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Issue 946
7th-14th December 2017
Reporting The News
Avoid those traffic jams thanks to final year student by Glen Scott
JAMS: New traffic sensor app could see drivers avoiding congestion
A STUDENT from Elche has devised an app that predicts traffic jams. The student at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) has earned himself a special award for his project that will enable a device to ‘sense’ where traffic jams are and inform the driver accordingly. It’s the dream of any driver to know where there is likely to be traffic congestion ahead, and it’s all thanks to student Daniel Sempere who has been studying telecommunications at the Elche University and has won an award for ‘Best End-of-Career Project on sustainably mobility’. This is a Spain-wide prize and Daniel was presented with his diploma and two cheques. €3,000 goes to
him and a further €2,000 for the teaching faculty to buy additional equipment for the department. “More and more vehicles are on the roads and thus more traffic jams,” said a proud Daniel. “So that those that manage the traffic can anticipate and avoid these congestions, I have created an app that uses data from previous jams and adds them to new information provided by a number of sensors.” The information can then allow traffic controllers to alert drivers through road signs or directly to the cars using inbuilt internet connections. Student Daniel tested his app with data collected by companies in the Basque Country and says that there are already a number of interested parties ready to bring his dreams to reality.
Inside this week... NEW CASINO odds-on favourite to open next year
P3 TRAM STRIKES over the weekend
P6 WELCOME TO MALTA with Vivalia Travel
P21
2 Photo credit Twitter
Artichoke production hit by frost ALL CHANGING: New facilities for babies...and workers!
Airport enhancements for all the family by Lynn Whittaker ALICANTE-ELCHE Airport has made a new family room available for its passengers. It’s all part of an overall plan by the airport authorities to make the experience of flying a more pleasurable and less stressful one, especially for those with young children and babies. According to the airport managers AENA, families make up 10 per cent of yearly
passenger traffic which translates to 1.3 million out of the approximately 14 million total travellers. The family room – located in the boarding area and covering an area of 26.2m2 – is equipped with three armchairs, two microwaves, clothes racks, baby changing tables and a toilet. There is also a small table and chairs for younger children with books and painting equipment. In addition to the family and baby facil-
ities on offer there are a number of other new ‘work zones’ installed for travellers who need to charge their mobile devices. There are four areas – also located in the boarding zone – made of benches with 12 chairs each, complete with sockets (that also accept UK plugs) and USB ports. Finally, and to complete the latest enhancements, AENA has opened a luggage storage facility in the check-in area, complete with security scanner and qualified personnel.
SEVERE frosts that have hit the area almost overnight in the Vega Baja area have affected the production and quality of the crops of artichokes. Coupled with the drought conditions in recent months, it’s been a worrying time for the producers. The area in the Camp d’Elx has been the worst affected and a decision was taken to begin the harvesting of the artichokes already to avoid future mass loss of the crop, although this will affect both the quality and the price. Artichokes are also grown in large numbers in Orihuela and Dolores but, for the moment, haven’t as yet been affected by the below freezing overnight temperatures. Fruit trees also haven’t been affected so far because, as the farmers point out, low temperatures actually benefit them. The artichokes that have mainly been affected are those at the mature and almost ready to pick stages that were exposed to temperatures as low as -5ºC in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Tourist Office finally gets its opening date IT has been announced that the new tourist office planned for Alicante will not now open until September 2018. Once opened – and now two years behind schedule – it will be located in the Plaza Nueva del Puerto next to where the children’s play area is now. The work on building the new tourism centre will begin in April next year at a cost of €700,000.
Restrictions on city centre music venues THE City Council of Alicante has decided to limit the number of new music venues located in the traditional and popular Casco Antiguo zone. A spokeswoman for the government has announced the changes following a string of complaints from locals that have to endure noise from a number of bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues in the streets almost all year long.
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New casino odds-on favourite to open next year by Glenn Scott WORK will begin on the Grand Casino de Orenes in Murcia during the next few weeks. The project is due to take one year and the total cost is expected to be around €18 million. Lorries and building equipment have already begun to appear at the site where the Orenes Group will construct to Gran Casino de Murcia in the northern part of the city. The company behind the project were given the green light earlier this week but decided to start the process of unloading materials and begin some initial digging before the official permission was given. The building will comprise three floors and two basements in a total area of 11,600m2 and includes moving the current Casino based in the Hotel Rincon de Pepe. The goal is for Murcia to unveil the new Casino at the end of next year as part a major new leisure space on Avenida Juan de Borbón that will rival both Estoril and Monte Carlo.
MOVING: Orenes about to begin work on a large Casino for Murcia
Theatre membership exceeds all expectations
WITHIN just 20 days of opening, the newly established Community of Friends of the Torrevieja Auditorium has already reached 500 members. There has been an excellent response from the public since the programme of planned events was published and the figure is so much higher
than was originally predicted. Advantages of membership include receiving regular information on the new shows, some of which attract discounts for those in the scheme. They will also have the chance to meet many of the performers at a number of ‘meet and greet’ opportunities.
Burnt pine forests cleared TORREVIEJA City Council has removed charred remains from and burnt pine trees as a result of a number of fires that occurred in the Molino del Agua area in both 2009 and 2013. The cost of the project to clean and replant the area is just over €5,000 and has covered an area of 5,800m2 located in one of the most popular green areas of the municipality.
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by Steve Collins TORREVIEJA has found itself among the best of those surveyed when it comes to the numbers of adapted taxis available for people with disabilities. According to a report from the ONCE organisation (the Spanish National Blind Charity) and CERMI (a Spanish organisation that represents people with disabilities), 135 municipalities with more than 50,000 residents across Spain were surveyed, and Torrevieja were placed in the top ten. They have 11 adapted taxis at their disposal. In contrast, the towns of Alcoy and Elda were found to have violated the regulations by not having
a single adapted taxi among their fleets. The official quota required for adapted vehicles – as stated in the Royal Decree 1544/2007 – is for 5 per cent of the fleet, and the study found that some 63 per cent of those Spanish municipalities surveyed failed to comply with the norm. The Decree gave a period of 10 years to comply with the minimum quota, and that period came to an end on Monday. In the 135 municipalities analysed, where 1,294,400 people live with mobility issues, only 50 of the 135 are above the required 5 per cent; 42 don’t reach 2 per cent of adapted taxis, and that includes Madrid and Barcelona which would need 450 vehicles each to comply with the regulations.
Photo credit Twitter
Top 10 place for disabled taxi access
QUOTAS: Torrevieja among the best in Spain. Madrid and Barcelona well down the list
Quironsalud Christmas charity project launched COME and join the Hospital Quironsalud in Torrevieja in their 2017 charity projects and leave a toy or some Christmas food in the hospital reception area to bring a little more Christmas cheer to those less fortunate at this time of the
year. All the donated toys will be collected on Wednesday December 13 at 7pm at a special event, and people can leave their donations there at any time until that date. The evening will feature a
performance by the ICA Torrevieja Choir, singing a full range of traditional Christmas songs and carols. The collection of food and toys has been organised by the Alimentos Solidarios and Caritas Torrevieja charities.
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Performing arts companies encouraged to apply for loans THE Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment have given local performing companies the chance to apply for a loan to help them develop their shows. Organisers are being invited to apply for sums of up to €40,000 from the scheme known as ‘FinanciARTE’ and can be used to fund 100 per cent of their production costs. The repayment terms for the loan have a fixed interest rate of 2 per cent over a period of three years with the possibility of one extra year subject to negotiation.
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Arrests made following counterfeit money operation THREE men have been arrested for supplying a significant amount of counterfeit money in the Alicante province. Officers of the National Police have detained a woman and three men – all of Spanish nationality between 25 and 41-years old – following an investigation that began around a month ago. Police received intelligence to suggest that such a gang were operating in the city of Alicante and were possibility distributing the money at a number of well known black spots that are also notorious for selling drugs.
Coldest temperatures for 23 years EVEN though the month is only a few days in, the Murcia region has already recorded the lowest December temperature for 23 years. The cold snap hit the area with a vengeance with Cehegín registering -9.2ºC, a figure not reached since 1994. Overall in parts of Murcia, lowest temperatures during the first few days of December have ranged between 0ºC and 3ºC with Caravaca de la Cruz suffering more than the surrounding areas. The minus figures have been the lowest in the region for the month since -8.9ºC was recorded on December 17, 2010.
Six major accident blackspots revealed A TRAFFIC study has revealed that more than a third of all accidents that take place on secondary roads in the Alicante province are concentrated on just six routes.
The accident rate at La Carrasqueta – between Ibi and Alcoy – shows the highest concentration with other very high levels recorded in Torrevieja, Orihuela,
Benidorm and San Vicente. According to figures released by the Valencian Government, there were 418 accidents last year in the Alicante province in
which at least one person was injured. 155 of that number occurred in the six locations highlighted, accounting for around 20 in each of them.
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TRAM strikes over the weekend by Steve Collins THE strike by drivers that operate the TRAM service in Alicante will continue with a series of stoppages over the next few days. Unless agreement is reached - which it hasn’t been as we go to press on Wednesday evening – the strikes that are part of a long running dispute that began in September will take place tomorrow (Friday) and Sunday. Four unions are involved in the industrial action – the UGT, CCOO, SIF and SCF – and there is certainly light at the end of this particular train tunnel that progress can be made to stop the strikes that are planned to continue until January 12, 2018. The TRAM service that operates between Alicante and Denia will suffer disruptions tomorrow (Friday) from 6.35pm to 10.35pm and on Sunday December 10 from 6.15pm to 10.15pm. Travellers will experience a minimum 60 per cent service in the peak hours (from 12 noon to 4pm and again from 7pm to 10pm) and a 50 per cent service for the rest of the day.
Drought conditions cause street cleaning reduction IN AN initiative to save water due to the drought conditions that have persisted throughout many area of the Vega Baja, Orihuela City Council will be reducing the street cleaning services. The service is usually provided during the night with two trucks...one for the city inland and one for the coastal area. Councillor Dámaso Aparicio explained that the drastic measures aim, “to save water consumption in the face of the difficult
situation we find ourselves in. As long as we face this water shortage, the street cleaning services will be reduced unless there are exceptional situations under the control of the council technicians.” On a daily basis, the municipal cleaning trucks use around 28,000 litres of water and future street washing will be carried out by using high pressure cleaning machines that have the same effects but using less water in the process.
REDUCED: Light at the end of the strike tunnel for TRAM services
Under radar control SPAIN’S Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has installed a new radar in what has been discovered to be one of the greatest blackspots on the N-332 in the Alicante province. The latest has been put along the Torrevieja by-pass on the stretch of the N-332 that runs alongside the QuirónSalud Hospital which has a particularly high concentration of accidents where the speed limit is restricted to 80kph. Since 2014, the well-known section of the busy coastal road has had a continuous double white line down the middle to prevent overtaking; also, in 2016
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€24,000 was invested in a series of warning signals that sense oncoming fast moving traffic and inform them of the overtaking restrictions in the Alicante direction. However, despite all the signage, the incidents of speeding haven’t slowed down and so the decision was taken to install radar equipment to both deter and catch offending drivers. Drivers using that section of the N-332 will not be advised of the radar’s location either on the DGT website or by means of a warning signpost that is common to other areas.
