The Courier Week 93

Edition 93

www.thecourier.es

Friday, November 30, 2012

JUST THE JOB New deal will stop UK fiends accessing children abroad

A NEW international initiative to prevent UK sex offenders gaining access to children in other countries through teaching or volunteer roles was launched in Spain yesterday (Thursday).

Spanish officers specialising in tackling child sexual abuse have been sharing their expertise with staff from the UK’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre during a two-day law enforcement workshop.

The programme included the launch of the CEOP’s International Child Protection Certificate - a new police check for UK nationals travelling and working overseas. The certificate will help identify and screen out those who are unsuitable to be working with children.

CEOP has found that some international schools, charities and other agencies overseas do not currently have access to the same level of police checks available to organisations in the UK, sometimes enabling sex offenders to gain positions of trust with children.

CEOP is the UK national law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting children from abuse. And the certificate has been designed to help prevent known child sex offenders from gaining inappropriate roles in other countries.

Peter Davies, Chief Executive of CEOP, said : “There is clear evidence to suggest that serious sex offenders who

are known to authorities in the UK will often seek out opportunities to work or volunteer abroad.

“In many instances this will be through teaching roles but could equally be through other occupations such as charity worker, orphanage worker or as a children’s home worker.

“The International Child Protection Certificate is intended to be a world-wide safeguard which will give employers and voluntary organisations reassurance that applicants have no convictions in the UK which would make them unsuitable to work with children.

“It’s the only UK police check for UK nationals and residents working for some organisations overseas so it’s an essential pre-employment or placement check to protect children.”

UK Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, said: “Sexual abuse of children is a detestable crime. We are determined to do all we can to help schools and other organisations working with children to protect themselves from the perpetrators, both at home and abroad. I am glad to see the interest the ICPC has raised in Spain.

“This initiative is part of a much wider programme of cooperation between Spanish and British law enforcement agencies. I sincerely hope it will protect minors as well as deter offenders.”

ALICANTE SUSPECTS HELD AS POLICE SWOOP ON PEOPLE SMUGGLING GANG UK Border Agency officers and the Guardia Civil have arrested 19 people in the UK and Spain as part of a major international investigation into organised peoplesmuggling.

Operation ‘MARLO’ involved raids on addresses in Alicante, Madrid and London on Monday plus a further arrest in Hull on Tuesday.

The arrests were the culmination of a joint investigation into a criminal network suspected of assisting Iranian migrants to reach the UK from mainland Europe.

The investigation also involved the UKBA Immigration Liaison Office based in the British Embassy in Madrid and the assistance of airlines.

The network is alleged to have organised travel and provided false documents to their clients to facilitate their arrival at UK airports.

The eight people arrested in the UK were aged between 23 and 56. In addition, computers, documents and mobile phones were seized from a number

Continued on Page 3

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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

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Picture of the Week

JUNGLE DRUMS

Photo by Yvonne Krajewska.

A mantis lurking in her garden in Catral

CORVERA FLIGHTS SET TO START NEXT JUNE The airspace above the new Corvera airport now has all the technical permits from the Ministry of Defence in place.

According to La Verdad newspaper, a meeting took place last Friday where an agreement was signed clearing the way for civil and military air manoeuvres to func-

tion together.

The Ministry of Defence and the airport bosses will meet on December 11 to put the final details into place.

The autonomous community of Murcia believes the airport will be ready to open to commercial flights by March or April 2013, by which time full details will

have been publicised and formalised throughout Europe.

It is believed that flights into and out of Corvera will actually begin next June – with the regional government doing its utmost to make the airport fully functional by next summer.

The authorisations and

licences still to be obtained depend on the national government.

These include homologising the airport through AESA, and the thumbs-up from AENA , who should receive compensation for their investment in building a new runway, terminal and air traffic control tower at San Javier airport.

TYLER’S A ROARING SUCCESS

THERE’S no stopping two-wheel terror Tyler Graves after the Rojales kid stole fourth ranking in the Valencian Motorcross Championships.

The six-year old son of Craig and Jo Tyler has only been riding his MX50cc Automatic Motorcross bike for 9 months, and has already left his opponents eating dust.

He joined the Club Moto Sport Carreres which is based in Crevillente, and qualified to participate in the Valencia Championships, where a series of successful races saw him fly through the ranks to fourth place.

Tyler’s latest triumph came at the Championship Finals in Guardamar last weekend, where he was well supported by local fans. He came third in the first race and second in the next, placing him third overall, and giving him his first ever podium position. He’s the boy in blue and white standing on the third-place barrel.

Friday Sun and clouds High 14° Low 5° Chance of rain 1% Monday Sunny High 18° Low 9° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Showers High 17° Low 5° Chance of rain 75%

Saturday Showers High 13° Low 6° Chance of rain 60% Wednesday Sunny High 16° Low 6° Chance of rain 0%

Ryanair to axe 600 as El Altet digs in on air bridges

By Heidi Wardman RYANAIR is to axe 600 workers in the wake of the refusal of AENA and the Alicante Airport directors to allow passengers to board without using air bridges.

Ryanair’s vice-president Michael Cawlay said the jobs losses were down to the reduction of flights as a result of the decision. It is estimated those planes would have carried some 600,000 passengers Cawlay has criticised the Spanish Airports and AENA, suggesting that it is they, not Ryanair, who are to blame for the job cuts.

During a press conference held in Madrid, Ryanair managing director Michael O’Leary commented on various issues, including this latest conflict with Spanish authorities. He said his airline’s reduced fleet at El Altet will cost Spain around 12 % of its flights next summer.

This equated to a loss of 648 flights per week, or 4.5 million passengers - plus 4 500 jobs. All side effects of higher airport duties imposed by AENA. Sunday Sunny High 15° Low 6° Chance of rain 0% Thursday Partly cloudy High 16° Lo 8° Chance of rain 1%

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WEEK 710 EUROS – IT’S THE THIS IN BRIEF LOCKY HORROR SHOW! q

A LOCAL locksmith allegedly charged an unwitting British couple more than SEVEN HUNDRED euros to replace the lock on their front door.

The locksmith, who is also British, was called in when the couple – who live on a small urbanisation - were unable to access their property due to the door being damaged.

He gained entry through a skylight, then went away and purchased a new lock which he fitted.

Then came the bill and with it the shock… an invoice for €710!

A neighbour told The Courier: “The couple were understandably furious, as this was not a Spaniard ripping off the Brits, but a fellow Brit.

“Please warn your readers that they must try to obtain an estimate before any locksmith does any work.’’

The couple who were fleeced have returned to the UK so disillusioned that they are considering selling their property.

However, their neighbours are keen to warn other expats NOT to use this particular locksmith for obvious reasons.

However, there are two sides to every

story so The Courier is offering the perceived ‘villain’ a chance to justify his exorbitant charge and avoid being named and shamed.

We hope he will come forward during the next few days, or at least send us an email detailing his side of the story, if only to ease the concerns of the couple and their friends.

We also apologise to all those genuine locksmiths out there who may feel their reputations are being tarnished by this incident.

If you are a locksmith and feel compromised in any way, please ask your customers to call or email the Courier office and we will happily confirm that you are not under suspicion.

We would also welcome information from experienced locksmiths on the scale of charges that home owners should expect in situations like this. Please email all information to office@thecourier.es

Lampard boots out ex’s sick mum, 100

SOCCER star Frank Lampard has been branded ‘unscrupulous’ and ‘mean-spirited´ after booting his children’s 100year-old grandmother out of her Spanish home.

Teresa Canete has been given until November 30 to leave her €358,000 Barcelona house, which is owned by the Chelsea midfielder.

Lampard is insisting his former mother-in-law vacates the property, which he bought for her during his stormy relationship with Spanish lingerie model Elen Rivas.

Rivas – the mother of his two children – claims the eviction may kill her elderly mum, who

suffers from a string of health complaints, including a heart condition.

She said: “I find it degrading and consider Frank to be acting totally unscrupulously.”

It has been rumoured that Lampard – who is engaged to British TV presenter Christine Bleakley – has found a buyer for the home and is keen to sell.

Lampard, who owns a string of properties totalling €28m, offered the property to Miss Rivas for a discount price, but she declined.

A spokesman for the star said: “Frank and Elen have been apart for over four years now. It is time Elen took responsibility for her own family.”

of addresses and will now be examined.

Co-ordinated action by the Guardia Civil saw 11 people arrested during raids in Alicante and Madrid.

The gang is said to have been contacted by up to 100 potential customers per month and was charging its clients up to 18,000 euros each. Of those enquiries, on average 25 per month are believed to have become clients, with 20 per month heading for the UK. Chris Foster from the UK Border Agency’s Criminal and Financial

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SPAIN'S Chinese community is being unfairly stereotyped as encouraging organised crime, according to Beijing. The Government of China recently sent a Ministerial Delegation to assist with Spain's Operation Emperor, which investigated organised crime by a number of Chinese nationals resident in Spain. The case centres around a wellorganised gang of money launderers.

Members of the delegation have met with Spanish authorities to air Beijing's concern about a negative Chinese image in Spain.

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TWO special minibuses supplied to Torrevieja town hall by the Caja Murcia Foundation to help transport the disabled around the city, have been spotted being put to another use entirely this week.

Información newspaper reported that the minibuses are being used by a special Policia Local group of agents assigned to track and pursue Senegalese street traders around the town, as the town hall seeks to bring an end to illegal trading in the city.

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Teresa Canete and her former Barcelona home

19 HELD IN HUMAN TRAFFIC SWOOP From Page 1

CRIPPLED Spanish banks said they would cut thousands of jobs after Brussels gave a green light on Wednesday for a big slice of aid to rescue them with tough conditions. European banking stocks plunged after Bankia said it would cut 6,000 jobs to save itself, under the restructuring approved for it and three others. NCG, mother company of Novogalicia bank, said in a statement that its safety depended on laying off up to 2,500 ordinary workers, and Bankia said they would close scores of branches.

Investigation team said: “This investigation is targeting an organised network suspected of being involved in a systematic attempt to evade the UK’s immigration controls.

“People smuggling is an international crime which requires international cooperation, so we have been working very closely with our Spanish law-enforcement colleagues from the outset. Our investigation will continue with the evidence we have seized.”

Simon Cooper, UKBA Assistant Regional Director covering Spain, added: “Spain is

becoming a hard place for organised immigration crime to operate, and criminals now know that they will be disrupted and brought to justice.”

All those detained in the UK were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate an asylum seeker for gain. They are now being questioned at police stations in London.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can pass it on via Crimestoppers at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/, or call the UK number 0800 555111. Anonymity is assured.

DOCTORS and staff at public hospitals in Madrid launched a strike complaining that authorities plan to privatise health services to save money in the financial crisis. Scores of medics demonstrated outside La Paz hospital and others, where minimum services were in operation, collecting signatures for petitions against the regional government's 2013 budget plan. Spain's regions are under pressure to curb spending as the national government seeks to cut €7 billion a year from the health budget.

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THE first injection of loans to recapitalise Spain's broken banking system will amount to €37 billion, according to Finance Minister Luis De Guindos. The injection will principally concern Bankia, and Eurogroup chair Jean-Claude Juncker recently said the eurozone would decide on the release of the money, via the newlyestablished European Stability Mechanism rescue fund, around the beginning of December. Spain requested in June a eurozone rescue line of up to €100 billion for its banks.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Benalmadena for Christmas and New Year WHAT great fun this is going to be. On the 24 of December 5 coaches will leave from in and around the Torrevieja area, bound for Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol. The journey down takes us through some of the most delightful scenery to be found in Spain and by late afternoon we will arrive at a really nice 3 star hotel which sites in its own well established grounds and just one row back from the seafront. All rooms with balcony.

Next day, we go straight in to Christmas day with a special Gala lunch. The perfectly situated hotel is on the main bus route to Torremolinos, Malaga, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Fuengirola and other well known towns on the costa. On the doorstep you have a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants. Then every second day there is an organised excursion included in the price of the package. With these we visit the historic city of Granada on boxing day. This day in Granada is rather special. Just about the whole population don all their finery and go for a post Christmas “paseo” around the town. Buskers and balloon sellers add to the colour of the occasion. Even the children

dress in their very best for this day.

Another day sees us on that little bit of Britain which sits alongside the Spanish coast. The rock of Gibraltar. With a fabulous history, lots of British shops and of course the world famous “apes” of Gibraltar this is a lovely day out. Then there is Nerja. A sparkling white housed gem with cobbled streets, which juts out into the blueness of the Mediterranean. Here if you want to you can also visit the awe inspiring, caves, which have an almost cathedral type atmosphere and which were discovered by youngsters whilst chasing bats as recently as 1959.

Finally a half day in the relaxing mountain town of Mijas. Complete with its nappy wearing donkey taxis. This 9 day excursion includes all the excursions, full board with wine and water, a buffet Christmas gala, and New year’s night a gala dinner is served to the table. Followed by live music.

All this for only 485€ hardly seems believable. But it is being offered by “David’s Coachtrips SL.” at that excellent price.

With most places sold early booking is strongly recommended and is so easy to do.

Simply call (0034)966785910.

Consulate reaches out to domestic violence victims

By Heidi Wardman The British Consulate is supporting Spain’s ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards domestic violence, by transmitting the message to expats.

The British Consular services in Alicante are responsible for the welfare of expats living in or visiting the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, Valencia, Castellón and Albacete. This equates to some 167 000 Brits who are registered on the municipal padron plus an estimated 3.5 million tourists each year. Last year, the Consular Services acted on behalf of 500 British nationals who had been arrested in the Valencian community. It is reported that at least 30% of these cases related to domestic violence incidents.

The Spanish Authorities are keen for British residents and tourists to respect their ‘zero tolerance’ policy on domestic violence, and have called upon the Consulate to help to get the point across.

The campaign was launched with a Domestic Violence seminar held at the “AC Hotel in Alicante this week. It was hosted by representatives of the British Consulate, in collaboration with the SubDelegación del Gobierno, and designed to coincide with the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” which is observed annually across the globe on November 25.

British Consul, Paul Rodwell, opened the event, accompanied by government representatives Paula Sánchez de León Guardiola and Alberto Martínez Díaz.

The seminar set out clearly the objectives behind the new initiative, including working to eliminate the stigma associated with domestic violence, encouraging victims to

speak out and “remove themselves from the risk of danger”. The Consulate also hopes that the initiative will be adopted by English speaking clubs and associations across the Region, so that they are able to convey important information on how and where to seek help, which will prevent victims from suffering in silence.

The Consulate stresses that it is not asking members of the public to get involved in supporting victims, but rather work in collaboration with the Spanish support networks which are already in place, enabling them to reach more of those who need help.

Mr Rodwell stated: “Alicante province is the area of Spain with the highest percentage of British nationals registered as residents, so it’s not unusual that a number of these British nationals will get in to some kind of difficulty. Nonetheless, the fact that one third of our arrests relate to domestic violence is a serious concern, which is why we are keen to work closely with the Spanish authorities to tackle this issue. I think we are extremely fortunate that Spain is a country that takes this kind of crime very seriously and I am impressed with the level of support that is available.

“The objective of today is to make sure that British nationals learn about this support and feel able to access it if they ever need to.”

If you feel that you are in danger, please do not hesitate to call the emergency services helpline 112 and for professional advice on the support and services available, call the national domestic violence hotline 016. For further information you may email the British Consulate directly at info@consulate@fco.gov.uk or visit the website www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

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

Be positive - and support Pedro THE inauguration of the CLR Supporters Group, Orihuela Costa, will take place at the Sophia Wellness Centre in Cabo Roig at 6pm this evening (Friday). All those interested are invited to attend.

CLR leader Pedro Mancebo will preside over the inauguration.

The Supporters’ Group will meet regularly to discuss the political situation that affects the residents of the coast and to propose solutions to the problems of Orihuela Costa in order to help our neighbours and the town hall.

Orihuela Costa saw very few positive improvements in the past. CLR want to reverse that situation and move away forever from the old negative approaches, away from the dark personal ambitions of a few at the expense of the many.

The problems of Orihuela Costa can only be resolved by positive thoughts, positive actions and hard work. CLR believe that local government should work for all the residents and visitors of Orihuela Costa.

Pedro Mancebo is a strong believer in keeping electoral promises, hard work,

trust and loyalty.

Pedro wants to remove corruption in all its forms from the whole of Orihuela and to manage and improve the municipality for the benefit of all.

On Friday December 7 at 6pm Pedro will again be at the Sophia Wellness Centre to answer questions. Email your questions to Coast.CLR@gmail.com and further information can be found on www.CLR-OrihuelaCosta.com The CLR Supporters Group’s approach will be focused on improving Orihuela Costa by creating a healthy

green and clean environment and improving the natural resources for the benefit of all.

We will support and encourage efforts to improve residential communities, the tourist industry, legitimate business, charities, expat groups, and all types of worthwhile clubs and lobby groups.

Those who share the same goals and aspirations are welcome to attend either or both events, light snacks will be provided.

RAYMOND KEARNEY

BROKEN PROMISES ON KIDS IN NEED IT was with shock and dismay that we learned through the columns of a local newspaper that special needs therapy was not being provided in the new nursery school in Las Piscinas, Orihuela Costa.

This is a much-needed provision promised years ago and pledged in election programmes by political parties which contested the local Orihuela election in May, 2011. It is an explicit commitment in the CLR-CLARO joint election manifesto.

Bob Houliston, CLARO Councillor and Monica Lorente, leader of the Popular Party, in a joint press conference on 23 November, denounced this shameful betrayal of the parents of children in Orihuela Costa who had been promised that this facility would be available in the first of two nursery schools which opened in September.

The excuse offered by the Socialist Party Councillor for Education, Rosa Martinez, that it was not possible for her to request the information that would show this facility was needed for up to 20 children, is incomprehensible. The parents of children who need this therapy are obliged to take them to neighbouring municipalities like Torrevieja and Pilar where they are not resident and have no priority.

We waited long enough for the first of the two nursery schools to open. Building was completed when the threeparty government took office in the summer of 2011.

Finance for the management of the schools was obtained in a budget modification in October 2011. Target dates of February 2012 and later Easter came and went. Why we had to wait for so long until September before the first of the schools was opened we do not know.

What we do know is that on examination of the contract for the management of the Las Piscinas nursery school there is NO provision for this service. The contract was signed after the opening of the school, which is illegal. Furthermore, it was awarded to a company formed only a matter of weeks before the tender procedure was launched. The successful company has links to the Bigastro Socialist Party. What is going on?

Bono was a joke – so was your bitching about Dale THE story you depicted in your paper on Come Dine With Me was an insult to us expats who have lived in Spain for a long time. It was biased and it did not show enough of the persons participating in it for your reporter to form a blanket opinion of the participants.

The only person you gave quite a lot of exposure to was the man who truly believed he was Bono (pictured); he was in fact a joke.

And how did you put the title of a bitch to Dale? The only thing he said which I believe was not out of order was the trifle was not like his mother’s - but the childish remark you made about him and the beach was pathetic. Please, please if you want to be a reporter quote facts and not your personal choice. It was very obvious you favoured Bono, but please do not give the impression that that was a synopsis of expats in Spain. I am disgusted with this personal reporting, you should be quoting facts. ELLEN FUGACCIA

We believe that it is only by throwing light on this shameful example of broken promises that the situation can be remedied. The need exists. The new nursery school provides an ideal physical environment and is centrally and conveniently located. It cannot be a question of finance. The extra finance needed to pay specially qualified staff is minimal in relation to the cost of managing the school. Even if the service is not stipulated in the management contract, which it should have been, the contract can be modified There is no excuse for not providing what is a pressing and urgent need for anxious parents and for children deserving every possible help in coping with their education.

Let us hope the Councillor for Education and the Councillor for the Coast, Pedro Mancebo, can be shamed into keeping their promises. The many parents in Orihuela Costa who have children needing special education attention should have this service provided without further delay.

Where to find the sole soul of SAT...

SINCE moving to the bigger premises closer to Hyperber supermarket in Almoradi, there seems to be confusion as to how many charity shops there in the town which support solely the SAT charity for abandoned dogs. There is still only ONE

fully licensed shop which accepts goods, clothes, etc, the proceeds from which go to the upkeep of the dogs at kennels in Dolores.

