The Weekender issue 33

Friday 23rd Febuary

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ISSUE 033

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Your Local Weekender 16 Page Pull Out The Best Local News At Your Fingertips

TRIAL POSTPONED FOR WORLD’S DEADLIEST GANG

By Simon Russell

THE trial in Alicante of 35 members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, organised criminal gang, which was due to start this week, has been delayed to March.

Continued page 6...

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

SEVEN DAY WEEKENDER

General Enquiries

TIMES they are a-changing for expats and things will never quite be the same again come March next year and the parting of the ways between the UK and the remaining 27 EU countries, including our Spanish hosts. Life will certainly go on and amidst the scaremongering, British people making their homes in the sun will still be welcome on these shores.

British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris and her team were out and about in north Alicante this week keeping people up to speed with Brexit negotiations.

The most important piece of advice for people planning to live here in Spain is to get legal, that is sign on the local town hall register - the ‘padron’ - (or check they are still listed!) and to make sure they are registered as resident. Simples.

It was good to see town mayors at the meeting continuing to extend the hand of friendship to us British incomers. Many councils in the post referendum world actually passed motions calling for the rights of British expats - and those of Spaniards living in the UK - to be protected. These were sent on to the respective authorities in London and Madrid.

Crime is usually fairly low key on the Costas and

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Jack Troughton Editor - The Weekender

Media Director

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Marco Baiardo

in general people feel safe living in this part of the world and walking the not so mean streets. However, sadly, from time to time there is an upsurge in bad guy activity - usually burglaries. In recent days this has seen a spate of crime at domestic homes in the north of the Marina Alta and a well-catalogued series of crimes involving restaurants and bars in Javea.

And it appears ‘hugger muggers’ are back. These are a classic distraction crime and usually involve a seeming damsel in distress appealing for help.

When a innocent big-hearted person stops to help out they are rewarded with a huge show of emotion, hugs, even kisses and a grateful shaking of hands.

Only afterwards do victims realise something is awry and they have been turned over.

These people are professional thieves. They can easily make off with a wristwatch or jewellery from the unwary. Stay alert, be safe and be careful out there!

Marco Baiardo Jr.

Senior Reporter

Adam King

adamking@weekender.news

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23 February

Simon Russell

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

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British Consul listens to expats

By Jack Troughton

Continued from front page.

I can only tell you what has been agreed for those people already living here,” said Mrs Morris.

She said at the conclusion of the first stage of negotiations between the EU 27 and the UK government there was a “commitment”

over citizens’ rights – and British expats remained EU citizens until March 2019.

Mrs Morris said people should complete official paperwork so they knew where they stood. “If you are living in Spain and this is where you want your home to be, get yourself registered now.

“We all have the same

goal, to make sure if you are resident you can be on the radar and above board – if you want to stay in Spain after we exit the EU, get your paperwork in order now.”

She said areas already agreed included healthcare for people already living in Spain; either pensioners being supported by the UK government or working

people contributing to the system; and pensions were safeguarded including any annual “uplift” or increase.

Mrs Morris also advised going to an official source for information and the latest news regarding Brexit on the government website ‘gov.uk’, rather than the “rumour mill”.

People also underlined their frustrations at not being able to vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum or general elections because they were barred by the current 15-year rule – although they were assured the UK government was “committed” to a vote for life for expats around the world – and that there was no official body within Parliament to represent them.

Mrs Morris said: “I understand people feel strongly and understandably so...I understand how frustrating it was that you were unable to vote in a referendum that had an impact on your life.”

Richard Hill, of Brexpats in Spain, said along with other campaign groups, the body was fighting for representation in Parliament for British nationals living abroad.

“There are MPs and MEPs we liaise with, but there is no recognised Parliamentary organisation; it has been asked for and refused.”

He said numbers counted to give a “greater voice” to expats. “We are not campaigning against Brexit; we feel with 50% of the country voting for it, it is not our place to campaign against it – and since we need support from people in the UK it would be counterproductive for

us to do so.

“Instead we campaign for the rights of expats... we should have our rights and our lives protected.

We campaign for the ‘withdrawal agreement’ to be ring fenced and pout in concrete. Mrs May is fond of saying ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”

Richard added: “Sensible minds are beginning to prevail and it would be our hope at the end of the day that agreement is reached.”

The latest Brexit updates can be found at www.gov.uk/world/ brexit and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BritsinSpain.

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Strike for equality

By Jack Troughton

L A B O U R International is backing the call for a general strike by Spanish women next month – marking a demand for equality and an end to gender violence.

The industrial action has been called by the Spanish Women’s Federation for 8th March, International Women’s Day; when more than 100 women’s groups are calling support in a boycott of work, study and consumer activities.

Costa Blanca North’s Labour International voted to back the day of action at this month’s Annual General Meeting. The branch’s secretary Ann Bonner called for support after a Spanish churchman blamed disobedient wives for the problem

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Prank ends in tragedy

By Simon Russell

POLICE have confirmed a young man was killed on the A-7 motorway in the Valencian province while searching for a mobile phone.

Jesus Ferrando Arbona was returning to Valencia City from a party in the early hours of last Sunday morning. During the journey for some reason, probably just a prank, a of domestic violence.

The Spanish Women’s Federation is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has called for the strike as a protest against domestic violence and the murders of women and children.

It follows the Archbishop of Toledo saying last December that a “macho reaction”

friend’s mobile was thrown out of the window; the car driver stopped at the next petrol station so Jesus could go back and look for it.

He went out on the motorway, without a reflective vest, and while walking along the road was knocked over and killed by a van. The emergency services were called but the 22-year-old was declared dead at the scene which

came from “the wife asking for a separation” – his comments caused outrage and sparked calls for the action to highlight the “outmoded” views of the churchman and others.

Winning the support of Labour colleagues, Ann said she believed it was the first time she had heard the call for an “all

was close to the Benifaio junction. His friends were still waiting at the service station unaware of the incident.

The victim was well known in his home town of Carcaixent, described as a good student and an excellent sportsman he was studying for a degree in Sports Activities. He funded this by working as a waiter locally.

out women’s national strike” and prompted by the need to “vent anger”.

And she said: “Spain has long had the reputation for being a macho country; bullfighting and football being seen as its major sports. But look behind the headlines and machismo has a different connotation.”

Pictured is the new Costa Blanca North Labour International committee.

From left, front row: Ann Bonner and Lesley Hall-White; back row: Malcolm Hardy; Tony Lawton and Richard White.

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Evil aunty

By Simon Russell

A 50-year-old Spanish woman was arrested after allegedly trying to sell her 13-year-old niece to a group of men for sexual services. The incident happened in an Alicante City cafĂŠ last week when a witness saw the woman discussing the proposition with three men, accompanied by her young relative.

