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ISSUE NO. 1643

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

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YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

THE BEST OF THE YEAR 2016 SEE PAGES 8 - 21

Fake kidnap alert Elderly succumb to virtual family scam By Matthew Elliott Detectives across Almeria are investigating an alarming rise in the number of virtual kidnappings. Residents are advised to beware of scam artists who pretend that family members are in dire trouble and need money transferred abroad. The fraudsters target a particular person, usually elderly citizens, and find out the names and addresses of their close relatives. They then call their target and shout the names of loved ones down the phone, mentioning Mexico or other places, and urge them to send money. Their family member is said to be in trouble with border police or some other obstacle and in need of a wire transfer to help

them get home. By the time the victim realises none of it was true, the money has vanished into a foreign bank account. Provincial police in Almeria are currently investigating two cases where local residents were scammed out of €1,500 each. They transferred

the money through Western Union and MoneyGram to help allegedly distressed loved ones. It is a popular scam and Almeria police are trying to raise awareness among the local community to prevent anyone else falling victim to it. As well as the financial loss, the targets

have also been psychologically impacted as they fear for their loved ones’ safety. Elderly residents in particular have been marked out as potential victims. Police are also advising people to beef up their online security. The criminals typically gain personal information on family members simply by viewing social media accounts such as Facebook, where personal data is often visible to all and sundry. Detectives emphasise the scammers are extremely convincing and may provide a startling level of seemingly private information. They advise anyone receiving such calls to contact police immediately and before transferring any funds.

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Eco-shame A CYCLIST who has been biking through Spain to raise environmental awareness says he has been shocked by some of the attitudes encountered on his travels through the south of the country. Former carpenter, Martin Hutchinson, 55, believes the attitude of some of those who live on the coast is “absolutely appalling.” See page 2

Jingle jackpots LADY LUCK smiled on Almeria again this year with thousands of euros from El Gordo, the Christmas state draw, won in the province. Although the first prize, which was sold last year in

Roquetas de Mar, went elsewhere, tickets bearing the second prize number, 04536, were sold in Tijola (two), Fiñana, Vera, Balanegra and Albox. See page 4

Off the rails ALMERIA, by Renfe rail company’s own standards, has become the most distant land from the Spanish capital city due to a lack of progress on promised high-speed tracks. The dubious

privilege was previously held by Pontevedra and Lugo, both almost seven hours away from the capital by train, but passed to Almeria in 2016. See page 5

In the red THE average price for red prawns at the Garrucha fish market reached a maximum high in December of €58.68 per kilo, €13.95 higher than in November. The price, according to a report from the Agriculture and Fishing Board, was also €3.28 higher than in December 2015. See page 5

Shameless lover VIRTUAL SCAMMERS: Are particularly targeting the elderly leaving them in a state of fear for loved ones.

A WOMAN, 23, has been arrested for allegedly stealing €10,500 worth of jewellery from her boyfriend’s mother and sister. The National Police began investigations when an Almerian woman reported that 16 pieces of valuable jewellery had gone missing from her home but there was no sign of a break-in. See page 6

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

LOCAL NEWS

Local is best

THE 1642 (December 22-28) issue of the Costa de Almeria Euro Weekly News contained no less than 45 local news items, demonstrating once again our dedication and commitment to delivering the news that matters most to you, our readers, in each of our six editions. Nobody does it better!

Bhanged up A MAN who was travelling towards Almeria on a ferry from Melilla was arrested after National Police officers on board found him to be carrying 995 grams of hashish.

The police decided to question and search the 43year-old after noting his n e r v o u s b e h a v i o u r, a t which point special pockets were found in the soles of his shoes.

Blame-us five FIVE men have been jailed for three-and-a-half years for beating up another man in Pulpi. The attack, during which the victim was punched, kicked and hit with two pistols and a large rock, left him incapable of carrying out his normal activities for two weeks, the court heard.

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NEWS

Natural disaster will be wake-up call A CYCLIST who has been biking through Spain to raise environmental awareness says he has been shocked by some of the attitudes encountered on his travels through the south of the country. Former carpenter, Martin Hutchinson, who is now 55, believes the attitude of those who live on the coast is “absolutely appalling.” At one beach-cleaning event, organised after he spoke to employees at a large firm, barely a handful of people arrived to help. “People just don’t care. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “Human waste is going into the sea and nobody seems to want to do anything about it.” Martin is making his way on his threewheeled bike through large parts of Europe including Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden and Poland, before going to Australia and then on to India. “We can’t keep going on like this. There will be a natural disaster caused by what we’re doing to the environment. That will be a painful wake-up call,” he said. Martin spent many years travelling

MARTIN HUTCHINSON: Raising environmental awareness. across South America trying to raise the plight of the environment, including the state of many rivers, to local authorities and ordinary people alike. As reported by Euro Weekly News, he saw raw, untreated waste being tipped into the Amazon.

“I want people to act on what I’m doing. If I can do this, one man by himself, then so can you.” If you would like to follow Martin’s experiences, you can find him on Facebook and contacted him at martinhutchin son99@yahoo.co.uk.

NEWS

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Featured News 3

Our View 6

Finance 27 - 32

Stocks 28

Leapy Lee 33

Letters 40 EL GORDO: Considered to be the official start to Christmas in Spain.

Daily TV 44

Time Out 45 - 48

Lady luck returns By Eleanor Hawkins

Health & Beauty 49 - 51

Social Scene 52 - 53

Albox 55 - 61

Property 63

Homes & Gardens 64

Pets 65

Classifieds 66 - 67

Motoring 68 - 69

Sport 71 - 72

LADY LUCK smiled on Almeria again this year with thousands of euros from El Gordo, the Christmas state draw, won in the province. Although the first prize, which was sold last year in Roquetas de Mar, went elsewhere, tickets bearing the second prize number, 04536, were sold in Tijola (two), Fiñana, Vera, Balanegra and Albox.

Six people therefore were €125,000 richer at the end of the day, considered by most in Spain to be the official start to Christmas. However, the taxman demands 20 per cent of all winnings of more than €2,500. Almeria residents are avid players of the traditional El Gordo lottery. So much so that €40.5 million was spent this year on 202,761 tickets. On average, the province’s inhabitants spend €57.83 each on tickets

for the Christmas draw, the second highest amount in Andalucia behind the €63.64 spent by those living in Granada. For the first time this year, Teatro Cervantes in Almeria City opened its doors to the public on the day of the draw to allow them to watch proceedings on a giant screen. While entry was free, the initiative had a charitable side as those attending were asked to donate goods for the food bank.

NEWS

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS EXTRA

A little Xmas spirit

New app TURRE Council has launched Decide Turre, a mobile app which locals can use to make suggestions or report incidents to the authority. The app will also include news and events sections.

Too small THE Guardia Civil seized 388.2 kilos of undersized octopus from a fishing boat during inspections at ports in Roquetas de Mar. The octopus was distributed to food banks.

Personal use GUARDIA CIVIL officers at Almeria airport have confiscated 764 grams of coca leaves from a woman who arrived on a flight from Bolivia via Madrid and claimed they were for personal use.

ALMERIA RAIL STATION: Is furthest from Madrid measuring the distance in time.

Almeria is far, far away ALMERIA, by Renfe rail company’s own standards, has become the most distant land from the Spanish capital city due to a lack of progress on promised high-speed tracks. In 2010, Renfe launched a campaign to announce inauguration of its new AVE high-speed Valencia-Madrid connection which proposed measuring the distance between two points in time rather than kilometres. The campaign boasted that Madrid and Valencia were just 90 minutes apart.

With this in mind, Almeria is located six hours and 22 minutes from the capital city which, following improvements to other lines in the northern parts of the country, has made it the most distant city from Madrid. The dubious privilege previously held by Pontevedra and Lugo, both almost seven hours away from the capital by train, passed to Almeria in 2016 when new rails cut half an hour of the journeys to the

northern cities. With Santander four hours and 15 minutes from Madrid, Girona (the Mediterranean city the furthest from the capital in kilometres) just three hours and 19 minutes from the capital and even Granada, where passengers have had for the last year to make part of the journey on buses, three hours and 50 minutes from the centre of the country, Almeria has been left light-years behind.

ALBOX helped bring a little Christmas spirit to residents at the Casa de Acogida shelter for women and children sufferers of gender violence in Almeria City by giving them toys funded by Christmas plant sales. The traditional charity sale was organised by the staff of the Municipal Women’s Information Centre and raised €281.60, which was spent on dozens of toys for the children at the shelter. Social Welfare and Equality councillor Angel Pardo delivered the gifts to shelter manager Maria del Mar Bober and explained that 128 plants had been sold this year. Pardo expressed his gratitude to those who had bought plants to help the mothers and children, victims of gender violence, enjoy their Christmas a little more. The charity plant sale, the councillor explained, has become a firm fixture on the annual calendar of activities organised by the council to mark International Day against Violence against Women in the run-up to Christmas.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Kerry Clarke, a charity heroine

BRAVE SOULS: Taking part in the New Year’s Day dip.

KERRY, alongside several other brave souls, will once again be taking the plunge at 12 noon on January 1 in order to raise money for the PAWS-PATAS charity. Here, she tells the story in her own words: “The reason I did it last time was obviously to raise some much needed money for PAWS-PATAS. “It all started off at a friend’s house just before Christmas, Brad Swift had mentioned on the Mojacar forum on Facebook about doing a New Year’s Day Dip, I said I would do it if people sponsored me for PAWS-PATAS and before I knew it there was €200 on the table, it was too good an offer to not go through with it.

“By the time I went into the sea I had about €600 and no one else was doing it for charity, so I got even more. “My stepdaughter Rachel and my sister-in-law Janette, who both live in the

I am doing this for love of the dogs and want to give them as much comfort as possible.”

UK got me more sponsor money from family and friends in the UK. They both will do the same for this one. “The grand total last year was €1,032.

“Once I got into the water it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be however, once you are in it is best to keep under the water or else you really feel the cold. I just kept thinking about the doggies at the shelter and that made me determined to stay in for 10 minutes. “This year I am upping my game and staying in for 15 minutes. I am doing this for the love of the dogs and the puppies and want to give them as much comfort at the shelter as possible.” If you would like to sponsor this valiant effort, or watch the swimmers take to the water, you are encouraged to head down to the beach at the far end of Mojacar at 11.45am on January 1, 2017.

COMMUNITY

OUR VIEW

Our hearts go out ‘THERE but for the Grace of God’ is a truism that’s also ironic in as much as the recent attack in Berlin is claimed by an Islamic organisation dedicated to spreading the word of their God. Things are always magnified when they are close to home and just a few days before the lorry crashed into the Christmas market in Berlin, a party of retired police officers and their partners flew to Berlin via Madrid to enjoy the atmosphere of the Christmas markets in that city. They were lucky and were in the wrong place at the right time returning home unscathed and with plenty of happy memories but those who were mowed down in this act of terror were not so lucky and our

hearts go out to them and their grieving families. In the past, the concept of terrorism depended on perception. If you were a partisan fighting for freedom in occupied Europe then you were a freedom fighter yet to the Nazis, you were without a terrorist. No government or terrorist group is free from blame. The only consolation is that the actual number of people killed in Europe is negligible and whilst every life is precious, we can continue to enjoy our lives in relative safety and despite pressures of all types, 2017 is unlikely to see any major change. The staff and directors of Euro Weekly News therefore take this opportunity to wish all of our readers and advertisers a safe and prosperous New Year.

Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com

All in the family A WOMAN, 23, has been arrested for allegedly stealing €10,500 worth of jewellery from her boyfriend’s mother and sister. The National Police began investigations when an Almerian woman reported that 16 pieces of val uabl e j ewel l er y had gone m i ssi ng f r om her hom e but t her e was no sign of a break-in. Officers tracked various of the stolen items down at shops in the city which buy and sell gold and identified

Officers tracked down the stolen items in the city. the victim’s son’s girlfriend as the main suspect. Altogether the items, which police believe the alleged thief took from jewellery boxes when she was left alone at the family home, were sold for €3,420 and have now been returned to their rightful owners.

Tragic circuit crash A SECURITY GUARD tragically died on Christmas Day after an accident at a test circuit in Nijar. Police are now investigating the incident at the Michelin facility, one of the world’s major tyre-testing tracks. The 40-year-old was killed immediately in a crash just after dawn on December 25. A colleague sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the ICU at Torrecardenas hospital. A special Guardia Civil unit has been dispatched to uncover precisely what happened, as the other victim is in no condition to speak. Both men were scheduled to be performing tests at that time and there are no suspicious circumstances.

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29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

Danger of drought for local farmers Issue 1592 M OJAC AR a n d t h e s u rrounding areas are popular with tourists as it is but according to reports, rising w inter t e m p e r a t u r e s may contrib u t e t o a n a l l - y e a r tourist season. According to a report in local Sp a n i sh d a i l y ‘E l Almeria,’ the province has the highest average yearly temperature in Spain over the past years with a balmy 18.9 degrees. This i s g o o d n e ws fo r s un-lov e r s a n d a n y b u s inesses that benefit financially from tourism, but, although in some cases it has been good for crops, local farmers report that they are having to invest more for irrigation. They h a v e t o c o m p ete with neighbouring Murcia, where grants are available for desalination processes to make wa t e r m o r e e as ily availab l e , b u t i n Al m e ria there is no such help. A la rg e p a r t o f th e provin c e ’s e c o n o m y is based on its agriculture and if things go on as they have been over the past decades, the situation will be impossible to maintain. September and October 2015 brought slightly more rain than the same months in 2014, but not enough to stop the drought, and from the end o f Oc t o b e r t o th e end of November, there was double the rain of the previous ye a r, b u t st i l l n o t enough. Almeria has reduced its w ater c o n su m p t i o n a n d most farmers have installed drip irrigation, plus, the administration is attempting to create m o r e d e sa l i n a tio n plants and improve the water network. According to experts, if something isn’t done soon, within 70 years there will be 30 per cent less water in the province. They i n si st t h a t t o w n s must join forces and means to agree on how resources s hould b e u se d a n d mak e

sure that water is not wasted anywhere. Approximately 55,000 litres of water per year are used in Almeria households, which is less than in other parts of Spain, but according

According to a recent report, the province of Almeria has the highest average yearly temperature in Spain with a balmy 18.9 degrees.

to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study, more than is recommended and more than the average for the world. The aim for now in the province is to improve and

update the existing infrastructures while determining what new projects should be carried out to make the use of the precious little water which exists to become more efficient.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS

Success story on the small screen NOT one to shy away from the limelight, Mojacar featured exclusively on one of Britain’s favourite prime time television shows ‘A Place in the Sun’ this week, stealing the show in its special ‘Winter Sun’ edition. Proud long-term residents will have shared a knowing smile as the team toured the stunning village spilling its seductive secrets to the lucky couple of the week. Ted and Diana Brewer were exploring the Costa de Almeria and saw Mojacar as their dream destination, leading the Channel 4 experts to help them realise their ambition. Roaming around Mojacar

Issue 1594

MOJACAR: Featured on ‘A Place in the Sun.’

Pueblo and the surroundings areas, the show highlighted five terrific properties to match the couple’s £110,000 (€144,000) budget. With the children grown up and retirement firmly on the horizon the two felt the time was ripe for adventure. Evergreen presenter Laura Hamilton, who has hosted the show since 2012, played her role perfectly as the informative guide and was ideal for the task, being no stranger to Mo-

jacar. The town has featured before on ‘A Place in the Sun’ and Hamilton has described the area as one of her favourite places in all of Spain. Almeria Province has also featured prominently on the popular show with a whole host of episodes filming in the area, and Mojacar in particular, as Brits clamour for a quiet place amidst its rare, unspoilt beauty. With the property market finally looking up across southern Spain and blooming international recognition of this place beyond compare, 2016 is already shaping up to be an electrifying year for both Mojacar and Almeria.

Refuge for the victims Issue 1594 SHELTERS run by the Andalucia Women’s Institute (IAM) across Almeria took in 133 victims of gender-based violence in 2015 alone, according to the organisation which offers a safe place to those needing refuge. Francisca Serrano, IAM coordinator in the province said: “These figures show how big this social problem is and also demonstrates it should be a priority in the social, political and media agenda.” The IAM provides psychological, legal, financial, and social support to women fleeing violence and has 34 shelters.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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BEST OF THE YEAR

Nurse of the Year award Issue 1596

WITH nigh on 100 colleagues cheering her on, Isabel Fernandez Lao has been selected as nurse of the year in Almeria. The woman from Abla has worked in the

Almeria Centro and Nueva Andalucia facilities and now lives in Aguadulce. The married mother-ofthree showed modesty in accepting her award, saying

that, in her opinion, any nurse is worthy of such a title. She was praised for her daily work and the enthusiasm she brought to the centre each day.

Plans to improve the railway network Issue 1600 MEASURES to improve the railway infrastructure have been delayed due to native tortoises in Levante. A new highspeed train route is having to be rethought as the protected area where it was originally planned is, in fact, home to the endangered Spur-thighed tortoise. Almeria senator Eugenio Gonzalvez and national party representative Juan Jose Matari have been in talks with the Infrastructure State Secretary Julio Gomez Pomar, to discuss key issues relating to the railway infrastructures in the province of Almeria. It is in the hope of improving and building extra track between Pulpi and

ENDANGERED: Spur-thighed tortoise has its home in Almeria. Cuevas del Almanzora, without too much disruption to the ‘at risk’ tortoise population. The Spur-thighed tortoise has only three habitats in its native Spain, two of which are near Almeria and the other in Mallorca. It appears on the cat-

alogue of endangered species. Eugenio Gonzalvez stated that the new demands of the Almeria Railway Board will be sent to the Development Ministry. Improvements to the level crossing in Gador were also discussed.

FINANCE

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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If you have ever had the feeling that you spent half your working life just to pay tax, you are probably not far wrong. What with income tax, national insurance, capital gains tax, VAT, council tax, etc., a considerable amount of our hard earned income is lost in tax each year. How much tax will you have to pay in 2017? If you are lucky enough to be retired you are still faced with tax on your savings, investments and pensions. Having paid so much tax all your life, you will not want to pay any more now than you absolutely have to - tax planning is an important part of protecting your wealth in retirement. An annual study, The Tax Burden of Typical Workers in the EU 28, determines the ‘tax liberation day’ for individuals working in each EU State. It measures and compares tax burdens across the EU to show how much of a year’s work is devoted to paying taxes. While it focuses on employees’ tax and social security, it illustrates the general tax burden of each country and how they compare to each other. On average 2016 sees a respite from ever-rising taxes, but it is very small. The average ‘real tax rate’ for

EWN

When Is Your Tax Freedom Day? By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks typical workers in the EU reduces from 45.19% last year to 44.96% this year. Looking ahead, the report highlights that Europe’s population is ageing, resulting in higher pension and healthcare expenditure for governments. This does not bode well for future

tax cuts as governments will need to raise revenue – as the population ages, there are less people in employment to pay for these costs. More than half the EU population were not in the labour force last year. Tax freedom day is the day each year when you finally stop working to pay tax to the government, and start earning money for yourself. According to the study, in 2016 Spain’s tax freedom day fell on 8th June. For 160 days of the year, every cent earned by the average Spanish employee was taken by the government in tax. This is a long way off the 16th May tax freedom day we had in 2011. The average gross salary in Spain is €33,984, but after taxes

people are only left with €19,197 to spend on themselves. The ‘real tax rate’ in Spain is 43.51%. There were income tax cuts in Spain the last two years, but this study shows that the tax burden is still quite high. The country with the latest tax freedom day this year is France, with 29th July with a real tax rate of 57.67%. Cyprus continues to have the earliest tax freedom day with 29th March (and a real tax rate of 23.85%), followed by Malta with 18th April, Ireland with 30th April and the UK with 9th May. According to this study the UK’s tax freedom day remains the same as last year. The average real gross salary is €53,637, with workers getting to keep €34,709, making a real tax rate of 35.29%.

