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ISSUE NO. 1747
27 Dec 2018 - 2 Jan 2019
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
A SPECIALIST group of Torrevieja’s Local Police has begun to destroy a significant amount of the counterfeit goods that have been confiscated during the past year. A total of 35,000 fake items such as watches, sunglasses, CDs and DVDs estimated to have been worth around €700,000 on the black market have been crushed. Mayor of Torrevieja, Jose Manuel Dolon, was present at the event when the material was destroyed by heavy equipment. He said: “The subject of counterfeit goods is something we take very seriously in Torrevieja as it is something that ultimately affects genuine traders.” Any items that have not
Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja
Fake items destroyed
CRUSHED: The first batch of fake goods being disposed of. been tampered with and lacking any official registered trademark, such as clothing and other accessories, is delivered to the Department of
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Social Services and Welfare and are then allocated and distributed to families in the municipality that are most in need.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
NEWS EXTRA Comfy views ELCHE Council has announced that a total of 10,000 seats will be available to buy giving prime viewing points for the annual Three Kings’ Parade on Saturday, January 5. They are on sale for €1.50 each.
Extra work THANKS to two subsidies from the Valencian Employment and Training Service (SERVEF) totalling around €260,000, Orihuela Council will now be able to employ 20 people who are currently unemployed, and put them on temporary contracts.
Post crash FIREFIGHTERS based in Orihuela were called to rescue a postman trapped in his instantly recognisable yellow ‘Correos’ van after being involved in an accident with a delivery lorry on the A-7 motorway on the Murcia-bound lane.
City culture ELCHE’S local people will soon be able to use a new culture centre and auditorium after it was announced by President of the Alicante Provincial Council, Cesar Sanchez, that they will be responsible for the construction.
NATIONAL
2 caught ‘hanging around’ by Darren Parmenter NATIONAL POLICE officers have arrested two young men after they were seen allegedly robbing an apartment by a next door neighbour. The incident took place in the San Andres district of Murcia when one of the pair - a Moroccan and an Ecuadorian national - was seen by a young woman hanging from the adjoining balcony who immediately called the police. The neighbour who caught the pair in the act first became suspicious that something was wrong when she heard the main entrance ‘phone system ringing consistently every few minutes. This suggested that whoever someone was trying to visit wasn’t in and hadn’t opened the automatic doors. However, a few minutes later the
Photo credit: Policia Nacional
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DETAINED: One of the young house burglars held by Murcia’s National Police.
THE UK and Spanish governments are on the verge of signing a bilateral treaty which will give UK citizens living in the country the continued right to vote in municipal elections. According to reports in the Spanish media, there are more than 280,000 British nationals living in Spain and more than 115,000 Spaniards in the UK, and the deal must be formally ratified by both countries’ parliaments once the agreement has been signed by officials in Madrid and London. The bilateral agreement has been necessary, as if there is agreement on the transition period, UK citizens in Spain will preserve most of their rights intact until December 2020, but this didn’t extend to voting in the municipal elections. However, and to prove the keenness of both countries to get the deal into law before May, despite the official ratification probably not being tak-
British to get local vote en through their respective parliaments in time, the Spanish Foreign Office is considering allowing the agreement to take effect as soon as it is signed. But there is one added feature to this particular
woman happened to look out of her window and saw a man hanging from the balcony, a few moments after seeing another man jumping down onto the street. National Police were quickly on the scene and knowing that the alleged robbers had only been in the area minutes earlier, immediately started to search for the pair thanks to an excellent description given to them by the witness. They were found very quickly and were immediately detained and searched. During the frisking of one of the pair - understood to be 19 and 21 years old - a number of items were found, including a piece of jewellery with the name of the owner inscribed on it that was discovered in a sock. In addition, a pair of gloves and money stolen from the property was also later returned to their rightful owner.
RIGHTS: UK citizens will be able to choose their local Spanish and British councillors. draft deal: UK citizens will not only be able to vote in local polls, but also be elected to office. This additional right recognises the fact that there are already 37 British nationals who are working as elected councillors in several Spanish municipalities.
NEWS
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Pets benefit from food
THE BIG PICTURE Nº 46
S A N TA P O L A C o u n c i l h a s said that it will be donating 250 kilos of foodstuff to the Animal Protective Association of Santa Pola and the Pet Owners Association of Santa Pola and Gran Alacant (ASPETGA). The gesture comes after the municipality won an award for best animal-friendly destination.
Plane pride A CASA E-25-46 aeroplane now takes pride of place in the centre of the new roundabout in the municipality of Beniajan in Murcia. It acknowledges the San Javier Academy which has seen more than 800 pilots, inc l u d i n g S p a i n ’s K i n g F e l i p e VI, pass through their doors.
Finance 48 Leapy 52 Time Out 69 - 72 Health & Beauty 74 - 76 Social
Quick breath LOCAL POLICE operating in Elche have acquired the latest breathalyser equipment. This will enable them to detect if someone has been drinking within seconds and after just a short blow into the machine. If the red light comes on they will continue with the full testing procedures.
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DANCE OFF: The Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales takes place in Malaga Province.
Song and dance THIS photograph of two dancers in full swing was taken at the Andalucia annual Fiesta Mayor de Verd ia le s co mp e tition w hic h ta ke s place tomorrow (Friday) this year. The contest, held near Malaga City, pits musicians, singers and dancers from local villages against one another as they attempt to win over judges who decide the winner. T h e c o mp e tito r s a re know n a s ‘pandas’. The festival takes its name from the Verdiales style of dance which
is believed to have originated in the Los Verdiales region north of Malaga City. It is characterised by its ‘fa nda ngo a le gre ’ (ha ppy) moves. The style began life as a traditiona l folk da nc e be fore be ing gradually brought into the flamenco family. The name itself comes from the Latin words for green and flourishing. The contest sees 25 groups compete in three categories: Almogia, Montes and Comares. Each group
Clean fines AMONG a number of new cleaning regulations laid down by Crevillente Council, fines of up to €750 will be imposed on people that pour any product onto the roads or pavements that causes damage. Fines of €300 will be issued to anyone caught painting graffiti on public spaces.
REGULARS INSIDE 1 - 46
A CAR ended up embedded in a property in La Mata after colliding with another vehicle on Avenida Alemania in the Torrevieja district. Apparently, the driver lost control and mounted the pavement before hitting the wall. Neither of the drivers involved in the incident was injured.
FOUR people travelling in the same car were injured in an accident with another vehicle on the A-7 motorway as it bypassed Elche. Alicante’s Fire Brigade were called to the scene and rescued an elderly couple, a young woman and a seven-year-old child before being taken to hospital.
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Wall St crash
Four injured
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Speed controversy THE Ministry of Transport in the Valencian Community Government has taken the decision to impose a much reduced speed limit of 50kph along a busy stretch of the CV-905 in Torrevieja. According to reports, the controversial move was not requested by the Guardia Civil or Torrevieja Council as would normally be the case. During a normal day, some 30,000 vehicles use the dual-carriageway that replaced the existing single lane road
almost 20 years ago, and drivers are at a loss to know why the restriction has been enforced. It’s not a recognised accident blackspot, and because of the regular roundabouts giving access to El Chaparral, San Luis and La Siesta it’s virtually impossible for drivers to speed along even if they wanted to. One local British driver is reported on social media as stating that ‘the pushbikes in the cycle lanes are going faster than we are.’
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is made up of about 20 performers. One dance is performed with a solo lead dancer while another sees a pair dancing together. There is another dance which features three performers. The contest is also known for lively rehearsals practised by performers between the official dances. The Spanish government awarded the festival Cultural Interest status in 2010. This year’s Verdiales will be the 56th edition of the event.
Property 81 Services 85 - 88 Classifieds 89 - 91 Motoring 92 - 93 Sport 95 - 96
Rise in MS cases ACCORDING to recent estimates by the Spanish Neurology Society (SEN), close to 2,000 people across the Alicante Province suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS)... a number that has doubled in the past 20 years. The figures show the majority of those affected are women between the ages of 20 and 40 and is the second cause of disability in young people. Across Spain as a whole, there are around 47,000 people affected by the condition;
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70 per cent being women. Speaking about the report, Angel Perez, a neurologist at the Alicante General Hospital said the noticeable trend in the cases involving women “seems to repeat itself throughout the Mediterranean without knowing the causes as to why.” Some of the reasons for the increase in cases of MS are being put down to lifestyle factors such as changes in diet, smoking and exposure to sunlight.
The total number of news and features which appeared in Issue 1746 of the Euro Weekly News Costa Blanca South edition, including 132 local stories.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Legal ruling on tower A JUDGE has ordered that the Pilar de la Horadada Council will be allowed access to the historic 16th century watchtower. They will be allowed to enter the building to examine the state of conservation, and comes despite the refusal of the current private owners. The decision was taken by a court in Elche after the Pilar de la Horadada Council had been trying, without success, for more than a year to inspect the tower which is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). The famous tower is the most valuable piece of historic heritage under the responsibility of the municipality but it has been locked up for some time. The building can therefore only be seen from the outside, and apart from the council workers being denied
NEWS
YOUR LOCAL WRITER Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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CONTACT HIM:
Darren Parmenter
966 713 596
darren@euroweeklynews.com CONCERN: Council want to inspect the iconic watchtower. the chance to see the inside, many potential visitors have never had the opportunity of seeing this piece of Pilar history for themselves. The council simply want to guarantee the tower ’s
preservation at all costs and this is why they have taken the legal steps they have. Councillor Jose Francisco Albaladej said that it was only due to the ‘resistance of the owners to let us check
the current state of the tower which we took what we consider are necessary measures. ‘The owners have not wanted to co-operate and we don’t want to see the building deteriorating.’
Fake marriage arrests made FIVE Bulgarian nationals aged between 28 and 54 have been arrested in Murcia in connection with human trafficking offences. According to reports, the group planned to hold a fake marriage in exchange for €2,000 with a woman who had been brought from Bulgaria. The 19-year-old girl was detained for five months, during which she was forced to have sex with the person who was planning to marry her.
However, she managed to eventually escape from her captors, and get to Alicante by train where she reported her ordeal to the police. The investigations began after the young woman, who only spoke Spanish, told the National Police that she had been sold to a Bulgarian family in Murcia to marry one of their children who had paid for the privilege. It was later discovered that back in June
the son had been sold to another Bulgarian national in Alquerias who then arranged for the girl to come from Bulgaria to Spain under false pretences. During the five months of her ordeal, she was allegedly subject to continuous assaults, threats and insults by those who lived in the house. They also forced her to work constructing wooden pallets without payment to pay for the €2,000 paid up front.
Council backs law for holiday homes TORREVIEJA’S councillor Fanny Serrano has announced her department is continuing to process the official certificates required for properties used for tourists. This will enable people to fully comply with the new law passed earlier this year to regulate ‘holiday homes’ in the municipality. So far, 366 applications have been received, of which 125 certificates have been issued. A further 90 have been issued on the proviso any missing documents can be presented as soon as possible by the applicant. Councillor Serrano explained the reason for her statement was to further publicise the procedure as there has been ‘a certain amount of misinformation relating to the new Decree 15 / 2018 on Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality which came into force. ‘Certain adjustments were needed to the administrative procedures before the applications could be fully processed. ‘Thanks to work carried out by the University of Alicante on the future tourism plan for Torrevieja, we were able to get a rough idea of the number of properties used for tourism which could generate around €11 million annually.’
NEWS
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CAPTURED: Three suspected fugitives captured.
Fugitives found in Spain POLICE have arrested three fugitives, including a Brit, who were reportedly hiding out in Spain to evade capture for different crimes in England, Germany and Venezuela. According to a National Police source, the alleged offences include sexual violence, aggression and murder, and the arrests were made in Benidorm, Barcelona and Madrid.
On November 30, a Serbian citizen was arrested in a downtown hotel’ in Barcelona in connection with the attempted rape of a woman as she was entering her home in Stolberg, Germany. That same afternoon, officers detained a British citizen for whom a European Arrest Warrant had been issued following a ‘serious assault’ on a man in Stain-
forth, England. The arrest was made in a campsite in Benidorm. The third suspect, from Venezuela, ‘captured’ was subject to an International Arrest Order for murder and was arrested in Madrid. He had reportedly been charged with killing a Bolivian National Police officer and his wife, who were shot several times in the city of Caracas.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Tourism ups and downs SPAIN’S National Institute of Statistics (INE) has just published a set of official and detailed figures relating to the country’s tourism industry for 2017. They revealed that the sector accounted for 11.7 per cent of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a total of €137,020 million. Despite the figures showing that around 2.6 million jobs were created in the sector (representing 12.8 per cent of Spain’s total employment), they were 10 per cent down on the number reached in 2016. However, spending by visitors continued to grow as it has done in recent years and accounted for 50 per cent of the final GDP figure. Overall, the increase in tourism GDP was 5.6 per cent up yearon-year and since 2010 has been the individual sector that has grown at a higher rate than the Spanish economy as a whole.
SPAIN’S first female photojournalist, Joana Biarnes, who exclusively covered the Beatles’ tour of Barcelona in 1965, has died due to ‘health complications.’ Joana Biarnes, 83, first achieved professional recognition in 1962 for her extensive reports on the devastating floods in her birthplace, Terrassa, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people. She went on to specialise in
Lady of the lens dies the portraits of numerous personalities, including Salvador Dali, Orson Welles, Lola Flores and Roman Polanski, before retiring in 1985. Paying tribute on Twitter,
Photographic Social Vision, a foundation which represents photojournalists, said: “Joana left us due to a sudden complication of her health. She was a woman fighter, kind, coherent, humble, generous, intelligent, with values and principles, fair, respectful. We have all lost a great friend and photographer.” IN THE PICTURE: Joana Biarnes spent a lifetime the other side of the camera (inset).
NEWS EXTRA Going down THE number of abortions in Spain rose slightly in 2017, breaking a succession of years since 2011 in which it has decreased, but the figure for those women under 20 years old went down by 0.2 per cent.
Song vote SPAIN’S voting competition to choose its song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 is underway, and people have the opportunity to vote for their favourite three songs every day until January 2.
Wonder winner
THE Caceres town of Robledillo de Gata has been hailed the first Rural Wonder of Spain 2018 after receiving almost 20 per cent of the 11,000 travellers’ votes. The contest is staged annually by
the HomeAway vacation platform contest. In second place was Chelva in Valen-
NEWS
cia which received 10.6 per cent, followed by Ribadesella in Asturias (9.8 per cent). Fourth and fifth place were taken by Vejer de la Frontera in Cadiz (7.8) and Valderrobres in Teruel (7.1).
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Shearly not! stunned friend of the client, Alberto then dons Wolverine-like claws and blades on his fingers to finish off the styling as his female client leans back in her chair and lets her hair spill over the edge. The barber defends his bizarre methods by claiming the unusual tools ensure that he cuts both sides of the hair equally by allowing him to be precise. CREDIT: AJ+ Facebook
A SAMURAI sword-wielding hairdresser has become a social media sensation after a video was uploaded showing him shearing a client’s long curly hair with the long blade. Rather than using traditional scissors or clippers, Madridbased barber, Alberto Olmedo, can be seen using several sharp swords to expertly hack at the woman’s hair. In the clip, videoed by a
CUTTING EDGE: Alberto Olmedo works his hairraising magic.
Speaking to Middle East broadcaster Al Jazeera, Alberto said ‘it’s a bit medieval, but sometimes you have to use your imagination to get positive results’.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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NEWS
50 evacuated in block blaze AROUND 50 people have been evacuated from an apartment block on the Costa Blanca after a fire broke out and gutted the building. A total of 16 firefighters were despatched to the flats on Calle Marques de Campo in Denia after the fire broke out at around midday on Sunday December 16. The fire also spread to three buildings on the nearby Calle Sandung and a fourth blaze was reported in the Plaza Oculista Buigues. Around 50 people were evacuated from the Calle Marques de Campo apartment block while firefighters tackled the blaze. Red Cross workers were on hand to aid in case of injuries.
APARTMENT BLOCK: At the height of the fire. None were reported but a pregnant woman was taken to a health centre after suffering a panic attack. The blaze was put out at around 2.35pm, after which time residents of the apartment building were allowed to view their homes.
Investigators probing the cause of the blaze said initial inquiries pointed to an overheated air conditioning unit as the cause. The unit is believed to have caused insulation to catch fire which then spread throughout the building.
PACT: Spain has made migration commitment.
Officials hail migration deal SPAIN’S government has welcomed the approval of a UN global migration pact saying it provides a ‘robust’ framework to manage the movement of people at an international level. Foreign Ministry officials said Spain was committed to implementing the 23 objectives of the Global Compact on Migration, which the UN’s General Assembly adopted last week. Commitments including better migration data gathering, reducing the need for people to leave their home country and combating trafficking represent a ‘solid step forward,’ officials said.
“Spain views the adoption of the pact very positively. It will allow global progress on achieving UN objectives on secure, orderly and regulated migration,” the Foreign Ministry said. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the agreement would benefit migrations and countries of origin, transit and destination. The deal has proved controversial in some quarters. Protests were held in some European countries and the deal pushed Belgium’s government to the brink of political crisis. The United States has refused to sign up to the pact.
In control and not controlled TWENTY young people recently turned up at Bilbao theatre, supposedly auditioning for a romantic comedy. They were unaware that they were taking part in an experiment to gauge to what extent they would tolerate a blatantly sexist script. The director and casting director sitting in the stalls were actors and the aspirants played out a scene where a young man reproached his girlfriend for the way she dressed.
He also demanded that she hand over her phone so that he could check whether she was deceiving him. Not all of the young actors went along with the script, and many protested. At one point, the fake casting director, a woman, tells one girl: “You don’t need to rebel against him. After all, that’s normal isn’t it?” To which the girl replied that it was not. Visibly upset she was led to another room
where a psychologist explained that she was a guinea pig in a sociological experiment. Others who objected agreed that the supposed script was neither romantic nor a comedy and had nothing to do with love. The motive for the experiment is an impending campaign by the BBK bank Foundation to help adolescents’ relationships identify controlling attitudes towards women.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
No deal no change SPAIN has confirmed that it will maintain the agreements on Gibraltar reached with the UK, even if there is a no-deal Brexit. Although the EU is also working on contingency plans, these do not apply to Gibraltar, while Spain’s EU Secretary of State Luis Marco Aguiriano has revealed that he will meet counterparts in the UK in January to continue Brexit dialogue.
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British Airways to turn Spanish? BRITISH AIRWAYS may up its roots in Britain and move its operations to Spain should the UK leave the European Union without securing a deal, according to the Spanish media. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, it is claimed the International Airline Group (IAG) will fail to meet EU ownership standards, due to having too many British shareholders, and will be unable to operate. As a result IAG, the group which owns the airline, has reportedly entered talks with the Spanish government to make preliminary plans for the move. According to the European Union’s ‘Open Skies Agreement,’ 50 per cent of an airline’s shareholders must be EU residents in order for the airline to operate. Once Britain leaves the European Union, IAG is expected to fall below these requirements and fail to make the threshold. Experts have recommended that the group breaks itself up or buys out British shareholders in order to maintain its status and operation rights.
BRITISH AIRWAYS: May up its roots in Britain. IAG is based in London but is registered in Madrid. The group also owns Spain’s Iberia and Ireland’s Aer Lingus. British politician and Labour deputy leader Tom Watson tweeted ‘Spanish Airways’ as the news broke in the UK. Labour MP Mary Creagh added: ‘British Airways, the UK’s national flag
carrier bails out of Brexit Britain.’ IAG are yet to officially comment on the speculation. However, the group has gone on record to say: ‘Even if there is no Brexit deal, both the EU and UK have said they will put an agreement in place which allows flights to continue.’
Arrested after 37 years OFFICERS of the Guardia Civil have arrested a 73-yearold man in Castellon accused of killing his partner back in 1981. At the time of the incident she was five months pregnant, and her body wasn’t discovered until 1998 on a piece of land in Sant Salvador de Guardiol, Barcelona when the
owner was in the process of digging a hole to plant an olive tree. According to reports, the victim - who was subsequently identified thanks to DNA profiling - died after being shot in the head, as well as showing signs of receiving a heavy blow to the jaw.
Violent protests FIFTEEN people were injured, including four police officers and a journalist, during protests by the Committees of Defence of the Republic (CDR) in Barcelona, during which stones and other objects were thrown. According to Spanish reports, the reporter was ‘punched in the nose’ causing cuts to his face. The majority of the hurt people were treated at the scene, while three were taken to hospital. Six arrests were made.
No threat A DUTCH man who was arrested in Salou on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack was later found to be ‘struggling with mental health problems.’ The 29-year-old, known as Khalid M, was detained as a result of his ‘disorderly behaviour’. He had written ‘incomprehensible symbols’ on the mirror of his hotel room in Vilasec and later reportedly stood screaming ‘incoherent things about his mother’ in front of a police station. Officers arrested him a few kilometres away where he was found sitting barefoot in his car at a petrol station. A psychiatrist was called in to assess the ‘suspect’ who is ‘not known to be a jihadist.’
NACIONAL
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MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE: Enjoy various shore excursions.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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NEWS Mossos@mossos Twitter
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POSITIVE: Drink driver five times over the limit.
String of offences A MOTORIST caught driving with a blood/alcohol recording five times higher than the national legal limit has been arrested by Cataluña’s police force, Mossos d’Esquadra. Officers also found that the man’s licence had previously been suspended judicially and the vehicle he was driving had not passed its ITV, the Spanish road inspection test. According to reports, the driver also failed to provide valid insurance for the car when stopped in the Pobla de Mafumet in Tarragona.
Police sources explained that on the morning of last Saturday, they were called out to reports a 42-year-old man had been intercepted by members of the neighbourhood after he nearly collided with a number of other vehicles on Reus Street. The driver was breathalysed and found to be positive for alcohol with a reading of 1.16 milligrams per litre. The maximum legal alcohol reading in Spain is currently 0.25.
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Out of work MORE than a quarter of people with disabilities in Spain were unemployed in 2017, 2 per cent less than the previous year. But the figure (26.2) is still 9 per cent higher than for those without disabilities, which stands at 17.1 per cent, according to the National Institute of Statistics. A report ‘Employment of people with disabilities, year 2017’ highlights their ‘low participation’ in the labour market. Last year there were 1.8 million people with disabilities of working age (16 to 64), of which 651,700 had jobs.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Human rights violations THE European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg condemned Spain nine times this year for human rights violations, including for free speech and fair trial violations. The cases which went before the ECHR this year included that of the trial of Arnaldo Otegi and the treatment of protesters who torched images of the royal family. Rights International Spain featured a tally of the cases in this year’s annual Balance of Human Rights in Spain report. The group said there had been no improvement in Spain this year. “The high number of Spanish human rights cases in the ECHR, is striking. “The cases seem to indicate that Spain shows a certain level of reluctance regarding an effective protection of some rights related to political dissent,” the group said. The Spanish government
CREDIT: CUP
NEWS
CONDEMNED: ECHR rulings included one of the burning of photos of Spain’s royal family in 2007. said earlier this year it was committed to protecting and promoting human rights in Spain and internationally. The case of Arnaldo Otegi saw the ECHR condemn Spain for denying him and others a fair and impartial trial. Otegi was sentenced to 11
years in prison over links to the Basque nationalist ETA terror group. His sentence was later cut to six years by Spain’s Supreme Court. The ECHR ruled on Stern Taulats and Roura Capellera, who were each fined €2,700 for burning pictures of the royal family during a demon-
stration in Cataluña’s Girona Province. The court found the fines violated their right to free expression. Other cases included a ruling that supermarket owners breached workers’ rights to privacy by installing hidden security cameras to monitor them.
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Death by neglect probe A HUSBAND has been arrested after his wife died in hospital having been admitted in a ‘state of serious deterioration.’ The 63-year-old from Bages was detained on suspicion of murder ‘by omission’ days after Catalan police learned of his 57-year-old deceased s p o u s e ’s w e a k s t a t e o f health. A n e m e rg e n c y m e d i c a l team reportedly went to t h e v i c t i m ’s h o m e a f t e r receiving an emergency call, and required the assistance of firefighters to get her to hospital. She died a few hours later. An investigation was launched, and the suspect was ‘presumed responsible’ for her condition, and consequently arrested. A court date is to be set.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
NATIONAL
EWN vindicated as case is thrown out A CASE against publisher of the Euro Weekly News Michel Euesden has been thrown out of court after a judge decided it had no merit. Marco Baiardo - publisher of The Weekender News-
paper - had gone to court afte r a s o c ia l med ia exchange in which Mrs Euesd e n h a d d e fe n d e d th e integ rity o f h e r fa mily and business following a series of highly personal and of-
INTEGRITY: Just some of the EWN team. fensive posts made by Baiardo. These followed a business deal gone sour in which Baiardo walked away with thousands of Euros, and subse-
quently set up his own newspaper, breaking written agreements he had made with the EWN Media Group. Since then he has continued to make misleading statements about the integrity of the EWN Media Group - and Mrs Euesden and her family in a campaign that has been viewed as intimidatory. Baiardo pursued a case against Mrs Euesden after she reproduced some remarks made by actor Patrick Murray - who played Mickey Pearce in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses about Mr Baiardo's honesty.
He was invited to Spain to help fundraise for local charity Busy Bees. Baiardo, accompanied by Mr Murray to whom no blame is attached - encouraged wellwishers to put money in collection buckets. According to Mr Murray’s account, it was later found that the seals had been broken. A criminal investigation was filed by Busy Bees in the Courts of Benidorm, but the case was dismissed as it couldn’t be proved. Despite bringing a large legal team, Baiardo was unable to convince a judge in
Villajoyosa that there was any basi s f or hi s bi d t o claim damages. The judge therefore dismissed the case. Speaking after the decision Mrs Euesden said: “This is a complete vindication of not just myself, but also the EWN Media Group. “I fully expected the case to be thrown out as it had no merit. In my opinion it was m er el y an at t em pt t o gain money from what was a Facebook comment replying to particularly nasty and personal abuse directed at family members.” She added: “I would like to thank all my friends and cl i ent s of EWN Medi a Group who have steadfastly supported myself and the business despite unfounded allegations directed at us by Baiardo. “These would appear to have been aimed at affecting our business, in particular our relationships with clients, many of whom have been with us for years.” Mrs Euesden went on to say: “We are proud to note t hat our busi ness has r em ai ned r esi l i ent despi t e what has i n eff ect been a campaign of smears by Baiardo. This is thanks to our m any cl i ent s who know what we stand for - service and integrity.”
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Terror charge Grisly THE president of an Islamic cultural centre in Vitoria is being detained in prison for alleged links to the Daesh and for spreading the jihadist ideology to attract supporters from the Basque
Islamic community. The 36-year-old Algerian has been charged with crimes of training, for financing terrorism and for collaboration with a terrorist organisation.
find A HUMAN head has been found in a cave in the Sierre de Las Villas. Three cavers, members of the Alto Guadalquivir Speleology Group, came across the gruesome find during a routine exploration, but have been banned from revealing the exact location until an investigation has been completed. But reports suggest the head composed of the skull and part of the jaw. The bones were handed over to the Guardia Civil a n d J u d i c i a l P o l i c e o ff i cers, who have begun an inquiry to clarify the ‘possible legal and archaeological’ implications. Te s t s a r e b e i n g c a r r i e d out to determine circumstances and personal details, and missing persons’ records are being checked.
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NATIONAL
The start of a m ON April 26, 2018 at 10.21am, following the controversial verdict to the Wolf Pack case in Spain, Cristina Fallarás took to social media to inspire victims of sexual abuse to tell the world of their own experiences, she featured the hashtag on Twitter ‘#cuentalo’ (Tellit) and started an inspirational viral movement. In just hours, other victims of sexual abuse, inspired by Cristina’s hashtag, began to break the silence on their own histories of sexual abuse. Between April 26 and May 9, the Twitter movement registered three-million ‘#cuentalo’ tweets. The movement also reached Latin America, and 790,000 people, mostly women, offered to share their story on social media, messages which were shared far and wide. According to data analysts working in conjunction with the Spanish media, 9.8 per
MEDIA POSTS: There were entries from victims across 60 countries cent of all recorded tweets involved stories of murder, 14 per cent of tweets mentioned cases of rape and 28 per cent
spoke of sexual assault. Physical abuse was apparent in 15.7 per cent of the ‘#cuentalo’ tweets and sexual
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movement
with 34 per cent from Spain. harassment featured in 35.5 per cent of the posts. Some 29.5 per cent spoke of a fear of leaving the home
at night or walking alone. Women under the age of 18 contributed 3,500 of the ‘#cuentalo’ stories and there were more than 1,000 tweets from girls under 12 years old. In total, entries from victims across 60 countries were recorded, 34 per cent of all social media posts were from Spain. The movement was initially inspired after ‘La Manada’ (The Wolf Pack) were convicted for sexual assault and not rape in a controversial verdict that enraged many in Spain. Paula Borja, from Barcelona, used 219 characters to relay her message on Twitter, writing: “I am 32 years old and I wake up scared in the night when the quilt falls off. I felt the same way when I was little. The man who should have loved me the most, used to throw the quilt on the ground and that’s when everything started #tellit.”