The National Police

arrived in time to see that the group were still together, and took the woman and her niece into detention, the latter for her own protection.

They gathered statements from all involved and decided to charge the aunt with crimes of prostitution, sexual exploitation and corruption of a minor. They are also keen to establish if this is the first time this has happened.

Fires take their toll

By Matthew Richards

TWO people died in separate incidents after house fires in Alicante

New museum opens

A major new Natural History Museum has opened up in Burjassot in the Valencian province.

The town has a campus of the Valencian University and the new museum,

which has strong links to the University, has been heralded as one of the best and most important in Spain.

Initially there are 32 scientific collections

amounting to thousands of items of great cultural and historic significance.

The museum will also serve as a space for research and training as part of the Valencian

University campus.

The building is over 900 metres square and spread over two floors on its Calle Dr Moliner location. People who attended the inauguration

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included officials from the Generalitat as well as the President of the Spanish Palaeontology Society and directors from other major Spanish museums.

province on 14 February.

In the first incident a man’s body was discovered after fire crews were called to a house in the countryside around La Romana.

The second fatality was in Jesus Pobre (near Javea) when an 87-year-old Spanish man was killed by a fire in the Bisserot area of the small town. He was dead at the scene and his corpse was badly burnt; police are working on the theory that a spark from an open fire set fire to his clothing and the sofa he was sitting on.

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

World’s Deadliest Gang To Go On Trial in Spain 38 members of “Latino mafia” Mara Salvatrucha attempt to settle in Spain

By Simon Russell

The postponement is so that the Chief Prosecutor can examine a plea bargain that would lead to reduced sentences in return for admissions of guilt. Those facing trial are accused of various crimes including drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal possession of weapons, attempted murder, injuries and extortion.

The group, probably the biggest “street gang” in the world, has its roots in El Salvador and has been looking to expand its operation to Spain and Europe. It is believed their main base in Spain is Ibi in Alicante province while they also have groups in Madrid and Barcelona.

The prosecutor has asked for sentences of between 14 and 30 years in prison and at least one of those standing trial is thought to be a very senior member of the organisation.

They started their operations over here by working with legitimate Spanish businesses such

as bars to launder crime money and spread out from there. They have also been accused of the attempted murder of a Romanian who

belonged to a rival gang and also of a witness to a stabbing allegedly carried out by the gang in Alicante Port in 2012.

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

When greed comes to town

By Jack Troughton

SPAIN has opened a fraud investigation after music lovers were left in a spin over the cost of seeing rock superstars U2 in Madrid this year.

Tickets priced between €60 and €70 sold out within 10 minutes – they immediately reappeared on websites promising entrance to the gig for between €200 and €952.

Demand to see the

legendary Irish band soared after the concert was announced – in fact demand was so high the band decided on a second performance - but Inigo Mendez de Vigo, Minister for Education, Culture and Sports has ordered a probe into a suspected pricing scam.

It is some 13 years since U2 rocked the Spanish capital and the official online outlet for sales watched them sell out

only to return on a number of other websites at an inflated cost – described as “evidence” of “abusive sales”.

Speaking in Congress on Wednesday, the minister detailed the measures being taken, including a plan to reach an agreement with Spain’s autonomous regions – which have the legal powers – to introduce legislation against the online resale of tickets.

And he said his

Cult following

By Simon Russell

department had asked the Interior Ministry to look into related activities by the U2 concert promoters Live Nation, TicketMaster and Viagogo.

The authorities maintain that technology has left a “regulatory vacuum”, as current legislation only covers physical reselling and not online sales.

Forgeries seized

By Simon Russell

AN operation by the Historical Heritage team of the Valencian Police has intervened in 36 cases of art forgeries that were on sale around Spain as originals.

The operation started last year and this phase is now

completed as a result of the recent seizures.

Well known Valencian artists and sculptors are among those whose works were copied and fakes were seized in Madrid, Barcelona, Murcia, Seville, Zaragoza, Lliria, Alcoy and Valencia City.

32 people are under investigation with regards to the works which would have fetched about €100,000 if sold. Police forces and art experts across the country worked closely together during the operation which has been judged a success.

VETERAN British rockers The Cult have joined what is shaping up to be a strong line-up at the 4ever Valencia Fest music festival this June. Best known for “She sells Sanctuary” and “Rain” their heavy indierock sound has stood the test of time well since they formed in the 1980’s.

They join electronic dance giants The Prodigy and stadium fillers Simple Minds, one of the biggest bands in the world for a few years in the 1980’s and still making new music. The festival is from 29 to 30 June; more announcements about the line-up are expected soon.

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Crop plague spreading

By Simon Russell

THE Xylella crop virus has been detected in a further 47 plots of almonds across the Alicante province.

These plots cover sixteen different municipalities including Gata, Altea, Benissa and the Jalon Valley.

The worrying news was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and steps will now be taken to ensure

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THE Valencian Community suffers the third highest incidence of cybercrime in Spain, a recent conference about the problem has heard.

The second National Cybersecurity Conference was held in Castellon earlier this month and a speaker confirmed that the region had just over 9,000 instances of online fraud – or cybercrime - last year, 13% of the Spanish total.

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that the virus do not spread any further. This includes treatment with pesticides of a hundred metre block around each infected area and extensive analysis of neighbouring trees. Plants which are confirmed as infected will need to be destroyed by their owners in the presence of a Ministry of Agriculture official.

About a hundred people were arrested for these offences but many more escaped punishment.

Common crimes included unlawful access, sexual crimes, including blackmail, data interference and copyright theft. The conference heard that while arrests are climbing so is the level of offences in what is probably the fastest growing sector of crime in the country. The potential vulnerability of highly sensitive places such as

power stations, airports and manufacturers of chemicals was also highlighted.

As well as industry experts the event was also

attended by representatives from all branches of the police, public officials and municipal computer technicians.

Full steam ahead for ferry giant

By Simon Russell

BALEARIA Ferries, already Alicante’s largest firm by turnover, is expanding further by adding three ships to its fleet.

These include the purchase of the sister ships “Naples” and “Sicily” from Swedish ferry company Stena.

These are both 186 metres long and have capacity for 950 passengers plus 2,000 linear metres of cargo space.

Both vessels scored

high marks in external customer satisfaction surveys with scores of 8.3 out of 10.

The other ferry being purchased is the “Jonathan Swift” from Irish Sea Ferries. This is currently plying a regular route between Dublin and Holyhead and is classed as a “fast ferry”; it can carry 800 passengers and 200 vehicles. The new acquisitions bring Balearias total fleet to 25.

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 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.

Pensions – what’s the value of yours?