So if you want the profits from the sale of your unwanted items, be they clothes, furniture, bric a brac or

electrical items to go DIRECTLY to SAT, then please bring them into the SAT shop on the corner right by Hyperber in Almoradi and speak to Julie, the co-ordinator. Thank you SUSAN ROSE

Yew asked JEANETTE ERATH made reference to Operation Yewtree in her article Celebrity Blindness and asked why it was so called.

All police operations are given a name that has some relevence to the crime. In this case a yew tree is very very difficult to dig out and so is crime against children. You have to dig very deep and try to remove every part of the tree, including every part of the root as they spread far and very wide. If not, it will spring up again after some time - even stronger.

Therefore you can now see the relevence!

I would like to say I enjoy your paper and all of the articles, so keep up the good work.

W K STANFORD

Counting the Costa not being Chinese or Russian I LEARNED from The Courier’s Facebook page last week, that Spain is considering giving automatic residency to Chinese and Russian foreigners who buy homes in this country, in a bid to regenerate the housing market. That’s all very well, but what will “residency” actually give them?

The thought that hundreds of people from the UK, Ireland, Germany and other parts of Europe have invested so much of their money here over the past ten years, but still get little or no support from the Government unless they are a “fiscal resident” and paying into the system really grates on me, especially when you consider the benefits which are granted to foreigners living in the UK. And the amount of paperwork we had to produce, as well as the hassle and expense in obtaining it just to be granted residency, was outrageous.

Aside from that, many people who have lived here for several years, but are currently out of work or not contributing to the system for whatever reason, have had their SIP medical cards withdrawn, while others were never granted them in the first place and had to take out private cover.

Will purchasing a house here also give Russian and Chinese people free medical care? I really do not understand how a country which is supposed to be a member of the European Union can discriminate against some nations and hand out gifts to others. Or are we no longer wanted now that we have less cash to splash than we did in previous years?

CONCERNED, Torrevieja

Friday, November 30, 2012

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GOING GREAT SHAKES IT’S not as if it came as a surprise.

These days I don’t expect visits to the UK to be fun – a least not outside my own little family circle So it was with some apprehension that I boarded Monarch Flight ZB677 at Alicante last Thursday for the nearest thing I’m going to have to a holiday this year. The idea was to take in a couple of family celebrations in the build-up to Christmas before returning to Spain early in the New Year.

By the time Flight ZB677 squelched onto the rain-lashed runway in Manchester, my nerves were completely shredded. My body had been invaded by more shakes than the Manchester City boardroom, thanks to a pilot who learned to fly on a Big Dipper. Either that or he got syphoned into one long tube of French turbulence from which there was no escape.

Have you ever tried doing the Hippy Hippy Shake in an airborne loo at 35,000 feet to the sound of a panicky stewardess barking out orders for everyone to return to their seats and belt up muy pronto? ‘’The toilets are NOT to be used at this time,’’ came the instruction from the cabin as yet another airquake caught me with my pants down. Literally.

I’d have fallen off the seat if there had

Stop for an hour or two and admire the gleaming beauty around you. In British jams, the traffic is truly terrific

been room. As it was, I chose to sit it out until the shuddering stopped…happy in the knowledge that at least I couldn’t be drowned by a tsunami.

The sea of white faces that greeted me when I finally emerged from the toilet and

made my way back to seat 9C told me all I needed to know. My fellow passengers weren’t enjoying it either.

Even my choice of seat had rebounded on me. I usually choose an aisle berth because I invariably need to use the loo during a flight and don’t like to disturb the people next to me.

Unfortunately, that feeling is not always reciprocal. On this occasion the couple who had bagged the two inside seats BOTH decided they wanted a wee within half an hour of takeoff. And as luck would have it, their preferred time for urinary exercise was just as I was tucking in to my 10-euro Monarchaise dinner treat – a very tasty Lancashire Hotpot.

If you think it’s a long walk from the plane to the meeting point at the new Alicante airport, try flying into Manchester’s Terminal 2. I wore out three pairs of shoes getting to passport control, where I finally raised my first smile of the night.

No queue to show my passport – and a delightfully eccentric Sikh midget with a high-

pitched voice directing everyone at full volume.

It’s not so bad after all, I thought as I jumped into daughter Lisa’s car for the 15mile motorway drive home. At 11.30pm, we’d be there in a quarter of an hour.

Don’t you believe it! Within ten minutes of leaving the airport we were stuck in a solid queue of traffic stretching across the M60-M61 interchange. As ever, UK traffic jams can strike at any time of day or night.

The British traffic is truly terrific.

It was lovely to see the home I lived in for 30 years still standing, if somewhat weather-beaten. But it was the police car in next door’s drive that threw me.

It turned out the neighbours had been burgled earlier in the evening by cheeky villains who had then done a bunk in the family Merc. Unfortunately they hadn’t bothered to raid my place as well.

Unfortunately? Well yes, they are welcome to what little of value remains in the house, particularly the 42 inch plasma TV, which has a colour problem that will cost more to repair than to buy a new one.

The guarantee has run out so I’m saddled with it as it is…unless it is stolen and then replaced by the insurance company.

Anyone know a good, honest colourblind burglar?

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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Friday, November 30, 2012

DIGGING ELVIS

I SOMETIMES wonder how it would have affected me if my mother and father had never met.

Might I still have been created but by a different couple? cherry on the top of that And with their dissimilar hypothetical cake, genetic make-up to my would I (the other actual parents, would they have produced a different child? And perhaps more to the point, would he have still been me?

To project that state of affairs farther down the line, would the other me have grown up to marry the same Mrs S or would he (that's the different me) have wed the product of the relationship between two people who were not my real in-laws?

And now it gets complicated . . .

What would have been the knock-on effect as regards my two children?

Would they have been different two . . . sorry . . . too?

And just to plonk the proverbial

me) have been the master of the same two pet dogs?

'An interesting concept, don't you agree?' I asked.

The woman behind the post office counter cleared her throat. 'Er, if you don't mind, sir, it's pension day and some of the ladies and gentlemen queueing behind you are starting to look restless.'

'Sorry,' I said. 'I just need a second-class stamp -- I'm writing to people I don't value very highly. In fact, you can forget the stamp. Those parking fine robbers can pay for my letter at their end.

'My car was only blocking the entrance to the betting shop for a couple of races. But it's all academic anyway because I have neither signed nor dated my parking fine cheque.'

A chorus of boos greeted my departure from the post office as I ran a gauntlet of flailing

handbags and jabbing umbrellas.

'What's up with people these days?' I grumbled at the pub as Dave the barman bathed my bruises. 'I can remember a time when folk waited patiently for their turn in shops, at bus stops and at . . . er . . . verruca clinics.

'Sorry about that last one,' I added lamely. 'I always like to give three examples when I'm making a point but I couldn't really come up with anything relevant.'

Dave the barman shrugged. 'But you are so right, our David. The age of courtesy, politeness and good manners has long gone. I reckon civilization ended when Elvis left us.'

'That was in 1977,' commented a bloke at the bar. 'It seems like only yesterday.'

'Ah,' said Dave the barman. 'We have a Presley fan in our midst. Welcome, stranger. Allow one of my customers to buy you a drink.'

The stranger smiled. 'No, I was never an Elvis enthusi-

ast. Beethoven is more my bag. The point I was trying to make is that 1977 is not a long time ago. It's been only 35 years.'

'And that's NOT a long time?' the other Dave and I chorused.

'Thirty-five years is nothing,' insisted the stranger.

'And I should know because I'm an archaeologist.'

'Well, if you're looking for digs, I have a spare room,' offered Dave the barman who was always ready to spot a business opportunity.

The archaeologist stared at me. 'May I ask you something? he asked. 'Why is the gentleman on the next bar stool leaning over you and poking around in your mouth with a cocktail stick?'

'Oh, take no notice,' I said.

'That's my best pal Eric the dentist. He finds it difficult to relax after a morning's work.

Stop that now, Eric! Your lunch break is over and there are people in pain waiting for you in your surgery.'

'Queueing in an old-fashioned orderly fashion, I

hope,' added Dave the barman.

'Excuse me but this is where I came in,' said the archaeologist. 'But I have to go anyway because I'm leaving for Spain for a couple of months on a new dig.'

He climbed off his stool and departed the premises.

Dave tutted and went off to fetch his mop and bucket.

'It's gratifying to see new faces and all the rest of that customer relations rubbish,' he muttered. 'But I do wish that archaeologist had wiped the mud off his boots before he came in here.'

I pulled the cocktail stick from Eric the dentist's hand, hustled him out of the pub and gave him a push in the direction of his surgery. But something was niggling at me.

I went back into the inn and announced to Dave the barman: 'But the archaeologist didn't have mud on his boots when he came in.'

Dave looked at me and I looked at Dave. Then we both dived behind the bar to find our worst fears confirmed The mud was in fact mush -- a combination of leaked beer and freshly-prepared

Continued on P15

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Friday, November 30, 2012

SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH LESSON 48 WE will start with the answers from last week: The season is spring - la estación es primavera, The postman arrives at six – el cartero llega a las seis, there is a beautiful landscape – hay un paisaje bonito, I want to sing some songs – quiero cantar unas canciónes, The crisis (recession) in Europe is very bad – la crisis en europa es muy mal, you are the love of my life – eres el amor de mi vida, I want to see a photo - quiero ver una foto, the men and the woman go to the shop – los hombres y la mujer van a la tienda, I want to write a poem – quiero escribir un poema, The problem is very big – el problema es muy grande, I have a daughter – tengo una hija, The dose (dosis) is very low – la dosis es muy baja, I have to put everything in a suitcase – tengo que poner todo en una maleta, I want to go to the kitchen – quiero ir a la cocina.

How did you get on with those? I hope you remembered the Spanish for ´a´ , ´some´ and ´the´.

This week we are going to learn some more noun rules and then you´ll be ready for some more verbs next week.

Now, for nouns that do not fit into any of the rules from last week, you need to memorise them and use them frequently to fix them in your memory.

Nouns that end in -e or consonants not already mentioned may be either masculine or feminine: el cine – cinema, el lápiz – pencil, la clase – the class, la mente – the mind, el examin – the exam, el mes – month.

Nouns which are professions may end in -a, -ante, -e or -ista and in general they can mean either a male or female, the article and adjective (if used) will agree in gender and number with the noun so basically if you´re talking about a male use el and for a female use la: el/la atleta – the athlete, el/la cantante – the singer, el/la periodista – the journalist, el/la turista – the tourist.

Nouns of professions, of people in general and some animals that end in -és, - n, -ón and -or are masculine, they add an ´a´ to make the feminine form and drop the accent mark: el campeón/la campeona – champion, el profesor/la profeso-

ra – teacher, el león/la leona – lion.

Some nouns remain the same in the masculine and feminine forms, only the article changes: el modelo/la modelo – male model/female model, el testigo/la testigo – male witness/female witness.

We know already that some nouns change whether they are referring to a male or female: el niño/ la niña, el hijo/la hija, el novio/la novia.

Feminine nouns that begin with a stressed ´a´ or ´ha´ are feminine but for the benefit of pronunciation they take the masculine definite article (el ) in the singular form: el agua (f) – water, el alma (f) – soul, el hacha (f) – axe, el hambre (f) – hunger. Example, el agua es fría – the water is cold (remember they will still take feminine adjective endings) Certain groups of nouns are masculine: These include: days of the week and months of the year, they are not capitalised in Spanish, names of rivers, seas and oceans, e.g. el río Thames está en londres, compound nouns, these normally consist of a noun + adjective, e.g: el abrelatas – can opener, el paraguas – umbrella.

Also masculine are colours, el amarillo, el azul, el blanco, etc.

Infinitives used as nouns are masculine: In English it is usually the -ing form: e.g. El comer y beber mucho no son recomendables – eating and drinking a lot is not advisable.

The names of many trees are masculine, however the fruit of those trees may be masculine or feminine: el cerezo – cherry tree BUT la cereza - cherry, el limonero – lemon tree AND el limón – lemon, el manzano – apple tree BUT la manzana – apple, el naranjo – orange tree BUT la naranja – orange, el peral – pear tree BUT la pera – pear.

Languages are masculine and not capitalised in Spanish: el árabe – Arabic, el español – Spanish, el inglés – English, el japonés - Japanese Feminine nouns: The names of islands are feminine, Las Malvinas, Las Galápagos.

Some groups of nouns change depending on whether the

person or animal is male or female, for example el actor/la actriz – actor/actress, el héroe/ la heroína – hero/ heroine, el príncipe/ la princesa – prince/princess, el rey/ la reina – king/queen.

Now, as promised, the list of nouns that change meaning whether they are masculine or feminine: el capital / la capital – capital (money) / capital (city) : el cometa / la cometa – comet/ kite : el corte / la corte – cut / court : el cura / la cura – priest / cure : el editorial / la editorial - newspaper editorial / publishing house : el frente / la frente – front / forehead : el guía / la guía – guide / female guide, telephone book or guidebook : el orden / la orden – order (sequence) / order (command) : el Papa / la papa – the Pope / potato, el policía / la policía – police officer / the police force Political correctness is beginning in parts of Spain and where jobs were predominantly male there are female equivalents being used, be aware you may hear la médica in place of el médico if referring to a female doctor, and also la presidenta or la presidente when referring to a female president. Be aware when reading up to date newspapers or magazines that these words are beginning to come into use.

Have a good week and try to get used to using the correct genders, and at least not forgetting to use el, la, los, las or un, una, unos, unas. Try to keep in the habit of using these words to ensure you are always making sense when talking.

Next week, as promised, we will continue with verbs, so keep putting all this knowledge into practise and soon you will be speaking fluidly and confidently. There is a lot to remember and any opportunity you can use to speak Spanish will help you.

Even if it is reading road signs and notices or, one trick you can use when you are home alone is to either look at a picture, or out of the window and describe what you are seeing.

Start with very basic sentences such as there is a mountain, the grass is green, the sky is blue and then try and put some sentences together, such as, it is a hot day and very sunny, I can see two people in the street and a lot of cars. The most important thing is that you are speaking Spanish at every possible opportunity. ¡Que tengas una buena semana!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WHY DO THEY DO THAT? Top dog psychologist PETER SINGH writes exclusively for The Courier. Check out www.thedogyouneed.com or email Peter at peter@thedogyouneed.com

DAY OF THE DOGS A seminar not to be missed MY first dog psychology seminar in Spain will take place on Saturday February 9 at The Emerald Isle Club in La Florida, Orihuela Costa.

I have been running dog psychology seminars for over a year now and in England the much-respected Daily Express said the following in a review: “Peter at The Dog You Need turned out to be very much the canine counsellor needed.

Separation anxiety, nervous aggression with other dogs, distinct nervousness with strangers – Peter addresses them all.

And he did it in a positive way which exuded a confidence that was transmitted to all. He is heartily recommended”.

The most recent seminar was a couple of weeks ago in London. The following is a selection of the comments left by the public who attended: “Great seminar, extremely motivating” - Jenny Hayward “It is a totally different approach, which was refreshing, informative and will help me understand my dog on a different and better level” - Richard Hoskins “The most straight forward and easy to understand instructions I have heard. The first time I have had the teaching aimed at me and not the dog. It’s combined with humour, compassion and a lot of common sense. It makes you think of your whole life and not to see your dog as a separate issue. Wonderful!” - Lynne Driscoll (former British showjumper) “Very helpful and made me look at things from a different perspective. Loved the personal bits about yourself and your past. You were very honest and open” - Yasamin Tuson “We really enjoyed the seminar. Peter is so right. We have practised calm and seen good results. It’s not just changed our dog’s behaviour, more to the point it’s changed ours. We tell everyone how amazing Peter is. We believe everybody should attend his seminars and the dog world would be a bet-

THE SEMINAR:FULL DETAILS The full address of the Emerald Isle Club, venue of my February 9 seminar, is: Calle Marte 2, Urbanization La Florida, Orihuela Costa, 03189, Alicante.

The seminar will teach you how the dog's mind works

The schedule for the day is as follows: 11am: Introduction, followed by The Dog, The Human & How to achieve calm in your life 12 noon: 15-minute interval 12.15pm: Exercise, Correcting a dog & Affection 1.15pm: 45-minute interval for lunch 2.00pm: Separation anxiety, Recall & Feeding 3.00pm: 15-minute interval 3.15pm: Aggression, Body language & The Spirit of the dog 4.15pm: Questions 5.00pm: End of seminar

ter place for our best friends” Carol & Sarah Webb “Great insight into how to communicate with a dog! Learnt so much and feel that I understand dogs and love them even more now. Wonderful seminar” - Melanie Burns “Inspirational. All subjects were discussed with clear and concise messages. I have changed the way I treat my dogs.

Now I respect their behaviour. I have already seen a massive change! Thank you’’ - Louise Gallivan As I say to all my clients, if you listen to the advice given in the seminar and implement it into your daily lives, you will see a massive change, not only in your dog’s behaviour but yours too.

I really am looking forward to my first seminar in Spain and I sincerely hope that I get the opportunity to help as many people and their dogs as possible.

Throughout the day you will be able to buy drinks and food from the venue.

Tickets are priced at 25 euros each or 40 euros for two tickets.

To pay via Paypal, please send 25 euros per person or 40 euros for two people to peter@thedogyouneed.com Please remember to leave the names of the people the tickets are for as a reference.

To pay via bank transfer, please email me at peter@thedogyouneed.com and I will then send you payment details.

Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Once payment is received you will receive confirmation from me and your name will be added to the list of attendees.

On the day, all you will have to do is give your name when arriving.

Apollo is a year and a half old, and has been with us for a while now. He gets on well with other dogs and loves to play and go for walks. He has been castrated, micro-chipped and vaccinated. Natasha on 616210850 or www.apahrescue.org

Leo is 2 years old. He has lived in the kennels all his life and is desparate to find a home and people to love him. Leo would love to go to a home that already has another dog as he doesn't like to be on his own.

Contact Natasha on 616210850

PETS’ CORNER: CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT?

Sandy: Born August 2011 and is medium sized. She’s a gentle, affectionate dog who’s fostered in an urban environment and is friendly to all. Health vaccinated and sterilized. Please telephone on 650304746 www.pepaspain.com

Ozzy is a large and friendly Corgi who came to the kennels for a short stay but his owners never came back.

He is fully vaccinations and is chipped. Ozzy is 7 years old and would make a fantastic family pet. Eleanor 610188349

Sandy Monty Ozzy Monty is a 11 month old German Shepherd cross. He has been abandoned by his owners and is now in a foster home. He is good with other dogs and is chipped.

Call: 636 928 611. www.petsinspain.com George

George: Born early Sept and will be small sized. He is a healthy bright, playful and very loving pup. Health vaccinated. Please telephone the P.E.P.A. helpline on 650304746. www.pepaspain.com

Zac is 2 years old and was left behind by his owners when they moved, he was found wandering around the campo a few days later. He is a quiet little boy and good with other dogs. Call: 660 368 825. www.petsinspain.com

Saab is a beautiful Corgi cross about 5 years old. He is very placid and loves cuddles and curling up next to his owner. Saab is a an ideal dog for anyone living in either a small or large property, all he expects is affection and food . The K9 Club Please call: 664 891 382

Friday, November 30, 2012

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LÍNEA DIRECTA INSTRUCTS ITS CUSTOMERS ON THE STEPS TO TAKE IF THEY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED

BY THE RECENT HEAVY RAINSTORMS Madrid, 2 October 2012.- Línea Directa Aseguradora instructs its customers affected by the recent heavy rainstorms recorded on September 28 and 29 in the regions of Andalucía, Murcia y Valencia on the steps required to speed up the processes of making claims, treating and repairing the damage caused.

As any extraordinary risk resulting from a natural catastrophe, claims for damage to property and personal injury must be made to the Insurance Compensation Consortium (CCS), a body which is dependent on the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The Consortium will be wholly responsible for processing claims, assessing the damage caused and paying out compensation to those affected.

In order to claim for damage to property, the customer can contact the Insurance Compensation Consortium directly by calling 902 222 665 from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Claims for personal injury or loss of profits must be presented in writing to the local office in question or by post by completing the corresponding form.

In addition, in the case of Expatriate customers, Línea Directa will act as an intermediary, administrator and advisor with the public body, with an aim to speeding up the processes of compensation and repairing material damage to vehicles, which will be assessed, processed and compensated entirely by the Consortium. To this end, Línea Directa has set up a helpline 902 326 326 which its customers affected by the damage can call in order to receive help and information both in English and German on the correct processes required.

Línea Directa wishes to express its deepest condolences to the families of those people who have lost their lives and offers its services to all customers affected to provide them with any type of additional information they might require.

