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ISSUE NO. 1588

10 - 16 December 2015

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

DON’T MISS OUR COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS SUPPLEMENT PAGES 53 - 76

Standing firm for a better quality of life DISABLED groups on the Orihuela Costa petition the mayor By Gemma Quinn EU International Disabled Day, December 3, was seen as a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the plight of disabled people living on the Orihuela Costa. A group of residents delivered a letter addressed to the mayor at the town hall in Playa Flamenca, seeking his support for their request to use a room at the Civic Centre to hold social meetings and events for those with disabilities. The Help At Home Costa Blanca charity has set up a self-help support group for their many clients but they need somewhere to meet. They have used the café in the Civic Centre, but it is not really suitable for people in wheelchairs or on electric scooters; they need their own space, a place to socialise and relax together. They can use facilities in the city, 38 kilometres away, but argue there is no regular bus

service to Orihuela. They protested that disabled people on the coast, or those with special needs, are largely forgotten about. As the group gathered at the town hall, there was an event taking place to mark EU International Disabled Day, but no groups or associations on the coast had been aware that the event was even taking place. Whilst there are two day

care centres and an Alzheimer’s centre plus funding to support disabled groups

in Orihuela, there is nothing for them on the coast, they complained.

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LOCAL NEWS

Bollywood film CARTAGENA is being used as a location for the shooting of a Bollywood film. Film crews are using various locations around Cartagena such as the town

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h a ll, th e M u n ic ip al Archives and the Military Museum, as well as points in La Manga, to serve as the backdrop for filming of th e Bo lly w o o d mo v i e ‘Nannaku Premotho.’

Man dies in fire A 35-YEAR-OLD man was found dead inside a house fire in Yecla. Police were alerted in the early hours of the morning of the fire and had already been called to the property earlier in the night following a noise complaint from residents saying the man was intoxicated. He had been taken to hospital in Yecla for facial injuries and then returned home where he later died in the fire.

Hotel auction FIVE years after it closed, the old Sidi San Juan hotel is to be auctioned in January 2016. Following the liquidation of the Sidi Spain company, the courts have decided to auction the property with a starting price of €30 million, although the main creditor, BBVA, reserves the right to accept a lower bid or keep the old hotel.

Reminder WE would just like to remind our advertisers of our upcoming 2015 festive deadlines: Kindly ensure you send us the necessary material for the December 17 (1589), 23 (1590) and 30 (1591) editions by no later than Friday December 11 and for the January 7 edition (1592) no later than Monday December 21.

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FOOD SPENDS: Murcians spend less than the Spanish average on food per person per year.

Murcians spend less per person on food SUPERMARKETS are still the main form of purchasing By Gemma Quinn CITIZENS in the Murcia Region spend €217 less than the average on food per person per year. M urc ia ns s pe nd a n a ve ra ge of €1,265.10 each per year on food, compa re d to the na tiona l a ve ra ge of €1,482, according to the latest report

of the Food C onsum pt i on i n Spai n published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Those who spend the most on food are, in particular, the Basques with €1,830.30; followed by the Catalans w ith €1,743 and La Ri oj a wi t h €1,674.80. Those in the Valencia Region spend

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an average of €1,418.50. The report also studied food and shopping habits in the home with supermarkets still being the main form of purchase at 43 per cent, with internet shopping accounting for 0.6 per cent. Of those questioned, 75 per cent said they looked for promotions when purchasing.

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Featured News 3

Finance 45 - 50

Stocks 46

Leapy Lee 51

Our View 77

Colin Bird 77

Daily TV 78, 80, 82, 84,

PROFESSIONAL: Lock extractor used in attempted theft of BMW.

86, 88, 90

Letters 79 By Gemma Quinn

Cassandra Nash 89

Time Out 91- 94

Legally Speaking 96

Health & Beauty 98 - 102

Social Scene 103 - 108

Property 109 - 111

Homes & Gardens 112-113

Pets 114

Services 115 - 121

Classifieds 122 - 124

Motoring 125 - 126

Sport 127 - 128

FIVE suspected members of an organised gang dedicated to the theft of luxury vehicles have been arrested. The gang are believed to be operating from Madrid, but were caught in Alicante Province after attempting to steal a BMW from El Campello. The arrests came after a resident called the police

alerting them to suspicious behaviour. Officers arrived and succeeded in detaining the suspects after finding them trying to steal the vehicle, which had already been broken into. The gang was also proceeding to encode a master key in order to deactivate the anti-theft immobiliser. Further searches led police to finding various items used for breaking into ve-

hicles such as decoder chips and lock extractors, which allow them to break in without doing any damage so the car can be sold on the black market. The gang has appeared in Alicante Court. One of those arrested had a criminal record for over 100 offences. Police said the publicâ€™s co-operation and observation had helped them thwart this robbery attempt.

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New vice consul for Alicante appointed TAKES over from Lloyd Milen By Gemma Quinn THE British Embassy has announced that Sara Munsterhjelm has been appointed as vice consul for the Britis h C o n su l a t e i n A licante. Sara has worked at the Alicante Consulate for more than six years, assisting vulnerable B r i t i sh n a t i o n a ls and previously worked in the Department of Health team, a l so b a se d i n A licante. Her roles have given her an insight into many of the challenges and benefits experienced by those visiting or living in Spain. She said: “I am really excited about the op p o r t u n i t y t o t a k e a lead in the support we offer British nationals in this area of Spain. “My experience means I have a good understanding of the needs of residents and tourists and I’m looking forward to working with the local Spanish authorities and the voluntary sector to ensure Brits can access the s uppor t a n d i n f o r m a tio n they need.” Sara has lived in Alicante for nine years with her family, having moved to Spain shortly after completing a degree in Spanish and German at t h e Un i v e r si t y o f Manchester. Sarah-Jane, Consul for Alicante and Madrid said: “I’m very pleased that Sara is taking over as vice consul in Alicante. Her experience puts her in a great position to make sure we continue to offer a high quality service to all our customers.” Alica n t e i s o n e o f th e busiest British Consulates in the world, and handled almost 450 deaths, detentions and hospitalisations in 2014/1 5 . T h e t e a m als o dealt with more than 1,200 cas es o f l o st a n d st o le n passports. The consular region covers A l i c a n t e , Va l e n cia ,

SARA MUNSTERHJELM: New Vice Consul for Alicante. Castellón, Murcia and Alb ac e te . T h e reg io n ha s 120,000 Britons registered on the padron and receives mo re th a n tw o milli on British tourists each year.

Sara Munsterhjelm repla c e s Lloyd M ile n, w ho has taken over as consulgeneral for north-east Spain a nd the B a le a ric Is la nds , based in Barcelona.

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Women are becoming mothers later in life AVERAGE age in Alicante Province now over 30 By Gemma Quinn THE average age at which women in Alicante become mothers for the first time has exceeded 30 years. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the average age of first-time mothers now stands at 30.04 years, the first time it has exceeded the age of 30. The figures show the changing social norms of recent decades. Women in the province have been delaying the decision to have a child almost continuously since 1978. In that year, the average age for motherhood stood at 24.4 years and has progressively risen ever since. The delays come as more women become academics and professionals, therefore focusing more on their careers. President of the delegation of the Association of Geographers of Spain in Valencia, Alberto Lorente, said the rise is due to the labour market which at the moment is “very demanding, and considerably more for women.” He added that the financial crisis has also played a part in the delay in moth-

Photo by Federico Mena Quintero, Flickr

MOTHERHOOD: Women are having babies later in life. erhood with some women wanting to be more financially stable before having a child. Lorente also points to the “loss of influence of religion” in society, which has contributed significantly and has “changed the way of thinking” of when to have children

and the family concept. “The creation of a traditional nuclear family is no longer an aspiration for many people,” he said. Despite the province breaking the 30 age barrier for the first time, the age is still below the national average which stands at 30.55.

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Cartagena protests against oil refinery MORE than 100 activists from Ecologists in Action emptied a truckload of sand on the door of the Repsol refinery in Cartagena in protest against them refining oil from tar sands. According to the report, only 18 of 95 refineries across Europe have facilities and sufficient capacity to refine oil from tar sands. The ecologists said Repsol has spent years investing in its refineries to refine heavy and extra heavy oils but they are highly polluting, emitting 23 per cent more emissions of greenhouse gases. Tar sands can be mined and processed to extract the oil-rich bitumen, which is then refined into oil.

Ombudsman to investigate cases of elderly abuse COMPLAINTS that care-givers are causing their charges physical harm AN investigation has opened in to cases of abuse against the elderly. The Ombudsman of Valencia, Jose Cholbi, has opened the case and is looking into complaints related to the care and protection of older people in Valencia. Cholbi said he has learned through “individual complaints to the institution and the media” of “some unfortunate situations” in which older people, or with some degree of dependency, have been physically mugged by their care-givers. In other cases there are reports of “breaches of trust or deception” where carers have taken advantage of their

charges’ physical or mental weakness for their own economic benefit. Given this situation, the Valencian ombudsman opened an investigation in order to access the performance and the steps being taken by the municipal and regional social services, as well as coordination between them in the monitoring of this assistance in the home. Cholbi said the Administration has to assume a “new challenge” in offering care for these people at a time “when life expectancy is longer and is increasing the number of elderly people who use this aid care in their own homes.”

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A record number of people going abroad SPANIARDS still searching for greener grass in other countries By Gemma Quinn DURING the first six months of the year, 3,504 people are reported to have left Alicante Province to go abroad in search of work and a new life. According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), 2015 is on track to become a record year in terms of the number of workers who left the province. Throughout 2014, 5,647 left the province. According to the INE, in the first half of the year the province received more immigrants (10,141) than people who have gone to live abroad. The European Union and South America were the main destinations for workers leaving the province with most aged between 25 and 49 years. Nationally, Spaniards still leave Spain in search of better opportunities in other countries with 50,844 leaving between January and June this year; 30 per cent more than during the same period in 2014. The main destinations are the UK, France and Germany.

Photo by Gabriel Li, Flickr)

MOVING ABROAD: 3,504 people left Alicante Province in the first half of the year in search of work.

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Vaccines being recommended BUT calls for calm from parents By Gemma Quinn IT may not be included in the officer list of vaccinations, but paediatricians are recommending parents have their child vaccinated against the meningococcal B bacteria. Fernando Garcia-Sala, the coordinator of the working group of vaccines with the Spanish Society of Paediatric outpatient and primary care, explains that this bacteria is “a danger” when it affects young infants. Besides causing meningitis B, it can also appear in the form of a cold, but also in sepsis, a disease with a high mortality rate that can also

cause deafness and amputation in some cases. Garcia-Sala said that in Europe there is a high number of cases and criticised the Ministry when it authorised the vaccine could be sold and for only ordering 60,000 doses when there are around 450,000 babies born in Spain. With some pharmacies reporting queues of parents trying to buy the vaccine, Garcia-Sala called for calm saying there is no epidemic and you can wait to buy it, there is no extreme rush From January to November 2015 in Valencia, there has been nine cases

of meningitis B, only five of them in youngsters under the age of 14, and all recovered well after a treatment of antibiotics. In 2013 a report of the working group ‘MenB,’ did not recommend routine immunisation with a document stating “it is not considered justified to have its inclusion in the immunisation schedule for children.” The Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS) also in an analysis prepared in 2014 said: “With the low incidence of the disease, it seems impossible to assess the effectiveness” of the vaccine.

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Fewer births for Alicante province NUMBER of children born in Spain has continued to fall

FEWER BIRTHS: The first half of the year has seen 7,312 births in Alicante Province. By Linda Hall

THERE were more deaths than births in Alicante Province during the first six months of this year. Despite 7,312 births during this period, 8,286

deaths produced a negative balance of 974 in the rate of natural increase (RNI), the national statistics institute INE announced. It was the first time that this has happened in recent decades although INE predicted a negative RNI for

2014. Instead, the year finished with a positive balance of 1,103. The tendency in Alicante Province and the entire Valencian Community is in line with national statistics. Spain’s population fell by 19,268 between January and July, owing to a 0.8 per cent reduction in the birth rate and a 10.5 per cent rise in mortality. The number of children born in Spain has continued to fall since 2008 with the exception of last year when it rose slightly. Statisticians believe that 2015 could be the first year that deaths will not be offset by births since 1944 when these records were first kept and also when Spain’s population had diminished owing to the Civil War. INE sources nevertheless pointed out that 2015’s balance could change once figures are in for all 12 months as there are traditionally more deaths in the first months of any year and fewer births.

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Laundry company looking to move ELCHE facility employs people with disabilities By Gemma Quinn THE Elche laundry facility that cleans 13,000 kilos of clothes and linens every day from the eight public hospitals in the province is now looking for a new facility. The plant is run by Ilunion Laundries (a group with more than 40 workplaces, including abroad, and 4,250 em-

13,000 kilos of hospital laundry washed daily in Elche

ployees) and treats and cleans around 4.4 million kilos of laundry a year. Now they are looking for a new location in Elche to ex-

pand the service, but one which must be accessible by public transport as the director of operations of Ilunion reminds that over 90 per cent of the employees in Elche have some sort of disability, be it hearing, mental, physical or visual impairment. Last year, it received an investment of €1.5million from the ONCE lottery.

Voodoo threats used as force THREE men and a woman have been arrested at Alicante-Elche airport by police from the Provincial Brigade of Foreigners and Border Control as part of an operation to dismantle a network that was exploiting young Nigerians. They were being brought to Spain with false promises of work and then sexually exploited and forced to work as prostitutes to settle debts of be-

tween €50,000 and €60,000 for travel expenses from Nigeria. The girls were subjected to strict control and threatened with voodoo rituals intended to break their will and prevent their escape. The network is believed to be operating across Norway and Belgium also and the group in Spain was found to be operating in Lloret de Mar and Bilbao.

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Campaign trail PP candidate visits Almoradi, Villajoyosa and Torrevieja By Gemma Quinn THE head candidate on the PP list for Alicante Province, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, has been in Almoradi on the campaign trail. He said: “Only the Popular Party guarantees the Vega Baja water needs.” Margallo visited the local headquarters with President of the PP in Alicante Province, José Ciscar, and PP spokesman in Almoradi, Maria Gomez, among others. Margallo explained that “the future of this region is linked to the infrastructure that the PP has launched. Within this infrastructure, the Mediterranean Corridor is essential for agriculture, because the products of the Vega Baja have a direct channel to reach European markets every morning. “But if we want to export agricultural products, we need water. Only transfers guarantee water and only water guarantees the future of agricultural jobs. Therefore, we need water diversions to the field and Vega Baja for it to have a future.” Margallo also visited the Valor

CHOCOLATE TASTING: Visit to chocolate factory to discuss exporting and employment opportunities. chocolate factory in Villajoyosa where he set out the PP’s plans to enhance service and exporters allowing companies to compete internationally creating new employment opportunities. Margallo was also in Torrevieja during the fiesta weekend where he said the desalination plant was the “para-

digm of waste.” Costing €300 million “it consumes an enormous amount of energy and offers a low water quality at a price that does not seem very affordable. With the €300 million it cost they could have done more to the area’s infrastructure and improved schools and hospitals.”

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Keeping it in the family POLICE in San Juan de Alicant e have ar r est ed f our m em ber s of a f am i l y accused of committing at least 125 cr i m es. They ar e accused of fraud at gas stations, theft and burglary and car jackings. Police detected the presence of an organised criminal gr oup wor ki ng i n t he municipalities of San Juan, El Campello, Alicante, Ibi, Sax and Novelda and discovered they were all family members. Police investigations reveal ed t hat t he f our detainees were stealing number plates from vehicles and pl aci ng t hem on si m i l ar makes and models of cars to then use to commit further crimes. As well as the four arrests, police have charged two other family members

f or col l abor at i ng i n t he crimes.

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First British couple to marry in San Fulgencio Church FAMILY and friends celebrate marriage of John and Gaynor By Gemma Quinn BRITISH couple John and Gaynor Davies have had the honour of being the first British couple married by Don Francisco at the church in San Fulgencio. The priest, who gained permission from the bishop first, was as delighted as the couple themselves to be marrying them; a first in his 24 years at the church. The new Mr and Mrs Davies were surrounded by friends and family as they celebrated following the church service at El Castillo, Urbanisation La Marina. John proposed to Gaynor in March this year, two years after meeting her and after consider-

ing getting married in Gibraltar and the UK, they soon decided to celebrate locally in the place where their love story started. The couple had nothing but praise for the help and assistance they received from the town hall and church in realising their marriage dreams in just a few short months.

CONGRATULATIONS: John and Gaynor. NEWLYWEDS: First couple to be married in San Fulgencio Church.

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Blue skies for Alicante NOVEMBER was wet and warm across the Valencia Region, according to State Meteorology Agency’s (Aemet) figures. Rainfall increased by 16

EMPLOYMENT PACT: Further meetings bring pact closer to reality

Employment pact getting ever closer By Gemma Quinn TORREVIEJA, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada are continuing to advance in the signing of a territorial employment pact. Torrevieja’s councillor for Employment and Local Development, Victor Ferrandez, met with his counterparts in

the municipalities of Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada and representation of UGT, as they met with the General Director of Employment and Training Service Valencian (SERVEF) Rocio Briones, to discuss the Territorial Pact for Employment which the three localities are expected to sign shortly.

The meeting looked at involving techniques and policies used by SERVEF as they hope to benefit from subsidies. Victor Ferrandez said: “The meeting took place with great cordiality and was very productive as we now know what initiatives SERVEF have and how we can benefit from aid.”

per cent and temperatures were 1.4C degrees above the normal November average. Aemet predicts the situation will continue throughout the early part of Decem-

ber and since nights are now longer than at any other time of the year, the clear skies will bring frost to high ground in the province’s inland areas.

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School buses in spotlight THE Traffic Department is launching a campaign of surveillance and control of school buses operating in Crevillent this week. Guardia Civil and Local Police officers will be completing the relevant inspections with agents checking the vehicle documents and driving licence of the driver, authorisations, technical specifications and security features such as seatbelts and restraint systems. Councillor for Traffic and Police, Manuel Moya, said the campaign was very important: â€œTaking into account that 90 per cent of accidents that occur on school buses are caused by driver distraction, so time should also be given to educate schoolchildren not to distract the driver or escort.â€? The councillor said that 60 per cent of the buses involved have seatbelts and the officers will ensure they are being used during the inspections.

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Taking to the depths COSTA CALIDA waters being promoted as an underwater paradise By Gemma Quinn THE Costa Calida has been represented at the Birmingham Dive Show. It comes as the Murcian Institute of Tourism aims to promote the area as an attractive underwater paradise to boost nautical tourism. The campaign has been launched in collaboration with the Nautical Mar Menor-Cabo de Palos and the Association of Diving in the region and will promote the Costa Calida at major exhibitions in the UK. Attending the Birmingham Dive Show, Murcia had its own stand bringing together representatives of the diving areas of the community. Throughout the campaign to boost tourism from the UK, the Institute of Tourism will sell the advantages of the Costa Calida as an underwater paradise with 300 days of sunshine a year and crystal clear waters, as well as the great marine biodiversity.

DIVING: Major campaign to boost nautical tourism. Journalists from the publication Diver Magazine, which has a circulation of 23,000 copies and 59,000 readers per month, are also visiting the area, experiencing diving around Cabo de Palos, La Azohia, Mazarron

and Aguilas. To encourage more diving, a competition has also been launched for British tourists, via the www.murciaturistica.es website where prizes such as hotel breaks and guided tours

are up for grabs. According to the data from the Institute of Tourism, the British market is the main international market for diving on the Costa Calida, followed by the French, Belgian and Dutch.

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Valencia players hoping to win big in the lottery REGION has 4th largest amount of tickets for El Gordo By Gemma Quinn ALICANTE lottery players will spend an average of €67.94 on this year’s El Gordo Christmas lottery draw. This year the Valencia Region has been consigned 1,766,747 tickets (each ticket is divided into 10 10ths), valued at €353,349,400, compared to 1,472,194 tickets sold in 2014. Valencia Province has most tickets for the draw which takes place on December 22, with 929,848 tickets, followed by Alicante with 634,749 tickets.

€67.94 is the average spend on Christmas lotteries in Alicante Province

Valencia is the fourth leading region for the number of tickets behind Madrid, Catalonia and Andalucia. Whilst Alicante players pay an average €67.94 in the hope of winning big, the regional average is €70.60, listing the region eighth in terms of the amount spent on tickets.

The El Gordo held on December 22 in Madrid, is considered “the most important and popular of all draws” of the Spanish lottery, according to State Lotteries. The designation of the ‘Christmas Draw’ first appeared in 1892 with the draw lasting approximately three hours. This year it consists of 160 series, each of which has 100,000 tickets, priced at €200 each, divided into 10ths of €20. There is €3.2 billion up for grabs, but 30 per cent goes in management fees, administration and to the Treasury.

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TOURISM PROMOTION: Aiming at improving hospitality received by tourists in the region.

Campaign to highlight hospitality in the region VALENCIA’S latest tourism drive aims to promote not only the industry, but the entire society in the region. The re giona l s e c re ta r y of Tour i sm , Fra nc e s c C olome r, s a id t he Val enci an Agency of Tourism (AVT) plans to launch a foc us e d hos pita lity c a m pai gn t o r ai se awareness, “not only of the industry but also of the entire society as tourism is everyone.” Colomer said it aims to involve both professionals working in this sector and the Valencian society in general in the conception of the Community as a welcoming and hospitable destination. The campaign will have regional character and not only have the promotional aspect

in conventional media, but will extend to hotel establishments, restaurants, taxis, tourist offices and all places linked to the reception of tourists, as well as an online communication strategy and in social networks. As a result the AVT will work to get everyone involved in the initiative acting as ambassadors for the region, adding value to the image of Valencia both nationally and internationally. This initiative will be linked to a new training programme for the tourism sector which will be taught from the network of Centres of Tourism (CDT) of the Generalitat in a bid to “influence the professionalism of the sector through training” said Colomer.

Heritage site fenced off for protection THE ‘House of the Miners,’ one of Orihuela’s most protected heritages, has been fenced off to avoid any kind of accident. The building is in a state of ruin and often attracts youth and hikers to look at and learn about the build-

ing steeped in history, but the town hall has now installed a fence as a precaution to prevent further damage to the building and any accidents occurring as the risk of its collapse is high. The town hall has said they aim to rehabilitate the

building but there is currently no project to reinforce the facade: “This is one of the priorities of the government team, but we still do not know what budget will be provided by the Department in 2016,” said councillor Rafael Almagro.

Shop safely this Christmas MORE than 400 police officers will be working to ensure security in shopping areas this holiday season. The government delegate in Valencia, Juan Carlos Moragues, reported that 2,000 National Police, 420 of them in Alicante, will be ensuring safety in stores as part of the Business Plan which starts this month to provide “a safe environment for traders and citizens in places of greater affluence and interest.” The drive will see a reinforcement of uniformed and plain clothes agents.

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Plan now to avoid care problems in the future, charities and social workers urge EXPATS advised on simple measures they can take to avoid needing emergency help later on in life By Gemma Quinn EXPATRIATES should plan ahead for their care needs in order to avoid big problems in later years, local charities and social workers have warned. At a workshop organised by the British Consulate in Alicante, charities and social workers stressed the importance of thinking now about the future to avoid problems when expats get older and become more dependent on outside help. Simple measures such as learning some Spanish, registering on the padron and taking out a funeral plan can all prevent British people needing emergency support later on in life. The workshop brought together social workers and charity welfare officers from across Alicante and Murcia, and aimed to equip them with more information on what support is available for vulnerable Brits, both locally and back in the UK. One social worker explained how it

WORKSHOP: Discussing how expats should plan ahead for care needs.

Gender gap exists in research, says study FIVE Spanish researchers have said in a study that there is still a “clear misrepresentation of women” in positions of responsibility in the field of research in epidemiology and public health in Spain. The five women produced the study and found that men dominate in the field and occupy positions of high responsibility. Doctor Maria Teresa Ruiz Cantero, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Alicante (UA)

was one of the study’s authors. She said the gender gap may involve the loss of talent as many women have funding blocked for their research projects, have less financial resources and less power to implement things. She said that despite equality plans in the country since almost the beginning of democracy, only 17 per cent of university chairs in Spain are held by a woman, lower than the European average of 21 per cent.

Torrevieja wants abandoned plot back TORREVIEJA Town Hall has started proceedings to recover a plot of land that was ceded to create the Norwegian school 23 years ago. Mayor Jose Manuel Dolon said it was a flagship project of the 1990s, but shortly after be-

ing built it was closed down as the studies taught were not approved by the Ministry of Education. A fire later destroyed the building and the 5,900square-metre plot of land in urbanisation Mar Azul has remained abandoned ever since.

Dolon reported that it is in a state of neglect and is not fenced off, “It generates complaints from neighbours and property managers of nearby buildings, and they have asked the town hall for a solution,” he declared.

is essential to register on the padron in order to access the same support as Spanish nationals. If expats fail to register, it is important to realise that Social Services will later be unable to provide any help. Kim Stollard from the British Benevolent Fund, a charity that helps British people in need, said: “I regularly see cases where a distressed British national needs emergency help because they failed to plan for future difficulties or care needs. My message to expats is plan now so you can enjoy the future more, with the reassurance that you have thought about the care and support you will one day need.” Heathrow Airport Travel Care explained how they can help when vulnerable Brits need to return to the UK, and the Red Cross updated the workshop on the agreement signed recently with the Embassy, which aims to help British nationals access Red Cross volunteering opportunities and obtain Red Cross support in English.

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TURRON: Increased sales and profits expected this Christmas.

Christmas treats create an increase in production By Linda Hall JIJONA manufacturers will sell 60 million tablets of turron this Christmas, 89 per cent of their annual Spanish production. The denomination-protected Jijona and Alicante varieties will comprise a third of sales with other types accounting for the remainder, said the secretary general of the Jijona and Alicante Turron Regulatory Council, Federico Moncunill. In volume this is roughly 3 per cent more than last

year and should produce a turnover of €100 million although Moncunill was unable to estimate the increase in profits: “That depends on the final price that the consumer pays,” he explained. The Confectionary Holding group which produces El Lobo and 1880 amongst other brands, was readier to make an estimate and revealed that the company is looking forward to increased turnover of between 15 and 20 per cent, bringing in 65 per cent of its yearly sales. Figures for the first nine

months of the year showed optimism for sales and a spokesman said: “Our feeling is that consumers will be buying more turron this year.” Turron also provides employment as the 23 manufacturers who form the Jijona Regulatory Council provide work for 1,500 and the Christmas rush always brings more jobs. Confectionary Holding and Antiu Xixona have taken on another 320 and 300 workers respectively, a 4 per cent increase on last year.

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Daesh or ISIS? THERE have been a number of different names used to describe the terrorists who have invaded parts of Iraq and Syria, many of which are unprintable but in order to assist our readers

to identify the group in question, we have stuck to the word ISIS. In the opening statement in the House of Commons by David Cameron on December

2, he said: “I feel it is time to join our key ally France, the Arab League, and other members of the international community in using as frequently as possible the terminology Daesh rather than Isil. Because frankly this evil death cult is neither a true representation of Islam nor is it a state.” He added later in the speech: “These women-raping, Muslim-murdering, mediaeval monsters are hijacking the peaceful religion of Islam for their warped ends.” The name Daesh is used by both President Obama and President Hollande of France, although they pronounce it differently and we at Euro Weekly News now feel that the time is right for us to change as well to use the word that everyone will come to recognise over the coming months.

Ironically, the word is an Arabic acronym derived from the phrase ‘al Dawlah al-Islameyah fi Iraq wal-Sham’ or literally, ‘Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham’ (which refers to Syria or the Levant State). It actually means ISIS or Isil but because it is a short word, some parties in the Arab world have taken it to be intended as an insult as it is a shortened form. If by using the word Daesh we insult any of its adherents, then we have no problem with that at all.

David Cameron will use same terminology as Obama and Hollande.

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Flying start N ORW E GI AN reporters have been visiting the Murcia Region on a familiarisation trip to promote the area in their ‘ Fl y i n g St a r t’ magazine. Th i s i s a q u a r t e rly magazine which is distributed in Rygee airport, in Oslo, and targets the travelling and afflu e n t No r we g i a n market, printing 15,000 copies a quarter. Th e No r d i c n a t i o n s are the third most important market for Murcia in terms of tourism volum e s. L a st y e a r 65,7 2 0 Sc a n d i n a v i a n visitors arrived in Murcia, representing 8.2 per cent of the total foreign visitors. They also tend to spend more than any other nation.

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NEWS

Santa costumes took over t Boulevard in festive fun ev

ALL monies raised will go to the AECC cancer charity and its research and early detection screening pr By Gemma Quinn ALMOST €1,000 was raised from this year’s ‘Holy Walk’ or Santa Fun Run which, for the second year runn in g , to o k p lac e fro m the Ze nia Boulevard in La Zenia. Around 120 participants old and young along with some pet pooches, all dressed in their Santa costumes, took part in the festive fun event org a n is ed b y M aria Wils on a nd the Pink Ladies and Panthers. Maria said it was “marvellous” to see people dressed up and thanked everyone for taking part, all the volunteers and management of the Zenia Boulevard along with Sunshine FM and TAABS who performed a whole host of festive songs to get people in the mood. A ll mo n e y rais e d w ill go to the AECC cancer charity and its research and early detection screening pro-

FUN RUN: Santas galore, both young and old, participated in the ‘Holy Walk’ at Zenia Boulevard.

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Fighting fire with fire to protect forests

rogrammes

SANTA WALK: Participants took part in a 5km route around La Zenia.

grammes. Donations of non-perishable food items were also made which will be donated to Reach Out Torrevieja charity that will use the food to help the homeless and those on the brink of social exclusion in Torrevieja.

FOREST fires should revert to their original role as a natural factor in the ecosystem. Paradoxically this could help to avert the huge fires that contribute to the degradation and loss of soil which are responsible for some aspects of desertification. This is a theory supported by a group of scientists and specialists in Mediterranean ecosystems, who belong to the Fuegored group. Amongst them are Jorge Mataix-Solera from Miguel Hernandez University in Elche and Artemi Cerda, head of the Geography department at Valencia University. Researchers maintain that use of prescribed fire can prevent the creation of huge and unbroken expanses of woodland that allow fire to rip through hectares of land

without control. The proximity of forest and urban zones

is an additional and new risk factor, they warned.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

NEWS EXTRA

Toys and food NEARLY 4,500kg of food has been collected for needy families in Alicante thanks to a social media campaign. A toy donation has also been launched.

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New and larger charity shop opens up in Gran Alicant RESCUE centre opens latest store selling furniture and other high-quality large items By Gemma Quinn

Tribute paid AROUND 150 people paid a heartfelt tribute to Jose Antonio Lopez, on the occasion of his retirement from the Regional Directorate of Education of Alicante, after 44 years.

Cruise visit THE shopping outlet in the Plaza del Puerto, Alicante, benefited from a boost in trade on its first day with the arrival of a cruise ship with 3,000 passengers on board; many of whom took the opportunity to shop for local products.

NEWS

A NEW charity shop selling furniture, clothes, shoes and other high-quality large items has opened in Gran Alacant to raise money for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre. The new store was officially opened this week behind the much smaller rescue centre charity shop, which has proven so successful since its launch around 18 months ago that a bigger space was needed. Rescue centre co-founder Sue Weeding, who attended the official launch along with Taffeta, a miniature pony rescued in 2008, said: “Because of the fantastic volunteers we have in Gran Alacant, we have about 30 there now, and the support

GRAN ALACANT: The team is ready and waiting for your visit. from the surrounding areas, we’re literally floor to ceiling with donations.” Sue added: “Now that we finally have the keys to the bigger store, we’re

up and running and are able to take donations of furniture and large items that we previously didn’t have the space for.” The existing shop will be

converted into a book and euro bargain shop, while the new store will sell larger, higherquality items. Donations of items to stock

the store, or any of the rescue centre’s other eight charity shops across the Alicante Province, are gratefully welcomed. A pick-up service is available to collect large donated items such as furniture and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased in-store. All funds raised go towards the feeding, veterinary and care costs of the more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment that are currently at the Rescue Centre in Rojales. Anyone interested in making a donation, becoming a longterm sponsor, or volunteering at the rescue centre or in the charity shops can call Sue on 652 021 980.

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Busy time for new musical director SERIES of concerts for Spangles throughout a busy festive season and this year is no exception SPANGLES Ladies’ Harmony Chorus always looks forward to a busy festive season and this year is no exception. They have already sung at the HAH (Help at Home Mar Menor) Christmas Fair and will be singing for AMMA (Alzheimer’s Mar Menor Association) at Iceland in San Javier on December 12. They are also singing for the first time for the residents of the Residencia Lozar in Pozo Aledo on December 17. “The lead up to Christmas is an opportunity for us to give something back to our community and we thoroughly enjoy this time of year,” said Wendy Grant, who has recently taken on the role of Musical Director, after their previous MD returned to live in the UK. A singing member of the chorus since October 2013, Wendy had never directed a

HARMONY CHORUS: An opportunity to give something back to their community. chorus before, but she was more than willing to give it a try. She is an accomplished saxophone player and this has held her in good stead

when getting to grips with four part harmony. Her debut as Spangles’ new MD came on December 3 at their Christmas Concert, when she

acquitted herself with great professionalism and style. “The chorus is going from strength to strength” commented co-Chorus Manager,

Lyn Baines: “We have won the gold medal every time we have competed at the SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) convention and we need to keep ahead of the game when other choruses are snapping at our heels. “Since winning earlier this year, we have concentrated on improving our sound even more and the hard work has paid off, judging from the great compliments we received from the audience after the show.” Choruses are not allowed to compete the year following their win, so Spangles will be representing Spain in Ireland in October 2016 in the international chorus contest to keep on top of their game. Never resting on their laurels, Spangles will compete in the Spanish national contest again in 2017. The chorus is busy

fundraising to cover their travel and accommodation costs and they’re intending to present more concerts during 2016, which will be advertised in the local press, as well on their website www.spangleschorus.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/Spangles Chorus New members are also welcome, they meet at the Centro Municipal Las Claras, Los Narejos, Los Alcazares every Thursday from 10am.

