Weekender Issue 053

ISSUE 053 - Friday 13th July 2018

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OVER 11,000 new properties have been registered as holiday rental destinations in the Valencian Community during the first half of the year. The majority of these were in Alicante province, 60% of the total,

with Valencia and Castellon provinces accounting for about 20% each.

The sharp rise in registrations has been put largely down to a crackdown on illegal rentals.

Some holiday home owners are also worried that in the

future there may be further restrictions or even a ban on future rentals so want to get their properties legalised now. There are now almost 72,000 homes registered across Valencia with half of these happening in the last three years.

BRIT “FIGHTING FOR LIFE” AFTER POOL ACCIDENT

by Simon Russell

A BRITISH father of two young boys is in a critical condition in a Balearic hospital after a seemingly innocuous dive into a

hotel pool. Keith Dungait, aged 42, was on holiday with friends in the Mallorcan resort of Cala d’Or when he dived into the pool and hit his head on the bottom. This broke his back in five places and he was rushed to the Can Misses Hospital in Palma.

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His wife and father have flown out to be with him while relatives look after the couple’s two young sons. An appeal has been started to help with what will be a lengthy rehabilitation, with £50,000 already raised. His condition is still very serious and should he survive doctors fear he may not regain the use of his legs.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Finance Feature provided by...

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B and registered with the UK FCA as an EEA Authorised firm, reference 539348.

Two years on: how Brexit has affected the UK economy

THE UK economy was supposed to plunge into recession soon after the vote to leave the EU, but the majority of forecasters were wrong.

Consumer confidence remained positive, encouraging increased spending, despite a slowdown in almost every other sector of the economy.

As household consumption is a large contributor to GDP growth, it more than offset weakness elsewhere, painting a picture of success for those backing Brexit.

However, the growth in consumption to its fastest rate since 2005 was totally unsustainable.

As the pound plunged after the vote, the cost of imports rose for manufacturers and retailers. This did not deter shoppers at first; indeed, households reduced their savings rate to record low levels in order to fund the post-Brexit splurge.

Eventually, inflation caught up and households were forced to cut back, causing the economy

to slow sharply over 2017. The UK went from being the fastest growing economy in the G7 to the slowest.

Businesses had started to postpone and cut investment projects as far back as 2015, well before the referendum result was known. Since then, business investment has fallen further, only to recover a little in recent months.

It grew by just 2.4% in 2017, half the rate averaged between 2011 and 2015. Moreover, the initial surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) after the fall in the pound has now ended. There was an 82% fall in inward FDI in Q4 2017 compared to Q4 2016.

Instead, pessimism has taken hold with planning focused on the worst-possible outcome. Some companies have even started to relocate staff, for fear of facing restrictions on their ability to do businesses.

Looking ahead, UK economic growth is likely to be sluggish at around 1.4% in 2018. With

inflation forecast to average 2.6%, the UK will feel like a stagflationary environment for some time. As for 2019, the outlook is very uncertain. We assume a transition period will be agreed that preserves the status quo of the single market and customs union membership, but this is unlikely to help growth recover much.

Meanwhile, the Bank of England (BoE) is closely monitoring Brexit events and the reaction in the economy. After aborting a rate hike in May, the consensus has shifted dramatically away from a rise in the near term, to one possibly by the end of the year (63% chance priced by markets).

The next BoE Inflation Report is due in August, which provides the Bank another opportunity to consider its policy stance, but given recent weakness in both UK and overseas data, the bank rate is likely to remain on hold.

We forecast the BoE to hike

once more in 2018 (November), and two more times in 2019 after the 29 March Brexit deadline.

So whilst we have no control over the economical outcomes of Brexit, one thing that we do have is control is being individually prepared. Since supporting the British Consulate on a number of tours in the Costa Blanca, it has become more and more apparent that making sure you are resident / fiscal resident in Spain is absolutely essential. Town Halls along the coast are becoming inundated with people applying for residency so if you are in the position where you need to begin this process, make sure you give yourself plenty of time as we are hearing that in some areas, people are waiting for months to get an appointment!

Going through the process of changing your residency can also raise some questions about your finances. When you become resident certain reporting requirements such as the

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

‘Declaration of overseas assets’ now apply to you. Again, these are nothing to be worried about, but you need to make sure you are aware of your responsibilities as a Spanish Resident. We at Chorus regularly help people who are in the process of becoming resident, so if you have any questions or would like a free review of your financial position, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can email me t.storer@ chorusfinancial.es or call Tracy on 693 107 044.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Obama and Felipe get together FORMER US President Barack Obama is currently in the Iberian Peninsula on a visit that combines work and pleasure. The most photogenic part of his trip was probably the tour of the Queen Sofia National Art Museum he took alongside King Felipe. Many society watchers noted how well the two men seemed to get on one even asking “Is this a bromance in the making?”

Parts of the US press also saw it as a contrast to the current President, whose cultural interests famously don’t extend much beyond golf and social media, something Mr

Obama and his family are understood to be staying on Trump almost takes pride in. in Spain for a holiday. They Obama will shortly be are believed to be flying in Portugal to speak at a climate change conference and was in Madrid as a speaker at the International Summit on Technological Innovation. He also had a private meeting with new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The pair kept what they discussed to themselves but it is well known they have many similar ideologies and beliefs, both politically and socially.

After he has finished the working part of his trip Mr

by Simon Russell

over to Mallorca, although to go yachting rather than to explore the delights of Magaluf, for example.

Car smash fraud gang facing jail

by Matthew Richards

woman, intentionally drove two cars into each other at a roundabout in Sax. The collision was made to look like an accident and the four occupants of one car claimed against the insurance of the driver of the other car.

They were looking for compensation of around €2,000 for “injuries” arising from the crash such as whiplash.

However the insurance company became suspicious of the claim and requested a prosecution; the authorities agreed and the case starts this week.

There have been a spate of such fraudulent claims in the UK in recent years, costing insurers millions of pounds, much of which is passed on to honest drivers. However they are much less common in Spain and companies here will be keen to see the practice is clamped down on.

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PROSECUTORS have asked for a nine month jail sentence if five defendants accused of serious insurance fraud are found guilty.

The case is being heard in Alicante Court and relates to an incident back in 2011.

The court heard how the accused, four men and a

Snakes on a pram!

POLICE were called out after a snake was spotted on the bottom of a baby pram in a house in Malaga. The property houses a family of five who were evacuated while a specialist unit entered the house to remove the creature. It had wrapped itself round the harnesses under the pram seat and was reluctant to let go, but

by Simon Russell

eventually the handlers removed it without injury to the snake or the officers. It is believed that the 1.2 metre serpent entered the house by clinging to the bottom of the baby carriage; it has been taken to the local centre for the recovery of protected species.

Where the bodies are buried EXHUMATION work is set to start next month on the notorious Pit 112 in Paterna, the resting place for as many as a hundred local victims of the Spanish Civil War. These almost certainly include the remains of Vicente Gomez Mari, the Republican mayor of Tavernes de Valldigna (near Gandia). Gomez Mari was shot without trial under the orders of fascist Franco supporters in 1939 simply for opposing their views.

Experts have said that there are at least ten bodies in the pit but there may be as many as a hundred, many of them shrouded in two large bags. Because of

by Matthew Richards

the way the victims were buried it is impossible to say with any accuracy how many bodies are in the giant grave. Many of the deceased will have come from local towns such as Oliva, Cullera and Tavernes with families unsure where their ancestors final resting place was or even how they died.

The exhumation process will start at the end of August if the schedule goes as planned. Positively identified bodies will be returned to their families for private burial where possible.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Torrevieja bather drowns

A 78-YEAR-OLD man died of drowning at Torrevieja’s La Mata beach on Tuesday, despite the efforts of paramedics to revive him.

