Week 172

Edition 172

www.thecourier.es

Friday, June 6, 2014

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NEW REIGN IN SPAIN

Prince Felipe expected to take crown on June 18th

By ALEX TRELINSKI Crown Prince Felipe could be pro­ claimed as the new King of Spain in less than a fortnight, after Monday’s surprise abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos.

Two parliamentary votes will be com­ pleted by Tuesday June 17th to approve the necessary changes to the constitution which will allow the abdica­ tion to go ahead, with in theory, Felipe

being proclaimed as king by parliament the following day, once the new law is published in the Official State Bulletin.

The royal household would then decide on the formalities of the coronation cer­ emony, which would be attended by leading state and royal figures from around the world. Back in 1975, Juan Carlos was anointed in a mass at Madrid's Jeronimos Church, five days after parliament had proclaimed him King.

After an emergency cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his cabinet drew up the special law need­ ed under the constitution to facilitate the succession. The legislation must now be approved by parliament, with a vote in the lower house expected on June 11th and one in the upper house on June 17th. Despite a number of smaller left of centre parties as well as the Catalan nationalist party wanting to have a debate on the future of the monarchy, Rajoy has said that the mat­ ter is not up for discussion, and with the support of the main two parties, the PP and PSOE, the new law is expected to pass easily through parliament. The El Pais newspaper has estimated that at least 86% of MPs will approve the spe­ cial law needed to ensure the succes­ sion.

Prince Felipe and his wife, currently known as the Prince and Princess of Asturias, have a fairly favourable image in the Spanish media and they have scored much higher in opinion polls than other members of the

Continued on page 2

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Friday, June 6, 2014

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E­MAIL 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 EDITOR Alex Trelinski 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 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel 685 901 265 Alan Tel 616 332 178 Writers Donna Gee Sally Bengtsson Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Tony Mayes John McGregor

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Picture of the Week

96 692 1003 679 096 309

Inside the chapel in an old monastery now the main central school in Orhiula Photo by PHILIP ROE

NEW REIGN THE ODD COUPLE IN SPAIN Joan Collins hit the streets of Benidorm again this week, as she returned to the Costa Blanca to shoot another appearance in the popular ITV comedy set in the resort.

Collins stole the show in a cameo as the Solana Group CEO in the final episode of the last series, and the 81 year old looked resplendent as she posed for a photo on Tuesday with Johnny Vegas, who is back after a 4 year break as The Oracle.

From page 1 Spanish Royal family. The new king, who will be Felipe VI, will inherit an institution that has been tarnished by scandal in recent years. He will have to contend with a long­running corruption investigation into the busi­ ness dealings of his sister and her husband.

Support for the monarchy fell further when it was dis­ covered that Juan Carlos had been on a lavish ele­ phant­hunting trip to Botswana in April 2012, in the middle of Spain's finan­ cial crisis. King Juan Carlos,

76, has had health problems in recent years and took the throne in 1975, after the death of General Francisco Franco, the dictator who had ruled for 36 years. The king became Spain's first crowned head of state for 44 years, and soon ignored Franco's supporters, who wanted an extension to auto­ cratic rule, and ushered in a new system of parliamentary democracy. The king said in a televised address on Monday that it was time for a "new era" in which a new generation could take on the transformations and reforms required.

NICK NICKED

San Miguel’s local police got a shock last Friday when their only patrol car was shoved onto a tow truck and whisked away for the non­ payment of the lease by the coun­ cil. The PSOE opposition claim that the coppers now only have one motorbike to take them round the area, and that there have been cut­ backs to night patrols, despite plenty of officers

being available.

The plight of the police was brought into sharp focus over the weekend when they chased a drunk

47 year old Irish driver on foot in the town.

The man, who was found to five times over the legal limit, crashed into a wall of a house, and was taken on foot to the police station to be charged.

The council say they will buy a police car, after they found that they could not get a good enough rental deal.

WANTED – MORE HEADLINE NEWS! DO YOU have a story that might grab the headlines?

What’s all the gossip about round your way? A spate of robberies, perhaps – or maybe you’ve spotted a celebrity in the neighbourhood. Whether your news involves fire, police, ambulance, accidents – or hap­

pier events like family weddings (particularly Golden and Diamond ones!), Just phone the Courier office on 966 921 003 or email office@thecourier.es We’re waiting for your call…and next week’s Front Page story.

Friday Sunny High 26 Low 19° Chance of rain 0%

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Wednesday Cloudy High 24° Low 19° Chance of rain 22%

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Media and Entertainment SL Monday Sunny High 27 Low 20° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Partly cloudy High 28° Low 21° Chance of rain 0%

Friday, June 6, 2014

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MULTICULTURAL GET VERY WET BRIT FIRST FOR ALMORADI MONTESINOS Los Montesinos has its first ever British councillor, as 65 year old Graham Burge has taken a Partido Popular seat vacated by Conception Macia Work has started on building Santa Pola’s water ski park Albaladejo, who quit on land in the Playa Lisa area. It’ll be the first in the Valencia for personal rea­ region and one of the few in Europe offering all kind of water sons. He joins the activities throughout the year including flyboarding, wake­ opposition party on boarding and snowboarding. There’ll be nearly 9 thousand the council, after square metres of water area, with a depth of 1.4 metres. It’s previously serving as a councillor in the London area. Mr. Almoradi’s Plaza de la Constitucion hosted the city’s sec­ hoped that it will be open for business this year, after a delay Burge (pictured with PP group leader Pilar Maria Paredes) ond European Festival Day last Saturday, with a variety of in starting the construction due to problems in getting the moved to Los Montesinos with his wife Anne, six years ago, and brings experience of working in the social housing sector musical entertainment and a chance to sample to British and right permits. in southern England, as well voluntary charity work.

German cuisine. The day coincided with Almoradi’s weekly Mr. Burge commented:­ “I am looking forward to the chal­ market, with many people enjoying what was offered, includ­ lenge ahead and I am aware of the problems that the town ing a colourful performance from the Torrevieja Pipes and faces. I expect to be able to make a positive contribution by Drums. A special manifesto was read in Spanish and English bringing up issues that face our community ahead of the next to emphasise the importance of multiculturalism.

Murcia City’s local elections in May 2015”.

Terra Natura has a Pilar Maria Paredes said:­ “We are very happy to have new star to its zoo Graham on board and is a sign of how determined our party and water­park in is to reflect all of the community of Los Montesinos”. the shiny shape of the fish­eating sea lion, Eddy! . Little 2 year old Eddie was left an orphan last year, after his mother died. He was given to Terra Natura, where he has been looked after and trained, and is The way that the now ready to perform in the sea lion show. This year’s format births and deaths of of the show has a new twist with one member of the audi­ British citizens living Investigators have confirmed that driver error was fully ence chosen to come and swim with the sea lions, and visi­ overseas are regis­ responsible for last summer’s train tragedy near Santiago de tors can actually book to swim with the creatures when they tered will change Compostela in which 79 people died. The driver of the high­ arrive at the park. from this speed train, Francisco José Garzón, had been travelling well Monday(June 9th). above the speed limit when the accident occurred, according In a similar way that to investigators from Spain's railway accident commission. passport applica­ He had also been distracted by a call from the train's conduc­ tions and renewals have been centralised in the UK, the reg­ tor, the report found. istration of births and deaths of British ex­pats in Spain at consulates across the country, including Alicante, will be phased out over the rest of the year.

Consular birth registration is an optional service and is only A bungling café assis­ available to those born overseas who have an automatic tant faked a burglary to entitlement to British Nationality at birth. There is no legal cover up a gambling requirement for a consular birth registration, and a local birth addiction, but he injured certificate with a certified translation if necessary should be himself so badly, that he sufficient for all purposes in the UK including applying for a had to be taken to hospital passport. Similarly there is no requirement for a consular for the deep wounds that 8 thousand “foreigners” have disappeared off Orihuela’s death certificate – a local certificate should be sufficient for he suffered from, as police padron records and that means the official statistics will show winding up the affairs and obtaining probate in the UK. blew the whistle on his that the municipality will have a reduced population of 83 The processing time for registrations will remain the same desperate scam. The man thousand. Those figures will lead to lower national and but applicants will need to allow extra time for documents to worked in an Alcoy cafe and he got hooked on playing the fruit machine there; so regional funding for the area. Some 17 thousand Orihuela be sent to and from the UK. much so, that he raided the till to pay for his entertainment, residents were classified as foreign, with the majority of them which amounted to around 1,400 Euros! Realising that he coming from EU countries. In recent months, local officials could not cover up the theft, he lied to the police and created and police officers have been checking padron returns with An 80 year old Swiss man died while he was pruning his a fantasy robbery, going as far as 1to make a cut in his arm. addresses, and have had to make the reduced declaration palm tree last Monday afternoon. The octogenarian was due to people quitting the area or passing away.

The situation He then went to a health centre, but the cut was so deep they is even more dramatic in Torrevieja, with the city’s population according to authorities, “hanging in a harness” a few metres sent him to hospital where he was given 14 stiches. above the ground when he was working on the 4 metre tree The 37 year old fantasist from Alicante told the police that set to be down­graded by 14% from the January 1st 2015, at his La Manga home. It’s believed that he died of a heart two men with East European accents had attacked him as he with numbers falling from 107 thousand to 91 thousand resi­ attack. dents. was opening up the café in the morning, threatening and cut­ ting him, as well as stealing all the money from the till. The authorities treated the report very seriously as officers were deployed around the area, with potential witnesses being interviewed and roads being blocked off. But the fibbing assistant was rumbled and confessed as the police discov­ ered that the knife used in “the attack” had come from the café’s kitchen.

GET THE FISH OUT

DRIVER’S FAULT

HATCHING AND DESPATCHING

ORIHUELA QUITTERS

FROM BAD TO WORSE

LA MANGA DEATH

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER O r i h u e l a Council has spent 18 thousand Euros after a four year delay on improving the appearance of the roundabout on the N332 at Campoamor. The hold­up was so long that the process of getting approval from the Highways Authority had to start from scratch. The makeover features the laying down of artificial grass, as well as plants and sand.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

DRUGGED UP BANGERS

The rising trend of fatal accidents on Spanish roads may be down to older cars and drug­taking motorists, so claims María Seguí, the boss of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). She says the fact that 396 people have been killed in road crashes in the first five months of 2014 (four times the figure for the same period last year) cannot be due to 'drivers speeding more these days', an 'increasing number of motorists flouting traffic laws' or 'fewer people using safety devices' such as seatbelts. She claims that the upturn is caused by the average age of a car on Spanish roads being 12 years, compared to early 2013 when the typical vehicle was 10 years old, and that there was a clear rise in the num­ ber of drivers so far this year getting behind the wheel having taken drugs.

ALMORADI FACELIFT

Almoradi is set to get a make­over after the council said they were preparing what they described as an urgent plan to clean up the city’s streets and parks. The plans, announced by the Mayor, Antonio Angel Hurtado, will see some 300 thousand Euros is be budgeted for bet­ ter benches, landscaping and replacement of play area facilities. The current street light bulbs will be replaced with more energy efficient lights at a cost of over 90 thousand Euros.

FOUR STAR SUCCESS

Torrevieja’s only four­star hotel claims to have had a busy 2 years since opened in the Los Balcones area of the city.

The Hotel, Doña Monse, with views of the salt lake, says that the number of people staying there has doubled in the last 12 months, and they have clocked up 35 thousand overnight stays, as well as recording big rises in the numbers using the spa and booking facilities for private functions. Leading local dignitaries like Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and his San Miguel counterpart, Angel Saez, were at the hotel’s second birthday celebrations, along with Joaquín Albaladejo, from the Costa Blanca Tourist Board.

STINGING SOAP

All of Alicante city’s schools have with­ drawn their liquid hand soap after a mem­ ber of the council's sports department suf­ fered 'serious eye injuries' from using it.

The victim, who is still signed off by a doc­ tor, was working in the city's public swim­ ming pool and suffered stinging and blind­ ness as a result of eye contact with the soap. Investigations found that the same soap was used by the firm contracted to clean all the state schools in the city.

PIGS CHAMPIONED

The cull of Vietnamese pigs in the Armanello area of Benidorm has been denounced by the Centre for Justice and Animal Protection, based in Madrid. The group is angered by Benidorm council’s decision to hire a hunter to kill the ani­ mals which have spread around the area, and is threatening other species like the wild pig and boar. They’ve written to complain to the Alicante Environment department and pledged to take all necessary legal action to stop what they describe as “a real aberration”.

APPEAL REJECTED

The Benejúzar mother, who was sentenced to 5 years in jail for setting fire to the man who raped her teenage daugh­ ter, has had her Supreme Court appeal against her imprison­ ment thrown out. The Court met on Wednesday and announced their decision yesterday which upheld the gov­ ernment’s decision not to grant clemency to Mari Carmen García. She checked into Fontcalent Prison in Alicante on May 8th (pictured entering with her daughter and husband), after exhausting other avenues of appeals to keep her out from being kept behind bars. The Supreme Court said that issues of clemency are for the government to decide, whilst her solicitor had asked for a suspended sentence. The matter may not yet be closed, as various women’s groups are peti­ tioning for a pardon from the government.

GAS PROMISE

San Miguel de Salinas will have access to the natural gas pipeline network by next year. That’s a pledge made by fran­ chise­holder Gas Natural Cegas along with regional politi­ cians, with the budget to link up San Miguel said to be just under half a million Euros.

SHOT IN THE ARM

The Spanish Government was set to announce a new economic stimulus boost this Friday said to be worth 6.3 billion Euros. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said that the main rate of corporation tax would be slashed from 30% to 25% in a move to cre­ ate more jobs and increase the competitiveness of Spanish industry. Reports suggest the package will include credits to small and medium­sized firms, and investments aimed at research and development, transport and energy saving.

BUSINESS BOOST

Councils across the Vega Baja area including Torrevieja and Orihuela will be able to dip into a 4.5 million Euro pot provided by the Alicante Provincial Government to encourage small businesses to develop. Torrevieja and Orihuela will each get 420 thousand Euros, whilst Rojales and Pilar de la Horadada will receive 300 thousand Euros.

Guardamar, San Fulgencio and Almoradi are allocated 240 thousand Euros, with 120 thousand going to places like Los Montesinos, Algorfa, Dolores, and San Miguel. Alicante President, Luisa Pastor, made the announcement on a visit to Rojales.

NOT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTE

Spain’s leading consumer group (FACUA) has denounced Carrefour over a bikini being marketed with young girls in mind, starting from 9 years old. The bikini top has sponge inserts to make the wearer's breasts look larger in the same way as many bras do, and its sizes take in 9 to 14 year old girls. It’s featured in Carrefour's swimwear collection cata­ logue and is modelled by a girl who could be a young teenag­ er or pre­teen posing with a glass in her hand which appears designed to look like a cocktail or alcoholic mixer. FACUA has warned that such an item, when aimed at very young girls, form 'commercial pressure' which 'encourages a pre­ maturely sexual state' in childhood which could 'provoke psy­ chological and physical damage' to pre­pubescent children.

COSTA DEL FIRE

Some six thousand metres of scrubland at Playa Flamenca on the Orihuela Costa were hit by a fire on Saturday afternoon. Four fire engines and a helicopter were brought in to put out the blaze in a two­hour operation. Late in the day, and down the coast, a palm tree fire broke out at around 9.15pm in the Las Beatas area of San Pedro del Pinatar, not far from the ITV test station.

FARE DEAL

Spanish train operator, RENFE, fined over 1.200 fare dodgers using their local services in the Alicante and Murcia areas last year. The Madrid region alone accounted for 33 thousand fare avoiders being punished, followed by Barcelona on just under 13 thousand.

COSTLY STRIP

Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and local police chief Vicente Gutiérrez, want to fine the coppers that bared their chests and backs at a council meeting in April in protest over their work con­ tracts. Gutiérrez has sent a report to the Mayor and to the courts, which could see the protestors fined any­ where between 300 and 6,000 Euros.

Friday, June 6, 2014

DON’T’ LEAVE IT LATE

British ex­pats in Spain are being warned not to leave their passport renewals until the last minute. The Passport Office say that you need to allow at least six weeks for a passport renewal and eight weeks for a first time application.

They say it is also important to get the paperwork correct first time round, to avoid it being returned and therefore causing a further delay.

The Passport Office took over the pro­ cessing of all applications from British nationals across the globe in March, which meant that the British Embassy in Madrid stopped handling Spanish­based applica­

tions last year. Processing times have increased for UK passport applications submitted from overseas due to extra security cheques, with the Passport Office having to come clean on the extra frustra­ tion that customers may be experiencing.

They say they will continue to review their guidance on estimated processing times, and have recommended that nobody makes any travel arrangements until they have received their passport.

UK passport applications have to be made online and the webpage to start an overseas application can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/overseas­passports/y

Murcia’s major almond growing areas are facing ruin as the record drought continues to bite. In the north of the region in Mula, not one drop of rain has fallen for 14 months, with most of the almond trees on their last legs. The majority of the 37 and a half thou­ sand almond trees are so dry that they will need to be pulled up because they are a fire threat. In stark comparison, some 200 thou­ sand kilos of almonds were harvested around Mula in 2013, whilst this year will see absolutely nothing. A 7 year period is need­ ed for an almond tree to grow and to pro­ duce a good harvest.

Some of the Murcia region farmers are somewhat fancifully blaming the use of anti­ hail rockets which, they claim, have been illegally fired into the skies above the area, together with some small planes being flown into the clouds to disperse them so as not to ruin the fruit production of fruit companies which are new to the area. In the whole of the south­west Spain there are 14 million almond trees, 5 million of which look likely to be pulled up, causing losses of up to 30 mil­

lion Euros.

One farmer from the Mula area, Miguel Pagan, told the La Verdad newspaper that he and his 80 year old father can’t remember anything as bad hitting the area, and that they expect to go bankrupt. “All my life sav­ ings are gone”, said Miguel, and I won’t be able to collect enough almonds for even one nougat bar!”

Here is a great idea for a brilliant day in the summer sunshine. The Ole Catamaran sails from either Cartagena or from La Manga, depending on which month you sail. This fabulous mini cruise takes you for 3 hours on the waters of the Mar Menor.

Once aboard this surprisingly spacious ves­ sel the fun starts. Skipping gently across the sparkling waters of this shallow attach­ ment to the Mediterranean Sea the land soon starts to shrink to a shadow behind us.

Lively music on board the aptly named “Ole” soon starts to develop a party atmos­ phere. On board there is plenty of seating as well as sunbathing areas. With both shaded and sunny areas available you can choose which you prefer. After about an hour the ship is anchored to allow you to

jump in to the coolness of the sea for a swim. The less energetic tend to get the picnic lunches out about this time, buying drinks from the on board bar. Others will take this chance for a bit of dancing, or a bit of sunbathing. This is a great summer day out for all ages. Arrival by coach at your port of departure allows you a bit of time to have a look round the port before depar­ ture. The amazing thing is how little this costs with David’s Coachtrips SL. Adult price is 23€, Senior price (over 65) is 21€, and child price (up to 10yrs) 14€. The price includes coach travel and the mini cruise.

Available every Thursday from 12th June.

Reservations can be made online at www.coachtripsonline.com or phone direct on (0034) 966785910

Murcia’s almond disaster

Ole on the Mar Menor

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Friday, June 6, 2014

editor@thecourier.es COURIER POSTBAG: YOUR VIEWS ON OUR NEWS

Orihuela beaches heading for blue yonder WITH the summer season just days away, Orihuela Costa res­ idents and tourists face a situ­ ation unheard of in the last 20 years and which could lead to the loss the blue flags and Q of Quality awards on our beautiful beaches.