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Specsavers launch their Christmas charity appeal PUT a smile back on a child’s face and make a donation By Gemma Quinn THROUGHOUT December, all five Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca are taking part in a Christmas charity appeal to provide food, clothing and gifts to children and families who may otherwise go without. Business Development Manager, Jose Angel Moral-Tajadura said: “Supporting charitable causes this Christmas is important to us with many families on the Costa Blanca feeling the effects of the recession, not to mention children in

care who need our help to have a happy Christmas. Our stores are passionate about their chosen charities and are all doing their bit to encourage donations.” Donations of non-perishable food and children’s toys would be greatly appreciated at Specsavers Opticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja and Benidorm where they are collecting on behalf of the Spanish Red Cross. The Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation with the principle objectives of providing aid for victims of disasters, those with social issues, health

problems and environmental causes, as well as supporting those in need closer to home. Please help them put the smile back on a child’s face this Christmas by making a gift or food donation, or helping with the fundraising at Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca. All donated gifts will then be collected by the various charities and delivered to local families for this Christmas and Three Kings. To find your nearest Specsavers store to make a donation, visit www.spec savers.es

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NEWS

Samaritans volunteer passes away in the UK CHARITY announced the sad news By Gemma Quinn SAMARITANS in Spain have sadly announced that their much valued and longserving volunteer and board member, Wendy Jung, has passed away in the UK. Having retired to the Torrevieja area, Wendy was one of the original Listeners travelling up to Benissa to do a listening duty and later went on to become a leader in 2009.

Two years later she became Branch Director of Villamartin, took over as Operations Sub Group Leader and then Talks Co-ordinator in 2012. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 as Secretary, playing a large part in helping to set up the charity shop and Samaritans centre at Punta Prima. She was also a volunteer trainer from 2013. She was considered a love-

ly friend by fellow volunteers, had a tremendous personality and she will be greatly missed by everyone. Wendy leaves behind her husband Martin and family in UK to whom Samaritans in Spain convey their deepest condolences. Need to talk? Call Samaritans on freephone 900 525 100. Lines are always open. For more information visit www.samaritansinspain.com.

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Ambassador’s praise for DBE honorary award ANA BOTIN led the transformation of Santander UK By Gemma Quinn ANA BOTÍN, Executive Chairman of Banco Santander, has been appointed an honorary Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), for services to the British financial services sector. The appointment reflects Ms Botín’s services to the UK during her time as CEO of Santander UK from December 2010 until September 2014, when she was appointed Executive Chairman of the Santander Group. As CEO she led the transformation of Santander UK following the merger of Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester

and Bradford & Bingley building societies and oversaw the steady growth of the business to its current position where it has around 860 branches across the UK, with 14 million customers and employs 20,000 people. The British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said: “I am delighted Ana Botín has received this honour, reflecting her exceptional contributions to the UK economy and society. The UK welcomes foreign investors, large and small, that wish to expand overseas, for the opportunities it offers to those companies and the benefits it brings to our country.” The award also recognises Ana Botín’s voluntary contribu-

tion. In 2010 she joined the Board of Trustees of the Mayor’s Fund for London, a foundation that focuses on projects to improve employment opportunities for disadvantaged children and in 2013 she was appointed as one of five external members to the Financial Services, Trade and Investment Board, which was established by Chancellor George Osborne to promote the UK’s financial services industry. In January 2014 she was appointed as a UK Business Ambassador by the Prime Minister David Cameron and in July 2015, she was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council.

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NEWS

The world at a crossroads BRITISH author is on Costa Blanca book promotion By Gemma Quinn BRITISH writer Peter Fieldman, who spends most of the year in Madrid and is a regular visitor to Calpe, has been visiting the Costa Blanca to promote his new book. Since the outset of the financial crisis he has been a strong critic of the financial and corporate sectors, which have not only caused misery to millions of people but profited from it. Political leaders have stood by while ordinary people saw their jobs and homes disappear putting at risk family cohesion. In May 2011 he was in Madrid when the group known as ‘Los Indignados’ took control of the Puerta del Sol. The same year he read Stephane Hessel’s book ‘IndignezVous,’ translated as Indignaos or Time for Outrage. The 32-page long book conveyed a powerful message and was the catalyst for

Peter to begin researching and writing his own views about what he considered to be wrong in the world. His book attempts to analyse the issues facing Europe and the world using morality as the main theme. He deals with corruption; endemic in Spain, the financial crisis, tax, immigration and social issues. The vast disparity in wealth between the elite 1 per cent and the 99 per cent has reached unsustainable proportions. Fieldman calls for an end to the greed, exploitation, corruption and violence dividing people and a redistribution of the world’s resources to create a fairer, more prosperous and peaceful planet. Published by Austin Macauley Publishers in London, his book, ‘The World at a Crossroads’ is available through Amazon and major book stores.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

A look at the of Christmas A LOT of families now chose to spl By Steve Walsh TAKING a traditional look at Christmas in Spain, we see that the season officially begins on December 8, where people take part in the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and pretty much continues straight through until January 7, when a lot of tired-eyed children go back to school after their fun packed Three Kings day. The renowned celebration of the three holy kings throughout the Hispanic world is of special imSANTA CLAUS: Is now firmly established in Spain.

portance in Spain. In fact the worship of the Three Kings is taken so seriously on the Iberian Peninsula and in the Balearics that the three Orientals are not placed into the many nativity scenes (Belens) until the actual day of their historical arrival, January 6. However, that doesn’t mean that Father Christmas or ‘Santa Claus’ takes a back seat at all. Due to many years of outside influence, the inevitable lore of ‘Papa Noel’ has now taken its place in the

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

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traditions s in Spain

it present giving between two days

THREE KINGS DAY: The renowned celebration of the three holy kings is of special importance in Spain. hearts and minds of children, and is now firmly established in Spain. Even to the point that, since most children go back to school the very day after Three Kings day, a lot of families now choose to split pre-

sent giving between December 25 and January 6, giving them more time to play with their presents. Christmas Day is also when adults exchange gifts, and prepare a leisurely feast to have at home.

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS

COSTA DEL SOL

Fugitive caught

Planting trees in Calvia Photo Credit anweber shutterstock

PURPOSE is to reforest those areas which were affected by fires

TREE PLANTING: Students and tourists from the Calvia area will take part.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH TO mark the International Day of Disability, the Denia Marina Salud Hospital has distributed a collection of specially written books from Atresmedia to the Pediatrics ward to entertain hospitalised children, encourage reading and educate them about integration of people with disabilities.

Shoreline fishing THE tradition of shoreline fishing in the Marina Alta, hunting for Octopus, Sea Urchins and shellfish in particular for your own consumption may become something of the past soon due to overfishing and illegal poaching.

Tapas for toys UNDER the premise that no child is left without a toy this Christmas the Solidarity Tapas initiative in Sant Joan d’Alacant has been launched. The campaign involves donating a disused toy in good condition during the Christmas fair, in return they will be given a tapas prepared by the prestigious Cooking School.

Unemployment up UNEMPLOYMENT in Benidorm has risen 11 per cent, registering 665 more unemployed than the previous month of October, amounting to a total of 6,613 people out of work, concentrated mainly in the services sector.

STUDENTS and tourists from the Calvia area will take part in reforestation events organised by Calvia Town Hall’s Environmental Department. The purpose is to reforest those areas in Calvia which were affected by fires as well as maintain other areas already planted in recent years. “The purpose is to maintain the attractive landscape in the area and get back the environmental value that we lost in the fires” said a spokesperson from the organisation. The first event will be held today (Thursday 10) and pupils from Son Caliu school will be responsible for the tree planting.

MALLORCA

AXARQUÍA

Mace attack

Tram plans

Driver injured

THE Mercat de l’Olivar was the scene of road rage last weekend when a man who couldn’t get out of the car park caused damage to another vehicle by hitting it with a medieval mace. Bystanders tried to restrain the man but he escaped. Local Police were called.

THIS week, the Public Works Agency of the Junta de Andalucia regional government told Velez-Malaga Mayor Antonio Moreno Ferrer the names of the two experts who have been appointed as part of the committee to bring back the town’s tram service.

A MAN, 26, was injured when his vehicle fell from a height of 15 metres on the N-344 in Almeria. Firemen, Local Police, Guardia Civil and paramedics attended the scene and the man was taken to Torrecardenas Hospital.

Death plunge

New speaker

THE fire service of Mallorca reported the death of a man, 52, who suffered an accidental fall in Punta d’es Caló, in Arta earlier this week when he plunged from a height of some eight metres. The man was walking with his wife and daughter when the accident occurred.

PP-A representative and president of the Malaga Provincial Council Elias Bendodo will no longer give the opening speech at Torrox’s las Migas Fair on December 13 following objections from other political factions.

Hunting goes wrong MALLORCA fire services managed to rescue a dog who had fallen inside a cave on a property in the Escorca area last weekend. The owner had taken his dog hunting and the animal had fallen more than 10 metres inside a hidden cave. The rescue service from the Soller division had to abseil to the animal who was unhurt.

Pesky bugs BETWEEN January and October this year, 85,000 manhole covers and 26,000 rain collectors were opened and treated against rats, cockroaches or mosquitos.

NEWS

Hate crimes RINCON DE LA VICTORIA has become the third municipality in Spain, after Torremolinos and Marbella, to offer free legal counsel to the victims of hate crimes, thanks to an agreement signed yesterday by the Mayor, Encarnacion Anaya, and the Dean of Malaga College of Lawyers, Javier Lara Pelaez.

New drink AXARQUIA company La Huerta de Carolina is ready to launch a new prickly pear drink, which was presented to the public in Velez-Malaga by PP Representative and Sustainability Councillor Francisco Delgado Bonilla.

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COSTA DE ALMERÍA

NATIONAL POLICE officers in Malaga have arrested a 37-year-old Moroccan man under an international arrest and extradition order from the authorities in Morocco for alleged domestic violence and cruelty one year ago.

Villas approved MARBELLA’S Town Planning department has announced that two building licences for a total of €1.1 million were approved last week. The licences are for two villas with pools, one on Santa Clara urbanisation and the other in Cerrado de Elviria.

Scenes to visit

Immigrants rescued

TWO nativity scenes have been opened for public visits in Ronda. A municipal scene has been set up at Santo Domingo convent, while the local brotherhood’s association has announced their own is on display at Iglesia de Padre Jesus church.

TWENTY illegal sub-Saharan immigrants were brought to Almeria Port after being rescued by lifeguards south of Almeria. The boat was spotted by a plane and was carrying 27 people.

Work announced

No post SOME 43,000 people in the historical centre of Almeria have been without a post office for five years and plan to launch action to reach the central government in order to demand one.

Water cut RESIDENTS of Vera were without water for seven hours on Saturday December 5 due to a problem at the central tanks in the Camino de Enmedio area at around 7.30am.

Pedestrian friendly WORK has been carried out under the PFEA rural employment scheme to build pavements on the avenue leading to the Centro de Agua y Salud and the Albox health centre.

RONDA Council has announced plans to improve drainage systems on part of Avenida de Malaga, one of its main streets. The area affected will be between Los Angeles and Miguel de Cervantes school and €162,000 will be spent including pavement repairs.

Gas leak TWO people, a 45-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, had to be taken to hospital for treatment after a gas leak at the home in Puerto de la Torre, Malaga City, in the early hours of Friday morning (December 4), emergency services reported.

EWN top for all the news from Spain.

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RUSSIAN P RESS

Proposal for new sanctions RUSSIA may scrap investment projects in Turkey

PRESIDENT PUTIN: New proposals. IN response to Turkey’s downing of a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border, President Putin proposes to impose sanctions to freeze or possibly scrap investment projects in Turkey. Russia had plans to build a nuclear power plant worth $20 million (€18,368,000).

Anti-terror THE Moscow department of Trade and Services has asked public enterprise owners to hire additional security and pay attention to employees who spend a large amount of time abroad, following threats from international terrorist groups, such as Daesh.

Daesh fight CHAIRMAN of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko confirmed Russia will continue free weapon delivery to Afghanistan’s military, and will closely observe the

Tiger befriends goat TIMUR the goat has befriended Amur, a Siberian tiger, in Primorsky Safari Park. He chased Amur around the enclosure and invaded his sleeping shelter. Amur, banished to the roof, appears to have accepted Timur and the two are firm friends.

current situation in Afghanistan. Russia has been supplying weaponry since 2010.

Death penalty rejected RUSSIA’S Presidential Human Rights Council have

FIRM FRIEND: Amur the tiger and Timur the goat. unanimously rejected requests to re-establish the death penalty as punishment for terrorist crimes. They said it would be both inhumane and ineffective, and will issue an official statement later in the week.

Hilton Hotel developments THE Hilton Worldwide Hotel chain has announced plans to construct a new upscale hotel in Moscow. The company will reportedly invest $102 million (€93,676,800) and the hotel will include 220 rooms and 52 suites. The project is set for completion in 2018.

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FINANCE

Costa Blanca South

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STAT OF WEEK

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Big trouble looms for Big Mac owners REGULATORS ready to announce investigation into tax deal FOLLOWING agreements made at the G20 meeting in Turkey in November, where governments agreed to review the use of ‘tax havens’ by huge corporations in order to avoid tax, it is now ru-

is the amount of revenues that McDonald’s have paid into a Luxembourg subsidiary staffed by 13 people, according to unions

HISTORIC: Plaque on the wall of Almack House.

Zara founder looks to buy in London By John Smith AMANCIO Ortega, owner of Zara, is reported to have offered €320 million to purchase Almack House near St James in London. Many reports have erroneously called this a historic building which housed a well-known club in the 18th century, but that building was actually blown up dur-

moured that European Commission competition regulators are getting ready to announce an investigation into a tax deal between fast food chain McDonald’s a n d L u x e m b o u rg , a c c o r d i n g t o Reuters. I n M a y, C o m m i s s i o n e r M a r -

Banks need to be able to go wrong and have the resources to deal with that.’ Sir Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor of the Bank of England on the future of banks

Photo Credit The Liberal Party flickr

Quote of the Week

€4 billion

ing the Second World War and was rebuilt completely. The current building was recently offered for rent at an approximate cost of £750,000 (€1 million) per annum including business rates. This appears to be part of Ortega’s strategy to purchase commercial property in London.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Christmas tree IT is estimated that the global market for Christmas trees is worth $4 billion (€3.75 billion), with Europe alone consuming 60 million trees every year. As the economies of various countries improve, so purchasers are looking to obtain more elaborate and expensive decorations.

Regional deficits THE Spanish Fiscal Authority has announced that the autonomous council’s regional deficit will be more than double the original forecast by the end of 2015 at more than double the amount forecasted. It has therefore advised the Treasury to apply preventative measures in Extremadura, Cataluña, Murcia and Valencia to ensure this deficit does not carry over to the end of 2016.

PP promises income tax cut IN a speech to supporters, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy indicated that if re-elected in the upcoming elections, his party would cut income tax and create two million jobs over the next four years. This follows good news concerning the drop in

$50,000 (€47,000) a day is the daily fine that the Bank of China is due to pay from December 8 until it complies with a US court request to give details of customers accused of selling fake goods.

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By John Smith

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unemployment but although his People’s Party (PP) is expected to win the largest number of seats on December 20, polls indicate the votes will be fairly evenly split and he may not even be able to form a coalition government.

grethe Vestager started looking into trade union allegations that the restaurant chain avoided paying more than €1billion in corporation taxes between 2009 and 2013. McDonald’s have denied that any impropriety has taken part on their behalf.

IBEX 35

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Pension reserves THE Employment Ministry is to take €7.75 billion from Spanish pension reserves to allow for the extra Christmas payment, according to Tomas Burgos, Secretary of State for Social Security. The reserve is therefore said to be reduced to €31.77 billion which is nearly 50 per cent lower than when the current government came to power.

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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 488.65 7.35 Aberdeen Asset Management 307.90 3.90 Admiral Group 1,646.00 28.00 Anglo American 375.10 -0.95 Antofagasta 488.40 -3.30 ARM Holdings 1,117.50 1.50 Ashtead Group 1,071.50 19.50 Associated British Foods 3,581.50 96.50 AstraZeneca 4,520.25 78.25 Aviva 511.75 4.25 Babcock International Group 1,045.00 3.00 BAE Systems 513.25 4.75 Barclays 229.60 -0.05 Barratt Developments 613.75 0.25 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,598.00 -4.00 BG Group 1,006.75 -18.25 BHP Billiton 781.70 -6.00 BP 351.98 -7.72 British American Tobacco 3,842.50 61.50 British Land Co 820.75 6.75 BT Group 485.83 6.48 Bunzl 1,930.50 23.50 Burberry Group 1,215.50 13.50 Capita Group (The) 1,254.50 14.50 Carnival 3,520.00 71.00 Centrica 209.95 -1.45 Coca-Cola HBC 1,562.00 15.00 Compass Group 1,175.00 14.00 CRH 1,967.00 12.00 Diageo 1,914.75 23.75 Direct Line Insurance Group 411.35 1.85 Dixons Carphone 481.85 2.25 easyJet 1,707.00 32.00 Experian 1,223.50 16.50 Fresnillo 700.50 -1.50 G4S 232.55 -0.25 GKN 298.50 2.20 GlaxoSmithKline 1,336.25 17.25 Glencore 87.66 0.37 Hammerson 617.75 15.75 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,484.00 4.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,195.00 38.00 HSBC Holdings 523.80 0.50 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,580.50 29.50 Inmarsat 1,131.00 22.00 InterContinental Hotels Grp 2,609.00 41.00 International Consolidated Air 588.75 4.75 Intertek Group 2,877.00 24.00 Intu Properties 316.15 5.15 ITV 273.75 5.85

% CHG. NET VOL 1.53 4,680.46 1.28 4,028.68 1.73 4,515.97 -0.25 5,271.60 -0.67 4,847.46 0.13 15,708.84 1.85 5,295.18 2.77 27,589.85 1.76 56,130.96 0.84 20,532.17 0.29 5,253.73 0.93 16,088.94 -0.02 38,511.71 0.04 6,107.10 -0.11 4,922.39 -1.78 35,005.69 -0.76 16,636.79 -2.15 65,770.57 1.63 70,484.81 0.83 8,308.35 1.35 39,966.27 1.23 6,389.92 1.12 5,346.90 1.17 8,234.78 2.06 7,455.13 -0.69 10,516.16 0.97 5,637.16 1.21 19,277.66 0.61 16,056.42 1.26 47,549.04 0.45 6,142.50 0.47 5,522.41 1.91 6,653.24 1.37 11,930.31 -0.21 5,172.99 -0.11 3,612.11 0.74 4,883.19 1.31 64,185.28 0.42 12,732.29 2.62 4,721.55 0.27 7,019.92 1.76 4,289.84 0.10 102,112.65 0.83 33,986.30 1.98 4,985.78 1.60 6,063.49 0.81 11,909.71 0.84 4,603.65 1.66 4,114.90 2.18 10,784.07

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Johnson Matthey 2,727.00 21.00 Kingfisher 347.70 -5.70 Land Securities Group 1,228.50 22.50 Legal & General Group 270.25 2.95 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 73.01 -0.01 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,661.50 46.50 Marks & Spencer Group 501.75 4.45 Meggitt 378.50 1.50 Merlin Entertainments 435.00 6.30 Mondi 1,500.50 10.50 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 146.65 -0.95 National Grid 911.40 10.30 Next 7,897.50 -42.50 Old Mutual 201.70 2.50 Pearson 778.75 -3.25 Persimmon 1,973.50 29.50 Prudential 1,530.50 25.00 Randgold Resources 4,269.50 -19.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,344.50 138.50 Reed Elsevier 1,202.50 19.50 Rio Tinto 2,081.50 0.50 Rolls-Royce Group 614.25 19.75 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 303.15 -0.65 Royal Dutch Shell 1,548.00 -37.50 Royal Dutch Shell 1,556.50 -43.00 Royal Mail 467.30 1.30 RSA Insurance Group 444.35 7.65 SABMiller 4,039.50 4.50 Sage Group (The) 621.75 10.25 Sainsbury (J) 244.35 -0.65 Schroders 2,936.00 52.00 Severn Trent 2,187.00 -3.00 Shire 4,545.50 41.50 Sky 1,115.50 1.50 Smith & Nephew 1,123.50 10.50 Smiths Group 1,004.00 -1.00 Sports Direct International 696.00 -1.50 SSE 1,452.50 10.50 St James's Place 1,006.00 16.50 Standard Chartered 521.90 -2.90 Standard Life 404.00 5.40 Taylor Wimpey 199.55 0.65 Tesco 161.80 -0.80 Travis Perkins 2,029.50 5.50 TUI AG 1,158.00 21.00 Unilever 2,851.50 58.50 United Utilities Group 950.25 0.25 Vodafone Group 218.68 3.13 Whitbread 4,584.00 11.00 Wolseley 3,936.50 55.50 WPP Group 1,524.50 21.50

% CHG. 0.78 -1.61 1.87 1.10 -0.01 1.78 0.89 0.40 1.47 0.70 -0.64 1.14 -0.54 1.26 -0.42 1.52 1.66 -0.45 2.23 1.65 0.02 3.32 -0.21 -2.37 -2.69 0.28 1.75 0.11 1.68 -0.27 1.80 -0.14 0.92 0.13 0.94 -0.10 -0.22 0.73 1.67 -0.55 1.35 0.33 -0.49 0.27 1.85 2.09 0.03 1.45 0.24 1.43 1.43

NET VOL 5,545.07 8,238.78 9,533.95 15,884.55 52,109.96 9,081.39 8,196.81 2,969.28 4,345.93 7,234.75 3,446.59 33,712.09 12,138.16 9,812.90 6,414.65 5,959.18 38,706.19 3,994.34 44,326.77 13,293.81 29,274.00 10,930.44 19,552.74 61,748.64 39,034.37 4,660.00 4,440.18 65,220.97 6,588.29 4,706.26 6,518.49 5,209.12 26,648.00 19,149.85 9,954.58 3,967.51 4,174.29 14,320.01 5,171.12 13,361.18 7,849.18 6,471.14 13,229.95 5,036.36 6,669.68 35,847.02 6,477.94 57,148.13 8,310.93 10,092.81 19,617.67

Kleinwort Benson Elite PCC Ltd

0.71753

1.39366 Units per €

US dollar ..................................................................1.08220 Japan yen..................................................................133.521 Switzerland franc ................................................1.08289 Denmark kroner ..................................................7.46052 Norway kroner .....................................................9.34978

currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 7

COMPANY MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 158.22 +3.84 +2.49% 2.2M 71.10 +0.68 +0.97% 5.0M 119.03 +3.83 +3.32% 57.8M 148.50 +2.94 +2.02% 3.9M 69.98 +0.34 +0.49% 5.3M 89.71 +0.86 +0.97% 13.2M 27.48 +0.53 +1.97% 28.1M 43.29 +0.83 +1.95% 16.5M 114.24 +2.35 +2.10% 8.8M 67.75 +1.52 +2.30% 6.3M 78.86 +0.45 +0.57% 20.2M 30.49 +0.46 +1.53% 58.2M 189.99 +4.79 +2.59% 3.5M 134.53 +3.60 +2.75% 5.4M 140.43 +1.51 +1.09% 4.6M 34.94 +0.90 +2.63% 24.9M 102.95 +2.16 +2.14% 7.8M 67.89 +2.09 +3.18% 17.8M 116.20 +2.81 +2.48% 7.8M 53.64 +1.05 +2.00% 13.7M 55.91 +1.71 +3.15% 44.0M 132.01 +3.21 +2.49% 3.7M 32.80 +0.41 +1.27% 31.6M 77.83 +2.09 +2.76% 12.0M 114.06 +2.77 +2.49% 2.2M 95.73 +1.03 +1.09% 9.2M 117.74 +2.74 +2.38% 3.6M 45.71 +1.15 +2.58% 14.2M 80.40 +2.11 +2.70% 9.9M 59.66 +0.62 +1.05% 10.4M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 7

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced Relypsa, Inc. Pixelworks, Inc. Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Presbia PLC Affimed N.V. 3X Long Silver ETN Velocityshares Daily Inverse VIX ST ETN Velocityshares CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. Proshares UltraPro Nasdaq Biotechnology AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sinovac Biotech, Ltd.

$ 29.14 $ 2.92 $ 184.08 $ 6.47 $ 7.31 $ 11.66 $ 30.34 $ 23.66 $ 55.03 $ 29.17 $ 6.18

6.82 ▲ 30.56% 0.37 ▲ 14.51% 20.89 ▲ 12.80% 0.67 ▲ 11.55% 0.67 ▲ 10.09% 1.03 ▲ 9.69% 2.67 ▲ 9.65% 1.99 ▲ 9.18% 4.47 ▲ 8.84% 2.27 ▲ 8.44% 0.48 ▲ 8.42%

$ 8.05 $ 8.66 $ 4.46 $ 5.5384 $ 3.03 $ 12.25 $ 6.858 $ 11.82 $ 12.15 $ 45.67 $ 6.53

1.7424 ▼ 17.79% 1.87 ▼ 17.76% 0.92 ▼ 17.10% 1.1316 ▼ 16.97% 0.5201 ▼ 14.65% 2 ▼ 14.04% 1.002 ▼ 12.75% 1.65 ▼ 12.25% 1.55 ▼ 11.31% 5.45 ▼ 10.66% 0.77 ▼ 10.55%

Most Declined FuelCell Energy, Inc. InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Daily 2X VIX ST ETN Velocityshares Hercules Offshore, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Breitburn Energy Partners LP Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Vanguard Natural Resources LLC GLOBAL BLOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC. ReWalk Robotics Ltd

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Printing banknotes not making profit

PAPER BANKNOTES: Production will be cut due to falling demand.

NOVEMBER: Unemployment figures show a drop of 27,071.

Spanish unemployment figures drop in November By Marcus Hopkins UNEMPLOYMENT in Spain has fallen in November, reversing a three-month trend. With the general election just three weeks away, the timing couldn’t be better for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his People’s Party. Figures from Spain’s Labour Ministry show a drop of 27,071 in November, reducing the number of unemployed to 4.15 million. Although unemployment has been reduced by 362,818 people in the last year, Spain’s 21.1 per cent unemployment rate is still the second highest in the EU. Quarterly unemployment surveys, preferred as being more accurate by economists, suggest the unemployment rate for the third quarter to be 5 million. In March 2013, the number of jobless reached 6 million. Rajoy is hoping that Spain’s gradual economic recovery over the last couple of years will sway chances of election victory when the country goes to the polls on December 20.

tile takeover from France and has issued a number of profit warnings. It has also announced that some work from the company’s printing plant in Gateshead is to be transferred to Malta, but the Tyneside operation will become one of three global ‘centres of excellence’ for printing currency, so there will be no job losses there. Although 300 jobs will be lost in Malta, where banknote printing will end. The other two centres will be in Kenya and Sri Lanka, which are major purchasers of bank notes from the company. Following the announcement, the value of the companies increased by around 4 per cent.

Facebook founder to gift his shares to charity By John Smith IN an open letter which was posted on his Facebook page on December 2 to his new daughter Max, whose birth has just been announced, Mark Zuckerberg explained that he and his wife Priscilla Chan intended to give away 99 per cent of their shares in the company he founded. The shares currently valued at around $45 billion (€42.5 billion) will be given to the charity Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to make the world a better place for Max to grow up in, according to the letter. The shares will not be donated in one tranche but will be passed over during their lifetime. In his letter Mr Zuckerberg said the aim of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is ‘to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation’. “Its initial areas of focus will be personalised learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities.” In a statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Facebook said that Mr Zuckerberg ‘plans to sell or gift no more than $1bn of Facebook stock each year for the next three years and that he intends to retain his majority voting position...for the foreseeable future.’ He said more details about the donation will be released once he and Ms

Photo Credit President of Mexico

Photo credit Hdepot, Wikimedia

THE world’s biggest banknote printer, De La Rue, will cut production as demand for paper banknotes falls. The company, which prints some 150 national currencies as well as UK passports, said it would reduce its production lines to four from eight and cut its print capacity from eight billion to six billion banknotes annually, even though it produces British notes through its Debden facility and has recently won a 10-year contract to print polymer £5 and £10 notes for the Bank of England. De La Rue has struggled in the face of greater competition as well as having to fight off a hos-

Photo Credit Suranga SL Shutterstock

By John Smith

INITIATIVE: Zuckerberg plans to give away 99 per cent of shares. Chan return from paternity and maternity leave, but this does appear to be a move away from previous charitable work

through Facebook, which cynics have suggested were as much for business reasons as for altruism.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

By John Smith BANKS and credit card companies, who have in the past offered attractive schemes to encourage their customers to use their cards regularly, may soon start to rethink their policies as the Payment Systems Regulator set out how the new cap on fees plastic card companies can charge retailers will be policed. The cap was introduced on Wednesday December 9, and while it may not see an increase in charges for consumers yet, many plastic card companies are considering or have already cut back on cashback or reward schemes. Tesco greatly reduced its reward scheme for Clubcard credit card users from December 1 whilst even earlier, RBS dropped its Your Points scheme in July, upsetting up to a million customers, and Capital One reduced cashback on its card in June. The regulator insists that the new

Photo Credit Andresr Shutterstock

New reduced card fees for retailers may hurt club cards

CUTBACKS: Many plastic card companies are considering cutting back on cashback or reward schemes.

fee regulation should appeal to new credit card providers as it could encourage them to enter the market, although this seems to be a strange argument if the revenue to be generated is to drop significantly. Up until now, retailers have been charged a fee by card issuers when a debit or credit card is used as payment and the fee could be as high as 2.5 per cent for some transactions. Now the fee will be capped at 0.3 per cent for credit card transactions and 0.2 per cent for debit card transactions. According to the European Commission, charges were costing retailers across the euro zone up to â‚Ź9 billion a year, although it has been observed that most retailers were prepared to either pay the fee or increase their prices accordingly. One thing can be fairly certain and that is if the card suppliers start to lose money, they will look to the card holder to help replace the loss.

OPINION & COMMENT

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Only way is to fight for our ideals GIVE our fighting men and women all the support they need to finish the job LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT MAKE you laugh don’t they? Or perhaps crying would be a more appropriate reaction. I’m talking about the politicians who this week voted against bombing Daesh targets in Syria; or more specifically, the main excuse they used to justify themselves. ‘Ah’ they simpered; ‘If we do this we would give them an excuse to bring more acts of terror onto our streets.’ Just how many ‘acts of terror’ do they need before they get some bottle and realise we are in a war? We’ve had a soldier almost beheaded in the street, buses and trains blown up, an unprecedented rise in the number of Islamic terror plots uncovered, and this week a knife attack on innocent victims by an Islamist lunatic in a tube station. What will it take to wake these pacifist pillocks up in the real world? A dirty

POLITICIANS VOTED: Against bombing Daesh targets in Syria. bomb in the middle of Trafalgar Square? Don’t believe that’s beyond the realms of possibility either! If we continue to turn the other cheek, we’ll have ‘em both sliced off.

Please don’t get my attitude wrong. I too believe that peace and love among all human beings is the final harmony that will bring us all together as one. But vast numbers of others don’t! Millions would

like to see all the non-believers of their violent and suppressive religious views, wiped off the face of the Earth. The only way for us to live in a peaceful democracy is to put all our ideals on hold and fight for it. The words of an elite ‘Gunny’ sergeant, who was guarding the American Embassy when I lived in Jeddah comes to mind. I had many long discussions with this remarkable man, who believed fervently in peace and the love of our fellow men. He also firmly believed that some of us are put on this world to fight and preserve it. And that, he said, was the job of him and his fellow servicemen. Give our fighting men and women all the support and weaponry they need to finish the job. Hopefully at least our children will then be able to enjoy a future filled with the peace and love we all so passionately desire. Keep the Faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@gmail.com

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

Life will reward you, but not always by the route you expect.”

NEWS

Edna Rodriguez

What is needed to become a successful entrepreneur? WHAT sets a successful entrepreneur apart from the crowd? Why do some succeed whereas most end up failing?

