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Brexit briefing By Jack Troughton
BRITISH Consul Sarah-Jane Morris is to meet expats across the province of Alicante to explain the Brexit process and how it will affect UK residents living in Spain. Mrs Morris will visit towns along the Costa Blanca with the highest numbers of British residents signed on the official town hall register, the ‘Padron’. The aim of the British Consulate initiative is to discuss ongoing concerns Brits have about Brexit and to give an update on the progress of negotiations between the UK Government and the remaining 27 European Union member states. Four new dates have been added to the schedule in the north of Alicante this week: Benidorm; Javea; Alfaz del Pi; and Teulada-Moraira. ...Continued page 3
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
SEVEN DAY WEEKENDER THE Costa Blanca was back in the cold grip of winter this week; biting winds, freezing rain and a picture book backdrop of snow on the mountains inland from the coast. Jack Frost rarely makes an appearance in this part of the world but anyone who lives here knows Spain is cold but sunny in winter and everyone needs to wrap up well – just take a look at our hosts and how they dress at this time of year. A glance at the thermometer and the falling mercury shows how cold it can be during a Spanish winter. Why not keep warm by plotting to kidnap a certain politician and allow Iain Duncan Smith a chance to do some real research on the need for a Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners? That is a joke...but the injustice is real enough. This year has also left the Costa in the grip of ‘la gripe’; a rather nasty strain of ‘flu continuing to lay people low; worse still it seems incredibly difficult to shake off. The kitchen at home is well stocked with Lemsip (imported) and a selection of
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purchases from the chemist here. Mrs T and a number of friends have suffered badly and have taken to their beds or are tucked up on the sofa trying to rest – a medically recommended action – and wondering when they can finally rejoin the land of the living. Blue Planet II and the distinctive voice of veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough have sparked a new interest in the natural world and the environment – and people are suddenly alert to the dangers of plastic in the seas of the world. The plus side is also everyone wanting to see more of the amazing animals featured under the waves. As if on cue, social media has come alive with pictures of dolphins performing for free off Javea and Moraira; they are certainly iconic images but keep your eyes peeled folks, there is always plenty to see courtesy of Mother Nature.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
British Consul Visits By Jack Troughton
Continued from front page. The first round of Brexit negotiations, including citizen’s rights, was concluded in December and was aimed at securing a future for 1.5 million British citizens resident across Europe and
3 million Europeans living in the UK. However, the Consulate teams across Spain are keen to update British expats on progress, identify issues yet to be resolved and address concerns of people over Brexit, scheduled to take place in March next year.
A spokesman for the British Consulates in Spain said: “You don’t have to be resident in these towns to attend the events; they are open for any British citizen who is interested in finding out more about the subject. “These events are part of the efforts made by the British Consulates in Spain
to meet with British citizens across Spain, to ensure that the concerns they raise around healthcare, pensions and residency rights are understood by the UK negotiating team and reflected in their discussions with our EU partners about our departure from the EU.” In total eight outreach events have been organised with the Consul, running from next Monday (12th February) to Wednesday 21st February. They take place at the stated times and locations (right). General advice for UK citizens living in the EU can be found at: https://www. gov.uk/guidance/advice-forbritish-nationals-travellingand-living-in-europe . The British Consulate also recommends following its Brits in Spain Facebook page, and to sign up for alerts from
the gov.uk page to ensure people receive accurate information.
• ROJALES – 12th February at 12 noon. Venue: Capitol Theatre, Calle A.Gonzalez Vergel, Rojales. • TORREVIEJA - 12th February at 2pm. Venue: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja, (3rd floor Salon de Plenos) Plaza de la Constitucion, 5, 03181 Torrevieja. • PILAR DE LA HORADADA 13th February at 10am. Venue: Casa de Cultura, Calle Carretillas 19, Pilar de la Horadada. • SAN FULGENCIO – 13th February at 1pm. Venue: Centro Social, Calle Amstadam, Urbanizacion la Marina, San Fulgencio. • BENIDORM -20th February at 12 noon. Venue: Centro Social La Torretta, Avenida Ciudad Real, 6, 03503, Rincon de Loix Benidorm. • JAVEA – 20th February at 4pm. Venue: Casa de Cultura de Javea, Plaça De Baix, Javea. • ALFAS DEL PI – 21st February at 12 noon. Venue: Forum Mare Nostrum, Calle del Pintxo 2, 03580, l’Alfàs del Pi. • TEULADA-MORAIRA – 21st February at 3pm. Venue: Edificio Espai La Senieta, Av. de Madrid, 15, 03725 Moraira (Teulada Moraira)
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Spanish secrets uncovered By Jack Troughton
SPANISH intelligence services have finally cracked a secret code used by King Ferdinand and a top military commander some 500 years ago. Ferdinand of Aragon – one of the country’s most revered monarchs – used the highly-complex system as insurance in case orders for military strategy fell into enemy hands. The king, who was behind the final recapture – the ‘Reconquista’ - of
Spain from the Moors in 1492 and Columbus’s journeys to the Americas, was corresponding with Gonzalo de Cordoba who led campaigns in Italy during the early 16th Century. The letters are now on display at Spain’s Army Museum in Toledo and it took intelligence services almost half a year to decipher four of them, some of which went on for over 20 pages. It is hoped the secrets in other messages can now be revealed.
When they were written, it would have taken 15 days for the letters to get between the monarch’s residences to south-eastern Italy where the commander was based. The mysterious coding system used by Ferdinand of Aragon and Gonzalo de Córdoba was constructed using 88 different symbols and 237 combined letters; for each letter there were between two and six figurative characters such as triangles or numbers –
Dolphin death AFTER a dolphin was found floating close to the shore in Denia, people were reminded of the actions they should take if they saw a dead or ill creature such
as this. Firstly, as they are mammals then any viruses they are carrying may be transmittable so dolphins should never be touched. You should call the 112 emergency
number and the local protocols will be put in place. The dolphin in this case was seen off Els Molins beach and two boats were sent out to
The more the merrier By Simon Russel
as a further complication the symbols used in the letters were written without separating words and phrases. At the start of the 16th Century, Spain and France battled for control
investigate. However the creature, a 1.85 metre striped dolphin, was already dead. The corpse has been sent to the University of Valencia which will try to determine the cause of death. Dolphins are a fairly common
of the Mediterranean. Between 1499 and 1504, the fight centred on the Kingdom of Naples and Spain finally wrestled control of Naples from France in 1504 and ruled it until 1647.
site in this area as the waters are part of their annual migratory routes. Sadly there are always a few casualties each year, often from natural causes although sometimes for other reasons such as being struck by a boat.
THE auditorium in La Nucia now offers groups discounts on shows playing at the venue. To encourage larger groups there are two new rates, one for 10 to 19 people and another for groups of 20+. The smaller groups will receive a 20% discount while for twenty or more people there will be a 25% reduction. The Town Hall is hoping that this will encourage schools, institutes and associations to attend as well as groups of friends. These discounts have been added to the reductions already in place for students, pensioners and the under 16’s. For more information go to www.lanucia.es
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Blood sports protest By Matthew Richards
ALICANTE was one of 32 Spanish cities where people marched to protest against blood sports last Monday, in particular the use of animals in hunts. In Spain this is most commonly the use of galgos, greyhound type dogs bred especially for hunting. Many of the hounds themselves are victims of abuse and are often abandoned or even killed when they have outlived their usefulness. There were several dozen protestors at the march, carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Enough of animal abuse” and showing images of the cruelty of hunting. Many galgos were also at the march, some of which will have been rescued by local animal shelters and found new homes as pets.
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11-YEAR-OLD MUM FATHER IS BROTHER By Simon Russell
SOCIAL Services are investigating a case where an 11-year-old girl gave birth in Murcia
last weekend. The child was taken to a hospital in the city by an ambulance called out by her parents after she had complained of severe stomach pains.
Doctors quickly realised she was in labour and the girl gave birth to a healthy baby. Both the 11-yearold and her parents say
that they were unaware that she was pregnant. Due to the girls age social services have been investigating the circumstances of her
pregnancy. It has been reported that the father may be her 14-year-old brother, although the results of a DNA test need to be confirmed first.
Jesus makes a comeback! By Matthew Richards
LIFE size figurines stolen from the Christmas Belen in the La Safor town of Ador have started reappearing at random points in the town. The baby Jesus figure is the latest to turn up, on the doorstep of a houseowner whose bell had just been rung. Half a dozen of the portrayals were removed from the manger scene while it was on display over the festive season. Last week the town
Mayor was sent a message – at midnight – saying that the sheep would reappear on Calle Bisbe, which it did early the next morning. A second sheep turned up on the steps of an elderly couple’s house in the late night or early hours. While police treated the incident as theft it appears to be more of a prank although those in charge have stressed they would like the remaining pieces back – which includes one of the Three Kings and the Virgin Mary.
