Weekender Alicante South Issue 081

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ISSUE 081

- Friday 15th February 2019

South Alicante & Murcia

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CALA MOSCA BLOW

No Objection from Valencia Government

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by Alex Trelinski

CAMPAIGNERS against an urban development at Cala Mosca on the Orihuela Costa got a major, if not unsurprising setback this week, with the news that the Valencian government sees no objection to the building of 1,500 homes, subject to preserving the area´s flora and fauna.

The authorities in Valencia previously imposed a series of conditions that the constructor, Gomendio, needed to follow over access and in regard to two protected species, namely the cat head plant, and the Tudorella sulcata snail.

Last May, Gomendio produced a report that took into account Valencia´s concerns, but the administration only published a favourable endorsement in the region´s Official Gazette this week.

The project, known as UE2 Alameda del Mar, was first produced in Orihuela´s General Plan nearly 30 years ago, and when a partial development was approved in 2007, opposition to the plans appeared uniting Orihuela Costa residents, political parties, and environmentalists.

Cala Mosca has been described as the last “virgin” beach area on the Orihuela Costa, with no housing development whatsoever.

It runs for over a kilometre, and can only be reached by foot from Punta Prima or Playa Flamenca, or from the N-332 highway.

BARCLAYS The “virgin” Cala Mosca and protestors against the urban development

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Partner Arrested for Murder

THE tragic death of a young mother in the Alicante region which was originally thought to be a suicide has taken a dramatic twist after her partner was arrested this Monday.

The emergency services received a call from the boyfriend of 29-year-old Sheila on Sunday morning, saying he had been woken by their baby then went d ow n s t a i r s to find Sheila in a pool of blood on the floor with

her throat cut. She had a knife next to her and the authorities first told the press that “the main line of investigation is a possible suicide”.

by Simon Russell

Read More Page 6

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Finance Feature provided by...

Spanish tax inquiries triggered by common reporting standard It is only “a matter of time” before an innocent international client is accidentally snared by the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), according to local tax advisers whose clients have already begun to receive tax investigation notifications.

Many of my regular readers will have read some of my previous articles explaining the CRS. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, here is a brief overview.On January 1st, 2017, the UK and Spain, along with all other EU countries, and many others Worldwide, agreed to a system of financial information sharing in an unprecedented global crack-down on tax evasion. This means that your financial information, including the balance of money in any financial product you hold, and any capital gains, will now be automatically shared with your local tax authority here in Spain.

There are two main areas of concern. The first is for those who live in Spain for more than 183 days a year but have not correctly registered as a Spanish resident – you should apply for the official documentation as soon as possible to ensure you are paying your taxes correctly.

The second relates to the Spanish ‘Modelo 720’ which is a legal requirement to declare overseas assets worth more than €50,000 or GBP equivalent, to the Spanish tax authorities each Spring. Failure to make this declaration currently results in a minimum fine of €10,000 per asset group and up to 150% of unpaid taxes. The Automatic Exchange of Information will ensure that the Spanish tax authorities receive this information whether you have made the declaration or not, but if you have not declared this in the Modelo 720 form, then the fines will apply.

For example, a client who is a resident in Gibraltar but owns a house in Spain and has a Spanish bank account. If mail from the bank was sent to the Spanish address, the bank could assume it is the client’s primary residence and tell the authorities in Spain.

By Tracy Storer Senior Partner Chorus Financial

Old Mutual Wealth, which are, subject to suitability, available to Spanish residents through Chorus Financial. These products are not reportable under Modelo 720 and offer tax efficient growth in a similar manner to their equivalent UK products.

Now, more than ever is the time to ensure that the financial advice you receive is suitable, with solutions designed for your life here in Spain. The team of experts at Chorus Financial are here to answer any of your questions and provide you with free, Also it is important to understand that independent, fully regulated advice without financial arrangements set-up for UK pressure or obligation. residents, including ISAs, Premium Bonds, If you would like any further information UK Investment Bonds and others, are not Spanish compliant. They are not designed or to discuss your current financial position for Spanish residents, can create complex with one of the team, call Tracy on 693107044 accounting requirements and will not or email t.storer@chorusfinancial.es generally offer tax benefits here in Spain.

This is for information purposes and should Many people forget that as soon as they not be taken as advice or an invitation to apply; become a Spanish resident, gains on these If you have any questions about these products products are now declarable in Spain and any or their suitability for you then please contact us tax due should be paid. for more information. Investment contracts are It is recommended that clients check their addresses with their banks and brokers, especially anyone with houses in both countries and urgently in the case where the correspondence is sent to the holiday home.

Santiago Lapausa, head of tax, economist and partner at a Spanish law firm JC&A Abogados, fears that CRS will trip up unsuspecting cross border clients, especially if a bank, adviser or broker sends mail to the wrong address. Even a straightforward error can trigger an investigation because intelligence shared through CRS is treated as verified by the recipient jurisdiction.

Under CRS, a financial firm is required to share a client’s details, including address, with relevant jurisdictions. Even if the There are equivalent products available address is a rarely used holiday home it would trigger a tax investigation on the assumption for Spanish residents created by wellthe client is a resident and a tax domicile. known institutions like The Prudential and

intended as a medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk.

Fees and charges for these investments can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place.

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BREXIT HIRINGS

by Alex Trelinski

THE SPANISH government is to hire 1,735 new public workers to deal with the consequences of Brexit, particularly in the areas of border and customs control.

The Socialist government wants the majority of these workers to be hired before March 29th regardless of whether or not Britain reaches an agreement with the bloc on leaving the European Union.

“The administration currently has the necessary means to deal with the relations’ framework after Britain’s exit from the European Union, but has to strengthen the availability of public workers in certain sectors,” the Madrid government said in a statement.

Spain aims to have more workers in airports and ports as well as to strengthen controls on imports and exports, and its assistance to the estimated 300 thousand British nationals living in the country.

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by SILSA SERVICIOS DE IMPRESIÓN DE LEVANTE S.A. GRUPO Z

A SIXTH PERSON is wanted by a Torrevieja judge in connection with the killing of Irish national Carl Carr, whose body was discovered in a shallow grave off the AP-7 in Rojales a fortnight ago.

Five people, four of whom have been refused bail, including the alleged killer Wayne Walsh, have already been in court over the so-called ”Love Triangle” homicide.

Carr is said to have been killed by a Carl Carr is said to have been killed by a “knuckleduster” “knuckleduster” at a flat that he shared with national named as Simon, of sharp-footing it out of Walsh in Torrevieja´s by Alex Trelinski who shared the La Siesta Spain.

La Siesta urbanisation Carr´s body was over a liaison that he had Judge Juana López property with Carr and with a former girlfriend Hoyos has issued a Walsh, and is alleged to then removed from the of Walsh, who is also in European Arrest warrant have witnessed the killing home and dumped in the custody. for a 26-year-old Irish back in September, ahead Rojales area.

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OFF TO THE POLLS.... SICK HENRY AGAIN! BLACKMAIL PLOT

by Andy Mansell

SPAIN´S Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to call a general election for Sunday April 28th, after a meeting of the cabinet today(Friday).

It will be the third poll in just over three years, after his minority socialist(PSOE) government´s budget failed to be passed

by Congress on Wednesday.

Sánchez’s bill fell after regional parties from Catalunya refused to back it, after their demands for talks about the region’s right to self-rule were rebuffed.

In the days leading up to the budget vote, government sources said that a defeat would mean a certain election, after last year Sánchez said that he hoped to stay in power until 2020.

His government has less than a quarter of the seats in Congress, and Sánchez became prime minister last spring after his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy of the Partido Popular(PP), was pushed out in a no-confidence vote over a corruption scandal.

The PSOE holds just 84 out of the 350 seats in Congress, propped up by an informal deal with the left-wing Podemos party and the support of a handful of small regional parties.

The PSOE leads in the opinion polls,

but with the fragmentation in Spanish politics, it´s going to be virtually impossible for one single party to form a sustainable government.

A glum Sánchez on Wednesday.

A MAN and a woman has been arrested in Torrevieja for trying to defraud the mother of missing Henry Alejandro of two thousand euros.

The unnamed couple were detained by the Guardia Civil, after Henry´s mother received several phone calls from a woman who claimed that she had kidnapped the 20-year-old and wanted money for his

by Alex Trelinski

release.

The Guardia in Pilar de la Horadada were called by Henry´s mother, and she agreed to take part in a sting to trap the “kidnapper”.

She appeared at two prearranged meeting points in Torrevieja but the extortionist did not turn up, but the Guardia continued to with their investigation,

as they focused on the phone number used to ring her.

Two arrests were subsequently made, namely of the female extortionist, and a male, who the phone line belonged to.

Henry went missing from his Orihuela Costa home on January 1st, and despite extensive searches, there have been no sightings of him.

Henry´s family and friends at an Orihuela meeting last month.

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NUCLEAR STOP

SPAIN aims to close all seven of its nuclear plants between 2025 and 2035 as part of plans to generate all the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

Energy Minister Teresa Ribera announced the move this week, with nuclear production accounting for just under 20 per cent of Spain´s mainland electricity.

Free TV a tonic for the poorly FROM today (15 February) TV for patients in public hospitals across the Valencian Community is set to be free. The long proposed measure is estimated to cost the Health Ministry €1.2 million euros as the almost 6,000 TV sets in the region change from a pay per view type system. However there was judged to be a tangible benefit in patient welfare and the change also helps less wealthy people who may already be experiencing financial problems due to sickness.

The new measure starts on the day the previous private contract expires.

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Partner arrested for murder in connection with “suicide” From Front Page However, after an autopsy was conducted the Guardia Civil reported that the dead woman’s partner, named as Jorge (aged 34), had been arrested on a charge of murder and gender violence.

This development came about after the autopsy showed that the fatal wounds could not have been selfinflicted.

The tragedy occurred in a rural area outside the small inland town of Planes, near Alcoy. Apparently, the couple, both Spaniards, had been together for about a year. They are from Alcoy and locals said that since living in Planes they had kept themselves to themselves and very few people seemed

by Simon Russell

to know them. They had a baby three months ago who was lying next to the victim when she died but is unharmed.

Later reports also state that the young woman had four children with other partners as well as the infant which was the only child that lived with the couple. She had denounced three previous partners for mistreatment and the other children have been in the care of Valencian social services. Sheila’s Facebook page showed that she had lived and worked for some time near Tarragona and her CV included bar work, modelling, acting and dancing.

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The deceased woman Sheila Chazarra Moyano.

THE Guardia Civil in Valencia have asked the public for their help in trying to locate a young girl in the area who has not been seen since 26 January. Dalila is 13 years old, 1.62 metres tall with dark brown hair and light brown eyes. The last clothes she was seen wearing were black trousers,

by Simon Russell

a pink jacket and Nike brand blue trainers while she was carrying a black backpack with flowers.

Dalila is from Benicalap in the Valencian province. If you have any information at all that may be of help please call 062 or 112.

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Catalan rebels on trial

Rebels in the dock.

TWELVE people behind Catalunya´s illegal 2017 independence referendum have gone on trial in Madrid, facing charges including rebellion and sedition.

If convicted, some could face up to 25 years in prison.

After the unconstitutional vote in October 2017, the region declared its independence from Spain weeks later, with the national government then imposing direct rule until fresh regional elections were held.

Nine of the defendants

by Alex Trelinski

have spent months in pre-trial detention, and arrived at the court on Tuesday morning under guard. The remaining three had been free on bail.

The most high-profile of the leaders on trial is the former Vice-President, Oriol Junqueras. His superior former President of Catlunya, Carles Puigdemont - fled abroad and remains in exile in Belgium.

Junqueras faces the longest potential sentence for

the alleged crime of rebellion, at 25 years. Others accused of the same charge, including former speaker of the Catalan parliament, Carma Forcadell, could receive sentences of up to 17 years.

They also face the lesser charge of sedition, as do several former ministers.

There is also the accusation of misuse of public funds, in organising a referendum that had been declared illegal by Madrid.

Million euro fake haul

Forty five people from Spain, China, Morocco and Senegal were arrested in the raids

Counterfeit goods, with a retail store value of more than four million euros, have been seized in a major operation involving National Police in three Valencian towns.

Almost 200,000 fake items, including watches, lighters, bags, mobile phones and tablets, batteries, wallets, plus branded sportswear and footwear, were taken from shop premises, market stalls and street traders in Benidorm, Denia and Manises near Valencia city.

A total of forty five people, of Spanish, Moroccan, Chinese and Senegalese origin, were arrested in the coordinated raids, which took place simultaneously on a single day last week.

by Andy Mansell

The operation involved police officers identifying locations, where high value branded goods were being sold at bargain prices.

They sent in brand experts to check on the authenticity of the items on display, which in most cases looked identical to the originals.

Many of the items lacked the correct security labels and instruction booklets associated with the product, leading the police to suspect that they were fakes.

When the seizures were made, none of the traders could provide legitimate receipts, invoices or delivery notes corresponding to or proving the originality of the ‘branded goods’ they were selling.

According to police sources, trade in counterfeit goods in Spain “represents a high percentage of European trade and is a very important economic loss for all companies.”

EUIPO, the Intellectual Property Office of the European Union in charge of registering community trademarks and community designs, “warns of the economic risk of consuming counterfeit and pirated products”.

In fact, In Spain alone, the intensive sectors in Industrial and Intellectual Property Rights generate 23.2 percent of employment, which represents more than four and a half million jobs, as well as 34.8% of the total economic activity (GDP) of the country.

Mummified Find

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by Simon Russell

THE GUARDIA CIVIL have launched an investigation after discovering a mummified body of a British national under the mattress at a Marbella area property.

Neighbours had been complaining of foul smells emanating from the property..

Named locally as Valerie Butroid, the 71-year-old is believed to have died on March 12th last year.

Guardia officers found no signs of violence and believe she died of natural causes, but are now probing why the body was hidden and no-one reported her death.

Neighbours said Mrs Butroid lived with her daughter Louise and had a teenage grand-daughter, aged around 15, who visited from time to time.

One said Louise had become reclusive after the death of her husband several years ago in the same property overlooking Lake Istan.