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Off-duty policeman helps catch young thief by Ray Chadwick
Young man arrested in Lorca for allegedly robbing children at play
AN off-duty policeman and two others physically held down a young man who had allegedly robbed a child in Lorca. The events took place at the end of November in the Plaza de Vera when a local off-duty police officer in the area at the time was alerted by a number of people saying that a young man was intimidating and threatening a group of young people playing in the square. Councillor María Belén Pérez said that the police officer immediately approached the young man accused of the crime, asking him what caused him to behave in such a manner. When the policeman asked him
Gusts cause Christmas decoration mayhem STRONG WINDS experienced across the Vega Baja at the start of the week needed members of local fire services to be called out in many areas. Throughout the Alicante province, firefighters attended more than a dozen incidents that included rescuing a number of Christmas trees, Christmas decorations and lights and festive posters that were blown away in the severe
gusts. A number of local businesses also reported losing their awnings. A large tree had fallen and blocked the CV-951 road in San Miguel de Salinas, and a number of Christmas decorations and lights were stripped from their displays in Elche. There were also a handful of bars and restaurants in Orihuela, Elche and La Marina where terrace awnings had been ripped apart.
Crash victim’s car embedded in a fence
to show him his identity card, the man pushed the officer and tried to flee from the area. It was at this point that he was quickly chased and caught by the officer and two parents of children playing nearby. A few moments later, another teenager aged 14 came up to the police officer to report that he’d been the victim of the young man they had detained. He stated that he’d been punched and kicked as he tried to steal money and other possessions. The young man was arrested on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation and taken to the National Police HQ by members of the local police who arrived at the scene to support their off-duty colleague.
THREE people, two men and one woman, have been injured when two vehicles collided in Cartagena. The incident happened around 1pm on Monday on the road from La Palma to Cartagena at the junction of the F-35 and RM-311. One of the cars ended up embedded in a fence with its occupants trapped inside. All three sections of the emergency services – fire brigade, paramedics and the Guardia Civil – combined to rescue the victims who had suffered a range of injuries from minor to serious.
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Children vaccinated after hepatitis outbreak NINETY children in the municipality of Albatera have been vaccinated after the detection of five new cases of hepatitis. The disease was found to have been contracted by three children between 3 and 5-years-old and their mothers at the Cervantes School and the Casa de la Música. They were diagnosed in midOctober. Two of the children are brothers and the third is a cousin. The two mothers are also sisters. After detecting this latest strain of Hepatitis A, the health authorities have set up protocols for treating the condition and have now vaccinated all the school children that share the toilets with those affected and also all those who are in the same classes. Parents in the schools are very concerned about this latest outbreak of hepatitis – a disease associated with a lack of hygiene and is very contagious – and fear it may be related to a lack of cleanliness in the schools caused by an indefinite strike that has now lasted for a month by cleaners and caretakers.
Photo credit YouTube
by Lynn Whittaker
OFFICIAL HELP: Albatera’s Mayor Rosario Ballester helps parents and teachers in cleaning local school The workers are employed by cleaning company Liasur who have been declared bankrupt, leaving employees in limbo and without any wages for more than three months, and this led to the strike. The ongoing unhealthy situation
has seen a number of teachers and parents and even the local mayor Rosario Ballester helping out with the cleaning after the local authority and the police closed one of the toilets at the CEIP Cervantes.
Truck hits vehicle on motorway hard shoulder A MAN was seriously injured after being hit by a truck on the A-7 motorway in Crevillente. The impact caused the victim to fall down a four-metre embankment after he has hit when he was standing in the hard shoulder of the motorway after his own vehicle had broken down. The seriously injured man suffered an open fracture to both ankles and lost a great deal of blood before being attended to by emergency services from Crevillente and Elche. Fortunately, one of the firefighters who were among the first to arrive has also studied medicine and so, with the help of an off-duty nurse who happened to be passing the scene of the accident in her own car, were able to administer first aid until paramedics arrived. The man was transferred to the Vinalopó Hospital in a very serious condition due to his severe loss of blood. Even though the collision forced one of the lanes on the motorway to be closed, there were no large traffic holdups. The truck driver, who managed to avoid his vehicle overturning as a result of the accident and the other occupant of the van didn’t suffer any serious injuries.
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Violent Vega Baja robbers arrested
Photo credit Guardia Civil
by Steve Collins
CULTIVATING: Marijuana plants discovered in a home of detained robbers
OFFICERS from the Guardia Civil have arrested three Spanish men connected with a number of violent robberies in the Vega Baja. The three – aged 25, 28 and 34 – were detained in Formentera del Segura and Benijófar, and are suspected of being behind a particularly violent attack on two people that were at home during one of their robberies back in September. They used such force on one of the victims that they fractured a knee of one of them that still needs medical treatment and physiotherapy.
Nursing assistant on trial for Family argument faking prescriptions leads to knife attack PROSECUTORS in the Provincial Court in Murcia have asked for a prison sentence of three and a half years for a nursing assistant accused of faking prescriptions for her husband. The crime has enabled the couple to save an estimated €2,000 over a period of
five months last year. According to the prosecution authorities, the defendant got a doctor to sign almost 100 blank prescriptions and then proceeded to fill them in with name of her husband and the medication required.
After some very thorough investigations, officers from the Guardia Civil in Almoradí and Guardamar tracked down the suspects and raided their homes. In them, they found the Taser electronic weapons that had been used in the thefts as well as a large cultivation of marijuana that would have been sold for around €15,000 on the open market when fully grown. Two of the arrested suspects have already been sent to prison until their trial; the third was released on the understanding that he regularly signs in with the court and doesn’t leave the country.
LOCAL POLICE have arrested a man in Murcia suspected of assaulting his partner and her two young children. According to reports, an argument broke out between the couple who have lived on Avenida Ciudad de Almería for the past seven months which then turned into a more violent confrontation. The arrested man then went into the kitchen to get a knife to attack one of the children but instead managed to be stabbed in the face himself during the struggle. When police arrived, they found the man in the kitchen and took him into custody via the local health centre where his facial wound was treated.
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House breakers caught with, not on, television by Steve Collins
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LOCAL POLICE based in Pilar de la Horadada have arrested two people accused of stealing from inside a house. The events leading up to the arrest began in the early hours of Tuesday morning when following a tip off to the Guardia Civil about a parked car that might be involved in house breaking in the area. Officers immediately went to the scene to accompany members of the local police. The operation located the suspicious vehicle, and inside was a man carrying a television on his lap that had just allegedly been stolen by force from a nearby house.
Police officers also found a number of other items in the garden of the house that had been broken into and ready to be loaded into the vehicle. The car itself included a selection of tools that can be used for robberies such as iron bars, car jacks (that can be used for forcing metal grills) and a long iron rod with a hook on the end that is used for picking up keys and other objects through open windows. During the last seven days, police had received an increased number of calls from local residents reporting the presence of suspicious characters and movements in the area, and thus the number of patrols was improved.
FOUND: Tools that can be used for burglaries
Sunday market shoppers threatened with an axe LOCAL POLICE in Murcia have arrested a man for threatening a married couple with an axe during the weekly market located in Los Dolores. According to reports, they were confronted by one of the market traders who had gone to his car to get the weapon after an argument began at the Sunday market. Police were called after a woman was allegedly threatened after saying she was afraid of the dog owned by the attacker.
Cycle victim found unconscious A CYCLIST was injured on Monday evening when she fell off her bicycle in Santa Isabel in Murcia.
Local police were called to the incident and found the 25-year-old woman unconscious at the scene. The immediately called the SMS emergency
services and paramedics were able to bring the
girl back to consciousness before transferring her to the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital with a head trauma.
Prison demanded for alleged abuser A MAN faces up to 11 years in prison for allegedly abusing the son of a couple with whom he shared a flat in Albatera. The incident goes back to 2015 when, according to the prosecution officers, the man took advantage of the fact that when the parents were asleep in their room, he sexually abused the young boy when he was sitting on a sofa in the flat.
12 Photo credit Twitter
Crowds pack city square by Lynn Whittaker THOUSANDS of people crowded into the main square in Murcia to witness the switching-on of the traditional lights on the giant Christmas tree that dominates the area. This year’s tree is bigger than ever, reaching 40 metres into the sky and including 60,000 low energy lights. It’s the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations and includes a winter theme park that is open to visitors. The spectacular evening of entertainment – that featured performances from Ruth Lorenzo – was projected onto surrounding buildings and featured an incredible amount of special effects that included pyrotechnics based on some of the nearby roofs, and similar to those used by companies such as Disney. The entire evening was relayed on four giant screens placed around the Plaza Circular for all those attending to enjoy. Throughout the Christmas season and beyond into the New Year, the area features winter sports and games, workshops, a Nativity display, and entertainment for the whole family... all free. The demonstrations and workshops include master-
LIGHTING THE WAY: Christmas begins in Murcia
classes on making Christmas biscuits, muffins and sweets, Christmas decorations, and balloon twisting. Children’s activities take place from now until January 5 in the morning and afternoon and the special audio-visual shows will be held every day until December 21 at 8pm. Between December 22 and January 6, there will be two shows at
Isolation Unit part of hospital expansion plans ELCHE General Hospital will benefit from an investment of a substantial amount of money, part of which will be to create a dedicated isolation unit for infectious patients in the Accident and Emergency Department. The Depart-
ment for Health in Madrid will spend €2,100,000 on the project that will see improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure during 2018 and will complete the second phase of building work that includes new operating theatres.
Airport closer to getting new managers
8pm and again at 9.30pm. There will also be a Solidarity Point in the square where any children who wish to donate one of their toys for other children in neighbouring towns. In return for this generous and thoughtful gesture, each child will be given a bag of chocolate coins.
AIRPORT managers AENA are moving even closer to take over the running of the Corvera Airport. Government delegate for the Murcia region Francisco Bernabé said that AENA has overcome a number of technical issues and requirements to assume the manage-
ment of the disputed airport, and all that remains is for the financial arrangements to be confirmed. A representative of AENA said: “We look to the future with optimism and hope the Murcia government will determine that future in the coming days.”
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Santa Pola Half Marathon attracts Europe-wide interest SANTA POLA will be staging their 29th Half Marathon on Sunday January 21, 2018 and already the organisers are receiving an average of over 400 entrants per day from right across the country, such is the popularity of the annual event. In addition to those received from the immediate localities, a significant number of entrants have come from Alicante, Murcia, Valencia, Albacete, Madrid, Almeria, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Cuenca, Granada, Barcelona, Ávila, Baleares, Castellón, Zaragoza, Cantabria, Valladolid, A Coruña, Álava, Asturias, Guadalajara, Guipúzcoa, Jaén, León, Málaga and Orense. It’s not just from Spain that the fame of the Santa Pola Half Marathon has reached as there is significant interest from various countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, France, Italy, Holland and Denmark.
