and storeroom. 115.000€ Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS58 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom second floor apartment located in La Mata, communal pool, fully furnished, 79.000 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS84 – Large 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment of 100m2 situated in Los Montesinos. Communal solarium upstairs with pool. 79.900 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS20 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment within private enclosed residential

in San Luis, large terrace, 90.000 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS65 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom penthouse apartment, communal pool and parking area, located near the beach in Guardamar. 79.950 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. RS90 – 2 bedroom detached villa all on one level, fully furnished, as new! Located in El Raso (Guardamar) 145.000 €. Tel. 966 923 963 Ref. KEIGUA – Luxury duplex atico apartment in Guardamar. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom, 118 m2, private parking, storage room, communal pool, magnificent views of forest, beach and sea. 169.000 € Tel. 966 923 963 Lovely Corner property in Novamar V, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Being sold fully furnished including appliances, Has secure underground parking and faces large oasis communal pool. Walking distance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Rare opportunity to purchase on Mediterrania III, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Private Parking, F/Furnished, Large communal pools & Tennis courts S/W facing, Dramatically reduced for quick sale to 126.000 euros. Ref No. K58 Call 627 711 155 for immediate viewing Ref: 521, €105,000. This comfortable bungalow is located in San Luis with a

new roof and solarium tiles. It is close to supermarkets, bars, restaurants and is on the local bus route. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground parking, Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views. Viewings absolutely essential. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 627 711 155 Opportunity to purchase at the off plan price of 195.000 euros. Large 4 Bed, 3 Bath Brand new property. Secure underground parking for 2 cars and communal pool. Situated opposite Gran Alacant and over looks projected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com

2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 communal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popular urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Immaculate ground floor Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, Private Parking, Situated in Novamar, Gran Alacant. Price includes very tasteful furniture and white goods. Walking distance to all local amenities and beach. Now only 129,750 euros. Ref No K24. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant Detached villa, located in a very sought after location.Situated on a 560m2 S/W facing plot and constructed in 2005. Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 full baths), Lounge-Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg. Tel. 680333242

Friday, March 1, 2013

Ref 533: Lovely 2 bedroom Townhouse located in the popular area of Punta Prima, the property has a large lounge and fully equipped kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, one with balcony, bathroom with double shower. €126,000 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant Town House with a difference. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Glazed in Porch, Quiet Location, Extra storage areas, and South Facing Private Pool as well as 2 communal pools. Fully Furnished, All mod cons. Greenland Views and all local amenities close by. Ref. No L79. 179.000 euros 680 333 242 Top floor Duplex. Very good price of 108.000 euros for a quick sale. Furnished to a very high standard, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Lounge Diner, Glazed in Porch, Large Roof Top Solarium. Choice of Communal Pools, Private Parking. Walking distance to all amenities and on the First urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant. Viewing essential. Ref No. K44. Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant immaculate villa, 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed property maintained to a very high standard inside and out and the interior furnishings are top quality, offering a feeling of luxury and good taste. The plot size is 400m2 and has been beautifully tiles, and graveled and has established palms and plants. Oil fired central heating throughout, log effect fire place, ceiling fans in all rooms, towel heater rails, glazed in shower units, instant hot water,

water purifier, free English TV, phone & internet lines, fitted double hanging wardrobes, safe, glazed in front porch, vanity units and much more. The pool is an 8 X 4 m2 salt water pool, meaning maintenance is much easier plus outside toilet and shower. Sea views to front with Greenland views to the rear. ref K51. €245,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off-road parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool nearby. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ground floor duplex, with splendid views. Quiet location in Gran Alacant. Immaculate condition. Price has just been reduced to 105.000 and includes everything. For viewing call 627 711 155 Ref. No K27 Balsares is opposite Gran Alacant where the proposed golf course is now being