These remain taxing times for taxpayers, and not just for workers as retirees are also faced with higher taxes. And of course there is no average person, and higher earners will generally have a later tax freedom day. In many cases, however, there are steps you can take to lighten your tax burden on your capital investments and pensions. While we all have to pay our share of taxes, do not risk paying more than you have to. Seek specialist advice on the compliant tax mitigation opportunities available to you in Spain and UK. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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Biggest gypsum well in the world Flickr by Roberto Lumbreras

GYPSUM CAVE: Has been revealed by speleologists.

Issue 1606 A MORE than three-kilometre long underground gypsum cave has been revealed by speleologists in the Yesos de Sorbas karst landscape following nine years of hard work.

Inside a natural wonder in the form of the Ada chasm, a 54-metre deep karst was found, well believed to be the largest in the world, the speleologist team formed by specialists from all over Spain reported. The Yesos de Sorbas karst area is considered one of the most important in the world, which experts have been investigating for m or e t han 30 year s and i t s caves and chasms attract hundreds of spelunkers every year.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Beach bar wins a gold medal PEACE POLE: Mayor Sonia Cerdan officially ‘planted’ the pole.

Messages for future peace Issue 1611 PUPILS from an Albox High School have left messages for future generations in a unique format. The students, from the IES Martin Garcia Ramos, planted a ‘peace pole’ and buried time-capsules containing messages of peace along with a list of names of the participating children. The idea came from a similar project called

the Masahisa Goi in Japan, where peace poles were planted following the Second World War. Teacher and coordinator of the project, Isabel Caballero, explained that there were more than 200,000 peace poles planted in more than 200 countries around the world. The pupils worked during break time preparing the time capsules and writing their messages. The time-capsules were buried beneath the pole during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Sonia Cerdan, which took place on the International Day of Peace and will remain buried until 2036 where future pupils will open them and read the messages left by their predecessors.

Issue 1615 A POPULAR Mojacar beach bar was given a prestigious accolade this week. Aku Aku was presented with a gold medal by Malaga-based radio station, Radio Turismo, part of Cadena Cope. The award recognises qua lity in be a c h ba rs (chiringuitos) along the coast of southern Spain and this was the first time the well-known bar had received the prize. News of the win is likely to spread further afield as the radio station is broadcast throughout Spain and as far

AWARD: Maria was delighted to receive the award. away as South America. A handful of other bars in the province also received the award, including bars in Roquetas de Mar and Vera Playa.

Aku Aku owner, Maria Salinas, travelled to Malaga with her family to receive the award and said she was delighted that the bar had been recognised.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Pilgrims get prepared Villaricos dreams on Issue 1624

SETTING OFF: The group taking part were presented with t-shirts at the town hall.

Issue 1621 A GROUP of 35 people from Huercal-Overa who are setting off on July 31 to do the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage were invited to the town hall last week and presented with t-shirts so they can take their hometown’s image with them on their travels.

The pilgrims will be walking from Lugo to Santiago cathedral, covering just over 100 kilometres in five days. Local Mayor Domingo Fernandez said: “We’re always working to promote Huercal and this group will be taking its name and our emblem, the symbol of the Tree of Life, with them on their adventure.” Along with their t-shirts the pilgrims received their accreditation documents from the Almeria Jacobea pilgrims association which will be used to register their itinerary.

THIS was Dreambeach Villaricos music festival’s best year yet with a bumper 160,000 people turning up for the event, the organisers have reported. The fourth edition of the festival, which included performances by more than 100 artists over four days and employed 900 people to keep it all running smoothly, saw the beachside campsite packed with partygoers and local hotels hanging out the ‘no rooms’ signs as visitors to the festival filled every available space. More than 200 journalists from 82 different publications covered the event, which welcomed 35,000 people through the gates on Thursday 11, the opening night, 52,000 on Friday, 53,000 on Saturday and 20,000 on Sunday. Yet all ran smoothly considering the number of people attending, the organisers reported, and the public behaved well at all times kept under control by a security team consisting of members of Civil Protection, Local Police, Guardia Civil and the fire brigades from Cuevas del Almanzora, Villaricos and Palomares. Preparations are already underway for next year’s edition of the festival.

RAP LEGEND: Star 50 cent was among the performers.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Homes are legal at last Issue 1629 OWNERS of 10 illegal homes in Albox are celebrating as the council has signed documents which will make them the first in Andalucia to have their situation legalised following modifications to the LOUA planning law approved recently by the regional government. The modification, which was given the green light at Andalucian parliament a few months ago, will allow more than 350 families in Albox and 100 more

GREEN LIGHT: Access to services such as electricity and water will now be available.

across the rest of Almeria and further afield who bought their homes in good faith, unaware that they had been built illegally to finally access services such as electricity and water and put an end to years of suffering. Town Planning councillor Sonia Cerdan signed the necessary paperwork accompanied by Environmental delegate Antonio Martinez, PSOE representative at the Andalucian parliament Rodrigo Sanchez and Albox Tourism councillor and head of AUAN association Maura Hillen. “We’ve been working hard for years alongside affected owners to achieve this and have received great support from the Junta de Andalucia and AUAN association especially,” Cerdan said.

Modern day cyber crime prevention in the classroom Issue 1633 THE National Police has announced it will be running a new scheme this school year to fight the dangers of the internet and social media for children. Aimed at 10 to 12-year-olds, the Ciberexperto (cyber expert) scheme will see children receive between five and 10 hours of classes at all schools which request inclusion in the scheme, followed by an ex-

am to check they have understood. After passing the course, which includes information on how to avoid the most common cybercrimes and abuse, the youngsters will receive personal cards and logos to place on their profiles, another tool to scare off cyber predators. The scheme, explained inspector Jesus Soto Sanchez who will be coordinating from the Provincial Police Headquarters, is part of the Ministry of the Interior’s school safety programme. This programme, which has been running for nine years, raises awareness

NEW SCHEME: To fight the dangers of the internet and social media for children.

amongst students of the dangers they face and how to protect themselves from them. Last year, 13,500 children at 202 different schools in Almeria were given talks on safety. Talks will also be given to parents and teachers under the new scheme, which highlights the fact that cybercrimes are the greatest current problem. Parents play a vital role in preventing and halting these crimes, the inspector explained, and must discuss them with their children in the same way their parents discussed the dangers of talking to strangers in the street with them in their childhood.

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29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Photo by VIPFLASH/SHUTTERSTOCK

A star for a star Flooded school Issue 1635 CATHERINE DENEUVE will be visiting Almeria next week to receive an award at the Almeria International Film Festival. The French actress, who filmed March or Die in the Tabernas desert with Gene Hackman and Terence Hill in 1977, will be receiving the Almeria, Land of Cinema prize at the festival’s opening ceremony on November 13. While in the city, Deneuve will also be unveiling her very own star on the Walkway of Stars, A lm e r i a Pr o v i n c i a l Co u n cil h a s an nounced. Culture Delegate Antonio Jesus Rodriguez reported that Deneuve was chosen to receive this year ’s prize during the film festival, running from November 13 to 19, for her almost six decades of work in the industry. Born in Paris, Deneuve’s parents were both actors and during her career she has worked with some of the most prestigious

is evacuated Issue 1640

CATHERINE DENEUVE: Will receive her prize for almost six decades of work in the industry. film directors in the world including Manoel de Oliveira, Roman Polanski, Marcel Camus, Dino Risi, Agnes Varda, Andre Techine, Luis Buñuel, Hugo Santiago, François Truffaut, Lars Von Trier and François Ozon among others.

HEAVY rain at the end of the week caused a variety of incidents across the province with a school evacuation and the rescue of four people from an overturned car of particular note. The 112 Emergency Services Andalucia reported receiving alerts at 8.15am on Thursday (December 1) that a car had been overturned by water in Macenas Beach, Mojacar, and four people were trapped inside. Police patrols, paramedics and Levante fire brigade were sent to the rescue and the passengers taken for medical

WELL STUCK: Four people had to be rescued. treatment. At 9.30am, the service was notified of flooding at Juan Goytisolo secondary school in Carboneras and Local Police, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and Levante fire brigade teams were sent to the scene.

Once there, Civil Protection reported that ground floor classrooms were flooded with water and the decision was made to evacuate the 530 students. Council workers spent all morning bailing water out, the town hall reported.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS

COSTA DEL SOL

New wheels for Xmas COSTA DEL SOL

NEW PATROL CARS: Come equipped with the latest in technology.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

MALLORCA

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

To the rescue By Eleanor Hawkins MIJAS’ Local Police force received four new off-road patrol cars just in time for Christmas. Lo cal Mayor Juan Car l os Maldonado, Contracting councillor Jose Carlos Martin and Transport c ounci l l or Nur i a Rodr i quez pre sent ed t he new vehi cl es, which have been acquired through a leasi ng syst em at a cost of €211,400 to be paid over the next 48 months. “We listen to our officers and provide them with what they need in the way of equipment to help them keep people safe. This has led to reduced crime in the area,” the mayor said. The four new cars come equipped with the latest in technology and will allow officers to reach every nook and cranny of Mijas, the councillors explained.

AXARQUÍA

Ramblers rescue

Secret cave

Cat control

Motril vandalism

TWO climbers were rescued from the Sierra de Redovan by fire rescue teams. The man and woman, from Cuenca and Santa Pola became disoriented and lost in the area of La Pancha and called 112.

A FASCINATING new cave has been discovered deep in Ciutadella’s Cala Blanca. The 800 square metre cave has a lake inside and a wealth of stalagmite rock formations which will be of interest to geologists across the globe.

BENIDORM Council, in collaboration with local vets, launched a cat neutering and anti-rabies vaccination campaign.

COUNCILLOR of Parks and Gardens of Motril, Gloria Chica has appealed to residents of the town to keep an eye open for vandals who just before Christmas went around the town ripping out hundreds of poinsettias.

Sadistic attacker A VIOLENT sex offender who roamed the streets of Callosa de Segura attacking young solitary women has been arrested.

Christmas windfall THE Christmas Draw has rained down money on the Vega Baja with winners spread across towns. A lottery office in Callosa de Segura distributed the second prize winning lottery ticket; 04536, with each person holding a tenth ticket sharing part of the €3.7million prize.

End of year THE end of year message by President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig was filmed in Orihuela. The President arrived in the city and filmed his end of year message by the fig tree under which Miguel Hernandez is believed to have written some of his poems.

Precarious dam THE state of the Pantano de Elche dam has been a concern for many years. Over 20 months ago a report was presented that warned of its precariousness stating there was a “progressive deterioration” and it was in a “poor situation” so recent floods haven’t helped.

Robber arrested

Problem pigs A HERD of Vietnamese pigs have made themselves at home in El Saladar in Javea. The area is surrounded by villas and is near Arenal beach but the pigs are used to humans and are not put off.

TOWARDS the end of summer 2016, a 58-year-old man was beaten up and had various items stolen in S‘Arenal and now the Guardia Civil has arrested the presumed assailant.

Santa helps

Shaving shenanigans

STALLHOLDERS at Don Quixote Rastro in Alfaz del Pi raised €250 for the La Nucia animal shelter with a Xmas grotto.

A GAGGLE of schoolchildren were suspended for arriving for classes at their Palma private school with shaven heads. The seven pranksters were banned for four days each, the Monday to Thursday before the Christmas holidays.

Christmas capers A PAIR of thieves who targeted foreign families over the festive period have been captured by the Guardia Civil. The two men are considered leaders of a criminal outfit which robbed at least 50 homes across Mallorca, sometimes using force.

Low-cost king PALMA’s airport is readying itself to be the low-cost capital of the Mediterranean in summer 2017. Four new airlines will have official bases at Son Sant Juan next year as the airport continues to break new ground in passenger traffic.

NEWS

Kitchen fire

El Gordo news MOST years see a number of prizes from El Gordo winging their way to the area, but this year, it seems that fifth prizes only were won in Almuñecar with the numbers 22259 and 60272, each earning €6,000 per decimo.

Night race

A FIRE at the Civic Centre in Calpe, which cares for the elderly, created a huge cloud of smoke, but luckily no one was injured and the fire was put out.

THE 29th annual San Silvestre night race in Motril was a great success with many activities taking place in the plaza de la Coronacion before the run itself which saw many families in costumes take part.

Left out

Nerja CCTV

AICO, which represents Benidorm shopkeepers, will formally challenge plans allowing big shopping centres inside the resort. The town council went ahead without taking them into account, Aico complained.

THE councillor for transport and parking in Nerja, Cristina Fernández Pinto, has announced the installation of a complete security system in the underground parking facility at Plaza España.

No hiding place

Day centres

BENIDOM Town Hall is installing 22 fingerprint scanners for 800 municipal employees to sign in at work. The system cost €28,472 and will be launched on February 1.

PENSIONERS in Almuñecar have complained that the day centre for the elderly in the town has been closed on a number of days in December whilst the centre in nearby La Herradura is open.

For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com

TRAGEDY was averted at the Ronda gorge when a group of passers-by, including an off-duty police officer and the mayor of a nearby village, saved a woman from falling to her death.

Left hanging TORREMOLINOS’ star project, a pedestrian boulevard running from Plaza Costa del Sol to Avenida Palma de Mallorca, has been left hanging due to lack of funds. The two areas were closed to traffic a year ago as the first part of the project, but Brussels’ rejection of the towns’ application for European funding put a spanner in the works.

Car birth ALTHOUGH not in a manger, a pair of Local Police officers from San Pedro helped a woman give birth to a girl in car in Nueva Andalucia over Christmas.

Spying case MALAGA City Council has agreed to investigate a suspected case of spying which recently came to light at Smassa municipal parking and tow truck company. The case came to light when an unpaid invoice was discovered from a private detective company allegedly hired to follow a tow truck driver.

Owners charged THE owners of an Estepona club where a young lady drowned in floods at the beginning of the month have been arrested as it transpired that staff were illegally employed, had no work contracts and that the employers were not contributing to the Social Security system.

Addiction treatment THE addiction treatment centres covering Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara have dealt with 706 people during 2016 of which, almost 80 per cent are men, with an average age of 39.

EWN top for all the news from Spain.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

EUROPEAN PRESS

DENMARK

GERMANY

Happy workers

CCTV spread DANISH DELIGHT: The country has the happiest workers.

DENMARK has the happiest workers in the world. That’s according to an international survey by research firm Universum which produced the ‘Global Workforce Happiness Index.’ Over 200,000 young professionals were asked about their satisfaction at work.

Film drop

Drug deaths

Residence denied

THIS year has been called the worst year for the Danish film industry. In the past 12 months just 2.8 million cinema tickets were sold to Danish-produced films compared to 4.2 million tickets sold in 2015.

T H E n u mb e r of drug-re la te d deaths in Denmark has fallen to the lowest levels since the 1990’s. The latest report relates to 2012 and s h o w s 2 1 0 d ru g -re la te d de a ths compared to 285 in 2011.

Save the Children Denmark calls for immigration law changes after figures highlighted there were over 1,000 children under age 12 refused permission to live with one or both of their parents in Denmark between 2005-2010.

FRANCE has reinforced its border

THE Tunisian man suspected of being involved in the Berlin C hrist m as m ar ket at t ack, has been under the watch of authorities since the start of the year because of his Islamic links. A reward of €100,000 has been offered for his capture.

GERMAN car manufacturer Volkswagen has reportedly reached a $1billion agreement with US authorities as part of a compensation deal relating to the emissions-cheating scandal, but a criminal investigation is ongoing.

Working refugees WITH around 1.2 million people arriving in Germany seeking asylum in the last two years, government figures show that in the last 12 months 34,000 refugees have found work.

Citizen participation

Express train

Border checks

Under watch

Deal done

BELGIUM

FRANCE PLANS for an express train line between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle airport have been approved and are on track for completion by 2023. The link will be twice as fast as the current train service.

G ERMANY has appr oved plans to expand the country’s C C TV net wor k acr oss publ i c places such as sports stadiums and shopping centres. The move comes following the attack at a Christmas market in Berlin.

controls as the hunt remains for the suspect who carried out Germany’s attack at a Christmas market.

Icon dies FRENCH film star and glamour icon, Michele Morgan, has passed away at the age of 96. The actress was the first to win the ‘best actress’

award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Rat invasion PARIS is reporting being in the midst of a rat infestation. Nine parks and gardens have had to be temporarily shut as the authorities tackle the problem saying it is getting worse as people feed them.

GHENT is giving €1.3 million to citizens to decide how it is spend. Local residents can put forward project proposals and then a vote will decide where the money goes.

Virtually bankrupt A NUMBER of institutions relying on public funding are virtually bankrupt and need to look at how to improve efficiency. Those needing to cut costs include the police watchdog committee, the intelligence gathering watchdog and the privacy commission.

Student work A START-UP business at Leuven University is recruiting the university’s own undergraduates. A wage of €15,000 is on offer to those who decide to work rather than carry on studying.

Work death TWO people were killed after a free-standing wall collapsed on a bui l di ng si t e i n Ant wer p Province. The wall was behind a new building being constructed at the Reynaers Aluminium company.

SWEDEN

NORWAY

Ikea compensation

Wolves survive

SWEDISH furniture giant Ikea has reached a $50 million settlement with three American families whose children died after their chest of drawers tipped over on top of them. Ikea will also donate to three children’s hospitals.

FOLLOWING outrage over plans to cull two-thirds of the country’s wolves to protect sheep, the government has issued a last-minute reprieve to the delight of conservationists.

HOLLAND

Boss guilty

Missile tests

Information requests

THE former boss of the Kolmarden zoo has been found guilty of manslaughter over the death of a woman keeper killed by wolves at the zoo in 2012. The judge ruled he neglected safety precautions which could have saved her.

A NORWEGIAN missile designed for the F-35 has successfully carried out flight tests in the USA. It is being developed for the Norwegian military and will complete its testing programme in 2018.

Fewer commuters

Residency test

THE number of regular rail commuters across the Öresund bridge between Sweden and Denmark dropped this year. Sweden’s public transport operator said it sold 17 per cent fewer travel cards for commuters between January and November in 2016.

FOREIGNERS seeking a permanent residency in Norway are now required to pass an oral exam and civics test. The new rules apply to all foreigners between the ages of 16 and 55 who seek permanent residency.

Satisfaction survey A SURVEY of 2,200 people showed most were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with public services in Sweden. Water and sewage management got the highest marks.

Digital switch ON January 11, Norway will turn off the FM airwaves and switch to being the first country to have digital only radio transmissions, however two out of three Norwegians are opposed to the move.

DUTCH officials made 450 us e r i nf or m at i on r equest s t o Facebook in the first six months of the year. In total, 28 of the requests were made in an emergency with someone in a lifethreatening situation.

Busy quarter BOTH Schiphol and Eindhoven airports saw an increase in the number of passengers in the third quarter of the year. Schiphol’s figures rose 8 per cent to 18.6 million between July and September and Eindhoven rose 15 per cent to 1.5 million.

Twitter closed TWITTER is closing its Amsterdam office at the start of 2017 as part of its re-structuring plans. All 14 staff have been given jobs with media company Brand Deli who is taking over the sales activities.