Insurance Compensation Consortium Addresses ANDALUCÍA ORIENTAL (Málaga, Jaén, Almería, Granada) Av. Aurora, 55, planta 1ª 29006 - MÁLAGA Tel.: 95 206 13 91 Fax: 95 206 13 92 ccsmalaga@consorseguros.es ANDALUCÍA OCCIDENTAL (Sevilla, Cádiz, Huelva, Córdoba) C/ Luis Montoto, 107 41007 - SEVILLA Tel.: 95 498 14 00 Fax: 95 498 14 01 ccssevilla@consorseguros.es MURCIA Ronda de Garay, 10 30003 - MURCIA Tel.: 968 35 04 50 Fax: 968 35 04 51 ccsmurcia@consorseguros.es COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA: Plaza de Tetuán, 15 46003 - VALENCIA Tel.: 96 315 43 00 Fax: 96 315 43 01 ccsvalencia@consorseguros.es

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Friday, November 30, 2012

TOO CLEVER FOR KIDS

I HAVE written many articles on having children, raising children, living with children and so on; in fact one of the main topics of my stories revolve around the fact that I am a mother, albeit a single one.

However, there are of course some women to whom my constant harping on about how wonderful the little people are must be extremely boring. They are the women who have decided, through no medical choice, that they do not want children. They are physically capable of carrying a child and giving birth but mentally have decided a young person to take responsibility for and raise and spend their hard earned money on, is not for them.

I personally cannot understand how anyone, male or female, can decide they do not want to do what we are put here for, namely to create the next generation. To me, not having children was never an option. I knew from my youngest memories that I would one day become a mum, the same way I guess these women decide they will not.

Therefore, why is it that some women do not want children? I read online recently that a few women consider themselves too intelligent to breed; they themselves decided intelligent was the word to use, and their reasoning was that they had a successful career, money, nice holidays, etc, and that a child would stop all that and replace that lifestyle with one of nappies and school runs.

Of course, raising a child is stressful, incredibly expensive and hard work, so sometimes the point of view of childless women can be seen as logical.

Those who do not want children have made their decision or feel that there is no decision to make; they will not have

kids, and it has ended relationships. The women I was reading about were all single and unable to find a man who accepted their decision, but they were not upset about being on their own, they were conveying a sense of independence, which, if real, is to be admired.

As mentioned, I always wanted children, I always knew

one day I would have my very own mini me, someone to hug me and call me mummy, but I also know there are many women who do not feel the same. One of my very good friends here in Spain does not have children, nor does she want any. She says she doesn´t even like children and I can see that in her, even though she is great with my son, the full-time responsibility of something she doesn´t particularly

like would be her idea of a nightmare.

But back to these other women who were parading their self-importance and ´how great am I´ attitude all over my daily read. Why would a woman say she is too intelligent for children? After all there are plenty of successful businesswomen who are also mothers; are these childless prodigies so much better than for example, multi-millionaire mothers Michelle Mone or Jacqueline Gold?

I respect any woman and her wishes when it comes to lifestyle choices. I also respect their beliefs, and although I may not agree with them, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, when someone tells me I am somehow an inferior person because I have children I begin to resent them. Their beliefs become a personal slur on mothers and it is ridiculous to state that intellect has anything to do with wanting or not wanting children.

In fact, I feel slightly sorry for these women.

Throughout their lives they are working to make more and more money and they will never have the satisfaction of seeing the money light up the faces of their children as they put down their first house deposit or as they take their kids on fairground rides or face to face with Mickey Mouse.

Personally I feel the world is becoming incredibly overpopulated and anyone who refrains from having children can only be doing good to this planet Earth as a whole.

And if they can live without the joy that creating a mini version of yourself can bring, then I think good luck to them and I wish them all the best with their money filled lives.

I am sure the local dogs home, rescue centre or their nieces and nephews will thank their childless benefactors when the time comes for these ladies to leave this life.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WHAT a mess the European Union is in. It certainly needs a reality check, like a slap across the face from a jilted girlfriend.

Everybody is belt-tightening but this shower of greed want a budget increase! The European leaders got together and of course just couldn’t reach an agreement on the new budget. Full marks to David Cameron for saying enough is enough, and he actually got some other countries to support him, including surprise sympathy from Germany.

Of course a deal will appear like a puff of smoke from Aladdin’s lamp in two months’ time, but this pantomime called the European Union can’t seem to focus on the basics.

I actually write this as a supporter of the principles of the EU, but I cannot fathom their need for empire building and for spending everybody else’s money. Who is actually in charge of saying no to these unelected bureaucrats?

I wonder if I’ve missed something but I’m sure I’ve heard of no job cuts to their administration in recent years. Does the word reces-

SPEND IN THE CLOWNS – IT’S PANTO TIME! sion exist in the corridors of power in Brussels?

The question now is whether Cameron will have the guts to see through his threat to veto the budget, and also to put the whole issue eventually to the British people in a referendum. It’s always interesting how Eurosceptics in opposition become very different in government, and for Cameron this could be make or break as to whether or not he has a united Conservative Party to take into the next election.

The strangest comment on all of this came from the Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls, criticising Cameron

and his inability to persuade the other EU countries of his case.

I doubt very much whether he could have done any better, and why anyway should so many members of the Brussels gravy-train vote like the proverbial turkeys for Christmas?

This entire EU shambles is great fodder for UKIP and their leader, Nigel Farage.

He’s always great value for the media, and does make some pretty salient points amidst all the sabre rattling.

The real world, though, suggests countries coming together and co-operating as we can see in South America and Africa, so waving the proud solo flag of Britain really is out of step

egg sandwiches. And the person responsible for the mess was not the archaeologist but our very own Ol' Red Eyes.

Somehow, the pub's most comatose customer had yet again succumbed to sleep and in his snoozy state had slumped over the top of the bar and continued to slide over the other side of the counter

with economic reality.

But his party got a wonderful boost from some idiotic social workers at Rotherham Council.

They took it upon themselves to stop a couple fostering any more kids because they were UKIP members, and

and onto the floor.

In the course of his slumberous plunge, the silly old duffer had managed to dismantle various tubes and valves and pistons and other connections which resulted in best bitter pouring over the tray of open sarnies which was that day's manager's lunch special.

Dave the barman and I

therefore racist. Such a political act was outrageous and Farage’s party, though eccentric, is most certainly not racist.

With a parliamentary by-election coming soon in Rotherham, UKIP must be rubbing their hands in glee, and it’s also to Labour leader Ed Miliband’s great credit that he rubbished the stu-

dragged Ol' Red Eyes to his feet.

'We best get him home,' said Dave. 'Although not knowing his address might prove to be a hindrance to our mission of mercy.'

'I know where Ol' Red Eyes lives,' piped up Daft Barry who was wringing out an egg sandwich because he was peckish.

pid actions of his Labour brethren in South Yorkshire.

Wouldn’t it be nice if some of these social workers concerned themselves more with stopping innocent children being abused at home, rather than trying to set themselves up as some kind of secret police force hunting those of a different political persuasion?

Staying with UKIP, I couldn’t a resist a smile when I heard a few Tories, including Cameron’s election adviser, Michael Fabricant, floating the idea of a pact with them at the next election, in exchange for a referendum on the EU. This all goes back to Jimmy Goldsmith’s Referendum Party standing in the 1997 election, and taking enough Tory votes away for Labour to gain between 10 and 20 seats to boost their landslide win.

Once again, self-preservation is always at the top of the priority list for most politicians, as opposed to serving the community.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has laughed it off and said no, because he rightly can’t work out what he gets out of it! You just wonder, though, whether this was a bit of kite flying that might just have some more life in it closer to the big vote in 2015?

q

So we three grabbed a limb each, leaving one leg to trail on the pavement, and delivered him with some difficulty to his front door. We knocked, then knocked harder, then hammered.

The upstairs window next door was thrust open and a head popped out.

'If you want the occupier you've just missed him,' the neighbour called down. 'He's beggared off to Burgos for eight weeks on an archaeological dig.

'He does have a brother but I believe he lives in a pub.'

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Cake This traditional Christmas cake pulls out all the stops - if you have the time, feed it with brandy in the run up to Christmas.

Ingredients 225g/8oz plain flour ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp ground cinnamon 200g/7oz butter 200g/7oz dark brown sugar 2 tbsp black treacle 1 tbsp marmalade ¼ tsp vanilla essence 4 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 800g/1¾lb mixed dried fruits 100g/3½oz chopped mixed

peel 150g/5oz glacé cherries, halved 100g/3½oz blanched almonds, chopped brandy To decorate 200g/7oz marzipan 1-2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed For the royal icing 3 free-range egg whites 600g/1lb 5oz icing sugar, sieved 1½ tsp liquid glycerine - optional 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method 1. Heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas2. Grease a 20cm/8inch round or an 18cm/7inch square cake tin and line the bottom and sides with baking parchment.

2. Sieve the flour, salt, mixed spice and cinnamon into a bowl.

3. Cream the butter and the sugar in a large mixing bowl and then mix in the sugar, treacle, marmalade and vanilla essence until light and fluffy.

4. Mix the eggs a little at a time into the mixture adding a tablespoon of flour mixture with the last amount.

5. Fold in the remaining flour mixture until well mixed and

Friday, November 30, 2012

then mix in the dried fruit, mixed peel, glace cherries and the almonds.

13. To decorate the cake, place the cake on a foil board or cake plate.

6. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and make a slight hollow in the centre.

14. Dust your hands and the work surface with a little icing sugar and knead the marzipan until soft.

7. Bake in the oven for 3 hours and then test with a skewer. If not ready bake for up to another hour testing every 20 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.

8. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes.

9. Turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool.

10. Once cool, make a few holes in the cake with a skewer and pour over 3-4 tbspof brandy. Let the brandy soak into the cake.

15. Roll out half the marzipan to fit the top of the cake and roll out the rest in strips to fit around the sides of the cake.

16. Brush the cake all over with the warmed apricot jam and then place the marzipan on top and around the cake.

17. Cover the cake with a clean tea towel and then leave in a cool place for at least one day.

11. Store the cake wrapped in foil and in an airtight tin or plastic container, holes side up.

18. To make the icing, lightly whisk the egg whites adding the sugar at intervals. Beat well until the icing reaches soft peaks. Add the glycerine if using and the lemon juice.

12. OPTIONAL: For a rich and moist cake, spoon over a few tablespoons of brandy every week until you are ready to ice and decorate your cake.

19. Spread icing all over cake either flat iced using a clean ruler or by forming soft peaks.

Decorate with Christmas ornaments.

A taste of Italy in Benijofar Enrico, owner of the new Sinfonia De Roma Restaurant in Benijofar opened his doors 3 weeks ago. Enrico who is Italian, and was born in Rome, previously ran the Sinfonia De Roma Restaurant in Dona Pepa and has customers from this area who are willing to travel to his new restaurant in Benijofar to taste his Italian delights.

Enrico has been in the family restaurant business for many years and is very customer focussed. The Menu del Dia is priced at just ÂŁ7.95 for 3 courses including a drink. Live Entertainment is available every week-end, with music to make you dance until you drop. Bookings for private functions are welcome with prices negotiable for large parties of people. The restaurant is very nicely furnished with an Italian theme that makes you feel like you are sitting in a restaurant in the streets of Rome. So for those of you who would like to enjoy a typical Italian style evening out in a relaxed friendly atmosphere, the new Sinfonia de Roma Italian Restaurant in Benijofar is well worth a visit.

As the restaurant is proving a huge success, reservations are advisable Tel: 637 385 305

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Friday, November 30, 2012

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR SAN MIGUEL… A fantastic new bar has opened its doors in San Miguel de Salinas, and you will not be disappointed!

Situated at the roundabout on the Ring Road of San Miguel de Salinas on Plaza Juan Carlos, La Vista Bar has had a fabulous make over. New owners Debbie and Anthony Wright along with their daughter Bianca and her partner Roberto Cruz offer you a very warm welcome.

A great new menu of homemade traditional British favourites is now being served from their kitchen which is open daily from 11am to 9pm with the bar being open from 10am to 1am.

A varied English Breakfast menu is proving very popular with locals which suits all appetites from breakfast snacks to large full English breakfast for the healthy appetite!

A Menu del Dia/Noche is available at only 7.90€ for 3 courses with a wide choice of Starter, Main Course and Dessert. Sunday Lunch starts at 6.95€ for 1 course, 7.95€ for 2 courses and only 8.95€ for 3 courses, with a choice of beef, chicken, pork, or if you can’t decide why not have a bit of all three with their mixed trio of meats!!

Diners can enjoy their food in the bar, outside on their sunny terrace, or on the cosy mezzanine level for a more intimate experience.

It’s this quality at reasonable prices which have got people in the town talking! Since their opening only two weeks ago, they have had nothing but excellent reviews and feedback.

With customers coming back time and time again, they must be doing something right!

All Spanish and British football is also shown in the bar, and on Saturdays there is a great atmosphere with Free Snacks being served at half time.

Sunday night is party night with Karaoke with Tony de Love, and coming up on Thursday 6th December there is a Big Fun Quiz night from 8.30pm with lots of prizes and games to follow!

So… I’m sure you will agree, that this fantastic venue is definitely a breath of fresh air for San Miguel! See you there!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

The sophisticated taste of the Med Andrew and Steven met in 1997 in Manchester and have never looked back.

They had a civil ceremony in 2007 and have lived in El Raso for over 7 years.

Having always thought that El Raso needed something different, the guys opened The Med Bar and Bistro in September of this year, a Mediterranean Bar and Bistro, providing the locals and tourists with a taste of the Med. A selection of Spanish tapas, Greek Mezze and a touch of Italian cuisine, mixed together with authentic music, local wines, beers

and decadent styling creates that Mediterranean ambience. With no televisions, Quiz Nights or Bingo, clients can have a chill out drink, or be wined and dined in a relaxing environment.

Both guys have travelled the world in their former careers, Steven from Night Club owner to Head of Visual Merchandising with House of Fraser in the UK, where he once was responsible for taking and displaying the Princess of Wales Wedding Dress around the UK. His business partner Andrew began his career as a Hairdresser at the tender age of 16 years and followed

this path for 31 years which took him around the world.

Andrew worked as a Barber with the American Airforce based in Italy. He then worked in Australia where he managed a chain of Hairdressing Salons along the Gold Coast.

Andrew eventually moved back to the UK to open several salons of his own.

Andrew and Steven are surprised just how busy The Med is and fully expected things to get a quietier at this time of year, but The Med has been very busy and after just 8 weeks of opening have taken on 5 staff.

Andrew and Steven are both

looking forward to their first Christmas in The Med and they are pushing the boat out with a 6-course Gala Lunch.

With Steven’s expertise in visual display, and their top chef’s experience working in Hotels and Country Clubs it should be a great day for all who attend. The Med and Rayz Bar in El Raso are coming together to celebrate New Year, so people in El Raso will get two Bars for the price of one. Steven and Andrew and looking forward to bigger and better things, so why not join them on New Year’s Eve and drink a toast to a Prosperous 2013 for all!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

A MASSIVE CONFIDENCE Sleeping After Processing BOOST IS NOW New Info Most Effective 50 EUROS CHEAPER!!

Not only a confidence boost but a virtual facelift too! We are talking, of course, of EYEBROWS. All of the celebrities and TV presenters that we see know the secret and now you can share the glamour they enjoy for just 200 euros! During December we have knocked 20% off!

Month after month in the beauty pages we are told how to groom the perfect brow using techniques such as waxing, dyeing, plucking and pencilling. Good advice but no use at all to those of us who have over plucked or those who have undergone chemotherapy or who

suffer from alopecia.

The answer is Semi permanent makeup!

You will be shown how it will look when it is drawn in first and you will be amazed at how your face takes on definition and a new youthful and vibrant look. The actual application doesn't hurt and you will wonder why you didn't have this little miracle treatment years ago. The choice is yours, soft and natural, or glamorous 'wow' brows. Whether you are very fair skinned or dark you too can share the 'facelift secret'!

What better Christmas present could you give yourself or someone special?

Nodding off in class may not be such a bad idea after all.

New research from the University of Notre Dame shows that going to sleep shortly after learning new material is most beneficial for recall.

Notre Dame Psychologist Jessica Payne and colleagues studied 207 students who habitually slept for at least six hours per night. Participants were randomly assigned to study declarative, semantically related or unrelated word pairs at 9 a.m. or 9 p.m., and returned for testing 30 minutes, 12 hours or 24 hours later.

Declarative memory refers to the ability to consciously remember [Asleep] facts and events, and can be broken down into episodic memory (memory for events) and semantic memory (memory

CALORIES: TO COUNT OR NOT TO COUNT? The history of counting calories in food can be traced to the nutritionists of the industrial revolution who argued that better nutrition and healthier bodies would result in more efficient workers.

These views were later popularised by the American chemist Wilbur Atwater who developed the ‘Atwater System’, still used today for calculating the available energy of food. Atwater studied the dietary habits of bricklayers because he wanted to find out which diets would promote the largest production of brick per man at the lowest cost to employers. The biologists of the industrial revolution viewed the human body as a biological machine. And just as they could easily calculate the work done by a mechanical engine from the amount of fuel it consumes, these scientists reasoned they could do the same for the human body. Today, most nutritionists continue to promote the fallacy of ‘Calories In = Calories Out. The obvious problem with this view point is that the human body is not a piece of machinery, and food does not behave like ‘fuel’ for machines. The calorie label found on food packages is an estimated value based on the proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and sometimes fibre contained

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

in the food. But differences exist even within a given kind of food. For example, no two potatoes will have the exact same number of calories even if they are exactly alike because they would have been cooked differently. Cooking potato for a long time will release more calories from it because heat breaks down the indigestible cell wall into simpler forms. Nuts such as Pistachios, Peanuts and Almonds all seem to provide less amount of calories than the values listed on packages.

According to researchers, the average person gets about 128 calories per serving of almond rather than the listed 170 calories on the label because it is always incompletely digested.

Furthermore the calorie content of meat depends on whether it is raw or cooked.

Cooking breaks down protein, making it easier to digest and also kills bacteria that would have required energy from the body to do so. This means that a well done piece of steak will provide more calories than rare steak of the same quantity.

Foods also differ in how and where they are digested in the intestines. Honey for example is easily absorbed in the intestines without the expenditure of much energy.

On the other hand, more complex foods such as almonds are digested with the help of microbes that break down compounds the body is unable to deal with.

The role of microbes in food digestion is not accounted

for in calorie counting. In addition, the digestion of some foods also requires the involvement of the immune system in order to deal with harmful microbes such as those found in raw foods. This process uses up energy, still unaccounted for in calorie counting. Even when the body does not attack microbes in food, it still uses energy to differentiate good from bad food. In general, it seems that processed foods are more likely to give us the number of calories we see on the box, while more natural foods will provide fewer calories than printed on the box.

Contact Dr Mannu for Full Body Diagnostics and Therapy

for facts about the world). People routinely use both types of memory every day — recalling where we parked today or learning how a colleague prefers to be addressed.

At the 12-hour retest, memory overall was superior following a night of sleep compared to a day of wakefulness. However, this performance difference was a result of a pronounced deterioration in memory for unrelated word pairs; there was no sleep-wake difference for related word pairs. At the 24hour retest, with all subjects having received both a full night of sleep and a full day of wakefulness, subjects' memories were superior when sleep occurred shortly after learning, rather than

following a full day of wakefulness.

"Our study confirms that sleeping directly after learning something new is beneficial for memory. What's novel about this study is that we tried to shine light on sleep's influence on both types of declarative memory by studying semantically unrelated and related word pairs," Payne says.

"Since we found that sleeping soon after learning benefited both types of memory, this means that it would be a good thing to rehearse any information you need to remember just prior to going to bed. In some sense, you may be 'telling' the sleeping brain what to consolidate."

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Friday, November 30, 2012

25 years of pain is hard to stomach Q

I HAVE just read your 'A question of Health' column in The Courier from two weeks ago. The first question and answer was the one that has alarmed me.

