The weekender Marina Baixa (Benidorm) Issue 2

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ISSUE 002 IssueB #135

Friday 23rd June www.Weekender.News

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ALICANTE is on the highest level of alert for forest fires as temperatures soar and the risk of a disaster in the province rises.

The countryside is tinderbox

dry along the Costa Blanca with a new generation of scrub growing thickly in wooded areas thanks to winter rain and spring sun, as well as natural debris left by storms.

Fires have already broken out in several municipalities and have been quickly dealt with by professional firefighters and volunteers. ...Continued Page 4

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

NEEDLE REMOVED FROM GIRLS FOOT AFTER BENIDORM HOLIDAY

By Simon Russell

A young girl who had to have a hypodermic needle removed from her foot after a Benidorm holiday has been awarded â‚Ź3,500 in compensation by her holiday provider. Molly Roberts was

eight years old in 2015 when she was on holiday with her family, but spent the last two days of the holiday with a bad pain in her foot. When she returned to the UK she was taken to her doctor who

discovered the three inch needle embedded in her foot which then had to be surgically removed. The family were staying at the four star Palm Beach Hotel and it was while they were by the pool

that Molly first hurt her foot and where it appears the needle had been left. Molly’s Mum, Lisa, said that contracting a transmittable disease such as HIV was a real concern. Jet 2, who agreed

the settlement, apologised to the family and said that they always took health and safety issues very seriously and have conducted a full investigation with the hotel concerned.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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SEVEN DAY WEEKEND

FINALLY we are under starter’s orders and the two-year race – certainly a tortoise rather than a hare event – to the Brexit finish line is about to begin.

The Queen outlined key legislation needed to quit the club in Parliament before heading off to Royal Ascot for some fun – while Theresa May has headed to the continent to brief the other 27 EU leaders.

Welcome to issue two of The Weekender and a week packed with the goings on of the great and the good in politics. The sniping has already started; the knives are being sharpened; will the Prime Minister face an “Et Tu Brute?” moment?

Watch this space.

Good to see that the expat situation is likely to be sooner rather than later in negotiations. Can we be grown up about this please, and quickly reach an agreement to protect the rights of EU nationals in the UK and those of the British expat in Europe.

Meanwhile the thermometer is ris-

ing quickly on the Costa Blanca and across Spain. In the words of Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam ...”it’s hot!” Apparently, the masses have been shedding clothing in the UK as well. Newspapers are packed with picturwes of people (usually bathing belles or cute toddlers) on British beaches.

However, the continued good weather also brings a health warning: remember the UV level is also soaring here and protection is needed to avoid sunburn, which is positively painful and risks long term skin damage.

Also remember the countryside is also tinder dry and the risk of forest fires escalates at this time of year.

There are strict rules about lighting fires and barbecues in the countryside for a reason; even a discarded glass bottle or a fag end can spell disaster.

Take care!

Enjoy the read

Jack Troughton Editor - The Weekender

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Forest fire fears

By Jack Troughton

FROM FRONT PAGE...The Marina Alta has already been identified by the Valencia government as an area of particularly high risk and has suffered a number of large fires in recent years, including the blaze that swept across Benitachell and Javea last September.

However, this week’s deadly forest fires in central Portugal are a timely reminder of the destructive power of flames in forested area. At least 64 people died – many in their cars as they tried to escape - and some 200 were injured in the tragedy.

More than 1,000 firefighters on the ground supported by aircraft from several countries fought the blaze in the Pedrogao Grande area; said to be under control yesterday after six days and affecting a 30,000 hectare area.

In Alicante, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, climate Change and rural Development has advised people take “extreme caution” in rural areas, on mountainsides, and developed land near to trees.

Cesar Sanchez, President of the Deputacion de Alicante and Mayor of Calpe, said: “I am very concerned about the risk across the province; there have already been a number of small out breaks of fire.

“Please everyone, whether you are a resident or a visitor to the area, take extra care and help avoid a fire and the destruction it can bring.”

Valencia has mobilized a force of 1,200 forest firefighters and Mr Sanchez said he was “delighted” with the response of the volunteer teams of the Civil Protection, currently on “full time alert” after training to fight fires.

And he said: “If people think holidaymakers are unaware of the dangers, please inform them.

If they are nervous of doing this, call the local police who will advise visitors.”

Fires can endanger lives and property, and also affects vegetation and wildlife – and the lives of those who fight the flames.

Advice to the agricultural sector has been issued; the public is asked to use common sense and not light garden bonfires or leave litter which increases the amount of flammable material – glass can start a fire.

CARTOONS CELEBRATE SPAIN’S HERO

By Jack Troughton

SPANISH cartoonists have used their talents to honour one of the heroes of the London Bridge terror attack, Ignacio Echeverria.

One tribute to the 39-yearold, who was killed as he used his skateboard to try and defend a woman being stabbed in the June 3 attack, was retweeted more than 7,000 times in a day.

Ignacio, a lawyer, originally from Madrid but was resident in the UK capital where he worked for HSBC, has been hailed a superhero for the courageous act that cost him his life - and the Spanish government and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have also paid tribute to his bravery.

The most shared cartoon was by ‘Malagon’, artist Jose Rubio, and was captioned: “Not all superheroes wear a cape – some have a skateboard”. His tweet was accompanied by the message: “RIP Ignacio Echeverria,

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It was drawn the same afternoon Ignacio’s death was officially confirmed after a delay of several days. The 44-yearold artist said: “When I read the news, I felt sadness but also pride because of his heroic and selfless action and I got to work on the cartoon.”

Drawings and cartoons have

become iconic statements of both anger and pain in the wake of terror attacks; French artist Jean Jullien combined a peace symbol with the Eiffel Tower following the 2015 attack in Paris.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Heat wave hits Spain

Robbed at gunpoint

By Simon Russell

PARTS of the country registered temperatures of 45◦C C during the weekend as the year’s first real heat wave swept across the country and much of Europe.

When the temperature climbs over 32 degrees then any wind has a warming rather than chilling effect and the breeze pushed the thermometer up higher, even in the shade.

The East and South of Spain were the worst hit while Madrid also reached nearly forty degrees. In the Valencian Community the highest temperature was in the inland town of Xativa which peaked at 43 degrees, while most coastal towns in the region were in the mid-thirties.

People are warned to rehydrate properly, with water being by far the best option for this. Those in charge of small children or dependent adults should also ensure they are drinking plenty

By Simon Russell

A man had a gun held to his head by three masked men as they forced him to hand over his watch and mobile phone.

The incident happened in Alicante city centre in March and the police have now arrested three men they believe to be responsible for the crime.

The mobile was a top of the range model while the watch had a value of €2,500, and it is believed

of water while of course the usual warnings about applying sun cream and avoiding the sun at its hottest are in place.

the victim was specifically targeted.

Police investigations led them to the men, aged in their twenties and thirties, who have a long criminal record for similar offences.

On searching their properties they recovered a starting pistol, an airgun and hoods plus clothing similar to that reported by the victim when the attack was carried out.

All three suspects are Spanish nationals.

Sales of fans and air conditioning units have hit record levels, also prompting a spike in electricity usage.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

SECOND MATADOR KILLED IN A YEAR

By Simon Russell

IVAN Fandino has become the second Spanish bullfighter to die in the ring within a year after he tripped over his cape and was gored by the bull he was fighting.

Fandino, from Bilbao, was performing in France at the time and after the incident it was clear he was badly hurt and was treated in the ring before being taken to

hospital. However authorities confirmed that he died in the ambulance before even reaching the hospital, possibly from a heart attack.

The tragedy follows the death of fellow toreador Victor Barrio last July – something many in the anti-bullfighting fraternity reacted to with glee.

Bocadillo for blood donors

By Simon Russell

CELEBRITY chef Pepe Rodriguez helped Denia’s San Carlos Hospital process a record amount of blood donors after donating a specially made bocadillo to all participants.

120 people turned up on what was also World Blood Donor Day, keeping staff busy throughout. The College of Physicians and Va-

lencian Generalitat both supported the day, with many other donation centres across the region organising special events.

In Denia one lucky donor will also win a meal for two donated by TV chef Rodriguez.

First date rape charges

By Simon Russell

A Valencian court has decided that a “date rape” prosecution can proceed based on the evidence presented, the first of its kind in the city.

The incident occurred after a woman accepted a lift from a barman in the establishment where they both worked. He gave her a drink from a water bottle which prosecutors believe was drugged. Much of the rest of the evening was a blank for the woman and the next day she had extensive bruising, was disoriented and even foaming at the mouth.

Her mother was concerned and they decided to report a possible assault to the police, although rape or

sexual assault testing was difficult as she had showered. Police have reason to believe that the drug used is burundanga a scopolamine that is said to induce a zombie like state and amnesia in those who ingest it.

The drug has had a high profile in the social media as a date rape drug, but many experts think that in the vast majority of cases the blackouts are as a result of consuming excessive drugs and alcohol on a night out. However, police are taking this report seriously after speaking to the woman, and even if the existence of the drug cannot be proven the man could well face sexual assault charges.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

SPANISH HELP WITH KILLER FIRES

By Simon Russell

D E V E S TATING forest fires in Portugal have killed at least 61 people in the country’s worst natural disaster in living memory.