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

In all the years that I have been advising people on transferring pensions, I have never seen such astronomical transfer values, especially in the finance, manufacturing and retail industries.

In the past, Final Salary pensions were seen as the ‘gold plated’ pension option, however, over recent years, opinions have changed dramatically.

Many UK schemes have unprecedented levels of debt and transfer offers are at all-time highs. Transferring away from your final salary pension has never been so popular, with 10,000s of applications each year.

It was due to a similar article over a year ago that my client contacted me.

He had worked as a store supervisor in a leading supermarket chain, and had no idea what his pension options were. He was 52 years of age and wanted to

start thinking about when he could retire and what his annual pension would be.

After initially meeting with him, I sent off for a transfer value, and a few weeks later I was sat back in front of him. In short, he could expect an annual pension of £10,200 at the age of 60, or, he could leave the scheme with a pot of £350,000, or approximately 35 times his annual pension.

There are lots of factors that need to be considered before deciding if a transfer is right for you, however, for this client, the high transfer value, along with being able to retire 5 years early, were significant. I was happy to recommend that we move his £350,000 transfer offer into a UK based private pension, and have his pension funds managed by a well-known,

FTSE 100 company.

He would not only have full, flexible access to this pot from 55, but should anything happen to him, his entire pot of £350k would be left to his loved ones, something that his final salary scheme did not offer.

This isn’t an isolated case, I’ve seen pension values, especially from banks, retail and manufacturing companies, as high as 40 times the

annual pension. I will reiterate that it is not always beneficial to transfer your final salary pension, they are very valuable and offer benefits that cannot always be replaced. What I will say, is that requesting a valuation is simple, free and can be life changing.

If you would like to know what your pension transfer value is email me t.storer@chorusfinancial.es

or call 693 107 044.

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Head hunters in trouble

By Simon Russell

MEMBERS of the Guardia Civil were curious after seeing three heads and one stuffed body of Hispanic Goats - or Ibex - in a public baths in Castellon (Valencia).

People need special licences to display and even own

any such trophies from the goats which have distinctive long curved horns.

The case was referred to the SEPRONA animal protection wing of the Guardia and they were able to determine that one of the trophies had no certification.

They are looking into other infractions, including the The Ibex has recovered legality of displaying the its numbers in Spain in dead creatures in a place recent years as its natural that is open to the public. predators such as bears,

AUTHORITIES admitted it was fortunate that no one was hurt after a large part of a ceiling collapsed at the Marina Baixa Hospital

The Iberian ibex, Spanish ibex, Spanish wild goat, or Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica) is a species of ibex with four subspecies. Of these, two can still be found on the Iberian Peninsula, but the remaining two are now extinct. The Portuguese subspecies became extinct in 1892 and the Pyrenean subspecies became extinct in 2000. An ongoing project to clone to the Pyrenean subspecies resulted in one clone being born alive in January 2009. This is the first species to become “un-extinct”, although the clone died a few minutes after birth due to physical defects in lungs.

wolves and eagles have all being hunted both for food but disappeared. They also and as trophy animals - due suffered until recently from to their distinctive horns. over development as well as

Hospital cave in

By Simon Russell

Did you know?

in Villajoyosa last weekend. The cave in occurred on the third floor in a corridor that links offices and the patient’s rooms; ceiling tiles and other equipment such as electrics

crashed to the floor.

The third floor is a busy part of the centre and has the cardiology, neurology and internal medicine facilities based in the area. It is actually a relatively new part of the hospital and technicians are investigating what

caused the collapse while the area affected has been closed off for the time being. As recently as 2016 there was a similar incident in one of the laboratories and though again there were no injuries it caused serious disruption of certain procedures.

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THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018

NO FINGER LICKING AT KFC

KENTUCKY Fried Chicken – the popular fast-food chain commonly known as KFC – was forced to close more than half of its UK outlets when it ran out of a key ingredient...chicken.

The fried chicken chain blamed “operational issues” for supply problems and the disruption after switching its delivery contract and running into teething troubles.

And the change sparked problems with KFC admitting team were working “flat out” to get restaurants open and back up to speed, even opening an internet site to guide ‘fans’ to a fingerlicking treat.

On social media site Twitter and apologised for the inconvenience, KFC said: “The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants.

“We’ve brought a new delivery partner onboard, but they’ve had a couple of teething problems - getting fresh chicken out to 900 restaurants across the country is pretty complex.

“We won’t compromise on quality, so no deliveries have meant some of our restaurants are closed, and others are operating a limited menu or shortened hours.”

One customer, mum Claire said she was surprised when she went out with

Back In

her children at the weekend.

“We went on Saturday night to our local KFC in Luton and queued for about 20 minutes in the drive-thru, about 15 cars in the queue, and when we got to the actual counter and asked for our standard family bucket, we were told there was no chicken,” she said.

“The kids, who are nine-year-old twins, they wanted chicken and clearly it wasn’t available, so we said there’s nothing available that we wanted, and we then had the joy of queuing to get back out again.”

FASHION’S CROWNING GLORY LONDON Fashion Week won a royal seal of approval when The Queen appeared on the famous front row for the first time.

Wearing a duck egg blue dress and jacket, she sat adjacent to the catwalk with Vogue’s editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour, watching the show of designer Richard Quinn.

Afterwards the Her Majesty awarded the designer the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design – Richard Quinn was selected for the award for his use of bold prints and marks “Exceptional talent and originality”.

And speaking from the runway at the end of the show, the Queen said: “Our fashion industry has been renowned for outstanding craftsmanship for many years and continues to produce worldclass textiles and cutting edge, practical designs.”

The British Fashion Council chief Caroline Rush said it was a “true honour” to have the monarch at the show, describing the Queen as a “fashion icon” who worked with “incredible designers”.

Britain BEATRIX POTTER COINS IT

NEW 50p coins being issued by the Royal Mint feature some of Beatrix Potter’s favourite characters including Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tittlemouse and Flopsy Bunny.

The coins will enter circulation for a limited time later this year and coloured collectable versions will be available to buy for either £10 or £60.

The coins will be added to the Beatrix Potter collection, launched in 2016 to commemorate 150 years since the author‘s birth.

The Peter Rabbit coin went on sale on the Royal Mint’s website this week, while the other three designs will go on sale later this year. They recreate handpainted illustrations from the author’s evergreen children’s stories.

Commemorative coins featuring some of Potter’s other favourite creations first went on sale two years ago and included a different Peter Rabbit design, as well as Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle.

THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Anne Jessopp, from the Royal Mint, said the range had “grown in popularity since Peter Rabbit was first introduced onto UK coins in 2016”.

She added: “Since then, Peter Rabbit has been joined by a number of furry friends throughout the years.