No beds HOSPITAL beds are in shortage in North Holland due to an increase in the number of children admitted suffering from the RS virus which is a variant of the common cold that affects the respiratory system.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

RUSSIAN PRESS

Peek-a-boo

CLIMATE CHANGE: Is obscuring the night skies. ONE of Russia’s top astrologers claimed that climate change is obscuring the night skies. Yuri Balega says scientists are at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions. Decades ago they could study the skies uninterrupted for weeks at a time, but now they’re lucky to manage a few hours.

Baccy bill CIGARETTES will almost double in price in 2017 to more than €3 a packet as the Kremlin seeks to raise tax revenue. But there are fears that thrifty Russian smokers will turn to the thriving black market and choose smuggled tobacco from Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Teacher hunter A RUSSIAN music teacher claims she was forced to resign after anti-gay activists launched a campaign against her. Maria Shetopalova is the latest victim of the notorious ‘gay teacher hunter’ Timur Bulatov who scours teacher’s social media for evidence of homosexuality.

farming in order to make ends meet due to the country’s demographic crisis.

tack or the work of a group behind gunman Mevlut Mert Altintas, aged 22.

Killed on TV

Bath brew

RUSSIA and Turkey are trying to maintain normal relations after the murder of Andrei Karlov at the hands of an off-duty policeman in the capital, Ankara. Russia’s ambassador was at an art exhibition when he was shot nine times at close range. Russian investigators are in Turkey to find out if this was a lone-wolf at-

PRESIDENT Putin has ordered a crack down on ‘fake alcohol’ after more than 60 people died from a poisonous bath tincture brew in Siberia. An underground laboratory brewing moonshine was found to have added methanol instead of ethanol. Almost 10,000 people have died of alcohol poisoning this year.

Lord of War MOSCOW has formally asked Washington to extradite Tajiki arms dealer Viktor Bout to Russia to serve out his 25year prison sentence. Known as the ‘Lord of War,’ Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 having made millions illegally supplying Soviet weapons and missiles to warlords across the world.

Tough times CASH-STRAPPED Russian families are spending 80 per cent of their income on essential goods such as food, housing and medicine. A report found that many Russians are turning to credit and even

VIKTOR BOUT: Extradited to US.

FINANCE

Costa de Almería

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017

A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

Lloyds to take over MBNA By John Smith LLOYDS BANK, which was bailed out by the British taxpayer, has agreed an in principle deal with Bank of America to take over the MBNA credit card company. Having managed to get itself into trouble during the financial crisis when it over extended itself the government had to purchase 43 per cent of its capital. Unlike RBS, the government has been able to sell most of its shares back to the market as the revi-

Quote of the Week

£1.9 billion (€2.25 billion) is the amount that Lloyds Bank will pay Bank of America to take over its MBNA credit card division.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Photo Credit: Krichevsky Wikimedia

Job losses

OIL EXPLOITATION: Russian Arctic exploration. By John Smith POSSIBLY worried by a statement made by Donald Trump about exploitation of existing oil reserves, President Obama has banned the offshore drilling for gas and oil in the Arctic. This was made in a joint announcement with Canada, although the Canadian decision only covers the next five years whilst Obama’s office has indicated that the ban will be permanent based upon an exisitng 1953 law.

talised Lloyds has been so successful that the government has reduced its holding to just 7 per cent, although some pundits suggest that the sale price was too low. According to a Lloyds’ spokesperson, the acquisition of MBNA, which is expected to take place during the first half of 2017, will add around £650 million (€772 million) to its annual profits and will increase its share of the UK credit card market to 26 per cent.

“The government will need to take a ‘whole economy’ approach to avoid leaving sectors behind.” Carolyn Fairbairn Director General of the Confederation of British Industry on Brexit

US bans Arctic drilling

Two main problems exist for the current Administration. Firstly, once Trump is in power he may well look to reverse the decision. Secondly, the Russians are already exploiting the Arctic waters and it may be possible for American firms to lease rights from them prior to being allowed into US Arctic waters. Environmental groups have welcomed the decision and have promised to take legal action in the event that the decision is challenged.

IN what is a somewhat ironical situation internet employment agency Jobandtalent, founded in Madrid in 2009 with outlets in Colombia, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom, has decided that due to lack of profits it will have to lose a number of existing staff.

Italian banks THE Italian government under new prime minister Paolo Gentiloni has announced that it intends to make up to €20 billion available to support Italian banks that are in the process of running into financial difficulty during the coming year.

Sherry sales ACCORDING to statistics released in the UK by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, sales of sherry have more than halved in the past decade, falling from 22 million bottles to just 10 million bottles whilst gin sales have increased dramatically.

Stop IKEA sleepover craze A SPOKESMAN for the IKEA has appealed to young people to stop filming themselves hiding in IKEA stores and having illegal ‘sleepovers.’ It appears there’s been at least 10 episodes during the last few months and the latest found two

€18 billion is the amount reportedly removed in 2016 from the Spanish Social Security Reserve (Pension) Fund which five years ago contained €66 billion but may be empty by 2018.

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal

EWN

14-year-old girls in one of their Swedish stores. Two Belgian youngsters appear to have started the craze after hiding in wardrobes and filming the adventure. IKEA were unaware until they saw the YouTube video seen by 1.7 million viewers.

Not all has been rosy in the Lloyds camp as it has been very heavily hit for compensation to individuals mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) and it still expects to have to refund up to £1 billion (€1.18 billion) in the future despite having already paid o u t l a rg e a m o u n t s o f c o m p e n s a tion. With savings in its credit card division once MBNA is incorporated as well as 9,000 less employees, Lloyds seems to be on track for continued and long-term recovery.

Facebook faces fine WHEN the EU needs money it has come up with a great new idea. Find a successful company, hopefully in the USA, which may have issued incorrect information and then fine it. First it fined Apple $13 billion (€12.5 billion) and now it has given Facebook until January 31 to explain why it apparently gave false information in evidence when taking over WhatsApp with a fine of up to €120 million possible.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 27

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 1,113.00 -12.50 Associated British Foods 2,680.00 -19.00 Admiral Group 1,728.00 -71.00 Ashtead Group 1,567.50 0.50 Antofagasta 650.50 -25.00 Aviva 478.75 -1.55 AstraZeneca 4,330.50 -76.50 BAE Systems 586.00 -7.50 Babcock International Group 922.75 -21.25 Barclays 223.98 -0.97 British American Tobacco 4,549.00 -9.00 Barratt Developments 460.75 -8.55 British Land Co 634.25 -6.75 BHP Billiton 1,254.50 -3.00 Bunzl 2,046.50 -41.50 BP 498.05 -4.95 Burberry Group 1,454.00 -9.00 BT Group 367.68 -2.67 Coca-Cola HBC 1,646.50 -69.50 Carnival 4,125.00 -22.00 Centrica 226.80 -3.70 Compass Group 1,456.00 -1.00 Capita Group (The) 503.75 -16.75 Croda International 3,128.50 -21.50 CRH 2,517.00 -217.00 Convatec Group Ord 10p Wi 232.70 1.40 Dixons Carphone 342.70 -7.00 DCC 6,055.00 -15.00 Diageo 2,076.00 -21.00 Direct Line Insurance Group 345.60 -22.20 Experian 1,525.00 -28.00 easyJet 1,027.00 -8.00 Fresnillo 1,110.50 -1.50 GKN 312.75 -17.75 Glencore 270.33 -0.32 GlaxoSmithKline 1,537.00 -12.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1,811.50 1.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,212.00 -8.00 Hammers 540.50 -28.50 HSBC Holdings 644.85 -1.65 International Consolidtd Air Gr 450.60 -6.60 InterContinental Hotels Grp 3,213.00 -388.00 3i Group 675.00 -20.00 Imperial Brands 3,533.00 -6.00 Informa 625.75 -45.75 Intu Properties 276.60 2.30 Intertek Group 3,397.00 -17.00 ITV 200.55 -2.95 Johnson Matthey 2,962.00 -191.00 Kingfisher 343.55 -3.15

% CHG. NET VOL -1.11 15,789.23 -0.70 21,414.79 -3.95 5,089.91 0.03 7,892.76 -3.70 6,624.96 -0.32 19,553.75 -1.74 54,934.86 -1.26 18,832.08 -2.25 4,747.55 -0.43 38,500.23 -0.20 84,763.60 -1.82 4,791.60 -1.05 6,548.65 -0.24 26,833.87 -1.99 6,996.92 -0.98 97,943.75 -0.62 6,480.00 -0.72 36,938.52 -4.05 6,190.45 -0.53 8,930.66 -1.61 12,605.00 -0.07 23,953.11 -3.22 3,349.05 -0.68 4,146.12 -7.94 22,643.27 0.61 4,513.76 -2.00 4,028.63 -0.25 5,388.17 -1.00 52,449.52 -6.04 4,999.50 -1.80 14,609.93 -0.77 4,075.36 -0.13 8,282.68 -5.37 5,671.48 -0.12 39,153.70 -0.77 75,835.45 0.08 4,350.38 -0.66 5,762.97 -5.01 4,441.86 -0.26 130,160.26 -1.44 9,561.19 -10.77 7,027.67 -2.88 6,682.89 -0.17 33,564.47 -6.81 5,537.31 0.84 3,716.88 -0.50 5,509.74 -1.45 8,203.78 -6.06 6,136.95 -0.91 7,848.74

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Land Securities Group 1,020.50 -49.50 Legal & General Group 244.50 -2.50 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 63.40 -0.40 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,844.00 15.00 Micro Focus International 2,105.00 -50.00 Mediclinic International 701.00 -51.00 Merlin Entertainments 447.90 5.20 Marks & Spencer Group 350.00 -2.00 Mondi 1,577.50 -27.50 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 228.60 -1.10 National Grid 940.65 -10.65 Next 4,909.00 -13.00 Old Mutual Group 196.45 -2.45 Provident Financial 2,813.00 30.00 Paddy Power Betfair 8,700.00 -35.00 Prudential 1,577.50 -27.50 Persimmon 1,732.50 -32.50 Pearson 814.00 -3.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,781.00 -30.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 223.05 -8.05 Royal Dutch Shell 2,133.25 -80.25 Royal Dutch Shell 2,315.50 -5.50 RELX 1,379.00 -59.00 Rio Tinto 3,052.00 -12.00 Royal Mail 450.80 -5.40 Rolls-Royce Group 681.00 0.50 Randgold Resources 5,780.00 -55.00 RSA Insurance Group 577.00 3.50 Sainsbury (J) 247.85 -0.85 Schroders 2,742.50 -242.50 Sage Group (The) 650.25 -3.75 Shire 4,522.50 -25.50 Smurfit Kappa Group 1,878.00 -13.00 Sky 974.00 -8.50 Standard Life 354.05 -10.15 Smiths Group 1,257.00 -156.00 Smith & Nephew 1,193.50 -9.50 SSE 1,550.50 18.00 Standard Chartered 656.30 -5.30 St James's Place 901.50 -97.00 Severn Trent 2,189.50 -38.50 Tesco 203.43 -2.42 TUI AG 1,145.50 3.00 Taylor Wimpey 152.20 -1.70 Unilever 3,232.25 -40.25 United Utilities Group 895.00 -5.00 Vodafone Group 200.08 -0.47 Wolseley 4,717.50 -221.50 Worldpay Group 256.60 -11.10 WPP Group 1,700.00 -95.00 Whitbread 3,676.00 -86.00

% CHG. -4.63 -1.01 -0.63 0.53 -2.32 -6.78 1.17 -0.57 -1.71 -0.48 -1.12 -0.26 -1.23 1.08 -0.40 -1.71 -1.84 -0.37 -0.44 -3.48 -3.63 -0.24 -4.10 -0.39 -1.18 0.07 -0.94 0.61 -0.34 -8.12 -0.57 -0.56 -0.69 -0.87 -2.79 -11.04 -0.79 1.17 -0.80 -9.71 -1.73 -1.18 0.26 -1.10 -1.23 -0.56 -0.23 -4.48 -4.15 -5.29 -2.29

NET VOL 8,294.74 14,659.92 45,679.19 9,910.17 4,916.10 5,507.21 4,496.99 5,767.77 7,778.57 5,369.17 35,070.99 7,277.83 9,884.37 4,112.14 7,335.48 41,387.91 5,436.93 6,733.18 47,704.61 26,956.80 98,033.79 87,026.38 15,543.19 42,357.81 4,553.00 12,549.73 5,427.09 5,846.02 5,438.64 6,708.35 7,079.69 41,245.54 4,469.31 16,992.49 7,244.28 5,583.23 10,512.84 15,543.98 21,799.24 5,240.41 5,296.89 16,651.45 6,686.37 5,057.43 41,860.03 6,065.40 53,167.93 12,479.50 5,336.00 23,038.11 6,786.11

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DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 27

COMPANY 3M AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CO CATERPILLAR CHEVRON CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA DU PONT(EI) DE NMR EXXON MOBIL GENERAL ELECTRIC GOLDMAN SACHS HOME DEPOT IBM INTEL CORP J.P.MORGAN CHASE JOHNSON & JOHNSON MC DONALD'S CORP MERCK AND CO. NEW MICROSOFT NIKE PFIZER PROCTER AND GAMBLE TRAVELERS CIES UNITED TECHNOLOGIE UNITEDHEALTH GROUP VERIZON COMMS VISA WAL-MART STORES WALT DISNEY CO

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 178,750 -0,25% -0,450 107M 74,9700 +0,52% 0,3900 68M 116,520 +0,20% 0,230 620M 157,810 +0,22% 0,350 97M 94,320 +0,21% 0,200 55M 118,42 -0,29% -0,35 223M 30,530 +0,23% 0,070 153M 41,60 +0,12% 0,05 179M 74,9300 -0,19% -0,1400 65M 90,71 -0,18% -0,16 375M 31,8800 +0,19% 0,0600 282M 240,97 +0,35% 0,85 95M 135,0500 -0,28% -0,3800 164M 166,71 -0,21% -0,35 158M 36,9700 +0,11% 0,0400 174M 87,0500 +0,18% 0,1600 310M 115,9600 +0,45% 0,5200 315M 123,1400 -0,47% -0,5800 102M 59,56 -0,03% -0,02 164M 63,240 -0,49% -0,310 490M 51,91 -0,44% -0,23 69M 32,4800 +0,43% 0,1400 196M 84,960 +0,58% 0,490 227M 122,12 +0,00% 0,00 34M 110,65 +0,17% 0,19 90M 163,03 +0,90% 1,45 154M 53,68 +0,06% 0,03 218M 78,15 +0,32% 0,25 144M 69,5400 -0,07% -0,0500 213M 105,1500 -0,26% -0,2700 167M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES

DECEMBER

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. Flexion Therapeutics, Inc. T2 Biosystems, Inc. Revance Therapeutics, Inc. Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Caesars Entertainment Corporation NewLink Genetics Corporation Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

$ 25.06 $ 5.77 $ 4.43 $ 20.71 $ 5.69 $ 21.70 $ 4.99 $ 16.61 $ 7.85 $ 10.99 $ 4.38

6.33 ▲ 33.80% 1.03 ▲ 21.73% 0.66 ▲ 17.51% 2.14 ▲ 11.52% 0.56 ▲ 10.92% 2.10 ▲ 10.71% 0.46 ▲ 10.15% 1.50 ▲ 9.93% 0.70 ▲ 9.79% 0.98 ▲ 9.79% 0.39 ▲ 9.77%

Most Declined Strongbridge Biopharma plc $ 2.50 Fulgent Genetics, Inc. $ 10.35 Oncobiologics, Inc. $ 2.33 DAVIDsTEA Inc. $ 6.80 Sears Holdings Corporation $ 8.79 ProShares UltraPro Short NASDAQ Biotechnology$ 22.18 Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. $ 11.90 Destination Maternity Corporation $ 5.52 VisionChina Media, Inc. $ 4.72 Vanguard Natural Resources LLC $3 Diana Containerships Inc. $ 3.08

1.10 ▼ 30.56% 1.44 ▼ 12.21% 0.1775 ▼ 7.08% 0.50 ▼ 6.85% 0.61 ▼ 6.49% 1.53 ▼ 6.45% 0.70 ▼ 5.56% 0.32 ▼ 5.48% 0.27 ▼ 5.41% 0.17 ▼ 5.36% 0.16 ▼ 4.94%

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Too good to be true? It probably is! By John Smith THE National Police received a formal request from Germany through Europol to investigate one particular case of internet fraud and ended up arresting 31 people in Spain. Basically, all of those arrested were involved in what tends to be known as a

It appears that at least 34 victims from 17 different countries had been conned into parting with some €5 million.” Nigerian letters scam whereby huge numbers of e-mails are sent out indiscriminately inviting individuals to assist in smuggling money from one country to another with the promise that they would receive a significant portion of the liberated funds. In this instance however, the Spanish conmen were more sophisticated and rather than just send out huge numbers of emails, they purchased information about potential victims on the ‘dark net’ which allowed their approaches to be tailored to the individuals and therefore more believable. In the case of the German complainant, he

Photo Credit: Cherezoff Shutterstock

INTERNET FRAUD: Some victims are hooked by greed. was persuaded to assist a so-called Americ a n s o ldie r w ho ha d be e n s e rving in Afghanistan and wanted to transfer money from that country to Europe in euros and af-

ter investigating the records of those arrested, it appears that at least 34 victims from 17 different countries had been conned into parting with some €5 million.

In some situations, individuals were encourage to journey to Spain where they wer e t aken t o speci al l y set up off i ces, signed fake documents and handed over funds all at very short notice when tired or suffering from jet lag whilst those they were meeting, suddenly disappeared. One American was reportedly defrauded of $1.7 million (€1.62 million) in a scam involving the daughter of a Vietnamese businessman who was trying to get her father released from prison where he was being unfairly held and she promised to let the victim have half of his fortune. Officers raided 16 properties where they discovered fake banknotes, 1,500 letters ready to be dispatched, documents implicating those arrested, computer records, cash and paper which could be used in a ‘switching operation’ where packages of bank notes become blank paper. Considering that this type of fraud has been going on for years and has been heavily publicised it is a lesson to all that it still nets money for the fraudsters and as the basic concept involves the victim agreeing to become involved in an operation which may involve t he i l l egal m ovem ent of cash f r om one country to another, any sympathy that may be felt for them, may also be tempered by that knowledge.