Fire fighting planes from neighbouring Spain as well as France assisted in fighting the flames in the Pedrogao Grande area with almost 700 fire trucks in total attending from all over the country.

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people who were trapped in their cars and died of smoke inhalation, while others perished as the flames consumed their homes.

The fire is expected to smoulder or even restart over the next few weeks as the warm dry weather continues.

The Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, has declared three days of mourning across the country.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Help where it’s needed

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Death plot foiled from suicide note

By Simon Russell

POLICE arrested a man in Sant Vicent del Raspeig (Alicante) who they believe had been planning to murder his wife.

The woman reported her fears to the police after she had discovered a note from her husband to their children. This appeared to be a suicide note which indicated his plans to kill his wife before taking his own life.

On the day she reported the incident she has been receiving frequent calls from

her husband, insisting she meet him over an undisclosed matter. Police went to the man’s house and found him in possession of two loaded shotguns and in an obvious state of agitation and distress. They also found notes to his wife and daughter that were clearly intended for them after he had killed his wife and taken his own life, along with €16,000 in cash for them to “get on with their own lives”.

The man has been arrested and his lawyers have requested provisional bail.

Heart Attack Woman Drowns

By Simon Russell

THE La Caixa charitable foundation has identified a number of local causes that need help as they announce plans to distribute €200,000 across the Alicante Province.

They have named eleven projects including end of life cancer care, helping families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and an Elche association that works with the mentally disabled.

There is also help for a handicapped association in Vellena and the Brain Injury Association of Alicante which works on rehabilitating those who have received brain injuries, often youngsters injured in traffic accidents.

The Sociales La Caixa is handing out around €20 million across Spain as part of the overall initiative.

By Simon Russell

A woman in her mid-eighties drowned in Denia’s seas after suffering a heart attack, confirmed the mayor Oscar Mengual.

The incident happened off the popular Les Deveses beach at about 1pm on 16 June, a period when lifeguards are on duty. The nearby guard swiftly saw what was happening and tried to

revive her using the portable defibrillator many lifeguards carry and are trained to use.

However he was unable to revive the elderly woman, and when the Emergency Service arrived they confirmed that there was no further action they could take and she was declared dead at the scene.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Killed in her sleep

By Simon Russell

A man who murdered his former partner while she slept has been sentenced to fifteen years in jail for murder by the Alicante crown courts.

Francisco Navarro called around to see his ex, Gemma Gonzalez, in Denia on 14 May 2015, even though he was

banned from seeing her by a restraining order. He said they watched TV together and later, while she slept, he killed her with a 14 centimetre knife by stabbing her in the neck.

Navarro admitted the murder at the start of the trial but then promptly abscond-

ed, although he was quickly recaptured.

Navarro’s defence lawyer had requested that his confession and his plea that he did not intend to kill her should be seen as mitigating circumstances, while the prosecutors had originally requested a sentence of 21 years.

1-16 July

By Simon Russell

Helping refugees

By Simon Russell

ORIHUELA commemorated World Refugee Day on Tuesday in an event attended by senior officials, volunteers from refugee charities and representatives from the Department of Immigration.

Mayor Emilio Bascunana read out a message stating that the town and its citizens would strive to “always take people into account and help them, especially the vulnerable, children, older people, pregnant women, ethnic

minorities and those at risk of discrimination for their sexual orientation”. He also appealed to the international community to ensure the rights of refugees to have safe passage through Europe. There was a children’s work-

BA STAFF TO GO ON STRIKE

shop on the day where the kids made gifts from

recycled materials to show their solidarity.

HOLIDAYMAKERS planning to come to Spain and other destinations this July may experience problems as British Airways staff are set to go on strike.

The walk-out is scheduled for 1 to 16 July, peak time for many travellers, and follows on from BA’s recent IT problems which saw thousands of people grounded over the May bank holiday weekend.

While not affecting all flights, around seventy destinations will be hit if the strike goes ahead, including parts of Spain. The issues revolve around a combination of travel perks being stopped and low pay, something BA disputes.

The issues have gone unsuccessfully through the ACAS reconciliation process and the stoppage now seems likely to go ahead, with both sides blaming the other ahead of any potential disruption.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

BRITISH MAN CAUGHT AFTER BACK-STABBING Police have apprehended a man suspected of stabbing and attempting to murder his 42-year-old British partner last week.

The woman was discovered on the floor of her villa on the Pinar de Campoamor urbanisation by her daughter with the knife still in her back, and police had been looking

for her partner in connection with the murder.

They have now revealed that a 53-year-old British man David Grundy has been arrested in Benidorm’s Rincon de Loix area, and though he has not been officially named it is believed that he is the man they were looking for.

He has been remanded

without bail and will appear before a judge this week. The victim remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit of Torrevieja hospital.

Pictured right is Grundy getting taken down by police in Benidorm after being found in a stolen car with a large amount of cash.

Happy ending for missing toddler

By Simon Russell

AUTHORITIES feared the worse after spending the night looking for a two year old boy who had gone missing in a forest near Toledo in central Spain.

Environmental Corps members who are familiar with the pine forest combed the area in the sweltering temperatures

after they had been alerted on Sunday afternoon. Local Police, fire-crews and Civil Protection volunteers were all also involved in the search before the boy was eventually found at around 2am in some open land – and returned to his very relieved mother.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Out & About

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Two million expected for World Pride Spanish Style

By Simon Russell

THE World Pride Festival is to be held in Madrid from 23 June to 2 July, the world’s biggest gay pride event which is expected to attract up to two million visitors to the city.

There are reports that every hotel room in the Spanish capital has been booked up for a while, and those hoping to attend for some or all of the nine days are being forced to make alternative arrangements.

Many will travel in from nearby cities and towns such as Toledo, while travel sites such as Air BNB expect their members to benefit from the influx. Another issue for the festival is that Spain is currently on a high alert level for terrorism and there are fears that two million people packed

into an already crowded city could make a tempting target.

Security has been stepped up significantly for the duration, with extra police, helicopters and armed forces all being drafted in, while all police leave has been cancelled during the festival.

The main parade is on 1 July which will also be the biggest day for the security operation.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Busy Bees, Keeping Busy Wayne and Des Levi were joined at Foleys Bar by owner Paul Thaker and Marco Baiardo publisher of “The Weekender” newspaper to count up the recent donations to the Busy Bees charity buckets at Sinatra Premium Bar in the Rincon Benidorm. Marco had recently teamed up with Only Fools and Horses celebrity Patrick Murray aka “Mickey Pearce” together producing a Tribute Show to the famous sitcom.

Signed photos were offered each night to the public and donations were welcomed to the Busy Bee charity buckets, 300€ was raised and Wayne Levi told Marco that this fund

had been designated to treat the women and children of the local refuge.

Wayne explained that the money would pay for a day out with dinner for everyone, this would be a welcome treat by the families to get out of

the home for a day and have some relaxation time together.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Out & About

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Hotel giant to open first Benidorm hotel

By Simon Russell

PROPERTY company REIT Hispania is opening its first hotel in Benidorm after agreeing to purchase the disused Selomar Hotel on Levante Beach.

The Selomar has been abandoned for a decade after its owners could not agree on a sale until now, and it is believed that REIT has paid around €15 million for the site. They are planning to spend another €19 million on completely refurbishing or rebuilding the hotel for a planned opening in 2019. REIT Hispania is the biggest hotel owner in Spain with over 11,000 rooms

across its 38 properties and is owned by billionaire George Soros.

The Selomar has quickly fallen into disrepair and become an unwelcome eyesore on Levante seafront, so residents and businesses alike will be glad that something is being done to develop the building.

Hop, skip and jump COSTA Blanca theme park Terra Natura has added a bit of bounce for the summer with the arrival of a group of five wallabies.

The troupe of five males – a group of the marsupials is also known as a ‘court’ or a ‘mob’ – has travelled from the Pont-

Scorff Zoo in Brittany to “enrich” the prairie habitat of the Benidorm attraction.

And the introduction of the rednecked wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) caused some excitement with the other occupants of the enclosure, a flock

of emus (Dromaius novaenglidae). However, they are reported to have become good (Australian) neighbours and the birds have settled down after their initial curiosity.

Like their relation, the kangaroo, a wallaby baby is known as a ‘joey’, males are ‘bucks’, ‘boomers’, or ‘jacks’; while a females is a ‘doe’, ‘flyer’ or a ‘jill’.

The same sex troupe means a peaceful existence, in the wild males are territorial and aggressive to each other in the search of a mate.

However, this means visitors to Terra Natura will miss out on seeing a joey being carried in a mother’s pouch; the social jills even adopt orphaned youngsters, so it is not unusual to see a pair of babies together.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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XIII Medieval Market - La Nucia 7th, 8th and 9th July

iron, soap and perfume, patchwork and a lot more. In the food section there will be stands selling sausages, cheese, roast almonds and peanuts, bread and pastry as well as a medieval tavern (roasting a whole pig on a spit) and atent with Arab food.

T o complete the medieval setting, from time to time, troubadours, story tellers, falconers,

people on stilts, buffoons and other typical characters of the era wander through the streets.

Children and young people can have their face painted, take a ride on a small Ferris wheel or on a pony, take part in a workshop or play medieval table games.

There is juggling and aerial acrobatics and the market closes every night with a show of the fire eater.

Amata is a craft association which tries to ensure that the only people on the market are those who make all the material they sell - there’s nothing imported and nothing is made in small (or big!) factories. Amata and La Nucia Town Hall see eye to eye on this matter; there are far too many organisers setting up so-called medieval markets that are little more than pound shops in historic clothing. The craft tradition is tending to slowly disappear in Spain, which is why Amata has coined the term “artesanía de autor” to describe its unusual markets, roughly

translated as “craft work made and sold by the craftsmen himself”.

The Market will be set up in the old town centre - there is plenty of parking space in the (free) underground parking of les Nits, or the open air parking at the back of the village, just 100 yards form the market.

The fun starts at six on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening (7, 8 and 9 July) and goes on till late at night. For more

information phone 639 979 678 (English spoken) and if you want to look at photographs of last years’ market, go to http://www.amata. es/LaNucia16.html.

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In the beginning of July La Nucía will be holding its increasingly wellknown Medieval Market again. Since 2005 the old town centre is going back to its medieval roots in the weekend nearest to the 9th of July.

So, this year, on the 7th, 8th and 9th some 60 craftsmen and women have booked stands with Amata, the craft association organising the event. Amata has also invited music and street theatre groups as well as several craft demonstrators to liven up the market.

The square in front of the Town Hall and the streets behind will be filled with really interesting craft stands selling ceramics, leather bags, belts and shoes, glass, designer jewelry, carved and turned wood, carved stone, forged

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Moo - Javea

Summer at MOO...hope to see you there soon as it’s definitely time to enjoy their signature cocktails.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita, Tequila Sunrise or Toblerone...there is much more to MOO than just mouthwatering steaks and burgers.

With a prime location on the Arenal seafront of Javea, the views are just as tempting as the food and drinks. The MOO concept is simple; great quality and great value food in comfortable and beautiful surroundings.

It has a modern twist on one of the UK’s long time gastronomic traditions of steaks and grills, with gourmet burgers and the traditional favourite of Sunday lunch.

It says it all in

the name, except for the fact that Moo does offer a range of other dishes including moules mariniere, ratatouille topped with cheese, and fish stew. The wide choice of burgers has varieties such as pulled pork and chicken. There really is something for everyone.

MOO is also ideal for a lunch time visit with a light menu of sandwiches and tapas, plus daily specials which are also very popular. MOO recently

launched its Sunday roasts and that has seen week after week of full bookings. Traditional desserts have made their name here and my recommendation is the delicious Eton Mess.

A steak restaurant needs to be exceptional at one thing of course, and that’s cooking steaks to perfection while using only the best high grade beef and you won’t be disappointed on that front.

We had baked mussels with a parmesan and herb crust plus grilled king prawns with garlic butter for starters...both excellent. For me the main had to be a fillet steak and this came served

with coleslaw and hand cut chips.

This was a perfect combination and the steak was served rare, just as I ordered it. Highly recommended and even better was the burger relish to dip your chips in...

Hours: Open today · 12PM–12AM e mail: paul@moojavea.com

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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The Bay Leaf Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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If you thought that going out for a curry was all about having a tasty plate of Indian food with a pint of lager or bottle of wine then your wrong!

At the Bay Leaf, new to Albir, it’s all about tasting the most authentic India food with Tandoori recipes and Indian curries as well as Nepalese special dishes. The restaurant has a large outside seated terrace area and a spacious comfortable restaurant that has a real authentic feel to it.

Going to try any new Indian restaurant and to make an initial decision on the quality of food the I have to choose a classic curry that I know so I can measure the quality based upon my own past experiences.

So that’s why I ordered a Chicken Tika Bhuna and my partner had a Chicken Tikka Masala. The curry was accompanied with a couple of my other favourites; tarka dal, spinach and cheese and garlic Nan bread.

Although the he restaurant was full with other curious locals the service was impeccable, I lost count of how many floor staff were taking care of the customers but

what was apparent was that we were well looked after and hadn’t waited long before the food arrived.

Steaming hot and well presented; the dishes looked great and tastes fantastic.

I love curry so I knew straight away by the look of the food that it was going to be a great meal.

The medium spice of my Bhuna was enough to get my taste buds tingling and the smooth spinach and cheese made a great combination tougher with the richness of the Tarka Dal, soaking up the sauce with a puffy garlic Nan bread made the meal complete.

The Bay leaf have made an incredible impact on the locals; it really is the talk of the town since opening only two weeks ago.

I eat curry on a regular basis and love to move around but I have already planned my next visit to this fabulous restaurant so if you want to take up the opportunity to enjoy a great night out then visit the Bay leaf Albir at Calle Ruperto, Chapi 9 or call them to reserve a table on +34 865 671 139.

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House prices rising with high demand and low supply House values in Spain increased by 2% in April but the country’s housing market is still seeing some significant differences between cities, coastal areas and island locations.

The latest data from appraisal company Tinsa shows that prices in big cities like Barcelona and Madrid were up 6.1% and in the Balearic and Canary Islands they were up 4% while along the Mediterranean coast they were up 1.3%.

While the housing market is undoubtedly recovering it is still a mixed outlook. Figures from the Land Registers Association showed prices were up 7.4% in the first quarter of the year and the Fomento index was up by 2.2% in the first quarter.

But the Idealista index, which covers resale asking prices, shows they were down

by 0.7% in May and the index from the Notaires Association showed a fall of 1.3% in March.

‘There’s not much of a pattern to discern other than the sense that average house prices are either slightly rising or slightly falling, either way not changing by much,’ said Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight.

He pointed out that the index from the land registrars only looks at the price of property that has sold twice in the period of study so that explains why it is out of line with other indicators.

‘National house price figures are not much use when it comes to understanding local markets but they might influence expectations and confidence. In reality, house prices are falling in many parts of the

interior where there is little or no demand, whilst rising in hot markets with strong demand like Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, and Marbella,’ he added.

Indeed, Barcelona’s property market appears to be one of the most dynamic in Spain at the moment with the latest market report from agents Engel & Volkers showing that prices per square metre are up to €12,000 in the Zona Alta and Diagonal

Mar districts.

‘Even though the level of construction has gone up, demand still significantly exceeds the availability of homes,’ said Oriol Canal, managing director of Engel & Volkers Market in Barcelona.

It also shows that international demand is rising and families from Russia, France, Bulgaria, Argentina and the United States are particularly looking

for large, light modern apartments with sea views.

The firm is predicting further prices rises in Barcelona due to the high demand from overseas buyers. ‘Barcelona is a region with a healthy economy and excellent infrastructure, which offers a high quality of life.

We predict that this year prices for high quality residential property in prime locations will rise by 9%,’ said Canal.

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Is there a way to invest sensibly and securely in Spain?

By Sam Kelly Managing Partner Chorus Fancial

I see more and more ‘guaranteed return’ investments offered here in Spain. I always ask myself 2 questions: 1) How are these returns achieved ‘risk free’ when interest rates are near zero? 2) Why do these companies not include information about how and where they are regulated and exactly who it is guaranteeing these returns, as would be the legal requirement in the UK? These so called ‘guaranteed’

returns actually rely on complicated underlying investment scenarios, which often result in capital being tied up for many years, and investors making absolutely no growth on their original deposit.

I’m not denying it can be difficult knowing where to turn to in Spain – out here the products we’re used to can create major problems: ISAs are frozen and NOT tax free, UK Bonds offer no tax efficiency (not even the 5% a year your UK IFA may have told you about) and require complicated accountancy at the end of each tax year, as does simply holding stocks and shares.

My advice if you’re looking for decent, steady returns, is to turn to global institutions you know and trust, rather than risking your money on promises that sound too good to be true. Two providers who have proved incredibly

popular with my clients here in Spain are The Prudential & Old Mutual. These FTSE 100 companies have a combined 40 million clients worldwide and have set up solutions specifically for Expats in Spain.

They both offer plans designed for Spanish residents which I like to call our ‘Spanish ISA’ due to their tax efficiency and no requirement for any complex annual accountancy.

With The Prudential, you can invest in one of the World’s oldest, largest and most diversified funds for steady annual returns.

Old Mutual offer a perfect option for those with an existing portfolio they wish to move out of an inappropriate ‘UK’ bond or ISA, into a product designed for Spanish residents.

If you get the right, properly regulated advice, there really is no need to take aggressive financial risks to get good, long term returns here in Spain.

as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), licence Number FSC1118B & registered with the UK FCA, ref. 539348.

If you have any questions about these products or their suitability for you then please contact me today on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es to arrange a free consultation.

Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in this article are examples of what can be achieved, and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well

BUYING or SELLING your PROPERTY? You’ll be moved by our service It’s TIME for a FRESH approach

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GREEN HOUSE

By Simon Russell

WHAT is probably the most environmentally friendly house in the Valencian Community has been constructed in Moraira.

The property, built by construction firm Dicam Group, meets the “PassivHaus� standard, a benchmark started in

Germany to recognise exceptionally ecologically friendly buildings. Properties meeting this standard combine a high level of comfort with almost zero energy consumption.

The building was also awarded the prestigious BREEAM award in London last year, the only

Spanish property to meet the required standard.

An open day was recently held to demonstrate the buildings green credentials and how they are achieved with the aim that even ordinary householders may pick up some energy saving tips.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Pineapple growing in Spain How to grow your own pineapples Pineapples can be grown very easily from the top of a pineapple that have been bought and eaten. All varieties can be propagated in the same way.

Pineapples are one of the world’s most unique and exotic tropical fruits. The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one of the few edible species of the 2,000 that make up the bromeliad family and is the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation. Not only are pine-

apples delicious, but they are also very easy to grow.

Although you may not be able to grow as large a plant as is grown on a plantation in Hawaii, the following information should permit you to grow a healthy, attractive pineapple for your home:

Pineapples take up a lot of their nutrition through their leaves, and the first few months after planting they rely only on their leaves.

5. Avoid getting dirt or sand into the buds at the top of the plant as it may kill it.

1. Get your favorite pineapple from the local market or supermarket. Cut off the crown from the top of the fruit and set aside. Eat the rest of the fruit as you normally would.

2. Allow the bottom of the crown to dry out for a day or two.

3. Plant in sandy welldrained soil in a sunny location.

4. Water weekly in the beginning. Pineapples, like most bromeliads, prefer water in their vase-like tops, but do not need much water when established. They can get by on very little.

Once the young plant is established, pour a cupful of well balanced diluted water soluble liquid fertilizer into the top of the plant monthly.

Pineapple flower pineapplesGrowing pineapples from crowns can seem to take forever, but typically they produce fruit within eighteen months to two years.

A pineapple plant will flower as soon as it is big enough, so the happier it is, and the better you look after, it the sooner it will flower.

Once a pineapple flowers you have to wait for another 5 to 7 months for the fruit to mature.

The fruit is ready to pick when it starts to turn yellow.

Green pineapples are immature and toxic.

It is only when they have developed the classic orange colour that they are ready to eat.

Visit https://youtu.be/b0mhwAJM12U for a great video that will help you every step of the way!

JS

Flowering & fruiting:

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Find The Tub of Your Dreams!

Large choice of whirlpool baths, small prices, delivery across Europe!

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Up to 24th June 2017 - 10am-6pm The company is based in Moraira with a full display of products to view and meet Sue Sievert the director.

The business is one of the largest in the market and offers the best advice and quality as a market leader. Opening eight years ago the business in Moraira has strengthened and the high level of service and professionalism has been the direction since the first day.

With music by Don Dimo Former Guitarist of Carlos Santana

Trained staff and being multi lingual has been the difference that customers welcome in this day and age together where the trust and confidence when choosing the company and the correct products are essentially the key factor.

Sue the office Manager says “client satisfaction is the most important aspect of any sale and we strive to retain our customers with our expertise and quality”.

The company has a network of dealers that are completely reputable offering the same high standards. Keeping the good reputation that has already been at the forefront of the success of Whirlpools World.

www.whirlpools-world.es info@whirlpools-world.es 966 498 146

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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Do you know the difference between a Physiotherapist and an Osteopath?

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My name is Simon Ratcliffe and I am a licensed Physiotherapist and Certified Osteopath C.O. for the Family Medical Centre in Albir.

I began my Physiotherapy journey at the Miguel Hernández University in San Juan in 2004 and finished in 2008. During this time I learned all different types of applications this career can offer, from paediatric, respiratory, sports physiotherapy, etc. When I finished Physiotherapy in 2008 I then decided I was interested in treating pain disorders. These vary from lower back or neck trouble, to nerve pain or even joint issues such as shoulder or knee problems. I soon realized that what I had learned during my university years wasn’t enough to treat these types of disorders, thus embarked on a mission to improve my skills and knowledge regarding these situations. I began to take various speciality courses that included things like dry needling therapy or neurodynamic treatment.

These where excellent tools for certain treatments but I needed something to help develop a correct diagnosis.

That’s when osteopathy came into the picture.

In 2009 I embarked on a 5 year course in Osteopathy.

I specialized in this discipline at the Madrid School of Osteopathy which was really an eye opener! I couldn’t have imagined the amount of things that can influence the anatomy of the human body and how complex it was. During this spell I learned structural Osteopathy, cranial Osteopathy and visceral Osteopathy; all of these are different treatments but are linked together to create a complete diagnosis and treatment guide.

Over the years I have seen many different cases and thankfully been able to treat and cure many disorders due to the unique blend

of physiotherapy and osteopathic treatments that I can combine.

I will give an example of how my treatments have evolved over the years, especially since starting osteopathy: In the case of a person with lower back pain or even sciatica, my treatments use to consist of only treating the affected area with trigger point treatment and maybe some home stretching exercises.

The patient would improve but their pain would either come back or not fully go away. I now combine several osteopathic tests that indicate any vertebral blockage that may be present, and also think of the person as a whole and not just think of the area that is painful. In some lower back problems the cause can be because of a foot problem, in others a shorter leg may be the cause, or even an intestinal or gynaecological issue is the reason for their lower back pain.

This is only a simple example of some of the things that I examine and look for when I am with a patient.

If you are looking for pain relief please call the Family Medical Centre, Albir 966 865 072 for an appointment, and we will gladly help you with your problem.

Simon Ratcliffe Physiotherapist and Certified Osteopath C.O.

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Feline Hyperthyroidism Prognosis The pets are really our best friends but the question is, can we be there for them, as well. There is the time when our dog or cat needs us more than anything in the world and their fragile health condition can be a real problem sometimes. The hyperthyroidism is a very usual disease your cat can have, mostly after seven years of life.

Older cats don’t have very strong immunity and years can really mark them in the worst way. Before the vet tries to treat this disease, it’s important to think about feline hyperthyroidism prognosis and to be realistic about things that might happen.

1. Continuing the normal life - luckily, this disease can be treated today and the feline hyperthyroidism prognosis is generally great. You may choose do you want your cat to take medications forever, is it better allow the surgery or you think the radioactive iodine may be the best option. The thing is, this is very hard decision to make, and it depends not only of your budget, but also of other health issues your cat may

have.

2. Recovery with no guarantees your cat may start taking medications regularly, but negative feline hyperthyroidism prognosis can stay the same.

In these cases, some symptoms may disappear, and others even increase, but that is the risk everyone must take.

On the other side, there are cases when treatments must be repeated, mostly surgery that was not completely successful because of other health issues.

3. Fatal results - it some cases, the cats are just too sick or too old for any intervention. These interventions can also cause some further problems; for example, this kind of treatment can cause the kidney disease since the blood flow through the kidneys is increased and then, they can stop functioning normally. Older cats may not even handle the surgery or maybe they would not react to medications at all; in some cases, the heart failure may happen because of very strong and demanding treatment.

There is nothing one can do it or-

der to prevent their cat from facing this disease, but the feline hyperthyroidism prognosis can make everyone realize that this can be very serious condition, and treatment is necessary, in one way or another. On the other hand, every

surgery has some risks that must be taken, but results may be even better.

The crucial thing is that you must organize follow-up blood and diagnostic test schedules for your cat if you want a wonderful time with her in the future.

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Study claims drinking gin or vodka can help soothe hayfever A study is claiming that one of our favourite tipple s might go some way to alleviating the symptoms of hayfever.

Asthma UK says that switching to drinking gin might help relieve sufferers more than other drinks.

Usually, alcohol makes hayfever and asthma worse because it contains histamine and sulphites which often trigger reactions. Found in darker, fermented drinks like red wine and beer, hayfeverers can often feel worse after drinking.

But according to Asthma UK, if you stick to clear spirits like gin and vodka, you wont be suffering so bad and snatching for the antihistamine tablets, due to the low histamine content found in these drinks.

Gin, in particular, has no sulphites in it so that especially is best for those suffering most.

Spectacle Wearer of the Year Winner Announced Specsavers Opticas have announced the winners of the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards 2017. The first prize of 1,000€ and a pair of designer glasses has been awarded to Lidia Miralles Oms (right) who submitted a picture of herself looking fantastic in her stylish statement black frames.

As well as looking pretty as a picture, the judges chose her because of her great reason to feel proud of wearing glasses - “I think of my glasses as an

accessory that are an essential part of myself and they give a strong sense of my personality. I love the way I look in them!”. She was also very popular with the Facebook fans, who agreed with our judges that she was a worthy winner.

There are also 4 semi-finalists from the different age categories who have all won one pair of designer glasses worth 159€ • Jessica Crespo Hall • Gabriele Beate Hefele • Nicola Mahaffey • Marco Aurelio Macia Gomez They were chosen as runners up in their age categories for a combination of votes, great reasons why they love their glasses and lovely pictures celebrating their own style.

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ANT OFFERED YEAR OFF Ant McPartlin will reportedly have up to a year off to recuperate following his stint in rehab.

The TV presenter bravely admitted that he had been suffering

from alcohol and prescription drugs addiction and would be going into rehab for treatment. Now ITV bosses have reportedly offered

PLAY SEGA GAMES FOR FREE ON THE GO

By Retro-Gamer

Retro gaming fans may have just got the best news ever: the chance to play every Sega game ever made for absolutely nothing.

It’ll take a while till every game is available, but the eventual goal of Sega Forever is to offer every game Sega has ever made via smartphone and tablet – and all for free too.

Sega Forever will launch this week (either today or tomorrow, depending on where you are) on iOS and Android and will be free-to-play, making its money through short adverts that play before you start a game.

The games that will be available this week include Mega Drive games Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Kid Chameleon, Phantasy Star II, and Sonic The Hedgehog.

Every game will be playable offline, and includes modern features

like cloud saves, online leaderboards, and Bluetooth controller support.

The plan is to release a new game every two weeks, and to eventually incorporate titles from every Sega console, including the Saturn and Dreamcast.

With only one game every two weeks it will take a long time until everything is available – with Saturn games warned to be at least two years away – but the promise is there. Other than the slow release schedule though the other issue is that none of these games were ever designed to work on a touchscreen, and they were already extremely difficult even with a proper controller.

him a year’s break to get himself back on track.

An insider has said although they

hope he will be back in time for I’m A Celebrity, he won’t be pushed to return.

The 41-year-old revealed at the weekend to his wife Lisa

Armstrong and life-long TV partner Declan Donnelly his struggles with depression over infertility had led him to substance and alcohol abuse.

New On Date Night

Who knew simple dinner reservations under a different name could turn one New Jersey couple’s date night so terribly upside-down?

What they wanted was a night off from their dull marriage.

What they got was a one-way ticket to crazy town.

The Long Weekend

Adman Ed Waxman has 48 hours to create a great campaign to save his job, but a visit from his tomcat brother proves to be a diversion Ed can’t ignore. A ladies man knows just what his workaholic brother needs to get his groove back. But dude is WAY out of practice.

Queen of the South Season 1

Forced to work for a cartel that recently killed her boyfriend, Teresa relies on her street smarts, a loyal pal and a mysterious notebook to survive.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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Craft fair with a nostalgic touch in Chinchilla Travelling along the motor way to Albacete or Madrid, you might have seen the castle that sits on top of a hill on your right just before getting to Albacete, and wondered whether it was worth a visit.

Well, it is. And not just the castle - the Old Town of Chinchilla is full of beautifull old buildings, picturesque squares and nice corners. It is certainly interesting when something special is going on, such as a craft market in the style of the beginning of last century. Rather fun in fact, and just a little different from those endless Medieval Markets. Especially because

Amata, the regional craft association, will be running it.

Here is your chance: on 30 June and 1 and 2 July some thirty five craft stalls will be set up in the town centre and the people dress up in the clothes they would have worn 100 years ago. Not the toffs, not the upper crust or the top 1%, but ordinary men and women of that period trying to earn a crust. Stalls with the stuff they made themselves - nothing from abroad, nothing from the factory, just really lovingly made craft work, made by hand using natural materials. Next to some of the stalls will be a table where the stall owner will be busily at work making the stuff he or she sells - you can watch them at work, ask questions or perhaps get them to personalize

one of the pieces. Remember, this is a real craft fair, run by a real craft association..

Amata has been organizing craft fairs over the last 20 years and makes sure that everything on sale is hand made by the participants. They use the words Artesanía de Autor® as a guarantee that the author of the products is present.

There are workshops for children, a potter will let you turn your own bowl or cup on his wheel and you can even make a sheet of recycled paper. Some crazy musicians will liven up the fair together with a few jugglers and stiltwalkers, while you walk around or sit down and have a drink in

the tavern or at the terrace of a local bar there is even one that brews its own beer!

The Town Hall welcomes all visitors to spend some time in the village and has even created a special area for motor homes, free of charge. There are several B&B’s, some of them with the extra attraction that the bedrooms are in caves!

The market is set up in the centre of the town next to and behind the church and opens on Friday, the 30st of June, at 6pm; opening times on Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of July are from 11am till 2 pm and then again from 6 pm till late. Chinchilla de Montearagón lies next to the Motorway A31, some 10 miles before you come to Albacete. More information about the fair on 639 979 678 (in English) and photographs of other markets organized by Amata you can find at http://www.amata.es/eng_foto.html under “Photographs of Recent Events”.

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Down

Across

1. Harvest season (6) 2. Country walker (7) 3. Additional (5) 5. Honest (7) 6. Engrained dirt (5) 7. Seat of power (6) 9. Game played with a shuttlecock (9) 13. Gymnastic performer (7) 14. Ridiculous pretence (7) 15. Water ice (6) 16. Systematic procedure (6) 18. Ceasefire (5) 20. English county (5)

1. Aviators (6) 4. Lump of gold ore (6) 8. Entice (5) 9. Obstacle (7) 10. Common wild duck (7) 11. Unripe (5) 12. True to life (9) 17. Aquatic mammal (5) 19. Aged between 12 and 20 (7) 21. American whisky (7) 22. Shatter (5)w 23. A score (6) 24. Surpass (6)

Sudoku

Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Down 1 Giant bird a non-starter (5) 2 Short cut in translating English (7) 3 Drunk reluctant to part with money (5) 4 Sculpture reportedly transported (6) 6 A bird regrets losing its wings (5) 7 Working properly as a monk? (2,5) 10 Back university for religious type (5) 13 Relevant article on surgery accepted by experts (7) 14 Southern shopping area that’s compact (5) 16 Condition is poor when ordered to take five (7) 17 Regard wise man we might hear in cold spell (3,3) 19 Accommodation for travellers in remote land (5) 21 Joiner in Rhode Island with former GI? (5) 22 Perspire when cooking a stew (5)

Medium

Across

1 Laboratory glass for experiment underground? (4,4) 5 There’s still one abominable snowman (4) 8 Slender girls’s first object (5) 9 Brisk movement of small singer backing Australia (7) 11 Close to neckwear, item of lingerie (7) 12 Famous public school rejected by Duke (5) 13 Discrimination in moving images (6) 15 Leader of people entertained by splendid meal (6) 18 Dance in Burma, after a fashion (5) 20 Odd trinkets containing uranium (7) 23 Gently strike a girl - on the knee (7) 24 Horrible setting for old material (5) 25 Card game providing something for one to do (4) 26 Taste our fresh fish (3,5)25 Tea’s gone off - but that was a long time ago (5,3)

Hard

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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New Game Of Thrones Footage Shown In Madrid between photos from on set and then the actual trailers.

But for all of them, they gave very little away. The producers have kept their cards very close to their chest.

That was until a special fan event in Madrid where people were treated to some behind the scene footage.

HBO Spain set up a special exhibit in Madrid and gave several lucky Game of Thrones fans a sneak peak at what’s coming in season 7. They posted the video of what those fans saw on their Facebook page. The video show sbehind-the-scenes footage from next season of the popular HBO TV series.

Fans will recognise the scene in which Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) enters the 22

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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Get ready to go for a roller coaster of a week, (March 20th) asARIES the world will sit21st-April up and notice you. Will everybody agree with No - that’s but youbeen can The inactivity andyou? inertia besurrounding charmingly persuasive.

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Time also crops up in conversation at the top of the week and21st-May you’re in charge.

TAURUS (April 21st) Pleasant financial surprises may come out of TAURUS 21st-May 21st) the blue this (April week, but all the while you won’t Even if you’re on onthe thevalue shy side lose perspective that of youTaurus bring toyou’re every scenario input into you. this Go, more ofyou a social animal Taurus. notalso going be content week.You’re There’s antoedge to you.with It’s being at end of the line. Please remember called or a that you’llambition. always get Crossed more withwords honey than power struggle is all ifabout someone you ever will with vinegar your patience is tested at the weekend. understanding that we all must take the rough with the smooth. Nostalgia suits you.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) You don’t like to be moved, pushed, nudged GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) or cajoled in any way this week. But you will Your individuality is amazing and do your best - and in your own sweet time. you’re strong and purposeful. The sun As it’s the start of summer, the solstice, this in Pisces puts you under the spotlight is a time of major moves for us all, remember, for one last week, yet an irritation so you, and in spite of your unwillingness to needs to be ironed out at the start of budge, won’t be immune to this. Why not the week embrace it? – possibly at work. The rest of the week and the weekend should be plain (June sailing.22nd-July 23rd) CANCER Even though you look over the past a bit more CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) than usual right now, please so with a keen anThe eye on it’s the suntheinfuture, your because sister sign ofsummer Pisces solstice this week and that means the sun means that you’ll strike out in your moving into your sign. Any scattered ways own way,your plus thiswillalso you had individual of frittering away energy be obliterated and filtered opens your mindinto tomore helpconstructive you see pursuits. Life brings you purpose, and rather thefeeling bigger picture.

Opportunity than as though you’re hemmed in by striketowithout and the it,could you’re going thrive onwarning it! outlook for the weekend is dramatic LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) This week’s capturing the moment as LEO (Julyabout 24th-August 23rd) much as it is about planting those seeds and Expect a changeable type of week watching them grow. This will require lots of whenideas, people hardinto second creative whichare you have abundance, guess.

The shifts focus and aiming as sky highalso as you can,your which you can also dotaking stating on your head.stance Keep towards a constructive telling yourself that all of these changes over your long-term plans. It’s allare in extremely necessary. don’t hold back. the timing at thePlease weekend.

Don’t rush things VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd) You’re for24th-Sept anything 23rd) different, VIRGOlooking (August bohemian and off the wall this week, and yourgame, opposite sign if The you’re sun in theindating then anybody that standsyou’ll out from crowd iswith boundALL to means bethe dealing catch your eye. Saturn makes you even more your relationships this week.

This grounded, but no less determined, so even in is face extremely well-starred so toplease the of lots of appealing tangents shoot offdon’t in thepanic. direction of, you’ll yourinship in You’ll be steer quirky your the most constructive direction of all. communications and your thought processes midweek.

LIBRA LIBRA

SCORPIO SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

PISCES PISCES

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) I love this week for you. You’re always on the LIBRA 24th-Oct 23rd)that life has lookout (Sept for the best of everything offer.take Because there’simpartial such an opportunity Ytoou’ll a cool, look at opening up in week. the wayThe we’ve life to finances this sunknown in Pisces be, you’ll be immediately become aware of a isnewabout rolling up sun those sleeves, direction.

Once the hits Cancer this getting shoulder theunder wheel week, theyour summer solstice,to you’re the spotlight.

It’ll allthings be all about your and making workpushing for you. creativity to the hilt.

Whatever it is you’re after, if you set it up now, you stand a better chance of SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) You don’t usually jump into anything that’s SCORPIO 22nd) unrealistic, (Oct plus 24th-Nov you’ve bided your time quite insensibly, so now theofis Pisces when is the Sun your sister sign opportunities that you should grab head your signal for fun, laughter and your way. The sun in Gemini might have generally feeling good. but Spend affected you emotionally, get time ready, because all of creative that changes this weekand when on getting midweek, your oomph returns big time as a result of the there’ll plenty of shake, rattle, and summer be solstice. roll by the time the weekend arrives.

You’re on fire. Well done.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) People, and your relationships with them, SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) form the backbone of your week in lots of You’ve an extra-special connection to interesting ways. You won’t be able to get on the roots of your life and there’ll be without cooperation and all pulling together. lots of family issues to be dealt with.

It’s important that you don’t cut corners at the This might get deep and memories weekend – you’ll need to deal with problems could come flying back. There’ll be a head-on. There is no fast track or quick fix. few surprises at the top of the week, but you’ll feel like you’re in a balanced place again by(Dec the weekend.

CAPRICORN 22nd-Jan 20th) If any aspect of your life is incompatible CAPRICORN with what you(Dec want22nd-Jan then please20th) don’t be if it and naturally falls away thistime week.

Asurprised very fast unpredictable Your desire to go forward is immensely awaits some Capricorns. The sun in strong, remember, and those who have your Pisces meansat that best interests heart it’s will abefast-paced backing you every inch the way. Those who don’t may week in ofgeneral.

A revelation at find they play less and less of a role in your the life. weekend stimulates your social life, and this is a time to be among positive people.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th) This week’s like your own personal AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)road to enlightenment, so by the end of the it, you’ll The concentrates its heap rays on havesun undergone a whole of what change you for you, andasyou comeyou’ve to that want will make you feel though truly progressed to the nextweek stage.ifBalance know your worth this you and harmony are your friends, and you’ll don’t already. This is a time of self. benefi t from new The worksky opportunities Of individuality. also opensor health regimes, too, because it’s the summer up so many opportunities at the solstice. weekend for those of you looking to make a connection.

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th) It feels like life’s20th-March on the verge20th) of something PISCES (Feb wonderful, but you’ll you, always your There’s no stopping andrecognise right from worth in love no matter what is happening the top of the week, your individuality outside.

With the summer solstice happening will set you apart - as will your thought this week, theAll pace life quickens and you have processes. of ofthis cosmic goodness a stronger appetite foryou fun. Socialising conspires to make a winner becomes in the more of important to you, and you true eyes people who matter.

Plantknow career aff ection when you feel it. seeds and watch them grow. Travel is also well starred.

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23

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Most of us think of Game of Thrones as a US based show, or a UK one, due to the popularity of it in both countries.

But there’s another region of Europe where Game of Thrones mania reaches the same fever pitch as it does here: Spain.

Ever since Season 5, when the production began using Spanish towns and landmarks to stand in for various locations in Westeros and Essos, the scale of interest in the show has skyrocketed.

Game of Thrones is returning for its seventh season in July and we cannot wait. We’ve been teased with official clips over the last few months,

gates of Dragonstone.

There is a big battle between the Unsullied and Lannister soldiers as they capture a castle. The other sequences include The Mountain (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) unsheathing his sword, and Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) teaching Podrick (Daniel Portman) how to fight.

Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) can be seen leading his troops to battle on horseback.

There are also scenes from the

North. King Jon Snow (Kit Harington) can be seen addressing the lords. The war against the Boltons may be over, but the various Houses in the North will have to unite to fight a more challenging battle.

There is a new Maester in the Citadel that fans will get to meet. The dragons are back for more fire-breathing action, and Rory McCann will be reprising his role as Sandor “The Hound” Clegane.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> He worked in the Glasgow shipyards and played in folk bands before branching out into comedy; he became a television favourite after a succession of appearances on Michael Parkinson’s chat show.

A string of films have followed, he won praise for appearing alongside Dame Judy Dench in Mrs Brown in 1997, now he wonders if the name ‘Sir Billy’ was impressive enough for his latest role.

“I feel as if I should be called Lancelot or something,” he said. “Sir Lancelot would be nice.

Arise Sir Billy!

By Simon Russell

COMEDIAN Billy Connelly - the self-confessed ‘hairy rebel’ – admits he was “pleased and a little embarrassed” to be awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

An accomplished actor, the 74-year-old was made a CBE in 2003, and said the honour would not change him but it would not sink in until fellow Glaswegians started calling him ‘Sir Billy’ or “whatever they come up with”.

CODE CRACKER

Sir Billy does not have the same ring; I don’t know if you get invited to the Round Table...I don’t know anything about it.

“It may change the way other people think of me, but it won’t change me at all; I’m too late to change.”

Sir Billy, married to Australian Pamela Anderson, said it would feel strange to be an establishment figure and he was comfortable about accepting a knighthood despite a mixed reaction when he has been involved with Royalty in the past.

“But the way I saw it was if I was invited by those people to do things, the least I can do is respond nicely; it’s the way I was brought up. It’s an honour and I’ll accept it honourably.”

Scribble Pad

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

SCORE

BRILLIANT < 80 EXCELLENT< 60 GOOD < 40 FOR KIDS < 25

ML S E Y H P BA

34

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

UK RECORDS HOTTEST DAY IN JUNE FOR 40 YEARS

Back In

the Wednesday was officially tem h wit 6, 197 ce sin day hottest 9C 33. peratures hitting a toasty in London. ordThe 40-year high was rec , don Lon st we in row ath ed at He the Met Office said. n Parts of Britain have bee usec con fth fi the sweltering in above tive day with temperatures spell ged 30C – the hottest prolon sum t ugh dro in June since the mer of 1976. n’t The temperature today did in set 6C exceed the record 35.

6, 197 28 e Jun Southampton on r me sum est rm wa but is still the .

UK the for ord rec on solstice ed However, many people end inn, bur sun up suffering from o had cluding one gardener wh worker aft ns bur ree deg second hout wit ing over the weekend suncream. be However this was said to h wit ve twa hea the of day the last int n tia Bri rain forcast for most of he coming days

Brexit Begins

THE Queen’s Speech was dom- will hav e alre ady secu red an inated by bills linked to Brexit and arra nge men t with Nor ther n Irethe UK’s departure from the Europeland ´s Dem ocra tic Uni onis t Paran Community, scheduled for March ty to supp ort the min orit y gov 2019. ernm ent.

Negotiations formerly started on Las t nigh t Monday and the government’s agenda Prim e Min isand dozens of proposed new laws are ter The resa May designed to prepare the country for a was in Bru ssel s “smooth and orderly” exit. to add ress the The Que en outl ined 27 bill s, lead ers of the 27 eigh t rela ting to Bre xit and its othe r EU mem imp lica tion s for key Brit ish inbers . How ever , the dust ries . The re is a pros pect ive two -day sum mit’s law to con vert EU rule s into UK form al agen da also law, the so-c alle d Gre at Ref orm incl ude s imm igra tion , secu rity, Bill – whi ch allo ws Parl iam ent and the econ omy. to deci de wha t part s it And Mrs May will also wish es to brie f cou nter part s abo ut reta in Brit ain’s com mitm ent to as wel l as a new €90 mill ion inimeasures tiati ve desi gne d to help regardturn off the flow of illeing such gal imm igra nts cros sing thin gs as from Afri ca into Eur ope . trad e, imIn Bru ssel s on Mon migration, day, Sec reta ry of Stat e fisheries for Bre xit Dav id Daand farm vis met with EU neg oing, and tiato rs. The ope ning n u c l e a r roun ds of talk s will cov safe ty. er the righ ts of citiz ens, The Com mon s will vote on the UK´ s ‘div orce bill ’ and the the Que en´s Spe ech nex t wee k. bord er arra nge men ts betw een The Con serv ativ es hop e they Nor ther n Irel and and Eire .

Bot h side s are keen to com e to an earl y arra nge men t to secure the stat us of som e 3.2 million EU citiz ens livin g in Brit ain the 900 ,000 UK citiz ens livin g in Eur ope .

Not hing has been agre ed so far, but opposi tion parties in the UK hav e urge d the gov ernm ent to give EU nati ona ls a unil ater al gua rant ee to prot ect thei r righ ts; min iste rs insi st a reci proc al deal is wan ted to ensure the prot ecti on of Brit ish exp ats.

Full deta ils of Mrs May ’s plan s are exp ecte d to be mad e pub lic on Mon day but she has alre ady reve aled the prog ram me was to “gra sp the opp ortu niti es that lie ahea d for the UK as we leav e the EU.” The Prim e Min iste r also pled ged she wou ld con sult and liste n to coll eagu es and pres sure grou ps to secu re the fina l deal with Eur ope had the “ma xim um supp ort poss ible ”; and said she was dete rmin ed to “see Bre xit thro ugh ”. - By Jack Tro ugh ton

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Britain

K L A H C F O S E 50,000 TONN F F I L C F F O S K BREA ntroller Kaimes Beasley, duty co ‘We ce pla k too n tio d: era sai op , Coastguard A major search rt of a for the UK pa er aft keep 2 to e ers Jun go ay on Wednsed are advising beach beach. sy are bu a we on d y an wa ne ve sce ga ff large cli away from the ard gu ast Co in a the are the Firefighters and currently cordoning off ar ne , ad He rd afo .

Se ety at saf searched the area interests of public x, despite no-one the gh that Eastbourne, East Susse ‘I cannot stress enou how . ng ws ssi sho mi y ed arl ort cle being rep this rock fall its d ble am scr s , so ha be ges can The fire service its unstable cliff ed un e cu res l m ica fro hn ce tec your distan rope rescue and 4.18pm please keep at pse d lla an co top the the er aft th at bo to the scene been in- cliff edges, ve ha all y at ma , le ffs op cli pe t the tha in fear bottom of rch was called the jured but luckily the sea t out by the times.’ the caugh off with no one being Visitors from all over an Bl sta Co it the event.

C, 50,000 world vis BB s iou the tan un to mo ng its rdi Acco to explore metres from the ca a Alta tonnes of chalk fell 80 surroundings, the Marin ing . hik ad s some amazing top of Seaford He scue Service area ha East Sussex Fire and Re leading to cliff edges, tes rou to check ard gu ast walkCo ed ist ass e said: ‘W care must be taken when in the fall. t they gh as cau s ffs wa cli e on se the no t tha ry ing near ve in rd ha d th rke wi wo us dangero ‘All involved ind the can be just as m cliff faces rem to e lik ’d We ns. hot conditio d eroding fro away from cliff lan public to please stay everyday edges.’

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Local Lookout

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ICING ON THE CAKE THE party for Jalon Valley HELP’s 25th anniversary took a surprise turn when charity colleagues added to the celebration with a €20,000 donation.

Cancer Care Javea volunteers were among 260 people marking the milestone at the Salon Canor in Teulada but won a standing ovation by appearing with a giant cheque.

The money will go towards assisting the running costs of HELP’s Respite and Palliative Care room at Fontilles.

And another financial boost came from Sandy Hubble, whose two daughters ran the Great South Run in memory of their late father Peter Hubble, from Peter, raising £2,000 for the charity, which supported the family when he was ill.

Charity president Elaine Horton admitted she was left speechless as the giant cheque suddenly appeared.

She praised the team of volunteers

that had started as a small group of friends in 1992, raising money through a charity shop in Parcent to help the needy in the area.

“Over the years and little by little, the charity grew, raising money wherever it could in order to donate to local worthwhile causes, before developing much-needed services of its own,” said Elaine. “The charity’s aim has always been to improve life in the valleys.”

She praised the work of the volunteers and their achievements.

“Whatever is asked of them they always step up to the mark and punch well above their weight with smiling faces.

They are the best of the best.”

Guest of honour at the party was British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris – who cut the birthday cake – joined by five town hall mayors and representatives of British charities and businesses which support HELP.

In the picture about local artists THIRTY two members of the recently renamed Marina Alta Arts Society took a trip to Valencia to learn about the renowned Benlliure family.

Jose Benlliure and his six children all followed various artistic pursuits in the 19th century achieving renown as sculptors, painters and art teachers. The family house was donated to the Valencian Community in the last century and has since become a museum dedicated to the families work.

The living quarters and studio are well preserved and serve as a fitting tribute to the famous family. The group then went on to visit the Palau de la Generalitat

building, where they were given a guided tour of the various works of art held within.

The Arts Society is now taking a summer break and will reconvene in October with a presentation about famous artistic fall-outs. For more information contact the society on secretary@mafas.org.uk

In the pink!

By Edward Graham

Kids council THE Children’s and Teenagers Council for Teulada-Moraira held its final meeting before the summer break this week.

This was attended by the municipality’s mayor, Carlos Llinares, along with several other senior councillors. Topics discussed included the environment, public spaces, culture, leisure and schools.

The mayor and senior council promised to take note of and follow up as many of the suggestions

and ideas as they could and thanked the group for their work and input over the past few months.

The junior council was set up to demonstrate democracy in action to

the children and show they could make a difference by engaging with the democratic process.

In addition many of their ideas have given valuable food for thought to the town’s council.

IDEAL conditions at Calpe’s salt lake have tempted hundreds of flamingos to take a break as they migrate north for the summer.

Pink dominates Las Salinas as the birds strut their stuff as they wander through the shallows feeding.

Calpe Town Hall’s environmental department keeps a close eye on the water, checking on salinity levels and the flamingos’ rings – this identifies the visitors as coming from Algeria, the south of Spain, and Camargue in the South of France, the destination of more than 320 birds on the lake.

A number of species do breed at Calpe but the area does not give enough “privacy”

for flamingos to nest; instead they choose North Africa and the south of Spain.

“The numbers of birds are an indication that conditions are ideal,” said Councillor Carole Saunders. “Calpe is on the main route for birds travelling north to get away from the heat because there is so much food for them before they fly on to Camargue.”

She said the lake was like a hotel for the flamingos. “It is just a stopover for them, but because there is so much food, they stay for some time.”

Flamingos grow into their familiar pink plumage as they age because of their diet of tiny crustaceans; juvenile birds at Calpe still sport grey feathers.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Local Lookout

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On your bike!

DOGGY TAX

By Simon Russell

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM is aiming to become one of the most cycle friendly cities on the Costa Blanca, something they are achieving with a combination of building more bike lanes and educating people about the benefits of cycling.

There should be 70 kilometres of cycle lanes by the end of the year with Avenida Mediterraneo next to receive a new route. There has also been a presentation coordinated by the Town Hall, residents associations and local cycling groups about the advantages of two-wheeled travel.

There were also lessons on safely riding a bike in a city, aimed in children in particular.

Finally the environmental and

health benefits were discussed, as well as the importance of showing respect for other road users, both on foot and four wheels.

Mobility Councillor Jose

Gonzalez de Zarate said that the cities planned 70 kilometres of cycle lanes would outstrip nearly all other cities, including provincial capitals.

Quality beaches LORENZO Martinez, Benidorm’s Councillor for Beaches, has received the Qualitur diploma that Valencia awards to its very best beaches.

The presentation was held at the Hotel Siciana de Cullera and was officiated over by Raquel Huete, Valencia’s Director General for Tourism.

The awards were for the bays and beaches of Levante,

probably about a Euro a month, is to help with the protection and care of Benidorm’s animals, says Mr Garcia.

Joseph Bigorra from the Compromis party has confirmed he would not be signing up to the proposal, but did not say whether he would vote against or abstain.

Poniente and Mal Pas as well as the smaller coves and is evidence of “excellence in services, quality and accessibility” said Ms Huete.

The Benidorm Tourism department has always said that whatever other initiatives are taking place in the city, the beaches will always be the number one factor for attracting tourists.

Paddling to the lighthouse

By Simon Russell

THE Youth Council of Alfaz del Pi is once again organising kayaking excursions to the l’Albir lighthouse, the sixth year they have offered this.

The excursions are aimed at the municipality’s 16 to 35 year old residents and are scheduled for each Tuesday in July and August. The aim is to promote water activities and sports among younger people, for both leisure and health reasons.

There is also the chance to view the beautiful lighthouse and surrounding area from the unique vantage point of

A Benidorm councillor wants the Town Hall to look into charging an annual fee to dog owners in the city.

Juan Garcia of the Green party is to propose the tax, although not with the full support of his coalition Compromis partner.

The tax,

the water itself. Places are limited to eight on each trip so those interested need to

enrol promptly at the Youth Information Centre in the Casa la Cultura.

LOVING ART THE “EnamorARTE” exhibition has been officially opened and will be on show until the 28 June in the Espai d’Art salon in Benidorm’s town hall.

The opening was attended by a good crowd as well as many of the artists themselves, and the doors were opened so people could view the 70 works done in various different m e d i u m s i n c l u d i n g acrylics, ink, line drawing and watercolours.

The exhibition has been created by the students

of the Benidorm Madiuxa Art group and aims to showcase the works done by the predominantly local artists.

Exhibitors featured include children, who have their own separate programme at the art group.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Motoring

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FIAT TIPO STATION WAGON If you want a spacious, no frills family car, the Fiat Tipo Station Wagon is more than up to the task. It has a sensibly designed load area with plenty of space for garden centre trips, prams or muddy dogs, plus it’s durably made and comes well equipped. It’s even reasonably priced, but it would be easier to recommend as a new buy if it were cheaper..

The load area provides an extra 110 litres of capacity over the hatchback, at 550 litres.

In real world terms, what you get is a low, flat load deck with no lip and a wide tailgate opening. There’s plenty of space for things like buggies and baggage, but if more is needed then the rear seat backs fold flat.