“This year we are delighted to present another group of Beatrix’s characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”

Church marriage plan CHURCH spires and towers could be used to boost mobile phone and broadband coverage in country communities in an agreement between the government and the Church of England.

Westminster has committed to achieving good quality connectivity across the UK by 2022 and churches could provide a solution – but would still need to satisfy local planning regulations.

Two thirds of Anglican churches are in rural areas and their location in the heart of populations across the country means they are well-placed to play a role, says the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Secretary of State Matt Hancock said: “Churches are central features and valued assets for local communities up and down the country.

“This agreement with the Church of England will mean that even a 15th Century building can help Britain fir for the future, improving people’s lives by boosting connectivity in some of our hardest to reach areas.”

According to the Church of England there are already around 120 examples of digital services being delivered from parish churches and include wireless transmitters to aerials, satellite dishes and cables.

According to Ofcom figures last December, 43% of the UK receives 4G coverage; while 70% of the country can receive a signal for calls and text messaging.

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Out & About

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

No criminal mastermind

By Simon Russell

POLICE did not have too much trouble tracking down a burglar in Elche after the suspect had left his identification card behind in the house they had robbed. The youth had been caught in the act when the house owner returned home, and fled via a window and balcony. The victim could see where the suspect had gone and could also see items of her furniture in the dwelling opposite.

The police were called and a swift search of the burgled home found the thief’s DNI card by the window where he had escaped. They went to the

house where he lived and found the items of furniture listed as missing. He was part of a gang of two men and two women who it is believed are responsible for

Vigilante dad

By Matthew Richards

A father faces arrest after he posed as his daughter on social media to confront a man who had

allegedly been stalking her on-line. Walter Rodriguez became aware that a 29-year-old called German Acosta had been sending his 11-year-old daughter

increasingly sexual and aggressive messages on WhatsApp. Rather than report the incident he opted to take over his daughters WhatsApp

Kidnapped, starved and assaulted

By Simon Russell

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Valencia charged with serious ill treatment of his wife who had been forbidden to leave their house for a month. The National Police had received a tip off on the 091 number and entered the residence in the Maratim area of the city.

They found a woman, dressed in pyjamas and obviously distressed. She said she had been attacked by her husband and had barely been fed for a month. She had been forced against her will into having sex and had bruises covering her body. They tracked the man down to the restaurant where he worked and arrested him the same day. He has been charged with illegal detention, abuse and gender violence and has been detained.

account and, when Acosta arranged to meet his daughter, Walter went along himself instead.

When there he confronted the stalker and beat him, posting images of the bloodied man on social media including Facebook.

However police say that

the attacker should have informed them rather than taking matters into his own hands and have charged him with assault.

The stalker, Acosta, has also been charged with cyber-bullying and may face further charges due to the child involved being a minor.

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Let it rain

By Simon Russell

THE recent heavy rain has been welcome for the local reservoirs but they are still desperately short of water. In fact it has been calculated that the Community would need seven months of continual rain just to replenish the reservoirs to February 2017 levels.

The overall level is 26% of capacity or 634 cubic hectometres down from 862 a year ago.

The recent week of downpours added just 8 hectometres, a significant amount but still leaving a long way to go. Many parts of the Valencian Community are now experiencing official drought conditions and the foundations of a National Water Pact are being prepared to help address the issues.

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

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Business & Finance

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PRUDENT INVESTING Despite these uncertain times, there are some investment options that can help to reduce volatility.

Mutual funds offer diversification and are therefore less volatile than individual stocks.

By Christina Brady

BLACKTOWER Financial Management

As stocks markets have recently fallen nearly 10% from their peak in January, there seems to be a correction taking place. It could signify a volatile period for global markets after what was a relatively calm and upbeat start to 2018. Approximately $5 trillion was wiped off the value of global equity markets from Feb. 1 to Feb. 9.

There are many Mutual funds available, and they are an actively managed basket of stocks, shares, commodities etc. which ensures that the investor is not exposed to higher risk. This is because they have a diversification of holdings.

They generally hold a large number or stocks, shares etc., with each holding only comprising a small percentage of the portfolio.

Individual stocks can be bought by any investor through a brokerage, and unless a diverse portfolio is created and managed you will be exposed directly to the

performance of those company holdings.

Investors holding shares in Carillion recently would unfortunately attest to that.

Investors of Mutual Funds should also allow a longer time frame, in terms of years (generally 5 years or more), to observe steady growth and make adjustments when necessary – but be mindful of set fees and expenses such as the fund manager’s fee, a frontend load upon initial purchase, a back-end load upon sale, as well as early redemption charges. Your financial adviser should be able to explain any fees and select funds that offer the best value taking into account your attitude to risk.

Investing in a single company can be a high risk, high reward affair - investing £1000 in a company could either result in

a complete loss of the principal capital or an exponential increase of the investment, something which could not occur in the slower, steadier world of mutual funds.

In Spain, expats are able to invest in Mutual Funds via a Spanish Compliant Bond.

These are available to Spanish residents and are offered by some of the well-known, established insurance companies.

Funds are held in Sterling or Euros outside of Spain. They offer “gross roll up” i.e. Tax-free growth, and you are only taxed on the profit element of any withdrawal. They are tax efficient for Spain and exempt from the Modelo 720 declaration.

If you would like to arrange an independent, professional and impartial review of your pensions and finances, please contact

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower

me by email christina.brady@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 . Website: www. blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound independent advice, we will be by your side both now and in the future.

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.

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.

Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Business & Finance

Jack talks

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Arsenal and Emirates

By Jack Troughton

Sponsored By

By Jack Troughton

BRITAIN will not dive into a post-apocalyptic ‘Mad Max’ world after Brexit but will aim to lead a global race “to the top”, insists Secretary of State David Davis.

The UK’s lead negotiator was hitting back at critics painting a dark (Hollywood) future for the country after it quits the European Union in March next year.

The Mad Max franchise – featuring actor Mel Gibson in the dark futuristic action movies – portrays the collapse of a civilised society into a lawless world.

Mr Davis, making one of the key speeches targeted at uniting the UK over its departure from the EU, said the country was aiming for the top and reassured people Brexit deal was “well on the cards” before the end of the year.

He believes future trade arrangement can be agreed between the UK and its current 27 partners although Britain will be outside the single market and customs union.

The politician, speaking in Vienna to Austrian business leaders, said it was achievable if both sides recognised each other’s standards and promised the UK would “continue our track record” of setting the bar high.

And he hit back at critics invoking some sort of apocalypse. “They fear that Brexit could lead to an AngloSaxon race to the bottom; with Britain plunged into a Mad Max-style world borrowed from dystopian fiction.”