THE last study from the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) makes depressing reading, suggesting that 55 per cent of new businesses fail within the first five years. This figure relates to those businesses that are officially registered, and excludes many micro-businesses and one-man-bands. Why do so many fail? How do you improve your chances of success? Many people try to turn a passion or hobby into a business success. This can be fine, but so many potential entrepreneurs fail to understand that running the financial and legal sides of a real-life business is so very different from being in love with cooking, cars, clothes or whatever the passion was that created the inspiration to go it alone. Cash flow, or lack of, is the number one killer of many business dreams. Official figures suggest that around 80-90 per cent of small businesses fail because of poor cash flow. Cash is king and always has been. When cash isn’t there, due to late payments, unexpected costs or insufficient initial investment, business survival is almost impossible. Not understanding the competition is another cause of early failure. You may think you can provide the best food, the best dresses, or best gym, but how do you persuade new customers to come and see you rather than the people they already use? And business is all about people. So many new businesses focus so much on their product that they forget the importance of selling themselves. Small and micro-businesses especially rely on a personal relationship with the customer. International food chain Pret A Manger say the staff teams in their shops are the backbone of what they do. To Pret, people are one of their most important ingredients. They

Shutterstock photocritical

By Marcus Hopkins

Some argue that being a maverick can be key to business growth. Mavericks include the likes of Richard Branson and the late Steve Jobs. Risk-takers, philanthropists, innovators, always looking at things from a different angle. If you want to be a business success, whether that means financial success or some other type of lifestyle success, then being an entrepreneur may be the road for you. If you’ve got the guts, the passion, the ability to handle loss, failure and even ridicule, then maybe, just maybe, the next big success story is you. As Steve Jobs once said: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

TRIBUTE: The late Steve Jobs. look for workers with passion. Where would you go for coffee? A place with someone serving you who quite obviously doesn’t want to be there, or a place where the staff are fun, happy and doing all they can to make you feel good too? So simple to answer, yet so many new business get it so wrong. Once you’ve got the staff right, being an entrepreneur requires an element of risk-taking, something not that well promoted in Europe. In the US, some leading business minds say that in order to succeed in business you may need to first fail in business. Failure to them is part of your education. In Europe a different mindset often prevails, failure being interpreted as proof that you’re just not cut out to be an entrepreneur.

Different places, different mindsets. Neither is better or worse, just different. If you want to succeed in business though, you do usually need to be a risk-taker. The fact that most people aren’t able to face the risk is why so many work for others. If you’re that way inclined, don’t feel jealous of the business owner, feel happy that you aren’t taking the financial and emotional risks that they are. Being an entrepreneur is a lonely road and isn’t one that most people are able to handle.

Richard Branson

Shutterstock Prometheus72

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.”

Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist

The spirit of success UNSUNG heroes of the Costa Blanca business world

Paseo Maritimo, Torrevieja

By Matthew Elliott THEY said it was all over. Newspapers and media from London to Madrid declared the death of the Spanish business dream, the idea that it was possible to build a successful expatriate community on a rugged coastline and flourish beyond expectations. When the recession hit, crashing against Spain harder than most, there was an unmistakable glee in the undercurrent of media coverage of stricken British expatriates. Success is divisive, bringing both admiration and envy, and the people embarking on a new life on the stretch of white sand from Torre-

vieja to Alicante were an easy target. The Costa Blanca South is different from other regions of British influence dotted around Spain, with a pioneering spirit that persists to this very day and a proud history that should make anyone doubting the thriving spirit of the community think twice. Throughout the past 40 years when the influx of new immigrants from across Europe seeking a better life has never been higher, the Costa Blanca South has etched out a hard-fought identity for itself as a teeming hotbed of industry and innovation. The people who made their homes here brought with them a frontier spirit that had them set-

tling with families, integrating with local communities and considering this their true home. Less transient and fleeting than more touristic and resort based areas, the communities in the Costa Blanca South were much better equipped to cope with the recession, with an identity of graft anchoring them through those volatile times. It is this strength that has allowed us today, in 2015, to pay tribute to the ongoing success of businesses throughout the Costa Blanca. Throughout this supplement feature, you’ll find stories of success against the odds, from people you may know personally or have done

business with, from people you may decide you’d like to meet, from the people who are the backbone of this thriving community. It’s also a testament to belief, to a people who refused to give up in the face of adversity, not because it was their dream, but because it was their life. It’s a counter to the flippant ‘told you so’ attitude that was all the rage in 2008 and beyond, when the recession bit and we were lazily told the dream had become a nightmare. That’s not to say it hasn’t been tough; it’s been harder than anyone expected, but what the world refused to acknowledge was the strength of character that exists in

the soul of this community. The businesses included throughout these pages are the enterprises you should support, the charities, garages, shops, services, specialists, and people who have kept this community proud and on its feet. They’ve been here for decades, and are the unsung heroes of the Costa Blanca, and it’s time we recognised them, supported them, and offered our gratitude. It’s their enterprise and dedication that has kept us above water, that has allowed us to continue living in Spain, and that will be the foundation of any future we dare to dream. Support them and support your local community.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”.Frida Kahlo, Mexican painter

BASE SATELLITE

For all your TV needs SERVICES range from a simple Freesat system up to Sky+ HD BASE SATELLITE, a family-run business, established in 2001, is still going strong and is now expanding into the rest of Europe. So, what is it that has allowed Base Satellite to weather the economic storm when so many other companies on the Costa have folded and gone under? The Base Satellite team know how important TV is to us Brits away from home. From Coronation Street and EastEnders to football BUSINESS: and Sky Sports they Family-run and in know how essential it is operation since to have easy and uninterrupted viewing. They are 2001. dedicated to providing customer satisfaction and pride themselves in providing excellent customer care, whether it is returning calls and emails promptly

or offering telephone help. Before you make a purchase you will always get a chance to talk to one of their experts whose job it is to make sure you are buying the right thing for you. They don't want to sell you anything that won't meet your viewing requirements. Base Satellite supplies Sky+ HD systems with Sky viewing cards, Sky Multiroom and can even give access to On Demand, Catch up and Box Sets, etc (with one of their UK TV routers which provides a UK IP addressWiFi network for the whole home). As the satellite requirements have shifted over the years, Base Satellite have ensured that they have provided the most up-to-date information, emailing their clients regularly with the latest developments. The aim of Base Satellite is to provide the same equipment and same access to the full range of

TV available in the UK. With their UK TV router they provide a little piece of the UK in your own home abroad. As the demand for online services is ever increasing, their UK TV router is invaluable, enabling you to access services otherwise unavailable in Spain – bingo, UK gambling, National Lottery – everything that needs a UK IP address (TV iPlayers included). Base Satellite now have happy customers in14 European countries, providing UKTV routers, Sky+HD boxes, Sky cards and management service, ensuring they maintain the same high level of service which has enabled them to not only stay afloat in these hard financial times but actually move forward and provide their excellent service further afield.

(See their main advert on the back page of this supplement)

At the centre of success for peace building throughout the world By Marcus Hopkins

FOUNDED in 1974 at the top of the Dublin mountains in Ireland, the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation has for many been years been an unsung hero in helping to build peace in conflict zones throughout the world. Creating ongoing dialogue between the most unlikely of people, such as IRA bomber Pat Magee and Jo Berry, the daughter of Sir Anthony Berry who was killed by the bomb planted by Magee at the Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984, Glencree’s success at international peace building can be challenging, provocative yet therapeutic as well. Two former employees, Ian White and Colin Murphy, both from Northern Ireland, received MBEs for their work at the centre. Both would stress the key role that honest dialogue and engaging people from different

Glencree Centre for Reconciliation

traditions and religions plays in building long-term reconciliation. Staff and volunteers at the centre have, over the years, come from a wide variety of countries throughout the EU, as well as further afield from places that include Israel, Palestine and South Ph ot oc Africa. red its All have come to experience diaGl en cre logue, the trust building, the eC en honesty of opinion that Glentre fo rR cree, a non-profit-making ec on organisation, provides. cil iat ion With the Paris bombings still deeply etched on our minds, and the attacks in Tunisia, Mali, Beirut, Egypt and elsewhere, the successes of organisations such as Glencree, providing leadership skills for use in reducing conflict, are needed more than ever.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

www.euroweeklynews.com

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

EWN

Oprah Winfrey

Success comes with hard work and dedication THE EURO WEEKLY NEWS (EWN) is proud to launch the Costa Blanca Success supplement By John Smith WITH six newspapers and a tremendous website packed full of stories and features backed by the hard work and dedication of its owners, the EWN family is not ashamed to blow its own trumpet. Now 19 years on from what were quite small beginnings, the EWN Media Group has just kept on growing despite the hostile financial environment that hit Spain from 2007, and the owners are proud to have seen their operation become the biggest and best English language news media group in Spain. Guided by dynamic husband and wife team Michel and Steven Euesden, the energetic group is not content to sit back and wait for the business to come to it. Through the long period of recession, inv e s t m e n t h a s b e e n s e e n a s t h e w a y f o rward. Investment in staff. Investment in technology. Investment in increased copies per area. Investment in visibility. Investment in the community. But most importantly, investment in time, the time to study and understand the needs and expectations of both clients and readers alike. Each member of the EWN team, regardless of their duties is fiercely committed, not just to the newspapers and the website, but more importantly to the people that really matter, our clients and readers. This commitment has been reciprocated by all that we work with. No other free English newspaper group in Spain can match the figures that the EWN can boast of. They are figures that speak for themselves: • Six editions: Costa Blanca North, Costa Blanca, South, Costa del Sol, Axarquia, Almeria and Mallorca. • Each edition proves the group’s superiority over free local publications for the number of news stories, making our newspapers the best read out there. • 139,000 copies distributed every week, 52 weeks a year. We never miss an edition.

Our readers by numbers…. Disposable income. 43% of our readers eat out at least once each week and 31% dine out once per month, meaning they have enough money for life’s little luxuries. Internet savvy: 75% of readers are regular internet users. The EWN website and social media sites cater fully to that audience with a selection of Spanish, British and international stories. Our virtual papers are visited by 50,000 people each month. Easy to find: 92% of EWN readers say that the newspapers can be found easily from 4,000 distribution points. Loyal readership: 86% of customers read the paper on a weekly basis. News hungry: 98% of our readers said they enjoy the local news pages. Second favourite section was the Letters page at 83% and our lively columnists especially Leapy Lee who dares to say what many think.

• More than 4,000 distribution points in expatriate hotspots, meaning you never have too far to go to pick up an issue. • 10 offices across the Costas and Mallorca with another office opening soon, and another in Javea on the way, mean we are at the heart of the expatriate community. • The best English language news website in Spain. • The newest, brightest and best business d i re c t o r y in Spain – EWNGetsit.com

EURO WEEKLY NEWS: 19 years of expertise.

This extensive coverage throughout the main expatriate areas of Spain means that the EWN attracts a mix of readers with a wide range of interests. And the EWN takes its readers and clients very seriously indeed. A little while ago, the EWN undertook market research to find out more about our readers (see panel), and the response was both interesting and illuminating. That was not just an exercise in curiosity. It shows the philosophy that has made the EWN so successful over 19 years. It shows our commitment and determination to do whatever is necessary in order to satisfy our readers and clients alike. If we don’t know who our readers are and what they want to read, then they will drift away as will our clients. Armed with the extensive results of our research we know we continue to produce a tremendous product that people do want to read. The EWN is without doubt the most sought-after free English newspaper in Spain, and people actually phone us up to ask where it is, if for some reason delivery to any of our 4,000 collection points is de-

layed, for even as little as one hour. This is also great news for our advertisers as they know that their adverts will receive the maximum exposure to an affluent and intelligent audience. EWN know what it takes to be a success: hard work, a commitment to clients and readers, and knowing your market. We a r e n o t h o w e v e r j u s t i n i t f o r t h e money. The EWN has a social conscience, which is why we are keen to report on as many charitable events as possible, and where appropriate will also sponsor events s u c h a s t h e B e n i d o r m H a s Ta l e n t f o r AECC, MABS Cancer Support Group, EMAUS children’s charity and many more, as well as taking up the causes of several desperately-ill children. We h a v e b e e n h e r e f o r n e a r l y t w o decades and are proud to be recognised as part of not just the expatriate community, but also a solid contributor to our host country Spain. EWN and its management care deeply about the expatriate community in Spain as well as our neighbours and that makes all the difference.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Believe in yourself, dream big, and trust in the universe”. Martha Leticia Romero & Silvia Romero

PISCIMAR POOL

Believe that to be successful you have to listen and keep your customers happy QUALITY and service comes from over three decades of experience and expertise ESTABLISHED in 1982, Piscimar Pool has been creating beautiful and practical pools and outdoor living spaces for over 30 years. This family-run business was set up by Alfonso Blaya. Now his son is on board offering their expertise and professional knowledge to customers, who receive the pool of their dreams and a high quality service from start to finish. It is this customer care and service that Piscimar Pool credit to them surviving in business so long. Even throughout the economic crisis, they have remained true to their ethos of selling and constructing quality pools, without needing to make any changes. They admit they are not the cheapest around but they focus on quality, a quality product and a quality service. It sets them miles above anyone else and they continue to trade and get new business based on customer recommendations. This year they have constructed 60 pools and already have numerous bookings for 2016, which will also see a number of new projects and ideas come into fruition. Three years ago, at the height of the recession, the company further proved their standings and showed they were not going anywhere, as they renovated their office in La Regia, Orihuela Costa, which also houses pool supplies, and gives customers an example of their quality work and finish. They believe they are coming out of the recession stronger than ever. With many newer, smaller compa-

1. SPA & WELLNESS: Steam rooms are also available from Piscimar Pool. 2. PISCIMAR POOL: Can design and create a pool of any size and shape. 3. INFINITY: Pools of your dreams can be created.

nies closing as they couldn’t survive, Piscimar Pools has now less competition and customers have peace of mind that they have been around for the last three decades and reassurance they will be around for the next three decades. With the philosophy that the customer is also their friend, Piscimar Pool offers free quotes and on site visits are carried out discussing the exact needs and requirements of the customer. You can rest assured that once your project is started, workers will be on site until it is finished, with the average pool construction taking three weeks. Legal pools of all shapes and sizes can be built and designed, from small plunge pools to elaborate infinity pools. The team’s portfolio ranges from private pools to large community pools and hotel swimming complexes. They can also provide spas and steam rooms. Piscimar Pool believes that to be successful you have to listen to the customer and do everything you can to make them happy. Piscimar Pool buzz word: Service

Piscimar Pool Calle Isla Cabrera, 7 La Regia, Orihuela Costa, Tel: 965 320 379 www.piscimarpool.com

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

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10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

Waiting for perfect is never as smart as making progress.”

EWN

Seth Godin, Author.

Salt tastes of money in Torrevieja TOURISM and good weather and not the only reasons for the town’s success las Salinas which extended their rights until 2039! In the agreement NCAST has been tasked by Torrevieja Council to preserve items of industrial heritage, to invest in environmental improvements and also to promote tourism projects

By John Smith ALTHOUGH Torrevieja, boasts one of the largest British expat populations in Spain, appealing particularly to people from the north of England for some reason, tourism and good weather are not the only reasons for its financial success. The secret lies in an area which is unsuitable for cultivation but produces huge amounts of the much appreciated sea salt, with production of over 700,000 tonnes per year. A huge by product is both the free natural pink salt baths, said to cure or alleviate a whole number of physical problems, as well as the number of spas that have opened up in the vicinity of the town. With a healthy climate, a good overall economy and salt, the town can certainly claim its place as a success story in the Costa Blanca. This compares with the towns earlier history when it was a generally run down dump of a fishing village, even though the Romans had used the area

700,000 tonnes of sea salt is produced in the town each year

TORREVIEJA: Natural pink salt lake. David Calzada Herraez shutterstock

for salt production following their conquest and occupation of Spain. In 1803 however, the then King Carlos IV decided that it should take over from La Mata as the centre for salt production and things have looked up ever since. As the industry grew there was a

need for large quantities of salt to be transported to the port at Alicante, and the Andalusian Railway company built a branch line from Orihuela for this purpose which in turn allowed the town to become more commercial in its outlook as it grew. The train no longer runs through the town but the

buildings that came with the line have been converted into an exhibition centre. So important is the income from salt, that an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Finance and the company exploiting the salt production, Nueva Compañia Arrendataria de

connected to the salt industry which will include an extended centre showing both the history of the area and a practical demonstrations of how salt is harvested. The Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons are part of the Valencia Community protected areas and are classified as Natural Parks covering 3,754.8 acres and the entire area has been declared by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest in the world.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.”

Napoleon Hill, author.

TOLDOS GUARDAMAR

Company has gone from strength to strength INVESTED in their future and bucked the recession trend

Toldos Guardamar Poligono Industrial Los Moras, San Fulgencio, Tel: 966 726 258 Visit www.toldosguardamar.com Email: info@toldosguardamar.com

alised business does not come to you and decided to either close, or do something different. They chose the latter and invested in the company, market and factory. They embarked on an extensive marketing campaign two years ago to reach out to customers, which has been crucial to their success. Now they have the best innovation in the industry with the newest technology sewing machines and environmentally friendly electric vehicles for staff. They also launched a series of Toldos Guardamar initiatives, Care, Experience and Green. This series of projects, beliefs and aims take them beyond any other awning company. It shows when you buy an awning from Toldos Guardamar, as well as buying a quality product, you are buying part of a three decade long legacy.

Ana Botin: Successful executive chair of Santander bank HISTORY shows that she has earned it By John Smith ALTHOUGH the fourth generation of her family to head Santander Bank, Ana Patricia Botin-Sanz de Sautuola O’Shea to give her full name, has not just inherited the title but her history shows that she has earned it. Born in October 1960 the daughter of Spanish banker Emilio Botin and Paloma O’Shea, she studied economics at Bryn Mawr College and attended Harvard Business School, where she earned an MBA. She then worked for eight years at JP Morgan in the USA and in 1988, she came back to Spain and began working for the Santander Group. In 2002 she was appointed the executive chairman of the Spanish bank, Banesto, a subsidiary of Santander where she served until 2010 when she be-

came CEO of Santander UK. When her father died in 2014, she was immediately appointed chair of the parent company saying at the time: “In these difficult times for me and my family now, I appreciate the confidence of the board and accept with total commitment my new responsibilities. “For years I have worked in the Santander Group in different countries and responsibilities and I have seen the enormous quality and dedication of all our teams. We will continue working with full determination to continue building a better Banco Santander each day for our customers, employees and shareholders.” So impressed was David Cameron with this businesswoman and speaker of five languages, who had successfully navigated the

banks she was in charge of during the recession, that he appointed her in 2014 as an advisor in the Business Advisory Group. In 1983, she married fellow banker Guillermo Morenes Mariategui, son of the Marquis of Borghetto, and they have three children, Felipe, Javier and Pablo. Her sister was married to golfer Severiano Ballesteros, and her great grandmother Maria persuaded her father to follow her to caves in Altamira where she had discovered some of the finest cave paintings in Europe. A family of successful people and she has clearly kept up the family tradition.

Under the ‘Experience’ initiatives, the company opens its doors several times a year for fun filled events from golf and gastronomy to music, creating a relationship with customers and fellow businesses beyond commerce. Next year is expected to be busier with expansion planned to cover more inland areas and the ‘Grupo Salvat Evolucion’ business group is being developed joining businesses together allowing them to offer more services from within the group. In the lead up to Christmas the company welcomes people to visit the showroom and offers a Christmas drink and treat for customers . This year they have had 1,000 gift boxes made which will be distributed to their faithful clients old and new as part of their philosophy of sharing and caring.

Photo Credit World Travel and Tourism Council

CRISIS: Came out stronger.

TOLDOS GUARDAMAR is a family-run business, celebrating over 35 years in operation. From its small workshop in La Marina, their commitment to customer service and customer confidence, has seen them go from strength to strength. In 2003 they moved to the Santa Ana Estate in Guardamar to bigger and better premises before opening offices in Calpe and the Netherlands. In January this year, they further bucked the recession trend and opened a new showroom in San Fulgencio allowing customers to see more of the products and view them being manufactured in the factory itself. This development was key to the company fighting the economic crisis and coming out stronger than ever. As other companies were tightening their belts, the Salvat family re-

SUCCESS: Ana Botin

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard.” Guy Kawasaki, Alltop Co-Founder and Entrepreneur

PELLICER & HEREDIA

Multi-skilled law experts READY to stand for you, your company and your rights TOGETHER with the development of the economy and industry, the legal position in society becomes more and more relevant. It is undoubtedly important to understand how the legal system works in another country. With this portfolio, we want to let you know about our legal services in case we can help you or your business in any way with personal matters, or anything related with the activities of your company in Spain. Pellicer & Heredia lawyer’s team has gathered a full profile of knowledge in the field of Spanish and international law, and the confidence of our clients is the best proof of that. During many years of working in private and public sectors, Pellicer & Heredia lawyers became well-acquainted with various aspects of the law, and thus our multi-skilled team is ready to stand for you, your company and your rights. The law firm Pellicer & Heredia legal services company was created by two ambi-

tious experts of law, Mr. Ignacio Pellicer Mollá and Mr. Pedro Heredia Ortiz. They both developed their legal knowledge by studying different subjects of law in several universities in Spain and England. International studies and environment gave them a chance to expand their perception of legal issues and to identify possible ways of solving new problems, in new ways. The idea of creating this law firm was focused on the most important thing for the founding partners, to help people by solving their problems in the most convenient and comprehensible way. This is why Pellicer & Heredia founding partners, Mr. Ignacio Pellicer and Mr. Pedro Heredia, gathered a team with knowledge of both national and international law, with extremely wide competence, and strong skills in several languages. Pellicer & Heredia is a law firm based in Alicante municipality, and established in 2008. During these years we have managed to bring the

best lawyers into our team. Our experience and the confidence of our clients has let us expand our working areas, and now Pellicer & Heredia has six offices which are located on the east-south coast of Spain (Alicante, Hondon de las Nieves, Petrer, Teulada Moraira, Ciudad Quesada and Benidorm Indoor Market). The main office is located in the centre of Alicante, although Pellicer & Heredia lawyers from all our offices are working together in order to provide the best result for our clients. What is more, Pellicer & Heredia collaborates with a lot of law firms both national and international as well as independent lawyers, notaries and advisors in other countries, in order to help us provide the best service possible for our clients. Services we provide There is no need for you to travel to us, no waiting time, there is no need for a previous appointment. Because problems do not understand waiting.

Partners and Yodas

PELLICER & HEREDIA: Legal services. Pellicer & Heredia is one of Spain’s most dynamic law firms, consisting of a multi-skilled staff, fluent in English and with many years of experience in dealing with Spanish and International law. We regularly act for foreign companies and private individuals representing their interests in Spain on both transactional and litigation matters. Step by step, Pellicer & Heredia has managed to cover more and more practice areas in the field of law.

Pellicer & Heredia has developed its competence to work in the following areas: civil law, company law, private international law, administrative law, criminal law. Our clients trust us by giving the acceptance to deal with questions of taxes, intellectual property, international commerce, litigation and arbitration. At Pellicer & Heredia, we have many years of experience in defending our clients before the Courts, and that makes our team feel responsible for you in every step.

PROPERTY: Over 4,000 transactions this year.

ACCORDING to a professor they a vital to success By Eleanor Hawkins ALTHOUGH youngsters are often encouraged to start their own businesses, making them work is far from easy and finding a mentor is a great help in finding the path to success. “You need lots of Yodas in life and in your career,” explained investor and professor Chris Haroun for an article published on LinkedIn. It is very hard, Haroun said, to find anyone who has achieved professional success without guidance from a mentor: “Hewlett was Steve Jobs’ mentor and Jobs’ in turn was Marc Benioff’s mentor.” No less important, according to Haroun, is having a supporting partner: “Almost everyone who has found success has a great partner behind them. “Our partner is the one person in the world that can tell MENTOR: Great help in finding the path to success.

us that what we’re wearing went out of fashion 80 years ago or that the speech we’re preparing sounds arrogant,” Haroud said.

Torrevieja the key site for Scandinavian exploration COASTAL town Torrevieja has been declared the favourite location for Scandinavians looking to buy homes in Spain, with over 4,000 property transactions this year placing it ahead of Marbella and Orihuela Costa. The Scandinavian-Spanish property

dynamic goes from strength to strength with purchases worth €200 million in 2015, a 48 per cent rise on 2014. Almost half of these, at 49 per cent, were in the Costa Blanca which is rapidly securing a formidable reputation as the location of choice for international buyers.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.” Seth Godin, American author, entrepreneur, marketer, and public speaker.

TELITEC

Constantly adding value to what they offer COMPANY is dedicated to Internet and telephone communication systems JAN MCDOWELL-EDMONDSON is the CEO of Telitec communications. Established in 2005 the company is dedicated to Internet and telephone communications systems for residential and business properties throughout Spain. Jan believes that the company has made it through the recession mainly because of their enthusiastic and extremely hard working staff. “I put the success of the company down to the people that work here, they are invested in the business and want to see it succeed,” says Jan. Many of the staff at Telitec have been working at the company since its formation. “They have fought extremely hard to keep clients, bring new ones and ensure those we have are well looked after, putting in the extra time when needed. We call ourselves team Telitec,” she says. The company is also invested in the community, organising events and charity days throughout the year, all

of which is coordinated by a member of the Telitec team, Gemma. “We recently ran a Christmas market at the Marriot Hotel, and even though it was on a weekend a large number of the staff turned up to support Gemma, its fantastic and the day was a huge success.” “We also ensure that if we do get something wrong, which happens to everyone, then we work extra hard to put it right, we don’t just bury our heads in the sand, we just fix it and this is appreciated by the client.” The nature of the industry means Telitec need to be at the forefront and constantly looking at ways to bring new technologies and innovations to the market. “It is a constant battle for us to stay ahead of the game and we need to ensure we can efficiently implement roll out new products and services, and add value to what we offer, for instance right now we are experiencing exciting times with the introduction of 4G, a product that delivers in-

credibly high internet speeds. “This is something that served us well through the recession, instead of entering a price war we opted to add value to our products and services, and this was extremely well received by our clients. The recession helped us to take a look at our internal operations and ensure they were efficient, forcing us to overhaul them, meaning our staff were more productive but ensuring we maintained a high standard and level of service.” Telitec have clients throughout Spain and are one of the only telecommunications companies to offer personal service where clients can actually go to the offices and speak with staff face to face. They al-

so have an office in Murcia, and have plans to extend further south. Jan advises anyone thinking of setting up business in Spain to get a good gestoria and lawyer who can provide expert advice, to make a lot of contacts and involve themselves in the community. “Some ideas work well in other countries but not here, so make sure you re-

ally look into it.” Telitec plans to continue fighting for their market share and keeping Spain connected. “It looks like 2016 will be a positive and exciting year for us.”

COMMUNITY: Company organises events and charity days.

Historical tales of incredible achievements A SELECTION of successful and inspiring stories throughout history By Matthew Elliott • CATHERINE I was Russia’s first female Empress and throughout her short reign won the love and respect of the people with a legacy lasting to this day. It was a far cry from her humble beginnings as an orphaned Latvian peasant who was captured as a house-maid and taken to Moscow. Regardless of being uneducated and illiterate, she charmed her future lover Peter the Great with her will and wit and was by his side as sweeping political and social reforms changed Europe forever. • ANDREW CARNEGIE was born into a family of impoverished labourers in a small Dunfermline home in 1835, before the family emigrated to America where the future magnate worked in a textile mill for $1.20 a week. His enterprise, tenacity and intelligence saw him rise through the railroad and steel industries until, by the turn of the century, he was the world’s richest man. Declaring ‘the man who dies rich dies disgraced,’ Carnegie later donated his fortune to charity. • CHARLES DICKENS is famous for his nov-

CHARLES DICKENS: Upbringing inspired characters. Photo credit by Everett Historical, Shutterstock

els depicting struggles against the odds and his hard knock upbringing was inspiration for characters from Oliver Twist to Pip in Great Expectations.

When his father squandered the family’s money on gambling, 12-year-old Dickens was sent to work in a shoe polish factory for a meagre six shillings a week. Dickens never forgot his labour-

ing days in squalid conditions and became a prominent voice for the Victorian underclass. • BRIDGET ‘BIDDY’ MASON was born a slave and yet became one of America’s first female real estate tycoons. She spent her entire childhood in bondage, toiling the desolate fields of Mississippi under moving with her owner to Utah in 1847. Ten years later she won her freedom, and spent a decade working as a mid-wife in Los Angeles. Buying a small property with her $250 savings she went on to amass a commercial property empire with a fortune reaching $300,000. She became known as ‘Grandma Mason’ for her charitable activities feeding the poor. • GARRINCHA, the Brazilian footballing legend, won the world cup twice, scored 34 goals for the famous Samba teams of the 1950s and 60s and is an icon of the sport. Born in dire poverty in a town in hock to a British trading company, he was worked as a child along with every other boy in the village, in a life marked for poverty stricken anonymity. Despite having bow shaped and unequalled sized legs, he became one the most successful footballers of all time.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly? “

Frida Kahlo, Mexican Painter.

EVOLUTION GRASS

The artificial turf company MORE than 2,000 installations speak for themselves

COMPANY AIM: To offer the best service.

EVOLUTION GRASS is an artificial grass manufacturer and installer company based in Alicante that emerged in early 2007 as a result of three generations of experience in the manufacture of carpets and rugs. Motivated by the need to innovate, we decided to diversify products in order to adapt to new requirements demanded by the market, by providing a complete catalogue in which you can find artificial turf that best suits the needs of our customers. Our goal is to leverage our know-how in terms of manufacturing technology to incorporate sustainable and environmentally-friendly turf which conforms to ISO 9001 quality criteria, in order to meet the needs of our customers. We thoroughly investigate and improve the quality of our products to provide our

customers with the best product at competitive prices. We offer products of art filled with curved monofilaments or polyamides, incorporating the latest technology, the nerve centre memory effect; all this together with a wide range of different shades that increase the ease and comfort of artificial turf, achieving a perfect imitation of the natural grass. All our fibres come from European suppliers of high reputation, which can offer product warranties from eight to 12 years. Evolution Grass is specialised in the manufacturing, sale and installation of quality artificial turf for landscape and sports uses, by providing a wide range in which you can find artificial turf that best suits your needs. We believe our more than 2,000 installations are our best advertising and the key to our success. We are the leading company in terms of artificial grass, either for private use in gardens, terraces, a pool area, or for business use, in public parks, walkways, arbors and various garden areas. There is

also a wide range of turfs for sports purposes such as soccer, paddle tennis and golf. Our company offers a personalised service. We consider each project as a new installation, which gives us the opportunity to satisfy the needs of our most demanding clients, and this successful outcome will serve as a precedent for future projects. With the aim of offering the best service in grass evolution we have a professional team with extensive experience and training in the sector. They will be responsible for on-site visits, plans, developing the whole project and installation of artificial turf, advising on everything necessary, adapted to the customer’s needs and fulfilling the agreed time and budget.

If you would like more information and a quote, do not hesitate to contact us via email: info@evolutiongrass.co m or by phone 677 739 530 or visit www.cespedartificialalicante.net

One step at a time to beat cancer MABS is one of the leading charities in Spain and dedicated to supporting those affected by the illness By John Smith FORMED in 1999 as a self-help group by cancer survivors, MABS Cancer Support Group has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the leading charities in Spain, dedicated to the support of all of those who have been touched by cancer, whether they are the sufferer or supporter of someone who is under treatment. They do not care about a person’s age, nationality, financial situation or past medical history, they just want to help in whatever way they can. The charity owes its early existence to Jacqui Phillips MBE, who like so many other people involved in the charity, suffered from the disease. Having been cured Jacqui de-

SUPPORT: Rhonda Ryan and Jacqui Phillips.

cided to offer help to others, and the charity now covers the area from Valencia to Gibraltar with offices in a number of different locations. There is a most incredible range of assistance that MABS and its dedicated representatives can offer, including one to one support, especially when sufferers first learn the heart rending news of their illness. There are always people to talk to who have experienced the trauma themselves and are happy to explain the procedures and listen. There is a treatment room in Moraira supplied by TELITEC, translators to assist patients in understanding exactly what doctors and nurses are telling them, transport where needed for hospital appointments, respite care to allow full time

carers to have some time to themselves, palliative care and plentiful information on both the illness and the drugs used to treat it. All of this comes at a cost and companies and individuals across the area covered have been ceaseless in assisting with donations and fund raising, and the result is the growth of this fantastic and successful organisation dedicated to relieving the burden of cancer. However, MABS is always looking for future assistance until the day, not quite as far off as it once was, when it can close its doors when cancer has been eradicated. For more information to see if you can help MABS or if you need help from it, visit www.mabscancersuppo rt.org.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Success doesn't come without education and hard work.”

Sandy Martinez

JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM CONSULTANTS

Honesty and professionalism KEYNOTES of this highly successful insurance company

Jennifer Cunningham

AFTER becoming a widow and losing her son, and after a lot of soul searching, Jennifer Cunningham decided to approach her bank and mortgage her property, and went about setting up her insurance company, Jennifer Cunnigham. “After losing my son, nothing is that scary,” said Jennifer. Since she was alone she could focus 100 per cent of her time on her business, and after setting up in 1992 as a sole trader, selling English health insurance in Javea from her home with nothing more than a telephone, she is now the director of one of the most successful insurance companies on the Spanish Mediterranean, with a total of eight offices located along the coast and 25 employees. Jennifer relocated to her offices in Javea “Be brave, over nine years ago, and in the past five take risks years has taken on seven more offices and a large number of staff, all and be in the face of one of the worst recesconfident in sions in history to hit Spain, and in a yourself” fiercely competitive market. Jennifer said she relied heavily on her knowledge and experience of the industry to guide her through. “I learn from my mistakes and try not to do it again,” she explained, “I’ve been there, done that and worn the t-shirt so I am able to pass on my knowledge and expertise to my staff. I am an excellent salesperson and have learnt how to overcome objections. But most importantly I have a strong code of ethics, I am old-fashioned. When someone sends me an enquiry, I answer immediately. We do not wait one or two days to answer. Our

speed, honesty, professionalism and excellent knowledge of the products we sell is paramount.” One of the most difficult issues to avoid for Jennifer and her business was the price war that emerged as a result of the economic crisis. “We did not enter into that price war,” she said, “although our policies are cheaper now than prior to the crisis we were very careful to maintain a high level of service and avoid the rat race and automated systems that took the place of real people. I think that is something highly valued by customers, and we provide a close personal service all the way through. It is one of our major strengths.” Learning how to run a company in a foreign country was a very daunting task for Jennifer, but she says her lack of ego and focus on the client and commitment to offering a professional service has served her well, adding that her excellent staff make the job that much easier. Jennifer has no more plans to expand at present: “My team have forbidden it,” she joked, “but what we are going to do in the next years is consolidate.” They are proud of the fact that they are able to retain so many clients year after year, and happy that they have so many loyal customers. “Referrals for us are simply staggering. We obtain many new clients through recommendations alone; this form of publicity carries a lot of weight,” she added. Jennifer believes that in order to be successful in Spain you need to be constant, patient and hard-working. “It will take at least two to three years before you start to see any benefits,” adding that before starting a business it is imperative to do a lot of research first and despite what many see from the outside, Spain is a highly competitive place. “You need to be brave, take risks as an entrepreneur and be confident in yourself.”