KITCHENS

started so this property will virtually be on the golf course, it is an investment not to be missed. The property is on a small gated urbanisation of 18 houses with private underground parking for 2 cars and direct access to the house, communal pool and toilets/changing rooms etc. The house is brand new and consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge with working fire place, large kitchen 12 m2, large galleria/ utility room, bedroom balcony and front tiled terrace. This property also has a converted under build for an extra lounge or bedroom. ref K52 €198,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 516, €39,999. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant Opportunity to purchase a beautiful 3 bed-

roomed, 3 bathroomed,large kitchen, detached property with rooftop solarium. Well established gardens and drive way for 2 cars, whilst also overlooking the projected 18 hole golf course. Comprising of fitted wardrobes, utility room, air con H/C, alarm system, electric wall heaters, intercom system, fireplace, ceilings fans, 8x7 gazebo, use of 2 large communal pools, immaculate condition with many extras. ref K12. €180,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant bargain, detached villa with pool on 400m2 plot. Briefly comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Lounge Diner, independent kitchen, solarium with views, well maintained gardens. Quiet location yet within walking distance of all amenities. Top quality furniture and appliances included in the price. Extras include, mosquito nets, grills, toldos blinds, built in wardrobes, gas fire, electric heating, ceiling fans, English & Spanish TV, tastefully tiled & graveled garden with irrigation system. ref K43. €229,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis

LOCKSMITH

NEWS AGENTS

pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts. Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Large detached villa with beautiful gardens set on 550m2 plot, built in BBQ area and large 10x6 pool.Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Lounge Diner with fire place, Independent Kitchen, air con H/C, Solarium, front porch, converted under build with 3 extra rooms, private covered parking, irrigated gardens, close distance to beach and amenities. Ref. K18 €250,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Gem! Fabulous detached Villa, with Alicante sea views to the front and wood land views to the rear, means this immaculate villa is very private and un-overlooked. Comprising of 2 large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bath, large fully equipped kitchen,glazed porch sitting area, solarium, Attractive Pool with cover, well main-

tained Gardens. Central Heating, Air Con, Ceiling fans, Private Parking, Alarm system, Decorative working Fire Place complete with electric Fire. Outdoor workshop/storage area, Quality Pergola & BBQ. Constructed in 2006, on plot size of 380m2 and being sold fully furnished including white goods. ref L80. €234,995 Tel 680333242 Ref: 513, €115,000. Two bedroom ground floor apartment, in Aguas Nuevas, close to all amenities including the beach. It has a good size lounge, kitchen and has off road parking facilities. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PERSONAL

POOL TABLES

ELECTRICIAN PETS

PARTY PLANNING

DAMP PROOFING

PLUMBERS

DRAINAGE

PLASTERER

Friday, March 1, 2013

Gran Alacant, Ground floor south west facing apartment in Puerto Marino close to G.A commercial centre, comprising of 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area and large tiled front garden, The property is being sold fully furnished and includes all kitchen appliances, H & C Air con is fitted as well as

RAG AND BONE

sky TV. The apartment enjoys the use of 2 large communal pools and has private parking in an enclosed electronically gated car park. Competitively priced for a quick sale. Ref. K40 €91,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, this mid terraced Puerto marino townhouse has been priced low purely for a quick sale. Briefly comprising of: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area, Front tiled garden, Private gated Parking & the use of 2 large communal pools Ref. K22 €123,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: KP3100, €183,000. Three bedroom, two bathroom detached villa, located in San Luis, on a 450sqm

REMOVALS

plot, with communal pool. Garage to side of house. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant, Rare investment!! corner south facing opportunity on Novamar urbanisation.This immaculate ground floor duplex has been kept and maintained to a very high standard inside and out the position is fantastic, enjoys views over the lovely oasis communal pool, surrounded by lawned gardens. Comprising of plot size 100m2 Build Size 90m2, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, AntiGlare Windows, Security Door, Security Grills, Built-in Wardrobes, Extra Storage, Galleria, Electric Panel Heaters, Heated Towel Rails, Air Con (h&c), Ceiling. Fans. Thermo Shower, Vanity Units and decoratively tiled throughout, exquisite garden, Underground private parking. Ref.K10 €139,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, corner property in Don Pueblo with no expense spared, comprising