I too have had stomach trouble for 25 years. I was approximately 28 years old when my trouble started. In the early years I was often in so much pain I have been in tears. I have had scopes up, down, biopsies taken and any other test you can think of. All tests have come back negative and each time I´m told it´s just excess stomach acid. Over the years I have been on many different pills but the most effective ones have been Esomeprazole which I started on almost 10 years ago. I was on 20mg but it was increased to 40mg. I do not take the tablets every day, only when I know I have tummy trouble coming on. The alarm bells started ringing reading your answer, because of the time I have been taking Esomeprazole. My doctor assured me that there were no side effects even taking these tablets over such a long period of time. My problem has certainly never gone away but when you have had these symptoms as long as I have (now without the severe pain) you tend just to grin and bear it. I still have a lot of discomfort with wind, burping and flatulence and very loose stool which is very embarrassing. A response to this email would be very much appreciated along with any advice you can give me.

A

Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). Drugs under this class are normally used to treat disorders of the gastro-intestinal system such as peptic ulcer; however they are often over prescribed by doctors, and used to treat all kinds of stomach ailments.

PPIs work by blocking the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Normally they are well tolerated on the short term. But in recent years, potential adverse effects such as increased risk of infections, bone fractures and malnutrition have been identified with their long term use. The acid secreted by the stomach is essential for the absorption of nutrients, destruction of harmful microbes as well as the maintenance of a healthy balanced environment for the billions of ‘good microbes’ that help in the digestion of food. It therefore follows that suppressing the production of stomach acid will inevitably cause health problems. PPIs cause deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and Iron because they require hydrochloric acid before being absorbed by the intestines. PPIs have also been shown to cause bone fracture. One study found that the risk of hip fractures significantly increases after using PPIs for more than one year. The acid in the stomach provides a major defence mechanism against ingested microbes. When PPIs block the production of stomach acid, harmful bacteria that are normally destroyed by this acid proliferates in the stomach and intestines causing drug resistant infections.

Since your doctors have carried out important

investigations and they all came back negative, it seems your current abdominal symptoms of burping and flatulence may be due to a disruption in the normal healthy balance of bacteria found in the stomach and intestines.

A useful supplement for treatment is ‘metabolic cleanse’ which will provide the stomach, intestines and other organs of the digestive system with nutrients such as amino acids, glutamine, FOS prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients will help detoxify the liver and intestines, re-establish the normal acidic environment of the stomach and replenish lost minerals from the body.

Probiotics are also essential because they resupply the stomach with beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifid bacterium, which are needed to maintain the normal healthy balance of intestinal microorganisms.

What is the best way to control a nosebleed?

Nose bleeds are relatively common because the blood vessels in the lining of the nose are fragile with poorly supported surroundings. For this reason, the nose is easily damaged by picking fingers, sneezing and knocks, which cause the blood vessels to rupture and bleed.

Most nosebleeds are easily stopped by sitting slightly forward with the mouth open. There are recommendations to lean backwards, but this causes blood to trickle down the throat into the stomach leading to nausea and vomiting. While sitting forward, pinch the soft

Q A

lower part of the nose for 10-15 minutes and breathe through the mouth. At the same time apply an ice pack such as a bag of frozen peas to the bridge of the nose to constrict the flow of blood. Then release the nostrils slowly to see if the bleeding has stopped. It is best to avoid touching or blowing the nose for a couple of hours after the nosebleed. If the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes, it is best to seek medical advice. Recurrent nose bleeds can be managed or treated with pycnogenol (extracts of pine bark). Pycnogenol helps strengthen the connective tissue surrounding blood vessels.

Recently I noticed white patches on my finger nails, and my nails seem more fragile, and I have never had these before. What could have caused them?

White patches on finger nails are common, and have been linked to several mineral and vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin B6 and Zinc. Other nutrients that may be deficient are calcium, vitamin A and other B vitamins. You should consider taking a good multivitamin supplement for at least 3 months because it takes the finger nails that long to grow through completely. Garlic tablets are also good, and have been shown to improve blood flow to the base of the nails by 55%.

Improving blood circulation to the nails will in turn improve the flow of nutrients to the nails.

Ginkgo Biloba is known to improve blood flow to the nails as well, while evening primrose oil helps strengthen the nails.

Q

A

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Friday, November 30, 2012

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

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

Richard moved to Spain seven years ago having left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to (usually) sort out the problem there and then. Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: Mark wanted to know how to get to the UK ADVICE: Pat was concerned about some messages from Google search page.

AVG

Hi Richard, I hope you can help me with this one! I was on dial-up connection, but now have broadband. I am using IE 8 but decided to go with Google Chrome for my browser. Downloaded Chrome successfully (checking the language settings) but every time I launch the site (www.google.uk as home page) it reverts to www.google.es and everything is in Spanish (it does convert to English after a few seconds but this can get annoying. I am also using Gmail for e-mailing. I have re-downloaded Google Chrome, but with the same result again I am wondering whether the cause could be that the broadband provider is a Spanish company - but this does not seem logical as the last download was from the Google site. Hope you can help!!!

Q

Hello Richard, Don't know if you have a quick answer, but for a while now, when I load Internet Explorer, then click on "Hotmail" there are two Internet Explorer Icons at the bottom of my screen, one on top of the other (just offset a bit) and a pop up box keeps appearing from AVG saying something about I E using too much memory, and advising shut down and re start. This doesn't make any difference; the two icons are still there as soon as I click on Hotmail. Is this a problem that needs rectifying? Thank you Pat

Q

Hi Patricia, the thing that you have noticed Hi Mark, there are a couple of things here, firstly the correct address for the UK lanwith Internet Explorer guage version of Google is www.google.co.uk (not google.uk as you typed). So having two icons (one first try typing this new address and see if on top of the other) is totally you get what you are looking for. If you normal for Windows, it indidon’t then we can set your browser to automatically cates that you have Internet go to the correct address when you launch it by Explorer running twice, if you doing the following… hover over the icon you will 1.Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar. see that the two screens 2. Click Settings appear side by side, you can 3. in the “On Startup” section click on the link “set click on the red cross on one pages” after “Open a specific page or set of pages” of them to get rid of it.

4. Ensure that http://www.google.co.uk is set as the With regards to the AVG mesfirst startup page (add it if it’s not) and click ok sages, again these are normal 5. Google Chrome will now go to the UK Google and AVG is simply informing search page when you start it you that a particular program Hope this helps. is using what it regards as an excessive amount of memory, you can turn off this function from within AVG by doing the following…

ADVICE: Max wanted to know how to back up his new 1. Open the AVG Control Panel 2. Click Tools menu, click Advanced Settings netbook Hi Richard, I have an Asus laptop which does not have a CD/DVD drive. Can I back 3. Click the Appearance Tab on the left pane up the Windows Seven Starter operating system to a USB 2.0 flash drive memory 4. Check the Display AVG Advisor Performance Notifications under System Tray Notifications. stick of eight gigabytes? Regards Max 5. Click OK and close the AVG control panel

A

A

Q A

Hi Max, although I can’t say for certain for your laptop as I don’t have the exact model details, it is normal for new laptops to give you the ability to create recovery media, usually there is an option for creating the media either by using DVD’s or a USB stick.

Click the start button on your Asus and look for a program in the Asus group called “recovery media creator” or something similar, it’s with this program that you will be able to create your recovery media. Remember that this will only create your Asus and Windows media, it will not back up any files, you should also ensure that you have a good backup process in place to manage your data.

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

Office: 902 906 200

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WHAT a wonderful job Labour members of Rotherham Council have done in showing how crass they really are.

For years Labour has campaigned against other political parties, accusing them of extremism and all manner of ills.

But now we have seen the party at its extremist worst and I hope all Labour voters take note.

Hopefully many will now see Labour as the head-inthe-sand political party it really is, and come to realise how much damage it has inflicted on Britain.

I refer to the incredible decision by Labour-controlled Rotherham Council to remove three children from a foster couple because they were members of the UK Independence Party.

Social workers urged the removal of the children and were backed by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People's Services (what a pompous title that is), who said she was "influenced by UKIP's immigration policy".

The children are all European migrants from troubled backgrounds. The fostering couple, who have long experience of fostering, recently quit Labour Party membership and joined UKIP (now there's progress).

Perhaps if this couple were paid-up members of the Labour Party, were trade union activists, ee-bahgummed all over the place, wore cloth caps and were of mixed race, they would have been more than welcomed as foster parents by this obviously ultra-left-wing council.

The decision has been roundly condemned by all political parties, including an obviously embarrassed Ed Miliband. All have said that membership of a mainstream political party should not stop anyone being a foster parent.

Perhaps the fantastic round of publicity this case

Time for Labour to cut the crass has attracted will show Labour to be a political party of the past that has no place in Britain of the future and hopefully, people will look on UKIP with far more favour.

For the record, here are UKIP's main immigration policies: * An immediate five-year freeze on immigration for permanent settlement. * After the five-year freeze, a strictly controlled, pointsbased system similar to Australia to be introduced. * An aspiration to ensure that future immigration does not exceed 50,000 people a year. * Regain control of UK borders by leaving the EU. * Repeal the 1998 Human Rights Act and withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. * Ensure British benefits are only available to UK citizens or those who have lived in the UK for at least five years. * End the active promotion of the doctrine of multiculturalism by local and national government.

Now, if that's not a breath of fresh air that Britain needs, I don't know what is.

WAS it any surprise that countries in Europe could not agree on a budget for next year?

The vast divisions on the continent were so obvious to everyone. Despite Europe being in recession, countries in the east and south were clamouring for an even bigger budget because they are net recipients.

Not surprisingly, the countries in the north and west the money-makers of

q

Europe, were calling enough.

In this ridiculous scenario add France into the mix, with the ultra-Socialist president (yes, Labour again) who wants even more money from the European budget to pay in subsidies to their over-powerful farmers.

Why Britain wants to play a part in this crazy nonsense totally baffles me. Many years ago I supported Britain's membership of the EU for one reason - it as better for peace in Europe for all countries to be in it together.

But what’s happened since has just resulted in masses of money being poured into a bottomless bureaucratic pit.

It would be an interesting exercise to know how much UK taxes could be cut if we got out.

It really is about time the British public were given the chance to escape from the madhouse.

WE'VE seen it for years, drivers losing concentration and having accidents because of their love of mobile phones.

But now we hear it is not just drivers who are at risk; children are having more accidents in playgrounds because parents are too busy playing on their smartphones.

The number of kids admitted to hospital after playground falls and accidents at home has risen by a third in five years, and experts blame the sharp rise on parents being distracted by text messages and emails.

Some of the problem is that children are more inclined to take risks or mis-

q

behave when they know their parents’ attention is diverted.

NHS figures show that last year 9,564 children were admitted to hospital having fallen from playground equipment, up from 7,232 in 2006/7.

Researchers say this rise coincided with the increasing availability of BlackBerrys and smartphones, such as Apple’s iPhone which went on the market five years ago.

So sad, isn't it, that these infernal machines are taking over our lives to such an extent?

THE UK’s saddest story of the week was a damning report revealing the plight of neglected, malnourished elderly in hospitals and care homes.

The report showed 10% of NHS hospitals and 15% of care homes failed to treat elderly people with sufficient

q

dignity and respect.

In addition, too many doctors, nurses and care home staff saw patients not as people but as tasks to be completed, according to the Care Quality Commission.

The investigation showed that callous staff routinely treat pensioners with little respect - and don’t even help them to eat their meals when they are clearly malnourished.

Fifteen per cent of hospitals and 20% of nursing homes failed to meet national standards on ensuring residents had enough food and drink, and the help they needed to consume it.

The report is based on evidence from 13,000 inspections carried out last year.

Inspectors found examples of nurses failing to close curtains when they were carrying out personal tasks, talking over patients

and speaking to them in a ‘condescending or dismissive way’.

How many times have we heard this sad story before?

Yet nothing seems to be done - probably because the health service today is all about money, rather than patient care.

My wife is a nurse who did her training in the '60s when there was enough staff on wards to ensure that stroke victims and others who couldn't feed themselves were properly fed.

When she briefly returned to the wards a few years ago, it was obvious to her that the reduced staff were rushed off their feet. They didn't have the time to do any feeding, and food was plonked in front of patients. If they managed to eat it then OK, if they didn't...well, that's too bad.

In addition, one senior member of today’s ward staff is involved most of the time with paperwork, ticking boxes on financial sheets.

Sad indictment on Britain's care for the elderly and a problem in Spain too where relatives are expected to take up the strain. But what happens when there are no relatives and the patient is not super rich?

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Friday, November 30, 2012

MORE TO DISCOVE NESTLED between beautiful beaches and prestigious golf courses, Villamartin is one of the Costa Blanca’s hidden treasures, and with so many exciting attractions on offer, well worth finding!

The Urbanisation of Villamartin was established in 1972, following the global recognition of the Golf Course, which forms the nucleus of the area. As its popularity grew, so too did demand for property in the vicinity, with many foreign investors showing a keen interest.

Developers took advantage of the opportunity to purchase land and develop the much sort after area, and with this sudden explosion of building work also came the need for services and shops, and Villamartin Plaza was borne.

GOLF With its fantastic climate and pleasant surroundings, Villamartin has continued to expand ever since, being a preferred choice for investors and holiday makers alike. In close proximity to the beautiful beaches of Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig and La Zenia, and with additional golf courses lying in nearby Las Ramblas and Campoamor it has all of the attractions of a resort, and yet the volume of residents also gives it a friendly community feel. The Golf Course offers a range of diverse challenges, including a number of hills, pine and olive trees to manoeuvre; and none of the holes are equal. It was placed under the international spotlight when it hosted a European tour event, The

Mediterranean Open in 1994. The result was very tight and concluded with a play off between Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal, with the latter eventually claiming success.

ENTERTAINMENT Thriving commercial centre, Villamartin

Friday, November 30, 2012

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R IN VILLAMARTIN Plaza, is situated beside the first tee and golf course club house, and forms the hub of the community. A variety of apartments overlook the square, whilst below, there are two levels to explore, lined with a plethora of shops, services, bars and restaurants, and set within typically Spanish architecture. The central fountain is surrounded by sunny terraces, making the Plaza the perfect spot to take advantage of the mild

Mediterranean climate, as you gaze at the parrots perched in the beautiful palms overhead. It is also an impressive sight when all lit up by night, with the ornate Spanish lamps and glow from the businesses adding to the warm atmosphere.

A wide range of gastronomy can be enjoyed throughout the day and night, from light snacks to fine dining, and including traditional Spanish, German, Argentinean, Indian, American, Italian and British cuisine. The Plaza also offers some booming nightlife, with many of the bars and discotheques opening late; and offering cheap drinks and live music or DJ’s.

This makes it a great spot for younger thrill seekers who arrive in their droves throughout the summer.

Plus, round the clock on site security makes Villamartin Plaza one of the safest places to enjoy a night out, in the knowledge that you will be well looked after.

Located just across from Villamartin Plaza you can find even more attractive bars and shops, meaning that you will never be short of things to do here! In fact, the only thing that you may find yourself short of, is time to enjoy it all!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Focus on

TORREVIEJA

Book in for a Xmas bargain read The Bargain Book Store can be found Calle Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja, not too far from the Main Square.

David, the owner, and his wife have successfully run the shop for 17 years now with happy customers returning time and time again. Bargain Books has a large range of Boxed Xmas Cards in store starting from just 95cents.

There is also a massive choice of new paperbacks starting from just £2.95 ranging from Biographies to Children’s Books, along with Diaries and Calendars for 2013. David is more than welcome to order any book that may not be available in stock, and with his very affordable prices it is no wonder he has loyal and happy clients. There is also available in store a range of Xmas Gifts to suit all ages. The Bargain Bookstore is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 2pm and from 4pm until 8pm and stocks all daily newspapers.

Moving? FC’s van rental is a winner FC Rentacar have expanded to open new offices in La Regia, Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja centre near Habaneras shopping centre. There are also offices in Gran Alacant, Torrevieja Costa, Torrevieja centre, La Regia, Villamartin and Camposol, and of course our office in La Marina Urb where we started in 1993! We also operate from Alicante & Murcia airports. We are very excited to announce that we now offer van rental which is ideal for house moves within Spain. We always have quality ex-rental cars for sale with transfer of ownership included. Make sure you book your car hire in good time for family coming over this Christmas and avoid disappointment! The company boasts friendly, helpful and professional staff whose languages include Spanish, English, German and Dutch.

Office opening hours are Monday-Friday 09:30-14:15 and 17:00-19:30 and Saturdays 09:30-14:15. Our airport service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Working Wonders with Wood Lords Wood Houses specialise in designing, making & fitting bespoke made to measure Summerhouses, Sheds, Pergolas, Gazebos, Carports, Lean to Roofs, Outside Bars/ Kitchens & Conservatories, Decking and much more. In fact all items in wood including Garden Furniture can be made to your specifications. If you have your own ideas or designs the fully qualified team here at Lords can turn your dreams into reality. At Lords we use only the highest quality of Timber & materials. Looking inside the house, we also make made to measure wardrobes, either fitted or free standing including Mirrored Doors.

Handmade kitchen doors are also available in many designs and colours. We also supply and fit laminated flooring. For all Traders and DIY enthusiasts, we stock all sheet materials, plasterboard-insulation, decking, doors external/internal, treatments for wood, tools, fixtures and fittings.

SJ&A: The crown prints of digital style S J & A Digit All Printing opened their new shop in Torrevieja in 2010. Steve the owner, who has 32 years experience working in the printing trade, originally set up S J & A Digit All as a general print shop printing the usual business cards, flyers, posters and sign writing. As the business expanded over the years, Steve now also prints personalised messages on all types of products including T Shirts and Polo Shirts, Mugs, Key Rings, Mousemats, Photo Frames and much more! Steve also does fine art printing onto canvas and photographic paper printed on a Kodak 8 colour wide format printer. If there are any organisatons out there that require Brochures, Programmes or Booklets printed for any special or specific events, then S J &A Digit All can meet your requirements. They can produce a brochure/booklet/programme up to 128 pages ranging from size A6 to A4. For the Festive Season which is now upon us, why not have your special picture and message printed onto a Personalised Xmas Card or Calender. S J & A Digital is situated opposite the Park of Nations in Torrevieja across from the Tanatorio

A Capital service for hair and beauty Capital Hair and Beauty Wholesalers, based in Torrevieja, have been in business on the Costa Blanca for seven years and are suppliers to Hairdressers, Nail Technicians and Beauty Therapists. Capital Hair and Beauty stock a large selection of Hair products which include major brands like Wella and Loreal. Two other new products that became available in 2012 at very competitive prices are the Farmvita and Ion ranges. Beauty products in stock include the Hive and Postquam ranges, Hopi Ear Candles and Massage creams and waxes. For the nails, we have Edge, Ce chic and LCN products and the very popular new Soak of Gel. The new Sinelso Catalogue 2013/14 is now available in store. Many more new brands will be available in our shop in 2013.

Members of the public as well as businesses are welcome.

We deliver free to local businesses in the area and also have a reliable courier company for those companies based further afield. For more details on our monthly offers please feel free to contact our store.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Focus on

TORREVIEJA

Sleep better with the Bedding Box THE ORIGINAL BEDDING BOX in Torrevieja, that has now been established for over five years, is the largest independent suppliers of textiles on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Murcia areas. In store, or by mail order, the Bedding Box can provide a huge selection of quality British linen from top brand names and at the lowest prices. We can provide everything from replacement sheets to a complete linen pack for your new property including Pillows, Sheets, Duvet's and Covers, Bedspreads, Blankets, Towels, Voile Panels, Ready Made and Custom Made Curtains, and Tracks Poles. To get more information on our range and prices visit our website on www.thebeddingbox.com You can find the Bedding Box on Avenida Cortes Valencianas 22, Torrevieja (opposite Iceland) where easy parking is available. The Bedding Box is open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 18.00pm and Saturday 9.30am 14.00pm.

The authentic pool company PISCINAS ESCRIBANO SL, have more than 35 years of experience in the swimming pool trade working in Torrevieja and the surrounding areas offering you personal attention and advise when deciding on having a pool built or choosing your new Hot Tub. We work with all the leading brands on the market and offer you products that adapt to your all your needs.

Now is the time to heat up your pool to 28ºC from just 1,500.00 €.

We offer Spa Filters, Pool accessories & Spare Parts. Thermal or Winter Covers, Rollers, Steps, Handrails etc are all available. Call in & ask for more info. and free quotations.

Be fashionable – and shop in style at Spring Mark SPRING Mark, the new fashion Store, is now open next to the Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja (directly opposite the Wok Buffet and Casino).

You’ll find a huge selection of ladies, gents and children’s fashions at Spring Mark, as well as footwear and accessories. International fashions are on your doorstep with quality wear at reasonable prices and up to 70% off many items – such as ladies T-shirts from just £3.95 and gents from only £4.95.