Despite the fact that the life­ guards company requested the Town Hall on March 13 to can­ cel the existing contract and find another provider, no action had been taken until last week by the councillor responsible of the coast, Martina Scheurer, and to this point we have no

guarantee of a lifeguard serv­ ice this summer.

The contract to be terminat­ ed was signed last year with the Town Hall and was to pro­ vide the service until summer 2015.

Once again the local admin­ istration has acted very slowly to solve its citizens’ needs and to be fair to the Spanish, this time it’s a German councillor who is saying “mañana, mañana”.

Many are surprised that the companies invited to bid for the lifeguard contract, a vital

public service dealing with life and death situations, don’t have to have any Quality or ISO standards.

It seems to be more impor­ tant for Scheurer that a beach chiringuito is awarded a Q of quality for “pulling a pint” than a lifeguard company for saving someone’s life or to provide a

HELP ME FIND MY MUM’S LIFESAVER ON May 13, my mum Sheila set off for a four­day break in Benidorm with her friend Pat. Just before landing she felt a tightening in her chest which got worse and worse to the point of her having to have a wheelchair to remove her from the plane.

I want to set up the beers for airport hero who breathed life back into my mother

service to help a disabled with adapted bathing chairs.

The attitude of irresponsibili­ ty shown by Martina Scheurer and Green Mayor Guillen in relation to the lifeguard serv­ ice, although pathetic, is noth­ ing compared to the scandal that has occurred during the beach bars and services tender which revealed serious issues that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

To date, none of the 11 beaches in Orihuela Costa have had any beach services, which include beach bars, sun­ beds, umbrellas, pedal­ boats and jet­skis when they should have been in place since March 15.

RAYMOND KEARNEY, Orihuela Costa President, CLR Supporters’ Group

Paul Coulson: Hunt for a hero

At around 9am, my mum suffered a very serious heart attack while the airport worker carried on pushing the wheelchair through the air­ port, totally unaware of the life threatening situation she was in.

Suddenly a man from another plane that had just landed, also from Britain, ran over after seeing my mum and began performing CPR. He kept this up until paramedics arrived on the scene.

This man’s brave act allowed my mum’s brain to still receive oxy­ gen while she was unable to breath for herself, which saved her from any brain damage or brain related injuries caused by lack of oxygen.

We have been told that if she was alone at the time, no way she would have made it.

This man in my eyes is a lifesaver and needs to be acknowledged as such. The problem is, after my mum was taken to hospital, the man was never seen again.

As the hunt for the airport hero continues, All we know is he flew to Alicante Paul Coulson posted this update on airport on May 13 with his wife/girl­ Facebook on Wednesday evening... friend. He landed at around 9am a was he that and he mentioned Hi everyone, today has been an exciting day. I was up and fireman, a first response fireman. out early to meet the BBC to film for North West tonight, they Not much information, I know, but cancelled, I got Granada Reports in instead.

I'm hoping somebody somewhere We spent about an hour filming a report at my mum’s will see this and know the man in house, it was too late to make tonight's show at 6:30pm. question.

Hopefully I will find out when it will appear on TV and I will let I, for one, want to shake this you know. After filming the reporter mentioned he was going man’s hand and buy him a pint, I to forward the story to GMTV (I bet I will have to get up early know my mum would also wish to for that one). thank him.

My mum would like to say a big thank you for all the atten­ These days good people like this tion her story has caused. She wants to thank the people are getting rarer and rarer so involved in the search and all the well wishers. I've had some please, please share this every­ lovely messages off people who have been through a similar where you can to help me and my thing, some with happy endings and some unfortunately not. family find our hero so we can give So thank you everyone from us both. Paul XxX him the thanks he so rightly IF Michael Jobbins (Letters, May deserves.

PAUL COULSON, Rochdale 11) is the one who played football www.facebook.com/#!/paul.co with me for John Roan Grammar cillor in Bexley, where James ulson.332 School in the late 1950's, any Brokenshire is MP so possibly If you know the mystery chance of passing on my email know both parties to the address?

I could find time for a hero’s identity, please call letter.The article gave me a start .

Sue Campbell on 966 845 550 or beer.

MICHAEL TARRANT I have just stood down as a coun­ 634 388 561.

Paul’s mum Sheila

A KICK START WILL MIKE MY DAY!

q

Los Balcones and Welling, Kent We’ve passed on the details as requested, Michael, and if it does lead to a reunion, please keep us posted.

q

Where is the tax money being spent?

I WOULD ask the following questions of the local gov­ ernment: Why are Orihuela Costa's beaches and streets in such a DISGUST­ ING state in June?

Daily, I pass by the beaches at La Zenia, Cala Capitan and last week I vis­ ited Campomor beach.

La Zenia is sort­of cleaned daily (but not very well). Cala Capitan and Campomor haven't been done at all and there are large holes in the sand at Cala Capitan.

None of them have walk­ ways even to NEAR the sea. How can the disabled access the water?

There are no beach loungers, no cafes, no shade, no pedal boats etc ­ and the sand is filthy. The streets are filthy, too, and weed­ridden.

As a tourist I would not return to Orihuela Costa.

Given that the restau­ rants, cafes and apartment owners, plus shops etc., rely on a few months of tourism to survive. How many will be here in 2015?

I understood that the present management in the Town Hall is 'Green' ­ not very, apparently.

Where do our taxes go?

If Orihuela Council doesn't get its finger our very quickly, there won't be any revenue from the coast to finance Orihuela Town ­ because their income will start disappearing.

Name and address with­ held at writer’s request

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Friday, June 6, 2014

PAPER HACK It’s a punny WRITER old game

ISN’T it funny that some people have no sense of humour?

I’m talking about the po­ faced miseries who think a giggle is the Aussie collective noun for geese.

If that joke flew over your head, it’s Oz­on you won’t want to take a gander at the rest of this article, either.

But then, we all laugh at different things, in the same way that I get hot under the collar about so­called ‘funny’ men like Harry Hill, who I find a real pain in the neck.

He may win awards, but to me his comedy is a load of shirt. (And I did say shirt!)

Talking of wit (and I did say

Harry Hill: No joking, I don’t find him funny

MY BIKER’S TOP 10

(Compiled by Suzuki Quattro) 1. Summer Harley Day – David & Son 2. Help Me Honda – Beach Boys 3. Who Wants To Be a Pillionaire 4. You Wheely Got Me - The Kinks 5. If You Knew Suzuki – Al Jolson 6. Spoke Gets In Your Eyes – Platters 7. TT for Two – I Love Man 8. Get Down On It - Fuel and the Gang 9. Careless Vespa – George Michael 10. Biker Street – Gerry Rafferty wit), tabloid journalists – par­ ticularly sub­editors ­ have always been partial to quirky humour infested with play s on words.

trying to keep up AND HOW ABOUT THESE FOR Scotland, Wales and Ireland? with the groanses

I’ve been so conditioned by a lifetime in the newspa­ per game that I actually think in headlines. Just ask any­ one who knows me – and particularly my grandkids, who are all convinced there’s something the matter with my grey matter.

While my bones may be creaking more and more, I can assure them the door to Groan­ma’s brain is not com­ ing off its cringes just yet. In fact, my mind has been quirking overtime thinking up word games these past few days.

My cerebral engine exploded into life at the weekend while my daughter Lisa’s partner Rob was telling me about a new website pro­ moting RJH, his motorbike

training school in Manchester.

Why not give visitors a laugh as they book their Compulsory Basic Training, I suggested. And the Biker’s Top 10 promptly became a quirk in progress.

I apologise for the list being rather dated, but then I was born when Bing Crosby was in his prime. Still, I sus­ pect most of my readers have as much difficulty get­ ting their leg over these days as I do. (Onto a bike, that is).

As an encore, I’ve added Top 10s for Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I’m deliberately keeping my England hit parade for next week in the hope of luring other disturbed minds to join in the fun.

Over to you, fellow loonies.

England’s Top Tenner NOW it’s your turn. I’m looking for a Top 10 with an English theme ­ and there’s a 10 euro prize for the reader who compiles the best list, which I hope to publish along with my own England Top 10 on this page next week. Email your entries to me at donna@thecourier.com

DONNA’S SCOTTISH TOP 10 (Compiled by golf legends Roy, Al and Ann Shent) 1. I’m Just Wild About Murray - Don Blane 2. Mr Blue Skye – Brian Island 3. Mack the Fife – Bobby Darin 4. Perth of the Blues – Saint-John Stone 5. Hibee-long to Glasgow – Hibs-Celtic Alliance 6. Troon is Bustin’ Out All Over - Sandy Trapp 7. Yankee Doodle Dundee – Justin Timbercake 8. Ayr on a G-string – JS Bach 9. Orkneys Up Mother Brown – Cockney Jocknee 10. Anyone Who Had a Hearts – The Jambos DONNA’S WELSH TOP 10 (Compiled by Rhyl Young) 1. Message to Merthyr – Adam Faith 2. Help Me Rhondda – Beach Boys 3. Sounds of Caerphillydelphia (cheesy version) 4. I’m Just Wild About Barry – Gavin & Stacey 5. Swansea, How I Love Ya – Michu 6. Mold Man River – Paul Robeson 7. Flint A Wonderland - Johnny Mathis 8. Llandaff Hope And Glory – Cathy Drall 9. Llanelli Heart In San Francisco – F Sinatra 10. Aberdare on a G-string – JS Bach- bach DONNA’S IRISH TOP 10 (Compiled by Paddy Fields) 1. Derry Across the Mersey – The Peacemakers 2. Dirty Old Down – The Dubliners 3. Galways - Bon Jovi 4. Armagh He’s Making Eyes At Me – Donny Gall 5. Little Drumcondra Boy – Ringo Kerry s6. Bray a Little Prayer For Me – Don Leary 7. Tramore I See You - Nat King Cole 8. You’ll Never Cork Athlone – Brendan Rodgers 9. Irish I Was in Dixie – Elvis Presley 10. Sligo Ape – Neil Sedaka

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Friday, June 6, 2014

ZAPPED FOR BEING REMOTE 'I HAVEN'T been abroad in years,' Mrs S observed the other evening. 'Is there any chance that we might get a holiday some time in the coming epoch?'

'I love you and I think you are wonderful,' I said without taking my eyes from the important football match on the telly.

'Huh?' said Mrs S. 'Did you hear what I just said?' 'Yes,' I said. 'You haven't been adored in years. So I told you how much I worshipped you.'

Mrs S stared daggers at me. 'I said I wanted to go abroad not to be adored. I gave up on adoration from you ages ago. I just want two weeks away from it all. But knowing you, I'll probably have to be content with a fortnight at Tesco.'

Hearing only every other word or so, I said: 'I got what you said this time, luv. You fancy a two­week trolley­ push at the supermarket. I must confess though that it sounds a bit bizarre to me.'

Mrs S grabbed the remote control and paused the soc­ cer action. 'Penalty!' I cried.

'Never snatch the zapper from a husband's hand when the footy is on.'

Mrs S was not amused.

'I'm being serious,' she con­ firmed. 'I honestly do need to get away from the house for a couple of weeks.'

'But 14 days of uninterrupt­ ed supermarket shopping? I hardly think so, luv,' I said.

'Traipsing up and down the aisles for a solid fortnight is definitely not a viable propo­ sition. We'd have to pause at some point if only to get a bigger shopping trolley. And then what about our sleeping arrangements? But if you really are determined to have a crack at the world record for that Guinness book of whatsits . . . ' Mrs S gritted her teeth.

'You really aren't listening to me. I was talking about tak­ ing a vacation not doing the flaming shopping. Lord knows I spend one­third of my life buying you snacks to pig out on while you're engrossed in Match of the Day.' I wiped custard cream crumbs from my lips while

trying not to disturb the open bags of peanuts and jelly babies balancing delicately on my lap. 'Don't exagger­ ate,' I said. 'But I do take your point that we haven't been away for a long, long time.

Where would you like to go?'

Mrs S sighed. 'I was think­ ing that a couple of weeks in Phoenicia or Gaul would be nice.'

I sighed back. 'Sarcasm does not become you. How do you fancy modern Spain?

We enjoyed it there the last time we went.'

Mrs S still had some sar­ casm to scatter my way. 'Yes, it was lovely. How long ago were we in Spain? Let me see. Oh, yes, I recall queuing up to get El Cid's autograph.'

'Don't be silly, luv,' I sug­ gested. 'Charlton Heston made that costume epic way back in the early 1960s. And let me tell you he was most convincing as the Castilian nobleman and military leader in those medieval times.'

'You just don't get the con­ cept of being caustic, do you?' sneered Mrs S. 'I was referring to yer actual El Cid.

Anyway, before we book a vacation I want you to see the doctor for a check­up. I reckon 365 visits to the pub every year can't be doing you m u c h good.'

F a s t forward a couple of days and my general practitioner greeted me in the usual fashion.

He dropped to the carpet and tried to wriggle under his examination couch.

'But my husband is here for a genuine reason this time,' Mrs S assured him. 'I want to ensure that he is fit enough to go away.'

'For good, hope­ fully,' mumbled the doctor as he emerged slowly from under the couch and sank resignedly into his chair. 'But

you're correct, Mrs S. If your husband gets the right help ­ ­ preferably of the psychiatric sort ­­ he might stop driving me mad with his imagi­ n a r y crackpot illness­ es.'

'Hang on, doc,' I said. 'I really did believe I'd con­ tracted Green Halibut Disease when I last came to see you. And I can't even remember how long ago that was.'

'That was yesterday,' the doctor said twitchily. I watched him turn crimson as he twisted his stethoscope nervously around his neck until it began slowly to stran­ gle him. 'Let's get out of here before the doctor dies,' I sug­ gested to Mrs S. Fleeing the surgery, I reached for my wife's hand . . . and grabbed back the television remote.

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HOW TO BOND WITH A DOG Peace and happiness is not just important to our wellbeing but it is also extremely important for your dog’s wellbeing. How do you make sure your dog is happy, fulfilled and at peace? The formula is sim­ ple and if followed consis­ tently, your furry best friend will thank you forev­ er.

Dogs need exercise.

Believe it or not, this is where most people fail in meeting their dogs needs. Dogs want to see and experience the world just as we do. Exercise drains a dogs energy, which creates calm, but if this vital ingredient is missed out, dogs will create their own entertainment and let’s just say, it may not be to your lik­ ing. Also, a dog likes variety, so a quick walk around the same old route everyday doesn’t work.

Dogs need rules. Just as we do. I had to draw some money out of my bank account yesterday. No part of me wanted the money to come out of my account, but that is a rule we all have to

follow! Rules are not a bad thing. They create order and balance and they need to be followed on a consistent basis.

Dogs need guidance.

Something I don’t like is when people either intimidate or bully a dog into doing something. In many respects this was an ‘old school’ tech­ nique that was in actual fact a load of old rubbish. You are dealing with the most intelli­ gent species on the planet, so respect must be high up on the agenda. Respect and guide your dog through life gently and you will have a friend who will follow you to the ends of the earth. I would rather have dogs who want to follow me, than feel they have to follow me.

Dogs need us to be calm.

This is absolutely critical.

Dogs follow calm. Without fail, every time I meet a calm person, they have a calm dog. If you are nervous, anx­ ious, frustrated, aggressive or angry, this puts a dog on edge and that is not a good thing. Believe me I know, because that was once me.

being is so very important when it comes to looking after that of your dog. I am still amazed that schools do not teach children how to practice calm and the impor­ tance of it. Learning to switch off your brain and meditate or just sit silently is medically so important to us. Stress is one of the biggest killers out there, yet all we are taught from birth is to want, desire and achieve to the highest possible standards. That’s wrong, because I am now well aware that it is the very simple things in life that will give us the most pleasure.

Want, want and more want is a disease, an addiction and also a killer.

Dogs need to be loved.

They are the most loyal friends you will ever meet in NO JUDGEMENT, JUST LOVE your life, so give them the Do you remember when you that was the case for you, love they deserve, but when were a child? If someone then you will realise that that they are calm. A dog’s natural was looking after you and made you nervous and state is calm and if giving you knew they were not quite extremely anxious, and them love when they are in up for the job. Maybe they exactly the same thing will this state, then that is what had big problems, like alco­ happen to a dog, if these are you are nurturing, which is hol or a drug addiction, or the negative emotions that very important.

Finally, this has all been maybe they were just always you are displaying to them. nervous and never calm. If Looking after your own well­ about what a dog needs, but

the truth of the matter is that we need dogs a lot more than they need us. They lower our blood pressure; they guide us if we are blind; they can predict when we are going to have a seizure; they protect us from danger; they keep us company and they never ever judge us, no mat­ ter what our crime! Sounds like the best friend you ever had, eh? Which is exactly what they are. www.thedogyouneed.com is a registered charity, where we rehabilitate the most severely abused animals.

Our charity registration num­ ber is 1157175. If you would be kind enough to donate anything to this special cause you can do by PayPal, where the account details are peter@ thedogyouneed.com or to our Nat West charity account, where the sort code is 60­16­03 and the account number is 73754900.

Even one Euro will help, so please, please, try and sup­ port us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

PETS’ CORNER: CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT? April and 3 of her 6 week old kittens are looking for homes. All were abandoned on someone’s doorstep.

And are now ready for re­ homing. Please contact K9 or PHONE 600 84 54 20 for more info www.k9club.es

Binky is a small breed mixed puppy he is a lovely bright very happy, loving little boy.

You only have to show him something once and then he knows the routine. He is eight weeks old and ready to go to a home of his own. For more information about Binky please ring the PEPA helpline on 650 304 746 or Email: p.e.p.a.animalcha­ rity@gmail.com

Binky

Bella 2 is a small breed mixed puppy she is a lovely bright very happy, loving little girl. You only have to show her something once and then she knows the routine. She is eight weeks old and ready to go to a home of her own. For more information about Bella 2 please ring the PEPA helpli­ ne on 650 304 746 or Email: p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail. com

Bella Rusty is a small dog and is a real cutie, he has a very lov­ ing nature and loves people.

He was thrown from a car at a great speed. He has been in kennels since August 2012 and he needs to find some­ one to love him forever. He walks well on the lead. Ring 616655789 for more informa­ tion Cats n Dogs A.A. Registered number G54658810

Rusty

PRINCESS, approximately 9/10 months old German Shepherd Cross, was res­ cued 'twice', once in Quesada & then from a Compound in Mazzaron.

Despite all she has been through, she is a well beha­ ved girl with a calm tempe­ rament and is socialised with other dogs and loves to play.

She enjoys being with peo­ ple and is in great health, has been spaded, had all relevant injections, chipped with her own passport. She is currently in being fostered but it is only temporary and time is running out so she needs a permanent 'FORE­ VER' home. Please call Maureen on 966716049.

Princess

Buster is 1 of 6 teckel cross pups, they were born on the 25th April and are now eating solids so looking for new homes. They are in good health and will be small when fully grown. Call: 645 469 253. www.petsins­ pain.com

The black kittens recently dumped at the APAH Cattery brings the current number of black cats in APAH's care to 20. There are 71 cats and kittens being cared for by APAH, can anyone out there offer any of them a loving home? To meet them all, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563.

Buster Harry who is 12 weeks old and just over 30 cm`s tall, loves cuddles and walks, is looking for his forever home.