of 3 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 decoratively tiled bathrooms, very large independent kitchen with galleria. Included in the price are all kitchen appliances such as large fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave to name just a few. There is a huge lounge complete with chimney, plus large fully transformed under build,and small workshop. Front and rear private garden area, secure underground garage, tennis courts, football pitch and communal pools. Ref. K14 €209,00 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the "Alto" part of Gran Alacant, this 3 bedroomed, 4th floor apartment, offers luxury accommodation, with absolutely stunning sea views, as well as views of Alicante bay and the famous Santa Barbara Castle.The apartment is 89 square meters with open plan kitchen / living room and includes all electrical appliances & furniture also there is a utility room, open terrace, and private parking. The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, tennis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant villa located in a very quiet area , situated at the end of a cul-de-sac means there is no through traffic.3 bed, 3 bath, 330m2 plot, established large gardens, working fireplace, solar panel for hot water,private parking, south facing great views, fully furnished, fantastic opportunity. ref. L85. €215,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant limited edition villa, not very often available on the market. Only a few of this type were ever con-

VAN HIRE

structed- Very large 5 bedrooms, 4 bathroom(2 ensuit) property, situated on a large corner plot with a 10 x 5 private pool and private parking. Lounge-diner with working fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with utility room. Large landing area, leading onto solarium, with extra storage external room. Front porch area leading into large well established gardens with irrigation system and fruit trees. Being sold fully furnished. Within walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and 5 minute drive to Carabassi beaches. ref. K11. €270,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the central area of Gran Alacant and within walking distance to all local amenities such as a selection of different cuisine restaurants, bars, pharmacies, banks, popular GA market and Carabassi Beach. Comprises of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a private garage and roof-top solarium. This property is part of a small urbanization which has the use of a large decorative communal pool. Ref. K36 €149,000 Tel 680333242 Beach front Line property, over looks Carabassi Beach, Gran Alacant. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Secure Underground Parking, Fully furnished, Roof Top Solarium. 3 Large Communal Pools, Fantastic communal Gardens, Tennis Courts and much more. 125.000 Euros Ref No. K23. Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant, Situated front line to the famous blue flag beaches of Carabassi, the real beauty of this property is its proximity to the beach, but also on offer is a fantas-

STORAGE

WARDROBES

tic communal pool situated in beautifully kept gardens with little Spanish walk ways.Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner, American style kitchen including all appliances, roof top solarium with stunning views, front porch area with front garden and a secure underground garage. fully furnished Ref. K23 €125,000 rare opportunity Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

QUIZZES Experienced quizmaster/question setter with personality available to host quiz nights in local bars. Tel:- 664 838 581

SITUATIONS VACANT Avon need enthusiastic distributors. Turn your spare time into money! For more information phone Rosh on 966 785 520 (106)

SOLICITORS Need English speaking solicitors in Torrevieja? Let us help to solve your problems with debt recovery, divorce, property, fraud, criminal defence. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor today

WIG SPECIALIST SALON MARGARETHAS, 23 years in Torrevieja Hair/Wig specialist for Medical illness and Hair Loss problems. We offer different Hair Replacements, top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are welcome to our service. Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (90)