Spring Mark is open seven days a week from 10am to 10.30pm – and is packed with international clothing at low, low prices. Call 965 711 242 for further details

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Oh brother, Lucy eyes a splash and grab!

TORREVIEJA siblings Adam and Lucy Stewart have returned from Loan in Italy as silver dream racers after the Down Syndrome World S w i m m i n g Championships.

Adam won silver in the 400 metres freestyle with a personal best time, silver in the 4x50 metres team relay and bronze in the 1500

metres freestyle – again with a personal best.

Lucy, better known for her dancing with Raquel Peña’s Flamenco Para Toads, qualified earlier this year to swim breaststroke and this was her first major competition.

But it’s look out Adam because she also won silver in the 25 metres breaststroke, knocking five seconds off her previ-

ous best time.

Around 150 athletes from 21 countries competed in the championships, from as far apart as Japan and Brazil.

A Christmas Fayre will be held at the AFA Day Centre on Saturday December 8 from 11am until 1pm.

The event is designed to raise much-needed funds for the Association, who

q

work to support people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families. It will incorporate various stalls!

Representatives from the Day Centre will be onhand to answer questions which about Alzheimer’s and give advice.

Day Centre resources are scarce so please pop down and support the Fayre - every cent counts

RACE DUCKS DELIVER FOR DAYRON

WHEN the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club discovered the health problems of local youngster Dayron Blanc, members immediately agreed to donate the proceeds of their first annual Duck Race to his treatment.

Dayron, who suffers from chronic non-progressive encephalopathy secondary to perinatal cerebral hypoxia, attends hospital in Palma, Mallorca, twice a year for three weeks at a time. There he undertakes hydrotherapy which helps his muscles to develop and encourages him to be more active. A significant improvement can be seen after each session and it is hoped that with continued therapy Dayron, who lives with his parents and sisters in Formentera del Segura, will one day be able to walk.

The Torrevieja Lions held their highly successful Duck Race in September. With the help of sponsors Talleres Yogesh, TV Choice Magazine, Ayuntamiento Formentera and public support, a total of €3,500 euros was raised which will pay for one full course of treatment for Dayron.

‘Allo ‘Allo, wit is thos?

THE balloons went up at La Fuente commercial centre on November 17 – to the tune of €1,642 for AECC’s early detection centre. The balloon that comes back from the furthest point by January 12 we will win.

Results will be announced in The ADHOC Theatre Group enjoyed their most successful production yet, with full houses on most nights of their ‘Allo ‘Allo production.

This success enabled charity donations totalling €2,500 to Debra Spain (The Butterfly Children) and the Orchestra de Infante at the Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos.

Audiences were overwhelmed by the authenticity of the original ‘Allo ‘Allo costumes, hired from the UK, and the ingenious set construction, designed by award-winning Richard Winter. There was also great enthusiasm for all of the characters who were immediately recognised

from the original TV Series.

The young ladies from Totally Dance provided a rousing interlude, with their rendition of the ‘Can Can’ during Madame Edith’s cabaret scene.

All of the hard work and frustration of previous months culminated in proof positive of successful, high energy team work.

A D H O C have already s t a r t e d preparatory work on their next production - the ghostly com-

edy, Bedwitchery.

Auditions will be taking place shortly, and anyone interested in joining the group, either on stage or backstage, can make contact with ADHOC at www.adhoctheatre.com.

the press and on radio.

The AECC Santa 5km run/walk takes place on Torrevieja promenade on December 9, starting at Hombre del Mar. You can register on the day starting at 9.30am - the walk starts at around 10.30am.

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November 30, Friday, December 16, 2012 2011

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Friday, November 30, 2012

UK HEADLINES XX

MINUS TWENTY Britain faces coldest winter for 100 years

Daily Mirror

BRITAIN will shiver this weekend as temperatures plummet in the first taste of what promises to be one of the country’s coldest winters for a century.

The cold snap is expected to create dangerous conditions on the roads and add to the misery of those already affected by floods.

Temperatures could fall to as low as minus 3°C (27°F) in some places, with snow already falling in the Pennines.

The torrential rain which has deluged the country for the last week is expected to ease at last but the clearer skies, coupled with northerly winds, will send the mercury plummeting.

The cold snap heralds a freezing winter ahead with long-range forecasters warning that temperatures could

fall to as low as minus 20°C (4°F) in some areas through December and January.

They fear snow blizzards could close roads and shut down rail networks across the country as winter takes hold.

The cold, drier spell that started on Wednesday could be only a brief respite from the rain. More heavy showers are expected to return early next week, causing more misery to those trying to com-

bat flood dam‘ Northerly winds and clearer skies will make it feel much colder and t widespread frost is expected overnight when temperatures drop below freezing.

Help, call the flier brigade!

AN escaped emu was detained by police after causing a flap in a town during rush-hour.

The four-foot high flightless bird was spotted wandering along a residential street in Barnstaple, north Devon, trying to get into people's houses.

Police were called and Acting Sergeant Zoe Parnell and PCSO Stephen Huxtable found the feathered fugitive in nearby Riddell Avenue at around 8am.

A police spokesman said: "Although the bird was in a state of panic they managed to coax it into the rear of the police car and call the owner."

PC Parnell said the emu was "running up and down the street, trying to get into people's houses" before it was caught.

She said: "When we first had the call from the public, I thought it was a bit of a wind-up.

"But when I arrived at the scene to check it out, I could see this bird in the street. It was trying to get into people's houses.

"Obviously it was finding that difficult, and would try the next one.

"I must admit that while I'm not normally scared of birds, I was a bit nervous with this one."

5,000 COMET STAFF Stars say goodbye to FACE XMAS CHOP Corrie legend Tarmey

STUNNED staff at Comet have been told stores will close by December 18 — a WEEK before Christmas.

The plans will dump 5,000 staff on the dole at the height of the festive season.

It comes despite The Sun’s revelation on Tuesday of a last ditch approach to save the chain.

One employee said: “We’re gutted.”

Administrators at the bust electricals chain have begun “provisional” preparations to close the business down.

A memo seen by The Sun shows Comet’s distribution centre in Harlow, Essex, will shut on Friday. All remaining 195 stores will be closed over the next three weeks. Sources at administrator Deloitte insisted Comet could still be saved if a bid is sealed over the next few days.

The Sun

A meeting between Deloitte and Southampton-based tycoon Clive Coombes took place in midweek.

But in a letter to staff, Deloitte administrator Chris Farrington said the chances of an “acceptable offer” are slim. He insisted Deloitte has to “begin taking the necessary steps to best realise the remaining stock and exit from all the remaining stores”.

The comments will fuel speculation Deloitte has only ever tried to break the business up to generate more cash for creditors — including former owner, private equity group OpCapita. Sources claim a handful of stores have already been sold off to rivals Dixons Retail and Maplin.

STARS of Coronation Street gathered this week to pay their respects to Bill Tarmey, who played the soap’s Jack Duckworth for three decades.

Cobbles favourite Jack was a key figure in the show for 31 years.

He became one of TV’s most recognisable faces as the long-suffering husband to nagging battleaxe Vera, played

by Liz Dawn.

Their endearing on-

screen partnership was one of the most popular in soap history and gave the ITV1 show some of its funniest and most memorable moments.

Manchester-born Tarmey died at his hol-

iday home in Tenerife on November 9, aged 71.

The former builder dreamed of becoming a singing star and was eking out a living as a crooner in working men’s clubs before joining Coronation Street in 1977 as an extra to supplement his earnings.

Tarmey landed the role of Jack Duckworth two years later and, despite his modesty about his acting ability, he became a Street legend.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Russell rustles up a huge hit

As Seen on TV Products is a family run business that was formed over 4 years ago to meet the needs of customers looking to purchase the latest TV Products without paying an inflated price.

To this end they recently opened their TV Products shop in Quesada, where you will find an Aladdin’s cave of great products at massively reduced prices. Due to a huge demand for his products, Russell, the owner of As Seen on TV Products, has recently extended his shop, which is now double its original size and is proving a huge hit with his many customers.

From Halogen ovens to Plastic Glasses,

from China Mugs to Steam Mops they really have it all, and with new products arriving every day you will always find something to catch your eye however many times you visit the shop.

As Seen on TV Products also stock many other types of products including an amazing choice of household and small electrical items. If you’re looking for a particular product, just ask, and if they don’t have it, they will do their best to get it for you. Look out in The Courier next Friday for the opening date of another As Seen on TV Products shop which is to open soon in Los Alcazarez.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Horoscopes Aries March 21 - April 19 The best way to undo your mistakes is to stand up, take a good look around, and then shout "Sorry chaps! Today has been one almighty cock-up and I'm very much to blame. You won't be hospitalised today, but things may not go as planned Fools die young, and you certainly like to think that you're foolhardy.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Nobody tells you what to do, right? You pride yourself on your self sufficiency, a bit like a cowboy who doesn't need cows any more. But this week a new boss man is on the block. Your chart seems to be saying that he likes marshmallows, but that's all the planets can tell us at the moment.

Check back next week and we might have some more information for you.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 There is a person who can scratch the back of his ear with his foot just like the Disney character Pluto. He is waiting for you with a message - find him before next or it may be too late.

The party balloon and other rubbery stuff inflated advisory continues at level gold for another week, with a possibility it will be reduced to a gold minus next month.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 Music: Be wary of anyone who claims to be one of those fast rappers because the true test is recording them and then slowing it down to hear what they are really rapping. After last week's fraud and stealth activities amnesty, it is time to, once again, avoid fraud and stealth activities all week especially after 3pm on Tuesdays.

By Pandora Leo July 23 - August 22 How you respond to a teenager telling you to 'shut up' this week will depend on a number of factors, but on balance if you don't end up a YouTube sensation it's been a job well done. Perhaps this makes sense to you? Hope so because it makes no sense to us at all. Beware the trunk of the inquisitive elephant on wednesday next week.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 A business idea is about to become slightly more formed this week; attempts to get all this thinking, daydreaming, and thinking aloud to your friends, written off as research and development looks promising as the Tax Service in your country comes under the influence of a business friendly Jupiter.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Full moons are set to doom you to random thoughts this week, especially three days before and after. Loud ranting in churches and outside impressive looking buildings are now under the influence of the moon, especially those voices in your head telling you to write placards with things like 'The End Of The World Is Nigh', 'I Told You This Would Happen' and 'My Other Sign Is A Super Model'.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Speed dating is about to come under the influence of a horny Aries from the 5th.

This means you will get lucky in any kind of clothing apart from bow ties, which will be so lucky you will start to consider why you never thought about wearing one before. This week your destiny has green fingers.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Naughtiness, sauciness and push-up bras are well starred this week in most situations, including going through passport control, sending in your tax return and making calls to local radio phone-ins. The Sun has entered your chart this week. This will increase the luckiness on a number of things starting with the letters p and r. his week your destiny is grumpy.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Positive thinking and meditations which include expressive arm movements to attract the endless bounty of a loving universe into your body, are bound to fail once again this week as Saturn's conjunction with itself continues its blockade. A dog, a tyre from a large truck, and a kennel with the words Patch above the door are your cartoon related lucky objects this week.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 The recuperative powers of citrus fruits has rarely been better starred, especially those ones that really sting if you accidentally squirt the juice in your eye; eat them, cut them up, smear them on every part of your body, it's all good this week especially if it gets really sticky and uncomfortable when you sit down.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Low volume conversations involving ticks and winks are to be preferred in any espionage activities especially when conversing with simple people who work the land, or when wearing all over the body clothes that resemble blankets when you hang them up at the end of the day. This week your destiny is like a well oiled superhero duo in the well oiled machinery or well oiled gun sense.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Council leaders warn drivers could face tolls

With existing pothole-riddled roads crumbling and traffic predicted to nearly double over the next 25 years, the Local Government Association believes the Government will have to consider tolls or even pay as you drive road pricing to raise the money it needs.

The Government is due to publish the results of a joint Treasury- Department for Transport review into the major road network within weeks.

Ministers are looking at ways to attract investment into the road network and one option under consideration would see the Highways Agency privatised on similar lines to the water and electricity industry.

A report by the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, warns

that drivers will have to foot the bill – even though the Coalition has ruled out imposing charges for using the existing road network.

“The challenge the Government faces is that attracting private investment is seen as requiring an income stream from the motorist to the operator to provide a return on investment,” the report says.

This, it says could involved linking vehicle excise and fuel duties more closely to road use or even some form of pay as you

drive road charging – “requiring some form of surveillance.” Any changes, the LGA says, could be introduced in 2018.

The LGA is the latest organisation to suggest that road pricing is unavoidable, even though the policy was ditched by the last Labour Government following a voter backlash.

Road pricing has been backed by the RAC Foundation and the CBI, which recommended the privatisation of Britain’s motorways and major A

Government to invest in Cycling

The £20 million announced by Norman Baker, the local transport minister, is the biggest single investment in cycling by Whitehall It comes against a backdrop of increasing popularity of cycling and alarm at the rise in casualties among cyclists. roads in October.

So far this year 108 The LGA’s analysis cyclists have been killed on comes as the Government country’s roads, overtaking confirmed it was ready to last year’s total. At the same introduce tolling on an time the number of cyclists improved 20-mile section of being seriously injured rose the A14, a key transport by 16 per cent last year, taking the total to over 3,000. artery linking the Midlands The increase in the numand major ports in East ber of casualties is outstripAnglia. ping the number of new At the same time, as dis- cyclists.

Last month two of the closed by the Daily Telegraph earlier this country's leading cyclists, month, plans are already in Bradley Wiggins and Shane Sutton were injured in acciplace for a wave of new dents on public roads. “free flowing” tolling Others to have been schemes – such as the knocked off their bike and Dartford Crossing, where hurt include Theresa Villiers, motorists would pay to use a former transport minister stretches of road via the and now Northern Ireland Secretary. internet or mobile phone.

“This shows that cycling is Underpinning the need to becoming a more dangerous raise more cash from activity,” said Robert Gifford, motorists is not only the executive director of the need to find money to fix Parliamentary Advisory potholes and tackle conges- Council for Transport Safety.

“We need substantial tion but also a feared black hole in the Treasury’s investment to make sure more people can cycle more finances. safely,” he added.

Officials at the Department for Transport will assess bids from councils across the country for a raft of schemes such as dedicated cycle lanes, creation of traffic free routes and junction improvements in towns and cities.

They will also examine bids from rail companies for a network of cycle parks at stations, to change commuting patterns and encourage greater use of bikes as part of the daily journey.

Mr Baker was joined by Anna Soubry, the public health minister, in announcing the latest and largest tranche of cash.

"Cycling is a great way for adults to get their recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week and this funding will help encourage more people to get involved," she said.

The move was welcomed

by British Cycling. “It is encouraging to see funding being allocated to improve conditions on the road,” said a spokesman.

“We now need to see real leadership right across government to get Britain cycling. If cycling is put at the heart of transport policy – so that all decisions are made with cycling in mind – we can create a cycling nation to rival countries like Denmark.”

On a freezing but sunny November Saturday, froststarched pavements and clouds of breath in the clean air, convertible owners are the magicians of the morning. You see them, roofs down, faces wreathed in grins, clad in bobble hats and Puffas, darting about the open roads, and wonder what fresh madness it is that makes them volunteer for extra chilliness.

Then you become one of them, and you understand. No wonder the UK has the highest number of convertible owners in Europe: we have an unquenchable thirst for sunshine. Give us a sniff of it and we’re off, like a greyhound after a hare.

Which sums up the new

Our test car was lairy red, with a smart black roof, big silver discs for alloys, and tartan-fabric seats that had "GTI" embroidered on them. The only letdown was a measly thin gearknob for the sixspeed manual 'box where, as everyone knows, there should be a fat golf ball.

On the motorway, with the roof up, there is commendably little noise from outside, and fuel consumption is bearable; zipping around town will see you drop to 19mpg or so, but you’ve got to have a bit of fun in a car with tartan seats, don’t you think?

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet

Volkswagen Golf GTI well.

Decades after the MkI, this is still the car to which all other hot hatches aspire.

It’s got that perfect mix of responsive chassis, willing 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, direct steering, progressive brakes and supple suspension, together with room for four adults, an adequate boot and user-friendly controls.

There are no alternatives: this is it, the Alpha and Omega of hotness and hatchness. the Port and stilton, the bacon and buttie of all GTIs. And now you can have it with a folding fabric roof.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Snow and heavy rain stressful for UK drivers With the current adverse weather conditions and predictions of a harsh winter, Britons say that driving in snow and heavy rain are the most stressful conditions they encounter.

Half of the respondents to the Telegraph Motoring/AXA survey on driving in Britain today said that snow was their main concern, followed by fog (45 per cent) and heavy rain (39 per cent).

There was a significant gender split: of those who said they found driving in snow stressful, 62 per cent were women and 38 per cent men. Likewise with rain, female drivers found adverse conditions more stressful than males.

Other causes of stress were driving on unfamiliar roads, tailgating, night driving, being late or in a hurry and driving behind a slow vehicle. Again, significantly more women than men said they found these situations stressful.

Despite the stress, high fuel prices and deteriorating roads highlighted by the survey, we're still a nation of car lovers. More women than men say that a car is important in their life. Forty per cent of all respondents

said their car was very important and 38 per cent said it was quite important, with only three per cent saying a car was not important at all. Commuting was considered the most important use of a car (44 per cent), followed by living in a rural location (20 per cent) and transporting children (17 per cent). Ten per cent of respondents said they drive because they don't like public transport.

Women are also more likely to apologise to fellow

drivers if they make a mistake that impacts on another's journey. For most, a good, old-fashioned apologetic wave is the preferred method.

There was no gender divide over potholes, which are rated by 87 per cent as the main reason why drivers are dissatisfied with Britain's roads – 38 per cent of people rated them either poor or very poor – closely followed by poorly surfaced roads (78 per cent) and inadequate drainage (59 per cent).

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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, 24 represents D and 15 represents X, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

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

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 But a broken instrument (4) 3 Point accepted by new radical churchman (8) 9 Motor shell or body (7) 10 Create nearly identical copies one hundred and fifty one (5) 11 Diddled journalist is after a play thing (5) 12 Twist and odds come down (6) 14 Restart a summary (6) 16 On the contrary, her art is moving (6) 19 Company notes including first free drink (6) 21 Dropped a line containing a key (5) 24 Del-Boy Trotter hides a furry animal (5) 25 Declare man to be turned off (7) 26 Poet composing sonnet about New York (8) 27 Good lookers get the favourable votes it’s said (4)

Down 1 Disinclined to speak of this silent ashes container (8) 2 A prohibition on public transport for Mr Manilow (5) 4 He won’t stand for old people! (6) 5 Rode many about stage setting (5) 6 Stone implement in hotel, oddly (7) 7 Problems with water, one hears in Staffordshire (4) 8 Hit and miss or damn silly (6) 13 Preliminaries before possible duels (8) 15 Reduce exotic hornets (7) 17 Fruit is the result of an afterthought plea (6) 18 Many, for example, answer to a sustained note (6) 20 Back of Raymond’s front to launch into a surprise attack (5) 22 A little song about not drinking in the middle of home improvements (5) 23 Sound horn up and down (4)

STANDARD CLUES

Down

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

3 letter words Ant Eel Emu Won 4 letter words Abut Anon Auto Bald Bump Dear Euro Fend Filo Home

Into Iota Iron Laps Lobo Made Need Noll Oboe Oral Plot Poem Pram Scar Some Sons Sore Star

Stet Tuba Tune Undo Unto Urns Wash Wipe 5 letter words Alarm Aroma Atone Biont Cosec Costa Elate Ferns

Gaols Inlet Later Oiled Oriel Riced Saiga Sinus Stall Store Tenet Wager 6 letter words Botany Caster Crater Locate

Lustre Sunset 8 letter words Admirals Analysis Cassette Ententes Faceless Gettable 9 letter words Sartorial Terminals 10 letter words Boundaries Terminator

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

Across

Across

Down

7 Outer space (6) 8 Brand new (6) 9 Lure (4) 10 Opening (8) 11 React (7) 13 Unclothed (5) 15 Sharp (5) 17 Ecstasy (7) 20 Slapdash (8) 21 Location (4) 22 Malevolence (6) 23 Place of worship (6)

1 Scavenge (6) 2 Leave out (4) 3 Skinny (7) 4 Calm (5) 5 Take away (8) 6 Ruling (6) 12 Wretched (8) 14 Cushion for kneeling on (7) 16 Neckwear (6) 18 Decayed (6) 19 Postpone (5) 21 Rip-off (4)

Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Deck, 3 Handicap, 9 Stagger, 10 Gorge, 11 Ankle, 12 Stamen, 14 Cheese, 16 Scythe, 19 Battle, 21 Eases, 24 Expel, 25 Explain, 26 Trespass, 27 Dell.