Could it be Yours. Contact Last Hope Dog Rescue on Facebook or call 634 065 540

Harry

Ollie and Oscar are two brothers who were recently aban­ doned. They are around 10 months old, and couldn't be more different in character.

Oscar is bouncy and confident, but Ollie is terrified of everyone and everything. They will always be little dogs, and need loving homes, especially Ollie who needs someone quiet like him.

To meet Ollie and Oscar, please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563. Oliie

Princess

Gorgeous galgo pups, boy on the left and girl on the right. Just two of our many puppies that need homes.

Please call 619938955 or find us on facebook Paradise Kennels.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

MAKE A PROPER SPANISH SWITCH

I’ve recently started watching more and more British televi­ sion via the internet, whilst I used to be more than happy to watch the Spanish offerings. This makes me wonder why I’m now falling back into the UK TV trap again, constantly watching shows on my laptop includ­ ing following favourites from years ago. One reason is because my son is normally watching his cartoons on our TV so, unless I want to join him, I have to watch TV online, and so why not check out some British program­ ming? I’ve caught up with Eastenders, The X Factor, The Voice and I’m now look­ ing forward to tomorrow night’s final of Britain’s Got Talent. In fact, I’m going to my friend´s house to make a night of watching it with some pizza and wine! But recently I have had a

Spanish friend coming over from time to time and so I´ve been watching more and more Spanish TV, although only when they are here, as I still stick to British when I´m alone! However it´s remind­ ed me that I need to be lis­ tening to Spanish so as to keep my ear tuned into the language. I know there are a lot of ex­pats here in Spain that do not have Spanish channels and so don´t have the choice of occasionally watching something in the native language of this coun­ try. It is up to the individual of course how they live their life here but to turn their back on the culture (of which televi­ sion is one) seems a big shame.

As I´m writing this my son is watching some animated series in Spanish and if I try and change the language to English he complains and wants it changed back, but luckily my son is fluent in both dialects and so I don´t mind which one he listens to

and the noise in the back­ ground keeps my mind think­ ing as I listen in one tongue and write in another!

I don´t think there´s any­ thing wrong with watching television in English lan­ guage but I do wonder why so many Brits don´t even want to consid­ er giving the Spanish serv­ ices a try!

After all, i t ´ s

free and with some of the problems that people have been experiencing with los­ ing some of their channels, etc. it may seem like a logi­ cal option to try. Sadly, many will once again turn their back on this part of the Spanish culture, preferring their life of “Little Britain” in the sun.

Why are

we even spending so much time in front of a small mov­ ing box in our living rooms anyway? As the weather gets warmer, we should be out enjoying the main reason why I´m sure the majority of us came to this beautiful area in the first place! I´m sure many of us will be dust­ ing off the barbeques and spending more time out­ doors, hopefully with a mix of English and Spanish friends (although for some people I have known, I very much doubt a face of anyone other than a Brit will be seen!). We all have the right to live our lives as we wish of course and if that includes ignoring the culture of the country in which we live, who am I to try and state anything differ­ ent. It does bring it home to me when I have a Spanish person asking why us Brits don´t integrate more. I have

no answer and would be interested to hear from those of you reading this who have no Spanish friends; who cannot speak Spanish; and who do not integrate. I want to know why therefore you are living here?

But to the TV and I can honestly say that I have cho­ sen to watch more UK TV programmes because, in my opinion, they are better made and more professional than those I have seen from this country and there´s the point:­I have actually seen native Spanish shows and so feel justified in making the choice I do. I hope this sum­ mer we all make the effort to get out, making new friends from this beautiful country and don´t all stay in the little bubble that is ´Britain in the sun´. You never know, you may even enjoy integrating!.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

NICK COULD AWAKE FROM HIS NIGHTMARE

It’s been a torrid fortnight for the Lib Dem leader and deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, with a horrendous drubbing in the Euro and local elections, followed by a bungling plot to try and remove him and replace him with Vince Cable.

Clegg’s personal standing in the latest opinion polls has never been lower with a minus figure lower than that for Gordon Brown which makes him the most unpop­ ular UK party leader in recorded polling history. But why should that be and

would substituting him with somebody else make any real difference?

Last Sunday’s UK Gov survey had the Lib Dems on a paltry 7%, with UKIP in third behind the Tories and Labour on 15%. Cameron and Miliband will be pleased

because clearly the UKIP band­wagon is not as pow­ erful as I wrote last week in a General Election “first past the post” situation. The Lib Dems though need to take some deep breaths and just calm down a little bit, rather trying to create a totally unnecessary sideshow with an unwanted leadership contest. As a pro­EU and pro­European currency party, there is no way that Vince Cable or the Archangel Gabriel could have produced any other result in the European elec­ tions. That is their policy and so Nick Clegg could hardly be held accountable to that, especially as that would not change if he were removed.

Over the 4 years they have been in coalition with the Tories, they have had some decent local election results and held disgraced ex­MP

Chris Huhne’s seat in the Eastleigh by­election.

Clegg and the Lib Dems have taken a brave and clear principled position over Europe, and just because it isn’t popular, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily wrong, depending of course on your point of view! And for the pro­Cable supporters, he is not necessarily an automatic replacement for Clegg, as the smart money might go on the media­friendly party chairman, Tim Farron. The Cumbria MP has rubbished ideas that a dozen MPs

have called on Clegg to quit, which of course means that the overwhelming part of the Lib Dems have a different view. Some kind of a coup would be seen by already cynical voters as a change just to save a few seats at the next election, and not in the interests of the country at large. What Clegg and the Lib Dems must start to do is to show the kind of major impact they have had on the coalition, like pushing for and succeeding in get­ ting a major lift in income tax personal allowances. Their achievements really have been substantial in office, but somehow the message is not getting across. I hon­ estly believe that Nick Clegg is still very much the man to do that job, and who still has the capability to surprise a few people come the next election.

REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN SPAIN. SPANISH LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION DOCUMENT. Registering a non­Spanish vehicle in Spain is a complex and potentially costly procedure.

However, you may be exempt from Spanish registration tax by getting Spanish number plates within one month of entering the country. But to do this, you need to become a res­ ident. Linea Directa has been insuring expat drivers in Spain for over a decade and under­ stands all the steps involved. Below we outline this process.

STEP 1: OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY This is a statement by the car’s manufacturer that it conforms to EU regulations. You will need the car’s chassis number to complete this straightforward process online at www.eurococ.eu/en/certificate_of_conformity. The charges for this service will vary according to type of vehicle, make and country of 1st registration.

STEP 2: CURRENT LOG BOOK The vehicle’s original log book showing your name as the owner, the vehicles age and a valid UK address. You will also need the bill of sale for the car.

STEP 3: RESIDENCY IN SPAIN The Spanish residency certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento) is your official proof of residency in Spain. Your local town hall can provide you with this document. You will need to take your passport and proof of Spanish address (rental contract, contract to pur­ chase or property deeds).

STEP 4: OBTAINING A SPANISH MOT CERTIFICATE All vehicles over 4 years old must be roadworthy and clearly display a valid ITV sticker.

The ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection) must be tested at an authorised centre, just as for an MOT test. You can find out the location of your nearest ITV centre on DGT website (equivalent to the DVLA). You can also call your local centre to make a booking. If the cen­ tre is busy, especially pre­summer, this can save a lot of time. The cost can vary but gen­ erally is around 40€ for petrol­engine cars and 56€ for diesel­engine cars.

Step 5: OBTAINING A SPANISH EQUIVALENT OF A TAX DISC The Spanish Tax Agency can provide your vehicle with a valid “tax disc” for Spain, which must be carried in the car when in use. You will need to complete the relevant form online and pay the amount according to your car’s tax band.

You can carry out all these procedures yourself or you can seek the assistance of an accountant to do this for you.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest.

If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 104 More information on Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

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Friday, June 6, 2014

HOW I’LL CHEER THE GUARDIA! NEW traffic laws are now in force here in Spain, and, while I applaud most of them, there´s one in partic­ ular which worries me.

From now on, if the Guardia Civil observe a motoring offence and note the vehicle registration num­ ber, this provides sufficient evidence to prosecute. There is no need to stop the vehi­ cle. It means that a traffic offence notice could end up in your letter box weeks after the alleged offence and this will give you little if any chance of defending yourself against the allegation. It´s very difficult to prove a nega­ tive and the presumption is that you are guilty. It will be your word against the police officer and I think you can guess who will end up on the winning side.

It would be OK if every police officer is always beyond reproach and will always exercise discretion if there´s any doubt. But what if he misreads the number and records it wrongly? You can plead all day that you weren´t there, but after a few weeks have lapsed, will you be able to prove where you were at precisely the time when the police say you were commit­ ting an offence? I hope this will not end up as yet another way of extracting more cash from motorists who con­ tribute a vast amount already in taxes, on the initial vehicle purchase, on servicing and fuel. Still on the same sub­ ject, I applaud the decision to raise motorway speed limits, but I would love to see an end to the continual changes in speeds. One moment you´re in a 120kmh zone, and the next you´re in a 100kmh area with the prospect of a speed camera close by. And if there are to be prosecutions for being just 1kmh over the limit, we all better be prepared for speeding fines arriving every other week. Still on the sub­

what happens if the car does have a crash? Is the driver still responsible even though he´s not in control of the vehicle, or has the car to be brought before the court accused of driving without due care or attention? The longer I live on this planet, the more crazy I think it´s getting.

NEARLY a third of peo­ ple in Britain have admitted they are racially prejudiced ­ despite all the laws prohibiting racial dis­ crimination. The 30% figure has come from a recent sur­ vey, which has suggested that despite all the legisla­ tion and social efforts to try to get people away from being racially prejudiced, in fact they are becoming more so. Social research organi­ sation NatCen said the pro­ portion had increased since the start of the century, returning to the level of 30 years ago.

Its British Social Attitudes survey found 30% of more than 2,000 people polled described themselves as either "very" or "a little" race prejudiced. It´s my guess that the 30% are just those who are courageous enough to admit their prejudice and I think many more people are racially prejudiced and are in self­denial. Let´s take a little test shall we? Let´s suppose you are in hospital with a serious condition. Your Middle Eastern surgeon has saved your life and the Caribbean nurses have brought you back to health.

Happy they are there? Of course you are ­ no preju­ dice then. But then you hear that the immigrant surgeon who helped you, has been discovered to be carrying out female genitalia mutila­ tion. Any prejudice showing?

You´re living in an area where there is a growing immigrant population but your two children who attend the local school are achiev­

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ject of motoring, and back to the old chestnut of Spanish roundabouts, it seems there´s a new craze among the young Spanish. It´s a new version of chicken ­ to enter a roundabout at the greatest possible speed and force everyone on the roundabout to give way. It´s rather like the crazy non­ sense around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris where you just drive on regardless. I can well do without that adrenaline rush! So, come on Guardia Civil, park your­ selves on roundabouts, and book everyone who trans­ gresses (does not observe the speed limits on the approach, does not get in the proper lane, i.e. on the inside lane to turn left) and most importantly, fails to indicate. Do this and I´ll sing your praises for evermore!

Emotional abuse of children in the UK has become a serious issue, with cases referred to the NSPCC increasing by 47% in just a year. Emotional abuse is every bit as serious as sexual or physical abuse, and can lead to long­term damage to children, lasting right through their lives.

What we are talking about is the sort of stuff which par­ ents, who really shouldn´t ever have become parents, inflict on their children. It

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often boils down to a total lack of love and affection. A proposed bill would add a further category of harm for which the perpetrator could be punished for impairment of "physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behav­ ioural development".

Here´s what emotional abuse is all about: • 'The persistent emotion­ al maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development' • It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inade­ quate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person • It may feature inappro­ priate expectations being imposed on children, includ­ ing interactions that are beyond the child's develop­ mental capability, as well as over­protection and limita­ tion of exploration and learn­ ing, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction.

I´ve written before about the growing number of poor­ ly­educated, socially deprived naer­do­wells who have one child after another with one intention, to spend as much of their lives as possible on benefits. These, more often than not, fall into

the abuse category. But it goes right up the social lad­ der, and what about the rich, who just have children because they are another of their acquisitions, and then bundle their offspring off to boarding schools as soon as they are able?

Do they not fall into the category of being unloved, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person? Is it not time to seriously examine whether boarding schools are fit and proper places to send children ­ deprived of love and affection at too young an age? I would love to hear the views of ex­ boarding school pupils on this subject.

I read with extreme concern that Google is to start building its own self­ driving cars. Other manufac­ turers too are racing with new technology so we all will soon be getting into a car, speaking a destination into the controls, and then sitting back and ´relaxing´ until we reach our destination.

Google´s car will have a stop­go button, but no con­ trols, steering wheel or ped­ als. Heaven help us! Would you be prepared to put your life totally into the hands of a machine? I know I wouldn´t, sorry, I like to be in control of a vehicle on the road. And

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ing excellent results in part due to brilliant immigrant teachers. No problem there.

But you hear there´s a covert move to turn the school and a group of others into Muslim schools. Still happy, or have we got some prejudice creeping in? I could go on, but the more we hear of the appalling acts going on in Britain and other countries ­ like the abduction of 200 Christian schoolgirls in Nigeria by extreme Islamists; like the stoning to death of a woman in Pakistan because the family didn´t like who she married (honour killing); the grooming of young white girls by a gang of Pakistanis for sex; the sentencing to death of a young woman for becoming a Christian, the mass invasion by asylum seekers from Morocco into Spanish territory and the hundreds if not thousands still trying to cross the Channel into Britain; news that immigration into Britain is still rampant despite best efforts to curb it; immigrant ghettos, strains on health and welfare services because of mass immigra­ tion, all these and more adds to people´s prejudice. The abuse of women in some unpleasant parts of the world is happening day after day.

Those which get to the ears of journalists and are report­ ed are just a drop in the ocean. And it all impacts on our perception of other races and cultures and adds to our suspicions and prejudices.

It´s not at all surprising really.

Because back in prehistoric times, ancient man lived in small tribes and were deeply suspicious of any neigh­ bours. It was a case of hav­ ing to be ­ because they could have been attacked and killed.

And that suspicion of any­ thing different remains deep within us today ­ after all it´s built into our survival tactics.

Racial prejudice? It depends who the immigrant is. If the person fits in with our way of life, then he or she is likely to be accepted, no matter what the skin colour is. But, sadly, with unrestricted immigra­ tion, far too many immigrants have poured into Britain who do not conform to the British way of life and are poles apart from us in lifestyle or moral compass. So, perhaps, it´s not so much racial preju­ dice , as it´s more a wish to prevent harm being done to our country by "invaders" who are culturally very differ­ ent. And that, in a nutshell, is why UKIP has become very popular on the block, offering a curb to what we see as an acute danger to Britain´s her­ itage and future.

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SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH Spanish 125 Welcome back to another week with me learning and revis­ ing this fantastic language. In my classes I have a large mix­ ture of levels and of course with a column such as this there are many different people reading it, some may be starting out, others are well on their way, so to keep each article rel­ evant to every reader is impossible. All my lessons are struc­ tured to the student, there is no way I would put an interme­ diate student with an advanced student, in fact some of my lessons are one to one, but I do believe that people can thrive in a class with one other student, learning from them, maybe asking the question not thought of, clarifying points and learning to the same level as a one to one class. That said I would not have more than two students in my adult classes as I understand how it can feel to have to talk in front of a group of people and would never want my students to feel embarrassed to talk, after all that´s why they´re coming to me, they want to speak and if they can´t do it in a classroom how will they do it in the real world? So, I build my classes with the level of the student and this brings me back to my original point, that this is not possible with an article in a newspaper as you are all at different levels. Of course those of you just starting out can go online and check out all my past lessons, and the rest of you can use them for revision, but what I´m going to do this week is to remind you of some of the most important parts of learning Spanish, they are some things I explain to every one of my new students who have a basic or even intermediate level and some things I remind my existing students.

Firstly I want to remind you of the importance of pronunci­ ation. Spanish is an easy language to sound out because it is phonetic, however of course it is Spanish phonetic not

English phonetic. That is to say the letters have the Spanish sound not the English sound. So it´s important to get your books out and check your pronunciation. Go over your Spanish alphabet with the way the sounds are made and practise them, with someone who knows how they should sound ideally but if you don´t know anyone then to do it on your own is better than not at all. It´s amazing how important this part of learning Spanish is but how easily it seems to be overlooked by teachers and students. Some of my students

who have been to classes before seem to have no idea of the importance of pronunciation because I believe it wasn´t explained to them when they started. I always correct my stu­ dents when they don´t pronounce a word correctly, don´t for­ get the whole word can change with just one change of how it´s said. So, unless you are fluent in Spanish then checking your pronunciation once in a while is a good way to keep not

only how the words are said in your mind but also the words themselves.

Secondly and moving on from the pronunciation of a word is the word stress, that is which part of the word we say the hardest and which is softer. The rules in Spanish are very easy in this regard, I hope you can remember them before I remind you. Be very careful with this because how you say a word can change what you are actually saying. So the emphasis on any word is at the last syllable, unless the word ends in N,S or a vowel in which case it´s on the penultimate syllable (the one before last), the only exception to this is when there is an accent, in this case the syllable with the accent is stressed. Take for example the word esta and the word está the first one means this as in esta semana – this week, and the second is the conjugation of the verb estar and it means he or she is, i.e. está feliz. So practise with these two examples, then think of the verbs in their infinitives, that is with the er, ar or ir endings. The verb ´to live´ is vivir, therefore we are stressing the ir part of the verb not the beginning, then when we conjugate it to I live = vivo the stress comes on the vi.

From basic to intermediate I hear the same problems with pronunciation when in fact it takes a little effort to try and sound more Spanish, so whatever your level, never think you are good enough when with a little more time and practise you could be very good and never have a problem being understood.

Revision is always good and something I always recom­ mend, it´s something I do regularly, I´m always testing my Spanish either online or in books, I want to be better and you need that mindset to improve, this journey could go on for many years so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

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MAKING FITNESS A PART OF YOUR LIFE Get a plan

The pressures of daily life can be daunt­ ing, and with demanding careers and rais­ ing a family, working out is probably the last thing on your mind at the end of a busy day.

However, physical fitness can benefit you in more ways than you think.

Being physically fit is not only about con­ quering marathons in record time and not only about looking your best on the beach — even though looking your best is always a bonus. Being physically fit can help you live a longer, more fulfilling life, it can bene­ fit your body, your self­esteem and help you deal with the stresses of daily life.

Isn’t it ironic how you always manage to find the time to watch TV, time to catch up on your favourite program or the time to get together with friends? Yet when it comes to going to gym or getting physical, you can easily come up with at least 10 different reasons why you’re either too busy or just don’t have the time to break a sweat.

Making fitness part of your life should be a priority in everyone’s life — it should become a daily habit, the same as brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Setting aside one hour of your day isn’t much to ask when you take into account all the positive things you achieve just by being physically fit.

Apart from looking and feeling good, working out can benefit you in the following areas as well: • Help to relieve stress, depression and anxiety • Increase your ability to concentrate, think faster and become sharper.

• Help reduce blood pressure • Lower the risk of developing colon can­ cer • Keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease • Help with gaining muscle, which can build and maintain strong bones • Increase flexibility, which can help pre­ vent injury and help with muscular tension.

So next time you put off going to the gym,

Could your mouth be an embarrassment to you? Do you have bad breath, grotty gums, or decayed teeth?

Do you try not to smile as you feel embarrassed about your oral state?