The warmer weather and increased visitor numbers have combined for the usual summer rises in seaside tragedies, especially

by Alex Trelinski

amongst the elderly.

Rescuers saved a 61-yearold woman from drowning at La Marina beach on Monday morning, after being spotted unconscious in the water.

Lifeguards along with Elche local police officers

Fencing furore

TWO weeks after Alicante’s Hogueras fiesta finished, much of the safety fencing installed for the event is still lying on the beach awaiting collection. The eyesore is a source of frustration for many coastal businesses such as the chiringuito on Playa Postiguet that currently has an unsightly pile of metal fencing next to it. The barriers

resuscitated her, before she was taken to Torrevieja Hospital.

Further south and also on Monday, a 79-yearold woman was saved by lifeguards in the San Javier area, after she got into difficulties in the waters of Barnuevo beach at Santiago de la Ribera

by Simon Russell

mainly originated from the fiesta’s closing concert at the Paseo de Gomiz. The company that won the tender for the fencing and other works related to the fiesta had a clear deadline of 2 July to remove the barriers, using their own transportation and workforce. The town hall has been assured by the firm that they will be removed very soon.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Benidorm fights back against negativity

POLITICIANS, police and business leaders in Benidorm have joined forces to condemn the negative publicity received following a series of headline making incidents involving tourists in the resorts ‘Guiri’ English zone over recent weeks.

The latest incident occurred following England’s World Cup quarter final victory over Sweden last Saturday afternoon.

A confrontation between celebrating English supporters and police wearing helmets, carrying shields and batons, was filmed on mobile phones and posted on social media sites, by a number of witnesses.

One particular piece of footage showed a member of the police using a baton to strike the leg of a man carrying a young boy on his shoulder.

Once posted and shared, the video footage went viral, creating a social media uproar before it was eventually picked up by a number of British tabloid newspapers, who carried the video and a story criticising the police officers actions on their digital pages.

A spokesman for the National and local police in Benidorm, speaking to the Spanish press, explained that the videos posted only showed a few minutes of what was a coordinated, pre-planned operation to clear the streets and reopen the road to allow access for vehicles.

Extra police numbers have been drafted into the resort, which is normal during the summer months and these were deployed to clear the area quickly and safely.

Their task was to ensure there were no incidents such as in the previous week, where a celebrating fan attempted to rollover the top of a vehicle, breaking its windscreen in the process.

by Andy Mansell

They were instructed to fire flares into the air to disperse the estimated 12,000 people on the streets and use batons when necessary.

He praised the actions of both the police and the majority of the England supporters who were enjoying the fantastic atmosphere, for their co-operation during the operation, which was completed without arrests.

Although social media opinion on the incident was divided, many witnesses spoke in defence of the police and condemned the handful of drunken supporters who confronted them.

One, known as Jim said, “The police were only doing their job and the idiots facing up to them were stupid.”

“They wouldn’t do it to the police back home, so why do they think it’s acceptable to do it in Spain,” he said.

said referring to the infamous town on Majorca renowned for drunken behaviour by gangs of British tourists.

Lorenzo Martinez, councillor responsible for security, following a meeting earlier this week, announced plans to crackdown and ‘clean up’ the area, by installing security cameras in Calle Mallorca, known locally as the English Square, increasing security presence from July 25th and imposing fines of up to 1,200 to law breakers.

However, along with other spokespeople, he was quick to point out that recent incidents are ‘isolated’ and extremely rare considering the amount of people who visit Benidorm in the peak summer months.

It must be stressed that, the overwhelming majority of tourists to the resort from the UK have a fantastic holiday, enjoying the many attractions of the city and beyond.

Many visitors and local residents have taken to social media to express this, saying they feel safer on the streets of Benidorm than they ever do in their own home towns.

The truth is, during July and August the population of Benidorm swells from the equivalent size of a small UK provincial town, to that of one its major cities.

Comparing the amount of gun and knife related crime that occurs in one of these major British cities to the isolated incidents in Benidorm, the politicians are proved right.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world, (remembering too that Benidorm is the most popular destination for domestic tourists) visit the resort annually without incident and return year after year, putting these latest exceptional and unrelated events into perspective.

Other recent incidents in the resort include an unprovoked attack on British comedian and radio host, Jimmy Carol, which left the sixty three year old in an induced coma with brain injuries.

Another unrelated attack left a British tourist with a gunshot wound to his leg after innocently being caught up in a drug related fight between rival Eastern European gang members.

Police have so far been unable to apprehend the perpetrators of both of these crimes and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

These recent high profile events, which have been circulated across social media networks and digital media sites extensively have led political and business leaders in Benidorm reeling from the negative publicity.

One, whilst expressing the importance of British visitors to the resort said “The image of Benidorm is atAD stake, we are not Magalluf,” 1he 16/04/2018 11:04 Page 1 KEY GO 133x95.qxp_Layout

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INCREASED reports of animal poisonings in the Pilar de la Horadada area has led to the council to remind culprits that they could be fined up to 30 thousand euros.

The authority’s animal protection councillor, José Francisco Albaladejo, said that the fresh wave of cases was reprehensible, and that the council would not hesitate to take action against law-breakers.

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The Pilar council has eight protected feral cats colonies and four special feeding points which are maintained by volunteers.

The councillor asked for the designated cat areas to be respected, adding that the animals also provide a great service in reducing a number of pests like cockroaches and mice.

Umbrella protest

by Simon Russell

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MEMBERS of the newly formed General Merchants Association of Denia gathered outside the Town Hall last week to protest against the various on-going works across the town. Association President Antonio Lopis said that while they largely supported the projects and what they were trying to achieve, their concern was that so many were still being done across the summer, the height of the tourist season. He said that they have twice requested meetings with the council to discuss their concerns but have been denied. The estimated 50 protestors all carried umbrellas as a sign of solidarity to the cause.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

French given reason to wine

ALTHOUGH there is plenty of cheap wine at the bottom end of the market in France, many there turn their Gallic noses up at Spanish plonk, which is cheaper again. For a good reason say many national “experts”, but it has now been revealed that up to ten million bottles of cheap Spanish rosé has recently been sold as being from France, seemingly unnoticed by drinkers there.

The findings have been made by the anti-fraud directorate after a two year

No ink in the army row

by Simon Russell

ALTHOUGH the summer season is well underway, Denia’s council have admitted they are still short of lifeguards for the resorts beaches.

The Red Cross has been awarded this season’s tender to patrol the coast, but as the process was completed late in the day there are still four further places to fill.

The Red Cross has assured that the impact will be minimal and they are currently advertising the remaining positions. Their initial recruitment campaign was in the middle of June, prior to the peak season but the process failed to fill all the roles at such short notice. Councillor for Beaches, Oscar Mengual, said that the small shortfall presented some issues with lifeguards shift patterns but should have no impact on the safety of the public.

by Simon Russell

inquiry into the wine trade.

Many of the scams were as simple as sticking a “Made in France” label over a bottle to fool restaurant and bar customers. Some of this was mass produced fraud at source, sometimes just a sneaky restaurateur trying to fool his customers.

French paper Le Parisien had the headline this week “Rosé lovers beware!

You’re in for a nasty surprise at happy hour.”

More guards needed

THE fight for gender equality takes many forms and the latest battlefield is a Spanish woman who was banned from joining the army due to having a tattoo.

Estela Martin had been training to join the military for two years before the lotus flower tattoo on the top of her foot was even noticed. It came to light when she was taking a swimming test and her examiner said she would have to discontinue due to army

by Simon Russell

rules on body art.

Spanish recruitment policy states that “visible tattoo’s” will exclude men or women from joining the armed forces. Estela had not seen this as a problem as the lotus flower was covered up when she wore her uniform of a shirt and trousers. However she was told it would be visible if she wore a skirt – although

Estela said she never intended to wear a skirt at work and there is no obligation to ever do so under army dress code rules.