A neighbour told reporters:- “The dead woman had dementia and the daughter told me in August that she’d died after breaking her hip in a fall a couple of weeks earlier.”

“I assumed she had died in hospital. It blows my mind to think that poor woman’s body could have been in that house for nearly a year and the smell was that.”

Halloween muggers sentenced Alicante Crown Court

TWO men who thought they could get away with a mugging on Halloween due to their disguises have received jail sentences this week. The crime dates back to 2015 when they took a phone valued at over €500 from a man in the El Barrio district of Alicante City. One of the defendants was wearing a mask and the other had donned face paint and a cape.

However their

by Matthew Richards

victim was later able to identify them to police leading to the pair’s arrest. This was an appeal against an original finding of guilt and while the judge upheld the guilty verdict he reduced the jail time from four years as the amount of force used was minimal rather than aggravating as had originally been ruled.

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Moving Franco

THE FAMILY of dictator Francisco Franco will be given a fortnight to decide on a place to rebury him when his remains are exhumed from the Valley of the Fallen mausoleum near Madrid.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who came to power in June, had vowed to remove Franco’s remains from the basilica, which was built in part by political prisoners during his brutal

by Simon Russell

regime.

The cabinet meets today(Friday) to give the rubber stamp to the exhumation of Franco´s body, and the family will be able to appeal this at the Supreme Court, which would delay the exhumation.

A government source said this week that the family would be given two weeks “to

decide on a place for the (re) burial and, if they don’t do it, the government will decide.”

Franco’s family wants to bury his remains in a crypt at Madrid’s central Almudena Cathedral next to the royal palace.

The government wants Franco’s body to be relocated to a more discreet spot and has already told them that the Madrid plan will not be possible.

The Valley of the Fallen mausoleum.

Catholic abuse files wanted SPAIN’S justice ministry has asked the country’s Catholic Church leaders to hand over all the information they possess about internal investigations or proceedings related to sexual abuse allegations at church institutions.

The Justice Ministry said that the request reflects a need to move forward with any criminal proceedings as well as to throw a light on “deeds our society can no longer remain quiet about.”

The Spanish Episcopal

by Simon Russell

Conference replied that it has already provided information about known cases to the Vatican and Spanish judicial authorities, as required by law.

It also expressed “sincere concern” for the victims of “a serious problem which affects the whole of society.”

Only a handful of church-linked sexual abuse cases have emerged in Spain.

Frozen corpse A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Madrid after police found the body of his girlfriend chopped up in a freezer.

The 22-year-old woman has been missing since September 2017, but her mother did not report her missing until two months ago.

The National Police found the severed corpse in the freezer at a property in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid.

The detained man is the tenant of the house where the woman was found and has no criminal record.

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Serial house burglar A young thief, thought to be responsible for a string of house robberies in three Marina Baixa towns has been arrested

by Guardia Civil officers from Calpe.

The twenty six year oldMorrocan, is charged with committing up to seventeen burglaries with forced entry, from houses in the municipalities of Alfaz del Pi, El Albir and Altea.

Targeting houses close to woodland areas, during hours of darkness, the man was able to enter and leave the properties both quickly and without detection.

The burglar, who is alleged to have stolen property with a total value of around 20,000€, also dressed in black and dark grey clothing, with a dark grey cap pulled low on his head when committing the crimes, helping to avoid identification by any of his victims.

He was spotted, by a plain clothed officer carrying out a surveillance operation at the El Albir TRAM stop, acting furtively to avoid being

by Andy Mansell

recognised, wearing dark clothing and cap to conceal his identity.

However, the officer managed to get a clear enough view of the man to recognise him as someone he had arrested on a number of previous occasions.

After consulting CCTV cameras at the station and comparing them with footage obtained from burgled properties, they were able to identify the man as the same person.

A description of the suspected thief, with his name, was circulated to other nearby Guardia Civil units.

He was eventually apprehended by agents from the Calpe division, whilst spending proceeds from a previous night’s robbery at an Albir betting shop, early one morning.

The officers, who found two rings reported as stolen on his person, arrested the suspect and detained him without bail, awaiting trial, owing to his string of previous convictions.

Tragic end to search AN intensive search for a woman who disappeared on Saturday morning has been called off after a body was found 36 hours later.

Nuria Borras, aged 39, had left a disco in Lleida (Catalonia) at about 4am in her white Volvo. After she did not return home her husband reported her as missing and the police operation began.

After retracing

by Simon Russell

her probable route they found a vehicle matching the description of her Volvo in a canal. Police divers confirmed that the body of a woman was still inside the car and are expected to shortly confirm that it is the missing 39 year old. As well as police and two helicopters dozens of local volunteers joined in the search.

Read online: www.weekender.news

Racist landlord fined and barred

AN Argentinian bar owner in Barcelona has been fined €1,500 in a Spanish court after refusing to serve five people in his bar because they were black.

The incident happened two years ago when the group sat at an outside table and were told by the defendant “I don’t want black people

by Simon Russell

here” and then ordered them to leave. After some discussion the group left, but decided to take the matter further and reported the man.

His defence was that it was all a misunderstanding as they spoke poor

Spanish and he had a heavy Argentinian accent.

The judge dismissed this version of events, saying the landlord had shown “undisguised contempt for the group’s race”, awarding €300 to each of the five and barring the man from working in the leisure or educational sector for two

years.

Argentina is known as the “whitest country in South America” with 97% of it’s population being of European descent, although 200 years ago around half of the population were nonwhite, with many of them subsequently being driven out or even killed.

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Two days in a hospital toilet POLICE in Castellon are investigating how the body of a man went undiscovered in a toilet at a health centre for two days. The 51 year old had attended the Palleter Centro de Salud on Saturday with an undisclosed health problem and the decision was made to transfer him to the local hospital.

His condition improved and he was discharged later the same day. However

by Alex Trelinski

it is unclear why he returned to the health centre and why he went straight to the bathroom rather than checking himself in at the helpdesk. There will also be questions asked as to how the body could lay in the toilet for 48 hours without being discovered. The victim’s cause of death is not known at this stage and an autopsy is pending.

Castellon General Hospital where the deceased was briefly treated.

Woman assaulted outside club A 41 year old man has been arrested and charged with assaulting his partner outside a nightclub in Valencia City. Local Police were called out at about 4am last Sunday to a club in the Torrefiel district after someone reported a woman being attacked. When the agents arrived the man had left but the woman was still on the scene.

She said that the assailant was her partner and that he had beaten her before but she had not reported previous

by Simon Russell

incidents. The police spoke to some witnesses to gather statements and then went to the man’s house and, after

confirming his identity, arrested him on suspcion of gender violence. The woman was sent to the local Centro de Salud for medical treatment.

Low cost fuel across Alicante BALLENOIL, a service station company whose simple motto is “good low price fuel” have now opened in Elche with plans for another station in Petrer by the end of the year. Ballenoil are a spin off from Blue Ballena, a long standing car wash company who started putting a single fuel pump at their outlets.

These proved so popular that it eventually launched

by Simon Russell

Ballenoil who are making in-roads across Spain with their pledge to be 10 to 15% cheaper than competitors. This is largely achieved by automation but they will still have an attendant on site if needed.

They opened their first station in Alicante in 2016 on the Ocana carriageway and are not ruling out further expansion.

Norwegian fugitive arrested in La Nucia National Police officers have arrested a Norwegian woman, with a warrant out for her arrest on charges of child abduction and assault.

The thirty seven year old mother of a ten year old boy, detained last week in La Nucia, fled to the Spanish town following arrests in Austria and Poland, involving abduction and mistreatment of her own son.

A court in Oslo issued the arrest warrant, which could lead to a ten year jail sentence should the detainee be extradited back to her home country.

The charges relate to incidents which occurred in 2017, when her former partner was awarded custody of their son.

The woman is accused of threatening behaviour and physical assault against both her ex partner and son, in attempt to force him to give up his sole custody of their child, awarded by a court in Norway.

She is alleged to have pinched and beaten the former partner, with the help of her current spouse and two other men.

She repeatedly ignored court directives and restraining orders by abducting her son on numerous occasions, before skipping a court appearance and leaving her home country.

The fugitive was placed at the disposal of the Central Court of Instruction of the National Court to initiate extradition proceedings.

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Words of warning Sad death of local hero SPANISH tax authorities have warned businesses of the potential consequences of a no-deal Brexit next month.

The Hacienda has sent letters to thousands of export companies with tips on how to adapt to the worst case scenario should the UK leave the EU on March 29th without a deal.

The warning details how a no-deal would mean trade flows between Spain and Britain will ceased to be considered internal European transactions and will be subject

by Alex Trelinski

to customs formalities.

“Brexit could have a significant effect on your organisation and its logistics flows,” the letter reads.

“If there is no exit agreement that includes a transitional period, this will mean that on March 30th the UK will leave the single market and the customs union.”

Almost 12 thousand Spanish companies export products to the UK, based on figures for 2017.

THERE has been an outpouring of grief in a small Valencian town after a young man whose illness sparked a massive social media campaign succumbed to his illness and died this week. 28 year old Toni Benavent from Palma de Gandia, “Tonet” to all who knew him, was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2017 and badly needed a bone marrow transplant.

His friends and family started a social media campaign to find a

by Simon Russell

compatible donor which made national headlines.

The campaign was successful and he underwent the transplant procedure last year. Sadly Toni was still unable too vercome the disease and passed away earlier this week. Friends say that his death has not been in vain due to the extra awareness regarding bone marrow transplant donors that the campaign has generated.

Tonet, who died this week.

Makeover for mill ILLEGAL STUFFINGS A motion to restore the historic Moli del Morello in Calpe has been approved unanimously in a council meeting this week. The early 19th century flour mill is located by the Banya de la Reina (or Queens Bath), which has been the focus of a huge amount of archaeological work in recent years.

The building was constructed on the site

by Simon Russell

of a sixteenth century watchtower and it’s cliff-top location means it could take advantage of the coastal winds that prevail on that stretch of the Costa Blanca. As well as recognising the cultural and historical importance of the site, the restoration also continues with Calpe’s promotion of itself as more than just a beach destination for tourists.

Silver surfer charged with hate crime

Stock Image of social media giant Facebook

A 60 year old man has been arrested in Valencia and charged with inciting Islamaphobic hatred, advocating acts of extreme violence and discrimination.

He posted the content on Facebook without any

by Alex Trelinski

restrictions as to who could see the messages and they have been widely circulated.

Upon becoming aware of the posts the Guardia Civil decided they were serious

enough to warrant further investigation and began the process of identifying the individual. The 60 year old was arrested this week and charged under article 510, which prohibits hate speech and incitement to hatred.

Two work fatalities in two days

TWO people were killed in unrelated industrial accidents this week in the Alicante province.

On Tuesday a 42 year old man died in a quarry at Fontcalent after being struck by heavy machinery. He was breathing

by Alex Trelinski

but in advanced cardiac arrest when the emergency services arrived.

They performed resuscitation exercises for an hour and a half, but he failed to respond and was declared

dead at the scene. The tragedy happened 24 hours after a 50 year old man had died after falling from a roof at a textile company in Alcocer de Planes. The deceased had been carrying out unspecified work on the roof.

THE GUARDIA CIVIL has seized more than 200 stuffed endangered animals, including giraffes, rhino, lions and tigers, from three illegal taxidermy workshops in Alicante Province.

Officers from the Guardia´s environment division, Seprona, found a total of 400 stuffed animals at units in Alicante,

by Alex Trelisnki

Elche and Mutxamel, The Guardia arrested four people from Alicante, Aspe, Elche and Villafranqueza for crimes against wildlife, with two others from Alicante and Murcia accused of “administrative infractions”.

False abuse claim ends in arrest

A 19 year old girl has been arrested in Valencia after claiming she was sexually assaulted by two men who stole her mobile phone. She told the authorities that she had been bundled into a car, sexually assaulted and had her mobile stolen.

However after further investigation by the National Police, including witness interviews, they National Police on patrol in Valencia. believed that while she had had falsified the tale of the indeed had her phone stolen, by Simon Russell kidnap and assault; she has it was snatched from her in the street by two men who confronted with this the been charged with falsifying then ran off. After being teenager admitted that she a crime.

Dog with a nose for drugs AN American national aged 36 has been arrested in Alicante after he was found to be carrying large amounts of hashish and marijuana in his suitcase.

The events occurred last Saturday when a sniffer dog on routine patrol at the bus station stopped by the man’s luggage, indicating he had possibly found substances.

by Simon Russell

The officers with the animal opened the case and found 1.2 kilos of hashish and and 250 grams of marijuana, all ready for sale. The bus was on a stop between Malaga and Barcelona with the Catalan city being the probable marketplace for the drugs.

15

Pop star caught up in “blackface” row

World News

Town besieged by polar bears

A polar bear wanders into an apartment block, past a (thankfully unoccupied) pushchair.thought.

Offensive shoes or an over reaction?

A line of shoes designed by pop diva Katy Perry is the latest unlikely casualty in the ongoing row about blackface in the US. Those of you old enough to remember the “Black and White Minstrel Show” on BBC or even singer Al Jolson will know that this is when a white person blacks their face up to impersonate someone of colour. With the benefit of hindsight these impressions were rarely flattering and seem pretty crass to the modern eye and for that reason, they have long left the mainstream.

Recently US Governor Ralph Northam has been caught up in a

by Matthew Richards

controversy after pictures emerged from his school year book (from 1984) allegedly showing him in blackface. At first, he apologised profusely, then somewhat bizarrely a few days later retracted that and said that it wasn’t him in the picture. He then carried on digging by confessing he HAD blacked himself up around that time to dress as Michael Jackson for a fancy dress party.

There have been calls for him to resign but he is clinging on and the historic nature of the events may allow him to keep his job.

Back to Ms Perry and her shoes.

Part of her Katy Perry Collection has been removed by the USA’s biggest retailer, Walmart, saying that the black shoe with red lips has been taken off the shelves “in order to be respectful and sensitive”. Miss Perry said that her intention was never to offend and the design was meant to be “a nod to modern art”. She clearly agreed that the concept wasn’t fully thought through as they were immediately removed from her own website. Last week Gucci removed a black polo neck with red lips from its shops for the same reason.