Commercial air traffic control has proven a great success COSTS have fallen and meeting take-off times is almost 100 per cent By John Smith IT was as recently as 2011 that the Spanish government decided that the time had come to open up the national air traffic control sector to competition in order to reduce costs and increase efficiency with the expectation that there would be no loss of safety. The government therefore tendered air traffic control service concessions for 12 Spanish airports, divided into three different lots. FerroNATS, a company created by means of an alliance between Ferrovial Servicios - the Ferrovial Group’s services division, involved in the infrastructure and services management arena - and

NATS - the UK’s leading provider of air traffic management services - decided to submit bids which had attracted interest from companies all over Europe. The group was very successful, winning the concessions for two of the three ‘lots’ on offer, which gave them access to nine control towers. The airports where these control towers are located are A Coruña, Alicante, Ibiza, Jerez de la Frontera, Madrid, Cuatro-Vientos Sabadell, Seville, Valencia and Vigo, are very varied by type, including general aviation airports, facilities for difficult weather conditions and major commercial airports with more than 10 million passengers a year.

The decision to introduce competition in a market such as Spain where tourism is an incredibly important industry, was both brave and gave the government an opportunity for improving the system. In a 2009 report, it transpired that hourly costs in Spain were €193, compared to the European average of €98 and €103 in the UK. The introduction of competition, protected by appropriate regulation and supervision in order to guarantee compliance with the most stringent European standards, emerged as the clear path towards a more dynamic and passenger-oriented sector. For FerroNATS, the process posed major challenges: selecting

and hiring more than 100 air traffic controllers in just eight months, submitting the transition documentation required by a change of supplier for AESA approval, successful completion of the various training processes at the control towers and, ultimately, the transfer of responsibility, with a previous process of a technical due diligence for the tower equipment. Now having completed two years of activity, they are able to boast that costs have fallen to be in line with industry expectations, whilst efficiency and almost 100 per cent success in meeting takeoff times has justified the faith put into the company by the government.

Two Irish women among most inspiring TWO Irish women were honoured as among the 50 Most Inspiring Women in European Technology in 2015. The award recognises entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in the tech sector, and comes as part of an ongoing ‘InspiringFifty’ series. Elaine Coughlan was awarded for her work as co-founder and partner at Atlantic Bridge Capital, supporting technology business in Ireland and Europe. Louise O’Sullivan has been a restaurateur and has set up businesses in the music industry. She was awarded for her role as CEO of Anam, who provide software for mobile network operators. Entrants represented 16 European countries and also included Facebook’s Nicola Mendelsohn, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet and Dutch politician Neelie Kroes.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

It is our duty and responsibility to become the best person we are intended to be.”

Luz Marie Caro

EXPATS SPAIN

UK products at the right price for all NO membership is required for this cash and carry style business A FAMILY-RUN business, Expats Spain is a cash and carry style outlet but with a major difference in that they sell both in bulk to the trade and to the public in individual units, with no membership required. Established for more than 10 years, the company experienced rapid expansion over the first five years of their opening, going from a 300square-metre warehouse to 2,000 square metres, stocking over 10,000 product lines. “We are at our optimum size now, so aside from our continuous updates and introduction of new product lines, we do not plan on expanding the actual facility any more. We stock frozen, chilled and dry goods, mostly all UK branded products. I think one of the main reasons we have been successful is because we buy and sell at the right price. We are flexible in that we open to the public and the trade and we simply have more choice and better value than anyone else,” says owner and hands-on operator Gary. “Another major factor is that we

Owner Gary Clayton, wife Debbie and son Kieren do not take, nor do we give credit. Everything in stock is purchased by Expats Spain, so we never have an issue with buying in stock or exceeding credit limits. If the product is at the right price, we will buy it and sell it; we move volume, it’s that simple. “Products such as over-production runs are always good for us and our

customers, because we can buy it in, re-label it and sell it on at a fraction of the price, so our customers benefit from high quality products but much cheaper prices.” As Gary says, the company are not looking to expand any further into 2016. He says he does not really expect the market to make any drastic

improvement until about 2019 in Spain. “I saw the recession coming early on, with the escalation in property prices and the collapse of companies like Northern Rock, I could see what was going to happen. “That is one of the main reasons we stay away from credit, we don’t have any debts, so that protected us to

a certain extent, although since we deal predominantly with the UK we are greatly affected by the exchange rate, so with the improvement of the pound against the euro we have to be careful. We have a system built in to enable us to keep prices stable where possible since it is difficult for us to increase prices so we have to be wary of that. “We will be introducing a contact webpage, but apart from that we will continue to focus on what we are doing here,” Gary explains. He would advise anyone thinking of coming to Spain to work in business to “not look at it with rose-tinted glasses. To be well-funded, motivated and skilled at what you do.” He also stresses that it is critical to start up modestly and wait to make money before investing in capital. “Finance and skill are critical. You need to learn or know your business inside out and do not try to be something you are not, but for us providing value for money is the key,” Gary believes.

Why you need a business plan A VALUABLE tool whether you’re just starting out or you’ve had a business for years A BUSINESS plan is a written description of your business, detailing what you plan to do and how. They are inherently strategic, and focus upon the resources you have. It is a valuable tool for every business owner, whether you are just starting, have been in business for years, or are preparing to grow. Although many businesses deviate from the original plan and become something entirely different, it is still useful to create one for both short term and long term future goals. Establishing a plan at the beginning ensures you define all your initial objectives and map out strategies. It forces you to review every aspect of your business at once, and you will notice connections that you may have missed otherwise. A plan is how you drive the future, as when you write down targets it becomes a personal performance goal.

If you are seeking finance, a thorough and well-researched business plan will show predicted profits and income streams. Banks and lenders will not risk investing time and money unless they are convinced you will be successful. Well-written plans are beneficial when attracting talent, a complete overview demonstrates you understand your business and can deliver the results you promise. By reviewing it, potential business buyers will be able to grasp what you have, how much it is worth, and could convince them to purchase. It is important to keep your business plan up to date by revising and developing it in accordance to business growth and other changes. Why not make a detailed plan for yourself, and see the real results they can bring.

Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur

ALTHOUGH there are many factors that contribute to the success of a business, certain traits are common within thriving business owners

• Be tenacious: Be prepared to fail, but don’t crumble under pressure and keep trying when you don’t succeed. Be determined from the outset, and capable of pushing through countless obstacles. • Have passion: Being passionate about your mission creates the intrinsic drive that provides an internal reward. If you are not passionate about your product, how can you instill enthusiasm in others? • Be patient: Success may not happen overnight. Be willing to devote weeks, months, and even years, to hard, committed, effort. • Believe: There will always be people

who deride your product. Be sure that you have created something the world needs, and have confidence in yourself. • Be fearless: Hone the ability to manage fear, and withstand the anxieties of potential failure. Be bold, take risks, and seize opportunities.

EXPATS C&C OPEN TO PUBLIC AND TRADE

Over 10,000 British Products Dry, Frozen, Drinks, Toiletries, Household.

Over 20,000 sq ft Warehouse

All our Christmas Stock

Now In Opening hours Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday

09.00 to 18.00 10.00 to 17.00 10.00 to 14.00

Benidorm CASINO

Hospital

965 895 323 路 expatsspain@aol.com

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Villajoyosa EXPATS

Partida Torres,38 03570 Villajoyosa Alicante

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca Sourth

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.“

Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO.

BLU-SO EASY!

Better to offer quality over quantity HIGH-SPEED internet and phone packages with great customer service SHARON is the project manager and commercial director at Blu-So Easy! in Javea, a company offering highspeed internet and phone packages at great prices. She was happy to share the exciting times she and her colleagues at Blu-So Easy! are experiencing. The company was formed by a team of professionals with many years experience in the internet services industry. She attributes their success to the belief that it is imperative to offer a high level of customer service, whilst providing high-speed internet at fantastic prices. They are constantly striving for expansion. They started with one antenna, and now have 14 in Javea. They have also expanded into Moraira, Benissa Town, Gata Residential, Alfaz del Pi and Albir. In addition to this, a new mast is about to be installed in Monte Pego. The company has also acquired the exclu-

JAVEA TEAM: Committed to a high level of customer service. sive licence for 2.6 4G for the Valencian Community. As if this wasn’t enough, they

have plans for fibre-optic provision as well. Offering advice to anyone contemplating

setting up a new business in Spain, Sharon emphasised the need to work very hard, put in long hours, and have lots of patience. “Do all this and you can achieve your dream,” she declared. Having been working in Spain for some 20 years, Sharon has experienced recessions before. She has seen many companies succumb to the temptation of increasing prices when business levels decrease, in order to maintain profits. She believes, however, that it is better to offer quality over quantity. Blu-So Easy! has been able to grow because it has offered reduced prices compared to its competitors in the marketplace. Offering a fantastic quality of service at a great price is the key to their success. Sharon added: “During a recession people are looking for ways to save money, and we help them to do just that.” Sharon predicts that 2016 will be a better year for companies that are willing to work hard and put their customers first. After all, this is the approach that has made Blu-So Easy! a success story for our region.

Success puts Alicante firmly on the film critic map

University business

FILM Festival promoting active leisure for senior citizens THE Alicante Film Festival has gone from strength to strength, with the week long summer festival securing its place among the best. The glitzy ceremony celebrated its 12th year in 2015, welcoming films from around the world as film-goers across Spain flocked to the coastal city to catch a glimpse of the action. Featuring workshops, street theatre, and a tapas route, the festival has played its part in bringing international attention to the cultural side of the Costa Blanca. The festival is also working with the city’s Department of Social Action to launch its second edition of Major Film shorts, designed to promote active leisure for senior citizens. Last year saw 12 short films produced by eight senior centres in the city, helping local residents explore their creative side.

Photo by Superchilum, Wikipedia

By Matthew Elliott

FESTIVAL: Promotes seniors’ creativity. Festival director Vicente Seva said the contest allowed ‘people over 65 years to express their concerns through film and then viewed on a big screen.’

Alicante’s success has had a snowballing effect as the Volna Russian Film Festival chose Alicante as its destination for 2015 to highlight the cultural exchange between Russia and Spain.

WHEN 3D printing was in its infancy, tutors at Barcelona University had a need for rapid prototyping equipment to help teach 3D design and CAD courses. A programme named the RepRap Project with its OpenSource machine designs appeared to be the ideal project to allow students to experiment. Professor Roger Uceda (CEO of BCN3D Technologies) says it started with printing a set of RepRap Mendel plastic components using a 3D printer and as interest grew, so did demand. Profits from courses and model making were used to buy all sorts of printing machinery as well as being used for testing. Today, the University has a real business which continues to attract customers from all over Spain.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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You are not your resumé, you are your work.”

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Seth Godin, American author, entrepreneur, marketer, and public speaker

AGUA FLO

Leading spa and pool supplier THE company has just been given the Dealer of Excellence award

Owner Florence Navarro

There is also a larger range of spas and saunas on display as well AGUA FLO has now been in business for 17 years and during that as furniture and accessories. Agua Flo believes customers are buytime has fitted and supplied hundreds of new and used spas. ing a lifestyle when they own a spa and are not just buying a prodOwned and run by Florence Navarro and her father Marcien, uct, so they have worked hard to show off that lifestyle in all its gloFlorence said there is no secret to their success apart from lots of ry, and now have a new range of complementary aromatherapy oils hard work. “I think we give a good service and that is the key,” she and spa fragrances to further enhance the spa experience. said.“We are always here and have technicians on hand for follow-up Florence said they survived the recession by expanding and calls, repairs and to look at any problems, and we work quickly to changing their range. Realising that many people could no longer ensure customers do not wait.” afford luxuries such as spas, they branched out into secondhand After-sales care is important to Florence. She said: “Anyone can hot tubs, which have proved very popular; being more affordsell, but it is looking after clients afterwards that is important and able but still with the same back-up and expert service. what makes you successful. We get a lot of customer recomComing out of the crisis, they are expecting 2016 to be mendations.” Customer experiences are evident in their even busier in both the new and secondhand spa feedback book, with one customer saying: ‘Florence market and Florence hasn’t ruled out future excould not be more helpful, everything sorted so pansion. They have just been given the easily. Would recommend to everyone.’ AnothDealer of Excellence award from Arteer wrote: ‘We have been coming to Agua sian Spain and are looking at workFlo for two years and Florence is always ing with more reputable compavery welcoming and most helpful. ‘ nies. She has even considered A year ago the company exopening up her own wellpanded and moved to bigger ness centre so people premises in Los Moncan actually try the tesinos. This has alspas and feel the lowed them to ofhealth and fer an even therapeutic better service benefits. to customers Agua Flo’s with easier acbuzz word is: cess and direct Excellence parking outside. BIGGER AND BETTER: Premises in Los Montesinos.

Six strategies to help you become organised and super-efficient SIMPLE steps you can apply not just to business but also to your personal life By Sam Croft Look for dead time. Take a few moments in the morning to look at the day ahead. There will always be periods when you’re not doing anything, even if it’s just five minutes waiting for a bus or an appointment. Plan your day in advance in order to maximise this ‘dead time’.

In order to be successful, it’s necessary to be efficient. Here are six strategies for maximising efficiency, and thus maximising success. Take careful note of them and apply them to your business strategy, or even your life, to reap the rewards.

Make lists. Lists are a way of establishing goals. Even if you only have a spare hour in your day, make a list of all the things you can do in this time. This will help you to prioritise tasks and also adds a sense of urgency that will help you to avoid procrastination. Reward yourself. If you make a list of eight tasks, after you complete four of them give yourself a reward. These types of rewards help you to move forward even when you’re not in the mood.

Prepare yourself. Make sure you have the resources you need on hand to efficiently complete tasks. Consider the cost of saying yes. Before you accept a commitment, take a minute to think about what you’re agreeing to. Is it worth it? You should make sure that you are giving your time to things that are important and not wasting it by saying yes every time

someone asks you to do something.

DEAD TIME: Plan your day.

Delegate. You may prefer being in complete control, but it’s important to train your employees to take on more and more responsibilities. You can’t do everything yourself.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

One finds limits by pushing them.”

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH SUCCESS

Herbert Simon, Nobel laureate, an American political scientist, economist, sociologist, psychologist, and computer scientist.

NO NEED TO PAINT

Regular exterior property painting and maintenance can become a thing of the past SPECIAL Andura coating has been proven to last in excess of 30 years LIVING on the Costas, thousands and thousands of expats have the responsibility and expensive chore of having to regularly maintain and paint the exterior of their properties. Now the recession is over and house prices are on the climb, it’s important to keep exteriors in tip-top condition. Many Spanish paints are not durable enough to withstand the very high summer temperatures and then the wet, humid conditions in the autumn/winter months. They can crack and peel after one year of application and the heavy rains can wash these paints off the walls and cause vulnerable, damp conditions to the interior. Also, after sand deposits from the Sahara rain, many home-owners find the paint coming off the walls after cleaning with the hosepipe or power-washer. Why not save yourself the regular and expensive maintenance and painting chores with No Need to Paint Andura Abroad? They have been operating their long-life coating systems in Spain since 1991, and have satellite offices covering the Almeria area and the Costa del Sol. Andura, a well-known English specialist coating manufacturer, has been making specialist protective coatings for the harsh UK weather for over 40 years. The company teamed up with No Need to Paint many years ago to offer their products exclusively in Spain. Their products are ISO9002 & BBA approved and proven to last in

some cases in excess of 30 years. No Need to Paint Andura Abroad have hundreds of references available and are always looking for display properties to promote the product in your area. Generous subsidies are offered if properties can hold an open day for one day only so members of the public can see the product being applied and have any questions answered. Though the product costs more than a normal professional paint job, the little extra is well worth the investment bearing in mind that many people have to paint their house every two to three years. If you would like a no obligation survey and quote, please feel free to call 966 423 751 or 637 536 663 or our UK Freephone number is 0800 508 8102, email contact@noneedtopaint.com and visit www.noneedtopaint.com

Address: Calle Cristo del Mar 29 Javea Port 03730 Alicante Tel: 00 34 659 692 540

Well worth the investment.

Pirelli calendar recognises women for their achievements rather than their bodies CHANGE of direction for the sometimes controversial publication By John Smith SINCE the first Pirelli calendar was published in the UK in 1964, it has received criticism for the fact that it used beautiful models and actresses often in provocativ e p o s es or na ke d. B ut over the years each of the limited edition calendars has bec ome a c olle c tor’s piece. The origina l c onc e pt w a s to Singer Patti Smith, one of the models for supply the calenthe 2016 calendar. da r to the tyre companies’ best Photo Credit Jaguar PS Shutterstock. c us tome rs for them to hang in

their workshops as part of what can be described nowadays as a piece of blatant sexism to please the boys. Publication was discontinued afte r the 1974 is s ue a s pa rt of a n economy drive by the company, but it was resurrected 10 years later and has been produced annually ever since. This caused a great deal of complaint from those who don’t approve of the objectifying of w ome n’s bodie s for me n’s amusement. Regular lobbying of the publishers has however brought success to the calls for a change and the famed Pirelli calendar is taking 2016’s issue in a whole new direction by fe a turing s ome of the world’s most inspiring women in-

cluding artists, athletes, actresses and bloggers.

Some of the world’s most inspiring women will feature in the new edition Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, who had produced the 2000 Pirelli calendar in the ‘old’ style, was given a free hand for the 2016 edition and persuaded a range of well-known and perhaps not s o fam ous wom en t o pose, mainly dressed for her. Speaking about her latest piece of work, she said: “The 2000 Cal-

endar was an exer ci se i n photographing nudes. It was a simple concept. For 2016, we did something completely different, but it is still simple. It is a classic set of black-and-white portraits made in the studio.” Model s i ncl ude Ser ena Wi l l i am s, Yoko Ono, Pat t i Smith, Iranian film director Shirin Neshat and t op com edi an Am y Schumer. No-one knows how the guys in the workshops will react but the press coverage this radical change has received will certainly give the Pirelli board a good feeling. They wi l l have achi eved t hei r marketing aim whilst attracting positive feedback from previous female critics.

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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Christmas past and presents, has all the excitement gone?

EWN

OUR VIEW David Muscroft Shutterstock

OPINION & COMMENT

BY MARTIN BALZERAK SHUTTERSTOCK

SANTA’S days are surely numbered as Operation Yule Tree closes in Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-thewall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

IT’S that time of year again when the fat man with the flowin g wh i t e b e a r d a n d rosy cheeks is greasing up the blades of his sleigh and putting his production staff on maximum overtime in readiness for another hectic Christmas Eve delivery. But wi t h t h e a d v e nt o f Xboxes, iPads and Smart Phones , a l l t h e r o m an ce and ex c i t e m e n t wi t h th e traditio n a l o p e n i n g o f prezzie s like M &S sweaters, smelly bath stuff and Black Magic under the tree on Christmas morning has almost disappeared. Who actually puts out a pillow case any more? And

PRESENTS: With the advent of new technologies, traditional gifts have disappeared. in these times of political correctness, it’s only a matter of time before someone s ta rts a s k in g q u es tio n s about a bloke who shacks up with a regiment of male dwarves for 12 months a year.

Santa’s days are surely numbe re d a s O pe ra tion Yule Tree closes in. Presents are an increasing problem. The lessening choice of what to buy each other becomes commensurate with the advancement

of years, and at the risk of us ing a w e ll w orn a phorism, just what do you buy someone who has everything? The proble m is c ompounded when I am also told, ‘don’t buy me choco-

l at e, I need t o l ose som e weight.’ This limits things considerably, but I’m sorry, Princess, you gave away your real intentions when you t ol d m e t o hi de m y own stash of chocolate so t hat you woul d not be tempted, then proceeded to tell me exactly where that hiding place should be. One thing that is noticeable in Spain is the laidback atmosphere in the supermarkets at this time of year. Visit a Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s or any of the other big stores in the UK right now, and it will be a madhouse of spending. Even on Christmas Eve, when occasionally I have needed to drop in to Dialprix for some last minute cooking sherry, it has never been anything other than business as usual.

I think I know what to do HOPEFULLY no-one will bring up the history of straight bananas or curved cucumbers By John Smith THAT just about sums up the situation with regards to David Cameron’s wish to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s membership of the European Union. Having initially said that he did not want to reveal full details of his negotiating hand before serious discussions get under way, the EU indicated that it was a bit pointless to have a negotiation without knowing what was wanted so he wrote to them with a wish list. Economic governance which should recognise that there are more currencies in the EU than just the Euro and by extension the pound should not be disadvantaged. Competitiveness which would ensure that EU regulations are reduced made less onerous on business and red tape is cut. Immigration would be reviewed and far less generous benefits would be paid to those from the EU states who settle in the UK until they have been there for a number of years. Sovereignty should remain in the

David Cameron and Martin Schulz President of European Parliament.

RAF Tornado

Britain now takes action AFTER a huge amount of rhetoric and very conflicting opinions, a decision has been reached by Parliament to allow the RAF to take action against terrorist targets in Syria and within an hour of the Commons vote, tornado aircraft were in the air and attacking a Daesh controlled oil field in that country. The recent shooting down of a Russian aircraft by Turkey has added to the tension and confusion, with both sides claiming the moral high ground, whilst Russia has accused Turkey of being the major customer for Daesh controlled oil. The general situation with air strikes has divided public opinion with many in favour of taking the war directly to Daesh, whilst many others object to the concept of any form of warfare in which there is always the possibility of mistake and loss of innocent lives. Many politicians in Spain who may favour direct action against Daesh are keeping a low profile until after the election, whilst those on the broad left are clear in their worry about becoming involved and have indicated that they would look to call a referendum to gauge public opinion. France clearly wants to punish those who were responsible for the attacks on Paris but the main question is whether air strikes will be enough or whether the next step will require NATO and possibly Russian troops to enter the fray and if so will the split over the future of Syrian president al-Asad be yet another major problem?

hands of national parliaments which should be able to block EU legislation. Good general points admittedly, but not many people go into an important negotiation without anticipating disagreement and most sensible people and even politicians would expect to ask for far more than they expect and then settle for what they want. As they are pretty vague demands, it does seem that the negotiations could be quite complicated, so much so that the Prime Minister has, not surprisingly, said that he now doesn’t expect a response during December. There is a commitment to hold a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union no later than 2017 and he has indicated that if he gets the bulk of his requests approved then he will recommend to the electorate that Britain Now we should remain within the Union. want to There is about 18 months to go for hear your views. him to negotiate with the other 27 member states and hopefully, YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE no-one will bring up the history - YOUR OPINION of straight bananas or curved cuwww.euroweeklynews.com cumbers.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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Little Princess Bob the Builder Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Bananas in Pajamas Toot the Tiny Tugboat The Wright Stuff Call Me Claus 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours The Santa Suit The Christmas Shepherd 5 News at 5 Neighbours 5 News Tonight Kids' Hospital at Christmas Alex Polizzi's Italian Islands Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK Lonely at Christmas Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away!

7:00am 7:45am 8:30am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am 2:00am

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Inbetweeners 2 The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Rude Tube Empire

THURSDAY TV

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 8:30am 9:00am 11:00am 11:30am 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 12:30am 1:00am 1:30am 2:00am 2:30am 3:00am 3:30am 4:00am 4:30am 5:00am

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs 10:00pm Britain's Oldest Crooks 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Late Debate 12:10am UEFA Europa League Highlights 1:10am Jackpot247 4:00am Tonight 4:25am ITV Nightscreen

7:00am The Hot Desk 7:10am You've Been Framed! 7:35am Psych 8:20am Emmerdale 8:45am Coronation Street 9:15am You've Been Framed! 9:40am The Cube 10:40am Psych 11:35am Merry in-Laws 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:55pm Coronation Street 2:30pm You've Been Framed! 2:55pm Catchphrase 3:40pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:50pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00pm Judge Rinder 8:00pm The Xtra Factor 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm Scorpion 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 12:00am Release the Hounds 1:00am Two and a Half Men

7:00am 7:10am 7:35am 8:40am 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 11:25am 11:55am 2:00pm 3:05pm 4:10pm 5:15pm 5:50pm 6:20pm 6:55pm 8:00pm

9:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 1:30am

3:20am

Movies Now George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Where the Heart is Judge Judy Judge Judy Judge Judy A Touch of Frost Heartbeat Wycliffe Where the Heart is On the Buses On the Buses George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Murder mystery series about the sleuthing writer. Lewis Law and Order: UK Cold Blood A Touch of Frost A vital witness to a gangland killing goes missing before she can give evidence in court. ITV3 Nightscreen

7:00am 7:55am 8:50am 9:55am 11:00am 12:05pm 1:10pm 2:15pm 3:20pm 3:50pm 4:55pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

11:00pm 1:20am 3:30am 3:55am

Gunsmoke The Professionals Minder Alias Smith and Jones Gunsmoke The Professionals Kojak Minder Pawn Stars Gunsmoke Alias Smith and Jones The Professionals Kojak Pawn Stars Pawn Stars The Car Chasers The Car Chasers Fifth Gear Tiff Needell and Vicki ButlerHenderson present the motor magazine show. The Chronicles of Riddick Daylight Pawn Stars ITV4 Nightscreen

7:00am 9:00am 11:20am 1:20pm 3:40pm 5:40pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 12:15am

X-Men X2 X-Men: The Last Stand The Equalizer X-Men X2 X-Men: The Last Stand The Equalizer Die Hard with a Vengeance 2:30am Con Air 4:40am Maverick

7:20am 9:00am 10:50am 12:30pm 2:30pm 4:15pm 5:50pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:45am 2:15am

Son of the Mask Young Frankenstein Analyze That The 40 Year Old Virgin Boat Trip Three Night Stand Analyze That Lovesick The 40 Year Old Virgin About Last Night Revenge for Jolly! American Pie

8:45am The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 9:15am Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 11:00am Extraterrestrial 1:00pm Shelby 2:45pm Cake 4:45pm Taken 3 6:45pm Bridge of Spies: Sky Movies Special 7:15pm Ghosthunters: On Icy pTrails 9:00pm Taken 3 11:00pm Cake 12:45am Extraterrestrial 2:30am 13 Sins A down-on-his luck salesman agrees to complete 13 increasingly sinister challenges for financial reward 4:10am Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails A fearful young boy forms an unlikely bond with a loveable green ghost and tries to help him reclaim his haunted house.

7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm

10:30pm 12:30am

Football Gold Football Gold WWE SmackDown! Boxing:Straight Outta Brixton Fight Night Anthony Joshua-the Knockouts Intl Premier Tennis League Barclays Premier League World Premier League 100 Club Premier League Boxing Mosconi Cup Pool Boxing Barclays Premier League World Fantasy Football Club Highlights Boxing Premier League 100 Club Premier League Premier League 100 Club Bpl Legends Premier League 100 Club Boxing

Cricket Cricket Pace Like Fire NFL Highlights Cricket's Greatest Cricket Cricket Watersports World 2015 Cricket Cricket Watersports World 2015 Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest Cricket Cricket Cricket's Greatest Cricket Cricket Day one of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at University Oval, Dunedin. Boxing Cricket

OPINION & COMMENT

LETTERS

www.euroweeklynews.com

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com

Keep on telling it as it is and perhaps the penny will drop DEAR Leapy Lee, In response to both your latest articles, I’m in full agreement. Yes, you would think everyone has got-it by now but if you dare talk as you do, there are still many who will scream Islamophobic, racist and the like. We didn’t wake up to reality after 9/11 or the subsequent attacks in London, Madrid plus so many more - in fact hardly a day goes by, when there isn’t a report of a Muslim atrocity somewhere in the world. Deal with the problem at source is a popular political comment and I agree - just close down the Mosques and deport the preachers of hatred, because contrary to the established view, terrorism has everything to do with Islam. Keep on telling it as it is Leapy and perhaps eventually, the penny will drop. Terry O via Website

Not so caring RE: Local hospitals in top 20 for patient care I cannot speak for all hospitals but knowing the top hospital in Torrevieja I wonder how is the patient care in the last 20. I had my wrist broken, but not dislocated. So I got a so-called ‘cast.’ This cast consisted of several layers of plaster on the upper part of my wrist and arm. The rest consisted of bandage. As every orthopaedic nurse knows this is no cast and cannot fix broken bones. I tried to mention this to no avail. I got the next appointment with a specialist after five days. Inevitably in these five days a dislocation developed. I told the specialist, but he made a cast over the dislocation anyway. He sent me away for three weeks. After one week my wrist suddenly hurt like hell. I went to the hospital. They did X-rays and, what a surprise, the wrist was dislocated. They gave me an appointment for the operation, all proceedings went quick and well. I had a drip and was transferred to my room. My room was excellent, no qualms here. The nurses were nice

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

Highway Code Just read this week’s copy of Euro Weekly News (issue 1587). In particular Gemma Quinn’s article on page 25, titled The Rules of the Road. How ironic, I had gone into various book shops in Torrevieja to see if there was a Spanish highway code but written in English! To which it seems there is not despite an apparent large call one available. So, do you know, is this booklet a Spanish version of a highway code? If it is, or as near as damn it, I would recommend the local British in this area to purchase, download and read it! And make money for the children’s cause. I welcome your thoughts. John Bryant.

and friendly. I waited with the drip. Thursday evening came and went, Friday evening came and went. Saturday morning i told the nurses in the department, I would wait until midday. If no operation I would the take the drip out and leave the hospital. And so it went. I left the hospital with a displaced joint. There are some lessons to be learned. They cannot make a proper cast in the emergency department, there is no proper organisation in scheduling the operations… You cannot leave a patient for so long on a drip if you do not know when the patient is due, you can make the venous access some minutes before the operation. In Spain I have never seen a nurse

or doctor wash her/his hands. The same is true for the health centres. On the other hand the specialists are usually first class. Arnold Dietz

Would France show solidarity? I HAVEN’T always agreed with Leapy or his view on other subjects, but I most definitely agree with his comment on ‘solidarity from France.’ No I do not think they would be so quick to assist us if the

how long it took the ambulance to arrive. I had the same thing happen to me. My friend was out here on holiday and we had been out for the evening. She went into the bedroom to change her shoes and had a heart attack. We called the ambulance straight away and one of the neighbours gave her mouth to mouth and CPR but couldn’t keep it up for the 45 minutes it took for the ambulance to get to the flat. By the time the ambulance eventually got to her she was dead. Then the ambulance men tried to revive her, but after she was dead that long it was all done in vain. All my neighbours were really worried because it could have been any one of us. You don’t expect to wait 45 minutes when it is an emergency. It just isn’t good enough. Irene Shepherd

The better person

boot was on the other foot. Think about the comments with the Calais situation when France had an influx of immigrants, “if the illegal immigrants want to go to the UK, who are we to stop them. If that’s where they want to go why should we stop them?” !!! LD, Los Alcazares

It’s not good enough DEAR Sir, I read in the paper the other day about the man who died at the sports centre on Orihuela Costa and

WELL I feel England as always has been the better person... Again a syndrome we seem destined to promote... But it is genuine and these atrocities I feel are not over. Yes Belgium has finally awoken from something akin to complacency, yes England should do the same. Whether this will happen remains to be seen!!!!!! I do feel closed gates and bolting horses springs to mind!!! Well in all this disaster I do feel for Muslims who are against this extremist behaviour, murder in my book... But they need to be seen condemning this extremism... And I feel they are not... Yours sincerely Carolyn

WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

www.euroweeklynews.com

The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

10:15am Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Oxford Street Revealed 12:45pm Family Finders 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm The Doctor Blake Mysteries 4:10pm Escape to the Country 4:40pm Home Comforts at Christmas 5:25pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Citizen Khan 10:00pm Have I Got News for You 10:30pm Peter Kay's Car Share 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show

8:00am Oxford Street Revealed 8:45am Flog it! Trade Secrets 9:15am An Island Parish: Falklands 9:45am Great British Menu 10:15am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm Cash in the Attic 2:45pm Pressure Pad 3:30pm The Great British Bake Off 4:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 5:00pm The World's Most Photographed 5:30pm Wogan: The Best of 6:15pm Bargain Hunt 7:00pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm An Island Parish: Falklands 10:00pm Alex Polizzi: Hire Our Heroes 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:00am Artsnight

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Gino's Italian Escape: Islands in the Sun 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Piers Morgan's Life Stories 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm 300 1:45am Jackpot247 4:00am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 4:40am ITV Nightscreen

7:00am 7:10am 7:35am 8:20am 8:55am 9:25am 9:35am 10:40am 11:35am 1:25pm 1:55pm 2:30pm 2:55pm 3:40pm 4:50pm 5:55pm 7:00pm

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 1:00am 3:10am

The Hot Desk You've Been Framed! Psych Emmerdale Emmerdale The Hot Desk The Cube Psych Holiday Engagement Emmerdale Emmerdale You've Been Framed! Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder Studio courtroom show in which criminal barrister Robert Rinder rules on real life cases. You've Been Framed! Two and a Half Men The Dark Knight Pitch Black Teleshopping

8:00pm World's Craziest Fools 8:30pm Don't Tell the Bride 9:30pm Sherlock 11:00pm EastEnders 11:30pm Russell Howard's Good News Extra 12:15am American Dad! 12:40am American Dad! 1:00am Family Guy 1:25am Family Guy 1:45am Rent a Cop 2:15am Josh 2:45am Russell Howard's Good News Extra 3:30am Asian Provocateur

8:00pm 8:30pm 9:20pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

World News Today The Good Old Days Pop Go the Sixties Sounds of the 70s TOTP 2 Rollermania: Britain's Biggest Boy Band 12:00am I'm in a Boy Band 1:00am TOTP 2 2:00am Rollermania: Britain's Biggest Boy Band

7:00am Movies Now 7:10am George and Mildred 7:35am Heartbeat 8:40am Murder, She Wrote 9:35am Where the Heart is 10:35am Judge Judy 11:00am Judge Judy 11:30am Judge Judy 11:55am A Touch of Frost 2:00pm Heartbeat 3:05pm Wycliffe 4:10pm Where the Heart is 5:15pm On the Buses 5:50pm On the Buses 6:20pm George and Mildred 6:55pm Heartbeat 7:55pm Murder, She Wrote Murder mystery series about a sleuthing writer. 9:00pm Midsomer Murders 11:00pm Law and Order: UK 12:05am Cold Blood 1:35am The Constant Gardener 3:50am Judge Judy 4:10am ITV3 Nightscreen 4:40am Emmerdale Omnibus

www.euroweeklynews.com

7:00am Countdown 7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 11:00am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Jamie at Home Christmas Special 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Couples Come Dine with Me 1:45pm Channel 4 Racing 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Posh Pawnbrokers 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm TFI Friday 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:05am First Dates 1:10am That's So Last Century 2:10am The Host 4:15am Four Rooms

7:00am 7:50am 8:45am 9:50am 10:50am 11:55am 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:05pm 3:35pm 4:40pm 5:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:55pm 1:50am

3:45am

4:00am

Gunsmoke The Professionals Minder Alias Smith and Jones Gunsmoke The Professionals Kojak Minder Pawn Stars Alias Smith and Jones The Professionals The Secret War of Harry Frigg Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Storage Wars Texas Storage Wars Texas Red Sonja Kull the Conqueror Texas Killing Fields American crime drama based on real events. ITV4 Nightscreen Text-based information service. Teleshopping Shopping from home.