She is now appealing to the Ministry of Defence, feeling she has wasted two years of her life due to a petty – and gender biased – ruling. Many men in the army have body art in similar places, knowing it will not breach the rules when the correct uniform is worn.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Another cyclist dies on Alicante’s roads A FORTY-YEAR-OLD man died and his young son was injured as they were knocked from their bicycles by a hit and run driver. The incident happened on Sunday evening near Villena in the north of Alicante. The victim was riding behind his eight year old son on the VillenaBiar road when he was fatally struck by a white Renault that fled the scene. Emergency services were called out but all they could do was confirm the man’s death. His son

thankfully only suffered cuts and bruises. The Guardia Civil were able to later track down the Renault and its driver who tested positive for both drugs and alcohol.

The Valencian Community has one of the highest incident of cyclist fatalities in Spain, with probably the most notorious being the woman who killed three cyclists near Oliva last year. She also tested positive for drink and drugs and is currently out on bail awaiting trial.

Coffin Vandalism riddle

by Alex Trelinski

Lift row escalated A 57-year-old man has been arrested in Valencia after threatening workers who were using a lift in his apartment block. The four builders had been using the communal lift as they were working on a building in the block. It appeared the man took objection to this and the matter soon got out of hand.

When the lift opened the one worker in it was threatened by the detainee

with a kitchen knife. He ran upstairs to his colleagues, pursed by the man with the knife. The four then had to defend themselves with a ladder before the man returned to his apartment.

The police arrived and entered the man’s residence where they found a knife similar to the one used in the incident; he has been arrested and charged with threatening behaviour.

THREE coffins were opened in a bizarre incident in the Vega Baja town of Cox, with the Guardia Civil trying to find the culprits.

A worker at the town’s municipal cemetery discovered that somebody had broken into the niches, and opened the coffins, with one of them totally lifted outside.

The assailants apparently wore gloves as they screwed open the niches, moving marble tombstones carefully, before getting into the coffins.

One of the niches that was opened had the body of a woman who had died only a few weeks ago, and she had

been buried in the same area alongside her daughter, who passed away in 2013. Their two coffin had been opened.

Another niche that that was prised open had the body of a Cox resident that had died five years ago.

Damage was minimal and was confined to some glass in the niches, as the assailants forced their way in, and nothing appeared to have been taken.

The bodies appeared not to have been touched with the Guardia Civil working on two theories, namely the invasion of the cemetery niches being just straightforward vandalism, or even a daring bet.

Pot gang rumbled FOUR “Cannabis Clubs” on the Marina Alta were being used as a front for a well organised drug distribution network across the area. Seventeen people were arrested at the weekend following a two month operation by the Guardia Civil. The detainees had links to clubs in Denia, Javea, Calpe and Benissa. Marijuana was being grown on a large scale on properties in Pego, Moraira, Pedreguer and Beniarbeig then

by Simon Russell

distributed across the Marina Alta using the clubs as a base.

The operation was prompted by complaints from neighbours in the towns about the strong smell of marijuana smoke coming from some houses, an area where many families live. The Guardia also seized 18 kilos of marijuana, a kilo of hashish, a kilo of hashish pollen and 1,000 marijuana seeds with an estimated value of €35,000.

Heartbreak swimmers in Benidorm MORE than two hundred brave open water swimmers will take to the sea off Benidorm’s famous Levante Beach this weekend in the Travesia Heartbreak swimming contest.

Now in it’s second year, the 2900 metre circular Heartbreak course runs parallel to the length of the beach from a start and return point on the sand adjacent to Plaza del Torrejo, at the foot of the old town headland.

The event, organised by Club Deportivo Finisher, was introduced last year, following the popularity of the annual Benidorm Oceanman open water contest, which has a 10.5km return distance around the iconic Benidorm Island and which this year takes place on October 20th.

Competitors for the Travesia Heartbreak, will be entered into one of four categories;

by Simon Russell

Senior: from 18 years to 29 years of age; Master A: from 30 years to 39 years of age; Master B: from 40 years to 49 years of age; or Master C: from 50 years and up.

The event takes place on this coming Sunday July 15th, starting at 09.00h and has a maximum completion time of 2 hours.

Any competitor not achieving the halfway point under two hours will be disqualified.

A rock and roll party will be held at the Levante beachfront Heartbreak Bar after the swim, with discounted rates for competitors.

A few places are available for the event, which has a maximum entry of 250 swimmers, with registration available at their website www.travesiabenidorm.com

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FRIDAY 4TH MAY 2018

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Sports centre pervert detained

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Valencia province for filming two underage girls who were showering at a sports centre where he worked. One of them reported seeing a mobile phone appear under the shower cubicle which led to the police getting involved after her mother had reported the incident.

Police investigated and detained the suspect after seizing a laptop, two mobiles and two memory sticks. They believe at least one other person may have been filmed by the man without their knowledge. The age of the minors, who are sisters, has not been disclosed.

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Six hectares destroyed in Montgo fire NINE aerial firefighting machines were among the major emergency services presence that fought a blaze in the Montgo natural park last Sunday. The planes and helicopters were joined on the ground by several local crews, called out to the scene at around 4pm. The fire was declared as stabilised at 6.15pm

Somewhere to spend a penny THE new public conveniences at Plaza de Les Escoles Velles in l’Alfas del Pi have now been completed.

Costing around €55,000 the building contains a gents, ladies and disabled toilet plus a cleaning and storage room. Urbanism Councillor Toni Such said that this completes the various works planned for the Escoles Velles Square, which was named after the town’s first primary school, built in 1926. Other recent work there included moving cables underground and installation of stairs and access ramps.

Welcome refuge at hospital DENIA and Marina Alta Help and the Teulada-Moraira Lions Club have overseen the financing and construction of a pergola type shelter in the grounds of La Pedrera Hospital. Arriving just in time for the summer, it provides an outdoor meeting place for both patients well enough to go outside and visitors. The shady area has plants and a wheelchair ramp; it was officially opened last Wednesday by representatives from the two charities and the hospital management team.

Local girl fell into hands of evil sect AN Elche parent has been telling the story of how his teenage daughter ended up living in the Peruvian jungle after meeting the leader of a so called religious sect on the internet.

Spaniard Alberto Aguilar told how his daughter Patricia met Felix Manrique in an internet chat room when she was sixteen.

Her parents were unaware of the extent of the on-line “relationship” and on her 18th birthday in 2017, her first day as a legal adult, she left home to travel

by Simon Russell

to Peru and meet Manrique. Her distraught parents were unaware Patricia had traveled there and started a search for her using posters and the internet. The bizarre story has come to light after Patricia and three other women were rescued from Manrique’s jungle base last week.

The women had five children between them, with Patricia having a one month old child.

All the adults were described as

being severely malnourished and police believe that Manrique, who is married with his own family, is the father of all the children.

Patricia has said that she was in Peru of her own free will but Alberto strongly disagrees, saying his daughter has at best been brainwashed and at worst kidnapped and forced to have sex. He is now in Peru and hopes to bring Patricia home with him to Elche.

Felix Manrique is the self-styled

by Simon Russell

and fully extinguished at 8pm.

The area affected was the Cami de la Colonia, close to the Cova del Camell and the fire was clearly visible from Denia and Javea town centres.

An estimated six hectares of forestry was destroyed in the fire; no cause has yet been given for how it started.

leader of the Gnosis sect, which many believe is no more than a front for him to have sexual relationships with young and vulnerable women. He is being investigated for human trafficking by the Peruvian authorities.

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Five killed in suspected gender violence tragedy

Patience rewarded

by Simon Russell

A SPANISH woman, her infant son and her parents were among the five deaths in a house fire in France earlier this week. The woman had a French husband and they had moved to the town of Pau in southwest France last year after she gained a position as a Spanish teacher in the town.