EU’s veto plans STRAWS and plastic cutlery are among a list of single-use products which the European Union has ordered must be taken off the market from 2021 as part of a fight against marine pollution. These items are two of the 10 most frequently discarded products found on European beaches, and institutions within the EU have closed ‘in record time’ an agreement to veto their ‘commercialisation.’ Member states now have until two years to make changes to their national legislation. The aim is to eliminate from supermarkets the plastic products for single use that ‘have easily available and affordable alternatives.’
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NATIONAL CREDIT: JL Recio Facebook
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CHAMP: Maria Jesus Rosa made history in women’s boxing.
Female boxing legend dies FLYWEIGHT star Maria Jesus Rosa, who made history in women’s boxing when she became Spain’s first ever world champion 15 years ago, has died of cancer aged 44. The pioneering athlete was diagnosed with the disease just a couple of months ago, and lost her fight last week. The Spanish Federation of Boxing said it was saddened by the death of ‘the sensational Madrid boxer’ describing her illness as ‘unjust, painful, cruel.’
The statement went on to say that Rosa will be remembered ‘for her perennial and contagious smile, and her vitality,’ adding that ‘she has disappeared from this world, but her story has not ended, she is the history of our boxing.’ Rosa finished her career in the boxing ring on a high with an outstanding record of 19 wins and only one defeat. This was during a world title fight on September 10, 2005 against Gernman Regina Halmich.
NATIONAL
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Franco burial appeal by Joe Gerrard SPAIN’S Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from the family of former dictator Francisco Franco to halt preparations for the proposed exhuming of his remains. The court’s Contentious-Administrative Chamber, ruled that the appeal over Franco’s remains moving from the Valley of the Fallen should not be heard. The appeal was dismissed because exhumation procedures remain incomplete, according to court sources. The Franco family had appealed to the court to stop moves towards the exhumation while outstanding legal issues including the former dictator’s final resting place are dealt with. The seven grandchildren of Franco have been locked in legal wrangling over his exhumation after the Council of Ministers approved the plans in November. The family want him to be buried in a crypt in Madrid’s La Almudena Cathedral while the government opposes this over
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Sailors killed at sea THREE fishermen died and six survivors were rescued after their boat sank in rough seas, four miles south of Cape Fisterra in A Coruña. A 10th crew member of The Sin Querer 2 vessel, based in Portonovo, Sanxenxo, was missing at the time of going to press. Two sailors who were in the area managed to pull the survivors to safety after they had jumped into the water in auxiliary rafts. They were transferred to the ports of Fisterra and Muro. Salvamento Martimo’s national co-ordination centre in Madrid deployed two helicopters, Salvamar Regulus and Helimer 401, and the crews recovered the three corpses from the sea before beginning the search for the missing fishermen.
Royal portrait EXHUMATION: The government wants to remove Franco’s remains. concerns it could become a farright pilgrimage site. Government sources said they were preparing a decree against the plans. Efforts to deal with the exhumation plans in parliament have stumbled recently due to opposition from the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and the centrist Ciudadanos.
The Valley of the Fallen, near Madrid, is controversial due to housing Franco’s remains and the fact it was built by forced labour from political prisoners. In Cataluña, Barcelona City Council has passed a motion calling for Spain to ban a group which promotes Franco’s legacy. Deputy Mayor Jaume Asens
said the motion on the Francisco Franco Foundation was passed over concerns the group’s existence violated Spain’s Historical Memory Laws and human rights. The Foundation claims its existence is permitted under free speech laws and does nothing illegal.
SPAIN’S parliament has commissioned a new port rai t of K i ng Fel i pe cost i ng €88,000, f or a room i n t he Congress of Deputies which already features pictures of the king and queen. The Congress’ Bureau, made up of representatives from Spain’s main political parties, approved plans for the painting last week. Represent at i ves f rom t he l ef t i st Podemos party voted against the plans. It is set to be painted by Hernan Cortes, 65, from Cadiz, who is considered one of the country’s leading portrait artists.
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NATIONAL
A world of web dwellers MORE spiders are likely to be lurking across Spain than the 1,300 recorded species, according to experts. If funding was available to fund more extensive research, scientists from Barcelona believe the list of eight-legged varieties could be far higher. A study of this particular faunal group, carried out by the Faculty of Biology and the Institute for Biodiversity Research of the University of Barcelona, the Experimental Station of Arid Zones and the University of Helsinki, examined 20,539 spiders found in national parks across the country. They found specimens of seven species which have never previously been detected in this country, and a further 11 which may be totally new to science. Study director Miquel An-
SPIDER PARADISE: Spain is home to more than 1,300 species. gel Arnedo said “there are still many species of spiders to discover,” adding that results show the “lack of systematic sampling of the
arachnological biodiversity of the country and are a good example of how little we still know about our own fauna.”
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Review your finances for the new year Make sure one New Year’s resolution is to review your financial planning to check it is on track to protect your family’s long-term wealth.
Preparing for Brexit Whatever happens with Brexit, those already formally resident in Spain have the right to remain and can continue receiving the same benefits as today for as long as they are settled here. If you plan to move to Spain or have not yet registered as tax resident, take urgent steps to establish your settled status before 29 March 2019.
the UK – are sharing data on residents’ overseas income and assets, with more joining each year. This means your local tax office will automatically receive financial information about you. Remember, in extreme cases tax evasion can result in prosecution – even if unintentional – so take specialist advice to achieve peace of mind and potentially secure significant tax savings.
Savings and investments The Bank of England (BoE)
multi-currency flexibility can help minimise exchange rate risk. Remember to review your portfolio annually to take market developments into account, address any changes in your circumstances and take advantage of opportunities for residents in Spain.
With the current rate of inflation still above the BoE’s target of 2% – as high as 2.7% last August – many savers are actually earning a negative real rate of return. British expatriates have the added concern of exchange currency risk in what is currently a highly volatile time for Sterling.
Pensions Today’s pension landscape offers more choices than ever, but this may change with Brexit. For example, it is possible that tax-free transfers to Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) may be targeted once the UK sheds its EU obligations. Carefully weigh up all your options, as well as the tax implications in Spain and the UK, to establish the best course of action for you.
Successful investing is about having a strategy based around your personal circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance. You should ensure you have adequate diversification to avoid over-exposure to any given country (including the UK), asset type, sector or company. Using investment structures that allow CREDIT: ILMEX Illumination Global Facebook
Tax planning Regular tax reviews can ensure your wealth is arranged in the most suitable way to limit your liabilities while meeting your obligations. Today, with the ‘automatic exchange of information’ regime well underway, it is more important than ever to get it right. Over 100 countries – including Spain and
By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks
increased the UK interest rate to 0.75% in August – the first time in over nine years that rates reached over half a per cent. While some banks eventually passed on an increase to savers, rates remain relatively low – around 1.5% for easy access and up to 2.7% for locking cash away for five years.
STUNNING: Largest Christmas tree in Europe.
Tallest tree in Europe GRANADA boasts the largest Christmas tree in Europe and the second largest in the world. Located at the Nevada Shopping Centre in Armilla, the Ilmex Illumination creation stands at 56 metres, the height of a huge building. And according to holiday and tourism portal Rumbo.es, the festive spectacle is a huge crowd puller, with reservations in the area rising by 22.4 per cent last year in the run up to and during its debut.
Designers spent months designing and installing the tree, which is made of aluminium rods and steel wire, but consists mainly of electric standard and flash garlands and string lights - thousands of LEDs. A company spokesperson said: “For our team, the holiday season is a year round process as they gather their inspiration for the next holiday.” The biggest Christmas tree in the world is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is 84 metres tall.
Make sure you take regulated advice to protect your retirement savings from pension scams and do what is right for your personal circumstances and aims.
Estate planning In Spain, both succession law and tax work very differently to the UK, so your estate plan should be set up accordingly. If you remain UK domiciled – as many expatriates do – you continue to be liable for UK inheritance tax, so you should plan to reduce this liability for your heirs. Speaking of heirs, do not forget to take into account any new additions to your family this year! Whether it is tax, investments, pensions or estate planning, take personalised advice to establish the most suitable approach for you. Spending time on a financial health-check now can provide peace of mind that you and your family are in the best position to enjoy a prosperous 2019 and beyond.
Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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NATIONAL
Sanchez seeks island paradise Credit: patrimonionacional.es
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ISLAND GETAWAY: The estate in Lanzarote will allow Sanchez to unwind in luxury. SPAIN’S Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will spend his Christmas holiday with his
family in a palace in La Mareta, Lanzarote. The grandiose estate was donated by King Philip VI to the National Heritage Trust in 2015, to promote tourism. It had originally been given to former King Juan Carlos as a gift from King Hussein II of
RATING agency Moody’s has concluded in a report that Spain and Portugal are better placed than Italy to
Jordan in 1989, and is now also used for diplomatic meetings. The palace sits in luxurious grounds of 30,900 sqm designed by the architect and artist Cesar Manrique, and with direct access to the sea. It reproduces the traditional
Debt drop
architecture of the Canary Islands, of colonial style, with white walls and numerous balconies. The complex consists of 10 bungalows, three swimming pools, a gym, tennis court, basketball court and a 10,000 sqm garden.
face the end of the purchase programme of debt that the European Central Bank has carried out since 2015.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Failed raid THIEVES blew up a Caixa Bank ATM during the early hours of the morning, but ended up leaving empty handed. Explosives specialists Tedax, were deployed to the branch in Blanes, Selva, and found the cash machine destroyed together with a collapsed roof. The suspects had already fled the scene.
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NATIONAL
Nude photo acquittal A COURT in Asturias has cleared a man on trial for a s king his 14-ye a r-old da ughte r for nude photographs online after finding out it was to educate her about internet safety. The Se c ond C rimina l Court of Aviles heard from defence lawyer Marco Antonio Fe rna nde z Pinta do that the defendant wanted to a le rt his da ughte r to the risks of sharing sexually explicit photos. The court heard the man created two fake social media profiles in 2017. After making the first, he contacted his daughter and a s ke d he r to uploa d nude photos of herself, telling her that she had a ‘very good body.’ The man then made a second profile and asked the girl about her virginity and sexual orientation before sending a picture of a naked tors o of a boy. H e the n asked her to send pictures of her naked breasts.
Credit: JordiPedrosa1/Twitter
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CLEARED: The court heard the man had contacted his daughter on social media. The court heard the man became concerned about his daughter ’s welfare online a fte r vie w ing vide os s he had uploaded to social media showing her drinking al-
cohol and sm oki ng m ar i huana. He also suspected she had published nude photographs but could not view her account because she had
blocked him. The court ruled the man had been motivated by the need to protect his daught er ’s wel f ar e and not by sexual desires.
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PM thanks women
‘VANGUARD’: Sanchez (inset) praised female activists. SPAIN’S prime minister has said the nation’s women have put the country in the ‘vanguard’ of the global gender equality movement through their activism this year. Pedro Sanchez said demonstrations such as the women’s general strike on March 8 showed activists were committed to achieving equality between men and women. He was speaking at an event
for women organised to mark the 40th anniversary of Spain’s Constitution. “Equality between women and men is not negotiable. There is no going back, but forward towards more equality, more feminism and more women in public life,” Sanchez said. “Without women and without their tireless struggle, Spain would not be the tolerant, open
and admired country which it is today,” the Prime Minister added. Sanchez called on men to help gain more equality for women and said the struggle for equal rights was far from over. Millions of Spanish women took to the streets of cities across the country in March this year to protest against what they said was ongoing inequality and gender discrimination.
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BREXIT BRIEF
Eyeing up The Rock SPAIN’S conservative opposition party has urged the government to seize the opportunity presented by ongoing Brexit uncertainty to assert sovereignty claims over Gibraltar. Members of the Partido Popular (PP) in the Senate have tabled a motion calling for cosovereignty over the British enclave. The motion, which is non-binding, outlines plans including dual citizenship for Gibraltarians and changes to the territories tax rules. Jose Ignacio Landaluce, PP Senator for Algeciras, said now was the opportune time to extract a deal on The Rock from Britain. Opponents say ‘waving a flag’ will not solve anything. PP leader Pablo Casado claimed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wasted a ‘historic opportunity’ over Gibraltar during Brexit talks. Britain has repeatedly stated it will not compromise on Gibraltar. Spain ceded the territory in 1713 and has claimed sovereignty over it since.
BREXIT EXTRA
New vote date By Joe Gerrard BRITAIN’S prime minister has announced a new date for a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal as doubts continue over whether it will pass and no-deal planning intensifies. The new date of the so-called ‘meaningful vote’ on Brexit, which Theresa May must win to seal her Withdrawal Agreement, has been set for Monday, January 14. The announcement comes as the government attempted to turn attention to domestic issues and post-Brexit Britain with a raft of announcements on economic and environmental policy, among others. It also comes as Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour opposition attempted to pile pressure on the government with mixed results. The government’s proposals for after Brexit, which include bolstering worker’s rights and environmental protection rules, were made in tandem with contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit scenario. Around 3,500 troops have been put on standby and €2.2 billion worth of funds set aside for government departments to
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Ireland’s plan for no-deal IRELAND’S government has unveiled its 130-page no-deal Brexit contingency plan which includes plans to make sure flights are not interrupted if no withdrawal agreement is reached by March 29, 2019.
New vote
NEW DATE: Parliament is set to vote on January 14. handle a no-deal withdrawal. Brussels has said EU officials are also preparing contingency measures and member states including Spain and Ireland have also followed suit. Britain’s Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay called on MPs to back the deal while speaking in the House of Commons. “The Brexit deal we will present to the House in the New Year is a good deal. It is the only deal. To reject this deal makes a
no-deal far more likely,” Barclay said. Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer hit back, claiming May’s deal is highly unlikely to get through parliament as it currently stood. “The majority in this house are not likely to support the Prime Minister’s deal, whenever it is put,” he said. Without substantial changes to the current deal, back up plans may soon be put into effect.
BRITAIN’S Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has said a second referendum on EU membership could be a ‘plausible’ way forward if MPs cannot agree on the terms of withdrawal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Green body ECOLOGICAL groups have criticised the government’s plan to deliver a ‘Green Brexit’ by creating a new watchdog which would take over the European Commission’s role of enforcing environmental laws, claiming that the agency’s powers would be too weak.
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Cannabis controls MORE than 120,000 patients are using medicinal cannabis without any professional supervision or contro l , e x p o si n g t h e mselves to legal and health issues. This is the finding of the S panish Me d i c i n al Cannab i s Ob se r v a t o ry, w hich h a s c r i t i c i se d th e lack of regulation and expressed its ‘absolute perplexity to the current situation of t h e r a p e u tic cannab i s wh e n t h e r e are thousands of preclinical and clinical studies which support its properties’. While a c k n o wl e d g in g more research is needed, the observatory notes that countries like Canada or Israel which have medicinal d i sp e n sa t i o n p ro grammes, controlled by the government, with cannabis traced, analysed and dispensed under medical supervisi o n , ‘ a r e wo r kin g with very good results’.
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Watch your change NATIONAL POLICE have warned the public to keep an eye out for a coin scam going around Europe once again. O ff i c e r s f i r s t w a r n e d about people being shortchanged last year but have recently been forced to warn the public again after a rise in reported cases. Police are warning that everyone should check their change carefully after every transaction to make sure they have not been given either a Turkish Lira, which looks almost identical to a one-Euro coin, the Turkish 50 Kurus coin (looks like a two-Euro coin) Jamaican 20 Dollar coin (looks like a one-Euro coin), the Polish 5
SHORT-CHANGED: Check your change carefully.
Zlotych coin (similar to a two-Euro coin) and the Ve n e z u e l a n B o l i v a r ( v e r y similar to the one-Euro coin).
According to the National Police, these coins are very similar to the real Euro but their value is much, much lower.
NATIONAL
€7.3 billion for weaponry ACCORDING to sources at Spain’s Defence Ministry, the government is ready to approve three weapons programmes worth €7.3 billion. As part of the plans, five F-110 class frigates will be constructed between 2019 and 2032 at a cost of more than €4.3 billion. In addition, 348 army vehicles worth €2.1 billion will be procured by 2025, along with €906 million in upgrades to the Eurofighter aircraft. Since Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez came to power in June, the government has also approved the release of nearly €1.2 billion in cost overruns for S-80 submarines, €1.4 billion for communications satellites, €819 million to upgrade Spain’s Chinook helicopters, and almost €1.4 billion to buy NH-90 helicopters. In total, the government’s expenditure on defence will rise to €12.1 billion, and ministers are approving the investment for these programmes, not the contracts themselves. Construction on the frigates is expected to create 7,000 jobs over nine years, mostly located in Galicia. They are equipped with a US-developed naval weapons system known as Aegis, and will replace the Spanish Navy’s six Santa Maria frigates, which have been in service for over 30 years. The Euro fighter upgrade seeks to prevent the Spanish aircraft from becoming obsolete compared with other project members (Britain, Germany and Italy).
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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NATIONAL CREDIT: Pablo Iglesias, via Twitter
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GRAFFITI: Slogans were found sprayed on Podemos’ Alicante City headquarters.
Far-right vandals strike LEADING members of leftist parties in Spain have spoken out after local branch offices were found plastered with farright and fascist graffiti. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias shared pictures on Twitter of his party’s Alicante City headquarters sprayed with slogans including: ‘Reds, No,’ ‘Spain is not touched’ and ‘The Falange.’ The latter is the name for fascists who support
former dictator Francisco Franco. “Graffiti on party buildings doesn’t help. The ones who do it almost never come out in the media,” Iglesias said. Antonio Maillo, of Izquierda Unida (IU) in Andalucia, replied to Iglesias with a picture of his party’s offices in the Malaga Province town of Antequera also covered in spray paint.
Slogans included: ‘Long life Franco,’ ‘Long live Spain’ and ‘Sons of B******.’ The graffiti comes as tensions between radical leftwingers and the far-right have risen following Vox’s winning of 12 seats in recent elections in Andalucia. The party is known for its hard-line stances on immigration, Spanish unionism and social issues.
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EU vote hopes
PEACE SHATTERED: Sleepy Benahavis was rocked by an explosion, with a suspect captured on CCTV (inset).
Arrests made after explosion FOUR men have been arrested in Marbella and Malmö (Sweden) accused of attempting to blow up a Costa del Sol villa and an industrial warehouse in a drug trafficking related ‘settling of accounts’. The men have been charged with illicit possession of explosives, homicide, belonging to a criminal organisation, damages and forgery of a public document. Operation Mudhika-Latvia, was a Guardia Civil and National Police joint-run project, to capture those responsible for the gang-related violence. The Swedish police were also instrumental in capturing two of the alleged assailants.
On October 10, two bombs were detonated in a house in a residential area in Benahavis, and on an industrial estate in San Pedro de Alcantara. The explosions caused great alarm to members of the public, and caused significant material damage, according to the Guardia Civil. A torched vehicle was located shortly after the explosions in Nagüeles, Marbella. Fitted with false licence plates, the vehicle had been registered as stolen several years ago in Belgium. Police in Spain allege that the detainees are members of a top criminal organisation
with an operation stretching over several European countries, including Spain. Police in Sweden linked the explosions to similar occurrences in Scandinavia, incidents involving the aforementioned criminal organisation and similar explosive materials. The international police investigation now claims to have uncovered the identities of several members of the organisation. Four house searches have since taken place, three in Sweden and one in Spain, during which the police seized bulletproof vests and anti-explosive vests.
THE European Commission’s envoy to Spain has welcomed the possibility that there might be a boost to voter turnout in EU parliamentary elections scheduled for this coming May. Ioannis Virvilis said EU officials expected a higher number of people to vote due to bloc elections taking place the same day as local and regional ballots. “Something which citizens sometimes don’t realise is
that we have to elect the European Parliament because it will decide if there will be more money for the Common Agricultural Policy, for security or to meet the challenge of migration,” Virivillis said. Virivillis added that EU was hoping for turnouts of up to 70 per cent when voters go to the polls on Sunday May 26, 2019. The turnout in Spain at the last EU elections in 2019 was 43.8 per cent.
Index table CATALUÑA ranks fourth in the Regional Competitiveness Index of Spain for the second year running. The table is the result of the analysis of seven ‘competitive axes’ - economic environment, labour market, human capital, institutional environment, basic infrastructures, business efficiency and innovation. The Index was published by the Council of Economists of Spain and places Andalucia, Extremadura, Canarias, Castilla La Mancha and Balearic Islands at the opposite end of the scale.
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NEWS
Call for autumn election
River death A FEMALE motorist died after her car left the road and overturned in a nearby river in Abegondo. A passenger travelling with the victim managed to escape from the car, but the deceased was trapped inside, and Betanzos firefighters had to pull her body free last Wednesday morning. The survivor was transferred to the University Clinical Hospital of A Coruña.
NATURE CALL: The WWF has called for action on the Doñana National Park.
National park call A CONSERVATION NGO has called on the UN to take Spain to task on what it alleges is the country’s failure to prevent the exploitation of a national park. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has accused Spain’s Climate Change Ministry and the Junta de Andalucia regional authority of failing to comply with conservation rules for the Doñana National Park. The WWF claimed both authorities had allowed water
and gas extraction, mining and the dredging of the Guadalquivir River at the site in western Andalucia. The natural space was becoming ‘threatened’ as a result, WWF said. Juan Carlos del Olmo, of WWF Spain, said: “UNESCO must hold Spain responsible for mistreating our common heritage.” It comes as Spain sent a report to the UN’s UNESCO body in early December out-
lining steps it was taking towards protecting the park. The WWF said these were declarations of intent and not legally binding. It has also said it will spend millions on monitoring inland waterways in Doñana and in other Spanish rivers. The Doñana National Park covers an area of 543 square kilometres. It is home to thousands of animals and bird species, some of which are endangered.
THE president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano GarciaPage, has suggested to the Spanish Prime M i n i s t e r, Pedro Sanchez, in a meeting held this week that he should call a general election in autumn 2019 if the national budgets do not get approved next year. With Sanchez leading a minority PSOE government with just 85 of the 350 seats, this is a potential scenario without support from other parties. According to reports, both men had a ‘very frank, sincere and cordial’ meeting in Madrid which lasted for more than an hour.
NEWS
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Pit closures SPAIN has signed a letter in support of an agreement which will see the closure of coal plants in Europe, while providing a system of guarantees for other technologies to support renewable energies. The letter has been signed by 12 other countries, including the UK.
BENIDORM: Ignoring tax advice. THE Spanish government has been advised by experts to implement a tourist tax in resorts on the Spanish peninsula. From a financial point of view, experts have suggested that the Spanish government should apply a tax between two and five Euros per day. Despite the advice, resorts in Benidorm will not be adding the tax any time soon. Antonio Pérez, mayor of Benidorm, has told the Span-
Tourist tax ish press: “At the moment, the tourism municipalities are simply promoting VAT as a generous income for the coffers of the state.” Other Spanish destinations are currently considering the proposal. Valencia and the Canary Islands are some of the desti-
nations which are said to be considering implementing the new tourist tax. Cataluña (Costa Brava) and the Balearic Islands have already introduced the tax for overnight stays. The tax in Cataluña reportedly brings in around €50 million a year.
The mayor of Salou (Cataluña), Pere Granados, addressed during a conference in the Canary Islands the benefits of the tourist tax: “It is working fine,” he said. Granados claims that 50 per cent of the money collected by the tax remained in the municipality.
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Pedro loses his shine
Rescued explorer ‘could have died’ A CYCLIST from Spain who undertook the arduous task of biking across Siberia in -50C temperatures had to be rescued by locals after he was found in a thin tent suffering from frostbite. Jose Andres Abian Pajares, originally from Zaragoza, was discovered on a mountain pass in the
Kolyma region of Russia during freezing conditions. His rescuers took him to hospital in the town of Susuman, 400km north of Magadan from where he had set off weeks earlier, and reports claim ‘he could have died’. The 47-year-old’s journey began when he flew
FROSTBITE: Jose Andres Abian Pajares was in a bad way when rescued by locals in Russia. from Moscow to Magadan aiming to ride to Lake Baikal near Irkutsk, about
Boundary threat THE Spanish navy has been criticised after one of its vessels allegedly followed a British submarine leaving Gibraltar. A source told one publication a Spanish ship followed nuclear submarine HMS Talent as it left the Port of Gibraltar on Friday afternoon on a secret mis-
NATIONAL
sion. The ship reportedly only backed off when a British Royal Navy vessel intervened. Critics claim this breached maritime laws and, “is a clear saber-rattling exercise in Madrid, which flexes its muscles again over the disputed British enclave.”
4,660 km away, sharing his travel experiences on his ‘around the world’ blog. He has previously documented his cycling adventures from Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Romania, Iceland and Morocco, to name a few. According to British press reports, Pajares, who is now recovering, will have to spend New Year in the remote area of Siberia as there are no flights out of the region until January.
AN unofficial poll by the El Confidencial online newspaper found that the ‘Pedro Sanchez effect’ is waning. Sanchez was initially buoyed up by last June’s successful Vote of No Confidence in the former president, M a r i a n o R a j o y. S i x m o n t h s l a t e r, E l C o n f i d e n c i a l found that his government had the support of only one in three voters. Even within his own party, Sanchez’s popularity has slipped. Three months ago he had the approval of 71.8 per cent of PSOE voters but this has dropped by nine percentage points to 62.7 per cent. T h e p r e s i d e n t ’s a p p r o v a l r a t i n g f r o m v o t e r s o f a l l national parties - PSOE, PP, Cs, UP and Vox - stands at 36.1 per cent. Support for Sanchez comes from the PSOE, his own p a r t y, a n d U n i d o s P o d e m o s ( U P ) , t h e P o d e m o s Izquierda Unida coalition, where approval has fallen by only 1.4 percentage points according to El Confidencial. PSOE voters’ disillusion with Sanchez also spreads to his ministers. Sanchez announced a Cabinet where women outnumbered men and incorporated wellknown ministers from previous socialist governments and independents respected in their fields. Optimism has faded and 40.5 per cent of PSOE voters said they were disappointed as the performance of Sanchez’s ministers was worse than they had expected.
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Rise in suicides DEATHS by suicide in Spain increased by 3.1 per cent in 12 months, last year, to 3,679. This figure is significantly higher than those who lost their lives in traffic accidents, which stood at 1,943 in 2017, an increase of 2.8 per cent.
Pay cut sends scientist home ERWIN WAGNER, creator of the first transgenic mice, is leaving Spain’s National Centre of Oncological Investigation (CNIO). The Austrian scientist is ‘tired of the lack of support’ and his pay has been cut by 70 per cent, he announced. Wagner, 68, arrived in Spain in 2008 to work on transgenic mice and inflammatory processes. He admitted his earnings were the same as in Austria and Ministry of Science sources revealed he was paid double the centre’s highest salaries. In order to be able to make Wagner an economically interesting offer, the Ministry’s official resources were topped up by
the BBVA Foundation. The prestigious scientist also received two grants from the European Research Council with €5 million for five years. But when the BBVA Foundation contribution ended, Wagner’s salary was reduced. “In January 2016 they told me they could not pay me the same amount and cut my salary by 70 per cent. I had a contract but they did not respect it.” He went on to say it should have been possible to find ways permitting ‘an attractive offer’ and mentioned conversations with the Severiano Ballesteros Foundation. “But the rigidity of the Spanish science system would not allow it.”