The bad news is that if you have a poor mouth in terms of the above it can also have a poor effect on your heart. How you might won­ der? Well the how is because gum disease can pass bacteria into the bloodstream which can spread to the heart, aorta and brain. Research has found that this can also raise your cholesterol levels and cause inflammation in the body. If you already have heart disease it is even more impor­ tant to maintain good oral hygiene. This means visiting your dentist regularly and brushing and flossing twice per day to keep the bacteria down.

Some of you may not have visited a den­ tist for many years and may feel embar­ rassed about even going there. Don’t be, dentists are only too happy to help you to

improve your dental health. If you allow gum disease to con­ tinue you risk losing teeth and damaging your health.

Discoloured teeth are embar­ rassing but teeth can be whitened to look amazing, even if they aren’t totally straight and it doesn’t cost thousands of euros for a tooth whitening kit. Always from a dentist, never a DIY online please.

Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath and its causes can be gum disease but it can be chronically infected tonsils, dirty tongue, digestive problems or merely certain foods, garlic is renowned for this.

Recent research has found that a sub­ stance found in Cranberries may help to ward off tooth decay and there is a chemi­ cal free product called Peri­Gum which can help to keep the mouth smelling and feeling fresh.

So todays message is don’t be embar­ rassed about your mouth go and see a den­ tist and get rid of the problem.

There are many great fitness plans out there that can help you get into shape and enjoy fitness, but there are also many scams that promise you the world and don’t deliver.

If you have spare cash on hand, get in touch with a personal trainer at your gym and take up a few sessions or visit a biokinetisist who will help you with your goals. You can also browse the Internet for reputable sites for information.

Kick start your fitness plan If you’re a beginner in the world of fitness, ease into a routine by starting off slowly and gradually increase your endurance level. If you go all out on the first day, chances are you’ll burn out and overwork yourself to the extent that you’ll be put off fitness forever. If you’re a newbie, also remember that it takes time to get into a fitness routine and the only way to reach your ideal level is be consistent and stick with the program.

Make time stop and think about all the benefits you’re missing out on. Just 30 minutes to an hour of physical fitness a day can be a major health investment. And remember you don’t have to be in a gym to be fit. You can enjoy fitness with your kids, your spouse, family or friends by coming up with fun, physical activities such as going for walks, swim­ ming, mountain biking, hiking or playing golf to mention a few.

The best way to ensure that you avoid the excuses­zone is to make a habit of getting your workouts done first thing in the morn­ ing. Set your alarm to wake up an hour ear­ lier, get to the gym and from there, you can shower and head for work. By doing your workout in the morning you are more likely to put it off later due to tiredness (or lazi­ ness), plus research has shown that you burn more fat if you do your cardio sessions first thing in the morning on an empty stom­ ach.

Embarrassing Bodies Part 2 IS YOUR LIFE CONTROLLED

BY GENES?

DR MACHI MANNU’S ADVICE CLINIC Email your questions and comments to contact@medb.es

Today, we are experienc­ ing a great change in one of the core beliefs upon which the world is fashioned. This belief is that the character of our life is determined by hereditary, in other words, your genes control your life.

And since genes control life, and we do not select them nor can we change them, we perceive ourselves as pow­ erless, unable to change our biology or behaviour. We attribute our deficiencies and illnesses to genetic dys­ function.

Well, here is the good news. There is an emerging understanding that answers the question ‘IS YOUR LIFE CONTROLLED BY GENES?’ The answer is an unambiguous NO. This new truth puts the responsibility for our own health in our own hands. Traditional biolo­

gy views the body as a mechanical device com­ posed of molecules and genes. This view point is based on 17th century prin­ ciples of Newtonian physics.

The truth is that in 1925 physics left behind the dated concepts of a Newtonian based material universe, and recognised the energy based reality revealed in Quantum physics. In the quantum universe, it is recognised that invisible energy fields and physical molecules cooperate in cre­ ating life. At the very leading edge of biophysics today, scientists are also recognis­ ing that the body is actually controlled by vibrational energy frequencies, so that light, sound and other elec­ tromagnetic energies pro­ foundly influence all the functions of life. This new

insight provides an under­ standing of how Asian ener­ gy medicine (e.g., acupunc­ ture, feng shui), homeopa­ thy, chiropractic and other complementary healing modalities influence health.

This new understanding emphasizes the role of the mind as the primary factor influencing health. This is an important difference because it acknowledges that we are not necessarily victims of our genes, and that with proper understand­ ing we can use the mind as a power that controls life. In this reality, since we can control our thoughts, we become masters of our biol­ ogy and not victims of hard­ wired genes.

FOR A FULL BODY DIAG­ NOSTIC SCAN CALL DR MACHI MANNU: 965071745

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Eat right to reduce that pressure Q

I am a 69 year old man, and I have suf­ fered from high blood pressure for 7 years, and have been on medications.

Since this past year however, my blood pressure hasn’t been so good. My doctor changed my medication a few months ago, but it didn’t make much difference. In a way I feel it has to do with my lifestyle, and will be glad if you tell me the right diet for my problem.

Yes you are right in thinking that lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. To understand the diet that is right for you, it may be best to first con­ sider the causes of high blood pressure (HBP).

According to medical science, over 80 per cent of HBP is due to unknown factors, and the remaining 20 per cent are caused by problems originating from arteries, kidneys, adrenal glands, hormonal system, as well as from drug reactions caused by medications and toxic contaminants. The so called unknown causes of HBP are now believed by most medical researchers to be due to nutritional deficien­ cies, most likely of a complex nature. More importantly, researchers are finding that a group of toxic compounds known as free radi­ cals are responsible for the degenerative changes in organs that ultimately lead to hypertension. These free radicals wreak havoc on our organs in a process very similar to ‘rust­ ing of iron’. To protect our cells against the destructive action of toxic free radicals, our body employs compounds known as antioxi­

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dants. These compounds are mainly found in plant foods, but also occur naturally in the body in varied forms. Fruits and vegetables especial­ ly those coloured blue­red, are rich sources of antioxidants, and include: blue berries, rasp­ berries, strawberries, cranberries, pomegran­ ates, goji berries, and the good news is that they are available from your local supermarket.

But the foods with the highest amount of antioxidants are Acai fruit, and dark chocolate.

Other nutrients whose deficiencies or sub defi­ ciencies are known to trigger high blood pres­ sure are Magnesium, vitamin C, folic acid, omega­3, and CoQ10. In addition, imbalances in blood levels of Sodium and Potassium have been strongly linked to high blood pressure.

This is why certain drugs used to treat hyper­ tension are based on their ability to regulate sodium and potassium in the body. In any case, in my clinical experience, a deficiency of magnesium is a more common cause of high blood pressure than problems with potassium and sodium, and on many occasions I have successfully corrected long standing high blood pressure with magnesium. Vegetable foods that are rich in magnesium and potassi­ um are: tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, broccoli, spinach, artichokes, sweat potatoes, beans. Furthermore, these fruits are equally rich in magnesium and potassium; bananas, dates, oranges, orange juice, grapefruit, man­ goes, peaches, pineapple, strawberries and tangerines. Oily fish are good sources of Omega­3 fatty acids. However, extra caution is needed with fish, because most of it is now

contaminated with mercury and radiation from the nuclear accident in Fukushima, making smaller fish a healthier alternative because they don’t concentrate toxins in their tissues as much as the larger ones. In recent times, satu­ rated fats and cholesterol have been demo­ nized as the cause of high blood pressure and heart disease, and the advice to the public is to consume foods low in fat such as margarine and hydrogenated oils. What we know howev­ er is that such processed oils are broken down in the body into deadly free radicals that add to the problem of inflammation and high blood pressure. Cholesterol is also one of the most vital nutrients in the body, and is the key ingre­ dient required for our nervous and muscular system to function effectively. It is so valuable that the liver makes 70% of all the cholesterol present in the body. This is why blocking the production of cholesterol with statin drugs puts the body under immense pressure to make more cholesterol, eventually causing the so called common side effects of statins – muscle pain and depression. Eating foods that contain wheat is probably the most important cause of high blood pressure today. Unknown to people, the wheat consumed today is genetically differ­ ent from strains of wheat consumed prior to the mid­1970s, when it was genetically modified; only back then the process was referred to as Hybridization. The wheat of today contains more of the toxic compounds that are seen in plants of the grain family such as: barley, maize, rye and of course wheat. These toxic compounds include: gluten, alpha gliadin, and

wheat germ agglutinin and they cause severe inflammation of the arteries which can eventu­ ally cause high blood pressure. Wheat is also known to promote persistently high levels of insulin, and this eventually leads to high levels of triglycerides. High triglyceride levels will eventually result in abnormal or high total cho­ lesterol levels. In summary, if you suffer from high blood pressure, your diet should be free from Wheat and wheat based foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, battered foods etc. Giving up wheat is certainly not an easy task. Your diet should also be rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and these are best consumed raw. Butter should be eaten in place of mar­ garine. Coconut oil is the best kind of oil to cook with because unlike most other oils including olive oil, it doesn’t break down when heated.

Coconut oil also contains Medium chain triglyc­ erides (MCT), an alternate brain fuel, now thought to help prevent neurodegenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. MCT is also found abundantly in full milk, another reason it should be preferred to skimmed milk. You should also cut down your intake of coffee and alcohol. Most people retire to Spain and spend their days drinking every type of beverage but water. Make sure you drink at least 1.5 litres of water every day.

Water is necessary for the kidney to process waste materials in the body.

FOR A FULL BODY DIAGNOSTIC SCAN CALL DR MACHI MANNU: 965071745

Friday, June 6, 2014

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FOOTBALL SNACKS Easy TV nibbles to snack on while your watching the big game!

MALTESERS POPCORN BALLS Ingredients 75g popcorn 2tbsp groundnut oil 125g butter 150g golden cast­ er sugar 1 large tbsp gold­ en syrup 100g Maltesers, sliced into halves 30g dark choco­ late, melted

use ready­rolled).

2. Cut into 2.5 cm (1in) strips and dot with tomato ketchup, mustard or marmite 3. Take each strip of pastry; place a Pork chipolata sausage on each strip and wind­up.

4. Brush with beaten egg and milk beaten together and place on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F, gas mark 7) for approximately 15 mins until golden.

NACHOS WITH CHUNKY GUACAMOLE Ingredients Method

1. Line a large tray with baking parchment.

2. Pop the popcorn by heating a large saucepan with a little of the oil. Add about a third of the popcorn, cover and listen for the pops to start. When the popping starts to subside turn off the heat, transfer the popcorn to a bowl and repeat until all the corn is popped.

3. Melt the butter in a pan, along with the sugar and syrup.

Let it bubble until the mixture is a light golden brown – this will take about 5­6 minutes ­ then pour carefully over the popcorn.

4. Working quickly, mix well then, with lightly greased hands, bring the mix together into balls about the size of a satsuma, pressing the Malteser halves as you go. Place them on the lined tray to cool.

5. Drizzle with them melted chocolate then let them set again.

SAUSAGE ROLLS WITH A TWIST Ingredients 500g pork chipolata sausages 500g packet puff pastry Tomato ketchup Mustard or Marmite Egg and milk

Method

1. Roll out 500g packet puff pastry on a floured surface (or

3 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed Juice of 2 limes 1 red chilli, finely chopped Coriander, chopped 150g cherry tomatoes, chopped 150g bag of tortilla chips 200g Cheddar Jalapenos Soured cream

Method

1. Using a potato masher, lightly crush the flesh of the ripe avocados with garlic, the juice of 2 limes, zest of 1 lime and a red chilli. Stir in a small bunch of coriander and cherry

tomatoes. To serve, scatter tortilla chips into an ovenproof dish, and scatter over Cheddar.

2. Put the dish on a baking tray and transfer to a hot oven for a few mins until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and add a few jalapenos, some of the guacamole and soured cream.

MOROCCAN CHICKPEA CAKES Ingredients 1 onion, peeled and sliced 1tbsp oil 2 garlic, chopped 400g can chickpea, rinsed and drained 2­3 spring onions, trimmed and chopped 4tbsp breadcrumbs 4tbsp fresh coriander, chopped ½tsp ground cumin ½tsp paprika Salt and pepper 2­3tbsp polenta

Method 1. Fry onion in oil for 5 mins until softened. Add garlic, fry for 1 min. Put in a food processor with chickpeas, spring onions, breadcrumbs coriander, cumin, paprika, a little salt and pep­ per. Whizz to a coarse paste.

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Friday, June 6, 2014 2. Divide mixture into 16 portions, form into balls, then flatten to make cakes. Dip cakes in 2­3tbsp polenta to coat them. 3.

Fry in 2 batches in a little oil, for 2­3 mins each side.

3. Serve with a dip made from Greek yogurt and harissa paste.

CHICKEN WINGS, WEDGES AND 'SLAW Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 3 tbsp light brown soft sugar 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 4 tbsp tomato ketchup 4 tbsp dark soy sauce 12 chicken wings weigh­ ing about 1kg (2¼lb) For the wedges: 3 large potatoes (about 900g/2lb) 2 tbsp vegetable oil For the 'slaw: 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 4 tbsp salad cream About 200g (7oz) green cabbage, shredded 1 large carrot, peeled and grated Salt and ground black pepper

Method

1. Set the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. To make the wedges: Cut each unpeeled potato into wedges (7­8 per per­ son). Put the oil on a Teflon­lined baking sheet, add the wedges and coat them well. Put them in the oven for 55 mins, until crisp and browned.

2. Meanwhile, mix the garlic, brown sugar and sauces in a bowl and coat the chicken wings well in sauce. Put in a large roasting tin and roast for 45 mins on the shelf above the wedges, turning them once until they’re cooked through.

3. Take the out to rest for 10 mins.

4. To make the ’slaw: Mix the chilli sauce and salad cream in a large bowl. Add the cabbage and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Serve the chicken wings with the potato wedges and ’slaw.

POTATO SKINS WITH DIPS Ingredients For the skins 6 large baking potatoes For the chunky Mexican guacamole dip

1 large avocado 1 crushed garlic clove Juice of ½ lime 1tbsp olive oil ½ red chilli, deseeded and diced, 2 finely sliced spring onions Handful of torn coriander leaves Salt For the soured cream and chive dip 1 crushed garlic clove 1tbsp snipped chives Large pinch of cayenne pepper 142ml tub soured cream Salt, to season For the hot tomato and red onion salsa 2 medium tomatoes, deseeded and finely chopped ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped ¼ red onion, finely chopped 1tbsp olive oil Salt, to season

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). Prick six large baking potatoes with a fork and rub with olive oil.

2. Place directly on the oven shelf and bake for 45 mins, until slightly soft.

Leave to cool for 15 mins.

3. Meanwhile, make the dips. To make the guacamole, halve the avocado, remove the stone and scoop out the flesh. Mash with the other ingre­ dients, and chill.

4. Next, make the soured cream and chive dip by simply combining all the ingredients and season with salt ­ that's it!

Make the tomato salsa dip by combining the tomatoes, chilli and onion. Stir in the olive oil and season to taste.

5. When the potatoes have cooled, cut each potato in half lengthways and then cut in half again. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a layer of potato at least 1cm (½ in) thick.

6. Brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and bake, skin side down, on a roasting dish, for 30 mins, until crisp. Turn over after 15 mins. Serve with the dips.

POTATO SALAD Ingredients 1kg salad potatoes, scraped

4 tbsp light olive oil 2 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard Pinch of caster sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small red onion, peeled and very finely diced 2 tbsp fresh snipped chives Few sprigs fresh tarragon

Method

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pan of lightly salted water for 10­12 mins until just tender. Drain well and leave to cool for 5 mins.

2. Place the oil, vinegar, mustard and sugar in a large serving bowl and whisk together until thoroughly blended. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Slice the warm potatoes and toss in the dressing with the red onion. Scatter over the snipped chives and tarragon and serve warm or cold.

CHEESE AND SPICY BEEF TORTILLAS Ingredients 500g (1lb 2oz) beef mince ½ tsp paprika 2 pinches cayenne pepper 1tsp sunflower oil 8 flour tortillas 200g (7oz) fresh tomato salsa 6 spring onions, sliced 200g (7oz) Cheddar cheese, grated Handful fresh coriander, chopped

Method 1. Fry the mince over a high heat until brown, then drain off the fat and stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook for 3 mins. Season.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add a tortilla to the pan and top with a quarter of the mince, some tomato salsa, spring onion, Cheddar and coriander, and finish with another tortilla. Press down firmly.

3. Turn the filled tortillas over with a palette knife and cook for a further 2 mins. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Cut each tortilla into six wedges and serve with a green salad.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

SPANISH NEWS

BEDROOM NASTIES PRIESTS

Pesky bedbugs are on the march in part of Madrid, with experts claiming that there are 70% more of them com­ pared to 5 years ago.

People in the Lavapiés area are suffering bedbug bites, and the local resi­ dents association has been in contact with Madrid Town Hall to demand free social housing for neighbours having to move out of their properties while they’re being fumigated and decontaminat­ ed. Some residents are pointing the finger of blame at Lavapies’ “casas okupadas”, or squats in English.

“We never had bedbugs until the okupas (squatters) came,” one woman who pre­ ferred to be referred to as María told Spanish daily El Mundo. “Some of us have dumped our mattresses altogether in the hope of not waking up every morning full of rashes.”

“We called (Madrid’s) helpline for them to pick up the mattresses but we had to keep a close eye on them for two hours because some people wanted to take them home,”

young Moroccan resident Nadia told El Mundo, adding that she had clearly written “bedbugs” on the beds to alert everyone.

“There has been a 70% rise in pest control servic­ es,” said Milagros Fernández de Leteza, director of Spain’s Pest Control Association. The first outbreaks were detected in areas close to El Camino de Santiago (Saint James’ Way) in northwest Spain and on the Costa del Sol in the south. According to Fernández de Leteza, bedbugs are “very difficult” to control and can spread “very easily”.

She did however point out that rodents, cockroaches and termites pose a bigger threat in Spain’s urban areas. Bedbugs are parasitic insects which feed exclusively off blood. They transmit no infection when they bite the skin but do cause irritation and insomnia. Considered extinct in Europe for at least fifty years, their reappearance may be due to the increase in tourism, travel and transportation of goods.

PIECES OF PLENTY

Thousands of gold and silver coins pulled from a 19th­century shipwreck have gone on show in Cartagena after Spain won them from US treasure hunters in a court battle. The cargo from the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes warship came to Spain in 2012 after a five­year legal battle with Odyssey, the US company that hauled it up two cen­ turies after it sank.

The new exhibition at the Museum of Subaquatic Archaeology in Cartagena was officially opened last week, and fea­ tures 8 thousand coins ­ just a fraction of the estimated 580,000 found in the wreck ­ plus other precious artefacts.

"It is an extraordinary collection," said Spain's junior culture minister Jose Maria Lasalle at the inauguration. "These cultural assets are the heritage of everyone, not the privilege of a few."

British warships sank the Spanish naval vessel in 1804 off the coast of Portugal as it returned from Peru, part of the Spanish empire at the time. Odyssey Marine Exploration found it in May 2007 at a depth of 1,700 feet (518 meters) in the Atlantic.

Spanish authorities said at the time that the trove was worth at least 350 million Euros.

IN MARRIAGE SHOCKER Dozens of Spanish Catholic priests are said to be married but bishops are turning a 'blind eye', according to the Church amid calls by women who have priests as hus­ bands to scrap the 'celibacy rule'. Although the Church will not reveal the full figures, around 6 thousand priests in Spain are mar­ ried and, worldwide, some 100 thousand.