The woman’s parents were visiting from Seville; they were found with injuries caused by a blunt object which was almost certainly the cause of their death. The 36-year-old mother had no obvious injuries but her body was found tied up in the properties bathroom and she may have been poisoned. Her husband had wrist injuries consistent with a suicide attempt but it is too early to say if he died in the fire or as a result of these injuries. Their two year old son also perished and police are looking into poisoning as a possible cause of death.

Sources say that the man had recently been denounced by his wife for domestic abuse and the local police had been investigating the matter. When the firefighters arrived at the scene the fire had failed to take hold properly and although there was a lot of smoke it seems unlikely to have caused any deaths. The most probable theory they are working on is that this was a murder suicide by the husband.

11

Port stabbing A 25-YEAR-OLD man was wounded in a stabbing incident outside a Javea bar last week. The incident took place at around 9pm last Thursday in the port area.

Witnesses said the victim was outside the bar with a friend when a third man turned up. The three seemed to know each other and an argument had started when the third man suddenly produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the leg.

A Guardia Civil officer and ambulance arrived at the scene and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

Fire prompts mass evacuation

A THIEF who stole from cars parked close to beaches in the Santa Pola area has been arrested by the Guardia Civil, after escaping from agents during an earlier robbery.

The crook was spotted robbing a vehicle next to El Pinet beach, but he escaped the Guardia’s clutches by running to his own car, and zooming off at speed.

The Guardia officers opted not to start a high-speed chase which would have endangered the lives of pedestrians.

by Simon Russell

Their decision was vindicated a few days later, when the over-confident robber decided to strike again.

This time, the man could not flee, and was detained, and charged with ten counts of burglary, as well as endangering road safety.

Despite the extensive charge sheet, a judge decided to grant him bail.

OVER 40 people were evacuated and two people were hospitalised after a fire at an apartment block in Benidorm last Thursday. The emergency services were notified at about 4.30pm of the incident on Avenida de l’Aiguera, which runs alongside the park of the same name. It appeared that the blaze had broken out in a communal hallway on the eighth floor and the building was quickly evacuated.

The fire was extinguished quite swiftly as it had failed to take real control. However an elderly woman who had been too frail to leave and a 39-yearold man were both taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation while others were able to be treated at the scene. The reason for the fire starting is unclear at this stage, but a badly extinguished cigarette is one possibility.

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Fireworks user likely to get fingers burnt JAVEA Town Hall has denounced a villa owner in the Ambolo area who set off fireworks during a private party. The property is understood to be located between the Granadella and Cap de la Nau, wooded areas which are particularly vulnerable to forest fires as past events have shown.

The town have said that this wasn’t a case of someone setting off a few fire-crackers but a

by Simon Russell

full on display where a professional firework pyrotechnician was even used.

There have been clear rules banning these in many areas and infringements are punishable with a fine of up to €18,000. Items such as Chinese Candles – floating lanterns with candles - are also banned and have been responsible for starting several fires along the coast.

Two year high for thermometers YOU have until the end of the month to visit the “Firefighters at the Cinema” exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura in l’Alfas del Pi. Subtitled “From the screen to real life” the exhibition aims to contrast famous cinema portrayals of fire crews with their real life experiences. It will be asking those attending to judge the reality of the silver screen fire-crews, with a photo exhibition by

by Matthew Richards

Cristina Gomiz portraying the real life of the men and women who are so often called out in the area, not just for fires but road accidents and a range of other incidents. There will also be a section dedicated to special effects, including projections and digital effects. The exhibition is part of the series of events leading up to the 30th Alfas del Pi Film Festival.

Heroes of the big screen ALICANTE City recorded its warmest day since September 2016 last week as a thermal blast hit the province. The mercury rose to 36.1 degrees on 5 July, although Elche was the warmest spot in Valencia at a sweltering 37.3 degrees.

The hot spell had initially impacted inland Valencia,

by Simon Russell

but the south of Alicante province saw the highest temperatures at the end of last week. Orihuela hit 36.1 degrees; El Altet Airport peaked at 35 and Rojales registered 34.8 before things cooled off in time for the weekend.

Rap attack

IF rap music is your thing than Benidorm has just the event for you (or possibly your grandchildren) later on this month.

Youth Councillor Ana Pellicer announced the details of the Freestyle Rap event, the provincial final of the competition. The 32 finalists will vie for a first prize of €400, with cash prizes also going to second and third

by Simon Russell

place. There will be various different categories of rap for the entrants on the day, which is the culmination of several smaller events held all over the Alicante province in the last few months. The final will be held at 2.30pm on Saturday 21 July; the venue is the Oscar Espla Auditorium.

Multi million euro water works begin

by Simon Russell

HOMES in seven Marina Baixa municipalities, will see an improvement in their water supply once work on modernising a 4.6km stretch of pipeline between Polop and La Nucia is complete.

Work began earlier this week on the 3.7 million euro modernisation project undertaken by the Marina Baixa Water Consortium, which is responsible for providing water to Alfàs del Pi, Altea, Benidorm, Finestrat, Polop, La Nucía and La Vila Joiosa.

On completion of the project, which should take up to a year, water transported from the Guadalest Reservoir via the natural ductile cast iron pipework, will flow at a greater pressure.

A spokesperson for the consortium, explained that this final section of renewed

pipework, completes the modernisation project on the original network which has been serving the area since 1947, explaining that, “the benefits of the action will be felt throughout the region,” At an inauguration ceremony attended by both La

Pyramid project under investigation THE Environment Ministry has asked Calpe Town Hall for information about the under construction luxury hotel on Playa La Fossa.

Located just six metres from the shoreline the 24 story pyramid shaped structure has long been a cause of controversy in the town. The site has been described as

the last untouched plot on the Calpe seafront and some were surprised it didn’t fall foul of coastal protection laws.

Planning permission was originally granted a decade ago but the project failed to get underway as the recession bit hard. In the meantime the coastal protection laws have been tightened considerably.

Nucia Mayor, Bernabé Cano, and Polop councillor Gabriel Fernández, a promise was made to, “increase the water pressure and transport more water to all the towns of the region with more guarantees and flexibility”, because the new pipework is made from “a material that will allow

greater guarantee to users and more flexibility, allowing the possibility to reverse the direction of the current flow.”

Although, only designed to last for thirty years, work on renewing the original pipework only began five years ago, however once complete, more than 100 kilometres of pipe will have been modernised.

Cabbie couture BENIDORM has brought in a dress code for its 232 licenced taxi drivers, partly to smarten up their image and partly to make them more recognisable to the public. Tank tops, shorts and jeans are all now prohibited, partly as a response to some public feedback on the scruffy appearance of their drivers. The cabbies should now wear plain shirts with a collar with long non-denim smart trousers (or skirts for women if preferred).

Head coverings are also out as

well as scarves and “bling” is discouraged with all accessories kept to a minimum.

Mobility Councillor Jose Gonzalez de Zarate said the new guidelines follow a request from the sector itself as a move towards uniformity and improving the driver’s image.

It also differentiates them from drivers operating for on-line platforms such as Uber and Cabify, who are effectively selfemployed and can dress how they choose.

Old tricks and new tricks TWO men in their twenties have been arrested on various charges ranging from burglary to holiday rental scams. The common denominator was the use of holiday properties across the Marina Alta, including Denia, Alicante, Moraira, Benissa and Calpe.

They monitored the properties and selected one occupied by holidaymakers; when they were sure the tenants were out for the day they would break in and steal any valuables.

These were then sold on the internet, although as often as not the goods were not passed on to buyers and would often reappear for sale at a later date.