WANTED

ROLLER BLINDS

Friday, March 1, 2013

Greenside Gossip IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com DAVE THOMAS, a fourtime Ryder Cup player and renowned course designer, has been awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour. Thomas was presented with the silver membership card by George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, in the company of board member and life-long friend, John O’Leary, special guest Brendan Foster CBE and representatives of the Association of Golf Writers during a special luncheon at Shepherd’s Restaurant in London. During an illustrious playing career which began in 1949, Thomas was twice runner-up in the Open Championship - in 1958 at Royal Lytham & St Annes when he tied with Peter Thomson before losing in a 36-hole play-off - and eight years later at Muirfield, when he finished tied second to Jack Nicklaus. He played in four Ryder Cups, in 1959, ‘63, ’65 and ’67, won many of Europe’s biggest tournaments and represented Wales 11 times in the World Cup of Golf, before arthritis ended his playing career and he immersed himself in his other great passion of golf course architecture. Together with Peter Alliss, Thomas designed The Belfry’s famous Brabazon Course and his CV includes Slaley Hall in Northumberland and the Roxburgh and re-design of Turnberry, in addition to continental venues such as the latest European Tour Destination St Leon-Rot, San Roque, the Almenara Hotel, La Baule, Cannes Mougins, more locally Hacienda del Alamo Golf, Mar Menor Golf (1st nine), Roda Golf, Altorreal Golf in Murcia Province, La Manga West Course and Lorca Golf plus courses in Japan, China, Taiwan, Africa and South America. He also designed the Derby and PGA National Courses at The Belfry, his reputation and work pro-

DESIGN OF THE TIMES

Euro Tour salutes Thomas the king of course architects

vides current designs in Russia, Belarus, and Brazil. Thomas was also Captain of the Professional Golfers’ Association during its centenary year in 2001 and five years later was made an honorary life member of the PGA. It may have been remiss of the European Tour not to have presented this award a long time ago but on February 18 they corrected that wrong. The Tour has recently honoured Tommy Horton, Brian Huggett and Peter Alliss, and Dave is in that league in helping build the game in Britain and all over the world. Thomas, born and raised in Newcastle, recalled his first taste of the Ryder Cup,

when he watched some of the game’s greats including Sam Snead during the 1949 match at Ganton at the age of 15, having just turned professional. He has very fond memories of his playing career but by 1969 his back gave in and it was time to do something else. He decided after someone suggested some design and architecture, to go down that route. Alliss was involved and they became designers.

Who would have thought all these years on he would be close to having designed150 courses? His comments at the dinner were: “I have seen how the game has grown, how the European Tour has developed and it has been wonderful to have been part of it all for the last 60 years. I am honoured to receive this award.” Now I have mentioned many times in the past that I adore ladies golf and the way

KNOW YOUR RULES

QUESTION In stroke play, if a player tees his/her ball outside the tee box, what is the ruling? A: No penalty B: In stroke play the player incurs a two-stroke penalty and must play the ball within the correct area. C: One stroke penalty and replay the ball from the correct area. ANSWER Bob, a 70-year-old, extremely wealthy widower, shows B: You may play your tee shot from up to two clubs lengths up at the Golf Club with a breathtakingly beautiful 25- behind the front line of the tee markers. year-old blonde who knocks everyone's socks off with her youthful sex appeal and charm. She hangs onto Bob's arm and listens intently to his every word. His mates at the club are all aghast. At the very first chance, they corner him and ask, "Bob, how did you get the stunning girlfriend?" Bob replies, "Girlfriend? She's my wife!" They're amazed, but continue to ask. "So, how did you persuade her to marry you?" "I lied about my age," Bob replies. "What, did you tell her you were only 50?" Bob smiles and says, "No, I told her I was 90."

TITTER ON THE TEE

they play the game and bring a breath of fresh air to it (and perfume, which is nice!). So it was a pleasure to see them play over the past few weeks and none more so than to see the youth in their game. But no player took my eye (steady now) more than Lydia Ko a New Zealand amateur golfer. Born in South Korea, she is currently the top-ranked woman amateur in the world. Last year she became the youngest person ever to win an LPGA and European Tour event and she followed up her New Zealand win with third place in the Australian Open behind Jiyai Shin. It was her 14th professional tournament and she has already fashioned an enviable record of three wins, two seconds and a third - at Royal Canberra. Many are asking when she will turn professional. She responds to the question: “I want to turn pro when I think I’m ready and my coaching staff think I’m ready, there’s no point going there when I don’t think I’m ready, and I’m not that confident.” More than that, though, there’s a question of development at the amateur