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FRIDAY 12TH JAN 2018
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
The wolf at the door? By Matthew Richards
THE Iberian wolf is making a comeback across Spain, although not everyone is happy with their return. The regions of Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y Leon, where the animals are mainly found, have reported an increased loss in livestock by local farmers and many are blaming the resurgent wolves. Thecreatures are protected in Asturias but in the other two regions hunting is permitted which has also raised outcries from environmental quarters. The numbers of wolves is difficult to calculate accurately due to their reclusive and nomadic nature. In 2001 there were an estimated 150 wolf packs, around 1,500 animals, and
many experts think that numbers have doubled since then. There are calls from farmers for a cull or at least greater control, while others argue that the animals came close to extinction and need to be protected by law. They also say that if some members of a pack are killed, the remaining wolves are more likely to turn to easy targets, such as livestock, to find their food. The recent massacre of a pack of nine wolves in a protected park in the Picos de Europa highlights the polarity of the situations between the conservationists and the farmers. There are calls for a proper census of the wolf population and, if any control is needed, for it to be done humanely and by the government rather than left to private individuals.
By Simon Russell
Public to decide new town logo By Simon Russell
THE Benissa Tourist Department is asking the public to decide on the new logo for the promotion of the town as a
tourist destination. There are two different designs to choose from and people have until 13 February to express a preference. This can be done on the Tourism Facebook page
atwww.facebook.com/ benissaturisme/ This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the launch of Benissas Tourist Info Service and there will be promotional
On track for cheap fares
activities through the year to mark the event. There will be an official ceremony to announce the new logo once the public has made its decision.
RAIL network provider Renfe is planning a new low cost-high speed service next year. Named “EVA� the new tariffs will be about 25% cheaper than current fares and will initially start on the busy Madrid-Barcelona line, with plans to spread this further across the national rail network from 2020. It is hoped that EVA will attract a new generation of younger travellers to the trains, and Renfe hope that around a million passengers will use the service in 2019 alone. Initially there will be five routes a day at the cheaper rate, probably at off peak times which younger users are less likely to have issues using.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Challenge creates new career By Jack Troughton
SEAN Murray won television’s Great Chelsea Garden Challenge 2015 and took “a second bite of the cherry” to become a full-time landscape gardener. The contest was similar to the popular Great British Bake Off; six finalists faced a series of garden design challenges over the series and were pruned down to the eventual winner. Sean’s prize in the competition run by the BBC and prestigious Royal Horticultural Society was to create a garden depicting ‘Green and Grey Britain’ for the Chelsea Flower Show – with a budget of £70,000.
The proud Geordie also met the Royal Family and enthusiastic crowds at the annual floral even in London. And it also allowed the former Northumbrian nurse to start his own landscape business Garden Narratives – before his daughter entered him in the challenge; he had designed gardens for friends and colleagues as a hobby. Sean has also found himself in demand as a speaker and floral arranger and visited Spain as the guest of the Marina Alta Costa Blanca Floral Club and made two appearances at La Senieta in Moraira to talk about his television
success and to give a demonstration. He was chosen to be a member of the final half dozen after 470 people applied to take part in the Great Chelsea Garden Challenge. The journey from the first round and his cottage garden design to the final included “a few stomach turning moments” he said – adding that at the end of each programme “it was like the Bake Off, you learn who will not make an appearance the next week.” He said he was amazed to win and visited Chelsea to view his plot ahead of the show. “I went to look at where my garden was to be; I sat there and had a bit of
a wobble – the enormity of what I had to achieve started to dawn on me.” The programme was screened a week ahead of the Chelsea Flower show in 2015 and Sean found crowds 10 deep desperate to talk to him. He also met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Queen. “She admired the plants and loved the colours; she was very complementary and loved the garden.” It was a life-changing experience. “Since then I have resigned as a nurse and am now a full-time garden designer. I was a nurse for 30 years and have had a second bite of the cherry.”
Snow business WEEKENDER readers were quick to photograph the white stuff as winter made a sudden appearance on the high ground of the Costa Blanca. Snow fell on hills as low as 300m to create a picture postcard backdrop to the coast and people were quick to get shutters clicking and to share the
resulting pictures. The cold snap is set to continue over the coming days with showers again expected to fall on higher areas. Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to The Weekender following an appeal on Facebook, a selection is reproduced here.
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Live-in Carer Training & Selection Event March 5th – 9th and April 23rd – 27th To register for any of these events or to find out more contact Susan Edwards
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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Finance Feature provided by...
Chorus Financial are 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.
Property vs Investment Portfolios
By Tracy Storer
Senior Partner Chorus Financial
Investing in property has been popular in past years, with many people buying property to rent out as an investment. The attractions of property are clear. The UK sector has historically delivered a compelling rental yield, combined with an attractive level of capital growth over the long term. However, property is not right for everyone and here I highlight some of the main factors that should be considered. 1) Age – Once you really start getting to the later years of life, your risks start to become greater. You no longer have the luxury of investing for the long-
term. For example, if you’re 80 years old, and invest in property during a property boom, in 2 years time the market may start to dip. The market may recover after 10 years and put you back into high profits. But you may no longer be around to reap the benefits. So essentially, the older you are, the shorter your opportunity becomes for a longterm investment. 2) Cost - The costs involved in buy-to-let can quickly stack up and erode the returns. Buying costs, including legal fees, agency fees and survey fees, all of which are usually paid upfront need to be considered and in Spain this can be somewhere around 15%! Then you will need to find tenants or advertise the property for holiday lets. Then you have the ongoing costs, which could include redecoration and repairs, gas and electrical appliance maintenance, buildings and contents insurance, legal insurance and the costs of
complying with the various landlord regulations. 3) Tax - You should also ensure you have a firm grasp of the tax implications of purchasing a buying property as this will cause a further limit on returns. In Spain the purchasing tax is 10%, so essentially you are 10% down from day one, but there are other ongoing taxes to consider. If you have a property you rent out in Spain and live in Spain yourself, you will have to declare the income on your Spanish tax return (declaracion de la renta de las personas fisicas) every year and then of course when you sell the property you will have to consider the possible capital gains tax. 4) Lack of diversification - If you own your current home, investing in a second could leave you heavily exposed to the property market. If property prices falter, your wealth could be significantly affected. The property market is
also highly illiquid, meaning a property can sit on the market for months, or even years, before a buyer is found. If you need to access your money quickly, you could be forced to accept a lower offer than you could achieve given more time and even then, this could take some time. We should also take into consideration the location of the property. Unlike the UK the rental yields in Spain can be as little as 2-3% gross and if you take into consideration the buying fees, often it can take over 5 years just to break even! So what if buying a property is not a suitable investment for you? What are the alterative options? Number one, leaving money in your bank can be a bad idea if you want to achieve growth. UK inflation is currently at 3% so unless your bank are paying you 3% interest (which is very unlikely) you savings are depreciating daily. So what about investing?
Many people get put off by that word. They think that it is only for the experienced or for big risk takers but it really isn’t. The key to investing is getting the right advice, making sure that all of your needs and objectives are considered and that everything is explained in a simple manner that you understand. At Chorus Financial, we do just that. If a client comes to me and purchasing a property is the right thing for them, I’ll advise them of that – and if it isn’t? I’ll sit down and talk through the various options available, whether they just want to grow their money at the same rate of inflation or they are more aggressive investors looking for bigger growth, we make sure that it is right for them. If you are confused about what investments are right for you, give me a call on 693 107 044 or email t.storer@chorusfinancial.es.
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Health provider continues to grow By Simon Russell
PRIVATE healthcare group IMED Hospitales is opening two more centres in the Valencian Community, in Gandia and Alcoy. IMED opened in Valencia last year and is looking set to become the biggest private healthcare firm in the region, following on from their centres in Benidorm, Elche and Valencia City. The new sites are the San Jorge Sanatorium in Alcoy and the Gandia
Medical Centre. The complexes will be fully modernised and equipped and are expected to open sometime in 2018. The Alcoy facility will take up 3,000 square metres and will have 20 rooms, two operating theatres and a 24 hour emergency service. The Gandia IMED will be 2,800 metres square and will have two operating theatres, 12 rooms and a 24 hour emergency service. About €7 million is being invested in the two centres by IMED.
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Crowds pouring in By Matthew Richards
THE Fonts d’Algar waterfalls outside of Callosa d’en Sarria attracted 345,000 visitors last year, an increase of almost 10% on 2016. The Department for Tourism have said they are very happy with the figures and are confident they can be maintained or improved in 2018. Located 3 kilometres outside Callosa the falls are open all year round, although the majority of their visitors come in the summer when they are suitable for swimming and diving as well as having a popular picnic area. As well as creating a significant impact on local tourism, the area also supplies drinking water to much of the Marina Baixa.