8:10am 8:20am 8:35am 8:50am 9:00am 9:15am 9:25am 9:35am 9:50am 10:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:30pm 2:35pm 3:05pm 4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm

7:00am 9:50am 12:00pm 2:40pm 3:00pm 5:20pm 7:20pm 10:00pm 12:30am 2:15am 4:00am

8:00am 9:45am 11:45am 1:45pm 3:30pm 5:15pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:40am 2:15am 3:45am

Little Princess Bob the Builder Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Bananas in Pajamas Toot the Tiny Tugboat The Wright Stuff Hats Off to Christmas 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Mr. St. Nick Twelve Trees of Christmas 5 News at 5 Neighbours 5 News Tonight World's Ultimate Strongest Team 2015 Ice Road Truckers The Definitive History of Star Wars How Star Wars Changed the World Greatest Sci-Fi Movies

The Patriot The 6th Day Gladiator The Top Ten Show 2015 The Matrix Chain Reaction Gladiator The Matrix Commando 2047: Sights of Death Road House

Alien Autopsy The Interview Get Smart My Man is a Loser Austin Powers in Goldmember The Waterboy Last Vegas The Interview My Man is a Loser Better Living Through Chemistry The Monster Squad A Shot in the Dark

7:00am 7:45am 9:30am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:50pm 12:20am 12:50am 1:55am 2:30am

Revenge Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Rush Hour 3 The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Bodyshockers Drifters Drifters

8:45am The Top Ten Show 2015 9:00am Extraterrestrial 10:45am Kill the Messenger 12:45pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 2:30pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 3:00pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:45pm Focus 6:45pm Transformers: Age of Extinction Special 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Focus 11:00pm Kill the Messenger 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial 4:15am Bad Asses on the Bayou Two ageing vigilantes team up and head to Louisiana to track down a kidnapped friend. 5:45am The Visit

FRIDAY TV

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 12:45am 1:15am 1:45am 2:00am 3:00am 3:30am

7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 11:45pm 12:15am

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE Main Event Boxing Boxing:Straight Outta Brixton Barclays Premier League World Boxing Football Gold Football Gold Intl Premier Tennis League La Liga Show 2015 The Fantasy Football Club Boxing Football Boxing The Fantasy Football Club Football Gold Barclays Premier League Review Boxing Football Gold The Fantasy Football Club Boxing Boxing

Cricket Cricket Pace Like Fire Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest Cricket Cricket Sporting Greats Sporting Greats Cricket Cricket Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest NFL Highlights Cricket Cricket Fight Night-Chris Eubank Jnr Boxing Anthony Joshua:the Knockouts Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Barclays Premier League Preview Boxing:Straight Outta Brixton Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

11:00am Saturday Kitchen 12:30pm Simply Nigella 1:00pm BBC News 1:10pm Football Focus 1:50pm Saturday Sportsday 2:00pm Lewis Hamilton: Making History - F1 2015 Review 3:00pm Bargain Hunt 4:00pm Toy Story 5:15pm Final Score 6:15pm Celebrity Mastermind 6:45pm BBC News 6:55pm BBC London News 7:00pm Pointless 7:50pm Strictly Come Dancing 9:30pm Casualty 10:20pm The National Lottery Live 10:30pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Match of the Day 12:40am The Apprentice 1:40am Weather for the Week Ahead

7:55am Anything But Christmas 9:25am Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan 11:00am Animal Park 11:30am Kangaroo Dundee 12:00pm Ronnie's Animal Crackers 12:30pm Ronnie's Animal Crackers 1:00pm Home Comforts at Christmas 3:15pm Len and Ainsley's Big Food Adventure 4:00pm Terry and Mason's Great Food Trip 4:30pm Escape to the Country 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Football: Euro 2016 Draw 7:30pm The Great Pottery Throw Down 8:30pm Japan: Earth's Enchanted Island 9:30pm Dad's Army 10:00pm QI XL 10:45pm Top of the Pops 2 11:45pm The Prestige

8:40am Mr. Bean 9:00am The Aquabats! Super Show! 9:30am Thunderbirds are Go 10:00am Jessie 10:25am Murder, She Wrote 11:20am The Jeremy Kyle Show 1:30pm ITV News and Weather 1:35pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 2:40pm Judge Rinder 3:40pm The Polar Express 5:30pm Doc Martin 6:35pm ITV News London 6:45pm Catchphrase 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 9:00pm The X Factor 11:05pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:10am ITV News and Weather

7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:25am Emmerdale Omnibus 10:10am Coronation Street Omnibus 12:35pm The Xtra Factor 1:35pm I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out 2:40pm Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas 3:40pm Scorpion 4:35pm You've Been Framed! 5:35pm Take Me Out 6:45pm Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium 8:40pm Back to the Future Part III 11:05pm The Xtra Factor 12:05am Celebrity Juice 1:05am Release the Hounds 2:05am Viral Tap 2:40am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 12:15am 12:40am 1:00am 1:25am 1:45am 2:05am 2:25am 2:50am 3:20am 3:50am

Don't Tell the Bride Top Gear Live at the Apollo 8 Mile Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Josh Asian Provocateur Great Movie Mistakes

8:00pm Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World 9:00pm Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues 10:00pm The Bridge 11:00pm The Bridge 12:00am Jeff Lynne's ELO in Concert

7:00am 7:20am 7:45am 8:40am 9:40am 11:40am 12:50pm 1:50pm 3:55pm 5:55pm

8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 1:05am

Judge Judy On the Buses Where the Heart is Where the Heart is Clash of the Santas Wycliffe Rosemary and Thyme Agatha Christie's Marple A Touch of Frost Columbo Detective drama with the shambling sleuth. Rosemary and Thyme Midsomer Murders Lewis A Touch of Frost Set in the town of Denton, this police drama series focuses on Detective Inspector Frost and his long-suffering Superintendent Harry Mullett.

www.euroweeklynews.com

7:15am 7:40am 8:05am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 5:00pm 5:25pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:05pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:15am

7:00am 7:40am 8:20am 9:15am 10:15am 10:50am 11:20am 11:45am 12:10pm 12:35pm 1:05pm 1:35pm 3:35pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:05am 2:00am 3:55am

King of Queens King of Queens King of Queens Anglesey Sandman Triathlon Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond The Morning Line Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons Channel 4 Racing Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News The World's Weirdest Weather Grand Designs Red 2 TFI Friday

8:20am Little Princess 8:30am Pip Ahoy! 8:50am Blaze and the Monster Machines 9:15am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 9:30am Wanda and the Alien 9:45am Toby's Travelling Circus 9:55am Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30am The Saturday Show 12:30pm Santa Who? 2:20pm The Perfect Holiday 4:10pm The Nine Lives of Christmas 5:55pm Once Upon a Christmas 7:35pm 5 News Weekend 7:40pm Fail Army 8:05pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 10:00pm Football League Tonight 11:25pm The Definitive History of Star Wars 12:25am How Star Wars Changed the World

7:45am 8:10am 8:40am 9:05am

Ax Men Ax Men Motorsport UK Bundesliga World Rugby 7s Series Highlights Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Storage Wars Texas Storage Wars Texas The 'Burbs Blues Brothers 2000 The Car Chasers The Car Chasers Fifth Gear Storage Wars New York Storage Wars New York River Monsters Hard to Kill The Quest The Sentinel ITV4 Nightscreen

7:00am 9:00am 11:10am 2:00pm 4:20pm 6:20pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 1:30am 2:00am 4:05am

10:45am The Spongebob Movie 12:30pm Kill the Messenger 2:30pm Avengers: Age of Ultron Special 3:00pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:45pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 5:15pm Focus 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Focus 11:00pm Kill the Messenger 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial 4:15am Bad Asses on the Bayou Two ageing vigilantes team up and head to Louisiana to track down a kidnapped friend.

Eragon Air Force One Saving Private Ryan Fury Eragon I, Frankenstein Saving Private Ryan Fury Spectre: Special Con Air Tora! Tora! Tora!

9:45am Father of the Bride 11:40am Dumb and Dumber To 1:45pm Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles 3:30pm American Pie 5:15pm Daddy Day Care 7:00pm Father of the Bride 9:00pm Dumb and Dumber To 11:00pm Pretty Woman 1:10am American Pie

9:35am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:05pm 3:35pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:05am

Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother Baby Daddy Baby Daddy The Goldbergs The Goldbergs Made in Chelsea Couples Come Dine with Me Couples Come Dine with Me Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey The Goldbergs The Goldbergs City of Ember The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Paul Gogglebox

SATURDAY TV

7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 11:00am 1:00pm 3:45pm 4:15pm 4:45pm 5:15pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am 3:30am 3:45am 4:00am 4:15am

7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 3:45pm 4:45pm 5:45pm 6:15pm 8:15pm 8:25pm 10:30pm 10:45pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:30am

Boxing Boxing Boxing Boxing Game Changers Barclays Premier League Review The Fantasy Football Club Soccer A.M. Football Boxing Boxing Boxing Boxing Boxing Ford Saturday Night Football SNF: Game of the Day SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice Sky Sports Boxing Gold Sky Sports Boxing Gold Sky Sports Boxing Gold Sky Sports Boxing Gold

Cricket Cricket WWE SmackDown! Cricket Cricket Football Cricket Cricket Cricket's Greatest Football Spanish Football Gold Football La Liga Spanish Gold Football's Greatest Football's Greatest Football's Greatest Cricket Day four of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

7:00am Breakfast 8:35am Match of the Day 10:00am The Andrew Marr Show 11:00am Fern Britton Meets... 12:00pm Sunday Politics 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Saving the Forgotten Jews 2:45pm Lifeline 2:55pm Flog It! 3:45pm Toy Story 2 5:15pm Songs of Praise 5:50pm The Hunt 6:50pm BBC News 7:10pm BBC London News 7:20pm Countryfile 8:20pm Strictly Come Dancing 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 10:00pm The Hunt 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm BBC London News 11:30pm Match of the Day 2 12:40am Citizen Khan 1:10am Weather for the Week Ahead 1:15am BBC News

8:25am 8:40am 8:50am 9:00am 9:25am 9:30am

10:00am 10:25am 11:25am 12:30pm 1:30pm 1:40pm 4:00pm 6:00pm 7:35pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Super 4 Mr. Bean Mr. Bean The Aquabats! Super Show! Oddbods Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload Jessie Murder, She Wrote The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show ITV News and Weather Evil Under the Sun The X Factor The Scorpion King ITV News London ITV News and Weather Jekyll and Hyde The X Factor Results Show The World According to Kenny Everett ITV News and Weather

7:45am Big Dreams Small Spaces 8:45am Countryfile 9:45am An Island Parish: Falklands 10:15am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 11:45am Home Comforts at Christmas 1:15pm MOTD2 Extra 2:00pm Jason and the Argonauts 3:45pm Family Finders 4:15pm Escape to the Continent 5:15pm Athletics 6:20pm Nativity! 8:00pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Horizon 10:00pm Monty Don's Secret History of the British Garden 11:00pm Professor Green: Suicide and Me 12:00am Seven Years in Tibet 2:10am Countryfile 3:05am Holby City 4:05am Home Comforts at Christmas

3:50am 6:50am 7:00am 7:10am 9:45am 12:15pm 2:20pm 3:20pm 3:55pm 5:50pm 6:50pm 9:00pm 11:00pm

12:00am 1:50am 2:30am

2:55am 3:20am

Teleshopping ITV2 Nightscreen The Hot Desk Emmerdale Omnibus Coronation Street Omnibus The X Factor The Xtra Factor Merry Christmas Mr Bean Ella Enchanted Catchphrase Peter Pan The Nutty Professor The Xtra Factor Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes present the last in the series of the companion show. Keith Lemon: The Film Viral Tap Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records Animal Practice Teleshopping Shopping from home.

8:00pm Don't Tell the Bride 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Enemy of the State 12:05am Family Guy 12:50am American Dad! 1:10am Family Guy 1:30am Josh 2:00am Rent a Cop 2:30am Siblings 3:00am Siblings 3:30am Siblings 4:00am Together 4:30am Together 5:00am This is BBC Three

8:00pm Blood and Gold: The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore 9:00pm Ballrooms and Ballerinas: Dance at the BBC 10:00pm Dance Rebels: A Story of Modern Dance 11:30pm Easy Money II: Hard to Kill

7:00am 7:25am 7:50am 9:50am 10:50am 11:55am 1:55pm 3:55pm 5:55pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 1:05am

3:25am 4:20am 4:40am

On the Buses On the Buses Clash of the Santas Heartbeat Heartbeat A Touch of Frost Columbo Agatha Christie's Marple Midsomer Murders Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs Lewis Midsomer Murders Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express All-star adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel set on the Orient Express. Wycliffe ITV3 Nightscreen Emmerdale Omnibus Paddy is under pressure. David gets a lead on the stolen ring. Megan says her goodbyes.

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7:15am King of Queens 7:40am Asics Beat the Sun 2015 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Frasier 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Sunday Brunch 1:30pm The Big Bang Theory 2:00pm The Big Bang Theory 2:30pm The Big Bang Theory 3:00pm The Simpsons 3:30pm The Simpsons 4:00pm Marley and Me 6:20pm Aladdin 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Britain's Wildest Weather 2015 10:00pm Homeland 11:00pm Gogglebox 12:05am Mama 1:55am Grand Designs 2:45am Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 3:40am Four in a Bed 4:10am Four in a Bed 4:35am Four in a Bed 5:05am Four in a Bed 5:35am Four in a Bed

7:00am Ax Men 7:45am Ax Men 8:20am Alias Smith and Jones 9:25am The Professionals 10:30am Fifth Gear 11:30am Shed and Buried 12:35pm Shed and Buried 1:35pm Pawn Stars 2:05pm Pawn Stars 2:35pm Pawn Stars 3:00pm Pawn Stars 3:30pm Pawn Stars 4:05pm No Name on the Bullet 5:45pm Jeremiah Johnson 8:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 9:00pm Football Dream Debuts 10:00pm The Day of the Jackal 12:55am Quadrophenia 3:20am Pawn Stars 3:40am ITV4 Nightscreen Text-based information service. 4:00am Teleshopping Shopping from home.

8:15am 8:25am 8:40am 9:00am 9:10am 9:35am 9:50am 10:05am 10:20am 10:40am 11:00am 11:35am 1:00pm 1:35pm 3:20pm 5:05pm 7:00pm 8:35pm 10:55pm 11:00pm 1:25am 1:55am

9:00am 11:15am 1:00pm 3:00pm 5:45pm 8:15pm 10:00pm 12:00am 2:10am 3:55am 5:40am

6:30am 8:05am 10:00am 11:50am 1:40pm 3:30pm 5:15pm 7:10pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:40am 2:25am

SUNDAY TV

Make Way for Noddy Paw Patrol Little Princess Pip Ahoy! Blaze and the Monster Machines Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Wanda and the Alien Toby's Travelling Circus Jelly Jamm LazyTown Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Football League Tonight Fail Army The Christmas Shepherd Meet the Santas Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan A Country Christmas Story Scrooge 5 News Weekend The Blind Side True Crimes: The First 72 Hours Super Casino

7:00am Rules of Engagement 7:20am How I Met Your Mother 7:40am How I Met Your Mother 8:00am Baby Daddy 8:30am Baby Daddy 9:00am Melissa and Joey 9:30am Melissa and Joey 10:00am Made in Chelsea 11:00am Hollyoaks Omnibus 1:30pm Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events 3:35pm Rude(Ish) Tube 4:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 5:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:30pm The Big Bang Theory 6:00pm The Big Bang Theory 6:30pm The Big Bang Theory 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm Twilight 10:00pm The Big Bang Theory 10:30pm The Big Bang Theory 11:00pm The Big Bang Theory 11:30pm The Inbetweeners 12:00am The Inbetweeners 12:35am The IT Crowd 1:40am First Dates 2:40am Gogglebox

7:00am SNF: Match Choice 8:30am SNF: Match Choice 10:00am The Sunday Supplement 11:30am Goals on Sunday 1:30pm Ford Super Sunday 4:30pm Ford Super Sunday 7:30pm Football League Goals 8:25pm Football Villareal meet Real Madrid in La Liga. 10:30pm Football's Greatest II A profile of Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. 11:00pm Ford Football Special Aston Villa take on Arsenal at Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur play Newcastle United at White Hart Lane 12:30am Cricket Day five of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart.

xXx xXx2: The Next Level Taken 3 The Guns of Navarone Zulu Drive Hard Taken 3 xXx xXx2: The Next Level Turbulence Volcano: Fire on the Mountain

8:45am Extraterrestrial 10:30am The Top Ten Show 2015 10:45am Kill the Messenger 12:45pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 1:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 3:00pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:45pm Focus 6:45pm Transformers: Age of Extinction Special 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Focus 11:00pm Kill the Messenger 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial 4:15am Bad Asses on the Bayou 5:45am The Visit Sky Movies takes a special look at M Night Shyamalan's psychological horrorcomedy.

7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:55pm 3:00pm

Coneheads Almost Christmas Caddyshack Be Kind Rewind Horrible Bosses 2 Big Daddy The Jewel of the Nile Click Shaun of the Dead Horrible Bosses 2 Mean Machine Dead Man on Campus

3:30pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 10:00pm 2:00am 5:30am

5:45am

Cricket Cricket Pace Like Fire Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest Cricket's Greatest Cricket Cricket Football NFL:Dwight Freeney Interview NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL Football Gold A chance to relive some classic football matches. Here is Rangers against Celtic at Ibrox Football Gold A chance to relive some classic matches from English football's top flight.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

10:15am Operation Meet the Street 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Oxford Street Revealed 12:45pm Family Finders 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm The Doctor Blake Mysteries 4:10pm Escape to the Country 4:40pm Home Comforts at Christmas 5:25pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Fake Britain 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm The Taliban Hunters 10:00pm Crimewatch 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Crimewatch 11:45pm Have I Got a Bit More News for You

7:00am Oxford Street Revealed 7:45am Family Finders 8:15am Flog it! Trade Secrets 9:15am Caught Red Handed 9:45am Thief Trackers 10:15am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm Cash in the Attic 2:45pm Pressure Pad 3:30pm The Great British Bake Off 4:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 5:00pm The World's Most Photographed 5:30pm Wogan: The Best of 6:15pm Bargain Hunt 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites 8:30pm Only Connect 9:00pm Simply Nigella 10:00pm Back in Time for Christmas 11:00pm Live at the Apollo 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Horizon

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm The Martin Lewis Money Show 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Las Vegas with Trevor Mcdonald 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Nation's Favourite Beatles Number One 1:30am Jackpot247 4:00am The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:55am ITV Nightscreen

7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:25am Psych 8:10am Emmerdale 8:40am Coronation Street 9:10am Coronation Street 9:40am The Cube 10:40am Psych 11:30am Catchphrase 12:30pm Best of You've Been Framed! 1:30pm Emmerdale 2:00pm Coronation Street 2:30pm Coronation Street 3:00pm Catchphrase 3:40pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:50pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00pm Judge Rinder 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm American Pie: The Wedding 12:00am Pitch Black

8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm Don't Tell the Bride 10:00pm Reggie Yates' Extreme UK 11:00pm EastEnders 11:30pm Bad Education 12:00am American Dad! 12:25am American Dad! 12:45am Family Guy 1:10am Family Guy 1:30am Reggie Yates' Extreme UK 2:25am Siblings 2:55am Siblings 3:55am Reggie Yates' Extreme UK

8:30pm The Boats That Built Britain 9:00pm The Boats That Built Britain 9:30pm The Quizeum 10:00pm Inside Einstein's Mind: The Enigma of Space and Time 11:00pm Atlantis: The Evidence 12:00am Cleopatra: A Timewatch Guide

7:00am 7:20am 7:45am 8:50am 9:40am 10:40am 11:05am 11:35am 12:00pm 2:05pm 3:10pm 4:15pm 5:20pm 5:50pm 6:20pm 6:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Judge Judy George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Where the Heart is Judge Judy Judge Judy Judge Judy A Touch of Frost Heartbeat Wild at Heart Where the Heart is On the Buses On the Buses George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Foyle's War Law and Order: UK The Kindness of Strangers 1:35am Wild at Heart Last in the series of the drama set on a South African nature reserve. 2:35am Wycliffe 3:30am Teleshopping Shopping from home.

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7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:10am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 11:00am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Jamie's Cracking Christmas 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Kirstie's Handmade Christmas 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Deal or No Deal 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Posh Pawnbrokers 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm Supershoppers Do Christmas 10:00pm Our Guy in Latvia 11:00pm Fargo 12:05am 24 Hours in A and E 1:05am Ramsay's Hotel Hell

8:10am 8:20am 8:35am 8:50am 9:00am

7:00am The Big Match Revisited 7:50am The Professionals 8:50am Minder 9:55am Alias Smith and Jones 11:00am I Want That Car 12:00pm The Professionals 1:00pm Kojak 2:00pm Minder 3:00pm Pawn Stars 3:30pm Pawn Stars 4:00pm Pawn Stars 4:30pm Pawn Stars 4:55pm Alias Smith and Jones 6:00pm The Professionals 7:00pm Kojak 8:00pm Pawn Stars 8:30pm Pawn Stars 9:00pm Storage Wars New York 9:30pm Storage Wars New York 10:00pm The Game of Death 12:05am Bundesliga 1:05am Motorsport UK 2:05am Ax Men 2:50am Minder 3:45am ITV4 Nightscreen

7:15am Charlie's Angels 9:00am Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle 11:00am The Comancheros 1:00pm Edge of Tomorrow 3:00pm True Lies 5:25pm Charlie's Angels 7:10pm Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle 9:00pm Edge of Tomorrow 11:00pm True Lies 1:30am Bloodsport

9:15am 9:25am 9:35am 9:50am 10:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:30pm 2:35pm 3:05pm 4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 1:50am

Little Princess Bob the Builder Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Bananas in Pajamas Toot the Tiny Tugboat The Wright Stuff A Perfect Christmas 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Angels and Ornaments The Christmas Switch 5 News at 5 Neighbours 5 News Tonight Police Interceptors Impractical Jokers Impractical Jokers Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole The Best of Bad TV: The 70s Super Casino

7:45am Curse of the Pink Panther 9:45am The Good Dinosaur: Special 10:15am Son of the Mask 12:00pm Good Luck Chuck 1:45pm Grudge Match 3:40pm The Waterboy 5:15pm Analyze This 7:05pm Never Been Kissed 9:00pm Good Luck Chuck 10:45pm Grudge Match 12:40am The Longest Week 2:10am The Lost Boys

7:00am 7:45am 8:35am 9:30am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 1:05am 2:10am

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory Made in Chelsea Scream Queens Gogglebox Gogglebox Rude Tube

7:00am Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 8:45am The Top Ten Show 2015 9:00am Extraterrestrial 10:45am The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 12:30pm Kill the Messenger 2:30pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:15pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special Sky Movies takes a special look at Pixar's animated prehistoric adventure. 4:45pm Focus 6:45pm Avengers: Age of Ultron Special 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Kill the Messenger 11:00pm Focus 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial

MONDAY TV

7:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:30am 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 1:45pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am 2:00am 5:00am

Cricket Cricket's Greatest Goals on Sunday Ford Football Special FL72 Goals Premier League Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football League Goals Goals on Sunday Ford Football Special Fantasy Football Club Highlights Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Football League Goals Ford Monday Night Football Premier League SPFL Round Up Football League Goals NFL: Giants @ Miami NFL A tribute to NFL hallof-famer Don Shula.

7:00am Sir Clive Woodward Interviews Roy Hodgson 8:00am Sporting Rivalries 8:30am Cricket 9:30am Cricket's Greatest 10:00am Cricket's Greatest 10:30am Cricket's Greatest 11:00am Cricket 12:00pm Cricket 1:00pm Cricket's Greatest 1:30pm Cricket's Greatest 2:00pm Cricket 3:00pm Cricket 4:00pm Crickets Greatest 4:30pm Crickets Greatest 5:00pm Crickets Greatest 5:30pm Crickets Greatest 6:00pm Cricket 7:00pm Cricket 8:00pm Football's Greatest Teams 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Football's Greatest Teams 11:30pm Crickets Greatest 12:00am Cricket 1:00am Premier League 100 Club 1:30am MNF Highlights

FEATURE

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10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

Creating harmony for Christmas and beyond A REASONABLE time to look for similarities rather than differences between peoples and faiths By Marcus Hopkins CHRISTMAS is intended to be a time of peace and harmony. Perhaps a reasonable time to look for similarities rather than differences between peoples and faiths. Four hundred and eighty Muslim soldiers currently serve in the British army. The Ministry of Defence want to increase the percentage of Muslims in the military. To achieve this, it is essential for British Muslims to feel that they will be accepted within the army, as they are. Muslim Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi, born in Pakistan and who moved to Britain when he was 12, paid the ultimate price for Queen and country, being killed in action in Afghanistan. Sheffield born boxer Naseem Hamed, one of Britain’s greatest boxing talents is another Muslim so many British are proud of. In the business world there is Sir Anwar Pervez, Britain’s richest Muslim. According to the Sunday Times rich list,

LONDON BUSES: Adverts are being placed on them with the slogan ‘United against extremism.’

Sir Anwar and his family “would be even richer if they did not give large sums to charity.” Then helping to protect the streets of London was Ugandan born Tarique Ghaffur, formerly one of Britain’s most senior police officers, whose parents came from modern day Pakistan. The actions of terrorist groups such as Daesh is

giving Muslims a terrible name in the UK. But that is exactly what Daesh are trying to do, but only if we allow it. Remember that in the last few weeks, along with attacks in Paris, Daesh have bombed Muslim targets too. At this time of year, and at this present moment, creating harmony demands that peaceful

Christians and Muslims stand together. Jesus, who Christians celebrate at this festive time, is also one of the most revered figures of Islam, as is Mary, facts often forgotten in the West. A UK Muslim charity, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK is continuing its campaign to counter extremist rhetoric, with advertisements being placed on 100 London buses with the slogan ‘United against extremism.’ Holding out a hand of friendship to people from a different tradition, a different culture, even a different mind-set, can be a catalyst to building a more harmonious future. Politics and religion whether in Spain, the UK, Ireland or elsewhere, can only be managed when people work together to end distrust and suspicion. Peace happened in Northern Ireland, even though it took years to achieve, and even though difficulties persist. It took people from all sides, all backgrounds to become brave enough to grasp the pain of getting to know the other side again.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

10:15am Operation Meet the Street 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:30am Blast Off Live: A Stargazing Special 12:15pm Oxford Street Revealed 1:00pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm The Doctor Blake Mysteries 4:10pm Escape to the Country 4:40pm Home Comforts at Christmas 5:25pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Luther 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm Sports Personality The Final 12 12:35am Live at the Apollo 1:05am Weather for the Week Ahead

8:00am Oxford Street Revealed 8:45am Family Finders 9:15am Ireland with Simon Reeve 10:15am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC News 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm The Super League Show 2015 Review 2:45pm Pressure Pad 3:30pm The Great British Bake Off 4:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 5:00pm The World's Most Photographed 5:30pm Wogan: The Best of 6:15pm Bargain Hunt 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Stargazing Live: Brit in Space 9:00pm MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00pm Back in Time for Christmas 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Race to Super Bowl 50

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase Quiz show hosted by Bradley Walsh. Four contestants must pit their wits against the Chaser. 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Countrywise Series celebrating rural Britain. 9:00pm Midsomer Murders 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:45am Freeze Out 1:35am Jackpot247 4:00am Loose Women 4:45am ITV Nightscreen

7:00am The Hot Desk 7:10am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:30am Psych 8:10am Emmerdale 8:40am Coronation Street 9:10am Coronation Street 9:40am The Cube 10:40am Psych 11:35am Secret Santa 1:30pm Emmerdale 2:00pm Coronation Street 2:30pm Coronation Street 3:00pm Catchphrase 3:40pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:50pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:55pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00pm Judge Rinder 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm You've Been Framed! 9:00pm Two and a Half Men 9:30pm Two and a Half Men 10:00pm The Holiday 12:40am Two and a Half Men 1:15am Two and a Half Men 1:45am The Vampire Diaries 2:45am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am 1:00am 1:25am 1:45am 2:45am 3:45am

4:00am 4:55am

Top Gear Don't Tell the Bride Don't Tell the Bride EastEnders Russell Howard's Good News Extra Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Don't Tell the Bride Reggie Yates' Extreme UK Great Movie Mistakes V: Revenge of the Fifth Don't Tell the Bride This is BBC Three

8:30pm The Boats That Built Britain 9:00pm Swarm: Nature's Incredible Invasions 10:00pm Blood and Gold: The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore 11:00pm Ian Hislop Goes off the Rails 12:00am Life of a Mountain: A Year on Scafell Pike

7:00am 7:10am 7:35am 8:40am 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 11:25am 11:55am 2:00pm 3:05pm 4:15pm 5:20pm 5:50pm 6:20pm 6:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 1:30am 2:30am

3:25am

3:30am

Movies Now George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Where the Heart is Judge Judy Judge Judy Judge Judy A Touch of Frost Heartbeat Wild at Heart Where the Heart is On the Buses On the Buses George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Love Your Garden Love Your Garden Meet the Penguins Law and Order: UK The Kindness of Strangers Where the Heart is Wycliffe Detective drama series. ITV3 Nightscreen Text-based information service. Teleshopping Shopping from home.