Lost in space

NASA has conceded that it has one final chance of making contact with the Mars rover Opportunity before having to declare it officially dead. The vehicle was one of two such vehicles that were sent to Mars in 2004 so is regarded as a veteran in an admittedly pretty narrow field. Its twin, Spirit, became stuck in the soil in 2009 and was officially declared dead in 2011.

Opportunity has been happily ploughing its lonely way across the Red Planet for 15 years, despite being expected to last just 90 days. It has also travelled 45km while it was designed to travel just 1,000 meters, so every extra meter and day has been regarded as a bonus. However, the plucky

craft’s luck may finally have run out and no signals have been received for eight months.

NASA’s last attempt at communication was earlier this week and if, as expected, there is no reply (these things take a while due to distances involved) the mission will be shut down.

Opportunity has easily outlasted any other Martian crafts, about half of which do not even survive entry to the planet in the fierce atmosphere. Over time it has collected invaluable data about geology including establishing that Mars was once covered in water. It has also sent back some stunning images but tearful scientists agreed we have almost certainly seen the last of them.

BELUSHA Guba, a town of 2,000 people in the Russian Arctic, has declared a state of emergency after dozens of polar bears have laid siege there, chasing residents, scavenging for food and even entering apartment blocks. There are at least 52 bears and they are said to be acting extremely aggressive towards humans who they see as both a threat to their food and even as a potential food source.

The Russian government has now become involved and they are considering plans to sedate the huge animals and ship them to other parts of the island by helicopter.

However, this is seen as a massive and risky operation, while shooting the protected bears is not an option the Russian’s are currently willing to consider. Wildlife experts say that even if they are successfully moved

by Simon Russell

to a different part of the island where Belusha Guba is located, the creatures may well just return.

Many are blaming the extraordinary scenes on global warming as the bears’ natural environment of ice is shrinking rapidly. This means that their usual diet of seals is becoming harder to catch, and the desperate animals are turning to one of the few food sources left in the region - human towns and settlements. The WWF coordinator for the Arctic, Mikhail Stishow, has said that this could become the new norm, in the way that foxes and pigeons in the UK have taken to urban living. The main difference, of course, is that pigeons and foxes don’t see people as a potential food source.

Poisoned booze kills

over a hundred

Survivors of the tragedy in hospital.

IN a horrific event that is only just coming to light, at least 100 people have been killed in India after drinking poisoned alcohol. Many of those who died, around 60, was at a funeral in the district of Uttar Pradesh. The remaining deaths occurred after the deadly concoction was sold or passed on to other local towns and villages.

Bootlegging is still common practice in rural India but this unregulated distilling means that health and safety is not exactly the number one concern. In this instance, it is thought the drinks had been laced with methanol. This is used to

by Simon Russell

increase the alcohol strength and is often found in antifreeze, but it can cause an agonising death if the dose is too strong as happened here.

An estimated 40% of the alcohol consumed in India is illegally made and deaths are common, although rarely in this number from a single batch of drink. Local newspapers have reported that about 3,000 people connected with the trade in the region where the tragedy happened have been arrested in a massive clampdown.

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Business & Finance

TROUBLE FOR DIA

Table showing gross average remunerations over the last dozen years.

Wages on the up ALTHOUGH still only increased by an average of 1%, the 2018 wage rise for Spanish workers was the highest since 2013 when they increased by 1.4% on average. In 2017 the figure was just 0.3% in a year when goods increased by an

by Simon Russell

average of 2%, meaning most workers understandably felt they were going backwards economically.

The average base salary now stands at €25,500, rising to €35,568 if you

take into account social contributions, a new high.

One of the main reasons for the increase is the agreement to increase all public sector employees wages by 9% over three years, something the private sector has been forced to follow to an extent.

Talks

STRUGGLING supermarket chain Dia has announced falling revenues and a loss for 2018, saying that it would lay off thousands of staff.

Dia is planning a 600 million euro rights issue, and has been steadily losing its market share, where its low-cost model flourished during the recession.

Sponsored By Tel: 671 935 072

PUIG´S HEALTH

NO BRITISH citizen living in the Valencian region will lose access to free health care, regardless of what happens to Brexit, according to the Valencian president, Ximo Puig.

His reassurance came at meeting in Alicante this week to discuss the impact

of Brexit on Spain, as the uncertainty continues as to what happens at the end of March.

Puig said this week that there are currently 71 thousand British nationals with a health card issued by the Valencian authorities, and he stated that regional

PLEDGE

coffers get around 75 million euros of payments in compensatory payments from the UK every year.

He described a “no deal Brexit”, as the “worst solution” possible, and added that UK nationals living in the region would maintain their status as

“Valencians”, and that his government would want to do a bilateral health deal with the UK government, which would also involve the 10 thousand Valencians living in Britain.

The notion of actually negotiating a health deal directly with the UK appears to be somewhat fanciful, as such business is conducted directly between the national governments in Madrid and London, like in the recent agreement on voting rights..

Nevertheless, Puig reiterated that irrespective of Brexit developments, healthcare in Valencia was “universal for all”, which is something that applies to people of all nationalities living in the region.

by Alex Trelinski

It is now finding it hard to keep up with competitors including German discounters Aldi and Lidl, and domestic rival Mercadona.

It has also received a takeover bid by its largest shareholder, Russian tycoon Mikhail Fridman,

who currently holds just under 30 per cent of the company through his LetterOne (L1) investment company.

Last week, L1 offered to buy the whole group, valuing it at more than 400 million euros, with the company’s market value standing at just over 450 million euros last Friday.

German carrier collapse worries tourist spots

Grounded. A Germania plane.

THE Spanish tourist industry, and in particular the Balearic Islands, are concerned about the possible impact after budget airline Germania collapsed last week with flights stopping overnight. The firm, as the name suggests, is based in Germany and flew 550,000 Germans to the Balearics last year, the vast majority of those to

by Simon Russell

Mallorca. The one silver lining is that the firm has failed in the offseason, with only 3,000 people scheduled to travel this month, giving later travellers a chance to make other arrangements.

Irish airline Ryanair has been linked with a possible takeover, ahead of two German firms.

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Business & Finance

Turbulence in the markets

By Christina Brady BLACKTOWER Financial Management

For investors looking to enter the market, the drop in the markets offers an excellent buying opportunity and realistically the only option to achieve growth greater than inflation, as interest rates across the EU and the UK look to remain well below inflation for the foreseeable future.

In these testing, times getting advice from a financial advice company that has weathered more than one or two financial downturns is essential for your financial wellbeing and peace of mind. Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and has worked with its clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound financial advice.

Renewed turbulence in financial markets means that the proportion of funds generating positive returns has fallen to their lowest level since the global financial crisis in 2008, research by FE Trustnet shows.

Only 20.5 per cent of the 3,779 funds have made a positive return this year.

This is stark contrast to recent years: in 2017, 95.3 per cent of the Investment Association was in the black while in 2016 some 96.7 per cent made money.

So as we approach 2019 it looks like it will be a testing time for investors, from trade wars to political uncertainty.

The European Union (EU) faces a number of challenges in 2019,

including the ongoing Brexit saga, further tensions with the Italian government, mass social unrest in France (with the potential for contagion) , the continued rise of populism, anti-immigration, anti-establishment and separatism movements. A weakening European economy (real GDP has decelerated in 2018) could exacerbate the issue, as seen in France over the last few weeks.

In the US, President Trump will do everything he can to keep the US economy strong because the success of his presidency relies on it, although his hands might be somewhat tied following the US midterm elections. While the current economic cycle has become one of the longest in history, we see no immediate warning signs that it is likely to end soon.

As such, unless unforeseen significant risks materialise to derail the US economy,

we may have another strong year for equity markets despite concerns over valuations. The policy of ‘America first’ with respect to trade negotiations may help push the value of American assets higher.

But there is a risk here. America still relies on the rest of the world as much as the rest of the world relies on America – attempting to reset the terms of global trade too hard in America’s favour might derail the economies of other countries.

So next year is set to be one of the challenges, but also one of opportunity, as the UK theoretically plots an uncharted journey outside the economic boundaries of the EU, investors should continue to adhere to time-tested investment principles, such as maintaining a long-term focus and employing a disciplined diversified asset allocation.

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 Financial Management

Blacktown will be by your side both now and in the future.

The Blacktower team are here to help you whether the potential storms ahead, to arrange a professional and impartial consultation please contact us by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call the office on 965058212. 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.

(International) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) 00805B and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

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Saint Petersburg & Moscow

by Yvonne Hollywood, Worldwide Horizons

Saint Petersburg is a city that has changed its name many times in relatively recent history, having previously also been known as Petrograd, Leningrad and finally returning to the original, Saint Petersburg. At times the capital of Imperial Russia, it is a Sea Port on the Baltic Sea, with a population of about 5 million inhabitants.

The city has a wealth of attractions, over 200 museums

including the Hermitage, the second largest Art Museum in the world (the Louvre in Paris holds the title of largest).

Other attractions include the Tsaŕ s Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St Isacć s Cathedral and the Statue of Peter the Great.

If you are in luck, there could be a performance by the Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre, or perhaps you would prefer to take in a traditional Russia evening, with Cossack dancing, songs and dances from around Russia including sampling Russian wine and Vodka at the interval.

There are also guided visits to Catherines Palace with its famous Amber Room and the Peterhof Gardens, modelled on the gardens of Versaille.

Whether you travel by train or by coach, it is almost inconceivable to think of going to Russia and not also travelling to Moscow, now the capital of Russia and with an impressive 13+ Million residents. It is the most northerly largest city in the world, officially classed as a megacity due to its large population.

It is also an expensive city to live in, being a centre of politics, science, economics and culture. As you can imagine, there is also a fantastic amount of tourist attractions in a city with so much to offer. To start with, you should include Red

Square, and the iconic St Basil Cathedral, not to be confused with the gold-domed building of the Kremlin.

Take a stroll through Arbat street, once inhabited by the tsaŕ s artisans and often referred to as Moscow’s Montmartre, a cosmopolitan mix of cafes and restaurants where you can also pick up hand made goods and souvenirs.

Book a pre-programmed tour and skip the queues to enter into the Treasure Chamber of the Russian Tsars. Inside, you will see some priceless Faberge eggs, Catherine the Greats diamonds and many of her gowns, as well as Imperial carriages with studded jewels and precious stones.

Both destinations have great connections with direct flights from Alicante, but remember, always check your paperwork – a visa and comprehensive insurance are needed before you are allowed to enter the country!

BACK TO THE TWENTIES

A bit of Denia history in the shape of La Rota de Merle in the Rattans area of the city is up for sale, in an example of a property built through the inspiration of early tourism.

There´s plenty on offer, with

by Alex Trelinski

the property having 30 metres of a facade leading to the sea, and nearly 400 square metres of building across two floors, plus a second building of almost 100 square

metres thrown into the package.

The villa was built around 1920 and was owned by a granddaughter of Cándida Carbonell and Juan Merle, one of the architects of Denia´s first theatre.

It´s situated between the Helios

and Pegolí restaurants, just a few metres from where the sea hits the rocks.

The building is typical of what was built in the area nearly a hundred years ago as part of an early push to attract visitors

wanting a taste of the coast.

Although a number of estate agencies are marketing the property, you will have to make a polite inquiry about the asking price, which has not been declared on any of their websites!

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Local - Property

Is the UK High rise luxury housing bubble at a price bursting?

IF you’re extremely wealthy and not worried about heights the latest luxury development in Dubai could be just what you’re looking for.

Penthouse suites at the 200 meters high Royal Atlantis are priced at about 9.3 million Euros while the cheapest apartments go for a more modest 2 million or so. The complex, which critics say resembles a child’s Lego building, juts out into the sea

by Matthew Richards

guaranteeing amazing views for all.

Gold lined bathrooms are the sort of high-end specification buyers can expect, while the complex, which is also part of a 5-star hotel, has an aquarium, water park and dozens of bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities for the fortunate few who can afford to live there.

Many buyers are wary of Brexit.

BREXIT is being blamed for a sharp fall in UK house prices in January as a report by the Halifax showed a 2.9% drop. However some analysts say this is no more than a blip, pointing to the 2.5% rise in December following on from three months of growth at the end of 2018. Russell Galley, managing director of the Halifax, one of Britain’s largest mortgage lenders

said “There’s no doubt that the next year will be important for the housing market, with much of the immediate focus on what impact leaving the EU may have. However, more fundamentally it is key underlying factors of supply and demand that will ultimately shape the market.”

Commenting on the effects of Brexit Mark

Harris from mortgage broker SPF said “Flat growth is probably the best we can hope for, given the current tricky political situation we find ourselves in. Brexit has caused a slowdown in purchase activity as would-be buyers sit on their hands, waiting for the outcome before committing to something as major as buying a new home.”

Climate Change, it’s becoming more relevant ’ve often wondered about that phrase; should it be Sea Change or C-Change? It refers to a 180 degree change of direction so C-Change seems more appropriate. It’s the same as One of or One off?

Whatever the answer is to these conundrums, the other C-Change i.e. Climate Change it’s becoming more relevant to the expat residents and seasonal tourism. Temperatures and sea level are continuing to rise, with the latter likely to cause increasing problems for front line residences, marinas and the like.

Many of the mature expat residents are here for eight or nine months only, leaving the extreme heat and crowding of the summer to the tourists. It really is the worst time to be in the South of Spain, because

the weather is too hot during the day and it’s extremely dry, using up water resources when they are not being replenished.

Yes, the warm summer nights and pleasant sea temperatures compensate for those and for the bulk of the tourists, who don’t move more than a kilometre inland from the beach, is that all that they require?

The marketing for property should certainly be increasingly stressing the green Spain that we residents know, and the joy of clear blue skies and 20+ degree temperatures in mid Winter. The predictions are that more extreme weather will occur, with greater winter storms in Northern Europe.

However, they will be balanced by warmer drier Summers.