Hitting back at those predicting such a dismal future, he added: “These fears about a race to the bottom are based on nothing; not our history, not our intentions, not our national interest.

“But while I profoundly disagree with those who spread such fears – it does remind us all that we must provide reassurance.”

He believes the UK could never prosper by becoming cheaper than China or having more resources than Brazil but by maintaining its standards could boom through open trade and fair competition.”

And Mr Davis said both sides in Brexit needed to trust each other’s regulations and the bodies charged with regulation; allowing an “even handed approach” beneficial to the authorities armed with a “common set of principles.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has also had to move beyond ‘Mad Max:

Beyond the Thunderdrome’ – the blockbuster featuring Tina Turner in a bid to placate her back benches.

She has received a letter signed by 62 MPs of the European Research Group – led by the man of the moment Jacob Rees-Mogg – insisting she make a clean break with the EU. They demand that the UK must not be halted in its quest to negotiate new trade deals once it has left the bloc and must take full “regulatory autonomy.”

The letter calls for the Prime Minister to ensure Britain is able to change its own laws without a rubber stamp from Brussels from the moment it leaves the EU and also calls for negotiating freedom during the two-year transition period.

And the MPs demand a hero to resist the EU timetable. The letter said: “The UK should negotiate as an equal partner. Ministers may not want or be able to accept the EU’s timing and mandates as fixed and should be able to set out alternative terms including, for example, building an agreement based on our World trade Organisation membership instead.”

The letter arrives on the back of new forecasts for the UK’s future; far from the ‘gloom’ painted by the remainers; figures used by key Brexiteers promise something far more prosperous.

However, Mrs May needs the support of all Tory politicians after the snap election last year took away her clear majority and needing the support of the DUP in Northern Ireland.

There has been compromise – even within her Cabinet – but the Prime Minister is conscious of needing the support of her party.

The opposition believes the letter from the backbench shows “the deep divisions” at the heart of the government and accuses Mrs May of being unable to secure the deal Britain needs.

Labour said she was ”too weak” to face down the “fanatics” and secure a final agreement protecting British jobs and its economy.

With formal negotiations starting again next month, it is hoped a new hero can end this ongoing anarchy – possibly with a hit Brexit single?

PREMIER League club Arsenal and international airline Emirates have agreed five-years extra time to their long running shirt sponsorship deal – an agreement believed to be worth over £200 million.

The Emirates brand will now appear on the kit of all Arsenal teams until the end of the 2023-34 season and see the partnership between the club and the airline stretch to at least 18 years.

The sponsorship contract is the largest signed by the London-based club and overtakes the previous Arsenal

record with Japanese electronics firm JVC, which lasted 17 years, from 1981 to 1999.

“Our shirt partnership is the longest running in the Premier League and one of the longest relationships in world sport,” said Arsenal chief

executive Ivan Gazidis.

He said that the new agreement would see “significantly increased investment” from Emirates, which would help the club in its quest for trophies – the airline also gives its name to Arsenal’s stadium.

Pension quiz

By Jack Troughton

TYCOON Sir Philip Green could face another grilling from MPs over pension schemes in his retail empire, according to Frank Field; chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee.

The politician clashed with Sir Phillip over the collapse of high street chain British Home Stores and he said an investigation follow following reports the businessman is preparing to sell all or part of his Arcadia Group.

The group includes the flagship Topshop, as well as familiar brands such as Burton, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis; and has some 2,800 stores across the globe.

It is understood that Sir Philip, a 65-year-old billionaire, has been in talks with Chinese textiles giant Shandong Ruyi.

Mr Field said his committee would now “look at the state of Sir Philip Green’s pension schemes and whether he can sell to whomever he wants without having some very important questions or putting in some money into the whole Arcadia pension pot”.

He said the committee would be writing to Arcadia regarding any sale.

“We will investigate, but the first stage is to try to find the facts.”

The collapse of BHS left a huge pension deficit. Sir Philip later agreed a £363 million cash settlement with the Pensions regulator to plug the gap.

Shandong Ruyi has been expanding in Europe. It now has controlling stakes in the Swiss luxury leather goods company Bally and London-listed fashion manufacturer Bagir. The Chinese company also bought clothing company Acquascutum last year for £95m.

19

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Processionary plague

By Matthew Richards

A neighbourhood in Orihuela is demanding that the Town Hall takes action after they have been plagued with an infestation of processionary caterpillars in recent weeks. Residents of the Oriolan barrio say they have experienced rashes, extreme itchiness and red raw skin amongst adults and children

alike. The caterpillars have settled in some of the pine trees in the area and regularly drop onto people as they walk by, getting into their clothes and hair.

One resident, Vanessa, showed the press where her back was covered in hives and spots from the hairs on the insects which are a known irritant. A baby as young as three months has

Spring run for good cause

By Simon Russell

THE first Solidarity Race will be held in Torrevieja on 4 March in aid of the ASIMEPP association.

This NGO helps local people who suffer from psychophysical and psisocial ailments such as fibromyalgia which can result in chronic fatigue and widespread pain. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat while symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

There are three different races, the 4k, 8k and children’s run, all of which set off from Torrevieja Casino at 10am. There will be other entertainment on the day

including zumba, fancy dress and raffles with prizes donated by restaurants and other local businesses.

You can register at www.asupuestos.com or e-mail asimepp@gmail. com. To sign up in person you can go to the ASIMEPP office on Calle Concordia on weekdays between 9am and 1pm or 5pm to 8pm.

been infected and was also in extreme discomfort. The locals believe the majority of the creatures are in one large colony in a single pine tree and have written formally to the Town Hall so they can look into the issue; however they are still waiting for a reply. In the meantime some families have said they may even have to leave the area until the problem is resolved.

Top tapas

By Simon Russell

THE awards have been given out for the best tapas created for the recent XV Ruta de Tapas in Torrevieja.

Bar Los Zamaronos picked up two awards, one decided by the professional judging panel and one by a public vote. Best traditional tapa

went to Restaurant Bahia for its Iberian Croquette, while the public voted for El Rincon de las Jarras in the same category for their Mediterranean Montadito.

There were also prizes for members of the public who took part with three people winning €50 vouchers to be redeemed in the

Astoria clothes shop as well as concert tickets, surfing classes and a parasailing experience. All winners also received a dinner for

four at Rincon de las Jarras while the top prize was a shopping voucher for €200 for the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

Magic up some nappies

By Simon Russell

THE proceeds from Januarys has been used to purchase much needed supplies of nappies for local disadvantaged families.

Starring well known performers David Climent and Mag Malastruc, the “Magic of Solidarity” show was held to raise funds for La

Nucia’s Food Programme.