European governments lose out on VAT AS more and more sales of goods are made through the internet, a major problem concerning collection of VAT is emerging which can cost governments billions of euros. If a retailer within the European Union sells a VAT-able product to an individual (rather than another VAT registered company) in another EU country, then it should charge VAT as if the sale had been made within the country that the seller is based. However if the company is not based in the EU and sells to a consumer in the EU then it is impossible for it to charge VAT unless it goes to the trouble of registering for VAT in the country that it is supplying. In theory, the post office or the company delivering the goods should collect the VAT involved or at least some form of import duty and failing that, the recipient should contact customs and revenue and volunteer to make the relevant payment. The reality is that a lot of revenue is being lost by a number of countries and whilst individual amounts may be small, the annual total in the UK alone is estimated at £1.5 billion (€1.78 billion) per annum and this will obviously reflect across Europe. Wha t m a n y o f u s d o n ’t rea lis e is th at companies like Amazon don’t just sell their

Photo Credit: Diego Cervo Shutterstock

By John Smith

VAT AVOIDANCE: On stock shipped from the Far East. own product but they also act as portals for sellers around the world and whilst an order ma y b e pla c e d through a n A ma z on s ite

based in the EU, goods may be dispatched and supplied by countries in the Far East or even America and whilst there may be heav-

ier delivery charges, savings on VAT could be significant. I n t he case of eBay, ever y i t em sol d comes from an independent source and unless it is a company registered for VAT, none finds its way to the exchequer of the country to which the goods are dispatched. One argument goes that not only is this VAT avoidance increasing the burden of debt on governments it is also making it more difficult for local business to compete on price if they are having to charge a fifth or more extra. Individuals are quite happy to take advantage of this opportunity and with the speed of deliveries nowadays, whilst there may be a few days extra to wait, it is not an insurmountable problem. Now Britain at least is going to look at this more closely and the Public Accounts Committee which has considerable influence intends to question the National Audit Committee and also HM Revenue and Customs to see what they are doing to try to stamp out the problem. Legislation does exist to pass the charges on to website managers such as Amazon and eBay but what is possible in theory is likely to be much more difficult in practice and in the event that Britain leaves the free trade mechanism when it leaves the EU, the situation could become even more confused.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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EU Court of Justice orders full refund of Spanish mortgage floor clauses

RULING U-TURN: Means banks have to pay back all money paid by clients. By Pellicer Heredia THE European Court of Justice (EJC) has declared that the decision of the Spanish Supreme Court Ruling held on May 9, 2013 was limited, and the terms and conditions and indeed the use of the ruling were unfair. Not only did the ruling provide incomplete and insufficient protection for consumers, it limited the amount that clients could claim back when trying to recover the money paid in relation to overpaid mortgages. Basically, that meant that those affected by the ground floor rate clause could only reclaim any overpaid money after May 9, 2013 irrespective of whether they had paid more before this date. This new ruling is a total Uturn and will mean that banks will now have to pay back – to the last euro – all of the money

paid by the clients from the date that overpayment took place, rather than from May 9, 2013. This decision applies to the whole of the European Union and especially in Spain, finally ending a long legal battle. This new ruling represents a clear victory for customers and consumers against banks. According to the Bank of Spain report, the banks will have to return close to €7.5 billion to all the customers that have been affected. This decision is legally binding - meaning that it affects both the pending cases and any future proceedings that have not yet been reviewed. However, with regard to final judgments, this issue is still controversial. Our team of legal experts will negotiate with the bank on your behalf and can even sue the bank in order to save you money on each monthly install-

ment due to the fact that the interest you pay is probably greater than the official interest stated by the European Bank Central. We firmly believe that most of the ‘threshold clauses’ that reflect mortgage contracts are unfair and customers of banks are at a disadvantage and penalised for their lack of knowledge in financial matters. At Pellicer & Heredia we can give those affected by the mortgage clause the opportunity to check your deeds to make sure whether there is a mortgage floor rate. If so, you could then ask the Bank to reimburse the money that is being taken because of that abusive clause. For more information, please contact us on 965 480 737, mobile 606 056 282, or send an email to info@pellicerheredia.com and our team of specialists will be able to assist you.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

EWN

OPINION & COMMENT

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29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

Long lives of utter bone idleness OTHERS THINK IT AT long last we will start a New Year with business people at the helm of our most powerful ally. Let’s hope this trend spreads to more of our leading nations. Politicians simply can’t hack it.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT: Nothing more than a playground.

ness. Parliament is nothing more than their playground, merely an extension of public school debating societies - and just about as useless. As most of the privileged are on the ‘blue team,’ this leads to the ‘red side’ resorting to decisions instigated by the politics of envy and often barely disguised hatred - none of which does the country any good whatsoever. As I have stated on numerous occasions, the world is a business. Highfalutin individuals, who act like children, and are often morally immature, don’t fit the modern day bill at all.

Good luck to President elect Trump and his board of directors (including ‘Mad Dog!’). May he run his section of corporation Earth with shrewd acumen, fairness and as much moral and physical profit for its shareholders as possible.

Well, here it comes 2017AD. Reads like a Sci Fi number (to me anyway!) What an exciting future we Brits have in store. Freedom from Brussels. A dramatically changing planet. Hopefully controlled borders and, PG, an iron fist for those who would do us harm. All this, plus Theresa May’s choice of high heels. What more can we ask? Happy New Year to us all. Let us hope that peace, harmony and the survival of our culture will be the order of the day. Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

Most of them are so out of touch with the real world, they don’t have a clue how to make it a success. So-called diplomatic expertise and political solutions are positively old hat. Although they do have their place, they are about as far removed from effectively creating a thriving society as Jeremy Corbyn is from ever becoming prime minister (and it doesn’t get any further than that!) Most of the members of this outdated profession are cosseted dinosaurs, raised in an entanglement of old boys’ networks with basically three objectives in mind; power, prestige or lives of utter bone idle-

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

Pensions, news & showers Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man SO Christmas is over - thank goodness! Time to reflect on the last year and some of the things that made me grumpy. I’ve mentioned pensions before but this week I saw that the UK government want to put into place a billion pound fine if companies ‘mess about’ with pensions whilst specifically mentioning slippery Phillip Green. Well how about how the UK government ‘messed about’ with millions of people’s pensions? Hard working individuals may have been reckoning on getting their pension at 60 for women and 65 for men. They may have wanted to invest in a little retirement home in Spain or just retire. Then BANG they are told ‘you aren’t getting it till you are 67 or older.’ How is that fair? I don’t see much difference between them and the scumbags that nick pension funds! There is a phenomenon happening now which is fake news stories that are cropping up. It seems now anyone can say anything about anyone and it immediately becomes the truth. Shove it on Facebook or Twitter and it’s not just Joe public doing it. There was a story

last week where a guy goes in to a pizza place with an assault weapon because he read that Hillary Clinton and her campaign manager, John Podesta, were running a paedophile ring from there. How crazy and dangerous is this? An absolute lie but it becomes the truth because it was read on the internet and it can’t be stopped as the public demand to know everything now without filters and checks. My ongoing battle with hotels continues. I just got back from the UK. I stayed at a hotel in Maidenhead. I have been using them for years. But now everything is about health and safety. I had a room with a walk in shower. Well it was ridiculous. The water was lukewarm at best and the flow was… Well, put it this way - if I was an urologist I’d be recommending surgery or at least some kind of tablets. I, of course, mentioned it to the manager who told me it was a recommended temperature in case people got scalded. I’m an adult. I know how to control the temperature on a shower. What you can’t do is make me take a trickly, lukewarm shower. Plus, as it was Christmas week on Friday and Saturday there were company parties going on and on and on which involved a lot of shouting and screaming till 3am. I, of course, let them know my thoughts about that too and I did get a discount. Happy New Year everyone.

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OPINION & COMMENT

LEGALLY SPEAKING

High risk areas AS part of the series, we answer some common driving questions and keep you updated on the latest driving and road news 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.

RISKIEST ROADS: Include the N-332 and V-31.

THE latest incident report released for Spanish roads shows there are now some 3,264km of road classed as being of ‘high’ or ‘very high’ risk due to the number of recorded incidents. Whilst this is still a high figure, it is a slight decrease on 2015. The report looked at 24,805km of roads and examined the risk by assessing the number of recorded incidents and injuries or fatalities over the last three years. Looking at the severity of the accident, they then calculated the data into a ‘Risk Index’ based on the number of fatal and serious accidents occurring in relation to the number of vehicles. A total of 4,101 incidents occurred on the national road network in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, of which 1,036 were fatal incidents resulting in 1,219 deaths. There were 3,065 incidents classed as serious with 4,077 people seriously injured. Looking at these figures the report concluded there are 77 ‘high risk’ sections of the

roads looked at, with 17 ‘black spots.’ Statistically, the most dangerous section of the Spanish road network is the N-435 between kilometre 33.4 and 45.9 in Badajoz. This stretch of road has seen five serious incidents between 2013 and 2015, resulting in three deaths and four serious injuries. An average of 2,844 vehicles use this stretch daily. The number of incidents involving motorcycles has continued to increase. Since 2003, the number has almost tripled in the case of serious or fatal incidents. It means that in 2015, around one in every five fatal or serious accidents involved a motorcyclist. The N-332 between kilometre 220.5 and 225.6 in Valencia and the V-31 between kilometre 0 and 5.7, also in Valencia, are two locations noted for the high amount of incidents involving motorcycles and scooters. Incidents involving heavy goods vehicles account for around 22 per cent of the total of fatal and serious incidents.

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

Licence exchange not so easy YOU recently answered a query about the Spanish driving licence. I am 72 years old and my British licence runs out at the end of next year. We have decided to live in Torrevieja but at the moment we do not have official residencia. I need to change to a Spanish licence and I had the impression from you that it is only a medical and coordination exam. I thought I would have to go to ‘trafico’ in Alicante and fill out many forms. Is this not the case? C B (Costa Blanca) I am very sorry to have misled you and the earlier questioner. It is only licence renewals that are done by the single application through the Medical Centre. The first time exchange indeed requires, as you say, a

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

personal visit to the Traffic headquarters in Alicante, with forms to fill in.

Be warned that, in order to exchange your valid EU licence for a Spanish licence, you must first be officially resident in Spain. This means the Certificate of Residence for EU Citizens. Once you have this you can apply for the exchange.

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

FEATURE

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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EWN

Advertising feature

AA Parking: a one-stop shop AA PARKING is a company dedicated to serving its customers from its base at Almeria Airport where it was founded in 2007 by Stacey Reading and Sergio Fernandez. Its thousands of clients over the years are testament to the high standards this family-run business insists on to keep people going back for such a first class service. It thinks of itself as a one-stop shop for buying cars, selling them, renting a vehicle and airport parking. Many customers though approach Stacey asking which is better: owning a car and leaving it with AA Parking, or hiring a car? So, below are some figures to help you decide but she stresses this is not a one-size-fits-all guide and other factors will play a role in your decision. Approximate annual costings for OWNING A CAR and leaving here to use when homeowners revisit their holiday homes: Airport Parking Contract 300-430€ Insurance Costs 300€ ITV and Service 200€ Road Tax 60€ (average) TOTAL APPROX 860-990€ This does not include depreciation costs, which are not as great as in the UK. Approximate annual costings for HIRING A CAR when homeowners revisit their holiday homes: 12 weeks winter car hire 1000.00€ (Approx dependent on group) 5 weeks summer car hire 1000.00€ (Approx dependent on group) Holiday homeowners use their own car and park for convenience. They also share their car that they leave at the airport for

OWN OR HIRE?: Whatever you decided, AA parking is here to help. other members of their family and friends to use whilst using their holiday home. AA Parking also offer a service that if another member of the family/friend borrows the owner’s car, AA Parking will carry out a damage/cleanliness inspection, etc. and report this to the owner for ‘peace of mind.’ Among the features that also go to make AA Parking such a competitive and popular company are not only the free advice on all transportation options to give worry-free motoring but the importation service means all paperwork and mechanical require-

ments are fulfilled from start to finish, again for ‘peace of mind.’ Optional valeting means your car is spic and span; unparalleled security means your vehicle is safe 24/7 and if your flight is delayed or cancelled they will wait until you arrive or keep your car until you can return. You can even elect a different person to pick it up which is ideal for families and friends who share cars. You can contact AA Parking on +34 639 081 067 or email them at info@aaparking.es.

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Pristine slopes and a long season IN radical contrast to last season, this year Sierra Nevada has leaped into full throttle with exceptionally snowy conditions and as of December 1, over 70kms of pristine skiable slopes were already open including the Laguna de la Yeguas and Montebajo areas - all within the first week of opening! On the runup to Christmas, there was almost 100kms of slopes open! With su c h sp e c t a c u lar conditions already, why not check your calendars and get in touch with Sierra Essence and the British Ski Center to arrange a visit! As usual Sierra Nevada is planning a typically long season, running up to the beginning of May 2017. Friends and family travelling in from the UK will find a good choice of flights into Malaga airport, and do also remember that Granada airport is barely 40 minutes’ drive from the resort, with direct flights from London City airport. From February

4, 2017 easyJet will be offering three direct flights per week from London Gatwick. If y o u are u n d e c ide d when to travel and are flexible with your dates, then it is re c o mmen d e d to v i s it during the quieter periods such as the weeks leading up to Christmas, from midJanuary to early February or fro m th e s e c o n d w e e k of March onwards. This season’s big event is the 2017 World Freestyle and Snowboarding Championships which run from the March 7-19, 2017. This will be a superb opportunity to witness the incredible skills, acrobatics and general madness of the world’s top freestylers including Britain’s own Billy Morgan. Accommodation rates during this period are surprisingly reasonable, and it is not anticipated that the resort will be too busy, so it’s definitely worth a visit then.

Remember that Sierra Nevada’s long season is due principally to statistically heavy late snowfalls, a typically dry regional climate tha t me a ns muc h le s s a tmospheric moisture to affect the snow, high altitude, long s unny da ys , qua lity snow and cheaper deals. For detailed resort information, competitive holiday accommodation options, ski/snowboard tuition, webcams and snow reports, please refer to any of our interlinked websites: w w w. s i e r r a e s s e n c e . c o m , www.sierranevada.co.uk and

www.britishskicenter.co.uk. Sierra Essence can also arrange your lift passes, transportation requirements as well as any créche bookings to look after the younger members of the family. For s k i and s now board tuition, the British Ski Center team is back in full force w ith fam iliar fac e s from previous seasons. All tuition enquiries may be directed to info@britishskicenter.co.uk, (Tel: 670 461 330).

SIERRA NEVADA: Skiers benefit from a longer season.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

LETTERS

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OPINION & COMMENT

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

What bitter and bigoted people Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com COPYRIGHT Twocoms/Shutterstock.com

WHAT a bitter and bigoted person Michael Hill must be (Witchdoctor in a dress: Edition 1641). All that insulting ranting against people of faith on a subject of minimal importance to most people - the ability to go shopping on a Sunday. I have no problem with shops being open on Sundays. People who want to shop will shop and those who want to attend church will do so, and may also shop as well!! As to Mr Hill’s assertion that churchgoers are uneducated, in my experience it is the people who resort to bluster and insult who are uneducated because they are not intelligent enough to hold a reasoned argument. I wish Mr Hill peace and joy at this festive season as we celebrate the birth of Christ although I would anticipate his reply being the same as Ebenezer Scrooge’s - Bah humbug!! Sue McNae, Alicante

Pump failure AFTER 15 years in Spain I have convinced myself of one thing and that is that in matters of protection from flooding self-help is the only help you can depend on! After flooding three times I raised my ground floor by almost a foot back in 2009. Each time I flooded before it was due to pump failure and those failures continue! Last weekend after having kept the constant rain confined to the street for three days the pumps failed and within two hours the water had come up the driveways and into the houses of about 20 properties in Bahia that I know of. I came within two inches of flooding myself so why does the system always fail at crucial times? Many people put boards up to prevent water incursion without realising once the water reaches a certain level it comes up through the ground floor irrespective of any perimeter protection and it just shouldn’t happen! An example of authority indifference was exemplified in 2010 when a cloud burst in August flooded Bahia. When Aqualia were asked why the pumps were never applied, a spokesman simply replied, “It’s August, I don’t have the staff, what do you expect?” What more can I say? Ken Bethell, Puerto de Mazarron

Gone but not forgotten THIS year has seen so many stars leave the stage forever it’s really awful. I know we look back on those who’ve gone every year, but why is it 2016 seems much worse? For me it’s always the passing of the comedy stars that seems to affect me most. The thought that Victo-

Cluster bombers I NEVER thought I would find myself in agreement with one of your articles (Leapy: Edition 1641) but you are spot on about Saudi Arabia. But who were the greater hypocrites? The oh so pious Muslim Princes or the cynical Brits who sold them military airfields and advanced fighter planes? And they still do. The cluster-bombs used by the Saudis in Yemen were made in the

ria Wood won’t be poking fun at all of us in her wonderful way is heart-breaking… the departure of Caroline Aherne and Ronnie Corbett who made us laugh so much. Will we ever see their likes again? Maybe, but I don’t think it will be in my lifetime. How very sad for their families and all of us. Gina, Benidorm

UK. The UK is a signatory to a 2010 international treaty banning the use of cluster munitions. Adrian

The children of today I KNOW we are not the only ones that think all this is so bloody bonkers as to be surreal, but as far as I know not many of us died from playing conkers without crash helmets

and goggles. If it wasn’t so ridiculously pathetic it would be funny and as for cycling, well how the children of today ever get on their bikes after kitting up beats me. Soooo mad, the whole world has it wrong and while they fixate on such stupidities drugs are circulating like smarties in almost every school. Now there is something that needs sorting big time. I can guarantee there are more drug-related deaths in schools than injuries resulting from playing unprotected conkers... it’s pathetically obvi-

ous to anyone that there are a lot of people employed in these departments whose skills (if any) should be employed in other directions or retrained to be of some actual use in society. Caroline

Bah humbug A FRIEND of mine bought a few small Christmas decorations from a market stall the other day. He purchased the products and wished the market trader Feliz Navidad, as you do. The trader was not impressed and told my friend that he did not believe in Christmas, due to his religion and promptly turned his back. Did his religion prevent him from making a few Bob from his Christian punters? No. It smacks of hypocrisy to me! Why couldn’t he have just reciprocated the greeting, or just said nothing? Still, miserable sods are not exempt in any religion. I think he needed a drink. Me, I would have given him the goods back, told him not to volunteer for the diplomatic corps and gone elsewhere but that’s life. Philip, San Fulgencio

Pointless celebs I CAN’T be the only one hoping the antics of idiotic minor celebrities won’t be filling our TV screens as much next year. Too much to hope for? They seem to spend their entire time filming themselves and then posting it online. As if everyone wants to see what they’ve been doing for the last 10 minutes! I know social media is the heart of the world now and I know I’m too old for all that, but it’s a bit depressing when a bit of tomfoolery (or bare flesh) can make a giant section of the whole country seem to stop in its tracks. And then everyone wants to interview them…very very depressing. Bill, via email

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:

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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 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

And goodwill towards everyone here! Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.

IT might be just momentary, this peace on earth and goodwill toward man, but here in this corner of Camelot it has been a long year to endure—and, a much needed respite is required. Plenty of good friends have passed, world famous personalities have exited too. It’s a little darker without them. Recent rains and clouds haven’t helped either. Dark clouds enveloped us and distracted us from the well deserved light we are accustomed to and require. The warmth and caring smiles of friends is a much needed glow; as is seeing the delight on the faces of the children these holidays. Then hope prevails instantaneously, and just in the nick of time. These times are too much with us. Frightening headlines that used to sell newspapers to increase circulation have taken over the viewing media too. Startling and usually inconsequential news notifications

MAGICAL SYMBOL: Indalo sign on beach. alert us to nothing that we can do anything about—other than allow our own fragile mental states to become downtrodden and worried, oppressed, then depressed. But wait, the authentic news gets better. For on our island of culture and peace we have living

amongst us a plethora of people constantly contributing to the betterment of their immediate surroundings and hence saving the world—right here at home. We have our own radio station, newspapers, theatre groups, charities abound and a gracious army of

volunteers step forward weekly. We are defeating the outside cruel world on our own and therefore with little more effort can create our own news and hopefully be instrumental in making changes on the political scene: local, regional and the national level.

Mojacar is unique, and continues to be so largely because of the people that are drawn here to live. We all offer so much for each other. A community which has no rivals; nothing like it in all of Spain. Our own Camelot, on our terms. In the not too distant future other suburbs, villages and hamlets should take guidance from our efforts. Pundits will be writing about us and distant communities will acknowledge our mythical efforts. The ‘Mojacar way’ to do things, achieve goals, make changes. Keep the smile on your face as you stroll down the street. We are all part of the new revolution that continues because each of us contributes to the whole. Pass a smile and a greeting. We are special for living here. And even more so for our efforts to support the charities and keep them alive during these recessional times. Got time? Buy some of those volunteers a drink. It is most likely all the thanks they’ll get this year and they deserve something and a lot more. Oh, and you will become Indalo magical for doing so.