level. How much is there left to learn playing against amateurs when she’s beating the world’s best pros? Lydia isn’t eligible to collect the winner’s cheque, she would have had to declare herself a pro before any event began to collect any winnings. LPGA rules stipulate that a player must be at least 18 to become a tour member. To gain membership before turning 18, a player must petition the LPGA commissioner for a waiver of the tour’s age restriction. Lydia does not turn16 until April 24. Other notable young ladies like Lexi Thompson turned pro at 15 years and four months. Michelle Wie just days before her 16th birthday. Thompson and Wie both played the LPGA as nonmember pros before earning membership status. Thompson became an LPGA member when she was still 16, after petitioning for a waiver following her victory at the Navistar Classic. She made her rookie debut as an LPGA member just days before

Lydia Ko

her 17th birthday last year. Wie was 19 when she earned LPGA membership through Q-School. But little has been seen of her progress Having watched Lydia Ko play, she is streets ahead of Wie at the same age, so watch her if you can. You never know - you just may learn a few

Friday, March 1, 2013

ANGEL DELIGHT!

PROMISE-I-won’t-mentionlast-season again, but at the end of that cataclysmic campaign Elche strangely saw stupidity to let their top striker Luis Angel go to La Liga’s Levante. But he has now prodigally returned to give Elche more fire-power, which he did in fine style - just when the Illicitanos needed him, bless him. On a bitterly cold Sunday evening Elche warmed up their 13,349 faithful fans, including three all the way from Huesca up north, with a pulsating win over their big, muscle-bound opponents. The Aragonese’ are clearly fighting for their second division existence, only one place and one point off the dreaded drop department. The Illicitanos kicked off at full strength with Aaron starting upfront alongside last week’s hero, two-goal Coro,

Returning striker win(g)s it for Elche Elche 3 Huesca 1

sides in level at half time. Normal service was resumed immediately into the second half as Elche the local lad pardoned for his The winger clipped the ball pressed again with the crowd second yellow card when into the path of leading scorurging them on, Albacar’s sent off for simulation – a ter- er Coro, who from an oblique free kick clearing the wall, rible decision which could angle scored in the corner. 1 but also the bar. have cost Elche the game ( it – 0, the Franjiverdes in the Returning-from-injury didn’t, they won 2-0 at Gijon). driving seat. Carles Gil replaced Aaron on Early home pressure saw Unfortunately the visitors the hour, but with 20 minutes the lively Aaron spin to push hadn’t read the script, which left to a huge cheer – cometh his low drive just wide, and clearly said Elche don’t conthe hour, cometh the man after the ball bobbled around cede goals, especially at the aptly-named Angel in the box Fidel skied his vol- home: the best defence in replaced Xumetra, clearly full ley miles over. It was all the league by miles had only of running as he immediately Elche as the predictable free- conceded 12 in 26 games. chased everything down. kicks and corners were Spirited Huesca had had Only three minutes later, inswung toward the danger- their first-half moments and Coro chipped him clear and ous heads of the centre- forced a corner just before the Canaries-born striker backs, excellent Etxeita and half time. cracked in a beauty, to powerful Peligrin. Everyone, including heroic delight the crowd as they But the breakthrough Herrera in goal, missed the saluted the triumphant return came exactly on the half hour high inswinger which was of their hero, who never lets as super Suarez set ‘Zoomi’ forced in at the far post for anyone down. Xumetra free down the right. the equaliser to send the

Monte’s second helping CD Montesinos 2 CF Rafal 1

CD Montesinos put their bad form of the last few weeks behind them with a much improved performance - especially in the second half. The less said about the first 45 minutes the better. The first half ended with Monte trailing 1-0 after a dubious penalty decision went against them - but the second 45 minutes proved to be one of the most entertaining of the season. Veteran defender Becker came on as a substitute for youngster Omar and it was he who got his head to a free kick and glanced the equaliser past the Rafal keeper for the equaliser. Minutes later, Monte thought they had gone ahead when Rodrigo netted. But his effort was ruled out for off-

side. Then the overworked referee, who had a very poor game, awarded Monte a goal when the ball clearly went wide. However, as the Monte players were not celebrating and their opponents were incensed with the decision, the official decided that perhaps he had got it wrong and awarded a goal kick instead! The winner finally arrived with five minutes to play. A Rafal goal kick only reached the half way line and Andres, on the volley, smashed it right back towards goal. With the Rafal keeper out of position, the ball crossed the line much to the delight of Montesinos players and supporters alike.To keep up to date with everything at CD Montesinos, visit www.cdmontesinos.com or email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com Vamos Monte!