There has been talk of some

reduction in tourists this year, due to people experiencing a good summer in 2018 and wondering why they should be paying the thousands of pounds, euros or kroners to come here when they could stay home and enjoy pleasant weather. The meteorologists are forecasting at least 5 more years of that.

For the property market, the majority of seasonal tourist are not really the people who

will buy, so a reduction in their numbers is not that important, apart from supporting the services and facilities that we year-round residents enjoy.

One other trend that could have an effect on demand for property is that apparently there is an increasing social pressure for people to reduce the number of flights they take, as they are a significant cause of carbon pollution leading to climate change. That could

reduce the number of people wanting a place to jet over to for a long weekend at any time of the year. Technological change will undoubtedly reduce the pollutants so we hope that will come soon.

Certainly, a property buyer has never had so much choice with plenty of resale properties fighting it out with the strong marketing of the increasing numbers of new builds. As building surveyors

we see the need for snagging of these new properties, to ensure that the quality and specification is up to the level promised in the marketing.

As registered valuers, we are also experiencing surprise at the level of difference between new build and equivalent resale properties. But they will all find their level in the market and are bringing more fresh occupiers, ready to enjoy the greatest place to live.

Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain

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Local - Property

STEADY MORTGAGE RATES

by Alex Trelinski

INTEREST rates for mortgage holders in Spain are likely to stay the same, as the latest Eurozone inflation rate is expected to be declared as one point four per cent for January, sitting below the European Central Bank’s target rate of near two per cent.

Rising prices for energy and food, alcohol and tobacco products were chiefly behind January’s inflation.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which strips out volatile energy and unprocessed foods prices, came in at a softer one point two per cent last month.

The figures are good news for people looking for a mortgage or who currently hold one, but on the other hand bring little cheer for savers with a low interest rate.

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Alex Trelinski’s

Back In

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23

body bag Brexit The NHS is stockpiling body bags as preparations for a nodeal Brexit continue to ramp up ahead of March 29th, according to a Government official.

Health minister Stephen Hammond wrote a letter to a fellow Tory MP revealing that the NHS had taken the measure in a bid to stop shortages, in case the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal.

The macabre information was revealed to reassure one of the MP’s constituents that the NHS will continue to run as normal in the event of no-deal.

What a state to get into as nobody has yet to convince under what circumstance Britain will be better out of the EU.

a m u a r t p u c a e T I have great sympathy fore lic the over-stretched UK pohear n the u yo t bu , forces er if this story, and you wond ir the e hav e som priorities straight.

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w recounted who Facebook, Mr La YouTube prankster ures when officers arrived at his illegally climbs struct ims gate last week. re around the world, cla “Turned out they we flight he was bundled off a lice police from Milton Keynes at Gatwick by “10+ poand and so they drove three hours ee officers”, arrested arrest me and then thr charged - for stealing to urs back,” he wrote. a cup of tea at an ho Thames Valley Police nt outlet in Milton firmed two officers we Keynes back in con airport and transported to the 2017. ynes, Law back to Milton Ke court s e m a h T in ear he will app Valley Police wherelater in the month. in aga ar-ye 21 said the s “I wish I could say this wa from old, n’t do “I ed. add w La e,” S o u t h a m p t o n a jokdrink tea.” charged even was Alleged tea theft aside,s with a nonhow much thi d w e l l i n g I wonder cost the Thames se exerci burglary. and what In a Valley Police,ious crime in ser of s post on victim their area think about it?

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ordered a corn on the weekend, a couple who eaway were baffled to cob from their local takfilled with sweetcorn. be served – a bread roll iend William Maddock Paige Hart and boyfr wasn´t until they got placed an order, but it d the corn in the bread home that they discovere cob. th in stitches as the Paige said: ‘We were boliterally. What some so takeaway owner took it cobs.’ people call baps we call

24

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Motoring

Hyundai i30 Fastback The Hyundai i30 Fastback N arrives with a level of maturity that goes further than its liftback tailgate.

Not that the exterior styling gives anything away, with an identical front end, matching 19in alloy wheels and Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The rear gets a more sculpted diffuser, prominent twin exhausts and bootlid spoiler, but the similarities are clear to see.

Performance is unchanged from the hatch, courtesy of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘theta’ engine - albeit only in 271bhp Performance guise. With the majority of i30 N customers opting for the more powerful variant, Hyundai hasn’t seen the need to offer British customers the lesser 247bhp powerplant. It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 6.1sec, matching the hatchback.

The differences have been achieved not through mechanical changes but software tweaks. Both cars share the same electronically locking front differential, adaptive dampers and electronic power steering system, but Hyundai has overhauled the settings for each one to tone things down from the violently firm hatchback. Softer suspension also promises to deliver a more supple ride.

The new bodystyle has eaten slightly into the amount of head room available to the back row, which could make it a bit of a squeeze for taller adults, and rear visibility takes quite a dent too. On the other hand, it allows for a more capacious boot.

The Fastback begins to differ from the hatch as soon as you start it up, with an

exhaust note that’s more subdued until you decide to explore the upper reaches of the rev range, where it finally delivers some characterful pops and bangs. But even then, the aural impact just isn’t as great here.

The precision action of the ball-shaped gearlever makes slotting each new cog a joy, the taut six-speed ’box up there with

Lower urban speeds coming

AFTER recent speed reductions across Spain´s national network of highways, comes the news that the General Directorate of Traffic(DGT) has plans to cut speed limits to 20 kilometres per hour on some urban centre roads.

The DGT has recommended many times that speeds in some centres should drop to 20 kilometres per hour, and it appears this may become law.

The proposed legislation will say that 20 kilometres will be the maximum at which driving is permitted on roads where the pavement is on the same level and there is no kerb, a design growing in popularity in many urban hubs when roads are redeveloped.

Speed limits in town centres are likely to reduce to 30 kilometres per hour on single-carriageways and, for dual carriageways in these

areas, to 50 kilometres per hour.

Penalties for breaking the limit will become much stiffer – at the moment, the maximum is 300 euros in fines and a loss of two licence points, although ‘minor’ cases of speeding typically attract fines of 100 euros, reducing to 50 euros if paid straight away.

Now, the maximum for speeding will rise to 500 euros and a loss of six licence

points.

Effectively, two maximum speeding charges will mean the loss of a driver’s licence altogether.

The DGT says that in 2017 – the most recent period for which statistics are available – a total of 509 people were killed in car accidents in town centres, mostly pedestrians, of whom 80 per cent are considered ‘vulnerable’, such as the elderly or disabled.

the best in the class. The pedals are spaced a little too far apart for heel-toe shifting, but automatic rev-matching in the sportier driving modes goes a long way to make up for it.

The Fastback feels most composed and engaging, if not quite to the same level as a Honda Civic Type R or Golf GTI. The toned-down ride and handling unlocks

more of the available driving modes for everyday use, while the more sedate exhaust note allows for incognito journeys should you want them.

Rivals continue to deliver a more complete driving experience - even if they struggle to match it on price.

Nissan Leaf pre-orders hit 3,000 across europe Unprecedented demand for the latest version of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle has seen pre-orders hit the 3,000 mark, a month after the new model was unveiled at CES in Las Vegas.

The new Nissan LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition, which is fitted with a 62kWh battery, has proven to be a very attractive proposition.

Pre-orders of the new model currently total more than 3,000, which puts the Nissan LEAF in prime position to achieve record sales once again in 2019 after a very successful 2018.

Norway is currently leading

the charge with pre-orders reaching almost half of the 3,000 units. LEAF was the top-selling car overall in Norway in 2018.

Motorists looking for a more eco-friendly and uncompromised driving experience continue to be drawn by the car’s allround capability. The Nissan LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition has a power output of 160 kWh (217 PS), and an expected range of up to 239 miles** on a single charge.

Also unveiled to much acclaim at CES, the Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO with a 40 kWh battery is available to order now. Based on

the award-winning Nissan LEAF 40 kWh, the Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO adds a number of personalisation options including new colours and a contrasting roof, adding appeal for EV customers looking for a car with real visual presence.

The consistent high demand for the Nissan LEAF secured its crown as the best-selling EV overall in Europe for 2018, with more than 40,000* sold across the continent. In addition, the Nissan LEAF remains the world’s best-selling EV, with more than 380,000 units sold globally since the original car launched in 2010.

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Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain

LIFE´S A DRAG! HISTORIC ABUSE A SAN JAVIER drag act came away with the top prize of the National Drag Queen contest held in Torrevieja´s International Auditorium last weekend.

Rubén Zapata as “Drag Odin” won the first prize and a thousand euros in the competition that featured 10 contestants, including a female competitor for the first time.

The eleventh staging played in front of a full house, and is part of the Torrevieja Carnival festivities, which will feature the popular Grand

by Alex Trelinski

Parade on Sunday February 24th.

Odin the winner.

IN THE PINK

The Pink Ladies at Zenia Boulevard.

OVER a thousand euros was raised last week by cancer-fundraisers, The Pink Ladies and Panthers, at Zenia Boulevard to commemorate World Cancer Day.

by Alex Trelinski

A full day of entertainment was provided by local artists, who donated their services freely, whilst the Boulevard supplied

tulips to be handed out to visitors.

A minute´s silence held in honour of cancer victims and survivors, with money raised on the day going to the AECC early detection programme.

HEALTHIER ALGORFA

PLANS for a new health centre for Algorfa are progressing well, according to Valencia´s health minister, Ana Barceló, who visited the proposed site for the building.

Barceló told Algorfa council officials that the Valencia region´s 2019 budget has the project in it, and with the site picked by the council, it should not be

by Alex Trelinski

long before a contract for the work is advertised.

Algorfa has one of the highest non-Spanish populations in Alicante Province, and the current health centre, which is affiliated to one in Almoradi, is too small to cope with the demand.

Algorfa mayor, Manuel

Ros, said that the new building, which would be located just five minutes away from the existing centre, would also benefit medical staff, who currently do not have enough room for the various consultations.

Another bonus of the move would be better car parking for both patients and staff.

A FATHER is being investigated for abusing his daughter in San Javier for a period of five years.

The 17-year-old girl now lives in the Vega Baja region, which means that the Orihuela court and local Guardia Civil are running the inquiry, after she filed a complaint with the Guardia last weekend.

The teenager said that her 39-year-old father sexually abused her between the ages of 7 and 12, and she had only reported the incidents now because the trauma meant

by Alex Trelinski

that she was unable to have an intimate relationship with her boyfriend.

Her parents are separated, and the father has not been arrested as yet, because according to the daughter, she has not seen him ”for a long time”, with trained experts saying there is no risk to her.

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www.weekendernews.com

Local - News & Community

ANIMAL CHARITY BOOST The administrative reasons, it was decided to donate the money to animal charities.

The presentation was made by the EV

THREE LOCAL animal by Alex Trelinski charities are better off to the tune of 500 euros each, originally intended to assist thanks to the residents of the with the problem of feral El Valle Resort in Murcia. cats on the resort but for Cruz Azul in San Javier; APAH in Pilar de la Horadada; and Los Infiernos Perrera in San Javier were each presented with cheques, as a result of fund-raising by the El Valle Owners and Visitors.

It all came from an idea from the late President, John Slack, assisted by the ladies of the “Cat Committee”, who staged a coffee and cake morning, including a bring and buy sale and Presentation at El Valle. raffle.

The money was

Postbag

President, Ernesto Zarco to representatives of the three charities with the ladies of the “Cat Committee” in attendance.

However there was a surprise twist at a regular restaurant that we use, when we asked for the bill, and were asked in turn whether we fancied a chupito.

Of course the answer was yes, but we were caught unawares when the drinks arrived with some scrawled-on writing on the bill.

Three euros had been added to the final total, with the words “Extra Drinks” written on it.

Needless to say, we will be not returning to that particular establishment that we have used on countless occasions.

Mary Morris, La Zenia.

WATER WORKS

THREE Vega Baja municipalities are to get a total of 350 thousand euros of improvements to their water supply and sewage systems.

The money has been

by Alex Trelinski

made available via a grant from the Alicante Provincial Council, with work starting soon in Almoradi, San

One of the nice traditions when going out for a meal in Spain is to enjoy a complementary chupito at the end of the evening.

Fulgencio, and Redovan.

Local mayors signed a deal with Francisco Saez from the provincial authority as he visited each of the municipalities.

The package will see over 124 thousand euros spent on upgrading piping on San Fulgencio´s La Marina urbanisation and 100 thousand euros in the Saladar area of Almoradi.

I saw a report on Channel Four News a few days ago featuring Brits living on the Costa Blanca and a man that actually voted to leave the EU in the referendum in 2016.

Not surprisingly, he ended up regretting his decision!

The reporter asked a man called Dave whether he had shot “himself in the foot” by voting to leave, and he replied that he probably did.

That was the problem with the referendum in that there simply was no honest information or sensible discussions about the serious implications of quitting the EU, and now the chickens have come home to roost.

As for the UK politicians trying to sort the mess out, forget it!

We´ve more chance of winning the Eurovision Song Contest in May. Cameron Hastings, Benidorm.

Send us your letters! newsdesk@Weekender.news

Letters and news are printed at the editors discretion.

All letters should contain, the writer’s name, NIE and contact information (Phone number/address) although only the name and town will be published. Please state clearly if you wish to remain anonymous.

The publishers reserve the right ammend submissions and publish, in part or full

QUIZ SUCCESS

Saez signs with San Fulgencio mayor Manuel Gomez to the left.

BIN STRIKE THREAT

ORIHUELA´S rubbish collectors could go on indefinite strike from the start of March in a row over problems at their two depots on the Orihuela Costa and at the Puente Alto industrial estate.

Bin workers voted overwhelmingly to down tools if Orihuela council doesn´t address their demands by the end of the month over the state of the two depots, as well as their working conditions.

Complaints at the depots include no toilets, water or electricity at Puente Alto in Orihuela City, whilst the Orihuela Costa facility has no electricity either, with workers

using two temporary huts and they have two latrines as toilets, which are then flushed onto the depot entrance.

Other gripes include collection vehicles that keep on breaking down, collection routes that are too long, and a lack of suitable clothing including masks and gloves, which unions say are needed to cope with any spillages.