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7:00am Countdown 7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 11:00am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Jamie's Festive Feast 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Kirstie's Crafty Christmas 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Deal or No Deal 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Posh Pawnbrokers 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Kirstie's Handmade Christmas 10:00pm The World's Most Expensive Christmas 11:00pm That's So Last Century 12:00am Tattoo Fixers 1:00am Pokerstars.Com Shark Cage 2:00am KOTV Boxing Weekly 2:25am Gillette World Sport

7:00am The Big Match Revisited 7:50am The Professionals 8:50am Minder 9:55am Alias Smith and Jones 10:55am Pawn Stars 11:25am Pawn Stars 11:50am The Professionals 12:55pm Kojak 1:55pm Minder 3:00pm Pawn Stars 3:30pm Pawn Stars 3:55pm Pawn Stars 4:25pm Pawn Stars 4:55pm Alias Smith and Jones 6:00pm The Professionals 7:00pm Kojak 8:00pm Pawn Stars 8:30pm Pawn Stars 9:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 10:00pm 6 Bullets 12:20am The Quest 2:15am Ax Men 3:00am Minder Drama series about the shady dealings of a loveable rogue and his reluctant sidekick. 3:55am ITV4 Nightscreen

8:10am 8:20am 8:35am 8:50am 9:00am 9:15am 9:35am 9:50am 10:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:30pm 2:35pm 3:05pm 4:50pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:50am 1:45am

Little Princess Bob the Builder Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Bananas in Pajamas Toot the Tiny Tugboat The Wright Stuff Christmas at Cartwright's 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Mr Miracle A Grandpa for Christmas 5 News at 5 Neighbours 5 News Tonight Britain's Craziest Christmas Lights The Dog Rescuers at Christmas with Alan Davies Meet the Psychopaths CSI: Cyber CSI: Cyber Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole Super Casino

2:30pm Guardians of the Galaxy 4:45pm The Top Ten Show 2015 5:00pm Die Hard with a Vengeance 7:15pm Superman Returns 10:00pm Guardians of the Galaxy 12:15am The Amazing SpiderMan 2 2:45am Green Street

7:35am The Trail of the Pink Panther 9:25am Brewster's Millions 11:15am The Intern: Sky Movies Special 11:30am Get Smart 1:30pm Blended 3:35pm Austin Powers in Goldmember 5:20pm Analyze That 7:05pm Get Smart 9:00pm Blended 11:00pm Superfast 12:45am Welcome to the Jungle 2:25am The Hottie and the Nottie

7:00am 7:45am 8:30am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:50pm 12:25am 12:50am 1:55am

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Troy Tripped The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Gogglebox Rude Tube

7:00am Extraterrestrial 8:45am The Top Ten Show 2015 9:00am Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 10:45am Focus 12:45pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water SpongeBob and the gang leap into action when a pirate steals the secret recipe for Krabby Patties. 2:30pm The Muppets Sky Movies Special 3:00pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:45pm Kill the Messenger 6:45pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Focus 11:00pm Kill the Messenger 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial 4:15am Bad Asses on the Bayou 5:45am Inside Out: Special

TUESDAY TV

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 10:30am 1:00pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 12:15am 12:45am 1:00am

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE SmackDown! Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Fantasy Football Club Highlights Ford Monday Night Football Football Gold Football Gold SPFL Round Up Ford Monday Night Football Fantasy Football Club Highlights Barclays Premier League Review Fantasy Football Club Highlights SPFL Round Up Fantasy Football Club Highlights Barclays Premier League Review Football Football Gold Barclays Premier League Review La Liga World 2015 Football Gold One2eleven

6:30am Premier League 100 Club 7:00am Sporting Heroes 8:00am Sporting Rivalries 8:30am Time of Our Lives 9:30am Sporting Rivalries 10:00am NFL Highlights 11:00am NFL 12:00pm NFL 1:00pm NFL Highlights 2:00pm How the 2015 ICC World Cup Was Won 4:00pm Cricket Specials 4:30pm Cricket Specials 5:00pm Sporting Heroes 6:00pm Sporting Rivalries 6:30pm How the 2015 ICC World Cup Was Won 8:30pm Cricket's Greatest 9:00pm Cricket Specials 9:30pm Cricket Specials 10:00pm NFL Highlights 11:00pm How the 2015 ICC World Cup Was Won 1:00am Cricket's Greatest 1:30am Cricket's Greatest 2:00am Cricket's Greatest 2:30am Cricket's Greatest 3:00am Sporting Rivalries 3:30am Sporting Rivalries 4:00am Cricket's Greatest 4:30am Cricket's Greatest 5:00am Cricket's Greatest

OPINION & COMMENT

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Catch 22 for Mariano Rajoy The messenger boys

Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

THE televised debate arranged by El Pais put Spain’s president Mariano Rajoy in a Catch 22 situation. If he went he might not have put up a good show against Pedro Sanchez, Albert Rivera and Pablo Iglesias. Gravitas, a salt and pepper beard and four years in the Moncloa were not what this particular occasion demanded, and that just about sums up what Rajoy has to offer in any debate. But by not going he laid himself open to cries of ‘Chicken!’ Either way Rajoy was going to lay an egg not long before Spain goes to the polls and he practically incubated it by declaring beforehand that he participates only in one-to-one ‘serious’ debates. What did he think? That the El Pais production was going to be a laugh a minute?

BEFORE the televised threeway debate, the PSOE presidential candidate Pedro Sanchez declared that there is no democracy without debate. No one could argue with that: The right to debate, disagree, suggest and complain are at the heart of democracy. But these television debates? As Marshall McLuhan said in 1964, long before the digital age of instant communication, the medium is the message. And, deserved or not, how much better the message becomes when it is delivered by three personable young politicos like Sanchez, Rivera and Iglesias.

DEMOCRACY: The right to debate, complain, disagree and suggest.

Seen from afar ONLY 21 per cent of the fiercely nationalistic Basques are in favour of independence from Spain. The remainder have had time to observe the antics, retractions, machinations and cajoling of the former and would-be Catalan president Artur Mas, in his desire to guide the region to independence. He must have persuaded them that remaining inside Spain is preferable to ignoring the wishes of half the population.

Give it a rest AHORA MADRID, which controls city hall postponed a debate to change remaining street names linked to the Franco regime. Mayor Manuela Carmena is clearly aware that an alley named after General Mola is no more offensive to 21st century Madrileños than Cromwell Road to Londoners.

Christmas stress: Will you choose to be a survivor or a victim? HOPEFULLY the festive period will be a happy time, but for some it can lead to worries and despair CHRISTMAS time. A time of festivities, love, joy and stress stress stress! Hopefully Christmas will create lots of happiness for you and your family. For many though, this is a time of financial hardship, loneliness and worry. It’s also a time of stress, and at times lots of it. What are the best ways of surviving yuletide stress? What are the best ways of ensuring you don’t become a victim? Planning ahead is always a great idea. If you’re worried about paying for presents, suggest to family and friends a maximum price for each present. It’s important to make giving fun, but it’s impossible to create fun if you’re spending cash you simply don’t have. If you happen to have plenty of

Photo credit: Janko Hoener, Wikimedia.

By Marcus Hopkins

PLAN AHEAD: Have a stress-free Christmas. cash, think of the others in your circle of friends who may be struggling. Your suggestion may be of real help to them.

Think Finance, a loan provider, suggested 45 per cent of people in the USA would prefer to skip Christmas due to financial worries.

Recent research suggests that given the choice, children would choose to have more of their parents’ time over any expensive present. The gift of time is the supreme form of giving, yet how many of us forget this? Consider having a Kris Kringle with family and friends, where everyone draws a name out of a hat and buys a present only for that person or suggest making an agreement to buy presents just for the children. Unless you’re financially secure, don’t blow next month’s money on just one day. The thought of debt can easily increase stress and depression. Christmas is a time for spirituality and friendships. Family and friends want to be with you, rather than with a present that will be soon forgotten. Hopefully your Christmas dinner will be wonderful, a creation any

masterchef would be proud to call their own. But if the turkey burns and the roast potatoes get cremated, don’t worry. You still have the veg, pudding, mince pies and cheese. Plenty of people don’t have any of these. Many won’t have any food at all this Christmas, so your disaster with the meat isn’t really much of an issue. When it comes to relationships, stress, anxiety and feelings of depression are common during the festive season. Create real festivity and happiness by avoiding known triggers. Avoid chatting about topics you know are contentious in your family and don’t make anyone feel unheard. Christmas gives choices. Choose to cherish the time wisely. Gift the gift of happiness and a time that will be treasured, however your Christmas time goes.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

10:15am Operation Meet the Street 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Oxford Street Revealed 12:45pm Family Finders 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm The Doctor Blake Mysteries 4:10pm Escape to the Country 4:40pm Home Comforts at Christmas 5:25pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm Cuffs 10:00pm The Apprentice 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Apprentice: Why I Fired Them 12:35am Film 2015 1:05am Weather for the Week Ahead

8:45am Flog it! Trade Secrets 9:15am Simply Nigella 9:45am Terry and Mason's Great Food Trip 10:15am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC News 12:30pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm Lifeline 2:10pm Coast 2:15pm Britain's First Photo Album 2:45pm Pressure Pad 3:30pm The Great British Bake Off 4:30pm The Great Antiques Map of Britain 5:00pm The World's Most Photographed 5:30pm Wogan: The Best of 6:15pm Bargain Hunt 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 8:00pm Journey Down the Yukon - A Soldier's Challenge 9:00pm MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00pm Love You to Death: A Year of Domestic Violence

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm You Saw Them Here First A new collection of TV appearances made by stars before they became household names. 10:00pm Prey 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Being Kevin Pietersen 12:40am Tipping Point 1:40am Jackpot247

7:25am 8:10am 8:40am 9:40am 10:40am 11:35am 1:30pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 3:40pm 4:50pm 5:55pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:45am 1:40am 2:05am 2:30am

3:00am 3:20am

Psych Emmerdale You've Been Framed! The Cube Psych Merry in-Laws Emmerdale You've Been Framed! Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You've Been Framed! You've Been Framed! Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Love Actually The Vampire Diaries Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records Animal Practice Teleshopping

8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm Don't Tell the Bride 10:00pm Stacey Dooley Investigates 11:00pm Russell Howard's Good News 11:30pm Josh 12:00am Family Guy 12:45am American Dad! 1:05am Family Guy 1:30am Josh 2:00am Russell Howard's Good News 2:30am Don't Tell the Bride 3:25am Cuckoo 3:55am Cuckoo

8:00pm World News Today 8:30pm The Boats That Built Britain 9:00pm Time Shift 10:00pm Horizon Special 11:00pm Horizon 12:00am 2001: A Space Odyssey 2:15am Horizon Special 3:15am Botany

7:00am 7:10am 7:35am 8:40am 9:35am 10:35am 11:00am 11:30am 11:55am 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:10pm 5:15pm 5:50pm 6:20pm 6:55pm 7:55pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

1:10am 3:05am 3:30am

Movies Now George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Where the Heart is Judge Judy Judge Judy Judge Judy A Touch of Frost Heartbeat Wycliffe Where the Heart is On the Buses On the Buses George and Mildred Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Murder mystery series about a sleuthing writer. Long Lost Family Christmas Epic Fails Law and Order: UK Crime drama series. Wycliffe Detective drama series. The Rebel ITV3 Nightscreen Teleshopping

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7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:10am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Frasier 11:00am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Jamie's Christmas with Bells On 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Kirstie's Homemade Christmas 2:05pm Come Dine with Me 3:10pm Deal or No Deal 4:10pm Countdown 5:00pm Posh Pawnbrokers 6:00pm Couples Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Supervet 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Peep Show 11:30pm Toast of London 12:05am 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

8:05am 8:10am 8:20am 8:35am 8:50am 9:00am

7:00am The Big Match Revisited 7:50am The Professionals 8:45am Minder 9:50am Alias Smith and Jones 10:50am Pawn Stars 11:25am Pawn Stars 11:50am The Professionals 12:50pm Kojak 1:55pm Minder 3:00pm Pawn Stars 3:30pm Pawn Stars 3:55pm Pawn Stars 4:25pm Pawn Stars 4:55pm Alias Smith and Jones 6:00pm The Professionals 7:00pm Kojak 8:00pm Pawn Stars 8:30pm Pawn Stars 9:00pm Fifth Gear 10:00pm River Monsters 11:00pm First Blood 1:05am The Day of the Jackal 3:45am ITV4 Nightscreen 4:00am Teleshopping Shopping from home.

10:00am 11:40am 1:30pm 3:50pm

9:15am 9:25am 9:35am 9:50am 10:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:30pm 2:35pm 3:05pm 4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:55am

5:50pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 12:15am 2:15am 4:30am

8:55am 10:40am 12:30pm 1:55pm 3:20pm 5:15pm 7:10pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:45am

Milkshake Monkey Little Princess Bob the Builder Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Bananas in Pajamas Toot the Tiny Tugboat The Wright Stuff The Nine Lives of Christmas 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Once Upon a Christmas A Star for Christmas 5 News at 5 Neighbours 5 News Tonight My Crazy Christmas Obsession GPs: Behind Closed Doors Can't Pay? Benefits Special Suspects Law and Order

Into the Storm Clash of the Titans American Sniper 300: Rise of an Empire Air Force One Clash of the Titans American Sniper 300: Rise of an Empire Starship Troopers Uncommon Valor

St. Vincent Think Like a Man Too The Man South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut Shanghai Noon Shanghai Knights Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Think Like a Man Too St. Vincent One Night in Istanbul

7:00am 7:45am 8:30am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm

WEDNESDAY TV

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks The Twilight Saga: New Moon Supernatural The Big Bang Theory

10:00am Premier League 10:30am Fantasy Football Club Highlights 11:00am Football Gold 12:00pm Premier League 100 Club 12:30pm Premier League 1:00pm La Liga World 2015 1:30pm Fantasy Football Club Highlights 2:00pm Premier League 100 Club 2:30pm Premier League 3:00pm Football Gold 4:00pm Premier League 100 Club 4:30pm La Liga World 2015 5:00pm Premier League 100 Club 5:30pm Premier League 6:00pm Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits 7:00pm Premier League 100 Club 7:30pm Premier League 8:00pm Football Gold 8:30pm Football 11:00pm One2eleven 11:15pm Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits 12:15am One2eleven

8:45am Extraterrestrial 10:30am The Top Ten Show 2015 10:45am Kill the Messenger 12:45pm Transformers: Age of Extinction Special 1:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 3:00pm Ghosthunters: On Icy Trails 4:45pm The Good Dinosaur: Sky Movies Special 5:15pm Focus 7:15pm The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 9:00pm Focus 11:00pm Kill the Messenger 1:00am Bad Asses on the Bayou 2:30am Extraterrestrial 4:15am Bad Asses on the Bayou Two ageing vigilantes team up and head to Louisiana to track down a kidnapped friend.

7:00am Gary Newbon Interviews Carl Lewis 8:00am Sporting Rivalries 8:30am Time of Our Lives 9:30am The Ashes: 1st Test Review 11:30am Cricket: Pace Like Fire 12:00pm The Ashes: 2nd Test Review 2:00pm Cricket: Pace Like Fire 2:30pm The Ashes: 3rd Test Review 4:30pm Cricket: Pace Like Fire 5:00pm The Ashes: 4th Test Review 7:00pm Cricket: Pace Like Fire 7:30pm How the 2015 Ashes Was Won 9:30pm Crickets Greatest 10:00pm Crickets Greatest 11:30pm Premier League 100 Club 12:00am La Liga World 2015 12:30am How the 2015 Ashes Was Won 2:30am Crickets Greatest

2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:05pm 12:05am

TIME OUT

10 - 16 December 2015/ Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

Famous quote

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

‘

Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” John Keating/Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society.

in history 1431, Hundred Years´War: Henry VI is crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris. 1508, The League of Cambrai is formed by Pope Julius II, Louis XII of France, Maximillian I, Holy Roman Emperor and Ferdinand II of Aragon as an alliance against Venice. 1520, Martin Luther burns his copy of the papal bull written in response to his teachings, in front of Wittenberg’s Elster Gate. 1541, Thomas Culpeper and Francis Deregam are executed for having affairs with Catherine Howard, Queen of England and wife of Henry VIII. 1542, Princess Mary Stuart becomes Mary, Queen of Scots. 1653, Parliamentarian general Oliver Cromwell becomes ´lord protector´ of England, Scotland, and Wales. 1830, Emily Dickinson, American poet, was born December 10. 1869, Governor John Campbell signs bill granting women in Wyoming, USA, the right to vote and hold public office. 1901, The first Nobel Prizes awarded 1909, Selma Lagerlöf becomes the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. 1936, Edward VIII signs his abdication to be free to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. 1941, Adolf Hitler declares war on the United States. They retaliate by declaring war on Italy and Germany. 1948. The United Nations General Assembly adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1964, Kenya becomes a republic. 1968, Japan´s biggest, still unsolved, heist carried out in Tokyo. 1982, Spain opens up borders with the British territory of Gibraltar after 13 years. 1991, The Russian Federation gains independence from the USSR.

Women’s wit

‘

If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares?” Tina Fey

World of English

‘

Our language is funny – a ‘fat chance’ and a ‘slim chance’ are the same thing.” J Gustav White

‘ I’M PERFECTLY SAFE, MOTHER - I’VE GOT THIS BIG GERMAN SHEPHERD!’

Costa Blanca

weather

Kakuro

for next 7 days

TODAY

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

TOMORROW

JAVEA

DENIA JAVEA

DENIA

CALPE CALPE ALTEA ALTEA BENIDORM BENIDORM

ALICANTE

TORREVIEJA

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION ORIHUELA

ORIHUELA

Fri Sat Sun -

Benidorm

SHOWERS MAX 17C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

18 11 C 17 9 C 18 8 S

Mon - 18 9 S Tues - 19 10 C Wed - 19 10 S

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

19 11 C 18 10 C 18 10 S

MAX 19C, MIN 12C Mon - 19 10 S Tues - 20 11 S Wed - 21 11 C

Fri Sat Sun -

16 8 S 17 8 S 16 8 C S Sun,

17 7 C 17 7 S 18 8 S

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 17 11 C Wed - 18 9 C

Madrid

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 9 C Tues - 16 9 C Wed - 16 9 C Cl Clear,

TODAY:

Fog,

19 9 S 18 9 C 18 9 C

TODAY:

CLOUDY MAX 18C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

18 7 S 18 6 C 18 8 S

CLOUDY MAX 14C, MIN 6C

15 4 C 15 3 S 14 4 S C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 14 4 C Tues - 14 5 C Wed - 15 4 C

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 9 C Tues - 18 8 C Wed - 19 8 C

Sh Showers,

SHOWERS MAX 18C, MIN 12C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

18 10 C 18 9 C 19 7 C Sn Snow,

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

Saturday December 5

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 11 C Tues - 18 10 S Wed - 20 12 C

Murcia

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mallorca

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

CLOUDY MAX 19C, MIN 9C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 11 S Tues - 18 12 S Wed - 19 12 S

CLOUDY MAX 17C, MIN 7C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

18 11 C 17 11 C 17 11 S

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga

SHOWERS MAX 18C, MIN 12C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 20 8 S Tues - 21 9 C Wed - 22 9 S Th Thunder

LOTTERY

Alicante TODAY:

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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

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Friday December 4

6 15

Saturday December 5

Sunday December 6

17 17

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

LUCKY STARS

REINTEGRO

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015/ Costa Blanca South

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Director: Jake Schreier Stars: Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff

Just Joking

Unscramble the name of a popular type of fairground attraction (two words): TOUCHY CONS

• Why did Adele cross the road? - To say hello from the other side. • The definition of psychological is a man and a woman. - One is psycho and the other is logical. • Why did the tofu cross the road? - To prove it wasn’t chicken.

Unscramble the name of a famous American golfer: MILK HELPS ICON

Hexagram

The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (FRIEND) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, by John Green (The Fault in Our Stars), this unforgettable film follows Quentin and his neighbour Margo, with whom he has been in love since childhood. When Margo invites him to a prank-filled evening, Quentin jumps at the chance, but the next day Margo disappears leaving cryptic clues for him to follow.

Santi Cazorla, December 13, Footballer. Spanish footballer who joined Arsenal in 2012 and has been a fixture in the team ever since having spent four seasons with Villarreal and one season with Malaga as well as playing regularly for the Spanish national team.

Kenneth Branagh, December 10, Actor and Director, 55 Born in Northern Ireland, he adopted a British accent in school to stop bullying which paid off as he was made a knight for his contribution to cinema and theatre. John Kerry, December 11, Politician, 72 Democrat nominee for President who stood against George W Bush and is now Secretary of State in the Barack Obama regime. Daniel O'Donnell, December 12, Singer, 54 Irish singer whose easy listening record sales have exceeded ten million. He recently appeared in the latest Strictly Come Dancing series on BBC TV. Miranda Hart, December 14, Actress, 43 Although she had appeared in a number of TV programmes previously, she shot to fame for playing her quirky self in the show Miranda. Since then she has undertaken a tour as a standup comedienne and has appeared with Melissa McCarthy in the film Spy. Perri Kiely, December 15, Dancer, 20 Curly haired, glasses wearing youngster who won the audiences hearts when his street dance troupe, Diversity, won the Britain's Got Talent talent competition in 2009. Quentin Blake, December 16, Cartoonist, 83 Artist who illustrated the children's books of Roald Dahl as well as other authors including Dr Seuss. He became the first British Children's Laureate serving from 1999 until 2001 and his designs have appeared on British stamps.

ADORES AROUND CRINGE DERAIL FEEBLE FRENZY FRIEND (10) GORGON HERALD LAMBDA

MORTAL PRISON REASON REDIAL SCREEN THIRST VERSUS VIOLIN WALRUS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Goblet 2 Coyote 3 Faulty 4 Hither 5 Gloomy 6 Aerate 7 Rhombi 8 Devour 9 Assert 10 Bovine 11 Redden 12 Auntie 13 Bodied 14 Shanty 15 Random 16 Rabbet 17 Suture 18 Bamboo 19 Member

YOUR STARS CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The need to plan ahead is frustrating when you know exactly what ought to be going on. Patience is something that you need to cultivate, or you risk upsetting someone close. Spending time with a colleague makes you realise how good things could be, but a lot of effort is involved. Pushing ahead does not guarantee results. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) It is difficult to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past. Your approach to certain situations has not changed and therein lies the problem. Someone who blames you for a mistake shows ignorance but that does not make it less upsetting. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Who is trying to push you into a corner? Maybe it is being done so subtly that you have not even noticed. Who wants a decision from you? Appear to take pressure lightly and not give in to an irritation. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A rather slow start to the week leads you to feel bored but be assured that the weekend will be far from dull. A recent conversation or correspondence with an old friend leads to unexpected contact.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23 - December 21)

Travel arrangements may have to be changed at the last minute. Do not fret, however, because success is more likely later in the month. During a dream, or when reading a book, an idea comes to you. Can this really make a difference to your future? You may need to act quickly to start a new project but progress will require patience. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Everything on the home front is emphasised and there will be a flurry of activity. Get others involved in any changes. Work in the garden or painting is much more enjoyable and half the work if you enlist the help of someone you get on well with. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) When discussing a holiday with others, be aware that agreement is not always easily met. Although you are not inclined to compromise, it is necessary to go with the majority decision. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) After the 2nd it is much easier to see the path ahead. This is particularly true of a financial situation, so there's no sense in fussing until you understand what needs to be done. LEO (July 24 - August 23) Your attention is needed on more than one front, and some decisions are at

TIME

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

8-Star Quiz NOTED PEOPLE Answers are all names of famous people who have appeared on Bank of England banknotes 1. Born in Norwich in 1780, which English Quaker prison reformer was a leading figure in the early 19th-century campaign for penal reform? 2. Following the 1666 Fire of London, which English architect was responsible for the design of the new St Paul’s Cathedral (1675–1711) and many of the city’s churches? 3. Miss Havisham, Sam Weller, Sarah Gamp and Uriah Heep were all famous fictional characters created by which 19th century English writer? 4. What was the name of the English engineer, who, with his son Robert, built the famous Rocket (1829), the prototype for all future steam locomotives? 5. What was the name of the English nurse and medical reformer who, in 1854 during the Crimean War, improved sanitation and medical procedures at the army hospital at Scutari, achieving a dramatic reduction in the mortality rate? 6. What was the name of the naturalist on HMS Beagle for her voyage around the southern hemisphere (1831–6), during which he collected the material that became the basis for his ideas on natural selection? 7. Which British soldier/statesman served as commander of the British forces in the Peninsular War (1808–14) and in 1815 defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo? 8. Which English composer is best known for the Enigma Variations (1899), the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius (1900) and for patriotic pieces such as the five Pomp and Circumstance marches (1901–30)? Not a lot of people know that… a new 10 shilling note was planned that featured Sir Walter Raleigh, but, given the estimated lifespan of the note, it was decided to replace it with the 50p coin. 1. ELIZBETH FRY (£5 from 2002 to present), 2. SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN (£50 1981-1996), 3. CHARLES DICKENS (£10 1992-2003), 4. GEORGE STEPHENSON (£5 1990-2003), 5. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE (£10 19751994), 6. CHARLES DARWIN (£10 2000-present), 7. DUKE OF WELLINGTON (£5 1971-1991), 8. SIR EDWARD ELGAR (£20 1999-2010).

Paper Towns

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FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: COCONUT SHY, PHIL MICKELSON.

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odds with your personal thoughts and attitudes. Being reminded that 'business is business' does nothing to relieve your conscience. You may have to upset someone by telling the truth, which may affect your longer-term finances. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Are you willing to take a risk on someone who has let you down before? Looking into their recent past is likely to tip the balance. What you find shows clearly if there has been a change of heart on their part or if they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) A disagreement with a friend upsets you but is short-lived. To avoid such a situation in the future, look at how you should have dealt with it. There is always something to know that guides us to a better position. It will make you smile someone has taken you for a fool as you have the last laugh. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A great feeling of joy comes over you more than once in the week ahead. Your inner child has been set free, and this is likely to be because of recent restrictions, which are now lifted. Do not feel guilty about this because it is a choice that will serve you well in the future. Right now, things may seem like a bit of an effort for small reward.

Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case B) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET: Average: 10 Good: 13 Very good: 19 Excellent: 23

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION aced aged chad cued dace dang dean duce dune dung egad gaud hand head hued nude ached cadge caged caned dance dunce nudge augend canned duenna gunned hanged unaged unhand changed dunnage handgun nuanced UNCHANGED

SOUND OF THE WEEK Another Country By Rod Stewart Record Label: Capitol Records THE twenty-ninth studio album by British singersongwriter was released in October 2015. The lyrics consider life in the armed forces, being separated from loved ones as well as Stewart´s own past. He offers a strong and engaging vocal performance.

AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Crossword

Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC

Quick

Cryptic

Across: 1 Shaken, 4 Estate, 9 Cadre, 10 Swanage, 11 Butchery, 12 Gift, 14 Tokens, 16 Valets, 19 Acre, 20 Barracks, 23 Outcome, 24 Stale, 25 Tenner, 26 Reject.

Across 1 Church, if not then, a football team (7) 5 Look happy as a result of chewing limes (5) 8 Fake endless call (5) 9 Vendors, we hear are profiting from the sale of salt containers (7) 10 Drunk missed tea cup (9) 12 Governed artist’s quarter (3) 13 Mean attempt to follow friend (6) 14 Possibly faster than a machine gun attack (6) 17 Stick to this measurement (3) 18 Stop protecting Capone, it’s very common (9) 20 A number walk wearily around, it’s hard work (7) 21 Country lover was in some trouble (5) 23 Climb up a series of notes (5) 24 Streets are arranged for dogs (7)

Down: 1 Sackbut, 2 Audit, 3 Elephant, 5 Stay, 6 Avarice, 7 Elect, 8 Usurp, 13 Lacrosse, 15 Keratin, 17 Suspect, 18 Cameo, 19 About, 21 Cease, 22 Code.

QUICK Across:

Down 1 Dealt with policeman and journalist (5) 2 End of June leave for oneself (3) 3 We stare around at jumper (7) 4 Fools, second rate (6) 5 Only about five find the answer (5) 6 Irene gets a bit giddy when drunk (9) 7 It’s free to enter five points for flavouring (7)

Code Breaker

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OUT

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11 Sensational play made moral blunder (9) 13 Swashbucklers traipse around (7) 15 On the way in, start building (7) 16 States on about handouts (6) 18 Start pulling string for venue (5) 19 Crackpot, going back, is getting capital in Africa (5) 22 Indeed, it’s in middle of prayers (3)

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 7 represents F and 19 represents P, so fill in F every time the figure 7 appears and P every time the figure 19 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

Across 1 Plans (7) 5 Stories (5) 8 Inspect (7) 9 Celestial bodies (5) 10 Sharply inclined (5) 11 Aversion (7) 12 Tried out (6) 14 Frayed (6) 17 Lay out (7) 19 Armoured vehicles (5) 22 Taunt (5) 23 Disperse (7) 24 Takes a break (5) 25 Gratify (7) Down 1 Put on clothes (5)

2 Reserve (5) 3 Brief look (7) 4 Stable (6) 5 Jobs (5)

1 Suppress, 7 Stays, 8 Aeroplane, 9 Tea, 10 Song, 11 Access, 13 Sorted, 14 Passes, 17 Scared, 18 Have, 20 Pit, 22 Repeating, 23 Shoes, 24 Restless.

6 Departing (7) 7 Hang freely (7)

Down:

12 Farm vehicle (7)

1 Seals, 2 Partner, 3 Ripe, 4 Scarce, 5 Lasts, 6 Escapes, 7 Several, 12 Repairs, 13 Suppose, 15 Seaside, 16 Temple, 17 Stood, 19 Edges, 21 Bait.

13 Cries of distress (7) 15 Allure (7) 16 Untidy states (6) 18 Requires (5) 20 Jottings (5) 21 Apologetic (5)

ENGLISHSPANISH Across:

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

1 Casar, 3 Cabra, 5 Mil, 7 Alambre, 9 Rana, 10 Belt, 13 Rescate, 14 Son, 15 Sacro, 16 Twins. Down: 1 Camareros, 2 Real, 3 Cual, 4 Aceitunas, 6 Lunes, 8 Beers, 11 Caro, 12 Rent.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 Tiburones (zoológico) (6) 4 Weapon (4) 8 Enemigo (5) 9 Enjuagar (5) 10 Abeja (3) 11 Deal (agreement) (5) 12 Sacos (5) 15 As (naipes) (3) 16 To bring (news, luck etc) (5) 18 Enfermera (5) 19 Celery (4) 20 Mirror (6)

Down 1 Sábana (de cama) (5) 2 Sand (5) 3 Teclado (8) 5 Rum (3) 6 Hacha (herramienta) (3) 7 Regalos (obsequios) (8) 13 Meat (5) 14 Floor (of room) (5) 16 Aunt (3) 17 There (near you) (3)

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Festive films

With Christmas approaching, and the evenings getting colder, there is no better time to cuddle up with a hot chocolate and a great feel-good Christmas film. We are counting down some of the most popular films to watch during the festive period. 1. Miracle on 34th Street (1994). An astoundingly heartening film starring the late Sir Richard Attenborough in which a young girl discovers dreams really do come true when you believe. After a sceptical little girl meets a department store Santa, she finds her defences melting and becomes familiar with the power of faith.

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6. The Santa Clause (1994). In this festive comedy, Tim Allen stars as an ordinary man who must step into Santa’s shoes after an accident. The film features comical scenarios, following an impromptu trip to the North Pole he begins to morph

Sudoku

HEALLAP

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

HEART-WARMING: A story of faith. into Santa before his, and his ex-wife’s, eyes.

misogyny, this film will certainly raise a smile.

7. The Holiday (2006). Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) impulsively swap houses, and countries, in this feelgood rom-com. Their respective tales are charming, amusing, and eventually culminate in two heartwarming romances.

9. A Christmas Story (1983). A hilarious tale depicting young Ralphie’s quest of ensuring his presents include a much-coveted BB air-rifle. This entertaining narration will conjure an air of nostalgia and is sure to keep the adults smirking.

8. White Christmas (1954). This humourous musical romantic comedy follows two World War II soldiers who team up to become a successful song-and-dance act. With a series of romantic mix-ups, Bing Crosby’s baritone, and a hint of harmless

10. The Polar Express (2004). In this animated, hallucinogenic, adventure, Tom Hanks stars as the train conductor who whisks a group of kids off to the North Pole. The story follows a young boy embarking on a journey of self-discovery and recognising the wonder of life.

TARGET: Average: 26 Good: 34 Very good: 49 Excellent: 60

SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION tort torte torn tore tote gore goat goer greet green fort forte fore frog fret free tenet trot tree twin twine twiner twill entree vote voter ogre often rote rent renew reel newt went wine wile will auto tern tent tell teen teeny lent letup lint line liner lien leer leap info inert inlet payee yell neuter gene glint glee glen

Word Ladder WORE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

Pedometer ++ For the iPhone 5s and later generations, this app takes advantage of the step counting capabilities in your phone. Without draining battery, keep track of your daily and weekly step counts and improve your health. This application updates automatically throughout the day. You can also set the current step count as the application’s badge on your home page.

FOOT FOOT

3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). George (James Stewart) is the boy-nextdoor whose dreams are constantly postponed in this poignant favourite. An enthralling mélange of personal and social impulses, and the questionable charms of home, that is both compelling and touching.

5. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). The accident-prone protagonist Bridget (Renee Zellweger), who has a penchant for smoking and binge drinking, falls for both a dashing lothario and a modern-day Mr Darcy in this adaptation of Helen Fielding’s witty novel.

App of the Week

Play on Words

2. Love Actually (2003). Number two on the list is this festive film in which love certainly is all around. A far cry from a cheesy romance, nine intertwined stories explore an assortment of both new and long-standing relationships with undertones of heartbreak and sorrow woven within. An examination of the intricacies of the one emotion that connects us all: love.

4. Scrooged (1988). After visits from three ghosts Frank (Bill Murray) realises he must change, and learns the true meaning of Christmas. A modern adaptation of the classic Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol offering humour that doesn’t overshadow the message.

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Answers: One foot in front of the other, All in a heap

THE highly acclaimed author of American Rust returns with The Son, an epic multi-generation saga of power, blood, and land, following the rise of one Texas family in the American West. Following the colonel’s life and legacy, the tale echoes through time and crosses cultures to describe the Comanche raids of the 1800s through to the oil booms in the 20th century. The Son was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

TIME OUT

THIN BACK

Move from the start word (WORE) to the end word (THIN) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

WORE WORN CORN COIN CHIN THIN

OPINION & COMMENT

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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The times they are a - changin’... But where’s it all going to end? THESE days in Britain there are far too many politically-correct, but ineffectual appointees by domdeen shutterstock

Nora Johnson

Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

RECENTLY I wrote about the state of Britain which seems to have struck a chord amongst many of you judging by the comments on this paper’s Letters page and also my website. Some authorities - and the individuals employed by them - seem hopelessly confused, utterly lost. And hugely detached from the mindsets of the taxpayers who pay their salaries. Things seem to have taken a major turn for the worse over the past few years. First off, take the way the allegations of historic sexual abuse have been handled by UK police. Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has accused

STATE OF BRITAIN: Some authorities seem hopelessly confused. the Metropolitan Police of relying on “rumour and accusation” rather than evidence during its investigations into his past. Having spent a year on bail after being falsely accused of sex

abuse in the 1970s, he said the centuries-old British legal principles of objective, evidence-based investigations had “mutated” under post-Savile ‘Operation Yewtree.’