Enquiries quickly showed that nappies were the greatest need for many, so proceeds were spent on these and will be distributed shortly. This will be co-ordinated by the Social Welfare Programme, headed up by Beatriz PerezHickman who received the diaper donations this week.

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THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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U3A Vall del Pop NEW Monday Explorers Walking Group 18 months ago, we started the Thursday Explorers walking group to offer day walks in the hills, valleys and coast of this beautiful area. Our aim was to create a group of friends who would walk each week to enjoy the area and each other’s company. We aimed to have 12-20 walking each week, to maintain the identity and character of the group. We have now reached a membership of 30 and have had to close new membership for the present.

We have enjoyed the experience so much that we decided to start a second group to avoid having to turn away new members.

We had hoped that some of the Thursday Explorers would swop to Monday, but all want to remain walking with their friends, and who

could blame them.

But this means that we must create the new group from scratch. We know from experience that it can take a long time to build the membership. We are asking for commitment up front and asking you to trust us that day walks at a moderate pace are within the ability of most fit people.

The new Monday Group

has started their walks but we urgently need additional new members if we are to make a go of this new project. If the idea appeals, but you are not sure if you could manage it, why not give it a try. 30 people who walk with us regularly on Thursday have found it to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

For more information contact Paul or Jan Email paulleniston@hotmail.com Telephone 9 6 6 4 0 5 3 3 5 .

For further information on U3A Vall del Pop check our website [http:// u3avalldelpop.com]. The U3A is all about enjoyment and learning, and this is particularly evident in the U3A Vall del Pop, whose members hold their General Meeting on the first Thursday of each month at the Centre Polivalent in Murla, and have a diverse range of groups for the interest of the members.

Choral concert

By Simon Russell

THE Bella de Torrevieja Choir will be performing alongside La Nucia’s own Musical Union at a free concert in La Nucia this weekend.

Entitled “Tarde de Corales” it is the

final winter performance from the Union and the first appearance by the Torrevieja Choir in the town which will be led by conductor Taras Khomyak.

As well as individual performances the two choirs will end the concert

with a joint recital.

The venue is the Auditori de la Mediterrania and the concert starts at 7pm on Sunday 25 February.

Although entrance is free you are advised to go to the venues ticket office in advance to secure a seat.

THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

21

Out & About

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Towns miss out on branding boost

By Simon Russell

LOCAL municipalities have failed in their bid to have the new Seat model named after their towns or local landmarks. In a nationwide contest Calpe proposed the Seat Ifach while Denia made a pitch for the Seat Denia. Benitatxell

also joined in, suggesting the Seat Moraig after the famous cove in the town.

However the winner, after a public vote, was Tarraco – the Roman name for the Catalan city Tarragona which was once the Iberian capital of Rome.

The name for the new SUV was due to be announced

last year but the motor giant opted to postpone this until now due to the unrest in Catalonia. The Seat Tarraco will join the long line of models named after Spanish towns and landmarks, including the Seat Altea, named after the only Valencian town or city to have the honour to date.

Shopping heaven

By Jack Troughton

SIX hours of shopping at La Zenia Boulevard meant a coach full of members of U3A Calpe were able to “max out” credit cards.

The complex boasts 150 shops and on the return journey to the Marina Alta, the vehicle “groaned” under the weight, including a roll of lino from

Leroy Merlin.

And as well as heading for chains such as Decathlon and Primark, during the association’s first trip of the year, there was time to sample the delights of the Che Aregentina restaurant.

U3A Calpe welcomed 125 members to the February general meeting at the Hotel Sol Ifach and extended a greeting to nine new members signing up to join

the association.

The meeting also heard reports from the leaders of a wide range of groups and the activities undertaken throughout the year.

Calpe U3A’s next meeting will be held at the Hotel Sol Ifach on Thursday 15th of March at 10am for a 10.30am start. For more information visit www. calpeu3a.org.

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22

Relax

THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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What’s ON TV

Celebrity 5 Go Barging

Tom Conti, Diarmuid Gavin, Tessa Sanderson, Tony Christie and Penny Smith meet British artists Jeff and Sally, who fell in love with France’s River Lot and decided to stay and spend their lives painting it. At a vibrant French market in the valley, Diarmuid hunts for snails - preferably ones steeped in garlic and butter while Tom demonstrates his acting prowess with a drunken sailor routine

Channel 5 11:00pm Fri 23 Feb

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show’s version of the words-andnumbers quiz, with Johnny Vegas and Rhod Gilbert taking on Joe Wilkinson and Roisin Conaty. Tom Allen joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters. Last in Series

Channel 4 10:00pm Fri 23 Feb

Cruising with Jane McDonald NEW SERIES The singer explores more locations, beginning with a trip up the California coast on the luxury 3,000-berth Ruby Princess, taking in such landmarks as Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood sign and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. On land, Jane strolls along Hollywood’s walk of fame, shops in Beverley Hills and goes `beautiful’ people-watching in the resorts of Santa Monica and Muscle Beach

Channel 5 10:00pm Fri 23 Feb

Charles I’s Treasures Reunited

Documentary, broadcast to coincide with the opening of the Royal Academy exhibition Charles I: King & Collector, which gathers together the many disparate items of the Stuart monarch’s expansive art collection.

Following his execution in 1649, Charles’s treasured catalogue was sold off piecemeal on the orders of Oliver Cromwell, and this programme reveals how - for the first time in 370 years - the Royal Academy has managed to reunite a huge number of the works the king had acquired before being deposed

BBC2 10:00pm Sat 24 Feb

Modus

NEW SERIES The Swedish crime thriller returns as Helen Tyler, President of the United States, makes a state visit to Sweden. Tasked with maintaining President Tyler’s safety alongside FBI and security service agents, the Swedish police are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task after disaster strikes in Stockholm.

BBC 4 10:00pm Sat 24 Feb

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

NEW SERIES The party of dwarves and their hobbit ally continue the quest to reclaim their lost kingdom, journeying through the forest home of ancestral enemy the elves and finally facing the dragon that drove them from their home. Meanwhile, Gandalf the wizard investigates the rise of a mysterious dark power. Part two of Peter Jackson’s fantasy adventure trilogy based on JRR Tolkien’s novel, starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage and Orlando Bloom

ITV2 8:00pm Sat 24 Feb

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THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

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V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

McMafia

Alex travels to Moscow, ready to do business, but he remains dreadfully unaware of the devastation that Dmitri’s recent actions have caused - or the danger he is unwittingly rushing into. As the full horror of the situation finally catches up with him, Alex is forced to play the one card he has left in his hand to stand a chance of saving himself - before heading off to face a final showdown with Vadim and Ilya.