Orihuela council announced last year that they were getting some new refuse trucks, but the unions say nothing has happened on that front, and that they want action, as opposed to “hot air” from the authority.

ROJALES WATCH

ROJALES local police chief, Iñaki Esparza, will be attending next month´s AGM of the Rojales Neighbourhood Watch Group.

The meeting is open to everybody living in the 01370 postal code area, and will take place at Quesada´s Municipal Centre on Monday March 11th, starting at 11.00 am.

If anybody wants to raise any issues with the Rojales police at the meeting, then you can send the group an email by February 29th to helentudor22@gmail.com Neighbourhood Watch in Spain has a newly designed website which is www.nhw.org.es

One of the quiz teams.

AN IMPRESSIVE 510 euros was raised at a recent fun quiz in aid of the Huntington´s Disease Association, Costa Blanca.

Over 70 people attended the event at The Pines restaurant in Benijofar, with the charity now on the look out for a vice-

by Alex Trelinski president to join their friendly team.

For more details, please contact Marion Smith via email, marion.smith@hda.org.es or phone 634 905 249.

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Pets & Wildlife

Artists paints miniature animals

ARC - PUPPIES & KITTIES NEEDING HOMES JERRY

Irene Malakhova is a Russian artist popular for her miniature paintings. She describes herself as a “tiny artist”, referring to her kind of art. She recently released a compilation of her works inspired by “little living things” for her #tiny_creaturesdays series. Malakhova has been

6 months old brother of Daisy.

Neutered. Very playful & lively little boy. Needs his own family.

working on this project for a couple of years now and her works are incredibly cute.

Each part of each animal is skilfully drawn.

If you are interested in her art, you can grab one on Etsy as Malakhova recently opened a shop, the TinyWorldsLivingShop.

5 CUTE PUPPIES

Cruel start to life

Born Christmas Day 2018, Podenco. 5 Girls & 1 Boy. Holly, Ivy, Angel, Eve & Sprout. Will be ready for their forever homes in mid-February. They are all gorgeous little guys.

THERE was a stark reminder last week of the contempt that some people have for podenco huntings dogs after five puppies that appeared to be just a few hours old were found dumped in a bin in the Javea area. Sadly two of them were already dead but thankfully Jacky Hazeleger from Tanamera Rescue was able to retrieve the pups and start arranging the help they would need. Unfortunately a third dog died soon after but the other two are being looked after, although they require a lot of attention and

NO ADOPTIOIN FEE BUT A DONATION IS MUCH APPRECIATED. Also, many other dogs, puppies, cats & kittens needing homes. Food and donations also urgently needed and can be left at ARC’s charity shop on CarrerValencia 1, Jalon between 10 am & 1.00 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.

Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A. CIF No G5482759

Residencia canina y felina Boarding kennel & Cattery

Since nce 11977 97 desde/si

7

RESIDENCIA CANINA Y FELINA BOARDING KENNEL & CATTERY Habitaciones individuales Ozono Hilo musical Calefacción Parques ajardinados Servicio a domicilio Admitimos todas las razas

Individual rooms Ozono Music Heated floor system Landscaped playgrounds Free home delivery service All types of dogs & cats allowed

have to be hand fed.

Jacky said that if any good was to come out of the three deaths it was that it might help educate people about the cruelty regularly inflicted on podencos, hunting dogs which are often killed or abandoned after the hunting season ends.

Jacky is founder owner of Tanamera Rescue which has recently moved to Xativa from Javea for economic purposes, but still deals mainly with dogs rescued across the Marina Alta al- on hunting dogs, rescuing, ly something that keeps though occasionally further rehabilitating and, hopeful- them very busy thanks to a afield. Tanamera focuses ly, re-homing them - sad- thoughtless few.

Pets in Spain Luna and Sol

are around 8 year old Bichon’s and in need of a new home together. They were previously kept outside so they will need some training.

They are both chipped and vaccinated and Luna is sterilized.

Call: 645 469 253 www.petsinspain.com info@petsinspain.com

Andy Mansell’s

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Stars In

Let’s have a drink, Olivia

Last weekend’s BAFTA ‘s saw The Favourite, sweep the boards, with seven awards in total, although it was beaten in the Best Movie category, by foreign language film Roma.

That didn’t stop, British actress Olivia Colman having a bit of fun when she picked up her award for Best Actress for her role as Queen Mary in the risqué comedy, drama, set in an 18thcentury England at war with France.

Taking to the stage, she looked out on the audience, marvelling: “It’s really big!”

Then, revealing she’d prepared something, unlike her Golden Globes speech, she continued: “I do know what to say, I’ve actually written something down.

“To my fellow nominees, to be in the same company as you is an extraordinary honour.”

Turning to her co-stars Rachel Weisz and Emma

Stone, she said: “As far as I’m concerned all three of us are the same and should be the leads and it’s weird we can’t do that.

“This is for all three of us.

It’s got my name on it but we can scratch on some other ones.”

She ended by saying, “We are having an amazing night aren’t we? We are going to get so pissed later.”

Now that’s my kind of Best Actress.

Olivia Colman, was awarded Best Actress for her role in The Favourite

Nice but no Rice UK Eurovision hopeful Michael Rice is a former X Factor contestant and winner of the BBC’s All Together Now.

Eurovision update .....This might get boring over the next few weeks haha, but here goes.

Still no word on whether Madonna will perform at the final in May, but the UK’s entry has been announced.

Michael Rice, a former X Factor contestant and winner of last year’s BBC1 singing contest, All together Now, will sing the ballad Bigger Than Us (No, it’s not about Gemma Collins) in Tel Aviv.

To be honest, with the UK being about as popular as

a condom at a Cliff Richard concert at the moment, we could enter Adele, Sam Smith, Little Mix, Susan Boyle and Ed Sheeran all singing together and still end up with nil points.

But god loves a tryer and Michael’s winning song, chosen by the British public last week, is a Greatest Showmanishstormer, crossed with an X Factor winner’s single type number, which might stop us finishing last …… and boy, the lad can sing.

n My Eyes . . . . . e m t s u r T The GC ice breaker hits the buffers

Gemma Collins say it will take her knees six weeks to recover from falling on the ice.

So, this year’s Dancing on Ice novelty act has finally skated for the last time, as so called ‘fan’s favourite’, Gemma Collins was sent home.

The TOWIE star, who has miraculously stayed in the competition, despite having all the grace of an aircraft carrier, became the fifth celebrity to leave the ITV Sunday night show.

Although Gemma, or The GC, as she likes to be known, lost two and a half stone during the competition, she has vowed not to step onto the ice again because of

her knees, injured in a nasty fall a few weeks ago.

Talking on Loose Women, Gemma said, ‘When I fell on the ice, I never felt the same ever again, I’ll be honest with you, I was very lucky, but my knees, I’ve got a six month recovery on my knees. ‘When I spoke to the physio and she said to me, “It’s going to take six months for them to start healing.”‘ Unfortunately, no one mentioned how long it will take for the ice to recover from Gemma crashing onto it every week.

I’m a genie

week, that Will Smith has admitted this es of the sho ge lar fitting into the rather e of Disney’s late Robin Williams, in the rol .

Aladdin is terrifying him new movie A minute long trailer, for the last week’s ing dur ak appeared in an ad bre Grammy awards, in which the actor appeared as a strange shade of blue.

Back in December when Will first appeared as the beloved Genie, he admitted that he finds it daunting stepping into

Williams’ shoes. gs that are “Whenever you’re doing thin question The . ing rify ter ays alw it’s iconic, meat left on the is always: Where was there of meat on the lot a ve lea n’t did in bone? Rob bone with the character.”

Will Smith will play the genie in Disney’s new

Rolling in the pink

On a week of star studded, celebrity riddled galas, the red carpets have been awash with designer gowns and outrageous costumes.

None more so than Katy Perry’s outlandish creation, she wore to last weekend’s Grammy awards in Los Angeles.

Never one to shy away from a little publicity, Katy sashayed along the rouge matting in a silver and pink, strapless bustier teamed with a curiously fanned-out skirt, like some tissue paper concertina.

Pausing for a wink to the hordes of paparazzi waiting to take her pic, the star was obviously in on the joke, as the outfit bore a remarkable similarity to one of those quaint, old fashioned covers your grandma would use to hide the unsightly loo roll next to the toilet.

Later in the evening, Katy sent her fans a simple one word tweet, saying ‘Balmain’, with an accompanying love heart.

Such a shame Balmain couldn’t make her a handbag in the shape of a toilet brush holder for a matching set.

Katy Perry stopped to pose and wink at the waiting photographers.

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friday 8th june 2018

FRIDAY 15th February

07:00 Breakfast 07:00 Good Morning Britain 07:00 This Is BBC TWO 10:15 The Empty Housing Scandal 07:30 Wanted Down Under 09:30 Lorraine 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer Revisited 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 12:00 Wanted Down Under 08:15 The Best House in Town 11:30 This Morning 12:45 Claimed and Shamed 09:00 Antiques Roadshow 13:30 Loose Women 13:15 Bargain Hunt 10:00 BBC News at Nine 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:00 BBC News at One 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 14:55 ITV News London 14:30 BBC London News 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live 15:00 James Martin’s Great 14:45 Doctors 13:15 Politics Live British Adventure 15:15 A Place to Call Home 14:00 Think Tank 16:10 Escape to the Country 14:45 A Vicar’s Life 16:00 Tenable 16:55 The Best House in Town 15:15 Collectaholics 17:00 Tipping Point 17:40 Flog It! 16:15 Animal Babies 18:00 The Chase 18:15 Pointless 17:15 How Earth Made Us 19:00 ITV News London 19:00 BBC News at Six 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:30 ITV Evening News 19:30 BBC London News 19:00 Eggheads 20:00 Emmerdale 20:00 The One Show 19:30 Great Railway Journeys 20:30 Coronation Street 20:30 Celebrity Mastermind 20:00 Big Cats About the 21:00 Countrywise 21:00 EastEnders House 21:30 Coronation Street 21:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 Mastermind 22:00 MasterChef 21:30 Tours of Scotland’s Lochs 22:00 Grantchester 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 22:00 Monty Don’s Japanese 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:00 BBC News at Ten Gardens 23:30 ITV News London 23:35 The Graham Norton 23:00 QI 23:45 Through the Keyhole Show 23:30 Newsnight

07:30 The King of Queens 08:45 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Frasier 11:10 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 15:10 Countdown 16:00 A Place in the Sun 17:00 The £100K Drop 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 23:00 The Last Leg

07:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 08:10 Dress to Impress 09:00 Emmerdale 09:55 You’ve Been Framed!

10:25 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 Superstore 11:50 Superstore 12:15 You’ve Been Framed!

13:15 Emmerdale 14:15 You’ve Been Framed!

14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:00 Take Me Out 19:30 Take Me Out: The Gossip 20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Spectre 23:55 Family Guy

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Heartbeat 08:55 Murder, She Wrote 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 Judge Judy 10:55 Judge Judy 11:25 On the Buses 11:55 On the Buses 12:30 Rising Damp 13:05 George and Mildred 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:55 Midsomer Murders 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Doc Martin 22:00 Doc Martin 23:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot

07:45 All Over the Place 07:15 The King of Queens 07:35 Make It Pop 07:00 MILKSHAKE 08:15 Wild & Weird 07:40 Everybody Loves 08:00 Mission Employable 11:20 A Cinderella Story 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 08:30 All Over the Workplace Raymond 08:05 Mr Bean 13:05 Friends 09:00 Top Class 12:30 Nigellissima 08:30 Frasier 08:30 Scrambled!

13:40 Friends 09:30 The Dog Ate My Homework08:35 The Tom and Jerry Show 09:20 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 Football Focus 14:10 Friends 10:00 Deadly on a Mission: 08:50 The Powerpuff Girls 10:35 The Simpsons 14:50 Friends 14:00 BBC Weekend News Pole to Pole 09:10 ToonMarty 11:00 The Simpsons 15:20 Friends 10:30 Nature’s Microworlds 09:30 Marvel’s Ultimate 11:30 The Simpsons 14:15 Live: Indoor Grand Prix 15:55 Mulan 11:00 Natural World Spider-Man vs. the Sinister 6 12:00 The Simpsons Athletics 12:00 Homes Under the Hammer 10:05 Mighty Magiswords 17:40 Billionaire...

12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends 10:25 ITV News 18:40 Billionaire...

17:30 Final Score 13:00 Four in a Bed 14:00 Food & Drink 10:30 James Martin’s Saturday13:30 Four in a Bed 19:35 Dogs Behaving 18:10 Toy Story 14:30 Best Bakes Ever 12:40 Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen14:00 Four in a Bed (Very) Badly 15:00 Escape to the Country 13:45 ITV Lunchtime News 19:25 BBC Weekend News 14:30 Four in a Bed 20:30 Greatest 16:00 City in the Sky 14:00 Dancing on Ice 15:00 Four in a Bed 19:35 BBC London News Chocolate Adverts 17:00 Money for Nothing 16:00 Tenable 15:30 A Place in the Sun: of all Time 18:00 Natural World 19:45 Pointless Celebrities 17:00 Tipping Point Winter Sun 21:55 5 News 19:00 Back in Time for School 18:00 ITV Evening News 16:30 Sun, Sea and Brides To Be 20:35 The Greatest Dancer 20:00 The Great British 18:30 You’ve Been Framed! 17:35 Location, Location, Location Weekend 21:50 Casualty Sewing Bee 19:00 The Chase: Celebrity 18:35 The Secret Life of the Zoo 22:00 Spending 21:00 River Walks 20:00 Small Fortune Secrets of the 22:40 Would I Lie to You? 19:30 Channel 4 News 21:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 The Voice UK 20:00 Hidden Britain by Drone Royals 23:10 BBC Weekend News 22:00 Williams: Formula 1 in 22:30 Through the Keyhole 21:00 Great British Car Journeys 23:00 Britain’s Favourite the Blood 23:30 ITV News 23:30 Match of the Day Royal 22:00 Spy 23:45 Mayans M.C. 23:45 Rocky IV

07:00 Emmerdale Omnibus 09:30 Coronation Street Omnibus 12:25 The Voice UK 14:00 Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule 14:30 Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule 15:00 You’ve Been Framed!