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Fastighetsbyrån estate agents in Almeria SWEDEN is renowned for the friendliness of its people and Swedish estate agents Fastighetsbyrån, who are based in Mojacar, gave a taste of their hospitality on December 13. The mother and daughter partnership who run a franchise of Sweden’s largest estate agency business invited clients, friends and local businesses to their offices to celebrate Lucia Day (the Festival of Light) and enjoy a selection of typical food and drinks. St Lucia was a young girl who was martyred for her Christian faith in 304 and tradition says that on December 13 she took food to hidden Christians in Rome and wore a crown of candles in her hair so that she had both hands free to carry the food. Now, in present day Sweden,young girls dress in white and carry candles in memory of the martyr and in the case of Fastighetsbyrån all of the guests were treated to Glogg (a mulled wine served with raisins and almonds), Pepparkor with blue cheese, Lussekatter saffransbröd (Saffron Buns) and Swedish spice cake (Mjuk Pepparkaka) lovingly crafted by Gina from the agency. The entire family was dressed especially for the occasion and mother Ingrid Grahn, who is most proficient in Spanish and daughter

TYPICAL: Food and drinks.

A SWEDISH AFFAIR: Celebrating Lucia Day. Gabriela, who is the English language expert together with Ingrid’s husband and other staff members, enjoyed telling all of the nonSwedish guests about Swedish Christmas traditions.

This company is a trailblazer as it has been set up as a special franchise of the Swedishbased estate agency which is itself owned by Swedbank, the biggest bank in Sweden, for which both Ingrid and Gabriela worked in the

past so they fully understand the procedures of the Swedish operations. Many Swedish individuals are considering buying second homes in Spain and Fastighetsbyrån which covers the whole of the Almeria region, is ideally placed to put buyers and sellers together no matter their nationalities. For an efficient, friendly and helpful service, visit their office at Calle Duende 1, Parque Comercial, pl 2, local 91 Mojacar Playa which is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm and then 5pm to 7pm for coffee and advice, visit http://utland.fastighetsbyran.se/en/almeria/ or send an email to almeria@fastighetsbyran.se.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

TV LISTING

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER

SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 01 JANUARY

MONDAY 02 JANUARY

TUESDAY 03 JANUARY

WEDNESDAY 04 JANUARY

7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:00am 12:10am 12:20am

BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Life in the Snow To Walk Invisible BBC News BBC London News Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm

BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind A Question of Sport EastEnders Captain America - The Winter Soldier 11:40pm BBC News 11:50pm BBC London News 12:00am Still Game

7:20pm 8:25pm 8:35pm 8:45pm 9:35pm 10:25pm 10:35pm 11:05pm 11:25pm 12:25am

Peter Pan Goes Wrong BBC News BBC London News Pointless Casualty The National Lottery Live Mrs. Brown's Boys BBC News The Graham Norton Show Robbie Rocks Big Ben Live

8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 2:45pm 4:20pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 9:00pm

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4:30pm 6:00pm 7:35pm 7:50pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 11:50pm 12:00am

Planet Earth II Monster's University BBC News BBC London News EastEnders Still Open All Hours Sherlock Mrs. Brown's Boys BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day 2

7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm 12:50am

BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Would I Lie to You? Silent Witness BBC News at Ten BBC London News Match of the Day Eagle Eye

6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:20am

Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Silent Witness BBC News at Ten BBC London News Mrs. Brown's Boys Little Fockers

7:00pm 7:30pm

9:00pm

The Sheriffs are Coming Italy's Invisible Cities BBC News at Ten BBC London News A Question of Sport The Recruit Weather for the Week Ahead BBC News

7:30pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:15am 2:05am 2:10am

12:30am 1:30am

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

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am 1:15am

To the Manor Born: 1979 Christmas Special University Challenge Robot Wars: Battle of the Stars Charlie Brooker's 2016 Wipe Cunk on Christmas Kevin Bridges: A Whole Different Story A Gert Lush Christmas

6:30pm 6:50pm

Flog It! The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl Roald Dahl's Esio Trot Judi Dench: All the World's Her Stage The Real Marigold on Tour QI Dara O Briain Crowd Tickler Live Stag

3:00pm 3:05pm 5:30pm 7:25pm 7:40pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

We Dive at Dawn The Eagle Has Landed The Olympic Golden Ball What Women Want Life in Polar Bear Town with Gordon Buchanan Dragons' Den Match of the Day Jools's Annual Hootenanny 2016

2:30pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

Dad's Army Dad's Army Dragons' Den Thailand What We Did on Our Holiday The Real Marigold on Tour Judi Dench: All the World's Her Stage

5:30pm 7:40pm 8:00pm

Great British Railway Journeys Rick Stein's Long Weekends University Challenge An Island Parish Britain's Ancient Capital: Secrets of Orkney Charlie Brooker's 2016 Wipe QI XL Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Rick Stein’s Long Weekends The Great Interior Design Challenge Yellowstone Revolting Newsnight NFL Great British Railway Journeys Rick Stein's Long Weekends The Great Interior Design Challenge Yellowstone Second Opinion Newsnight West Side Stories The Making of a Classic See Hear

9:30pm 10:00pm

12:00am 12:20am

11:40pm 12:05am

12:30am 1:15am

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

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 12:10am 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 2:15am

ITV Evening News The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Emmerdale Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ITV News Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

ITV News London The Dam Busters Midsomer Murders ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ITV News Jaws 2

6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Midsomer Murders The Chase ITV News London ITV News and Weather Wos Wrestling Ninja Warrior UK Take Me Out Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 ITV News and Weather The Chase

7:00pm

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial ITV News and Weather Diversity Presents Steal the Show Coronation Street Morecambe and Wise's Funniest Moments ITV News and Weather Prince Harry Rugby

10:00pm 11:00pm 12:35am 1:35am

10:00pm

11:00pm 1:05am

8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 12:05am 4:50pm 4:55pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:35am

1:35am

The Chase ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street You've Been Framed! Coronation Street The Halcyon ITV News at Ten and Weather Take Me Out The Chase

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm

Paul O’grady: For the Love of Dogs New Year Special Robson Crusoe: A Surprising Adventure ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears Trawlermen Tales

5:00pm

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Midsomer Murders. Crime and Punishment ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London The Shawshank Redemption Jackpot247

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:55am 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

The Simpsons Hollyoaks The Ballroom Boys Location, Location, Location 19 Kids and Counting Bruce Springsteen It Was Alright in the 1970's Father Ted The Simpsons Hollyoaks Noel's Sell or Swap Live Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown New Year Special Rude Tube Tattoo Fixers at Christmas Winnie-the-Pooh: The Most Famous Bear in the World Britain's Best Loved Sitcoms Peter Cook and Dudley Moore: The Missing Sketches Alan Carr's New Year Specstacular 2016 Gogglebox 2016 Channel 4 News Mirror Mirror Rio 2 Titanic: The New Evidence Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown New Year Special Rude Tube The Simpsons The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Supercommuters: How Far Would You Go? Food Unwrapped Diet Special The Undateables First Dates Hotel Tattoo Fixers A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News How to Lose Weight Well 24 Hours in A and E This is Us the Game Plan The Undateables Bodyshockers A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Location, Location, Location No Offence A Very British Brothel 24 Hours in A and E

6:25pm 6:30pm 7:10pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:35pm 12:35am 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:05pm 11:45pm 2:05am 2:20pm 5:55pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm 2:20am 4:30pm 5:30pm 5:35pm 6:35pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:30am 5:45pm 6:45pm 6:50pm 8:00pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 11:30pm

2:25am 4:20pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:05am 1:05am 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

1:05am

Five News Update Serendipity Battlebots: World Championship World's Strongest Man 2016 Biggest Dog in the World The Adele Story World's Greatest Divas Lip Sync Battle UK Xmas Special World's Strongest Man 2016 Britain's Cleverest Dog Flowers in the Attic 2: Petals on the Wind Five News Update weather. Flowers in the Attic 2: Petals on the Wind The Blind Side Super Casino Wyatt Earp 5 News Weekend Another Audience with Ken Dodd Ken Dodd... In My Own Words World's Strongest Man 2016 Football on 5 Pulp Fiction Reservoir Dogs Dirty Dancing 5 News Dirty Dancing The Adele Story World’s Strongest Man 2016 5 News Weekend Legally Blonde Whitney Autopsy: Whitney Houston’s Last Hours The Bridge at Remagen 5 News The Bridge at Remagen Ken Dodd... In My Own Words 5 News Football on 5 Most Shocking Celebrity Moments of 2016 Super Casino Abducted 5 News at 5 Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 5 News Tonight To B&B the Best A New Life in Oz Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side Celebrity Big Brother 5 News Tonight The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door GPs: Behind Closed Doors Celebrity Big Brother In Therapy Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side Sex Pod

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:45pm 12:15am 1:15am

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

5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:30pm 12:00am

Football Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon Premier League Review Premier League Match Pack Football Premier League Review Football's Greatest Barclays Premier League Preview The Fantasy Football Club Special Football Carling - In Off the Bar The Fantasy Football Club Special Great Sporting Moments Football Gillette Soccer Saturday Football EFL Goals Nissan Game of the Day Nissan Match Choice Football Football Football The Sunday Supplement Goals on Sunday Live Nissan Super Sunday Live Nissan Super Sunday Live World Darts Championship 2017 Sporting Records Goals on Sunday Football Football Football Live World Darts Championship 2017 Nissan Match Choice Football Football Football Football Football Football Gold Soccer AM: The Best Bits 2016/17 Football Gold Scottish Football Round Up Football Football La Liga World Spanish Football Gold La Liga World PL Highlights Football Football Football's Greatest La Liga World Barclays Premier League World Football Barclays Premier League World More Than a Game

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TIME OUT

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Famous quote

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

‘

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’.” Bing Crosby

in history 1170 – Four knights, acting on orders from King Henry II, murdered Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. 1801 – By an Act of Union Ireland was added to Great Britain to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 1803 – The US formally took possession of Louisiana after purchasing it from France for approximately $15 million. At 885,000 square miles this almost doubled the size of the US. 1865 – British poet and writer Rudyard Kipling, was born in Bombay, India. He is best known for writing children’s stories such as The Jungle Book. 1877 – It was announced that Queen Victoria had become the Empress of India. 1901 – The Commonwealth of Australia was created with the federation of six former British colonies. Edmund Barton became the first prime minister. 1937 – Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins was born on New Year’s Eve in Margam, a suburb of Port Talbot, Glamorgan. 1958 – The European Economic Community (EEC) was formed by Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands to remove trade barriers and coordinate trade policies. 1959 – Fidel Castro led a revolution to drive out dictator Fulgencio Batista and seized power in Cuba establishing a Communist dictatorship. 1965 – The film Doctor Zhiago, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, premiered in New York. 1967 – Donald Campbell was killed at high speed on Coniston Water in his Bluebird K7 whilst attempting to break the water speed record. 1968 – Frank Sinatra first recorded My Way which went on to spend 75 weeks in the UK Top 40. 1973 – Britain, Ireland and Denmark joined as members of the EEC. 1995 – Charlie Chaplin’s second wife Lita Grey died of cancer at the age of 87. 1999 – The euro came into use as the single European currency for 11 nations including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. 2000 – A painting by French impressionist Paul Cezanne was stolen from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford on New Year’s Eve. 2006 – The Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, aged 69, was hung in Baghdad. 2012 – At the age of 86 the founder of Playboy Hugh Hefner, married glamour model Crystal Harris, aged 26, at the Playboy Mansion in LA. 2015 – The WHO declared the Ebola epidemic in Guinea over. Over a two year period 2,500 people died.

Women’s wit

‘

I’ve never met an ugly millionaire. They all look cute. No wonder I married four of them.” Zsa Zsa Gabor

World of English

‘

Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.”

‘LET US ALL HOPE FOR A BETTER ONE...’

Kakuro

for next 7 days

Costa de Almería

weather

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.

VELEZ RUBIO

TODAY HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

GARRUCHA

MOJACAR

ALMERIA

RETAMAR

ADRA

VELEZ RUBIO

ALBOX

ROQUETAS

HUERCAL OVERA

GARRUCHA

TOMORROW

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

MOJACAR ALMERIA RETAMAR ADRA

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

16 8 C 15 7 C 15 6 S

Benidorm MAX 18C, MIN 9C Mon - 16 8 S Tues - 16 8 Cl Wed - 15 7 C

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 9 S 15 7 S 15 8 C

MAX 18C, MIN 10C

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 C Wed - 15 8 C

16 8 C 15 7 C 16 8 S

Mon - 16 9 S Tues - 16 9 Cl Wed - 16 8 C

14 4 S 14 3 S 13 3 S S Sun,

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Mon - 12 7 C Tues - 10 4 Sh Wed - 11 4 S

14 2 S 14 1 S 14 4 S

Madrid MAX 15C, MIN 4C MAX MIN

Mon - 12 6 Cl Tues - 12 4 C Wed - 13 3 S Cl Clear,

TODAY:

Fog,

17 19 S 15 8 C 15 7 C

TODAY:

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

16 6 C 16 6 C 16 8 C

SUNNY

MAX 13C, MIN -1C

13 -3 S 10 -2 S 9 -1 S C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 9 Tues - 9 Wed - 9

1 Cl 0 C -1 S

Sh Showers,

CLOUDY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

16 7 C 14 5 C 15 4 S Sn Snow,

IRISH LOTTO

LA PRIMITIVA

EURO MILLIONS

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 8 S Tues - 16 7 C Wed - 15 7 C

MAX 17C, MIN 5C MAX MIN

Mon - 15 9 C Tues - 14 6 C Wed - 15 5 C

Murcia

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mallorca SUNNY MAX 15C, MIN 2C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

SUNNY MAX 17C, MIN 10C

TODAY:

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

Malaga

CLEAR MAX 18C, MIN 9C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

ROQUETAS

MAX 17C, MIN 6C MAX MIN

Mon - 15 6 S Tues - 16 6 Cl Wed - 15 5 C Th Thunder

Euro Weekly News accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the weather forecasts which are supplied by a third party.

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Maximum Ride Directed by: Jay Martin Starring: Allie Marie Evans, Patrick Johnson, Lyliana Wray, Luke Gregory Crosby Based on a series of books by James Patterson the film follows a group of six teenagers – Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy and Angel - who were all infused with avian DVD whilst they were living in an experimental lab which enables them to fly. They manage to escape the lab with the help of the caretaker and live in a safe house in the mountains. That is until the lab guards kidnap Angel, the youngest of the group, and Max is forced into leading the group as they face their worse nightmare on a journey back to the lab to rescue her. Along the way they uncover some of their mysterious past and discover some stunning secrets including the biggest betrayal of all.

Silvia Giner, Actress, December 31

Spanish actress who was born in Seville in Andalusia, worked in Buenos Aires in Argentina but now lives in Madrid. Her film career was launched in Buenos Aires in Argentina after she appeared in the Latin American film Space of Appearances.

Kieron Dyer, Footballer, December 29, 38 Former professional midfielder who played for Ipswich Town’s youth and first teams before being sold to Newcastle United for £6 million, at that time the highest fee paid for an Ipswich player. His career was blighted by injury however he still managed to represent his country on 33 occasions. Ellie Goulding, Singer/songwriter, December 30, 30 Her debut album Lights reached number one on the UK Album Chart in 2010. Her hit singles include Burn, Anything Could Happen and Love Me Like You Do. She performed Elton John’s hit Your Song at the wedding reception of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Lauren Silverman, Socialite, January 1, 40 Better known as Simon Cowell’s other half she was a New York socialite who was married to Andrew Silverman, a friend of Simon’s. She fell pregnant whilst having an affair with Simon Cowell and gave birth to his son Eric in 2014. Michael Schumacher, F1 Racing Driver, January 3, 48 Seven time World Champion who drove for Ferrari on the Formula One circuit from 1996 to 2006. He started driving a motorised kart aged just four. Whilst skiing in December 2013 he suffered a serious head injury that left him in a coma for six months. He continues to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation at home. Craig Revel Horwood, Dancer/TV Personality, January 4, 48 Best known as a member of the judging panel for the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. He has a reputation for being a harsh critic and a stickler for the rules . He moved to London from Australia when he was in his 20’s seeking more opportunities to dance.

Funagram

Just Joking

Unscramble the name of a traditional seasonal folk song (three words): LEGAL NUN DAYS

How does Santa keep the weeds out of his garden? With a Hoe-Hoe-Hoe.

Unscramble the name of a famous Hogmanay tradition (two words): RIOTING TOFFS

A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. A friend of his said, “I thought she wanted one of those pretty four-wheel drive vehicles?” “She did,” he replied, “But where in the world was I going to find a fake jeep!”

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 (CHEERS) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

BLONDE CHAPEL CHEERS (10) CHISEL DEMEAN ICICLE IMPISH JUMBLE NESTLE PATRON

ROTTEN SPECIE TALLOW TEETER TEETHE TENDON TISSUE VACATE WEALTH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1 Detour 2 Carrot 3 Orient 4 Deceit 5 Routed 6 Harden 7 Trance 8 Vendor 9 Notice 10 Advent 11 Theory 12 Intent 13 Cereal 14 Entice 15 Income 16 Pariah 17 Iodine 18 Polite 19 Skimpy

YOUR STARS AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Don't chance your plans being disrupted by ill health. Get any problems sorted out now even if you think they are 'nothing'. When you are feeling good it is easy to take that for granted. Fresh foods and air mean more at the moment than making an extra few pounds. Allow others to become involved and give a hand when energy is low because you can easily repay the favour later when your own energy levels are high. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) In this your birthday month, your mind is positively buzzing with ideas. There has been so much progress in your personal life during the past year that it is hard to believe. However, you are capable of being very dynamic and singleminded. This is why, now, you may be patting yourself on the back. Keep colleagues on your side by taking a particular interest in them. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) There are moments of boundless energy which really urge you to 'get up and go'. Make use of this at work, where most progress is to be made this week. Be you a politician, pensioner or anyone in between, the opportunities are there to be had. Slow progress on the love front should not see you fretting. At the moment, the priorities are elsewhere. Putting down roots and establishing your position are paramount. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Bring more zip to your life by putting the spotlight on your health. Getting out and about lifts the spirits, while perking up the diet with new foods brightens the system. As energy levels come up this week, be aware of what is happening around you. A chance remark in conversation may bring to light a really great idea for improving your finances. Romance is not exactly sparkling but you have your eye on this area.