Bishops allegedly turn a blind eye to this in Spain provided the vicar in question does not appear in the media, does not attempt to 'convert' others to giving up celibacy and it does not compromise his faith. The 'celibacy law' was passed in the year 1139, although it was rarely adhered to before the mid­16th century and even then amid great resist­ ance, and was purely for financial reasons – unmarried priests with no children would leave all their worldly goods to the Church when they died.

One of the most recent cases to be made public was Rev. Evans D. Gliwitzki, parish priest of the Espíritu Santo church of Los Gigantes in Tenerife, who is married and has two daughters and three grandchildren.

Another Spaniard who fiercely defends celibacy being optional is Julio Pinillos (pic­ tured), who is married and is the ex­head of

the International Federation of Married Catholic Priests. He now works as an occa­ sional vicar in small parishes and teacher at a school in Madrid. He says celibacy is 'not supported by the Bible, tradition or theology' and that its state 'does not mean a greater spiritual or social maturity', nor 'better serv­ ice to the Christian community'.

BABY BISONS BORN

The museum said that another 30 thou­ sand of the coins would later go on display at Madrid's National Archaeological Museum and a further lot in the Madrid Naval Museum. Against conflicting claims by Odyssey, Peru and descendants of the trea­ sure's original owners, a judge in Florida ruled in March 2012 that the trove belonged to Spain. The US Supreme Court turned down a final appeal by Odyssey in May 2012.

"The recovery of the goods plundered from the archaeological site is an unprece­ dented international success in the fight to conserve underwater cultural heritage and the fight against illegal trafficking," Lasalle said.

FOR the first time in 10,000 years, European bison have reproduced in the wild in Spain, all thanks to a special European programme run in association with the Spanish Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals (FAPAS).

With just 4 thou­ sand European bison left worldwide, the birth of the two calfs – named Pipa and Lipion – is vital for the survival of the species. The European ini­ tiative released 16 bison from the Netherlands and Belgium into the wild around the town of Teverga, in the Asturias region.

While three of the herd died due to the hard winters in the area, the remaining 13 – as well as both infants – are thriving since their introduction to the area in

2012. The European bison is a historically­significant species to Spain as it fea­ tures prominently in Paleolithic cave art across the country.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

BEACHCOMBERS ABOUND

Discovering something valuable where you don’t expect it, is just one of the reasons why metal detecting has become so popular for some members of the San Pedro­based ADAPT Association. There are over 50 peo­ ple who are divided into a couple of groups who go hunting for hidden gems on land; on the beach; and even in the sea. Some of the stick wavers were around to demonstrate

their skills at the recent Associations of San Pedro fair at Lo Pagan, with a good list of success stories which have featured happy members of the public being reunited with their valuable lost items. If you would like more information about this and other groups in the San Pedro and San Javier area, you can visit the ADAPT website at www.adaptsanpedro.eu

NEEDY HELPED

DOUBLE DELIGHT

Great singing and over 300 Euros raised for the Costa Blanca Samaritans, led to a great sell­out evening for two choirs last Sunday at the Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima. The Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir and the youngsters of Cantemos! (pictured) offered a varied programme, with unlucky

people without tickets having to be turned away some 20 minutes before the start of the show. A raffle raised the impressive sum of 333 Euros for the Samaritans, with both choirs also getting enough money to get some new uniforms for the next concert sea­ son.

How do you fancy making new friends and have some fun taking part in various fun activities? The Torrevieja Retired Activity Club (TRAC) would love to meet you as couples and individuals who like to enjoy life with like­minded others.

Their next meeting will be on Wednesday June 18th in Torrevieja’s

International Marina Bar,with people dropping in from 10.30am for an 11.00am start. TRAC also has monthly lunches and activities like walks, tenpin bowling, and petanca, in addition to coach trips.

For more details get in touch with the President, Shirley on 966 785 682.

MAKING TRAC’S SPIRITS NOT DAMPENED

Rain peppered last Sunday’s Walk for Life, put together by Maria and the Pink Ladies as major fund­raiser for the Cancer charity, AECC. It was the fourth time the event had been staged at Playa Flamenca, and there was plenty of pink around to bright­ en up a gloomy morning. The 5k run was boosted by the pres­ ence of the athletes from Orihuela’s Tragamillas sports club, who did two full laps of the circuit.

A charity that helps struggling families in Sucina, has Help Murcia Mar Menor to thank for a thousand Euro donation to their funds. The national charity, Caritas, started a Sucina branch last autumn, and they now help some 130 people including children, in buying essential

goods, as well as helping with utility bills and rents. Help’s Honorary Patron, Lady Elisabeth Hebdige handed over the money to the local priest, Fr. Jose Joaquin Izurzu, at Vino’s Victors Café/Bar in Sucina, witnessed by the Mayor, Pepe Mercader.

If you think that variety is the spice of life, then you ought to check out the last staging of the Rascals latest production, “Best of Times is Now”. The lively show that features all types of song and dance mixed in with comedy is being put on at Torrevieja’s Virgen del Carmen theatre on Sunday June 15th, with curtain­up at 7.30pm. Tickets are just 6 Euros with all the proceeds going to local charities, and you can reserve them by

phoning Sue on 966 784 874.

ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING

CHEERS!

Members of the El Raso Wine Club have raised a glass of good cheer as they uncorked a donation to the Torrevieja Association of Friends and Relatives of Alzheimer's Sufferers (AFA).

Jennie Mutter from AFA came along to the Wine Club meeting last month and was presented with 300 Euros by Pat Ward, the wife of the club chairman, Derek. A raffle also boosted the AFA coffers by a further 100 Euros.

SCULPTURE OF APPRECIATION

A Torre Pacheco charity that looks after handicapped adults and children has been given a lift of some 2 thou­ sand Euros from Help Murcia Mar Menor. HMMM President, Bernard Ash, handed over the money to Prometeo, which is a day centre which was founded by a group of parents with the aim of promoting social integration. They look after up to 30 people aged between 16 and 65 with dif­ ferent levels of incapacity, in

addition to offering help and respite to their families. The HMMM donation will help fund two new classrooms at the centre, and in apprecia­

tion of their hard work, some of the guests made a special sculpture which will take pride of place at the HMMM office.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

Friday, June 6, 2014

The Vista Card For great discounts, cut out The Vista Card on page 30 and present it to participating businesses

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Friday, June 6, 2014

Horoscopes Aries March 21 ­ April 19 Today you have the ability to make an important breakthrough in whatever proj­ ect you work on, Aries. Try not to get bogged down by emotions, which may leave you feeling heavy and stale. Infuse the day with a blast of unconventional thinking. Try to adopt a new, fresh attitude toward whatever it is you want to accom­ plish. A new perspective is all you need to make this day productive.

Taurus April 20 ­ May 20 You may get the feeling that you're rubbing against sandpaper today, Taurus. More than likely, this is a result of issues deep inside you. Some of these emotions con­ cern the constant tension between old and new energies clashing within your world.

This is one of those days in which things come to a head. Pieces of your inner being are hitting you square in the face.

Gemini May 21 ­ June 20 You may feel like you're walking on burn­ ing coals today, Gemini. Someone has tossed you the ball and you need to figure out what to do with it. Use your fancy foot­ work to keep your feet from searing as you exercise your mind to figure out your next move. Try not to be too stubborn or you'll get nowhere. The key is to stay flexible and go with the flow when unexpected events occur.

Cancer June 21 ­ July 22 Your emotions will feel stable today, Cancer, although there may be an unexpected ele­ ment trying to sneak into the equation. Be aware that people will be a bit more volatile today. Although the situation may be calm and cool one minute, it has the potential to be explosive the next. Try to stay centered all day so you don't get thrown off course by other people's erratic emotions.

By Pandora Leo July 23 ­ August 22 Explore deeply your innovative, irrational side today, Leo. Your emotions may run counter to this principle, but instead of letting this put a damper on your progress, use the energy to spur you to action. Take advantage of the new gadg­ ets and technology available to you.

Incredible resources lie at your fingertips.

Don't be afraid to harness their power to your advantage.

Virgo August 23 ­ September 22 You might want to stay in and not speak to anyone today, Virgo. If you decide to venture out, you're apt to run into opposition almost everywhere you turn. Don't see this as neg­ ative. Use it as incentive to work harder toward your goals. There are strong forces egging you on, so act confidently. Make sure you get your emotions out. Otherwise, they'll fester and do more harm than good.

Libra September 23 ­ October 22 You may not feel like you're exactly clicking with anything today, Libra. Adjustments will need to be made either by you or the people you're dealing with for any resolution to come about. Your emotions may feel tied to the ground, yet your mind may want to take off into the stratosphere. Dilemmas between whether to take action or stay passive could leave you paralyzed. Just go with the flow.

Scorpio October 23 ­ November 21 Examine your emotions, Scorpio, and trust your instincts. Unexpected forces may try to disrupt the flow of things. Keep in mind that you should have no problem keeping the sit­ uation under control as long as you stay solid and focused. The actions you take today will have long­lasting effects, so be conscious of how you use your energy. Incorporate the old as well as the new in your game plan.

Sagittarius November 22 ­ December 21 This is one of those days in which you might not be fully appreciated for the won­ derful breath of fresh air you bring to the group, Sagittarius. Revenge of the stale and old may be coming into the fold today.

Don't give in to negative forces trying to keep you from fully expressing yourself.

Have confidence that you have what it takes to be successful in whatever path you decide to follow.

Capricorn December 22 ­ January 19 Don't be surprised if things don't go exactly according to plan today, Capricorn. Unexpected events are likely to pop up and disturb the course of action. Realize that these disruptions have a place in your life and that they're occurring for a reason. You might not understand exactly how or why, but that's OK. You don't need to know. Welcome these new energies into your life.

Aquarius January 20 ­ February 18 Your emotions could be a bit vulnerable today, Aquarius, and it may be hard to find shelter from the storm. Your umbrella is a bit too drafty and water seems to be leaking in from the top. Comfort yourself by centering and enjoying a quiet evening at home. Don't let other people's unsolved problems infect your space.

Differentiate between issues that concern you and those that are out of your control.

Pisces February 19 ­ March 20 Unexpected events may crop up and nudge you in the side, Pisces. You could get the feeling that there are thorns poking out of nowhere whose sole purpose is to annoy you. Try to maintain a stable attitude and think about incorporating unconventional aspects into your daily routine. The crazy whirlwind of activity today could disrupt your emotions a bit. Don't get frustrated by things you can't control.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services com­ pany 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 hav­ ing 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!

In The News Again - Crypto Virus Update (how to protect yourself!)

Back in December 2013 we looked at a new virus called Crypto Locker. This virus is classed as ‘ransomware’ and not only locks you out of your computer, demanding money to let you access again, but also encrypts all of your important data so even asking/paying a computer tech to clear the virus won’t give you your data back! This virus, along with another called GOZeuS are in the news this week.

This is ‘yet’ another reason (if you should need one) to ensure that you back up your data, because if you don’t have your data backed up then the only way to get it back if you have been infected is to hand over money to the people behind the virus (not something I would recommend doing as they are clearly not the most reputable of

folk!) You see, the problem is not the virus, which is quite simple to remove, the issue is that the virus encrypts all of your important files and so removing the virus won’t de­ crypt the files!

Anyway, I have scoured the Internet for information on this virus and have found a number of resources that will help protect your computer (and therefore your important data) and we are going to review the best one I found here.

Firstly I should strongly say that you SHOULD have good backups of your data as this is the only way to ensure that you are fully protected from a whole range of prob­ lems that could happen to your computer ­ you can find articles on backup solutions on our website at www.bluemoonsolutions.es/articles ­ if you don’t have a backup then you should not be surprised if you lose your data at some point in the future. You can even pop along to our Tech Shop at the Moncayo market, every Saturday from 9am to 2pm to take advantage of our offer to back up your data for free if you buy a memory stick from us ­ again you can find more information at www.bluemoonsolutions.es/tech­shop So, what can you do to ‘harden’ the security on your computer? Well, this process will help prevent your computer from becoming infected, of course, it doesn’t mean that you should ignore my advice to do a backup.

In order to increase the security on your computer you will need to make some

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.

changes to your computer set up (don’t worry it’s not that hard) to stop program’s from being able to run (or execute as we call it) from certain vulnerable folders or directo­ ries. In doing this you make your computer much more secure, however as a result you may experience problems running some software, but to be honest, better to have a few software issues than have all of your data lost, eh?

Ok, what you need to do is as follows…

1. Download either “CryptoPrevent” or “CryptoPrevent Premium” from the website www.foolishit.com, using the link below www.foolishit.com/download/cryptopre­ vent­installer, the difference between the standard version and the premium version (you will be asked which one you want to install as part of the install process) is that the premium version costs $15 and includes protection for all of the computers in your home and all updates for free for life – not bad for just $15!

2. Once downloaded you should run the file and follow the on screen prompts to install it and you will eventually be presented with the following screen.

3. From here you should click on the ‘apply’ button and a few things will flash up on the screen. It takes a few minutes to install so be patient and eventually you will be asked to restart your computer.

4.Once you have restarted your computer we need to check that everything has been installed correctly. You can do this by click­ ing on Programs > Foolish IT > Crypto Prevent > Crypto Prevent or by clicking start and just typing “Crypto” and you should be presented with the relevant program if you are using Windows 7 or 8. You will be pre­ sented with the same screen as above.

5.This time you should click on the “Test” button and if you have installed everything correctly you should see the following…

6.That’s it! You have successfully increased the protection of your computer. Although don’t forget that you still need to take all the appropriate precautions i.e. ensure your Antivirus is up to date, ensure you have a good backup of your data and be careful about what you open both on the Internet and via your email.

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

Office: 902 906 200

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Friday, June 6, 2014

The ultimate guide to autonomous emergency braking From 2015, Euro NCAP has said its five­star crash test safety rat­ ings will almost exclusively be reserved for cars with autonomous emergency brak­ ing (AEB).

The announcement ensures that the technology is set to play an even more prominent role on new cars coming to market – but what is it, how does it work and how can you get it?

AEB works independently of the driver to intervene in a ‘critical’ sit­ uation and apply the brakes to pre­ vent a crash. It’s available on most premium models, but less common on mainstream cars.

To qualify for a five­star rating, makers’ cars will have to feature AEB which works in city driving and at higher speeds. And from 2016, Euro NCAP will go a step further and include pedestrian detection systems, too.

A Euro NCAP spokeswoman told Auto Express that the biggest challenge now is getting it fitted to mass market cars.

She said: “Public perception and consumer willingness to pay nor­ mally determine at what rate car makers will make these systems more widely available. We think that making these systems a pre­ requisite for five stars will boost market availability and uptake sig­ nificantly.”

Thatcham, the research centre that sets insurance groups for cars, has assisted with developing the new Euro NCAP tests. Matt Avery, Thatcham research director, wants a £500 Government incen­ tive scheme introduced to help drivers afford the tech he describes as “the next seatbelt”.

He said: “Crashes have a cost to society – healthcare, insurance, repairs, congestion, pollution. AEB can save you money and save your life. It’s a no­brainer.”

Despite the rise of these sys­ tems in new cars, research by Accident Exchange has suggested that rear­end collisions have risen in the past three years and that they make up 35 per cent of all

crashes.

Liz Fisher, Director of Sales Development at Accident Exchange, said "it could be argued that increased connec­ tivity in cars means the mod­ ern driver has more distrac­ tions while at the wheel from other technology, like mobile phones or MP3 players.”

Insurance premiums will be lower Choosing autonomous emergency braking (AEB) could look a pricey option – but it can reduce insurance premi­ ums.

Many models fitted with the tech as standard or as an option drop by up to five insur­ ance groups, which directly results in a lower yearly policy.

The cheapest option is Ford’s Active City Stop at £200. As research suggests you could save up to £60 on your premiums, this would pay for itself after just a few

Puncture-proof car tyres 'within five years'

FORGET run­flat tyres – soon we'll be driving on un­ puncturable tyres with no air in them at all.

Tyre maker Bridgestone has announced plans to have its AirFree concept tyre installed on road­going cars within three to five years.

The company made the announcement at a special event at its headquarters in Tokyo.

The idea works by having closely­set and diagonally aligned splines supporting the wheel rim and providing

a measure of suspension, while offering enough rigidity for everyday use. The cen­ tres are plastic, leaving just a thin strip of rubber on the outer edge of the wheel.

With no pressurised cavity the tyre can't be punctured or rendered unsafe, which will be music to the ears of anyone who has been caught out by a flat, espe­ cially on the motorway.

At present, even run­flat pneumatic tyres impose speed and distance limits following a loss of pressure.

Bridgestone is hoping that the AirFree concept could be a step forward.

And for those still in need of persuasion, it's likely that a choice of wheel colours will also become available in due course.

years. Add this to the fact you’re less likely to have an accident and need to pay for repairs or lose a no­claims bonus, and it becomes more attractive.

Graeme Trudgill, executive

director of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, said: “Insurers will look more favourably on cars fitted with the technology and research from the US shows it does positively reduce claims.”

Friday, June 6, 2014

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Friday, June 6, 2014

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, 12 represents N and 10 represents Q, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

Across 1 Freight (5) 4 Pre­Soviet Russian ruler (4) 9 Not of the church (7) 10 Beneath (5) 11 Sprite (3) 12 Concur (5) 14 Annoyed (5) 15 Called for (5) 16 Capital of the Ukraine (4) 18 Thought (4) 20 Country in NE Africa (5) 22 Regulations (5) 23 Sailing boat (5) 25 Owed (3) 26 Furnishings (5) 27 Branch of mathematics (7) 29 Raps (4)

30 Shabby (5)

Down 1 Unconcerned (6) 2 Happen again (5) 3 Nocturnal bird of prey (3) 5 Foolishness (9) 6 Needlessly time­consuming procedure (3,4) 7 Type of cactus (7,4) 8 Terse (5) 13 Listen in (9) 17 Unlawful (7) 19 Primitive (5) 21 Stable (6) 24 Thick rope of wire (5) 28 American term for petrol (3)

Last weeks Solution

Across: 1/1D Crew cut, 3 Pious, 8 Terrain, 9 Cuffs, 10 Style, 11 Surmise, 12 Insist, 14 Briefs, 17 Traitor, 19 Press, 21 Spike, 22 Tarnish, 24 Mites, 25 Jest.

Down: 2 Early, 3 Punish, 4 Occur, 5 Suffice, 6 Labels, 7 Assesses, 10 Skittish, 13 Stadium, 15 Report, 16 Gratis, 18 Theft, 20 Elite, 23 Hat.