Down: 1 Dispatch, 2 Clank, 4 Arrest, 5 Dogma, 6 Correct, 7 Peek, 8 Agrees, 13 Personal, 15 Example, 17 Creepy, 18 Sewers, 20 Tulip, 22 Shame, 23 Beat.

Scribble Pad

1 Quiet (8) 2 Man’s name (5) 1 Bass instrument (4) 4 One bigoted toward the 3 Fundamental (8) elderly (6) 9 Dead body (7) 5 Interior decoration (5) 10 Carbon copy (5) 6 Stone Age implement 11 Dallied (with) (5) (7) 12 Wrench (6) 7 Onion-like plant (4) 14 Begin again (6) 8 Haphazard (6) 16 Instead (6) 13 Overtures (8) 15 Cut down (7) 19 Hot drink (6) 17 Round fruits (6) 21 Bicycle part (5) 18 Musical term meaning 24 Freshwater carnivowithout breaks between rous mammal (5) notes (6) 25 Avoided (7) 20 Raid (5) 26 Victorian poet (8) 22 Little tune (5) 27 Organs of sight (4) 23 Beep (4) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Bombard, 5 Digit, 8 Retired, 9 Stall, 10 Ashen, 11 Emotion, 12 Supply, 14 Icarus, 17 Grapple, 19 Admit, 22 Email, 23 Rattler, 24 Teddy, 25 Streams.

Down: 1 Burma, 2 Match, 3 Adrenal, 4 Dodgem, 5 Disco, 6 Glacier, 7 Talents, 12 Suggest, 13 Placard, 15 Charter, 16 Pearls, 18 Palsy, 20 Malta, 21 Tarts.

Across

Down

1 Campaign (7) 5 Abrazadera (5) 8 Lila (5) 9 To tighten (belt, shoes) (7) 10 Hombros (9) 12 Rojo (3) 13 Carnation (6) 14 Cucharas (para comer) (6) 17 Leño (3) 18 Sharks (9) 20 Stewardess (7) 21 Granddaughter (5) 23 Seven (5) 24 Sobrinos (7)

1 Tails (of birds, horses, fishes, planes) (5) 2 Badly (poorly) (3) 3 Mayor (7) 4 Abbots (6) 5 Faces (rostros) (5) 6 Tarde (primeras horas) (9) 7 Walls (7) 11 Naranjada (9) 13 Sótanos (7) 15 Chirivía (7) 16 Obtener (6) 18 Suit (for a man) (5) 19 Focas (5) 22 That (3)

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Friday, November 30, 2012 Across 1 What name is given to the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesise nutrients from carbon dioxide and water? (14) 10 Which Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five, traditionally evokes images of the natural world? (5) 11 What name is given to the ‘excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time, including depreciation and other non-cash expenses’?

(3,6) 12 What is the name of the tube that a swimmer uses to breathe through while under water? (7) 13 What is the surname of the 17th century Dutch physicist who first formulated the wave theory of light? (7) 14 Which industrial city in northern France near the Belgian border was the medieval capital of Flanders?

(5) 16 Madison is the capital of which state in the northern US, bordering on Lakes Superior in the north-west and Michigan in the east? (9)

19 The talented trainer Nicholas Evans, with a remarkable gift for understanding horses was known as the ‘Horse [What]’? (9) 20 What is the surname of the lead singer of the American metal band Limp Bizkit? (5) 22 What word is often applied to ‘a quick reply to a question or remark, especially a witty or critical one’? (7) 25 Into The Groove was the first UK number one hit singer for which American singer, songwriter and actress? (7) 27 Which arm of the southern Pacific Ocean lies between south-eastern Australia and New Zealand? (6,3) 28 Which word can mean both ‘a light, thin fabric with a wrinkled surface’ and ‘a small, very thin pancake’? (5) 29 Which hard white substance made by the addition of water to powdered and partly dehydrated gypsum, is used for holding broken bones in place and making sculptures and casts? (7,2,5)

Down 2 Derived from the Greek for ‘the many’, what word is sometimes used to describe

SUDOKU

Quiz Word

the ‘common people in general’? (3,6) 3 What name was given to a series of UK Acts directed, from 1830 onwards, against

the system whereby workers received their wages in the form of vouchers for goods redeemable only at a special shop, often run by the

employer? (5) 4 Which tall plant of the daisy family, with very large goldenrayed flowers, is cultivated for its edible seeds, which are an important source of oil for cooking and margarine? (9) 5 What name is given to an ‘indentation or incision on an edge or surface’ and also a ‘nick made on something in order to keep a score or record’? (5) 6 Which American motor manufacturer was a pioneer of large-scale mass production? He founded the motor company, which in 1909 produced the famous Model T? (5,4) 7 What was the surname of the famous English potter (1754-1827) who started a pottery famous for its bone china? (5) 8 What name is usually given to the son of your spouse by a former marriage? (7) 9 Which long-bladed hand tool with a bevelled cutting edge and a handle that is struck with a hammer or mallet, is used to cut or shape wood, stone or metal? (6) 15 In chess what name is given to the rule that a pawn

making a first move of two squares instead of one may nevertheless be immediately captured by an opposing pawn on the fifth rank? (2,7) 17 Which player normally wears the number nine jersey in rugby union and the number seven jersey in rugby league? (5,4) 18 Which vast plain in Tanzania to the west of the Great Rift Valley is well known for its wildlife? (9) 19 What name is given to a concealed device connected to a telephone or other communications system that allows a third party to listen or record conversations? (7) 21 Which is the longest river entirely in England? (6) 23 Which dish, originally from Italy, consists of dough made from durum wheat and water, extruded or stamped into various shapes and typically cooked in boiling water? (5) 24 Which noun means a ‘person or thing that eases or relieves’? (5) 26 How was the name of Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Pakistan, spelt until 1982? (5)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH

OCIO -LEISURE

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

(Answers below)

charlar

jugar golf

comer fuera

leer una novela

descansar

salir de paseo

hacer ejercicio

salir de viaje

ir a la playa

tomar un helado

ir al cine

ver la tele

ir de compras

ver la vista

ir de copas

visitar un museo

general QUIZ

ANSWERS: 1. Dr Who 2. Imagine 3. Freestyle 4. Eve 5.

Madstock / Madness Reunion Concert 6. $20 million 7. K2 (second-highest mountain on Earth) 8. Voice Of The Beehive 9. Organised motor race 10. The Black Sea 11.

Their wedding ring. 12. A Testicle 13. Eminem

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 8 Troika, 9 Emu, 10 Alec, 11 New England, 13 War Cry, 16 Dark Ages, 17 Scalpel, 18 Scherzo, 22 Espresso, 25 Athena, 26 Golf, 27 Obstetrics, 30 Bear, 31 Joe, 32 Lancet.

Down: 1/12 True Grit, 2 Fire, 3 Gargoyle, 4 Veranda, 5 Rudder, 6 Bangladesh, 7 Feline, 14 ABC, 15 Chloroform, 19 Crane fly, 20 Zen, 21 Bolster, 23 Spokes, 24 Skopje, 28 Rang, 29 Clef

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

1.charlar, 2,comer fuera,

14.ver la tele, 15.ver la vista,

i.play golf, j.go for a walk,

3.descansar, 4.hacer ejercicio,

16.visitar un museo.

k.eat out, l.watch televisión,

5.ir a la playa, 6.ir al cine,

a.go shopping,

m.rest, n.read a novel,

7.ir de compras, 8.ir de copas,

b.look at the view,

o.go out for a drink,

9.jugar golf, 10. leer una novela,

c.go to the cinema,

p.go to the beach,

11.salir de paseo,

d.do exercise, e.visit a museum,

12.salir de viaje,

f.go on a trip,

13.tomar un helado,

g.have an icecream, h.chat,

Soduko

Span - Eng

Quizword

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

1. Who's home planet was Gallifrey?

2. Which Hit Song Features The Line "No Hell Below Us Above Us Only Sky"?

3. Competitive Swimming Has 4 Events Butterfly, Breast Stroke, Back Stroke, & What Other?

4. Who Was Created From The Rib Of Adam?

5. What event Occurred At Finsbury Park On The 8th And 9th Of August 1992?

6. Tie Breaker:- Amount ABC reportedly paid for rights to the Beatles Anthology documentary?

7. Mount Godwin-Austen is better known by which name?

8. Woody Left Madness To Join Which Group?

9. The first known what, happened in Wisconsin 1878?

10. Into Which Sea Does The river Danube Flow?

11. When Edward Lear's Owl and Pussycat went to sea, what did they buy from a pig for a shilling?

12. If A Patient Underwent An Orchidectomy What Would They Have Removed?

13. Who In The World Of Music Has The Real Name 'Marshal Mathers'?

Fill It In

38

Friday, November 30, 2012

TRELI ON THE TELLY Grand arrival

sub-titles, has been useful for brushing up on my Spanish.

Set in the Santander region, and shot at the Palacio de la Magdalena, it takes us back With Scandinavian dramas over a century and tells the and stuff from other parts story of a family run-hotel of Europe popping up which hides many secrets. everywhere on UK screens, The big one involves the I’ve always wondered why death of a maid who found Spain has had nothing to out some nasty things, so a relative of hers takes a job offer.

The last Spanish show I there as a waiter (somewhat remember was over 25 years easily and strangely) and ago – that was the cracking cartoon series Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds, along with that ridiculous but very catchy theme song.

You’ve started to hum it already!

Now let’s fast forward to today, and two very different programmes which have just hit British screens.

Antena 3, Spain’s home of Downton Abbey, has come up with some glossy froth of its own called Grand Hotel, now shown on Sky Arts. I’ve loved the first two episodes of this hit show, which, with the

with ALEX TRELINSKI

tries to get some answers.

We’ve got double-dealing, murders and arranged marriages in something that makes Emmerdale look pretty tame at times. From watching the first episode with low expectations, it’s turned out to be one of my pleasant TV surprises of the year. It hasn’t the subtlety of Downton, but it certainly isn’t boring, and I can easily understand why Spanish viewers have been

gripped by it.

Do you remember a boring piece of detective pap set in Rome, called Zen? Rufus Sewell starred in this yawnfest last year on BBC1, which the Beeb dumped after four episodes.

It was a classic “tick by the boxes” international co-production, and such things rarely work. Now we have an early pre-Xmas turkey called Falcon that’s merrily clucking

q

away in Seville. Canal Plus Spain have co-funded this along with the German network ZDF, and Sky Atlantic in the UK. It’s Zen all over again the highlight being the chance to press my remote control to fast-forward through the commercial breaks to the next section of tedium.

Based on Robert Wilson’s novels about detective Javier Falcon, two stories have been adapted for two episodes each. Why not at least a feature length episode for each book, so that we could get them out of the way quicker? It was as laid back as waiting for service at a local Correos, with Kiwi actor Marton Csokas taking the title role and looking moody and calm at the same time.

It hits Canal Plus screens the week after next, and if you have any sense, you’ll give it a wide berth. By the way, if Sky wanted something with a real Spanish flavour, why didn’t they go to national broadcaster TVE or to the

main commercial networks?

What a wasted opportunity.

We are losing a lot of TV legends at the moment, and now Larry Hagman has left us. He made Dallas a massive TV hit and created the most sinister smile in TV history as the stetson-wearing JR Ewing.

He was bang on form in the revival, with his appearances only restricted by the cancer he was suffering from. He’d already recorded six episodes for the new season, and I’ll certainly miss watching the best TV baddie in the business.

Shock!

Horror!

Downton Abbey is coming back for a fourth series next year on ITV! I loved the fun that creator Julian Fellowes had a fortnight ago speculating as to whether it would return, despite all the scripts having been written and the crew booked to start work in February.

Since Downton is made by an independent company who sell it all around the world for a lot of money, they don’t need ITV at all, and could easily tell them to take a hike!

q

q

The Courier Friday TV

November 30

00:35 This Week 01:20 Holiday Weatherview 01:25 Panorama 01:55 Countryfile 02:40 Planet Earth Live 03:40 Antiques Roadshow 04:40 Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution 05:25 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Sadie J 17:00 Blue Peter 17:30 VIP People 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater's Dish of the Day 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Outnumbered 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 John Bishop's Big Year 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:20 01:20 01:50 02:20 02:30 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:10

Dara O Briain's Science Club The Culture Show An Island Parish Newsday ABC World News BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today How to Have a Clear Skin Ask Lara

05:25 05:55 07:00 07:10 07:20 07:30 07:45 07:50 08:00 08:30 08:40 08:55 09:00 09:25 09:45 10:00 10:15 10:25 10:30 10:40 10:50 11:05 11:20 11:30 11:40 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:15 16:00 16:45 17:30 18:15 Mouth 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 Wild 23:00 23:30

Schools - Making Media Life Stories Zigby Finley the Fire Engine Little Robots 64 Zoo Lane Chuggington: Badge Quest Rastamouse School of Silence Pet Squad Eliot Kid Newsround What's New Scooby-Doo? Mister Maker Comes to Town I Can Cook with You ZingZillas Baby Jake Dipdap Wibbly Pig The Koala Brothers Octonauts: Creature Reports Big Barn Farm Charlie and Lola 3rd & Bird Waybuloo In the Night Garden BBC World News Daily Politics Royal Upstairs Downstairs To Buy or Not to Buy Weakest Link Real Rescues Flog It! Breakaway Put Your Money Where Your Is Eggheads Strictly Come Dancing Antiques Road Trip Mastermind An Island Parish Attenborough: 60 Years in the QI Newsnight

00:05 Dirty Britain 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Island Hospital 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:30 ITV News and Weather

IM A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE Everyone has their eyes on the prize, but who will fall at the final hurdle and miss out on a place in tomorrow's final? The eliminations so far have shown that not everyone is cut out for life amid the horrors of the Australian jungle, and tonight Ant and Dec send another contestant home. Plus, a round-up of the highs and lows of the past 24 hours as the campers collect firewood, boil rice and clean out the toilet - as well as performing the odd challenge.

00:25 The Curious Case of the Clark Brothers 01:25 Random Acts 01:30 Embarrassing Fat Bodies 02:25 Channel 4 Presents 02:30 Geordies Overboard 03:25 Unreported World 03:50 Dispatches 04:20 Time Team 05:15 Deal or No Deal 06:10 Countdown 06:55 The Treacle People 07:05 Channel 4 Presents 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss 12:00 Secret Removers 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 SuperScrimpers 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:35 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Lee Evans: Roadrunner 23:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

01:10 SuperCasino 04:55 HouseBusters 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:15 The Christmas Pageant 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Castle

39

The Courier Saturday TV

December 1

00:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 00:30 Live at the Apollo 01:00 EastEnders 02:55 Weatherview 03:00 Fake or Fortune?

04:00 Question Time 05:00 BBC News 05:30 On the Road With 06:00 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Baking Made Easy 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Snooker 15:00 Live International Rugby Union 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Pointless Celebrities 19:50 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Merlin 21:45 The National Lottery Saturday 21:55 Casualty 22:45 Live at the Apollo 23:15 BBC News; Weather 23:30 National Lottery Update

00:00 00:50 02:00 03:35 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 07:00 07:30 07:50 08:05 08:15 08:25

The Review Show Later with Jools Holland The Counterfeiters BBC News The Week in Parliament Click Newswatch Close Tikkabilla Balamory Charlie and Lola Cloudbabies Everything's Rosie Bob the Builder: Ready,

Steady, Build!

08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Baby Jake 10:10 Big Barn Farm 10:25 Mr Bloom's Nursery 10:45 Something Special: Out and About 11:05 ZingZillas Zingbop 11:10 Get Squiggling!

11:30 Get Well Soon 11:45 Nina and the Neurons: In the Lab 12:00 Justin's House 12:25 I Can Cook on the Go 12:40 Mister Maker Comes to Town 13:00 Coast 13:05 Animal Park 14:05 The Gay Divorce 15:45 Houseguest 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Great British Food Revival 20:30 Dad's Army 21:00 Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild 22:00 QI XL 22:45 Michael Jackson: Bad 25

00:00 Meridian Tonight and Weather 00:05 Mad Max 2 01:50 ITV News Headlines 04:00 Deep Blue Sea 05:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07:25 The Hive 07:50 Canimals 08:05 The Avengers 08:25 Almost Naked Animals 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:30 Shake It Up 10:00 My Phone Genie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 Columbo: Dagger of the Mind 14:20 ITV News and Weather 14:29 Meridian Weather 14:30 Home Sweet Home 15:30 Home Sweet Home 16:30 The Unforgettable 17:00 Jonathan & Charlotte 18:00 Meridian News and Weather 18:15 ITV News and Weather 18:30 The Golden Rules of TV 19:00 New You've Been Framed!

19:30 Take Me Out 21:00 The X Factor 22:30 I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:30 ITV News and Weather 23:44 Meridian Weather 23:45 FA Cup Highlights

00:15 4Funnies 00:40 8 Out of 10 Cats 01:30 Random Acts 01:35 Full English 02:05 The Ricky Gervais Show 02:30 My Name Is Earl 03:15 Bob's Burgers 04:00 Glory Daze 04:45 90210 05:25 Deal or No Deal 06:20 Countdown 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Beach Volleyball 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 11:00 Made in Chelsea 12:05 Suburgatory 12:40 The Big Bang Theory 14:20 The Simpsons 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 The Simpsons 17:20 Celebrity Come Dine with Me: Ireland 19:55 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Heston's Fantastical Food 21:30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man 22:00 Star Trek

MICHAEL JACKSON: BAD 25 Spike Lee's documentary assessing and celebrating Michael Jackson's 1987 release Bad, which spawned five consecutive US number one singles. Featuring interviews conducted by Lee himself with those involved in the making of the album, the accompanying videos and the tour, with contributions by Martin Scorsese, Walter Yetnikoff, Kanye West, CeeLo Green and Sheryl Crow.

00:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 00:55 Inside Hollywood 01:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Motorsport Mundial 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:30 The Mr Men Show 07:45 Olive the Ostrich 07:50 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:00 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 Animal Antics 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:35 City of Friends 08:50 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:10 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 ThunderCats 12:00 The Gadget Show 12:55 Cowboy Builders 13:55 Superman 16:35 The Christmas Gift 18:20 Our First Christmas 20:10 Catwoman 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 Live International Boxing

The Courier Sunday TV

December 2

01:05 The Football League Show 01:45 Westworld 03:10 Weatherview 03:15 BBC News 03:30 Dateline London 04:00 BBC News 04:30 On the Road With 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 Politics Europe 07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:20 Countryfile 14:00 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Homes Under the Hammer 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Call the Midwife 17:45 Songs of Praise 18:20 Nigel Slater's Dish of the Day 18:50 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:20 Countryfile 20:20 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The Secret of Crickley Hall 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 2

01:00 01:50 03:50 07:00

Snooker: UK Championship Snooker Extra Close Tikkabilla

07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Ready, Steady, Build!

08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Baby Jake 10:10 Big Barn Farm 10:25 Mr Bloom's Nursery 10:45 Something Special 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 The Great British Bake Off 13:30 International Rugby Union 14:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Fawlty Towers 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Return to Forgotten Britain 22:00 Dragons' Den 23:00 Harry & Paul 23:30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks

00:45 Serenity 02:45 ITV News Headlines 02:45 The Store 04:00 In Plain Sight 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Engie Benjy 07:10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07:35 Signed Stories 07:45 Canimals 08:00 Matt Hatter Chronicles 08:25 Almost Naked Animals 09:00 Big Time Rush 09:30 Good Luck Charlie 10:00 Good Luck Charlie 10:25 There's No Taste Like Home 11:20 Carry On Cruising 13:00 ITV News and Weather 13:04 Meridian Weather 13:05 Live FA Cup Football 16:00 Farewell Jack 16:30 The X Factor 18:00 The Nation's Favourite Number 1 Single 19:30 Meridian News and Weather 19:45 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Coronation Street 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 Steppin' Out with Katherine Jenkins 23:15 ITV News and Weather 23:29 Meridian Weather 23:30 FA Cup Highlights

BRITISH COMEDY AWARDS NOMINATIONS SHOW 2012

A look ahead to this year's ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Channel 4 on December 12, revealing which of Britain's funniest men and women have been shortlisted for the awards. Including classic moments in comedy from the past 12 months, as well as interviews with some of the UK's most popular comedians.