They were also running a scam offering holiday properties for rent. However

by Simon Russell

after the deposit had been paid the pair would not be heard of again. It was this scam that first put the police on the men’s

trail and when they located them they found €60,000 worth of goods which they believe to have been stolen.

The 23-year-old and 29-yearold have been charged with 18

counts of burglary and fraud; one already had a warrant out for his arrest for another crime while the second was shortly due to face trial on separate charges of theft and violence.

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14

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Nine reasons to Love Benidorm A LUXURY and lifestyle travel magazine aimed at wealthy tourists, has given Benidorm a massive boost by recommending the resort to its readership in their latest issue.

A feature in the July edition of Conde Nast Traveler, a prestigious US based magazine, explained why it’s readers should look beyond the prejudices surrounding the resort.

In the article, written by Marina Vega, the author begins by echoing many people’s perception of Benidorm, “City for retirees, cheap tourist destination and therefore overcrowded, the kingdom of the tacky. If this is your perception of Benidorm, read on,” she writes.

Before giving nine top reasons for choosing the resort for a holiday, the author lists a few statistics to endorse her argument.

She explains that Benidorm is seen as a world tourism reference point, as an example of sustainable urban planning, which began back in 1956.

More than sixty years later, the original small fishing village has grown into the famous resort we know today, with two of the tallest buildings in Europe, a registered population of 67,000 inhabitants, but a staggering 12 million overnight stays per year and a global average occupation of 83%.

So, what are the nine reasons Ms Vega gives her readers to entice them to try Benidorm?

by Andy Mansell

Number 1. CLIMATE Its microclimate makes it a year round destination, thanks to its southern orientation, more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and mild temperatures, which range between 12.7º on average in January, the coldest month, and 26.2º on average in August.

This, explains the author, is why so many people from Northern Spain settled in Benidorm and opened the tapas and pintxos bars in the historic old town.

Apparently, the resort has five bars for every 1000 residents and restaurants catering for all tastes.

Number 2. ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL BUDGETS Everything from one star pensions to five star resorts and design conscious boutique hotels.

Number 3. A DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES “Throughout the year there are people on the street, provincial families in summer, retirees who enjoy the warm winters, the groups of pre-university youth who go unnoticed between so many young couples and hordes of foreigners who drink beer from 9 in the morning.”

She writes.

Number 4. A FIESTA TOWN No one can get bored in Benidorm with so much on offer. Tea dances in the beachfront bars, a library on the

beach, music festivals, theme parks, “In Benidorm almost every day is a celebration: the city celebrates in a big way all the national and international traditional festivities, from San Fermín to Las Fallas, passing through the Irish Saint Patrick’s Day. Its multiculturality is thus reflected in its permanently festive character.” Says Ms Vega.

Number 5. NO ONE JUDGES YOU Here everything is allowed, says the author, “Sequins by day, bikini at night, 5 balls of ice cream on your cone, mink coat in May or sandals in January . In Benidorm you go as you

want because you feel at home ... but without fear of being judged.”

Number 6. REPEAT VISITS The author explains that no one ever goes once to Benidorm as it is a place you get hooked on.

Number 7. A PIONEER CITY Benidorm, thanks to former mayor Pedro Zaragoza, was one of the first resorts in Spain to legalize the bikini, putting it at the forefront of tourism in the country.

Number 8. PURE AIR Thanks to its vertical living concept, Benidorm is one of the least air polluted cities in Spain according to a WHO study in 2014.

Number 9. BENIDORM IS NOT ONLY BENIDORM Ms Vega encourages visits to Altea, Calpe, Villajoyosa, Callosa and La Nucia for the fabulous gastronomy and shopping potential.

In a week, where the resort has been battling against negative publicity, caused by a few events, involving a minority of people in a small area of the resort, it’s very reassuring for those who depend on tourism for their income, that in the eyes of Conde Nast Traveler, they are doing something right ….. Viva Benidorm!

15

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

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18

Back In REACH FOR THE SKY FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

over fly-past SPECIAL A Buckingham Palace was one of Tuesday’s highlights to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

Almost 100 planes representing the RAF over the years flew over The Mall following a parade by personnel.

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family saw the display which included the new F-35 fighter and

Spitfires - from the balcony. palace they Earlier the marked centenary at a special service in Westminster Abbey.

The service began what the head of the RAF said would be a “tremendous” day of events to mark its 100 years.

Three F-35 Lightning stealth

fighters were involved in the flypast and 22 Typhoons spelt out 100 as they flew over the palace.

Nine helicopters led the armada, while the Red Arrows brought up the rear.

The aircraft assembled in holding

patterns off the East Anglian coast before merging near Ipswich and flying down the A12 corridor to London. thousand 70 estimated An people gathered on The Mall to watch the parade and fly-past.

Britain NO LAUGHING A BRISTOL distillery that released a 75% ABV vodka range named after the toxic nerve agent Novichok has been heavily criticised for its “tasteless” timing.

In a statement, the company said the vodka was “intended to lighten the mood and ease tensions, not to cause offence, and reaction has been overwhelming positive”.

One person has died and another remains critically ill in hospital after being exposed to the substance in Wiltshire.

Bristol Dry Gin said the release timing of its product “may have sensitivity”. lacked Mother-of-three Dawn Sturgess, 44, fell ill in Amesbury and died on Sunday after she was exposed to a “large dose” of the substance.

Her partner Charlie Rowley, 45, who also came into contact with the nerve agent, remains critically ill in hospital. symptoms Their were the same as those spy ex-Russian of Sergei Skripal and his

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

COMPUTER SAYS NO

MATTER

daughter Yulia, who were poisoned with Novichok in the Salisbury area back in March Bristol Dry Gin said that its Novichok Edition Vodka was a limited range and it would no longer be producing it.

added distillery The that the range, which was promotionally described as “no laughing matter”, had been in development for some time, and was only named and released after the Skripals had recovered.

PAYPAL sent a crass automated letter to a woman who had died of cancer saying her death had breached its rules and that it might take legal action as a consequence.

The firm has since acknowledged that the computer-generated letter was “insensitive”, apologised to her Berkshire widower, and has begun an inquiry into how it came to be sent.

Lindsay Durdle died on 31 May aged 37, and PayPal was informed of her death nearly a month ago by her widower, Howard Durdle.

He provided the online payments service with copies of her death certificate, her will and his ID, as requested.

For his time and effort, Howard got back an automated letter addressed in his wife’s name, sent to his home in

Bucklebury, West Berkshire. It was headlined: “Important: You should read this notice carefully.”

It said that Mrs Durdle owed the company about £3,200 and went on to say: “You are in breach of condition 15.4(c) of your agreement with PayPal Credit as we have received notice that you are deceased... this breach is not capable of remedy.”

PayPal has told Mr Durdle that it is looking into this “as a priority”, and has written off the debt in the meantime.

“We apologise to Mr Durdle for the distress this letter has caused,” a spokesman added.

“We are urgently looking into this matter, and are in direct contact with Mr Durdle to support him.”

19

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Business & Finance

Weekender

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Ex foreign secretary and former Tory Party leader, William Hague, has issued a strong warning to Eurosceptics that they could “endanger everything they’re trying to achieve” if they vote down Theresa May’s Brexit plans.

Lord Hague said the proposals agreed at Chequers last week were “the most that can be achieved within the inevitable and inescapable constraints”.

Being a “romantic on this issue” was “an indulgence not a policy”, he told colleagues.

Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson and Brexit

Secretary, David Davis, both quit over the plans at the start of the week, as the Conservative Party threatens to implode, with serious doubts over whether any Brexit deal can be struck with the EU. The strategy announced after Friday’s meeting at the PM’s Chequers country retreat came after months of cabinet divisions.

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the UK tied closely to EU rules and prevent it from striking its own trade deals in years to come.