Check those Christmas ingredients to avoid allergies by Glen Scott NUTRITION specialists have warned about food allergies that tend to coincide with Christmas...but many go undetected. The warning comes from Carolina Pérez Iglesias who is a specialist at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and said that while the number doesn’t increase at Christmas, the number of undiagnosed cases does. “We mustn’t drop our guard at this time of year,” she said. Although they are usually mild, allergic reactions account for 50% of treatments in hospital A&E wards, says the. This is due to the fact that a number of people try different food stuffs around the festive period that may contain substances that they are unaware could cause problems...especially children. There are also more lunches and dinners out at this time of the year and this is backed up by the data from the Spanish Allergology and
Immunology Society (SEAIC) that found 7 out of 10 of the more serious allergic reactions happen when eating away from home. The specialist observed that most effects from eating something that someone is allergic to happens within half an hour, and symptoms can range from itching at one end of the scale to a full blown anaphylactic shock which, if not treated, can result in death. “The only proven treatment is elimination of the food causing the reaction from the diet,” added Iglesias. Dr Sergio Negre, a specialist in paediatric gastroenterology at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia said the foods that cause the most allergic reactions are nuts, fruit not usually eaten at other times of year, and shellfish. “In children the order of prevalence is cows’ milk, egg, fish, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Above all be careful with
FESTIVE FOOD: 50 per cent of Christmas A&E admissions are allergy-related Christmas sweets like turrón (nougat) or marzipan as they have hidden ingredients,” he warned. Anyone with an allergy
should always carefully check the ingredients of any food; all restaurant menus now have full details of what is contained in their dishes.
24 feb - 2 march 2017
Syndicate lottery ticket holders advised to make it official
LUCKY NUMBER: The El Gordo Christmas lottery draw on December 22 If one of the El Gordo tickets is lost or stolen, the OCU advice is to report it as soon as possible to the police AND to the state lottery organisers - Loterías
y Apuestas del Estado – as it would be possible to prevent any payout until a judge has established the real owner(s) of the tickets.
Reforestation project attracts 350 volunteers
AROUND 350 people – all volunteers – have taken part in a major reforestation project in the Cartagena district of Cerro de los Moros. They dedicated their Sunday morning to the event organised by the Asociación CreeCT,
and placed around 40 different species and an overall total of 1,200 new plants, shrubs and trees. The process lasted several hours, during which there was time for some explanatory talks about the plans for the area.
Quiet please! Library to get better soundproofing AT the request of many of the local residents that use the service, the City Council of Crevillente will be carrying out a programme of works on
The plane now landing contains passenger number 13 million AS their records continue to tumble, AlicanteElche Airport received its 13 millionth passenger on Tuesday. The overall number of travellers using the airport throughout 2016 was 12.3 million, and so they are already 700,000 ahead of last year already with the busy pre-Christmas and Christmas period to come. Passenger number 13 million was on a Vueling flight and was met by the director of the Alicante-Elche Airport Tomás Melgar and director of Network Strategy & Planning of Vueling Gabriel Schmilovich, and a commemorative gift was presented to the traveller. Alicante-Elche Airport continues to break all previous passenger records as both year-on-year and total numbers show notable increases each time they’re announced. The 12.3 million for 2016 represented a 16.7 per cent rise in passengers and 17.6 per cent in flights and was fifth on the list in Spain behind Madrid, Barcelona, Palma and Malaga and ahead of Gran Canaria.
by Glenn Scott AT THIS time of the year, many groups of people in clubs and societies or even a group of friends in bars club together to buy a number of Spanish Christmas lottery tickets. Known as ‘El Gordo’ and drawn on December 22 every year, it’s quite common for small amounts of money to be paid in throughout the year for the organiser to then purchase a number of the tickets that cost €20 each. However, sometimes these mini syndicates can cause problems and in order to avoid them this year, the Spanish Consumers' Association (OCU) has issued some advice. Their main recommendation is for the organisers to keep a photocopy of both the back and the front of the lottery tickets if they are being shared with other people just in case they are among the winning numbers drawn out. Ideally, there should also be some written instructions of the intention to share the prize and with the names of those involved in the syndicate. The OCU said: “Promises mean nothing in the event of a conflict and do not serve as proof.”
15
the municipal library that include soundproofing measures. The project, partly financed by the Alicante province, will see some re-
placement double-glazed windows to keep out surrounding noise and also the roof repaired. The work is planned to begin as soon as possible.
City unveils its bigger and better nativity CHRISTMAS has arrived in Orihuela. The lights have been switched on and the popular and much anticipated larger than ever nativity scene has opened. This year’s ‘Belen’ includes more than 300 figures and is spread over three
different areas. Visiting hours are from 10am to 2pm and again from 4.30pm to 9pm and will remain open until Sunday January 7. The opening ceremony featured a performance of ballet from the Ana Belén Navarro School of Dance.
16
News from around Europe NETHERLANDS
Sorry A DUTCH radio presenter has apologised to a young female singer after confronting her with a nude man while she was singing live on air. 20-year-old Maan de Steenwinkel, was performing on Radio 538 when she was confronted, as she put it “with a willy in my face” and burst into tears. Suspended jail sentence AN ELDERLY MAN who helped his 99-year-old mother to die seven years ago should be given a threemonth suspended jail sentence, the public prosecution department told the court in Den Bosch on Monday. The
public prosecutor said that while it did not doubt the man had the best intentions, he should be punished for going his own way. Electric cars A SURVEY of the electrical vehicle sector has revealed that only around 15 per cent of Dutch motorists are considering buying an electric car in the near future despite a government commitment to stop selling new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Evacuation AN APARTMENT COMPLEX with 42 flats in Leiden was evacuated in the early hours of Monday morning after
a carbon monoxide scare. Checks revealed boilers in some of the apartments were producing too much of the poisonous gas, leading officials to evacuate the entire complex of over 100 people.
‘Dynasty’ fails to sell THE MOST EXPENSIVE diamond ever polished in Russia, named Dynasty after the Romanov-era Imperial Court, failed to sell in an auction. Alrosa PJSC said it didn’t receive a high enough offer for the 51.4-carat gem in an online auction last week.
Tickets please AMSTERDAM CENTRAL STATION’S main concourse is now only accessible to people with a valid ticket or travel card. The move is part of a wider NS strategy to improve safety and stop people travelling without paying the fare. Beforehand, the ticket barriers were open, meaning anyone could pass through freely.
Nonimmigrant-visa interviews U.S. CONSULATES in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok will resume interviews for nonimmigrantvisa applicants next week, less than four months after those operations were suspended following Moscow’s order for deep cuts in U.S. diplomatic staff.
FRANCE Baby panda finally named FRANCE’S first baby panda finally has a name four months after his birth: Chinese dignitaries and French first lady Brigitte Macron chose Yuan Meng for the cub born at Beauval zoo, south of Paris, which fittingly means “the realisation of a wish” or “accomplishment of a dream.” Brutal attack FOUR MEN and one woman were charged in France over a brutal attack on a Jewish family in a Paris suburb. One man of 50, reportedly already known to police, three younger men and a 19-year-old woman allegedly took part in the September 8 assault in Livry-Gargan, northeast of Paris. Hosts FRANCE will host next summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship. The tournament will be played in Beziers (Stade de la Mediterranee), Perpignan
(Stade Aime Giral) and Narbonne (Stade d’Honneur du Parc des Sports et de l’Amitie) over a 19-day period between the end of May and middle of June. Back to normal TRAFFIC returned to normal at Paris’s Montparnasse station this week after a computer glitch stopped all trains leaving and arriving last Sunday. Transport Minister Elisabeth Morne described the breakdown as “unacceptable” and summoned rail network boss Patrick Bontet to give him a dressing-down. France offers to lend a hand FRANCE has offered to lend Britain its amphibious landing craft if the UK scraps the Royal Navy’s own ships as part of sweeping defence cuts. Britain is considering axing HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark - assault vessels which allow the UK to attack enemyheld beaches - under cost-cutting plans.
ICELAND New woman PM ICELAND’S new Prime Minister is Katrín Jakobsdóttir, leader of the Left Green Alliance. Jakobsdóttir is 41 years old and a mother of three and becomes the second woman to head a government in Iceland. The new coalition government spans the entire political spectrum in Iceland. Delayed temple to restart ICELAND’S first pagan temple in 1000 years will be ready in late 2018. The temple is being constructed in the woodland covered hill of Öskjuhlíð in
Reykjavik, and despite there being a break in building work, it will restart in January. Superstar saver A FRAIL Sea-Eagle was rescued in WestIceland by professional outdoorsman and Icelandic Snapchat star, Snorri Rafnsson. Mr. Rafnsson spotted the magnificent Sea-Eagle a few times over the past weeks and noticed an unusual behaviour that led him to believe that the bird was unwell. Shaken...but no danger A LARGE number of minor earthquakes have occurred at Askja, in the
RUSSIA
north central highlands of Iceland. Most of the quakes were around 2.0 on the Richter scale. Geologists at the Iceland Met Office say that this is not unusual and does not point to any volcanic unrest. Argy-bargy in Moscow ICELAND will be grouped with Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Iceland was drawn out of Pot 3, with nations including Sweden, Egypt and Iran. Iceland faces Argentina on June 16, Nigeria on June 22 and finally Croatia on June 26.
New submarines THE RUSSIAN NAVY expects to receive a new class of nuclear-powered fifthgeneration submarines in the 2030s, according to the service’s deputy com-
mander for armaments, Vice Admiral Victor Bursuk. “The fleet will start getting fifth-generation submarines around the 2030s,” Bursuk told the Russian press last week. UFO evidence A NEW VIDEO of a “TR-3B type of UFO” captured in Russia is being called the “best evidence ever” of a UFO sighting. Posted on UFO Today’s YouTube page on Saturday, the video shows an object making its way slowly past a building at night, displaying three lights in a triangular formation. 10 years for Economy Minister RUSSIAN PROSECUTORS have recommended a 10-year prison term for former Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev for extortion, while the defendant asked the court to acquit him and called for perjury charges against the head of state oil giant Rosneft.
SCANDINAVIA Top 50 beach spot CANADIAN travel agency Flightnetwork asked 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies and has come up with a list of what they claim to be 50 best beaches in the world. Værøy beach in Lofoten comes in the 23rd place. Redgrave rewarded ACTRESS Vanessa Redgrave, 80, has been honoured by the Swedish Stockholm Film Festival for her work in film and theatre. The six-time Oscar-nominated British actress is known for her tremendous talent as well as her political activism.