Scribble Pad

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

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Can prigs change grat­ ing? (8) 5 Never loses new still (4) 9 Plenty follow old church cats (7) 10 Well­mannered for the community (5) 11 Moan about meat (4) 12 Date for Roman can­ dles to be ordered (7) 15 Substitute Torres for Roll (6) 16 Supplicant getting food in bar (6) 19 There, in charge, unorthodox dissident (7) 21 Girl with an article for the fete (4) 24 Angry, as seen in Muhammad Ali video (5) 25 Noticed it's blemished (7) 26 Indian region harbours unknown painter (4) 27 Pet ­ a cold one per­ haps (8)

Down 1 Bern yobs mistakenly have airs and graces (8) 2 No Tai fire­eaters made joints (7) 3 A mere game (4) 4 Some of Anna's sauce recipes are for a popular resort (6) 6 If you're so bright, what is six plus six plus 500? (5) 7 Have faith in royal Cambridge city (4) 8 Currently surrendered and formally agreed to a truce (7) 13 He's in beads and tops (7) 14 Material making instru­ ment stop functioning (8) 17 Head of government rabbited on, agreed? (7) 18 Feast I cook for a party (6) 20 Diplomatic representa­ tive in a maiden voyage (5) 22 Beat note record (4) 23 Old bird's repeating word of encouragement (4)

STANDARD CLUES Down Across 1 Condescension (8) 1 Scratching repeatedly (8) 2 Marijuana cigarettes (7) 5 At any time (4) 3 Small pond (4) 9 Leopard­like cats (7) 4 Capital of the Bahamas 10 Courteous (5) (6) 11 Cattle meat (4) 12 First of a Roman month 6 Bright­coloured (5) (7) 7 Depend upon (4) 15 List of names (6) 8 Went along with (7) 16 Mendicant (6) 13 Decapitates (7) 19 Freethinker (7) 14 Sheer stiff muslin (8) 21 Festive party (4) 24 Enraged (5) 17 Let have (7) 25 Glimpsed (7) 18 Spanish celebration (6) 26 Spanish painter (1746­ 20 Diplomat (5) 1828) (4) 27 Fondle or pet affection­ 22 Beat severely (4) 23 Extinct, flightless bird (4) ately (8) Last weeks Solution Across: 8 Drastic, 9 Olive, 10 Syndicate, 11 Cod, 12 Brie, 13 Early on, 16 Insipid, 19 Sofa, 22 Nor, 23 Porcelain, 24 Stark, 25 Sets off.

Down: 1 Odist, 2 Earner, 3 Strike up, 4 Scrape, 5 More, 6 Bitchy, 7 Bedding, 14 Respects, 15 Pianist, 17 Serial, 18 Duress, 20 Flagon, 21 Knife, 23 Peke.

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

2 letter words Ma My 3 letter words Add Eel Gas Ire Lea Mow Oft Rat 4 letter words Able Acre Aery Alee

Also Arco Cans Coda Cone Diet Digs Edit Else Espy Ides Line Loaf Lode Near Onto Pans Rare Roar Rock

Sane Skye Slap Soon Span Tree Yaws Yore 5 letter words Acorn Amber Aspic Awash Beige Coast Elate Idler Manse Modes

Motet Newel Saner Saves Scant Scold Scram Spree Stage Staid Stare Steed Stern Stone Store Story Tasty Toady 6 letter words

Ascend Assign Banish Barely Eatery Listed Stereo Stolen 8 letter words Ceremony Strident 9 letter words Moviegoer Sailboard

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD

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

Across 1 Smooth (skin) (5) 4 Paintbrush (art) (6) 9 Lawyer (7) 10 Pecho (tórax) (5) 11 Proyecto (intención) (4) 12 Happiness (cheerful­ ness) (7) 13 Coche (automóvil) (3) 14 Side (of person) (4) 16 Seguro (convencido) (4) 18 Abeja (3) 20 Enemy (7) 21 Dawn (4) 24 Playing card (5) 25 Uña de pie (7) 26 Estación (parte del año) (6) 27 Melodías (música) (5)

Down 1 Sellos (Correos) (6) 2 Now (at this time, immediately) (5) 3 Age (of person, animal, building) (4) 5 Aumentar (tamaño) (8) 6 Más claro (7) 7 Letters (of alphabet) (6) 8 To fly (5) 13 Cook (chef) (8) 15 Avenue (7) 17 Combs (for hair) (6) 18 Barcas (5) 19 Cockerels (6) 22 Aprender (5) 23 Cinturón (4)

37

Friday, June 6, 2014 Across 1 Early radio and televi­ sion series starring Jack Webb as Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday (7) 5 Order to appear before a judge or magis­ trate, or the writ containing such an order (7) 8 Longest French river that rises in the Massif Central and flows north and west to the Atlantic Ocean (5) 9 American country and rockabilly singer and song­ writer who topped the UK singles chart in 1958 with Whole Lotta Woman: Marvin ­­­­­­­­­ (9) 11 Heavy beams former­ ly used in breaching fortifi­ cations (9,4) 13 Widespread conifer­ ous tree that has a distinc­ tive conical shape and hanging cones, widely grown for timber, pulp, and Christmas trees (6) 16 Severe headache or other after­effects caused by drinking an excess of alcohol (8)

18 General who com­ manded the Carthaginian army in the second Punic War (8) 19 Surname of English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758­1805) (6) 24 Divulge confidential information or secrets (5,3,5) 26 Actors' and work­ men's entrance from the street to the area of a the­ atre (5,4) 27 Able to move quickly and easily (5) 28 Perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alco­ hol (7) 29 Cosmic explosion that is hypothesised to have marked the origin of the universe (3,4) Down 1 Surname of French composer and organist whose best­known works are the ballets Coppélia (1870) and Sylvia (1876) (7)

SUDOKU (Medium)

Quiz Word

2 2004 biopic based on the life of entrepreneur Howard Hughes: The ­­­­­­­ (7) 3 Daughter of one's

brother or sister (5) 4 Round root with white or cream flesh which is eaten as a vegetable and also has edible leaves (6)

5 Sixties British chil­ dren's 'Supermarionation' television series, created

by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson featuring a high­ ly­sophisticated combat submarine built for speed and manoeuvrability, the flag vessel of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP) (8) 6 English conspirator who claimed that there was a Jesuit plot to assassinate Charles II: Titus ­­­­­ (5) 7 First name shared by former Governor of Alaska, Palin and former wife of Prince Andrew (5) 10 Quarrel noisily, angri­ ly or disruptively (7) 12 Basic unit of money in Uruguay, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia and Chile (4) 14 Sweet yellowish­ or brownish­green edible fruit that is narrow at the stalk and wider towards the base (4) 15 Style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particu­ lar country, region, or

establishment (7) 17 American keyboard instrument resembling an organ but with the notes produced by steam whis­ tles, formerly used on showboats and in travelling fairs (8) 20 Ability to sustain pro­ longed physical or mental effort (7) 21 Fund of money put by as a reserve (4,3) 22 Angel of the second order whose gift is knowl­ edge who is usually por­ trayed as a winged child (6) 23 Simple high­level computer programming language that uses familiar English words, designed for beginners and formerly used widely (5) 24 Mollusc with a single spiral shell into which the whole body can be with­ drawn (5) 25 Surname shared by English folk musician, Billy and English broadcaster and author, Melvyn (5)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH

THE GRADUATION

Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

abrazar

el escenario

aplaudir

el fotógrafo

bailar

el logro

besar

emocionarse

celebrar

hacer un brindis

el birrete

la toga

el champan

llorar

el diploma

los invitados

el discurso

orgullosa

music QUIZ

ANSEWRS 1. The Kings Of Rythm 2. Texas 3. Fame 4. KBE 5. Cher 6.

Francis Rossi 7. Purple Rain 8. 7 9. Will Young 10. Voice Of An Angel

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Word Solution Across: 1/26 Rush hour, 3 Stag beetle, 10 Diapers, 11 Premier, 12 Diploma, 13 Stogie, 15 Ivory, 16 Euphemism, 18 Alligator, 21 Ellis, 23 Gallop, 25 Shikoku, 27 Obelisk, 28 Okinawa, 29 Rose Garden, 30 Adze.

Down: 1 Red admiral, 2 Shampoo, 4 Testament, 5 Gapes, 6 Eyesore, 7 Tbilisi, 8 Ezra, 9 Memory, 14 Emasculate, 17 Periscope, 19 Loafers, 20 Gelding, 21 Elixir, 22 Leopard, 24 Poker.

Empareja estas palabras ­ Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz.

1.abrazar, 2.aplaudir, 3.bailar,

18.orgullosa.

m.the champagne, n.the stage,

4.besar, 5.celebrar, 6.el birrete,

o.to get emotional,

7.el champan, 8.el diploma,

a.to kiss, b.the guests,

p.to make a toast, q.to hug,

9.el discurso, 10.el escenario,

c.the speech, d.to celebrate,

r.the award.

11.el fotógrafo, 12.el logro,

e.the gown, f.to dance,

13.emocionarse,

g.the cap, h.the achievement,

14.hacer un brindis, 15.la toga,

i.the photographer, j.to cry,

16.llorar, 17.los invitados,

k.proud, l.to applaud,

Soduko

Span ­ Eng

Quizword

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

1. Who Is Generally Regarded As Producing The First Rock N Roll Single 'Rocket 88' In 1950?

2. Which Us State Is Mentioned In The Lyrics To The Tony Christie Song Amarillo?

3. What John Lennon/David Bowie single went to #1 in 1975?

4. Following His Honorary Knighthood, What Letters Is Bob Geldof Entitled To Put After His Name?

5. Cherilyn Sarkisian Lapiere Is The Real Name Of Which Singer?

6. What Is The Name Of The Lead Singer Of Staus Quo? 7. What Prince Single Was Also The Name Of His Semi Autobiographical Film?

8. How Many Members Are There Of The Band 'The Pussy Cat Dolls'?

9. Which 'Pop Idol' contestant was the first to reach number one in the UK singles charts?

10. What Was The Name Of Singer Charlotte Church's Debut Album?

Fill It In

38

Friday, June 6, 2014

TRELI ON THE TELLY All we have to break up the line­up is a magician, who had his own Canadian TV series, and a wildcard entry that will hopefully be the excellent impressionist, Jon Clegg. For me the IL Divo wannabes, Collabro will take a fair bit of beating, but I do like opera singer Lucy Kay as well. For the producers Britain’s Got Talent per­ though, they need to do a lit­ tle bit of sorting out and re­ haps should be renamed thinking for next year. as Britain’s Got Singers Before anything else, no and Dancers as that’s the acts should be permitted to way of it ahead of tomor­ enter if they have performed row night’s (Saturday) on television elsewhere in Grand Final on ITV.

with ALEX TRELINSKI

BRITAIN NEEDS TWEAKING

the world, so tough luck to Paddy & Nico and to magi­ cian Darcy Oake. They’ve had their “big breaks” before and BGT must be about put­ ting folk on TV for the very spectacular light show from first time. Crucially, the Light Balance or a great out­ parade of singers and door bike act from the dancers has to be cut down Bolddog FMX team. They because the show ought to just simply got it wrong, as be about variety. The idiot well as not giving Jon Clegg voting viewers didn’t go for a a nod­through. There’s also a boring predictability where the producers pretty much “load up” who they feel are the best acts towards the end of each show, and frankly have split up the singing acts over the whole week to give them an advantage.

The American version of BGT is actually miles better in that they have more live shows and more people going through on each show, as well as a dedicated wild card programme where the judges make sure that nobody good slips through the net. Would ITV consider stretching the run of BGT live shows? I don’t know, but another idea would be to have dedicated semi­finals (4

of them), where you have one night for singers and groups; one for dancers; one for stunts, novelty acts and magicians; and the final one for comedians and impres­ sionists. 3 make it through from each show to the final, and then you have a fair rep­ resentation of talent from across the board, and you’ve judged “like against like” dur­ ing the week. As Simon Cowell would say, “It’s a thought…” but I think it is time to tweak the show. Oh,

and get ready of that silly Golden Ticket idea as well, which was wasted on some mediocre acts. Don’t get me wrong. I love BGT but in the time honoured British tradi­ tion of fair play, it is time to make some changes, and it’s also not good enough to list all the successful acts that have come through in the past. You can always make something better and fairer, and actually more entertain­ ing. Over to you Simon!

Friday June 6 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Building Dream Homes 00:35 This Week

08:30 Don't Get Done, Get Dom

04:00 Holiday Weatherview

09:15 The Great British Sewing

04:05 BBC News

Bee

07:00 Breakfast

10:15 Call the Council

10:15 D­Day 70: The Heroes

11:00 Homes Under the Hammer

Return

12:00 Bargain Hunt

13:45 BBC News; Weather

13:00 Daily Politics

14:15 BBC Regional News and

14:00 Animal Park

Weather

14:30 The Link

14:30 D­Day 70: The Heroes

15:15 Escape to the Country

Return

15:55 Live Formula 1

19:30 BBC News

17:30 Antiques Road Trip

20:00 BBC London News

18:15 Pointless

20:30 The One Show

19:00 Eggheads

21:00 EastEnders

19:30 Building Dream Homes

21:30 Inspector George Gently

20:00 Great British Menu

23:00 BBC News

21:00 D­Day 70: The Heroes

23:25 BBC Regional News and

Return

Weather

22:00 Gardeners' World

23:35 The Graham Norton Show

22:30 Normandy '44: The Battle Beyond D­Day

06/06 00:20 BBC2 00:20 Welcome to Rio 01:20 Panorama

23:30 Newsnight

00:35 The Last Word 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 Rory Bremner's Great British Views 07:00 Good Morning Britain 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 Jo Frost Family Matters 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Ejector Seat 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Farewell Tina 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Soccer Aid 2014: The Countdown 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 Cape Fear

FAREWELL TINA

01:50 The Pity of War 03:20 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools ­ Bitesize Science 06:00 Schools ­ Curious Cat: Wool, Glass, Paper 06:30 Schools ­ William Whiskerson: Island, Farm, City 06:55 Wonders of Nature: Stoat ­ Play

The story of Michelle Keegan, the Salford­born girl who rose to stardom playing the feisty and fallible Tina McIntyre, as she bids farewell to Coronation Street after six eventful years. With contributions by fellow cast members including Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) and Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre).

00:40 The Island with Bear Grylls 01:40 Bear Grylls: Surviving the Island 02:25 24 Hours in A&E 03:20 Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic 04:15 Dispatches 04:45 Time Team 05:40 Unreported World 06:05 Deal or No Deal 07:00 Countdown 07:45 According to Jim 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Australia 12:00 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:10 Channel 4 Racing 17:30 Draw It! 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Random Acts 21:00 Celebrity Fifteen to One 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

00:35 Big Brother 01:00 SuperCasino 04:10 Bangkok Brits 05:00 Great Artists 05:20 Great Scientists 05:45 House Doctor 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 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 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Big Brother 13:40 5 News Lunchtime 13:45 Criminals: Caught on Camera 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 Tonight 20:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 Big Brother 23:35 Big Brother's Bit on the Side

39

Saturday June 7 01:40 Question Time 00:20 Uncle 00:50 EastEnders 02:45 Weatherview 02:50 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigellissima 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:15 Escape to the Country 15:00 Live Challenge Cup Rugby League 17:30 A Question of Sport 18:00 Live Formula 1 20:20 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:40 Pointless Celebrities 21:30 The National Lottery: In It to

02:40 Natural World 03:40 This Is BBC Two 07:10 They Live by Night 08:45 Great British Menu 10:45 World Cup Films 12:20 Wimbledon Classics 14:20 Formula 1 15:55 Live Formula 1 17:05 Natural World 18:05 Coast 19:05 Flog It! 20:00 The Summer Exhibition: BBC Arts at the Royal Academy 21:00 Yes, Prime Minister 21:30 I Love 1980 23:00 French and Saunders 23:30 Victoria Wood as Seen on TV

22:20 Casualty

23:30 Mrs Brown's Boys

00:05 Rude Tube 01:10 Brooklyn Nine­Nine 01:40 Hot Shots! Part Deux 03:05 Southland 03:55 Desperate Housewives 04:35 Building the Dream 05:30 Hugh's 3 Good Things 05:55 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 06:10 Deal or No Deal 07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 Trans World Sport 08:30 FIM Superbike World Championship 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Weekend Kitchen 11:00 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 The Simpsons 14:00 Channel 4 Racing 17:30 Come Dine with Me 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 The Restoration Man 21:00 Grand Designs

FRENCH AND SAUNDERS

Win It

23:10 BBC News; Weather

01:55 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:40 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Dino Dan: Trek's Adventures 07:50 Canimals 08:05 Sooty 08:20 Digimon Fusion 08:45 Horrid Henry 09:00 Adventure Time 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Weekend 10:25 The Hungry Sailors 11:30 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 13:30 Storage Hoarders 14:30 Live French Open Tennis 18:30 ITV News Meridian 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 Let Me Entertain You 19:30 You've Been Framed!

23:00 ITV News and Weather 23:14 ITV Meridian Weather

Comedy sketches and parodies by comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

07/06 00:00 BBC2 00:00 Weather 00:05 Junkhearts

00:35 Big Brother: Live from the House 01:00 SuperCasino 04:10 DIY Dummies 05:00 Great Artists 05:20 Great Scientists 05:45 House Doctor 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bubble Guppies 07:35 The Mr Men Show 07:50 Chloe's Closet 08:05 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:10 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 12:30 Classic Car Rescue 20:00 5 News Weekend 20:05 NCIS 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side

Sunday June 8 00:30 TOTP2: Wham! Special 00:00 Live at the Apollo

01:00 Deadly Pursuit

00:30 Poseidon

02:45 This Is BBC Two

02:00 Weatherview

07:00 Desert Passage

02:05 BBC News

08:00 Wagon Train

07:00 Breakfast

09:00 Gardeners' World

10:00 The Andrew Marr Show

09:30 The Beechgrove Garden

11:00 Pentecost 2014

10:00 World Cup Films

12:00 Sunday Politics

11:30 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites

13:15 Bargain Hunt

13:00 Great British Menu

14:00 BBC News

16:00 Live Challenge Cup Rugby

14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead

League

14:15 Countryfile

18:30 Inspire: The Olympic

15:15 Best of Homes Under the

Journey

Hammer

19:00 Ice Age Giants

15:40 Flog It!

20:00 Tropic of Cancer

16:20 Escape to the Country

21:00 I Bought a Rainforest

17:10 Points of View

22:00 Wildfires 2014: Inside the

17:25 Songs of Praise

Inferno

18:00 Countryfile

23:00 QI XL

19:00 BBC News; Regional News

23:45 Adventureland

01:00 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Dino Dan: Trek's Adventures 07:50 Canimals 08:05 Sooty 08:20 Digimon Fusion 08:45 Horrid Henry 09:00 Deadtime Stories 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Weekend 10:25 May the Best House Win 11:25 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:29 ITV Meridian Weather 12:30 Love Your Garden 13:30 Fool Britannia 14:00 Let Me Entertain You 14:30 Live French Open Tennis 18:45 ITV News Meridian 18:50 ITV News and Weather 19:00 Soccer Aid 2014 23:00 ITV News and Weather 23:19 ITV Meridian Weather 23:20 Atonement

and Weather 19:20 Live Formula 1

SOCCER AID 2014

22:00 Quirke 23:30 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:55 Kris: Dying to Live 08/06 00:00 BBC2 00:00 TOTP2: Duran Duran Special

Dermot O'Leary presents the pre­match build­up and the big game in aid of Unicef, which sees foot­ balling heroes team up with celebrities for an England v Rest of the World match live from Old Trafford (Kick­off 9.00pm).