But Lord Hague said it was the best available option, and that rebels voting against Theresa May’s plan would endanger everything they are trying to achieve as Brexiteers.

This could mean Brexit being delayed, a change of government or a second referendum, he said.

“It would be hard to say at this moment what the consequences would be, but the consequences would be very serious for delivering Brexit,” he said.

SPAIN is missing several ecological and climate change targets set by the EU and agreed on by all members. One of the key issues here has been that as the economy grows, greenhouse gas emissions increase something that has been happening again during the recent recovery. Emissions grew by 4.4% last year, the biggest rise since 2002, also a strong year for

by Simon Russell

the economy. Increased car ownership, more use of transport generally and increases in heavy industry are all factors.

The Spanish government has also blamed the hot weather, which is a cause of emission but they have been warned that the weather alone cannot be used as an excuse.

A report sent by the

last government to the EU conceded it would struggle to meet 2030 ecological targets. While the new socialist government is more open to greener solutions, the targets may still be difficult to achieve.

Some sources are saying that radical climate change legislation may have to be introduced, although there are concerns about slowing down the countries’ fragile economic recovery.

Top businessman dies in freak accident THE president of the company which is a principal shareholder in one of Spain’s biggest hotel chains has died after falling from a wall in France. Wang Jian was on holiday in Avignon when he climbed a low wall to improve his view for a photograph. He stumbled and fell over ten metres the other side of the wall, landing on rocks and dying at the scene.

by Simon Russell

Chinese national Mr Wang was co-founder as well as president of HNA Group, one of the world’s largest financial conglomerates.

They are major shareholders in Spain’s NH Hotel Group which has nearly 400 hotels.

HNA Group acquired a 30% share of the chain in 2017 which then began

expansion

within

China.

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

21

Business & Finance

BREXIT CRISIS

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According to some of the reports in the papers Theresa May is being given one week to come up with a new Brexit plan or face a vote of no confidence in her leadership, it’s taken exactly 2 years for her government to achieve nothing with regards to Brexit. They seem to have little regard for the 10´s of millions their infighting is affecting, all they are all interested in is feathering their own nests and putting their own personal ambitions and egotism first.

What UK politics needs is a breath of fresh air, at the moment there is NO party and NO MP that isn’t tainted by this old world order, that isn’t controlled by the Elites, a group of people who have no understanding of the way the world should work to benefits the masses, only how they want it to work to make them, the 1%, richer and more powerful.

The Elite control all of the UK media, they have effectively gagged them and

the BBC has become a mouthpiece for government policy with no independence anymore. Things need to change and fast, otherwise the UK will become the laughing stock of the World, if it isn´t already!

The sad thing is, as stated above, the incompetence affects us all. Expat pensioners who rely on UK pensions are being affected by the poor exchange rate. Savers with UK savings accounts are unlikely to see an interest rate that beats inflation for the next 5 to 10 years, so effectively their money is losing its value day on day. Investors, especially cautious ones are losing out as the returns on cautious assets, like cash, government bonds, fixed income etc are to put it bluntly abysmal.

To achieve any sort of return on money people are having to invest more and more in equites, which by their nature are more volatile and risky, and if they

choose a multi-currency portfolio there is the added nightmare of foreign exchange risk. All this is not necessarily a bad thing, but this is where you need the help of an experienced Investment Adviser or Financial Advice company, that has been working in the industry for decades (not just a few years). They will then have the knowledge needed to cover all aspects of the business, from retail banking, investment banking, corporate banking, capital markets and equity trading to derivatives and beyond.

Now is the time people need to wake up, challenge and make and embrace change with regards to the established and broken world order and their personal wealth and wellbeing. Its true money can’t buy happiness but without it in today’s world you are stuffed!

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If you would like any advice on pensions, savings or investments please contact me by email christina.brady@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330. Website: www.blacktowerfm.com The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

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22

FRIDAY 29TH JUNE 2018

Pets & Wildlife

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Got stress? Bringing your pet to work can help

PUPPIES & KITTIES NEEDING HOMES Seven puppies, 2 boys and 5 girls, have been found and are in the care of ARC. They are approximately 7 to 8 weeks old.

They have all been wormed, treated for fleas, and had their 1st injections.

All gorgeous playful little guys with their own personalities.

MOOEY

He is now 9 months old. He was found when he was 6 weeks old in a suitcase, together with 6 brothers and sisters and his mum. They had been dumped by the basura bins.

Mooey is the last of the litter and really needs his own forever home.

He is very playful and loves attention. He has a sweet nature, is gentle and will make a lovely pet.

Also, many other dogs, cats & kittens needing homes. No adoption fee but a donation is always appreciated.

(BPT) - If you’ve ever their co-workers could use felt tense, anxious or simply some relief. unable to relax while performing your job, you’re To the delight of far from alone. animal lovers everywhere, awareness of the physical, A recent survey by the mental and emotional toll American Institute of Stress taken by stress is leading found 80 percent of U.S. progressive employers to workers across industries create take-your-pet-to-work have felt stress in the programs. For example, for workplace; nearly half say the past 20 years Purina has they could use help dealing encouraged its associates to with it and 42 percent said bring their pets to work, and

Food and donations also urgently needed and can be left at ARC’s charity shop on Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between 10 am & 1.30 pm Monday to Saturday.

Contact Tel No Sally:- 625 985 689 or Jayne:- 649 310 285.

Email jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk.

Facebook – Jalon Valley A.R.C. Based in Jalon.

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in a typical week hundreds of survey participants wish their dogs and cats enjoy spending workplace would institute a time with their owners at the pet-friendly policy. pet food maker’s St. Louis campus. * They can alleviate loneliness: Eight in 10 “Pets bring a wealth of employees who can bring benefits - both physical and pets to work say that activity emotional - to pet owners makes them feel more happy, and their families, so it’s no relaxed and sociable. That’s surprise those same benefits partly because talking about also apply to the workplace pets can be an ice breaker, and employees,” notes Dr. making it easier for people to Kurt Venator, Purina’s chief approach co-workers and get veterinary officer. “Whether to know them better. a pet helps provide a calming sense during a challenging * They can promote situation or encourages physical activity: Many employees to take a walk employees spend breaks and during their lunch break, lunchtime playing with their here at Purina we experience pets or taking them for walks, the benefits of pets at work boosting their own aerobic every day, and want others to activity at the same time. as well.” * They can increase As more and more pets’ happiness: Rather than companies adopt a pets-at- staying home waiting for work policy, consider these their owners to arrive, pets facts based on a recent get to socialize with new Purina report about the many people, play with other pets advantages of such programs: and enjoy more activity.

Nearly nine of 10 people in * They can benefit health: the survey agree that bringing Pet-employee interaction has their pets to work strengthens been shown to reduce the owner-pet bonding. employees’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels in In light of the proven addition to alleviating benefits, Purina encourages anxiety. other employers to consider allowing pets in the * They can improve workplace. A toolkit with tips employee retention: Sixty- and information is provided three percent of employees in at Purina.com. pet-friendly workplaces say they’re very satisfied with “Our goal with our their work environments - report is to continue to raise nearly twice as many as awareness of the benefits those in other workplaces. of taking pets to work and In fact, respondents rank to arm employees and the option of bringing employers with insights pets at work as the second that can help facilitate petmost-valuable employee friendly environments within perk - more valuable than their companies,” notes Dr. free coffee and parking. Venator.

Overall, three in five

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23

Beauty and Fashion

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4 Traits to Look for When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer (BPT) - Planning a wedding is no small task. In order to enjoy the process (and stay sane), it’s important to recognize early on which details can be decided quickly, and which ones deserve more time and care.

their list. Feel free to explore your options, and browse local guides and websites for the ones that have strong portfolios that speak to you.