Her directing debut, Sea Sorrow, was featured during the festival. Brought to account DANISH homeless people are now able to open bank accounts in order to receive their benefits thanks to an initiative from Kommunernes Landsforening, and the umbrella organisation for banks, Finansdanmark. Until now, it was a case of no address – no bank account. Russian people smugglers A RUSSIAN family of three is suspected of smuggling dozens of people to
Finland through the Saimaa Canal. The father and his two children – a grown-up daughter and an underage son – were taken into custody after 17 people were found hiding inside their 12-metre motorboat in June. Extra migrant help HELSINKI City Council voted 45–39 in favour of a proposal to expand the rights of undocumented immigrants to health and medical care services after a heated debate. They will be entitled to medication, vaccination, dental care, medical monitoring and treatment for chronic diseases.
GERMANY Market bomb discovered GERMAN police were searching for the sender of a package initially feared to contain a bomb found near a Christmas market in Potsdam, almost a year after a deadly terror attack at a similar market in Berlin. The device was uncovered at a pharmacy. Widow’s pension A COLLECTION of South African gold coins with a value of over €100,000 were found by an employee in a box of donated food at a senior care home in Mönchengladbach. The contents included high-calorie drinks and were donated by a 78-year-old widow after her husband died. Green light for Air Berlin purchase GERMAN aviation giant Lufthansa has offered concessions to encourage the European Commission to green-light its
planned purchase of parts of bankrupt Air Berlin. Now that Lufthansa has submitted more extensive concessions, the deadline for Brussels to reach a decision has been pushed back to December 21. Frozen kebab worries THE EU Parliament is holding up a new law on using phosphate in frozen kebab meat. While the German newspaper Bild Zeitung says this threatens the future of the döner, EU MPs have said people have nothing to worry about. Glow in the cards POLICE revealed only this week that just under a fortnight ago they uncovered a series of playing cards tainted with radioactive material in Berlin’s MarzahnHellersdorf district. They were used by a player who was wearing a detector during an illegal card game.
18
Spanish shoe exports making great strides
Hospital drops down national ratings THE Alicante General Hospital has been given some disappointing news following the release of the annual survey undertaken by the Spanish Health Regulation Monitor. Over a period of four years, they have fallen from 47 to 63 in the ranking of the 74 most reputable hospitals in the country, and in the space of just 12 months have dropped seven places from number 56. The highest ranking hospital in the Valencian community coming in sixth position is the Hospital La Fe de València in the city.
WALKING TALL: Footwear exports beating 2016 levels already
by Glenn Scott AFTER falling for the past two years, exports of shoes from Elche have begun to stabilise. Figures just released show that the levels of exports for the first three quarters of this year are already at the same numbers for the whole of 2016. Between January and September this year, €2.13 billion has been billed for exports for 127 million pairs of shoes, and companies are facing the final quarter with increased optimism after a series of
falls in the export market. Many manufactures gambled on attracting the overseas markets for their products after the consumer crisis in Spain affected home sales, and their efforts took many by surprise. However, the growth of the foreign market entered a dramatic slowdown in 2016 and since then the fall has been constant over a period of two years. This negative streak has now been broken by these latest figures and the manufacturers will be more than delighted with the returns as the most optimistic among them were
purely hoping to end 2017 the same as last year. An increase on 2016 will be seen as a major boost, although weather conditions during the last three months of the year could yet affect the final numbers. The recovery of a number of economies in the European Union – where most of their business takes place - has helped Spain boost its exports of footwear. Added to this, a number of contracts have been signed with Asia-Pacific countries and the Made in Spain brand will also shortly be seen in Australia.
20
Charity News
Two thousand years of history to go on display
Help at Home by Bill Hulse AS WE move towards the end of the year we are busy preparing for our annual Help at Home (HAH) dinner dance and our volunteers lunch celebrations. However, even if the line is muted overnight that will not stop us responding to requests for help via our care line – 633 673 034 throughout December including the Christmas and New Year period. We will reply to all calls. We can provide help in and around the home, for which we make no charge; we can introduce more specialist help and advice, and in exceptional circumstances we can help with the cost; we also loan out mobility aids, again without cost. However, HAH is not an Emergency Service and in such cases,112 is always the number to call. We can only provide this help without cost because of the fundraising efforts of our own members and the generosity of our donors and sponsors. For example, in November alone we received the monthly donation from DFS and a very generous €2,000
from the Luz De Murcia Masonic Lodge. We also raised money from our Monday morning sale of books; DVD’s and puzzles at La Zona, as well as the table top sale of clothing and bric-a-brac which is also held on the last Friday morning of each month at La Zona. Items for sale are always welcome and can be collected. We are always looking for more people to help and we can be reached through our care line. We also welcome new carers and volunteers even if you can only spare an occa-
spanish 9,750€
sional couple of hours. Potential new members are always welcome at our monthly meetings which are held on the first Tuesday morning of each month at the Las Claras centre in Los Narejos, starting at 11am. Please note that the January meeting will be held on Tuesday December 9. More details of who we are and what we are doing are available on our Facebook page, HAH (Help at Home) Mar Menor, and our web site www.helpathome.es
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21
Advertorial
Welcome to Malta with Vivalia Travel
Somebody once said that an island can only be called such when viewed from the sea. This may be obvious, but very true. What is certain is that there is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Maltese coastline than from the vantage point of a boat. Valletta and the Three Cities, with their formidable fortifications, the rugged cliffs and secluded bays around Malta, Gozo and Comino… they all look very different from the deck. So hop on a Harbour Cruise or take a longer Island Cruise and experience Malta from a different angle. In Malta you'll explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present. You'll span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever you go, the Islands' scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues. The Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. What makes them unique is that so much of their past is visible today. Delve into the Islands' mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John defended
Christendom. Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you. And with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best. In just 48 hours and a kilometer or two, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites, and still have time to join in the nightlife. That’s the real advantage of a stay here. The Islands offer plenty of specialist holidays for those seeking to learn a new skill, discover history or get fit. If you’re interested in sports, we cater as much for the seasoned enthusiast as the casual first-timer. Malta has wellness and spa facilities at the luxury hotels and club resorts. Sea and land lend themselves to activities from rockclimbing to gentle rambling. For a tempo and scene change from Malta itself, hop to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Here, you'll holiday within a holiday and at the most relaxed of Mediterranean paces. Enjoy Malta by joining us on our special 10 day All Inclusive next Apr 14th for only 889€ tax and drink package included. You will also be Malaga - Menorca - Katakolon - Chania - Nauplion and Athens.
For more information you can visit us at Calle Santomera 8 or ring us on 965 716 615. Also you can send us an email to info@vivaliatravel.com
22
Today they wring their hands by
Michael Walsh
keyboardcosmetics@ gmail.com The opinions published in Mike´s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.
Those who rang their bells now wring their hands. The hypocrisy and criminal lack of accountability of the political class is gut-wrenching. Recently, we were subjected to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson piously berating Marxist Mugabe for iniquities his hapless regime brought upon the people of Zimbabwe. A pity mainstream forgot to show photographs of Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the Archbishop of Canterbury slobbering over the Marxist dictator, who was later knighted by her maj’. Westminster’s political troika drooled over Zimbabwe’s dreadful despot. The same can be said of the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the Labour Party, and mainstream media; their now silence is deafening. Those who at the time warned against Mugabe were pilloried by the benefit scroungers of Pigminster. Rhodesia, until Britain’s betrayal and transfer to Robert Mugabe, was Africa’s most prosperous and benign nation. Rhodesia exported their harvests and their manufactured products. There was full employment and universal education. It was not an apartheid system; Rhodesia’s only problem was the on-going maintenance of frontier fences to keep refugees from black ruled nations out. Now, the deposed Mugabe has a get out of gaol card. Like his Communist mentors he will never face trial and will indeed pocket $10 million as a golden handshake. Will media investigate where this amount is coming from? I doubt it. Déjà vu, today unfortunate sub-Saharan Africans in war-torn Libya suffer casual mass murder, anarchy, genocide, slavery, rape and organ trafficking. Again, the political elite, who promoted their NATO war on peaceful and prosperous Libya, talk as if this has nothing to do with them. When Libya was governed by Muammar Gaddafi a home for every citizen was considered a right. There was no tribal warfare, Libya en-
joyed free education, electricity and healthcare, and business and family growth was invested in by government. Literacy went up from 25% to 75% and Libya’s navy kept Africa’s surplus population well away from Europe’s shores. Libya like Rhodesia was an example of what Africans can be without the interference of globalists. Similar NATO debacles in Syria, Ukraine (Donbass) Iraq, Iran and elsewhere come to mind. The corrupt political elite and their press talk as if these horrific failures were acts of God rather than the consequence of their disastrous foreign policy. The fact that those responsible are smug in their belief that mainstream will never bring them to account is proof enough that the press is the keyboard upon which government plays. If parliamentarians were to follow any other trade other than one in which they set their own rules many would be serving long gaol terms.
23
My debit card is exhausted by
Colin Bird The opinions published in Colin’s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.
One thing that is noticeable in Spain and in complete contrast to the UK, is the laid back atmosphere in the supermarkets at this time of year. Visit Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s or any of the other big supermarket outlets anywhere in England right this minute, and I am prepared to bet my week’s pocket money that it will be as manic as Michael McIntyre plugged into the mains. Even Christmas Eve, when occasionally I have had to drop in to our local Dial Prix for some last minute stuffing mix or a bottle of cooking sherry, it has never been anything other than business as usual. We took some friends to Iceland in Torrevieja recently and like many ex-pats, they love all the familiar products on offer from back home. It’s a store that we personally visit infrequently – perhaps two or three times a year –but as the cat’s pantry needed stocking up with some of their preferred canned food, we thought a trip was due. For my part, there is noth-
ing I like more than a good old British pork pie and always use the opportunity to buy one for immediate use as a taster, and another as a main course. But some of the frozen stuff
on display leaves me utterly confused and puzzled. I mean, there is a complete aisle of nothing but frozen sliced bread. That’s seven freezers full
of what is, let’s face it, frozen white or brown floppy cardboard. Understandable if there is no alternative to white or brown floppy cardboard, but here in Spain where the fresh
bread is simply wonderful. Why? Then you have frozen shepherd’s pies, or bangers and mash, or baked spuds for goodness sake. How hard or time consuming is it to knock any of these uncomplicated meals together? Amazingly you have bags of grated cheese. But look, here’s a tip: buy a block of cheese grate it (a grater is that shiny metal thing with holes in it) bung it in a bag and it’s all done. Three minutes tops and much cheaper. Anyways up, we emerged a half hour later; our friends with their supplies and us with some cat food, two pork pies and one hundred and seven euro’s poorer. Why? Because of all the other ‘must have’ items that we cannot find anywhere else and which, being Christmas, are just perfect for when we are entertaining. That’s why. My flexible friend is still groaning in my wallet with a pulled muscle and a very high temperature.