Shoot out as narcos nabbed By Simon Russell
AS a follow up to the seizure of 3,800 kilos of cocaine from a boat last week, two men have been arrested in Algeciras (Andalucia). One has been named as Jose Bugallo a known drug trafficker who was
on prison day release for other offences. Another man, named as Enrique Arango has also been detained in a separate operation in the same area. At least two family members have also been detained in Madrid and Cadiz while there was
a shoot-out during the Madrid arrests, with one policeman being shot in the shoulder and another, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, being shot in the chest. Both were hurt but not seriously; a suspect was also injured.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
‘BARBARIC’ POST-MORTEM RULES TO BE “REVIEWED” Father of one Shaun Woodburn died after he was attacked in Edinburgh on New Year’s Day 2017 Scottish law officers are reviewing the rules around post-mortems in light of the “barbaric” treatment of the family of a man killed in Edinburgh. Shaun Woodburn’s parents called for changes after they were left waiting to bury the 30-year-old dad while two examinations were carried out. At present, the defence have the right to order a second post-mortem exam. But Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said it was “possible that improvements can be made”. In a written answer to a question from Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale, he said defendants in court cases were allowed “equality of arms” and thus could request their own post-mortem. But he said legal officials were “currently working with forensic pathologists on a revised post-mortem examination protocol that may help reduce the umber of further post mortem examinations instructed by the defence.” Mr Woodburn, a junior footballer and architectural engineering graduate, died after he was punched outside an Edinburgh bar by Mohammed Ibnomer
Back In
in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2017. Ibnomer, then 17, was sentenced to four years of detention for the culpable homicide - a punishment which Mr Woodburn’s mother Denise Syme said she was “very shocked” by. The family have also expressed anger at the legal system, which meant Shaun’s body was not released to them after they had identified him because Ibnomer’s defence had requested a second post-mortem. Michael Matheson said Crown Office officials were working on a revised set of rules to cut multiple examinations Writing for the Daily Record, dad Kevin Woodburn said he was “so angry”, saying: “Surely we live in the 21st century?! What I was being told was beyond barbaric, it was medieval. “Because Shaun is not alive, should that mean that his rights should be lost? What about our family’s rights? “Should we not be allowed to have our son’s funeral without having to wait for a defence team to have a second post mortem for no apparent reason other than it’s their right? “Why can’t we, in a civilised society, recognise that this is barbaric to say the least?”
POUND STIRLING STRONG RUN IS OVER
A Reuters poll published on Thursday shows that forecasters generally think that Brexit concerns will start weighing on sterling’s value, bringing to an end several months of recovery. On a trade-weighted basis, which examines the pound’s performance against a basket of other currencies, sterling is still around 10.5 per cent below where it was trading before the UK’s June 2016 vote to leave the EU, but it has risen by around 6.5 per cent since October of that year. Throughout 2017, it was one of the world’s best performing major currencies and is currently at around $1.386. But sentiment towards the currency appears to be changing. The median view of more than 60 foreign-exchange specialists surveyed by Reuters over the past week is that the pound will struggle to make headway as the UK hurtles towards its exit from the trading bloc. Forecasters on average expect it to be changing hands at around $1.40 in a month, $1.39 in six months and back at
$1.40 in a year. “The pound has been well-supported this year, largely on the back of stable monetary policy expectations. Looking ahead, we believe the risk of deteriorating fundamentals will remain, while Brexitrelated uncertainty might rise again,” analysts at Credit Agricole noted, according to Reuters. Goldman Sachs forecasters told their clients that “investors should expect a bumpy path towards an eventual Brexit transition deal between the UK and its EU partners”. Figures at the end of last month showed that the UK economy grew marginally stronger than expected in the final quarter of 2017, but Britain is still growing more sluggishly than its G7 counterparts. The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast UK growth to slow to 1.4 per cent this year and 1.3 per cent in 2019, reflecting weaker household consumption due to higher inflation and weak investment from firms due to Brexit-related uncertainty.
Britain
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
BRITAIN’S SIGH OF RELIEF AS PIERS TAKE A BREAK FROM GMB
Many Britons breathe a sigh of relief as the controversial presenter Piers Morgan has confirmed he is taking a break from Good Morning Britain. The presenter announced on the programme today (February 7) that he will be disappearing from our screens for a short while to film the next series of Serial Killer in America. He revealed the news after copresenter Susanna Reid commented on his unusually cheerful mood. “You’re only happy because you’re going away for a short break,” she laughed. Piers then stated: “Yes, I’m going to film more for my Serial Killer series. “I won’t be back for a long time now so you can relax.” He did not confirm exactly how long his break from GMB would be, but the last time he took time out to film his Serial Killer series in September, he was away for around three weeks. During that time, ITV signed up two of its most-trusted pairs of hands to
step in – Richard Madeley and Jeremy Kyle. However, despite viewers insisting that they cannot stand Piers pretty much all year long, while he was away, they were flooding Twitter with messages dramatically calling for his return. Unsurprisingly, Piers was closely monitoring the social networking site during his absence and was delighted with the unexpected response. During a chat with the press, he admitted he had spoken to Jezza and Richard about the drama. “I actually enjoyed reading about ‘viewers demanding Morgan’s return’,” he said. “I loved it. I’ve never read anything like that in my life – ‘Britain misses Morgan.’ I thought it was great! “I actually saw Richard Madeley in a restaurant the other day and we were laughing about it because he’s such a polarising figure, much like me. I told him, ‘Don’t worry – they do this to everyone.’” But Piers wasn’t so gentle when he came face-to-face with Jezza.
“When I saw Jeremy Kyle, he goes, ‘These bastards! They keep saying they’re missing you!’ I told him, ‘Well, they do Jeremy, they do.’ It’s all good. “You just wind everyone up when you’re on live TV. I know the game. I know how it works and long may it continue.” G o o d Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays at 6am GMT.
Straight couples will be allowed to “Civil Partner” STRAIGHT couples are to be allowed to enter civil partnerships under the biggest marriage shake-up in 200 years. Currently only gay and lesbian couples are entitled to have such partnerships. But the Home Office said it would review the set-up so “the difference in treatment in the current system is resolved”. The reform is the most controversial in a series of changes that will also see couples no longer given marriage certificates on their wedding day. An electronic register will replace the system of registers in churches. Mums’ names and jobs will also be put on their child’s marriage certificates for the first time alongside their father’s, Home Office sources told The major UK newspapers. News of the revamp, the first since 1837, emerged after the Government announced plans to back a private member’s bill in the Commons. MP Tim Loughton, behind the motion, argues a civil partnership could improve family stability and give legal protection free of the religious connotations of marriage. He said: “We must recognise society is changing.”
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Out & About
FRIDAY 2ND FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events
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Contraband on song By Jack Troughton
BIG-HEARTED sixpiece covers band Contraband presented a cheque for €500 to Cancer Care Javea as part of the band’s ongoing support for charity. The six musicians play for charitable organisations or donate their fees to charity and handed Cancer Care’s Maggie Mackenzie the donation at Saxo in Moraira. Maggie said: “Cancer Care is delighted to have been
chosen as the recipients of this generous donation.” Contraband play at the bar on a regular basis – a residency on the first Thursday of the month starts on 5th April – and the band is pictured with proprietor Claudio Baranescu and Maggie. So far the Contraband has helped Teulada Moraira Lions raise more than €3,000 for good causes and is willing to help any organisation promote a charity dinner dance or similar event – contact the
band via the Facebook page Contraband Costa Blanca. The band’s music is a wide range of popular classics; ranging from Latin, mellow jazz, sixties favourites right through to “good oldfashioned rock and roll”. And Contraband – made up of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, sax, banjo and slide guitar – use the varied repertoire of material to get audiences across the Costa Blanca up and dancing.
Like a rolling stone By Jack Troughton
ROLLING Stones tribute band ‘The Stoned’ are the next act to play the Costa Blanca in aid of Teulada Moraira Lions Club. The band plays Espai La Senieta in Moraira on Wednesday 28th February; and Lions members promoting the gig believe it is
the first time they have found a Stones tribute that meets their expectations – and the event promises a taste of the pomp and glory of a band led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for over 50 years. The concert starts at 7pm and tickets are €15. For tickets and information call 96 649 9954 or email peter_john1@ hotmail.com; alternatively go
to the website www.tmlions. com. And the Beatles tribute The Liverpool Band scheduled to play Moraira on 24th March has sold out. However, Teulada Moraira Lions have organised a matinee performance at 4.30pm the same day. Find out more by using the contacts above.
The great giveaway By Jack Troughton
THE Charity Shop team of Calpe and Benissa Lions Club celebrated a successful year after raising more than €18,000 for local charities and good causes. The committee and volunteers staged a special New Year Party to mark the achievements of 2017 and to look forward to another 12 months of fund raising. The Charity Shop is situated at
Calle Pintor Sorolla 15, Calpe, near the town’s port office and is run completely by a team of volunteers. Over the year, donations were made to: Caritas in Calpe; Caritas in Benissa; the Gargasindi and Maite Boronat schools for the disabled; Calpe food bank; Cruz Roja; and other people and organisations needing support. Donations of bric-a-brac and clothes are always welcome to stock shelves and the shop is open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. And in February and March the shop is running a special sale promotion for customers. There are sale prices on ladies trousers and jeans until 15th February; from 15th to 22nd February bargains can be found on men’s suits and shirts; from 22nd February to 1st March, special offers on skirts and blouses; from 1st to 8th March, offers on men’s trousers and jackets; and between 8th and 15th March jumpers are on special offer.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing
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WHAT DOES THE ECG TELL US ABOUT YOUR HEART? •
Family Medical Centre - Albir
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG from Greek: kardia, meaning heart) is a trans thoracic (across the thorax or chest) interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, as detected by electrodes attached to the surface of the skin and recorded by a device external to the body. The recording produced by this non invasive procedure is termed an electrocardiogram (also ECG or EKG).