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(December 22 - January 20)

Romance will find you this week if only you are in the right frame of mind. You may be inclined to refuse social gatherings that hold no prospects for you, but don't close the door on anything. The right kind of companions are sometimes found in the strangest places. It is cosy to stay at home but life is all about progress, not stagnation.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The chance to travel seems exciting but can be made even more so by including a few people who are on your wavelength. So busy have you been on the more mundane aspects of life that the 'big picture' may have faded into the background. An early holiday or weekend break opens the mind and gives impetus to any personal plans. Don't be shy when with members of the opposite sex because they have much to offer you spiritually. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) An authority figure may also be seen as a possible romantic attachment. Your talents and charm serve you well when approaching this person. Opportunities need approaching with eyes wide open, however, because they could be timeconsuming and disruptive. Nothing is for nothing, though, and maybe you feel that it will all be worth the effort in the longer term. Financially, keep the ball rolling and contacts current. LEO (July 24 - August 23) Keeping up the activity level physically is really in your best interests this week. It is a pivotal point where your resolutions in this area could fail. With life very busy, it is still important to retain your priorities. A new year promise broken may still be restarted without trauma, just determination is needed. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Does someone in the family need your

attention? Don't begrudge time spent with them, even if you are busy. Consider what you would want others to do if you were in the same position. After all, you love a challenge so see this as a bit of a juggling act. Bringing humour into the equation makes such a difference mid-week when you wonder where it is all going. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) With your enthusiasm socially at a peak, now is the time to get involved with anything that takes your fancy. A project involving music or painting will give you the chance to make new friends. Children and young people fill your time for a lot of this week and certainly give you a reason to smile. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) This week will see more progress on a health issue. Maybe you have recently given up something or taken to the gym. Recent weeks may have conspired to upset your best efforts. It is never too late to make a fresh start, though, especially right now. Someone who gives your confidence a boost also leads you to believe that anything is possible. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Avoid like the plague people who would dampen your spirit. It may not be deliberate but, if you are near repressed or depressed people, it may rub off. Find positive, active people to be near. If you have not started a form of exercise, then now is as good a time as any.

10-Star Quiz QUIZ OUT THE OLD, QUIZ IN THE NEW 1. David Dinkins was sworn in as which US city’s first black mayor on New Year’s Day 1990? 2. Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland were admitted into the European Economic Community on New Year’s Day in which year? 3. ‘No New Year’s Day to celebrate. No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away’ are the opening lines of which Stevie Wonder hit single? 4. Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of where on New Year’s Day 1877? 5. Riga is the capital of which country that became the 18th member of the eurozone (euro area) on New Year’s Day 2014? 6. The first edition of which famous newspaper, previously known as the Daily Universal Register, was published on New Year’s Day 1788? 7. Which coin ceased to be legal tender in the UK on New Year’s Eve 1960? 8. Which EastEnders character, who had been played by Pam St Clement since June 1986, was killed off in the special 2012 New Year's Day episode? 9. Which famous inventor demonstrated his incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, New Jersey on New Year’s Eve 1879? 10. Which famous music programme was first broadcast on BBC 1 on New Year’s Day 1964 at 6:35 pm? Not a lot of people know that… in Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck in the coming year

Answers 1. NEW YORK, 2. 1973, 3. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU, 4. INDIA, 5. LATVIA, 6. THE TIMES of London, 7. FARTHING, 8. PAT EVANS/BUTCHER/BEALE/WICKS, 9. THOMAS EDISON, 10. TOP OF THE POPS

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 M) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET: • Average: 5 • Good: 6 • Very good: 9 • Excellent: 12

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION abet able bale bare bate bear beat beer beet belt beta blat brae brat carb crab abler acerb baler beret betel blare blear bleat brace bract caber cable celeb rebec rebel table beater beetle berate rebate treble retable bracelet CELEBRATE ERECTABLE

OUT

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page

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

Cryptic

Code Breaker

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC

Quick

Across:

Across 1 More sage is planted in clockwise rotation (5) 4 Launderer used to be female (6) 9 Building renters are more strict (7) 10 Swagger like Rod (5) 11 Organs will show up in dress rehearsal (4) 12 Overhaul religious ceremony (7) 13 Appropriate for a gymnasium (3) 14 Ring round for a beam (4) 16 Some involve a system that’s effortless (4) 18 Keys get one offer (3) 20 Refuse to accept sink (7) 21 Choose first vacation on the East (4) 24 A musical piece from a potential donor (5) 25 Cigar with revolutionary origin (7) 26 Sidney could be a famous film maker (6) 27 Grow from endless spring (5) Down 1 Ted was terribly worn out (6) 2 Insult leaves a mark (5) 3 Letters from Grenoble for a city in Nevada (4) 5 Took in some Arabs or Bedouins (8) 6 His rare frolicking badgers (7) 7 Row in London park is deplorable (6) 8 Try small Ford for a secret rendezvous (5) 13 A remedy, not a diet change (8) 15 Takes back car sent incorrectly (7)

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Crossword

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1 Melchior, 5 Read, 9 Grabs, 10 Narrate, 11 Nearest, 12 Sales, 13 Assist, 15 Depths, 19 Sport, 21 Elevate, 23 Twaddle, 24 After, 25 Suet, 26 Protests. Down: 1 Magenta, 2 Llama, 3 Hostels, 4 Ornate, 6 Epaulet, 7 Diets, 8 Arts, 14 Storage, 16 Elegant, 17 Sierras, 18 Veneer, 19 Sates, 20 Tide, 22 Altos.

QUICK Across:

17 Respected communist is after a party (6) 18 A seat for the judiciary (5) 19 Hire charge included in current allowance (6) 22 Sea-air adds a little weight to one (5) 23 Clues found in a Mickey Spillane novel (4) Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 11 represents H and 16 represents V, so fill in H every time the figure 11 appears and V every time the figure 16 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 Basis for comparison (8) 7 Utter words (5) 8 Not otherwise committed (9) 9 Long-tailed rodent (3) 10 Let have for a limited time (4) 11 Refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing (6) 3 Deliver to an enemy by treachery (6) 14 Not interesting (6) 17 Utter a sudden loud cry (6) 18 Bestow (4) 20 Take in solid food (3) 22 Inspecting (9) 23 Revolves (5) 24 Larval amphibians (8)

Down 1 Little (5) 2 Opposed to (7) 3 Blunt (4) 4 Thief who steals from someone by threatening violence (6) 5 Strikingly odd or unusual (5) 6 Gliding on ice (7) 7 Division (7) 12 Takes for husband or wife (7) 13 Below (7) 15 Beginning (7) 16 Yellow fruit (6) 17 Look at with fixed eyes (5) 19 Borders (5) 21 Drag a leg (4)

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

1 Regret, 4 Satin, 8 Stamp, 9 Airmail, 10 Indoors, 11 Dawn, 12 Ale, 14 Fare, 15 Lamp, 18 Red, 21 Hark, 23 Regalia, 25 Tidings, 26 Noise, 27 Store, 28 Peanut.

Down: 1 Rustic, 2 Grandma, 3 Employer, 4 Sort, 5 Tiara, 6 Nylons, 7 Salsa, 13 Elegance, 16 Million, 17 Photos, 19 Dress, 20 Parent, 22 Radio, 24 Knee.

ENGLISHSPANISH Across: 1 Bangle, 3 Frosts, 8 Sleds, 10 Castaña, 11 Emoción, 12 Sueño, 13 Camel, 15 Ganso, 20 Trees, 22 Miracle, 24 Meeting, 25 Niñas, 26 Stoves, 27 Prices. Down: 1 Basket, 2 Nuevo, 4 Risas, 5 Skaters, 6 Season, 7 Scent, 9 Slide, 14 Aderezo, 16 Apron, 17 Stamps, 18 Amiga, 19 Feasts, 21 Spice, 23 Coñac.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 Oil (6) 3 Useful (information, advice, tool) (4) 7 Labio (anatómico) (3) 9 Filling (culinary) (7) 10 Butterflies (insects) (9) 13 Ruibarbo (7) 14 Mentira (embuste) (3) 15 Weight (4) 16 To tire (out) (6)

Down 1 Classroom (4) 2 To finish (8) 4 Uña de pie (7) 5 Lion (4) 6 Carpet (8) 8 Cacahuetes (7) 11 Gota (4) 12 To read (4)

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The Gift

AS we approach 2017 many of us will be thinking about making a New Year’s resolution. According to YouGov around 63 per cent of the UK population make resolutions. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common resolutions. Have a look and see whether any you are planning are on there. 1. Lose Weight Many of us resolve to lose weight after the festive splurge. Whether overindulgence of food or alcohol (or both!) the average person puts on around 4lbs (1.8 kilos). It can be difficult to remain committed but you can succeed. Don’t expect it to happen overnight, beware of faddy diets, keep a journal and get support from family and friends.

By Louise Jensen JENNA is seriously ill and desperately in need o f a hea rt trans plant to s ta y alive when a donor heart becomes available. All she knows is that it came from a girl called Callie. Forever i n t he family’s debt a n d keen to find out more about the girl who saved her own life she gets in touch with C a llie’s family and b e comes quite close to them. T he clos er s he ge t s though the more begins to realise that things don’t add up a nd when s he meet s Nathan, Callie’s boyfriend, wha t s he dis covers i s shocking. Jenna is determined to find out the truth of what happened to Callie and uncover her family’s dark secrets, but it could come at a cost to her own sa fe ty. This compelli n g psychological thriller has a killer twist and will have you gripped. books@euroweeklynews.com

App of the Week Bookout A tool for helping you to track and manage your books with the ability to gather insightful stats into your reading such as time read per day, pages read per day, etc. You can mark books you lend out so you never lose a book again! Set up goals to encourage you to read more eg 30 hours per month or read 12 books during a year. Also obtain book details by scanning ISBN codes or searching online.

Play on Words RESOLUTIONS: Are you planning one for next year? to plan some time every week to do something fun.

next Christmas – on average that’s how much 20 cigarettes a day costs.

2. Get Organised In the aftermath of Christmas with all those new presents it’s no wonder we feel the need to get organised. One of the best things to do is de-clutter but do it in small steps by limiting it to 10 minutes/one drawer/one room a month so it’s less intimidating and more productive. Involve the children in clearing out old toys and clothes to donate to charity.

5. Get Fit and Healthy Often this goes hand in hand with the resolution to lose weight. Getting fit doesn’t necessarily mean you need to join a gym. Government guidelines suggest we need to be active every day and should aim to participate in 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. To achieve that try to find something you enjoy doing - walking, swimming, cycling, running, dancing, ten-pin bowling or gardening.

8. Volunteer A very thoughtful and rewarding resolution made by many kind-hearted people. According to the volunteering charity TimeBank more people are interested in volunteering in January than at any other time of the year but do they actually do it? If considering it pay a visit to your local volunteer centre to find out about opportunities available.

3. Spend Less, Save More We are often frivolous over the festive period and a quick check of the bank balance often leads to this resolution. Try reviewing monthly spending to see where your money is going then set yourself a monthly budget and stick to it. Planning meals and making a shopping list to control spending and reduce food waste should help save money.

6. Learn Something New Every day’s a school day and we are never to old to learn! Perhaps that’s the thinking of those who make this resolution. In this age of lifelong learning there are lots of opportunities. What about learning another language, how to knit, juggle, cook or belly-dance or learn CPR/first aid? What will you learn in 2017? The world’s your oyster...

4. Enjoy Life More Christmas can be quite a stressful period so it’s no surprise this may be many people’s resolution. Life’s too short as the saying goes and we need to make the most of the time we have. Perhaps it’s time to review your work-life balance and take control? Is your precious time leaking away on social media? Try

7. Quit Smoking For those who smoke this is often the time of year to seriously consider stopping. Although difficult it’s not impossible. There are many smoking cessation support services provided by the NHS (if you’re in the UK) that you may find helpful. If you need an incentive what about having an extra €1,716 to spend

Sudoku

9. Fall In Love The singletons out there often pledge to find ‘the one’ and fall in love. Easier said than done though! To increase your chances of finding love in 2017 consider removing negative influences from your life, dating people you wouldn’t usually date, joining an online dating site or participating in a new activity. Widen your horizons and who knows? 10. Spend More Time with Family Perhaps getting together over the festive period or being unable to be with family makes people choose this resolution. So what are you going to do to make it happen? Arrange dates to get together and put them on the calendar - whether it be a visit, an invitation to dinner, a night or a day out. Don’t waste the coming year - figure out what you need to do to make it happen, then do it!

P K UO V NU AA CZ SL HOOUSE

NICECCU CCUNICE

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.

TARGET: • Average: 19 • Good: 26 • Very good: 38 • Excellent: 49

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION hill hilar hills hags hall haar ills gain gash gals gall gala galah gays galas gars ashlar ashlars agin agar agars alar alarm alpaca alpha alphas anis again achy acari acts hash hang hangs hangar hangars harp harm alas aria arias cays chain chasing chap chaplain char charm chars calash call carp carpal carpals carpi cars cyan cyst chair chairs hair hairs airs

Word Ladder YEAR

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.

Most common New Year’s resolutions

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

FOOT BACK

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

Solution YEAR BEAR BOAR BOAT (BOOR) BOOT FOOT

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Answers: The drinks are on the house. Nice to see you, to see you, nice.

HEALTH BEAUTY

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Helping MACS to help others LOCAL local cancer support group, MACS, helps dozens of cancer patients and their families each year in many different ways. Whether it’s help with translation, administration, loan of equipment or important personal support for patients and their families, dedicated volunteers are always on hand to assist. MACS receives no government funding and costs soon mount up, therefore, fundraising and donations play a massive part in keeping MACS operational and able to continue its fantastic work. MACS itself is not a fundraising organisation, it relies on other groups and associations along with kind donations from the public. In some cases, wills have been bequeathed to MACS which is a touching and poignant gesture. MACS of course has its own shops, which, with donations of unwanted items and hard-working team members, help raise monies on a reg-

SUPPORT GROUP: Sexy Santas and the MACS van, just two of the important fundraisers. ular basis and MACS’ own volunteers have raised a good deal of money over the years organising different functions which have become highly anticipated events in the social calendar. Many local companies have supported the group by way of advertis-

ing outside the shops and on the MACS van. There are also many organisations in the area which have kindly chosen MACS as their nominated charity and make regular donations throughout the year. These groups are far too numerous to mention but their

generosity is deeply appreciated. Aside from the day-to-day running of the group and assisting patients and families, MACS’ long-term aim is to open a local hospice, a fund is in place for this and is steadily growing. This much-needed project for the future has firm foundations but will

need plenty more financial support in order to be fully realised. In order to maintain full transparency, all donations are available to see on the MACS website under the ‘fundraising’ tab and anyone is invited to view this information. The year 2017 is expected to bring an important turning point for MACS as the group hopes to be listed as a ‘Utilidad Publica,’ this will mean some taxes paid will be reclaimable, making a huge difference to the overall revenue. Gaining this officially recognised status takes years of dealing with bureaucracy, along with submission of accounts and the team has worked hard behind the scenes to get to this stage. As 2016 comes to a close MACS would like to wish its supporters, donors, customers, volunteers and friends a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Some tips for keeping fertile MORE and more couples are seeking medical help in conceiving a child. With fertility problems, amongst both men and women on the rise, what can be done to help take care of your fertility? Even if you are not ready for a child just yet, take note of these top tips from the Assisted Reproduction Unit of Vithas Perpetuo International Hospital in Alicante, as told to Diario Informacion, and when you are ready to start a family hopefully fertility problems will not be a cause for concern. Fertility should be taken care of from a young age. Advise teenagers and youngsters on safe sex and preventing sexually transmitted diseases as some can lead to fertility problems later in life. As in all areas of health, a balanced diet will have an impact. Regular exercise and healthy eating will also help care for fertility. For women looking at starting a family sooner rather than later, try increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals including omega three and

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Robot lips will help make longdistance love be more intimate

six as well as green v e g etables which are rich in folic acid and iron. Try and keep a healthy w e i g h t . B e i n g o v e rweight can result in difficulties in getting pregnant, as can being underweight, as both can lead to abnormalities in the menstrual cycle with ovary function deteriorating. Try and stay calm. Stress can cause some hormones to be released inappropriately a ff e c t i n g y o u r c h a n c e s o f falling pregnant.

STRUGGLING with a long-distance relationship? Well worry not as you may soon be able to kiss your loved one from anywhere in the world. A device has been created by a team of engineers in London and Japan that connects to your phone and matches your partners lip movements and pressure. The device, called the Lovotics Kissenger, is like a set of robot lips and can even let you smell your partner. The creators say is it a mix between being a kiss and messenger and is designed to make online video chat more intimate. Couples can connect the device to their phone and press their lips to it. The software reads the pressure and transmits it to the receiver’s mouthpiece at the other end. The Kissenger even has a silicon lining designed to feel like human skin. The device is currently just in its prototype stage and a date for sale and its expected price tag, has not yet been revealed.

STAY CALM: Stress can affect your hormones.

Purple is the new food fad, so try it next year READY for the new food trends of 2017? Go purple and you should be on track as according to Whole Foods supermarket chain’s predictions, purple foods will be the new fad. The move will be welcomed by dieticians as purple foods are known to be full of an antioxidant called anthocyanins which help to fight cancer, aging and inflammation. Anthocyanins can also protect the heart muscle and blood vessels so try going purple in the New Year and look out for these health-boosting super foods. Acai. The acai berry is a rich purple fruit indigenous to the Ama-

BEETROOT: Eat it raw or pickle it.

zon rainforest and packed with amino acids and vitamins A, B, C and E. Purple sweet potato. These contain the allimportant anthocyanin anti-oxidant and can be used as a substitute for normal potatoes. Purple carrots. Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, they are best eaten raw to make the most of their healthy benefits. Beetroot. Eat it raw, pickle it, grate it or blend it in smoothies, beetroot is perhaps the easiest purple food to start consuming now. Purple cabbage. Don’t just save it for Christmas and indulge it in all year round.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

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What is a stroke?

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. A STROKE is a type of attack which happens when insufficient blood reaches the affected area of the brain. While the best known type of attack is that which happens to the heart, they can also affect other parts of the body including the brain, lungs or legs among others. People with higher cardiovascular risk such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obese people and smokers are those most likely to suffer a stroke. How can we recognise the symptoms and realise someone is having a stroke? Strokes can present themselves in different ways ranging from slight alterations to behaviour or speech to inability to move arms and legs, difficulty walking or sudden death. So what should we do if we think someone is having a stroke? If you have the slightest suspicion somebody is having a stroke you should get them to a medical centre as quickly as possible for tests and treatment. What if I’m on my

own and think I might be having a stroke? You should call emergency services and tell them you think you’re having a stroke. If you can’t call an ambulance, you should get a relative or neighbour to take you to hospital immediately. What are the chances of complete recovery? This depends on the size and type of stroke. Minor strokes caused by slight bleeding are easier to recover from and less likely to leave after-effects than those which affect a large area or those caused by a blood clot which stopped blood reaching the brain. Whether or not there are after-effects, anyone who has had a stroke should take medication to reduce the risks of a repeat. However, this will always be a possibility. Is there any way of avoiding a stroke? The best way to reduce your risk of a stroke is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Stop smoking, lose weight if you are overweight, follow a low-fat, salt-free diet, exercise regularly and check your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels.

If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com

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Is your brain triggering the urge to drink? HAVE you had one tipple too many over Christmas? For many, a little indulgence over the festive period is normal, but what happens when that extra drink turns into one too many? A professor at the University of Florida has treated thousands of patients for alcohol use for over 15 years and believes that binge drinking, such as at Christmas, can be a result of the chemicals in the brain. Alcohol releases dopamine giving a happy buzz, but for some, as the brain starts releasing dopamine it is unable to stop and malfunctions, causing the drinker to carry on past the buzz and into intoxication and a compulsion to binge drink can result. This binge drinking can be seen as an addiction and should be treated as such. Binge drinking is classed as drinking at least five or more drinks for men and four for women, on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days. The American Medical Association acknowledged that brains of binge drinkers have a disease but it is still relatively ignored and not seen

as a disease in the same way as heart disease or obesity. So as we head in to the New Year celebrations, just be aware of the effects drinking can have on you and the people around you.

JUST ONE MORE: Binge drinking is an addiction.