As you look, pay attention to mood, style and facial expressions. Skilled and experienced photographers should have a strong and varied When it comes to wedding wedding day collection. photos, you can’t go wrong with a little extra time and thought, 2. They help you think through because there’s no such thing as a the day. A good listener who takes do-over. Choosing the right person a genuine interest in your plans for the job makes all the difference and makes sure you feel elated with in getting that collection of photos their work - is always a good sign. you’ll treasure forever.

Things like venue, lighting, time of day, the number of people you want When your special day rolls to capture, number of settings and around, a professional photographer the itinerary are just a few factors will have the skill and artistry in they need to consider to plan and capturing those beautiful candid organize the shoot. If you’re not moments as well as the more formal sure about something, ask their portraits. Here are some traits to opinion. A professional will give look for during your search that you an honest assessment along signal you’re in good hands. with lots of suggestions so you enjoy your special day and capture 1. A portfolio you love. Your those priceless images. venue may have a list of “preferred professionals” to choose from, but 3. Something just clicks. And don’t feel obligated to stick with it’s not just the shutter. Bad puns

aside, keep in mind you’re going to be spending the day with your photographer. In fact, you could very well be spending more time with the photographer than anyone else - even with your beloved.

Don’t skip the in-person, face-toface meeting when planning your special day. You want to be sure this is someone who makes you both feel open and relaxed, so trust your gut feeling.

4. They’re the complete package.

A professional will complete the time-consuming (and sometimes overwhelming) task of sorting through hundreds of shots for you and put their skills to work in editing the images. What you should get is

a collection of hand-picked images, all perfectly edited, cropped and toned, so they capture the best moments and emotions of the day.

The one bearing the camera has a great responsibility: They are recording the first pages of history for your new family. To make

sure you find the one that has the experience and the flair the day calls for, a professional photographer is always the right call. Start your search with the Professional Photographers of America by visiting FindAPhotographer.com/ WeddingPhotos.

24

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Motoring

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Honda Jazz The Honda Jazz is something of an unsung hero among small hatches. Unfairly derided for its sensible image and traditionally more ‘mature’ owner - the average buyer age is over 60 - the Jazz has never quite had the appeal of the likes of the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta.

But maybe this third generation Jazz - complete with a Sport model - is finally changing that.

This Jazz takes all the strengths of its predecessor - namely clever packing, an incredibly practical interior and Tardis-like amounts of space - and builds on them to create one of the best small hatches on sale.

It does of course retain Honda’s ingenious ‘magic seats’ that fold and flip in various configurations to allow you to carry surprisingly large items - like plants, upright vacuum cleaners

and bikes. Yet there’s even more interior room, a larger boot and plenty of clever little touches to make everyday life easier. In fact, it has the room and versatility to shame much larger cars.

It has the feel of a much bigger car on the motorway too, with high comfort levels and a relaxed nature. Honda has managed to make the Jazz much better in corners too, with lots of grip and nicely weighted steering. There have also been big improvements to the interior quality and finish, while this Jazz is also one of the most refined small cars around with little road noise and a superbly forgiving ride.

Most Jazz models are powered by a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which does lack low down response as it’s not turbocharged. But it has more than enough power for the little Jazz and is very

All change at the pumps SPANISH petrol

by Simon Russell stations are set to change their labelling of all types inside the fuel tank that you of fuel from October under are putting in the right stuff. new EU regulations. The current “gasoline 95” and so on you see at the pumps are to be replaced with symbols and labels. All petrol will be shown with a round symbol, diesel with a square, and gaseous fuels, such as LPG, with a diamond.

Written within the shape will be numbering and lettering relating to the exact type of fuel. All new cars produced from 12 October, when the new regulations take effect, will have a corresponding label in and on the fuel tank.

Hopefully when you fill up it will be clear from the symbol on the nozzle and

Refuelling abroad (and within the EU) will also be easier, with no translation necessary.

quiet. It also works very well with both the standard six-speed manual or the optional CVT automatic.

Since 2018, Jazz buyers have also been able to opt for a 1.5-litre petrol engine in Sport trim.

A clear attempt to attract younger buyers, the Sport features a red stripe on the front, sporty side skirts and a rear spoiler. Gloss black 16inch alloys are standard, while orange stitching adds a touch of sportiness to the interior.

Like the 1.3, the 1.5 is a naturally-aspirated engine. This means it needs to be worked hard compared to turbocharged rivals, but enthusiastic drivers might enjoy building the revs. Indeed, the Jazz Sport is a surprisingly fun car to drive, as long as you’re not expecting instant thrills.

The one thing the Jazz is not is cheap.

New prices start north of £14,000 for the entry

S model which is decently equipped, but an SE model with the CVT gearbox will set you back close to £17,000. At £17,280, the Sport model undercuts rivals like the 140PS Ford Fiesta ST-Line and 150PS Seat Ibiza FR, but we suspect the target audience would rather pay a premium for the extra performance - not to mention stronger image - of rivals.

But the Jazz is well equipped for that money and comes with pretty much all the extras you will ever need. Add in its big car feel along with a high quality finish and the Honda starts to justify its higher price tag. Plus of course no other small car offers as much interior space and practicality as the Jazz - helped by its clever ‘magic seats’. It’s simply the most versatile small car on sale and one that’s easy to recommend.

Auto Mart Benissa Ctra Nacional N-332, Partida Bonaire 60 Opposite Benissa Motorway Entrance info@automartbenissa.com Mon to Fri 9.30 –19.00 Saturday 10.00–14.00

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Once you have bought your car we can deliver it to your door free of charge (max. 150kms) from either our Benissa or La Nucia dealership.

BUYING a Car includes: 1 year’s warranty ITV and full check Road tax paid for the year Name and transfer plus paperwork Part-exchange welcome

SELLING a Car SEAT IBIZA ST 1.4 STYLE YEAR 2010 1400CC, 85 HP MANUAL, PETROL 89,000 KM 7,995€

TOYOTA Auris 2.0D-4D Luna Year 2008 2000cc, 125 hp Manual, Diesel 98,000 km 7,995€

MERCEDES-BENZ B180 CDI Autotronic - W245 Year 2011 2000cc, 110 hp Automatic, Diesel 132,000 km 12,995€

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Car transfers processed within 7 days Proof of ownership transfer provided

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26

Motoring

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Services

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

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FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

ITV’S ENGLAND WINNER

Sport

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ENGLAND’S semi-final defeat in the World Cup pulled in the biggest UK TV peak audience on record overtaking the high of the Olympics 2012 closing ceremony.

The 2-1 loss to Zlatko Dalic’s side peaked with 26.6m (84%) at 9.30pm for ITV as the Croatians scored their winning goal in extra time.

The performance propelled the match

ahead of BBC1’s coverage of the London Olympics closing ceremony in Stratford, which reeled in a high of 26m (78.4%).

However, across its near four-hour runtime, the football could not match the 2012 event’s average of 24.4m.

The semi-final was well ahead of the average of 15.8m who tuned in to BBC1 to watch the quarter-final

victory against Sweden on Saturday.

However that game, which got under way at 2.45pm, attracted in a larger audience share of 80.2%.

The semi-final was ITV’s best performing game of the tournament, up on the peak audience of 24.4m (80.1%) who saw England triumph over Colombia in their first knockout game earlier this month.

Rashford's tribute

MARCUS RASHFORD has thanked England manager Gareth Southgate on behalf of the entire nation for bringing belief and love to England during their World Cup campaign.

Rashford was brought on

as a second half substitute in Wednesday’s clash with Croatia, but couldn’t help England win the game.

At full-time, the Manchester United forward was face down in tears on the pitch.

But as the dust started to settle on Thursday morning, Rashford tweeted: “You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you boss from the whole nation.”

Kyle Walker also took to

social media the next day, tweeting: “We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive, or to divide than to unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.”