00:15 Channel 4's Comedy Gala 05:10 Hollyoaks 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 Transvulcania 08:05 British GT Championship 08:35 How I Met Your Mother 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 Secret Eaters 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:35 The Simpsons 18:30 Deal or No Deal 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 Four Rooms 22:00 Fargo

01:00 05:00 05:25 05:50 06:00 06:10 06:20 06:30 06:40 07:00 07:05 07:15 07:25 07:35 07:50 08:05

SuperCasino House Doctor Make It Big The Funky Valley Show Angels of Jarm Roary the Racing Car Angels of Jarm The Funky Valley Show Roary the Racing Car Peppa Pig Roary the Racing Car Fifi and the Flowertots Bubble Guppies The Mr Men Show Chloe's Closet Roobarb and Custard Too

08:10 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 11:00 Power Rangers Super Samurai 11:35 Power Rangers Megaforce 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 Big Brother

40

Monday June 9 00:55 Taken in Broad Daylight 02:15 Weatherview 02:20 BBC News

01:25 Countryfile 02:20 Holby City 03:20 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Breakfast

07:05 Homes Under the Hammer

10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow

08:05 Building Dream Homes

11:00 Homes Under the Hammer

08:35 Call the Council

12:00 Claimed and Shamed

09:20 Don't Get Done, Get Dom

12:30 The Legalizer

10:05 The Planners

13:15 Bargain Hunt

11:05 Real Lives Reunited

14:00 BBC News; Weather

11:35 Click

14:30 BBC Regional News and

12:00 BBC News

Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:30 Hairy Bikers' Best of British

12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Tennis from Queen's 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Building Dream Homes 20:00 Antiques Road Trip

17:30 Antiques Road Trip

21:00 Springwatch

18:15 Pointless

22:00 A Very British Airline

19:00 BBC News

23:00 The Culture Show

19:30 BBC London News

23:30 Newsnight

20:00 The One Show 20:30 Panorama 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 David Beckham into the Unknown 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News and Weather

01:40 The Store 03:40 Motorsport UK 04:30 ITV Nightscreen 05:15 May the Best House Win 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 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 Celebrity Jeremy Kyle 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 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 Gail & Me: 40 Years on Coronation Street 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Road Rage Britain: Caught on Camera 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 Benidorm

01:15 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 02:15 The Conspirator 04:15 Utopia 05:50 Deal or No Deal 07:40 According to Jim 08:05 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:30 The King of Queens 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Australia 12:00 Come Dine with Me Down Under 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me Down Under 14:40 A Place in the Sun: Summer Sun 15:40 Countdown 16:30 Deal or No Deal 17:30 Draw It! 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:35 Dispatches 21:30 Jamie's Money Saving Meals 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 CCTV: Caught on Camera

DAVID BECKHAM INTO THE UNKNOWN

The trendsetting style icon ­ and recently retired footballer ­ embarks on an Amazon adventure, mainly on motorbike, accompanied by three of his closest friends: photographer and video director Anthony Mandler, biker expert Derek White, and Dave Gardner, his manager and boyhood buddy.

23:35 Traffic Cops

02:00 SuperCasino 04:05 Classic Car Rescue 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 Make It Big 05:50 The Funky Valley Show 06:00 Angels of Jarm 06:10 Roary the Racing Car 06:20 Angels of Jarm 06:30 The Funky Valley Show 06:40 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Angry Britain 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Mystery Woman: Vision of a Murder 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Classic Car Rescue 21:00 DIY Dummies 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Big Brother: Live from the House 23:30 The 12­Year­Old Shopaholic, and Other Big Spending Kids

Tuesday June 10 00:35 The Graham Norton Show 01:25 Weatherview 01:30 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Claimed and Shamed 12:30 The Legalizer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:30 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Celebrity MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 National Lottery Update 23:25 BBC Regional News and Weather 23:35 Lineker in Brazil: The Beautiful Game 10/06 00:20 BBC2 00:20 Burning Desire: The Seduction of Smoking 01:20 Watermen: A Dirty Business

02:20 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools ­ Exploring the Past: Post War Britain 06:00 Schools ­ Children of World War Two 06:30 What Makes Me, Me 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Building Dream Homes 08:35 The Legalizer 09:20 Don't Get Done, Get Dom 10:05 Watchdog 11:05 Real Lives Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Tennis from Queen's 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Building Dream Homes 20:00 Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Springwatch 22:00 Welcome to Rio 23:00 The Fast Show 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 The Cube 01:25 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:40 ITV Nightscreen 05:15 May the Best House Win 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 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 Celebrity Jeremy Kyle 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 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 21:00 Endeavour 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 First Blood

CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF Cooking and showbusiness collide as the culinary contest returns with former supermodel Jodie Kidd, actress Sophie Thompson, astrologer and broadcaster Russell Grant, fashion journalist Susannah Constantine and actor Todd Carty the first five ­ of 20 ­ celebrities hoping to emulate last year's champion Ade Edmondson.

00:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 01:05 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 02:00 Fargo 02:55 Scandal 03:40 The Audience 04:35 Building the Dream 05:30 Hugh's 3 Good Things 06:00 SuperScrimpers 06:05 Deal or No Deal 07:00 Countdown 07:45 According to Jim 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Australia 12:00 Come Dine with Me Down Under 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me Down Under 14:40 A Place in the Sun 15:40 Countdown 16:30 Deal or No Deal 17:30 Draw It! 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Complainers 23:00 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

00:30 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:30 Under the Dome 02:15 SuperCasino 04:10 The McCanns and the Conman 05:00 Great Artists 05:20 Great Scientists 05:45 House Doctor 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Classic Car Rescue 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Nora Roberts' Northern Lights 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Gibraltar: Britain in the Sun 21:00 The Dog Rescuers 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 Big Brother

41

Wednesday June 11 00:35 David Beckham into the Unknown 02:10 Weatherview 02:15 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Claimed and Shamed 12:30 The Legalizer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:30 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 Del Boys & Dealers 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News and Weather 23:35 Match of the Day Live 11/06 00:20 BBC2 00:20 Wildfires 2014: Inside the Inferno 01:20 The Culture Show 01:50 Horizon 02:50 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools ­ Rock Types at

Great Heights 05:50 Schools ­ The Imagineers 06:20 Schools: Curious Cat ­ TV, Bricks, Crayons 06:45 Schools ­ William Whiskerson: Fossils 06:55 Schools ­ Wonders of Nature: Damselfly ­ Danger/Safety 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Building Dream Homes 08:30 The Legalizer 09:15 Don't Get Done, Get Dom 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Bang Goes the Theory 11:30 See Hear 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Tennis from Queen's 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Building Dream Homes 20:00 Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Springwatch 22:10 Coast Australia 23:00 Episodes 23:30 Weather 23:30 Newsnight

01:20 Jackpot247 04:00 Loose Women 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 05:15 May the Best House Win 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 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 Celebrity Jeremy Kyle 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 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 All Star Mr & Mrs 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Tenr 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:35 Commando: Return to the Front Line

00:05 01:05 02:00 02:30 03:30 03:55 04:25 04:55 05:50 06:05 07:00 07:45 08:10 08:35 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 Under 13:00 13:05 Under 14:40 15:40 16:30 17:30 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Coppers Poker KOTV Boxing Weekly Trans World Sport Transvulcania The Grid British GT Championship Building the Dream Kirstie's Handmade Treasures Deal or No Deal Countdown According to Jim 3rd Rock from the Sun The King of Queens Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Undercover Boss Australia Come Dine with Me Down Channel 4 News Come Dine with Me Down A Place in the Sun Countdown Deal or No Deal Draw It! Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Mary's Silver Service One Born Every Minute My Last Summer

ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE Return of the documentary capturing daily life on the busy maternity ward in Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Mel, 35, is expecting fourth­generation twins and when her waters break, the expectant mum has to choose whether husband Chris or her identical twin sister Cheryl will be her birthing partner.

00:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:00 SuperCasino 04:10 Big Body Squad 05:00 Great Artists 05:20 Great Scientists 05:45 House Doctor 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Jane Doe: Vanishing Act 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 21:00 Minute by Minute 22:00 Football Hooligan & Proud 23:00 Big Brother

Thursday June 12 00:25 Room 101 ­ Extra Storage 01:05 Weatherview 01:10 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Claimed and Shamed 12:30 The Legalizer 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:30 Hairy Bikers' Best of British 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Celebrity MasterChef 22:30 Mrs Brown's Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time 12/06 00:20 BBC2 00:20 A Very British Airline 01:20 See Hear 01:50 The Story of Women and Art 02:50 This Is BBC Two 05:00 Schools: Michael Mosley: Infested! Living with Parasites

05:30 Schools: After Life ­ Rot Box Detectives 06:30 Schools ­ Curious Cat: Steel, Electricity, Sewage 06:55 Wonders of Nature: Mandarin Duck ­ First Flight 07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Building Dream Homes 08:35 The Legalizer 09:20 Don't Get Done, Get Dom 10:05 Escape to the Continent 11:05 Gardeners' World 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Tennis from Queen's 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Building Dream Homes 20:00 Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Springwatch 22:00 Springwatch Unsprung 2014 22:30 QI 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight

00:40 Perspectives 01:35 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:40 ITV Nightscreen 05:15 May the Best House Win 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 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 Celebrity Jeremy Kyle 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 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 FIFA World Cup Live 2014

FIFA WORLD CUP LIVE 2014 Brazil v Croatia (Kick­off 10.00pm). The 20th staging of the World Cup gets under way this evening at the Arena de Sao Paulo, where the host nation begin their Group A campaign.

00:00 CCTV: Caught on Camera 01:05 Mercury Prize Sessions 01:45 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 03:30 The Fighting Kentuckian 05:15 Hugh's 3 Good Things 05:45 Building the Dream 06:40 SuperScrimpers 07:00 Countdown 07:45 According to Jim 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Australia 12:00 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:40 A Place in the Sun 15:40 Countdown 16:30 Deal or No Deal 17:30 Draw It! 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces 22:00 Britain's Benefit Tenants 23:00 Going to the Dogs

00:00 Big Brother's Bit on the Side 01:00 Under the Dome 01:55 SuperCasino 04:10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 05:00 Great Artists 05:20 HouseBusters 06:10 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:35 The WotWots 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:00 Pip Ahoy!

08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:20 McBride: Requiem 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Cricket 2014 21:00 Angry Britain 22:00 Trauma Doctors 23:00 Big Brother

42

Friday, June 6, 2014

AUCTIONS

ACCOUNTANTS Pro Business Support – for all your accountancy needs in English; bookkeep­ ing, taxes, wage slips and more. We cater for compa­ nies and self­employed peo­ ple; we can deal with every­ thing for you. Call us on 966 923 963 for first consultation free of charge.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

disabled facilities and a fresh recently painted interi­ o r . directbusinessbrokers.com Tel 966 44 33 81 Ref. DB6435L 97,000€ Large successfully run leasehold Beauty Salon near Quesada. Spacious salon with 7 rooms and rental income from separate hair salon. All fitness machines, treatment beds and tables included in the sale. directbusinessbro­ kers.com Tel 966 44 33 81 Ref. DB6457L 42,000€ Excellent opportunity to pur­ chase a well established and thriving leasehold Bar/Cafeteria in a central location in Torrevieja.

Beautiful established garden and south west facing ter­ race with BBQ and all year

BLINDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Ref. DB6460L 85,000€ Restaurant in enviable loca­ tion with no local competi­ tion and regular clientele.

This profitable, established leasehold restaurant has a fully fitted modern kitchen,

CATERING

round trade. directbusiness­ brokers.com Tel 966 44 33 81 Ref. DB6456L 20,000€ Lively, popular leasehold Bar & Restaurant in a lovely position on La Manga over­ looking the port. Fully fitted kitchen and extensive sunny terraces. Freehold also available for purchase and flat above the premises. directbusinessbrokers.com Tel 966 44 33 81 Ref. DB6455L 150,000€ Profitable leasehold Café Bar, competitively priced for quick sale. Air conditioned interior with stylish decor and large terraces. Multiple income streams: food, drink, internet facilities, games and ice cream. Offering great potential for further growth. directbusinessbrokers.com

Tel 966 44 33 81 Ref. DB6446L 74,950€ Beautifully presented lease­ hold Garden Furniture Business, recently reduced in price. A successful and easy to run business with established website, signifi­ cant internet sales, cus­ tomer database and excel­ lent reputation locally. direct­ businessbrokers.com Tel 966 44 33 81 BUSINESS OPPORTUNI­ TY, two clothing shops for sale either as a pair or sep­ arate, both trading, sold fully equipped and stocked, a great opportunity for some­ one wanting their own busi­ ness, for more comprehen­

CHURCH SERVICES sive information contact Glen on 606926437 (164) International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non­denomina­ tional church. Sunday serv­ ices 11am.

Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier. Ladies meeting

BARBER

ALARMS

Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nation­ alities 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 Prayer and Praise and Worship. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact PilarChristian.CommunityC hurch@gmail.com 968575417 or 966848806.

Reg No:2009­SG/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 the corner of Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 104, close to the windmill in Torrevieja, 667 533 597.

The rainbow centre for spiri­ tual awareness. We meet in the function room at Sacos bar el Liminar just off the CV 905 Rojales Torrevieja road.

We have a divine service every Sunday at 11am and on Wednesdays we hold an evening of clairvoyance at 7.30 pm. Also there is an

open circle held every wed evening at 5.30 pm for any­ one interested in clairvoy­ ance. Healing is available by trained and certified healers after each meeting a warm welcome to friends old and new. The mediums for May 2014 are Sunday 4th Jacqueline Holland hunt.

Wed 7th David Darnbourgh.

Sunday 11th Ray Bailey Wed 14th Debie Blevins.

Sunday 18th Morag Bullock Wed 21st Morag Bullock.

Sunday 25th Anna Marie Wed 28th Jimmy McArthur

CARPENTER

CAR HIRE

CARS FOR SALE 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.

CLEANERS

43

Friday, June 6, 2014

PROPERTY FOR RENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.vil­ laandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Santiago de la Ribera 2 bed­ room townhouse close to beach and shops with com­ munal pool €350 monthly short or long term lease Call 0044 7890996330 ­ 968570645 (162) Ref: 61, A lovely two bed­ roomed ground floor apart­ ment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swim­ ming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking dis­ tance. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bed­ room detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, super­ market, restaurants and

bars. Short term rental avail­ able. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Molino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb commu­ nal pool area, in within walk­ ing distance of bars, restau­ rants and shops. Short or long term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

LONG TERM RENTALS WANTED! Properties, all types, in the Torrevieja area wanted for long term rentals.

Call us on 96 692 3963 2 or 3 bed / 2 bath apart­ ments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry sys­ tem. Available for short or long term rent from 350 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 616 493 487. (184)

Three bedroom, two bath­ room detached villa, located in San Luis, on a 450sqm plot, with communal pool.

Garage to side of house.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 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 pro­ jected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 Rare opportunity to pur­ chase 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 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 com­ munal pool. Walking dis­ tance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3

DIAGNOSTICS

Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground park­ ing, Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views.

Viewings absolutely essen­ tial. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 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

2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 com­ munal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popu­ lar urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Recently reduced 4 Bed, 3 Bath Villa, in Gran Alacant.

Quiet Location, Exceptional Views. Converted Under build, 2 Lounges, 2 Kitchens, Private Garage and being sold Fully Furnished, now only 239.950 Ref: L81 Tel. 680333242

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

PROPERTY FOR SALE Ref:

KP3100,

CAR BREAKERS

€183,000.

DRAINAGE PETS

44

Friday, June 6, 2014

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), Lounge­Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg.

Tel. 680333242 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 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Unfurnished Mid Terraced Townhouse in GA. Recently decorated throughout means this property is a very clean black canvass.

Has Air­Con & Security Grills and the use of a Communal Pool. Price

recently reduced to 110.000e Ref.K12 Tel. 627711155 Reduced for a quick sale to 95.000 e 2 Bedroom, 1 bath­ room, Top Floor Duplex in Gran Alacant. Very Modern Property with Many extras.

Glazed in Porch, Roof Top Solarium, Wooden Flooring.

Immaculate condition and ready to move in. Ref. K15 Tel. 627711155.

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 appli­ ances & furniture also there is a utility room, open ter­ race, and private parking.

The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, ten­ nis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Viva Villa and Vacation

RAG AND BONE

PLUMBERS

POOL TABLES

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 Gran Alacant villa located in a very quiet area , situated at the end of a cul­de­sac means there is no through traffic.3 bed, 3 bath, 330m2 plot, established large gar­ dens, working fireplace, solar panel for hot water,pri­ vate parking, south facing great views, fully furnished, fantastic opportunity. ref.

L85. €215,000 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 Lovely clean detached Villa just as you enter Gran Alacant. Very central loca­ tion, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Glazed in Porch, Garden Shed, Private Parking, Attractive Gardens, Private pool Ref: K59 240.000e Tel. 627711155 Offers Invited on a mid Terraced Town house in Gran Alacant. Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge Diner, Galleria, Solarium, Under build.

Communal Pool and Gardens, and with Exceptional Views of Alicante. Being Sold Fully

REMOVALS

POOLS

Furnished including White Goods. Ref. K42 Tel. 627711155 (reasonable offers only) Gran Alacant, Situated on the very first urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant, this 2nd floor duplex offers taste and quality. Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge­diner, independent kitchen, full roof­top solari­ um with superb views and recently glazed in porch offering extra living area as well as extra privacy as the glass is mirrored. Ref.K44 €108,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant south­facing, very private villa, with wood­ land and Alicante views.

Situated at the end of a small cul­de­sac which means this villa enjoys a very peaceful location.3 Bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 3 Bathrooms, lounge­diner with working fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with including white goods, large front porch, solarium,workshop and stor­ age in under build, central heating, air con H/C, ceiling fans, grills, UK T.V, off road parking and plenty of out­ side parking also. Due to its orientation of this property enjoys full sun, all day, something very important in the winter months. Ref.K24. €237,000 Tel 680333242

0044 7917 1658 65 or email: andysteve@aol.com (168) JOVAL ACCESIBILIDAD, an accessibility solutions com­ pany, is looking for a com­ mercial to promote and sell their products throughout the province of Alicante.

English and Spanish is essential. To make an appointment call 966 090 762. (174)

top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are wel­ come to our service. Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (90)

SITUATIONS WANTED

WANTED

Gardening, property mainte­ nance, translations, cheap rates call David 722521654.

SOLICITORS Need English speaking solicitors in Torrevieja?

Let us help to solve your problems with debt recov­ ery, 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 dif­ ferent Hair Replacements,

QUIZZES Experienced quiz­ master/question setter with personality available to host quiz nights in local bars.

Tel:­ 664 838 581

SITUATIONS VACANT RADIO COSTA INTERNA­ TIONAL needs motivated sellers. Spanish, English and German language is a bonus but not essential.

Training and good earnings guaranteed. For more info call 644 126 600 or email info@radicocostainterna­ tional.com Situations Vacant. Top Chef Required for The Med Bistro Bar, Guardamar. Excellent package and incentives. Tel.

SURVEYOR

VAN HIRE

45

Friday, June 6, 2014

Greenside Gossip McGINLEY’S SPECIAL LIFT IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com

The popular buggy manufacturer, Club Car, has given Paul McGinley his very own European Team Captain’s Car for this year’s Ryder Cup which will be contested this September at Gleneagles.

The Irishman has played in three victorious Ryder Cup teams (2002, 2004 and 2006) and as vice­captain helped captains Colin Montgomerie and José María Olazábal, in 2010 and 2012 respectively, to keep track of their teams’ winning performances to make history on both sides of the Atlantic.

As The Ryder Cup returns to Scotland for the second time in its history, Club Car is gearing up to supply over 300 passen­ ger and utility vehicles to help drive one of the world’s largest sporting events. Kevin Hart who is sales director for Club Car said that “the long­standing association with The European Tour and The Ryder Cup has allowed us to under­ stand what is essential to the operation and smooth running of golf’s most prestigious team event.”