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With an appetite for quality and value, then visit Bar International THE recently refurbished Bar International is already receiving rave reviews from customers new and old. Under the new management of brothers Phil and Raymond, the bar is fast becoming the goto venue for daytime and evening get-togethers, popular with local residents and visitors alike. The extensive day and evening menus feature special offers including a delicious 8-ounce entrecote steak for €8.50. Order one of these great-value meals and get a second for just €5. After working up an appetite shopping at the nearby Saturday market, enjoy a tasty all-day breakfast with many options at excellent prices.

Forget slaving over a hot stove on a Sunday and relax and tuck into a superb Sunday roast, with a choice of succulent meats, served between 12 noon and 3pm - don’t forget to book! A four-course meal can be enjoyed for €14.50 with a wide selection of dishes including a refreshing home-made gazpacho starter and mouth-watering slow-cooked lamb shank. Tantalise your taste buds by viewing the menu at www.padpall.com/barinternational. Saturday night at Bar International is cocktail night. Choose your favourite,

watch it being skillfully created and make the most of the warm summer evenings, relaxing on the fabulous terrace. Bar International hosts regular live music events with some top local acts lined up in the coming weeks. Planning a wedding or special event? Make Bar International your choice of venue. The large indoor and outside space lends itself to all types of occasion and there is ample parking for your guests. Phil and Raymond have vast experience in the catering business and place huge emphasis on customer care.

You are guaranteed an impeccable service during the planning stages of your special occasion, right though to the event itself. The brothers are also active in the community and as animal-lovers are kindly supporting local dog shelter, Maz’s Canine Rescue. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled night out, a relaxing lunch or a hearty breakfast, join the growing number of people making Bar International their top choice. Located on the Carretera Lorca - Baza (A334) in Arboleas, follow the bar on Facebook – Bar International or call 694 498 778.

BAR INTERNATIONAL: Hosts regular live music events with top local acts.

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Festival nominated for two awards By Eleanor Hawkins THE Juergas Rock Festival, the fifth edition of which will be held in Almeria next summer, has been nominated in two categories for the Iberian Festival Awards. The festival will be running for the award for the best medium sized festival, voted on by members of the public on the internet, and for the best tourist promotion, which will be decided by a panel of judges.

The festival continues to grow and the organisers have pledged to make this fifth year its best yet and to provide better services for the thousands of people who attend each summer. There is a long way to go yet and many more performances and surprises to announce, but so far artists who have confirmed their presence include Raiz, Talco, Boikot, Reincidentes, Antilopez and El Kanka. Improvements have been

made to the site of the festival, including better facilities at the campsite and the stages and concert grounds themselves. Tickets for the festival are already on sale via the usual ticket sales points and the festival website at a price of €30. For the Christmas period, the organisers also announced they would be selling Gold tickets with a special design and a free badge and sticker.

A little Christmas spirit ALBOX helped bring a little Christmas spirit to residents at the Casa de Acogida shelter for women and children sufferers of gender violence in Almeria City by giving them toys funded by Christmas plant sales. The traditional charity sale was organised by the staff of the Municipal Women’s Information Centre and raised

€281.60, which was spent on dozens of toys for the children at the shelter. Social Welfare and Equality councillor Angel Pardo delivered the gifts to shelter manager Maria del Mar Bober and explained that altogether 128 plants had been sold this year. Pardo expressed his gratitude to those who had bought plants to help the mothers and

children, victims of gender violence, enjoy their Christmas a little more. The charity plant sale, the councillor explained, has become a firm fixture on the annual calendar of activities organised by the council to mark International Day against Violence against Women in the run-up to Christmas.

A festive musical treat LOCALS and visitors to Zurgena are in for a musical treat tomorrow, Friday December 30, at one of the highlights of the activities planned by the council for the festive period. Maria Auxiliadora Choir from the village will be accompanied by the Angel Martin

Polyphonic Choir from Pulpi for a Christmas concert at San Ramon Nonnato church. The concert, Culture councillor Francisco Lopez has promised, will be a spectacular performance likely to be enjoyed by people of all tastes and ages.

NEW PRODUCTION: Tickets are on sale now.

Grande Flamenco Christmas Gala THE Grande Flamenco Christmas Gala takes place on Friday December 30 at the Theatre Centro Usos Multiples in Mojacar. Doors for the spectacular open at 9pm, and the performers, Zambomba Flamenca, are those who wowed the Mojacar audience back in May before taking Carboneras by storm in September. This will be an entirely new production featuring both male and female dancers for a truly

traditional Christmas flamenco performance. Tickets are on sale now and cost €10 in advance or €12 on the door. They can be purchased from the Tourist Office in Mojacar Pueblo, the newspaper kiosk in the Parque Comercial Mojacar, from the tobacconist in Turre, and the Il Forno di Roma restaurant in Vera. For further information email info@lagi tanainglesa.com.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

BBC launch another talent show as singing groups go head-to-head in ‘Pitch Battle’ Richard Shanley

Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL

THE BBC may have lost The Voice UK to rival ITV but rather than mope about it, it’s gone back to the drawing board and commissioned a brand new singing competition. But Pitch Battle isn’t just another The X Factor or The Voice, this time it’s all groups! A press release from the BBC says the show “will feature the best singing groups from across the UK and from all musical styles: pop, rock, folk and gospel to acapella groups and even fishermen’s choirs.” Fishermen’s choirs. You never know, they could end up winning the competition - Honey G made it to fifth place on The X Factor 2016 and was the first person to get signed to a record label.

HUMOUR AND HARMONY: Is what the BBC promises to bring with new show Pitch Battle. Karen Smith, the CEO of production company Tuesday’s Child, said: “After a divisive, depressing 2016, we’re bringing some humour and harmony to 2017 in a contemporary new format with story, scale and

spelling-binding, hairs-on-theback-of-your neck performances.” Of course, the singing competition isn’t the only format the BBC is allegedly making a new version of after losing a well

known brand to a rival broadcaster... The BBC is planning a new baking show that could reunite The Great British Bake Off favourites Mary Berry, Nadiya Hussein and hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins after losing the

original format to Channel 4 following a breakdown in negotiations with Love Productions. Back to Pitch Battle, all we know at the moment is that there will be five hour-long prerecorded episodes and one live final, and the show will air on BBC One at some point in 2017. If it doesn’t end up on a Saturday night, I’d be very surprised. If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Walkers reach their challenge

A GROUP of Zurgena residents, including many expatriates, have reached their self-imposed challenge to walk one million steps as part of a healthy lifestyle initiative organised by the town hall and promoted by the Northern Health District. Entitled Por Un Millon de Pasos (for a million steps), the activity, split into two days’ walking sessions organised by Zurgena Sports Department, aimed to have participants, between them, walk a million steps. More than 50 people took part in the walks, which also allowed them to explore little known parts of their surroundings.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Forum group celebrates 1st anniversary Issue 1597

Issue 1592

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THE Almeria Community Forum celebrated its first birthday recently at Maloan’s bar in Albox. The Forum, founded by Gary Bastin, has more than 500 members. The Forum pages are maintained by volunteers and all monies raised are donated to charity. This first year of suc-

cess for the forum was celebrated with a grand party. Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Atlantis and Carrie’s Dusty Boots, along with Grupo Arbuli who performed Pirates of the Dusty Carrie-bean, to music from the Johnny Depp movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. Colourful costumes, scenery, the use of a smoke machine and fabulous dancing, went towards making an entertaining event. A buffet was provided by Andy Slater and the staff of

DONATION: FACE members accept fundraising cheque of €500. Maloan’s Bar and was paid for by Gary Bastin. There w a s a ls o a c ha rity ra ffle

draw, with prizes donated by local businesses. The first prize of a complete

television system including one year’s full Sky TV package was won by Georgia Jerwood. The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a cheque for €500 to charity group, FACE (Fundraising in Arboleas, caring for everyone). This was presented on behalf of the Forum by Gary Bastin to FACE president Adele Wrigglesworth and several members of the FACE committee who were at the event. www.arboleas.eu. Contact Adele Wrigglesworth on 667 255 094

New mayor’s manifesto Issue 1602 NEWLY elected Albox mayor, Sonia Cerdan has pledged to make Albox “a

better place for everyone to live.” In an interview with Spanish newspaper, La Voz de Almeria, Cerdan said she wanted her administration to help improve the lives of all residents irrespective of their political leanings. The town’s first female leader also said her door was always open to listen to proposals from the opposition parties.

Cerdan was voted into office following the belated resignation of former mayor Rogelio Mena who was forced to step down after months of protesting his innocence against corruption charges. Priorities for the new mayor include driving the growth of the municipality, providing more cycle lanes and pave-

ments and offering security to residents who own illegally built houses. Opposition group Partido Popular (PP) continues to protest against Cerdan’s election insisting the vote was not carried out correctly. The group added that the town’s residents should have had the opportunity to vote for their new mayor.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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Going green in Purchena Issue 1606 A NEW project entitled Communal Green Decisions is under way in Purchena with participation from countries all over Europe. The project, financed mainly by the Euro-

pean Erasmus commission, is organised by the Lagarto Negro youth association which aims to encourage respect for the environment through a number of activities and exchanges with groups from abroad. This project, running from April 12-18, is bringing together political representatives and environmental experts.

A great day out for association members Issue 1609 A GROUP of members of El Saliente Disabled Association had a great day out on Friday (April 29) at the Granja Escuela La Alegria de Sustana farm school in Huercal de Almeria. About 10 association members, accompanied by their moni-

tors, made the trip to the farm where they had the chance to ride horses and interact with various animals and learn how to make bread rolls. Many later said if the free activity is repeated they would sign up to go again. The benefits of this type of activity are many, the association explained, as they improve personal relationships and emotional states due to the change in routine and new experiences which are very different to the disabled

group membersâ€™ usual daily routines. At the farm school, they were able to take part in a number of new activities including cake making, planting wheat, interacting with animals and learning about local plant life. Volunteers are often needed to help out with this type of activity, and the association encourages anyone who speaks Spanish and has time on their hands to get in touch to find out what they can do to help.

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CHIRIVEL TOWN: The council wish to ban the hunting of finches in the area.

Standing up for nature Issue 1613 WILDLIFE and nature will be high on the agenda in this week’s council meeting in Chirivel. Opposition group, Somos Chirivel, has put forward a number of motions for the meeting due to take place on Friday June 3, which the group believes are important to the town. One of the main points is a request to ban the hunting of finches, especially throughout the rambla area.

Somos councillor Jose Ternero said the group was committed to protecting the flora and fauna in and around the town, especially species which are close to becoming endangered. He said he hoped for Chirivel to become the first town in the Los Velez area to implement the ban. Other motions put forward by the group include careful controlled pruning of trees and plants in the town’s streets and the opening of the wildlife recovery centre. The centre, which was funded by the European Union, is currently closed after falling into a state of disrepair. Ternero said that reopening the centre would create a number of jobs for local residents.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

Summer schools prove popular Issue 1618 ALMOST a thousand children have enrolled in the Almeria area summer schools programme this year. The sc h o o l s a r e r u n b y the Albox-based, El Saliente group, and provide a safe and fu n e n v i r o n m e n t fo r children between 7.30am and 3pm with workshops,

games and educational activities. The group runs a total of 12 schools including one in Zurgena and one in Albox. In addition to the classroombased activities, children also have the opportunity to participate in excursions to animal parks and zoos. The summer schools also provide breakfast and lunch for the children and allow working parents the freed o m to w o rk in th e h o lidays.

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More for less cash Photo by GoogleMaps

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS: Monies are to be saved with new energy efficiency scheme.

Issue 1625 THANKS to a study carried out for the council, Albox is set to save €45,000 per year on electricity in municipal buildings via a series of changes proposed under its new energy efficiency scheme. Ways to cut annual expenditure to the tune of €22,500 have been suggested for 10 of the 11 municipal supply points in the town, with the other €15,500 set to be saved thanks to modifications to the contracts and tariffs

THE Jubilee Year to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the wooden image of the virgin to El Saliente was celebrated in Albox last week by hundreds of pilgrims who, in spite of it being a week day, flocked to pay tribute to the religious icon. Conceded by Pope Francis and by decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary in the name of the pontiff, the Jubilee Year will see a busy calendar of religious and cultural events lasting until September 7, 2017.

applied, explained Treasury councillor Francisco Carrillo. “This initiative is part of a group of measures and studies we’ve been using over recent years to improve the council’s financial

Faithful flock to El Saliente Issue 1628 Events kicked off with the ritual opening of the Holy Door by bishop Adolfo

Gonzalez Montes as the bells for Angelus rang out in the presence of provincial council representative Oscar Liria, delegates Dolores Martinez and Guillermo Casquet, Albox Mayor Francisco Torrecillas and council representatives from numerous local towns and villages and members of the Guardia Civil and other security forces.

situation. Now, thanks to these savings, we have managed to balance the accounts and even have some cash left over which can be used for social projects or to improve our municipality,” the councillor said.

The image of the virgin of El Saliente is a small baroque wooden carving, measuring approximately 60cm, believed to have been made in the early 17th century. Legend has it that the founder of the shrine, Lazaro de Martos, was visited by the virgin and spent the rest of his life dedicated to religion, eventually becoming the priest of Albox. He decided the town should have an image of the virgin of his visions and acquired the carving in Granada after building the shrine to house her.

A tragedy averted by police officers TWO National Police officers saved the day last week when their fast moves stopped a young woman from falling from a ledge on the fifth floor of a block of flats. While on patrol in Almeria City just before 10pm, the spontaneous heroes saw the 18-year-old balancing precariously on the ledge and, as she failed to respond to their calls and seemed to be in a daze, they quickly rushed up the stairs. Although they tried to talk to her, the policemen later said the woman seemed to be

September - Issue 1629 in a vacant state and unaware of the danger she was in. After calling for help from emergency services, the pair decided they couldn’t wait as any slight shift of her weight could cause her to fall 15 metres to the ground and agreed to grab her and pull her to safety, averting what could have been a tragedy. The provincial police headquarters has congratulated the officers on social media for their outstanding work.

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

ALBOX’S fire brigade will cease to provide services to the county at the end of this year, the local mayor announced at a council plenary session on Friday (September 30). Running the service costs

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Brigade no more €440,000 per year, the mayor has stated, and although there have been attempts to obtain help from Almeria Provincial

Issue 1631

Council it has not been forthcoming. During a meeting earlier this month, Torrecillas informed

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

provincial council leader Gabriel Amat that Albox fire brigade would provide service for the rest of this year, but cease to act as of January 1 2017. “The Provincial Council can provide the service itself, and if they want the building I’ll let them

use it for a thousand years,” the mayor declared. The workers, Torrecillas said, are employed by the council and if they are not wanted by the provincial council other tasks will be found for them.

Another marble attraction Age Support Almanzora Issue 1635 MACAEL Council has announced plans for another tourist attraction focused on the area’s main claim to fame marble. In case the giant marble mortar and pestle (the largest in the world), the Marble Museum and the Fuente de los Leones fountain are not enough to attract anyone interested in all things marble to pay the area a visit, now they can look forward to a raised quarry walkway providing miner’s eye views.

Issue 1639

MARBLE GALORE: Macael is home to the world’s largest marble mortar and pestle. If it goes ahead, the project will see €200,000 spent on a series of ramps and steps climbing the wall of a disused quarry up to a height of 60 metres, allowing visitors a close-up experience of

marble in its initial state. With views over the Almanzora Valley, the walkway will be suitable for people of all ages and perfectly safe, Tourism technician Francisco Orduña explained.

AGE SUPPORT ALMANZORA is pleased to announce the opening of a new Information Centre on Avenida Lepanto, next door to the English Library, near Total Entertainment. The Centre is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, and welcomes anyone who has concerns about an older person who is in need of support. Age Support Almanzora aims to provide practical and

emotional support to older people living in the Almanzora Valley area. The organisation has been providing services for nearly four years and has developed a reputation for reliability, person-centred support and practical help. They also help people with advice about UK Benefits entitlement and have successfully applied for Attendance Allowance on many occasions. If you make a visit to the Information Centre volunteers will be able to tell you what help they can offer you. Do please call in and see us to discuss any problems or

seek advice or to view the equipment, such as wheelchairs, which can be borrowed. The new, welcoming centre replaces the facility near Mora Oil. The charity raises funds largely through its shop in Arboleas, at Placeta Padre Arias, open Monday to Saturday mornings - they are always grateful for donations. Age Support is looking for more volunteers to help run this new Information Centre and Help Desk, call in any morning Tuesday to Friday, give them a ring on 634 333 544 or email welfareteam.asa@gmail.com. They are a friendly bunch – call in and see them!

E W N 29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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OPINION & COMMENT

A plea to hoteliers in 2017! 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

IT’S happened again. Every time I return to London, it’s the same old, same old. Namely, a minuscule room in a trendy hotel costing an arm and a leg, and where I end up feeling less at home than in my own home! A major bugbear is inadequate soundproofing not just between rooms, but between rooms and corridors, and televisions that can be turned up full volume. Yes, you’ve guessed, noise is my main problem in hotel bedrooms. I go there to sleep, not to listen to an impromptu party outside in the corridor or someone else’s TV – assuming they can get it to work. (Incidentally, on a recent US tour, the Rolling Stones asked not for curvaceous groupies and class A drugs to be left in their hotel rooms but simple instructions how to operate the TV!)

HOTEL ROOMS: Require contortion to get positioned near an acceptable light to read the paper. Another gripe is the lighting. Very few rooms have central ceiling lights, and trying to position yourself near an acceptable side light to read the paper often requires Houdini-like athletic contortions. Some-

times the lighting is so dim you assume the hotel is doing its bit to stop the National Grid shutting down. Yet another pet hate is pillow mountains, shower curtains (uncom-

fortable and unhygienic), gauzy, inadequate curtains, and windows with so much security that any escape in an emergency would be impossible unless you happen to have a hammer to hand.

And hairdryers in hotel bathrooms – what’s that about? How am I supposed to dry myself with something that hasn’t got enough power to dry a mouse? Or use my own hairdryer when the only socket is on the other side of the room from the mirror. Who designs these rooms? One temporary solution? I’ve now devised a ‘hotel kit:’ some bulldog clips to close the inadequate curtains, a Swiss penknife for emergencies, earplugs for noise (of both infrastructure and intimate kinds) and eyemasks (see ‘inadequate curtains,’ above). These are just a few practical issues I’d be really grateful if any hoteliers amongst you out there could consider in 2017. OK, rant over! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Nora Johnson’s psychological/suspense crime thrillers ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.norajohnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99; £0.99) and iBookstore. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.

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A good year for Grupo Platinum Estates DO you have a house to sell in Spain? Or still looking to buy? Great news… 2016 has been a very good year for Grupo Platinum Estates – Inmobiliaria San Juan de los Terreros, in terms of sales in the area and the property market in general. So what will happen 2017 and beyond? The best thing about Spain’s property market in

The tables are turned HOUSE price increases in Spain might outstrip those in the UK if estimates for 2017 ring true, marking an astonishing turn around in the two county’s fortunes. The 2.6 per cent rise seen across Spain in 2016 is expected to reach 5 per cent by 2018. Meanwhile in the UK the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has predicted that house prices will rise by just 3 per cent in 2017. That is a marked decline from this year ’s rise of roughly 6 per cent and the drop would be more dramatic if not for a shortage of homes shoring up demand. Like Sp a i n p r o perty prices across the UK are markedly different by region. In 2 0 1 7 Sa v i l l s e x pects prices in the North of Englan d , Sc o t l a n d an d Wales t o f a l l , wh i l e th e South-East will see a rise, but nothing comparable to the skyrocketing increases of recent times.