00:25 The X-Files: I Want to Believe 02:25 Steel Magnolias 04:25 Hollyoaks 06:30 Countdown 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Sailing 08:35 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 09:05 Will & Grace 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:05 The Big Bang Theory 13:35 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 Hugh's 3 Good Things 15:05 Hugh's 3 Good Things 15:35 Hugh's 3 Good Things 16:05 Hugh's 3 Good Things 16:35 Hugh's 3 Good Things 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:10 Miracle on 34th Street 20:20 Channel 4 News 20:50 4thought.tv 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 Alien Investigations 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Peep Show 23:30 British Comedy Awards Nominations Show 2012

00:00 BAMMA: The Fighting Premiership 01:15 SuperCasino 05:05 Michaela's Wild Challenge 05:25 Great Artists 05:50 County Secrets 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:15 The Milkshake! Show 06:40 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:30 The Mr Men Show 07:45 Olive the Ostrich 07:50 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:00 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:10 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 Animal Antics 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:50 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:15 Mio Mao 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:40 Rupert Bear 09:55 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:10 Castle Farm 10:15 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 ThunderCats 12:10 Chinese Food in Minutes 12:25 The Singing Friar 12:55 Rolf's Animal Clinic 13:55 Road to Christmas 15:40 Jack Frost 17:35 5 News Weekend 17:40 Rush Hour 2 19:30 Superman II 22:00 Magnum Force

40

The Courier Monday TV

December 3

00:15 The Graham Norton Show 01:00 The Sky at Night 01:20 The Two Mr Kissels 02:45 Weatherview 02:50 Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman 03:20 Holby City 04:20 Operation Iceberg 05:20 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 Science Fiction 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

00:00 00:30 01:20 03:20 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30

I've Never Seen Star Wars Snooker: UK Championship Snooker Extra BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report

04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Close 07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Rick Stein's Christmas Odyssey 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Inside Claridge's 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight

00:30 Premiership Rugby Union 01:25 Grimefighters 01:55 ITV News Headlines 03:55 Motorsport UK 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Royal Variety Performance 23:05 ITV News and Weather 23:35 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:40 The Agenda

00:35 Rude Tube 01:30 Fishing for Trouble 02:00 American Football Live 05:45 Grudge Match 05:55 Countdown 06:40 Make Do & Mend 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 The Comancheros 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Turner Prize 2012 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man 22:00 The Real Man's Road Trip: Sean and Jon Go West 23:00 The Fear

THE FEAR Drama about the life of a crime boss-turnedentrepreneur battling two new enemies - Albanian gangsters and an aggressive form of early onset dementia. Richie Beckett is now a respected, if still feared, member of the Brighton business community, but recently something has been unsettling him - he's forgetful, irritable and not sleeping. To make matters worse, the less legitimate side of his enterprise, now run by his two sons, is under threat from newcomer Marin and his family. While youngest son Matty believes they can do business with them, eldest son Cal is intent on asserting the Becketts' power.

00:30 Road House 2 02:15 SuperCasino 05:05 House Doctor 05:30 House Doctor 05:50 County Secrets 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:15 The Milkshake! Show 06:35 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Love's Christmas Journey 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Thirteen: Conspiracy

The Courier Tuesday TV

December 4

00:20 Duplex 01:40 Weatherview 01:45 Richard Hammond's Miracles of Nature 02:45 Operation Iceberg 03:45 Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution 04:30 Great British Food Revival 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Last Tango in Halifax 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Imagine

00:20 01:10 02:10 04:10 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30

Snooker: UK Championship Dragons' Den Snooker Extra BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today Welcome to the World Schools

07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Rick Stein's Spanish Christmas 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Dara O Briain's Science Club 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Newsnight

00:10 State of Play 02:20 ITV News Headlines 02:20 Jackpot247 04:00 Champions League Weekly 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 UEFA Champions League Live 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

SUPERSCRIMPERS Finance writer Mrs Moneypenny offers advice on having a frugal but fun festive holiday, including tips on creating crackers from toilet rolls, tree decorations from used lightbulbs and cheap mulled cider. Harry Wallop targets the online criminals who deal in everything from Christmas e-cards riddled with viruses to counterfeit goods, and one family is challenged to produce a festive buffet for 20 people for just ÂŁ50.

00:05 Full English 00:40 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 01:45 Secret State 02:40 The Good Wife 03:25 The Good Wife 04:10 Challenge to Lassie 05:25 Supernanny US 06:10 Deal or No Deal 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 13:45 The Enemy Below 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Heston's Fantastical Food 23:00 The Fear

00:45 Shops, Robbers and Videotape 01:45 Highland Emergency 02:15 SuperCasino 05:00 Nick's Quest 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Shark 16:15 Love's Christmas Journey 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Highland Emergency 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Murder Files 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 CSI: NY

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The Courier Wednesday TV

December 5

00:55 Transsiberian 02:40 Weatherview 02:45 Vikings 03:45 Pound Shop Wars 04:45 Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Supersized Earth 22:00 The War on Britain's Roads 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Would I Lie to You?

00:20 Snooker: UK Championship 01:10 Inside Claridge's 02:10 Snooker Extra 04:10 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Schools - Body Matters 05:30 Schools - Little Alien 05:45 Schools - The Big Wheel 06:00 Schools - William Whiskerson: Island, Farm, City

06:25 Schools - Curious Cat: TV, Bricks, Crayons 06:55 Primary Maths Promo Schools TV 07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 Dipdap 12:00 See Hear 12:30 Live Autumn Statement 16:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Rick Stein's Cornish Christmas 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Hour 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 Take Me Out 01:50 Jackpot247 04:00 Loose Women 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

22:00 The Town 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Inside Man

THE TOWN

00:05 Homeland 01:10 European Poker Tour 02:10 KOTV Boxing Weekly 03:05 Extreme Sailing Series 03:35 Beach Volleyball 04:30 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 04:55 Best of British 05:50 Freesports on 4 06:15 Deal or No Deal 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 13:45 Sink the Bismarck!

15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 The Fear

New series. In the aftermath of a family tragedy, 30year-old Mark Nicholas returns to the town where he grew up, but after 10 years away, coming home is more difficult than he could ever have imagined. An influential mayor is now in charge and there's a claustrophobic sense that everyone knows everyone else's business. As Mark starts to be drawn back into the life he left behind, catching up with school friends and his first love, he must decide whether to stay permanently.

00:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:50 Highland Emergency 02:15 SuperCasino 04:55 Nick's Quest 05:20 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Shark 16:15 Farewell Mr Kringle 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 World's Strongest Man 21:00 Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle 22:00 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways 23:00 Untraceable

The Courier Thursday TV

December 6

00:15 National Lottery Update 00:45 The Daisy Chain 02:10 Weatherview 02:15 See Hear 02:45 Ian Hislop's Stiff Upper Lip An Emotional History of Britain 03:45 Great British Food Revival 04:45 Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution 05:30 Panorama 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Young Apprentice 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time

00:20 Snooker: UK Championship 01:10 Great Continental Railway Journeys 02:10 Newsday 02:30 ABC World News 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Schools: Rock Types at Great

Heights 07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 23:00 Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 23:30 Newsnight

01:55 ITV News Headlines 04:00 Columbo: Caution - Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health 05:35 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Emmerdale at 40 22:00 Madeley Meets the Squatters 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Dirty Britain

JAMIE & JIMMY’S FOOD FIGHT CLUB Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty open a seaside cafe in Southend, Essex, inviting friends, locals and celebrity guests to try their culinary creations. The pair also hit the road, travelling around Europe to find out how the nation's favourite dishes stack up against foreign alternatives. In the first edition, comedian and chat-show host Alan Carr drops by the cafe, and Jamie and Jimmy compare a range of British and French cheeses.ficial river from south to north China.

00:05 True Stories 01:25 Abbey Road Studios: In Session 01:55 Spotlight 02:10 Mother 04:20 St Elsewhere 05:05 Deal or No Deal 06:00 Countdown 06:45 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 13:45 The Frogmen 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie's Vintage Home 22:00 Jamie & Jimmy's Food Fight Club 23:00 The Fear

01:05 World's Craziest Police Pursuits 02:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Nick's Quest 05:25 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Shark 16:15 The Wishing Tree 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways 21:00 World's Strongest Man 22:00 Cowboy Builders 23:00 Under Siege

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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AUCTIONS

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ACCOMMODATION Torrevieja Long Let 2 bed park home television, washing machine, aircon, 250€ + bills 617 599 470 (92)

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CHURCH SERVICES

ADT Authorised Distributor Fully fitted alarm systems, approved by the Guardia Civil. Master keypad with remote control, wireless handset, 2 image movement detectors with sound, wall base unit and GPRS/GSM transmitter sends message to your mobile phone. All this for only 99 € - call now

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

Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am.

Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier. Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nationalities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3.

AIR CONDITIONING

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

ALARMS

Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer.

Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact Pilar ChristianCommunity Church@gmail.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606.

Reg No:2009-SG/A

CARS FOR SALE Call Professional Business Support now for your quick quote for car insurance.

Excellent prices for expats, all policies available in English or German. We will call you back with a price.

966 923 963 Looking for a car We have over 75 LHD & RHD vehicles FOR SALE or EXCHANGE Tel Frank Tel 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Renault Megane Est, 1.5 dci Eco 2 sport dynamic, 6spd,

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

1 owner, 47,000 kms, FSH, alloys, cruise control, front fog light, electric windows/mirror, dual climate, CD, rear head restraints, stunning condition , met silver, 12,950 euros Tel 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Opal Astra AUTO, 2001, 4 dr Saloon 1.6 comfort, 16v, 2 owners, 79,000 kms, FSH, A/C, PAS, ABS, electric windows, CD, remote locking, rear head restraints, nice condition, white, 3950 euros Tel 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com Opal Agila 1.0 ecotech 5 dr hatch, 2 owners, 79,000 kms, FSH, AC, CD, Electric windows, CL, roof rails, rear head restraints, metallic silver, beautiful condition 3250 euros Tel 600 726 221 / 965 687 976 www.fwreurocars.com

a quick quote from our friendly staff.

CLUBS

Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

Young at Heart Club.

Looking for friendship, trips, meals or more. Join us Fridays 3pm at Bar Catorce, Benijofar. At side of ayuntamiento. Carole 692 215 753 / Carolyn 966 715 272.

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PROPERTY FOR RENT

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AIRPORT COLLECTION

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CARPENTER

2 or 3 bed / 2 bath apartments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 300 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 636615716. (98) Ref. RS69 – Spacious towncentre apartment only a two minute walk from the beach and well known Marina International in Torrevieja centre. 2 large bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, fully furnished, 350 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref: 61, A lovely two bedroomed ground floor apartment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swimming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking distance. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. KBJ3 – Luxury duplex penthouse apartment located near the marina in Guardamar. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, amazing panoramic views, inc.parking and storage. 600 € pcm.

966 923 963 Ref. CBR21 – A rare chance to rent a frontline beach apartment in Torrevieja!

Ground floor with large terrace, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, direct and full-on sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963

CRAFTS

CAR HIRE

CLEANERS

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Ref. CBR20 – Spanish style 4th floor apartment right on the beach! 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lovely balcony to soak up the amazing sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR19 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in sought after area beachside Punta Prima, with communal pool and fully furnished, only 400 € pcm. 966 923 963 CBR22 : Modern 2 bed apartment only 500m from Los Locos Beach. Fully furnished, inc.storage room, 350€ pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR3 – 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse located in Algorfa, communal pool, fully furnished, 300 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. RS20 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment within private enclosed residential in San Luis, large terrace, 350 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref: 49, 2nd floor one bedroom apartment situated conveniently located in the town centre of Torrevieja, with a small sun balcony overlooking the lovely communal pool. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 CBR23 : Stylish new house in Los Montesinos, 3 bed 2 bath with large 65m2 garage, front and back terraces. 500 € pcm. 966 923 Ref 33, Ground floor spacious 2 bedroom apartment, located in Torre la Mata.

Close to all amenities and beach.

3 month rental €300pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 104, 2 Bedroom apartment in Torrevieja, (near gypsy lane), small balcony, near all amenities and Friday market. €350pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bed-

room detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, supermarket, restaurants and bars. Short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 155, Luxurious Three Bedroom Villa With Private Pool, in Quesada Close to shops and restaurants within a five minute drive, and Guadamar Beach is within a ten minute drive. Short term rental €800PCM. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 702: Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment, located near los Locos beach, beautifully furnished. Short term rentals from 175€ per week.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 El Chaparel/La Siesta Two bedroom apartment in a quiet gated urbanisation for rent €350 per month plus bills. Reference No 17 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 117, A Lovely 3 Bedroomed 1st floor apartment on the outskirts of Torrevieja (Mar Azul). The Apartment is in walking distance of the excellent beaches and a good selection of restaurants, shops and bars. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Monino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb communal pool area, in within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops.

Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PROPERTY FOR SALE Comprehensive cover for house and contents with CASER Seguros - excellent prices for expats; policies available in English or

COINS

German. Call 966 923 963 for a quote.

Lovely Corner property in Novamar V, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Being sold fully furnished including appliances, Has secure underground parking and faces large oasis communal pool. Walking distance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Ground floor duplex, with splendid views. Quiet location in Gran Alacant.

Immaculate condition. Price has just been reduced to 105.000 and includes everything. For viewing call 627 711 155 Ref. No K27 Rare opportunity to purchase on Mediterrania III, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Private Parking, F/Furnished, Large communal pools & Tennis courts S/W facing, Dramatically reduced for quick sale to 126.000 euros.

Ref No. K58 Call 627 711 155 for immediate viewing Ref: 521, €105,000. This comfortable bungalow is located in San Luis with a new roof and solarium tiles.

It is close to supermarkets, bars, restaurants and is on the local bus route. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground parking, Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views.

Viewings absolutely essential. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 627 711 155 Opportunity to purchase at the off plan price of 195.000 euros. Large 4 Bed, 3 Bath Brand new property. Secure underground parking for 2 cars and communal pool.

Situated opposite Gran Alacant and over looks projected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or

626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 communal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popular urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Immaculate ground floor Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, Private Parking, Situated in Novamar, Gran Alacant.

Price includes very tasteful furniture and white goods.

Walking distance to all local amenities and beach. Now only 129,750 euros. Ref No K24. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant Detached villa, located in a very sought after location.Situated on a 560m2 S/W facing plot and constructed in 2005.

Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 full baths), Lounge-Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg.

Tel. 680333242 Ref 533: Lovely 2 bedroom Townhouse located in the popular area of Punta Prima, the property has a large lounge and fully equipped kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, one with balcony, bathroom with double shower. €126,000 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant Town House with a difference.

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Glazed in Porch, Quiet Location, Extra storage areas, and South Facing Private Pool as well as 2

communal pools. Fully Furnished, All mod cons.

Greenland Views and all local amenities close by.

Ref. No L79. 179.000 euros 680 333 242 Top floor Duplex. Very good price of 108.000 euros for a quick sale. Furnished to a very high standard, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Lounge Diner, Glazed in Porch, Large Roof Top Solarium.

Choice of Communal Pools, Private Parking. Walking distance to all amenities and on the First urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant.

Viewing essential. Ref No. K44. Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant immaculate villa, 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed property maintained to a very high standard inside and out and the interior furnishings are top quality, offering a feeling of luxury and good taste. The plot size is 400m2 and has been beautifully tiles, and graveled and has established palms and plants. Oil fired central heating throughout, log effect fire place, ceiling fans in all rooms, towel heater rails, glazed in shower units, instant hot water, water purifier, free English TV, phone & internet lines, fitted double hanging wardrobes, safe, glazed in front porch, vanity units and much more. The pool is an 8 X 4 m2 salt water pool, meaning maintenance is much easier plus outside toilet and shower. Sea views to front with Greenland views to the rear. ref K51. €245,000 Tel 680333242 Balsares is opposite Gran Alacant where the proposed golf course is now being started so this property will

FURNITURE

virtually be on the golf course, it is an investment not to be missed. The property is on a small gated urbanisation of 18 houses with private underground parking for 2 cars and direct access to the house, communal pool and toilets/changing rooms etc.

The house is brand new and consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge with working fire place, large kitchen 12 m2, large galleria/ utility room, bedroom balcony and front tiled terrace. This property also has a converted under build for an extra lounge or bedroom. ref K52 €198,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 516, €39,999. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 510, €70,000.

Bungalow located in San Luis. It is close to the supermarkets, bars and restaurants and is on the local bus route. An Opel Corsa car is included in this sale. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: KP3100, €183,000.

Three bedroom, two bathroom 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 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off-road parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool nearby. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach.

There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

INTERIOR DESIGN

DAMP PROOFING

DRAINAGE ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

HOUSE CLEARANCE

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Gran Alacant Opportunity to purchase a beautiful 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed,large kitchen, detached property with roof- top solarium. Well established gardens and drive way for 2 cars, whilst also overlooking the projected 18 hole golf course.

Comprising of fitted wardrobes, utility room, air con H/C, alarm system, electric wall heaters, intercom system, fireplace, ceilings fans, 8x7 gazebo, use of 2 large communal pools, immaculate condition with many extras. ref K12. €180,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant bargain, detached villa with pool on 400m2 plot. Briefly comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Lounge Diner, independent kitchen, solarium with views, well maintained gardens. Quiet location yet within walking distance of all amenities. Top quality furniture and appliances included in the price. Extras include, mosquito nets,

grills, toldos blinds, built in wardrobes, gas fire, electric heating, ceiling fans, English & Spanish TV, tastefully tiled & graveled garden with irrigation system. ref K43. €229,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts. Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Large detached villa with beautiful gardens set on 550m2 plot, built in BBQ area and large

LOCKSMITH

NEWS AGENTS

10x6 pool.Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Lounge Diner with fire place, Independent Kitchen, air con H/C, Solarium, front porch, converted under build with 3 extra rooms, private covered parking, irrigated gardens, close distance to beach and amenities. Ref. K18 €250,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Gem! Fabulous detached Villa, with Alicante sea views to the front and wood land views to the rear, means this immaculate villa is very private and un-overlooked.

Comprising of 2 large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bath, large fully equipped kitchen,glazed porch sitting area, solarium, Attractive Pool with cover, well maintained Gardens. Central Heating, Air Con, Ceiling fans, Private Parking, Alarm system, Decorative working Fire Place complete with electric Fire. Outdoor work-

shop/storage area, Quality Pergola & BBQ. Constructed in 2006, on plot size of 380m2 and being sold fully furnished including white goods. ref L80. €234,995 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Ground floor south west facing apartment in Puerto Marino close to G.A commercial centre, comprising of 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area and large tiled front garden, The property is being sold fully furnished and includes all kitchen appliances, H & C Air con is fitted as well as sky TV. The apartment enjoys the use of 2 large communal pools and has private parking in an enclosed electronically gated car park.

Competitively priced for a quick sale. Ref. K40 €91,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream

MOSQIUITO SCREENS

PERSONAL TRAINER

PAVING

KITCHENS

PETS

Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant, this mid terraced Puerto marino townhouse has been priced low purely for a quick sale.

Briefly comprising of: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area, Front tiled garden, Private gated Parking & the use of 2 large communal pools Ref. K22 €123,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, corner property in Don Pueblo with no expense spared, comprising of 3 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 decoratively tiled bathrooms, very large independent kitchen with galleria. Included in the price are all kitchen appliances such as large fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave to name just a few. There is a huge lounge complete with chimney, plus large fully transformed under build,and small workshop. Front and rear private garden area, secure underground garage, tennis courts, football pitch and communal pools. Ref. K14 €209,00 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the "Alto" part of Gran Alacant, this 3 bedroomed, 4th floor apartment, offers luxury accommodation, with absolutely stunning sea views, as well as views of Alicante bay and the famous Santa Barbara Castle.The apartment is 89 square meters with open plan kitchen / living room and includes all electrical appliances & furniture also there is a utility room, open terrace, and private parking.