“This would enable match officials, camera crews, as well as captains and vice captains to cover the grounds and keep up with play in a huge logistical operation”, Hart continued. “The experience at servicing big international events means The European Tour can put its trust in Club Car for the on­course logistics of the ultimate tournament in matchplay golf, and watch the drama, camaraderie and incredible sportsman­ ship unfold”.

I’m not sure though if Paul McGinley can take his gift home!

MEMBER FRUSTRATIONS – THE RIGHT BALANCE The number of golf club members is in decline across the UK and clubs are working their socks off to maintain and grow membership numbers. It surprises me that despite the difficult times, most clubs are experiencing that some still seem to ‘mess up’, aggravating their members unnecessar­ ily. The other week I was told about a four ball at a propri­ etary club in Sussex, of which a friend is a member, and it is attached to a hotel. They chose to play on a Sunday because there was a member’s monthly stableford competi­ tion.

Teeing off at around 3.00pm, you would expect the course to be fairly quick moving so you can imagine our frustration when they were held up by a society of 20­odd golfers who were staying overnight at the hotel! With 36 holes available, they were mystified as to why the pro shop would allow a society to play on the course chosen to host a member’s competition that day? Why not put the society on the other course which the majority of members would not be playing?

Of course we live in a commercial world and cash is king BUT not at the expense of your members. There is a lot of competition for your members hard earned money and this sort of treatment does not encourage loyalty – getting the right balance should be a priority. That’s in the UK, but is that different over here in Spain?

Generally things here are organised to avoid such events, but sometimes you come across anomalies that indicat­ ed your resident golfer is sac­ rificed at the behest of the touring golfer. A few weeks ago, two resident golfers booked green fees at a course and although the fee was quite high, they played.

But then a few days later they discovered that had they booked through a UK tour operator, they could have had three nights’ accommodation and two rounds of golf for considerably less than the two green fees put together! If you take in the whole equa­ tion, both course and opera­ tor make money. So wouldn’t it be nice to recognize that the most loyal golfer close to home is in fact the expat­resi­ dent golfer?

TOMMY HORTON HONOURED BY ROYAL JERSEY A commemorative bust to cel­ ebrate Tommy Horton’s career has been unveiled at Royal Jersey Golf Club – the club where he grew up as a boy and later was head pro. PGA chief executive Sandy

TITTER ON THE TEE Geoff goes to a top golf club for an interview with the secretary to be the new teaching Pro, but unfortunately, he had a problem with one of his eyes – it winked con­ stantly.

“We would love to say you can join, but that winking is really distracting” said the secretary.

“Wait! I can make it stop by taking two paracetamols”, said Geoff. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a dozen condoms and places them on the desk, before finding the paracetamol. He took the tablets and the winking stopped instantly.

“That’s all well and good,” the secretary said. “But we do not condone womanising here”.

“No! No, you’ve got it all wrong”, Geoff said. “Have you ever asked for paracetamol at a pharmacy while you’re winking?”

Jones spoke at a special presentation in honour of Horton who combined traditional club pro duties with an illustrious playing career.

The bust includes a plinth with a record of his tournament achievements and Horton joins the great Harry Vardon as one of Royal Jersey’s iconic figures with the latter already having a statue outside the club and a stone monument to the founding father of The PGA by his house on the 12th.

Horton has long ties with the club and despite being born in St Helens on Merseyside, he moved to Jersey as a five year old and lived close to the course. He spent 25 years as head pro there and Sandy Jones hailed the 72 year old as the last of a breed of pros that combined club pro life with playing tournaments.

“He represents a generation of PGA professional that prob­ ably doesn’t exist anymore in that he had two fairly signifi­ cant club pro jobs for 40 years while also sustaining a suc­ cessful tournament career and also worked hard in the tour­ nament administration side of the game,” he said.

“Tommy still retains a huge passion for golf and gives a huge amount back to the game with advice for young pros both on tour and on the club pro side. Several of his former trainees attended the presentation and he is always happy to chat or give a timely piece of advice. He is a tremendous credit to golf and the Association which he has represented with dis­ tinction as a past PGA captain and PGA Cup captain in 1978.”

Horton won four titles on the European Tour, finishing fifth on the Order of Merit in 1976 and tenth in both 1974 and 1978.

He was even more successful as a senior player with 23 titles to his name, topping the money list in 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999. He also represented Great Britain & Ireland in the Ryder Cup in 1975 and 1977.

KNOW YOUR RULES QUESTION In stroke play, a player has interference to his stance from an immovable obstruction and he is entitled to free relief under Rule 24­2. He determines his nearest point of relief with his five iron as that is the club he intends to play his next stroke with and drops the ball within one club­length of that nearest point of relief. The ball settles down in the rough and the player changes his mind and plays the ball with a sand wedge out onto the fairway. What is the ruling?

A: The player incurs no penalty B: The player incurs a two stroke penalty C: The player is disqualified ANSWER A: The player incurs no penalty

46

Friday, June 6, 2014

CESC AVAILABLE VILLA CAN’T RESIST

Barcelona have told English Premier League clubs that Cesc Fabregas can leave the Nou Camp this summer for £30 million. Despite claims that he is not for sale, a £30m price tag has been on him, and his former club Arsenal, as well as Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea all being told of his availability.

Spanish striker David Villa has joined Major League Soccer outfit New York City FC on a three­ year contract. Villa, 32, helped Atletico Madrid win La Liga for the first time since 1996 this season with 13 league goals. But he has decided to leave them to become the Manchester City­owned MLS franchise’s first sign­ ing.

"I want to try to help MLS continue to grow and try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league," Villa told the club’s website.

"It's a real honour that the people who have United claim they are not currently con­ formed the club have sidering making a renewed bid for focused their attention on Fabregas, but Arsenal, City and Chelsea are keen to be kept informed of his situa­ tion. Fabregas is preparing himself for the fact he will be forced out of Barca and is interested in a move back to the Premier League.

me. I'm keen to do the best I can."

Villa joined Atletico from Barcelona, where he had spent three seasons after signing from Valencia in 2010. He won 94 caps for Spain, scoring 56 goals, and helped them win the

2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup. New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis added: "David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accom­ plished and best strikers in the world."

NEW CHALLENGE FOR CARLES DEL BOSQUE PRUNES

Manchester City pair Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas have been left out of Spain's final 23­man World Cup squad, but Chelsea's Fernando Torres has been selected by manager Vicente Del Bosque. Torres is one of six Premier League players in the squad, which includes Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who has been an injury doubt.

Sevilla's Alberto Moreno, Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal, Fernando Llorente of Juventus and Ander Iturraspe of Athletic Bilbao have also been cut.

Spain’s first match is a re­

Barcelona have appointed Carles Puyol assistant to sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta after their former captain's retirement. Puyol, 36, spent his whole career at Barca before being forced to retire in May with a knee injury. The defender, who played 593 games for Barca, said: "I am full of excitement about this new stage in my life." He takes up his position in September.

run of the 2010 final against the Netherlands on Friday June 13th, and they play their final warm­up match against El Salvador tomor­

row (Saturday), with Diego Costa hopeful of playing.

Last Friday, Spain defeated Bolivia in a friendly in Sevilla.

Victor Orta is to be Elche’s new sporting director, taking charge of all of the transfers coming in and out of the club. Otra started his career with Valladolid before being named as technical secretary for Sevilla, working under the club’s sporting director Monchi from 2006­13, until finally leaving to join Russian giants, Zenit to take over their role as sporting director.

Upon leaving Sevilla last year, Orta had offers from Juventus, Fiorentina and Qatar, but chose to join Zenit before leaving after the season. Elche are hoping that Otra’s extensive contacts and “big club” experience will take the Ilicitanos to the next level after

securing survival, following their first season in the Primera after nearly 30 years away from the top flight.

Season tickets went on sale on Monday at Elche’s Martinez Valero stadium for the Hartley 12.2 took the first race on handi­ next La Liga campaign. The club’s promo­ cap, with Tug Wilson and Peter Cadwell in tional bus tour last weekend around Rojales their Laser 2000 winning the second con­ and Aspe brought in 800 new ticket holders with locations right around the Vega Baja test.

chosen to repeat last summer’s success as Elche brand themselves as “the club” of the region. Club officials are pleased with the take up so far, and are very confident of matching last season’s take up of 25 thou­ sand holders.

REAL’S SHUT OUT

Real Madrid have been ordered to close part of their Bernabeu stadium during their next European match as punishment for racist behaviour by fans. They were charged following the home leg of their Champions League semi­final against Bayern Munich in April.

European governing body Uefa ruled Real must shut two sections of the 81,000­ seater stadium in their next tie.

"The fight against racism is a high priority," read a Uefa statement. "Uefa has a zero­tolerance policy

VICTOR ARRIVES

BRISK BUSINESS

towards racism and discrim­ ination, both on the pitch and in the stands."

The newly­crowned

European champions must also put banners bearing Uefa's 'No to Racism' slogan in the closed sections.

SAMM DAY

Changing wind directions and speeds were the Mar Menor setting that greeted the latest Race Day competitors in the SAMM Spring series. Don Clark in his

Friday, June 6, 2014

47

BACK HOME - THE 1970 WORLD CUP

Four years after England had unexpect­ edly won the World Cup in 1966, England flew to Mexico under the great predictor Alf Ramsey, with a good proportion of the football world, including me believing we would repeat the operation and return ‘Back Home’ triumphant.

If anything England had a stronger side than ’66, this time with players like Alan Mullery and Peter Osgood to supplement the silky skills of Gordon Banks, the late, great Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst (Alf had previously dubbed Martin Peters a player ‘ten years ahead of his time’, so the 1970 joke was he was now only six years ahead…). Just before the lads left for Mexico the best World Cup song ever, ‘Back Home’ was triumphantly belted­ out in full voice by an obviously­optimistic and happy England squad to delight the nation: Back home, they'll be thinking about us, when we are far away Back home, they'll be really behind us In every game we play They'll share every goal we are scoring out there we will still hear them roaring And we'll give all we've got to give for the folks back home….

What could go wrong?

Well, the first thing was in Bogata, when the world­ wide­respected England captain Bobby Moore was accused of stealing a neck­ lace from a hotel shop. It was a trumped­up charge intended to embarrass England, and for a few days ‘Mooro’ was held under Embassy house arrest.

Meanwhile England’s yesterday man Jimmy Greaves had temporarily gone doolally into motor racing and was taking

place in a bizarre World Cup Rally ­ and had lately arrived in Bogota via a very different route.

Jimmy and Bobby were old drinking mates, suspended together once for West Ham after an infamous Blackpool nightclub incident ­ and always­up­for­it Jimmy decid­ ed to take the law into his own hands to cheer his old mate up. With the world’s press camped out in front of the embassy Jimbo went round the back, climbed over the wall, through the garden and walking past a few surprised guards found an even more surprised Bobby Moore in the lounge and shared a drink with his old pal. Soon the charge was dropped and England got back to their defence of the realm’s soccer busi­ ness.

In England’s group were mighty Brazil, Pele’n all, a team feared by every football­ playing country. In one of the country’s all time epic performances, England narrowly lost 1 – 0 to a Pele­laid­on goal for Jairzinho, but not before a personal duel between magnificent Moore and the greatest foot­ baller ever was played out in front of the world. In one of the great tournament incidents Pele headed down a perfect cross into the far cor­ ner of England’s goal, and said afterwards that as far he was concerned it was a goal all the way. But England’s greatest­ever goalkeeper Gordon Banks threw him­ self to somehow get the ball over the bar: still looks amazing today.

Grainy footage of Moore again and again frustrating Brazil with brilliantly­timed tackles to come away with the ball are

SHUTTLECOCKS ABOUND

There was an international feel to the annual “in­house” tournament for the Pilar Badminton Club, which has been going for 11 years. Denmark, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, and England were represented in the finals, with Paul Douglas completing a hat­trick of wins in the Men’s Singles

complemented with the two soccer gladia­ tors swapping shirts at the end, becoming friends and displaying examples of now­fad­ ing sportsmanship to the world. That leg­ endary Brazil side ultimately and rightly went on to win the coveted Jules Rimet trophy for the third time to earn the right to keep it.

England still went through to the quarter­ finals by seeing off Czechoslovakia and Romania, looking good to face – guess who? Only the old enemy, opponents from the epic ’66 final: West Germany, them­ selves a fine side bearing Teutonic pride and thirsting for revenge. But Bobby Charlton was in invincible form, and England led 2 – 0 by half­time in control of the match…. until half­way through the second half when Alf Ramsey made one of the biggest boobs in his illustrious career. He took off Charlton to rest him for the next game, but the move made football history as Germany’s iconic captain Franz Beckenbauer thought Christmas had come early. Released from the yoke of having to hold back and pick up Charlton on his surging runs forward, and with his injured arm in a sling ‘the Kaiser’ moved menacingly forward himself and

soon scored – and gradually England were undone. Inexplicably the Banks of England, goalkeeper Gordon had been struck down by sickness overnight and second­choice Peter Bonetti was at the back for England.

No blaming the Chelsea stopper, but by the end of full­time Germany had done it yet again, back from the dead just like 1966 to pull back to parity at 2 ­2. In extra time, haunting memories show Germany’s ver­ sion of Jimmy Greaves, the great Gerd Muller poaching the winner, and England were out – and duly sent ‘Back Home’.

The man who had engineered the 1966 victory, now ‘Sir’ Alf Ramsey, paid the penal­ ty for the 1970 disappointment and a few years later was ignominiously sacked: the 1970 World Cup will always be remembered by an ungrateful nation as ‘what might have been’. Our country then stayed out of the finals for the next two tournaments, twelve long World Cup­less years until the ill­fated Iberian expedition to Spain ended in defeat in the Basque Country as Italy (!) unexpect­ edly and stylishly swept to victory in 1982.

But if you are a true old England supporter like me ­ 1970 still hurts.

MASTERFUL ACHIEVEMENT

Club Natacion Torrevieja’s swimmers were amongst the medals in last weekend’s final regional Masters event held at Torrevieja’s Municipal Pool. 307 competitors battled it out for honours in the two day event, with the Club Natacion team grab­ bing 11 medals from their 20 events. Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly won gold in each

of their 3 individual events with Paul Matthews following shortly behind with 2 gold medals and a silver. The team event saw Club Natacion finish 11th, which with only 7 swimmers in their team, was a fine achievement. They now look forward to the Spanish Nationals in Jerez at the end of the month.

LADIES NET IT

Rojales Netball Club recently flew the flag for Spain, being the country’s only representatives in a tournament which featured four visiting teams from Ireland. The ladies turned on the style to finish second in an event where they were up against teams that play com­ petitively two or three times a event. week. Rojales are now get­ The Pilar Badminton Club meets 4 morn­ ting ready to host their own ings a week at the Duques de Palma tournament on Saturday Sports Centre in Pilar de la Horadada, June 14th, and are always with more details available from John and after new players. For more Carole on 966 786 774 or via E­mail:­ details contact Tracey on 679 carolejohn_3@hotmail.com 539 995.

Friday, June 6, 2014

48

ENGLAND IN LA LA LAND!

Good, bad and ugly seen in 2 – 2 draw with Ecuador

Isn’t everyone supposed to be calm and serenely­settled domesti­ cally as the country heads off for war – sorry, the World Cup? Well some of England’s stars aren’t: Lambert’s left his club, and Lallana and Lampard are set to leave ­ and possibly young Luke Shaw too.

Post pasting Peru 3 – 0, edgy England drew 2 – 2 with Ecuador in Miami in an eventful match. What looked like the second team was given a run­out with Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade­Chamberlain and Wayne Rooney impressing, but Man United’s Chris Smalling and Phil Jones looking uncertain in the heart of the defence – and as for playing James Milner at full­ back (he isn’t one actually, Roy…), well, what a mis­ take. Oh, and young Raheem Sterling was stupidly and deservedly sent off soon after coming on, having had a rush of blood to the immature head with a bad tackle on Man Utd’s Ecuadorian star Valencia – who was sent off too for over­reacting.

What did we learn? England have class and speed in midfield: Barkley was breath­taking with superb, surg­ ing runs and Oxlade­Chamberlain looked good but worryingly went off injured. Goals from Rooney and Lambert excited, but this team looked vulnerable at the back: bring back Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka quickly, supplemented by young John Stones if necessary against Honduras on Saturday night for the last warm up game before the nation plays Italy in the opening match – and for goodness sake Roy, play a proper right back like Glen Johnson.

All these wonderful World Cup workouts are masking

John McGregor reports

major moves ‘Back Home’ (see over). Early doors are opening, but one club in particular appears to be imploding in a major clear­out. Southampton’s iconic striker Rickie Lambert is on top of his own world, ‘made oop’ in Miami en route to Brazil. The Scouser is skilfully strutting his sterling stuff like on Wednesday night on the world stage and then afterwards will be heading happily back to his native Merseyside. In a surprising £4m move Rickie is the first Saints player to leave the club since Spurs­bound manager Mauriccio Pochettino has departed and the St Mary’s fans will be mortified. 32 year­old Liverpudlian Lambert has a lot left and his goals brought success to ambitious Southampton with successive promotions from Division One nobodies right up to an exciting eighth place in last season’s Premier League. It’s a good move for Liverpool to add striking strength to their already­powerful squad, firmly announcing their inten­ tions to improve on second place next season.

Scouser Lambert started his career there and is delighted to be going home to re­join the Reds. Psst ­ anyone else going, lads?

Saints had stated that no player will be sold until a replacement is appointed for coach Mauricio Pochettino, but to further depress the St Mary’s faith­ ful, captain Adam Lallana wants to leave Southampton after he returns from Brazil. Like Lambert, the 27 year­ old captain is wanted by ambitious Liverpool, but this time the offer is a hefty £25m. Lallana joined the Southampton academy as a 12­year­old and has pro­ gressed through the ranks as the club enjoyed suc­ cess, but just to rub in Lambert’s leaving, young player of the season 18 year­old left back Luke Shaw, also in Brazil is on Manchester United’s shopping list at £27m to replace Patrick Evra.

Are we watching the decommissioning of a wonderful talent­producing football machine? Lallana came through the Southampton academy, which also pro­ duced Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade­ Chamberlain, young Shaw is also playing for his coun­ try in Brazil and there’s still plenty more where they all came from. But is Saints’ own Vorsprung durch Technik being vandalised by Germanic financial rul­ ing?

Yet more ins and outs are at Chelsea, as evergreen faithful Frankie Lampard is being put out to stud when he gets back from swan­songing in Brazil. Jose’s wielding the axe: Ashley Cole was the first, and there may be more, though John Terry has signed a new one­year contract. Big Bridge­boosting bulletins show Atletico’s Costa­packet’s on his way to West London via Rio. Brazilian­born Diego Costa is at the World Cup playing for his adopted Spain, so we’ll all get a good gozz at what Chelski are paying £32 for. The big strik­ er’s 36 goals in 52 games have just helped Atletico win La Liga and become finalists in the Champions League. Rojiblancos fans will be devastated: shades of Fernando Torres leaving for Liverpool in 2007.

Stop press: cheering news for the England camp is that first opponents Italy followed up a dismal goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland by drawing 1 – 1 with minnows Luxembourg. Their main man Montelivo’s missing with a broken leg, Rossi wasn’t selected, but barmy old Balotelli made their goal and is playing well.

It’s all set up nicely for England’s World Cup opener next Saturday, midnight Spanish time ­ but Italy have a nasty habit of coming good from adversity – remember 1982, I do… C’mon England!