15:30 Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 17:20 Nanny McPhee 19:25 Star Wars: Episode V -The Empire Strikes Back 22:00 Shaun of the Dead

07:00 Royal Stories 07:50 Rising Damp 08:50 George and Mildred 09:50 Carry on Abroad 11:35 Midsomer Murders 17:40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 20:00 Midsomer Murders 22:00 Midsomer Murders

07:00 Breakfast 10:10 Match of the Day 11:00 The Andrew Marr Show 12:00 Sunday Politics 12:30 The Big Questions 13:30 Homes Under the Hammer 14:00 BBC Weekend News 14:15 Songs of Praise 14:50 Porridge 15:20 Bargain Hunt 16:10 Money for Nothing 16:40 Live: Match of the Day 19:05 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death 19:35 BBC Weekend News 19:50 BBC London News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 Baptiste 23:00 BBC Weekend News 23:20 BBC London News 23:30 Match of the Day

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:10 Emmerdale Omnibus 09:45 Coronation Street Omnibus 12:45 Catchphrase 13:30 You’ve Been Framed!

14:35 Finding Nemo 16:40 Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi 19:20 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 22:00 The Ibiza Weekender 23:00 Family Guy

07:00 Rising Damp 07:25 Rising Damp 07:50 George and Mildred 08:20 George and Mildred 08:55 Heartbeat 09:55 Heartbeat 11:00 Love Your Garden 12:05 Brief Encounter 13:50 Midsomer Murders 15:50 Midsomer Murders 17:50 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 19:00 Midsomer Murders 21:00 The Durrells 22:00 The Durrells 23:00 A Touch of Frost

SATURDAY 16th February

10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:15 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!

14:10 Access 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Her Boyfriend’s Secret 17:00 Friends 17:30 Friends 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Do the Right Thing with Eamonn and Ruth 21:00 Secret Scotland 22:00 Posh Hotels With Sally & Nigel 23:00 13 Moments That Killed Whitney Houston

07:00 Breakfast

SUNDAY 17th February

07:10 Super 4 07:20 The King of Queens 07:00 This Is BBC TWO 07:45 The Big Bang Theory 07:35 Make It Pop 07:50 The A to Z of TV 08:10 The Big Bang Theory 08:00 Mission Employable Gardening 08:35 Everybody Loves 08:05 Mr Bean 08:35 The Edible Garden Raymond 09:05 Monty Don’s Japanese 08:30 Scrambled!

08:35 The Tom and Jerry Show 09:00 Everybody Loves Gardens Raymond 08:50 Ben 10 10:05 Countryfile 09:25 Frasier 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites09:10 Mr Bean 10:00 Frasier 09:30 Spy School 12:30 The Hairy Bikers’ 10:30 Sunday Brunch 10:05 Mighty Magiswords Chicken and Egg 13:30 The Simpsons 10:25 ITV News 13:30 Best Bakes Ever 14:30 The Simpsons 10:30 Parveen’s Indian Kitchen 15:25 The Simpsons 14:00 Talking Comedy 11:30 This Morning 14:30 A Shot in the Dark 16:25 The Simpsons 12:30 Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen 17:20 The Simpsons 16:15 Natural World 17:15 Earth’s Natural Wonders 13:30 ITV Lunchtime News 17:50 The Simpsons Movie 13:35 The Voice UK 18:15 Mountain: Life at the 19:30 Channel 4 News 15:05 Thunderball 20:00 Escape to the Chateau Extreme 21:00 George 17:35 ITV Evening News 19:15 Ski Sunday Clarke’s Amazing 18:00 The Chase 20:00 The Fifteen Billion Spaces 19:00 Dancing on Ice Pound Railway 22:00 Traitors 21:00 Endeavour 21:00 Top Gear 23:00 8 Out of 22:00 Africa with Ade Adepitan 23:00 ITV News 23:00 Eight Go Rallying: The 23:15 Martin Clunes: Islands 10 Cats Does Countdown of America Road to Saigon

07:00 MILKSHAKE 11:30 Police Interceptors 12:30 Friends 13:05 Friends 14:05 Friends 14:35 Friends 15:05 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 17:00 Sweet Home Alabama 19:10 Nandos: A Peri-Peri Big Success Story 20:00 Rich Kids Go Skint 21:00 Rich Kids Go Skint 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 John Wick

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MONDAY 18th February

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Countryfile Winter Diaries 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under Revisited 12:45 Claimed and Shamed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at One 14:30 BBC London News 14:45 Doctors 15:10 A Place to Call Home 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 The Best House in Town 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 Live: Match of the Day 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:30 BBC London News 23:42 BBC Weather 23:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

07:00 Wanted Down Under 07:00 Good Morning Britain Revisited 09:30 Lorraine 07:45 The Best House in Town 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 08:30 Tom Kerridge’s Fresh 11:30 This Morning Start 13:30 Loose Women 09:00 Great American 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News Railroad Journeys 14:55 ITV News London 09:30 The Week in Parliament 15:00 James Martin’s Great 10:00 BBC News at Nine British Adventure 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 16:00 Tenable 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live 17:00 Tipping Point 13:15 Politics Live 18:00 The Chase 14:00 Think Tank 14:45 A Vicar’s Life 19:00 ITV News London 15:15 Collectaholics 19:30 ITV Evening News 16:15 Animals with Cameras 20:00 Emmerdale 17:15 Animal Babies 20:30 Coronation Street 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 21:00 The Martin Lewis 19:00 Eggheads Money Show 19:30 Great British Railway 21:30 Coronation Street Journeys 22:00 Cold Feet 20:00 Saving Lives at Sea 23:00 ITV News at Ten 21:00 Only Connect 23:30 ITV News London 21:30 University Challenge 23:45 The Death of Aimee 22:00 Generation Gifted Spencer 23:00 Cunk on Britain 23:30 Newsnight

What’s

ON

07:00 MILKSHAKE 07:30 The King of Queens 08:45 Everybody Loves 10:15 Jeremy Vine Raymond 12:15 Nightmare Tenants, 09:40 Frasier Slum Landlords 11:10 Ramsay’s Kitchen 13:10 5 News Lunchtime Nightmares USA 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take 13:00 Channel 4 News it Away!

13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:10 Access 14:05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 14:15 Home and Away 15:10 Countdown 14:45 Neighbours 16:00 A Place in the Sun: 15:15 A Stolen Past Home or Away 17:00 A New Life in the Sun 17:00 Friends 18:00 Escape to the Chateau: 17:30 Friends DIY 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Neighbours 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:00 Home and Away 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 19:30 5 News Tonight 21:00 Dispatches 20:00 Premiership Rugby 21:30 The Secret Lives of Slim 21:00 Traffic Cops People 22:00 Secrets of the Mega 22:00 Famous and Fighting Cruise Liner Crime 23:00 The Making of Me 23:35 Supersized

TV

Traitors

NEW SERIES: Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid and Chris Harris return for their final run of the motoring show, before Patty McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff take over as hosts later this year. In the first episode, Matt and Chris go to Norway to test drive the latest estate cars from Porsche and Ferrari, while Rory is joined by racing driver Sabine Schmitz for an unusual motoring challenge - to create Britain’s newest mountain with the help of a tiny Suzuki. The team is joined in the studio

by Westworld star James Marsden

NEW SERIES: Spy thriller set in 1945, about a London woman drawn into spying on her own government by her lover, an American agent, who needs her help in rooting out Soviet operatives at the heart of the British establishment.

However, she does not realise he has a hidden agenda keeping his own government in fear of a hidden enemy.

Starring Emma Appleton and Keeley Hawes

TUESDAY 19th February

07:30 Wanted Down Under 07:00 Good Morning Britain 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Countryfile Winter Diaries Revisited 09:30 Lorraine 08:15 The Best House in Town 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:00 Homes Under the 09:00 Great British Menu Hammer 11:30 This Morning 09:30 Grand Tours of 12:00 Wanted Down Under 13:30 Loose Women Scotland’s Lochs Revisited 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 12:45 Claimed and Shamed 10:00 BBC News at Nine 14:55 ITV News London 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 13:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 James Martin’s Great 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live 14:00 BBC News at One 13:15 Politics Live 14:30 BBC London News British Adventure 14:00 The Super League 14:45 Doctors 16:00 Tenable Show 15:10 A Place to Call Home 17:00 Tipping Point 16:00 Escape to the Country 14:45 A Vicar’s Life 18:00 The Chase 15:15 Collectaholics 16:45 Best House in Town 16:15 Animals with Cameras 19:00 ITV News London 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 17:15 Richard Hammond Builds...19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 19:00 BBC News at Six 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:30 BBC London News 19:00 Eggheads 20:30 Call the Cleaners 20:00 The One Show 19:30 Great British Railway 21:00 This Time Next Year 20:30 EastEnders Journeys 22:00 Martin Clunes: Islands 21:00 Holby City 20:00 Top Gear of America 22:00 Shetland 21:00 My Million Pound Menu 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:00 BBC News at Ten 22:00 The Great British 23:30 ITV News London 23:30 BBC London News Sewing Bee 23:45 When English Football 23:42 BBC Weather 23:00 Mock the Week 23:45 Abused by My Girlfriend 23:30 Newsnight Ruled Europe

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Heartbeat 09:00 Murder, She Wrote 10:00 Judge Judy 10:30 Judge Judy 11:00 Judge Judy 11:25 On the Buses 12:00 On the Buses 12:35 Rising Damp 13:05 George and Mildred 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:55 Midsomer Murders 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Endeavour 23:00 Scott & Bailey

new this week

Top Gear

Season 26 Episode 1 BBC2 9:00pm Sun 17th February

07:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 08:10 Dress to Impress 09:00 Emmerdale 09:25 Coronation Street 10:25 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 Superstore 12:15 You’ve Been Framed!

13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Superstore 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 Family Guy 23:00 The Stand Up Sketch Show 23:30 Family Guy

Season 1 Episode 1 CH4 10:00pm Sun 17th February

07:30 The King of Queens 07:00 MILKSHAKE 08:45 Everybody Loves 10:15 Jeremy Vine Raymond 12:15 Nightmare Tenants, 09:40 Frasier Slum Landlords 10:10 Frasier 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 10:40 Frasier 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take 11:10 Ramsay’s Kitchen it Away!

Nightmares USA 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 14:10 Access 14:15 Home and Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 14:45 Neighbours 13:05 Come Dine with Me 15:15 Dance Night Obsession 14:05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 17:00 Friends 15:10 Countdown 16:00 A Place in the Sun: 17:30 Friends Home or Away 18:00 5 News at 5 17:00 A New Life in the Sun 18:30 Neighbours 18:00 Escape to the Chateau: 19:00 Home and Away DIY 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:00 The Simpsons 20:00 Wild Britain 19:30 Hollyoaks 21:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) 20:00 Channel 4 News Badly 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 How the Other Kids Live 22:00 Sinkholes 23:00 Stalked: Murder in Slow 22:00 24 Hours in A&E Motion 23:00 100 Vaginas

07:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 08:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:00 Emmerdale 09:25 Coronation Street 10:25 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 Superstore 12:15 You’ve Been Framed!

13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Superstore 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Family Guy

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Heartbeat 09:00 Murder, She Wrote 10:05 Judge Judy 10:30 Judge Judy 11:00 Judge Judy 11:25 On the Buses 12:00 On the Buses 12:35 Rising Damp 13:05 George and Mildred 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:50 Midsomer Murders 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 DCI Banks

Medium 32

Relax

Rose_0002_M1

ta Roset ROSETTA

5

1 3

4 A Rosetta is made up of a 7 6 centre coloured hexagon Example encircled by 6 white hexagons.

To complete the puzzle, fill in all 7 Rosettas with each number between 1 and 7 in no particular order while also ensuring that : 2

STAR PUZZLE Medium Puzzle Star Star 0003-Grid_M1

www.weekendernews.com

Daily Codeword

CODEWORDS 24 January 19

STAR PUZZLE *

To complete the puzzle fill in each of the empty hexagon cells with numbers between 1 & 7 following the 3 rules below; 1. No numbers in a horizontal line can be repeated.

2. No numbers in a diagonal line can be repeated.

3. No numbers in the 7 gray hexagons can be repeated.

1. No number is repeated in a horizontal row 2. Each number from 1 to 7 are represented in the 7 grey coloured hexagon cells.

3

4

6

2

5 4

6

5 7

1 3

5

© 2011 Engaged Learning

© Engaged Learning

Sudoku

Easy

ABCDEFGHIJKLM NOPQRSTUVWXYZ

* Note that each white hexagon belongs to a line of 7 that must contain each of the numbers between 1 and 7.

Medium

Hard Copyright © 2018 Best for Puzzles

http://bestforpuzzles.com/dc/print.html?puzz=daily-codeword-190124

Puzzle Solutions DROP QUOTE

For a complete explanation on how this puzzle was solved visit www.hexaliagames.com “Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.”

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

CODEWORD

Stardoku

33

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Relax

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across

7. Naval officer never found at the front? (4,7) 8. Twins finding stone in island (6) 9. His map is incorrect, causing an accident (6) 10. Spoil drink that’s made by the border (6) 12. Singers in church or you and me (6) 13. Caught with ducks that sound like doves? (3) 14. Indian father in pain (6) 16. Get man to repair an attractive thing (6) 18. Enclosure for fuel entered by Rolls-Royce (6) 20. Herdsman finding river in port (6) 22. Actor seen to replant garden shrub (11)

Aries

21st Mar – 20th Apr Two of Coins This card is about balancing your finances, you have maybe been spending a little more than usual just lately and need to look closely at your finances, make sure there is more coming in than going out.

A little care now can save you problems in the coming months.