FC TORREVIEJA will aim to make it unbeaten in four when they host Villarreal C at the Nelson Mandela stadium this Sunday at 5pm. They battled both the opposition and the elements last Saturday when drawing 1-1 with Saguntino, writes JEFF SCOTT. Jorge returned to lead the side and showed the way with a super well-placed header from Dani Meseguer's free kick to open the scoring in the 17th minute. Jose Manuel was leading the line in the absence of the injured Koeman and worked liked a Trojan to put the home defence under maximum pressure.

Torry's powerhouse, Abel, was injured in the first period and had to be replaced by his comedic partner - the 5ft 3in Manu Amores. He may be small of stature, but he is all heart and did not falter. He and Cuco Ros covered every inch of grass to try to keep Saguntnio at bay. They both deserved medals at the end of the game for their phenomenal effort. Torry occupy 14th position with 14 games left to play. They are now only four points above the releagtion zone and desperately need to start winning games. Doubts remain over the fitness of Koeman and Abel, so once more the youngsters may well have a further chance to show their mettle.

Was that it? No sir, just to top and tail it, with poor Huesca pressing for a second equaliser, right on time Carles Gil stormed down the middle, appeared to lose it, the ball running

loose for – who else, the haloed Angel to bang it in for his second and send us all home happy and glowing with stirring stuff to furnish the family with. So – no worries, no haunting horrors, no looking-overthe shoulder anxiously, the gap above second-placed Almeria is still 12 points, and a scintillating 16 over the leading light for the play-offs, Girona. Poor old nasty-neighbours Hercules lost 1 – 0 to Barcelona ‘B’ (shame) and are second from bottom (sob). Real Murcia aren’t much better in 16th, three points above the drop zone. Fifteen to go, this weekend Elche travel right down towards the Portuguese border to play Recreativo Huelva on Saturday. It’s on Spanish TV live on the Teledeporte channel at 9pm. Mucho Elche!

Every Day’s a Football Day Mini Manu a big lift for Torry March

Saints’ promotion dream fades Sporting de San Fulgencio 0 Hondon Nieves 2

SAN Fulgencio lost yet more ground on the leading pack after a well-organised and hard-working Hondon side deservedly took all three points, writes JORDAN LUCAS. A mix-up between Aaron Lopez and Hector Silva allowed Hondon's No.15 to fire his side into the lead after 15 minutes.

The hosts improved in the second half and In an encouraging spell, Marco Aurelio hit the crossbar from a swivelling effort. But the game turned on a controversial decision with 20 minutes remaining when San Fulgencio’s Hector Silva received a second booking for an innocuous challenge on the left wing.

The red card infuriated Silva’s teammates and Hondon took advantage of the extra man with a goal on the break in the last few minutes. Disappointing from the Saints in an important fixture. San Fulgencio’s next game is away against Orihuela, time of kick off yet to be confirmed.

1st 1987 The league match between Ajax and Den Haag is abandoned at half time because of rioting fans. 2nd 1962 Accrington Stanley played their last league game (before their eventual return to the league) a 10 defeat at Crewe. 3rd 1989 GM Vauxhall Conference side Maidstone pay £35,000 to Fisher Athletic for Ken Charlery – a record between non league clubs 4th 1994 Scots-Canadian Fergus MCann buys a controlling interest in Celtic. His cash injection prevents, by minutes, the club from going into receivership. 5th 1959 Birmingham City centre half Jeff Hall falls ill after a game. Within five hours he is diagnosed as having polio. Tragically, nothing can be done to save him and he dies two weeks later. 6th 1875 The Scottish Cup semi final between Dunfermline and Renton is abandoned after 80 minutes when so-called neutral referees, one from each club, could not agree whether a shot by a Renton player had crossed the line. 7th 1937 Millwall beat Manchester City 2-0 through two goals by Magnall, to become the first third division side to reach the FA Cup semi finals. Compiled by STUART EVANS