Despite successful prosecutions (including Gary Glitter, Rolf Harris and Max Clifford), it’s also had its failures (Freddie Starr and Jim Davidson, both publicly arrested but never charged). Yet according to a major study, 450,000 children suffered sexual abuse in the two years to March 2014, the police and the authorities reportedly aware of only a fraction of the cases, having investigated just 50,000 incidents. Wouldn’t police time and money be better spent on these more recent crimes? Secondly, take the example of a former deputy children’s commissioner who failed to warn the Charity Commission or the government (which was giving the charity millions of pounds annually) about Kids Company because she was intimidated by the celebrity friends of the charity’s ‘charismatic’ founder. Sue Berelowitz (severance pay: £134,000; rehired, ini-

tially, on £1,000/day) admitted she became concerned that money was being wasted and few children were using the services. So, the overseer was too timid to oversee and the auditors appointed overlooked key problems! What a terrible admission from someone in a (well-remunerated) position of authority to allow herself to be ‘intimidated.’ These days there are far too many of these politically-correct, but ineffectual, appointees. What a sad indictment - the times are indeed a-changing in the UK at least. As I wrote last time, where’s it all going to end? Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. All profits to Cudeca charity.

Mindfulness technique MINDFULNESS is a technique derived from Buddhist meditation around 2,500 years ago. It is a very simple technique for reducing anxiety, worry and stress. It is also known to help build self-esteem. Recent studies suggest that mindfulness meditation practice has a substantial positive effect on improving how a person feels. Mindfulness has been used in settings as diverse as schools, hospitals and military training centres. A study at the University of Massachusetts in the USA found that 90 per cent of those involved experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. Other research has shown that mindfulness has helped to reduce anxieties associated with cancer, eating disorders and business related stress. Mindfulness can be very easy to do. It helps to reduce anxiety by taking your thoughts away from your problems and onto something you can really focus on in a very simple way. You are simply making yourself aware of the moment. It helps you to reconnect your body with your mind. It helps you to really connect with the present moment. As an example, instead of gulping down your next coffee as usual, take time out to use the coffee as a mindfulness exercise. Try to focus solely on the drink in front of you,

Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia

NEXT time your child is stressed out, try a mindfulness exercise with them as it can help reduce their agitation

MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUE: It helps to reduce anxiety. preferably with nobody around. Pick up the cup. Feel its weight. Smell the aroma. Be aware of how hot or how warm the cup is. Take a good look at the colour of the coffee. What type of

brown is it? How many bubbles are floating on the surface? Then take a sip, just a small sip, and keep that sip on your tongue for a while. Savour the taste. Is it bitter? Is it sweet? How hot is it?

How does it affect your taste buds? When you swallow, become aware of the feel as the coffee slips down your throat, down into your stomach. Done correctly, you can make this exercise with the coffee last for quite a long while, even an entire lunch break if you don’t mind it going cold. Just a few minutes of this type of focus often helps reduce stress though. Mindfulness can be such a simple way of reducing anxiety that it has been used by military personnel in some countries. You can create mindfulness in virtually any situation. Pick up a pebble on a beach as another example. How heavy is it? How does it feel in your hand? Is it smooth or rough? Look closely at all of its colours. Just focus on the pebble, nothing else, just you and the pebble. The effect of this focus is to calm the mind. Next time your child is stressed out, try a mindfulness exercise with them. It works with people of all ages, and has been used to help children reduce agitation. Mindfulness comes in many forms, some religious, some like the two exercises above are simply therapeutic. It’s also a technique recommended by the NHS in the UK. Give mindfulness meditation a try if you feel stressed out this Christmas.

E W N 10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

I’m a grumpy old git, get me out of here! Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man ‘I’M A CELEBRITY, Get Me Out of Here,’ Celebrity Big Brother - I watch both. Plus others like Celebrity Master Chef, because Mrs S loves them, (not sure why she watches this as there is only so much you can do with a takeaway menu), along with The Only Way is Essex. But it has got me thinking about what constitutes being a celebrity these days. There are people taking part that are only famous for being on TV in other reality TV shows. Now, in the case of some of them, that means them just getting drunk and making absolute idiots of themselves. Others come from being ex- soap stars, some are imported from American reality TV shows that I’ve never seen or heard of. I saw one from a show called ‘16 and Pregnant’… this foul mouthed woman was a celebrity for being 16 and pregnant, so technically it could be said she was an overnight success.

It’s what I call train crash TV. You know you shouldn’t be watching it but somehow you can’t look away. It must be hard to find any older UK celebrities because quite a few of them are in prison and most others either can’t cook or have nothing in the attic, don’t like coach trips and don’t want to have to wash their bits on national TV. When I was younger a celebrity was someone famous, someone everyone knew. Sure there are still plenty of real celebs but they would never be seen in any of the above mentioned ‘shows.’ I mean I’m not sure how many Baldwin brothers there are but I don’t recall the real famous one doing it, only all the others! Celebrities have to be talented. They have to have given something to achieve that status. Not just to have dropped their drawers on national TV and finished the night by vomiting into their handbag. I do have a couple of exceptions to the annoyance of reality TV and that’s the now defunct Dancing on Ice and Strictly Come Dancing. At least the participants of these two shows are learning a new skill and seem to be chosen a little more carefully. Ok enough of this, “I’M A GRUMPY OLD GIT, GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!”

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OPINION & COMMENT

LEGALLY SPEAKING

10,000 drug test kits for Local Police AS part of a new series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers. Flickr thanks to Andrew Sutherland

NEW KITS: Local Police will be able to better monitor the roads. THE Direccion General de Trafico, (DGT) has invested in the provision of 10,000 drug testing kits which it will give to Local Police around Spain, in order for them to better monitor local roads for drivers under the influence of drugs. The kits will be shared with 100 municipalities across 15 provinces where 450 officers have also been trained in their use. The overall goal is to reduce the consumption of drugs and narcotics at the wheel, and thus improve road safety on urban roads. Under the agreement with local authorities, the police will be required to

carry out at least 20,000 drugs tests in 2016. The latest statistics for urban and local roads, collated from data in 2014, show that 61 per cent of all incidents causing injuries and 26 per cent of all deaths on the roads occurred in the areas policed by the local authorities. In addition, 4,740 people were hospitalised. These figures show that incidents with victims in urban areas still account for a significant percentage of road incidents in Spain, and so the DGT is widening its overall enforcement campaign to take in these roads and thus reduce the number of incidents.

For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.

What income must I declare? I am a pensioner resident in Spain. I receive a Spanish pension of around €9,000 a year. I also receive two pensions from the UK, which total €8,000 euros a year. I have no other income. I fail to see how you could make this deduction from my article of November 26. If you are tax resident in Spain, you are subject to Spanish income tax on your worldwide income, including, of course, your Spanish income.

From your article of November 26, would I be correct to assume that my liability for tax in Spain would be for the UK pensions only? If so, what percentage would that be? D.S. (Costa Blanca)

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

Your Spanish pension is less than €22,000, but no tax has been deducted from it, so it is subject to

income tax. From here, and after deductions, it looks like around €2,000 in tax. I urge you to see a Spanish tax consultant and make a proper declaration. The consultant may be able to find more deductions for you, as well.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

E W N Costa Blanca South

10 - 16 December 2015

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Chronic pain leads to depression THIRTY per cent of people who suffer chronic pain also have depression, according to various experts at a mental health conference in Barcelona. They stressed the importance of providing treatment that takes into account the psychological and emotional changes that most patients suffer. Chronic pain is defined as pain suffered from more than three months or lasting beyond the period of healing of injury. Currently, it is the leading

cause of long-term sick leave in Spain. Recent studies show one in five people suffer from moderate to severe pain, and one in three do not have a good quality of life due to illness. One clinical psychologist at the hospital said: “We need to consider pain as a global, multidimensional experience when evaluating and seeking intervention strategies. It is essential to consider the psychological dimension and provide tools to help the management of pain.”

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Blog My treatment journey update! in the wake of being told I have breast cancer 2014 was a whirlwind of operations and tests Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving IT is hard to believe that I started chemotherapy over a year ago. So much has happened since then. Having got through chemo I had radiotherapy and then spent the summer trying to regain my strength and take stock. I was very tired, both physically and mentally. The long term side effects reared their ugly heads. The worst one being lymphedema. As I had my lymph nodes removed I developed painful swelling in my right arm as a result of my body’s inability to drain away lymph fluid. I now have regular physio and lymphatic draining massages, wear a compression sleeve and do exercises to control the swelling. I have to be careful not to lift with my right arm so I have adjusted the way I do things. The pins and needles come and go in my feet and you can get ‘chemo brain!’ Chemotherapy can affect your memory

and I often find myself grappling for words or wracking my brain to remember things. This will improve with time. My scars are pretty good but I still have quite a lot of pain and I am constantly reminded of the post-operative trauma in my body. The veins in my arms have been seriously compromised by the chemotherapy and finding a

I am determined to get better and stronger each day as I have too much to live for workable vein for a test is a trial and I often faint because it is such an ordeal. My eyebrows haven’t grown back very well but my hair is nice and thick. My eyelashes are like a scattering of spider legs! Not the most serious issue I know but nonetheless annoying! All these issues are expected and you learn to live with them. The important thing was my revision in November. I went for blood tests to check tumour markers etc, a CAT scan, and a

mammogram on the remaining breast. After the tests I went to see my oncologist. It was good news, no cancer in the other breast, good blood results and the tumours in my lungs had disappeared. The only thing my oncologist didn’t like was that the fact the tumours had vanished in response to chemo and as a result was more likely to be metastatic cancer. So, not a new tumour but one derived from the original breast cancer. The next step is to keep an eye on my lungs. I am having a bone scan to rule out any spreading as I have had some pain. They are checking my hormone levels to ensure I am not producing too much oestrogen which is the enemy! I also need an abdominal scan. If all is well I will then meet the plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction. I feel optimistic and as always would not be feeling so positive without the love and support from my family, friends and nearest and dearest. It is a long haul recovering from cancer and then keeping it at bay! But I am determined to get better and stronger each day as I have too much to live for. So here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, health and happiness!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Ask The Doctor

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Heart attack signs

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SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. DEAR Doctor, A relative had a nasty scare one night recently, which luckily was nothing more than that. In the early hours of the morning he thought he was having a heart attack, and talking later we realised we really didn’t know what the signs are or how to act in this sort of situation. Could you please give us some tips on how to recognise the signs and what to do? Dr Perez Belmonte replied: Heart attacks are currently the most common cause of death amongst human beings, so it is very important to recognise the signs and know what to do. Although initial signs can vary a lot from one person to another depending on factors including age, gender or medical conditions, they usually come with a feeling of oppression in the centre or left-hand side of the chest, which can sometimes spread down the left arm or up the neck. Heart pain is usually identified by patients as the worst pain they have ever felt, although some

people have heart attacks without any chest pain at all. Other common symptoms include sweating, difficulty breathing, a general feeling of not being well or sudden extreme fatigue. For people with diabetes the first sign is usually breathing problems rather than chest pains and this can sometime cause fainting. Anyone with any of these symptoms, especially if they are elderly or at risk (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smokers, etc), or has a history of heart problems, should call a doctor or get to a health centre as quickly as possible. The person making the call to a doctor or ambulance team needs to stay as calm as possible and give as many details as they can. The patient meanwhile should be lying down, taking deep breaths and trying to stay as calm as possible. As always, prevention is the best remedy so anyone with heart problems or risk factors should see a cardiologist and a Specialist in Internal Medicine.

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TRES CORONAS, centre of health, wellness and beauty excellence, offers the highest possible services to patients on the Costa Blanca. Home to the SweDent Dental Group, it was the vision of owners Monika and Stefan Bramsell, to offer a one-stop shop for all health and wellness needs, whether you are looking for dental services, a GP or even a haircut. The building of Tres Coronas itself is perhaps the grandest dentist surgery you will visit, with a warm and welcoming reception with books and magazines, and a small children’s play area. Tres Coronas is fully equipped for disabled clients with plenty of parking outside and lifts inside. By creating this sort of atmosphere, it automatically makes you feel at ease and like you are anywhere other than a dentist’s surgery. This starts clients off with a positive experience which dentist Monika extends once you are in the surgery chair. Stefan was a dental technician and worked with the Royal dentist in Sweden for 11 years, but here, it is wife Monika who is the friendly face patients see. Monika has her DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) title from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. A University renowned for its high, exacting standards. At Tres Coronas Monika is patient and sympathetic, realising for many a trip to the dentists can be daunting. Monika and her team focus 100 per cent on the patient, relaxing and comforting them. Stefan said: “Dentistry is not painful, it can be unpleasant but not painful and we make all patients aware of anything that may be unpleasant so they are relaxed and prepared. We work on the psychological part to put patients at ease, that is important to the way we work here.” Children are also cared for. Some visit four or five times before they will be treated: “We don’t charge for these visits, we

TRES CORONAS: Offer the highest possible services to patients on the Costa Blanca. just make another appointment. We want to get children used to visiting the dentist. Taking the time and care now can safeguard their teeth and prevent later problems. Tres Coronas is also home to Doctor Luis Lopez Gonzalez. As a cardiology specialist, Dr. Luis operates the heart centre offering heart checks as well as

the GP surgery. His bedside manner is second to none and spends time listening to each and every patient’s needs, giving them the time they deserve. He is a specialist in internal medicine and if something is outside of his speciality he can direct and refer patients to the correct specialist for them. To see how Monika and Tres

Coronas can help you, call now to make an appointment or to discuss the full range of services available. Tres Coronas Avenida Diamante 5, La Zenia Alta Orihuela Costa Tel: 966 730 019 Visit: www.trescoronas.eu Email: info@trescoronas.eu

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Enjoy the benefits of a facelift without surgery MEDCARE is leading the way with its non-surgical facelift on the Costa Blanca WITH advances in medical aesthetic treatments, it is now possible to have a facelift without surgery, with minimal swelling for a fraction of the price of a full facelift. Using a combination of aesthetics procedures, a skilled doctor can lift, plump and rejuvenate the face, giving the effects of a full surgical lift but without a scalpel in sight. Medcare Aesthetics Centre is leading the way in surgery-free facelifts on the Costa Blanca with its bespoke non-surgical lift. Medcare’s bespoke non-surgical facelift combines a variety of techniques, depending on individual needs, to achieve younger-looking faces, with results that can last up to two years. During a bespoke lift threads may be inserted under the skin and tightened to lift the face, wrinkle-relaxants injected to smooth frown and forehead lines, and fillers used to soften or erase other lines as well as to add volume to the face and correct sunken or gaunt cheeks.

Alternatively, the lifting may be achieved with award-winning Exilis Elite, a completely non-invasive procedure that tones and tightens using radio-frequency and ultrasound. Under eyes can be smoothed and sunken hollows corrected with hyaluronic acid. Skin is rejuvenated, with tone and texture improved and pigmentation corrected, using PRP (which utilises growth factor in the patient’s own blood), derma-needling or medical peels. Medcare’s aesthetics doctor, Najma Hussain said: “There are so many excellent non-surgical aesthetics treatments now that it really is possible to lift and rejuvenate the face, giving the effect of surgery but without surgery.” Patients wishing to achieve a non-surgical facelift will be assessed at a free consultation by Dr Hussain. Dr Hussain will then work out the best combination of treatments for each person. The skill of the doctor is everything when it comes to aesthetics. Dr Hussain has trained in

London under some of the best doctors in the medical aesthetics field. She regularly researches new treatments and keeps her skills up to date with advanced training. The bespoke facelift is available at her aesthetics centre in Benijofar and at her clinic in Alfaz del Pi. It will soon also be offered at Medcare’s UK clinic in Manchester. In addition to a full non-surgical facelift, Medcare offers individual aesthetics treatments and provides skincare advice and medical-grade skincare products from ZO and Glo. Free cosmetic surgery consultations with a top cosmetic surgeon are also available at Medcare. To find out which treatments or products would be best for you, book a free consultation. Medcare Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi Call 966 860 258 Email: doctors@medcarespain.com Visit www.medcarespain.com

BESPOKE FACELIFT: Results can last up to two years.

Running relief A WOMAN with autism has become the first to star on the cover of a fitness magazine. Kiley Lyall, aged 24 from Illinois, USA, was named the winner of Women’s Running Magazine’s third annual Cover Runner Contest and is now featured in the magazine’s January/February 2016 issue. The half-marathon runner, who also suffers from mild cerebral palsy and epilepsy, was chosen by voters. She credits running for helping her brain to become healthier saying it is a stress reliever and stops autism from taking over her daily life.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FitFoxy

Looking Good, Staying Trim

I BELIEVE more women engage in postpregnancy exercise, than pre or during pregnancy exercise, purely to lose the excess weight accumulated during the pregnancy. However the danger of post pregnancy exercise must not be underestimated. The hormone relaxin, which is responsible for allowing all connective tissue in the body (muscles, ligaments) to stretch, is still very much present in your body after giving birth, and can be present for up to six months. Overstretching or overexerting yourself at this stage could leave you with a permanent injury, however the benefits are vast. I recommend you consult with your doctor and speak to an exercise professional before embarking on a post preg-

nancy programme. Remember your body has just been put through a lot of trauma… Be kind to yourself. Here are a few tips: • No physical stress for first two weeks after birth. • Don’t resume full daily activities for six weeks after delivery. • If you have had a c-section, no exercise for eight to12 weeks. • Keep correct posture at all times. • Avoid hyperextending of joints. • Wear a sports bra, two if required. • Exercises from a stable base (sitting down, holding on with one hand etc.) • Pay attention to your lower back. • A slow gradual 10 minute warm up and cool down. • Avoid lying on your front in early stages of post pregnancy. • Avoid impact training (running etc.). • Avoid sudden changes in direction. • Avoid severe bouncing movements. • Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise .

EXERCISE: Remember your body has been through a lot of trauma.

By Nara Prusakova, Shutterstock

Getting into shape post-pregnancy

• Stop exercising if your breasts become hot, swollen or hard. Core & Abdominals As important as it is for you to return your mid section to where it was prepregnancy, be sensible with the abdominal exercises you do in the first few months. In the meantime, you could make a start on safely strengthening your core by following some of the tips below. • Exercise the pelvic floor every day. • Start abdominal and pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible after delivery. • Pelvic floor exercises before and after main exercise session. • Avoid doming (dropping stomach when on hands & knees)

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Medcare: Offering half-price New Year health checks ENSURE you and your loved ones have the best chance of a healthy 2016 AT the beginning of the year Medcare British GP clinics in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi offered half price New Year health checks. The demand was so great the practice is running the offer again in January 2016, and is launching the campaign early so everyone can get booked in. Book your half-price health check now and ensure you and your loved ones have the best chance of a healthy 2016. Why are health checks needed? Many thousands of people have died unnecessarily this year because they didn’t go for simple routine tests. Don’t be among them, start the year with some essential routine health checks. That is the message from Medcare: “Tragically, too many people continue to die unnecessarily because disease is detected far too late for want of a few simple tests” said Medcare’s Dr Hussain. “Many British expats seem to be particularly vulnerable because language barriers or not knowing what health screening is available means they are less likely to attend a screening.”

Routine health checks and early diagnosis can stop some of the biggest killers from claiming lives. Anyone who is not registered on the Spanish system or prefers to see a private British GP can go to Medcare for screening and take advantage of the half price offer throughout January. The Medcare health check includes screening for cervical, breast, bowel and prostate cancer. Comprehensive blood tests will be performed

HALF-PRICE: Book now with Medcare. and patients will be screened for many conditions, including diabetes, liver and kidney dis-

ease, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. Patients will also receive a nutrition and lifestyle review including an ECG, BMI check, skin and mole check and a dental examination. “Even if you feel well, you don’t know what is going on inside your body so health screening is essential for everyone,” stressed Dr Hussain. “Over the years our health checks have saved many lives as patients have discovered they have the early stages of diseases. It is not easy finding out you have a life-threatening illness, but not finding out will almost certainly be a lot worse.” Getting a health check could be the most important thing you do in 2016. Visit your own GP or book your half-price Medcare health check for January on the details below. Medcare Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi Call 966 860 258 Email: doctors@medcarespain.com Visit www.medcarespain.com

Early exposure to a language influences brain years later RESEARCHERS in Canada say being exposed to a language early in life influences how an individual’s brain deals with another language and dialect many years later; even in people who have not spoken their first language for most of their lives. Researchers from the McGill Uni-

versity and the Montreal Neurological Institute carried out an experiment on three groups of children aged between 10 and 17 with varying linguistic backgrounds. One group was made up of bornand-raised monolingual French-speakers, the other group were bilingual in

French and Chinese, while the third group comprised of Chinese children who had been adopted by French families before they had turned three, and had not spoken Chinese since. All groups had to identify Frenchsounding words that did not actually mean anything, such as ‘vapagne’.

During the test, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor which areas of their brains were involved and found different parts of the brain were activated during the test in the groups. The researchers are also planning to do further research in order to see if

the same results are witnessed if the experiment was based on two similar languages such as French and Spanish. It is believed the experiment could form the basis for tailored language classes by understanding more how the brain works when dealing with the different languages.

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Enjoy Xmas and New Year at Bonanza LAST few places remaining so book now to enjoy your special day in special surroundings THERE are still some places left for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve at Bonanza Bar and Restaurant, but book now as they are going fast! Diners at Bonanza in Urbanisation El Chaparral, Torrevieja, will enjoy the first class cuisine the restaurant is now well known for, in the friendly and warm surroundings on Christmas Day, where a five-course elegant lunch will be served including asparagus with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, cream of mushroom soup, sorbet of the house followed by turkey fillet ‘chef’s recipe’ with peach and cranberries and purée of brussels sprouts. The meal will be finished with a Christmas dessert. The Christmas Day lunch costs just €30, offering excellent value for money to enjoy the special day in special surroundings. If you want to see in 2016 with a bang, Bonanza’s New Year’s Eve menu is a great way to end the year and start the next. Serrano ham with fresh salad and dried fruit will be served along with cream of mushroom soup, sorbet of the house, pork fillet with a harvest of the forest vegetables and potato croquettes, followed by a New Year’s Eve dessert and cava at midnight.

A three-course menu de la noche is available in the restaurant costing €15.95 including a drink with choices available from the full a la carte international menu, where the likes of mixed grills and steaks, sit alongside dishes such as fillet of cod and frog legs with pernod sauce. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm and of course once you have enjoyed your meal you can visit the bar next door which also opens at lunch times, where tapas and a menu del dia is available costing €9.95 for three courses. A range of tapas dishes can be sampled from €2.50. The Belgian bar is traditional and welcoming and of course, has a range of Belgian beers. Bonanza Bar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12-3pm and again from 6pm, so whether the bar or restaurant is your preference, make your next evening out a Bonanza one.

BONANZA RESTAURANT: Perfect surroundings for an elegant Christmas Day lunch.

Food is served from 8pm and tickets cost €40 with a €20 deposit required on booking. But if you can’t wait until the festivities to

enjoy the delights of Bonanza then owners Patrick and Kris are ready to welcome you any time.

Bonanza Bar & Restaurant Call Rossetti 2 Urb El Chaparral Torrevieja Tel: 966 786 365

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Grendels Bane Ceilidh band GRENDELS BANE are hosting their second Ceilidh/barn dance on December 18. The event takes place at the new venue at The Matrix Studio Madhouse in Villacosta, Orihuela Costa. Tickets cost €10 each and includes a choice of meals. Booking is essential as ticket numbers are limited. For more information call Carla at The Madhouse on 666 551 816 or email matrixstudio madhouse@gmail.com or email divesmith@hot mail.com. Dancing starts at 8pm and your meal will be served at around 9pm. No dancing experience is required as all dances are called by ‘Smithy,’ so everyone is invited to enjoy a fun filled evening of dance, song and live music.

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The owl and the pussycat TICKETS now on sale for the exciting new pantomime from Campoverde Theatre Group By Gemma Quinn DON’T miss Campoverde Theatre Group’s exciting new pantomime, ‘The Owl and The Pussycat.’ This p r o d u c t i o n i s a n original script that takes a new look at this much loved tale. Everything you expect from a t r a d i t i o n a l p a n tomime is present; lots of laughs , a t a l e o f l o v e b etween t h e Owl a n d th e Pussycat, the over the top widowed dame who is hoping to find a man, her hapless son who is clearly embarras se d b y h i s m o th er, plus a string of other typical

and well loved characters. Go along and follow the p as s e n g e rs an d cre w on b o a rd th e G re e n P e a as it sails away for a year and a day and join the Campove rd e T h rea tre G ro u p in a fun filled evening. As expected of any pantomime there are some great chorus numbers, a good story line, lots of colour and laughs. C amp o v erd e T h ea tre Group are delighted to supp o rt lo c a l ch aritie s ; th e y have recently made donatio n s to H e lp Veg a Ba ja , R ea c h O u t an d A M MA . Money from this pantomime production will also go to

helping other local charities. The pantomime is on at the C a s a de C ultura , Sa n Miguel de Salinas, on February 5-7, 2016. Tickets can be reserved at Bargain Books in San Miguel or contact the ticket line by emailing ctgticket line@gmail.com or call Graham on 629 258 697 or drop into the Blue Lagoon Community Centre (Monday and Wednesday 24 pm). This production is expected to sell out fast so book soon to avoid disappointment.

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Enjoy Christmas

THERE is no better place to spend time with loved on SOME have it, others don’t, and Restaurante Christopher certainly has it. It has it all in abundance offering the most welcoming and cosy ambience, friendly staff and first class cuisine, which is why it is one of the Euro Weekly News’ favourite restaurants and we’re not the only ones who return time and time again. There is no better place to spend time with loved ones, friends and family this festive season than at Restaurante Christopher, but the secret is out and already tables a re be ing booke d up wi t h people reserving at one of the hottest eateries in Torrevieja. Christmas Day is already fully booked but don’t be too disappointed. Restaurante Christopher is in a festive mood throughout December and is offering the Christmas Fayre menu until December 24.

FESTIVE FAYRE: Christmas set menu served from now until Dece

Booki ngs ar e essent i al wi t h t he m enu i ncl udi ng starters of soup of the day; whole king prawns sautéed in garlic butter; rich chicken liver and brandy pate with whol em eal t oast and deep fried Camembert with cran-

berry and orange dressing. For mains there is the choice of roasted breast of turkey with date and apricot stuffing or roast beef or pan seared sea bass. To finish diners can indulge in Christmas puddi ng wi t h br andy cr èm e

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at Christopher’s es, friends and family this festive season anglaise. This festive feast costs just €15.95 including a glass of wine. N e w Ye a r ’s E v e is a ls o back by popular demand and c e le b ratio n s co s t € 4 5

ember 24.

WARM WELCOME: Awaits this Christmas at Restaurante Christopher.

per person for a four course set menu with cava. With the festivities over with, Restaurante Christopher is looking to 2016 and introduc ing a ne w s pe c ia l G re e k me nu in J a nua ry, February and March, to run alongside its popular a la carte menu. At the start of this year there was a special limited edition Italian menu and next year some exciting Greek dishes have been created to offer diners something different. C hris tophe r ’s is ope n Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to late and for Sunday lunches from 1-4.30pm. To reserve your seat to the hottest eatery in town call 600 012 824 or 965 710 007. Restaurante Christopher Mar Azul, Eliseos Playa, Torrevieja Tel: 600 012 824 or 965 710 007

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Alicante is feeling festive CRAFT fair includes live music, children’s games and workshops By Gemma Quinn FOR the sixth year running, Alicante City is hosting its ever popular Christmas market, complete with a real life nativity scene. The craft fair with ‘Artesanía de Autor’ (craftsmen selling only their own work), live music, children’s games and workshops, a tavern and other food stalls in the Plaza Gabriel Miró is on from December 18-21. The stalls and the nativity scene are set up under the rubber trees and is where you will find Maria holding her baby while Joseph is working as a carpenter. Children can leave their wishes for presents to be brought by the Three Kings. Every day throughout the market there are games and workshops where children can learn to handle tools and materials, and make something to take home. For the very young there is a merry-go-round and a big swing shaped like a dragon. The craft fair, organised by the regional craft association Amata, will consist of some 50

NATIVITY: See Mary and Joseph at the Christmas Fayre.

stalls with everything from handmade candles to shawls, wooden toys and puppets, ce-

ramics, handbags made of leather or recycled inner tyres, jewellery in silver, ceramic,

copper, leather, macramé and glass. Participants, as always, are carefully chosen to avoid duplication of designs and everything is made by the people at the stall, nothing is imported or made in a factory. It’s all original, and much less expensive than anything you can buy in a gallery. Quite a few people at the stalls will be at work; a bookbinder, a smith complete with forge and anvil, a shoemaker actually making shoes, various people with saws, paint brush or chisel. Most of the time a small band of slightly crazy musicians, will be livening up the fair. Elsewhere there is a tavern, with roast meat (even a whole roast pig) and beer or you can try a pancake filled with chocolate or half-a-dozen other sweet or savoury fillings. The fair opens December 18 at 6pm and from Saturday December 19-21, it will be open from 10am to around 9pm. For more information, call Elvira on 639 979 678 or visit www.amata.es/Alicante14.html

Christmas fayre for the PCN charity A CHRISTMAS Fayre at The Posh Club in urbanisation La Marina helped raise funds for the Paul Cunningham Nurses. The charity would like to say a big thank you to the venue for hosting the event and to everyone who made the most of the warm sunshine to attend and support the cause. Thanks also go to the Velvetones who treated the crowds to a wonderful selection of Christmas carols and with audience participation. The charity said: “Thanks also to the stall holders, all the volunteers and to all who attended to raise much money for the charity. We would like to wish all our customers and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M

Dodgy dealing an issue

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Las Ramblas villa on offer OP GROUP are offering a great opportunity to purchase this lovely home WHY not start the New Year as owners of a new home? OP Group are offering a great opportunity to purchase this lovely villa in Las Ramblas. This south facing property has a build size of 120 square metres and sits on a nice plot with panoramic views over all of Las Ramblas and Campoamor forest. It has a large fully fitted kitchen that is open to a good sized living room, bathroom and a large south facing terrace with fantastic views from the main floor. This also provides direct access down to the swimming pool through the outside staircase. The lower floor has two double bedrooms and two bathrooms with the master bedroom having its own en suite bathroom. The inside of the villa has marble flooring throughout and benefits from added extras such as air-conditioning, gas central heating, a private swimming pool, off-road car parking and is in excellent condition. Las Ramblas is a quiet and secure urbanisation close to all services and benefits from being by the Las Ramblas golf

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POOL TIMES: The property boasts a private swimming pool. course, being in an excellent location for those looking for quality living. There is also the space and potential to create a third bedroom if needed. The property is priced at â‚Ź245,000 for sale by OP Group who can arrange a viewing. The villa would serve as a perfect home or a rental investment. Experts in property rental, OP Group are registered with the Spanish Tourist Board Let-

tings Association and the local town halls and can further advise on rental options and market your property as they work with some of the largest companies, including James Villas, Booking.com and Holiday Lettings. La Marina - 966 795 422 Gran Alacant - 966 697 438 Algorfa - 966 729 653 Visit www.opgroupspain.com

A REPORT from financial consultants Analistas Financieros Internacionales (AFI) has said that â‚Ź238 billion worth of dubious real estate deals continue to burden the Spanish banking system. The situation has made it increasingly difficult to build up capital ratios and accounts for almost 9 per cent of assets within the banking system, with banks expected to be more selective in their lending, with higher fees also on the cards.

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PROPERTY

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The com years of

SPAIN HOMES team SPAIN HOMES and America Homes are part of the International Homes Group, launched in 2011 with offices in Orlando, Florida and London Gatwick and now most recently, with offices on the Costa Blanca. Its owners have over 20 yearsâ€™ experience in the industry, selling a combined $4 billion in real estate to 18,000 clients worldwide over the last 20 years. Very few companies or agents can compare and this sets the company apart from the many others selling homes abroad. As the team solely consists of seasoned overseas real estate professionals, they have come to understand the mistakes made by all the larger agents during the last 10 years. It spurred them on to create a company that is founded on pro-

PROPERTY

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mpany with over 20 f experience in selling

m consists of seasoned overseas real estate professionals

TOWN HOUSE: In Pinar de Campoverde for just â‚Ź65,000. fessionalism, trust, customer service and above all, security. Spain Homes promotes its properties through numerous and varied channels and exhibit their properties at private exhibitions throughout the UK, along with taking prime positions at all the major public property expos throughout the world.