NATIONAL
Drunk on a plane A ‘DRUNK’ passenger has been arrested after allegedly making homophobic remarks to a member of easyJet’s cabin crew on a flight bound to the UK from Spain. The 42-year-old man, from Guildford, Surrey was arrested on suspicion of being drunk on an aircraft. The easyJet flight EZY8706, from Tenerife, Canary Islands to London Gatwick Airport, landed at about 11pm, where officers from Sussex Po-
lice apprehended the man. Police report receiving ‘a request for assistance in dealing with a drunk and abusive passenger’ while the aircraft was in flight at about 10pm. Police tweeted: ‘Drunk passenger arrested upon landing into Gatwick Airport tonight, due to him verbally abusing a member of crew with homophobic comments during the flight. Unacceptable and we will be robust with individuals.’
HOMOPHOBIC: Drunk abused cabin crew.
An airline spokesman said: “easyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time. “Whilst such incidents are quite rare, we take them very seriously and we do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour on board.
NATIONAL
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Caught in the act
Safe with family BRITISH expat, Donald Wright, has been found safe in the UK after being reported missing nearly three weeks ago by his wife in Fuengirola (Malaga). H i s w i f e , Ay s l a Wr i g h t , h a s i n formed the public via Facebook that she received a call f r o m M r Wr i g h t , and was informed he was safe with a family member. Mr Wright had apparently driven through Spain and France and taken a Ferry from Calais to get to the UK.
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A BUNGLING thief needed hospital treatment after becoming trapped in a store’s metal shutters as he was trying to make his getaway. Badajoz police officers were called after the 41-yearold’s screams for help were heard by the shop manager, and officers escorted him while he received medical attention, before making an arrest.
TRAGIC: Amy (inset) was found at Puerto de la Cruz.
Body is missing Brit A BODY found on the coast of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife, Spain on December 4 has been identified by DNA tests as British girl Amy Louise Gerard. The Gerard family reported: ‘DNA results confirm our worst nightmare and we are devastated because Amy is not with us any more.’ In the statement posted to social media site Facebook, the
family were able to confirm the news of Amy Louise’s death. However, it remains unknown at this time the circumstances of her death: ‘The police investigation continues and there is no more information to share at this moment,’ added the family. The family have reportedly been aided throughout this difficult time by the Lucie Black-
man Foundation, which helps relatives of missing persons abroad. Amy Louise Gerard was 28 years old and worked in Loro Parque on the Canary Island of Tenerife as an animal trainer. She disappeared on November 30 after spending the night in a bar with some friends on the island. National Police report that the case is now under ‘secrecy of summary.’
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Toys for everyone THE Institute of Catalan Women (ICD) wants to overturn the gender-stereotyping which is present in children’s toys. It has launched the Let’s Overturn Stereotypes campaign with four posters which combine images of toys traditionally identified as suitable for one gender or another, but not both. One poster shows Superman’s characteristic S painted pink with a skirt below it and the message: ‘I have superpowers when I dance.’ Another has a rugby ball topped with a witch’s hat and declares: ‘I can cast spells
with my rugby ball.’ Up until January 7, posters, written and social media and videos will put across the message that toys are more than a game and are instrumental in building imaginations and identities. The ICD aims to promote education in the values and attitudes of equality and teach children not to discriminate on the grounds of gender. Let’s Overturn Stereotypes is the association’s third annual campaign in its bid to eliminate the propagation of sexist concepts via toys.
Terror networks dismantled THE National Police has investigated and disassembled jihadist terror networks in various prisons. Police infiltrated and shut down a network of prisoners dedicated to the financing of jihadist terrorism from their cells. The National Police operation went ahead after successful investigations were carried out into the alleged terrorist activities and organisations working within Spain’s prison system. The operation has resulted in the detention and imprisonment of several people for crimes against public health. The National Police claim drug-related activities from within the prison walls were being used to fund jihadist terrorist organisations which used goods transportation companies to traffic weapons and people across Europe from North Africa and Syria. One of the investigated prisoners has also been charged with the crimes of jihadist recruitment and indoctrination in prison.
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NATIONAL
Artefact haul GUARDIA CIVIL officers in Castilla y Leon have seized 257 archaeological items which date from ancient times to the 15th century and are estimated to be worth almost €307,000. Police seized the items as part of Operation Fibulas, an investigation into artefacts allegedly illegally taken from sites in the Valle del Tiertar area during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Virginia Barcones, the Spanish government’s representative in Castilla y Leon, said the investigation had helped to recover items which belonged in the public domain. The investigation which led to the seizing of the artefacts began in April. The probe led officers to uncover a seal, dating from the 15th century which someone in
ITEMS SEIZED: Police uncovered a total of 257 artefacts. Avila Province allegedly possessed illegally. A further 256 items were then uncovered. These included a flint arrowhead and a bronze and silver coin which are believed to have been minted by the Iberian
civilisation in the 1st century BCE. A further 124 Roman coins and stone objects were found, as well as 58 ceramics. All the pieces are set to be handed over to the Museum of Avila.
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Human rights row SPAIN has been slammed for ordering the deportation of two immigrants convicted of drug trafficking, for ‘not taking into account their family ties or roots in the country’. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg condemned the order, claiming it violated the two Moroccans’ right to ‘respect for private and family life’, set out in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Aziz Saber, 33, and Hamza Boughassal, 31, both moved to Spain in 1998, living with their families and attending schools in Girona, with long-term five-year residence permits. In 2008, both men were given sentences of one year in prison suspended (Saber), and three years and one day (Boughassal) for drug trafficking by the Criminal Court No 1 of Girona. The authorities reportedly began an administrative expulsion procedure following the convictions, and several arrests between 2004 and 2010. According to an EU ruling, a long-term resident alien ‘cannot be removed from the country’ for having been sentenced to more than one year in prison.
NATIONAL
Gangs at war SPANISH media have attributed the escalation of violence witnessed this year on the Costa del Sol to the rivalry between new international crime gangs which have expanded their enterprises to the south of Spain. The number of recorded cases of gang violence on the Costa del Sol has risen this year and has been widely reported across the Spanish and British Press. Incidents involving arson, explosive devices, horrific torture and murder as well as the confiscation of deadly weapons have been tackled by Spanish police forces on a frequent basis in 2018. The victims and alleged instigators of the crimes have been Dutch, British, Swedish, French, Croatian and Spanish. In a move to bring an end to the escalating violence, Spanish police have installed billboards on the Costa del Sol featuring the mugshots of the most wanted alleged criminals on the coast. One anonymous police officer told a wellknown Spanish media publication, the Costa del Sol had become a ‘melting pot of delinquency.’ The officer alleges that elite narcos and organisations use the Costa to conduct their illegal affairs. The anonymous policeman also claimed the infrastructure on the Costa del Sol is ideal and logistically, perfectly positioned for conducting illegal affairs. He cited the proximity to Morocco and the
WANTED: The officer alleges that elite narcos and organisations use the Costa del Sol to conduct their illegal affairs. presence of an international airport as factors in the criminal’s choice in location. Police sources on the Costa del Sol have also attributed the rise in gang violence to the influx of cocaine to the Costa, an alleged product of increased narcotics production in Colombia. Police in Spain are said to be aware of over 100 criminal organisations at present on the Costa del Sol, the majority of which use the black market to
Bus falls on car
A BUS with 18 passengers fell off a steep bank in Alora on the Costa del Sol, Spain. According to Spanish media, emergency services were involved in the rescue. The vehicle fell down a drop of about three metres for reasons which are unclear. The bus fell on its side, on a car which had parked in the area and in which fortunately there were no occupants. Witnesses claim that the bus was in a very unstable position on top o f t h e c a r, s o t h e p r i o r i t y o f t h e
emergency services was to secure it before removing the passengers from the bus. The Provincial Consortium of Bomberos of Campillos and Coin, Local Police, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and ambulances were called to the scene. Emergency services treated six people although none were seriously injured. T h e y s u ff e r e d f r o m s c r a t c h e s , bumps and anxiety attacks, and some of them were sent to the Hospital del Guadalhorce for a follow-up medical examination.
attain weaponry. National Police unit UDYCO have called for tougher policing and the introduction of harsher sentences to control the escalating violence levels on the Costa del Sol. UDYCO have promised to continue their crackdown on gang crime but fear this year’s violence could be just the start of the coast’s gang troubles.
Shut down A GANG of traffickers which lured Colombian women to Spain with the promise of work, only to force them i nt o a wor l d of pr ost i t ut i on and sl aver y, has been shut by t he Guardia Civil. The criminal network is accused of recruiting young females with ‘limited resources to confine them’ in brothels in Alicante and Albacete. Si x ar r est s wer e m ade on bot h sides of the Atlantic.
FEATURE
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 43
THE WEEK IN POLITICS
A year of change By Joe Gerrard AS Spain prepares to welcome the arrival of a New Year this Tuesday, it is worth taking stock of the eventful 2018 we are leaving behind. We will go into 2019 with a new government which has already made significant political moves and has also had its fair share of scandals and setbacks. Regionally, tensions show no sign of abating in Cataluña while in the south, political parties continue to wrangle over who will take power in Andalucia. Efforts to muster support for the government’s budget also look set to continue into the New Year. If they come to nought then a general election could well be on the cards at some point in 2019. One of the first big political events of 2018 saw millions of Spanish citizens take the initiative on one of Spain’s most deep-rooted issues; the treatment of women in society. Around 5.3 million women from across the country staged mass demonstrations on March 8 to demand gender equality and an end to discrimination which they claimed ran through Spanish society. Those issues have
ALL CHANGE: A new government took power this year. continued to make headlines since. June saw the ousting of Mariano Rajoy’s conservative Partido Popular (PP) government over the Gurtel kickbacks-for-contracts scandal. It was the first time in Spain’s democratic history that a government was deposed using the parliamentary motion of censure, or no confidence mechanism. The left-leaning Partido Socialista (PSOE), led by Pedro Sanchez, took power in its place. The party has since announced a raft of changes including confronting Spain’s authoritarian past and placing a greater emphasis on issues including climate change and gender
equality. The party has been hamstrung by its minority position in parliament and has been rocked by the resignation of ministers over corruption and questions over university qualifications. More recently in Andalucia, Sanchez’s party was delivered an upset with elections thatcould put an end to more than three decades of dominance in the region. The vote was also a breakthrough for the far-right Vox party. Cataluña also made headlines during much of 2018. We go into 2019 with tensions running just as high in the region, more than one year after an independence push first shook Spain to its core.
Women comments BEING a woman in Spain is a ‘bargain’ and the issue of gender violence is overhyped by the media, according to the new head of a far-right party’s Ibiza branch. Jaime Diaz de Entresotos, formerly of the conservative Partido Popular (PP) and now a Vox member, told a local newspaper that current gender violence laws should be repealed. He said this was due to the measures assuming that men had urges which needed to be ‘repressed instantly.’ “Spain is not the country in Europe with the highest figures, probably the least. In fact, statistics show that being a woman in Spain is a bargain,” Diaz de Entresotos said. “The topic is being exaggerated in the media. It is a serious problem which must be solved, but we cannot be bombarded with the same news all day,” the Vox leader added. Diaz de Entresotos’ comments come as Andalucian teacher Laura Luelmo was found dead after being sexually assaulted and killed, which a suspect has confessed to. A total of 61 women have been killed in Spain this year, excluding Luelmo, up from 51 in 2017.
Poll tracker: Partido Socialista (PSOE): 24.1 per cent, 102 seats Partido Popular (PP): 21.2 per cent, 89 seats Ciudadanos: 18.4 per cent, 66 seats Unidos Podemos: 16.7 per cent, 52 seats Result: PSOE largest party, no overall control.
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EUROPEAN PRESS
NORWAY CONSERVATION workers in Helnorsk recorded four new wolf pup litter births there over the summer and another one on the region’s border, meaning that a target of four to six annually has been reached seven months before the counting date.
Wolf births
Equality table NORWAY has come second in a ranking of the most gender equal countries in the world behind Iceland and ahead of Sweden, with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) table marking countries on female participation in politics, economics and society.
NEW ARRIVALS: Wolf conservation efforts are on track.
BELGIUM
Priest trial
Asylum places
CATHOLIC priest Alexandra Stoobrant is set to appeal against a Bruges court’s verdict which found him guilty of criminal negligence after a parishioner spoke of killing himself during a confession and committed suicide a day later.
BELGIUM’S Migration Minister Maggie De Block has announced plans to create around an extra 100 places for asylum seekers, with the decision now awaiting approval from the country’s government which has seen resignations recently over migration policy.
SWEDEN
FRANCE
Gig ruling
Vote call
A FESTIVAL billed as ‘man-free’ and held in Gothenburg earlier this year broke anti-discrimination legislation, according to Sweden’s Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) which noted individuals were not targeted but that the description excluded men.
PROTESTERS with France’s Gilet Jauntes (Yellow Vest) movement have called on the government to hold regular referendums that would overrule parliamentary votes if enough people sign a petition as demonstrations from anti-government groups continue.
Prize claims THE Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize, has taken on lawyers to investigate one of its members who the body alleges leaked the names of Literature Prize winners to husband Jean-Claude Arnault who was jailed for rape earlier this year.
Attack charge A COURT in France has charged a 37year-old for allegedly supplying a gun used in the Strasbourg Christmas market attack on Tuesday December 11 after lead suspect Cherif Chekatt was shot dead by police.
NETHERLANDS
Bankers’ pay
Taken ill
DUTCH government officials have announced plans to strengthen rules on bankers’ pay after ING, which was bailed out with public money in the last financial crisis, ditched plans to award its CEO with a 50 per cent pay rise.
A 26-YEAR-OLD man from the Netherlands has been diagnosed with yellow fever after visiting Gambia and Senegal in West Africa last month, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials said while adding the chance of the disease spreading remains ‘very small.’
DENMARK
GERMANY
Hack tests
Case dismissal
DENMARK’S Central Bank has announced plans to hire hackers who offer their services legally to governments, businesses and other bodies to test how well protected the country’s financial industry is against potential cyber attacks.
THE Constitutional Court of Germany has thrown out three complaints made by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) against Chancellor Angela Merkel over her 2015 refugee acceptance policy after justices deemed them ‘inadmissible.’
Migrant data ALMOST 1,000 Somali nationals living in Denmark lost their residence permits from the beginning of 2017 to October 2018 after immigration officials said their home country was safe enough for them to return to it.
Passport row REFUGEE advocacy groups have criticised immigration officials after it emerged that Syrian refugees living in Germany have been made to deal with embassies and consulates loyal to President Bashar Assad, which they branded a ‘scandal.’
NATIONAL
Police ‘assault’ A GROUP of police officers operating in the Spanish enclave of Melilla who have been reported for assaulting a 17-year-old, have said that, in turn, they were similarly attacked by a group of teenagers. The controversy has been heightened following a video that clearly shows the youngster being laid on the ground in handcuffs and surrounded by police officers. Unions representing the police have now explained what happened leading up to the alleged assault. According to reports, as the police in plainclothes left a restaurant one evening, they were faced by the group who began to hurl stones and bottles at them. Five of them were later treated at the Melilla Hospital for cuts and bruises with one suffering from a broken finger. The investigation into the incident continues.
Death queried ASSOCIATIONS representing animal rights have asked for a full investigation following an alleged killing of a dog by a member of the Guardia Urbana in Barcelona. There are a number of contradictory reasons as to what actually happened, but the police officer said it was a reaction to him being bitten on the arm by the dog. However, witnesses to the incident said while the dog jumped up on the policeman, there was nothing to suggest it was being aggressive. Barcelona City Council defended the actions of the police officer, while animal associations have said the killing was unnecessary.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 45
Spanish fishing quotas increased SPAIN has announced that it is ‘satisfied’ with the latest distribution of European Union (EU) fishing quotas. After close to 17 hours of negotiations that finished in the early hours of the morning, the Spanish fishing industry came out with an increase in the quota of some of its catches - after
four consecutive years of cuts - and it will be allowed to keep fishing for the popular meluza (hake). According to the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, the positive changes to the quotas have been possible thanks to recent surveys
on fish stocks relating to northern hake, mackerel, sea bass and Norwegian lobster. However, not everyone is happy as environmental organisations have denounced as ‘irres p o n s i b l e a n d i n s u ff i c i e n t ’ t h e a g r e e m e n t reached by the European Commissioners to prolong the overfishing in European waters.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
NEWSDESK COSTA BLANCA NORTH
With six editions on the Spanish Costas and Mallorca we cover the main expat areas of Spain - take a look at what is happening around our regions.
COSTA DEL SOL
Fire defence plan IN the wake of a spate of destructive forest fires in and around Costa Blanca North, Javea Council has reinforced its resources and invested in a dozen portable water cannons. Some €21,895 has been spent on 12 portable ‘Sideinfo’ portable guns that can be used to extinguish blazes in ‘out-ofthe-way’ places, with the water being taken from nearby swimming pools. This equipment can be quickly put into operation, and Councillor Pepa Gisbert has announced that a training session will shortly be held so that members of the Civil Protection Volunteers can learn how to operate the water cannons. This isn’t the only investment in the safety and security being carried out in Javea. The council has recently received a subsidy of €128,000 towards the purchase of a vehicle that helps in clean-up operations after forest fires to prevent further incidents.
ALMERIA
Celebrating castle history COMMEMORATIONS of the 500th anniversary of the Marquis of Los Velez Castle in Cuevas del Almanzora have officially got underway. Cuevas mayor Antonio Fernandez, Education, Health and Festivities councillor Ana Mª Castro
NEWSDESK
Stranger encounter A SCHOOL in Malaga City has warned parents about their children being approached by strangers after one woman allegedly tried to lure a sevenyear-old away from the centre. Local Police sources said the incident took place at the Santa Luisa de Marillac school in the Huelin district of the city last week. The mother of the seven-year- TAKE CARE: The school has warned parents about old told officers she was inside strangers. (File photo) the school when she heard her daughter screaming outside. The mother’s sister-in-law then went outside and managed to find the girl. She claimed she also saw a dishevelled woman aged between 40 and 50 fleeing the area. The seven-year-old later told police that the woman had said: “Come with me, I am going to take you somewhere.” The girl’s mother is yet to formally report the incident to police. The school has asked parents to take precautions when leaving their children outside alone.
and official chronicler Enrique Fernández Bolea unveiled the programme of events last week. These include a series of conferences about the castle’s important role in Cuevas’ history over the last five centuries and ‘The surprising look: something more than a century of photography in Cuevas del Almanzora 1865-1973’ exhibition, which runs until March 22 at the Antonio Manuel Campoy La Tercia hall. “Throughout its history, the castle has been the main emblem of
our town, and as it could not be any other way, for a year it is going to be the nerve centre of the most important acts we are going to celebrate,” the mayor said.
AXARQUIA
On trial PROSECUTORS in Malaga have agreed to investigate the president of the Axarquia Commonwealth over alleged misappropri-
ation of public funds. Lawyers will look into whether Gregorio Campos is guilty of claiming €598 in, ‘maintenance,’ payments in 2015. The prominent politician, who is also mayor of Iznate, denies the charges, saying the claims were made legitimately during the period he was acting as president of the Axarquia Commonwealth but before he began to receive his €41,000 a year salary. Politicians from the opposing Partido Popular (PP) party are
demanding answers, however, with the mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, calling on Campos to, ‘give explanations.’ Gregorio Campos was only last week cleared by prosecutors investigating whether he had correctly followed the law when offering public contracts. During the investigation, the politician said he had, ‘blind faith,’ in the justice system.
MALLORCA
Nadal’s aid to flood victims TENNIS ace Rafael Nadal has donated €1 million to the victims of the flash flooding which claimed the lives of 13 people in Mallorca on October 9. The 32-year-old world number 2 is from the island himself, and lent his personal support during clean-up efforts in Sant Llorenc des Cardassar a day after the catastrophe. His kind gesture was made public by the local council in an open letter. Signed by the mayor, Mateu Puigros, it said that ‘it is assistance from a person who is very special to us, someone who shows his profound love for our land and our residents every day.’ Nadal has a tennis school in nearby Manacor, which he offered to victims of the flooding as a place of shelter. The athlete’s donation will be added to the reported €1.6 million that has been raised so far. To date, almost €260,000 has been paid out to those affected by the freak storms.
COSTA DEL SOL I AXARQUIA I COSTA BLANCA NORTH I COSTA BLANCA SOUTH I ALMERIA I MALLORCA
EWN online this week 119,256 Page views POLL OF THE WEEK After the WWF accused Spain of failing to adequately protect the Doñana National Park, do you think the government could do more to safeguard the country’s natural heritage?
*For week 118-24 December 2018
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BODY FOUND:Police inAndalucia, Spain confirm missing teacher Laura Luelmo has been found dead
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BALCONY ‘SUICIDE’:Two men convicted of murder after student fell six-floors to her death in Spain BODY FOUND: xxxx xxxx
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TOURIST TAX: Resorts in Spain to introduce new tourist tax as a way to bring in extra money
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STAT OF WEEK
Dubai drive
THE Dubai Investment Development Agency (FDI) recently held a meeting with major industries and key investors at the Circulo Ecuestre in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with Senda International Company. The meeting, which aimed to further boost Dubai’s strong investment and trade relations with Spain, formed part of Dubai FDI’s efforts to showcase its competitive edge in attracting international investors. Spain’s interest is particularly strong in the tourism and retail sectors, and Dubai FDI is keen to draw their attention towards new opportunities in construction and technology.
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
is the total amount of short term credit that El Corte Ingles is offering €380 million This its customers in order to boost sales over the festive period.
FINANCE
business & legal
Santander in fine mess SANTANDER UK has been fined €36.3 million by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for failing to properly process the accounts of deceased customers. The bank did not transfer funds totalling over €203 million to beneficiaries when it should have done, affecting a total of 40,428 customers directly. In addition, after it became aware of the issues, it failed to disclose the problems to the FCA. Santander apologised for the situation and said: “We have now transferred the major-
ity of customer funds and made significant improvements to our whole probate and bereavement process. “This will ensure we provide both a sensitive and efficient service to our bereaved customer representatives and those who are managing the estates of people who have passed away.” Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA said: “To the firm’s credit, once these problems were notified to the board and senior management, they were
fixed properly and promptly, but recognition of the problem took too long.” There were weaknesses in how Santander organised and controlled its probate and bereavement processes, the FCA added. This meant that the bank failed to follow-up on communications with deceased customer representatives, which increased the likelihood of cases not being closed. As a result, despite Santander being informed that a customer had died, funds would not be transferred to those who were entitled to them.
Block boost SPAIN-based multinational bank BBVA has announced that it has used blockchain technology to finalise a €150 million loan to Porsche Holding Salzburg, a subsidiary of German carmaker Volkswagen. Porsche Holding Salzburg, (distinct from Stuttgart-based luxury carmaker Porsche), is currently the largest car distributor in the European Union (EU). This is the latest transaction in a series of blockchain-based deals carried out by BBVA with corporate clients. BBVA has issued similar loans to Red Electrica Corporacion, Repsol and ACS.
EU trade strategy
» BUSINESS EXTRA
Tourism talk IRAN’S Ambassador to Spain, Hassan Qashqavi, has announced that he is exploring ways to promote cooperation between the two countries in terms of holding cultural exhibitions in order to boost tourism in Iran.
Debt ditch BUSINESS BOOSTER: EU Commissioner of Competition Margrethe Vestager is looking to strengthen the market. A TOTAL of 19 governments including Spain have proposed updating the EU’s antitrust rules in order to facilitate the emergence of European giants able to face ‘fierce competition’ from the US and China. After a meeting of ministers in Paris, the group called for a ‘new political impetus’ to ensure European industry remains competitive on a global level. As part of a new assertive strategy, the group said they will make proposals to the European Commission that will be
nominated after the EU elections in May 2019. One of their main ideas is ‘the identification of possible evolutions of the antitrust rules to better take into account international markets and competition in merger analysis,’ said the final statement. The member states agreed to identify European strategic value chains ‘prioritising those most directly linked to improving global productivity, fighting climate change, and enhancing technological development.’
SPAIN, Italy and France are likely to see demand for their debt from the European Central Bank wane next year, after the ECB announced that it would stop adding to its stock of government and corporate bonds.
New chief GRUPO Lo Monaco has announced the appointment of Costas Antimissaris as its new CEO, and Antimissaris has extensive experience in the retail sector having worked for Inditex, Douglas Spain and Marks and Spencer.
A taxing service A NEW poll carried out by independent think tank Instituto de Estudios Fiscales has indicated that more than half of Spain’s tax paying population believes the country’s public services are not providing value for money. Around 43 per cent of Spaniards’ annual earnings are taxed, just below the EU average of 45 per cent. But 65 per cent of tax payers believe pub-
lic services have not improved over the past five years, or have actually declined. Moreover, 86 per cent of those surveyed feel that tax fraud has gone up in the past decade, singling out businessmen and selfemployed people as the main culprits, rather than multinationals or politicians. Respondents said that tax evasion is accepted in Spanish society but that nobody admits to it.
50 EWN
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
www.euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page
C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 21
PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY Anglo American 1,716.50 -36.50 Associated British Foods 2,128.50 2.50 Admiral Group 1,974.00 14.00 Ashtead Group 1,624.50 -32.00 Antofagasta 767.70 -18.30 Aviva 372.85 3.55 AstraZeneca 6,004.50 36.50 BAE Systems 457.25 1.75 Barclays 148.55 -2.91 British American Tobacco 2,585.00 34.50 Barratt Developments 447.50 -2.70 BHP GROUP PLC ORD $0.50 1,640.70 -26.30 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,416.50 13.50 British Land Co 545.00 -4.80 Bunzl 2,380.50 -7.50 BP 496.58 -5.92 Burberry Group 1,715.50 -16.50 BT Group 250.83 2.38 Coca-Cola HBC 2,385.00 -30.00 Carnival 3,933.00 -415.00 Centrica 135.90 1.65 Compass Group 1,652.00 -18.50 Croda International 4,668.00 -55.00 CRH 1,989.50 -39.50 DCC 6,027.50 17.50 Diageo 2,811.75 4.25 Direct Line Insurance Group 310.55 4.05 Evraz 482.20 3.00 Experian 1,866.25 5.75 easyJet 1,090.25 15.25 Ferguson 4,991.00 -4.00 Fresnillo 859.40 29.40 Glencore 288.75 -5.65 GlaxoSmithKline 1,509.70 6.70 GVC Holdings 677.50 -12.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,826.00 4.50 Halma 1,313.50 -18.50 HSBC Holdings 653.45 0.75 International Conslidtd Airs Grp 610.60 1.60 InterContinental Hotels Grp 4,079.50 -85.50 3i Group 776.90 1.50 Imperial Brands 2,339.00 20.00 Informa 630.00 0.20 Intertek Group 4,814.00 5.00 ITV 126.00 -1.80 Just Eat 570.50 -18.70 Johnson Matthey 2,757.50 -11.50 Kingfisher 210.75 -3.65 Land Securities Group 827.80 -2.80 Legal & General Group 227.25 -1.45
% CHG. NET VOL -2.08 24,627.95 0.12 16,830.99 0.71 5,693.85 -1.93 7,922.53 -2.33 7,748.83 0.96 14,408.21 0.61 75,603.32 0.38 14,555.25 -1.92 25,947.01 1.35 58,502.59 -0.60 4,566.01 -1.58 35,207.00 0.40 4,390.39 -0.87 5,286.12 -0.31 8,033.49 -1.18 100,809.87 -0.95 7,125.00 0.96 24,650.98 -1.24 8,871.48 -9.54 7,352.06 1.23 7,647.39 -1.11 26,492.45 -1.16 6,217.50 -1.95 16,567.65 0.29 5,904.79 0.15 67,967.25 1.32 4,214.38 0.63 6,862.40 0.31 16,933.88 1.42 4,269.99 -0.08 11,581.01 3.54 6,116.22 -1.92 41,311.11 0.45 74,566.77 -1.81 4,014.91 0.25 8,639.71 -1.39 5,056.88 0.11 130,763.11 0.26 12,078.36 -2.05 7,941.40 0.19 7,544.34 0.86 22,117.16 0.03 7,882.74 0.10 7,761.40 -1.41 5,144.47 -3.17 4,012.39 -0.42 5,358.94 -1.70 4,527.89 -0.34 6,158.58 -0.63 13,631.93
COMPANY
PRICE(P)
Lloyds Banking Group ORD 51.12 London Stock Exchange Grp 4,070.00 Micro Focus International 1,376.75 Marks & Spencer Group 247.65 Mondi 1,627.00 Melrose 157.35 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 222.38 National Grid 793.65 NMC Health 2,711.00 Next 4,132.00 Ocado Group 761.10 Paddy Power Betfair 6,317.50 Prudential 1,407.75 Persimmon 1,911.25 Pearson 929.30 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,227.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 209.80 Royal Dutch Shell 2,279.25 Royal Dutch Shell 2,303.00 RELX 1,614.00 Rio Tinto 3,781.75 Royal Mail 276.50 Rightmove 424.78 Rolls-Royce Group 807.20 Randgold Resources 6,688.00 RSA Insurance Group 506.20 Rentokil Initial 326.80 Sainsbury (J) 265.20 Schroders 2,413.00 Sage Group (The) 592.00 Segro 601.20 Shire 4,530.75 Smurfit Kappa Group 2,101.00 Standard Life Aberdeen 252.95 Smith (DS) 297.55 Smiths Group 1,413.25 Scottish Mortgage Invstmet Trst 462.78 Smith & Nephew 1,461.75 SSE 1,078.75 Standard Chartered 595.60 St James's Place 929.90 Severn Trent 1,871.50 Tesco 192.93 TUI AG 1,140.50 Taylor Wimpey 135.45 Unilever 4,198.00 United Utilities Group 760.60 Vodafone Group 160.84 John Wood Group 500.25 WPP Group 875.40 Whitbread 4,494.50
CHANGE(P) -1.13 40.00 -28.75 -4.85 -3.00 -3.00 -0.27 16.25 -75.00 -110.00 -16.90 -32.50 -0.25 18.25 -8.70 47.00 -0.10 -17.25 -15.00 -4.00 -41.75 -3.50 -0.07 -13.40 -20.00 0.40 -3.80 -1.90 11.00 -5.40 7.20 98.75 87.00 1.85 1.45 16.25 -14.82 9.75 19.25 2.90 3.10 51.50 -0.02 -5.00 0.25 -17.00 11.00 1.38 -14.75 -16.80 29.50
% CHG.
NET VOL
-2.16 0.99 -2.05 -1.92 -0.18 -1.87 -0.12 2.09 -2.69 -2.59 -2.17 -0.51 -0.02 0.96 -0.93 0.76 -0.05 -0.75 -0.65 -0.25 -1.09 -1.25 -0.02 -1.63 -0.30 0.08 -1.15 -0.71 0.46 -0.90 1.21 2.23 4.32 0.74 0.49 1.16 -3.10 0.67 1.82 0.49 0.33 2.83 -0.01 -0.44 0.18 -0.40 1.47 0.87 -2.86 -1.88 0.66
37,178.61 14,030.77 5,921.60 4,102.91 5,986.03 7,790.21 5,272.37 26,421.46 5,800.75 5,925.46 5,432.56 5,060.29 36,495.34 5,981.34 7,326.46 43,714.88 25,289.82 103,038.28 86,820.38 31,856.18 49,289.97 2,800.00 3,796.25 15,556.15 6,333.50 5,194.22 6,094.06 5,880.73 5,429.06 6,483.37 6,020.21 40,592.16 4,777.47 6,364.67 4,054.87 5,531.25 6,952.93 12,698.27 10,876.17 19,606.61 4,906.83 4,316.35 18,896.55 6,734.41 4,430.06 49,253.57 5,111.44 42,607.05 3,509.93 11,257.97 8,199.41
0.90299
1.10591 Units per €
US dollar...............................................................1.14037 Japan yen ............................................................127.397 Switzerland franc ..............................................1,13344 Denmark kroner...............................................7,46677 Norway kroner.................................................9,90376
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 21
COMPANY AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CATERPILLAR CHEVRON TEXACO CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA EXXON MOBIL GOLDMAN SACH HOME DEPOT IBM INTEL JOHNSON & JOHNSON JP MORGAN CHASE MCDONALDS MERCK MICROSOFT NIKE PFIZER PROCTER & GAMBLE ST. PAUL TRV UNITED TECHNOLOGIES UNITEDHEALTH VERIZON VISA CLASS A WALGREENS BOOTS WAL-MART WALT DISNEY 3M
PRICE 98,370 161,150 319,540 124,300 107,850 42,760 47,780 70,350 171,510 166,880 115,310 45,930 127,980 98,200 176,570 73,920 103,330 69,140 42,230 91,620 119,440 113,280 244,530 55,530 131,050 71,250 88,100 108,740 189,430
CHANGE% CHANGE -0,40 -0,40 0,16 0,26 -0,00 -0,01 1,61 1,97 0,02 0,02 -0,88 -0,38 -0,25 -0,12 -0,61 -0,43 1,34 2,26 -0,41 -0,68 -0,96 -1,12 0,79 0,36 0,29 0,37 0,94 0,91 -1,45 -2,59 0,20 0,15 -0,35 -0,36 0,25 0,17 0,62 0,26 -0,15 -0,14 0,23 0,28 -0,46 -0,52 -2,31 -5,78 -0,59 -0,33 -0,16 -0,21 -2,78 -2,04 -2,71 -2,45 -0,44 -0,48 -0,28 -0,53
VOLUME(M) 201.001 2.650.644 168.391 270.335 354.336 1.870.193 836.723 1.398.588 204.438 293.038 268.742 1.548.857 719.026 1.316.600 231.982 559.584 2.901.010 414.952 1.676.403 662.404 102.352 355.974 223.127 898.004 519.728 990.741 518.244 290.564 139.762
M - MILLION DOLLARS
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 21
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc. Maxwell Technologies, Inc. FibroGen, Inc Yangtze River Port and Logistics Limited electroCore, Inc. Tilray, Inc. Two River Bancorp Overstock.com, Inc. Grindrod Shipping Holdings Ltd. XBiotech Inc. Fulgent Genetics, Inc.
$ 24.8602 $ 2.005 $ 45.14 $ 4.1401 $ 6.2679 $ 77.7173 $ 14.89 $ 14.12 $ 5.90 $ 5.8525 $ 3.50
3.1502 ▲ 14.51% 0.205 ▲ 11.39% 4.39 ▲ 10.77% 0.3901 ▲ 10.40% 0.5679 ▲ 9.96% 6.7173 ▲ 9.46% 1.15 ▲ 8.37% 1.04 ▲ 7.95% 0.40 ▲ 7.27% 0.3925 ▲ 7.19% 0.23 ▲ 7.03%
$ 4.6827 $ 20.01 $ 7.61 $ 14.33 $ 7.93 $ 14.805 $6 $ 42.11 $ 23.045 $ 16.9405 $ 5.819
9.4673 ▼ 66.91% 8.74 ▼ 30.40% 2.83 ▼ 27.11% 3.31 ▼ 18.76% 1.62 ▼ 16.96% 2.905 ▼ 16.40% 1.16 ▼ 16.20% 7.88 ▼ 15.76% 3.785 ▼ 14.11% 2.5995 ▼ 13.30% 0.831 ▼ 12.50%
Most Declined DBV Technologies S.A. G1 Therapeutics, Inc. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Immunomedics, Inc. Uxin Limited Gritstone Oncology, Inc. Shiloh Industries, Inc. Benefitfocus, Inc. Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. Twist Bioscience Corporation Marin Software Incorporated
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Bank sells loans to Lone SPAIN’S state-owned lender Bankia has announced that it has sold a portfolio of toxic assets with a gross value of €3.1 billion to two subsidiaries of US private equity firm Lone Star. The portfolio includes foreclosed assets with a gross book value of €1.65 billion and non-performing loans worth €1.42 billion. Bankia said the deal would yield cost savings of more than €200 million before taxes over the next three years. The transaction is the latest step by the bank, which was bailed out in 2012 via a €22.4 billion rescue package, to shed bad loans built up during Spain’s economic crisis. S p a i n ’s g o v e r n m e n t c u r rently holds a 61 per cent stake in the bank, and while it has said it aims to sell that stake by the end of 2019, it has also warned that market conditions at the moment are not suitable. The deal with Lone Star
ASSET DUMP: The deal enables Bankia to shed more bad loans. will involve the creation of a new company, Lone Star Fund XI, which will hold 80 per
cent of the assets, with Bankia holding the rest. The economic rights of the
non-performing loans will be fully controlled by Lone Star Fund XI, Bankia said.
EWN 51
Unequal pay exposed SPAIN is among the worst in the world in terms of pay equality between men and women, despite being a ‘model country’ in terms of political empowerment and access to health and education. These are the findings of the annual report on the gender gap of the World Economic Forum. According to Forum executive director, Saadia Zahidi, “what is pulling Spain back is the salary parity for similar work,” with the count r y r anked 129t h out of 149 count r i es; 20 places from the bottom. Zahidi said the situation is the result of both ‘prejudices’ and by the ‘type of organisational structure which still dominates.’ She added that there is a ‘lack of progress in internal policies which allow paternity leave, have flexible workplaces and achieve promotions based on objectives and not on time in the office.’ In contrast, Spain has reportedly advanced dramatically in gender equality when it comes to accessing education and health, ranking first in gender consistency for enrolment from primary to university education. The report reveals there are, in fact, more women than men entering universities, but on the flip side, 10 per cent less females go on to enter the workplace.
52 EWN
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I HAVE always been convinced that the British sense of humour has been one of our most commendable and enduring assets. Through the horror of two World Wars, all the disasters and conflicts which have beset us over the years, Brits have always managed to find some way to raise a smile out of even the most tragic circumstances. The skill of our comedians and cartoonists is such that the humour never sets out to undermine these situations, it merely eases their seriousness by lightening the mood and in doing so, allows those affected to hopefully surmount their problems more easily. The British sense of humour has always been a bit of a mystery to the rest of the world, something indefinable and unique, which most foreigners simply can’t get their heads around. Some years ago, I wrote that whatever the terrorists or our enemies can throw at us, nothing will ever rob us of our most commendable and enduring gift, our humour. Well I was wrong. At the time of writing that particular piece we weren’t being strangled by the despicable, destructive, and downright traitorous yolk of the PC brigade. Not content with changing their fellow citizens from a nation which prided and flourished through its policies of oratory freedom, into a herd of sheep
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE
Lacking a sense of humour
BRITISH HUMOUR: Keeps us sane. watching every word they say and almost frightened to open their mouths in case they offend somebody, this utterly superfluous bunch of time and space wasters have finally managed to turn their attack on one of the most dearly loved jewels
of our culture, our purveyors of comedy. This week, the students (who else!) organising a UNICEF fundraising event, issued Konstantine Kisin, a comedian hired to appear at the event, a list of ‘don’ts’ regarding the content of his act.
When he appeared, they instructed he was not allowed to make jokes about racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia or Islamophobia. Kisin subsequently turned down the job because it left him with virtually nothing to make jokes about! You really couldn’t make it up. What I find truly disturbing about this whole farce, is that this man is a Russian who moved to the UK to escape the censorship and suppression of free speech in his own country! What does that tell you!? We need to come to our senses and curb these dangerous idiots before Orwell’s prophecies do truly become reality. This week another bunch issued guidelines instructing schools that eight-year-olds be taught that all genders can have periods, to avoid, wait for it; ‘offending girls who identify as boys’! The directive continues by decreeing that bins for used period products should be provided in all toilets for children. Well, frankly if I had my way, I would prosecute these morons for child abuse. Unfortunately, as a member of a majority, nobody is allowed to listen to me! Happy New Year everyone. At least we’re still allowed to say that. At the moment anyway. PS: To all my Vegan remark objectors of last week, I truly do love animals, honest. Keep the faith. Love, Leapy.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
54 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
TECH FOR THE TIMID MY elderly neighbour has a newyear’s resolution; never again to spend a tenner on yet another battery for her near-immortal Nokia 3310 from 2001. It’s astonishing just how many such venerable ‘dumbphones’ are still in use. Nokia made nearly 130 million 3310s (and indeed has recently resurrected them), and like those iconic early Casio digital wristwatches so beloved of terrorist bombers for their virtual indestructibility (except of course when you actually blow up), those original Nokias just go on and on. But now the fastest-growing converts to the online world, the so-called ‘silver surfers,’ are finally moving into the smartphone world. Why wouldn’t they; or you? There’s the benefit of always having a camera in your pocket, for one. Many phones have FM radios and if not, there’s the TuneIn app to listen free to thousands of the
Why buy a smartphone? Get smart and ditch that old Nokia, advises Terence Kennedy
EVOLUTION OF MAN: From ape to app. world’s radio stations. Or download the podcasts for later. There’s not having to get lost thanks to Google Maps. There’s Facebook for family news. Voicedialling and text readers are two more innovations invaluable to less dexterous users. Then there’s the clincher for all of us nearing our best-by dates; the instant ability to look up today’s latest ailment and e-mail or WhatsApp it for the rapturous enjoyment of all the family.
I understand my neighbour ’s long-held reluctance to give up her 3310 after her first disastrous dip into the smartphone market; a horribly complicated Nokia E72 nearly a decade ago. The world’s fiddliest operating system (Symbian) and a keypad designed for bonsai people very quickly meant her granddaughter got an unexpected hand-me-down. But we’ve moved on, with Android and Apple now so userfriendly there’s little challenge for
the geekier among us. Unless someone passes on a ‘pre-loved’ one, perhaps it’s better not to buy a smartphone secondhand. Why would you, when even €100 or less buys new these days, with a battery you can rely on? No need to get technical, but do at least try for a phone with at least 4 GB of storage to avoid the dreaded ‘phone full’ messages. Pretty much all other specifications these days will do just fine; screen size, Android or Apple version, and processor speed. Indeed phones are generally so alike now that many lament we’ve reached a ‘vanilla era’. Just do be aware of one more thing before ditching that beloved 3310. Smartphones are addictive. According to the stats, the rest of us spend 24 hours a week online, with little to show for it. You have been warned.
FEATURE
SIMple solution A FRIEND with a new phone recently e-mailed in anguish; her SIM card was too big. It wasn’t. Peer closely at a clever revelation. These days, virtually any SIM will fit any phone if you pop out the relevant section of the card. SIM too big? Then carefully push along the pre-cut lines and your large standard SIM begets a medium-sized Micro SIM which begets a tiny Nano SIM. Be sure to keep the unwanted parts of your newlydissected SIM somewhere safe, in case you ever need to go bigger again rather than smaller, though Amazon and others sell replacement adapters if needed. So one size really does fit all, as the saying goes. Despite what those anatomical e-mails in my Inbox keep insisting.
Advertising Feature
UK Passports… The facts FOR several years now The Card and Gift Shop in Quesada has been assisting expatriates in all areas involved with UK passports. There seems to have been plenty of new offers for the renewal or replacement of passports but it is better by far to choose assistance from a company that actually knows what it is doing. In the same way that the Royal Mail offers a checking and delivery service for those who don’t want to deal directly with the UK Passport Office, The Card and Gift Shop in Quesada can help in every step of the process. There are certain fees which have to be paid to the UK Passport Office but the loss in transit of a passport or indeed incorrect information or photographs can make the delay even more frustrating, especially if your application is rejected due to a technical error. Passport photographs have changed dramatically in the last couple of years, photos taken in Spain for ID purposes, such as driving licence or NIE, are not suitable for your passport. The Passport Office insist that the photo must be taken in the last month, 95 per cent of delayed applications are because of incorrect photos but this is just one of the areas where the company can assist.
VALUABLE COMMODITY: Passports are important documents that must be protected. The post shop at The Card and Gift Shop can supply six photographs which meet all of the requirements of the Passport Office and offers a service to check your application form to ensure that all of the necessary details have been filled in.
Passports are valuable commodities in the illegal market which is why it is so important to submit everything via a secure delivery service to ensure that the document arrives safely and is returned to you. According to the Passport Office, it takes be-
tween four and eight weeks to issue a new or replacement passport and you can apply for a new one up to nine months in advance but just think what would happen if your valid passport sent for renewal disappeared! With all applications now being completed online there is even more pressure to get it right. Once the application is completed online you then have to print it, sign it and securely send it with your new photos and old passport to the appropriate office in the UK. You can arrange for renewal, new passports, babies’ passports, with every step and stage all included in one place it makes sense to use an all inclusive service such as The Card and Gift Shop in Quesada, especially as it is priced well below others whilst offering the same service. They are experts in the process, completing hundreds every year and can even arrange for customers to pay in cash as not everyone has the ability to pay by card. Just give them a call on 966 718 684 or pop into The Card and Gift Shop in Quesada at Avda Los Naciones 1A Local 12 (behind the Santander Bank) for more information on costs and services or to book an appointment.
56 EWN
7:00am Breakfast 8:50am Match of the Day 10:25am The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! 11:50am Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 1:10pm Dynasties 2:10pm BBC News 2:25pm BBC London News 2:30pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 4:20pm Revolting Rhymes 4:50pm Revolting Rhymes 5:20pm Kung Fu Panda 3 6:45pm Pointless 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm The ABC Murders 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:15pm BBC London News 11:25pm Meet the Fockers
11:30am Great Indian Railway Journeys 12:30pm Wild Ireland 2:30pm The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel 3:55pm The Heroes of Telemark 6:00pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 7:00pm Grizzly Bear Cubs and Me 8:00pm Dad's Army 8:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:00pm Masterchef: The Professionals Rematch 10:00pm The Snow Wolf: A Winter's Tale 11:00pm Frankie Boyle's 2018 New World Order 11:40pm 2018: A Year in the Life of a Year 12:10am No Activity Christmas Special 1:00am NFL
4:20am 8:00pm 9:00pm
7:00am
7:35am 8:25am 9:15am 9:40am 10:10am
7:00am Royal Stories 7:25am Columbo 9:25am Goodnight Mister Tom 11:30am Carry on Screaming! 1:30pm The Wizard of Oz 3:35pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:45pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot Detective drama featuring Agatha Christie's celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot. 9:00pm Vera Detective drama series based on the characters created by Ann Cleeves. 11:00pm Maigret Crime drama adapted from the novel by Georges Simenon. 1:00am Vera Detective drama series based on the characters created by Ann Cleeves. 2:55am A Touch of Frost
9:30am 10:25am 11:20am 12:20pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 2:50pm 2:55pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:40pm 12:05am 1:00am
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Good Morning Britain Lorraine Ninja Warrior UK Big Star's Bigger Star K-9 You've Been Framed! ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Celebrity Catchphrase Tenable Tipping Point: Lucky Stars The Chase: Celebrity Special Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale You've Been Framed! Skyfall ITV News The World According to Kenny Everett The Keith and Paddy Picture Show
11:10am 12:15pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 1:55pm 3:05pm 3:35pm 4:35pm 4:40pm 5:45pm 6:45pm 6:50pm 7:40pm 8:45pm 8:50pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:10pm 12:10am 12:40am
Britain's Got Talent Britain's Got Talent Emmerdale Coronation Street You've Been Framed! Gold a-Z of Growing Up Take Me Out Catchphrase Emmerdale Coronation Street The Big Soap Quiz You've Been Framed! Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang FYI Daily Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang Ella Enchanted FYI Daily Ella Enchanted The Golden Compass FYI Daily The Golden Compass Pitch Perfect FYI Daily Pitch Perfect Family Guy Family Guy
This is BBC Four Top of the Pops Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2018: Who Am I? What Makes Me Human? 10:00pm Norman Wisdom: His Story 11:00pm Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand 12:00am Mark Kermode's Christmas Cinema Secrets 1:00am Top of the Pops 2:00am The World's Most Beautiful Eggs: The Genius of Carl Faberge Stephen Smith explores the extraordinary life and work of the virtuoso jeweller Carl Faberge.
8:30am 9:25am 9:55am 10:20am 12:00pm 2:10pm 4:25pm
Lego Masters The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Dunston Checks In Congo Ever After A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:25pm The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:25pm Channel 4 News 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds on Holiday 9:00pm Supershoppers Sales Special 10:00pm Travel Man 11:00pm Panorama 1:00am Les Miserables 3:45am Indian Summers 4:40am The Crystal Maze 5:35am Food Unwrapped
7:00am 7:25am 8:20am 9:25am 10:30am 11:35am 12:40pm 1:45pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 5:35pm 6:35pm 8:45pm 9:50pm 9:55pm 11:00pm 12:00am
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The Protectors The Sweeney The Professionals The Professionals Kojak Quincy, M.E. Minder ITV Racing: Live from Kempton 633 Squadron FYI Daily 633 Squadron Hornblower Cannonball Run II FYI Daily Cannonball Run II American Gangster FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. American Gangster Crime drama based on the life of gangster Frank Lucas. The Sweeney The Professionals The Professionals The Protectors Goodwood Festival of Speed
8:05am 8:15am 8:30am 8:55am 9:10am 9:25am 9:45am 10:00am 10:55am 12:25pm 12:55pm 3:20pm 5:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm
12:05am
Fireman Sam Shane the Chef Peppa Pig Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Paw Patrol Floogals Digby Dragon New Puppy, New Home Friends Neighbours The Hundred-Foot Journey Mrs Caldicot's Cabbage War From Time to Time Neighbours World's Strongest Man 2018 Paddington Station 24/7 at Christmas Michael Palin in North Korea: Special Edition The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas
8:35am Wild Wild West 10:25am Maze Runner: The Death Cure 12:50pm Captain America The Winter Soldier 3:10pm Transformers 5:40pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 8:00pm Maze Runner: The Death Cure 10:30pm John Wick: Chapter Two
6:10am 8:05am
Dragnet Robin Hood: Men in Tights 10:00am Lady Bird 11:45am Clueless 1:30pm Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story 3:10pm Pitch Perfect 5:10pm Baywatch 7:15pm Lady Bird 9:00pm Pitch Perfect 11:00pm Baywatch 1:00am American Pie 2 2:50am Airplane! 4:25am Police Academy
THURSDAY TV
7:00am Hollyoaks 8:30am The Big Bang Theory 9:25am The Dog Who Saved the Holidays 11:10am Parental Guidance 1:15pm Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Goldbergs 6:00pm Young Sheldon 6:30pm Young Sheldon 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Hollyoaks 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm The Good Place 10:30pm Happy Together 11:00pm Naked Attraction 12:05am The Inbetweeners 12:35am The Inbetweeners 1:10am The Big Bang Theory 1:35am The Big Bang Theory 2:00am Gogglebox 3:05am Naked Attraction 4:05am Friday Night Dinner 4:30am Friday Night Dinner
Great Sporting Moments 6:45am My Icon 7:00am Total Goals 8:00am Total Goals 9:00am Cricket 1:30pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Sky Sports News 6:00pm Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Sky Sports Tonight 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Cricket 2:00am Live NBA: Boston @ Houston The Houston Rockets take on the Boston Celtics at the Toyota Center in the NBA. 4:30am Cricket
7:00am 8:40am 9:00am 10:40am 12:30pm 2:55pm
1:30pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 2:00pm EFL Greatest Games 2:45pm EFL Greatest Games 3:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 4:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 4:30pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 5:00pm One2eleven 5:45pm One2eleven 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 7:30pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 8:00pm EFL Matters 8:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 8:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 9:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 9:30pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 10:00pm EFL Matters 10:30pm EFL Greatest Games 11:15pm EFL Greatest Games 11:30pm EFL Matters 12:00am Championship Season Review
5:30pm 7:10pm 9:00pm 11:35pm 1:15am 3:40am 5:25am
Thoroughbreds Life Itself: Special Peter Rabbit Rampage Ready Player One Avengers: Infinity War Peter Rabbit Rampage Avengers: Infinity War Thoroughbreds Ready Player One Blockers Coming Home for Christmas A holiday-loving house manager working for a wealthy family finds herself pursued by two very different brothers. But who will she choose? Christmas romance.
6:30am
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
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 57
The ill wind
Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
SEVEN politicians were responsible for compiling and overseeing Spain’s 1978 Constitution. Gabriel Cisneros, Miguel Herrero y Rodriguez de Miñon, Jose Pedro Perez Llorca, Manuel Fraga Iribarne, Gregorio P e c e s - B a r b a , J o r d i S o l e Tu r a a n d Miguel Roca Junyent are often referred to as the Seven Fathers of the Constitution. Some political observers believe that J o r g e E s t e b a n , a u t h o r o f D e s a r ro l l o politico y Constitucion Española published in 1973, should be the eighth. This volume allegedly inspired Torcuato Fernandez-Mirando when preparing the Law for Political Reform which in 1976 opened the door for the Transition to democracy. The book had already impressed Juan Carlos, then Prince of Asturias, in the early 70’s. Franco had named him as his successor and in private the prince was already disclosing plans for holding democratic elections once he was proclaimed king. Juan Carlos also made it clear that if a left-wing party were to win, that would
KING: Juan Carlos around 1978. be party to form a government. “The book had repercussions,” Esteban recently told an interviewer. “I was called to the US Embassy as the Americans were concerned about passing from
dictatorship to democracy without division and conflict.” Esteban says an attaché, whom he now suspects belonged to the CIA, asked what he believed would be the greatest obstacle to Spanish democracy. “My reply was clear. ‘The greatest obstacle is called Carrero Blanco’,” he told his Spanish interviewer. “And we know that the Admiral was assassinated not long afterwards. Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco, a close adviser to Franco since 1941, was made a minister in 1951. He became viceprime minister in 1967 and was named prime minister six months before his assassination. The ageing dictator, who boasted that all loose ends were ‘tied up and well tied up’ trusted that on his death, Carrero Blanco would ensure that the Movimiento, Spain’s only political organisation, survived after Prince Juan Carlos was proclaimed king. On December 20, 1973, Carrero Blanco’s car was blown up in Calle Claudio Coello in Madrid. He was returning home after Mass as he did each morning
in his official car, a black Dodge, and his unvarying routine made him an easy target. The attack was carried out by ETA’s five-strong Txikia commando and took more than a year to set up. S o h o w c o u l d t h e E TA c o m m a n d o spend a year in Madrid setting up the p l o t t o k i l l C a r r e r o B l a n c o ’s D o d g e without detection? W h y d i d H e n r y K i s s i n g e r, t h e U S Secretary of State visit Madrid two days previously? What was in Franco’s mind when he began his Christmas speech that year with the phrase ‘No hay mal que por bien no venga?’ His use of the equivalent of ‘It’s an ill wind that blows no good’ generated inevitable conspiracy theories. A conspiracy theory will always be more interesting than the plain unvarnished truth, but a now-declassified memorandum from the Madrid Embassy to the State Department in Washington also said, ‘The best thing would be to have Carrero disappear from the scene.’ Even conspiracy theorists get it right occasionally.
Advertising Feature
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IT’S worth making a list and checking it twice, whether you’re travelling, or staying home for Christmas. Keep safe, with the www.Glo belink.co.uk Ultimate Christmas Home Security and Travel Tips. Decking the halls? If you’ve decked the halls with fairy lights, check that they carry the British Standard logo or EU equivalent. They’re much less likely to be a fire risk. Switch lights off at the socket when you’re asleep or out. If installing outdoor lights, check they’re specifically designed for outdoor use. Check what you do with packaging after you’ve opened gifts. Otherwise opportunist burglars will have an easy job seeing what Christmas treats you have for them. Avoid your surname being visible in your recycling. Criminals can get your number from directory enquiries and call to check if you’re home. Avoid surefire give-away answer
How to avoid a Christmas calamity with our latest guide machine messages like ‘We’re in Barbados for Christmas, leave a message!’ Home alone? Your home unattended over Christmas? Sadly, burglaries increase by an astonishing 30 per cent, as empty homes full of gifts make rich pickings for nimble fingered burglars. Give yourself the best Christmas gift and invest in an automatic timer for lights. Don’t draw curtains while out, it can send a clear message that you’re not home. Do you have sliding back doors? Stay secure with a multipoint lock system and get an antilift device fitted so doors can’t be lifted clear from their frame from outside. Don’t leave spare keys in that clever outdoor hiding place! You can bet your last mince pie that if you’ve thought of it, so will profes-
CHRISTMAS SAFETY: Ensure you’re safe during the Christmas holidays. sional burglars. Popping out? Don’t leave a note for couriers telling them. It’s surprising how often people do! Message instructions on where to leave parcels if you’re out. Move car and door keys out of sight and nowhere near doors or windows.
Ask neighbours to collect post, open and close curtains and park on your drive for that ‘we’re home’ impression. Don’t announce travel plans on social media, or tag your location on Facebook unless your home is secure. Driving home for Christmas? Plan your route well ahead and check traffic reports on the day for unexpected events. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Your turkey, stuffing, or mince pies may be legendary family favourites, but if you’re crossing borders, check food restrictions. Also most airlines won’t allow Christmas crackers, party poppers, fireworks, or sparklers. Avoid pre-wrapping presents in
case you’re selected for security checks. Jack Frost nibbling at your nose? Check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly. Escape an unwanted Christmas catastrophe of a burst pipe, by keeping the heating on low and insulate outdoor pipes. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth Unexpected mishaps and accidents do happen and nothing will dampen your Christmas spirits like an extortionate medical bill. Ensure you and your loved ones are covered by a decent travel insurance policy. Even if you’ve left home it’s not too late! Just buy an ‘Already Travelling Policy’ from Globelink. Visit www.globelink.co.uk, or call (UK) +44 1353 699 082 or our Spanish link line on 966 265 000.
58 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Turbo 11:25am Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted 12:50pm Dynasties 1:50pm BBC News 2:05pm BBC London News 2:15pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 4:15pm Stick Man 4:40pm Zog 5:10pm Wreck-it Ralph 6:45pm Pointless 7:30pm BBC News 7:45pm BBC London News 8:00pm Take That: We've Come a Long Way 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm A Question of Sport: Merry Quizmas 10:00pm The ABC Murders 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:20pm BBC London News 11:30pm Would I Lie to You? 12:00am Sport Relief 1:00am Ariana Grande at the BBC 2:00am Weather for the Week Ahead 2:05am BBC News
7:30am Dynasties 8:30am Nature's Biggest Beasts 9:30am This Farming Life 10:30am Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge 11:30am Great British Menu 12:30pm Great Indian Railway Journeys 1:30pm Emma 3:25pm Brideshead Revisited 5:30pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 6:30pm Masterchef: The Professionals Rematch 7:30pm Grizzly Bear Cubs and Me 8:30pm Mastermind 9:00pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:30pm Grand Tours of Scotland's Lochs 10:00pm Made in Scotland 11:00pm Billy Connolly - A Bafta Tribute 12:10am Quartet 1:40am Ken Dodd: How Tickled We Were
4:00am This is BBC Four 7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm Flying Scotsman From the Footplate 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2018: Who Am I? What Makes Me, Me? 10:00pm The Sound of Movie Musicals with Neil Brand 11:00pm Sinatra: All or Nothing at All 1:00am Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night 2:00am Top of the Pops Peter Powell presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on Christmas Day 1986. 3:00am The Sound of Movie Musicals with Neil Brand 4:00am This is BBC Four
6:05am 7:00am 8:50am 9:50am 10:15am 10:45am
9:30am 10:25am 11:25am 1:35pm
7:55am Ultimate You've Been Framed! Gold 8:45am You've Been Framed! 9:10am Britain's Got Talent 10:00am Emmerdale 10:35am Take Me Out 11:35am Celebrity Catchphrase 12:35pm You've Been Framed! 1:05pm Emmerdale 1:35pm Dr. Seuss' the Lorax 2:35pm FYI Daily 2:40pm Dr. Seuss' the Lorax 3:15pm Happy Feet Two 4:15pm FYI Daily 4:20pm Happy Feet Two 5:20pm Casper 6:20pm FYI Daily 6:25pm Casper 7:25pm Iron Man 2 8:25pm FYI Daily 8:30pm Iron Man 2 10:00pm Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:35am Family Guy
6:30am ITV3 Nightscreen 7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:50am Agatha Christie's Poirot 10:05am Goodbye Mr Chips 12:05pm Carry on Camping 1:50pm Bugsy Malone 3:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 9:00pm Vera 11:00pm Maigret in Montmartre 1:00am Vera 3:00am A Touch of Frost 4:45am Road to Avonlea 5:35am Road to Avonlea
6:10am Goodwood Revival Festival 7:00am The Chase 7:45am The Chase 8:35am Kojak 9:35am Quincy, M.E. 10:35am Minder 11:35am The Sweeney 12:40pm The Professionals 1:40pm Kojak 2:45pm Quincy, M.E. 3:45pm Minder 4:50pm The Sweeney 5:55pm The Professionals 6:55pm Hornblower 9:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 10:00pm Terminator 2: Judgment Day 11:10pm FYI Daily 11:15pm Terminator 2: Judgment Day 12:50am Rush Hour 2 1:50am FYI Daily 1:55am Rush Hour 2 2:40am The Americans 3:45am The Professionals 4:35am The Sweeney 5:25am Isle of Man TT
2:35pm 2:45pm 2:55pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 11:55pm 1:00am
Lorraine Ninja Warrior UK Kindergarten Cop What Would Your Kid Do? ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Celebrity Catchphrase Tenable Tipping Point: Lucky Stars The Chase: Celebrity Special Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Countrywise Coronation Street Re-Play 2018 with Richard Osman The Imitation Game ITV News The Jonathan Ross Christmas Show The Keith and Paddy Picture Show
1:15pm 3:35pm 5:30pm
6:30pm 6:35pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 2:00am 2:50am 5:05am 5:30am
Come Dine with Me Short Circuit 2 Lego Masters The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory A League of Their Own Mother's Day Sunshine on Leith The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas Channel 4 News The Simpsons Hollyoaks Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast Eddie the Eagle Rob Rinder's Good Year, Bad Year Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2018 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA Vertigo Food Unwrapped Come Dine with Me
FRIDAY TV
7:35am Wissper 7:40am Noddy: Toyland Detective 7:55am Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! 8:05am Fireman Sam 8:20am Shane the Chef 8:40am Peppa Pig 8:50am Peppa Pig 8:55am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 9:10am Paw Patrol 9:30am Floogals 9:45am The Secret Life of Puppies 9:50am Neighbours 10:15am The Cowboys 12:55pm The Alamo 4:10pm Rio Lobo 6:25pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Agatha Christie's Crooked House 8:55pm 5 News 9:00pm World's Strongest Man 2018 10:00pm Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2018 1:00am Super Casino
8:00am Hollyoaks 8:30am Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts 8:40am The Big Bang Theory 9:10am The Big Bang Theory 9:40am The Snowman 10:10am The Snowman and the Snowdog 10:40am We're Going on a Bear Hunt 11:15am Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 11:45am Postman Pat: The Movie 1:25pm Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 4:30pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Goldbergs 5:30pm The Goldbergs 6:00pm Young Sheldon 6:30pm Young Sheldon 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Hollyoaks 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm A Million Ways to Die in the West 12:15am The Inbetweeners
6:30am 6:45am 7:00am
11:20am Star Wars: The Last Jedi 1:55pm Beverly Hills Cop 3:50pm Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 5:55pm Star Wars: The Last Jedi 8:30pm Avengers: Infinity War 11:00pm The Terminator 12:50am T2: Judgement Day 3:30am Con Air
5:25am
2:00pm 2:45pm 3:00pm
6:05am 7:40am 9:45am 11:25am 1:10pm 3:05pm 5:00pm 7:10pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:40am 2:50am 4:35am
Licence to Drive My Cousin Vinny Look Who's Talking Groundhog Day Blockers Step Brothers Girls Trip Role Models Blockers Step Brothers Girls Trip American Pie: The Wedding Role Models
Coming Home for Christmas 7:00am Ready Player One 9:20am Peter Rabbit 11:00am A Wrinkle in Time 12:55pm Rampage 2:45pm Avengers: Infinity War 5:20pm Peter Rabbit 7:00pm A Wrinkle in Time 9:00pm Rampage 10:50pm Avengers: Infinity War 1:25am Blockers 3:10am Thoroughbreds 4:50am Mary Magdalene Biblical drama with Rooney Mara as Mary Magdalene, a young woman who leaves her small fishing village to follow Jesus of Nazareth (Joaquin Phoenix). Garth Davis directs.
My Icon My Icon Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 7:30am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitesize 8:00am Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Cricket 1:30pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Football Centre 6:00pm Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Cricket The fourth day of the second Test as New Zealand host Sri Lanka in Christchurch. 3:00am Live NBA: San Antonio @ Denver 5:30am Cricket
4:00pm 4:30pm
5:00pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 1:00am 1:30am
EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Play-Off Final Highlights EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League One and League Two One2eleven One2eleven Old Firm Derby Best Goals Edinburgh Derby Best Goals SPFL Matters EFL Matters Old Firm Derby Best Goals SPFL Matters EFL Matters Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words SPFL Ballers SPFL Matters EFL Matters Championship Season Review Football's Greatest Football's Greatest
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
www.euroweeklynews.com
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
SCIENTISTS have uncovered five ‘tells’ in middle age which reveal whether someone will remain fit and healthy into retirement. Researchers who looked at more than 6,000 middle-aged Brits said that people in their 50’s who were obese, smoked, or were inactive, were more likely to be deemed ‘frail’ in their 70’s. Well I never! This explains why there are no inactive, obese, chain-smoking novice triathlete pensioners; I knew there had to be a reason. ‘The least frail people in this study were also physically active in their 50’s, ate fruit and vegetables at least every day, had a normal weight, low blood pressure, low cholesterol and drank alcohol in moderation.’ Nothing new here! Just how many versions of keeping active and eating a healthy diet can be published under the pretext of new research? Still, given the increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and general illhealth, the focus of these reports is to try to keep health issues in the public eye. Especially as the NHS fails to help educate Brits in prevention rather than cure, which is what they should be doing. So the main take-away is: ‘Don’t smoke,
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Hey! Study uncovers yet more useless bits of research!
STAY FIT: Just do everything in moderation. don’t get fat, and don’t get poor. Plus, don’t drink much alcohol and move around a bit.’ Maybe they should put this up in all NHS waiting rooms (the bit about being poor probably best left out!). But maybe the best thing is to take all ‘studies’, reports and celebrity ‘diets’ (yes, clean eating etc) with a huge pinch of salt. The only ‘advice’ you need to follow is keep all in moderation. I find it far more concerning that interested parties use data indiscriminately to justify policies and ‘studies’ like this which are later shown to be misguided but prove financially hugely rewarding to those who proposed and lobbied for them.
So, yet another instance of not believing everything you read as carved in stone. These kinds of ‘studies’ are as scientifically rigorous as predicting tomorrow will be in the mid 70’s with scattered showers. OK, rant over! Happy New Year! Nora Johnson’s psychological crime thrillers ‘The Girl in the Woods,’ ‘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 go to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.
Gold over Bitcon Mike Senker In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man SO Christmas is over by the time you read this and we now go merrily into a new year. Of course, I don’t do merrily so I’m going to mention a couple of things which made me grumpy in the last 12 months or so and that I passed on to you. Bitcoin. I said in an article that I thought Bitcoin, and other crypto currencies, were all a giant Ponzi scheme, and at the time, asked if you had a choice of one bitcoin or 11oz of gold, which would you take. I said I’d take gold all day long. A few weeks later, one Bitcoin was worth 6 ½ oz. of gold, and guess what, your investment is now worth 2 ½oz of gold. I got a few people trying to tell me that they knew someone who knew someone who earnt a fortune on crypto currencies. Yeah, yeah. Enough said about that. The other thing I wrote about was the HS2 which is the nonsense railroad waste of space and money which gets you to Birmingham or Manchester a bit quicker than currently possible. At the time I said it would never come in on the budget of £36- £54 billion. Guess what? It’s now going to cost at least £100 billion.
Plus, the decision to approve the HS2 highspeed rail project in the first place was based on cost estimates which were hundreds of millions of pounds too low, a former senior staff member of the company has claimed. They were lied to! Blatant lies; there’s a surprise! So, Mr Grumpy called it, and I repeat, the whole idea was nonsense and was never ever going to come in on budget. Once again, the British people have been conned and if a stupid old fool like me can work it out, surely the geniuses in Parliament between them should be able to. As you all know I love my telly and Mrs S likes a bit of reality stuff. Strictly and I’m a Celeb have both just finished but there was one thing I noticed this year, which was, before every dance or task in the jungle the contestants were told by everyone to ‘go and smash it.’ Then, when they had completed their dance/task they were told, ‘well done, you smashed it.’ In fact every time anyone did anything they ‘smashed it.’ It became ridiculous and seriously annoying; they were ‘smashing’ everything. When someone cooked something they used to get a ‘thanks that was yummy.’ Now, they ‘smashed’ it. By the end it had become so crazy they actually did a segment on each programme on how many times it was said. mikesenker@gmail.com.
EWN 59
LEGALLY SPEAKING
Can English law apply? Are there any circumstances in which EU Regulation Number 650/2012 applies when dealing with the disposition of a UK national’s Spanish estate? It is a small property on the Costa del Sol. The UK national was habitually resident in England, and died before August 17, 2015. If not, does Spain permit that the national law of the deceased at the time of death prevails? J G (by e-mail) You do not say whether the UK na- David Searl tional left a Will or not. This is You and the Law in Spain a key point. First, the UK person died before the EU regulation 650 regarding cross-border Wills came into effect. Second, the UK did not sign on to the regulation, so I do not see any circumstances for its application. If the person left an English Will disposing of his worldwide assets, Spain will honour its terms after it has been translated and legalised in Spain. Spain will only want to collect the Spanish inheritance tax. If a foreign property owner dies without a Will, however, Spain standardly applies all the terms of Spanish succession law. This means children or parents or other relatives are compulsory heirs.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
60 EWN
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen 12:30pm Nigel Slater's New Year Suppers 1:00pm Football Focus 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Chicken Run 3:35pm Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 5:30pm Final Score 6:10pm Top of the Pops 7:10pm BBC News 7:20pm BBC London News 7:30pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:00pm Pointless 8:50pm Ant-Man 10:35pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:10pm BBC News 11:30pm Match of the Day 12:50am The NFL Show 1:20am Reign of Fire 2:55am Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather forecast. 3:00am BBC News
10:25am ITV News 10:30am James Martin's Saturday Morning at Christmas 12:35pm James Martin's American Adventure 1:05pm The Mummy 3:20pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:30pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:30pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 5:30pm The Big Audition 6:30pm Big Star's Bigger Star 7:30pm ITV Evening News 7:45pm ITV News London 8:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 9:00pm The London Studios: Home of the Stars 10:00pm Bradley Walsh: When Dummies Took Over the World 11:00pm The Keith and Paddy Picture Show 11:25pm ITV News 11:45pm Another Audience with Ken Dodd 12:45am Our Cilla
7:30am This Farming Life 8:30am Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge 9:30am Great British Menu 10:30am Great Indian Railway Journeys 11:30am Bill 1:00pm The Super Squirrels 2:00pm Dunkirk 4:10pm The Lake District: A Wild Year 5:10pm Attenborough and the Empire of the Ants 6:10pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 7:15pm Kylie Minogue: Reel Stories 7:40pm Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees 8:40pm Nothing Like a Dame 10:00pm Philomena 11:30pm QI XL 12:15am Frankie Boyle's 2018 New World Order 12:55am Stewart Lee: Content Provider
7:25am Emmerdale Omnibus 9:45am Coronation Street Omnibus 1:10pm Celebrity Catchphrase 2:10pm I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out 3:15pm You've Been Framed! 3:45pm Ella Enchanted 4:45pm FYI Daily 4:50pm Ella Enchanted 5:40pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 6:40pm FYI Daily 6:45pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 7:50pm Minions 7:55pm Minions 8:00pm Minions 8:10pm Minions 9:10pm FYI Daily 9:15pm Minions 10:00pm Furious 7 11:10pm FYI Daily 11:15pm Furious 7 12:45am Family Guy 1:15am Family Guy 1:40am Family Guy
7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm All About the Good Life 9:00pm The New Forest: A Year in the Wild 10:00pm Black Lake Hedda Stiernstedt, Filip Berg, Andre Eriksen, Alida Morberg, Bahar Pars, Daniel Larsson. Swedish thriller series. 10:45pm Black Lake 11:30pm The Old Grey Whistle Test 1:00am ABBA at the BBC 2:00am Life in the Snow 3:00am All About the Good Life What was it really like behind the scenes of The Good Life? 4:00am The New Forest: A Year in the Wild 5:00am This is BBC Four
6:30am ITV3 Nightscreen 7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:50am Brief Encounter 9:30am Prince Harry in Africa 10:30am A Very Royal Wedding 11:55am Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy 1:20pm Princess Diana: A Life After Death 2:25pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:40pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 5:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:00pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm Midsomer Murders 12:00am Maigret 2:00am Maigret 3:45am Agatha Christie's Poirot 4:45am Road to Avonlea 5:40am Road to Avonlea
7:15am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:40am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:05am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:30am Lego Masters 9:25am The Big Bang Theory 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:20am The Big Bang Theory 10:50am The Big Bang Theory 11:20am The Big Bang Theory 11:45am The Simpsons 12:15pm The Simpsons 12:40pm The Simpsons 1:15pm Baby's Day Out 3:10pm Hugo 5:35pm The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds on Holiday 6:35pm Channel 4 News 7:05pm The Secret World of Emily Brontã‹ 8:00pm Escape to the Chateau at Christmas 9:00pm Amazing Spaces Winter Wonderland 10:00pm Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 12:20am The Inbetweeners 2 2:10am Piranha 3DD
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7:15am 9:05am 10:45am 12:45pm 2:20pm 4:35pm 6:30pm
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Isle of Man TT World of Sport Silverstone Classic The Protectors The Professionals The Professionals ITV Racing: The Opening Show The Protectors The Professionals The Professionals ITV Racing: Live from Newbury Escape to Victory FYI Daily Escape to Victory Apollo 13 FYI Daily Apollo 13 Rush Hour 2 FYI Daily Rush Hour 2 Saw FYI Daily Saw The Professionals Minder The Protectors Quincy, M.E. World of Sport
9:40am 9:45am 10:20am 10:45am 12:35pm 2:35pm 4:45pm 7:15pm
8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
Thomas and Friends Bob the Builder Digby Dragon Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Nella the Princess Knight Shimmer and Shine Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Criminals Make You Laugh Out Loud Bean Groundhog Day Ghostbusters II Live Premiership Rugby Ultimate Megastructures: Colossal Cruise Ship World's Strongest Man 2018 5 News Weekend Blind Date Gino's Win Your Wish List Celebrity Game Night Greatest Celebrity Wind-Ups Ever!
Charlie's Angels The Dark Tower Kong: Skull Island Hancock Thor: Ragnarok The Mummy Avengers: Infinity War 9:00pm Hancock 10:40pm Bad Boys 12:40am King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
7:00am Don't Tell the Bride 8:05am Don't Tell the Bride 9:10am Extreme Cake Makers' Christmas 10:15am Animals United 12:05pm The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 1:50pm Never Been Kissed 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 The Big Bang Theory 6:30pm The Big Bang Theory 6:55pm The Big Bang Theory 7:25pm The Big Bang Theory 7:55pm Mirror Mirror 10:00pm X-Men: The Last Stand 12:05am Gogglebox 1:10am Gogglebox 2:15am Friday Night Dinner 2:50am Friday Night Dinner 3:25am Friday Night Dinner 3:55am Friday Night Dinner 4:25am Made in Chelsea's Big Christmas Quiz 5:20am Happy Together 5:40am Black-Ish
6:30am 6:45am 7:00am 8:00am
7:00am 7:30am 9:10am 11:00am
7:00am 7:45am 8:00am 8:30am
11:30am 1:20pm 3:20pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 11:35pm 1:25am 3:50am
8:15am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:45pm 3:30pm 5:15pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:30am 2:30am 4:15am
Happy Gilmore Pitch Perfect Fist Fight Daddy's Home 2 Bad Teacher Norbit Pitch Perfect Bad Teacher Daddy's Home 2 American Pie: Reunion Hot Tub Time Machine Bowfinger
SATURDAY TV
Aquaman: Special Peter Rabbit A Wrinkle in Time Olaf's Frozen Adventure Ferdinand Rampage Peter Rabbit A Wrinkle in Time Ferdinand Avengers: Infinity War Rampage Ready Player One Avengers: Infinity War The Avengers assemble once more, coming together to stop the universedestroying plans of mighty villain Thanos. Breakneck superhero adventure with Robert Downey Jr.
Cricket Cricket Sky Sports News Good Morning Sports Fans 9:00am Cricket 12:30pm Football 4:00pm Live World Championship Darts 5:30pm Gillette Soccer Saturday: Live Scores 6:00pm Football 8:30pm Live World Championship Darts Day 14 of the William Hill World Darts Championship from the Alexandra Palace, London. 12:00am Cricket Day five of the second Test as New Zealand and Sri Lanka meet at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am
EFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Matters Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Old Firm Derby Best Goals Edinburgh Derby Best Goals SPFL Matters Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Live - Soccer Am Football Gillette Soccer Saturday: Live Scores Football Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Edinburgh Derby Best Goals Football Old Firm Derby Best Goals SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games Football Old Firm Derby Best Goals SPFL Ballers
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.
62 EWN
7:00am 9:00am 10:20am 11:45am 1:35pm 2:35pm 2:50pm 3:25pm 5:05pm 6:35pm 6:50pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm 12:45am 2:30am
2:35am
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Breakfast Match of the Day Bolt The BFG Dynasties BBC News Songs of Praise Cinderella How to Train Your Dragon 2 BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Spy in the Snow Antiques Roadshow Les Misérables BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day 2 War of the Worlds Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather forecast. BBC News
9:00am The Bagel and Becky Show 9:15am The Bagel and Becky Show 9:25am Ultimate Spider-Man v the Sinister Six 9:55am Spy School 10:25am Ninja Warrior UK 11:25am Big Star's Bigger Star 12:25pm The Mummy Returns 2:45pm ITV Lunchtime News 3:00pm You've Been Framed! 3:30pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 4:30pm The Big Audition 5:30pm Big Star's Bigger Star 6:30pm Paul O'Grady for the Love of Dogs 7:30pm ITV Evening News 7:45pm ITV News London 8:00pm Celebrity Chase Christmas Special 9:00pm Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens 11:35pm ITV News 11:50pm The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2:30am Jackpot247
7:20am David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities 7:50am This Farming Life 8:50am Countryfile 9:45am Monty Don's Paradise Gardens 10:45am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:15pm Great British Menu 1:15pm Young Winston 3:30pm Gorilla Family and Me 4:30pm Gorilla Family and Me 5:30pm Inside the Factory Documentary series. 6:30pm Porridge 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm Dragons' Den 10:00pm Cities: Nature's New Wild 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Happy New Year, Colin Burstead 1:00am St. Stephen's Night Calvary 2:40am Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision 4:40am Christmas at St Paul'S
5:00am This is BBC Four 7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm Al Murray's Great British War Movies 9:00pm The Heroes of Telemark 11:05pm Andrew Davies: Rewriting the Classics 12:05am Blackadder Goes Forth 12:35am Blackadder Goes Forth 1:05am Jeff Beck: Still on the Run 2:35am Ice Dream: Lapland's Snow Show 3:05am Tales of Winter: The Art of Snow and Ice 4:35am This is BBC Four
7:00am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:25am You've Been Framed! 7:50am Emmerdale Omnibus 10:10am Coronation Street Omnibus 1:45pm The Big Soap Quiz 2:50pm Celebrity Catchphrase 3:50pm You've Been Framed! 4:50pm Monsters, Inc. 5:55pm FYI Daily 6:00pm Monsters, Inc. 6:40pm Jurassic World 7:45pm FYI Daily 7:50pm Jurassic World 9:00pm Rock of Ages 10:05pm FYI Daily 10:10pm Rock of Ages 11:25pm Celebrity Juice 12:30am Family Guy 1:05am Family Guy 1:30am Family Guy 2:00am Family Guy 2:30am American Dad! 2:55am American Dad! 3:25am Bordertown 3:55am Piranha 5:00am FYI Daily
7:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 7:55am Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:50am Royal Stories 9:20am The Royal Wives of Windsor 10:20am The Royal Wives of Windsor 11:20am Prince Harry's Story: Four Royal Weddings 12:20pm Invitation to a Royal Wedding 1:25pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:30pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 5:45pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 6:50pm Agatha Christie's Poirot 8:00pm Midsomer Murders 10:00pm Midsomer Murders 12:00am Maigret in Montmartre 2:00am Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:05am Agatha Christie's Poirot 3:55am Road to Avonlea
SUNDAY TV
6:20am Come Dine with Me 7:15am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:40am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:05am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:30am Lego Masters 9:30am The Big Bang Theory 9:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:20am Sunday Brunch 1:20pm The Simpsons 1:50pm The Simpsons 2:20pm The Simpsons 2:45pm Two by Two 4:30pm Edward Scissorhands 6:30pm Channel 4 News 6:40pm Paddington 8:30pm Britain's Wildest Weather 2018 10:00pm Big Ben: Countdown to New Year 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:00am Tin Star 1:05am The Woman in Black 2:45am The Crystal Maze 3:40am Carry on Teacher 5:10am Come Dine with Me
9:20am Paw Patrol 9:35am Nella the Princess Knight 9:50am Shimmer and Shine 10:05am Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:20am Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30am Birds Make You Laugh Out Loud 10:55am Friends 3:15pm Friends 3:40pm E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial 6:00pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 7:00pm 5 News 7:05pm Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 8:05pm World's Strongest Man 2018 9:00pm Gallagher Premiership Rugby Highlights 9:55pm 5 News Weekend 10:00pm Britain's Favourite Chocolate Bar 12:05am What Women Want 2:15am Super Casino
7:00am Hollyoaks Omnibus 8:25am Rude(Ish) Tube 8:55am We're Going on a Bear Hunt 9:25am The Goldbergs 10:00am The Goldbergs 10:30am The Goldbergs 11:00am The Goldbergs 11:30am Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 1:05pm Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World 2:50pm The Big Bang Theory 3:20pm The Big Bang Theory 3:50pm The Big Bang Theory 4:20pm The Big Bang Theory 4:50pm The Big Bang Theory 5:20pm The Big Bang Theory 5:50pm The Big Bang Theory 6:20pm Johnny English 8:00pm Transformers: Dark of the Moon The third movie in Michael Bay's energetic sci-fi action franchise. 11:00pm Naked Attraction 12:05am The Inbetweeners 12:40am The Inbetweeners 1:10am The Inbetweeners 1:40am The Inbetweeners
12:00am 6:30am 6:45am 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 12:30pm
7:00am 7:10am 7:55am 8:45am 9:50am 10:55am 11:55am 12:55pm 2:05pm 2:10pm 3:10pm 4:10pm 4:15pm 5:55pm 7:00pm 7:05pm 8:05pm 9:05pm 9:10pm 11:00pm
8:20am
7:00am Peter Rabbit 8:40am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 9:10am Ferdinand 11:00am Rampage 12:50pm A Wrinkle in Time 2:50pm Peter Rabbit 4:30pm Ferdinand 6:25pm Avengers: Infinity War 9:00pm Rampage 10:50pm Proud Mary 12:25am Blockers 2:10am Avengers: Infinity War 4:45am Thoroughbreds Blackly comic thriller about estranged childhood friends who begin to form an unsettling new bond.
1:00pm Football 1:30pm Old Firm Derby Best Goals 2:00pm Edinburgh Derby Best Goals 2:30pm SPFL Ballers 3:00pm SPFL Old Ballers 3:30pm Football 4:00pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 4:30pm EFL Goals: Championship 5:00pm Football 5:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 5:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:00pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:15pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 6:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 7:00pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 7:30pm EFL Goals: Championship 8:00pm Football 8:30pm Football's Greatest 9:00pm EFL Goals: League One and League Two 9:30pm Live NBA: Detroit @ Orlando 12:00am EFL
12:00am 12:05am 1:25am 2:25am 3:25am 4:20am
World of Sport Minder Minder The Sweeney The Sweeney The Professionals The Professionals Brannigan FYI Daily Brannigan Red River FYI Daily Red River Tobruk FYI Daily Tobruk Kelly's Heroes FYI Daily Kelly's Heroes The Silence of the Lambs FYI Daily The Silence of the Lambs Football's Foreign Legion Stuck on You: The Football Sticker Story The Professionals The Professionals
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle 10:10am Sucker Punch 12:05pm Black Panther 2:20pm War for the Planet of the Apes 4:45pm Kingsman: The Golden Circle 7:10pm Rampage 9:00pm Black Panther 11:20pm Bad Boys II 1:50am Atomic Blonde
7:55am 9:35am 11:30am 1:30pm 3:30pm 5:15pm
Little Nicky Dumb and Dumber Father Figures The Other Guys Game Night Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 7:00pm The Other Guys 9:00pm Father Figures 11:00pm Game Night 12:45am Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
3:00pm 5:15pm 8:00pm
12:00am
1:45am 2:00am 2:10am
Cricket Cricket Cricket Sky Sports News Total Goals Cricket Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live World Championship Darts Day 15 of the William Hill World Darts Championship from the Alexandra Palace, London. Live NFL: Sunday A match from the NFL. My Icon My Icon Live NFL: Sunday
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
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 63
Carry on swearing Richard Shanley WHETHER you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Mrs Brown’s Boys is best-loved for its fourth-wall breaking and (often unintentionally) bad language. The BBC aren’t too keen on those elements of its oldschool Irish charm, though, as t h e s i t c o m ’s c r e a t o r B r e n d a n O’Carroll recently revealed. While speaking at a screening ahead of the show’s Christmas and New Year specials, O’Carroll admitted that the Beeb asked him to cut down the show’s swearing. R e c a l l i n g D a n n y C o h e n ’s takeover as the corporation’s controller, Brendan explained
BLUE: Mrs Brown will not watch her language.
(via The Mirror): “I had been invited for an ‘F’ meeting. He spent the first 10 minutes telling me how lucky the BBC felt to have found me and the f a m i l y, h o w w o n d e r f u l M r s Brown’s Boys was and how he liked that there was also pathos there and hopefully a message at the end... We were going through all of this stuff. ‘F**king bored’ with the conversation, Brendan then asked Cohen: ‘Danny, can we cut to the chase? You want me to stop saying ‘f**k’ so you can put the show on at eight o’clock’.” And he said, ‘Exactly’.” We ’ r e g u e s s i n g t h e a n s w e r was a resounding feck off, then. Fortunately for fans, Mrs Brown and the family will be back in all their usual sweary glory for two festive specials this year, ‘Exotic Mammy’ and ‘Mammy’s Motel.’
64 EWN
Breakfast Planes The Croods Dynasties BBC News BBC London News Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 Match of the Day Big Hero 6 Maleficent Pointless BBC News BBC London News The Two Ronnies Sketchbook Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Would I Lie to You? Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie BBC News The Graham Norton Show Madness Rocks Big Ben Live New Year's Eve Fireworks 2018 Madness Rocks Big Ben Live
7:20am The Pope and I - Our Lives 7:50am Family Cooking Showdown 8:50am This Farming Life 9:50am Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge 10:50am Great British Menu 11:50am Super Fast Falcon 12:50pm Great Indian Railway Journeys 1:50pm Death on the Nile 4:10pm Evil Under the Sun 6:00pm Mary Berry's Country House at Christmas 7:00pm Inside the Factory 8:00pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 8:30pm Ethel and Ernest 10:00pm Raymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen 11:00pm QI XL 11:45pm Live at the Apollo 12:15am Jools's Annual Hootenanny 2:30am Best of Glastonbury 2017 4:40am Reading Festival 2018: The Best Bits
7:58pm This is BBC Four 8:00pm The Trains That Time Forgot: Britain's Lost Railway Journeys 9:00pm Frozen Planet 10:00pm A Day in the Life of Earth 11:00pm TOTP2 New Year's Eve Special 12:10am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 12:40am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 1:10am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer burst back onto our screens with a new series of Big Night Out. 1:40am Vic and Bobs Big Night Out 2:10am Bros: After the Screaming Stops 3:40am The Trains That Time Forgot: Britain's Lost Railway Journeys 4:40am This is BBC Four
7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Queen's Green Planet 11:20am This Morning - 30 Unforgettable Years 12:45pm The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 2:45pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:50pm ITV News London 3:00pm Celebrity Catchphrase 4:00pm Tenable 5:00pm Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 6:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 7:00pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:30pm ITV News London 7:45pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Spectre 11:45pm World Cup: Summer of Love 12:45am ITV News Including New Year Bongs
7:00am The Planet's Funniest Animals 7:10am Planet's Got Talent 7:35am Britain's Got Talent 8:25am Emmerdale 8:55am Coronation Street 9:25am Coronation Street 9:55am You've Been Framed! 11:00am Take Me Out: 10th Anniversary Special 12:00pm Celebrity Catchphrase 1:00pm Emmerdale 1:30pm Coronation Street 2:00pm Coronation Street 2:35pm You've Been Framed! 3:40pm Casper 4:40pm FYI Daily 4:45pm Casper 5:35pm Despicable Me 2 6:35pm FYI Daily 6:40pm Despicable Me 2 7:40pm New Year's Eve 8:45pm FYI Daily 8:50pm New Year's Eve 10:00pm Bridesmaids 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Bridesmaids 12:35am Family Guy 1:00am Family Guy
7:00am 7:25am
7:00am 10:00am 11:20am 12:50pm 1:50pm 2:00pm 2:10pm 3:10pm 3:40pm 5:15pm 6:45pm 7:30pm 7:50pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:25pm 11:40pm 12:35am 12:55am 1:10am
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Royal Stories Holiday on the Buses 9:10am Mutiny on the Buses 10:55am Lewis 12:55pm Lewis 2:55pm Midsomer Murders 4:55pm Midsomer Murders 7:00pm Midsomer Murders 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm Vera Crime drama series. 1:00am Vera Detective drama series based on the characters created by Ann Cleeves. 2:50am Royal Stories Documentary series. 3:10am ITV3 Nightscreen Text-based information service. 3:30am Teleshopping Shopping from home.
8:50am 9:55am 10:20am 10:45am 11:15am 11:45am 12:10pm 2:20pm 4:20pm 6:50pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 12:00am 2:00am 2:50am 4:30am
5:25am 5:50am
6:10am 7:00am 7:50am 8:40am 9:40am 10:50am 11:55am 12:55pm 1:55pm 3:00pm 4:05pm 5:10pm 5:15pm 6:45pm 7:45pm 7:50pm 8:50pm 9:50pm 9:55pm 11:00pm 12:00am 12:05am 2:05am 3:00am
Lego Masters The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons Flash Gordon Vice Versa The Dam Busters Channel 4 News Hollyoaks Crocodile Dundee II The Last Leg of the Year Gogglebox 2018 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA Northern Soul The Crystal Maze It takes self-belief, attitude and quick wits to conquer the Maze. Food Unwrapped Come Dine with Me Four passionate cooks from Surrey compete to win £1000.
The Sweeney The Chase The Chase Kojak Quincy, M.E. The Sweeney The Professionals Minder Kojak Quincy, M.E. Khartoum FYI Daily Khartoum 633 Squadron FYI Daily 633 Squadron Cannonball Run II FYI Daily Cannonball Run II American Gangster FYI Daily American Gangster The Sweeney Minder Comedy drama series. 4:00am Teleshopping Shopping from home. 4:30am ITV4 Nightscreen
7:40am Wissper 7:50am Noddy: Toyland Detective 8:05am Fireman Sam: Heroes of the Storm 9:10am Paw Patrol 9:15am The Secret Life of Puppies 9:25am The Best of Jeremy Vine 11:20am Friends 11:50am Friends 12:20pm Neighbours 12:45pm What Women Want 3:15pm Dirty Dancing 5:15pm World's Strongest Man 2018 6:15pm Neighbours 6:45pm Pan 8:55pm 5 News 9:00pm Christmas Cruising with Jane McDonald 10:00pm Jane and Friends at New Year 11:00pm Jane Mcdonald: My Life Story 11:55pm Jane Mcdonald: BAFTA Winning Cruise 12:55am Jane and Friends at New Year
10:05am
Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge 12:20pm 300 2:20pm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 4:40pm Rampage 6:40pm Captain America The Winter Soldier 9:00pm Top Gun 11:00pm Logan 1:20am Thor: Ragnarok 3:35am The Great Wall
7:30am 7:45am 9:30am 11:50am 1:35pm 3:25pm 5:30pm 7:50pm 9:30pm 11:15pm 1:20am 3:05am 4:50am
Life Itself: Special Mean Girls Downsizing Lady Bird Blockers Girls Trip Downsizing Lady Bird Blockers Girls Trip Role Models Bruce Almighty Brüno
7:00am 7:30am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 11:15am 12:50pm 1:15pm 1:45pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 3:45pm 4:10pm 4:40pm 5:10pm 5:40pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:00am 12:35am 1:10am
Hollyoaks Hollyoaks Brooklyn Nine-Nine Brooklyn Nine-Nine Postman Pat: The Movie Garfield 2: A Tail of Two Kitties 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 Big Bang Theory Mr. Popper's Penguins Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Hollyoaks The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Inbetweeners Movie The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners The Inbetweeners
7:00am Peter Rabbit 8:40am Ferdinand 10:30am Olaf's Frozen Adventure 11:00am Avengers: Infinity War 1:35pm Peter Rabbit 3:15pm Ferdinand 5:15pm A Wrinkle in Time 7:15pm Tully Charlize Theron stars as a struggling mother of three who forms a unique bond with her new nanny. 9:00pm Avengers: Infinity War 11:35pm Rampage 1:25am Blockers 3:10am Rampage 5:00am A Wrinkle in Time
MONDAY TV
8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 2:00am
12:00pm 12:15pm 12:30pm 12:45pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:45pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 12:00am
NFL Highlights NFL Highlights NFL Highlights F1 Season Review: The Fight for Barclays Premier League World World Championship Darts Alistair Cook's Fairytale Finale Barclays Premier League World Soccer Am Best Bits Best Pl Goals Premier League Review Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Edinburgh Derby Best Goals Boxing The Debate Review of the Year Best Pl Goals Ryder Cup: Perfection in Paris World Wrestling Entertainment Late Night Raw
One2eleven One2eleven SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest Football Countdowns EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Football's Greatest Football Countdowns One2eleven One2eleven Football Years Football Countdowns Soccer Am Best Bits Football Countdowns EFL Goals: League One and League Two EFL Goals: Championship Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Edinburgh Derby Best Goals EFL SPFL Round Up Show SPFL Greatest Games Soccer Am Best Bits EFL 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.
FEATURE
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 65
The day I became a Tory lackey Barry Duke ‘HEY, that’s me you’re talking about,’ I yelled at the radio, during a discussion of an affliction I’d not heard of before: imposter syndrome. This is a psychological condition in which individuals imagine they are frauds, and that their accomplishments are fake. But in my case - back in the early 1990’s - there was nothing imaginary about my phoniness and my accomplishment was genuine. I was working for a contract publishing company which was invited by the Home Office to pitch for a publication for thenPrime Minister John Major’s Citizen’s Charter initiative, aimed at improving public services in the UK. Barbara Burrows, our Managing Director, called a staff pow-wow to say that we were required to tell a bunch of senior civil servants how well we could do the job. Then, fixing me with a determined gaze, she said ‘I’ve decided that you
CITIZEN’S CHARTER: Barry sold his soul to the devil. should do the presentation.’ I strongly protested that I was absolutely the wrong person for the task because I was an unreconstructed socialist who detested the Tories; that I thought the Charter was a monumentally stupid idea, and I resented promoting a venture which was a criminal waste of taxpayers’ money. ‘Never mind all that,’ Ms Burrows snapped. ‘The contract is worth £1-
million a year to us and you have the ability to talk the knickers off a nun.’ On the morning of the presentation I swallowed three Valium, got suited and booted, and strode into a conference room to address a panel of about a dozen of Major’s cronies, all the while smiling insincerely at the ugliest man in the room. Why? Because someone once told me that repulsive individuals are generally the most
powerful in government and large corporations, and they are the ones to charm. After the presentation, trembling like blancmange in a hurricane, I sprinted into a pub nearest to 10 Downing Street and necked three large whiskeys in five minutes, thinking as I did so how much of hypocrite I had been by hyping-up something which ran contrary to all my principles.
I hated myself for having done so. I loathed myself even more when the boss lady announced that we had won the contract, and, because my presentation had been so awesome, I would be the one to edit the Citizen’s Charter monthly rag. So, with gritted teeth, I churned out Tory waffle, feeling more and more of a traitor as each day passed. Part of the Charter’s remit was to make a monthly award to a government department judged to have done a brilliant public service task. An early issue carried a report and photo of a social security team, the first award winners in the scheme. A short while later, to my absolute delight, the entire team quit en-masse when they won millions on the National Lottery. Tears of laughter and joy ran down my cheeks. Further relief and delight followed when the Citizens’ Charter collapsed after Labour took power in 1997. The Tories suffered their worst electoral defeat since 1932, and I was able to regain my lost self-esteem by taking on the editorship of a renowned atheist magazine, The Freethinker, a job I’m still happily doing more than 20 years on.
66 EWN
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Planes: Fire and Rescue 11:15am Home 12:40pm Dynasties 1:40pm BBC News 1:55pm The Archbishop of 2:00pm The Railway Children 3:45pm Planet Earth II 4:45pm The Jungle Book 6:00pm Inside Out 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Doctor Who 9:00pm EastEnders 10:00pm Luther 11:00pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:35pm BBC News at Ten 11:50pm BBC London News 12:00am Avengers: Age of Ultron 2:05am Weather for the Week Ahead Detailed weather forecast. 2:10am BBC News
8:30am Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 9:00am Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 9:15am Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 9:30am Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit 9:55am Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit 10:25am Meet the Penguins 11:25am Britain's Favourite Walks: Top 100 1:55pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:00pm ITV Racing: Live from Cheltenham 4:30pm You've Been Framed! 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:05pm Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule 7:35pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 9:00pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:20pm Tommy Cooper Forever 12:20am Tommy Cooper Forever
8:00am
Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment 9:00am An American in Paris: The Musical 11:15am New Year's Day Concert Live From Vienna 2019 1:45pm Nature's Weirdest Events 2:30pm Monkey Kingdom 3:50pm The Eagle Has Landed 6:00pm The Finest Hours 7:55pm The Archbishop of Canterbury's New Year Message 8:00pm The Snow Wolf: A Winter's Tale 9:00pm Only Connect 9:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 10:00pm Amazon: Earth's Great Rivers 11:00pm The Revenant 1:25am Young Frankenstein 3:05am Ant-Man 4:55am This is BBC Two Highlights of programmes on BBC Two.
8:00pm New Year's Day Concert From Vienna 2019 10:00pm Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema 11:00pm Oasis: Supersonic The award-winning feature documentary telling the story of iconic band Oasis in their own words. 12:55am Britpop at the BBC 1:55am Elvis: The Rebirth of the King 2:55am Beirut: An Art Lovers' Guide 3:55am A Day in the Life of Earth Documentary presented by Hannah Fry, revealing how much our planet can change in just 24 hours. 4:55am This is BBC Four
8:15am
7:00am Royal Stories The history of Britain's Royal Family. 7:25am The Secret Garden 9:25am Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express Murder mystery starring Albert Finney and Lauren Bacall, 1974. 11:55am Lewis On Halloween, a university friend of pathologist Laura Hobson is found staked through the heart. 1:50pm Lewis 3:50pm Agatha Christie's Marple 5:55pm Agatha Christie's Marple 8:00pm Agatha Christie's Poirot Another case for the dapper Belgian detective. 9:00pm Endeavour 11:00pm Vera Crime drama series. 1:05am Vera
9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 11:05am 11:35am 12:50pm 12:55pm 1:55pm 2:25pm 2:55pm 4:00pm 4:05pm 4:45pm 5:45pm 5:50pm 6:50pm 6:55pm 7:05pm 7:15pm 8:20pm 8:25pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:05pm 11:35pm 12:05am 12:30am
You've Been Framed! Gold a-Z of Growing Up Emmerdale Coronation Street Celebrity Catchphrase You've Been Framed! The Golden Compass FYI Daily The Golden Compass Emmerdale Coronation Street Monsters, Inc. FYI Daily Monsters, Inc. Nanny McPhee FYI Daily Nanny McPhee Minions Minions Minions Minions FYI Daily Minions Iron Man 2 FYI Daily Iron Man 2 Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy
6:45am Kirstie's Handmade Christmas 7:05am Everybody Loves Raymond Debra offers Ally regular babysitting work. 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:20am Frasier 8:45am Frasier 9:10am Diary of a Wimpy Kid 11:00am The Muppet Movie 12:55pm The Simpsons 1:25pm The Simpsons 1:55pm The Simpsons 2:25pm Splash 4:40pm Turner and Hooch 6:40pm Channel 4 News 6:50pm Sister Act 8:40pm The Great New Year's Bake Off 10:00pm The Inbetweeners 12:00am The Inbetweeners 12:35am The Inbetweeners 1:10am The Inbetweeners 1:45am The Inbetweeners 2:10am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 3:00am The Crystal Maze 3:55am The People's Vet
7:00am 7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:25am 10:30am 11:40am 1:20pm 2:20pm 2:25pm 3:35pm 4:45pm 4:50pm 7:50pm 8:50pm 8:55pm 11:00pm 12:00am
12:05am
1:20am 2:20am
3:25am
Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Minder The Sweeney Columbo Brannigan FYI Daily Brannigan Ben Hur FYI Daily Ben Hur Where Eagles Dare FYI Daily Where Eagles Dare Full Metal Jacket FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. Full Metal Jacket Wartime drama starring Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio, 1987. Car Crash Global Minder Comedy drama series. The Protectors
7:00am 7:05am 7:10am 7:15am 7:20am 7:35am 7:40am 7:45am 8:15am
9:45am 10:15am 12:30pm 3:25pm 6:20pm 6:50pm 8:05pm
10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Peppa Pig The Day Henry Met Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom The Secret Life of Puppies Wissper Top Wing Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! Neighbours E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Oliver! Neighbours World's Strongest Man Final 2018 The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter The Yorkshire Vet Winter Special Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2018
7:00am 8:30am 10:45am 1:30pm 4:00pm 6:15pm 8:30pm
The Jurassic Games Black Panther Avatar Ready Player One Thor: Ragnarok Black Panther Avengers: Infinity War 11:00pm Ready Player One 1:30am Braveheart 4:30am Premium Rush
7:50am 9:40am 11:45am 1:35pm 3:40pm 5:15pm 7:15pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 1:00am 2:35am 4:25am
Groundhog Day Pretty Woman Rough Night You've Got Mail The House Father Figures Rough Night You've Got Mail Father Figures The House Step Brothers Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
7:00am 7:05am 7:10am 7:15am 7:20am 7:35am 7:40am 7:45am 8:15am
9:45am 10:15am 12:30pm 3:25pm 6:20pm 6:50pm 8:05pm
10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
Peppa Pig Peppa Pig Peppa Pig The Day Henry Met Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom The Secret Life of Puppies Wissper Top Wing Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! Neighbours E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Oliver! Neighbours World's Strongest Man Final 2018 The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter The Yorkshire Vet Winter Special Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2018
7:00am Ferdinand A big-hearted bull mistaken for a dangerous beast and taken from his home embarks on an epic adventure to return to his family. Animated fun. 9:00am Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter adaptation with James Corden voicing the mischievous rabbit whose feud with the McGregor family reaches new heights. 10:40am Avengers: Infinity War 1:15pm Pacific Rim Uprising 3:10pm Life Itself: Special 3:25pm A Wrinkle in Time 5:20pm Rampage 7:10pm Ferdinand 9:00pm Pacific Rim Uprising 11:00pm Avengers: Infinity War 1:35am Rampage 3:25am Proud Mary 5:10am Peter Rabbit
TUESDAY TV
7:00am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitezise 7:30am Good Morning Sports Fans Bitezise 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 3:55pm Football 6:00pm Football 9:00pm Live World Championship Darts 12:00am Sky Sports News 1:00am Sky Sports News 2:00am World Wrestling Entertainment Late Night Smackdown 4:00am Sky Sports News 5:00am Sky Sports News
8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:15pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 3:55pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:45pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:15pm 9:30pm 9:45pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am
Football's Greatest Football's Greatest Football Countdowns Football Countdowns Football Years Football Years EFL One2eleven One2eleven Football's Greatest Gillette Soccer Special: Build-Up Football Gillette Soccer Special: Reaction EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest Football's Greatest EFL EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games Football Years Football Years Steven Gerrard: In His Own Words Old Firm Derby Best Goals EFL 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.
68 EWN
7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Countryfile Winter Diaries 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Caught Red Handed 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Jane Eyre 4:35pm Escape to the Country 5:15pm Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Luther 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Match of the Day 1:20am Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
10:40am The Titfield Thunderbolt 12:00pm BBC Newsroom Live 2:00pm Coast 2:25pm David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities 2:55pm Kangaroo Dundee and Other Animals 3:55pm Kangaroo Dundee and Other Animals 4:55pm Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Galapagos 8:30pm University Challenge Christmas 2018 9:00pm Tom Kerridge's Fresh Start 9:30pm The Twinstitute 10:00pm Nile: Earth's Great Rivers 11:00pm Insert Name Here 11:30pm Dragons' Den 12:30am NFL 1:20am See Hear on Tour 1:50am Spy in the Snow
8:00pm 9:00pm
7:00am
8:10am Emmerdale 9:00am Coronation Street 10:00am The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:55am Liar Liar 11:55am FYI Daily 12:00pm Liar Liar 12:35pm Emmerdale 1:35pm Coronation Street 2:40pm The Ellen DeGeneres Show 3:30pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:35pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:45pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:50pm You've Been Framed! 7:20pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 8:25pm FYI Daily 8:30pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 10:00pm Pitch Perfect 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm Pitch Perfect 12:15am Family Guy 12:40am Family Guy 1:10am Family Guy 1:40am Family Guy
7:00am 7:25am 9:30am
9:30am 10:25am 11:30am 1:30pm 2:30pm 2:55pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am 1:35am 4:00am 4:50am
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Celebrity Catchphrase Tenable Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Bradley Walsh and Son: Breaking Dad Coronation Street Who Wants to be a Millionaire? ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Jackpot247 Lethal Weapon ITV Nightscreen
The Celts Sicily: Wonder of the Mediterranean 10:00pm Waco: Madman or Messiah 11:30pm Murder in Soho 1:00am Shirley Bassey at the BBC 2:00am Synth and Beyond with Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert 3:00am Sicily: Wonder of the Mediterranean 4:00am Wild West: America's Great Frontier America's high country is the land of grizzly bears and giant trees, of frigid winters and scorching summers, of tough ranchers and gold-rush fever. 5:00am This is BBC Four
8:35am 9:05am 9:35am 10:05am 10:30am 12:30pm 12:35pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 12:35am 1:35am
Royal Stories Goodbye Mr Chips Goodnight Mister Tom 11:35am Agatha Christie's Marple 1:40pm The Royal 2:40pm Heartbeat 3:40pm Classic Coronation Street 4:15pm Classic Coronation Street Vera is adamant that Joss is her dad. Jackie decides she wants to marry in a registry office. 4:50pm Midsomer Murders 6:55pm Heartbeat 8:00pm Murder, She Wrote Crime drama series. 9:00pm Endeavour The case of a missing woman leads Endeavour to an investigation on Oxford's railways. 11:00pm Vera Crime drama series. 1:00am Vera Crime drama series. 2:55am ITV3 Nightscreen
7:00am 7:45am 8:40am 9:35am 10:40am 11:40am 12:45pm 1:45pm 2:50pm 3:50pm 4:55pm 5:55pm 6:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm
11:05pm
11:50pm 12:50am
12:55am
Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier The Great Muppet Caper Channel 4 News Willow Countdown A Place in the Sun The Secret Life of the Zoo Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it What Britain Bought in 2018 Dispatches Travel Man Rob Rinder's Good Year, Bad Year Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA
The Chase The Avengers Kojak Quincy, M.E. Minder The Sweeney The Professionals The Avengers Kojak Quincy, M.E. Minder The Professionals The Sweeney The Chase: Celebrity Special River Monsters River Monsters Passenger 57 FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. Passenger 57 Action starring Wesley Snipes and Bruce Payne, 1992. Hard to Kill Action drama. FYI Daily Latest news from the world of entertainment. Hard to Kill
8:00am 8:20am 9:30am 10:00am 10:15am 12:15pm 1:10pm 1:15pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:50pm 8:00pm
9:00pm 10:00pm
12:05am
Thomas and Friends Fireman Sam: Alien Alert Paw Patrol Digby Dragon Jeremy Vine GPs: Behind Closed Doors 5 News Lunchtime The Yorkshire Vet Winter Special Make You Laugh Out Loud Neighbours Paint by Murder Friends 5 News at 5 Neighbours The Yorkshire Vet 5 News Tonight Ultimate Megastructures: Colossal Cruise Ship Animals After Dark The Big Fat Lies About About Diet and Exercise Funniest Celeb Reality TV Ever!
6:10am 8:40am 10:30am 12:20pm 2:30pm
Godzilla Rocky Balboa Wild Wild West The Karate Kid Avengers: Infinity War 5:10pm Geostorm 7:10pm Dunkirk 9:00pm Saving Private Ryan 11:55pm Baby Driver 1:55am Django Unchained
6:30am 7:00am 8:40am 10:20am 12:00pm 1:30pm 3:35pm 5:20pm 7:15pm
Moana: Special Billy Madison Night Owls The Little Hours 30 Minutes or Less Boomerang American Pie That Thing You Do! 10 Things I Hate About You 9:00pm Boomerang 11:00pm American Pie 12:45am Why Him? 2:45am Stuck on You 4:50am Road Trip: Beer Pong
7:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 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 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:00am 12:25am 12:50am 1:55am
WEDNESDAY TV
Hollyoaks Melissa and Joey The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory Brooklyn Nine-Nine Young Sheldon Young Sheldon The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Melissa and Joey Brooklyn Nine-Nine Brooklyn Nine-Nine The Goldbergs The Goldbergs Young Sheldon Young Sheldon The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks Young Sheldon The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Inbetweeners 2 The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Naked Attraction Gogglebox
7:00am Ferdinand 8:50am Rampage 10:40am Pacific Rim Uprising 12:35pm A Wrinkle in Time 2:35pm Peter Rabbit 4:25pm Ferdinand 6:25pm Avengers: Infinity War 9:00pm Pacific Rim Uprising 11:00pm Life Itself: Special 11:15pm I Got Life! 12:50am Rampage 2:50am Thoroughbreds 4:40am Aquaman: Special Sky Movies takes a special look at the DC superhero spectacular, directed by James Wan (Furious 7) and starring Jason Momoa as the Marine Marvel. 5:10am Peter Rabbit
7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
Total Goals Total Goals Total Goals Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News at 5 7:00pm Sky Sports News at 6 8:00pm Soccer Special PreMatch 8:30pm Football 11:30pm Sky Sports News at Ten 12:00am Sky Sports News 1:00am Sky Sports News 2:00am Live NBA: Minnesota @ Boston The Boston Celtics meet the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden in the NBA. 4:30am Cricket
3:00pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm
5:00pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:45pm 7:00pm 7:30pm
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm
10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am 12:15am 12:30am
Football Years Football Years EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League One and League Two One2eleven One2eleven Football's Greatest EFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League One and League Two Old Firm Derby Best Goals SPFL Greatest Games EFL Goals: Championship EFL Goals: League One and League Two Football Years Football Years EFL EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest
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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Trivia from around the world YOUR STARS soft drink. *** When St Louis held the 1904 Summer Olympic Games, events included greased pole climbing, rock throwing and mud fighting. *** Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries. *** Africa’s population will more than double to 2.3 billion people by 2050.
the other at the same time. *** The last man to walk on the moon, Gene Cernan, promised his daughter he’d write her initials on the moon. He did, and her initials, ‘TDC,’ will probably be on the moon for tens of thousands of years. *** Russia didn't consider beer to be alcohol until 2011. It was previously classified as a
*** Madame Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive. Researchers wishing to study them must sign a waiver in order to do so. *** There are more life forms living on your skin than there are people on the planet. *** OJ Simpson was originally cast to play Terminator, but the studio was afraid that no one would buy him as a remorseless killer. *** Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with
FOR NEXT 7 DAYS AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This being a family oriented month, much of it may be spent getting together with relatives and going over old times. Perhaps you are compiling a photo album for older members of the family or vice versa.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
DID YOU KNOW?
An exciting invitation may set tongues wagging and make a loved one jealous. You, meanwhile, are quite bemused by the whole thing. What comes out of this week is that you are of considerable value to others. The mere thought of you not being around sends ripples through your social circle.
When a member of tribes from long ago were lazy, or consumed much more than they produced, the tribe would set fire to their house while they were away as an act of showing them that that person was not wanted, and that the clan was not concerned with their survival. Hence the phrase ‘to get fired.’
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
CREDIT: Wikimedia
Being asked to take on a new and demanding task this week may see you wishing that you had been less visible.
TRIBES: Used to set fire to ‘unwanted’ tribal members’ houses.
‘
Famous quote
Women’s wit
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
World of English
‘
I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games, 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan
Whatever you do, be different - that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can’t think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you’re different, you will stand out.” Anita Roddick
IRISH LOTTO
‘
Cryptozoology - the search for and study of animals whose existence is unproven, such as the Loch Ness monster and the yeti.
An interest in technology is not something new to you. What is great, though, is that the penny has suddenly dropped. This week sees you understanding more and wanting to know more.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
LA PRIMITIVA
EURO MILLIONS
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)
An urge to get moving must mean that the new year is round the corner. Certainly, you are questioning where you want to be in the months ahead. A house move or work placement may be on your mind.
LOTTERY
CANCER (June 22 - July 23)
Saturday November 24
15
27
Saturday November 24
21
29
Tuesday November 20
6
Friday November 23
5
Thursday November 22
9
22
Saturday November 24
2
10
Sunday November 25
3
Please31 note that39 due to the have gone14to print 38 25 fact we 39 24 43 19 26 45 earlier than normal with this edition, 48 47 35 45 24 43 41 42 30 52 it is not possible to print the lottery results. Please check online. 8
19
30
17
32
42
BONUS BALL
10
BONUS BALL
12
LUCKY STARS
LUCKY STARS
7
3
12
10
EL MILLON: KWP75105
REINTEGRO
4
4
JOKER: 336 382
REINTEGRO
32
9
JOKER: 7 216 216
38
Be aware that not everyone is willing to work as hard as you. When approached by someone wanting you to trust them, be sure of their motives. Do what you feel is right but remain firmly in control, especially financially. It may not be the time to make a particular move, although others think that it is. There's no problem with discussing things and talking them through..
REINTEGRO
LEO (July 24 - August 23) 5
Social demands are made, but try to shuffle them to the
weekend. Be diplomatic or someone close could become irritated. Keep an eye on the small print because something fundamental may have changed in a longstanding arrangement. Suddenly, at the weekend, you are thrust into the limelight.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Be aware that leopards do not change their spots, they merely hide them. Those who demand your trust need a cool checking out and don't be afraid to say 'no' as and when necessary.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Career and home are in disharmony but a bit of compromise soon sorts things out. You don't like playing the 'bad guy', but honesty is also important to you. Speaking your mind can be liberating although, initially, you may see it as a nuisance and embarrassing.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Someone with a larger-thanlife imagination makes you smile but that was not their intention. Try to be diplomatic and steer them in a different direction. Some feelings of loneliness will not be assuaged by working more. Perhaps it is time to consider taking on a pet or giving a current pet more attention.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Sometimes, you find it hard to do things just for the pure enjoyment of it. Realise that not everything has to have a purpose or a profit. Look round this week and seek out something that will please your senses and bring a smile to your lips.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Contact with a less than ideal situation makes you realise just how lucky you are. It has been clear that the weeks are changeable and your situation at the moment far from settled. Pity those whose day-today life is completely predictable.
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TIME
Quick
Cryptic Across 1 Neat tree (6) 4 Has a go at traditional Sunday food (6) 9 To clarify matters was once simple (7) 10 Lift finally here behind schedule (5) 11 Say! It's time for Herb (5) 12 Make up your mind to do the puzzle again (7) 13 Showing concern about desecration (11) 18 Go for a walk after buying first prickly bush (7) 20 Piece of poetry veers off (5) 22 Like a made up uniform (5) 23 Print us recipe for vegetables (7) 24 Number swimming in Tyne (6) 25 Note heard by male singer (6) Down 1 Confectionery we put in sets (6) 2 Answer salesman extremely loudly (5) 3 Wine cartels are corrupt (7) 5 Starts showing love for writers (5) 6 Quietly distribute bulb (7) 7 Drunken horse that's swallowed whisky (6) 8 Incorrectly tenderising items
(11) 14 Oxygen helping speech (7) 15 Daydream about one American patriot (7) 16 Get in boat that’s rocking (6)
Code Breaker
17 Meals the queen found a problem (6) 19 No Clue 21 Rule over Niger (5)
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 24 represents J and 26 represents W, so fill in J every time the figure 24 appears and W 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.
Across Down 1 Information about recent and 2 Large wrinkled edible seeds of a deciduous tree (7) important events (4) 3 Male sovereign (4) 4 Miserly curmudgeon in Charles 5 Plaything (3) Dickens's novel A Christmas Carol (7) 7 Pressure (6) 6 Young person (5) 9 Kitchen appliance used for baking or 8 Concerned with sacred matters, religion or the church (9) roasting (4) 10 Eastern (6) 11 Salted or smoked meat from the 11 Embrace (3) upper part of a pig's leg (3) 12 Expect and wish (4) 13 Dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top (3) 14 Frozen water (3) 16 Performance using gestures and 15 Mischievous fairies (5) body movements without words (4) 17 Attractive (6) 18 Reverential wonder or fear (3)
English - Spanish
Across 7 Tinsel (6) 8 Asombrado (6) 9 Log (4) 10 Saludo (8) 11 Veneración (7) 13 Sueño (5) 15 Holly (5) 17 Miracle (7) 20 Frost (8) 21 Acogedor (4) 23 Preguntarse (6) 24 Encantador (6)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FACING PAGE
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
Down 1 Árbol (4) 2 Delantales (6) 3 Happiness (cheerfulness) (7) 4 Camello (5) 5 Cake (6) 6 Reno (8) 12 Acontecimiento (8) 14 Milagro (7) 16 Coñac (6) 18 Nicho (6) 19 Bufanda (5) 22 Rebaja (4)
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Hexagram
The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (FAMILY) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
ABLATE BLURRY CREAKY DIFFER EFFACE EUREKA FAMILY (10) FILTER FORCED FOURTH FRUGAL FUNGAL HAIRDO INFIRM LATTER LAUREL MEDIAL REMAND SEAMAN
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Cobalt 2 Castle 3 Family 4 Tumult 5 Nation 6 Anyhow 7 Nimbus 8 Wisdom 9 Aplomb 10 Induce 11 Potion 12 Seamen 13 Typhus 14 Pigpen 15 Paunch 16 Beyond 17 Ensure 18 Tipped 19 Brainy.
Nonagram
EWN
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? • The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. • Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. • No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. • No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
Kakuro
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 A) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
TARGET: • Average: 32 • Good: 45
• Very good: 65 • Excellent: 84
SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point 7 letters: 5 points 5 letters: 2 points 8 or more letters: 6 letters: 3 points 11 points
Average: 10 Good: 14 Very good: 20
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Excellent: 26
push puts putt putts putty putrefy suit stir sept septs chest chests ceps tups tush titre tithe tither tithes tire tires echt exsert ires tuts tits tyre tyres trey tref there thus thug thugs pest pests rehung here hugs hues hung spec specs sphere shun sere serf suer sung snug gush gusher guns gnus frit fresh usher user
cere cert emir erne mere mire rein rent rete rice rime rite term tern tier tire tree trim citer crime enter erect inert inner inter merit meter metre miner miter mitre nicer niter nitre recti remit retie terce timer trice trine center centre cermet cretin entire ermine intern metric mincer minter recent recite rennet tenner tenrec tierce tinner enteric enticer interne INCREMENT
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
QUICK Across: 1 Gradually, 7 Leave, 8 Viper, 9/15 Kit bag, 10 Please, 14 Ocelot, 18 Tramp, 20 Ounce, 21 Dismantle.
CODE BREAKER
Down: 1 Gall, 2 Avarice, 3 Used, 4 Lively, 5 Yap, 6 Barber, 11 Against, 12 Boater, 13 Morphs, 16 Iota, 17 Cede, 19 Add.
CRYPTIC
ENGLISH-SPANISH
Across:
Across:
1 Card, 3 Pastoral, 9 Nannies, 10 Addle, 11 Rosie, 12 Sunset, 14 Terror, 16 Sensor, 19 Saddle, 21 Asses, 24 Align, 25 Salvage, 26 Elements, 27 Once.
1 Saws, 3 Ashtrays, 9 Hervido, 10 Avena, 11 Dedal, 12 Lustre, 14 Luchar, 16 Octavo, 19 Repair, 21 Mente, 24 Ounce, 25 Ciruela, 26 Dormouse, 27 Vena.
Down:
Down:
1 Concrete, 2 Rungs, 4 Assist, 5 Train, 6 Redress, 7 Lied, 8 Cicero, 13 Grasmere, 15 Realise, 17 Enable, 18 Bedsit, 20 Dunce, 22 Swain, 23 Fade.
1 Schedule, 2 World, 4 Slowly, 5 Tears, 6 Alegría, 7 Snap, 8 Biblia, 13 Bofetada, 15 Cleaner, 17 Cumbre, 18 Bricks, 20 Acero, 22 Niece, 23 Loud.
App of the week Popular Wars IF you want to know how it feels to be popular, then this app is for you! Users can gain notoriety by collecting followers from anywhere on the map. You can grab other players’ followers to eliminate them and lead hundreds of people to show them who’s the boss. The app features ‘super high tech’ swarming algorithm, a mage dynamic environment and cute faces that follow you everywhere.
QUIZ: CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 1. Christmas Crackers (1981), Heroes and Villains (1996), If They Could See Us Now (2001), Thicker Than Water (1983) and Time On Our Hands (1996) are all titles of ‘Christmas specials’ of which popular BBC sitcom? 2. In Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, what is the name of the abused, underpaid clerk of Ebenezer Scrooge (and possibly Jacob Marley, when he was still alive), who symbolised poor working conditions, especially long working hours? 3. In which 1942 musical film did the song White Christmas first appear? 4. In which year did King George V make the first King’s Christmas Message (formally His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech) on the British Broadcasting Corporation's Empire Service? 5. What did a group of four Scottish students (Ian Hamilton, Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson, and Alan Stuart) remove from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950?
6. What is the name of the Soviet statesman who resigned as president of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991? 7. What is the name of the traditional German fruit bread, consisting of nuts, spices and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar that is eaten during the Christmas season? 8. What was the name of the English physicist and chemist who founded the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 1925? 9. Which Scottish singer, songwriter, political activist and philanthropist, born on Christmas Day 1954, was a member of the Tourists and the Eurythmics, before embarking on a solo career in 1992? 10. Who was Driving Home for Christmas in 1988? Not a lot of people know that... if you gave all the gifts listed in the Twelve Days of Christmas, it would total 364 gifts.
Answers: 1. ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES, 2. BOB CRATCHIT, 3. HOLIDAY INN, 4. 1932, 5. THE STONE OF SCONE, 6. MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, 7. STOLLEN, WEIHNACHTSSTOLLEN or CHRISTSTOLLEN, 8. MICHAEL FARADAY, 9. ANNIE LENNOX, 10. CHRIS REA
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
E W N 27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
*Salman Khan, Movie actor; December 27, *Glen Phillips, Rock singer; December 29, 47 52 The singer, songwriter and guitarist for the 90’s The Bollywood actor has starred in more than alternative rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket, 80 Hindi Films and won the Filmfare Award for has also released solo albums such as Abulum and Winter Pays For Summer. Best Supporting Actor for his role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He set a Bollywood record by *Tiger Woods, Golfer; December 30, 42 Tiger Woods appearing in the highest-grossing film of the The champion golfer has won more than 100 year on nine separate occasions. Tour events and became the youngest player to complete *Maggie Smith, Movie actress; December 28, 83 the PGA Career Grand Slam. He won 14 majors, including four Masters Tournaments. Maggie has starred in Gosford Park, Downton Abbey, and the Harry Potter films and has won multiple Emmy *Donald Trump Jr, Business Executive; December 31, Awards in a career that has spanned more than 60 years. 40 In 1969, she won an Academy Award for her starring role Executive vice president at his father’s The Trump Organisation, is the first child of the 45th President of the in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
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.
US, Donald Trump. He began working alongside his siblings Ivanka and Eric Trump at the family firm, and is fluent in Czech. His birth mother is Ivana Trump. *Colin Morgan, TV actor; January 1, 32 The Irish actor is best known for playing the title role in the BBC series Merlin. He has also performed in several stage productions, including A Prayer For My Daughter and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. *Kate Bosworth, Movie actress; January 2, 35 Blue Crush actress Kate debuted in The Horse Whisperer and also starred in Young Americans, Wonderland, Blue Crush 21 and the remake of Straw Dogs. She wanted to become a competitive horse racer and was a champion equestrian at the age of 14.
Word Ladder MAKE
GIFT BACK
Move from the start word (MAKE) to the end word (GIFT) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
Solution MAKE LAKE (MIKE) LIKE LIFE LIFT GIFT
BIRTHDAYS
Euro Weekly News strives for accuracy, but cannot be held responsible for any errors in published forecasts
This week in history
Gifted find WHAT would you do if you came across a 16-year-old girl who is sick, alone, and disoriented, on the side of the road near a remote forest? Would you drive the terrified girl to the hospital, as Suzanne Blakemore does, and make sure she’s given the care she needs? Suzanne, the wife and mother at the centre of author Sonja Yoerg’s True Places, feels compelled to help, even though she doesn’t have a second to spare in her overscheduled day. But Suzanne has become lost in her own life, and there’s something about the enigmatic girl named Iris that reaches deep into her core. As Iris recovers, questions about her seemingly feral life mount, and Suzanne resolves to take her in. The decision disrupts the already fragile balance of the Blakemore home in ways no one could have predicted, least of all Suzanne. But the relationship proves to be enlightening.
BENIDORM
BENIDORM
192 - Death wish Roman Emperor Commodus survives poisoning attempt by his mistress only to be strangled in the bath in assassination plot. 533 - New title Mercurius becomes Pope John II, the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to papacy. 1170 - Becket killed Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II. 1229 - Isle conquest James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Mallorca. 1460 - Duke dies Wars of the Roses: Battle of Wakefield (northern England), Duke of York killed and his forces soundly defeated by forces for King Henry VI 1801 - UK Forms The Irish Parliament votes to join the Kingdom of Great Britain, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 1831 - Naturalist trip HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin on board departs England for a survey of South America, a voyage Darwin later said ‘determined my whole career.’ 1981 - Case closed One of the largest investigations by a British police force ends when serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the ‘Yorkshire Ripper,’ is arrested in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 1998 - Fixed rate Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the Eurozone become fixed.
DVD
Amazing animals CREDIT: Amazon UK
72
Dynasties takes you deeper into the lives of five of the world’s most celebrated and endangered animals than ever before - the Emperor Penguin, Chimpanzee, Lion, Painted Wolf and Tiger. Travel with David Attenborough from the plains of Africa to the jungles of India, from the edge of the Sahara to the frozen wastes of Antarctica. Watch leaders battling rivals for their crown, feuds tearing families apart and parents risking their lives to protect offspring from the coldest and cruelest winter on earth. Dynasties, is hailed as the most intimate and intense stories of its kind.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to oursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
I WAS disturbed to read in last week’s EWN that a student was beaten up in the Basque Country for going to a meeting of students who support the unity of Spain. I remember a time when people of widely different opinions, even if they vehemently disagreed with one another, were still capable of holding a civilised debate. Incidents such as this and the rise of radical street groups on the far left and right make me wonder if we have lost the art of dialogue and if instead ‘hit first, talk later’ is now the order of the day. While I personally find nationalism petty, crass and a bit sad, I would never go and punch someone because they indulged in it. I would just tell them I disagree and we could have it out over a beer. Frank Hicks
Who to trust? LAST week you printed a letter from a reader ‘sign of the times,’ which highlighted stabbings and domestic violence. I would like to add another significant reflection of today’s society is the number of greed and power-driven politicians and police officers who appear before the courts. There isn’t a week goes without a serving or former mayor or chief inspector, for example, being arrested or investigated for some demeanour or other. And these are the people we are either asked to vote upon, or pay taxes for, while at the same time entrusting them with our futures and our safety. I agree wholeheartedly that everything possible should be done to tackle domestic violence or of any sort for that matter. That’s where our money and efforts are better placed, not having to deal with the scourge of immoral and corrupt people mistakenly placed in a position of power. Jason Berridge
Tragic loss I WAS very saddened and moved when I read in your newspaper that a young Brit has died while in Spain, and I wanted to send condolences and best wishes to the family of Nixon Smith from myself, my family and friends here in Spain. It is always awful to hear about someone losing their life so young when they had their whole lives ahead of them. It is also sad to know he died after travelling around this beautiful country that so many of us call home. I would finish by saying that in spite of possible risks and dangers we face both when travelling and in our day to day lives, it is important not to become too sheltered out of fear. It would be nice if we could take a cue from Nixon who, despite his tragic death, chose to come to Spain and to explore the country. He was clearly full of life. Janice Morris
OUR VIEW
Looking ahead
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.
Less violence, more dialogue Parc life I JUST want to pay tribWILD: The ute to Fuengirola’s Bioparc is a Bioparc which is a real nature oasis. oasis amidst an otherwise urban environment. I love how it introduces new animals as part of conservation efforts to protect endangered species. The park itself has improved out of sight in the 20 years that I have lived here, especially with the expansion of gorilla valley. Also, as someone with a keen interest in exotic birds, it is a pleasure to see such a wide variety enjoying life in a lovely leafy enclosure. I saw that the Bioparc won a Best Family Attraction award earlier this year and it was well deserved. I fully encourage people to pay a visit to a new model of zoo based on respect for nature and the preservation of endangered species. Amanda Stanley
HAVE YOUR SAY
EWN 73
THE New Year is just around the corner and as far as news is concerned it looks as though there will be plenty to keep us occupied. Just days after people in Britain tidy up following New Year’s Eve celebrations, the country’s Prime Minister is due to face her next big test on Brexit. Theresa May has announced that the ‘meaningful vote’ on Brexit is set to go ahead in Parliament on Monday January 14, with the chance of it passing slim. A general election could well follow a parliamentary defeat. Here in Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s leftleaning Partido Socialista (PSOE) government also faces an uphill struggle to pass a budget for the country. The party has been governing as a minority administration since it took power in June. Many including Sanchez’s ally in parliament Pablo Iglesias, leader of the leftist Podemos, have said a national ballot would likely follow any failure to get the budget through parliament. Given that the conservative Partido Popular (PP) has a majority in the Senate, giving it an effective veto on government plans, this is not unlikely. Spain is also likely to remain preoccupied with three areas that have dominated the news in 2018: migration, gender equality and the environment. Each has kept politicians busy and the issues surrounding them are likely to intensify.
Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com
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.
Readers who have missed correspondence can see all letters - which can be edited before publication - posted on: www.euroweeklynews.com.
Hopes for higher turnout in elections One less election for the UK to bother about. French president goes missing during riots, Germany gets rid of Merkel, Spain due for yet another president. We go out with no deal, better put the tourist tax up. John
COMMENTS FROM EWN ONLINE
SUPERSOL SHAME: Supermarket employees in Spain strike due to unsustainable working conditions and criminally low salaries
confined Spanish residents to a small Spanish-only section and barred them from everything else! That would be racist! How about teaming up with me Mike, to hire a lawyer and charge the TV companies with race discrimination in the European Court? Tee, hee. Brian
The real shame is that useless and some corrupt people in the central offices are still making lots of money that could go to the people in the supermarkets. Tomas
VISIT SPAIN: Don’t miss Europe’s tallest Christmas tree at the Nevada Shopping Centre Really!!!!!!!! That is NOT a Christmas tree. I wonder which forest they found it in. Renato
Why not be sensible? I enjoy reading your highly entertaining comments every week Mike. I agree completely with your item about UK TV broadcasters. I subscribe to both Netflix and Amazon Prime. I would be happy to pay the BBC and Sky too if they would let me, but they won’t! Imagine if a supermarket allowed only UK residents access to all the shelves but
Only 1,489 of the 10,816 illegal Moroccans that arrived in Spain this year have been expelled Why Ceuta? What is wrong with the ferry to Tanger?
PM
Drunk man arrested after ‘making homophobic remarks’ on easyJet flight to London
TOURIST TAX: Resorts in Spain to introduce new tourist tax as a way to bring in extra money About time the UK introduced same tax for Spain and other EU countries plus the £6 for a visa, at least we will be honest and not pretend the money is to benefit tourists. Let’s start tit for tat and see who cries first. John Already pay one to holiday in Greece so no problem whatsoever. In fact if it means we are rid of the shitty EU I’d gladly pay double, then the UK should do same too. Everyone happy. And the best part is that remoaners get to pay it too but hey that’s the Spanish democracy system for you. Maybe when they turn up and get asked to pay it they should ask for another vote cos the Spanish didn’t realise what they were voting for. Garry People coming to the UK from EU countries should be charged tourists tax, perhaps £10, like you have to pay when going to places like, Egypt, Kenya! June
Why let him on the plane in the first instance?
John
Dreamy White Chocolate Christmas cheesecake I want white chocolate cheesecake.
Megan
Smuggler’s car stopped at Spain border with an ‘unauthorised’ furry friend on board Probably stolen in Gibraltar. Hoping they pay for their nasty deed. Ken
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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 By Sally Underwood AT one time or another, most of us have all overdone it a bit in the sun. Whether forgetting to reapply SPF, or getting caught out on an unexpectedly sunny day, most people will have been exposed to UV rays whilst unprotected at some point. While this can have worrying health consequences, sun damage can also cause cosmetic damage in the form of uneven pigmentat i o n a n d su n sp o ts . L u ck ily, it is possible to treat this unwanted side effect, as well as preventing further damage. This common skin complaint, known as ‘hyperpigmentation,’ is caused by an excess production of melanin; the chemical naturally produced in the body to protect us from UV rays, which occurs when we take too much sun. These dark spots can occur anywhere, but are most common on the face, chest and hands. Lasers can be an effective way to remove these marks, working to break down the excess pigmentation and leaving an even skin tone. This can be expensive, however, and is not advisable for all skin tones. Another option is a chemical peel. These treatments create a superficial burn, removing s ev e r a l l a y e r s o f s k in an d in tu rn sloughing off hyperpigmentation. Peels can also help to treat fine lines and wrinkles for the same reason. If going for a professionalgrade peel, make sure to do your research
Not so sweet
SUN DAMAGE: Can leave uneven skin tone.
THEY say a little bit of what you like is good for you, but scientists now believe sugar in our food could be causing a whole host of problems. From weight gain and hormonal changes, to acne, ageing and health problems, sugar is being blamed for many common complaints. So why is it so bad for you and what can
you do about it? Health experts warn sugar damages our health not just because of its high calorific value and low nutritional one, but also because it could contribute towards type II diabetes, heart disease and cancer. While scientists say they are yet to fully understand why it is thought to be so bad for us, they do say it
BEAUTY
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Sun seekers
HEALTH
&
and select a reputable clinic or dermatologist to carry out the procedure. The strength of chemical peels can vary enormously so talk through with a professional what results you are hoping for and whether there is any downtime afterwards. Try The Ordinary’s ‘AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution’ (€7), for a 10-minute treatment which will help to even out skin tone. Another alternative is a treatment applied daily under other skin care products which will work over time to gently exfoliate hyperpigmentation and remove it. Many large brands offer these products, a n d c a n b e v e r y e ff e c t i v e . Tr y E u c e r i n ‘Even Brighter Concentrate’ (€33.50). This pack of six tubes use anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening ingredients to remove marks within five weeks. F i n a l l y, m a k e s u r e y o u prevent any further damage a n d d o n ’t u n d o a n y progress you make, by wearing a high factor suns c r e e n w i t h a b r o a d U VA and UVB protection. While it seems unnecessary in the winter, UV rays will do damage whether or not the sun seems strong so be sure to use a factor 30 to 50 daily.
can increase inflammation which can have a knock-on effect on other health problems, as well as contributing towards ageing. The good news is the main concerns relate to refined sugar, such as those found in cakes and sweets. Scientists agree these offer no nutrition and could harm us so recommend sticking to small portions on
special occasions. It is possible to still enjoy sweet foods which are less unhealthy though, by substituting with honey or naturally-sweet ingredients such as fruits. Finally, the benefits of some sweet foods like berries are thought to be huge so try sticking to a dessert of strawberries or raspberries rather than anything processed.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Eco-beauty WITH the growing popularity of vegetarianism and veganism has come an increasing trend towards ethically-sourced and ecologically-friendly beauty products as well. These products are not just for non-meat eaters too, all animal-lovers will be happy to hear there is now a long list of beauty companies who are 100 per cent cruelty-free and have committed to abiding by animal-friendly practices. Going a step further, some products even avoid all animal-derived ingredients, such as honey or beeswax, making them suitable for vegans. Many of these products are not just on trend, they can also be highly-effective and luxurious alternatives to our usual creams, serums, and oils. Company Optiat makes use of the half a million tons of coffee grounds which normally end up in landfill each year in the UK alone and turns them into a range of caffeine-infused beauty products. With their body exfoliators starting at €8, this brand could smooth your skin, smell great, and even help save the planet. For a range of products which covers the needs of both your face and body, try Pai, a brand made specifically for people with sensitive skin and which does not use animal-derived ingredients. With prices starting at €26 (from www.laconicum.com) for a complete set
of skincare miniatures, Pai’s products could make a good gift for any vegan friends. For a spa experience at home using sustainably-sourced products, check out Tropic Skincare. This brand uses an abundance of natural ingredients to create an ethical, vegan-friendly line of lotions. Try the ‘Whipped Body Velvet Intensely Rich Butter melt’ (€33 from www.tropicskincare.com), which has won several beauty awards. For a product which is both vegan-friendly and helps the environment as well as making you feel good, try Haeckels. This brand uses seaweed washed up on the British coastline which is normally left to decay, in its ‘Sea Buckthorn Body Cleanser ’ (€37 for 350 ml from www.cultbeauty.com). If hair care is more your concern, there is a range of vegan and cruelty-free shampoos and conditioners at The Body Shop, a brand which has famously campaigned against animal testing for many years. Finally, for the finishing touches. Vegan-friendly make-up has also grown in popularity, and again can be bought at The Body Shop. Other brands specialising in cruelty-free make-up or vegan make-up include Axiology (www.naturismo.com), and The Ordinary.
NATURAL BEAUTY: Products which won’t harm the animals or the planet.
EWN 75
76 EWN
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
www.euroweeklynews.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY GREAT PRODUCTS: Don’t have to cost the earth.
Beauty on a budget DECEMBER can leave us all feeling the pinch a little. After the yearly round of presents, parties, and plane tickets, we can all feel like we need to cut back a little on spending. But is it possible to save money and continue to use high-
quality hair, body and face products? Happily, the answer is yes. From face masks, bath salts, hand creams and moisturisers, making your own beauty products at home can be an extremely low-cost and effective way to take care of yourself even when
the coffers are less than full. For a multi-purpose product which you can take everywhere, melt down beeswax (available in most health food shops and online) in a double boiler, before adding between 20 and 30 drops of orange essential oil. Next,
add around a tablespoon of sunflower oil and pour the mixture into a small pot. Allow the mixture to cool for an hour or two, and afterwards use the balm for everything from a cuticle cream and lip salve to a treatment for split ends. You can customise the balm to include your favourite scent by using alternative essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, rose, or lemon. Just be sure to steer clear of harsher oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree or cinnamon which may not be gentle on the skin. For a cheap alternative to a shop-bought body scrub, why not combine one of Spain’s best exports - olive oil - with sea salt and essential oils for a moisturising and effective product. Mix equal parts of the oil and salt in a kilner jar and add around 30 drops of your chosen scent. Just make sure to take care in the bath or shower as this scrub can get slippery. If you usually use a body moisturiser, make a DIY alternative using jojoba, apricot kernel or argan oil, and combine them with between 10 and 15 drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for a quick way to keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter months. Just avoid citrus oils as these can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Finally, make your own face mask by mixing honey with equal parts mashed avocado and apply for 10 minutes, for a boost of hydration.
SCENE
OCIAL
EWN
27 December - 2 January 2018
Update on food, drink, entertainments, what’s on and weekly happenings
77
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CELEBRITIES
he had ‘gathered his team to announce an important decision, that 2019 will be the last season of Dani Garcia the Restaurant.’ He added that ‘having reached this dream, I will take my vision of the gastronomy of Andalucia to all corners and audiences of the world.’ With more than 20 years’ experience, Garcia became the first chef in Malaga to get three Michelin stars, and only the second in Andalucia.
‘TE BOTE’ has been crowned Google’s mostsearched Spanish-language song lyrics in America. Officially the hottest track of 2018, it features artists Casper, Nio Garcia, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, and Ozuna. And the hit is continuing to rack up the accolades, having also ranked as YouTube’s mostwatched music video globally. Google revealed its annual Year in Search
DANI GARCIA: Star chef swaps kitchen for studio.
Hottest hit list, highlighting the top news, trends, and topics that people were searching for on the web throughout 2018. Bad Bunny’s ‘Amorfoda’ and Karol G’s ‘Culpables’ featuring Anuel AA are the other urban tracks on the list, which is primarily dominated by regional Mexican songs, or corridos.
Own goal for footie ace JUVENTUS and Portugal football star, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to accept a two-year suspended prison sentence for allegedly defrauding Spain’s tax authorities of €14.8 million, according to the national press. T h e 3 3 - y e a r- o l d f o r w a r d w i l l re portedly be formally found guilty at a hearing on January 14, but won’t actually serve any prison time. The rumoured deal with the Spanish Treasury is set to end an ongoing legal saga dating back to when Ronaldo, often referred to as the ‘best player in the world,’ played for Real Madrid. While in Spain he became Real M a d r i d ’s h i g h e s t e v e r g o a l s c o re r, netting 451 times over nine years after joining from Manchester United for a then-record £80 million in 2009. He helped Real win three consecu-
CREDIT: Christiano Ronaldo Facebook
JUST three weeks after bagging a third Michelin star, celebrated chef Dani Garcia has thrown in the towel at his Marbella restaurant and will present a daily breakfast show on Spanish TV. Garcia will take over from the popular Torres brothers in March with his own TVE programme for La 1, which will be produced by Shine Iberia, the company behind Masterchef. Announcing his decision on social media, Garcia said
CREDIT: Dani Garcia Facebook
Michelin chef gets TV show
RONALDO: Pictured with Cristiano Jr and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. tive Champions League titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. R o n a l d o i s a l s o P o r t u g a l ’s m o s t capped player, with 154 appearances, and record goal scorer, with 85.
78 EWN
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
www.euroweeklynews.com
SOCIAL SCENE
A kind of magic THERE is still time to catch a circus with a magical twist in Alicante City this Christmas season. T h e o rg a n i s e r s o f t h e Circo Magico promise that
the impossible will become possible as actors and dancers weave magic before the audience’s eyes. Show goers are invited to go on a journey with the
Magical Tree who tells the tale of how the first Great Magician came from the stars to Earth. T h e Tr e e i s j o i n e d b y fairies and a cast of other magical beings who help to tell stories from the Great B o o k o f Wi s d o m , w h e r e everything is written. It features more than 30 performers from circuses around the world. The journey takes the audience from Earth to explore the universe, the stars and the constellations. The Circo Magico is now on in Alicante City every night at the Principal Theatre (Teatro Principal) in the Plaza Ruperto Chapi. The show launched in Alicante City last Friday and it is due to run until Sunday January 6. Tickets are available at: h t t p : / / w w w. t e a t ro p r i n c i paldealicante.com/progra macion.php?id=82.
SOCIAL SCENE
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
EWN 79
Advertising Feature THE three superb, modern Punjabi Palace restaurants in La Murada, Los Montesinos and La Marquesa (Quesada) continue to offer customers the true taste of India at a price that doesn’t hurt the pocket. The first of the Punjabi Palaces opened in Los Montesinos 10 years ago and during this summer underwent a major refurbishment to give it a fresh, new and modern look. New Year’s Eve is always very popular at the Punjabi Palace with an exciting evening costing €49.95, running from 7pm to midnight with a four-course meal, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks followed by Bollywood dancers, fireworks and a glass of cava all at midnight. Such is the popularity of the La Marquesa restaurant, it’s already fully booked for those wanting to bring in 2019 in style, but if you want to fully enjoy the Punjabi Palace experience, there are still a few places available in Los Montesinos. Each restaurant is open seven days a week from 12 noon to 12 midnight (with a break after lunch) and reviews on TripAdvisor are universally superb for each of the
Punjabi Palace welcomes 2019... Bollywood style
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Enjoy a meal and be entertained by the Bollywood dancers. three establishments. For lunch there is a very reasonably priced Menu del Dia which is served between 12 noon and 3pm and generally includes a lamb or chicken dish, rice, poppadum and
naan bread plus a dessert or coffee and a complimentary drink. The talented chefs use spices from all different regions of India and cook food to suit all tastes from very hot to mild. There are the usu-
al bhunas and baltis, tandooris and tikkas, but also different dishes to tempt your taste buds including unusual lamb and prawn dishes. If the wide menu choice is a little daunting, the friendly, award-win-
ning front of house staff are always on hand to advise and recommend dishes and prepare dishes to your taste and preference. If you can’t spare the time to sit and eat, there is of course also the option of ordering a takeaway meal and if you spend more than €20 you will be offered a free bottle of wine to complement your delicious and tasty curry selection. It is always worth checking the Facebook page to see what the next special night will be because as well as such events as Valentine’s night in February, there is often a live singer on selected nights. The management and staff at all three Punjabi Palace Indian restaurants wish to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a very Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing customers, old and new, at some point during 2019. Punjabi Palace Los Montesinos Tel: 966 720 383 La Marquesa Tel: 966 714 963 La Murada Tel: 966 779 169
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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SOCIAL SCENE
The ‘big’ Royal British Legion reveal ONE of the biggest events for the O rihue la C os ta Branch of the Royal British Legion took place just before Christmas; the ‘big reve a l’ of the tota l a mount raised by the 2018 Poppy Appeal. Local Poppy Appeal coordina tor Eddie C ole ma n, with the assistance of nine lady members, announced tha t the bra nc h ha d onc e again surpassed all expectations with their Poppy Appeal by raising the incredible s um of €49,162.80, over €4,000 more than last year, which in itself was a record amount. From s ma ll be ginnings only nine years ago, when the branch was first formed, and supporters collected a little ove r €6,000, the amount has increased year on year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its enthusiastic members. Golf contributed €9,000 to the total amount thanks to the generosity of local societies and the efforts of
Photo credit: Orihuela Costa RBL.
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RECORD: The superb amount raised by this year’s Poppy Appeal. M ic k ‘the grip’ R e e ve s , M ic k G os s a ge a nd M ike Probert. The re w a s a s iz e a ble amount collected at Iceland in San Javier by Diana Wiltshire and her army of volunteers while a number of
other branch members spent four days at Alicante-Elche Ai r por t wher e t he poppy boxes attracted worthwhile donations in both Euros and UK Sterling. In addition to the donations gathered from the sale
of poppies fundraising has continued all year round, one valuable source of income being the bookshelves, managed by Don and June Williams and which are located in a number of bars around the region.
PROPERTY www.euroweeklynews.com MANY people purchase property as an investment, and whether buying to reform and sell on or to rent out, there are pros and cons to each. Real estate website Casaktua has put together a guide for anyone hoping to make money from Spain’s booming property market. It says the first priority is to weigh up the advantages of buying to rent or buying to sell. The site says rental properties have the advantage of a, ‘fixed monthly income and an ownership of a home which may go up in value.’ Casaktua says this option also contains the benefit of possible holiday rentals, a potentially lucrative move which would free up the property for you to use. The site says buying a home to sell on could offer a lower financial risk if it is sold for profit, and also offers larger profits in the short-term. Once you know what you plan to do with the property, you can choose a home best-suited to your requirements. Casaktua says: “Furnished houses with one or two bedrooms are ideal for short-term rentals, such as vacation rentals.” Whereas, for a longer-term rental income, ‘the best option is to bet on well-distributed homes, with two or three bedrooms, external space and with a lift and garage.’
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HEALTHY PROFITS: Can be achieved from purchasing property.
As with most property decisions, location is everything, and Casaktua advises if you intend to sell your property on, the best cities to buy in are Madrid and Barcelona, ‘where the market is more dynamic.’ The site says, ‘since housing is not rising evenly, it is worth betting on capitals such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Malaga, Alicante, Pamplona, Guipuzcoa or Murcia.’ For holiday rentals, the Costa del Sol is suggested as a good option because of, ‘the demand for second homes in beach areas and the proliferation of holiday rentals.’ The site recommends investing in property near services, with good communication links. It says: ‘It is also a good idea to bet on large business centres or university areas, as they will always have demand.’ Properties to be rented out will need to be in good condition, according to Casaktua, while reform properties should be priced low enough to make money after paying for works. Finally, they suggest calculating your profit margins of any potential home by adding the purchase price, taxes, operating expenses and reform costs, and weighing these against any possible gains.
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PROPERTY
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mark out, then bringing the area back to a full shine with progressively higher grades of grinding pads. Chips and cracks can be repaired as Mike uses a special marble repair resin with hardener added, that once applied, allowed to set and then ground flat, leaves the area with little or no sign of the original problem. If you have a problem with your external patio, balconies, terraces or roof terraces then he can often assist in brightening the area up without the mess of high pressure spraying. Mike is fully insured and registered in Spain. He is based in Los
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Travel for free while you pet-sit for someone PLANNING your holidays for 2019? One way to enjoy authentic travel experiences is to live in real homes while you discover a new environment. House-sitting offers this rare opportunity to enjoy real experiences living in a new location without paying for a hotel room or rental. You offer your experience in pet and home care. In exchange, you care for the owners’ pets and property while you are living for
free in their property. It’s a collaboration where everyone benefits. Does that sound appealing? Then get in touch. Here’s a little more about how we can help you get started at Housesit Match.com. How we work HouseSitMatch is a house-sitting network where new members register online. We ID check everyone to ensure we know who you are, and in addition sit-
ters are police checked. We charge for membership to ensure there is a commitment from both parties and that we can afford to manage our network online professionally. Our latest review on Trustpilot ‘Great house-sitting site. Highly recommended site for everyone looking for a house-sitting assignment. Especially for beginners like us. Lamia is very caring and help-
HOLIDAYS: Look after pets and enjoy free accommodation. ful, and easily approached when asking for guides. Gerlyn, house-sitter, Ireland How you benefit as a home and pet-owner Our membership offers access to a secure network helping you find suitable sitters. We hide your contact details and address.
You post an advert ahead of your travel dates, we publish the advert then housesitters apply. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept an applicant. If you join as a Premium member we can also help you at each stage of the process to get you started and
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ADOPTION BUBBLY Blanca is looking for a forever home on the Costa Blanca. Blanca is an eight-year-old, female, mixed-breed dog. She mixes well with other dogs, loves people and is very obedient. Blanca has an amazing personality and is very intelligent. She has been spayed. Her date of birth is approximately September 2009.
EIDEN is eager to find his forever home on the Costa Blanca. Eiden is a lovely twoyear-old dog. He is house trained, microchipped and castrated. He is also used to living with other dogs and cats. Eiden walks calmly on the lead.
To meet Eiden and offer him a second chance of a Forever Home phone Akira 657 689 567
If you can give Blanca a loving home, please contact the K9 Animal Shelter in Alicante on 600 845 420.
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Colin Bird OVER the centuries, man has predicted at various times, the end of the world. As the close of the first millennium drew near, Christian people were convinced that according to Biblical prophecy, the apocalypse was about to be unleashed and they had better do something about it. Hence in 999 there was an almighty rush for membership into monasteries and convents all over Europe; a sort of medieval insurance premium against the possibility of hell, fire and damnation. Through the centuries, various eccentrics and religious nuts have forecast the destruction of the Earth as we know it, or at the very least a violent end to one system and the start of another. The bloke with the sandwich board declaring: ‘The End Is Nigh,’ is a familiar image implanted in our psyche. Most of us remember the last prediction of impending doom, when all our eyes were on the December 21, 2012; the precise date when the
FEATURE
Just 12 short years
MAYAN CALENDAR: We have survived ‘The End of the world’. Mayan people of Central America had predicted the end of the world. Well it came and went and the worst we experienced was a bit of bad weather. When you think of it, who would take any notice of a civilisation which didn’t even have the wit to in-
vent the wheel for goodness sake? Nevertheless there was a huge sigh of relief on December 22 when it became obvious that planet Earth, Coronation Street and Keith Richard were still intact. But now, with the extinction of many species of plants and animals
already a fact, and the certainty that the rest, including mankind, will follow unless the destruction of the planet as a viable habitat is reversed immediately, there seems to be a disproportionate lack of concern. Sure, the newspapers and television are constantly covering the sto-
ry, but where is the uproar by a concerned populace demanding that the governments of the world change their ways post-haste? By that, I mean why are we not out in our millions to demand that something radical is done right now and putting sustained pressure on the powers that be? Could it be that with so many alarmist claims in the past, nobody really believes that the actual end of humanity is in sight? Recently a group of eminent scientists predicted that we have just 12 years to turn things around before our present course becomes irreversible. Think about that. Just 12 years before the world and all life is doomed to ultimate extinction, and yet governments are still talking about what to do. With Donald Trump declaring that the concept of global warming has been created by the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing noncompetitive, it’s hard to see any way out of it. Happy New Year.
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ACCOUNTANTS NEW SERVICE for nonresident property owners. File your yearly tax return (form 210) online from the comfort of your home. www.taxesinspain.com (281830)
ALARMS BE SURE Alarms and CCTV 645 495 484 (277621)
ARCHITECTS
BATHROOMS BATHROOM & KITCHEN conversions. Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434 (280243)
BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean - fast low cost. Torrevieja Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (278314)
CHARITIES/CHURCHES 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 11.15am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the
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month (and 11.15 am on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30am. Our choir sings at our 11.15am 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.lasiestaevan gelicalchurch.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. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aacostablanca.org (93323) ROUNDABOUT CHARITY SHOP. We are now into summer and very soon we will be 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 15.00 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.orihuelacos tarbl.co.uk (95457) H E L P V E G A B A J A . 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.helpvegaba ja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at of
CHARITY
fice@helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24hour Emergency helpline 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.c om (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. 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 groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) TORREVIEJA Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our services with communion and ‘kids church’ each Sunday at 10.30am. We have a Fellowship Meeting (Bible Study) each Wednesday at 6.00pm. For further information see our website www.tcf-Spain.org or tel 966 700 391. (95464) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) meet every Wednesday and Friday 2.30pm until 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 careras. With rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 654 801 260 or email stroke supportgroup@hotmail.com , website: torreviejastro kesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support our groups and activities. (95473) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La
Marina Branch meet the 1st Monday of every month at Lounge D, Calle Holanda, Plaza Mayor, Gran Alacant at 6pm. For further info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl. community CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer has opened a charity shop at C/Virgen de los Desamparados No 13 (next door to Mas y mas) El Campello. The shop is open Mon-Fri 10 2pm and is run by unpaid volunteers and all monies raised goes to the AECC. We urgently need donations of clothes, books, large and small furniture etc., and we will arrange collection of large items. We need volunteers to help out in the shop and also clothes rails, shelves etc. for display. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please stop by at the shop. Contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campel lo@hotmail.com (95475) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. All nationalities welcome. Sunday service 11.00 a.m; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11.00 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 matters phone: 966 799 273 / 966 752 543 /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.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
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FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee. Tel: 966 712 326 or email: palmers.quesa da@yahoo.co.uk (95477) ROYAL AIR FORCES Association Branch #1359 Costa Blanca. The Branch meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the El Paraiso 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 w e b s i t e : www.rafa.org.uk/costablanca (238593) 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) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH EVERY SUNDAY AT 10.30am. Everyone welcome at Turre Evangelical Church next to Muebles Nuñez just across form the vet. Tea, coffee and fellowship after every service. Transport can be arranged. Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com. Huntington’s Disease Association - Costa Blanca. We are a non profit organisation that helps and supports sufferers of Huntingtons and their families. For details visit www.hda .org.es .We have a social gathering every Friday 2 4 at O’Brien’s Bar in El Raso, Guardamar. As a social group, we welcome anyone with a neurological disease, such as Parkinsons,
Motor Neurone and their partners and collectively we call ourselves “The Movers and Shakers”. If you would like to attend, please contact Marion Smith on 651 043 681.
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CLUB/SOCIETIES INDOOR short mat bowls club in Daya Nueva. Play Wed & Thurs 10.30am. Contact Roy 966 717 402 for details (281125)
ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (257492)
HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM and Kitchen Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (260872)
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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. For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com
LUXURY MOBILE home for sale on a small family run park. Contact 630 055 418 for details. Elsyd7@hotmail.com
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MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (257913)
PERGOLA COVERS TAILOR made, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. Mazarron based, and at Procomobel Market, Guardamar Saturday mornings. 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ya hoo.co.uk (276399)
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PET CHARITIES EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorseca re.net www.easyhorseca re.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registe-
CLASSIFIEDS red 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.spa ma.org and view our new blog at www.spama-sa for.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM 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.pepas pain.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, de-fleed. We also need volunteers to help Car boot sale in Polop on Sundays Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)
REMOVALS / STORAGE UK MOT. All legal and online. Arrangements made for collection and delivery £400. Email. carsins pain@hotmail.com Tel. 0044 7553367285 (246859) 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)
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PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettravel uk.co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK 01209 630604 or Spain 960 130 537 (280293)
POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pool techspain.com (258703)
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 (246371) For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com
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MOTORING FACT VAUXHALL’S new electric Mokka won’t be seen for the next 18 months, but it will be worth the wait. Although petrol versions will also be available, the 2020 Mokka X is all-electric with a 50kWh battery and a 200mile range, enough to keep most people going for a week between charges. There is a lot to love with a bold, futuristic design, clever use of technology, and jazzed-up wheels which create a yellow ring of light on the move. This next-gen model features Vauxhall’s new family face, best described by designer Mark Adams as a ‘visor.’ The headlights, cameras and sensors are housed behind one full-width panel. The central bonnet crease, combined with the ‘wing-signature lights’ is called the ‘compass.’ The line continues with the roof antenna and goes down to the vertical foglight in the rear bumper. Hop inside and the minimalist design continues with the widescreen digital dash, head-up display and not much else. Adams said: “We call it a digital detox. Take away all the stuff you don’t need on the outside as well as digitally inside. That means displaying information simply.
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“Vauxhall Mokka X 2020 The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla, which sold a staggering 30 million before its replacement by the Toyota Yaris in 2007.
A window into the future
LIGHT RIDER: The Mokka X 2020 has a radically futuristic design.
“The head-up display is fantastic because you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. We are trying to make things less cluttered, less complicated and less overpowering.” The barn doors and floating seats (attached to the centre tunnel) are purely for show but the digital wing mirrors and Level 3 autonomy could easily make it on to the road car. At just over four metres long, the Mokka X has the footprint of a Corsa but with far more character and personality. “This is not over-promising,” added Adams. “This is hitting the high spots we want to deliver for our future customers, and we’re not doing it in a way which is ostentatious and over-done, we’re doing it in a way which is high-quality and stylish but also restrained.”
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ROAD TEST by Nick Fletcher HOT hatchbacks have long been a niche market which has produced legendary models such as the Peugeot 205 GTI and Volkswagen Golf GTI but there is another top contender in the hot hatch hall of fame; the Ford Fiesta ST. While the Fiesta dates back to 1976, the sporty ST versions have been around only for the past decade and they have made quite an impression, delivering scorching performance and grippy handling at comparatively accessible prices. The latest Fiesta ST is powered by a three-cylinder 1.5litre turbo-petrol engine pumping out a potent 197hp and mated to a slick-action six-speed manual gearbox. The result is a zesty 0100kph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 232kph (144mph). Yet average fuel economy is still a respectable 16.6kpl (47.1mpg), with emissions of 136g/km. Fiesta ST prices start at
27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
Ford Fiesta ST-2 HOT HATCH: A lot of fun for the price.
€21,340 (£19,165) and there are three trim levels. My test version was the mid-range ST-2 at €22,816 (£20,495) with standard equipment including alloy wheels, rear spoiler, sports suspension, Recaro heated sports seats, privacy glass, premium 10-speaker audio system, touch-screen infotainment unit, connectivity fea-
STATS PANEL Model: Ford Fiesta ST-2 Engine:1.5-litre turbo-petrol Transmission: 6-speed manual Performance: 0-100kph 6.5 seconds, top speed 232kph (144mph) Economy: 16.6kpl (47.1mpg) Emissions: 136g/km
Model tested is UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
tures, push-button start and selectable drive modes; Normal, Sport and Track. You also get plenty of safety kit including lane-keeping alert, cruise control with speed-limiter and electronic stability control. Options on the test model included LED headlights, limited-slip differential, launch control, sat-nav and a rear-
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view camera, taking the price to €26,000 (£24,165). The cabin is slightly bigger than its predecessor, though rear seating is still tight. Bootspace is adequate at 292 litres, boosted to 1,093 litres by folding the seat seats. Revised interior styling uses upgraded materials and features a leather steering wheel and carbon-effect inserts for a distinctive sporty image. The Fiesta ST has racy ground-hugging looks, large alloys and twin exhausts to underline its performance pedigree and underway, it immediately proves to be a vibrant and responsive car which pulls strongly from lower revs with a joyful growling soundtrack. Handling is pin-sharp with excellent steering feedback and the sports suspension is well-set for reassuring composure when cornering. Fiesta ST is a charismatic hot hatch and brilliant to drive and I doubt you can find a comparable car which offers so much fun for the price!
SPORT
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019
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Premier League Preview
Credit: PJB PRO/Flickr
Two horse race takes shape
APPLAUSE WORTHY: Jurgen Klopp is justifying the faith of Liverpool’s owners. their disposal for most of it. Leaving behind his disappointment of missing out on Germany’s World Cup squad, Leroy Sane has really come to the fore, while manager Pep Guardiola has succeeded where others have failed in getting Credit: @LaverCup/Twitter
IT has been a typically eventful first half of the Premier League season, with some exceeding expectations, some woefully underachieving. This has been the season Liverpool fans have dreamed about since the appointment of the charismatic German Jurgen Klopp in October 2015. Their high energy ‘heavy metal’ football has been led by the world class front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firminho. However, it could be argued that the signings of defender Virgil van Dyke and goalkeeper Allisson have been the key to Liverpool’s title challenge. This is Liverpool’s best ever start to a top flight season, and they also aim to go as far as possible in the Champions League. The Reds will host the rejuvenated Arsenal this weekend in an eyecatching clash as the Gunners look to build on their impressive form under Unai Emery. Manchester City have managed to continue the kind of clinical performances that took them to the title in May, despite not having the world class talent of Kevin de Bruyne at
BEST OF RIVALS: Roger and Rafa have joined forces to previous Laver Cup success. REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez has given tennis ace Rafael Nadal the highest praise by saying he is “the best Spanish sportsman of all time.” Nadal is a well-known fan of Los Blancos, and Perez added that the Mallorcan could well become president of the team in the future. Meanwhile, the 17-time major winner has agreed to partner Roger Federer for the second time at next year’s Laver Cup in Geneva. Europe Laver Cup captain
Nadal simply the best Bjorn Borg said: “Bringing together two of the greatest players, and rivals, the sport has ever seen together on one team is very exciting for our sport, and will give us the best possible chance to win the Laver Cup three years in a row.”
consistently high class performances from Raheem Sterling. There is a real strength in depth to City and an experience that leaves them favourites in many people’s eyes to retain the title. City will travel to Southampton on
Sunday looking to head into the New Year with Liverpool in their rearview mirror. Chelsea remain in the conversation and while a top four place looks very much achievable, they will be hoping to hit the ground running in
2019 to get back into title contention. England fans will be pleased to note the improvement of Ross Barkley’s form under Maurizio Sarri, while N’golo Kante has been the linchpin of the midfield. It is Kante’s glue that enables the likes of Hazard, Pedro and Willian to cut loose as they have done throughout the campaign so far. For Tottenham, manager Mauricio Pochettino is a high-class operator, as proven by his astute tactical approach in the win over Chelsea and draw against Barcelona. Whether he can take his side to the next level and become contenders is the question, but with a spine of Lloris, Alderweireld, Eriksen and Kane, Spurs have every chance of making that leap. Midfield maverick Dele Alli has begun to recover the form which deserted him last season, and although anchor Eric Dier is injured, the likes of Lamela, Moura and Winks on the bench would please any manager. Spurs host Wolves on Saturday, who are this season’s top 10 surprise package.
La Liga Preview
Barca still team to beat BARCELONA are predictably finishing the year at the top of La Liga, with star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez continuing to deliver. Perhaps a more unanticipated and pleasing surprise has been the form of forward Ousmane Dembele, whose pace and skill is leading many to compare him with PSG star Kylian Mbappe. Manager Ernesto Valverde is relatively new in the hotseat but he has already been able to stamp his philosophy on the side to trophy-winning effect. Fans expect nothing less than another title, but with Real Madrid still playing catch up it would be a brave man to bet against the Catalan side. Barca will kick the new year off by travelling to Getafe on January 6, who themselves are in contention for a Europa League spot. Real Madrid have recovered from the dreadful early season form that cost manager Julen Lopetegui his job. Under the stewardship of Santiago Solari, Los Blancos have rediscovered their mojo and are moving relentlessly up the table. Despite the loss of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer, Los Blancos have seen other players like
Modric, Marcelo and Bale step up to the plate in his absence. Given their rivalry with Barca, Real will not want the league leaders to canter again to the title, but will have their work cut out to prevent it from happening. Credit: @lukamodric10/Twitter
By Tom Woods
Real will start 2019 with a game away to Villareal, who are facing a relegation battle. Sevilla have made a very strong start to the campaign and find themselves in title contention at this stage. The loan signing Andre Silva has made a huge impact up front, and it would not be a surprise if his current employers look to offer him a more permanent contract at the end of the season. Sevilla will next host Atletico Madrid on January 6 in the weekend’s most eyecatching tie. For Atletico’s part, they have also enjoyed a solid campaign under the guidance of manager and notorious competitor Diego Simeone. It has been a breakout season for midfield maestro Saul, while star striker Antoinne Griezmann continues to show his class up front. Atletico will hope to keep up the pressure on the league leaders in the new year battle with Sevilla.
PRIZE POSSESSION: Real’s Luka Modric has won both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA men’s player of the year.
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27 December 2018 - 2 January 2019 ENGLAND’S Bronte Law broke a Ladies European Tour record by holing nine birdies in a row in the Lalla Aicha Tour School event in Morocco, with the 23year-old posting a 10-under-par 62.
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Vuelta climbs into view L A V U E LTA A E S PA Ñ A has revealed its 2019 route
and riders will face another mountainous challenge.
La Vuelta will begin in the town of Las Salinas de Torrevieja, a Natural Park in the south of the province of Alicante, on August 24 and finish in Madrid on September 15, with 3,272km of racing in between. Riders will have to negotiate 59 climbs, 13 more t h a n i n t h i s y e a r ’s r a c e , which was won by Britain’s Simon Yates. It was Yates’ first Grand Tour victory, with Spain’s Enric Mas finishing second a n d C o l o m b i a ’s M i g u e l
Lopez in third. The event next year will also start with a team timetrial on a flat 18km opening stage. A mountainous second stage then follows from
Benidorm to Calpe, before the fifth stage heads to Teruel and the climb of Pico del Buitre, featuring an 11.8km ascent. An individual time-trial will commence through
WHEEL CLASS Simon Yates will be looking to defend his Vuelta title next year.
France at stage 10, while stage 16 will also favour the sprinters, a flat 155km stretch between Pravia and Alto de la Cubilla. The race culminates on September 15 with a 105.6km 21st stage between Fuenlabrada and Madrid. O rg a n i s e r s a l s o c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e To u r o f Spain will begin in Utrecht in 2020, a first return to Halland since 2009 when its route began in Assen. Utrecht will become the first city to have hosted all three major races, having formed part of the Tour de France in 2015 and the Giro d’Italia in 2010. It will be only the fourth time the event has started outside Spain, following Lisbon in 1997, Assen in 2009 and Nimes last year.