24
Is it ever OK to have a gull friend? by
Barry Duke The opinions published in Barry’s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.
“Hey mate, can I have a word?”, said the aggressive old geezer who stopped me as I was walking towards my local park to have a relaxed lunch and read a book, something I did in the summer months whenever the weather was good. “Sure,” I replied warily. “What’s on your mind?” “I have been watching you for weeks, and I know you’re off to share your crisps and sandwiches with a bird. That’s totally unacceptable because it just encourages these pests to attack people and steal their food.” This happened about ten years ago when I was living in the UK seaside resort of Brighton, and – yes – I did have a gull friend – one that had an insatiable appetite for bacon flavoured crisps. Our friendship began when I realised that the bird, unlike most other herring gulls in the area, was not a vicious winged hooligan who would snatch food out of one’s hand – and perhaps take a finger or two with it. “Stephen”, as I chose to call him, would patiently wait at my side and take crisps and pieces of bread I offered him in the gentlest manner imaginable. I really can’t say whether it was a male or female, but I chose the name “Stephen” because some months previously an evangelist called Stephen Green came to Brighton to bellow hateful anti-gay claptrap on one of the city’s busiest streets. He’d just reached fever pitch when a gull divebombed him, and with unerring accuracy splattered guano across the front of his jacket. This immediately put a stop to his rant, and he legged it to the nearest washroom to clean off the mess. Howls of laughter followed, and he simply disappeared. Until then, I shared most Brightonians dislike of the creatures, mainly because of their loud screeching. But this incident convinced me that gulls cannot be all bad. People, of course, will tell you terrible tales about these birds. Reports of gulls savaging small dogs and
FEEDING TIME: Barry, that had better be bacon flavoured kittens and stealing ice cream cones from toddlers and little old ladies abound in the local press in the UK, but the story of what happened to a friend of mine called Stephanie truly belongs in a horror movie. Stephanie was working at a restaurant in a large shopping complex that had trash cans on the roof. On a bitterly cold winter’s afternoon she took two plastic sacks of rubbish up the roof and was immediately spotted by a gull which settled on her head. Stephanie, who had an absolute terror of gulls, literally froze on the spot. An hour later, colleagues – noticing that she hadn’t returned – sent out a search party. She
was found, frozen stiff and in a state of complete shock – with the bird still nonchalantly perched on her head. When she told me of her encounter a few weeks later in a pub, I laughed so hard beer came out my nose – and Stephanie delivered a painful kick to my right shin, and stormed out. I was reminded of “Stephen” and Stephanie’s experience when – on a business visit to Brighton last weekend – I spotted a pair of gulls aggressively ripping open a garbage bag. Seeing them prompted me to call Stephanie to ascertain whether she’d forgiven me, but, curiously, she slammed down the phone.
Studio 32 enjoy a superb White Christmas
AFTER months of preparation, STUDIO 32’s winter production of White Christmas premiered...and what a performance from this very talented company. From the moment the curtain went up the audience was treated to a spectacular show. The first scene opened in 1944 on the western front before moving forwards ten years to 1954 when the lead characters have become famous entertainers. Luke Ringrose, playing Captain Bob Wallace, put in a commanding performance in his first lead role, and starring alongside him as Private Phil Davies was Nick Morgan, who played the comic role with excellent timing. In the female lead roles was newcomer
Suzy Bradley as Judy Haynes, and Ann Bell playing sister Betty Haynes. Early on, we were introduced to supporting characters General Waverley, played by Don Wilkinson, and moving on to 1954 we find the General running an inn and struggling to come to terms with being out of uniform. Playing opposite him we were introduced to the robust character of Martha, played by Bev McEwan. The show contained some of Irving Berlin’s best known numbers, including Sisters, Blue Skies, and of course the title number White Christmas. Company numbers were very well staged with fine singing and dancing throughout the show and great sound
and lighting. Excellent supporting roles were played by John Palmer (Corporal Sheldrake), Alice Wakeford (Susan), Vicky Holden (Rita), and Julie Cartwright (Rhoda), Dianne Oliver (Tessie / secretary) and Sue Hurley (Jemima). The camp stage manager Mike was played by Mervyn Williams, and a special mention must be made for Keith Longsha, whose one-liners had the audience laughing in the aisles. Director/choreographer Susan Zillah Wilson has delivered another STUDIO32 hit, setting very high professional standards and delivering a thoroughly entertaining show. Chairman Philip Wilson commented: “It’s
wonderful to be able to deliver this level of entertainment to audiences whilst raising much needed money for local charities. This show has again raised over €3,500 and I’m very proud of everyone who has worked so hard to achieve what we have with this show.” Audiences were left with a festive smile on their faces as they were encouraged to join in with the last number White Christmas. We look forward to seeing the company’s summer production Chicago in May/June next year. Tickets are already on pre-order and early booking is recommended. For information on STUDIO32 and their shows visit their website www.studiothirtytwo.org
25
money Banco Santander cuts incentives
Benetton’s ready for bidding war
BANCO SANTANDER is cutting back on interest and other incentives for some customers of its flagship current account in Spain because of pressures from ultra-low interest rates in the euro zone, it said on Tuesday.
Spain's largest bank launched the 1-2-3 account, which offers customers cash and other rewards for keeping stable deposit balances and using it to pay bills, in 2015. Like European rivals, Santander is trying to increase earnings from lending and other activities in Spain as interest rates hover at historic lows and rising competition erodes margins. Santander has not said how much it must pay its around 2 million 1-2-3 account holders and it expects any impact to be offset by an increase in customers. The change would boost Santander's
FOLLOWING SUIT: The move in Spain follows a similar one in Britain last year annual net interest income by around 100 million euros, Spanish brokerages told the press. Account holders will still benefit from a 3 per cent interest rate on balances from 3,000 euros to 10,000 euros, 2 per cent between 2,000 euros and 3,000
euros, and 1 per cent for between 1,000 euros and 2,000 euros, Santander said. This move also follows a decision by Santander to change the pricing of its 1-2-3 accounts in Britain last year to offer a flat rate of 1.5 per cent.
Italian company Atlantia – owned in part by the Benetton family - is preparing to raise its bid for Spanish toll-road operator Abertis Infraestructuras SA and “has the cash” for a prolonged battle with Real Madrid Chairman Florentino Perez, according to the company’s chief executive officer. “We have enough financial resources to sustain an eventual bidding war,” Atlantia CEO Giovanni Castellucci said in an interview. Though the Rome-based infrastructure company seeks to compete successfully to win control of Abertis, higher offers “won’t reach any irrational point,” the executive said. “The offer we presented in May was not our reser-
vation price and we have room for improvement, " Castellucci said. “We’re going forward to make the best possible offer." Four members of the Italian Benetton Family founded the Benetton Group fashion company in 1965. The three brothers and one sister were all born in Treviso, Veneto, Italy and their father owned a bicycle shop. The Benetton family control a number of other businesses including 30 per cent of Atlantia - an operator of nearly two-thirds of Italy's motorways and 60 per cent of Autogrill - a chain of roadside restaurants. They also have investments in the hotel industry including the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.
by
IGNACIO PELLICER MOLLÁ & PEDRO HEREDIA ORTIZ
LAWYERS
legal Property contracts Q A What is the purchasereservation contract (Contrato de compraventa)?
A ”contrato de compraventa” provides safety and security for both the buyer and the vendor, when buying/ selling a house. Important elements that must appear include:
- Full names, address of residence, passport and or fiscal numbers of the buyers and the vendors - A description of the property - The price - The deposit, the amount, when and how is it payable? - Any consequences if any of the parties fall into a breach of contract Please remember to sign this document ONLY when your independent lawyer has given you the go ahead! For more information call us today.
If you have any further questions about this or any other legal matter, please do not hesitate to contact us; we have a team of experts standing by to assist you in any way we can. Call 965 480 737 or email info@pellicerheredia.com Videos at www.pellicerheredia.com
27
Thursday 7th December - Thursday 14th December
Pick of the Day
Thursday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Love, Lies and Records BBC News BBC London News Question Time This Week
7:00am 7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:45pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am
An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas MasterChef: The Professionals Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Rugby Union Snooker Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Snooker MasterChef: The Professionals Blitz Live at the Apollo Newsnight Snooker
7:00am 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 11:35pm 11:45pm 12:15am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News and Weather ITV News London The Late Debate UEFA Europa League Highlights
7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:25pm 12:25am
3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 12 Wishes of Christmas Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Great Canal Journeys Catching a Killer 999: What’s Your Emergency? Born to be Free
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:25pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:40pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:05pm 11:45pm 1:45am
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff The Christmas Spirit 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours The Flight Before Christmas A Star Crossed Christmas 5 News Neighbours 5 News Tonight UK’s Strongest Man 2017 Traffic Cops at Christmas Brick Mansions 5 News Brick Mansions Takers Sinkholes
7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own Living the Dream The Russell Howard Hour The Simpsons
7:00am 7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am
An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Anglesey Caught Red Handed Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Strictly - It Takes Two Snooker Mastermind Only Connect The Year in Music 2017 QI Newsnight Snooker
7:00am 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 11:30pm 12:05am 12:20am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Judge Rinder’s Crown Court Coronation Street I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News ITV News London Tonight at the London Palladium
7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas A Christmas Wedding Tail Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Gogglebox The Last Leg First Dates
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:25pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff Stealing Christmas 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours A Christmas Promise Christmas Under Wraps 5 News Neighbours 5 News Tonight The Gadget Show Brunel Eight Days That Made Rome Eight Days That Made Rome Secrets of the Nazi Occult
7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Karl Pilkington A League of Their Own The Simpsons
Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman Nature’s Weirdest Events Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature Deadly 60 Show Me What You’re Made of: UK Saturday Mash-Up! Penguins on a Plane: Great Animal Moves Raymond Blanc: How to Cook Well Tom Kerridge’s Best Ever Dishes Demolition Operation Snow Tiger Escape to the Continent Mastermind Snooker John Noakes: TV Hero BP Confidential Snooker QI XL Insert Name Here The Cider House Rules
7:00am 10:25am 12:20pm 12:45pm 1:45pm 2:10pm 2:20pm 4:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:25pm 7:35pm 7:50pm 8:15pm 9:20pm 10:50pm 11:50pm 12:05am
Childrens TV Saturday Morning with James Martin Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape The Hungry Sailors Thunderbirds are Go ITV News The X Factor Endeavour The Chase Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs ITV News London ITV News You’ve Been Framed! Ninja Warrior UK I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Through the Keyhole ITV News Shaun of the Dead
7:05am 7:35am 8:00am 8:25am 8:50am 9:15am 9:45am 10:10am 10:40am 11:10am 11:40am 12:10pm 1:55pm 2:25pm 2:55pm 3:25pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 12:35am
Trail Running Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons 12 Dates of Christmas Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me A Place in the Sun Best Laid Plans Grand Designs Channel 4 News Guy Martin’s WWI Tank X-Men: Days of Future Past The Drop
7:00am 11:45am 12:40pm 12:50pm 2:40pm 4:20pm 5:20pm 5:25pm 6:35pm 7:35pm 7:40pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:55pm 11:25pm 12:20am
Childerns TV The Gadget Show Cruising with Jane McDonald A Perfect Christmas List A Nutcracker Christmas Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?! 5 News Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?! The Family Man 5 News The Family Man 5 News Weekend Santa Makes You Laugh Out Loud Football on 5 Football on 5 NCIS: New Orleans NCIS: New Orleans
7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Ashley Banjo Ashley Banjo Supergirl The Flash Soccer A.M. Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama NCIS: Los Angeles Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own A League of Their Own The Russell Howard Hour Karl Pilkington
Paul O' GRady: For The Love of Dogs, 9.30pm, ITV1
Friday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:25pm 11:35pm 12:25am
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Sounds Like Friday Night EastEnders Still Open All Hours Have I Got News for You Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special 2015 BBC News BBC London News The Graham Norton Show The Apprentice
The Year in Music 2017, 10pm, BBC2
Saturday 7:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 6:45pm 6:55pm 7:00pm 7:45pm 9:20pm 10:20pm 11:10pm 11:30pm 12:55am
Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Live Nigella: At My Table Football Focus BBC News Snooker Final Score Len Goodman’s Partners in Rhyme BBC News BBC London News Pointless Strictly Come Dancing Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show Casualty BBC News Match of the Day The NFL Show
7:15am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:10pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:45pm 12:15am
this weeks weatherinbrief THU Dec 7
17º 7ºC /
Periods of clouds and sun
FRI Dec 8
19º 7ºC /
Variable cloudiness
sat Dec 9
15º 6ºC /
Periods of sun and clouds
sun Dec 10
16º 9ºC /
Mostly sunny
mon Dec 11
18º 9ºC /
Mostly cloudy with a shower
tue Dec 12
10º 6ºC /
Mostly sunny and cooler
wed Dec 13
14º 9ºC /
Mostly sunny and warmer
X-Men: Days of Future Past, 10pm, Channel 4
thu Dec 14
18º 7ºC /
Rather cloudy with a shower
Pick of the Day
Sunday 7:00am 8:35am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 2:50pm 3:50pm 4:00pm 4:35pm 5:50pm 6:50pm 7:05pm 7:15pm 8:15pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm 12:35am
Breakfast Match of the Day The Andrew Marr Show Fern Britton Meets... Sunday Politics Bargain Hunt BBC News Escape to the Country Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets Lifeline Songs of Praise Toy Story Blue Planet II BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Strictly Come Dancing Blue Planet II Attenborough and the Giant Elephant BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day 2 The Women’s Football Show
Childrens TV ITV News Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury The Martin Lewis Money Show Save Money: Good Food Tipping Point Junior ITV News You’ve Been Framed! Midsomer Murders The Chase How to Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield ITV News London ITV News Ninja Warrior UK The Chase Celebrity Special I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News Diamond Geezers and Gold Dealers
7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 1:30pm 2:00pm 4:00pm 6:10pm 6:45pm 7:10pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:30am
3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Sunday Brunch Paul Hollywood Evolution The Sorcerer’s Apprentice The Snowman The Snowman and the Snowdog Channel 4 News Britain’s Wildest Weather 2017 Coastal Railways with Julie Walters The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Unbroken
7:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 12:30pm 2:10pm 3:55pm 4:25pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 5:35pm 7:45pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:05pm 12:20am
Childrens TV Football on 5 Football on 5 The Secret Life of Mrs Claus Journey Back to Christmas Trolls Holiday Special 5 News Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End 5 News Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Need for Speed Chappie 5 News Chappie Resident Evil: Afterlife
7:00am 8:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
The Hour of Power Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons WWE Raw NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Inhumans A League of Their Own The Force Manchester Ross Kemp
of the British Garden
9:35am
Countryfile
10:30am
Saturday Kitchen
Best Bites
12:00pm
Food and Drink
12:30pm
My Life on a Plate
1:15pm
MOTD2 Extra
2:00pm
Snooker
6:15pm
Ski Sunday
7:15pm
Flog It!
8:00pm
Snooker
12:00am
Employable Me
7:00am 10:25am 10:30am 10:55am 11:25am 12:00pm 1:00pm 3:05pm 3:15pm 3:45pm 5:40pm 6:35pm 7:35pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:35pm 11:50pm
7:00am 7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:05pm 3:35pm 4:20pm 5:05pm 6:05pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am
An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Athletics Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home 32 Brinkburn Street The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway The Blue Planet Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Nigella’s Christmas Table Employable Me Insert Name Here Newsnight Blitz
7:00am 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 11:40pm 12:50am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martin Lewis Money Show Coronation Street Bancroft ITV News and Weather ITV News London White Right: Meeting the Enemy - Exposure Killer Women with Piers Morgan
7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie’s Ultimate Christmas Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Dog Who Saved Christmas Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Paul Hollywood Supershoppers 999: What’s Your Emergency? First Dates Don’t Tell the Bride
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 12:55pm 2:30pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff 5 News Lunchtime The Christmas Gift Rooftop Christmas Tree A Rose at Christmas 5 News The Yorkshire Vet: Winter on the Moors 5 News Tonight Weather Terror Police Interceptors Concorde: Triumph and Tragedy Concorde The KKK: Behind the Mask
7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Supergirl Football’s Funniest Moments Karl Pilkington The Simpsons
7:00am 7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:15pm 5:00pm 6:05pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am
Flog it! Trade Secrets Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Coast Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home 32 Brinkburn Street The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway The Blue Planet Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico Motherland Newsnight NFL
7:00am 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 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 11:45pm 12:45am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Save Money: Good Food How to Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield Bancroft ITV News and Weather ITV News London Lethal Weapon Lethal Weapon
7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am
3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie’s Cracking Christmas Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Food Unwrapped Does Christmas The World’s Most Expensive Presents Finding Me a Family Gogglebox
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 12:50pm 2:30pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff 5 News Lunchtime Window Wonderland Merry Ex-Mas The Mistletoe Promise 5 News The Yorkshire Vet at the Great Yorkshire Show 5 News Tonight Steve Backshall’s Hedgehog Rescue Jo Brand’s Cats and Kittens Ben Fogle: Return to the Wild Britain’s Favourite Christmas Hits
7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Flash A League of Their Own Sick Note The Simpsons The Simpsons
7:05am
Coast
8:05am
Gardeners’ World
8:35am
Monty Don’s Secret History
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, 10pm, ITV1
Monday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Panorama EastEnders Would I Lie to You? The Real Marigold on Tour BBC News BBC London News Have I Got a Bit More News for You
The Real Marigold on Tour, 10pm, BBC1
TUESDAY 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City The A Word BBC News BBC London News Sports Personality of the Year 2017 - The Contenders
Jamie's Cracking Christmas, 12pm, Channel 4
31
Pick of the Day
WEDNESDAY 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets The Apprentice BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day
7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 12:30pm 2:00pm 2:10pm 3:05pm 3:35pm 4:20pm 5:05pm 6:05pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm
Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Nigella: At My Table Anglesey Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Lifeline Coast Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home 32 Brinkburn Street The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway The Blue Planet Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals Peaky Blinders The Apprentice: You’re Fired! Newsnight
7:00am 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 11:40pm 12:45am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape Coronation Street Bancroft ITV News and Weather ITV News London Exposure Parking Wars
7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:20pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie’s Night Before Christmas Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Dog Who Saved the Holidays Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Secret Life of the Zoo The Channel Vanished by the Lake 999: What’s Your Emergency?
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 12:50pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff 5 News Lunchtime Access Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas Season’s Greetings Murder, She Baked: A Christmas Pudding Mystery 5 News The Yorkshire Vet 5 News Tonight Police Interceptors GPs: Behind Closed Doors Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas Greatest Christmas TV Moments of All Time
7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Inhumans Football’s Funniest Moments The Simpsons
Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas MasterChef: The Professionals Victoria Derbyshire Street Auction Fake Britain The Daily Politics Coast Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home 32 Brinkburn Street The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway The Blue Planet Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals Blitz Live at the Apollo Newsnight
7:00am 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 11:40pm 12:40am
Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs Bancroft ITV News and Weather ITV News London Birds of a Feather Tonight at the London Palladium
7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:15pm 1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Holiday Tree Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Amazing Spaces Snow and Ice Special The Crystal Maze Extraordinary Teens Naked Attraction
7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 12:50pm 2:35pm 4:20pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Childrens TV The Wright Stuff 5 News Lunchtime The Perfect Holiday My Christmas Dream A Perfect Christmas 5 News The Yorkshire Vet 5 News Tonight UK’s Strongest Man 2017 Gypsy Kids at Christmas Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas My Crazy Christmas Obsession My Crazy Christmas Obsession
8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Arrow Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi A League of Their Own Unseen The Russell Howard Hour The Simpsons
Inhumans, 9pm, Sky 1
thursday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 11:30am 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm
Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Grenfell Tower Memorial Service Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders The Apprentice: Why I Fired Them Love, Lies and Records BBC News BBC London News Question Time
7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 11:30am 12:15pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:15pm 5:05pm 6:05pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm
Still Open all Hours The Ronnie Barker classic
returns to our screens on the BBC this Christmas,
four years since the sequel that brought Sir David
Jason back to the corner shop sitcom.
This festive episode is
kicking off a fourth series that will bring the total number of episodes to 26. Which is the same
number of episodes as the original show.
Granville (David Jason) is joined by James Baxter (Granville´s son Leroy),
Johnny Vegas (Wet Eric), Brigit Forsyth (Madge), Maggie Ollerenshaw (Mavis), Geoffrey
Whitehead (Mr Newbold and Stephanie Cole (Mrs Featherstone).
In this Christmas episode some of Granville´s most important customers
are planning to leave
town. He does his best to persuade them to stay.
David Jason returns for another series as Granville
The Apprentice: Why I Fired Them, 9pm, BBC1
32
24 feb - 2 march 2017
whats on
Locals commemorate safe return of their soldiers
Monforte del Cid recreates historic battles
FIESTAS in the honour of the Virgen del Castillo are underway in Yecla and carry on until tomorrow (Friday) and again on Sunday December 17. The fiestas have been declared as being of National Tourist Interest as it is combined with remembering a group of local soldiers who went to fight against Catalonia in a 1642 war. Thanks are given to the Virgen as all the soldiers returned from the conflict without a single scratch. The fiestas feature a number of local people dressed as soldiers in formal uniforms and includes a great deal of gunfire from firearms of that period. Thursday December 7: 9am - The statue of the Virgen leaves the Santuario del Castillo and is slowly brought down to the Plaza Mayor where she is received by officials. 7pm - Flower Offering Parade along Calles Niño Jesús, Hospital, Cruz de Piedra, Zaplana, Francisco Castao, Maestro Mora, San José, Don Lucio, San Pascual, Parque de la Constitución, San Francisco finishing at the Basílica de la Purísima. Friday December 8: 6.30pm - Procession with the statue of the patron, orchestras, and the firing of the blunderbuss guns from the Basilica along Calles Juan Ortuño, Pintor Aguirre, Niño Jesús, Hospital, Placeta de Ortega, España, Iberia, San Antonio, Rambla and San José ending in the Plaza de San Cayetano for the traditional firework display. Sunday December 17: 10am - The act of the Minerva at the Basílica de la Purísima with more firings of the blunderbuss guns. 5.30pm - The statue of the Virgen begins the journey back up to the Santuario del Castillo, along Martínez Corbalán, Plaza Mayor and the Plaza Concejal Sebastián Perez, and her arrival is followed by a firework display to close the fiestas.
IN FIESTAS: Three days remaining for honouring local patron saint Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Monforte THERE are three days remaining of the Moors, Christians and Mercenaries marches in the municipality of Monforte del Cid, located close to Novelda in the Alicante province. The fiesta is being held in honour of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and includes a number of parades, re-enactments of historic battles, religious ceremonies and the ever present fireworks. The events for the rest of the fiestas are: Thursday December 7: 10.30am - Parade of the Moors, Christians, Mercenaries and the local dignitaries from the town hall to the Templo Parroquial. 11am - Mass. 12 noon - Parade to the location
Letters to the Editor
talk to us
Help not deserved Sirs, I welcome the British Ambassador´s assurance outlined in the report over a Healthy Brexit (RTN November 22nd). However, his advice that those living under the radar could have problems which result in the consu-
lates being inundated is typical of modern authorities being unable to voice what people should be told for fear of upsetting the poor dears. He should have advised that there is no excuse for living here without registering on the padron
which robs local authorities of money and using the facilities without paying tax. Should they have problems by not registering then they have brought it upon themselves and should not expect consular assistance. M.Fone (by e.mail)
Email letters to admin.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com with your full name and address
when the Embassy takes place. 1pm - Embassy (diplomatic speeches to avoid the war) of the Mercenaries, after which each company will parade to their headquarters. 4pm - Battle in the area surrounding the castle, which the Moors win. 5.30pm - Embassy of the Moors. 7pm - Parade of the Bajada de las Guerrillas along Calle de Reyes Catolicos and Avenida de Alicante.
4pm - Battle in the area surrounding the castle, which the Christians win, symbolising the reconquest. 5.30pm - Embassy of the Christians. 6.30pm - Parade of the Bajada de las Guerrillas along Calle de Reyes Catolicos and Avenida de Alicante. 9pm - Solemn Procession with the statue of Our Lady La Inmaculada Conception, followed by a Grand Firework Display.
Friday December 8: 10am - Parade for the Moors, Christians and the Mercenaries from the town hall to the Templo Parroquial. 12.30pm - General Parade of the Moors, Christians and the Mercenaries along Avenida de Alicante and Avenida de la Constitucion.
Saturday December 9: 10am - Alegre Diana (happy early morning parade) with the music bands. 11am - Parade of all of the companies along the streets of the town. 5pm - Lowering of the flags and the formal closing of the fiesta.
Hope Christian Fellowship Christmas Fayre THE POSH Club on Urbanisation La Marina (opposite the Thursday market), Friday December 8 between 11am and 2pm is the place, date and time for the diary for the Hope Christian Fellowship (HCF) Charity Christmas Fayre. Featuring a number of stalls run by the Cruz Roja, HELP Vega Baja, A.A.N, and many others selling home-made gifts, cards and so much more, everyone is welcome to come along. Enjoy a mid-morning tea, coffee or something a little stronger as some tasty mulled wine is available, all soaked up
with a traditional mince pie or two! You can also get the thinking caps working by taking part in ‘Guess the name of the Bear’ competition.
33
learn spanish
Formation of present action tense Basic Spanish for everyday needs by
Jane Cronin
We started to look at gerunds, or “present participles” last week; that is the Spanish equivalent of words in English ending in – ing. We saw how simple they are to form, by changing the endings in a very uniform way. The – ar of the infinitive verb changes to – ando, and the –er and –ir infinitive endings change to – iendo. These forms are used fairly extensively in Spanish, but are not nearly so common as the gerund is in English. In English we use “–ing” words to express many different things that are not possible in Spanish. For example we can talk about future events by saying “Tomorrow I’m playing tennis” or “What are you doing later?” This is impossible in Spanish. We have to say “Tomorrow I’m going to play tennis” (Mañana voy a jugar al tenis) or “What are you going to do later?” (¿Qué vas a hacer más tarde?). In English we can also use gerunds to describe activities, for example “I go to swimming lessons”. In Spanish this would be “Voy a clases de natación”. Another example is the use of the gerund in English after “I like” – as in “I like visiting the family” or “I don’t like watching horror films”. After “me gusta” and related forms in Spanish we use the infinitive of the verb. “Me gusta visitar a la familia”, “No me gusta
¿Qué estás haciendo?
ver películas de terror”. So, we can definitely say that in Spanish the gerund has much more limited uses, so we need to be careful not to translate too literally. Probably the most common use of this form in Spanish is to combine it with the verb estar to talk about activities at the present moment in time. For example, if you phone someone up on their mobile phone, you might say to them: “What are you doing?” In that question you are enquiring about exactly what their actions are at that specific moment. They might reply “I’m cleaning the kitchen” or “I’m having a drink with a friend”. In the context, the use of the gerund or present participle is exactly the same as it is in English. So, to create the same meaning we need the equivalent of “I am” and “you are” etc. and for this we use the verb estar. Here is the verb estar in its different forms.
Now we can simply combine the appropriate form of estar with the gerund of our verb to make a meaningful sentence, referring to actions in the present moment. Here’s what I’m doing now.
Estoy (I am), Estás (you are – familiar singular) Está (he is, she is, it is, you are – formal singular) Estamos (we are) Estáis (you are – informal plural) Están (they are, you are – formal plural)
Now you have some fairly obvious homework – at any moment you can think about how to say in Spanish what you and the people round you are doing!
gerund
Estoy escribiendo un artículo. Estoy tomando un té. Estoy escuchando la lluvia. Estoy pensando. ¿Qué estás haciendo? What are you doing? Now here is what my friends and family are doing (I assume, although I haven’t phoned them to find out). Mi madre está haciendo las compras. Mi gata está comiendo. Mi hermana está trabajando. Mis hijas están estudiando.
Next week we will look at just a few irregular gerunds, but don’t worry, there aren’t many!
Estoy pensando
Estoy tomando un té
Mi madre está haciendo las compras
present participle
Trying to change the world JOHN GRISHAM’S newest legal thriller takes you inside a law firm that shouldn’t exist. Law students Mark, Todd and Zola wanted to change the world - to make it a better place. But these days these three disillusioned friends spend a lot of time hanging out in The Rooster Bar, the place where Todd serves drinks. As third-year students, they realise they have been duped. They all borrowed heavily to attend a law school so mediocre that its graduates rarely pass the bar exam, let alone get good jobs. And when they learn that their school is one of a chain owned by a shady New York hedge-fund operator who also happens to own a bank specialising in student loans, the three realise they have been caught up in The Great Law School Scam. So they begin plotting a way out. Maybe there’s a way to escape their crushing debt, expose the bank and the scam, and make a few bucks in the process. But to do so, they have to leave law school; pretend they are qualified and go into battle with a billionaire and the FBI...
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34
health Acne – not just for spotty teens IT IS a misconception that acne is solely a condition of adolescence. Although it’s true that severe acne past the age of 45 is very rare, mild to moderate acne can either continue past the adolescent years (called persistent acne), or can appear suddenly in adulthood, even if the sufferer never experienced acne as a youth, called late onset acne. The general term adult acne applies to anyone over 25 with the condition. Bacterial Infection The skin’s hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum, which encourages the growth of bacteria. This leads to an excess of white cells being called to the site. The white cells secrete an enzyme, which damages the follicle walls, resulting in an inflamed pimple. Hormones In men, the sebaceous glands can become hyper sensitive to testosterone, leading to an excess production of sebum. While hormonal fluctuations are more typically thought of as a female problem, the androgens present in the male body can encourage oily skin and breakouts.
5 A Day IF YOUR life keeps you on the run – working late, travelling often, always busy – it might seem hard to make sure you eat enough fruit and vegetables. But by making a few easy changes, you can fit 5 A Day into even the busiest schedule.
The over 25s are still susceptible to acne in later life Stress While stress doesn’t cause acne, it can aggravate it. If you lead a stressful life, you’re more likely to sleep and eat poorly, which contributes to body toxins that have no way to escape except through the pores. In most cases, the stress didn’t cause the acne; rather, the acne caused the stress, which then just makes the acne worse. Poor Hygiene Formerly, the thinking was that the
skin should be scrubbed aggressively in order to thoroughly clean it, but this just isn’t true. Too much washing can irritate the skin, and may also by itself stimulate the glands to produce more oil, thus creating more blemishes. Drug Reactions Some drugs have been linked to increased acne breakouts, including anabolic steroids, epilepsy medications, isoniazid and rifampin (used in the treatment of tuberculosis), lithium, and drugs that have iodine in them.
When you eat out, it can be hard to know exactly how much, if any, fruit and vegetables are in your food. For example, fastfood meals often contain less fruit and vegetables (and more fat, sugar and salt) than the meals you'd cook for yourself. All that can mean trouble when it comes to getting your 5 A Day. But a few easy habits and a little planning ahead can help you increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat.
5 A Day at breakfast You could slice fruit over your cereal or just grab a banana before you leave the house. If your breakfast is scrambled eggs, add some grilled mushrooms or tomatoes. 5 A Day snacks Take apples, clementines, pears or satsumas to work to snack on. Or why not have some carrot or celery sticks with reduced-fat hummus? This requires a little forward planning. Think about what you want to take to work and buy it the next time you do your shopping. 5 A Day at lunch Can you add extra salad to your sandwich, roll or baguette? And have some fruit or a fresh, unsweetened 100% fruit juice for dessert.
35
health
on the go 5 A Day in a restaurant Can you order a starter, side vegetable or salad, or add an extra ingredient – to a pizza, for example – that will count as one portion? Check the menu for starters and sides, and don't be afraid to ask if the chef can add steamed vegetables to a dish or fruit to a pudding. Instead of ordering chips, ask for a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. 5 A Day when ordering a takeaway How can you add a portion to a takeaway? If you have a Chinese takeaway, for example, add stirfried vegetables. When ordering a pizza, ask for extra mushrooms on top to help towards your 5 A Day. If you're having a curry, order a vegetable side dish. Be aware that some vegetable dishes may be high in fat. Dishes that come in a tomato or vegetable-based sauce are usually lower in fat than cream or cheese-based sauces.