2016 was the total lack of drama. Professional market watchers look at transactions so did people buy and sell houses? The good news is they did. House sales in Spain rose nicely in 2016, thus far recording a 15 per cent rise on the previous year and 10 consecutive quarters of growth. This means the Spanish property

crash officially ended in the second quarter of 2014 – and we haven’t looked back since. It’s remarkable given this happened while Spain’s economy was weak, with high unemployment, restricted credit and almost no government. Spain’s market has two unusual advantages: firstly, it had nowhere to go but up. The 2008 crisis completely shredded the housing market, and only a zombie apocalypse could have sent it lower. Spain’s second advantage is international appeal, with one in five property sales going to foreigners. Grupo Platinum Estates has multilingual staff, assisting all clients. The Brexit mystery: Britain’s surprise decision to leave the EU has not ended the Spanish housing recovery. Overseas searches for Spanish property via portals like Kyero.com, hit all time highs,

up over 50 per cent on 2015. With Q3 showing a slowdown in the growth of sales to UK buyers but other nationalities on the rise, the fundamentals remain healthy. The tangible change in 2016 was the value of Sterling: Britons are currently 10 per cent poorer. That has already caused movement, both in buyer searches via property portals online like Kyero.com, and official sales figures in Q3. Brits are hunting for value and the Levante coastline has some great value properties. This area is benefiting from growing sales and should continue to grow in 2017 and beyond. Grupo Platinum Estates has some exclusive new properties coming up for sale, detached villas at prices which have never been, and apartments available from €47,300.

Grupo Platinum Estates has taken big steps to publish more data and market commentary: better information for buyers and sellers creates a more transparent and more active market. Ultimately, honesty sells more houses, and Grupo Platinum Estates hope to assist more clients in 2017 and beyond. Make contact on the website, email or pop into the office. The team are always happy to help.

Almeria region is rated number one in the top picks for 2017 by the property portals having seen much less development than its neighbours. It retains an authentic charm that has proven popular with almost every nationality of European buyer. Q3 sales rose a massive 93 per cent YOY, and with an average price of €129,000 it is nearly half the national average. A lot of overseas buyers will discover it in 2017.

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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Learn all about pruning WINTER pruning time is here. Pruning is an essential part of any healthy garden. It is necessary to remove damaged and dried out branches, restrict plants to fit into the garden design space, promote flowers and fruits of better quality, and to shape the plant to look better. Now is the time to prune most deciduous trees that require improvement. The first key to good pruning is understanding the basics of plant growth to cut in the right place at the right angle at the right time to improve recovery of the plant from the wound. The second is ensuring the right tools for the job are sharp and effective to give a clean cut. Thirdly, as a rule of thumb, only prune a third of the plant’s height and width in a year to allow it to recover before removing any

Photo by Fotokostic Shutterstock

By Eleanor Hawkins

SAFE PRUNING: Trees need specialist care when mature. more. If you need to prune more than a third of a plant in a year your plant is probably in the wrong place. There are different types of pruning methods and tools to suit the way you tackle the maintenance of your plants. Trees need specialist care when mature to ensure their longevity, shape and purpose with correct pruning cuts. Densely branched shrubs and hedges need skill but generally have smaller, thinner branches that allows shearing off multiple branches with minimal damage to the plant if pruning is done regularly.

Sparsely branched shrubs, such as roses, need more care and skill in pruning to encourage a good framework and promotion of flowers. The main point to pruning cuts is to make the cut just above a bud or branch with minimal waste wood after the joint. This is to prevent die back which promotes insect and fungal entry. Avoid damaging the remaining bud or lateral branch including the branch collar, which is the swelling on the branch around the joint, by allowing a small space of clearance above the joint. On large limbs it is easiest to

cut a branch first well away from the join to the trunk to remove the weight and make the final precise cut with only the stub to be removed. In a garden with a variety of plants and trees, pruning can be a year round activity. Autumn is the time to restrict pruning to damaged and dead branches for mature trees as it is a time of fungal growth and insect activity that can infect trees. Most deciduous trees are pruned in winter when the plants are dormant in order to establish a good framework of branches while visible and encourage stronger growth in the remaining

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branches to produce better flowering and, for fruiting trees, premium quality fruit. Spring pruning is normally undertaken for winter and spring flowering plants to remove flower stems and reshape the plant to encourage the next flowering season. Summer pruning is mostly removal of die back branches and overgrowth that may be taking over the allotted space to the detriment of other plants, paths or proximity to buildings and utilities, this includes hedges and topiary features. Take care when pruning.

Bust those Christmas stains CHRISTMAS is a time of partying and special meals and, far too often, this can lead to unwanted stains which are the bane of whoever is in charge of the laundry. Some can be busted without too much grief by following a few tricks. If your clothes get stained with oil or grease during a meal, try to apply talcum powder immediately. Leave the stain to dry before brushing the powder out and washing with water and detergent. If you are unable to do so, or don’t notice the stain until later, soak overnight in a mixture of two measures of vinegar to one measure of water then wash with soap the following day. Coffee is another enemy for our clothes. To blast its stains, mix equal amounts of alcohol, white vinegar and water and apply to the stain. Egg yolk is also quite effective for coffee stains on white materials and wood. Apply before washing as normal. New chocolate stains can often be lifted with sparkling water and older ones may disappear after a few hours in very hot soapy water.

Make your poinsettia last WITH a little care, the extremely popular Christmas houseplants, poinsettias, can be made to last from one year to the next and there is a simple trick which can be employed to make them bloom just in time for the festive season. Rather than allowing your plant to die this year, follow these tips to keep it alive and have it ready to party again come next December. The plants originate in Mexico, where in the wild they grow into tall shrubs. To create the houseplant sized versions we find in the shops, growers use dwarfing hormones in the soil. Once these wear off, careful pruning will be needed to keep them manageable and suitable for indoor decoration. In March the plant will shed its leaves: this is the time to cut stems down to a length of around 10cm. Coat the cut ends in white petroleum jelly and

keep the plant warm and relatively dry until new growth appears. Poinsettias do not need too much water, in fact overwatering will cause the leaves to yellow, wilt and drop off. Diluted liquid fertiliser should be used once every two weeks during the spring and once a week in the summer to feed the plants and keep them healthy. Come autumn, about eight weeks before you want your plant to burst into colour, begin giving it ‘short-day’ treatment. This consists of plunging the plant into total darkness for 14 hours every night to trick it into thinking winter has already POINSETTIA: arrived. During the day, place Can be made to it on a warm, sunny winlast from one dowsill so it gets as much year to the next. light as possible.

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Stopping a dog from jumping up David THE Dogman GETTING BETTER: Bella recovering in the comfort of her own home.

Bella the Beagle recovers House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! To find a pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742. THE owners of Bella and Sky travel the world one country at a time, and spend a year or so in each country in order to really enjoy and absorb the local culture. The Beagles go with them naturally, wherever they live. They are currently based in Sevilla, and are loving the culture and lifestyle so much they have decided to spend a second year. A n d f r o m t i m e to time th e o w n e rs have to travel for work, one is a travel writer and the other is a photographer. Their dogs stay at home in Sevilla with hou se si t t e r s. R e c en tly B ella , th e younger of the two beagles, fell ill while they were away and our house-sitter Bragi immediately contacted the owners.

They arranged for a friend to collect Bella to see a local vet. She was examined and a medication prescribed. She is now recovering in the comfort of her own home. Meanwhile, Bragi is there to oversee her recovery and tend to her. He re p o rts d a ily to the ow ne rs on he r progress. Get better soon Bella! Do you need a sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner now with a 20 per cent off introductory offer using coupon code PERFECT20. To find a house petsitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

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

A DOG jumping up at a visitor is the worst possible introduction anybody can have to your home and your dog. Somebody wrote to me: “I have been doing the off command as a dog trainer told me since he was small, and kneed him in the chest, all to no avail. I have put him on his leash with a choke collar and he is still tugging away. That greeting is a horror story every time.” My reply was give it up. The knee in the chest is outdated. It is bad advice to tell any owner to knee his dog. The sound of the doorbell or knocking on the door can be a trigger for excitement. It heralds the arrival of another potential member of the pack. The

JUMPING UP: Your dog will quickly learn that your reaction is not very rewarding. dog jumps to show he is the host. So when the front door bell rings before opening the door, put away the dog. To me dogs are not big and do not smell. To others they are big and they smell. What is acceptable to me is not always acceptable to my friends. Put the dog away so he cannot demonstrate dominance by going to the front door. Keep him there for around 10 minutes. Then allow him in with a bone or Kong filled with a titbit to keep him occupied. Dogs jump up at other times because the act is rewarding by attracting attention. When a dog jumps up, do not be aggressive. Simply hold it up by its front paws and tell the dog you love it. Do not let it down; keep it up

as long as you can. The dog will then start to mouth your hands. When that happens drop the dog down. Do not place the dog down, drop it. When it is on all four legs, love him to bits, cuddle and talk. Then encourage the dog to jump again. As soon as it does so grab the paws and repeat the whole exercise.

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Today Porsche brings ANOTHER 911 to an already confused world.” Some might say...

This is the year of Ford By Matthew Elliott FORD has finally produced its first ever GT Supercar. Boasting the best power-to-weight ratio of any production car with a top speed smashing 200mph, the GT rolled off the assembly line in Ontario to acclaim in December. A twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 engine grinds out more than

600bhp alongide a seven-speed paddleshifter. Streamlining is key and the low weight is achieved in a body largely carved out of lightweight carbon fibre. The Ford GT debuted at the 2015

Geneva Motor Show and has fulfilled its production target of 2016 in the nick of time. It will cost upwards of €300,000. The sleek grey supercar is Ford’s

answer to the Ferrari range and tops off an exciting year for the timeless manufacturer. In June Ford won at LeMans, exactly 50 years after its historical 1-2-3 victory in 1966.

GT SUPERCAR: Ford’s answer to the Ferrari.

Motoring shorts

Real public punishment FORGET Brexit, the real referendum in Britain today is on how should the courts punish dangerous drivers. The Ministry of Justice is asking the public their thoughts on life and death motoring matters as it seeks to calm anger over recent road deaths. Ministers want to know what you think is the difference between careless and dangerous driving, what should result in a lost licence, and what the maximum penalties for causing death on the roads should be. Naturally ministers will steer clear of suggestions like ‘hang them lot of them’ but, if they are genuine about wanting a public input, Britain will likely see some tougher laws in the near future. Last month a Polish lorry driver got 10 years for killing a family of four while playing on his phone. You can give your opinion on the Ministry of Justice website until February 1.

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HONDA: The Japanese manufacturer has produced its 100 millionth car since it began in 1963.

A motoring milestone HONDA has just clocked up another mammoth milestone in its motoring history. In December the Japanese manufacturer produced its 100 millionth car since it began in 1963 with its S500 sports car. That means Honda have averaged almost 1.9 million cars produced a year, although they have certainly cranked up the volume in recent decades. The five million mark was hit in 1978, 10 mil-

lion in 1983, and 50 million in 2003. It took them 40 years to hit the 50 million milestone, and just another 13 t o

smash 100 million. Production pace is increasing by the day and Honda is at the forefront of robotic manufacturing.

With operations on every corner of the planet it’s a fair bet to say the number will double again soon. The production kudos shouldn’t be saved only for Japan. The UK saw its best production year since 1999 with more than 1.6 million cars. The vast majority were shipped off to the continent for export as Britain sharpens its manufacturing appeal abroad. HONDA: Known worldwide.

The Renault Alpine Limited Edition IF you are a driver who wants t o st a n d o u t in a crowd, R e n a u l t h a s n o w opened reservations for its ‘Première Édition,’ an exclusive limited-edition version of its upcoming productio n c a r t h e Al p in e. Reservations can be made via Alpine’s bespoke app downloadable from Alpine’s officia l we b s ite : www.alpinecars.com. Production of the limitededition version is restricted to 1,955 cars, a reference to the y e a r wh e n Al p in e founder Jean Rédélé first established the brand. “Alp i n e s m a d e su c h a mark b e c a u se o f t h e e le gance of their designs, their nimble handling and their memorable successes in world class motor racing and rallying,” said Alpine’s Managing Director Michael van der Sande. “The interest that the announcement of Alpine’s return has generated across the globe inspired us to give sports car enthusiasts and

Alpine fans early opportunity to reserve the new car.” “T h e P remiè re É d ition versions of the new model will be the first to come off the line and we wanted to allow Alpine fans to choose the number of their car.” The Alpine Première Édition will feature exclusive features and while its price and technical specification will be revealed in the first quarter of 2017, it is known th at its ta x -p a id p rice in France will be between €55,000 and €60,000. The 0 to 62mph (100kph) time will be 4.5 seconds and d eliv ery to c u s to me rs is scheduled to start from late 2017. Reserving the Alpine Première Édition using the bes p o k e a p p a n d ma k in g a n initial payment of €2,000 will allow customers to select their preferred number from one to 1,955 - depending on availability. The number will appear on a plaque fixed to the centre console. Customers will

also be able to specify the colour of their car from a c hoic e of thre e finis he s : ‘Bleu Alpine’ (Blue), ‘Noir Profond’ (Black) or ‘Blanc Solaire’ (White). Customers in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany,

Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, the N e the rla nds , Pola nd, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be able to reserve the Alpine Première Édition if this unusual car appeals to them.

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29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 / Costa de Almería

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2017 is going to be another ‘great’ sporting year Tony Matthews International Sports A former player and now the world’s most prolific author of football books with almost 150 published since 1975, Tony is also the sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio and lives on La Pilica in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains overlooking Turre. Costa de Almeria

AS usual there has been plenty of sport for everyone to enjoy over the festive season and there is a lot more to come in 2017.

of any of the 92 ‘League’ clubs in 2016. Sam Allardyce was quickly appointed to take over the hot seat at Selhurst Park. • There was no major football played in England (or Wales) over Christmas, but some very interesting matches took place on Monday including relegation battles involving Burnley v

ROUND-UP • Alan Pardew received an early Christmas present one he certainly didn’t expect - as he was sacked as manager of Crystal Palace after almost two years in charge. Palace have assembled the worst record

ALASTAIR COOK: Has been named ‘Captain of the Year.’

DID YOU KNOW? West Bromwich Albion scored a total of 18 goals when winning three successive League Division One games by 5-3, 6-0 and 7-1 away at Birmingham City between 1958 and 1960. And with that I wish all readers of the EWN a very happy and prosperous 2017.

Middlesbrough and Swansea v West Ham; leaders Chelsea met Bournemouth, Arsenal played West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City visited bottom club Hull, Manchester United met Sunderland and Watford entertained Crystal Palace. Liverpool welcomed Stoke to Anfield on Tuesday and Spurs visited Southampton last night. • Surprisingly England’s cricket skipper Alastair Cook has been named ‘Captain of the Year ’ by the ICCC… Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin won the ‘all rounder of the year ’ award, while four Englishmen were chosen in 2016 World XI Cook, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes. Australia also had four players in the team, but not Steve Smith, while the Indian star Virat Kohli was also rejected.

DAKAR CAR RALLY: A physical challenge that pushes into world of extreme endurance. • The World Darts Championship is continuing at London’s Ally Pally; the World Junior Ice Hockey tournament is underway in Finland and the World Cross Country Skiing championships start in Canada on Saturday. • Jockey John Buckingham, who rode 100-1 outsider Foinavon to a famous victory in the 1967 Grand National, has died aged 76. There will be a different format to my sports page in 2017… I will be looking ahead to forthcoming events and competitions action rather than reporting on what has happened around the world in the previous seven days. And here is a feeler of what you can expect… FOOTBALL • On Monday, January 2, there will be six matches in the Premiership: EvertonSouthampton, Manchester City-Burnley, Middlesb r o u g h Leicester, SunderlandLiverpool and West Bromwich Albion-Hull City. • Twenty-four hours

later, we have Bournemouth-Arsenal, Crystal Palace-Swansea and Stoke City-Liverpool, followed next Wednesday by the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and topof-the-table Chelsea. • The early New Year ’s fixtures in the Championship include Blackburn Rovers against leaders Newcastle United, Bristol City versus in-form Reading, Fulham v Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City v Derby , Sheffield Wednesday v Wolves and Wigan Athletic v Huddersfield. • In FL1, Bury play Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers visit lowly Coventry City (who now have Russell Slade in charge), Northampton Town take on Bradford City, Scunthorpe United meet Peterborough and Rochdale visit Walsall. • The top FL2 games are Barnet-Plymouth Argyle, Carlisle United-Grimsby Town and Doncaster Rovers-Stevenage. • And I can’t forget Glasgow’s New Year ’s Eve showdown between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Park. • And looking ahead, there will be 32 third round FA Cup-ties staged between January 6 and 9, with a handful of non-League clubs hoping to cause major upsets including Eastleigh at Brentford, Sutton United at

home to AFC Wimbledon, Stourbridge at Wycombe and Lincoln against Ipswich. Elsewhere, Peterborough take on Chelsea, Plymouth visit Liverpool and Preston play Arsenal, while former player Jaap Stam returns to Manchester United as manager of Reading. MOTOR SPORT • The annual Dakar Car Rally starts on January 2 and once again the route preserves rally-raid traditions, with a physical challenge that will push the competitors into the world of extreme endurance. There are seven selective sections covering over 400km with one of more than 500km. The rally will run for six days with drivers taking their vehicles to over 3,000m above sea level. The balance of difficulties can be illustrated by a double upward trend and a huge increase in power to reach the ideal level to conquer the ‘Super Belén’. With the addition of Paraguay, the 2017 Dakar Rally will visit the 29th country in its history and the fifth on the South American continent. The longest daily drive will be in Bolivia, going through the capital city of La Paz. Argentina, which has been a part of every edition since 2009, will be the theatre for the final battle decided in Buenos Aires.

E W N Costa de Almería

29 Dec 2016 - 4 Jan 2017

FA CUP: There will be 32 third round FA Cup-ties between January 6 and 9, with a handful of non-League clubs hoping to cause major upsets. Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

Last of the races By Matthew Elliott NEW YEAR’S EVE is set to be t h e f i r st Sa t u rd a y in deca d e s wi t h n o l i v e h o rs e racing broadcast on British terrestrial TV as Channel 4 gives up the reins to ITV. In January it was revealed that ITV had won the rights to broadcast the sport from 2017 in a deal worth over €30 million. But the sheer logistics of setting up equipment means that there will be a delay between Channel 4’s December 27 coverage and the ITV debut on New Year’s Day. Race fans have been treated to free broadcasts on Channel 4 on Saturdays since its partnership with the sport began in 1984. The handover to ITV this week will represent a seismic change, not only for horse racing, but for British

television itself. The Grand National, Cheltenham, Derby and Royal Ascot will all be shown live on ITV in 2017, beginning with Sunday’s New Year ’s Day card at Cheltenham.

All major races will be shown live on ITV in 2017. Low ratings and disappointment with the sport’s waning mainstream appeal led key sponsors to seek a new television partner. But it is expected that ITV will shuffle the bulk of race days off to subsidiary channels like ITV4, saving only the major races for proper terrestrial telly.

It’s a huge coup for ITV w ho ha ve re c e ntly los t the rights to the C ha mpions League and FA Cup, and it remains unclear who the new face of horse racing will be. Rugby and tennis broadcaster John Inverdale is a firm favourite to take over from Claire Balding et al. 2016 marks the end of an era with the loss of Channel 4 Racing. But it will surely go down in the history books as one of B ritis h te le vis ion’s milestone shows. With a cast of characters including the eccentric John McCririck with his outlandish sideburns and deerstalker hat, it will be remembered fondly. HORSE RACING: Race fans have been treated to free broadcasts on Channel 4 since 1984.

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