Properties can be seen on all the main property portals as well as by numerous mailing campaigns to millions of subscribers. They are confident there is no other company that promotes its properties to as many potential clients as Spain Homes, making it the number one choice for people looking

to sell and list their home. At Spain Homes their business model is selling overseas property, specifically holiday homes and retirement property to a large number of international clients. The company knows what they have done for over 20 years and understand better than anyone else within the industry. They have thousands of clients on our books looking to purchase property on the Costa Blanca. If you are thinking of selling, contact the Resale Manager Michael Murphy on 635 026 630, email m.murphy@ internationalhomesgroup.com or visit the website at www.spainhomessl.com. Spain Homes Calle Ramon Campoamor Orihuela Costa

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GARDENS

Use Polytunnels for vegetable productivity and frost protection by Gordon Jolly via Flickr

THEY are becoming more and more popular each gardening year in the UK Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

POLYTUNNELS first appeared in the 1960s once the plastics industry managed to produce reliable wide-width polythene sheeting. They become more popular each gardening year in the UK and can also be useful in Spain, especially the large walk-in frame tunnels covered in plastic sheeting for growing a wide variety of crops, from lettuces to tomatoes and raspberries and protecting potted plants during the frost-risk months. The size is in theory whatever you like, but typical sizes for plots are widths of two to five metres and lengths of two to 20 metres. A minimum workable height at the centre of the tunnel is two to two and a half metres. There are two basic designs available to buy, semicircular arc and high tent shape. Well designed, constructed and maintained, they can last for years. By the

POLYTUNNELS: First appeared in the 1960s after the plastics industry began producing wide-width polythene sheeting. way, we have found two common spellings Polytunnel and Poly Tunnel. Use the one you are most comfortable with. The benefits are: • Crops grow quicker, earlier and possibly larger. The latter depending on your harvesting strategy, small is tender or giant could be a silver cup. • They are per square metre less expensive than glass or

polycarbonate greenhouses. • There is a wide range of sizes available. • They absorb the sun and achieve the most productive germination and Spring growing temperatures two to six weeks ahead of the open garden according to your location. • They protect growing plants from rain, frost, snow, hail and gales and therefore en-

able more autumn, winter and early spring crops to be grown. • Using irrigation tubing with drip holes, built-in close planting in rows can be achieved. Splitting the growing area into zones, a multi-zone irrigation system will allow you to give blocks of small and large vegetables, soft fruits and tender fruit trees the water they need. Kits to allow liquid fertilisers

to be metered into the irrigation water system are also available. What to look out for when buying a polytunnel: • Strength and tear-ability of plastic sheeting cover. • Ultraviolet resistance and quoted lifespan of the sheeting. • Quality of galvanised or protective painted metal framework. • Ease of construction.

• Seal-ability of doors. • Possibility of fitting a temperature controlled fan so you can use it through the hottest months. You will be surprised how hot the inside of a polytunnel can become on a sunny day from June to August. • Ability to partly roll the sides up in the summer if you don’t want the cost of a fan. Risks to your investment: • Planning laws need to be checked before construction. • Poor fixing and air seal at soil level to stop strong winds getting under the plastic and ballooning it. • If you don’t use ecological insecticides and fungicides you may build up an environment that is a health risk. The way ahead: Prices vary so check out several suppliers. If you are a handyman metalworker and have a supplier of wide plastic sheeting you could rig up a serviceable DIY Polytunnel. (c) Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com December 2015

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It’s Neater Heater time of year again NOW available online throughout Iberia and beyond for those who would like a more personal service AFTER a glorious long Indian summer, a few weeks ago the temperature finally plummeted into winter faster than a roller coaster. In fact one of the only things that have gone down as fast as the temperature is the stack of heaters in the Neater Heater warehouse. “What a difference a day makes, one day I was jet washing the terrace in shorts and flip-flops, and the next day getting inundated with heater orders,” said Tony. He and his business partner, Richard, started Neater Heater when they were looking for the best value electric heating system for their own homes. Discovering Norwegian convector heaters by accident, they liked them so much that, to paraphrase Victor Kiam, they started a company. That was over six years ago. Since then, they have increased the range of heaters thereby giving the customer a choice of price, style and colour, while still maintaining the product standard that has given them such a good name. With their new and improved website, and their ability to take phone payments, Neater Heater can now offer their product

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: COSTA BLANCA SOUTH BENIJOFAR: Vincent Real Estate. Tel. 966 712 440 QUESADA: The Electrical Shop (Euronics). Tel: 966 188 169 NORTH TORREVIEJA: For home inspections call Colin. Tel. 636 537 338 TORREVIEJA: S J & A. Digital. Tel. 966 319 253 BLUE LAGOON:The Electrical Shop (Euronics). Tel. 966 188 170 MURCIA PROVINCE Nigel & Anne home inspections Tel. 660 893 861 SOUTH TORREVIEJA: For home inspections call Edmund. Tel. 966 765 552 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES or Tel. 634 312 171

NEATER HEATER: Don’t leave it too late to order.

to anyone in Iberia. “If the heater you want is in stock,” explains Richard, “we can have it delivered to you pretty much the day after the payment clears. The only exception being Portugal, where delivery might take 48 hours, and the Balearics, where it might take up to a week.” Neater Heater also has agents from

Put a bat box at the top of your Xmas list BATS can be a valuable asset to your garden By Sam Croft NOT sure what to ask for this Christmas? What about a bat box? Sure, bats are small, furry, and kind of ugly, but they can actually be a valuable asset to your garden. Perhaps you’re afraid of bats. Well first let’s clear a few things up. Although bats can be a carrier of rabies, statistically you are more likely to get rabies from a cow than from a bat. On average, only one person a year dies after contracting rabies from a bat. Many more die from dog bites or bee stings. And though bats may swoop at people sometimes, it’s only because they’re going after the tasty mosquitoes swarming around their heads. Bats love mosquitoes. In fact, one bat can consume up to 600 mosquitoes per hour! Just think what 10 bats could do

overnight! If you’re prone to nasty mozzie bites, a bat box could be just what the doctor ordered. A typical bat box can hold a colony of 30-50 bats. Don’t like the sound of it? Well look at it this way: bats typically hang out in crevices, caves, or tight spaces. So in theory they could already be living in your basement or attic. Putting up a bat box only ensures that all of the bats in the neighbourhood will

be out of your house and living in a place where you can keep an eye on them. If you get a bat box, hang it 15-18 feet high on the side of a building. Don’t put it in a tree as it needs lots of sunlight as well as easy access for the bat. Ideally a bat box should be warm, facing the sun, and near a source of fresh water. So if you haven’t finished your Christmas list yet, think about adding a bat box.

Javea, all the way down the Costas to Malaga, for those who would like a more personal service. Neater Heaters can be bought individually on a room-by-room basis, or as a complete system. They are a quality product for people who want a cost-effective, reliable, heating

solution for the short, sharp, Spanish (or Portuguese) winters, but don’t want the expense of installing a complete boiler and radiator system. Look on the website, or call one of their agents. Stocks are constantly being replenished, but don’t leave it too late, remember: Winter is coming!

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Harnessing full potential of canine equipment USING a harness is growing in popularity among many pet owners

David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

To find a pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on +44 (0)1865 521508 PEOPLE often think their dogs or dog-sitting charges are fun, friendly and flexible. Let me introduce you to Daisy, a Cocker Spaniel with a very cheeky nature. Needless to say she is a popular client with our sitters. The owners, however, often ask us to prepare the sitters by saying that no matter how friendly and imploring she may be, Daisy is still a dog. Her routines are important for her well-being while her owners are present and more especially when her owners are absent. So why is the dog’s routine so important and why do we stress this fact when we talk to our pet- and house-sitters? As many dog owners and professionals will attest, dogs tend to feel more secure and comfort-

able with a regular routine. The regularity of events, when they eat, when they walk, the words we use to address them give them stability and a clear view of the world. We ask our owners to fully brief the sitter, by spending a little time with them before they leave and also to write down the routine and key points for references. For the sitters we emphasise the reason for their recruitment as an at-home-pet-carer, to ensure the pets are well cared for in their own environment with routines maintained as far as possible. This keeps any stress to an absolute minimum. Housesitting can be a winwin for both parties, free house- and pet-sitting and the sitters get free accommodation!

A DOG harness is a piece of equipment similar to harness tack for horses. There are various designs, depending on the type of use. Harnesses can be used on Seeing Eye dogs in the assistance of a disabled person, on working dogs that haul a cart or sled, or even in sporting events, such as in the Scandinavian practice of skijoring and pulka. Harnesses are also worn by non-working dogs for training purposes. A harness is often worn in conjunction with a dog collar and used as an alternative for a dog leash attachment. While a collar only encircles the neck, harnesses have a loop that surrounds the torso as well, with connecting straps between them for added reinforcement and control. The design allows for distribution of force which may prevent choking; a dog will also not be able to slip free from a

type also offers reinforcement to the handler as well as a padded breastplate for the dog’s comfort. Overall sturdiness of the design depends on whether the dog is gently leading, acting as a brace, or physically pulling a wheelchair. Sled dog harnesses vary depending on the purpose of the animal; the two basic duties of a sled dog are hauling freight or some sort or racing. Harnesses come in three main types: the freight harness, the H-back harness, and the X-back harness. Dog sports are growing and more types of harnesses are being developed, including the Y-back style and guard or distance harness.

MORE CONTROL: Dog harness.

Get up with the cat chat CATS are fiercely independent creatures known for being more aloof than their domestic canine counterparts and it can take a good while to communicate with them properly, if at all. The results, of course, are worth it. If you’re curious about what your cat is trying to say to you then follow this short guide. Noises: Short meow: “Hiya, what’s the story?” Multiple meows: “I’ve missed you!” Mid-pitch meow: “I want....” Drawn-out mrrraaaaaoooow: “Mate, it’s been five hours

iamlilbub, wikipedia

Good morning cheeky Daisy!

harness as they may easily do from a standard collar. Harness usage is growing in popularity among many pet owners, especially for those with smaller breed dogs. Buttonholes in pet clothes allowing access to harness straps are among recent adjustments to accommodate the increasing use of harnesses. Assistance dogs will sometimes wear a harness if part of their job requires guiding or providing physical mobility for a disabled person. Generally, the harness design includes a built-in handle for the person to grip; this

MEOW: “Hiya, what’s the story?”

since you filled my milk tray.” High-pitched RRRROWW!: “YOU STEPPED ON MY TAIL ,YOU EEJIT!” Hiss: “Alright, buddy, you and me outside.” Movements: Tail vibrating: Very excited to see you. Tail held low and tucked under the rear: Frightened. Dilated pupils: Very playful or excited. It can also indicate aggression. Ears pinned back: Fear, anxiety, aggression. Tongue flicking: Worry, apprehension. Face sniffing: Confirming identity.

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BUSINESS OPP. SELLING businesses in Spain for 15 years. Free valuation. info@businessbrokerspain.co m. Tel: 902 906 016 (231182) LOTTERY Get paid weekly with no winning numbers. Find out how. www. winthelotteryweekly.com (235566)

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feeling the heat! It is time therefore for another visit to the shop where you might find a bargain or two. Choose from the clothing selection, jewellery, household goods, books or bric a brac. There is usually something there for everyone —- but not always. Charitable donations have recently been made to The Alzheimers Centre, Cancer Research and The Amigos Ambulance Service. We still need your help with donations etc. Please keep them coming in! We are situated on Avenida Del Furs close to the Fountain Roundabout and immediate left by Don Colchon bed shop. (93325) THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, Torrevieja Branch, meet at 17.00 on the first Wednesday of each month at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar 3 (behind Carrefour), Torrevieja. Contact Mike Wright, Chairman 966 722 895 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996. (95455) HELP Vega Baja. We help people of all ages with all sorts of problems, particularly at times of crisis and emergencies. Offices based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). La Marina Helpdesk Calle Madrid 5 (Tel: 673 109 096). Our offices are open Monday to Friday 10am -1.30pm and the Helpdesk at La Marina is open every Friday 10 am - 1.30 pm. We are online at www.helpve gabaja.com or email office@helpvegabaja.com Remember we also have a 24 hour Emergency help-line on 966 723 733 (95456)

CHARITIES/CHURCHES ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aacostablanca.org (93323) ROUNDABOUT CHARITY SHOP. We are now into summer and very soon we will be

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Orihuela Costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. The branch meets at Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras on 3rd Thursday of each month at 19.00 - 19.30pm. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl .co.uk. (95457) THE BAKER FOUNDATION for SPIRITUAL AWARENESS. 16 Nicolas De Bussi Ave, Playa Flamenca. Sunday Service every week 11am to 12 noon, everyone welcome. For further details please phone/fax 966 760 665 (95458) THE PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB meets every Friday in the Bar

BUY & SELL

Catorce, Benijofar. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) CHARITY BOOK STALL PEGO THURSDAY MARKET. Selection of over 500 books, all proceeds given to the elderly/disabled of Pego and local Animal Rescue. More stock always required please contact Chrissie 965 977 228/617 647 395 (95460) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188 (95461) ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca). The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis Urbanisation, at 6.30pm. For further details Hon Sec 965 724 652 CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, Calle Canalejas, 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am & Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and Worship. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, contact PilarChristian.Community Church@gmail.com / 966 849 448 / 966 848 806. Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) TORREVIEJA Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our services with communion and ‘kids church’ each Sunday at 10.30am. We have a Fellowship Meeting (Bible Study) each Wednesday at 6.00pm. For further information see our website www.tcf-Spain.org or tel 966 700 391. (95464) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION JAVEA BRANCH meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month @ Scallops Rest on the Arenal at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome to attend as a visitor and join the branch if they wish. Anyone needing any help or advice on welfare, or any information regarding the branch can contact either Sheila on 965 791 270 or Roger on 965 790 123 (95472) TORREVIEJA STROKE SUPPORT GROUP meets each Friday 2.45pm to 5pm in The Annex, (behind Age Concern Centre), Calle Paganini, Urb. La Siesta. Our aim is to support stroke survivors and their carers by a range of facilities from speech therapy, rehabilitation exercise, group discussion etc. For info: Louie 966 718 964 or 965 071 920, email: strokesupportgroup @hotmail.com Donations and further voluntary helpers are needed and guest speakers with relevant knowledge or experience are very welcome. (95473) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets 1st Monday of every month (except July and August) at Bar Sioux , Avda Escandinavia GA at 7pm for 7.30pm prompt. For further info contact Brian, Branch Secretary on 639 917 971 / email secretarybr3606@ gmail.com (95474) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer has opened a charity shop at C/Virgen de los Desamparados No 13 (next door to Mas y mas) El Campello. The shop is open Mon-Fri 10 - 2pm and is run by unpaid volunteers and all monies raised goes to the AECC. We urgently need donations of clothes, books, large and small furniture etc, and we will arrange collection of large items. We need volunteers to help out in the shop and also clothes rails, shelves etc. for display. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please stop by at the shop. Contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.com (95475)

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International Christian Assembly Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational Sunday services 11am Children’s church 11am House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Pastor, Rafael Restrepo All nationalities welcome 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. (95476)

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FREEMASONRY Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee Tel: 966 712 326 or email: palmers.quesa da@yahoo.co.uk (95477)

CHIMNEY SWEEP PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP. Family Business established over 60 years. 660 478 881 (236418)

DAMP www.dryzone-espana.com - We are the longest established Damp Proofing company in Spain. We can cure Rising Damp, leaking Flat Roof or Terrace problems quickly & safely. We can make your Underbuild Dry. Villa Paint Due! We can protect your villa & stop PENETRATING DAMP with a Protective Coating. Call us for a survey now; Tel: 634 322 672 (233164)

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (233062)

GARDENING

SOS <http://www.sosin suranceinspain.com> Insurance in Spain. Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 82 euros per year and cars from 120 euros. Tel 966 787 123 / 622 275 561 / 686 116 297 / email info@sosinsur anceinspain.com (238734)

CLASSIFIEDS INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email serena@euroweek lynews.com for more details.

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PERGOLA COVERS TAILOR made, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and BBQ covers. Mazarron based, and at Procomobel Market, Guardamar Saturday mornings. 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk (238737)

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WE BUY, Sell, Store, Remove all types of Mobile Homes. We pay CASH and cover all of Spain. More details call Suzi Caley 616 250 727 / 951 063 059 or email suzicaley@ gmail.com (237117)

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WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)

WANTED WANTED Cars, vans, caravans, 4 X 4’s British Spanish 600 781 873 ibuyany car@hotmail.com (239455)

MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (238468) www.euroweeklynews.com

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PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required. For further information call or email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (231443)

PET TRANSPORT THE DOG MOVER. Licensed transporters. Two handlers, so never alone. 651 581 067 / 0044 (0) 7875 947230. www.thedog mover.com (228731) PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk. Removals also arranged in other vehicles. Tel UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537 (237026)

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

PET CHARITIES

PROPERTY TO LET

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare .net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

CABO ROIG (242) 1 bed apt, secure urb., front terrace, bathroom, veranda terrace with dining area, lounge/kitchen, bedroom with dbl, com pool, close beach. 350€pcm, contract incl. Ref 242 Tel 966 707 074 (238418)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Shelter open 7 days a week 12noon - 2.00pm & 3.30pm 7.00pm. (Spanish speaking staff) or phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

AGUAS NUEVAS (69) Corner Townhouse, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Lounge/Diner, Balcony, Com.Pool, 435€ pcm, contract incl. Ref 69. Tel 966 707 074 (238418)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog, or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com EURO WEEKLY NEWS CLASSIFAX AGENT (95708) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, defleed. We also need volunteers to help Car boot sale in Polop on Sundays Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

PLUMBING MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (233062)

POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (228997)

PROPERTY FOR RENT

SITUATIONS VACANT

TORREVIEJA (214) Av. Paris, 1 bed apt, Furnished, Balcony, A/C, com. Pool, 330€ pcm, long term, contract incl. Ref 215. Tel 966 707 074 (238418) TORREVIEJA (180) La Siesta, 2 bed terrace. Available long term. Glazed Veranda, Lounge/diner, kitchen, bathroom, A/C. 360€ pcm, contract provided. Ref 180. Tel 966 707 074 (238418) TORREVIEJA (248) 4 Bed Quad House, with Balcony, Garden Terrace, A/C, Nr. Shops, 535€ pcm, contract incl. Ref:244. Tel: 966 707 074 (238418)

RELIABLE, motivated Salesperson and Sales Administration wanted. Must speak perfect English. Gogo Estates. In the first instance, email info@gogoestates.com (226906)

NEW RENTALS REQUIRED URGENTLY Tel 966 707 074. Rent-2-Go. Further choices at office – Calle Diana, Torrevieja – www.rent-2-go.com / www.sell-2-go.mobi (238418)

UK - SPAIN - Anywhere Europe! Masses of experience. New clean vehicles. Insured with Royal Sun Alliance. Genuinely CARING service. FULL and part moves. ONLINE QUOTES!! www.bmceuropean.com UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 FIND US ON FACEBOOK! (239719)

MAN AND VAN UK - Spain. 2 vans travelling twice a month, Murcia - North / South UK. Storage in Spain. Tel 610 846 260 or 0044 751 918 6355 email van.man@hotmail.co.uk (237750) UK-SPAIN-IRELAND. Removals with the personal touch. Pets carried with care 965 696 750 / 0044 (0) 7447 918 589 e-mail chrisyounge73979@aol.com (237517)

SEWING QUALIFIED SEAMSTRESS 40 years experience, turn-ups to tailoring patterns taken from your favourite cloths, reasonable prices. Torrevieja, Sandra: 966 799 188 / 680 486 336 (228946)

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FIELD SALES positions available. Must have own transport, English and Spanish preferred, but not essential, must have local knowledge of the area and be smart and presentable. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweek lynews.com. DUE TO RECORD SALES Vista Casas have the following vacancies in our busy Villamartin Plaza Office, SALES TEAM – English & French speaking essential, Spanish & other languages a bonus, Property sales experience required & good knowledge of local area, Computer literate, Basic salary plus competitive commissions, AFTER SALES – Verbal & written English & Spanish essential, French & other languages a bonus, Good customer service skills, Excellent communication & administration skills, Computer literate, Previous experience in either estate agents or lawyers office preferred. If you want to join an expanding, professional company please contact Mark by email mark@vistacasas .com or mobile 603 107 696.Confidentiality assured to all applicants. (237563) DO YOU CARE? If so, why not join our team of carers who work in the UK. Earn from £952 - £1,456 for 2 weeks. Good written/spoken English, British or EU Passport required. Contact Sandra on 658 965 204 or email s.field@consultusca re.com (235854)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices. Last minute jobs undertaken. www.spanish moves.net. Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537 (237026)

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SITUATIONS VACANT

SPAS / JACUZZIS

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BENIDORM 2 sexy pretty affectionate girls, massage, kisses, hotel/private apartment. Tel 671 431 214 (232564)

TILING PLUMBER/CERAMIC WALL & FLOOR TILER. 30 years’ experience. No job too small, free quote. Tel Shane on 645 664 298 / 965 075 190 (237242free)

NAUGHTY sexy Bi Lady, discreet, out calls only. Orihuela Costa. Email leilapuss@yahoo.co.uk (239338)

WANTED

SWIMMING POOLS WOODEN POOLS LIMITED. Manufacturers & installers of wooden above ground pools. Take the plunge with one of the above ground pools. Best of all “No Planning Permission Required” Tel: 634 322 672. Phone or email for a FREE COLOUR BROCHURE & PRICE LIST NOW. www.woodenpo ols.limited info@woodenpo ols.limited (233164)

TELECOMS FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (0)

JACUZZI, SPAS, HOT TUBS WANTED. Working or not 650 722 905 (237573) WANTED Quad Bike and Jet Ski. Call 650 722 905 (237575) RECORDS & CDs WANTED. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues. Top cash paid. Henry 630 665 363 (237222)

XXX RELAXATIONS Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive. SOPHIE. Escort, sexy, slim, elegant, naughty lady, home or hotel. 693 357 526 (237649) BEAUTIFUL Dutch girl, 36, slim, blonde hair, big breasts, all fantasies. Campoamor, 676 067 381 (237698)

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www.chicosorihuela.com. Guys, transvestites, complacent, feisty. We are eager and hot. DARE!!! 616 804 411 (233059) TORREVIEJA. Bianca. Spectacular brown hair. Delicious body. Monday to Friday. C/la Loma, N74. 606 337 706 (231087) EXPERIENCE a great 1 hour massage with Veronica. Qualified. Call 679 292 678 for appointment. (237623) SPANISH lady - classic. Playa Flamenca, private house, 35 years, attractive. All erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie. From €40. Ana 865 646 437 (232510) ALMORADI - 2 sexy hot blonde bombshells waiting for you with many kisses. 645 323 546/604 104 757 (232645)

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Motoring shorts

The silent danger of electric cars HYBRID and electric cars pose a 19 per cent higher risk of pedestrian collisions compared to gasoline powered vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US. Plans are being made to install artificial noise-making systems to alert other road users of their presence.

First-timers in more accidents A STUDY by LV Car insurance has shown UK drivers who pass their test first time are more likely to be in accidents, while those who tested multiple times are less likely to commit drugs and alcohol offences. The report puts the findings down to overly confident drivers having â€˜rashâ€™ behaviour.

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Clarkson Quote of theWeek

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These newer supercars are much kinder to the environment as well. For example, this one here: the only thing coming out of its tailpipes are baby foxes.

Some might say...

Porsche to unveil new 911 Turbo AVAILABLE in both coupe and convertible versions DETROIT will see Porsche present the new 911 turbo models at the North American International Auto Show in January, while the cars themselves go on sale in Germany the same month. Available in both coupe and convertible versions, the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S will boast an additional 20hp power, a sharper design and enhanced features. Turbochargers with larger compressors in the S and modified inlet ports and higher fuel pressure in the 911 Turbo will enable power outputs of 580 hp and 540 hp respectively. A dynamic boost function has been added to the engines to improve response by maintaining the charge pressure during load changes. Fuel con-

sumption is further reduced whilst driving performance continues to excel. The 911 Turbo S Coupe can reach 100kph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 330kmh (205mph) and yet consumes only 9.1l/100km due to advanced transmission management and gear change mappings. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now also has a sport mode which makes it possible to approach performance limits more closely, and comes replete with an advanced communications system involving active messaging and warning lights. New design features include three-dimensional rear lights, 20-inch wheels, new door handles and a reworked rear body.

The new generation Turbo possess similar characteristics to the successful Carrera model and offers a wider look for the front end with double fillets for the narrow LED front lights. The newly minted Porsche Communication Management system features a highly devel-

oped infotainment system with UNVEILING: North American online navigation and a multi- International Auto Show. touch monitor integrated into imaging. Smartphones can be the centre console. integrated more easily via WiLatest traffic information can Fi, and a quality Bose sound be accessed and routes visusystem comes as standard. alised with 360-degree satellite

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Juniors given chance to roar across DTM Young Driver Test t o o k p l a c e o n December 2 in Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, A nd a l u c i a . Tw o BMW Motorsport Juniors, Jesse Krohn of F inla n d a n d L o u i s D elé t r a z o f C h i l e , parti c i p a t e d a l o n g with talented British pair Alexander Sims and George Russell. The three-day test gave the youngsters the chance to compete und e r g r e a t c o n d i tions and prepare themselves for an exciting future.

RE-PLATE MATE Don’t take a chance! Don’t break the law! Take the hassle out of re-registering your vehicle onto Spanish plates We endeavour to better any genuine quotation 490 Euro + Road Tax + CO2 emission tax if applicable

Alan 662 249 159 www.replatematecostablanca.com

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MOTORING

Technology lovers will appreciate Audi’s new hybrid SUV COMBINES the ample size with the efficiency of a diesel electric plug-in By Matthew Elliott

TECHNOLOGY lovers and families alike will appreciate Audi’s latest model, the Q7 e-tron which combines the ample size of an SUV with the efficiency of a diesel electric plug-in. The powerful hybrid features Audi’s most advanced technology, with an anticipatory sat-nav system that knows when a built-up area is approaching and adapts its power sources in advance, whilst factoring in traffic conditions and switching seamlessly between its diesel, electric and hybrid modes. It’s a heavy vehicle at almost 2.5 tonnes but with a total of 369bhp, 516lb of torque, 3.0 litre VG diesel engine, and a 34 mile EV range, driving is a smooth affair with a settled, light steering making the weight easy to forget. A vibrating engine nullifies typical diesel vibes and keeps outside noise to an absolute minimum, while an efficient heating system uses the car’s own electrical activity to save power and in-

Photo by Thomas Doerfer, wikipedia

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LATEST MODEL: The Q7 e-tron. crease the EV range. Coming in at a relatively steep £65,000 (€92,000) the

e-tron will be available this month in the UK, and also features a top speed of

135mph, eight speed automatic gearbox, and a combined economy of 166.2mpg,

it represents decent value for money with all the quality you’d expect from an Audi.

SPORT

10 - 16 December 2015 / Costa Blanca South

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San Miguel Golf at Villamartin

HOME VICTORY: Mazarron continue their march up the league.

Mazarron FC 3 UD Los Garres 2 BOTH teams fought for supremacy in the early stages MAZARRON continued their march up the league table with a 3-2 home victory against a strong Los Garres team. The win saw Mazarron moving up to third place. Both teams fought for supremacy in the early stages and Mazarron then came into the game with Jose, Palote and Juanito starting to cause problems for the visiting defence. However, it was Los Garres who took the lead after 30 minutes when Mounir was penalised for a foul in the area and

the spot kick was despatched with ease giving Alberto in the Mazarron goal no chance. The first half ended with the score 1-0 to the visitors. But when Willy replaced Enrique at the start of the second half, Mazarron pressed for an equaliser and scored after 55 minutes. Two minutes later the home team took the lead when the ball was deflected into the net by a defender for an own goal. Willy continued to cause problems for the Los Garres defence on both

sides of the pitch and Palote missed two fairly straightforward chances for Mazarron. However, the visitors equalised after 79 minutes when a twice taken free kick from the right was headed firmly into the roof of the net. After 83 minutes, Mazarron scored what turned out to be the winning goal when yet another run down the wing by Willy saw his cross fired into the net by Palote. Mazarron travel to play CD Bullense on Sunday December 13, with kick off at 5pm.

THE largest turnout of this current season saw 50 members and five guests attend SMGS’ visit to Villamartin to play a stableford competition. Fantastic weather and a course in good condition suggested rounds would be good, but no forward (and several almost white) tees for men and some tricky and unusual pin positions countered the positives. Whilst in October it was the Celtic contingent that stood out in the prizes when the society visited, this month Scandinavian members shone (well done to Eva Pettersson, John Sorenson, Kyree Skarsmoen and Eve Hejdstrom) along with Dutchman Theo Boelhouwer. With the ladies on the true reds, and the men, as mentioned, back where they should be, the former also had a strong showing, given their numbers, in the leading results, with Beverly Cullen and Paula Hagart added to those mentioned above. The ladies standings were even more impressive given the difficulty they encountered on the 16th tee where a message telling them to watch out for an adder may well have led to some trepidation and a rush to vacate the box, particularly when no mathematician could be spotted! Only John Sorenson broke par, and 33 of the

members playing didn’t make it to 30 points which, as a percentage of those playing, is very different to recent visits, indicating the difficulties of the day’s course layout. Competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Norman Padmore (31), 3rd Beverly Cullen (32), 2nd Kyree Skarsmoen (33), and 1st, with the best score of the day, John Sorenson with 37 points. Silver Category: 4th Mike Jordan (32), 3rd Alan Gilbert (34), 2nd Ken Flaherty (35) and 1st, playing very well and to his handicap, Dave Gibson with 36 points. Gold Category: 4th John Aitchison (32), 3rd Eva Pettersson (33), 2nd Captain Barry Roehrig (36 on CB), and 1st, with an equally good score of 36, Vice Captain Theo Boelhouwer. Nearest the pins on the par three’s went to Theo Boelhouwer (6), Beverly Cullen (9), John Sorenson (13) and Eva Pettersson (17). Best front nine was won by Paula Hagart (18), best back nine by Ian Parkinson, also with 18 points. The best guest prize was won by Eve Hejdstrom with 26 points. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to their website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033

TMGS visit Las Colinas

Torrevieja tennis champs

LAS COLINAS: The 36 members and guests enjoyed perfect conditions at the course.

TORREVIEJA CHAMPS: The winning tennis team with their coach. THE youth team of Torrevieja Tennis Club are now champions in the provincial Federation Championship Tennis of Valencia.

The win comes just two weeks after the juveniles also achieved championship success. The youth team was formed by Emilio Huete,

Sergio Quesada, Francisco Andreu, Javier Rocamora, Manuel Duran, Andrei Devyatkin, Katrin Ismailova, Aryna Stoliarchuck and Lina Nikolova.

PERFECT conditions greeted 36 members and guests that turned out to play this popular course. As with most societies, Las Colinas is often visited in ‘low season’ to take advantage of their low season green fees. It must be said that the course was presented in perfect condition and it could be expected that high scores would be required to make a podium position, alas that was not to be as no one scored better than pa! Dutchman Fred Kras did manage 19 points on his front nine but a problem with his contact lenses meant he had trouble seeing the hole or (holes) while playing the back nine, missing

putts from less than a metre meant that his second nine score was only half of that of his front nine. Results; Visitors category was won by Danishman Carsten Pedersen off 4 handicap returning 32 points. Bronze category; 3rd place on higher handicap J Dursley 26 points from Pearl Sabine who took 2nd place, first place went to handicap Secretary Colin Marsden on 32 points. Silver category; Lars Jernberg 3rd with 28 points, 2nd Alan Rickers on 30 points and first was Mick Kennedy on 34 points. Gold category; 3rd place Andy Mills on 30 points, 2nd Arne Hansson with 31 points

and first Dave Lethaby with 35 points. The prizes for the NTP competition was sponsored by Pearl Sabine and Tom Jones and the winners were; Hole 5 Ian Brown, Hole 7 Dave Kirkham, Hole 10 Fred Kras, Hole 14 Mick Kennedy, Hole 17 Bob Watson. Date for the diary, December 16 TMGS are playing the south course at La Manga so if you would like to play this prestigious course for just €50 please visit their website www.tmgs.org or call the Secretary on 661 524 101 or follow them via Facebook/TMGS GOLF or @TMGSGOLF on Twitter to reserve your place.

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Costa Blanca South

10 - 16 December 2015

ANDY MURRAY: One of the favourites to win the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.

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Costa Blanca’s best guide to local sport

Eurogolf members play December Monthly Medal ON Thursday December 3, Eurogolf played their monthly medal off the plates as a handicap qualifier. Scores were slightly improved on recent games played off the plates so it would seem they are getting used to the longer course.

The scores were as follows: Silver division, 20 plus: 1st Angelika Berndt 72, 2nd Gloria manning 74, 3rd Jan Shorley 75, Gold division, 0-19: 1st Alan Caithness, 2nd Franz Berndt, 3rd Bob Buckeridge 76 c/b,

December medal winner, Angelika Berndt. Best front 9: Robin Richards 35. Best back 9, John Barraclough 36. NTP’s 5th Marylin Eckersall, 11th David Blanchette, 15th Alan Caithness, 17th Chris Stanley. TUESDAY TOFFS On Tuesday December 1, 57 players played the weekly Stableford with Toffs, and the results were as follow: Bronze division 22 plus: 1st June Caithness 37, 2nd Jan Shorley 35, 3rd Phyllis Ven-

EUROGOLF MEMBERS: Played their monthly medal off the plates. ables 33. Silver division 16-22: 1st Robin Richards 34, 2nd Hedy Paehlig, 3rd Debbie Weedon 31. Gold division: 1st Alan Caithness 35, 2nd David Greg-

son 31, 1st Alan Caithness 35. Overall Toffs winner: June Caithness. Best front 9, Mary Anderson 18. Best back 9, Gordon Bourne 19. NTP’s 5th Hedy Paehlig,

11th Gloria Manning, 15th Alan Caithness, 17th KenBrett. If you would like to play with Eurogolf on Tuesdays and Thursdays at La Marquesa, please visit the website www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk.