ISSUE NO. 1694
21 - 27 December 2017
No white Christmas A MILD Christmas is forecast for the majority of Spain. An official from national weather office, AEMET said that while temperatures will be cool at night, there is almost no chance of heavy rainfall before the festive period. Scattered showers are expected in central and northern Spain plus the Canary Islands, but Mediterranean parts of the country - including Alicante, Malaga and Almeria - will bask in daytime highs of 1721°C. The dry conditions are being driven by the return of an anticyclonic weather system off Portugal, which is blocking the entry of Atlantic fronts.
COSTA BLANCA SAMARITANS were invited by Iceland, Torrevieja to come and do some bag packing for its customers. In two days, around €540 was raised and Iceland’s customers certainly appreciated the help. We have all felt alone on occasions and more often than not these times pass as we make adjustments to our lives and circumstances. But this is not the case for everyone. If left unchecked, feelings of loneliness can lead to increasing isolation and depression.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
Guardia Brazil? Police foil international plot By Harrison Jones Torrevieja’s Guardia Civil took part in a sneaky online operation to uncover a false ‘virtual kidnapping’ taking place on another continent, according to Spanish media. A Guardamar del Segura resident, aged 60, contacted police to say that whilst on a video call, his friend has been rung by a gang in Brazil claiming to have taken the lady’s family hostage. During a lengthy conversation, strangers told the victim they had kidnapped her daughter, son-inlaw and three granddaughters - all of whom live in Brazil - and asked for money for their release. The victim’s friend told police to come to his house to witness the phone conversation that the woman, 72, was having. The supposed hostage takers were trying to extract around €2,000 from the woman, who had been told to cut the video call off, but had
RUNG OUT: Police communicated via written notes while the woman was on the phone. only disabled the sound. After threatening to harm the family, the gang extracted card details from their elderly victim. Once police arrived, they began communicating with the woman through a series of written signs, despite the hostage takers claiming to be monitoring the phones and devices in her home. The supposed captors took turns in talking during the marathon conversation and even impersonated victims at one stage, according to Spanish press.
Meanwhile, police were communicating with the lady and were simultaneously in touch with the Spanish embassy in Brazil, allowing information to be shared with Brazilian police. Within 11 hours, authorities had located the family and confirmed they were completely unharmed. The ‘virtual kidnapping’ technique is not uncommon in Brazil. The Brazilian authorities are continuing their investigations.
A listening ear for Christmas
the work of Samaritans In Spain please go to www.samar itansinspain.com and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Email pat@samaritansin spain.com or call FREE on 900 525 100.
THESE inspirational people keep a vital service running every single day of the year when many others are closed. For more information about
INSPIRATIONAL: The Costa Blanca Samaritans.
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
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CONTROVERSIAL: Thousands have participated in protests over the poll which sees deposed leader Carles Puigdemont (inset left) take on Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (inset right).
Timeline: Catalan independence crisis CATALONIANS vote in hotly anticipated regional elections today (Thursday). Some hope it will resolve the crisis which has engulfed Spain for the last two months but others fear it will further complicate the situation. Here, we provide a handy timeline to the confusing saga. September 2015 Pro-independence parties win a majority in regional elections. November 2015 Catalonian MPs vote to support independence. January 2016 Carles Puigdemont takes over as Catalan president. June 2017 The Catalan government calls an independence referendum for October 2017. September 7 The Spanish constitutional declares the referendum illegal.
September 15 Spanish police seize ballot boxes hidden by the regional government. September 20 Spanish police storm and occupy Catalan government buildings. There are protests in response. October 1 Catalans vote overwhelmingly for independence in the referendum, which is overshadowed by police violence, 92 per cent vote in favour, turnout is only 43 per cent. October 3 King Felipe VI condemns the Catalan government in a strongly-worded television address. There is a general strike and huge protests. October 11 Prime Minister Mario Rajoy sets the Catalan government a five-day deadline to clarify whether they have declared in-
dependence or not. This is extended to October 19. October 21 Spanish government suspends Cataluña’s autonomy and says it will impose direct rule on October 28. October 26 Catalan president Carles Puigdemont delays declaring
independence, saying he will leave the decision to MPs. October 27 Catalan parliament meets and unilaterally declares independence. The opposition boycott the vote. The Spanish senate responds by approving new powers for Madrid to impose direct rule on Cataluña. October 28 Spain dissolves Catalan Parliament - deposing president Puigdemont - and call fresh elections. October 29 Thousands march through Barcelona calling for unity. October 30 Puigdemont flees to Belgium with five ministers, shortly before a prosecutor files charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. November 3 Spain issues a European ar-
rest warrant for Puigdemont. November 5 Puigdemont turns himself in to Belgian authorities. December 4 Spain’s Supreme Court denies two former ministers - including the vice-president bail, leaving them to contest the election from prison. December 5 A Spanish judge withdraws Puigdemont’s arrest warrant. Theresa May meets her Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy and gives him her support. December 11 Scuffles break out as artwork is removed from a Catalonian museum. December 13 The homes of Catalan officials are seized to pay for the costs of October’s referendum. December 21 Catalans go to the polls.
NEWS
Polls predict deadlock THE final poll ahead of the Catalan regional elections suggests that pro and anti-independence parties are neck and neck, with a hung parliament likely. Such an outcome could trigger weeks of uncertainty, as parties negotiate in an attempt to form a coalition. Turnout is widely expected to be a record high. Ciudadanos, Ines Arrimadas’ pro-Spanish party, are expected to win most seats but be outnumbered by rival pro-independence parties working together. Ousted president C a r l e s P u i g d e m o n t ’s Junts per Cataluña party is expected to finish third, with imprisoned vice-president Oroil Junqueras’ ERC party likely to place second. Last Friday’s poll is the final official forecast. But unofficial polls suggest that the proindependence parties could yet take an unexpected majority.
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Deadly attack A 71-YEAR-OLD man has admitted stabbing his neighbour to death after an altercation between the two in the town of Elda, Alicante. The victim suffered four puncture wounds to his chest, as well as further injuries, and was reportedly left to lie in the street for approximately two hours until police arrived.
Taking its toll ANDALUCIA’S motorway tolls are set to rise for the first time in four years. From January 1, the rates will increase by almost 2 per cent across the country. The rise follows a price freeze and two reductions because rates are linked to the Consumer Price Index.
Elche graffiti A CONTRACT for graffiti cleaning costs the city of Elche around €150,000 a year, according to reports. Since the beginning of 2017, over a thousand pieces of graffiti have been removed.
Biker hurt A 45-YEAR-OLD man has been injured following a collision on Alicante Avenue. The motorcyclist collided with a car. He did not lose consciousness and was taken to hospital by ambulance, according to reports.
Murder charge A MAN charged with attempting to kill his wife with a knife was due in an Alicante court earlier this week. The prosecution is seeking a nine-year prison sentence following the incident in Daya Nueva, a town in Vega Baja, in December 2016.
Domestic violence threat A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested in Moteagudo, Murcia after threatening to kill his wife in front of their youngest daughter. She claimed that her husband was on drugs when he returned home on Saturday morn-
SOCIAL SCENE
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Readers’ views on eclectic topics in print and online. P55
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What’s happening near you this Christmas?
IS IT TIME FOR SPAIN TO LEAVE HUNTING TRAIL?
SPANISH FACTS OF LIFE...42 With the festive season upon us, Spain’s traditional celebrations - from grapes, to kings and jokers - are not what you might expect, writes Harrison Jones.
‘Tis the season! ON Christmas Eve, while British children are getting overly excited, Spanish children have Christmas carols and midnight mass to look forward to. Families eat their main Christmas meal on the 24th often a varied spread including all sorts of fish, meat and cheese, depending on the region and family preference. Tempting Christmas snacks also include turron, mantecados, churros and marzipan. After the eating and religious services, some Spaniards walk through the streets with music and lights. Christmas Day is not roundly celebrated and, traditionally,
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THE MASSES: Spaniards go to mass on Christmas Eve.
ing, according to reports. He is also alleged to have threatened police.
New air route RYANAIR have announced a new
PLUS THE REGULARS News 1 - 36
Finance
there are not even presents - those come later in the festive season. On the 28th, the country celebrates El Dia de los Santos (Innocents’ Day). Friends, family, and occasionally the media are in on this Spanish answer to April Fool’s Day, with the unsuspecting being labelled ‘Innocent, Innocent!’ when caught out. In Malaga, they also celebrate the Fiesta de Verdiales on the same day. This cultural celebration involves groups of musicians playing songs and dancing.
3 kings, 12 grapes WITH Christmas antics complete, the real fun begins. In Spain, perhaps the biggest festive celebrations take place on January 6, on the Dia De Los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day). First, though, Spaniards celebrate New Year in style. With the wine flowing, attention turns - oddly enough back to grapes. Twelve ‘lucky’ grapes, in fact, with one for each striking of the midnight clock. As the New Year comes in, Spaniards eat grapes one by one in time with the chimes, broadcast live on television. If you can manage to eat the grapes in time, it is considered a sign for a year of prosperity and good luck. The rest of the fiesta, which is often a family affair, is spent eating and drinking until the very early hours. Five days later, on Three Kings’ Day, ‘Christmas’ presents are given out. Similarly to a Christmas stocking, children in Spain leave shoes by their door in the hope that the Three Kings will leave their gifts there. The day is also celebrated by eating Roscon de los
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Leapy 43
Tech 49
Time out 62 - 63
Health & Beauty 64 - 68
Pets 76
Services 77 - 81
Classifieds 82 - 84
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, above, is a popular place for Spaniards to eat 12 grapes, right.
Motoring 85 - 86
Reyes (ring-cake of kings), which is made to look like a king’s crown. It is decorated with icing and sprinkles, often including glazed fruit. A toy is also buried inside, with Spaniards being superstitious that the finder will have a year of good luck.
route between Valencia and Palermo. Flights will be twice weekly and begin in March next year. An arrangement with the Erasmus Student Network has also been agreed.
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Sports 87 - 88
The total number of news and features which appeared in Issue 1693 of the Euro Weekly News Costa Blanca South edition, including 55 local stories.
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Work of art Festive sand sculpture is world’s biggest
NEWS
POLL OF THE WEEK Are there too many repeats on TV during Christmas? LAST WEEK’S POLL:
Do you send online Christmas cards? Yes 35%
No 65%
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CHRISTMAS CRACKER: The giant scene from above and (inset) visitors admire the sculptures. SPANIARDS are famous for inventing new twists on the traditional nativity scene. And arguably the most spectacular of all is found on Las Canteras beach in Palma de Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands. Every December, some of the world’s premier international sand sculptors descend on the sandy strip to painstakingly carve a giant homage to the birth of Christ. The tradition was started by Canarian artist
Etual Ojeda in the early 1980’s, but has grown in scale since. Said to be the world’s largest open-air sand sculpture, more than 2,000 tonnes are now used to construct the incredible scene. Entry is free, but visitors can leave a donation at the entrance with the proceeds given to local food banks. In 2016 more than 200,000 people visited the nativity, raising €17,000.
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Weather alerts issued for the whole of Spain as storm Ana set to hit Lorry driver dies after crashing onto Costa del Sol beach
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December strike call by Ryanair ground staff in Spain
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Flights diverted and red alerts issued as storm Ana lashes Spain
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Raiders pillage wrecked lorry in southern Spain
*For week 11 – 18 December
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FOR COMMENTS FROM EWN ONLINE TURN TO LETTERS PAGE CORRECTIONS At the EWN, we pride ourselves that reports are accurate and fair. If we do slip up, we promise to set the record straight in a clear, nononsense manner. To ask for an inaccuracy to be corrected. Email: editorial@euroweeklynews.com
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THE following statement on Brexit and UK nationals living outside of the UK has been released by Prime Minister May. Road to Brexit From the very beginning of the UK’s negotiations to leave the European Union I have been consistently clear that protecting the rights of both EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU was my first priority. I know that the referendum result has caused considerable anxiety for many of you and your families. That is why, at the beginning of the negotiating process, I made it clear that any deal guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK would be dependent on such an offer being reciprocated for our UK nationals in the remaining Member States. So I am delighted to announce that in concluding the first phase of the negotiations that is exactly
what we have achieved. From speaking to my counterparts across Europe, I know that they hugely value the UK nationals living in their communities. We have worked hard to address the very complex and technical issues that needed working through before a formal agreement could be reached. The details are set out in the Joint Report agreed by the UK government and the European Commission, as published Friday December 8. This agreement guarantees that your rights as residents in the EU will be protected in the Withdrawal Agreement, so you can have certainty that you will be able to receive healthcare rights, pension and other benefit provisions as you do today. You can also benefit from existing rules for past and future social security contributions. Furthermore, we have agreed that close family members will
be able to join you in the Member State where you live, after the UK has left. This includes existing spouses and civil partners, unmarried partners, children, dependent parents and grandparents, as well as children born or adopted outside of the UK after March 29, 2019. While I hope this agreement will bring you some reassurance, I know there are a few important issues that have yet to be concluded. We raised these concerns, including the ability of UK nationals living in the EU to retain certain rights if they move within the EU, but the EU was not ready to discuss them in this phase of the negotiations. We will continue to raise these issues with the EU in the New Year. I will continue to push for the best possible deal for our nationals across the EU, but in the meantime, please do sign up for the latest updates on gov.uk.
No10 flickr
Prime Minister Theresa May’s message to UK nationals living in Europe
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PRIME MINISTER: A message of reassurance. The constructive way in which these talks have been conducted gives me confidence that we will achieve a final deal that reflects the strong partnership between the UK and our European partners, and is in the mutual interest of citizens living across the continent. I wish you and your families a great Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Mum-to-be is all heart
LOVEBIRDS: Cesc and Daniella and (inset) the engagement ring shot.
Fab-ulous result!
A SPANISH model has revealed her heart-shaped baby bump to send her social media followers into a flap. Gala Caldirola, 24, is married to oto by Ga la Ca Ph ldiro Chilean international footla/I ns ta ball star Mauricio Isla, 29, who currently plys his trade at Turkish club Fenerbahçe. She is wellknown for her regular appearances on reality TV in Spain, BABY ON BOARD: and shared a saucy snap Gala’s bump. of her bump on Insta-
am gr
HE’S the Chelsea midfielder who has won everything with his native Spain. And now Cesc Fabregas, 30, has won the best prize of all after his long-term girlfriend Daniella Semaan, 42, agreed to marry him. The pair have been together for six years and already have three children together, and they took to Instagram to share a picture of Daniella’s jewel-encrusted engagement ring.
gram, where she has 1.5 million followers. She added the caption: “This is beautiful and strange. It’s probably not the only one in the world, but it is the first time that I’ve seen one. I would love to know if someone else has seen it. “In the ultrasound the doctor had already told me that my uterus had a heart shape, and today I could see it with clarity for the first time. “My little light is without doubt the fruit of love.”
BEST OF FRIENDS: Kayleigh, right, and Holly.
Racy pair back on the beach SHE’S the Welsh firecracker famed for being kicked off Big Brother after issuing violent threats to a housemate. But former Ex On The Beach (EOTB) star Kayleigh Morris, 29, appeared carefree after slipping into a skimpy orange bikini for a beach day during a winter break in Tenerife. And she was joined by former rival Holly Rickwood, 25, who donned a matching - and equally revealing - swimsuit as the pair put on
an eye popping display while frolicking in the shallows. The pair returned to EOTB as ‘all-star’ guests in last year’s fifth season following appearances in earlier series, although they were initially at loggerheads after Kayleigh made a foulmouthed remark as Holly emerged from the sea. But they later became the best of friends, and Holly proved what good pals they are after helping Kayleigh to adjust her bikini top in full view of the cameras.
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Holly Rickwood/Twitter
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Celeb focus Rose exposed
CURVY: Demi Rose.
SHE is best-known for flaunting her famous curves on the internet. But British model Demi Rose, 22, made headlines with her clothes on after candid snaps of her locking lips with a mystery man at Madrid airport emerged. The steamy moment came after the buxom beauty shared photos from her latest swimsuit campaign - shot in Mallorca - with her 5.9 million Instagram followers.
Fit of Pique COLOMBIAN pop superstar Shakira and footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique have once again set tongues wagging. After scotching recent rumours of their break-up, the pair filmed a group of paparazzi photographers outside their Barcelona home on their phones before calling the police. But the snappers were doing nothing illegal under Spanish law so were not moved on.
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Car-nage! POLICE in Murcia City have arrested a man accused of ‘crazy and reckless’ driving whilst under the influence. The 36-year-old local allegedly caused significant damage to several vehicles during the incident as he carelessly veered through the city streets. He also almost hit pedestrians on several occasions, including when he drove through a red light outside a local school. The dangerous driver was eventually spotted by a policeman on patrol who immediately followed in pursuit. When the driver was forced to stop in the Plaza de la Fuensanta square upon hitting heavy traffic, the officer ordered him to exit
Policia Local Murcia /Twitter
Intoxicated driver causes havoc in city centre
WRECKED: The state of the culprit’s car following the incident. the vehicle. The driver reportedly ignored the command so the policeman forced him out of the car and arrested him with the help of three other officers who happened to be in the area. The accused tested positive for cocaine following
his arrest, and police then discovered the man had been driving without a licence. The man is also believed to have damaged a bollard, as well as the storefront of a supermarket during the incident, and was immediately thrown in jail.
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NEWS
Money tree sinks EU wants answers over missing cash Photo credit Sorigue/Twitter
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SCRUTINY: EU wants to know where Muchamiel money went. BRUSSELS is demanding answers from Spain regarding the fate of the Muchamiel desalination plant. The EU also wants to know what is happening with closed and poorly functioning aquifers across the southern Costa Blanca. More than â‚Ź120 million was pumped into south-east Spain by the EU to help combat drought. The money was earmarked for desalination plants and other hydraulic infrastructure in Alicante Province, Mur-
cia and the Costa de Almeria. But despite soaking up a combined â‚Ź93 million in Spanish and EU investment, the Muchamiel plant has only worked once in three years, when it sent five cubic hectometres to Benidorm in 2015. Meanwhile the JucarVinalopo water transfers are running precariously low and the neighbouring Tajo-Segura transfer, which extends into Almeria, has been closed two years.
The EU first began suspecting its money was being misspent when the Almanzora desalination plant managed by state company Acuamed became engulfed in a corruption scandal. Now Brussels is seeking an explanation as to where its funding went, including on the parched Costa Blanca. Meanwhile the ministry of agriculture is desperately seeking a solution for the water crisis.
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Child attacker caged with his parents, both friends. The prosecutor had initially asked for an 11 year term. But it was reduced given his confession and 18 months already spent
in custody. An Elche courtroom heard how the assault took place at midnight. The defendant snuck into t h e b o y ’s r o o m w h i l e h i s parents were sleeping.
He told the boy he wanted to play a game and pulled down his trousers. Just an hour later the mother went next door to check on her son. She found him visibly shaken. When pressed he told her what had happened. He was treated for inj u r i e s a t t h e Ve g a B a j a hospital and had to be administered with an injection to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and a strong antibiotic. The boy testified in court behind closed doors and with the help of a psychological case worker. www.euroweeklynews.com
A MAN was sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy. He shared a house with the child in Albatera where he resided along
EWN online Latest news and more as it happens
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OUR VIEW
Christmas cheer needed CHRISTMAS is suddenly upon us. Amid the festive rush and preparations for family events, it is easy to forget that many people are in need at this time of year. From the homeless, to the lonely, to migrants being held in an unopened prison, many people will not enjoy the happiest Christmas. With the seasonal pay squeeze, helping those outside of your immediate circle also becomes more challenging. But across the region various charities and volunteer groups are doing worthy work to make sure the less fortunate can enjoy - or at least be comfortable - at this time of year. There are countless important causes - too many to name that are worth your spare change and more, if you can afford it. And as we gear up for Christmas, New Year and even Three Kings, we could do worse than to just offer our time to local charities. Spain has plenty to offer over the festive period. Christmas lights, traditional winter snacks and Innocents’ Day on December 28 are particular highlights. Christmas is a time for family and friends - so enjoy the festivities but spare a thought for those who are less lucky. We know it often isn’t easy to part with your time or money - but it can be very rewarding if you do. From everyone at Euro Weekly News: have a very Merry Christmas.
Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com
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Robber’s mask mistake AN armed robber suspected of threatening staff at five shops was arrested by the National Police in Elche. The local man, aged 30, is accused of using a machete to stage
attacks on a bakery, pet shop and several petrol stations. He left his face uncovered and has been identified on security cameras in the establishments he targeted. The
Madam dodges court POLICE were sent to hunt a suspected brothel madam who failed to show up for her trial. She is accused of prostituting several women, and a 13-year-old girl, in a Torrevieja apartment. She and her male accomplice are facing six years each in prison for corrupting a child and operating an illegal brothel. It is the second time the trial has been postponed for the same reason. Previously the woman failed to turn up, citing anxiety issues. Next time round police will
escort her from the cells to the court. The woman, aged 48, and her partner in crime, 49, took half of the profits earned from prostituting the other women and the teenage girl. The brothel was open for a period of at least five months before police got wind of it. Prosecutors also want a seven year restraining order to protect the young victim from the defendants, and for them to jointly compensate her with â‚Ź30,000 for her suffering.
thief escaped with cash from each shop after intimidating employees. The wave of armed robberies attracted the attention of the National Police who launched an investigation. He was tracked down and arrested at home. In a related case, Elche’s criminal court jailed a 58year-old man for 21 months for assaulting an employee at a travel agency last month. The accused was high on drugs when he stormed into the shop under the pretence of wanting two tickets to Tangier. He pulled a knife and attacked the employee before escaping with petty cash. His sentence was shortened due to his intoxicated state of mind and later expression of remorse.
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Suicide mystery POLICE are investigating the suicide of a teenage student from Almoradi. They are enquiring as to whether he was the victim of online cyberbullying. Friends and relatives deny this was the case and have
asked to be allowed to mourn for the 18-year-old in peace. A note was left at the scene where the youngster wrote that no-one was to blame for his decision. His school in Guardamar, where he had recently moved with his family,
had contacted police automatically as part of its anti-bullying protocol given the extreme nature of the case. The National Police unit investigating is a specialised technology squad with an expertise in social media.
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Credit: IAGTO
NEWS EXTRA
Van smash rescue bid A VAN driver was trapped in his vehicle after a crash on the AP-7 at Rojales with another van. He was extracted by firefighters and taken to hospital with head injuries.
Super sweep STREET cleaners will begin working on some Sunday and public holidays in Orihuela Costa to help serve a growing population which swells dramatically in the summer months.
Quids in COUNCILLORS from Santa Pola have urged the education ministry to include the town in a €12 million plan to renovate and improve schools across Alicante Province.
STANDING PROUD: Francesc Colomer, Minister of Tourism of the Region of Valencia, Ximo Puig, President of the Region of Valencia, and Salvador Lucas, President of the Costa Blanca Golf Association.
Golfing gold! THE Costa Blanca region has been selected as the European Golf Destination of the year for 2018. Awarded by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the honour is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of golf travel. The prize cements the Costa Blanca’s reputation as one of the world’s
leading golf destinations and recognises the exceptional quality of the region’s golf facilities and service. Winners were announced at the 20th International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in front of 1,300 international golf tourism delegates at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, France. Among the list of winners, the Fin-
ca Cortesin course, located in the Costa del Sol, was awarded the Sustainable Golf Course of the year award for Resource Efficiency. Established in 1997, the IAGTO is now has over 2,500 members in 97 countries and the awards are voted for by 680 specialist golf tour operator members from 66 different countries.
NEWS
Whole lotta rubbish A LUCRATIVE rubbish collection contract is set to cost San Fulgencio €16 million over the course of 22 years. Opposition councillors are, so far unsuccessfully, trying to block the controversial tender. They are doing so on the basis that the council itself is in disarray following the mass expulsion of five councillors from the Popular Party. A key concern is that the mayor, Carlos Ramirez, was intimately involved in the rubbish collection deal. He was recently banned from holding public office for eight and a half years after being convicted of prevarication in multiple cases of public works tenders stretching back to 2011. Public funds misused during his time in office was estimated in court at almost €200,000. Yet he is hanging on to power and denying any guilt. In order to shore up support for his vulnerable position, he has reportedly increased the pay of allied councillors, including Joel Noches of the UPyD whose salary is set to double.
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NEWS
Seabed shame
MAMMOTH: More than 100 kilos of rubbish removed from the sea off L’Albuferata. MORE than 100 kilos of rubbish was removed from the L’Albuferata seabed during a mammoth cleaning operation. Twenty rescuers from an elite diving unit took part in the beach clean and afterwards asked the public not to flush wet wipes down the loo. The hygienic wipes accounted for the vast majority of the rubbish collected. The
firefighters employed an elaborate system using buoys to drag waste from the seabed to the surface. It was a voluntary initiative and the crew were thanked by Alicante’s environment councillor Fernando Marcos. Marcos has announced a set of related investments designed to clean up the beach area. Hundreds of thousands
of euros will be pumped into sanitation works and preventing wastewater from discharging onto L’Albufereta beach. Across the city a series of water saving measures will take effect next year. These include awareness campaigns, irrigating the private gardens of volunteer homeowners, and rapid action forces to tackle major leaks.
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Photo credit Policia Local de Murcia
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Bullies reign of terror www.euroweeklynews.com
victims to pursue a criminal case. A GANG of teenagers are up before the juThey put together a picture of a venile prosecutor on bullying gang with a clear hierarchy. They charges. Ten youths, aged bewere led by a girl, aged 15, and tween 13 and 15, are in hot waeach member played different ter. Two girls who are the alleged roles. They bullied and threatringleaders are facing criminal ened other children so that they charges. Latest news would become, in effect, their They are accused of harassing and playground slaves. Vulnerable other children at their Crevillent more as it and isolated victims were chosen. secondary school. Police became happens Eight of the 10 gang members involved when one mother found have been released after police her son self-harming, such was interviews. The two ringleaders are facing his state of depression. criminal charges. Another three, all aged 14 Officers realised that this was the second and over, could face charges. The age of complaint involving the same gang and becriminal responsibility is 14 so those aged gan investigating. Guardia Civil officers 13 cannot be prosecuted. soon began collecting testimonies from other
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NEWS EXTRA
Fire sparks rescue AN elderly woman was rescued after a fire broke out at her Torrevieja home. She suffered smoke inhalation and most of the property was ruined.
Fancy that BURNED ALIVE: The scene in the wake of the blaze.
Pig farm fire sparks panic AROUND 2,000 pigs have died after a fire engulfed a Murcia farm. The blaze destroyed a large building housing the animals and the owner of the facility near the remote village of Valladolises was hospitalised after suffering a
panic attack. A total of 16 firefighters in five vehicles were sent to extinguish the flames, but when they arrived at the scene most of the animals had been burned to death. No other buildings were affected.
MORE than â‚Ź10,000 was spent on 24 chairs for the councillors and the mayor by Almoradi Town Hall. The wooden chairs have wheels and armrests and were not purchased locally.
Boozy BMW A BMW driver who was twice the legal alcohol limit crashed into a Local Police patrol car in Torrevieja, crushing the bonnet while the officers were investigating a loud house party.
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Photo by RosaRodaNews/Twitter
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ON THE MARCH: The protesters in Murcia.
Water woe goes on 20,000 farmers call for action THOUSANDS of farmers a nd irriga tors from the provinces of Murcia, Alic a nte a nd A lme ria ha ve de mons tra te d in M urc ia City to demand solutions to water shortages. They have said they will not stop protesting, ‘even if it ra ins c a uldrons ’ until the re is a ‘de finitive a nd long-term solution.’ The PP, PSOE, Podemos and Ciudadanos political parties also joined the mass protest to demand the dismissal of water authority officials.
Organi ser s cl ai m ed 20,000 peopl e j oi ned t he demonstration. They have demanded that the production of the desalination plants is maximised, all the irrigation systems are modernised and fair tariffs are applied, not only for irrigators but also for domestic and industrial consumption. The pr ot est concl uded with the distribution of citrus fruits and vegetables to raise the awareness of the wat er shor t age pr obl em amongst the public.
NEWS
Man jailed for underage sex A YOUNG MAN faces three-and-a-half years in prison after having sex with a 12-year-old girl. Having met online the accused first asked the girl for photos of a sexual nature before insisting that they meet, leading to a series of physical encounters that continued for around a year. The prosecution had initially requested a nine-and-a-half year sentence, but this was reduced since the sex was consensual. Incredibly, the pair continue to have a relationship three years after the alleged abuse took place.
NEWS
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Photo by Universidad de Alicante
NEWS EXTRA
Caught in the act A PAIR of burglars who were caught red-handed breaking into a Santa Pola property unsuccessfully tried to claim they were squatters rather than thieves to escape criminal charges.
Danger trip A CONSUMER action group has lodged a formal complaint about several Alicante travel agencies which sold package holidays to Israel without informing tourists they would cross contested Palestinian territory.
Red light DAMAGE from the now resolved driving examiners’ strike has been estimated at a loss of almost 3,000 practical lessons and lost turnover of almost €10 million in Alicante alone.
ALICANTE UNIVERSITY: Researchers say that the population is ageing. THIS year could be the first in recorded history where more people die in Alicante Province than are born. From January to June there were 1,072 more deaths than births, a trend that July to December will be hard pressed to reverse. The National Institute of Statistics breaks down demographic data into six month semesters. Since 2012 five semesters have seen more deaths than births in the province. But no complete year has finished with naturally less people, taking migration out of the equation, at least since 1941
Population plummets Deaths surpass births when current records began. In the first six months of the year there were 7,062 births and 8,134 deaths. After the six month mark in 2016 and 2015 the difference was minimal and the years ended with a net gain. Births have fallen steadily since 2011, when there were almost 3,000 more births than
deaths. They had slumped to a record low of just over 12,000 in 1997, but rose sharply until 2008 largely due to immigrant populations with higher birth rates. The pattern was reversed by the crisis. There were more than 20,000 births in 2008 and just over 15,000 last year.
Interpreting the data, researchers at the University of Alicante have described it as evidence of an ageing population, a trend which is consistent across developed countries. Related problems include stress on the welfare state and an ‘epidemic’ of loneliness, said professor Raul Ruiz.
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Disasterproof trains PHYSICISTS working on the Costa Blanca are developing state-of-the-art technology to safeguard trains and railway tracks from disasters. The team at the University of Alicante will use satellite and aerial technology to identify trouble before it becomes a catastrophe. They are working with colleagues across the European Union on the project, named Momit (Multi-scale Observation and Monitoring of Railway Infrastructure Threats). Typical threats the team are looking to avert include landslides and sinkholes on the railways. The objective is to develop a foolproof way of identifying threats that can be exported to any country. To be successful their technology will need to withstand complications posed by hills, mountain bends, tunnels and weather conditions. Three countries - Spain, Italy and Greece - are contributing to the project, which is blessed with €600,000 of EU funds.
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NEWS
Special Feature
Emergency passports: A statement from the Foreign Office MUCH has been made in the British press about the possibility of those who lose their UK passport running the risk of missing return flights due to a new trial. It has been suggested that because applications have to be vetted at British consulates in Malaga or Warsaw, delays could occur which might result in flights being missed and additional costs incurred. In order to obtain more information, Euro Weekly News contacted both the British Consulate in Malaga and the British Embassy in Madrid asking for comments and it was confirmed
that such information would need to be supplied by the Foreign Office in London. They were kindly asked for formal statements to be supplied for this newspaper and then forwarded quite detailed and lengthy observations about the situation. We questioned whether the extra workload would be too heavy for the Malaga consulate and if they would need to take on additional staff, but the response was quite illuminating. A spokesperson said: “We are running the pilot in Warsaw and Malaga. In the pilot, both Warsaw and Malaga are managing all the data entry, processing and ap-
proval of an emergency travel document on behalf of the consulates involved in the pilots. “The consulates involved are then printing and issuing the emergency travel document locally to the customer. In a later phase of the pilot we will test couriering the emergency travel document directly to the customer so most will no longer have to travel to a consulate. “The Malaga hub processes on behalf of our consulates in Tenerife and Las Palmas (who also cover Fuerteventura and Lanzarote). “The Warsaw hub current-
PILOT SCHEME: British emergency travel document/passport. ly processes the emergency travel document on behalf of our embassies and consulates in Berne, Vienna, Tallinn, Munich, Dusseldorf and Helsinki. Bratislava and Luxembourg will join the pilot in a few weeks’ time and Berlin, Vilnius, Riga in early 2018. “We currently have no plans in place to roll this out globally. We will undertake a full evaluation of the pilots before deciding on next steps. If the pilot is successful we will consider
whether we can implement similar models more widely in the network, with the impact on customers being an important consideration.” A separate statement explained “These trials, in a small number of countries are not designed to cut costs, but to ensure we can continue to provide British Nationals with efficient and helpful consular support, prioritising those who are most vulnerable. “They will also mean that
we will be able to make decisions about a person’s eligibility for an emergency travel document in fewer places, safeguarding a secure UK border. We have continued to meet our public commitments during these trials, and will be monitoring these closely as they continue.” The British Consul in Malaga added that there had been little additional work for her staff so far during the trial period.
Earthquake mystery solved EARTHQUAKES feel more powerful in Elche than they do in Torrevieja because of the soft soil below the town, scientists have found. Researchers from the University of Alicante wanted to investigate the curious phenomenon reported by generations of Costa Blanca residents. They found that mini-earthquakes, often not felt at all in neighbouring areas, are felt in Elche due to its different soil type. The soft soil amplifies quakes and can turn a subterranean growl into a perceptible shudder. Elche also experiences seismological activity from both the Crevillent and Bajo Segura fault lines. Both have unleashed a growing number of minor and medium tremors in recent years. The Crevillent fault line will, over time, be
TREMOR PROOF: Elche’s iconic buildings made of strong stuff. capable of causing earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 6.9, which could cause substantial damage. Such is the unique character of Elche that the town is developing the first local antiearthquake action plan in the Valencian community. It provides for newly constructed buildings to be reinforced if scientists detect that
the locality is at particular risk. The vast majority of already constructed buildings are considered safe. Researchers say there is no need for their findings to cause alarm. Though earthquakes are felt more strongly by people, the soft soil doesn’t affect the deep roots of buildings, which are very unlikely to collapse.
NEWS
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Scrooge lighting slammed
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CRITICISED: Alicante Christmas lights.
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SIXTY streets will be ins t a l l e d w i t h e m e rg e n c y Christmas lighting after local businesses in Alicante criticised the city’s festive appeal. The small and medium sized business association for Alicante (Facpyme) said the city is Scroogelike in comparison to other major tourist hotspots such as Mallorca, Valencia and Malaga. General secretary, Francisco Rovira said it was shocking that Alicante was scrambling to inject Christmas spirit into its dimly lit streets just a week before the holidays. Merchants were worried that profits could dip by as much as 20 per cent, he said. He has urged the council to earmark Christmas lighting in next year’s budget to ensure Alicante is not left behind again in 2018.
EWN online Latest news and more as it happens
Travellers have used Malaga Airport up until November this year according to official statistics, 11.9% more than the same period last year.
Smaller Almeria spent more than €1 million on its lights this year in a festive extravaganza, compared to the €84,500 spent in Alicante’s last-minute rush. Business leaders also want the lighting up well b e f o r e B l a c k F r i d a y, t h e late-November shopping frenzy. Retailers should also be given a choice of decorations and an input in the design process.
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NEWS
A SERBIAN ex-soldier has pleaded guilty to killing two police officers and a farmer in Teruel. It comes after Norbert Feher, 36, appeared in a regional court in local capital Alcañiz.
The shooter - who has 18 known identities - also agreed to be extradited to Italy in a video conference with a National Court judge in Madrid. The testimony was necessary due to a European arrest
warrant issued in his name by Italian authorities, who want to quiz him over a spate of robberies and three brutal murders earlier this year. But the man also known as Igor the Russian must first face a Spanish court after shooting dead Guardia Civil officers Víctor Romero Pérez, 30, Víctor Jesús Caballero, 38, and civilian Jose Luis Iranzo, 39, near the village of Andorra. Feher has been remanded in custody without bail, although he can stand trial in Italy before serving a sentence in Spain. The three men killed last Thursday were shot as they investigated an earlier incident which saw two others seriously injured. It came after a 73-year-old was unable to open the door to his country house, leading him to return with a locksmith, 42. When they managed to unlock it, they were shot at close range from inside the property. A manhunt was launched in which Iranzo participated as a
Photo credit Policia Nacional/Twitter/Facebook
Killer confesses
THE STORY THAT SHOCKED SPAIN: The scene after the shootings with Norbert Feher (bottom left) and three of his many identities (bottom right). volunteer alongside Perez, Caballero and other officers who formed part of a special unit dedicated to investigating rural crime. But when he returned to a farm owned by his family he was shot dead, with neighbours raising the alarm after hearing gunfire. Six Guardia Civil officers swooped on the property, with four heading to the fields while
Perez and Caballero inspected a green Mitsubishi pickup which was parked outside. And when the quartet returned empty-handed, they found their colleagues lying in the road while the vehicle, which belonged to Iranzo, had disappeared along with the wounded officers’ weapons. A backup patrol discovered Iranzo’s body shortly after. Feher was eventually arrest-
ed eight hours later and 75 kilometres away after crashing the pickup between the hamlets of Cantavieja and Mirambel. The funeral of the two dead officers took place on Saturday at the Church of Santa Maria in Alcañiz, with hundreds of citizens joining a host of officials - including the government’s delegate in Aragon to pay their respects.
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NATIONAL
A life well lived EUROPE’S oldest person has died in Spain weeks after celebrating her 116th birthday. Ana Vela, who moved to Barcelona from Puente Genil in Cordoba during the 1940’s, passed away in her sleep at a retirement home in the Catalan city. The great grandmother outlasted two of her four children and was living with her 90-year-old daughter at the La Verneda residence. She became the oldest woman in Europe, when 117-year-old Italian, Emma Morano died in April this year, and turned 116 on October 29. Despite being wheelchairbound and suffering from dementia, staff at the home described her as being ‘strong as ever’ prior to her death. Her daughter last year told Spanish media: “She likes a
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Photo by Antonio Herrera/Twitter
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REST IN PEACE: Ana pictured earlier this year. glass of semi-sweet wine with her meal but doesn’t drink a lot. “When it comes to food, she eats everything, meat, fish, vegetables. She has a very normal diet.” It comes as the world’s old-
Rise in the average electricity bill in Spain in November compared to October, as prices went up for the third consecutive month.
est man, Francisco Nuñez Oliveira from Extremadura, last week celebrated his 113th birthday. Ana is succeeded as Europe’s oldest woman by 114year-old Italian, Maria Guiseppa Robucci, while Japanese ladies, Nabi Tajima, 117, and Chiyo Miyako, 116, remain the two oldest people on the planet.
NATIONAL
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Innocents’ Day: Spain’s guilty Christmas pleasure IN most cultures, December 28 is a rather meaningless day, perhaps spent hungover in the post-Christmas lull, or at work contemplating New Year celebrations. But, in Spain, locals enjoy a rather bizarre tradition instead. El Dia de los Santos or Innocents’ Day, is the country’s answer to April Fools’ Day. Also celebrated in parts of Latin America, mischievous participants play a host of practical jokes on each other. Friends, family, and occasionally the media are in on the act, with the unsuspecting being labelled ‘innocent, innocent!’ when caught out. The event has Catholic routes, with a vague connection to a New Testament story about King Herod massacring innocent children.
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WATCH OUT: Practical jokes are on.
In some parts of the country, the festive day includes building bonfires and a strange ritual of children acting as ‘mayors’ by ordering residents to do community chores. Refusal is greeted with fines to pay for the celebrations. Different regions of the country celebrate the event in distinct ways. In Alicante, there is a flour fight, Of young people in Spain are while locals in unemployed according to government figures.
Frega throw eggs at each other and in Tremp a giant paper doll is hung from the bell tower. One of the day’s most famous events takes place in Malaga. Thousands descend on the city for the Fiesta de Verdiales, which involves groups of musicians competing to play the longest and loudest songs. The festival has been held on the December 28 for over 50 years, according to Tourism Malaga, who say the musical event is one of the city’s strongest cultural expressions. Thought to have peasant origins, the festival is in the process of being culturally protected. The city’s mayor takes part in proceedings, brandishing his staff and deciding when pieces of music begin and end. Residents wear traditional dress and exuberant floral hats, while taking part in Flamenco dancing, in celebration of the local traditions.
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NATIONAL
Attack of Strike off Ryanair pilots suspend the drones! pre-Christmas strike CONTROVERSIAL: Current laws to be relaxed.
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THE Spanish government will press ahead with controversial plans to relax drone regulations in the country. New laws will require security checks and authorisation to let the small, unmanned crafts be flown at night and in particular areas, but current restrictions will be relaxed. Previously, enthusiasts were not allowed to fly drones in the evenings or around buildings, towns and crowds. But after presenting a safety study and gaining approval from the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), professionals will now be allowed to use the machines in
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the previously restricted areas. Operations, in controlled airspace, will require additional authorisation. The new law, approved on Friday, also requires minimum design requirements and pilot training. According to AESA, almost 4,500 drones are registered in Spain. This summer, the government announced plans to use drones to combat wildfires, according to The Local. Drones have a number of other functions, including photography, surveillance and leisure, but some fear they could be used for more sinister purposes.
Guardia Civil officers will be deployed to Cataluña for security reasons during the regional snap election.
IRELAND–BASED pilots for low-cost airline, Ryanair have suspended their oneday pre-Christmas strike action on Wednesday. It comes after Impact, the union representing the 117 directly employed pilots, has agreed to meet the airline’s management. Ryanair said it would recognise unions for the first time as it also faces challenges from staff in Spain, Germany, Portugal, Britain and Italy. The firm’s chief operations officer, Peter Bellew, said: “Let’s keep talking and get people home quietly for Christmas.” Impact said it hoped the suspension of industrial action would remove any uncertainty for passengers intending to travel on Wednesday.
Unions in other countries had already halted action, but Impact said Irish pilots wanted more clarification. The union said: “Impact has suspended a planned one-day strike of Ryanair pilots on Wednesday after company management agreed to recognise the union as the representative of Ireland-based pilots. “The union has agreed to meet management on Tuesday evening, but says it is available to meet sooner. We look forward to establishing a positive relationship with Ryanair company management.” Impact says the dispute is about winning independent representation for pilots in the company. The union said it would make no further comment until after Tuesday’s meeting.
NATIONAL
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WILD FIRES: Flames rip through Leon in Spain.
EU gifts â‚Ź50,000 to Portugal and Spain By John Smith IN October of this year, Spain chose the European Union to receive â‚Ź50,000 and the Princess of Asturias Award in the Concord category. Previous award winners have been charities and r e l i g i o u s ord e rs around the world. However, prior to a Europ e a n C o u n c i l din n e r with Theresa May to dis-
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cuss Brexit, the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncke r, th e P re s id en t o f the European Council, Donald Tusk, and the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani a n n o u n ce d th a t th ey would donate this money to Spain and Portugal. The move is intended as a gesture to recognise th e s u ffe rin g th at re s idents in both countries
People died in road traffic accidents during the two Spanish national holidays this month.
had experienced following the outbreak of catastrophic forest fires this summer. The respective leaders, Mariano Rajoy and Antonio C os ta m, e xpre s s e d their pleasure at this simple gesture which showed the strength and unity of the European Union. Spain will present the funds to the General Directorate of Civil Protection a nd Eme rge nc ie s whilst Portugal will ma na ge the m through the Revita Foundation.
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COMMUNITY
The most wonderful time MAKING MERRY: Age Concern members getting into the festive spirit.
LAUGHTER could be heard all around El Chaparral coming straight out of Bar Carmen as 34 beneficiaries from Age Concern really got into the spirit for their Christmas Luncheon Club party. They wined, dined and joined in singing carols with The Rascals, who
were suitably dressed for the occasion, in bright red outfits and Santa hats. At the end of the afternoon everyone headed home with a raffle prize. Anyone over the age of 50 years old can become a member of Age Concern. If you feel you need a new circle of
friends and a social life, why not make a New Year’s resolution and pop into the Age Concern centre on Calle Paganini in La Siesta any morning (except Saturday or Sunday) and hear how your life here in Spain could be enhanced.
Spreading the cheer AGE CONCERN paid a visit to Overseas Supermarkets in San Fulgencio to sell raffle tickets for some fantastic prizes. The first prize was a huge hamper filled to the brim with tasty goodies and a few bottles of Christmas fizz. Second prize was very similar and the third prize was a voucher to the value of €25, kindly donated by the supermarket. Customers of the supermarket were very generous in not only buying raffle tickets but giving money donations as well. A staggering amount of €662.62 was raised which will go to the upkeep of all the many services and mobility aids Age Concern offer to the
over 50’s on the southern Costa Blanca. First prize winners were Pat Humphrey and Cindy Parker from Quesada. Pauline Land, from La Marina, won the second prize and a lucky young man, Adam, scooped the third prize of the €25 voucher. Many volunteers from Age Concern willingly gave their time, meeting and greeting people in the supermarket over the long two-day period. President, Maureen Payne, was overjoyed with the response of the Christmas shoppers and volunteers and has promised to repeat this successful fundraising effort in 2018.
SANTA’S HELPERS: Age Concern volunteers got in the Christmas spirit at Overseas Supermarkets.
COMMUNITY
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THE CAT’S WHISKERS: Members of the Jaguar Enthusiast Club dressed to the nines.
Big cats roar into town THE Hotel La Laguna in Guardamar was the venue chosen to hold the Christmas meeting of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in the Costa Blanca. Most members only stayed one night as the party went on well into the early hours. However, a few decided to make a weekend of it at the spa and golf hotel. After all the members had arrived and the much-loved Jags were safely lined up in the hotel car park, it was time for their owners to prepare themselves for a night to remember. At 7pm they all met up for pre-dinner drinks in the bar lounge before lining up for a photo
shoot in the foyer with all the members dressed in their finery. New club director, Mike Brook said a few words concerning the formation of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club where he explained that Dennis Wilson and Brenda Pike will be working alongside him. After the meal, the night went on as members returned to the bar lounge where Brenda Pike and her husband Mike were thanked by appreciative fellow members for all of their time spent on organising this special event. If you would like to join them on future events email: mikebikejec@gmail.com.
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COMMUNITY
Happy Mondays THE Almoradi Monday Club wish all their members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Almoradi Monday Club meet every first and third Monday of the month at 4pm. (There will not be a meeting on January 1, the next is on January 15 at 4pm). The meeting place is in the ‘Centro Social Rooms’, Plaza San Andres, Calle Antimo Illescas, off Calle Comunidad Valenciana, in Almoradi. The idea of the club is that people who speak English and live in Almoradi or the surrounding area can meet one another on a regular, but informal, basis to talk together and enjoy life in this Spanish community.
Club activities include social events, club lunches and evening meals in and around the local area, with guest speakers at meetings and entertainment when possible. They also try to get involved with other local clubs that hold events including coach trips and anything that may be of interest to members. If you are interested and would like to have a wider circle of friends, then come along to one of their meetings. For more information, contact davedanie@gmail.com or search ‘Almoradi Monday Club’ on Facebook. The Almoradi Monday Club is an Englishspeaking club and is open to people of every nationality living in or just visiting Spain.
Mingle all the way THE recent Mingle Bells event for Reach Out raised a very satisfactory €366.60. As usual the venue was the Marina Bar on Calle de Las Rosas, Torrevieja and the Christmas lunch complemented a fun-filled afternoon involving a quiz, raffle and a tombola amongst other surprises.
The festive theme continued with songs from The Rascals who gave up their time to support the charity and even Santa popped in to hand out mince pies to everyone. David and Lorraine Whitney, once again organised this unique event and together with their dedicated volunteers made sure that the afternoon
was a success. Thanks must go also to Iceland supermarket for their generous donation of mince pies for this event and also for their ongoing collection of food for the charity. Thank you to everybody who donated to this fun afternoon, your generosity is very much appreciated.
COMMUNITY
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New carol for Crescendo AT their Christmas concerts in December, Crescendo International Choir sang a brand new carol written specially for them. The choirs’ accompanist, Antonio Guillen Posteguillo set to music a Christmas poem written by choir member, Margot Gay entitled ‘Christmas time is here.’ Margot and her husband Richard joined Crescendo in 2005 shortly after moving to Spain. Sadly, Richard died in November 2013 and the carol is dedicated to his memory as he was known as ‘Papa Noel’ to everyone in Dolores. Toni is a very experienced pianist and composer and has been the accompanist for Crescendo for several years. Margot is becoming quite well known for her poems and short stories published in local papers and magazines. (Look out for a story entitled ‘Santa Claus in Spain’ in the Christmas edition of TV Choice).
HIGH NOTE: Margot Gay presents the new carol with Antonio Guillen Posteguillo.
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THERE was little help for abandoned, sick or traumatised animals in this part of Spain 25 years ago, and many were left to run wild or die of starvation with no one to defend them. Then, in 1991, a group of expatriates from a variety of European countries, some of whom were vets, set up the charitable organisation now known as SAT. Their first animal refuge in Los
SAT: Rescuing animals for 25 years Balcones soon ran out of space, with more than 40 dogs arriving very quickly at their door in desperate need of help. Many had been working dogs, thrown out
when no longer needed, as well as those who had become sick and in need of medical help, that the owners could not afford. Things have improved, but in those days SAT was the main charity for animal rescue and they still continue their essential and wonderful work rescuing, spaying, healing and rehoming dozens of (mainly) dogs every year. In 1997, with the support of many charity events and fundraisers, a finca (farm) owned by an elderly German lady was found and purchased in Dolores. The lady was doing her best to rescue animals, and she was already caring for 48 dogs and 60 cats. With a great deal of help from volunteers and money raised by supporters, the existing finca was refurbished and kennels were built. At that time it was decided that SAT would focus on taking in dogs, although many feral cats are still rescued and sterilised with funds from SAT.
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These days there are many other animal charities, but SAT is still full to capacity and in desperate need of even more fundraising to keep going. Volunteers work very hard, six days a week in the seven charity shops as well as at events, including the fun dog show, and these provide the main source of income for the charity. It was decided at the beginning of SAT that they would adopt a policy of non-euthanasia unless animals were too sick to survive, and this policy still applies. All the dogs are loved and cared for by a small team of devoted staff and volunteers who do an amazing job of cleaning, walking and caring for them until they find their ‘forever home.’ There is also a dedicated vet who with his compassion, energy and enthusiasm provides an exceptional service. If you wish to visit the kennels, with a view to adopting one or more of the dogs, SAT is open daily (except Wednesday, when the vet is in-house) from 11am to 1pm. If you would like to volunteer to help walk the dogs, please telephone: 966 710 047 and leave a message. You can also email: in fo@satanimalrescue.com.
COMMUNITY
HELPING HANDS: From left, Johnny Scott, Marlene Brown, Joan Rampton, Lourdes Lopez Tajes, and Councillor for Integration of Residents, Derek Monks.
Not just fish and chips QUESADA Fish and Chips Restaurant hosted another fundraising night, with the money raised on this occasion going to buy Christmas food and treats for the needy in Rojales. A total of €840 was raised, and this was spent on Christmas food boxes, which were handed over to Lourdes Lopez Tajes, Councillor for Social Services, for distribution to families and elderly folk who are struggling over the festive period. Diners were entertained by the very talented and versatile Johnny Scott, who not only played for a reduced fee, but having won €100 on a football scratch card, then donated his winnings to the night’s funds. Next month’s charity night will be on Wednesday January 24 with Woody, who is always a sell out. Tickets are available from the restaurant, Post Room in Benijofar, Card Place in Benimar and REDZ cafe bar in Quesada. The price is just €10 for great food and excellent entertainment.
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NORWAY Credit: NorgesFotballforbund/Twitter
NETHERLANDS
SCORE: Norway’s national football team captains sign historic equal pay agreement.
Radio gaga NORWAY has completed its total transition to digital radio, making it the first country in the world to shut down national broadcasts through
an FM radio network.
Royal visit THE Norwegian Royal Family has confirmed that Prince William and Kate will visit Norway at the begin-
ning of February, just two months before the Duchess of Cambridge is expected to give birth.
Equal footing THE captains of Norway’s men’s and women’s football teams have signed an equal pay agreement at the Norwegian Embassy in London, thought to be a significant move towards equal pay in sport.
What a dump AN estimated 35,000 tonnes of waste are dumped into Norwegian seas annually, according to national media reports, with the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature claiming more should be done to tackle the problem.
GERMANY
Furry fiend A 72-YEAR-OLD artist in Thuringen
Toll tackled TH E Net her l ands has j oi ned A us tr i a i n f i l i ng a l awsui t against Germany’s plans to introduce a toll for passenger cars, which allegedly discriminates against foreign drivers and conflicts with EU legislation
Racist rental A DUTCH-Moroccan couple, who are both Dutch citizens and hold Dutch passports, were allegedly prevented from renting a flat in the village of Rijnsaterwoude because the owner only “ w a nt ed t o r ent t o peopl e of Dutch descent.”
Sand plan IN order to protect the Netherlands’ coast from rises in sea levels and erosion, the Dutch gover nm ent has bui l t a ‘ sand motor,’ consisting of tonnes of dredged sand that simulates the natural formation of dunes.
Knife attack AT least two people have been killed and three others wounded after two stabbing incidents in Maastricht, but police said they do not suspect a terrorist motive.
SWEDEN
Pension pains MEN in Germany receive double the amount of pension that women get, according to a study by the Economic and Social Sciences Institute, as elderly men receive an average of €1,154 per month whereas women receive €634.
EUROPEAN PRESS
was horrified to discover that his workshop had been vandalised by a raccoon, which destroyed 40 works of art and caused €3,000 worth of damage.
Round trip A MAN from Afghanistan who was deported from Germany has returned to Frankfurt after it was revealed his ex-
FRANCE
Train tragedy AT least four children were killed when a school bus accidently collided with a train near the small town of Millas in southern France, with seven more reported seriously injured and another 12 slightly hurt.
Wifi win THE French government has announced plans to make high-speed internet available to the country’s most isolated households by 2022 following a €100 million investment, as 7.5 million people are allegedly unable to get a high-speed connection.
Social limits FRANCE has drafted new legislation which will mean all children under the age of 16 will have to get their parents’ permission to open an account on Facebook.
Food friends A REPORT published the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition revealed France is the most sustainable country in the world in terms of how they deal with food-related issues such as nutrition and food waste.
pulsion to Bulgaria, where he was put on a plane to Afghanistan, was illegal.
Festive flight AN AIRBUS A380 owned by Emirates - which is the world’s biggest aircraft - performed a seasonal stunt over Germany flying in a deliberate pattern to sketch out a Christmas tree in the skies.
BELGIUM
Prince penalty THE Belgian government wants to cut Prince Laurent’s allowance by 15 per cent as punishment for being controversially photographed at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Chinese army, according to a spokesman of the prime minister.
Case closed JUDICIAL proceedings have officially ended against ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and four former members of his cabinet who fled to Belgian after illegally declaring the region’s independence from Spain.
Big money BRUSSELS could earn up to €123 million if it hosts the Euro 2020 football tournament, according to calculations made by a student of the Solvay Brussels School, who earned a distinction for his work.
Lights on BELGIUM is reportedly the only European country to keep almost all of its 2.2 million streetlights on during the night, while only 7.8 per cent of the country’s energy is generated from renewable sources; half the EU average.
Pension push SWEDEN plans to raise the minimum pension age from 61 to 64 by 2026 as citizens are living roughly 2.5 years longer on average, meaning that pensions have to last longer.
Student stabbing A17-YEAR-OLD student in Stockholm, who came to the country as an unaccompanied refugee, has died after being stabbed at school by a 16-year-old during a fight.
Not so good SWEDEN is no longer the world’s
‘goodest’ country, according to the Good Country Index, having dropped from first to sixth place, reportedly due to Swedish troops’ involvement in international violent conflicts and the country’s arms exports.
Hate crime A JEWISH cemetery in Malmö was attacked when two flammable bottles were thrown into the grounds, making it the second suspected anti-Semitic attack in a week following Donald Trump’s announcement to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
DENMARK
Shoot out A CEASEFIRE between organis e d gangs i n Copenhagen, w hich was cal l ed af t er a m an was shot dead in November, has been extended by a month while more than 50 people have been detained in relation to the shootings.
Cosy cells TH E wor l d’s m ost ‘ hum ane’ maximum security prison, which allegedly creates a ‘vibrant communi t y f or t he i nm at es,’ has be e n bui l t on t he Dani sh island of Falster, and was designed by Danish architects C F Moller.
Paws and order POLICE in East Jutland have decided to drop charges against two men charged with stealing military sniffer dog Pablo and dying his fur black as they lack sufficient evidence to prosecute them.
Youth seized A 22- YEAR- OLD Dani sh ci t i zen had hi s passpor t sei zed by aut hor i t i es and was sent enced t o f i ve year s in prison after travelling to Syria to fight for Daesh when he was 18.
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21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
RUSSIAN PRESS
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CURIOUS: CIA want info on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
High treason A RUSSIAN citizen was charged with high treason. A Moscow court described the case as ‘top secret’ but revealed he is accused of passing on information about the Russian Navy to the CIA. Recently two other men were charged with supplying intel on the Black Sea Fleet to the Ukrainians.
Grave fight FIVE men who took part in a huge brawl at a Moscow cemetery were jailed for three years each. They were among 500 people who used shovels and stones during a turf battle between Tajik gravediggers. At least three people were killed and another 17 are being investigated.
Terror thwarted A TERRORIST attack planned for New Year ’s Eve in Moscow was thwarted by Russia’s FSB security agency. FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov said terrorists from Central Asia connected to Daesh were planning suicide attacks on the capital and kept gre na de s a nd ha ndma de bom bs i n t hei r Moscow apartment.
Moon mining RUSSIA has tabled a motion at the United Nations for a ban on the commercial mining of asteroids and the Moon. The Kremlin wants to amend the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and will present its case in Vienna in April. Currently the US permits companies to explore mining of extraterrestrial objects.
Art attack A NEW branch of the Museum of Moscow has opened on plush shopping street Stoleshnikov Pereulok. The Gilyarovsky Centre will hold temporary exhibits, theatrical performances and film festivals right in the city. It is named after journalist Vladimir Gilyarovsky who wrote about working class Muscovites in the 1920s.
Hit list A NEW report reveals the most searched for terms on the Yandex web giant, Russia’s answer to Google. In 2017 Russians were most interested in TV show Game of Thrones, cryptocurrency, the iPhone X, the terrorist attack on the St Petersburg metro and controversial new film Matilda.
Victory speech VLADIMIR PUTIN made a surprise visit to a Russian air base in Syria and met with President Assad. The two leaders declared victory in the fight against Daesh. Putin told forces at the air base “the Motherland is waiting for you” and they would return home heroes from a great victory.
BRAKE: Russia wants to stop asteroid mining.
FINANCE Rolls Royce approved takeover
THE owner of Westfield shopping centres is to earn €21 billion in a deal that will see the brand extend throughout Europe. The Westfield Corporation, an Australian group is to sell its portfolio to French property group Unibail-Rodamco which operates shopping centres in 13 locations around Spain. There are currently 35 Westfield shopping centres in the UK and the US, while the French group owns 71 sites in Europe but wants to create more operations under the recognis-
By John Smith able Westfield brand name in major cities within the EU including Barcelona, Paris and Vienna. As well as giving the new owners access to lucrative markets in America and Britain it estimates that it will be able to make savings of at least €100 million in the first year following completion thanks to a consolidation of advertising and marketing expenses. In order to help fund the acquisition, Unibail-Rodamco expects to
Photo by Eric Salard flickr
BUSINESS EXTRA
Google aid PROJECTS from 26 European countries will receive in excess of €20 million as part of Google’s Digital News Initiative. The Spanish share of this fund which is to be used to develop news platforms will be €1.5 million.
Mango sale
Barcelona airport Christmas strike terms of agreements entered into. The decision to introduce partial stoppages in the week leading up to Christmas Day is to protest at the lack of staff needed to undertake necessary work at the airport and to highlight that staff there are owed 7,000 hours of leave. The expansion of the Vueling presence has increased the workload for the staff.
AFTER suffering losses in 2016, privately owned Catalan fashion company Mango has reached an agreement to sell the facilities it has in PalauSolità i Plegamans (Barcelona) for €100 million. It will then lease the property back and continue to trade there.
Helping Rafa THE company that has developed radiotherapy machines used by Rafael Nadal and the Spanish Basketball team has been sold for €65 million. Indiba which has been improving its range of specialist equipment for 40 years is now owned by Spanish investors Magnum Capital.
Careful when using wifi BEWARE the use of public wifi as it has been revealed that a Starbucks in Buenos Aires had its service hijacked by scammers. In this case, the hackers obtained access to customer ’s computers in order to use
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A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION | WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/3.0.15/FINANCE
Seat is the only Spanish brand in the automotive sector, which is rooted in Barcelona and I see no reason to change this,” Francisco García Sanz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Seat on the company’s future.
Iberia A320 aircraft at El Prat airport.
EWN
is the value of new bonds each valued at €100,000 to be offered to investors by El Corte Inglés.
Shopping centre take over
THE Spanish government has sanctioned the purchase of ITP (Industry Turbo Propulsions) by Rolls Royce for a reported €720 million. ITP which has headquarters in Bilbao and employs 3,000 workers across the world is the ninth largest manufacturer of aero engine components used in both civil and defence aircraft. Rolls Royce already held a 46.9 per cent stake in the company and will purchase the balance of shares from SENER Grupo de Ingeniería SA
THE UGT union has announced that following a poll of its 2,000 Iberia Airline workers that there will be a strike at El Prat Barcelona airport from December 21 to 24. According to the union, the decision to call the strike was forced upon the staff at the airport as employers IAG (who also own Aer Lingus, BA and Vueling) had not complied with the
€500 million
STAT OF WEEK
business & legal
Quote of the Week
Costa Blanca South
21 - 27 December 2017
their power to link with other computers to ‘mine’ for digital cash. In this case no harm other than a slowdown of service occurred, but the dangers are clear.
sell some of its smaller developments and hopes to raise some €3 billion to boost liquidity. The takeover is the second major deal involving shopping centre owners to emerge in just over two weeks. A proposed €3.88 billion merger between shopping centre operators Hammerson and Intu is set to create one of the UK’s biggest property companies which will create a €24 billion giant provided that Intu shareholders vote in favour of the merger next year.
Chinese company finds success HUAWEI SPAIN, the Spanish arm of the Chinese tech manufacturer which employs 180,000 people worldwide sold two million smartphones in 2017. According to CEO Tony Jin Yong it has seen growth in its three Spanish branches, infrastructures and networks, enterprise and private consumers. So successful has it been that it claims to now own 20.6 per cent of the entire high street market for phones, tablets and wearables (such as smart watches). With 1,200 employees in Spain it is now developing fibre-optic networks especially in rural areas as well as developing 5G networks and has opened service centres in Barcelona and Madrid.
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LONDON - FTSE 100
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 18
PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 1,405.00 -5.00 Associated British Foods 3,135.00 292.00 Admiral Group 1,872.50 -34.50 Ashtead Group 1,899.00 5.00 Antofagasta 914.50 -16.00 Aviva 506.50 4.00 AstraZeneca 4,865.00 -16.00 BAE Systems 570.00 7.00 Babcock International Group 684.00 -8.93 Barclays 201.50 -0.75 British American Tobacco 4,910.00 -57.00 Barratt Developments 626.00 0.06 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,705.00 -455.00 British Land Co 644.00 -27.00 BHP Billiton 1,382.50 -37.00 Bunzl 2,014.50 0.20 BP 504.13 -1.07 Burberry Group 1,750.00 27.00 BT Group 272.50 -5.05 Coca-Cola HBC 2,387.00 62.00 Carnival 5,000.00 170.00 Centrica 145.50 7.50 Compass Group 1,541.00 7.00 Croda International 4,340.00 9.00 CRH 2,680.50 148.50 ConvaTec Group 205.85 0.00 DCC 7,250.00 20.00 Diageo 2,620.00 -35.00 Direct Line Insurance Group 402.80 37.00 Experian 1,546.50 -54.50 easyJet 1,430.00 13.00 Ferguson 4,800.00 -470.00 Fresnillo 1,399.00 63.00 G4S 290.00 38.00 GKN 310.00 12.00 Glencore 357.50 -5.25 GlaxoSmithKline 1,300.00 5.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,704.50 -7.17 Hammerson 528.00 -6.00 HSBC Holdings 740.00 -11.50 International Consldtd Airls Grp 646.50 13.00 InterContinental Hotels Grp 3,860.00 -721.00 3i Group 900.50 9.00 Imperial Brands 3,110.00 25.00 Informa 693.25 -46.75 Intertek Group 5,222.50 177.50 ITV 164.00 -1.70 Johnson Matthey 3,130.00 91.00 Kingfisher 332.50 0.80 Land Securities Group 960.00 -24.00
% CHG. NET VOL -0.35 19,503.05 10.27 22,641.88 -1.81 5,500.15 0.26 9,595.12 -1.72 9,020.59 0.80 20,076.43 -0.33 61,836.87 1.24 17,920.89 -1.30 3,412.78 -0.37 34,572.72 -1.15 112,949.40 0.01 6,378.29 -10.94 5,553.38 -4.02 6,707.28 -2.61 29,315.56 0.01 6,782.43 -0.21 99,648.50 1.57 7,364.37 -1.82 27,159.85 2.67 8,507.38 3.52 10,052.51 5.43 7,733.52 0.46 24,126.39 0.21 5,638.07 5.86 21,223.45 0.00 3,966.16 0.28 6,310.96 -1.32 65,584.12 10.11 5,009.13 -3.40 14,587.79 0.92 5,664.19 -8.92 12,982.93 4.72 9,616.46 15.08 3,906.92 4.03 5,102.63 -1.45 51,439.61 0.39 63,475.74 -0.42 8,106.11 -1.12 4,216.00 -1.53 151,259.72 2.05 12,964.02 -15.74 8,559.06 1.01 8,668.28 0.81 29,088.98 -6.32 6,081.16 3.52 8,101.81 -1.03 6,694.26 2.99 5,840.84 0.24 7,219.24 -2.44 7,255.01
COMPANY
PRICE(P)
Legal & General Group 271.00 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 66.33 London Stock Exchange Grp 3,839.50 Micro Focus International 2,409.00 Mediclinic International 716.50 Merlin Entertainments 360.85 Marks & Spencer Group 323.55 Mondi 1,869.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 215.45 National Grid 880.00 NMC Health 2,900.00 Next 4,168.50 Old Mutual Group 204.00 Paddy Power Betfair 7,767.50 Prudential 1,835.00 Persimmon 2,480.00 Pearson 709.25 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,695.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 270.80 Royal Dutch Shell 2,375.00 Royal Dutch Shell 2,442.50 RELX 1,640.00 Rio Tinto 3,548.25 Rolls-Royce Group 851.00 Randgold Resources 6,495.00 RSA Insurance Group 638.75 Rentokil Initial 285.50 Sainsbury (J) 237.00 Schroders 3,542.50 Sage Group (The) 777.50 Segro 575.25 Shire 3,765.00 Smurfit Kappa Group 2,392.50 Sky 1,065.00 Standard Life Aberdeen 410.25 Smiths Group 1,490.00 Scottish Mortgage Invstmnt Trst 433.50 Smith & Nephew 1,297.50 SSE 1,322.50 Standard Chartered 731.00 St James's Place 1,166.00 Severn Trent 2,090.50 Tesco 205.75 TUI AG 1,531.50 Taylor Wimpey 203.35 Unilever 4,105.00 United Utilities Group 804.00 Vodafone Group 231.25 Worldpay Group 463.70 WPP Group 1,285.50 Whitbread 4,206.00
CHANGE(P) 2.80 -0.08 59.50 -109.00 107.50 0.04 19.75 51.00 -1.35 11.40 100.00 -77.50 0.60 -817.50 -12.50 -146.00 -15.75 -36.00 -5.50 -53.50 -10.00 -89.00 -76.25 20.00 -460.00 31.25 -23.90 0.90 70.50 -4.00 0.00 2.50 -13.50 47.00 -7.75 46.00 -3.50 15.50 7.50 -26.10 -18.00 -10.38 -1.55 69.50 1.45 -91.00 -12.00 1.25 28.30 -103.50 342.00
% CHG. 1.04 -0.12 1.57 -4.33 17.65 0.01 6.50 2.81 -0.63 1.31 3.57 -1.83 0.29 -9.52 -0.68 -5.56 -2.17 -0.53 -1.99 -2.20 -0.41 -5.15 -2.10 2.41 -6.61 5.14 -7.72 0.38 2.03 -0.51 0.00 0.07 -0.56 4.62 -1.85 3.19 -0.80 1.21 0.57 -3.45 -1.52 -0.50 -0.75 4.75 0.72 -2.17 -1.47 0.54 6.50 -7.45 8.85
NET VOL 15,849.29 47,721.56 13,172.53 10,834.67 4,581.97 3,695.95 5,025.33 8,618.58 5,026.32 29,132.67 5,862.88 6,344.22 9,943.94 7,211.60 47,682.97 8,184.86 5,938.05 47,145.19 33,243.22 110,101.41 90,996.60 18,367.91 48,183.24 15,148.10 6,509.87 6,157.37 5,671.85 5,182.03 7,845.24 8,472.00 5,696.62 33,518.11 5,636.93 17,018.27 12,326.56 5,718.30 6,130.54 11,266.13 13,278.01 25,032.27 6,200.75 4,876.53 16,951.57 8,417.25 6,592.75 51,004.59 5,455.11 61,270.40 8,584.00 17,194.89 7,025.25
0.88159
1.13346 Units per €
US dollar..................................................................1.1768 Japan yen .............................................................132.613 Switzerland franc ..............................................1.16497 Denmark kroner...............................................7.44392 Norway kroner ...................................................9.85151 currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 18
COMPANY 3M AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CO CATERPILLAR CHEVRON CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA DOWDUPONT 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 238,000 98,5200 173,970 293,940 146,690 119,73 38,190 46,19 70,00 83,03 17,8200 257,17 182,5800 152,50 44,5600 106,1400 142,4600 174,0600 56,24 86,850 64,79 37,2000 91,890 134,89 126,17 221,82 52,67 113,82 97,1100 111,2700
CHANGE% CHANGE VOLUME(M) -0,03% -0,080 142.201,44 +1,41% 1,3700 85.593,11 +1,02% 1,750 891.544,01 +0,02% 0,060 175.340,64 +0,28% 0,410 87.252,96 +0,17% 0,20 227.734,93 +0,77% 0,290 190.852,06 +0,35% 0,16 196.544,58 -1,03% -0,73 164.185,42 +0,16% 0,13 352.400,11 +1,02% 0,1800 154.102,95 +0,66% 1,69 97.329,30 +0,25% 0,4500 213.581,11 -0,97% -1,50 141.312,80 +3,01% 1,3000 209.457,93 +1,41% 1,4800 368.693,04 +0,57% 0,8100 381.647,04 +0,53% 0,9200 138.989,31 +1,21% 0,67 152.718,31 +2,55% 2,160 666.321,13 +0,40% 0,26 84.530,52 +2,03% 0,7400 221.380,67 +0,98% 0,890 232.537,58 +1,74% 2,31 36.979,05 +1,95% 2,41 100.755,57 +0,26% 0,57 214.784,11 +0,63% 0,33 214.945,74 +0,80% 0,90 206.333,91 -0,02% -0,0200 291.782,39 +0,63% 0,7000 168.203,47 M - MILLION DOLLARS
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 18
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced Educational Development Corporation TiGenix Crocs, Inc. Surgery Partners, Inc. Forterra, Inc. Roku, Inc. Compugen Ltd. Presbia PLC Diana Containerships Inc. FormFactor, Inc. Overstock.com, Inc.
$ 16.75 $ 24.92 $ 12.55 $ 11.15 $ 10.83 $ 52.31 $ 2.80 $ 2.16 $ 5.44 $ 16.60 $ 68.35
2.70 ▲ 19.22% 3.25 ▲ 15.00% 1.61 ▲ 14.72% 1.40 ▲ 14.36% 1.35 ▲ 14.24% 6.16 ▲ 13.35% 0.30 ▲ 12% 0.23 ▲ 11.92% 0.57 ▲ 11.70% 1.70 ▲ 11.41% 6.85 ▲ 11.14%
Most Declined Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 7.89 Allena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 10.50 Verastem, Inc. $ 3.14 Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 8.03 Frontier Communications Corporation $ 11.86 China Internet Nationwide Financial Services Inc.$ 42.95 Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. $ 2.45 Restoration Robotics, Inc. $ 4.86 ACM Research, Inc. $5 Xunlei Limited $ 15.77 Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 9.30
1.44 ▼ 15.43% 1.88 ▼ 15.19% 0.51 ▼ 13.97% 0.97 ▼ 10.78% 1.39 ▼ 10.49% 4.87 ▼ 10.18% 0.275 ▼ 10.09% 0.54 ▼ 10% 0.54 ▼ 9.75% 1.68 ▼ 9.63% 0.94 ▼ 9.18%
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E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Qatar works with Spain THE Qatari government has been isolated as other Middle Eastern countries accuse it of supporting terrorism which has meant that it has expanded its economic relationships with Europe. Having been awarded the FIFA World Cup Final for 2022 it has to ensure that it has a markedly improved infrastructure in order to guarantee that air conditioned stadiums are built, as well as accommodation and training camps which will be sufficiently cool for the huge number of visitors expected. It has been steadily investing in Europe over a period of years and through a subsidiary in Luxembourg, Qatar Airways is the largest shareholder (with 20 per cent) in IAG which operates airlines Aer Lingus, BA, Iberia and Vueling. Now, an alliance of Spanish agribusiness companies AgroQatar has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gulf Petroleum for the development of a system of high-tech greenhouse production of fresh fruit and vegetables. According to a statement from the Spanish embassy in Qatar, this project intends to improve the self-sufficiency of Qatar in fresh food supply. Gulf Petroleum president Abdul Aziz Hamad al-Dulaimi and AgroQatar general manager and chief operating officer Juan Carlos Santiago signed the memorandum in the presence of Spanish ambassador Ignacio Escobar. According to the embassy, Gulf Petroleum was recently awarded the right to develop 100 hectares of greenhouse facilities by the Qatari government and AgroQatar is supported the Spanish Export Promotion Authority (ICEX) which includes the financing of its projects in Qatar.
Photo Credit: The Peninsula Qatar Twitter
Needs assistance to produce more food
Signing the memorandum of understanding.
“The objective is trifold: to contribute to the growth of the agricultural economy in the state of Qatar and guaranteeing its self-sufficiency, to increase the participation of the non-hydrocarbon sector in the national economy and, finally, to develop the private sector” its spokesman said. The organisation was created specifically to facilitate the development of agribusiness adapted to the climatic conditions of Qatar.
INDITEX GROUP CONTINUES TO SEE PROFIT GROWTH
Third quarter figures up THE world’s largest fashion retail group Inditex has reported continued growth and profits of €11.15 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2017. Its turnover for the same period of €18 billion would rank it number 100 in the world alongside Latvia and Paraguay if it was a country. The company which owns Zara, Bers hk a a n d a n u m b er o f o th er brands just keeps expanding and during 2017 has opened 212 new stores across the world giving it a total of 7,504 in 94 countries with 162,000 employees. Interestingly however it has been reported in foreign financial media that it is looking to sell 16 of its stores (14 in Spain and two in Portugal) in a sale and leaseback venture with an asking price of €400 million. The reason for this decision is that the bulk of its stores around the world are operated on a leased basis and it has also seen a growth
AMANCIO ORTEGA: Founder of Inditex.
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in inte rne t s a le s w ithin Spa in which has been notoriously slow in embracing online shopping. The group has invested a great deal of time and money in upgrading its internet presence and believes that the Spanish market is ready to see a definite move away from store purchases to online s hopping w hic h me a ns tha t its stores may start to become redundant to some extent.
One of the properties that it is believed to be looking to dispose of is the Zara store in the upmarket Calle Preciados in Madrid, said to be the m ost expensi ve Spani sh street in terms of retail rents. O ne i ndependent anal yst has been quoted as saying that whilst pan-European internet purchase is expected to rise by 12 per cent per a nnum, Spai n i s l i kel y t o see a grow th of 18 per cent up by 2021. Profit margins for the company are in excess of 50 per cent over cost and this has been achieved by a policy of entering into arrangements with suppliers who will produce additional stock at very short notic e, ensur i ng t hat t he gr oup does get left with an excess of previous season’s clothing. Still privately owned by Amancio Ortega who is currently listed as the world’s fourth richest man, the Inditex Group has weathered all financial storms to become a true Spanish success story.
Jaime Botín accepts that he is tax evader THE former Bankinter president Jaime Botín has accepted a sentence of nine months in prison and a fine of €506,134 for allegedly defrauding €1 million. He has now accepted a ‘plea bargain’ with the prosecution agreeing that he pretended that a private plane which was actually based at Madrid Torrejon airport was actually located in Portugal where no taxes would have been paid. As part of the agreement, he has accepted full responsibility for this matt e r m e a n i n g t h a t c h a rg e s against three of his former colleagues will be dropped. There is however another charge pending against the millionaire member of the family which controls Santander Bank regarding the attempted sale of a painting by Picasso outside of Spain.
ECB confident for the future AS the European Central Bank (ECB) has increased its growth forecast for members of the eurozone, the Bank of Spain has blamed Cataluña for an expected reduction. Spain has been something of an economic powerhouse over the past few years so by dropping its forecast for 2018 to 2.4 per cent, it aligns itself with the increased expectation of the ECB for 2.4 per cent by the end of 2017. Whilst the ECB president Mario Draghi has indicated that the bank is much more confident than it was a few months ago, the Spanish Bank is also dropping the 2019 forecast to 2.1 per cent.
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NIKI LAUDA: Original founder of the stricken airline.
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Niki airline goes bankrupt AFTER Lufthansa pulled out of a rescue attempt due to EU Commission opposition, Niki Airlines filed for bankruptcy. All flights were suspended leaving an estimated 5,000 passengers stranded without flights, although the airline website told passengers who had booked with tour operators to contact them for assistance whilst listing five ‘friendly’ aircraft who may assist in returning passengers to Austria, Germany and Switzerland until the end of 2017.
The airline which was part of the Air Berlin group (also in liquidation) has 20 airlines and flew across much of Europe with seven destinations in Spain including Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. The original founder of the low cost Austrian airline - which he sold in 2011 - former F1 racing driver Niki Lauda has reportedly shown an interest in making a bid for it. This is the third European airline to fall into the hands of liquidators this year.
Bid to take over toll operator still dragging on IT was in May of this year that Italian company Atlantia bid €16.3 billion to take over Spanish toll road operator Abertis. A few months later, that offer was topped by Hochtief the German subsidiary of Spanish construction group ACS who have indicated that they would pay €18.6 billion. The matter is now being considered, but two Spanish minsters have joined in the discussions suggesting that the bid from the Italian group was not ideal as Abertis also owns Hispasat, which controls Spain’s national satellite communications system. The suggestion is that they would rather see ACS, whose chief executive Florentino Pérez is also President of Real Madrid
football club, take control of the company which relies upon the goodwill of the government which grants the rights to manage toll roads across Spain. There is however a problem with the Hochtief bid as ACS is half the size of the Italian group which is controlled by the Benetton family and has less access to cheap funds which could cause shareholders in the Spanish operator to prefer a sale to Italy. It has been suggested that the ACS/ Hochtief bid will have to be supported in part by the issue of new shares and main shareholder in Abertis, CriteriaCaixa may not want to take stock in a construction company when it can take cash from the other party.
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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41
FEATURE
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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43
What are they thinking? LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT DELIGHTED to have been invited to attend the Westminster Parliamentary Carol Service last week. Not quite so impressed with the almost unbelievable lack of security which surrounded the event. Don’t they ever learn anything? Just two minutes from the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge, and with half the cabinet, including Jeremy Corbyn expected to be in attendance, we walked from our traffic-jammed Uber to the church, without observing even one member of the security forces - let alone an armed officer. Our tickets could have been run up on anyone’s PC and, although asked to bring our passports, they were not requested and we were allowed to pass unchallenged into the building, with no search, no metal detection and the briefest of ticket scrutiny. We took our seats among the MPs and peers of the realm, clutching an unchecked bag and umbrella, with yours truly wearing a long raincoat, which could have concealed a bomb or an AK47. Frankly, I don’t care if we were closely examined by a whole truck load of CCTV cameras, had I been a terrorist, I could have taken out half of those in attendance before any security force could
TICKETS: The only thing that was checked.
PEW FOR PEERS: Leapy takes a seat.
STEEPED IN HISTORY: Winston Churchill married here.
even have raised a small Glock. It was actually quite disturbing, and I truly did feel vulnerable in a situation which should have been sewed up tighter than the duck’s proverbial. What are these people thinking? I was actually surprised to see Corbyn in attendance at all (May sent a representative, obviously Brexit negotiations more important than her catching a glimpse of Leapy!) I didn’t think the Labour leader ‘did’ religion; I was therefore not surprised to see him leave before the prayer segment of the service. Speaker John Bercow smiled as he passed
my pew, he obviously doesn’t read the column! All in all, apart from the feelings of vulnerability, a wholly interesting and enjoyable event in a church which is steeped in historical occurrences, including the marriage of Winston Churchill and Lord Louis Mountbatten. The same building in 1555 AD, witnessed a priest attacked at the altar, after which the perpetrator, a William Flower was burnt at the stake outside the church. (Perhaps it is a good thing they haven’t actually read Leapy’s blurb!) The Westminster choir were of course superb and fair caused many a
droplet and lump. A truly unforgettable and wholly unique experience. This was the lesson read by the Speaker of the House, which made quite a pleasant change from ‘Order Order.’ BC-AD This was the moment when before turned into after, and the future’s un-invented time keepers presented arms. This was the moment when nothing happened. Only dull peace sprawled boringly over the earth. This was the moment when even energetic Romans could find nothing better to do than counting heads in remote provinces. And this was the moment when a few farm workers and three members of an obscure Persian sect walked haphazard by starlight, straight into the Kingdom of heaven. Keep the faith columnists@euroweeklynews.com
Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. Advertising feature
Toldos Guardamar wishes you a year full of joy and hope AS 2017 ends, the entire team at Toldos Guardamar wants to take the opportunity to wish all of you the very best for the Christmas holidays, surrounded by what matters most - the affection of your loved ones. We also want to show our gratitude to all our customers and friends because thanks to you, your trust and your loyalty we have got where we are now and we are moving forward. Together we had a wonderful
year and we would like to assure you that 2018 will be even better because you inspire us to continue working every day in order to achieve your well-being and that of your family. For all these reasons, we are inviting you to celebrate the expansion of our San Fulgencio headquarters which we will celebrate during our traditional Anniversary Gala, on March 2, 2018. Our facilities will have in total 3,000 square metres and
will be equipped with the latest technology for manufacturing of awnings. There will be an exhibition with new collections and all the comfort to offer you the service you deserve because our greatest reward is the smile of a satisfied and happy customer. Please, follow us in 2018 as we have many surprises to share with you. Thank you all. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a 2018 full of joy and excitement!
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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Courtesy of: Hunt Trip Spain/ Facebook
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FAMILY AFFAIR: Hunting is often marketed as a family holiday. PROUD father kneels beside his three sons, each broadly smiling while squinting as the sun lights up the picturesque Spanish countryside. Beneath the smiles lies a Southeastern Ibex, slain so that it can play its part in this uncomfortably joyous photograph. In truth, it is a portrait that most families won’t have in their photo albums. However, when trawling through the ‘Trophy Album’ on one of Spain’s most popular hunting tourism websites (Hunt Trip Spain) it is an image repeated time and again. Be it fathers proudly standing between their kill and smiling sons or husbands embracing grinning wives while their guns rest against a defeated Red Stag, the frequency of the family kill portrait says a lot about the nation’s obsession with hunting. A favoured Spanish hobby (or sport,
A
85,000 signatories called for King Juan Carlos to be removed from WWF position after hunting scandal
if that is the appropriate term), hunting has long been a tradition from the north to the south of the country. After France, Spain has the largest number of hunters in Europe, according to a recent report published by the Círculo Fortuny. In total, there are an estimated 850,000 official hunting licences in Spain. That represents a slight drop since 2010, when the number exceeded one million. However, the fact that 2 per cent of the population still retains a hunting licence, proves its lasting popularity. To put that into context, those figures equate to one in every 54 Spanish residents owning a hunting licence. Outside of the Nordic countries that is the highest percentage in Europe. And it is a nationwide fascination. Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León register the highest number of licences, with Cataluña and Navarra also generating plenty of interest. But why, with another New Year about to be rung in, does hunting still garner so much interest? On hunting tourism website, the Stalker Group, Spain’s geographical beauty combined with its colourful history is used as a ROYAL SHAME: King Juan Carlos on hunting trip
SPECIALNEW
The two sides of Spain
One man’s tr is another’s t
With animal rights groups and hunters c Noon takes a deeper look into Spai 2% of Spaniards have a hunting licence, the biggest percentage in Europe way of portraying hunting as part of the nation’s culture, drawing on its architecture and artists as parallels. The website says: ‘Geographically, Spain’s diversity is immense. There are endless tracts of wild and crinkled sierra to explore, as well as some spectacularly rugged stretches of coast between the beaches. Culturally, the country is littered with superb old buildings, from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals. Almost every second village has a medieval castle. Spain has been the home of some of the world’s great artists: El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Dali, Picasso, and has
museums and galleries to match. The country vibrates with music of every kind, from the drama of Flamenco to the melancholy lyricism of the Celtic music and gaitas (bagpipes) of the northwest.” It continues: “This is great chance to bring your family with you and enjoy both hunting and Spanish culture. Come and bag your magnificent Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Roe Deer, Mouflon, four species of Ibex and Chamois here. Traditional ‘Monteria,’ the royal hunting, is also available in Spain.” Again, hunting is dressed up as a family day out. Coupled with immersing yourself in the country’s culture and
5% of the world’s trophy kills are imported to Spain
Trophy obsession SPAIN is Europe’s biggest importer of trophy kills, accounting for 5 per cent of all global imports. Here are the ‘trophies’ making their way to Spanish homes from overseas.
HUNTING TROPHIES: The groups that are threatened.
Source International Fund for Animal Welfare
breathtaking landscape, it all sounds pretty idyllic. But for everyone who supports or partakes in hunting, there is an equal number against it. One British expat who has seen the negative impact of hunting first hand is the president of dog rescue centre Adana. Based on the Costa del Sol, Mary Page has had to tend countless hunting dogs beaten and then abandoned by their owners. “Some of the hunters who use dogs are 100 per cent hijos de -----,” Page told the EWN. “They can be extremely aggressive. I have called the police about it several times. “We have experienced countless injured dogs, dogs cruelly disposed of be it hanging, drowning or clubbing to death - or left to starve to death.
WS FEATURE
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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n’s hunting story
rophy tragedy
constantly at loggerheads, David in’s controversial pastime “We have even had hunters on our land firing at rabbits or boars.” She added: “Personally I detest anyone who kills animals for sport, but what these hunters do to their own dogs is especially repulsive.” And the numbers speak for themselves. According to a National Geographic report, around 10,000 hunting dogs - galgos - are massacred each year. Deemed unfit to hunt, the dogs are either destroyed en masse or abandoned and left to starve to death. And yet, despite the tremendous number of hunts that take place, the animals on offer in Spain are seemingly not always exotic enough to satisfy all hunters. Spain is the highest European importer of ‘trophy kills,’ accounting for 5 per cent of all imports around the world, according to the International Fund for
Animal Welfare report Killing for Trophies: An Analysis of Global Trophy Hunting Trade. Of that number some 10,334 imports between 2004 and 2014 were from threatened species. Only the US accounts for more imports of trophy kills, with a staggering 71 per cent of all overseas kills being shipped to the US. The most popular imports into Spain were blackbuck (Sasin), African elephant, hippopotamus, lion, and chacma baboon (see graph). Some 87 polar bears were also imported into Spain during the decade-long study. Equally worrying is the number of trophy kills going the other way. The Aoudad (or Barbary sheep), a North African species that also inhabits the Iberian Peninsula, is the most exported threatened species heading out of Spain. And it is not just the trophy kills that get the Spanish reaching for their shotguns. Game and migratory Mediterranean birds face an unpleasant welcome when they choose to touch down. Yet much like bullfighting, hunting has found itself in the spotlight as animal activists mount pressure on the government to put an end to what
KILL OR BE KILLED: Hunting dogs
45
When a disagreement goes too far WHETHER for or against hunting, the tragic death of Melania Capitan earlier this year was a horrendous result of bitter quibbling between hunters and animal activists. A female hunter aged just 27, Capitan took her own life in July after she was reportedly threatened by animal rights activists on social media. Capitan, from Cataluña, regularly posted detailed personal hunting methods on her blog, with these attracting thousands of followers. These posts attracted much controversy and she had been subjected to threats online. And while several animal rights spokespeople condemned the online bullying of Capitan, the bullies couldn’t resist one last dig. As the news of her death spread, many took to her
10,334 endangered trophy kills were nationally imported from 2004 to 2014
many consider a family pastime. It is true that in recent years the process (and cost) of obtaining a hunting licence has become less appealing. To obtain and maintain a hunting license in Spain, it is mandatory to have a gun permit, which costs around €20 a year, a hunting permit for about €80 a year, plus civil liability insurance which is around €40 per year. In addition there is the €150 fee that the psycho-technical exam costs. However, Spain’s government has done little to appease the protests. In fact, it has seemingly done everything in its power to irritate them further. In 2014, the ruling PP government angered animal rights groups after the Senate steamrollered through an amendment to Spain’s National Parks Law to extend a moratorium on a ban on hunting in these specially protected areas. The law as it stood said that hunt-
€140 annual cost of hunting licence
TRAGEDY: Melania Capitan. Facebook page, which has more than 32,000 likes, to leave comments apparently welcoming the news. “You have done a favour to humanity! Bye bye,” one comment read. “She was so bitter that she had to pay for her hate killing innocent animals, thank God she killed herself, the only good thing she did lately,” another comment said. Whatever you think of hunting or thought of Capitan, celebrating somebody’s suicide is a low that cannot be allowed to happen again.
ing on private estates which fall within one of Spain’s 15 national parks must end by 2017. However, they have since extended that to 2020 to the frustration and bewilderment of environmentalists. Slammed by the likes of the WWF, Ecologists in Action and BirdLife, the PP was accused of taking backhanders and wilting to the monetary powers of the hunting communities. And it is not just the government that has had its fair share of hunting critics. The former King Juan Carlos was no stranger to hunting scandals himself. In 2006, it was alleged that he had shot a Russian bear that had been given honey laced with vodka. Six years later, he was again facing a backlash when news broke that he needed hip replacement surgery after falling during a 2012 elephant trophy hunting trip in Botswana. Photos then emerged of the monarch posing with dead elephants and African buffaloes, as the media turned on the
74-year-old monarch, who - by the way - had the audacity to be an associated member of Spain’s branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This was a double-blow for the King, who was slammed for his expansive lifestyle during the economic crisis. More damning however, was the backlash from WWF. Around 85,000 signatures called for Juan Carlos’ resignation as honorary president of WWF Spain. A public apology followed, but failed to persuade those at WWF as 94 per cent of general meeting members voted to remove him from his honorary position. With a government that refuses to stamp it out and a former recent monarch who actively revelled in it, the popularity of hunting is unlikely to diminish anytime soon. Those against it can - and will - continue to make noise, in the hope that someone will hear their calls one day.
‘They hunt anything’ HUNTERS are making life hell for expatriates in the Jalon Valley, Alicante. “We are terrified here,” said a 70-year-old grandmother formerly from Leicestershire in the UK who did not wish to be named. “I had a cat killed, lead shot come through the window and if you don’t like it you just have to shut up.” Having moved to the scenic area five years ago after 15 years near the coast, she says that hunting dogs often jump the fence and run amok in her garden. “My neighbour has built a huge fence to keep them out. “The noise from July to February is ridiculous… they begin at dawn and we can’t sleep! “They hunt anything and the dogs are destroying the environment. “Once I shouted at them from the roof, but one just put his finger up, then they spent hours parked at the end of my drive trying to intimidate me.”
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Advertising feature
Quality names at best prices from Euronics Gran Alacant
IT was 10 years ago that Gran Alacant saw the opening of a small Euronics branch but since then the shop and the franchise have grown. The second branch was opened at La Marina Urbanizations and this year saw the unveiling of the third store in Ciudad Quesada meaning that the original staff of four has also grown to a knowledgeable family of 14. The three Euronics stores are different to most as they have tailored their business to what their customers - who are mainly from northern Europe - want and that is service. The group listens to customer expectations and advises them on the best option which will suit their exact needs.
EURONICS FAMILY: Advise customers on their best option to suit their needs. They deliver and install large appliances and take the time and trouble to explain what they do and how to operate them. The Euronics shops have a wide range of products for the home, all at sensible prices with great service and a willingness to explain how the product works and to back this up with assistance if there is a problem. There is an electric solution for everyone, air conditioning, fridges, heating solutions,
ovens, televisions, washing machines and plenty of smaller appliances as well. With Christmas and Three Kings in mind there is a special gift catalogue in each store and the companies’ Facebook page www.facebook.com/electrodomesticosgranalacant/ shows a regular list of special offers designed to appeal to everyone. Their mantra is Euronics Gran Alacant. We deliver, We install, We care.
Contact details and opening times are; C C Gran Alacant Avd. Finlandia, 23, blq. 3, L2 Tel. 966 695 365 granalacant@ euronics.es with opening times Monday to Friday 9.15am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday morning. Ciudad Quesada C C Consum Avd. Salamanca, 11, L8 Tel 966 731 211 quesada@euronics.es with opening times Monday to Friday 9.15am to 6pm and Saturday morning. Urb. La Marina Plz. Sierra Castilla, L10 Tel 966 797 703 lamarina@euronics.es with opening times Monday to Friday 9.15am to 6pm and Saturday morning. Euronics informative website can be found at www.electrodomesticosgranalacant.com.
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FRIDAY TV
Paw Patrol Thomas and Friends Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Floogals Digby Dragon Noddy: Toyland Detective Shimmer and Shine Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Abominable Christmas Saving Santa Cats and Dogs A Puppy for Christmas Mariah Carey's a Christmas Melody 5 News Mariah Carey's a Christmas Melody Mrs. Miracle The Gadget Show Christmas with the Dog Rescuers Celebrity 5 Go in Search of Santa In His Own Words Super Casino Gone
9:10am 12 Wishes of Christmas 11:00am Rules of Engagement 11:30am Rules of Engagement 12:00pm How I Met Your Mother 12:30pm How I Met Your Mother 1:00pm New Girl 1:30pm New Girl 2:00pm The Big Bang Theory 2:30pm The Big Bang Theory 3:00pm Kevin Can Wait 3:30pm Kevin Can Wait 4:00pm How I Met Your Mother 4:30pm How I Met Your Mother 5:00pm New Girl 5:30pm New Girl 6:00pm Brooklyn Nine-Nine 6:30pm Brooklyn Nine-Nine 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Hollyoaks 8:30pm The Goldbergs 9:00pm The Hunger Games 11:50pm The Big Bang Theory 12:20am The Big Bang Theory 12:45am Gogglebox 1:50am Gogglebox
7:00am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 7:30am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 10:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 11:00am Premier League Daily 12:00pm Sky Sports Daily 1:00pm SKY Sports News 1:30pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm SKY Sports News 6:00pm SKY Sports News 7:00pm SKY Sports News 7:30pm Carling in Off the Bar Pre-Match 8:00pm Football 11:30pm SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 12:00am Cricket
7:00am Rocky IV 8:40am Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher 10:10am The A-Team 12:10pm Robin Hood 2:35pm Rocky Balboa 4:45pm Batman 7:00pm Tarzan 9:00pm Robin Hood 11:25pm The A-Team 1:30am Uncommon Valor
7:00am Sharing Christmas 8:35am Fist Fight 10:10am How to be a Latin Lover 12:10pm Smurfs: The Lost Village 1:45pm John Wick: Chapter Two 3:50pm Come and Find Me 5:45pm Fist Fight 7:20pm Smurfs: The Lost Village 9:00pm John Wick: Chapter Two 11:10pm Come and Find Me 1:10am Final Recall 2:45am Don't Think Twice Turmoil strikes a New York improv troupe when one member leaves to star in a SNL-like TV show. 4:20am Battle for Moscow
1:30pm La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid 1:45pm La Liga Highlights: Barcelona 2:00pm La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid 2:15pm La Liga Highlights: Barcelona 2:30pm La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid 2:45pm La Liga Highlights: Barcelona 3:00pm La Liga Icons 3:45pm La Liga Icons 4:00pm 20 Years of El Clasico 4:45pm La Liga Icons 5:00pm La Liga Show 5:30pm EFL Matters 6:00pm La Liga Preview 2017/18 6:55pm SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 7:25pm Football 9:25pm Football 11:30pm SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 12:00am The Story of Las Palmas
9:35am 9:50am 10:05am 10:55am 12:30pm 2:10pm 3:55pm 4:55pm 5:00pm 5:45pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:30pm 11:00pm 1:00am 4:10am
8:00am Fred Claus 10:00am My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 11:45am Splash 1:45pm Bad Neighbours 2 3:25pm Ride Along 2 5:15pm My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 7:00pm Splash 9:00pm Bad Neighbours 2 10:40pm Ride Along 2 12:30am Central Intelligence 2:25am Airplane!
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
FEATURE
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
www.euroweeklynews.com
TECH FOR THE TIMID UNTIL last month, where I live it was quicker to send out a messenger with a cleft stick than to use e-mail. Then despite the hesitance of the town’s largely-elderly inhabitants who still think the Interweb is the devil’s spawn, we received a wonderful early Christmas present: fibre-optic broadband. I wouldn’t want to spoil the festive season for the rest of you living in seriously inferior settlements, but what a joy it is to send an e-mail and not have to brew up a cuppa while waiting for the progress bar to complete. How ecstatic it is to click a news-site video and not be treated to stopmotion puppetry. It almost didn’t happen, after the town fathers questioned the need for such new-fangled jiggery-pokery. That it would cost each and every one of us a whole €3 more a month almost sank the deal. Fortunately thieves came to our rescue (not a sentence I ever thought I would write). They stole the town’s copper feeder cable, twice, and the service
BROADBAND: Spain the world’s 22nd-fastest.
Strike up the broadband With Spain now 22nd in global connectivity speed, Terence Kennedy is in a fever about his new fibre. provider decided to give us fibre whether we wanted it or not. As indeed did Mr Kellogg all those breakfasts ago. For the less fortunate, there are things you can do to improve your connectivity, other than lob-
bying your service provider and local authorities. Or moving. Or indeed stealing the copper cable. If you’re still on prehistoric ADSL as we were (1.5 Mbps on a really good day, courtesy of that excellent site for testing your broadband
speed, www.speedtest.net), you may have two other options: mobile, or satellite. Satellite is the ultimate and perhaps only choice for those far out ‘en medio de la nada’; but it’s expensive and prone to crippling traffic jams, especially when the kids get home for a happy evening of slaughtering people online. If you’re lucky enough to be in ra nge of a cel l ul ar t ower, you c ould ‘g o m obi l e,’ especi al l y now that mobile data packages are dropping in price. Unless you’re contemplating watching Game of Thrones online instead of on telly like the rest of us, 10 or 20 GB of data a month shoul d do ni cel y t hank you, at an affordable price. You don’t even have to buy a special modem to do it; just turn on your smartphone’s hotspot and bingo, you’ve got your own new WiFi source in the house, driven from your SIMcard. So go on: if you’re still limping along on snail-paced broadband but you’ve got a reasonable 4G or even 3G signal within reach, why not? All you need is a smartphone with data and Roberto’s your tio.
Selling cellular ACCESSING mobile data is not j ust t he preserve of phones and tablets. You can buy a MiFi gadget for home and mobile use f or €100 or l ess. Insert a dat a- enabl ed SIM card, plug it in or use its battery, and you’ ve got a 3G / 4G WiFi ‘router.’ The cheaper sol ut i on i s firing up your smartphone’s WiFi hotspot, activated in your phone’s settings. Do be aware though that leaving it on continuously will hammer your phone’s battery, so keep it on charge. You can cont i nue usi ng your phone throughout. But perhaps you have an ol d sm art phone l urki ng i n a drawer whi ch you coul d dedicate to hotspotting? O r j ust bi t e t he bul l et , buy an €80 second smartphone and away you go. Because you’re worth it.
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E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
www.euroweeklynews.com
7:00am Breakfast 10:30am Saturday Kitchen 12:00pm Mary Berry's Christmas Party 1:00pm Football Focus 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Cool Runnings 3:50pm Frozen 5:20pm Final Score 6:30pm Len Goodman's Partners in Rhyme Christmas Special 7:00pm BBC News 7:10pm BBC London News 7:15pm Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special 8:10pm Even Better Than the Real Thing Christmas Special 9:05pm Casualty 9:55pm Miranda 10:30pm Our Friend Victoria at Christmas 11:10pm BBC News 11:30pm Match of the Day 1:10am The NFL Show 1:40am Disconnect 3:30am Weather for the Week Ahead 3:35am BBC News
7:15am An Island Parish 7:45am The Bishop's Wife 9:30am The Big Family Cooking Showdown 10:30am The Muppets 12:10pm Natural World 1:10pm Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites 1:40pm Nigella's Christmas Table 2:40pm The Millionaire's Gift Guide 3:40pm Talking Pictures 4:10pm Mildred Pierce 6:00pm Natural World 7:00pm Bill 8:30pm Lenny Henry: A Life on Screen 9:30pm Dad's Army 10:00pm Feud: Bette and Joan 10:50pm Feud: Bette and Joan 11:35pm What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 1:45am Absolutely Fashion 2:45am Mary Berry's Christmas Party 3:45am This is BBC Two Highlights of programmes on BBC Two.
8:00pm Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner 9:00pm James May's Toy Stories 10:00pm James May: My Sisters' Top Toys 11:00pm Top of the Pops Welcome to this celebration of big hits performed at Top of the Pops on or close to the Christmas show on suitably seasonal sets. 12:00am Prince: A Purple Reign 1:00am TOTP2 Xmas 2017 2:00am Sacred Music at Christmas 3:00am Stuffed: The Great British Christmas Dinner 4:00am James May: My Sisters' Top Toys 4:55am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.
7:15am Frasier 7:40am Olive, the Other Reindeer 8:30am Rugrats the Movie 10:00am The Boxtrolls 11:55am Toy Story That Time Forgot 12:20pm Toy Story Toons 12:55pm Toy Story of Terror 1:20pm Father Christmas 1:50pm Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 2:20pm The Simpsons 2:55pm The Simpsons 3:25pm The Simpsons 4:00pm The World's Most Expensive Christmas 5:00pm Kirstie's Handmade Christmas 6:00pm Channel 4 News 6:10pm Gogglesprogs Christmas Special 7:10pm Crocodile Dundee 9:00pm The World's Best Christmas Lights: From Liverpool to Bethlehem 10:00pm The Wolverine 12:20am Gladiator 3:10am Hollyoaks Omnibus
9:10am Horrid Henry 9:25am The Aquabats! Super Show! 9:55am Scrambled! Sketch Show 10:25am ITV News 10:30am Saturday Morning with James Martin at Christmas 12:25pm Gino's Italian Coastal Escape 12:55pm Countrywise 1:25pm ITV News 1:35pm Tipping Point 2:35pm Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 5:30pm Despicable Me 7:30pm ITV News London 7:40pm ITV News 8:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:30pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 9:00pm The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 11:35pm ITV News 11:55pm Miranda: Morecambe and Wise and Me
10:35am Coronation Street Omnibus 2:00pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 2:25pm Mr. Bean 3:00pm Mr. Bean 3:35pm You've Been Framed! 4:35pm Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium 5:35pm Fyi Daily 2017 5:40pm Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium 6:30pm Liar Liar 7:30pm Fyi Daily 2017 7:35pm Liar Liar 8:10pm Gravity 9:15pm Fyi Daily 2017 9:20pm Gravity 10:00pm The Holiday 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm The Holiday 12:40am Family Guy 1:15am Family Guy 1:40am American Dad! 2:10am American Dad! 2:40am The Great Xmas Rant 3:55am The Keith Lemon Sketch Show 4:20am Through the Keyhole
7:00am Judge Judy 7:20am Judge Judy 7:40am You're Only Young Twice 8:05am You're Only Young Twice 8:35am Sparkling Cyanide 10:30am Columbo 12:05pm Columbo 2:05pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 3:05pm Fyi Daily 2017 3:10pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 4:10pm Carry on Up the Khyber 5:15pm Fyi Daily 2017 5:20pm Carry on Up the Khyber 6:00pm Midsomer Murders 8:00pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm Grantchester 11:00pm Grantchester 12:00am Agatha Christie's Marple 2:05am The Darling Buds of May 3:10am Wycliffe
7:20am 8:05am 8:35am 9:05am 9:35am 10:00am 10:30am 11:30am 11:35am 12:05pm 12:35pm 1:45pm 1:50pm 2:30pm 5:00pm 6:10pm 6:15pm 7:45pm 8:45pm 8:50pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:10pm 12:40am
Isle of Man TT Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars ITV Racing: The Opening Show Nijinsky's Triple Crown Storage Wars Texas Storage Wars Texas Bend of the River Fyi Daily 2017 Bend of the River ITV Racing: Live From Ascot Red River Fyi Daily 2017 Red River Every Which Way But Loose Fyi Daily 2017 Every Which Way But Loose The Fugitive FYI Daily The Fugitive Rambo: First Blood Part II
10:05am 10:15am 10:30am 10:40am 10:50am 11:05am 11:15am 12:05pm 1:55pm 3:40pm 4:40pm 4:45pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:50pm 12:45am 1:45am 2:15am 4:10am 5:00am 5:50am 5:55am
Shimmer and Shine Digby Dragon Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Olly the Little White Van The Gadget Show A Christmas Story A Heavenly Christmas Scrooge 5 News Scrooge Elf: The Musical Blind Date Christmas Cruising with Jane McDonald Jane and Friends at Christmas Chas and Dave's Christmas Knees-Up Football on 5 Football on 5 Super Casino Our Dream Hotel GPs: Behind Closed Doors Access House Doctor
7:00am Rocky V 8:45am Rocky II 10:50am Independence Day: Resurgence 1:00pm Suicide Squad 3:05pm Underworld: Blood Wars 4:40pm Batman Returns 6:50pm Independence Day: Resurgence 9:00pm Suicide Squad
8:30am My Best Friend's Wedding 10:20am Brewster's Millions 12:10pm A Street Cat Named Bob 2:00pm The Boss 3:45pm The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 5:40pm Sausage Party 7:15pm A Street Cat Named Bob 9:00pm The Boss 10:45pm How to be Single 12:40am Sausage Party
7:00am 7:30am 7:55am 10:50am 11:55am 1:00pm 2:50pm 3:50pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:45am 1:20am
1:55am 2:30am 3:00am 3:30am 4:00am 4:55am 5:15am 5:40am
Black-Ish Black-Ish Hollyoaks Omnibus Made in Chelsea Don't Tell the Bride Catch That Kid Frozen at Christmas Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Hunger Games: Catching Fire The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners Will, Simon, Jay and Neil bunk off school. The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners Top Ten Moments Kevin Can Wait Kevin Can Wait Kevin Can Wait
7:00am The Top Ten Show 2017 7:15am Don't Think Twice 8:55am The Greatest Showman: Special 9:25am Smurfs: The Lost Village 11:00am Come and Find Me 1:00pm Hidden Figures 3:10pm John Wick: Chapter Two 5:15pm Smurfs: The Lost Village 6:50pm Hidden Figures 9:00pm John Wick: Chapter Two 11:10pm Fist Fight 12:45am Come and Find Me 2:50am Final Recall 4:30am How to be a Latin Lover
SATURDAY TV
7:00am SKY Sports News 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 10:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 11:00am Soccer Saturday PreMatch 12:00pm Soccer Saturday PreMatch 12:30pm Football 3:30pm Live World Championship Darts 6:00pm My Icon 6:15pm Football 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Live NFL Indianapolis @ Baltimore 2:00am Live NFL: Minnesota @ Green Bay 5:30am My Icon 5:45am My Icon
7:00am The Story of Las Palmas 8:15am The Dark Side of Football 9:15am Ronaldo 9:45am La Liga Icons 10:00am La Liga Icons 10:15am 20 Years of El Clasico 11:00am Soccer A.M. 12:30pm Football 3:30pm Gillette Soccer Saturday 4:15pm Gillette Soccer Saturday 6:15pm Football 9:00pm Football 12:00am 20 Years of El Clasico 12:45am La Liga Files 1:30am La Liga Files 2:15am Magical Messi 3:15am Magical Messi 4:15am La Liga Icons 4:30am Football Years 5:00am Football Countdowns 5:30am SPFL Greatest Games 5:45am SPFL Greatest Games
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
52
E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
7:00am 8:25am 10:05am 11:30am 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm
3:20pm 4:55pm 5:10pm 6:35pm 6:50pm 7:00pm 8:00pm
9:00pm 9:30pm 10:35pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 12:15am 12:45am 2:00am
8:45am 9:00am 9:10am 9:25am 9:55am 10:25am 10:55am 12:50pm 1:45pm 1:55pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:35pm 6:50pm 7:40pm 9:30pm 11:25pm 11:45pm 12:45am 1:45am
www.euroweeklynews.com
Breakfast Match of the Day Planes The Santa Clause Life in the Snow BBC News Songs of Praise The Farmer's Llamas Hammy's Boomerang Adventure Monsters University Doodlebugs Home BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Mary, Mel and Sue's Big Christmas Thank You EastEnders Michael Mcintyre's Big Christmas Show Not Going Out BBC News The Vicar of Dibley The Two Ronnies Sketchbook Midnight Mass From Leeds Cathedral Great Expectations
7:15am Nature's Weirdest Events 8:00am An Island Parish 8:30am The Prince and Me 10:15am The Big Family Cooking Showdown 11:15am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:45pm Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites 1:20pm The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas 2:20pm Alex Polizzi's Christmas Fix 3:20pm Natural World 4:20pm Guys and Dolls 6:45pm Carols from King's 8:00pm Dad's Army 9:00pm Christmas University Challenge 2017 9:30pm Winter's Weirdest Events 10:30pm The Great Gatsby 12:55am Christmas TOTP2 Special 2:25am Whitney: Can I Be Me 4:05am Holby City 5:05am This is BBC Two
8:00pm James May: The Christmas Reassembler 8:30pm Top of the Pops 9:15pm Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 10:00pm MR James: Ghost Writer 11:00pm The Tractate Middoth 11:40pm No.13: A Ghost Story 12:20am The Signalman 1:00am Christopher Lee's Ghost Stories for Christmas 1:30am Christopher Lee's Ghost Stories for Christmas 2:00am A View From a Hill 2:40am Top of the Pops 3:25am James May: The Christmas Reassembler 3:55am No.13: A Ghost Story 4:35am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.
8:00am Rugrats in Paris: The Movie 9:15am The Big Bang Theory 9:40am The Big Bang Theory 10:05am Jamie's Quick and Easy Food 10:40am Christmas Brunch 1:40pm Paul Hollywood 2:10pm Jamie's Italian Christmas 3:10pm The Simpsons 3:40pm The Simpsons 4:05pm The Simpsons 4:35pm The Borrowers 6:20pm The Snowman 6:55pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 7:20pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm The Muppet Christmas Carol 9:00pm Child Genius v Celebrities Christmas Special 10:00pm Gogglebox 2017 12:05am The Inbetweeners 12:35am The Inbetweeners 1:10am The Inbetweeners 1:40am The Inbetweeners 2:05am The Inbetweeners 2:35am Man Down
7:40am Milkshake Monkey 7:45am Milkshake! Bopping About 7:50am Simon 7:55am Peppa Pig 8:00am Peppa Pig 8:10am Bob the Builder 8:25am Blaze and the Monster Machines 8:55am Fireman Sam 9:00am Paw Patrol 9:20am Noddy: Toyland Detective 9:35am Nella the Princess Knight 9:55am Digby Dragon 10:05am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:20am Gone with the Wind 2:35pm Oklahoma! 5:15pm Scrooge 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Crooked House 8:00pm 5 News 8:05pm Agatha Christie's Crooked House 9:00pm The Yorkshire Vet 10:00pm Andre Rieu: My Life in Music 11:20pm Andre Rieu: Christmas in London
Mr. Bean Mr. Bean Horrid Henry Make it Pop Scrambled! Save Money: Good Food Jack Frost Catchphrase ITV News Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Cannonball Christmas Special You've Been Framed! ITV News London ITV News A Christmas Chase: Celebrity Special All Star Musicals Maigret in Montmartre ITV News A Night for the Emergency Services Christmas Carols on ITV Casino Royale
7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:25am Emmerdale Omnibus 9:55am Coronation Street Omnibus 1:15pm Mr. Bean 1:50pm Merry Christmas Mr Bean 2:25pm The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 2:50pm Beethoven's Christmas Adventure 3:50pm FYI Daily 3:55pm Beethoven's Christmas Adventure 4:40pm You've Been Framed! 5:10pm You've Been Framed! 5:40pm Happy Feet 6:40pm FYI Daily 6:45pm Happy Feet 7:50pm Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 8:50pm FYI Daily 8:55pm Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 10:00pm Casino Royale 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Casino Royale 12:55am Family Guy
7:00am On the Buses 7:25am Agatha Christie's Marple 9:00am Agatha Christie's Marple 11:05am Housewife 49 1:05pm Bugsy Malone 2:05pm FYI Daily 2:10pm Bugsy Malone 3:05pm Carry on Matron 4:10pm FYI Daily 4:15pm Carry on Matron 4:55pm Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs 5:55pm Midsomer Murders 7:55pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm It'll be Alright on the Night 11:00pm It'll be Alright on the Night 12:00am Christmas Epic Fails 1:00am The Knock 2:40am The Knock 4:10am Carry on Behind 5:15am FYI Daily 5:20am Carry on Behind 5:40am You're Only Young Twice
8:15am British Superbike Championship Review 2017 10:15am Silverstone Classic 11:20am Goodwood Festival of Speed First Glance 12:20pm Pawn Stars 12:45pm Pawn Stars 1:15pm Pawn Stars 1:40pm Pawn Stars 2:35pm Tobruk 3:35pm FYI Daily 3:40pm Tobruk 4:50pm Dunkirk 5:50pm FYI Daily 5:55pm Dunkirk 7:40pm Escape to Victory 8:40pm FYI Daily 8:45pm Escape to Victory 10:00pm Rambo III 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Rambo III 12:10am Demolition Man 1:10am FYI Daily 1:15am Demolition Man 2:30am When Football Changed Forever 3:30am The Professionals 4:20am ITV4 Nightscreen
9:35am 11:35am 1:50pm 4:00pm 6:40pm
9:00pm 11:10pm 1:00am
Deadpool Jason Bourne Rocky Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Jason Bourne Deadpool Face/Off
8:15am Robin Hood: Men in Tights 10:10am Liar Liar 11:40am Bridget Jones's Baby 1:50pm Ghostbusters 3:40pm Ghostbusters II 5:50pm Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie 7:30pm Liar Liar 9:00pm Bridget Jones's Baby 11:10pm Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie 12:50am Paul 2:40am Little Man
7:00am 7:25am 7:50am 8:50am 9:55am 11:40am 1:45pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm
9:00pm 11:20pm 11:50pm 12:20am 12:50am 1:20am 1:50am 2:50am
Prep and Landing Prep and Landing Made in Chelsea Don't Tell the Bride All About Christmas Eve Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Doctor Dolittle The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Secret Life of Children at Christmas Miracle on 34th Street The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Gogglebox Tattoo Fixers at Christmas
7:00am Fist Fight 8:35am Smurfs: The Lost Village 10:10am Hidden Figures 12:20pm John Wick: Chapter Two 2:25pm The LEGO Batman Movie 4:15pm Smurfs: The Lost Village 5:50pm Hidden Figures 8:00pm The LEGO Batman Movie 10:00pm John Wick: Chapter Two When a scheming Italian crime lord holds him to a blood oath reluctant hitman John Wick is back to doing what he does best. 12:10am Fist Fight 1:45am Come and Find Me 3:45am Final Recall 5:25am Sharing Christmas
SUNDAY TV
7:00am SKY Sports News 8:00am Christmas Eve Total Goals 9:00am Christmas Eve Total Goals 10:00am Christmas Eve Total Goals 11:00am SKY Sports News All the news from the Premier League and beyond. Plus, a comprehensive round-up of the day's other sports news. 12:00pm SKY Sports News 1:00pm SKY Sports News 2:00pm SKY Sports News 2:30pm Cricket 6:00pm SKY Sports News 6:30pm Live NFL 10:00pm Live NFL 2:00am SKY Sports News 3:00am SKY Sports News 4:00am SKY Sports News 5:00am SKY Sports News
10:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 12:45pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:10pm 2:20pm 4:30pm 4:35pm 6:45pm 7:15pm 8:30pm 9:15pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:30am
Sunday Supplement Revista de la Liga La Liga Icons La Liga Icons EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League 1 and 2 La Liga Greatest Games La Liga Greatest Games Football MLS Greatest Games Football Revista de la Liga The Story of Las Palmas La Liga Files La Liga Files The Dark Side of Football Revista de la Liga EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League 1 and 2 La Liga Icons
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
FEATURE
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
www.euroweeklynews.com
Opening the door to advent calendars with a festive difference Photo by The Church Sofa /Twitter
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 must be Christmas - with the advent of all the usual political correctness! First off, there’s Father Desmond O’Donnell, an Irish Catholic priest, urging Christians to abandon the word ‘Christmas’ because, for him, the words ‘Christmas’ and ‘Easter’ have lost all sacred meaning. Then there’s the vicar who banned ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ from Christmas services. Speaking of ‘advent,’ what about all the advent calendars around now? For starters, the erotic calendars from Selfridges. Next Asda’s cheese-filled ones, while the Master of Malt website had a small bottle of rare whisky behind each window - provided you were happy with the £1,000 price tag. Then, Greggs the bak-
ROLL IN THE HAY: Greggs’ sausage roll nativity scene caused uproar in some religious circles. ery chain was, er, roasted for replacing Jesus with a sausage roll in its nativity scene advert for its calendar. Which reminds me of the latest Christmas cracker joke: “Why don’t Southern Rail train guards share advent calendars?” Because they want to open the doors themselves... But please can we stop calling these things ‘Advent’ calendars? (There were just pictures behind doors in the ones of my childhood.) They have nothing to do
with Advent - ‘Countdown’ calendars possibly, although ‘Ripoff’ (in every sense of the word) might be more accurate. Christmas seems to be not only more and more politically correct, but more commercial each year. Starting way before Halloween, punctuated by ghastly, sentimental, elaborate advertisements and topped by Black Friday. Ah, with all this talk of political correctness, it’s already beginning to feel like Christmas. And a
sure sign Santa’s sleigh’s already having its annual checkup at Kwik Fit. As for me, not exactly a hard ‘BrXmas’ here, but again no free movement of loads of relatives - I’m too busy writing my latest thriller! And another year comes to a close - eight years of this column every single week and over 400 articles later! Many thanks to all you readers out there for all the great comments here and to my website. Great to be appreciated and pleased the odd (yes!) joke cheers you up in these troubled times. HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Nora Johnson’s psychological crime thrillers ‘The Girl in the Red Dress,’ ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.norajohnson.net) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99;£0.99) and iBookstore. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity. columnists@euroweeklynews.com
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THURSDAY THOUGHTS By Graham Braben, Almería
Chocolate treats MY daughter Alice and I were wandering through a local shopping centre a few weeks ago and came across a new chocolate shop. We ventured in with visions of leaving laden with scrumptious chocolate treats. That was until we saw the price. I paid less for my first ever car! But nevertheless, I have a weak spot for chocolate, and ‘I’ll save it for later,’ isn’t a phrase that springs immediately to mind! This makes the story of a man in Pwllheli, North Wales even odder. I know Pwllheli very well and although you risk damage to your tongue trying to pronounce it properly - though not a patch on Llanfairpwwllgwyngllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysilliogogogoch - it’s somewhere I have spent a great deal of time in for many years, so I can say quite categorically, that apart from Funland and a few nice cafes, there’s not a lot to do in the town. Perhaps this explains it. For the last 25 years this particular chap has been collecting chocolate bars hoping they’ll become worth more money than he paid for them. I think there’s a flaw in that premise don’t you? Would anyone really pay over the odds for a bar of chocolate that cruised by the sell by date decades ago? No, I don’t think so either! Apart from taking over huge swathes of this Pwllheli resident’s home, chocolate, as The Beach Boys may have said, does get around. Apparently, in China, for Valentine’s Day, a VW Beetle was smothered in chocolate and displayed at a Volkswagen dealer. I’m not tempted to horde my chocolate or smother my car in it, I’m going to be boring and just eat the stuff. While I eat it I’ll feel sorry for poor old Will Shakespeare, they didn’t have chocolate in England until the 1650’s, over 30 years after he died. No wonder he wrote so many tragedies! columnists@euroweeklynews.com Readers interested in submitting articles for this guest column should send articles of around 250 words on topics felt to be of interest to the cosmopolitan EWN readership to editorial@euroweeklynews.com.
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E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Cbeebies' the Snow Queen 10:45am Go Jetters 11:00am Christmas Morning From All Saints Fulham 12:00pm The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper 12:10pm Snow Chick: A Penguin's Tale 1:10pm BBC News 1:20pm Top of the Pops 2:20pm Toy Story 3 4:00pm The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 4:10pm Cinderella 5:45pm The Highway Rat 6:15pm BBC News 6:30pm Doctor Who 7:30pm Strictly Come Dancing 8:40pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm EastEnders 11:00pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:35pm 300 Years of French and Saunders 12:25am BBC News 12:40am On Christmas Night 1:30am Darcey Bussell
7:10am The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas 8:10am An Island Parish 8:40am Bee Movie 10:00am The Big Family Cooking Showdown 11:00am Harry Potter: A History of Magic 12:00pm Carols from King's 1:15pm The Importance of Being Earnest 2:40pm BBC Proms 2017 5:30pm Dame Vera Lynn: Happy 100th Birthday 6:30pm The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 6:35pm The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show 1977 7:45pm Winter's Weirdest Events 8:45pm Dad's Army 9:25pm Upstart Crow 10:00pm Tom Jones and Beverley Knight's Gospel Christmas 11:00pm Judi Dench: All the World's Her Stage 12:05am Mrs. Henderson Presents
8:00pm The Royal Opera: Puccini's La Boheme 10:00pm Christmas Night with the Stars 1972 Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker host a seasonal variety programme, first broadcast on 25 December 1972. With stars including Lulu and Cilla Black, comedy sketches from The Goodies, The Liver Birds, Mike Yarwood and Dad's Army. 11:15pm Christmas with Val Doonican 12:00am Swingin' Christmas 1:10am The Christmas No.1 Story 2:05am Christmas Night with the Stars 1972 3:20am Christmas with Val Doonican 4:10am This is BBC Four
7:15am Om Nom Stories 7:20am Share a Story 7:25am Almost Naked Animals 7:35am Horrid Henry 8:30am Scrambled! 8:35am The Tom and Jerry Show 8:50am The Bagel and Becky Show 9:10am Teen Titans Go! 9:30am Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! Scary Christmas 10:05am Wishfart 10:25am National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 12:10pm Mr Bean's Holiday 1:50pm Santa Claus 4:00pm HM the Queen 4:10pm Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 6:50pm Emmerdale 7:50pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs 9:00pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Victoria 12:00am ITV News 12:15am The Holiday
7:50am Emmerdale 8:10am Coronation Street 9:05am The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 9:30am Beethoven's Christmas Adventure 10:30am FYI Daily 10:35am Beethoven's Christmas Adventure 11:20am You've Been Framed! 12:25pm Peter Pan 1:25pm FYI Daily 1:30pm Peter Pan 2:35pm Catchphrase 3:35pm You've Been Framed! 4:10pm Merry Christmas Mr Bean 4:45pm Clash of the Titans 5:45pm FYI Daily 5:50pm Clash of the Titans 6:50pm Happy Feet Two 7:50pm FYI Daily 7:55pm Happy Feet Two 8:45pm Skyfall 9:45pm FYI Daily 9:50pm Skyfall 11:30pm Family Guy 12:00am Family Guy 12:30am Family Guy 1:00am Family Guy
11:10am Carry on Don't Lose Your Head 11:45am Carry on Follow That Camel 12:45pm FYI Daily 12:50pm Carry on Follow That Camel 1:40pm Carry on Doctor 2:45pm FYI Daily 2:50pm Carry on Doctor 3:40pm Carry on Up the Khyber 4:40pm FYI Daily 4:45pm Carry on Up the Khyber 5:30pm Carry on Camping 6:30pm FYI Daily 6:35pm Carry on Camping 7:20pm Carry on Again, Doctor 8:25pm FYI Daily 8:30pm Carry on Again, Doctor 9:05pm Carry on Up the Jungle 10:15pm FYI Daily 10:20pm Carry on Up the Jungle 11:00pm Carry on Loving 12:00am FYI Daily
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Rugrats Go Wild The Bear Prep and Landing Prep and Landing Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas The Simpsons Dr. Seuss' the Lorax The Snowman The Snowman and the Snowdog Father Christmas Channel 4 News The Alternative Christmas Message Scrooged Dumbo Home Alone The Great Christmas Bake Off First Dates at Christmas Alan Carr's Christmas Chatty Man George Michael George Michael The Crystal Maze Location, Location, Location Four in a Bed
7:00am Football's Greatest: George Best 7:15am The Chase 8:00am The Chase 9:00am Goodwood Revival 10:05am Pawn Stars 11:00am Storage Wars Christmas Special 11:55am River Monsters 1:00pm Minder 2:05pm Jeremiah Johnson 3:10pm FYI Daily 3:15pm Jeremiah Johnson 4:25pm The Green Berets 5:25pm FYI Daily 5:30pm The Green Berets 7:15pm Dunkirk 8:15pm FYI Daily 8:20pm Dunkirk 10:00pm The Dirty Dozen 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm The Dirty Dozen 1:05am Everything or Nothing: The Untold Stories of 007 2:10am FYI Daily 2:15am Everything or Nothing: The Untold Stories of 007 3:00am The Big Fish Off
7:00am 7:05am 7:20am 7:25am 7:35am 7:50am 8:00am 8:05am 8:20am 8:30am 8:40am 8:45am 9:00am 9:15am 9:30am 9:50am 9:55am 12:05pm 2:05pm 4:10pm 7:00pm 10:00pm
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MONDAY TV
Puffin Rock Poppy Cat Simon Bob the Builder Fireman Sam Thomas and Friends Milkshake Monkey Paw Patrol Noddy: Toyland Detective Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Floogals Digby Dragon Shimmer and Shine Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Mofy Scrooge Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Singin' in the Rain Oliver! Elf: The Musical The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter Britain's Best Loved Double Acts Steptoe and Son Super Casino
7:00am Father Christmas 7:30am Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 7:55am The Secret Life of Children at Christmas 8:55am Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts 9:10am 12 Dates of Christmas 11:00am The Big Bang Theory 1:30pm Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 2:00pm Toy Story Toons 2:15pm Doctor Dolittle 2 4:00pm The Big Bang Theory 4:30pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:30pm The Big Bang Theory 5:55pm Gogglesprogs Christmas Special 7:00pm We're Going on a Bear Hunt 7:30pm The Snowman 8:00pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 8:30pm Snow White and the Huntsman 11:00pm Made in Chelsea's Christmas Ding Dong 12:05am The Inbetweeners
7:00am SKY Sports News 10:30am Goals Express Xmas Special 11:00am Best Pl Goals: Season So Far 11:30am Best of Nissan Match Zone 12:00pm Katie Taylor: The Story So Far 12:30pm Rory: A Decade on Tour 1:00pm Harry Kane's 2017 1:30pm Jimmy Anderson: 500 Wickets 2:30pm To be Announced 3:00pm Hamilton: My 4th World Title 3:30pm Best of Moeen Ali 4:00pm Phil Taylor the Greatest 5:00pm Sky F1 Christmas Special 6:00pm Info not available 7:30pm AJ - The Knockouts 8:00pm Boxing's Best of 2017 10:00pm Live NFL: Pittsburgh @ Houston 2:00am Live NFL: Oakland @ Philadelphia 5:45am My Icon
Independence Day Jurassic Park The Great Wall The Magnificent Seven Robin Hood Jurassic Park The Great Wall 300 The Terminator The Magnificent Seven
7:00am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 7:30am Smurfs: The Lost Village 9:05am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 9:35am Beauty and the Beast 11:45am The LEGO Batman Movie 1:30pm Olaf's Frozen Adventure 2:00pm Hidden Figures 4:10pm Beauty and the Beast 6:30pm The LEGO Batman Movie 8:30pm Olaf's Frozen Adventure 9:00pm Beauty and the Beast 11:15pm John Wick: Chapter Two 1:20am Come and Find Me 3:20am John Wick: Chapter Two 5:25am Smurfs: The Lost Village
8:45am Revista de la Liga 9:15am La Liga Icons 9:30am SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 10:00am The Next Jamie Vardy 11:00am The Next Jamie Vardy 12:00pm The Next Jamie Vardy 1:00pm The Next Jamie Vardy 2:00pm The Next Jamie Vardy 3:00pm The Next Jamie Vardy 4:00pm EFL Rivalries 4:30pm EFL Greatest Games 4:45pm EFL Greatest Games 5:00pm EFL Rivalries 5:30pm EFL Greatest Games 5:45pm EFL Greatest Games 6:00pm EFL Rivalries 6:30pm SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 7:00pm Celtics Invincibles 8:00pm Soccer A.M. 8:30pm Ronaldo 9:00pm Magical Messi 10:00pm 20 Years of El Clasico 10:45pm Revista de la Liga 11:15pm SPFL Round Up 2017/18 11:30pm Soccer A.M. 12:00am La Liga Files
Big Meet the Parents Runaway Bride Central Intelligence Keeping up with the Joneses Big Bridesmaids Central Intelligence Keeping up with the Joneses Bridesmaids Superbad Special
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OPINION & COMMENT
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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EWN
55
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.
A word of warning for expat drivers SIR, Two weeks into December I received a renewal notice from my car insurance company. The cost had gone up by €45. After experiencing yearly price increases, I decided to change to a cheaper firm. The call centre said: “You should have done this before December 1: we shall renew your annual insurance on December 31 and we deny your request to cancel.” I said they had only informed me of the hike in a letter dated December 1, received on December 14! The operative cut across me and said loudly: “That is not our problem: you are wrong because you didn’t give a month’s notice.” I decided to explore this issue and quickly discovered my legal rights, as explained on the CAB Spain website (citizensadvice.org.es), where the wording of a 2015 law change states that a price rise should have been communicated two months before renewal! I called back and told them what I had found, and they instantly said they would send me a form to sign and my insurance would be cancelled.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Eating in the fifties PASTA had not been invented. It was macaroni or spaghetti. Curry was a surname. Taco? Never saw one till I was 15. Pizza? Sounds like a leaning tower somewhere. Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas time. All chips were plain. Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking. Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves and never green. Cubed sugar was regarded as posh. Chickens didn’t have fingers in those days. None of us had ever heard of yo-
THE 1950’S: Tea was made in a teapot. ghurt. Healthy food consisted of anything edible! Cooking outside was called camping. Seaweed was not a recognised food. Kebab was not even a word, never mind a food.
All letters by email or post should carry the writer’s address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published.
Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days, and was regarded as being white gold. Prunes were medicinal and stewed. Surprisingly muesli was readily available. It was called cattle feed. Pineapples came in chunks or were round with a hole in the middle, in a tin; we had only seen a picture of a real one. Water came out of the tap. If someone had suggested bottling it and charging more than petrol for it, they would have become a laughing stock. There were three things that we never ever had on the table in the fifties - elbows, hats and mobile phones! ... and there were always two choices for each meal... ‘Take it!’ or ‘Leave it!’ Anne Edwards, Mallorca
Readers who have missed correspondence can see all letters - which can be edited before publication - posted on: www.euroweeklynews.com.
Pet goat mutilated in ‘savage attack’ I hate the evil that permeates through the human race. Absolutely gutted for the poor goat and his owners. Jim McClure Omg why would anyone do such a horrendous thing I hope they serve a long time when they catch them .Tricia Hawkins How absolutely cruel poor little thing. Pat Ward
Ryanair and Vueling rated worst short haul airlines If I leave Malaga and arrive in one piece in Glasgow three hours later and it costs me between 25 and 50 quid, I really don’t care how they are rated. John Grieve Fly with them both every three weeks, from Malaga to Manchester and back the day after, cheap fares, so no complaints as they make it possible for us to live in Spain. Chris O’Hare I have flown Ryanair many times to Jerez (my nearest airport) from Stansted as they are the only direct route from the UK, but so much uncertainty over the last flight (which didn’t get cancelled) that now I fly to Sevilla with easyJet more of a drive in Spain but a bit more reliable... Rob James
Comments from EWN online Well that’s not much of a surprise as they both cancel flights whenever they feel like and with no bloody notice. Will never ever fly with any of them again especially Ryanair. They cancelled my flight from Malaga to Edinburgh in October and I only found out through text message in the afternoon and my flight was early the next morning and it cost me hundreds of pounds and an overnight in Prague before eventually getting to Edinburgh later the next day. Absolute shocking experience considering my flight had been booked months in advance. Beverley Walker Once checked a flight starting at 24.99 with Ryanair that ended up almost 100 quid and that didn’t include bags, just a carry on. Need to book seats as I am a nervous flyer. Extras were for carry on bag, seat selection and paying with credit card. It's the extras that always put me off. Have a friend who used Vueling and was treated very well indeed. Good and bad in all really. Moira Armitage
Costa Blanca parade accused of racism Why can they not leave children’s traditions alone. First in Holland. Zwarte Piet. Translated is Black Piet. He helps Sinterklaas to bring the presents for the children December 5 and throws sweets for them. The troubles every year recently because he is black is unbelievable. It is Dutch tradition through the generations and suddenly some people try to stop it. Very sad! Edith Farminer
Clearly, they had been aware but tried to force me into renewing. This is disgraceful and I am making a complaint to the insurance industry regulator in Spain. Gareth Thomas, Finestrat
Way to save I HAVE lived in Spain for the last 12 years, and each Christmas have bought tickets to the El Gordo Lottery. Normally I have bought these while shopping in Malaga City, or from street vendors in various locations nearby. Each ticket has cost me around €23, which I thought was the official price, but this week I bought a ticket from my local tobacco shop in La Cala de Mijas, and was charged €20. I do not begrudge individuals providing a service making a profit, but I wonder how many others might be like me... paying more in ignorance without realising that by calling at the local tobacco shop a saving of more than 14 per cent is possible. M Gormley, El Faro
Could be worse I WAS interested to read on your website that Ryanair has been voted the worst short-haul airline. What short memories people have! Thirty years ago these no-frills carriers didn’t exist meaning flights to Spain were way more expensive. Cheap flights are surely one of the backbones of expatriates’ lives here! Margaret Robins, Alfas del Pi
Festive cheer
I think I’m right in saying that the reason he’s black is because he came down the chimney and got covered in soot isn’t it?? Nothing racist about that, people need to just leave things be, totally agree with you on this Edith Farminer. Sarah Aldeguer
WHAT a wonderful place Spain is at this time of year. A heady mix of sun, sea and family values that we would never see the likes of in the UK! I for one cannot wait to tuck into my turkey on the terrace while friends and family shiver back home! T Maidland, Torrevieja
Raiders loot death crash lorry
Festive tear
I do not see anything even remotely disrespectful in taking the tomatoes out of the truck. They would be disposed of anyway. As long as people take them for their own use I find it totally acceptable. Peter Sauer This is just so disrespectful to the poor man who lost his life… Are people really hard up for a couple of tomatoes in La Cala? Stéphanie Maire Disgusting! The driver died in that lorry! Not much surprises me any more. Tessa Green
THE way Spain has embraced Christmas over the last few years is truly depressing. This over-commercialised spendfest appears to have overtaken traditional celebrations like the Three Kings in many ways, and how confusing and expensive it must be for some Spanish families to buy two lots of presents, although presumably the kids love it! Grumpy, Albox
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E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast 11:10am Planes: Fire and Rescue 12:25pm Mary, Mel and Sue's Big Christmas Thank You 1:25pm BBC News 1:35pm BBC London News 1:45pm Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees 2:45pm Stick Man 3:10pm Shaun the Sheep Movie 4:30pm Doodlebugs 4:45pm Mary Poppins 7:00pm BBC News 7:20pm BBC London News 7:30pm Snow Bears 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Little Women 10:00pm The Miniaturist 11:30pm BBC News 11:45pm Match of the Day 1:15am Stacey Dooley in the USA
7:15am Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 8:15am An Island Parish 8:45am Chimpanzee 9:55am The Big Family Cooking Showdown 10:55am Nadiya's British Food Adventure 11:25am Nadiya's British Food Adventure 11:55am The Sweet Makers: A Tudor Treat 12:55pm A Hard Day's Night 2:20pm The Eagle Has Landed 4:30pm The Repair Shop at Christmas 5:30pm Final Score 6:35pm Matthew Bourne's Cinderella 8:30pm Christmas University Challenge 2017 9:00pm Reindeer Family and Me 10:00pm Dragons' Den 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Two Doors Down Christmas Special
8:00pm Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2017: The Language of Life 10:00pm Tim Rice - A Life in Song 11:30pm Norman Wisdom: His Story 12:30am British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves 1:30am Some Santas with Jokes 2:00am Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand 3:00am Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2017: The Language of Life 4:00am Norman Wisdom: His Story 5:00am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.
7:20am Share a Story 7:25am Almost Naked Animals 7:35am Nerds and Monsters. Molting Day 7:50am Nerds and Monsters 8:05am Horrid Henry 8:20am Wishfart 8:30am Scrambled! 8:35am The Tom and Jerry Show 8:50am The Bagel and Becky Show 9:10am The Powerpuff Girls 9:30am Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays 10:05am Horrid Henry 10:25am Ferris Bueller's Day Off 12:25pm Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore 2:00pm ITV Racing: Live from Kempton 4:30pm E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial 6:50pm ITV Evening News 7:10pm Emmerdale 7:40pm Jurassic World 10:00pm Coronation Street 11:00pm ITV News 11:15pm Birds of a Feather
7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:15am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:40am Emmerdale 8:30am Coronation Street 9:20am Mr. Bean 9:55am Mr. Bean 10:25am You've Been Framed! Gold 11:25am Emmerdale 12:30pm Coronation Street 1:30pm Nanny McPhee 2:30pm FYI Daily 2:35pm Nanny McPhee 3:35pm A Bug's Life 4:35pm FYI Daily 4:40pm A Bug's Life 5:40pm Despicable Me 6:40pm FYI Daily 6:45pm Despicable Me 7:30pm Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 8:00pm Uncle Buck 9:05pm FYI Daily 9:10pm Uncle Buck 10:00pm Sherlock Holmes 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Sherlock Holmes 12:35am Family Guy
7:00am On the Buses 7:25am The Darling Buds of May 8:25am Agatha Christie's Marple 10:30am Carry on at Your Convenience 11:40am FYI Daily 11:45am Carry on at Your Convenience 12:25pm Carry on Matron 1:30pm FYI Daily 1:35pm Carry on Matron 2:15pm Carry on Abroad 3:20pm FYI Daily 3:25pm Carry on Abroad 4:05pm Carry on Girls 5:10pm FYI Daily 5:15pm Carry on Girls 5:55pm Carry On Forever 6:55pm Carry On Forever 8:00pm Carry On Forever 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm Lewis 1:00am The Booze Cruise 2 3:00am Housewife 49 4:40am The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes A feature-length case for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's celebrated cerebral sleuth.
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Song of the Sea Short Circuit The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Alvin and the Chipmunks Channel 4 News Child Genius v Celebrities Christmas Special The Great Christmas Bake Off The Little Mermaid Back to the Future Travel Man Big Fat Quiz of the Year Four Weddings and a Funeral The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA Location, Location, Location
7:00am Snooker v Darts Sports short film. 7:05am The Chase 7:55am The Chase 8:45am Cash Cowboys 9:50am British Touring Car Championship Season Review 11:45am The Professionals 12:45pm Minder 1:50pm The Protectors 2:25pm Tobruk 3:30pm FYI Daily 3:35pm Tobruk 4:35pm Escape to Victory 5:35pm FYI Daily 5:40pm Escape to Victory 6:55pm 633 Squadron 7:55pm FYI Daily 8:00pm 633 Squadron 9:00pm A Christmas Chase: Celebrity Special 10:00pm Lethal Weapon 3 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Lethal Weapon 3 12:20am Swordfish 1:20am FYI Daily 1:25am Swordfish 2:25am The Professionals 3:20am Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 4:10am The Big Fish Off 5:00am Fishing Allstars
TUESDAY TV
8:05am Paw Patrol 8:20am Noddy: Toyland Detective 8:30am Peppa Pig 8:40am Peppa Pig 8:50am Floogals 9:05am Digby Dragon 9:20am Rusty Rivets 9:35am Shimmer and Shine 9:50am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:10am Mofy 10:15am Access 10:25am Pets Make You Laugh Out Loud 11:00am Titanic 12:50pm Matinee:chariots of Fire 3:10pm Balmoral: A Hidden History 5:10pm Sandringham: The Queen at Christmas 6:15pm A Royal Night Out 8:00pm The Strictly Story: Fake Tan, Tangos and a Ten From Len 9:30pm Dirty Dancing: Making Movie Magic 11:00pm Dirty Dancing
7:00am Olive, the Other Reindeer 7:55am The Goldbergs 8:30am New Girl 8:55am Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts 9:10am Holiday in Handcuffs 11:00am Doctor Dolittle 3 12:50pm Toy Story Toons 1:00pm Brooklyn Nine-Nine 1:30pm Brooklyn Nine-Nine 2:00pm The Big Bang Theory 2:30pm The Big Bang Theory 2:55pm The Snowman 3:30pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 4:00pm The Big Bang Theory 4:30pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:30pm The Big Bang Theory 6:00pm Toy Story Toons 6:10pm Miracle on 34th Street 8:30pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm Tattoo Fixers 11:00pm Naked Attraction
7:00am SKY Sports News 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 10:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 11:00am Soccer Special PreMatch 12:00pm Soccer Special PreMatch 1:00pm Football 4:00pm Football 6:15pm Football 8:30pm Football 10:45pm My Icon 11:00pm Sky Sports News at Ten 12:00am SKY Sports News 1:00am SKY Sports News 2:00am Live WWE Late Night Smackdown 4:00am SKY Sports News 5:00am SKY Sports News
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7:00am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 7:30am The LEGO Batman Movie 9:20am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 9:50am John Wick: Chapter Two 11:55am Beauty and the Beast 2:10pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 4:30pm Olaf's Frozen Adventure 5:00pm The LEGO Batman Movie 6:50pm Beauty and the Beast 9:00pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 11:20pm John Wick: Chapter Two 1:25am Hidden Figures 3:35am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 4:05am Come and Find Me
10:00am 10:30am 10:45am 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol 11:20am Jack Reacher 1:40pm Jack Reacher: Never Go Back 3:40pm Independence Day: Resurgence 5:45pm The Bourne Identity 7:45pm Jack Reacher 10:00pm Jack Reacher: Never Go Back 12:00am The Dark Knight
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Special Groundhog Day Trading Places Dumb and Dumber Almost Christmas Bad Neighbours 2 Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story Bad Neighbours 2 Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Knocked Up Planes, Trains and Automobiles Miss Congeniality
11:45am 12:00pm 12:15pm 12:30pm 12:45pm 1:00pm 3:45pm 6:15pm 8:00pm 10:45pm 11:15pm 11:45pm 12:15am 12:45am 1:00am 3:45am
Revista de la Liga La Liga Icons La Liga Icons La Liga Icons La Liga Icons La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid La Liga Highlights: Barcelona La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid La Liga Highlights: Barcelona La Liga Highlights: Real Madrid La Liga Highlights: Barcelona Live Gillette Soccer Special Football Live Gillette Soccer Special Football EFL Goals: Championship Revista de la Liga La Liga World EFL Goals: Championship La Liga Icons Football EFL Goals: Championship
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FEATURE
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
www.euroweeklynews.com
TV Couch Critic THE CROWN (Netflix) has returned with all the drama, excitement, and Royal insight we were drawn to in Season One. Claire Foy continues to play a wonderful Elizabeth II, knocking the socks off a couple of Dames who have gone before her, but what has happened to her accent? I was reaching for the subtitles at one point. Surely if anyone should speak the Queen’s English, its Claire playing The Monarch? Stick with the accent though, Season Two doesn’t disappoint. If you enjoyed The Real Marigold Hotel series, check out The Real Marigold on Tour (BBC1 and 2 and Catchup). The original gang are split into two groups of four this time around, exploring what it is like to grow older in countries around the world. The series started in China, followed by Cuba, Iceland (where it was cold, who knew...) and will conclude in Thailand. Don’t be put off that the BBC didn’t venture to Spain, Marigold is just as good in Global Tour format. I’m not sure that any of the celebrities will be persuaded to uproot and move home though. It’s a good job
Mince pies, Crowns and the odd disaster
GREAT WATCH: The Real Marigold on Tour. too, where would the lovely Miriam Margolyes get her clothes and I’m not sure anyone but the Brits would understand Wayne Sleep, but it is an interesting way to sample life, albeit with a walking stick. I just hope our celebrities were able to fly First Class between filming. With no spoilers over the mince pies, what is happening in Soap Land as we head for Christmas?
WONDERFUL: Claire Foy in The Crown.
For the EastEnders (BBC1, nightly) we know there is trouble when Sharon Mitchell (still played by Letitia Dean) announces ‘Good knees up at The Vic, that’s what Christmas is all about.’ Well, not in my house Sharon, not even if Peggy was serving the drinks around the pool. We already know that Max Branning (Jake Wood) is consumed by revenge and wants to get back at every-
one who has wronged him. There is also a catastrophic event coming up for the Branning family. Feliz Navidad Albert Square. It looks as though life risks turning into a wild west show for the residents of Coronation Street (ITV1, nightly). Billy Mayhew is set to ride down the street guns blazing as Peter Barlow drives Todd Grimshaw and Summer out of Wakefield before taking revenge on
57
the vicar for being part of Susan’s death. All that’s needed are saloon doors on The Rovers and a stage coach rattling down the cobbles. Ken Barlow in a stetson anyone? Meanwhile on the farm, the cast of Emmerdale (ITV1, nightly) aren’t going to be fooled by Charity Dingle’s personal life apparently settling down. She deserves it given recent story lines, but has an explosive New Year coming up, rocking the all too short Christmas calm. I hope she has a Merry, but quiet Christmas. To finish this week, my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day recommendations include Dad’s Army (BBC2, Christmas Eve) is pure genius for those of us old enough; The Queen’s Speech (BBC & ITV, Christmas Day) isn’t Jungle winner Toff eating bugs, but the annual message from Her Majesty and finally the Christmas episode of Victoria (ITV1, Christmas Day). This episode of Victoria has been in development for over a year now. Expect snow, Prince Albert enjoying too much Christmas spirit and watch out for the number of Christmas trees, the Royal children had one each apparently. Happy viewing and Merry Christmas everyone.
58
E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
7:00am 8:45am 10:15am 11:45am 1:15pm 2:15pm 2:25pm 2:35pm 3:20pm 4:45pm 5:10pm 6:45pm 7:30pm 7:50pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:40am
1:40am 1:45am
Breakfast Match of the Day Turbo The Princess and the Frog Snow Bears BBC News BBC London News Father Brown Shrek 2 The Gruffalo Big Hero 6 Pointless BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind A Question of Sport Little Women The Miniaturist BBC News BBC London News Mrs. Brown's Boys Not Going Out Comic Relief 2017: A look at some of the projects helped by Comic Relief 2017. Weather for the Week Ahead BBC News
7:25am Mary Berry's Country House Secrets 8:25am An Island Parish 8:55am Bears 10:10am The Big Family Cooking Showdown 11:10am Nadiya's British Food Adventure 11:40am Nadiya's British Food Adventure 12:10pm The Sweet Makers: A Georgian Treat 1:10pm The Red Shoes 3:20pm World's Most Extraordinary Homes 4:20pm Inside the Factory 5:20pm The Man Who Never Was 7:00pm Thailand: Earth's Tropical Paradise 8:00pm Dad's Army 8:30pm Christmas University Challenge 2017 9:00pm Six Robots and Us 10:00pm Alan Partridge 11:00pm Oasis 12:55am NFL 1:45am Britpop at the BBC 2:45am Blur at Glastonbury
8:00pm Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2017: The Language of Life 10:00pm Turtle, Eagle, Cheetah: A Slow Odyssey 11:30pm Concorde 12:30am Bridging the Gap 1:30am Engineering Giants 2:30am Turtle, Eagle, Cheetah: A Slow Odyssey 4:00am Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2017: The Language of Life 5:00am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.
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7:40am 9:40am 10:40am 11:10am 11:35am 12:05pm 2:15pm 4:10pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am 1:50am 2:45am 3:35am 5:00am 5:55am
Short Circuit 2 Lego Masters The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Small Soldiers Sunshine on Leith Four Rooms with Sarah Beeny Channel 4 News Back to the Future Part II Hollyoaks The Supervet at Christmas Supershoppers Sales Special Miranda Does Christmas First Dates at Christmas East is East Very British Problems at Christmas That's So Last Century Britain's Favourite Superhero Location, Location, Location Four in a Bed
7:00am 7:10am 7:20am 7:25am 7:35am 7:50am 8:00am 8:05am 8:20am 8:30am 8:40am 8:50am 9:05am 9:20am 9:35am 9:50am 10:10am 10:15am 10:30am 11:30am 1:25pm 3:40pm 5:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 1:00am
7:00am 7:10am 7:15am 7:20am 7:35am 7:45am 8:00am 8:10am 8:25am 10:25am 12:25pm 1:25pm 1:55pm 2:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:50pm 12:05am 1:05am 1:55am 4:00am 4:50am
Sooty Oddbods Om Nom Stories Super 4 Super 4 Mr. Bean Mr. Bean Horrid Henry K-9 Twins Cannonball Christmas Special You've Been Framed! ITV Lunchtime News Midsomer Murders Tenable Tipping Point The Chase Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ITV News Tina and Bobby Get Shirty Jackpot247 May the Best House Win ITV Nightscreen
7:50am 8:15am 8:45am 9:35am 10:05am 10:35am 11:45am 12:45pm 12:50pm 1:30pm 2:35pm 3:00pm 4:05pm 5:10pm 5:15pm 5:50pm 6:55pm 7:00pm 7:45pm 8:50pm 8:55pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:05pm 12:40am 1:10am 1:35am 2:00am 2:30am
Mr. Bean Mr. Bean Britain's Got Talent Planet's Got Talent Emmerdale Coronation Street Planet 51 FYI Daily Planet 51 Catchphrase Emmerdale Coronation Street Beethovens 2nd FYI Daily Beethovens 2nd Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium FYI Daily Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Charlie and the Chocolate Factory FYI Daily Charlie and the Chocolate Factory White House Down FYI Daily White House Down Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy American Dad!
7:00am Jane Eyre 8:55am Agatha Christie's Marple 11:00am Goodnight Mister Tom 1:05pm Agatha Christie's Marple 3:15pm Carry on Up the Jungle Bawdy British comedy. 4:20pm FYI Daily The latest entertainment news. 4:25pm Carry on Up the Jungle Bawdy British comedy. T 5:10pm Carry on Dick 6:10pm FYI Daily The latest entertainment news. 6:15pm Carry on Dick 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Marple 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm Lewis 1:00am The Booze Cruise III 3:00am Goodnight Mister Tom 4:40am Jane Eyre
7:00am 7:15am 8:00am 8:25am 9:30am 10:35am 11:35am 12:40pm 1:45pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 5:35pm 6:45pm 7:10pm 8:05pm 8:35pm 9:00pm 10:00pm
11:05pm 12:10am 12:15am 1:35am 2:45am 2:50am 4:00am 4:40am 4:55am 5:40am
Football's Greatest The Chase The Protectors The Saint The Professionals Ironside Quincy, M.E. Minder ITV Racing: Live from Kempton Aces High FYI Daily Aces High Storage Wars Texas Cash Cowboys Pawn Stars Pawn Stars The Chase: The Bloopers Al Murray's Make Christmas Great Again Jaws FYI Daily Jaws Jaws 2 FYI Daily Jaws 2 Bear Grylls: Mission Survive ITV4 Nightscreen Ax Men The Professionals
Puffin Rock Poppy Cat Simon Bob the Builder Fireman Sam Thomas and Friends The Secret Life of Puppies Paw Patrol Noddy: Toyland Detective Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Floogals Digby Dragon Rusty Rivets Shimmer and Shine Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Mofy Cruising with Jane McDonald World's Strongest Man 2017 North Sea Hijack Operation Crossbow Operation Daybreak The Guns of Navarone World's Strongest Man 2017 Most Shocking Blind Date
11:40am Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 2:00pm The Dark Knight 4:40pm The Bourne Supremacy 6:30pm Captain America: Civil War 9:00pm Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 11:20pm Warcraft 1:30am The Bourne Supremacy
7:00am 9:00am 10:35am 12:25pm 2:35pm 4:50pm 6:35pm 9:00pm 11:10pm 12:50am 3:05am 5:00am
How to be Single Zoolander Zoolander 2 Bridget Jones's Baby Bridesmaids Fist Fight Jerry Maguire Bridget Jones's Baby Fist Fight Bridesmaids Our Brand is Crisis Dragnet
7:00am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:10am 11:00am 12:35pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 10:40pm 11:30pm 12:35am 1:10am
WEDNESDAY TV
Hollyoaks New Girl New Girl Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts A Monster in Paris Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Toy Story of Terror Toy Story That Time Forgot The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks I, Robot 8 Out of 10 Cats Naked Attraction The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory
4:05am Come and Find Me 6:10am The Top Ten Show 2017 6:30am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 7:00am John Wick: Chapter Two 9:05am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 9:35am The LEGO Batman Movie 11:30am Beauty and the Beast 1:45pm Olaf's Frozen Adventure 2:15pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 4:35pm Olaf's Frozen Adventure 5:05pm The Ottoman Lieutenant 7:10pm The LEGO Batman Movie 9:00pm Beauty and the Beast 11:15pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 1:35am John Wick: Chapter Two 3:50am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 4:20am The Ottoman Lieutenant
7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am 1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am 5:00am
Total Goals Total Goals Total Goals Good Morning Sports Fans Premier League Daily Christmas Transfer Centre Sky Sports Daily SKY Sports News Live World Championship Darts SKY Sports News SKY Sports News SKY Sports News Sky Sports Tonight Football Live World Championship Darts SKY Sports News SKY Sports News SKY Sports News SKY Sports News SKY Sports News SKY Sports News
2:45pm EFL Greatest Games 3:00pm SPFL Round Up Show 3:45pm SPFL Round Up Show 4:00pm SPFL Greatest Games 4:15pm SPFL Greatest Games 4:30pm Scottish Cup Greatest Games 4:45pm Scottish Cup Greatest Games 5:00pm SPFL Round Up Show 5:45pm SPFL Round Up Show 6:00pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:15pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:30pm Scottish Cup Greatest Games 6:45pm Scottish Cup Greatest Games 7:00pm SPFL Round Up Show 7:45pm SPFL Round Up Show 8:00pm SPFL Matters: Old Firm Special 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Celtics Invincibles
The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.
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21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
So at last a merry Xmas! Mike Senker
In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man ‘TIS the season to be merry! I don’t think so! Certainly not if you are trying to deal with multi-nationals. I’m going to the UK in January. I found a flight with Ryanair for €39 return which is a great price. Then I go to hire a car. I might have mentioned this before but I have dealt with Hertz since the mid ‘90s. The best they could offer was £160. I thought that seemed a bit expensive. I then recalled that Ryanair did car rental so I had a look at their prices and lo and behold they were offering the same car, from the same Hertz location for £55 so I booked it. Everything was the same - insurance, mileage etc. Done deal you might think. Nah, not Mr Grumpy. I got to thinking that’s not right so I tweeted Hertz and asked them how this could be. That’s when the fun started. They replied that third parties are cheaper but they often sell cars Hertz don’t have in stock. ‘Not a good answer,’ I replied, and simply said that you should never be able to get
something cheaper from a third party than going direct. I pointed out that most hotels have a price match policy otherwise what’s the point joining their loyalty programmes. Anyway, we to-and-froed for two days and they just kept sprouting some company policy BS saying that I wouldn’t get loyalty points and gold member service. I replied, ‘stuff your points and I’ll wait in line for 10 minutes to save a £100.’ I gave up with them and found a live chat option in their contact details so I went there. Even less joy! They said, ‘if you don’t like the price, book it somewhere else! It’s supply and demand.’ They finished with, ‘have a nice day and a Merry Christmas.’ Now I was steaming! I’m pretty relentless so I found a number in Oklahoma, called it and spoke to a lady called Terri. I explained the situation and two minutes later she says, ‘I can match that - sorry for the inconvenience.’ What? It’s as simple as that? ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I don’t know why nobody told you to call us in the first place.’ I asked to speak to her supervisor and told her how Terri had kept Hertz a customer so for once there was a happy ending. Oh and Ryanair cancelled my booking no problem so at last a Merry Xmas! columnists@euroweeklynews.com
Email mikesenker@gmail.com
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FEATURE
LEGALLY SPEAKING Staying safe this festive season – part one WE answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers. ALTHOUGH no specific threats have been received and the threat level in Spain remains the same as it has done for some time, it is inevitable that security measures will be increased to ensure that the festive period passes as safely as possible. Guardia Civil and police checkpoints will be in place in various locations. Although many of these will be traffic related, there will also be many others which are checking FESTIVE SAFETY: Take care out there. vehicles for security reasons. Once noticeable in key areas, as more officers are beagain we remind everyone of the importance of ing deployed, not only on foot, but on horseback not sharing the locations of these checkpoints and supported by their canine colleagues as well. should you see them, such as through social meA guide book was previously produced, and is dia, as this often gives those who may be intent still available, warning of the dangers, and curon criminal activity the opportunity to avoid derent information can always be obtained through tection. the three Twitter accounts, @policia, @interior If you are stopped at a checkpoint the advice gob and @polprvalencia, which are the National remains the same too. Stay calm and act on the Police, Interior Ministry and Valencia Police reinstructions of the officers involved. If you have spectively. nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear and you One of the most frequent incidents the police will be on your way in a very short space of time. have to deal with is lost children. It’s not only on the roads where danger lurks at The police recommend the obvious, keeping a Christmas time, which is why the police also ofclose eye on children at all times, but also the less fer a wealth of advice on how to stay safe, with obvious, such as ensuring the child knows their the hope of making shoppers and traders aware name and a telephone number to contact in emerof potential risks, thus hoping to reduce the numgencies. They also recommend a wrist band or ber of scams, thefts and robberies that often occur bracelet with the name and contact number of the in areas where large crowds gather. parents printed or engraved on it. A greater presence of police officers will be For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.
Has he got an unpaid traffic fine? You once wrote that traffic and parking fine violations expire if the authorities do not notify you within three months. I hired a car in Malaga and four months later the car hire company took 40 euros from my account. It took them a month to tell me that this was for ‘administration’ then two further emails to get them to tell me that this related to a parking violation. Six months later, I have had no notification from Trafico, and searching the Internet with my NIE number and the car registration number reveals no outstanding fines. Does the three-month rule apply to me? Will there be a big fine accumulating somewhere? A S (Costa del Sol) R e l a x . H e re i s w h a t p ro b a b l y h a p p e n e d . Yo u g o t a parking ticket. The ticket w a s c h a rg e d t o t h e c a r h i re c o m p a n y a n d t h e y paid it. Standardly, park-
David Searl You and the Law in Spain
i n g t i c k e t s a re € 6 0 o r half that if paid in 20
days. So the company charged you €30 for the ticket plus a €10 fee for administration. No further action required and no big unpaid fine is accumulating.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
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E W N 21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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Quick
Across 1 Performs on stage, appearing after John (4) 3 Accepts devious beer scam (8) 9 Around lake there’s poor cover (7) 10 Girl from German-Italian background (5) 11 Boy gets the French serving spoon (5) 12 Point to prime kind of silly smile (6) 14 Dehydration results from a scruffy T-shirt (6) 16 A predicament caused by disorderly capers (6) 19 Engineers model for peace of mind (6) 21 Jolly pirate emblem (5) 24 Old Testament character, New Testament incident (5) 25 Repeat some of the composite rates (7) 26 Late drink that goes to your head? (8) 27 Early historian’s sleeping place on boat (4)
Greek (7) 7 Hit one’s friends back (4) 8 The rest from the Isley Brothers (6) 13 Dog with no tail - get back! (8) 15 Some nice Bergen sandwiches contain lettuce (7) 17 Floor covering from Oscar
Code Breaker
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FACING PAGE
Peterson’s house (6) 18 About end product in a lightsensitive area (6) 20 A group of eight musicians etc to reform (5) 22 Amazing girl? (5) 23 An average sort of name (4)
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 13 represents J and 26 represents G, so fill in J every time the figure 13 appears and G every time the figure 26 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.
CROSSWORD PAGE
Cryptic
Down 1 A sailor, Spanish sun, midJanuary, end of August and June, it’s perfect (8) 2 Dainty daughter making cloth (5) 4 Gloomy doctor got up (6) 5 Kingdom in actual miles (5) 6 Throw me a rich fire-breathing
TIME
SPONSORED BY
Across 1 Neat and tidy (4) 3 Overdue (4) 7 Allured or enticed (9) 8 Mother of your father or mother (7) 11 Kept from happening or arising (9) 12 Digits of the foot (4) 13 Boundary of a surface (4)
Down 1 Snare (4) 2 Intervene (9) 4 Tried (9) 5 Finishes (4) 6 Frequented by a ghost (7) 9 Dot (4) 10 Not in action or at work (4)
English - Spanish
Across 1 Simpático (4) 3 Té de especias (5,3) 9 Pavos (7) 10 Mary (5) 11 Visita (5) 12 Uno de los renos de Santa (6) 14 Caramelo (6) 16 Hug (6) 19 Ivy (6) 21 Cometa (5)
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
24 Reindeer (5) 25 Happiness (cheerfulness) (7) 26 Shepherds (8) 27 Himno (4) Down 1 Natividad (8) 2 Corchos (5) 4 Inn (6) 5 Beds (5) 6 Card (greetings) (7)
7 To roast (4) 8 Sofá (6) 13 Tren de juguete (3,5) 15 Amigos (7) 17 Reñir (6) 18 Desfile (6) 20 Wish (5) 22 Alegre (5) 23 Envolver (con papel) (4)
LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
22
25
35
45
46
57
IRISH LOTTO Saturday December 16
‘ IT’S SO BRIGHT THAT STAR COULD BE ANOTHER WORLD! ’ 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.
Nonagram
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.
1
21
33
37
38
40
BONUS BALL
8
Tuesday December 12
BONUS BALL
37
39
4
TARGET: • Average: 15 • Good: 20
• Very good: 29 • Excellent: 38
8
50
44
Friday December 15
BONUS BALL
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
25
able ably alee ally bald bale ball bell belt blat bled dale deal dele dell eely lade lady late lead leal tael tale tall teal tell yell alley badly baldy baled bally belay belle belly betel blade bleat bleed dally dealt delay delta elate label ladle lated table tally telly baldly ballet beadle belled belted elated lately tabled yelled belated belayed bleated eyeball labeled elatedly BELATEDLY
30
31
11
EL MILLON: TVX66431 LA PRIMITIVA
Sudoku
Thursday November 14
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.
25
28
31
35
44
48
BONUS BALL
47 6
JOKER: 8 001 577 Saturday December 16
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
16
19
28
45
48
49
BONUS BALL
17 8
JOKER: 6 940 439 EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA 8 28
20 48
BONUS BALL
4
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
CRYPTIC
Across:
Across:
1 Taste, 4 Screw, 10 Enter, 11 Miracle, 12 Opciones, 13 Cups, 15 Driest, 17 Museum, 19 Crew, 20 Patinaje, 23 Charlar, 24 Event, 25 Odiar, 26 Estar.
Down: 2 Attic, 3 Tortoise, 5 Caro, 6 Enchufe, 7 Reloj de cuco, 8 Amber, 9 Pensamiento, 14 Business, 16 Iceland, 18 Carry, 21 Arena, 22 Alba.
1 Steward, 5 Topic, 8 Reach, 9 Arizona, 10 Pale ale, 11 Upset, 12 Retire, 14 Tender, 17 Valet, 19 Ironing, 21 Scourge, 22 Hedge, 23 Doses, 24 Solvent.
Down: 1 Strip, 2 Epaulet, 3 Ash, 4 Drapes, 5 Tribune, 6 Plots, 7 Chatter, 12 Revised, 13 Retorts, 15 Dwindle, 16 Misers, 18 Lions, 20 Guest, 22 Hal.
QUICK Across: 1 Spud, 4 Ache, 7 Miss, 8 Taps, 9 Sue, 10 Wish, 11 Roam, 12 Ohm, 13 Peru, 14 Ajar, 15/6 Set off, 16 Cede, 17 Hide.
Down: 2 Privilege, 3 Dosshouse, 4 Aftermath, 5 Haphazard.
CODE BREAKER
Who is trying to push you into a corner? Maybe it is being done so subtly that you have not even noticed. Who wants a decision from you? Appear to take pressure lightly and not give in to an irritation. There is some jealousy this week but refuse to be drawn into petty matters..
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A rather slow start to the week leads you to feel bored but be assured that the weekend will be far from dull. A recent conversation or correspondence with an old friend leads to unexpected contact.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Everything on the home front is emphasised and there will be a flurry of activity. Get others involved in any changes. Work in the garden or painting is much more enjoyable and half the work if you enlist the help of someone you get on well with.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)
Sunday December 17
2
It is difficult to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past. Your approach to certain situations has not changed and therein lies the problem. Someone who blames you for a mistake shows ignorance but that does not make it less upsetting.
2
50
42
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
EURO MILLIONS
20
YOUR STARS
BONUS BALL
14
ENGLISH-SPANISH
63
FOR NEXT 7 DAYS
Saturday December 16
Kakuro
EWN
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VIEW ON LIFE
MADDOCKS’
OUT
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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KAKURO
When discussing a holiday with others, be aware that agreement is not always easily met. Although you are not inclined to compromise, it is necessary to go with the majority decision.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) After the 22nd it is much easier to see the path ahead. This is particularly true of a financial situation, so there's no sense in fussing until you understand what needs to be done. Someone who has in the past been unco-operative is more flexible. You wonder at this and try to see an ulterior motive, but it is most likely that they have seen the error of their past actions. Is it possible for you to take them on trust?
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Your attention is needed on more than one front, and some decisions are at odds with your personal thoughts and attitudes. Being reminded that 'business is business' does nothing to relieve your conscience.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Are you willing to take a risk on someone who has let you down before? Looking into their recent past is likely to tip the balance. What you find shows clearly if there has been a change of heart on their part or if they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) A disagreement with a friend upsets you but is short-lived. To avoid such a situation in the future, look at how you should have dealt with it. There is always something to know that guides us to a better position. It will make you smile that someone has taken you for a fool because you have the last laugh.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A great feeling of joy comes over you more than once in the week ahead. Your inner child has been set free, and this is likely to be because of recent restrictions, which are now lifted. Do not feel guilty about this because it is a choice that will serve you well in the future. Right now, things may seem like a bit of an effort for small reward.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Travel arrangements may have to be changed at the last minute. Do not fret, however, because success is more likely later in the month. During a dream, or when reading a book, an idea comes to you. Can this really make a difference to your future? You may need to act quickly to start a new project but progress will require patience.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The need to plan ahead is frustrating when you know exactly what ought to be going on. Patience is something that you need to cultivate, or you risk upsetting someone close. Spending time with a colleague makes you realise how good things could be, but a lot of effort is involved.
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Costa Blanca South
21 - 27 December 2017
V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W. E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M
TO READ MORE
HEALTH BEAUTY
&
Advertising feature
Medcare - total health, dental and beauty solutions FOR 12 years, over 10,000 expats on the Costa Blanca have trusted Medcare for its GP services - but what many people do not realise is that Medcare is much more than just a GP clinic. Medcare brings together the best medical professionals to offer GP care, dentistry, complementary therapies, aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery. With clinics in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi, Medcare caters for all the Costa Blanca. The majority of patients are British, but also Dutch and Scandinavian patrons benefit from Medcare’s services. Run on NHS and Department of Health Guidelines, all the services you would find at a GP practice in the UK are available - including nursing and health screening.
Medcare’s dental clinic, at its Benijofar centre, is run by experienced British dentist, Tim Holt. Everything from general dentistry to implants, teeth whitening and invisible teeth alignment is offered. Knowing they are getting experience, first-class treatments and affordable price, dental patients come from all over Europe. Another major positive for Medcare’s dentistry service is that dental implants are offered from just €995 per implant! This is one of the best prices in the area. Complementary services at Medcare include psychotherapy and osteopathy. All the therapists are either British or speak English fluently, making a visit to one of Medcare’s therapists an easy and comfortable experience. Free initial appointments are available for complementary
FACIAL TREATMENT: You will be in safe hands. services - just call the clinic’s friendly Englishspeaking receptionists to find out more. With a dedicated aesthetics suite at its Benijofar clinic, Medcare offers the most up-to-date procedures and the best professionals to provide safe and effective treatments. Medcare leads the way on the Costa Blanca in non-surgical face-lifting, Botox, fillers, radiofrequency (Exilis) and much more. It is reassuring to know that the doctor at Medcare is fully licensed, insured and registered, as is required by Spanish law to administer injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers. You will be in safe hands. Book a free consultation to find out what Medcare aesthetics can do for you.
OLIVIA is the Aesthetics Products Coordinator. Medcare also work closely with top cosmetic surgeons and once again offers free consultations so you can discuss in detail your surgical requirements and discuss what procedure might be suitable for you. With Medcare, you know you are choosing a reputable surgeon and Medcare’s medical and support staff will be there to help you every step of the way, including aftercare. To find out more about any of Medcare’s services call 966 860 258, email doctors@med carespain.com, or visit medcarespain.com to sign up for Medcare’s free newsletter.
HEALTH & BEAUTY THINK you are teaching your children responsible drinking by giving them a glass of wine with that meal? It might be time to think again after researchers claimed allowing youngsters to drink before 14 could harm their development. The technique employed by many parents to slowly introduce their children to alcohol in a controlled environment was previously thought to encourage healthier attitudes towards alcohol later in life, preventing binge drinking. Proponents often point out that the French, who are known to have more liberal attitudes towards giving children alcohol, have fewer problems with anti-social street drinking. Researchers at University College London have found this argument does not stand, however. Professor Jennifer Maggs, the study’s lead author, explained, “that is a myth,” adding, “street drinking is more of a problem in the UK than Europe, but heavy drinking at home
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STAY SOBER: Giving them alcohol at a young age could harm children’s development.
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is still a problem.” Katherine Brown, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, agreed with the findings, saying, “the Chief Medical Officer recommends that an alcohol-free childhood is best, with children not drinking any alcohol before the age of 15.” She added, “this is important guidance because alcohol can harm children given their bodies and brains are not yet fully developed. It is worrying to see that this advice may not be getting across to parents, who are trying to do their best to teach their children about alcohol.” The study showed middleclass parents were most likely to give their child alcohol. Parents with ‘routine’ or ‘semi-routine’ jobs were 43 per cent more likely to give their children alcohol than unemployed parents, while those in ‘managerial’ or ‘professional’ jobs were 66 per cent more likely, and those who are self-employed 82 per cent more likely.
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Sunscreen still matters
FEVER: Home remedies are great at relieving flu symptoms. WHILE it most certainly ‘tis the season to be jolly, an unfortunate side effect of the festive period can be suffering from colds and flu. And with Australian Flu making its way around the world, we may start to worry about contracting an illness, especially the very old, very young or immune compromised. Luckily a panel of experts have shared their tips with one publication for avoiding colds and flu this winter, with one anti-ageing doctor, Dr David Jack, explaining vitamin C is vital, saying, I really don’t think you can get enough of it. If I feel a cold or sniffle coming on - I add two Berocca tablets to my shake, which seems to really stop anything nasty in its tracks. Meanwhile, nutritionist Sarah Flower says, “I swear by adding a good quality probiotic daily. This not
Flu season only ensures your bowel is in good health but also boosts your immune system dramatically.” Dr Rachel Carlton Abrams had some surprising advice, however, explaining, Elderberry and echinacea are as effective as Tamiflu in reducing length and severity of flu symptoms.” She added she also recommends vitamin C supplements as well as “fresh garlic chopped and mixed in honey applied to the back of the throat every several hours throughout the first day or two of illness.” Finally, one dermatologist, Dr
Daniel Glass, says he swears by home remedies your grandmother might have recommended, explaining, “I find it incredibly beneficial to sweat out a cold in a sauna, or eat a bowl of chicken soup as the vegetables included have good nutritional benefits. “For example, the carrots contain beta-carotene and the celery contains vitamin C, both of which support the immune system and fight off infections. In addition, the onions in chicken soup provide antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and act as an anti-histamine.”
AS the Baz Lurhmann song goes, we all know we should wear sunscreen. And even though it’s not nearly as sunny in Spain as in the summer months, harmful UV rays still pierce clouds, reaching our skin with potentially harmful consequences. But it’s not just enough to remember to wear sun lotion, it also matters how you apply it according to dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook. Speaking to one publication, Dr Cook explained there are several cardinal sins most of us are guilty of when apply sunscreen, beginning with not applying enough. She explained, “There is an exponential doseprotection level relation, which means if you under-apply by half, you are effectively getting only a quarter of the correct SPF protection,” clarifying, “If it’s a teaspoon per face and one for each limb - let alone your back - a 100ml bottle will only last you a couple of applications.” She also explains we should wait at least 20 minutes after applying before going in the sun. Next, the dermatologist says we should be applying lotion more frequently, aiming for twice every two hours as these
creams are not sweat and waterproof even if they are resistant. Dr Cook also warns we should not make the mistake of believing a tan will give us any sun protection, explaining this skin colouration is instead a sign of damage. She explained, “it’s a warning your DNA is being damaged and not the signs of a healthy glow.” Lastly, she explains using aerosol sprays or covering up with a t-shirt will probably not give us enough protection, explaining UV rays get through white fabrics while aerosols leave us with a too-thin layer of sunscreen.
KEEP SAFE: It’s still important to wear suscreen in winter months.
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the palate or the WE’VE all been tongue.’ Next he there. You’re at a suggests avoiding party and someone anything too hot, offers you a too cold or too canapé. It doesn’t spicy for several seem too hot so days, explaining, you put the whole “Anything cold, thing in our mouth hot or spicy will only for it to turn aggravate the out to be roughly burn, you want to the temperature of make sure everymolten lava. thing is room temAs you wince perature.” back tears you take For the two days a sip of a cold after burning your drink which unformouth, Dr Euntunately does very jung Jo recomlittle to calm the mends avoiding inferno raging on acidic drinks, inthe roof of your CHILL OUT: Soft food helps soothe the cluding coffee mouth and tongue. mouth after eating food that is too hot. with milk. He exHandily, a New plained, “soda, York-based dentist wine and coffee are incredibly acidic, has shared his tips for how to treat such meaning they will irritate skin as it’s an affliction just in time for canapé seahealing, potentially delaying the entire son. process.” It is also important to keep your Dr Eunjung Jo from Astor Smile Dental mouth clean to prevent infection. The explains while we may joke about burning dentist advises using mouthwash and our mouths he often treats people suffering brushing teeth thoroughly to prevent bacfrom first degree burns inflicted by hot teria building up. food, mostly involving melted cheese. Lastly, if you are struggling to heal, try He recommends sticking to a ‘soft a medicated mouthwash which will help food’ diet for the days after the burn, inspeed up your healing time. cluding rice dishes which ‘won’t irritate Photo by Marbella Insider/Facebook
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WE all know we’re meant to wash our hands regularly throughout the day. But even the most fastidious of us can fall down when it comes to ensuring we have washed them thoroughly. Luckily, a microbiologist from the University of Oregon has given one publication tips on making sure you get rid of as many germs as possible. Michelle Sconce explained there are two approaches we can take. She says the first is to help bacteria slip off our hands as we wash them by using enough soap and working up a good amount of lather. The second is to actually kill the bacteria with antibacterial soaps. There may be a problem with the second approach, however, with long-term use of certain anti-bacterial agents possibly harmful to your health. There is also a risk the soap will not kill resistant bacteria, allowing them free reign to spread when all the other bacteria has been killed.
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Appendicitis symptoms vary
GERM FREE: Make sure you scrub your hands thoroughly when you wash them. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention instead suggests using familiar song Happy Birthday to ensure we wash out hands for long enough. The body recommends singing the song twice, totally around 20 or
30 seconds, while applying soap lather to every parts of your hands before rinsing them well with clean running water. It is then important to dry hands with a ‘clean paper towel’ or allow them to air dry.
The authority also explains an alcohol-based hand sanitiser will make an appropriate substitute if soap and water are not available. Look for a make that contains at least 60 per cent ethanol.
Hospital Quironsalud holds charity concert HOSPITAL QUIRONSALUD TORREVIEJA’S solidarity Christmas campaign 2017 The Christmas Charity Quironsalud Project finished successfully in the main entrance of the Hospital. The British International Christian Assembly choir (ICA) gave a concert putting a finishing touch to the campaign. The solidarity campaign took place from December 1-13 and consisted of collecting toys and Christmas cakes/pastries in benefit of the Alimentos Solidarios and Caritas of Torrevieja charities.
The Association of Estate Agencies from the Vega Baja (ASIVEGA) collaborated by giving a donation of €500 for both charities, and more than 50 other associations of foreign residents in the area also took part. The campaign has been present on social media with the hashtag #Xmas4all and, under the motto ‘Join Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja’s solidarity campaign."’ The toys or Christmas cakes/pastries were left at the information point located at the hospital’s main entrance.
About Quirónsalud Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc, as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.
SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. What is the appendix for? The appendix is an elongated structure found in the large intestine. Although not a vital structure, it has functions that relate to the immune system and defensive capacity of the body. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is an inflammation of the structure which causes it to increase significantly in size and cause a potentially dangerous infection. When does it usually happen? This is variable and there is no fixed rule. In general, appendicitis occurs when the appendix is obstructed by faecal debris, which is the main reason it becomes inflamed and infected. How do you know if someone has appendicitis? Appendicitis normally causes acute abdominal pain below the navel on the right-hand side of the
body, alongside discomfort, fever and diarrhoea, although this can vary with symptoms emerging slowly over time. It can sometimes cause an infection that is transmitted to other parts of the abdomen - known as peritonitis - or even pass to the rest of the body via the blood. The latter scenario is potentially deadly. Surgery to remove the infected appendix and a course of intravenous antibiotics may then be necessary. When should I get medical help? If you have pain in the lower right abdomen coupled with some of the above symptoms you should go to the hospital urgently. If appendicitis is suspected they will run a series of blood tests, ultrasound, or even x-rays. Is there any way to prevent appendicitis? No, there is no clear evidence of any measure which stops appendicitis.
If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com
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Update on food, drink, entertainments, what’s on and weekly happenings
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INTERNATIONAL FLAIR: A taste of the world at the always popular Sabores.
Sabores offers flavours for all tastes IN just a few weeks, the very popular Sabores restaurant at La Marquesa Golf will be celebrating its second anniversary but first comes New Year’s Eve. This is the third restaurant to be opened by the family who own the well-established and much respected Taj Mahal Indian and Rialto Italian restaurants in nearby Benimar. Sabores is all about combining the best of the flavours from these two restaurants and adding an international flair with a hint of Spain and Mexico as well. This mix of different tastes has very quickly proven to be a great hit with visitors and residents
alike as there is such a wide variety on the menu that the British love for curries is amply catered for whilst those who prefer their food a little less spicy will also find it easy to choose the ideal dish. Bookings are always recommended at this time of year but the New Year’s Eve event which last year saw enthusiastic ‘Bollywood Dancers’ features guitar maestro Daz who will be performing a selection of everyone’s favourite anthems. To make a reservation for this event and to find out about their second anniversary celebrations call Sabores on 865 772 999 where the friendly staff will be only too happy to
chat about your party. There is a fresh, airy and modern look to Sabores which occupies large premises in the commercial centre. There is a lovely outside terrace, perfect for watching the world go by as you enjoy a lunchtime drink and tapas or an evening meal with friends and family if the weather stays clement. Children are well catered for making it a popular destination for families and the restaurant which is generally open from noon to 11pm also offers a take away service. In a very short time, Sabores has become one of the top restaurants in the Rosales area on Tri-
pAdvisor and comments are almost exclusively very glowing, appealing as it does to Spanish and expatriate visitors. Check out Sabores to see what they have to offer as it’s guaranteed that an Indian, Italian, Mexican, Spanish menu will ensure that there is something tasty to suit every palate. Sabores Calle Quesada Ballester 1, Local 8 Campo de Golf La Marquesa, Rojales Tel: 865 772 999 www.facebook.com/pg/saboreslamarquesa/
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Arabian nights THE Rojales Pantomime Group’s cast and crew are putting the final touches to their pantomime ‘Alibaba and the Forty Thieves.’ A dedicated team and new cast members are pulling out all the stops in every way possible to bring the audience another fun-filled pantomime. ‘Alibaba and the Forty Thieves’ is one of the most famous stories from the ‘One Thousand and One Nights.’ The script has been updated but still retains its traditional pan-
tomime atmosphere and humour. There will be lots of songs and dance numbers, as well as slapstick humour, jokes and audi-
ence participation with hissing and booing definitely encouraged. The cast will include children from ‘Essence Dance and Fitness’ helping to make up the chorus. A happy ending is a certainty but you will have to visit the Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos on January 11, 12 and 13 to find out the rest. Tickets cost €7 (€5 for children). Visit the web site w w w. r o jalespantomime. com for details of outlets selling tickets near you or for more information call Christine on: 678 212 034 or email: shimserv@gmail. com. THICK AS THIEVES: Cast members get into the panto spirit.
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MURCIA City Council’s Department of Tourism, Culture and the Environment has organised various activities across the city and surrounding region to get people in the festive spirit. The programme of activities includes special concerts, films, workshops and even a nativity scene made out of books. The Archaeological Museum of Murcia (MAM) will host a special exhibition to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening, as well as ‘The Sounds of Christmas’ and ‘The Tree of Wishes’ workshops. On Friday December 29 at 8pm it will also host a concert of Christmas carols and ‘aguilandos’ (traditional Spanish folksongs). Meanwhile, the Murcia Museum of Fine Arts (Mubam) has opened its ‘Murcian Painters’ exhibition which features work from the local community. It also has various Christmas workshops for children, including ‘The Camel’s Journey’ where children have to follow a trail to find King Melchior’s camel which got lost in the museum. There will also be festive workshops at the Santa Clara Monastery and Museum and the ‘El Cigarralejo’ Museum of Iberian Art in Mula. A Christmas concert will also
be held today (Thursday) at 8pm in the Murcia General Archive which will feature pieces from both local and well-known composers. The Murcia Regional Library has its own range of seasonal activities on offer that celebrate the art of storytelling, including a workshop where children get to read while in the company of dogs. The Regional Film Library Francisco Rabal in Murcia City has organised a series of classic Disney film screenings, including Peter Pan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland from December 26 to 30 at 12pm. The films can be enjoyed for free if you bring along an item of food to donate to the charity Caritas, which helps people living in poverty in the region. The ‘Bethlehem of books’ in the Cendeac centre is a must-see for those looking for an alternative to the traditional Spanish nativity scenes that can be found across the city. Finally, the Victor Villegas Auditorium will play host to a variety of shows, including the Saravasti Quartet’s ‘Extraordinary Christmas Concert’ on December 28, the Murcia Youth Orchestra on January 2 and the Murcia Symphony Orchestra’s New Year concert on January 4.
RIOJA may be the most famous national wine region, but Ribera del Duero is no slouch. A Spanish Denominacion de Origen (DO) located within Castile and León, Ribera del Duero is one of several wine-producing regions along the Duero river where the mainly flat and RIBERA DEL DUERO: Intense, long-lived wines. rocky terrain undulates between 750 and 911 metres above sea level. The rainfall is moderate tremely long-lived wines. bec and Merlot. with long dry The ageing requirements These wellsummers and for Ribera del Duero are the ageing, full-bodtemperatures of same used in Rioja. Wines ied and deep ruup to 40c, follabelled as Crianza must age by colour wines lowed by harsh two years with 12 months in with aromas of winters. by Lorenzo oak; Reserva for at least strawberries, Viticulture arBarbareschi three years with at least 12 fresh tobacco, rived in the remonths in oak while Gran leather and often gion with BeneReserva must spend five highly oaked are excellent dictine monks in the 12th years ageing prior to release, with grilled vegetables and century although wine was including two in oak. red meats. produced locally 2,000 Famous regional producWhereas Rioja and Ribera years ago. ers are Viña Sastre, Vega Sidel Duero are distinctive as Ribera del Duero DO cilia, Bodegas Arzuaga a result of the different terwine is derived almost exNavarra and Dominio de rains, both regions produce clusively from red grapes, in Pingus, with the British wines selected for long ageparticular Tinto Fino (local Royal family among cusing with complex vinificaname for Tempranillo), and tomers. tion procedures. often complemented with Happy tasting! These lead to intense, exCabernet Sauvignon, Mal-
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SWEET MUSIC: Alt-J returns to Murcia next summer to play the WAM music festival.
Geared up for summer IT has been confirmed that the English indie rock band A lt-J w ill pe rform a t the next WAM music festival in Murcia. The band confirmed that they are among the first acts confirmed for the festival on the ir s oc ia l me dia a c counts and are expected to play tracks from their new album ‘Relaxer’ which was
released earlier this year. Al t - J f or m ed i n 2007 whi l e t he m em ber s wer e students at Leeds University. They released their debut album ‘An Awesome Wave’ in May 2012 and won the British Mercury Prize the same year. Their second album ‘ Thi s I s Al l Your s’ went straight to number one in the UK when it was re-
leased in 2014. Other artists confirmed for the festival - which will take place on May 4 and 5 at Murcia’s Recinto la Fica - include Izal, Vitalic and Ivan Ferreiro. Ti cket s f or t he event can be bought from t he f est i val s websi t e: www.wammurcia.es, starting from €33.
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What a scene! Credit: Paco Abril /Twitter
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FESTIVE: The nativity scene in San Javier celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. NATIVITY scenes are a staple of Spanish Christmas decor, with larger versions found dotted around most villages, towns and cities. The Costa Blanca is no exception, where a whole host of these displays depicting the birth of Jesus can be found including some more unusual variations on the theme. A favourite among children, the Playmobil at the Las Claras Cultural Centre in Murcia City is made entirely from the toys and even features a special hidden figure for visitors to find. Across town, locals and tourists alike can
go check out the live nativity scene at the Glorieta de España which features live actors playing the parts of Mary, Jesus etc from December 26 to 30 between 4pm and 10pm. There will also be theatre performances telling the story of the nativity on December 26, 28 and 30 at 6pm. Meanwhile, one of the largest nativity scenes in Europe can be found in the coastal town of San Javier. Situated in the town’s Plaza de España square, the display has more than 1,200 figures and will stretch out for over 520 square metres from tomorrow (Friday) until the first week of January.
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That’s magic ALICANTE City Council’s Culture Department has organised a programme of festive activities titled ‘Juganadal’ as part of their ‘culture in the neighbourhood’ programme. The events will run from December 26 to 30, from 11.30pm to 1.30pm, and include giant wooden games for children and a magic show by Adrian Carratala. The location will change e v e r y d a y, s t a r t i n g a t t h e Plaza del Sol on December 26, then on to the Plaza de l a Vi ñ a o n D e c e m b e r 2 7 , Plaza de Los Angeles on December 28, Plaza Castellon on December 29 and the Plaza Navarro Rodriguez on December 30. There will also be music performances on December 26 and 28 in the Parque Lo Morant.
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HAPPY FACES: The Rascals performed for residents in the Rojales care home.
Age Concern spreads Christmas VOLUNTEERS from Age Concern spent an hour or two with the English and Spanish residents of Residencia 3 Edad Mediterraneo Care Home in Rojales for their annual carol concert. Over two dozen residents sat in the garden and joined in with Christmas carols sung in both English and Spanish by the popular Rascals choir. The Rascals - who are extremely supportive of Age Concern and everything they do - also distributed tam-
bourines and hand-bells to the residents, which they all had fun playing. Papa Noel made an appearance and handed a Christmas gift of chocolates to all the residents followed by the C a r e H o m e s t a ff c o m i n g o u t w i t h trays of delicious biscuits, cakes and a Christmas tipple for all. This care home is very close to the heart of Age Concern as every Friday many volunteers give their time, willi n g l y, t a k i n g r e s i d e n t s o u t o f t h e
Home for a stroll around Rojales. Two or three more volunteers, especially any Spanish speakers, could boost their volunteer team and give pleasure to people less fortunate. If you could give a couple of hours on a Friday (there is a rota system) and would be willing to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of Care Home residents, please telephone the Age Concern Centre on: 966 786 887.
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Classy cribs on the Costa ALMOST one in four luxury properties in Spain can be found on the Costa Blanca. A new report from Luxury Estate, which offers 400,000 properties across 120 countries, provides some unique insight into Spain’s luxury market. It notes that Spain has more luxury homes, valued at more than €700,000 and meeting certain aesthetic criteria, than anywhere else in Europe. There are around 60,000 luxury properties on sale right now across Spain. Twenty two per cent of them can be found on the Costa Blanca. The average price paid for a luxury home in Spain is €3 million. Prices range all the way up to €80 million for the most glamorous estates in Mallorca. The average luxury villa
LUXURY: Plush modern villas are hot stuff. costs €2.1 million. Buyers of luxury properties in Spain unsurprisingly have particular tastes. Seven in 10 want a villa, while just one in 10 are looking for a plush apartment. The rest opt for spectacular countryside re-
treats. Newly built homes are favoured and the most in-demand features are a panoramic view, swimming pool and beach access. For those with a little extra to spend, private beaches are highly sought-after.
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GRAEME TYRRELL IT is always a challenge to prepare for the festive season with all the available decorations in the market place t o c o m p l e m e n t th e way you wish to celebrate the Christmas/New Year season. If you have pot plants on your balcony, terrace or indoors, you have the opportunity to infuse the festive spirit into your home simply by adding decorations to the plants and pots that you already have. Just adding some ribbons or decorative paper around the pot s g i v e s a n e w p erspective and interest in the plants t h a t y o u m a y h a v e been caring for all year. A sprinkle of glitter and some interesting objects to dangle from the plants that suit your preferences can inspire a new admiration for your plants and provide a festive environment for the home. Larg e r p l a n t s c a n h a v e Christmas lights added in
proportion to the size of the tree or plant. There are so many different forms of coloured lights available, both solar and mains power, to suit the location of the plants. If you have a larger tree in y o u r g ard en , a d d ing lights really does change the ambience of the long, cold, dark winter nights into a brighter display to add the cheer that the festive season can bring. The traditional Christmas tree is not always suitable for everyone’s lifestyle. The type of Christmas tree used to celebrate the festive season varies in different countrie s ac c o rd in g to t he species of trees that are available in the region. The most popular traditio n a l tre e s a re c o n ife r plants such as fir, spruce a n d p in e b u t c o n c e rn for harvesting any of the trees for only a few weeks use has an environmental impact that is well worth considering. If space in your home is a n is s u e th en s u c h large
EXTRAVAGANT: Decorating a patio for Christmas. species of Christmas trees can be difficult to accommoda te in a fla t or a pa rtment. It makes sense to look at local traditions. In the Mediterranean the nativity scenes with miniature landscapes and figures has a stronger tradition than the Christmas trees which is a tradition that evolved in the more northern regions of Europe. If you have the time and plants it can be an interesting oc c upa tion to c re a te your own miniature landscape no matter how small or large. To make use of the plants that you have and perhaps obtaining a few additional, traditional plants, such as the poins e ttia or othe r favourites for the creation of a decorative zone on the balcony, terrace or in the garden, will not only spruce up your green spaces but also add cheer and goodwill to your neighbourhood.
PERMACULTURE EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Telephone: 666 33 33 35 info@permamed.org http://permamed.org/
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Celebrating the festive season with your own decorated garden plants
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Secrets to feeding your dog David THE Dogman LISTEN to David on TRE on Saturdays 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9fm, 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 columnists@ewnmediagroup.com
DOG foods do vary in quality. So do the companies that make the foods. To some companies quality is only a word. To others, it’s a way of life. Ultimately, the quality of a dog food is best measured by your dog. How your dog performs on the food, how he looks, feels and acts are the best measures of the quality of any food. At least 80 per cent of my clients that report behavioural problems find that a change of food changes the unwanted behaviour. No matter what a food company claims, unless your dog has bright eyes, silky hair and supple skin, and is not overweight, then the food is not
HUNGRY HOUND: What you feed your dog could impact his behaviour. right for him. Not all dogs do well on a particular brand of food some dogs simply do better than others. Most foods are categorised as economy, regular, premium, super premium and performance. Regular and premi-
um foods are not formulated like a super premium or performance food. Dogs have simple stomachs and short digestive tracts for digesting meat. They also lack the saliva enzyme amylase, which is necessary for pre-digesting starch. Dogs have adapted to
foods with high vegetable protein levels, however they perform better when fed foods high in meat protein and animal fats. Checking the label of a super premium or performance food, an animal protein will be listed as the first or sec-
ond major ingredient. These should include chicken, turkey meat, or poultry. A least two sources of fat or oil should be included for adequate energy, as well as carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates in dog food come from quality sources like rice, oatmeal, corn or wheat. These are easily digested when properly cooked. Fibre, a complex carbohydrate is essential for proper digestion and stool formation. Beetroot and tomatoes are both high in fibre. Vitamin and mineral fortification is an absolute necessity in nutritionally balancing any food for dogs. While the vitamins and minerals generally make up less than 2 per cent of the total food by weight, they provide some of the most crucial nutrients. These include 12 to 16 vitamins and 15 to 25 minerals. Super premium usually features more than one source for each vitamin and mineral. The ingredient list will be longer compared to non-premium foods. It is not recommended that you add anything by way of a food supplement or vitamin to super premium foods.
Festive ideas for furry ones WHILE your pets may not understand why a big tree appears in the living room every December or why the same cheesy songs play on repeat for days on end, they can still get swept up in the excitement of Christmas nonetheless.
There’s no better way to get animals involved than treating them like any other member of the family and spoiling them rotten. The popularity of Christmas presents for pets has increased tenfold in recent years. From
dog cologne to advent calendars for animals, the list is seemingly endless. Perhaps the most unusual new offering on the shelves, however, is Pawsecco, prosecco especially for cats and dogs. While the fizz is non-alcoholic, it would certainly add an extra sparkle to festivities. The special bubbly is made with elderflower, linden blossom and ginseng and can be poured over their food, or in a bowl on its own. If your pet isn’t really into wine, Woof and Brew (the company behind Pawsecco) also has a ‘beer’ for dogs on offer called Bottom Sniffer. Some other good gift ideas for pets include special seat harnesses so your dog can travel safely in the car, an animal selfie stick or even an elf costume, which may not be much fun for your pooch but will provide you with hours of entertainment. Whatever you choose, make sure the toy is suited to the size of your dog or cat and doesn’t contain any parts that could cause harm if swallowed.
HOUSESITMATCH: Enjoy the festivities.
Happy holidays from Housesitmatch! FROM all of us at HouseSitMatch to all of you, we wish you a very merry holiday season! At this time of year, we love to reflect on all the wonderful friends we have made through our special relationship with the Euro
Weekly News and David the Dogman (our hero and inspiration!). We especially want to send a huge thank you to all of the readers of this column, and our customers in Spain who have helped to make this a very
special year for us. We look forward to helping you again in 2018! Our very best wishes of the season from Lamia, Wendy, David, Alex and Deborah the HouseSitMatch team.
Register as either house-sitter or homeowner now with a special holiday offer of 50 per cent off introductory offer using coupon code SPECIAL50. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com
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BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (248074) HOUSE RENOVATIONS, Carpentry, Installing Kitchens, wardrobes, floors, painting, Tiling. Tel. +34 694 494 664 +4747 901 106 (257159)
BUSINESS OPP. ENGLISH ACADEMY. ANNUAL NET INCOME 70,000€. FULL SUPPORT. SELL 49,900€ PRINGLE VENDING MACHINE ROUTE. ANNUAL NET CASH INCOME 15,000€. SELL 19,900€. Tel: 697 834 934 (246774)
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CHARITIES/CHURCHES THE SPIRITUALIST Centre, Benijofar meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. We are closed until Tuesday, 9th January 2018 with the service taken by Len Cox. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www.spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com New email is phoenix church23@gmail.com or in fo@spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789. LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English speaking Church. We hold services each Sunday and everyone is welcome. Our 11.00 am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and 11.00 am on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.00 am Services and there is also a Sunday School, called Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. We welcome residents, visitors and children. For more information see our website www.lasies taevangelicalchurch.org or telephone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Span-
ish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aacostablanca.org (93323) ROUNDABOUT CHARITY SHOP. We are now into summer and very soon we will be feeling the heat! It is time therefore for another visit to the shop where you might find a bargain or two. Choose from the clothing selection, jewellery, household goods, books or bric a brac. There is usually something there for everyone - but not always. Charitable donations have recently been made to The Alzheimers Centre, Cancer Research and The Amigos Ambulance Service. We still need your help with donations etc. Please keep them coming in! We are situated on Avenida Del Furs close to the Fountain Roundabout and immediate left by Don Colchon bed shop. (93325) THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, Torrevieja Branch, meet at 17.00 on the first Wednesday of each month at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar 3 (behind Carrefour), Torrevieja. Contact Paul Edwards, Chairman 618 644 934 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996. (95455) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Orihuela Costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. The branch meets at Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras on 3rd Thursday of each month at 19.00 - 19.30pm. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). Both offices are open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1.30 pm and the Helpdesk at La Marina is open every Thursday (10 am to 1.30 pm) at the Hope Fellowship Church (opposite the Thursday Market site) at Avda de Justo Antonio Quesada, Urb. La Marina (Tel 615770145). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and
also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com We also have a 24 hour Emergency help-line which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) THE BAKER FOUNDATION SPIRITUALIST CENTRE. Find us on the Saturday market road opposite the Chinese Restaurant. Playa Flamenca. Different International and local mediums every Sunday and Tuesday. Sunday, divine service with clairvoyance 11 am start. Tuesday, evening of clairvoyance doors open 7’o’clock for 7.30 start. Spiritual Healing is available on Sundays after service and on Thursday mornings from 10. 30 until 12. We have a development group on Tuesdays 5 until 6.30 for those interested in meditation and advancing your knowledge of spirit. Private readings are available on request. Please join us and make new friends, a warm welcome awaits you all. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available. You can join us on Facebook at, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Hall is available for hire. For more information please contact Linda on 606 990 665. Email, schugy54@gmail.com (95458) THE PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB meets every Friday in the Bar Catorce, Benijofar. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) CHARITY BOOK STALL PEGO THURSDAY MARKET. Selection of over 500 books, all proceeds given to the elderly/disabled of Pego and local Animal Rescue. More stock always required please contact Chrissie 965 977 228/617 647 395 (95460) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, Calle Canalejas, 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am & Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and Worship. Home
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groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information www.pi larchurch.org Reg No: 2009SG/A (95463) TORREVIEJA Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our services with communion and ‘kids church’ each Sunday at 10.30am. We have a Fellowship Meeting (Bible Study) each Wednesday at 6.00pm. For further information see our website www.tcfSpain.org or tel 966 700 391. THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION JAVEA BRANCH meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month @ Scallops Rest on the Arenal at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome to attend as a visitor and join the branch if they wish. Anyone needing any help or advice on welfare, or any information regarding the branch can contact either Sheila on 965 791 270 or Roger on 965 790 123 STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) meet every Wednesday and Friday 2.30pm untill 5.00pm. Our new address is Casa de Cultura, calle Francisco Ribera Perez Benijofar. Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers. With rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 654 801 260 or email strokesupportgroup@hotmail. com, website torreviejas trokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support our groups and activities. (95474) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer has opened a charity shop at C/Virgen de los Desampara-
CHARITY
dos No 13 (next door to Mas y mas) El Campello. The shop is open Mon-Fri 10 - 2pm and is run by unpaid volunteers and all monies raised goes to the AECC. We urgently need donations of clothes, books, large and small furniture etc, and we will arrange collection of large items. We need volunteers to help out in the shop and also clothes rails, shelves etc. for display. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please stop by at the shop. Contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.com (95475) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. All nationalities welcome. Sunday service 11.0 a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11.0 a.m. Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30 p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta, La Zenia Contact 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. For other church atters Phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 / 617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476) ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 5.30. For further details Hon Sec 692 938 664 FREEMASONRY Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee Tel: 966 712 326 or email: palmers.quesada@ya hoo.co.uk (95477) ROYAL AIR FORCES Association Branch #1359 Costa Blanca The Branch meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the El Paraiso
CLASSIFIEDS Restaurant located close to the Carrefour Supermarket in Torrevieja. The meeting starts at 1430 hrs. You do not have to be an ex-member of the RAF to join this friendly Association which supports the welfare of the RAF family and provides a social hub for ex RAF members and their friends. For further information about the Association and its activities please contact the Chairman on 692 508 916 or the Welfare Officer on 615 048 892 or visit our website: www.rafa.org.uk/costa-blanca (238593)
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweek lynews.com for more details.
METAL WORK MOBILE Metal Work. Any welding or plasma cutting work carried out. For a free quote call 639 487 503. (257216)
THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B meets every Sunday morning at the Sacko´s Bar, El Limonar near Las Siesta at 10am. We are always looking for new and lapsed members to join us. Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (245713)
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P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog, or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com EURO WEEKLY NEWS CLASSIFAX AGENT (95708) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, defleed. We also need volunteers to help Car boot sale in Polop on Sundays Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)
COURSES LUXURY MOBILE home for sale on a small family run park. Contact 630 055 418 for details. Elsyd7@hotmail.com (257207)
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POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (251523)
PET CHARITIES EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)
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UK MOT. All legal and on line. Arrangements made for collection and delivery £400. Email. carsinspain@hotmail. com Tel. 0044 7553367285 (246859)
SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Shelter open 7 days a week 12noon - 2.00pm & 3.30pm 7.00pm. (Spanish speaking staff) or phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)
STAGNUM – 722 188 295. Swimming Pools and Spa Solutions. Building, Renovation and Maintenance. Leak Detection, Pumps, Salt Water Electrolysis, Pool Cover, Pool Heat Pumps, Solar Pool Heating. Busot, Campello and Alicante area only. (246801)
REMOVALS & STORAGE MAN AND VAN UK - Spain. 2 vans travelling twice a month, Murcia - North / South UK. Storage in Spain. Tel 610 846 260 or 0044 751 918 6355 email van.man@hotmail.co.uk (250809) UK-SPAIN-IRELAND. Removals with the personal touch. Pets carried with care 965 696 750 / 0044 (0) 7447 918 589 e-mail chrisyounge73979@aol.com
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SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices. Last minute jobs undertaken. www.spanishmoves.net. Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960 130 537. (247185) UK-SPAIN-UK 18 years Experience. New Clean Vehicles running weekly. ONLINE QUOTES. Insured with RSA. 1cbm to ANY size move. Worried who to use? We’ll look after you. www.bmceuropean.com +44 8456 443 784 or 951 242 430. (257152)
SEWING QUALIFIED SEAMSTRESS 40 years experience, turn-ups to tailoring patterns taken from your favourite cloths, reasonable prices. Torrevieja, Sandra: 966 799 188 / 680 486 336 (259826)
SITUATIONS VACANT DO YOU CARE? If so, why not join our team of carers who work in the UK. Earn from £952 - £1,456 for 2 weeks. Good written/spoken English, British or EU Passport required. Contact Sandra on 658 965 204 or email s.field@consultu scare.com (253024) NEED an extra income? Earn 75€ to 400€ per week, flexible hours from home. We are a reputable British home retailer, new to Spain. No selling required or experience needed as full training given. Apply now at www.thevista-group.com (260526) FIELD SALES positions available. Must have own transport, English and Spanish preferred, but not essential, must have local knowledge of the area and be smart and presentable. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweek lynews.com. HGV Class 1 Drivers Req u i r e d . Earnings up to £1000.00 per week. Tramping in the UK. Various shift patterns/ depots. Work for a couple of weeks, months or ongoing. Guaranteed tramping for the duration you are here. You choose your location. We supply the work. Trusted, reliable, professional. Enquire today: 0044 1487 842 165 Text/ WhatsApp - 0044 7846 624 312 info@cambscontrac tors.co.uk www.cambscon tractors.co.uk Find us on Facebook (252187) www.euroweeklynews.com
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WANTED
WORK FROM HOME! WE ARE LOOKING FOR LADIES AGED 20 TO 65 TO TAKE CALLS FROM AN ADULTHOTLINE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH OR SWEDISH. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INFO: work@kkhotline.com (260098) BLANKET Factory Tours; Due to Expansion and our new factory in Alicante we need part time inviters/tour guides for Benidorm. Sales presenter and office assistant Alicante Based. Part time contract provided. Call Martin 629 293 042. (246880)
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DIESEL car LHD and motorhome right or LHD wanted. Cash waiting Tel 650 722 905 (255027) RECORDS & CDs WANTED. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues. Top cash paid. Henry 630 665 363 (260051)
Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive. SOPHIE. Escort, sexy, slim, élégante, naughty lady, home or hotel. 3 languages spoken. 693 357 526 (254817)
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MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com TWELVE motorcycle legends have been shortlisted for inclusion in the Motor Sport Hall of Fame. Voting is now open to the general public which one among them is next to be immortalised in motoring lore. It is the seventh year the Hall of Fame has been running a public vote on inductees. The 2018 winner will join the likes of Valentino Rossi, John Surtees, and Barry Sheene. The nominees include Casey Stoner, the Australian racer with two world titles to his name with Ducati and Honda. Icon from the 1960’s and 1970’s Mike Hailwood MBE
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Choose your racing icon is in the running. He won nine Grand Prix championships. Fellow Brit Geoff Duke who won six Isle of Man TT races and was famed for his one-piece race suits is up in 2018, as is Honda founder and Japanese icon Soichiro Honda. Americans, 500cc champion Kevin Schwantz, triple winner Wayne Rainey, Kenny
Roberts, and Fast Freddie Spencer who made by history by winning both the 250cc and 500cc races in 1985 are on the list. They are joined by fellow American Eddie Lawson, who has four world championships in the 500cc category to his name. He is bettered by Australian Mick Doohan, who won five consecutive titles in the 1990s. The rest of the list
ROAD TEST by Nick Fletcher
Honda Jazz SE nectivity on its kit-list. It costs €17,708 (£15,615). The Jazz uses a 1.3 litre 101 hp petrol engine with standard sixspeed manual gearbox (a CVT auto version is available). The 0100 kph time is a modest 11.5 seconds, top speed is 190 kph (118 mph). Fuel economy is very respectable at 19.6 kpl (55.4 mpg). Underway, the Jazz offers a smooth civilised drive, with composed handling and a very comfortable ride thanks to a revised suspension set-up. It is nimble in traffic and when
parking, and has good allround visibility. Inside, the dashboard is logically laid out, with a centre touchscreen which is easy to operate and quick to respond. Seating is supportive and there is good headroom even in the rear. The large boot capacity - 354 litres - can be enlarged to a massive 1,314 litres with drop-down rear seats which form a flat load floor. Such space and practicality are ace cards for the Jazz, which also benefits from Honda’s outstanding record for reliability.
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Hall of Fame
VOTE: Stoner is most recent racer of Hall of Fame list.
WHEN Honda created the current Jazz model, it aimed to make it much more appealing to younger buyers while retaining the loyalty of its older customers and its designers have achieved this. The Jazz now has smoother, more youthful styling, more connectivity features and more personalisation options, all of which should help lower the age profile of its buyers. The Jazz competes in a tough sector which includes Fiesta, Corsa, Polo, and Clio but the microMPV character of the Jazz gives it specific appeal - its cabin is more spacious than most and its easy-move ‘Magic Seats’ score it top marks for day-to-day practicality. Prices start at €16,009 (£14,115) for an S version but my test model, the better-equipped SE, is the popular choice, featuring cruise control, auto lights and wipers, alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, parking sensors, DAB radio, Bluetooth and con-
21 - 27 December 2017
is made up by British duo Joey Dunlop, who won 26 TT titles in a historic reign, and Jim Redman, who won six world championships in the 1960’s. Those interested in voting for which of their motorcycling heroes should be inducted to the Hall of Fame next year can do so online. Voting is open through the website www.mo torsportmagazine.com.
SPORT
21 - 27 December 2017 / Costa Blanca South
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PREMIER LEAGUE run-away leaders Manchester City are looking to pick up another three points against The Cherries of Bournemouth this weekend. “People say the way we played in Barcelona, it is not possible in England,” said City gaffer Pep Guardiola, in charge at Barcelona during 2008-12. “It is possible. Always it is possible to play football, to keep the ball and to have the courage to play in England,” said Guardiola. On Saturday Everton meet Chelsea, Burnley host Spurs, Manchester United travel to Leicester, Brighton host Watford, Southampton host Huddersfield, Stoke host West Brom and Crystal Palace travel to Swansea. Arsenal host Liverpool tomorrow (Friday) at The Emirates Stadium.
Burnley to KO United on Boxing Day BURNLEY are out to KO Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day - with the minnows punching above their weight - in the Premier League. “It’s not easy to win games in the Premier League,” said Clarets manager Sean Dyche, who took Burnley into fourth
Pep’s Cherry pick UKSPORTSCENE with Andrew Atkinson place this month. “We’re written off every year we’re used to that - so when you do have such a strong start people will find surprise in that,” said Dyche. Dyche, 46, who took charge at Turf Moor in 2012, lead Burnley to the Premier League in 2013, and after relegation, returned to the top flight in the 2015-16 season. “I think we’re in a very healthy position, probably more so than I thought,” said Dyche. Underfire Mark Hughes takes his Stoke side to Huddersfield, in what can be described as a ‘sixpointer’: “When teams get beat a manager will come under pressure,” said Hughes. “When you win, the pressure goes away. That’s the reality,“ said ex-Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham and QPR boss Hughes , 54, at Stoke since 2013. Cold turkey is on the menu this Christmas for Manchester United players and staff, after boss Jose
Mourinho told them of a training session on Christmas Day! With games against Leicester on December 23; Burnley on December 26 and Southampton on December 30, Mourinho doesn’t think the festive schedule is fair. Mourinho points the finger at Arsenal’s fixture list, saying: “I wish them a Happy Christmas they are going to have a Christmas - while others play December 2326.” Arsenal play Liverpool on December 22 and Crystal Palace on December 28. Manchester City play Bournemouth on December 23 and Newcastle on December 27. Boxing Day fixtures: Spurs v Southampton, Watford v Leicester, Manchester United v Burnley, Huddersfield v Stoke, West Brom v Everton, Chelsea v Brighton, Bournemouth v West Ham and Liverpool v Swansea. Newcastle v Manchester City (December 27).
ON THE MARCH: Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Party poopers CHRISTMAS parties have hit the headlines, one being Spurs when managed by Harry Redknapp, who banned players from having a Christmas party in 2009. Spurs players drummed up a Christmas party collection, allegedly paying £2,000 each, and hired a private jet for an all-day Christmas booze-filled ‘bender’ in Dublin. Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming, after his Manchester United players arranged a Christmas party in a hotel, with an alleged plethora of women invited in a 15-hour drinking binge.
Football stocking fillers IN 1957 a full schedule of 38 matches were played on December 25. The final English league match played on Christmas Day was Blackpool against Blackburn Rovers in 1965.
Champions League CHAMPIONS LEAGUE draw last 16: Juventus v Tottenham; Basel v Manchester City; FC Porto v Liverpool; Sevilla v Manchester United; Real Madrid v
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PSG; Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma; Chelsea v Barcelona; Bayern Munich v Besiktas.
RACING: King George VI Christmas cracker MIGHT BITE, Thistlecrack and Sizing John are set to go head-tohead in the King George VI chase over three miles ½ furlong at Kempton on Boxing Day. “We’ll try and win the King George,” said Might Bite trainer Nicky Henderson. Thistlecrack, winner of the King George in 2016, returned at Newbury this month after suffering a tendon injury. “Before the race at Newbury he did look as though he was burly. He’s a big, heavy horse and needed the run,” said trainer Colin Tizzard. Sizing John’s options remain open, with the March Cheltenham Festival in mind, having been backed down to 4-1 in the King George, with Might Bite best priced at 7-4. “Sizing John has all the qualities for the King George - loads of speed, stays and gears - stamina in abundance,” said jockey Robbie Power.
Rafa awaits transfer purse as Newcastle takeover talks continue Photo by Newcastle United/Twitter
SPORTSCENESPAIN with Andrew Atkinson MADRID-born Rafa Benitez is facing Christmas as manager of struggling Newcastle United as takeover talks with Magpies’ owner Mike Ashley continue. “I need to know how much money we will have for January as soon as possible, we have to improve the team,” said Benitez, ahead of the January transfer window. Benitez, the only manager in history to have won the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, was always cautious about results this season. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Benitez, 57, bounced straight back into the Premier League following relegation last season. Newcastle are facing relegation again
WAITING GAME: Rafa Benitez. after a woeful season, and Benitez rued: “I said it could be like this.” Ex-Real Valladolid, Osasuna, Valencia, In ter Mila n, C he ls e a a nd N a poli bos s Benítez, who left Napoli to coach Real Madrid in 2015, joined Newcastle United in 2016.
H a ving fa ile d in his a tt em pt t o save Newcastle from relegation, Benítez remained loyal, taking the club back into the Premier League, when winning the Championship last season. Ashley who invested £134.4m in buying Newcastle a decade ago and has since put
£129m into the club, reportedly turned down Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners Ltd’s initial formal offer of nearly £300m. PCP Capital Partners has access to around £28bn of Middle Eastern wealth. A facilitator of football takeovers Staveley helped broker the agreement, which saw Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan take control of Manchester City in 2009. Benitez who has met Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley to discuss the transfer budget, said: “We’re monitoring and talking to players.” Newcastle play West Ham on December 23; Manchester City on December 27; Brighton on December 30 and Stoke on New Year’s Day, fixtures deemed crucial. “I can only concentrate on preparing the team. We know what we need, can we get that? I don’t know,” said Benítez, linked to signing Liverpool’s Danny Ings and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw on loan.
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Costa Blanca South
21 - 27 December 2017
FORMER Real Madrid star Kaka has announced his retirement from football. Over an illustrious career, the Brazilian won the World Cup, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A titles and he is also the last person other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, to win the Ballon d’Or in 2007.
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Monte’s Christmas crackers CD MONTESINOS go into the Christmas break as the Valenciana 1st Regional Group 8 leading goalscorers after gaining promotion last season. “I said that if this season
can be as good as the previous one, I am sure everybody will be more than happy,” coach Carlos Perez told the EWN. The Los Montesinos, Alicante-based club head into
the festive break after hosting Racing San Miguel at the w e e ke nd a nd C a rlos said: “Playing at a higher level was going to be a case of ta king ‘one s te p a t a time.’ “Everybody at the club will give their all to make sure we have another memorable season.” Monte have the division’s top two scorers, Vazquinho, with 15 goals, alongside fellow striker Carlos Ventura, who has netted 10, in the club’s 40 goals tally going into the Racing San Miguel game. The International Supporters Club of CD Montesinos ‘The Full Monte’ presented representatives of the town hall with a large food donation for the local food bank at the weekend. Players and coaching staff were also presented with a Christmas hamper. Intercity Sant Joan D’alaca, undefeated in eight games, are vying for the title race with UD Horadada.
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CD MONTESINOS: Christmas cheers. Only three points separate third-eighth place in the table standings, with CD Montesinos, Santa Pola CF, Do-
lores, Atco Catral, CF San Gabriel and S Guardamar CL in the top half. Torrevieja are at the foot of
the table, below Cox, Callosa D. B, Rafal, Hondon Nieves, Santa Pola, Altet and San Miguel.