The back row of seats is spacious enough for adults to sit in

a reasonable amount of comfort and access is good but, while practical, the cabin is drably styled and feels quite dark and

down the road in comfort. The handling is adequate and the ride quality is okay, but there is some body roll through bends. If you want fun driving

dull. It feels pretty well made though, so should stand up to kicking children and spilled drinks.

The Tipo Station Wagon is unremarkable to drive, but the controls are nicely weighted so no real effort is required to get

dynamics, go for a Ford Focus Estate - it’s a lot more enjoyable.

Engines mirror those in the hatch, with 1.3 and 1.6-litre MultiJet diesels, along with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrols.

The pick of these is the 1.4-litre

120PS T-Jet petrol, since it provides a good blend of affordable pricing, reasonable fuel economy and useable everyday performance.

Basic Easy models come with DAB radio, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio con-

trols and air conditioning, but we’d opt for Easy Plus. This adds alloy wheels and a touchscreen system, along with cruise control

and parking sensors. The touchscreen is tiny at just five inches corner to corner, but it’s better than no touchscreen at all.

There’s nothing outstanding or exciting about the Fiat Tipo Station Wagon, but equally there’s not a lot wrong with it. There is one issue that stands out most of all, though - the active safety tech comes in optional packs instead of as standard and without it the car only gets a three star safety rating. With one of the packs it gets four stars. That said, it’s practical enough for family life and comes with all the essentials.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Motoring

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We have now opened our new Ginestar Group Insurance broker office in Benissa.

In our Ginestar group insurance broker office we help you by analysing all your insurance needs. We offer you a wide range of products and insurance providers so that you are the one that chooses whatever suits your needs the most. We are fast and agile in resolving compensation payments regarding write-offs.

We also have a team that specializes in insurance transactions with proven experience. We also speak English, German, French and other languages; all of this has helped build a trustworthy relationship with our clients.

Our team is here to help you protect everything that is important to you: your health, your family and your money. Our primary objective is to take care of you and your loved ones, and save you time and money.

ROAD RAGE SHOOT-OUT

By Simon Russell

POLICE in Tavernes, near Gandia, were forced to shoot out the tyres of a truck that began ramming their patrol car.

They were called out to investigate an attempted theft of a truck at around 1am and when they confronted the man he became verbally aggressive.

They tried to calm him down but he then started driving into their car, at which point they shot out the lorry tyres. How-

ever, he carried on driving the vehicle on the road until another patrol car joined the scene and blocked his way.

He then ran off on foot and through some nearby orange groves where police failed to find him in the dark, although they are still searching for the culprit. No officers were hurt in the incident.

The truck is pictured below with the blue canvas side.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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Local Sport

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BETTAS TORREVIEJA RFC NEWEST RUGBY CLUB IN TOWN There has been a new rugby club set up just recently, for ladies only at the moment, based in Torrevieja based on traditional ethics of the sport, called Bettas Torrevieja RFC. Their intentions are to grow and develop a club for all ages and genders.

The ladies train every Wednesday and Sunday during the summer months at 20.30 opposite Nelson

Mandela Stadium on the athletics pitch.

So come on down and join the rugby revolution that is now happening in Spain and be part of a growing team.

Everyone is welcome if you have experience or not, so see you all down at the next training session. For more information about the team and training contact Javi on 603 727 179

Back of the hoop

By Simon Russell

VALENCIA’S football team may be struggling at the moment but the city’s basketball team are celebrating after winning their first league title.

They defeated Real Madrid 87-76 in the final play-off game to secure an unassailable 3-1 lead. Madrid started poorly and were twenty points behind before they found their form, but by then it was too late and Valencia never looked in real danger. Basketball is the second biggest team sport in Spain after football and most teams have a mixture of Span-

ish and foreign (mainly American) players.

Many of the teams share their footballing counterpart’s strip and even names and the league is widely televised both in Spain and abroad.

Get In Touch!

Fancy yourself as a bit of a writer?

Maybe you just want to support a local club or organisation?

Send us your stories and news to Newsdesk@Weekender.News

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Sport

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Lewis says he could walk away from F1 Lewis Hamilton is not ruling out following former team-mate Nico Rosberg into retirement at the end of the 2017 season, claiming it would not change his “legacy”.

The three-time world champion’s current Mercedes contract expires in 2018, though he has previously claimed he envisaged signing one more contract in Formula 1 that would see him compete well into his late thirties. However, speaking to the FIA’s official in-house magazine Auto, Hamilton admitted he didn’t think his standing in the sport would be affected if he were to walk away this year.

“My destiny is in my own hands. I can decide to stop at the end of this year,” the 32-year-old said. “Does that mean my legacy is less great than it would be if I stop in five years’ time? Who’s to say? ”I don’t like to plan for it because I don’t know what’s around the corner, I don’t know

what I’m going to do. Whatever I know I’m going to do, if I apply myself the way I’ve always applied myself in my racing and I apply it to anything else I want to do in life, or even if it’s still in racing, I feel I can achieve great things.

“I’m never going to stop pushing the limits of whatever it is I do with myself and I’m always going to strive for greatness in whatever world it is that I’m in. So I think that mission or that mentality will create my legacy.”

“Every now and then I have a thought of what I will do after Formula One. Then I see that car and I am like, ‘I think I am going to stay’. I don’t know how long I will stay, but I am still competitive, still hungry and still driving at my best.”

Hamilton has also claimed he sees no major difference between the 2016 and 2017 cars apart from speed despite F1’s vast regulation changes in Canada.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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Federer favourite Mourinho next in tax charges after Murray lacks confidence

By Simon Russell

Peter Fleming was “shocked” by the lack of confidence Andy Murray showed during his surprise first-round exit at Queen’s Club and says Wimbledon is “wide open”.

Murray’s disappointing year continued as he bowed out of the Aegon Championships first round to world No 90 Jordan Thompson. The loss was his ninth in 2017 and sixth against an opponent ranked outside the top 20.

It seems a world away from the end of last year when he stormed to the top of the world rankings by winning five tour-

naments on the bounce. Peter Fleming said “Federer is probably the favourite and he’s only played two matches in the last four months.

Grass is more of a challenge to Nadal while Djokovic and Murray don’t seem to be there mentally Of course, it’s always difficult in your first match in any tournament, especially your first competitive match on a different surface. It’s tough for everyone, but especially Andy I think. He didn’t post, did he?

Ronaldo future on hold England was crowned the winner of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea on Sunday after the team beat Venezuela 1-0.

The only goal of the match, played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, carried the signature of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin 34 minutes into

the game, while Adalberto Peñaranda wasted a penalty for Venezuela at the 73rd minute.

It was the first time England won the tournament, one that Argentina has won six times, and the country’s biggest soccer achievement since winning the World Cup in 1966.

FOOTBALL manager Jose Mourinho, currently coaching Manchester United, has had a claim filed against him by Spanish prosecutors relating to unpaid tax from his period in charge of

Real Madrid between 2011 and 2014.

They are alleging two cases of tax fraud from this period, claiming he knowingly avoided paying €3.3 million in taxes.

This follows on from allegations of tax avoidance

by Real superstar Christiano Ronaldo in an on-going case and the courts recent guilty verdict of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi on similar charges.

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FRIDAY 16TH JUNE 2017

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BMW International Open 22nd June - 25th June Sky Sports Daily 29th June - 2nd July Open de France Sky Sporrts

RUGBY LEAGUE Friday 23rd June Huddersfield Giants v Wigan Warriors Hull FC v Wakefield Trinity Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers St Helens v Salford Red Devils Saturday 24th June 2017 Warrington v Catalans Dragons Thursday 29th June 2017 Leeds Rhinos v St Helens

TENNIS - Wimbledon July 3rd- July 16th BBC Daily FORMULA ONE 25th June Azerbaijan Grand Prix July 9th Austrian Grand Prix July 16 British Grand Prix

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Weekender Sport

FIFA SUGGEST 60 MINUTE MATCH Football’s rule-making panel wants debate on moving to 60-minute games and stopping the clock when the ball is not in play.

Playing two halves each of 30 minutes’ actual playing time would be a “radical change” to the

Laws of Football, the FIFA-supported International Football Association Board acknowledged.

Continued bottom left

60 Minute Matches It features in a five-year strategy document of talking points and proposals with three goals — to increase respect, playing time and attractiveness of the game.

“The aim of this document is to generate discussion and take a ‘fresh’ look at how the Laws could make the game better,” IFAB said in the document called “Play Fair!”

Any changes would take years to enact after discussions and trials overseen by IFAB, which revises football’s laws annually and comprises officials from FIFA and the four British football federations.

Fans have become frustrated that games of 90 regulation minutes plus time added for stoppages at referees’ discretion typically produce “fewer than 60 minutes of effective (actual) playing time,” IFAB said.

On Saturday, there were just 47 minutes of actual playing time in Russia’s 2-0 win over New Zealand to open the Confederations Cup, according to FIFA. The game in St. Petersburg took less than 1 hour, 50 minutes from first whistle to last, which suggests a 60-minute, stop-start clock would take more than two hours to complete as football adapted.

The 60-minute, stop-start game clock proposal would take away the incentive for timewasting by players, IFAB suggested. A stadium clock could show spectators and TV viewers when the referee accounted for play having stopped.