Lucky Number 16

Down

1. A Canadian lake - before one plunged in (4) 2. Detesting a night that’s wild (6) 3. The virtue of a solo game (8) 4. I’m a leader of Muslims (4) 5. Painting forces in conflict (6) 6. Super ale brewed to give satisfaction (8) 11. Draw near a very quiet fish (8) 12. Joker with trick taking in the press, TV, etc. (8) 15. Clergyman a dog devoured (6) 17. Cave where King George met German emperor (6) 19. The country is alight (4) 21. Peer almost ahead of time (4) Drop

Drop Quotes

Tarus

Quotes

Source: John Ruskin

Drop Quotes are similar to cryptograms, in that the goal is for the solver to uncover a hidden quote. A blackand-white crossword-style grid is set up for each quote, with a number of letters “hovering” above each column.

Your task is to “drop” each of those letters into the appropriate square in each column, until the entire quote is revealed. All punctuation (commas, periods, dashes, etc.) has been removed.

Good luck!

A

A

W M

I

Puzzle #V303WA

T

H

E

H G

T

H

E

A O H

T

O S

A

N D

A

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E

N H

N R

T

I

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E

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E

A

R

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O

G D

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D C H

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H N N

A

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R F

21st Apr – 21st May Page of Wands It is all about work and obligations this week, there is a need for you to get things sorted early on in the week so you can relax a little.

An invitation to a nice gathering will cheer you up and give you an opportunity to shine. Wear something blue it will bring you luck.

Lucky Number 12

Gemini

22nd May – 21th June Nine of Wands You may feel as if everything is going off centre at the beginning of the week and it probably is, but have hope the end of your week is looking very positive, but that is because you have got up and made a difference yourself, not time to rely on others.

Lucky Number 14

QUICK CROSSWORD Across 1. Dramatist (10) 7. Be compatible and friendly (3,2,3) 8. Mature (4) 9. Ballet dancer’s skirt (4) 10. Rectified (7) 12. Eternally (11) 14. Horse-soldiers (7) 16. Fail to include (4) 19. Without feeling (4) 20. Evaluate (8) 21. One not given to travel (4-2-4)

Down 1. Sharp or tapered end (5) 2. Airman (7) Copyright © Puzzle Baron February 14, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions!

3. Timber (4) 4. Notorious (8) 5. Long-legged long-necked wading bird (5) 6. Rapid (6) 11. Shortest month (8) 12. Pestilence (6) 13. Lower back pain (7) 15. Head of a community of monks (5) 17. Savour (5) 18. Catch sight of (4)

Cancer

22nd June – 22nd July King of Swords Time for a sort out and this is also the people around you, let them know you are not an easy target and see them back down and will turn around and help you out a great deal. A gentleman in authority will help you clear some paperwork out, and you can relax again. Lucky Number 03

Leo

23rd July – 22nd Aug The Empress This is a great time for those who have others relying on them in one form or another, you will find others are showing gratitude, you and yours will be rewarded (not always financially) but rewards are the order of the week for you, look out for others treating you well.

Lucky Number 28

Virgo

23rd Aug– 22nd Sept Five of Wands There is gossip and small arguments showing this week, however rise above them and you will enjoy a week of fun and enjoyment. Looks as though you need to dress up for an occasion towards the end of the week when fun n frolics will be the order of the day. enjoy Lucky Number 09

Libra

23rd Sept – 22nd Oct Queen of Swords Someone who you look on as a friend may disappoint you this week but do not despair they are in a bad way themselves and need a hand up. You can be the person who helps out there. Keep yourself in a positive vibe to really be the better person here. Red is lucky Lucky Number 33

Scorpio

23rd Oct – 21st Nov Seven of Swords Your creative side is flowing nicely, use this to your advantage, others may try to use your ideas if you share them but there is money to be made and you should be the one to take advantage of this.

A gathering of family and friends will be most enjoyable for you just now. Lucky Number 21

Sagittarius

22nd Nov – 20th Dec Judgement This is a great time to think about joining a gym or walking, a new regime with exercise is the order of the week. Don’t be too judgemental of others it seems they are trying to help however clumsy they may be with that purpose.

Remember others are there to help you. Lucky Number 34

Capricorn

21st Dec – 19th Jan Ace of Wands This is a lucky time for those of you seeking new employment, or even a new hobby. You will find new strengths within yourself when a friend asks for your help.

Communication is key this week, how can others help if they don’t know what it is you want of them, talk now. Lucky Number 05

Aquarius

20th Jan – 19th Feb Page of Cups Let your imagination wander to places it wants to, you will discover new avenues for you to follow and other people will find you most interesting once you allow yourself to express your opinions.

An kind older lady will be very helpful to you and family members this week. Lucky Number 43

Pisces

20th Feb – 20th Mar The Magician Everything you engage with this week will come up smelling of roses. Push your own boundaries and seek new activities and friends and you will have an amazing week. You will even amaze yourself with abilities you didn’t realise you had. Go for gold and win it. Lucky Number 11

34

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WEDNESDAY 20th February

07:00 This Is BBC TWO 07:00 Good Morning Britain 07:30 The King of Queens 07:00 Breakfast 08:45 Everybody Loves 10:15 Countryfile Winter Diaries 07:30 Wanted Down Under 09:30 Lorraine Revisited Raymond 11:00 Homes Under the 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 08:15 The Best House in Town 09:40 Frasier Hammer 09:00 Great British Menu 11:30 This Morning 10:10 Frasier 12:00 Wanted Down Under 09:30 Great American Railroad 13:30 Loose Women 10:40 Frasier Revisited 11:10 Ramsay’s Kitchen 12:45 Claimed and Shamed Journeys 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 10:00 BBC News at Nine Nightmares USA 13:15 Bargain Hunt 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 14:55 ITV News London 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 14:00 BBC News at One 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live 13:00 Channel 4 News 14:30 BBC London News 15:00 James Martin’s Great 12:15 Politics Live 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:40 Doctors British Adventure 14:00 Think Tank 14:05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 15:10 A Place to Call Home 16:00 Tenable 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Escape to the Country 14:45 Coast 15:15 Collectaholics 16:00 A Place in the Sun: 17:00 Tipping Point 16:45 Best House in Town 16:15 Animals with Cameras Home or Away 17:30 Flog It! 18:00 The Chase 17:15 Richard Hammond 17:00 A New Life in the Sun 18:15 Pointless Builds...

19:00 ITV News London 18:00 Escape to the Chateau: 19:00 BBC News at Six 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:25 Party Political Broadcast DIY 19:30 BBC London News 19:00 Eggheads 19:00 The Simpsons 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:30 Great British Railway 19:30 ITV Evening News 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 The One Show Journeys 20:00 Emmerdale 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Inside Out 20:00 Saving Lives at Sea 20:55 The Political Slot 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 MasterChef 21:00 This Farming Life 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Love 22:00 The Real Marigold on 22:00 The Fifteen Billion 21:00 The BRIT Awards 2019 It or List It Tour Pound Railway 23:20 ITV News 22:00 Skint Britain: Friends 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:00 Insert Name Here without Benefits 23:50 ITV News London 23:45 A Question of Sport 23:30 Newsnight 23:00 Pure

THURSDAY 21st February

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Countryfile Winter Diaries 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under Revisited 12:45 Claimed and Shamed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at One 14:30 BBC London News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 A Place to Call Home 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Best House in Town 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:30 BBC London News 23:45 Question Time

07:00 Good Morning Britain 07:00 This Is BBC TWO 09:30 Lorraine 07:30 Wanted Down Under 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show Revisited 08:15 The Best House in Town 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 09:00 Eat Well for Less?

14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 10:00 BBC News at Nine 14:55 ITV News London 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 15:00 James Martin’s Great 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live British Adventure 13:15 Politics Live 16:00 Tenable 14:00 Think Tank 17:00 Tipping Point 14:45 Full Steam Ahead 15:45 The Wonder of Animals 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News London 16:15 Natural World 19:30 ITV Evening News 17:15 Richard Hammond’s 20:00 Emmerdale Journey to...

20:30 Tonight 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Eggheads 21:30 Australia with Julia 19:30 Great British Railway Bradbury Journeys 22:00 Fred and Rose West: 20:00 Saving Lives at Sea 21:00 Back in Time for School The Real Story with Trevor McDonald 22:00 Hospital 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:00 Better Things 23:30 ITV News London 23:25 Romesh: Talking to 23:45 Football’s Foreign Comedians Legion 23:30 Newsnight

our

Top

07:30 The King of Queens 08:45 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Frasier 11:10 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It 15:10 Countdown 16:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 17:00 A New Life in the Sun 18:00 Escape to the Chateau: DIY 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 The Secret Life of the Zoo 22:00 Sleeping with the Far Right 23:00 First Dates

Shaun isn’t having the greatest of times: the staff at the store he works in don’t take him very seriously as temporary boss; his girlfriend Liz has had enough of always meeting at the Winchester Arms along with his best mate; and his relationship with his dad--sorry, stepdad--remains heavily fraught. And now the living dead have risen and are spreading their zombie curse to everyone they can get their teeth into. Just doesn’t seem worth getting out of bed some days.

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Heartbeat 09:00 Murder, She Wrote 10:00 Judge Judy 10:30 Judge Judy 11:00 Judge Judy 11:25 On the Buses 12:00 On the Buses 12:35 Rising Damp 13:05 George and Mildred 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:55 Midsomer Murders 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Lewis 23:00 Little Boy Blue

07:00 The Planet’s Funniest 07:00 MILKSHAKE Animals 10:15 Jeremy Vine 07:20 Totally Bonkers 12:15 Nightmare Tenants, Guinness World Records Slum Landlords 08:10 You’ve Been Framed!

13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take 09:00 Emmerdale 09:25 Coronation Street it Away!

09:55 You’ve Been Framed!

14:10 Access 10:25 The Ellen DeGeneres 14:15 Home and Away Show 14:45 Neighbours 11:20 Superstore 15:15 Deadly Hack 11:50 Superstore 17:00 Friends 12:15 You’ve Been Framed!

17:30 Friends 13:15 Emmerdale 18:00 5 News at 5 13:45 Coronation Street 18:30 Neighbours 14:15 You’ve Been Framed!

19:00 Home and Away 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres 19:30 5 News Tonight Show 20:00 The Dog Rescuers 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 20:55 5 News Update 18:50 Take Me Out 21:00 Bargain Loving Brits in 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! the Sun 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:55 5 News 21:30 Superstore 22:00 They Lend It, You Spend 22:00 You vs Chris & Kem It: The Loan Shop 23:00 Family Guy 23:00 Rich Kids Go Skint 23:30 Family Guy

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Heartbeat 09:00 Murder, She Wrote 10:00 Judge Judy 10:30 Judge Judy 10:55 Judge Judy 11:25 On the Buses 12:00 On the Buses 12:30 Rising Damp 13:05 George and Mildred 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:55 Midsomer Murders 18:55 Heartbeat 20:00 Murder, She Wrote 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 Law & Order: UK

movies

Shaun of the Dead (2004) ITV2 11:00pm Sat 16th February

07:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 08:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 You’ve Been Framed!

10:25 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 Superstore 11:50 Superstore 12:15 You’ve Been Framed!

13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 You’ve Been Framed!

14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 The BRIT Awards 2019 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Superstore 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Family Guy

07:00 MILKSHAKE 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:15 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!

14:10 Access 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Stalked: Julie’s Story 17:00 Friends 17:30 Friends 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Traffic Cops 20:55 5 News Update 21:00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 21:55 5 News 22:00 The Abused 23:30 How to Leave an Abusive Partner Safely

this

week

John Wick (2014) 7.9/10

CH5 11:00pm Sun 17th February With the untimely death of his wife still bitter in his mouth, John Wick, the expert former assassin, receives one final gift from her, to help John find a new meaning in life now that she is gone. When Russian mob prince, Iosef Tarasov, and his men pay Wick a rather unwelcome visit to rob him of his prized Mustang and his wife’s present, the legendary hitman will be forced to unearth his meticulously concealed identity.

Blind with revenge, John will immediately unleash a carefully orchestrated maelstrom of destruction against the sophisticated kingpin, Viggo Tarasov.

7.3/10

35

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FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2019

Horoscopes

Sports & Local Sports News

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) Your heart may feel extra loving Be careful of exerting your will too today, Aries, which is good, since strongly toward someone who you will probably need it. There really isn’t receptive to it, Libra. Be is most likely someone close to conscious of other people’s feelings. you who needs a lift of some sort.

Be gentle when it comes to love and ARIES You may be like the tow truck LIBRA romance. You have a yellow light, that arrives to pull a car out of the which means that it’s OK to proceed. ditch. Be careful when you hook up the chains. Be careful that the other person is receptive to your Don’t scratch the bumper or pull too hard all at advances. Don’t come across as too aggressive and once! end up making a fool of yourself.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) You may feel a bit protective today, Taurus, and with good reason. Others are likely to be aggressive when it comes to moving in on your territory.

TAURUS Be strong. Assure yourself as well as those in your charge that everything will be fine. Take reasonable precautions, but don’t completely close yourself off to the outside world. That knock at the gate could just as easily provide much-needed help.

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) Overall, this should be a pretty good day for you, Scorpio, as long as you don’t get overly sensitive about certain things.

Your awareness is bound to be SCORPIO extra sharp today, so use this ability to stay alert and open to what’s going on around you. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit restless when it comes to matters of the heart. This is telling you to stop fidgeting and take action.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) You may be a bit confused today, Gemini. More than likely, it will be hard for you to get an accurate read on your emotions. One of your GEMINI automatic responses in situations like this is to turn to a close partner for advice. Unfortunately, this advice may throw you into even more of a tailspin. What you need more than anything is to spend quality time alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) This is one day in which your heart pounds with excitement.

For some reason, Sagittarius, there’s a quiet voice inside warning that you may be SAGITTARIUS getting yourself into a great deal of trouble. An enthusiastic approach toward love may be necessary, but this may not be the best day to act. People are too sensitive and not necessarily that impressed with your potentially abrasive demeanor.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th) CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) Secure your emotions and make Be more aggressive when it sure you’re set in your mind comes to your intentions in a before you take action today, romantic situation, Capricorn. It Cancer. This is a terrific time to would be a great idea to impress get things started. Following your lover with a delicious to completion CAPRICORN home-cooked meal on a night CANCER through shouldn’t be a problem. The like this. Put a bit more passion difficult part is taking that first step. This can be into the equation and relight the spark that easily done on a day like today, so don’t miss might have recently gone out. Don’t hesitate to this opportunity when your intuitive sense is be the instigator in love. extra keen.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) Break through the potential moodiness of the day, Leo. Burst into song while walking down the street.