BRING ON FRANCE ECSTATIC Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is confident tiredness will not be an issue for his side when they face France in Sunday’s World Cup final despite once again coming through extra time to beat England on Wednesday.

Their biggest concern looking ahead to Sunday’s game is bound to be fatigue, with Croatia having also required extra time and penalties to come through ties against Denmark and hosts Russia in the past two weeks.

“This is fantastic”, said Dalic. “Two players played

with half a leg, but it didn’t show. In extra-time nobody wanted to be substituted.

This shows character and is what makes me proud.

Nobody gave up,” said Dalic, whose team have played the equivalent of one match more than the French.

“We prepared to get to the final and we want to play it.

Going to extra-time might be a problem along with the fact France have had an extra day to recover but there will be no excuses,” he added.

“We have to play as if this were the first game in this tournament.”

DESCHAMPS DELIGHT

FRANCE’S World Cup final showdown against Croatia this Sunday will give a chance to erase the pain of Euro 2016, according to Didier Deschamps, who believes his players can write “the most beautiful page” in the football history of their country.

Deschamps was in charge when France, favoured to win their home tournament, lost in the final to Portugal.

After his side beat Belgium on Tuesday to earn their shot at a second world title, he explained the experience made their present achievement feel even sweeter.

“I was there two years ago with my staff,” Deschamps said.

“It was so painful we really want to taste the victory against Belgium. It’s not nothing to win the semi-final of the World Cup after losing the final of the Euros. It’s sport, we have this privilege to give happiness to the French people and the public.”

ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE SPANISH TIME

Friday 13th July Tennis - Wimbledon 2018 - BBC 2 - 13:30 Golf - Scottish Open 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 11:30 Cycling - Tour de France 2018 - Eurosport 1 - 11:45 Golf - John Deere Classic 2018 - Sky Sports Golf 22:00 Saturday 14th July Cycling - Tour de France 2018 - ITV 4 - 10:30 Tennis - Wimbledon 2018 - BBC 2 - 12:00 Golf - Irish Open 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 13:30 MotoGP - German Grand Prix - Qualifying 1 - BT Sport 2 - 14:10 Football - FIFA World Cup - Belgium v England - ITV 1 - 16:00 Golf - Scottish Open 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 16:00 Golf - John Deere Classic 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 21:00 Boxing - Pacquiao vs Matthysse - BoxNation - 22:00 Boxing - Tyron Zeuge v Rocky Fielding - Sky Sports Arena - 22:00 Sunday 15th July Tennis - Wimbledon 2018 - BBC 2 - 12:00 MotoGP - German Grand Prix - Race - BT Sport 2 - 14:00 Golf - Scottish Open 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 16:00 Golf - John Deere Classic 2018 - Sky Sports Golf - 21:00 Football - Europa League - KF Shkupi v Rangers - BT Sport Ex - 17:55

Formula One Remaining Races 22 July - Hockenheim - Germany 29 July - Budapest Hungary 26 August - Spa - Belgium 2 September - Monza - Italy 16 September - Singapore - Singapore 30 September - Sochi Russia 7 October - Suzuka - Japan 21 October - Austin - USA 28 October - Mexico City -Mexico 11 November - Sao Paulo - Brazil 25 November - Yas Marina - Abu Dhabi

31

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Bienvenido Enrique!

Sport

ARRIVEDERCI RONALDO!

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Ex-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was appointed as Spain’s manager on Monday, with a two-year contract.

The 48-year-old former Spain midfielder replaced Fernando Hierro, who quit as interim boss on Sunday.

Hierro - who is not returning to his old role as sporting director - was placed in temporary charge of the team after the controversial sacking of Julen Lopetegui just two days before Spain’s first match in the World Cup. Enrique has been out of management since leaving the Nou Camp in June last year.

Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales said: “The decision was unanimous. I like his commitment and he has turned down better-paid jobs in order to coach Spain.”

“He’s a coach who has all the requirements the federation was looking for.”

He takes charge of a team that were knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage

by Alex Trelinski

on penalties by hosts Russia.

Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, won the La Liga, El Copa del Rey, and the Champions League

treble as Barca boss in 2015.

His first game in charge will be a UEFA Nations League game away to England at Wembley on 8 September.

Former national keeper, Jose Francisco Molina, will be the new sporting director.

Roger and out

WIMBLEDON will see a debutant in this Sunday men’s singles final after Wednesday’s drama-filled quarters, which saw the shock exit of hot favourite, Roger Federer.

The Swiss ace was seemingly cruising into today’s semifinals as he had match point in the third set against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson.

by Alex Trelinski

He missed that chance, and then it all went wrong for Federer, as Anderson gave it his all all to come back from the dead, and he won an exciting 90 minute fifth-set decider.

That set up this afternoon’s clash with fellow big server, the tall American, John Isner, who also

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has switched from Spain to Italy, by joining Juventus, and in one of the most lucrative player deals ever.

A deal worth 112m euros was reached this week between the two clubs that has seen the Portuguese striker sign a four-year deal with the Italian champions.

Ronaldo, 33, won four Champions League titles in his nine years at Real.

“The time has come

produced a surprise by defeating 2016 finalist, Milos Raonic.

It’s going to be unknown territory for the towering Yank, who at the age of 33, has reached his first-ever Grand Slam semi, which means a debut Wimbledon final beckons for him or Anderson.

The winners of that clash will go into Sunday’s match as the underdog, as they will meet the

by Alex Trelinski

to open a new stage in my life, that’s why I asked the club to accept transferring me,” he said.

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United for £80m in July 2009 and scored a club-record 450 goals and won the Ballon D’Or - awarded to the world’s best footballer - in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

“For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of

victor of today’s mouth-watering showdown between world number one, Rafa Nadal, and the returningto-top form Novak Djokovic.

The Serb brushed aside Kei Nishikori to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final since 2015, as he appears to have recovered his old spirit, following his injury problems.

Nadal won a five-set thriller

the great symbols,” said a club statement.

“Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football.”

Ronaldo added:- “I only have feelings of enormous gratitude for this club, for its fans and for this city. I can only thank all of them for the love and affection I have received.”

against lanky Argentinian, Juan Martin del Potro, that lasted the best part of five hours, and was an absolute Centre Court treat.

Not many people would have seen it because of a certain World Cup football match, but the deciding set was a classic, with the Spaniard’s resilience making him the new favourite, as he tries to lift his third Wimbledon title.

32

FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2018

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport THE PRIDE OF LIONS

FOOTBALL isn’t coming home just yet for England, but there was a set of images following Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Croatia that will live long in my mind, and they typified how far the side has come in a short space of time.

England boss Gareth Southgate worked his way round every single distraught player and squad member, handing out hugs and consoling words in a manner that negative flops like Fabio Capello

by Alex Trelinski

and Sven-Göran Eriksson never came close to doing.

Of course it was a case of what might have been after a first half which should have seen England get more than just one goal, but you have to take stock of the immense achievements of an unfancied young team that has seen genuine pride and interest return to supporters for the first time since the nineties.

A reality check also

has to be that a chance of making it to a World Cup or European Championship final doesn’t come round often, and there will always be that nagging doubt over what might have happened against France this Sunday.

Instead, England and Belgium are involved in a match tomorrow afternoon that none of them want to play, namely the third/ fourth-place play-off.

This fag-end fixture is a piece of nonsense dreamt up by FIFA in the seventies

probably for financial and television purposes. It has as much interest as watching a fly crawl up a wall, but it is what it is, and it will give Southgate’s squad a chance to say farewell to Russia on a winning note.

They should have every reason to be pleased with their efforts, and everybody involved with English football (including the big selfish clubs that put their interests first), should take advantage of a rare opportunity to boost the sport further, with the national side taking pride of place.