Friday, March 1, 2013

GOLDEN DAYS

King Bobby is no Moore… so hail the Prince of Bales SADLY West Ham have only a statue of the late, great Bobby Moore at Upton Park these days. Bet he’d have stopped Gareth Bale in full flight on Monday night with one of those Pele-type trademark tackles, come away with the ball, looked up and chipped it forward for…erm… Andy Carroll (?) to effortlessly head it past that French Spurs goalie, shades of ’66. Oh, the memories… Right, nuffofallthat! Gawky Golden Gareth did it again, two-timing it for Tottenham, his second and winner in injury time leaving Samsammers’ now nervously looking over their shoulders in 14th place - only six points above the dreaded drop zone. Steady in the East End now - sleeves rolled up, gloves def-off Saturday, men meeting men as the Hammers visit Stoke - and nobody comes away unpummelled from Pulis’s Potteries’ pugilists. QROPS? Money-saving scheme? Tony Fernandez’s gotta sort-of-similar winner at Loftus Road, this a money-spending one called QPR0S - stands for ‘Queens Park Rangers Nil Score’: head honcho Harry

John McGregor reports

Redknapp, that famous financial fixer’s had a flutter. The idea is you pay millions of euros into a secret French bank, and a few no-go Gallic goalscorers turn up, get injured and laugh all ze way to La Banque. Get real, Harry – you’ve got to score goals to win, mate - nil in the last five home games is not gonna keep you up the Hopeless Hoops are still goin’ dahn! Saturday also sees Capital One Cup conquerors Super Swansea entertain gone-through-their-bad patch Newcastle, the Magpies showing Quite Probably Relegated how their French faves featured formidaaaably, fleecing Southampton 4 – 2 in a European extravaganza. First Mousse Sissoko, next Papiss Cisse, then a Yohan Cabaye penalty before Dutchman Jos Hoolveld ogeed the fourth to sink sad Southampton, their own froggy forward Morgan Schneiderlin (sounds Krautish) having gottem off to a flier on three minutes. Oh, and some Englishman called Ricky Lambert scored Saints’second … Battle of the also-rans Sunday saw second-seeds Man City sink Chelsea 2 – 0 to keep the gap to 12 points behind Man United, the Reds surely now preparing for the Premier prizegiving with 11 to go? Delia’s bringing a cake on Saturday as Norwich visit Old Trafford. City go to Villa Monday, but Super Sunday sees Spurs sport-

ingly ‘entertain’ nasty-neighbours Arsenal in the North London derby. FA Coop clear- oop: Toffees told ‘em Oldham 3-1 Tuesday night, though why that lanky Latic lad Smiffy din’t coomon before t’ hour beats me - the 6ft 6er scored straight away, but Everton still made it safely though to keep it Lancastrian to play Wigan in the quarter finals. Similarly Chelsea did just enough to see off Middlesbrough 2 – 0 at the Riverside to keep Rafa Benitez in a job – for now anyway as rumours of dressing-room unrest wriggle out from under the Bridge. Player power persisting? Wednesday’s win means the Blues meet Man Utd now – mmm! Cardiff bounced back at Wolves 2-1 to lead the Championship by eight points with a game in hand, Watford going well second-equal with Hull. Billy Davies-back Nottingham Forest in eighth are aiming for a late play-off run with two wins and a draw in his first three games. Real Madrid may be 16 points adrift in La Liga, but Mourinho’s men meant business this week at the Nou Camp where they routed mighty Barcelona 3 -1 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey. They’re back at the weekend in the league – Barca won’t wanna lose that one as well!