Encourage others to sing back to you, as if your life were an opera.

LEO Your creativity is extra strong at this point, so let it shine in unexpected areas of your world. You have the wonderful ability to turn even the most mundane situations into something exciting.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th) It would be a good idea to socialize with others today in a comfortable, open setting.

Say what you feel instead of just concentrating on what you think, Aquarius. Be just as AQUARIUS good a listener as you expect others to be for you. Join a writing circle or take a painting class. Your creativity is looking for an outlet today, so you might as well share this gift among friends.

VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd) You may be plagued with restlessness, Virgo, to the point that you may not be able to get anything done. If you sense that this is happening to you even in the slightest degree, VIRGO stop whatever you’re doing and take a break. Your work isn’t worth the sacrifice of your sanity. Consider going to a spa or call up a friend with a hot tub so you can soak in some warm, relaxing water for a while.

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th) Stick with what comes naturally, Pisces. If something feels difficult or abrasive, this is a sign that your energy is better used elsewhere. But don’t turn until you’re sure that PISCES away what you’re facing is actually a combative force instead of your own skewed sense of reality. You could be overly sensitive about a given situation and thereby making up scenarios that don’t even exist.

Hat trick hucha

Just one point covers third to seventh place in Preferente Group Four, which means it is going to go down to the wire in the battle to qualify for the playoff´s, with second-placed Hercules B two points above the chasing “pack”.

CF Intercity have no such qualification concerns, as they are 12 points clear of Hercules, and handed out a six-one thrashing to Callosa last weekend, with all of the goals, including a Hucha hat-trick(pictured celebrating) coming in the second half. Next is a trip to one of the “pack” teams, namely

by Alex Trelinski

Alicante University.

Hercules got their expected two-nil win over bottom side Villena, and go to “pack” side Elda, whilst third-placed Almoradi won their derby clash two-nil over Redovan, and are at home this Sunday to UD Ilicitana.

Another “pack” team, Villajoyosa ended Horadada´s unbeaten run, with a two-one victory, and will get three gift-wrapped points with a trip to Villena, whilst Horadada will entertain Redovan.

CFI Alicante have the same number of points as Villajoyosa, after winning against Orihuela B, and now welcome Benferri.

The big story towards the bottom is another win for Benidorm CD, who lifted themselves two places above the drop zone by beating relegation rivals CD Torrevieja four-one, with Torry staring relegation in the face, and next having a derby clash with Orihuela B. Benidorm meanwhile go to Rojales to play mid-table CD Thader, who recorded a two-nil win at UD Ilicitana.

Spanish stroll

Lotto Results Saturday 9th February

25 27 31 36 38 47 Bonus Ball

12

Wednesday 13th February

04 08 26 31 42 45 Bonus Ball

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Friday 8th February

11 12 13 39 46 Lucky Stars

07 10

Tuesday 12th February

06 34 36 41 50 Lucky Stars

01 05

Spanish cyclists dominated as Ion Izagirre won this year´s Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, despite Holland´s Dylan Groenewegen taking the fifth and final stage, to cross the line first in Valencia City on Sunday.

A late break saw Groenewegen beat Alexander Kris-

by Neil Mortimer

toff and and Matteo Trentin in a tight finish, while the sprinters and Izagirre managed to avoid a crash in the final kilometre.

Astana rider Izagirre finished seven seconds ahead overall of Movistar rider,

Alejandro Valverde from Murcia.

Pello Bilbao ensured it was a Spanish 1-2-3 by finishing third, 16 seconds clear of Ireland’s Dan Martin.

The highest place Brit was Adam Yates, who finished eighth, after winning Saturday´s fourth stage.

Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain

Local Sports

Record field A record number of runners took part in last Sunday´s 21st staging of the Orihuela half marathon, with over two thousand people competing in the main race and the eight kilometre event.

The half marathon doubled up as the Valencian re-

by Alex Trelinski

gional championships, with the men´s race won by Hassane Ahouchar of the Riu Valencia club in a time of 1:07:14.

Wafiya Benati was victorious in the women´s category, coming first in 1:19:52.

Squalos squashed It was literally a game of two halves as Cartagena University came from behind to beat the Mar Menor Squalos 43-12 at Cartagena last weekend.

The latest FERRMUR Murcia Federation Top Five league match told a familiar tale for the Squalos, who like in their previous match against Orihuela, played well in the first period, and led at the half-time break, before

The Morris are a Dancing The Local Morris Dancing team are progressing with their fixtures for 2019, and are pleased to announce that they are dancing at var-

ious venues and the next are the The Almoradi Plaza on Satuday 16th February, then U3A on Monday 27th May. the Team dances and

raises funds for different charities.

The Morris Team are always looking for new members or venues, so

if you want to brush off those cobwebs or just enjoy dancing to keep fit, please contact Sue Ward sus4n.ward@sky.com

by Neil Mortimer

capitulating in the second half.

In the local derby, leaders Murcia XV beat Murcia University by 38 points to 15.

The next set of matches will be played on February 23rd/24th, with the Squalos at home to Murcia University, whilst ITV Orihuela Vega Baja go to Cartagena University.

No Brexit worries for Football.

It doesn’t seem a year ago that The Playa Flamenca Walking Wanderers Walking Football put on their International Walking Football competition.

So on On Friday 29th March we will be holding our annual walking football tournament in honour of Keith Wightman it will start around 10.00am and finish around

37

FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2019

5.00pm.

To be held at the Playa Flamenca Sports Stadium.

This year the international teams coming over from the U.K. Are :Coventry City in the community, Hartshill, and Hemel Town, with the local teams entered are Playa Flamenca A& B teams, San Miguel Strollers

The Plaza Golf Society The Plaza Golf Society convened at our home course Villamartin in ideal conditions with 43 players.

One in particular didn’t take advantage of the conditions and heading off to practice was Colin Fearnley having scored a lowly 15pts..... better luck next time Colin!

The 2’s pot threw up multiple successes so in no particular order the 8 winners were, Russell Bailey, Chris Baker, Christian Attwood, James Freeman, Ian Bishop, Esquina Park Rangers, Deja Vieja, Hondon Valley Fliers and Portobello This should prove a great day out so come and enjoy. or watch your team perform or get enthused to play ( no skill needed, but it helps, just 2 left feet for the over 55s) Free entrance for spectators with bar for drinks and snacks.

Kevin Lance, Russell Bond and Brian Fenty.

Best lady on the day was the very consistent Liz Sully who off her newly revised handicap of 12 still achieved a creditable 30 pts.

Our Guest category contained 2 professional golfers who didn’t disappoint, both willingly shared their experience and talent with our members which is great to see. Pearse McMurrey from Vistabella playing off scratch came 3rd scoring 31 pts, 2nd

was Kevin Lance handicap 7 with 33 pts but 1st was our visiting Pro from Retford GC James Freeman, who shot a gross 65 playing off plus 4 resulting in an fantastic 39 pts, and the top score of the day.

Onto our own categories and Silver saw Brian Fenty 3rd with 30pts off 24, the irrepressible Tony Food 2nd with 31 pts off 17 and leading the way was Russell Bond with an excellent 36 pts off 19.

Gold saw some regular podium winners with 3 players all recording 34 pts so it all went to countback. Gareth Davies 3rd off 10, Russell Bailey 2nd off 11 but pipping both of these was course specialist Paul Thelwell off 13.....well done to them.

Next event is at Vistabella on Friday 22nd Feb with a full sheet at the moment but still register on our website www.theplazagolfsociety. com as a reserve and for future events during 2019.

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Sport Golf

FA CUP

Friday 15th February

ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth 2019 Sky Sports Golf 06:00 Genesis Open 2019 Sky Sports Golf 20:00

Saturday 16th February

Friday 15th February QPR v Watford BT Sport 2 - 20:45

Saturday 16th February Brighton v Derby BT Sport - 13:30 Celtic v St Johnstone Premier Sports 1 - 15:30 Newport County v Man City BT Sport - 18:30

ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth 2019 Sky Sports Golf 06:00 Genesis Open 2019 Sky Sports Golf 19:00

Saturday 17th February

ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth 2019 Sky Sports Golf 05:00 Genesis Open 2019 Sky Sports Golf 19:00

Bristol City v Wolves BT Sport 2- 14:00 Doncaster v C Palace BBC 1 - 18:00 Swansea v Brentford BBC 1 Wales - 18:00 Swansea v Brentford BBC 1 Wales

Thursday 21st February

WGC - Mexico Championship 2019 Sky Sports Golf 20:00

Tennis

Friday 15th February

Monday 18th February

Qatar Total Open 2019 BT Sport 1 14:30

Chelsea v Man Utd BBC 1 - 20:30

Saturday 16th February Qatar Total Open 2019 BT Sport ESPN 16:00

Sunday 17th February

English football

Monday 18th Feb

Saturday 16th February

Tuesday 19th Feb

Blackburn v Middlesbrough Sky Sports Football - 14:00

Southend v Portsmouth Sky Sports Football - 13:30

Sunday 17th February

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships BT Sport 1 11:00 Budapest Grand Prix - Hungarian Ladies Open BT Sport 2 14:00

Darts Premier League Darts 2019 Sky Sports Action - 21:00

ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE SPANISH TIME

Caribbean consolation England’s 232run third Test victory over West Indies on Tuesday was “massive” and will give them confidence going into a huge summer which includes an Ashes series, says captain Joe a p Root.

The tourists had al- pointready lost the first two i n g Tests in the three-game series but triumphed on day four in St Lucia after bowling out the

World Cup in Mexico.

But iconic forward Pele said he was “glad” his header was kept out.

“That act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure,” the 78-year-old said.

“Whenever we met, it was always like we had never

Golf’s biggest first prize will be awarded at the European Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai in November.

The winner will net two point five million euros, a massive increase of a million euros on the amount won by England´s Danny Willett last year.

The aim is to encourage more big name players to complete the Race to Dubai.

Last year world number one Justin Rose skipped the tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates because he had no chance of overhauling Francesco Molinari for the

Thursday 21st February

by Neil Mortimer

by Alex Trelinski

been apart.”

Three-time World Cup winner Pele said : “I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of.”

“Rest in peace, my friend.

Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being.”

Big money finale

Sunderland v Accrington Sky Sports Football - 20:45

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships BT Sport 1 08:00 Budapest Grand Prix - Hungarian Ladies Open BT Sport 3 14:00

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships BT Sport 1 11:00 Budapest Grand Prix - Hungarian Ladies Open BT Sport 3 14:00

Brazil legend Pele described ex-England international Gordon Banks as a “goalkeeper with magic” after the 1966 World Cup winner died this week at the age of 81.

The football world has been paying tribute to Banks, a world champion 53 years ago but best remembered for a save from Pele at the 1970

Friday 15th February

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2019 BT Sport 3 09:00

Wednesday 20th Feb

The best of friends

Sunday 17th February

back from two dis-

games was massive going into what is a really important summer,” added Root, who nabbed a much needed century in the first innings. hosts The first of the five One for 252 as they chased an unlikely 485 for victory. Day internationals takes “To play in the man- place on Wednesday. ner we have - coming

Joshua´s US date

Anthony Joshua will fight in the US for the first time when he defends his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles against Jarrell Miller on June 1st Joshua, 29, will take on Miller at Madison Square Garden in the undefeated American’s home city of New York.

Miller, with 23 wins and a draw, has never fought for a world title.

The 30-year-old will al-

by Alex Trelinski

most certainly be the heaviest opponent Joshua has faced as a professional having weighed 22st 7lbs in his last contest.

That is almost five stone heavier than what Joshua weighed in at ahead of his victory over Alexander Povetkin in September.

Miller - nicknamed ‘Big Baby’ - won 20 of his fights by knockout but Joshua represents a huge step-up in class.

by Neil Mortimer

overall Race to Dubai title.

Only two players, Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood, still had the opportunity of winning the season-long money list by the time players arrived in the Middle East for the closing event.

The overall prize fund remains at seven million euros, but the field will be cut from 60 to the top 50 on the money list.

The distribution of the prize money will be top loaded to provide the sport’s largest winner’s cheque for an individual tournament.

40

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VUNIPOLA Sport SIDELINED

Your Weekend Starts Here!

ge 27 See our special: pa

THE TIE OF THE ROUND

THE BEST has been saved for last in this weekend´s FA Cup fifth round ties as holders Chelsea host Manchester United on Monday night, with both sides having a bit to prove after results in the last week.

Chelsea were humiliated

by Manchester City in the Premier League, whilst Manchester United suffered their first defeat under

by Alex Trelinski

interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, when a Neymarless Paris Saint-Germain side beat them two-nil in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

With a whole host of Premier League sides eliminated, and with no nonleague teams to upset the apple cart, the fifth round fixture list doesn´t exactly

get the heart pumping, unless of course you support one of the clubs still in there.

Championship side QPR get things going tonight(Friday) against Premier League Watford, whilst the real David v Goliath clash comes in South Wales on Saturday evening as League Two Newport County welcome mighty Manchester City.

Two Premier League

England prop Mako Vunipola has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations with an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old, one of England’s best performers so far in the championship, suffered ankle ligament damage in Sunday’s 44-8 win over France at Twickenham.

He is expected to be out

by Neil Mortimer

for 10 weeks and will return to his club Saracens.

“It is obviously very disappointing to lose Mako at this stage,” England head coach Eddie Jones said.

“He is an important player for us but it does provide an opportunity for the team to grow.”

sides have testing matches, with out-of-form Brighton at home tomorrow lunchtime to Frank Lampard´s Derby County, who have impressed in cup competitions this season.

And there´s a banana skin to avoid for Crystal Palace, as Roy Hodgson takes his team to South Yorkshire on Sunday to meet Doncaster Rovers, who currently sixth in League One.

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