BBC1 London 10:00pm Sun 25

Survival of the Fittest NEW SERIES Reality show in

which teams battle it out in mental and physical challenges in the African Savannah.

Presented by Laura Whitmore.

ITV2 10:00pm Sun 25 Feb

Friends with Benefits (2011)

An art director joins the staff of a magazine, and is soon sleeping with the recruiter who hired him. Both are determined to avoid a relationship and resolve to keep their feelings out of the arrangement - which proves harder than expected.

Romantic comedy, starring Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson.

Channel 4 00:25pm Sun 25 Feb

Who Wants to Be a Bitcoin Millionaire?

Panorama

In Britain, and around the world, authorities are sounding the alarm that Bitcoin is too risky, but what exactly is it? Panorama investigates.

It may be the world’s leading virtual currency, but unlike real money, Bitcoin is not backed by a government or properly regulated.

Channel 5 11:00pm Mon 26 Feb

The World’s Most Luxurious Airline

DOCUMENTRY With exclusive access to Singapore Airlines, this documentary reveals the exacting standards first-class passengers expect when dining in the skies. The airline has gone to great lengths to build superlative first class suites for the mega-rich, spending a whopping $850m over the course of four years. The company’s outlay does not end there, however, with customers seeking out superior in-flight creature comforts, from Michelin-style food to limitless champagne.

Channel 4 10:00am Mon 26 Feb

Trauma

NEW SERIES Adrian Lester and Jon Simm star in a brand new three-part thriller about two fathers whose very different lives collide and intertwine. After a bad day at work, Dan Bowker (Simm) arrives home drunk to discover that his teenage son Alex has not come home and no one knows where he is.

ITV 10:00pm Mon 26 Feb

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THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Coarse rough file (4) 3 First letters (8) 9 Precious stone (7) 10 Data arranged in rows and columns (5) 11 Inexpensive (5) 12 Catlike (6) 14 Whipped (6) 16 Illegible handwriting (6) 19 Opera by Bizet (6) 21 Storehouse (5) 24 Mythological abode of the dead (5) 25 Slanting (7) 26 Yellow cage-birds (8) 27 A smaller amount (4)

Down 1 Deride (8) 2 ‘The final frontier’ (5) 4 Fall asleep (3,3) 5 Aggregate (5) 6 Balkan country (7) 7 Solid fat used in cooking (4) 8 Pair (6) 13 Conspirators (8) 15 Substitute (5-2) 17 Embrace (6) 18 Nap (6) 20 Skinflint (5) 22 Resentment of a slight (5) 23 Elegantly stylish (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Diamonds seen by river in partial darkness (4) 3 Colliery boss in a Somerset town (8) 9 Starved in order to get publicity (7) 10 Jeremy the actor performs pressing work (5) 11 Poets start drinking in pubs (5) 12 Curt is moving from the country (6) 14 Copper prohibits islanders (6) 16 Flag seen when queen is captured by bishop and rook (6) 19 Shake a container for arrows (6) 21 Clothing provided initially by social workers (5) 24 Foreign articles below (5) 25 Please do arithmetic in valley (7) 26 It may be deadlier off the tracks (8) 27 Stains on top of dress? That’s right! (4)

Down

1 Recoil from disadvantage (8) 2 Pole always cut off (5) 4 One nurse forced to seek cover (6) 5 Torn veils are bad things (5) 6 Feeling poorly, omit one (7) 7 Run - (4) 8 Quietly Ron is taken off to jail (6) 13 Journalists accepting ten varied gifts (8) 15 He’s no gentleman, perhaps, unrobed (7) 17 A soft-fruit show (6) 18 Scoundrel going after black shoe (6) 20 Opera-lover did hold opera composer (5) 22 An Enid Blyton character would appear strange in New York (5) 23 Regretted sounding coarse (4)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 38

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

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THURSDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Your astrological chart this week looks to be a heady mix of drama and excellence as Uranus is activated in your starsign for most of the week. The Sun and Jupiter are set to bring ARIES you some kind of long term opportunity and the more you focus on your long term plans, the more those around you will view you as the strong and successful Aries you are.

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd)

The Sun has been highlighting your chart for the last four weeks and this week moves into Scorpio. This is a great move as far as your personal sense of worth is concerned LIBRA and will continue to make your monetary and emotional areas top of the charts. Fiery planet Mars enters your sign and turns on not only your strength and dynamism but directness too.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd)

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)

You may have decided to do Your chart shows the Suns move one thing, only to make a ninety into Scorpio this week and shifts degree turn and find another your focus to the outside world. way. This can be a reaction to Somewhat shaky yet exciting, the Sun and Jupiter coming the world opens up dramatically TAURUS and offers you chances of SCORPIO into your sign. The Sun will give you a celebratory ‘this is my success. Taurus favours stability and organisation but this week may see others birthday’ feeling and Mars’s move into Libra around you doing things out of step that could bolsters your strength and allows you to tackle any obstacles. You will do this dramatically and in fact turn out to be extremely lucky for you. blatantly or subtly but either way will succeed.

Your horoscope this week Gemini tells you that way out in front is the place you need to be.

The Sun’s move into Scorpio will help you to roll up the sleeves GEMINI and get whatever job is needing SAGITTARIUS to be done accomplished in a focussed fashion. Mars’s move in to your sister now. sign of Libra gives you more energy to be creative, dynamic and ‘out there’.

Your chart is showing you that due to Uranus’s influence, you individuality is coming to the fore. Like Daniel Craig’s Bond, you are shaken but not CANCER stirred that is for sure! The Sun and Jupiter’s get together in your sister sign of Scorpio mid-week is not only helpful but dramatic, making you more creative and somewhat ‘out-there’ in doing things your way.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

The lunar high can open up a myriad of new possibilities at this time, and it will certainly speed life up a bit for you.

If you’ve been feeling a bit left behind there are now new incentives and better monetary prospects. Doing more than one job at a time is easy

Uranus stirs up the very base of your chart this week and highlights areas where until now you have needed to be very diligent, strong and CAPRICORN ready to tackle whatever has approached you in your life.

Mars’s arrival into a strong part of your chart eases the pressure in this area and allows you to direct your energies towards changes to your career or standing in the outside world.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)

You could find yourself showing There is no avoiding the the world a whole new you this signs in your horoscope this week. Still strong and steady, week Aquarius as your ruling however the off the wall side planet Uranus is activated and of your nature will come into prompts you to stand up and be play and open the eyes of those counted. The Sun and Jupiter LEO AQUARIUS around you. Mars’s move into getting together assist you in you chart will speed up the tempo of your life telling the world that you have arrived and so changes will come thick and fast. Fasten your taking the lead this week is the way forward. seat-belt Leo. It’s a great week for learning, with Mars moving into Libra giving you the edge.

VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)

For the last six weeks or so, Mars has made your horoscope and star-sign sit up and take notice.

This week sees the planet move into an area which is very much associated with finances and VIRGO personal worth and sees you prove yourself in a forthright and dramatic way.

Your choices will be dramatic this week leaving others to stand back and eagerly await your next move.

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)

Your horoscope chart ripples with delight as Mars makes its move into Libra giving you the edge in looking towards your long term decisions. Whatever PISCES plans you are making with others, especially where money is involved, this week will show you that you are on the right track. You are in a very strong position to know exactly who you are and what you want and need in all areas of your life.

Scribble Pad

Find the 9 letter word and as many other words as you can!

SCORE

BRILLIANT < 70 EXCELLENT< 55 GOOD < 25 FOR KIDS < 15

U J O I H A L SE

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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Motoring

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Fill her up – but do it yourself

By Matthew Richards

Puzzle Solutions

DUE to a change in the law motorists can soon expect to see a proliferation of unattended petrol stations where you fill your vehicle yourself and pay via a machine.

Known by the Spanish as “ghost stations”, there are 270 ready to open

their pumps across the Valencian Community, about a quarter of the total. However not everyone is happy with the move and the Podemos party in Alicante has urged people to boycott the stations.

Some petrol station workers will lose their jobs, while there will be less new work created, said a

QUICK CROSSWORD

Podemos spokesman. They are also less customer friendly, having no shop, toilets or rest areas. Disabled and the elderly who have problems pumping their own fuel will also be disadvantaged. Supporters point out that the unattended stations will be cheaper and most can open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

Motoring

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THURSDAY 8TH DEC 2017

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PROPERTY TO LET First & Last Name: _______________________________ Passport: /CIF/NIE/DNI/NIF _______________________ Address: ________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Post Code: ______________ Town: __________________ Tel: ____________________________________________

START DATE: __________ NUMBER OF INSERTIONS ____ SECTION______________ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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30

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Sport

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MICHAEL SMITH PROMISES MORE AFTER CONTINUING 100 PER CENT RECORD Michael Smith is one of the unlikely frontrunners after three weeks of Premier League action.

The St Helens ace had only won one Premier League game before 2018. But this season, Bully Boy has won all three of his opening

games. Gary Anderson and Daryl Gurney were the first to fall at his hands. In Newcastle, Mensur Suljovic was in the firing line. The Gentle was dispatched 7-2 as Smith continued his excellent start to the season.

“I keep winning and I

don’t feel like I’ve played my best darts yet so I’ll take this,” said Smith.

“Everything’s going well so far and I’m taking my chances.

“I’ve made a habit over the years of giving games away but people are doing it to me now.

I’m loving it at the

moment – my darts are going in great and I’m winning.”

The former world youth champion is one leg behind Premier League leader Simon Whitlock.

The pair meet next week as the competition goes to Berlin for the first time ever.

Evans to reclaim WBA captaincy West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Pardew has reportedly decided to restore Jonny Evans’s team captaincy for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Huddersfield Town.

The Northern Irishman was one of four Baggies players who admitted to breaking a club curfew while the team were on a training camp in Barcelona last week.

Pardew opted to give Gareth McAuley the armband for West Brom’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, admitting that he wanted to “make a statement”.

According to Sky Sports News, however, the Albion manager has decided that Evans will be reinstated as captain ahead of the crucial relegation six-pointer at The Hawthorns.

Evans, along with Gareth Barry, Boaz Myhill and Jake Livermore, apologised on Friday for his role in the incident, while West Brom have launched their own investigation into the events.

Castleford Tigers sack Zak Hardaker Full-back Zak Hardaker has been sacked by Castleford Tigers following a failed drugs test last year – effectively becoming a free agent. The 26-year-old had been suspended since October after testing positive for cocaine towards the end of the 2017 Super League season and is awaiting the outcome of his UK Anti-Doping case.

Hardaker won the Man of Steel award in 2015 and has been capped five times by England. The club said: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that Zak Hardaker has been dismissed from his contract with the club.

“Hardaker, was suspended by the club after a failing a drugs test in the weeks leading up to the 2017 Super League Grand Final, and currently awaits the outcome of his case from UK Anti-Doping organisation.

“Castleford Tigers will comment on this matter further when UKAD conclude their case.”

Castleford head coach Daryl Powell announced at the club’s pre-season media day in early January that the Tigers had helped Hardaker find a job outside rugby league, but revealed at his weekly press conference today that the player was no longer part of the club.

“He’s not under contract with us because obviously he was sacked, having done what he’s done,” Powell said. And on speculation linking Hardaker with Super League rival club, Wigan Warriors, Powell added: “Why clubs would be talking to him at this point ... it hasn’t even been decided what ban it is.”

FOOTBALL 13:30 Leicester City v Stoke City EPL 16:00 West Brom v Huddersfield EPL 16:00 Bournemouth v Newcastle EPL 16:00 Liverpool v West Ham EPL 16:00 Brighton v Swansea City EPL 16:00 Burnley v Southampton EPL 18:30 Watford v Everton EPL

Sunday 25th February 13:00 Huddersfield v Bournemouth EPL 15:05 Man Utd v Chelsea EPL

Monday 26th February 21:00 Crystal Palace v Tottenham EPL

Thursday 1st March 21:00 Arsenal v Man City EPL

6 Nations Ireland v Scotland Aviva Stadium (Dublin) Saturday, March 10. 3.15pm ITV

France v England Stade de France (Paris) Saturday, March 10. 4.45pm BBC

Wales v Italy

Principality Stadium (Cardiff) Sunday, March 11 3pm BBC

ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE SPANISH TIME

32

FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport

BARCELONA'S CAMP NOU COULD GET A NEW NAME

According to Spanish newspaper Sport the Catalan side are looking to sell naming rights before work starts on the stadium in the summer of 2019 with the deal set to be confirmed at the beginning of next year. In recent years clubs selling the naming rights to their stadium has become all the rage as football,

especially in England, has moved closely towards the Americanism that has produced the likes of Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Bank of America Stadium, Levi’s Stadium and so on.

The paper reckons that the deal would be for roughly €200 million, or just short of one Neymar, and could overtake New

York Jets and Giants MetLife Stadium as the most lucrative stadium sponsorship in the world.

The Camp Nou will be getting a new ‘surname’ according to the report suggesting that it will keep the Camp Nou part of its name, so the McDonald’s Camp Nou could be the future.

Barcelona are

developing the stadium to have a new capacity of over 100,000 and the roof on the stadium is set to cover all of the stands once work is complete.

The work will not disrupt any Barca matches and is expected to be finished in time for the 2020/21 season and the naming rights will no doubt cover the cost of the