Talking an ECG takes about 5 minutes and is completely painless! It is performed by a Nurse or Doctor and read by a Cardiologist. So what does it tell us? Rate / rhythm: Because the E.C.G. is taken over a period of 10 or more seconds we can determine the rate and rhythm. Any heart rhythm disturbance can be evaluated, either slow rates with conduction defects and pauses (e.g. due to electrolyte inbalance) up to fast and irregular heart rates, atrial
fibrillation, benign extra beats. Also the correct function of a pacemaker can be assessed. The effect of drugs special for heart rhythm disturbances but also other drugs with possible side effects on heart can be evaluated. Some rare genetical heart diseases can also show up on ECG´s, e.g. long QT or Brughada syndrome. Size and position: The heart muscle consists of muscle cells which need depolarization (current change) to work. The more muscle cells on a certain part the more current is read by the ECG machine. Because we use 10 different positions of electrodes we get a 3D projection of the whole heart. These 2 factor together can tell us a lot about the position of the heart and the sizes of the different chambers (volume and wall thickness), the presence of damage or increased workload, and the negative effects of hypertension (hypertrophy or enlarged heart). Ischemia: During oxygen supply problems (angina, heart attack) the depolarisation and repolarisation changes. On the ECG we can tell which part of the heart is or was in danger, and how acute the problem is. It gives us information
about heart attacks long ago, but also acute oxygen supply problems which need acute treatment. Other diseases: ECG can also help in diagnosing other diseases not directly originating from the heart. e.g. pulmonary embolism, inflammation of the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart) or some systemic diseases. Who should have an ECG: • Anyone with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizzy spells, collapses, unexplained tiredness. • Anyone with a history of hypertension or with recent episode of chest pain.
Anyone above 60 years of age undergoing surgery • Anyone with relatives who experienced sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: An ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker. It´s a very simple but delicate and informative tool for the cardiologists. Based on the ECG the cardiologist might advise additional diagnostic tests (ultrasound or exercise test or 24hour ECG monitoring) or start drug therapy. Throughout the month of February the Family Medical Centre are offering appointments for an E.C.G. (to be read by a Consultant Cardiologist) for 37€ (normal price 50€). Appointments are essential – Tel: 966 865 072
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ASK THE OPTICIAN: WHAT KIND OF LENSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GLASSES? By Louise Stone, Store Director, Specsavers - Javea We’ve been asked to go back to basics for this month’s column by someone who thinks they may need glasses but doesn’t know what the options are! What are single vision lenses? These are lenses which have a single prescription over the whole lens. If you only use glasses for driving or reading, you might be prescribed these. What are multifocal lenses? As their names suggest, multifocal lenses enable you to have more than one prescription built into the lens so that you only need one pair of glasses for multiple uses. There are several kinds, including bifocal lenses, varifocal or progressive lenses. What are bifocal lenses? This type of multifocal lens has two prescriptions (one for distance at the top, and one for near vision at the bottom) with a visible dividing line or curve on the lens. There are four types of bifocal - D Segment, Executive, Round Segment and C Segment; your optician will prescribe one of these shapes depending on your lifestyle and visual needs. What are varifocal lenses? These are multifocal lenses that
correct vision at different working distances, from reading distance to far distance. Unlike bifocals, they have a gradual change in prescription and don’t have visible lines that separate the segments, so they look just the same as single vision lenses. The distance vision part of the lens is usually in front of the pupil, with the near vision part in the lower section of the lenses. If you’ve been wearing single vision lenses, it might
take some time to adjust to wearing them. Don’t worry about what type of glasses you need, simply book an eye test and let our highly trained optometrists test your vision and ask you questions about your lifestyle to determine the best kind of glasses for you. Advanced eye tests at Specsavers Opticas are free. To find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
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Property
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Finance Feature provided by...
CB Property Sales is based in Moraira town centre and offers properties for sale in Moraira, Benissa and the surrounding areas of the Costa Blanca.In the company’s portfolio there are villas, fincas, apartments, townhouses, plots and new build villas. Collectively the team have 23 years local real estate experience and speak five languages, English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish. If you want to sell your property, CB Property Sales’ marketing includes all types of media, advertising on portals in various languages, high rankings on Google and collaboration with other agencies both in Spain and northern Europe to give your property the best possible exposure. And if you are interested in buying
a property, CB Property Sales offers its clients a friendly and relaxed service with honest property appraisals and information about the areas in which properties are located. Together with their network of collaborators they can show you all of the properties you want to see, and more. Whether buying or selling a property CB Property Sales will help to guide you through the whole process until that all important appointment at the notary. For further information please contact Roland, Charley or Micha on 0034 966 490 931 or cbpsoffice@ gmail.com or pop into their office for a coffee and a chat. Ctra. Moraira-Calpe 7, Local 3, 03724 Moraira.
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Property
FRIDAY 2ND FEB 2018
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Business & Finance
Jack talks
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Russian revolution
By Jack Troughton
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By Jack Troughton
THERE might be a crisis in the NHS with the nation in the grip of a flu epidemic but the accident and emergency department at Downing Street is working long hours finding a cure for Brexit’s winter woes. Matron May has been forced to dole out plasters and salve as her cabinet continues to fall out over the UK’s position heading into the New Year and the upcoming talks on trade, the single market and the customs union. Theresa May is already swallowing aspirin to help forget the headache caused by ongoing chatter about a leadership contest but also needs bandages and a splint to keep government rifts together as the ‘leavers’ and ‘remainers’ threaten to rebel and break away from the fragile political condition sometimes diagnosed as unity. The Prime Minister is to lead key meetings with senior colleagues to answer growing calls for Britain to set out its picture of a future relationship with the remaining 27 EU states. However, a leaked document – a worrying bug – has hit the Westminster Ward. The EU wants to have the power to restrict the UK’s access to the single market if there is a dispute during the two-year transition period after March next year; Brexit itself. This is in the so-called ‘stated directives’ from Brussels and open for negotiation when talks start again but has triggered angry reactions from key Brexiteers, former UKIP leader Nigel Farage said the transition – imposed in an attempt to smooth over sudden change come Brexit – was tantamount to creating a “Vichy Britain”, still ruled by Eurocrats. Back on the ward, Mrs May remains adamant her government would leave the single market and the customs union and adding a spoonful of sugar, insisted she would be “robust” in winning the best deal. She told the Commons: “As I’ve said right from the very beginning, we will hear noises off; we will hear all sorts of things being said, of positions being taken.
“What matters are the positions that we take in the negotiations, as we sit down and negotiate the best deal. We’ve shown that we can do that, we did in December, and we are going to do it again.” Some Tory MPs about the UK having to follow European prescriptions during the two years but having no hand in writing them. Bernard Jenkin, the Tory chair of the Commons Public Administration Committee, believes it would be “utterly perverse” if the EU started imposing tariffs on British exports during the period. And he said: “This is an indication of how fearful the EU is that they have to make these silly threats. Of course, we are going to do rather well outside the EU and we are going to show the EU up as a rather less successful organisation than it is.” Staunch remainer and former Chancellor Ken Clarke called on Mrs May to recognise where the “majority of opinion” was within her cabinet, offer some concessions and those unprepared to live with the premier’s agreed stance should resign. Mr Clarke was the UK to keep “most of the features of the customs union and the single market” after the transition period and believed Parliament would back such a way forward. Business Secretary Greg Clark underlined the UK’s aims – tariff-free trade with the EU and a “minimum of frictions” in the years ahead. Yet the British Chambers of Commerce has also called for a clear statement of intent; it said the perception amongst UK businesses was of “continued division”. It said: “Even amongst the many optimistic, future-orientated firms – those who see opportunity in change – patience is wearing thin. Directly affected companies are poised to activate contingency plans. Many others, worryingly, have simply disengaged.”
RUSSIANS living in luxury in the UK face investigation should it be suspected crime is funding their superrich ‘McMafia’ lifestyle, the government has ruled. In a crackdown on organised crime, Security Minister Ben Wallace said oligarchs will be forced to explain their source of income. It is estimated £90 billion of illicit ‘black money’ is laundered in the UK each year and Mr Wallace warned wealthy foreign criminals would face the “full force of government”. And the politician said the BBC’s hard-hitting drama ‘McMafia’ gave a “really good portrayal” of the global nature of international gangsters. Mr Wallace said part of the fight back would be seizing suspicious assets worth more than £50,000 until they were properly accounted for – and revealed dozens of targets had already been identified.
The move would come under an Unexplained Wealth Order, a new weapon which came into force on 31st January and wielded by ‘enforcement agencies’ such as the National Crime Agency, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, and the Financial Conduct Authority. In an interview with The Times, Mr Wallace warned criminals: “We will come for you, for your assets and we will make the environment you live in difficult.” And talking of McMafia, he said: “Beneath the gloss there is real nastiness. So far it’s very close to the truth, the international nature of organised crime and the impunity with which some of these people operate and the brutality of it, is absolutely correct.” He also referred to the so-called Laundromat case - a scheme in which fake companies mainly based in the UK were used to launder Russian cash through Western banks. “We know what they are up to and we are not going to let it happen anymore,” he said.
Seat and sour By Jack Troughton
AIRLINES are to be investigated over potentially ‘confusing’ seating policy that entices groups to pay extra to stay together on flights. The Civil Aviation Authority will probe whether budget carriers deliberately separate passengers when they book; making people who want to fly together pay. The CAA said seating is allocated via computer algorithms and it aimed to ensure airline policies were “fair and transparent”. Andrew Haines, chief executive of the CAA, said airline seating practices were “clearly causing some confusion” and its research showed some passengers were paying to sit together when they might not need to.
“We will be looking into how airlines decide where to seat passengers that have booked as part of a group and whether any airlines are pro-actively splitting up groups of passengers when, in fact, they could be sat together,” he said. “We will not hesitate to take any necessary enforcement action should it be required at the end of the review,” he added. A spokeswoman for Ryanair said the airline was happy to co-operate. “Our policy is very clear for our customers and seats can be purchased from just €2 and kids travelling in families get free seats.” And EasyJet said: “Unlike some airlines, if passengers choose not to pay to select their seats, our seating system is programmed to try and seat families together when they check-in online by using an algorithm.”
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Business & Finance
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HOW SAFE IS YOUR FINAL SALARY PENSION?
By Christina Brady
BLACKTOWER Financial Management
Only the other week I was writing about the demise of Carillion and the news that the company pension scheme is being placed into the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Now it’s the turn of Capita to hit the headlines, more than £1bn was wiped off the stock market value of the government contractor Capita in January, sparking fears of job losses and forcing Downing
Street to play down the threat of a collapse echoing the demise of rival Carillion Like Carillion, Capita counts the UK government among its major clients with contracts that include running London’s congestion charge scheme, tagging prisoners, operating a jobseeker’s allowance telephone line and administering the teachers’ pension scheme. It also collects the licence fee for the BBC. Capita´s pension fund deficit is £381m and its debts are predicted to hit £1.15bn by the end of the year. Frank Field, chair of the work and pensions committee, said it would be looking into Capita. In a statement that referred to the accounting group that signed off Carillion’s figures, KPMG, he said: “Another day, another
outsourcing firm with massive debt, a huge pension deficit, a KPMG audit and the big four popping up at every turn in the company’s chequered history. “Sadly, Capita goes onto the growing list of firms we are investigating to see if their conduct has endangered current and future pensioners’ rights.” As I have stated before the total deficit in just the FTSE 100 pension schemes at 31 March 2017 was estimated to be £56 billion. This is a deterioration of £9 billion from the position 12 months ago. There are a significant number of FTSE 100 companies where the pension scheme represents a material risk to the business. 11 FTSE 100 companies have total disclosed pension liabilities greater than their equity market value. For International Airlines
Group, BT and Sainsbury total disclosed pension liabilities are around double their equity market value. Only 26 companies disclosed a pension surplus in their most recent annual report and accounts; 63 companies disclosed pension deficits. In the last 12 months, the total disclosed pension liabilities of the FTSE 100 companies have risen from £584 billion to £705 billion. So if you have a final salary pension scheme and you haven’t yet taken retirement, don’t just bury your head in the sand and think everything will be OK in the end, you need to find out if your pension scheme is in deficit, and if it is by how much and what plans are in place to reduce and ultimately to clear the deficit. If this seems unrealistic and/or the Company itself is on rocky
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower
ground then it’s time to get your money out. I am here to help YOU. To arrange an independent, professional and impartial review of your pensions and finances, please contact me by email: christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330. Website: www.blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound independent advice, we will be by your side both now and in the future. The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV
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What’s ON TV
Celebrity 5 Go Barging
Tom Conti, Diarmuid Gavin, Tessa Sanderson, Tony Christie and Penny Smith meet British artists Jeff and Sally, who fell in love with France’s River Lot and decided to stay and spend their lives painting it. At a vibrant French market in the valley, Diarmuid hunts for snails - preferably ones steeped in garlic and butter while Tom demonstrates his acting prowess with a drunken sailor routine
Channel 5 11:00pm Fri 9 Feb
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show’s version of the words-andnumbers quiz, with Johnny Vegas and Rhod Gilbert taking on Joe Wilkinson and Roisin Conaty. Tom Allen joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters. Last in Series
Channel 4 10:00pm Fri 9 Feb
Cruising with Jane McDonald NEW SERIES The singer explores more locations, beginning with a trip up the California coast on the luxury 3,000-berth Ruby Princess, taking in such landmarks as Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood sign and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. On land, Jane strolls along Hollywood’s walk of fame, shops in Beverley Hills and goes `beautiful’ people-watching in the resorts of Santa Monica and Muscle Beach
Channel 5 10:00pm Fri 9 Feb
Charles I’s Treasures Reunited
Documentary, broadcast to coincide with the opening of the Royal Academy exhibition Charles I: King & Collector, which gathers together the many disparate items of the Stuart monarch’s expansive art collection. Following his execution in 1649, Charles’s treasured catalogue was sold off piecemeal on the orders of Oliver Cromwell, and this programme reveals how - for the first time in 370 years - the Royal Academy has managed to reunite a huge number of the works the king had acquired before being deposed
BBC2 10:00pm Sat 10 Feb
Modus
NEW SERIES The Swedish crime thriller returns as Helen Tyler, President of the United States, makes a state visit to Sweden. Tasked with maintaining President Tyler’s safety alongside FBI and security service agents, the Swedish police are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task after disaster strikes in Stockholm.
BBC 4 10:00pm Sat 10 Feb
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
NEW SERIES The party of dwarves and their hobbit ally continue the quest to reclaim their lost kingdom, journeying through the forest home of ancestral enemy the elves and finally facing the dragon that drove them from their home. Meanwhile, Gandalf the wizard investigates the rise of a mysterious dark power. Part two of Peter Jackson’s fantasy adventure trilogy based on JRR Tolkien’s novel, starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage and Orlando Bloom
ITV2 8:00pm Sat 10 Feb
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles
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V This Week
All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish
McMafia
Alex travels to Moscow, ready to do business, but he remains dreadfully unaware of the devastation that Dmitri’s recent actions have caused - or the danger he is unwittingly rushing into. As the full horror of the situation finally catches up with him, Alex is forced to play the one card he has left in his hand to stand a chance of saving himself - before heading off to face a final showdown with Vadim and Ilya. BBC1 London 10:00pm Sun 11
Survival of the Fittest NEW SERIES Reality show in
which teams battle it out in mental and physical challenges in the African Savannah. Presented by Laura Whitmore. ITV2 10:00pm Sun 11 Feb
Friends with Benefits (2011)
An art director joins the staff of a magazine, and is soon sleeping with the recruiter who hired him. Both are determined to avoid a relationship and resolve to keep their feelings out of the arrangement - which proves harder than expected. Romantic comedy, starring Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson. Channel 4 00:25pm Sun 12 Feb
Who Wants to Be a Bitcoin Millionaire? Panorama
In Britain, and around the world, authorities are sounding the alarm that Bitcoin is too risky, but what exactly is it? Panorama investigates. It may be the world’s leading virtual currency, but unlike real money, Bitcoin is not backed by a government or properly regulated.
Channel 5 11:00pm Mon 12 Feb
The World’s Most Luxurious Airline
DOCUMENTRY With exclusive access to Singapore Airlines, this documentary reveals the exacting standards first-class passengers expect when dining in the skies. The airline has gone to great lengths to build superlative first class suites for the mega-rich, spending a whopping $850m over the course of four years. The company’s outlay does not end there, however, with customers seeking out superior in-flight creature comforts, from Michelin-style food to limitless champagne.
Channel 4 10:00am Mon 12 Feb
Trauma
NEW SERIES Adrian Lester and Jon Simm star in a brand new three-part thriller about two fathers whose very different lives collide and intertwine. After a bad day at work, Dan Bowker (Simm) arrives home drunk to discover that his teenage son Alex has not come home and no one knows where he is. ITV 10:00pm Mon 12 Feb
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Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Across 1 Domesticated (4) 3 Sufficient (8) 9 Slices of bacon (7) 10 Terra firma (5) 11 Shade of pink (5) 12 Artist (anag.) (6) 14 2004 Olympics venue (6) 16 Movie theatre (6) 19 Behaves badly (4,2) 21 Imprecise (5) 24 Customary (5) 25 First (7) 26 Secret (4-4) 27 Nought (4)
Down 1 Renegade (8) 2 Mean person (5) 4 Stop (6) 5 Peculiar (5) 6 KLM, for example (7) 7 Reflected sound (4) 8 Arthurian wizard (6) 13 1815 battle (8) 15 Minor hitches (7) 17 To no avail (2,4) 18 Acrobatic feat (6) 20 Slender graceful female (5) 22 Move effortlessly (5) 23 Shrub (4)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
Across 1 Lead in reformed Biblical character (6) 5 First man’s US president (5) 9 After religious instruction, heaven appears unsafe (5) 10 Put back mineral after break (7) 11 Odd street where shooting occurs (7) 13 Perfume obtained with small coin (5) 14 100 lines for eccentrics (6) 15 Many church services (6) 18 Ignoring the odds, teams breed plant (5) 20 Friend of Caesar, J? Just the opposite! (7) 22 A slicer mangled cakes (7) 23 Installed as leader of Russia? (3,2) 24 A bit of cloth on girl? (5) 25 Answer that’s found in chemistry lab? (6)
Down 2 Ancient empire resembling modern Arab country (7) 3 Name of female climber (3) 4 Fat queen where food is kept (6) 5 Santa sits around, requiring a helper (9) 6 An advance, we hear, on its own (5) 7 Lead lost by ruthless crooked detectives (7) 8 I almost stand for flag (4) 12 Really expressing agreement about kiwi’s wings (2,7) 14 Section of article men thought mild (7) 16 Treason involved US politican (7) 17 Leader contributing to Egyptian assertiveness? (6) 19 In Manitoba look for Kipling’s bear (5) 21 Chinese dynasty in Birmingham (4) 23 Old man with time for affectionate gesture (3)
For Puzzle Answers - See Page 42
Sudoku
Easy
Medium
Hard
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles
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Horoscopes LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) The pace of your social life Confusion abounds today but now moves up a gear and you can take consolation that you’re waking up more and it wont last long and you’ll more to the opportunities soon be able to see much more that February brings. Today’s clearly again. If you rely too events are mentally stimulating much on what others are telling ARIES LIBRA so you’ll be filled with a sense you without double checking for yourself, you may stumble, so consider the of anticipation regarding new plans. Family evidence in front of you and take your time to members ask you to come by, so you will. reach conclusions. TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)
SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd)
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)
You come across as naturally Certain jobs seem so charming and easy going, so complicated that you may you’ll manage to get more need to go back to the drawing or less what you want from board and start again. Others others at this stage, although may disagree or tell you not to TAURUS bother, but trust your intuition SCORPIO paradoxically you’re sensitive to the wants and needs of in this instance. If you’re in a position of authority at work don’t let others, it doesn’t come top of your list right now. You just need to find your balance. employees question your decisions.
You have fantastically good As today moves along you’ll ideas for new business ventures get closer to getting your own so should be forging ahead in a way. You might not be able number of different ways. The to get exactly what you want, only fly in the ointment is that but things may only need the you don’t stay still long enough smallest nudge to fall in your SAGITTARIUS GEMINI for others to catch up with your direction. The secret lies in not putting on that last important pressure until thinking or actions. Some people need more time to get used to change. Not you. the time is exactly right.
CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)
CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)
Don’t be surprised if you’re You’ll enjoy a higher profile on the receiving end of than usual among friends unexpected kindness today. today, so do everything you can This may come as a result of to get out and about as much something you’ve done in the as possible. Don’t be tempted CANCER to stay behind closed doors CAPRICORN past and its well deserved. You’re now less picky and even if the weather isn’t good. The more you mix with others the greater the willing to take new concepts on board. People find you good to have around and social rewards coming you way. invitations will come at you thick and fast. LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)
AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)
VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)
PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)
Winchester a major flop with the critic reviews Initially released on 4th February in the USA; ‘Winchester’ starring Hellen Mirren hit the silver screens with much awaited anticipation of edge-ofseat frights & thrills as German born Australian film directors’ The Spierig Brothers take you on the journey of American Sarah Winchester and her famous home of ghostly ghouls. Sadly, this horror seems to have made our American cousins cringe rather than fright with most critically acclaimed film panels and critics claiming, “…not even Mirren’s frostiest glares can see off the evil spirits in this “based on true events” flop”. Many other reviews are flooding in without much indifference at the twitter sphere is seemly leaving the cast and
crew red faced. Synopsis: On an isolated stretch of land 50 miles outside of San Francisco sits the most haunted house in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester, (Helen Mirren) heiress to the Winchester fortune, it is a house that knows no end. Constructed in an incessant twenty-four hour a day, seven day a week mania for decades, it stands seven stories tall and contains hundreds of rooms. To the outsider it looks like a monstrous monument to a disturbed woman’s madness. But Sarah is not building for herself, for her niece (Sarah Snook) or for the brilliant Doctor Eric Price (Jason Clarke) whom she has summoned to the house. She is building a prison, an asylum for hundreds of vengeful ghosts, and the most terrifying among them have a score to settle with the Winchesters...
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N A E M S G R T I
MASTERMIND! 60 or more
GENIUS! 50 or more
FAIR PLAY! 20 or more
FOR KIDS! 10 or more
Scribble Pad
Your prospects look good You’ll get on extremely well practically speaking especially with people who have a happy if you’re at work. Small go lucky attitude, and who headaches you’ve been are willing to bend with the experiencing recently are now wind. Once again you’ll find likely to be blown away on a difficulties if you allow yourself LEO AQUARIUS breeze of optimism, always to be surrounded by pessimists. a good sign for you. The attitude of a friend Your own attitude to life is like throwing stones surprises you, but its because they need your in a lake to see how far the ripples go. support.
Life moves along, and your Most of your social interaction finances could be stronger tends to be informative but it today as you take action to will offer you new opportunities consolidate a position you that can mature in the fullness chose last week. In addition, of time. There’s no doubt about your present ingenuity or you PISCES decisions you took some weeks VIRGO ago are now beginning to pay ability to make a silk purse from a sows ear. Individuality is the name of the dividends. Friends are especially reliant on you at present so find the time to show them your game and you have it in spades. special support.
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30
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Javea-Xabia Moroccan adventure By Matthew Richards
AS part of the build up to their Maroc Challenge two local men have been collaborating with the Portal de la Marina shopping centre near Javea. Gaspar Ruiz and Vicente Ros have been given their own stand at the centre where they will try and raise money for the challenge and do presentations explaining their goals. The aim is to distribute clothing, medicine, educational material and other vital goods to remote parts of the Moroccan desert. Vicente and Gaspar, part of the Tronquet 71 team, will use an adapted four by four and hope to cover 200
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to 450 kilometres a day. There is also the separate challenge of raising money to help six year old Amin, a Moroccan child suffering
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Help for traders By Simon Russell
cell metabolism, eliminating infections and promoting and accelerating hair growth, improving blood circulation in the scalp by strengthening and reviving the hair follicles to help create dense, voluminous, strong, long and healthy tresses. This treatment usually spans over a period of eight sessions, one every week for a duration of half an hour each and cost 30€. One must be patient and composed while taking this treatment as visible results are only observed after the third session.
with hypoxia, a disease that prevents him from walking and developing normally. The Tronquet 71 team start the trek on 23 March,
JAVEA’S AFIC organisation, which promotes commercial innovation in the town, has been working with Creama to announce potential financial help through a subsidy scheme for traders in the town.
There are three different types of businesses that can apply, established ones, people hoping to start a new enterprise and artisans. The “Avalem Comerc” for potential new traders will help with the purchase of equipment and things such as company
web sites if applicable. “Emprenem Comerc” for existing businesses is for developing existing economic activity. Finally, the “Avalem Artesania” for artisans and craftspeople is to help with things such as attendance at special craft fairs that raise the profile of this line of business.
Wireless anniversary By Matthew Richards
THIS year sees the 115th anniversary of what many regard as the first remote wireless broadcast, between Javea and the island of Ibiza. The man credited with this is Julio Cervera, a Spaniard who studied in Valencia. He settled in Javea and in early 1903 made the successful broadcast between the Cabo de la Nau and Ibiza. Italian inventor Marconi is largely credited with the invention of the radio, but most people agree that he was responsible for it becoming a widespread technology - while the lesser known Cervera made the initial breakthrough from a small cabin on the cliffs of Javea.
31
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Dancing in the streets By SImon Russell
THIS weekend is Carnival time across Spain, and in Javea this Saturday (10 February) is the big day. The traditional children’s parade is at 5pm with fancy dress being the order of the day for the kids. They start in Plaza Constitution then move on to Carrel del Oms and Placeta del Convent then follow a route that takes them back to Plaza Constitution via Carrers Major, Llotgeta and Buen Aire with Avenida Princep d’Asturias also enroute. When the parade has ended there is a kid’s show and a band in the square. At 11pm it is the turn of the
adults, with the theme still being dressing up. A competition has been organised and the best costumes will receive cash prizes. The categories are best group (€150), best couple (€100) and best individual (€50). The adult parade starts at Placeta del Convent and takes in Rondas Colon, Sud and Nord then Avenida Princep d’Asturias and Carrer Buen Aire before also finishing at Plaza Constitution. After the parade there will be more live music from the Orquesta Diamantes group. As the weather can’t always be relied on at this time of year, there will be a marquee on Plaza Constitucion throughout the proceedings.
Javea-Xabia Lifeline of Room 009 By Jack Troughton
CANCER Care Javea has donated another €20,000 to keep the ‘lifeline’ of Room 009 at the IMED hospital open for a second year. Charity President Lyn Buntrock handed a cheque to a hospital director at the Residencial Ana Maria Espinos Llopis to underline the charity’s commitment to funding the room for a second year. The move was helped to be made possible thanks to €6,532 from ticket sales of the Rocky Horror Picture Show performed in Moraira last year and a €2,240 donation from the Free Spirits Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club – representatives of both were present. And the charity thanked Jacqui Phillips, President
of MABS, for hosting the presentation during a coffee morning at the MABS centre in the hospital. A spokesperson for Cancer Care said: “This wonderful facility has been a life line for
many ill people and those who need respite. “Cancer Care is determined to continue to support Room 009 and the dream is to open another much needed room within this residential home.”
32
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Benidorm Celebrating safely By SImon Russell
THE Department of Festivals in Benidorm is organising a training course for the safe use of pyrotechnics. The course is aimed primarily at members of fiesta groups and those likely to be involved in using fireworks. It is run in collaboration with the Valencian Federaciod’Agrupacions CRE and anyone who sits the course will obtain a CRE certificate of expertise.
The training takes place on 28 February at the Casa del Fester from 9am to 2pm and is broken down into four different modules. Register by calling 966 801 700 or go to the website www.crevalencia.org Students can choose or discuss the modules most suitable for them in advance.
Foodie heaven By Matthew Richards
BENIDORM has announced its gastronomic calendar for 2018, something that the mayor said helps to show that the city is about more than just beaches and nightlife. The first big event is the VII Conferencia de Cuchara (Festival of the Spoon) which runs
between 23 February and 4 March. May 14 to 20 is the premierof the Benidorm Gourmet conference, while in the middle of this on 15 May there is the cities third Gastronomic Fair. June 16 to 24 sees the eighth Tapas y Pincho competition and the final major event of the culinary year is the VII Conferencia
de Arroz which runs from 20 to 28 October. More details about each separate event will be given out closer to the time; the calendar has been described by the town as “recognition of the importance of training in our hospitality centre and the need to continue helping young chefs and cooks in the city.”
33
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Benidorm
Access work on track By Matthew Richards
By Simon Russell
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Murder link to failed suicide By Simon Russell
A man who tried to take his own life in a hotel in Benidorm later confessed to the murder
THE national Association of Music Promoters (APM) has chosen Benidorm to hold its annual assembly this year. Around 300 members of the APM will be in the city from 28 February to 2 March to discuss events, venues, infrastructure and other aspects of the dozens of major musical events held around Spain each year. Councillor Jose Gonzalez de Zarate said that Benidorm was partly chosen as it is becoming an increasingly important musical destination itself, with festivals such as Low becoming bigger each year. The Town Hall will also take time to show participants some of the public and private venues across the city which are suitable for holding musical events of all sizes.
of his mother, according to a press release by the police. The attempted suicide was in the Hotel Bali on 31 January. The police have not said
how the man attempted to kill himself but they had been alerted to the incident and managed to intervene. At this stage he
confessed that he had killed his mother in Valladolid, in the Castile and Leon region. Police have not commented further on the claim
at this time, and the 38-year-old has been taken to the psychiatric section of the Marina Baixa Hospital in Villajoyosa.
Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news across the Costa Blanca www.Weekender.news
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BENIDORM’S major accessibility programme across the city is now 95% complete, according to a press release by the Urban Planning Department. Implemented to improve access for disabled and less abled people as well as people with deaf and blind impairments, the project has cost ₏225,000 to date. Architectural barriers have been removed from pavements, ramps and dropped curbs built, and steps have been replaced with ramps where possible. Pulsars for deaf-blind pedestrians have been installed at the busy traffic light junction on Avenida Andalucia. The only works left to complete are the improvement of access to Calle Orxeta near the ONCE office which is scheduled to start this month. Much of the completed project has been done after discussions and consultations with social and neighbourhood groups in the city.
Musical gathering
34
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Benidorm
Somebody’s watching you By Matthew Richards
BENIDORM is set to become the first Spanish city to use drones to help the police with surveillance work. The initiative has been outlined by the Department of Safety who are planning to purchase at least one drone with high quality imaging and far more power than a standard model. The new technology will target events where there are large crowds gathered in a small area such as the half marathon and this summer’s Low music festival. They are also looking into the possibility of using the equipment at night. The devices will be controlled by the police and a trial was done over Benidorm’s beaches in 2016.
Benidorm’s got Talent By Matthew Richards
BENIDORM is set to become the first Spanish city to use drones to help the police with surveillance work. The initiative has been outlined by the Department of Safety who are planning to purchase at least one drone with high quality imaging and far more power than a standard model. The new technology will target
events where there are large crowds gathered in a small area such as the half marathon and this summer’s Low music festival. They are also looking into the possibility of using the equipment at night. The devices will be controlled by the police and a trial was done over Benidorm’s beaches in 2016. Cost is the one drawback, and a single drone with the capabilities required will cost around €40,000. However the Safety Department and police are confident the benefits outweigh the cost.
Digging their work By Simon Russell
As part of the Benidorm Inclusion scheme, 15 recruits under the age of 30 are honing their gardening skills in the cities green areas. They have started in the Raco de L’Oix and Maria Jesus Pinto, the Employment and Development Councillor, went to see them at work this week on the parkland site.
She said that this project provided excellent training for the previously u n e m p l o y e d youngsters while also doing some much needed work in the area. The trainees are paid a grant of €400 a month which will hopefully lead to a diploma for Auxiliary Activities in Nurseries, Gardening and Garden Centres.
Damp denuncia By Simon Russell
THE opposition party in Benidorm have denounced the state of the Social Security office in the town which leaks every time it rains. The office, on Avenida de L’Aiguera, has problems with the roof and other parts of the structure and some of the leaks fall directly onto the access ramp, making the area dangerous for staff and the public. PSOE party spokesman Ruben Martinez also
said that there is a danger of water getting into files, machinery or computers, endangering the functionality of the building. Apparently the office has had the
problem for a number of years, something which started when the current opposition were last in power in Benidorm. The Town Hall said they are ensuring that the access ramp is made safe and are looking into what other work needs to be done.
35
FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Local lookout
Alfas, Albir & Altea
Parking clash By Matthew Richards
ASPECTS of the proposals for regenerating Altea’s seafront have met opposition as they include the probable loss of the promenade parking area. The opposition PP and the Altea Hostelry Association have both expressed concerns at the removal of the parking, fearing it will effect business in the key tourist area. The Town Planning Department has agreed to meet with concerned parties while the PP has said they have alternative plans they would like to discuss; underground parking is one possibility being put forward. As well as losing trade local businessmen are concerned there will be nowhere for them or their staff to park, while local residents who park on the seafront are also worried about the proposal.
Don’t stop the music By Matthew Richards
THERE are some great events coming up this month for classical and traditional Spanish music fans in l’Alfas del Pi, despite the refurbishment work currently underway at the auditorium. On 22 February guitarist Javier Llanes will be performing at the Mare Nostrum Forum from 8pm and at the same venue on 24 February the French guitar quartet “Aiguetta” will be playing, also at 8pm. The final event is
on 25 February at the Fundacion Frax where the Aiguetta Quartet will be performing once more, but this time with a new programme of music. This is a daytime concert, starting at 12pm. The town’s main music auditorium in the Casa de la Cultura is set to re-open its doors to the public on 14 March after its major refurbishment, costing €50,000. The stage is being replaced as well as much of the stalls and seating area while the bathrooms are also being refurbished.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Motoring
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Abnormal load ahead By Matthew Richards
IT is never a good idea to drive your car without its ITV, and those who unwisely choose to would presumably do their best not to draw attention to themselves. However a driver in Valencia this week flew in the face of that logic
by driving his un-certificated van loaded with 16 wooden pallets stacked on top of each other. The precarious pile, which was over twice the height of the vehicle, unsurprisingly drew the attention of the traffic police. He was stopped and has been charged with reckless driving
and operating a vehicle without an ITV certificate. The incident happened on the N-220 airport road near Paterna and police posted a video on social media as a warning to other drivers. The culprit faces a fine of â‚Ź500 for the reckless driving and â‚Ź200 for not having an ITV.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2017
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2017
Sport
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Football tragedy
A boy of 15 died suddenly when playing football in the Valencian province last weekend. Nacho Barbera played for the UD Alzira under 16’s and collapsed during an away match at Ontinyent. The tragedy has been
attributed to “sudden death syndrome” and was not as the result of any incident in the game, with cardiac arrest being the suspected cause of death. An ambulance attended the incident but the teenager was declared
dead at the scene. All local junior league matches were suspended as a mark of respect. Nacho’s teammates and opponents are to receive counselling to help them cope with the shocking incident.
Rugby La Vila comprehensively beaten By Tony Fox
9 LETTER WORD: Streaming
Puzzle Solutions
You travel a1500 kilometres round trip spending some 16 hours plus in a coach, turn up to play a match in winter conditions of rain sleet and snow and get beat 32-0. This was the lot of La Vila on their recent visit to Ordizia in the Basque region. The home side had the distinct advantage of being accustomed to the weather and made full use of that in scoring their four tries. As hard and as well as the visitors played they could not come to terms with the conditions which prevailed throughout the whole 80 minutes. On a positive note La Vila came through without any harm save for their pride and it has not altered their league position which is currently10th and 3rd. from bottom. They
now have two weeks before their home game against 8th placed Gernika on February 25th at their home ground in VilaJoyosa. Coach Quinelli will have his work cut out to re-invigorate the team which now has just 3 home matches to improve their league position and avoid relegation. Their 3 away matches are against Gexto Artea, Computense Cisneros, and Independiente placed 12th., 9th. And 4th. Respectively. I would expect them to at the very least to beat bottom placed Gexto Artea and gain some bonus points from the other two matches. From their home gains they should go well against Gernika but will be up against it against 3rd.places Alcobendes and league current leaders Quesos Entrepinares in their finale.
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FRIDAY 9TH FEB 2018
Sport
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T.M.G.S at La Manga 31/1/18 When the 36 members and guests arose from their beds they could have been excused for thinking that the forecast was wrong although the journey down he AP7 was quite a pleasant one by the time our first flight began at almost 12:00 the clouds began to gather and the temperature dropping, sure enough the afternoon proved to quite testing with the cold wind having some effect on the ball, not only in its flight but also on the very fast and sloping greens. As on every previous visit we were welcomed to the club and indeed to the first tee by the “starter”. The course was as always in good condition and although it’s no longer
than any regular course it does seem to play longer added to this the difficulty of the greens and one would expect the scores to be low as indeed they were. It must be said that our Gold and Silver members are getting used to this as the scores reflect but alas the Bronze category are still struggling a little, well we now have a break from La Manga until the summer arrives. Results: N.T.P.’s hole 2 H. Woerdeman, hole 5 NADA, hole 12 K. Krog, hole 17 R. Nilsen. The 2’s pot contained €26 this was won by our Vice Captain Merethe Mhyrvold this was also her very first birdie added to which it was holed directly from the bunker! Best
guest this week and now member was Mrs. C. Martin 25 pts. Bronze category; 3rd R. Nilsen 24 pts. 2nd another lady in the prizes for the 1st time Kristin Palsdöttir 25 pts. 1st K. Krog 26 pts. Sliver category; 3rd O. Rong 28 pts. 2nd D. Sullivan 30 pts. 1st T. Roed 32 pts. Gold category; 3rd on L/H J. Dean 29 pts. 2nd H. Steele 30 pts. 1st S. Sonesen 32 pts. Unfortunately the committee member taking the Gold category photo didn’t press the correct button on the camera so no photo. You can follow all Society outings by visiting our Facebook page TMGSGOLF or www.tmgs.org still doubtful call our Secretary on 661 524 101
Javea Green Bowls Club Winter League say 10-2 that'll do! Share your news!
Javea Green’s Winter League travelled to Monte Mar in bright sunshine with high hopes of returning with a winning score to keep them top of the league table. With 14 matches played, eight remaining and San Luis nipping at their heels it was imperative that a good result was achieved. Early on three rinks took command and won comfortably, one rink lost and it was looking like an 8-4 win when
with the last wood of the match, Nick Cole had what looked like an impossible shot to turn a two shots down in the head to a five up to win the match and unbelievably to the delight of the onlookers managed to accomplish it. So a 10-2 win to Javea and a very happy team sat down to a three course carvery lunch. Team Captain Clive English commented on the competitive yet friendly way the match
had been played and thanked Monte Mar for their hospitality. With 14 matches played a special mention is in order for the team skipped by Chris Evans who have performed consistently well with an impressive 11 wins and 1 draw record. Next match is away to Quesada. Javea Green´s Northern league team Quartz had a 6-4 win against Bonalba at home and Onyx beat their sister team Opal 6-4.
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Mayweather on his way to MMA? UFC President Dana White is calling for Floyd Mayweather to make good on his teases about stepping in the octagon for a fight. Over the past few weeks, undefeated boxing champion Mayweather, who is currently retired, has posted videos of himself wearing MMA gloves and stepping in a cage. UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor (213 MMA, 9-1 UFC), who lost to Mayweather (50-0 boxing) in an August boxing match, has attempted to lure “Money” by claiming he would regret not fighting him for the rest of his days. White added on with his thoughts during an appearance on Wednesday’s
edition of “UFC Tonight” on FS2. “Floyd said leading up to the fight with Conor that he would do both,” White told hosts Michael Bisping and Kenny Florian. “We’ll see what happens. Obviously the only way making that fight again makes sense is if he comes into the octagon. We went over and boxed him – the UFC and Conor McGregor. Now it’s time for him to reciprocate and come fight in the octagon.” Mayweather, who turns 41 this month, has fought just once since September 2015. He beat McGregor by TKO in Round 10 of “The Money Fight” and said afterward he was officialyl retired.
Team GB’s Katie Ormerod out of Winter Olympics with fractured heel
F1 teams gear up for unpopular change FORMULA One’s three-engine limit is a “headache” for teams for the 2018 season, says Renault’s Cyril Abiteboul. But the Renault team boss has also not given up hope that the sport’s powerbrokers could yet agree to a late change, despite FIA president Jean Todt saying before Christmas there was no going back for 2018. While the calendar has increased back to 21 races, teams will be limited to one fewer penalty-free main engine, MGU-H and turbocharger than last
year as part of a sliding scale imposed at the start of the current engine era in 2014 to control costs. One engine now has to last for seven races — a situation Red Bull chief Christian Horner described as “barking mad” at the end of last season. Abiteboul is confident Renault are prepared but believes the rule is unlikely to do F1 any favours amid fears drivers will be clobbered with grid penalties even earlier in the season. “It’s a headache but
it’s a known headache,” he told Sky Sports News. “We knew that it was coming so we have built our plans and strategy accordingly. Right now there is nothing to indicate that we can’t stick to this plan. “Having said that, I still don’t believe it’s the right thing for Formula 1 and will still have another go (to change it) in the upcoming discussions with FIA and FOM and other teams because I don’t think it really makes sense for anyone.”
Team GB’s Katie Ormerod out of Winter Olympics
British snowboarder Katie Ormerod has had a scan on her leg after crashing in training for the Winter Olympics - a day after fracturing her wrist. Ormerod has now been ruled out of the Winter Olympics after suffering her second training injury of the week. now suffering from a severely fractured
right heel during training, the British Olympics Association has announced. The 20-year-old snowboarder was due to be one of Britain’s leading medal hopes in South Korea, and was supposed to compete in both the slopestyle and big air events. Ormerod had been due to take part in the
snowboarding slopestyle and big air events and was a 10/1 shot to win gold in the former, but her hopes of competing took a blow yesterday when she fractured a wrist during a training fall. A scan on her leg today after a second fall revealed a severely fractured heel, which has forced her to pull out of both events.
FOOTBALL
Saturday 10th Febuary 13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 18:30 16.15 20.45
Tottenham v Arsenal EPL Swansea v Burnley EPL Everton v Crystal Palace EPL West Ham v Watford EPL Man City v Leicester City EPL Malaga v Athletico Madrid Real Madrid v Real Sociadad
Sunday 11th February
13:00 16.15 15:15 17:30 16.15
Huddersfield v Bournemouth EPL Barcelona v Getafe La Liga Newcastle v Man Utd EPL Southampton v LiverpoolEPL Valencia v Levante La Liga
Monday 12th February 21:00 Chelsea v West Brom EPL
Tuesday 13th February 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45
PSG v Real Madrid Champs League Tottenham v Juventus Champs League Man City v FC Basel v Champs League Liverpool v Porto Champs League Man Utd v Sevilla Champs League Barcelona v Chelsea Champs League Beşiktaş v Bayern Champs League Roma v Shaktar Donetsk Champs League
6 NATIONS
STARTS THIS WEEK!
ROUND twoIreland v Italy Aviva Stadium (Dublin) Saturday, February 10 - 3.15pm ITV England v Wales Twickenham (London) Saturday, February 10 - 4.45pm GMT ITV Scotland v France Murrayfield (Edinburgh) Sunday, February 11 - 3pm GMT BBC
ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE SPANISH TIME
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FRIDAY 2ND FEBUARY 2018
Your Weekend Starts Here!
Sport
SANCHEZ ESCAPES 16-MONTHS IN JAIL
Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez has struck a deal with Spanish authorities to accept a 16-month suspended jail sentence for tax fraud in return for avoiding a trial. Sanchez, who joined United from Arsenal last month, faced being tried over the fraud of €983,000 linked to image
rights during his time at Spanish giants Barcelona, according to details of the deal seen by AFP. Prosecutors said the 29-year-old Chilean forward had failed to declare any proceeds from the exploitation of his image rights in 2012 and 2013 and had also failed to declare that he was the
owner of a company set up in Malta, Numidia Trading Limited, which owned the rights. Appearing by video link from London, Sanchez admitted he had “made an incorrect tax payment” and that he had settled the issue with tax authorities. He was sentenced
to two eight-month suspended jail sentences to run consecutively, although prosecutors have called for the sentence to be lifted after two years if he does not re-offend. Sanchez scored 47 goals in 141 appearances for Barcelona before leaving in 2014 to join Arsenal.