PLASTERER

KENNELS

PLUMBERS

MASSAGE

POOL TABLES

The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, tennis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant large detached villa with 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge-diner, fully equipped kitchen, large porch, roof top solarium, 400 m2 Plot, with established low maintenance very private gardens with irrigation system, electronic gates, private parking, outside wc, sink & shower, terraces, air con ( h & c ), mosquito nets, grills, alarmed, large spa pool with separate Jacuzzi section.

Within easy walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and close to local bus and tram route.

Ref K33. €260,000 neg Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant limited edition villa, not very often available on the market. Only a few of this type were ever constructed- Very large 5 bedrooms, 4 bathroom(2 ensuit) property, situated on a large corner plot with a 10 x 5 private pool and private parking. Lounge-diner with working fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with utility room. Large landing area, leading onto solarium, with extra storage external room.

Front porch area leading into large well established gardens with irrigation system and fruit trees. Being sold fully furnished. Within walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and 5 minute drive to Carabassi beaches. ref.

K11. €270,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated on the very first urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant, this 2nd floor duplex offers taste and quality. Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom,

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Friday, November 30, 2012 lounge-diner, independent kitchen, full roof-top solarium 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 beautiful detached villa with very large pool and within walking distance to the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre.

This villa comprised of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, lounge-diner, Independent kitchen, roof top storage, solarium, porch & terrace.

Large private pool, BBQ area, established gardens and private terraces, Private Parking, Solarium with Views to Alicante. 450m2 plot, fully furnished including white goods. Located in very quiet desirable road.

REMOVALS

ref.L96. €255,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Limited edition bungalow. Only six of this type available in Gran Alacant. Constructed in 2003 and immaculately maintained on a large plot size of 500m2 with a 10 x 5 pool.Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge-diner leading out onto front porch, independent kitchen including white goods, outside galleria, court yard, large garage with electric door, roof top solarium and private parking. Also built in wardrobes, Toldos blinds, air con H/C, security grills, alarm, security doors, bathrooms heaters, outside toilet, outdoor lighting, irrigation system, attractive and well kept gardens, beautifully tiled inside and out, fire place, English TV, phone line. Being sold with top quality furniture. ref L95. €275,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant villa located in a very quiet area , situated at the end of a cul-de-sac means there is no through traffic.3 bed, 3 bath, 330m2 plot, established large gardens, working fireplace, solar panel for hot water,private parking, south facing great views, fully furnished, fantastic opportunity. ref.

L85. €215,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the central area of Gran

Alacant and within walking distance to all local amenities such as a selection of different cuisine restaurants, bars, pharmacies, banks, popular GA market and Carabassi Beach.

Comprises of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a private garage and roof-top solarium. This property is part of a small urbanization which has the use of a large decorative communal pool. Ref. K36 €149,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 513, €115,000. Two bedroom ground floor apartment, in Aguas Nuevas,

STORAGE

RAG AND BONE MAN

close to all amenities including the beach. It has a good size lounge, kitchen and has off road parking facilities.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Beach front Line property, over looks Carabassi Beach, Gran Alacant. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Secure Underground Parking, Fully furnished, Roof Top Solarium. 3 Large Communal Pools, Fantastic communal Gardens, Tennis Courts and much more.

125.000 Euros Ref No. K23.

Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant, Situated front line to the famous blue flag beaches of Carabassi, the real beauty of this property is its proximity to the beach, but also on offer is a fantastic communal pool situated in beautifully kept gardens with little Spanish walk ways.Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner, American style kitchen including all appliances, roof top solarium with stunning views, front porch area with front garden and a secure underground garage. fully furnished Ref. K23 €125,000 rare opportunity Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

REMOVALS Small removals, deliveries & storage. Spain-UK-Spain.

Budget prices. www.spanishmoves.net UK 01209 843971 or Spain 678 756 644 (93)

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

Tel:- 664 838 581

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

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

WANTED

ROLLER BLINDS

RECYCLING CLOTHES

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Greenside Gossip IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com

ETIQUETTE’S TOP 10 GOLF is a sport full of tradition; it is probably the only game in which the player will call a penalty on himself - and in the main players of this wonderful game adhere to the rules as issued by the R&A - the same rules are used all over the world.

Etiquette is of vital importance within the sport, so I have listed ten pieces of advice which in my opinion are among the most important.

1. DON'T BE THE SLOWEST PLAYER

In my casual games we get around in around four hours -- and that's in a fourball. Evaluate your pace of play honestly and often.

Encourage everyone to move quickly enough so you find yourself right behind the group in front several times, both early and late in the round. Remember the old saying of getting around in good time: Play "ready golf" (hit when ready, even if it’s not your turn) letting you playing partners know, until you reach the green. Be prepared to play when it's your turn on the tee and green, and never search for a lost ball for more than five minutes.

2. KEEP YOUR TEMPER UNDER CONTROL

When Arnold Palmer was 17, he threw his putter after missing a short putt. His father said, "If I ever see you throw a club again, you will never play in another golf tournament." That wake-up

call stayed with him. He hasn't thrown a club since.

Throwing clubs, sulking and shouting bad language make everyone uneasy. We all have our moments of frustration, but the trick is to vent it in an inoffensive way.

For example, follow a bad hole by hitting the next tee shot a little harder -- for better or worse.

impression he thinks the golf course and the people there are special.

7. TURN OFF THE MOBILE PHONE

3. RESPECT AND REPAIR THE GROUND YOU PLAY ON

Always repair your pitch mark and someone else’s, carry a pitch mark repairer.

As for divots, replace them.

Rake bunkers like you mean it. Ever notice that the worse the bunker shot, the poorer the job a guy does raking the sand? Make the area nice and smooth -- don't leave deep furrows from the rake. Before you exit the bunker, ask yourself, Would I be upset if I had to play from that spot?

4. BE A SILENT PARTNER

You may have noticed another player making practice swings in your field of vision as you are getting ready to hit a shot. The point is, stand still from the time as a player sets himself until the ball has left the club.

Even with the advent of spikeless shoes, the etiquette rule of never walking in someone's line of play on the putting green is an absolute. The area around the hole in particular is sacred ground. The first thing to note when you walk

onto a green is the location of every ball in your group, then steer clear of their lines to the hole. Know where to stand and when to keep quiet. Position yourself directly across or at a diagonal from a player setting up.

Never stand on the line of play, either beyond the hole or directly behind the ball.

When a player is about to hit a shot, think of the fairway as a cathedral, and the green a library.

5. MAKE YOUR GOLF BUGGY 'INVISIBLE'

Buggies are very much a part of the modern game.

Think about it: They're mentioned on the backs of scorecards, discussed in the Decisions on the Rules of Golf, bags and other items are designed specifically for them, and they're used at most courses. The sheer commonness of them makes cart etiquette vitally important. Your aim when driving a buggy should be to leave no trace you were

there. Because we tend to look where we're going and not where we've been, it's easy to damage the turf and not realise it. Avoid wet areas and spots that are getting worn from traffic.

Golfers tend to play "follow the leader" and drive in single file out to the fairway before branching off. It's usually better to "scatter" -everyone take a different route -- so cart traffic is spread out. Where ever possible keep to the buggy paths.

6. ALWAYS LOOK YOUR BEST

The best players have been meticulous about their appearance. Their clothing has been sharp, and not one of them has shown up on the first tee with his cap backward, mud caked on his shoes, or his shirt hanging out.

Your appearance speaks volumes about you as a person, and the neatly appointed golfer, like a businessman or someone headed to church, gives the

WE TOLD YOU SO!

As forecast in last week's Greenside Gossip HE USGA AND R&A ANNOUNCE PROPOSED RULE CHANGES RULE 14-1b The USGA and R&A will take suggestions from players and golfers during the next three months. A formal decision will be made next spring with the formal rule to take effect from 1st January 2016.

14-1b Anchoring the Club In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either directly or by use of an anchor point.

TITTER ON THE TEE A GOLFER ran into an old pal at the driving range one day. They talked about their games, their swings, and all manner of things.

Eventually, one of them said, "How's the family?" the other replied, "Oh, pretty good. I got a new set of clubs for the wife the other day!"

"Hey, that’s a good swap!" replied the friend.

Note 1: The club is anchored directly when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An anchor point exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

I know enough to recognise a mobile phone when it rings in my backswing. If I had my way, mobile phones would be turned off at all times on the course, but most clubs have given in to the fact that people are going to use them. Do whatever you have to do to keep it quiet. If you absolutely have to receive a call, move away from the other players.

And keep the call so brief that they don't even know you received it.

8. LEND A HAND WHEN YOU CAN

It's easy to help out your fellow players, if you just pay attention. One obvious way is looking for lost balls -- better yet, watching errant shots so they don't turn into lost balls. Pick up that extra club left on the fringe or the head cover dropped next to the tee, and return it to its owner after saying, "Nice shot!" And if you see a buggy out of position or a provisional ball that needs picking up, don't just walk by.

9. LEARN THE LITTLE THINGS

There are a hundred bits of etiquette I haven't mentioned, like laying the flagstick down carefully, tamping down spike marks when you're walking off a green, letting faster groups play through, and so on. All of these things are learned by observing, with a sharp eye and a considerate heart.

Just know that golf has a way of returning favours, and every piece of etiquette you practice will be repaid tenfold.

10.

CONSIDERATION

Don’t leave your bag, trolley, buggy at the front of the green; leave them at the exit side or back, this will speed up play by allowing the following group to play their shots. Mark your cards away from the green; for example on the next tee.

Take your empty water bottle and sandwich wrappers to the litter bin do not throw them on the course.

If your ball's heading in a direction where there is a danger of it hitting someone, shout a warning immediately. The traditional word of warning is “fore”.

KNOW YOUR RULES FROM time to time I get emails with a golf or rules question, and this week Olga Douglas and Ged Henly, both members at La Finca Golf Club, asked me a Rules question which was being heavily debated at their club, but as Ged said you do pick up the rules when you have played golf for 50 years. So I thought it would be a good idea to have a weekly section, and I will start the first week with their question: Question: If anyone attends or holds up the flagstick and rests it on the green while a stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending the flagstick until the ball comes to rest. Is this allowed or is it a penalty?

Answer: Yes, provided the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball therefore does not strike it. But if the ball were to strike the flagstick, a breach of Rule 17-3a would occur, See Decision 17-1/5

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Friday, November 30, 2012

SEND IN THE CLOWNS! DON’T worry, they’re here!

Where? Why at Stamford Bridge, of course. Whole circus of ‘em, and that includes most of their two-faced supporters, as well as that idiot in charge at the Big Top, Roman Abramovich.

Two-faced? Those ones – you know who you are – who ‘supported Chelsea all me life’. Funny, you never mentioned it before the money was injected and you tasted success! Sorry (real) Chelsea fans, but your club is a laughing stock right now: an asylum for the unruly and truly bewildered that will continue as long as that megalomaniac madman is at the helm.

He’s now appointed yet another failure, the oncegreat-for-a-bit Rafael Benitez, giving him a timechallenged mission statement, made starkly simple

by the dismissal of poor Roberto Di Matteo. Benitez must win every game, presumably playing good football – or, Rafa! Can’t say fairer than that, can you?

Well, actually – yes, you can. From Sunday’s reaction, the Spaniard is universally unpopular at Stamford Bridge with the Chelsea faithful; but then, who cares about them? Clearly not the rude, ridiculous, ruthless Russian, who sat, heard and watched the boo-boys last Sunday - and yet the noise and the placards weren’t directed at him, as the hasta luego should have been (wouldn’t be anything to do with money, would it lads?).

With Rafa twice getting the boot in 2010, and not working since, he’s got all the credentials necessary: unemployed, unsought and unwelcome – perfect! Oh, and if it’s only a temporary

measure, designed to pave the way for some Pep, Jose or Harry (no, he’s Marked down to QPR) to take over at the end of the season, what happens in the meanwhile if Rafa makes a real ricket of it and loses a few games. God forbid, that never happens in football, does it? Sheer laughable lunacy…

Then there are the players: the club captain (also of England) is proved guilty of uttering the sort of racial abuse during a game normally found in the gutter, which most of football is trying to eradicate, then the club’s failure to face up to the fact and take strong appropriate action does those in charge no favours at all. Other Chelsea staff and players had their integrity and careers overshadowed with misplaced loyalty and questionable backing

that only ‘fan’ the flames of criticism of the club.

Lately there is the Mark Clattenburg affair, where the pathetic ‘evidence’ of racial abuse has been completely discredited, and the club is now hugely embarrassed (again) as both the FA and the police decided no action was necessary – although the referees’ association is understandably very unhappy.

The club has humiliatingly been dragged into making a grudging apology, of sorts.

Have the senior management lost all pride in the great name of Chelsea football club? Has player-power taken over the club and ruined it? It would seem so.

Roberto Di Matteo was the man plunged into the spotlight when Abramovich sacked the latest disaster, Andre Villas-Boas, six short months ago. Di Matteo got

the team together, and somehow, unbelievably managed to win the Holy Grail, the European Cup for Chelsea and its mentallychallenged owner. Oh, and throw in every team’s dream, to win the FA Cup. The top man acted unbelievably ungratefully, hardly having the grace to acknowledge the unbelievable achievements of the modest, dignified Italian; the one man who clearly d i s -

played he had the wherewithall to manage the shambles that Abramovich perpetuates. What a degrading, disgusting act it was to sack Di Matteo: crass, cruel and crazy. So come on, you real Chelsea fans – let the right man have it. From now on, until whenever, direct your bile and venom in the correct direction – straight at Roman Abramovich!

Sad Saints on a downer Monforte 2 Sporting de San Fulgencio 0

TWO second half goals earned Monforte a well-deserved win on a chilly Valencian evening, writes JORDAN LUCAS..

As the game went on the midtablers began to take control but the first goal didn’t arrive until the second half.

It came after some poor marking and a mistake by keeper Manuel Llopis, Monforte’s No.7 nodding in a well-delivered corner after Llopis missed his punch.

With ten minutes remaining Monforte finished the game off

thanks to some questionable defending from San Fulgencio.

A lack of communication seemed to be the problem as Aaron Lopez and Joaquin Rodriguez let their man run between them before clipping the ball over Llopis.

A fixture to forget for the Saints, but hopefully the loss motivates the players to get a result against CD Dolores next Sunday! An important home game at 12noon, make sure you come to support the lads!

COLLISION CURSE!

MONTESINOS should have known it was not going to be their day after just one minute of this game. That’s all it took for the Monte keeper Lopez to come running out of his area and clatter into his own centre half, Geremias.

The collision left a Murada player to tap the

CD Montesinos 0 CD Murada 2

ball into an empty net.

Geremias ended up being taken to hospital in an ambulance and a lengthy stoppage occurred.

From that moment on, it was all Monte. On no fewer than six occasions, home supporters thought their side had scored, but either by good goalkeep-

ing, the woodwork, poor finishing or simply bad luck, the ball simply would not go into the net.

The second half was much the same as the first, but with the minutes slipping away and Montesinos pushing more and more people forward in a desperate attempt at

snatching an equaliser, Murada broke away and scored their second goal (with their first real shot on target in the whole game).

A bad day all round for the home side, who now have to travel to Benejuzar this coming weekend.

For details check out the website at www.cdmontesinos.com

Golf hero Sergio Garcia swings Torrevieja’s way With CF Torrevieja’s clinical destruction of last year’s champions Catarroja last weekend, it is now time for the team to step up another gear and record their first-ever victory at the Camilo Cano this Sunday, writes JEFF SCOTT. La Nucia headed the table unbeaten until Novelda’s injury time winner knocked them off the top. Now Torry have the chance to bound back into the top four.There are no injury worries after that 6-0 mauling of Catarroja, so Casimiro Torres will have a full complement at

his disposal. Goals have been at a premium in this fixture, the last two contests ending 00.

Torry then host Borriol back at the Vicente Garcia on Thursday December 6 with a 5pm kick off when they hope to be thrashing another relegation side. Perhaps Borriol’s President, top golfer Sergio Garcia (pictured), will be there to cheer on his side, or even bring his boots, as he is still a registered player or the team. Those action-packed 2013 team calendars will also be on sale for €5.

Every Day’s a Football Day December 1st 1954 The Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon officially opened. Benfica’s first opponents at the ground are Porto, who spoiled the party by winning 3-1 - thus avenging Benfica’s 8-2 victory when Porto opened their ground in 1952 2nd 1958 Brighton attract their biggest home crowd, 36,747, to see a 3-0 victory over Fulham 3rd 1970 Jack Charlton is officially admonished by the FA for stating in an interview that he had a ‘little black book’ which held the name of two players he was going to ‘do’ if he got the chance. The FA accepted Charlton’s defence that the comments were meant to be light-hearted. Leeds, of course, noted for their jocularity!

4th 1965 Frank Saul becomes the first Spurs player to be sent off in 60 years.

5th 1992 Welcome home! Charlton are watched by 8,337 fans when they return to the Valley after 2,627 days in exile. Athletic do their bit by beating Portsmouth 1-0.

6th 1930 The unenviable record for the lowest crowd in Football League history for a Saturday match is set when only 469 turn up to see Thames beat Luton 1-0 in a division three (south) fixture.

7th 1995 A record goal is scored in Australia by Daman Mori after 3.86 seconds in Adelaide City’s 22 draw with Sydney United.

Compiled by STUART EVANS

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Friday, November 30, 2012

DOWN ‘N’ NOWT

Life gets Rafa as Chelsea flop again FOR the second time in four days the Chelsea faithful had to endure their normally goals-galore-games barren, this time against Fulham.

Again they returned home to loved ones goalless and frustrated, knowing all those men in Mancunia are mounting a major maelstrom for the title, leaving Chelsea behind with the blues six points adrift of second-placed Man City.

Van-the-man delivered in the first minute at Old Trafford as Robin van Persie’s lone goal blew West Ham’s bubbles away to keep Manchester United top by a point from their nasty neighbours. Etihad’s expensive elite efficiently put paid to worrying Wigan 2 – 0, prodigal son Mario Balotelli returning to score the first goal, James Milner doing a Dzecko to come off the bench to smash in the second.

Battle of the good-guys ended nicely, Southampton drawing 1 – 1 with Norwich: both are playing great football and deserve to stay up.

Swansea burst the Baggies’ brave balloon to bring West Brom back to planet earth after terrific perform-

John McGregor reports

Blues draw blank - title heads Manc

ances lately, with a firm 3 – 1 win in Swales. The super Swans were swinging with three sizzlers before the Baggies blinked with a consolation goal. It’s tough near the top. In the battle for those important places that man Marouane Fellaini notched his seventh of the season, storming back from injury to equalise for Everton and avenge Theo Walcott’s first minute effort for Arsenal for it to end 1 – 1. That’s the Toffees sixth disappointing draw in the last eight games. The Gunners aren’t bad at it either, they drew with Aston Villa last Saturday. Everton sixth, Arsenal seventh.

There was an early Bale warning for Liverpool, as Gareth Bale made the first goal for Aaron Lennon, then scored the second himself from a superb free-kick, where the wall was left wanting.

Then, in a bizarre ‘couldn’t make it up’ comical caper, the Spurs superman headed into his own net as Lennon tried to hook the ball off his own line. That gave Liverpool hope, but no-go, the match finished 2 – 1 to put Spurs fifth, and end the Reds’ run of eight games unbeaten.

Spurs, did you say? Their ‘old’ gaffer Harry Redknapp is back, as predicted, this time at the helm of Queen’s Park Rangers. Can Harry Houdini work his escapology trick yet again? Well, if he pulls this one off

and keeps QPR up from being four points adrift and seemingly hopeless at the bottom, he deserves a knighthood. Was Tuesday’s ground-out goalless draw at Sunderland the start? Watch this space…

Meatiest match this weekend look like Man City home to Everton ‘oop north, but don’t forget East End’s answer in the capital with West Ham hosting Chelsea. Midlands match of the day must be West Brom v Stoke. Down at the bottom QPR have a starting stab at salvation against unpredictable Aston Villa.

In the competitive Championship leaders Cardiff drew at Derby to stay top by one point from Middlesbrough, these two beginning to put some light between them and the chasing, bickering pack.

Aqui en Espana it was nearly business as usual at the top of La Liga last weekend, with 4 – 0 wins for both leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atletico Madrid, but the great Real Madrid in third slipped up 1 – 0 at Real Betis. The yawning gap between first and third is now 11 points - too grande?

Efficient Elche did it again at the top of division 2A with a great 1 – 0 win at second-placed fortress Girona to put the Illicitanos four points clear. Long way to go, though…