Steamed vegetables are normally lower in fat than fried vegetables. Most takeaways and other fast foods contain high levels of fat, salt and sugar, so only have them occasionally or in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. 5 A Day when eating out Why not order a salad filled with a variety of vegetables for your main course, and ask for either a lowerfat dressing or for the dressing to be on the side so you can add less? How will you add one portion of fruit and vegetables to food on the run? Make that question part of your daily routine and you'll soon hit your 5 A Day target.
Kitchen remedies for tired eyes 1. Cool cucumber Cucumbers contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help with redness, swelling and irritation. Use cool cucumber for extra tired eye relief. Place a cool slice on each eye and take a rest for 30 minutes. 2. Raw potato slices Try using sliced potatoes in place of cucumbers. They stay cool longer and contain an astringent that helps remove the water from under the eyes. You can also make a finely ground potato poultice by grating raw potato and placing it in a few layers of cheesecloth.
kim clark
benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disability benefits while living in Spain
For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com
The perfect winged eyeliner Step 1 Start by placing the tip of your eyeliner at the inner corner of your eye, along the lash line. Slowly swipe the liner to the outer corner of your eye. The more firmly you press down with your liner, the darker your wing will be. If you prefer a thicker wing, retrace your steps a couple of times. Step 2 To wing the liner out, angle your line towards the end of your eyebrow. You might have to gently tug the skin at your outer corner to draw a straight line. Most people stop at the crease of the eye, but you can draw your liner out as much as you like depending on how dramatic you want it to look. Step 3 Fill in your wing, thickening the curve as you go. Chances are you might mess up a time or two, so grab a cotton swab and start the wing over if you need to.
36
Puzzles Code Breaker
Mars is now in Scorpio, and the start of a hard working period begins. Truly you are being tested but when the tough get going they do not do things by halves. Not only do you get the satisfaction of a job done well, but this is an opening to further work on the horizon; and a wonderful chance to show to others what you are capable of too!
Word Pyramid
6
A friendship has escalated very nicely and it is good to be able to share your thoughts with somebody who can see things from your point of view. This may very well be the break that you have been waiting for, and the blessing you deserve in the light of your dedication to so bless others with your good fortune. You have much to give and some to share. You are feeling the need to make some big changes, but seem to be waiting for the best time to make a move. However when all is said and done you have to set the scene and make the action work all around you. If this is to be more than just pie in the sky then you have to start as you mean to continue and have a clear way ahead to launch your ideas! Mars brings timbre and dedication to make actions now more poignant than they ever were. You are gently being called into using your skills in a positive and inspiring way for the good of those who need what you have on offer right now. You are hardworking and thorough and the time is now, if you want to make changes that will have a rebound effect. The trine of Uranus sees Mercury opening up channels of communication which certainly weren’t closed by you. However you are the conduit that allows the right message through, and the bringer of change and opportunity into the bargain. Be strong and firm in your actions, since not everybody has your energy, wisdom and foresight. You have been putting things off as of late, and right now have to see things face on so that your wishes do not become a compromise. Taking control the way that you have had to in the past is irrelevant now, since somebody has moved the goalposts somewhat and so turn things around so that the ball is fairly and squarely in their court for a change. Mercury allows you the luxury of expression as you finally get to have your say. You are merely telling things the way that they are, and if that reality causes upset it will show you to what ends others will go to turn a blind eye over what is really going on right now. Keep it simple and be frank, because you have absolutely nothing to lose right now. : Neptune faces up to Venus and brings a consumate blessing into proceedings you attend. This is the very best of times to attend a workshop or a seminar, to enlighten you and broaden your mind. You will find that those people who find you this week are those who really do need your expertise and your loving, tender and sensitive way of loving.
P
T E
R
Word Wheel There is 1x9 letter word and 305 others! Make as many 3 or more letter words as you can using any letter combination just once and you must use the central letter in every word!
There may be two sides to every tale, but what you have been told may be discarded just like a pinch of salt. Though it is hard to have to take sides right now, you know very well where your loyalties lie, and this takes you closer to a truth which should shortly have to be told. Someone is going to be hurt in the process, but what option is there?
The tri working phases of Sun energies see action with Ceres, Kora and a conjunction with Mercury, to boot. This is a time for contemplation, and getting things right, rather than rushing in just where fools fear to tread. Steering is needed to take your message straight to the top, but be sure that you leave no stone unturned in light of full investigation!
S
Start at a letter and spell out a 10-letter word by moving to adjacent letters. Each letter will be used at least once, but no letter will be used twice in a row.
Squaring on Neptune, your planetary leader Venus is quick to bring up any unfinished business this week. You cannot be expected to just hold back on what has to be said, but getting the run around just now is a surety that your suspicions, above all, are warranted and that there is much more than meets the eye around a current pressing situation.
With the Moon in Virgo there comes a resonance into the sheer working possibilities of what comes next. This is a time to make plans rather than to just wait and see, though with so much going on this may seem very tempting. Quality is the benchmark that you need to work alongside of this week, and then nothing else should tempt you away.
I
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 10 represents P and 14 represents Q. 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.
Kenny’s Postbag Kenny, my sister finally lost her battle withc and passed to Spirit last month. The family have taken it so very badly that I find that even my spirituality is being tested. What can I do? Everyone is looking me for answers and I feel so empty. Helen G. Helen I am so sorry that your sister lost the fight finally. Whilst she was strong in her fighting cancer, now the family have to be strong too, for her. I doubt that your sister would like to look down and see that her death brought devastation in the family. She would surely want you all to be happy that she is free of pain and would want to see that you are, all of you, getting on with life and whatever it brings you. I know it isn't easy to lose somebody you love so much, but smile at each happy memory you have of your sister and be happy for them. Death is not the end of anything, but it is the great beginning!
For Birthday Celebrants You need to use all your many powers and put them to
good use. The Universe is tying a knot with self help and bids you to learn much more about the inner you. The
astrological year ahead will bless you as a result bringing positive changes wherever necessary.
WORD fit
Using just logic, can you make all the words fit correctly into the grid?
3 LETTERS ACE ALB AND HUT IDA LED LIT NAB NEE PER 4 LETTERS ALBA ALEC ALOE ANNE ARGO ARID
ARTY BASE BASS BLAT BOSE CAGE CARR CHAP DATE EARN EDNA EMIL EVEN GLEN GRIN HALE IRIS KLAN
LARK LASE LEAN MILE NOSE OLAV ORAL PALE RAMO RARE RIGA ROSE SEEN SERA SIAN STAN TRAG UREA
5 LETTERS AFIRE ANKLE ATONE CARET CATER EAGER EDITH ENOCH FACET HOARD HORSE IRATE LARES LILAC LUGER MATEO SAUCE
SHALE STEEN SUSIE UTTER 7 LETTERS PROTECT ROEBUCK SYNAPSE 8 LETTERS ABETTING AIRPLANE 9LETTERS BERENICES FORGETFUL
More Puzzles
Cryptic
ACROSS 7 Try my routes out - for people who don’t know where they are going? (7,4) 8 Characteristic of cap set askew (6) 9 No huge assortment is sufficient (6) 10 Stick one’s oar in as gong is heard (6) 12 Some of the stuffiest areas for a holiday abroad (6) 13 Health resort in Spain (3) 14 Craftsmen getting on in service (6) 16 Centre redevelopment not long ago (6) 18 Ariel’s new land (6) 20 Intense dislike of headgear that’s brightly coloured? (6) 22 A bird from Florence? (11) DOWN 1 Little devils at one mile per second! (4) 2 Rise for dances awkwardly (6) 3 Sauce ruined presents (8) 4 Old stringed instrument from hilly region (4) 5 Gloomy doctor got up (6) 6 Clever, getting on in seaside resort (8) 11 Lean pigs mucked up, seen in passing (8) 12 Distant object is an old coin (8) 15 Go near nuts or fruit (6) 17 A yacht going astray in China (6) 19 Many things sold at auction (4) 21 Always entertained by Guinevere (4)
Soduku
Quick
Futoshiki
The purpose of the game is to discover the digits hidden inside the board’s cells; each cell is filled with a digit between 1 and 6. On each row and column each digit appears exactly once; therefore, when revealed, the digits of the board form a so-called Latin square. The board may also contain some inequalities between the board cells; these inequalities must be respected and can be used as clues in order to discover the remaining hidden digits. ie > is greater than and < is less than.
37
Fill the grid so every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9
Quiz 1 A staggered junction or golf hole (basically ‘ahead-sideways-ahead’) is called a ‘(What?)-Leg’: Cat; Dog; Frog; or Broken? 2 Formed 1950 and dissolved 1990, the Stasi was the secret police of: USSR (Soviet Union); East Germany; Australia; or Scotland? 3 Sepals and Tepals are decorative protective elements of many old: Churches; Sailing ships; Rifles; or Flowers? 4 The porbeagle is a: Vulture; Shark; Monkey; or Dog? 5 What human organ makes four new words when prefixing Head, Diver, Flint and Tight? 6 Aurizon, VicTrack, Brookfield and John Holland are/were major railway operators of: Canada; Australia; India; or USA? 7 A plantar wart or myrmecia is better known as a: Beauty spot; Blood blister; Veruca; or Mole? 8 The ancient pre-scientific system of classifying all universal matter as Water/ Air/Fire/Earth/Aether is called the Classical: Constituents; Elements; Energies; or Isotopes? 9 The famous USA electronics brand, alluding to its 1921 wireless origins, which collapsed in 2015 is: RadioShack; TunerRoom; TransistorHub; or AerialWarehouse? 10 The Fountain of Neptune, Bologna, Italy, inspired which famous sports car logo: Ferrari; Lamborghini; Maserati; or Alfa Romeo?
ACROSS 1 Waggish (4) 3 Loyal (8) 9 At ease (7) 10 Domain (5) 11 Dry Spanish wine (5) 12 Receding (6) 14 More corpulent (6) 16 Stableman at an inn (6) 19 Remember (6) 21 Labyrinths (5) 24 Minimum (5) 25 Quiver (7) 26 Seductive (8) 27 Homer Simpson’s son (4)
DOWN 1 Planes (8) 2 String quartet member (5) 4 Patron saint of Scotland (6) 5 Pulsate (5) 6 Face-cloth (7) 7 Floppy (4) 8 Breathe out (6) 13 Outlook (8) 15 Elation (anagram) (7) 17 Boil slowly (6) 18 Protein present in wheat (6) 20 Later on (5) 22 Striped animal (5) 23 Supplication (4)
Last Weeks Solutions on page 42
38
24 feb - 2 march 2017
food & drink
Christmas chutneys – how to Chutneys are fantastic presents because they really improve with age and go brilliantly with Christmas cheeses and cold meats.
Chorizo jam
Ingredients 500g cooking chorizo, diced 1 large white onion, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 85g light muscovado sugar 3 tbsp Sherry or red wine vinegar 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 shot of espresso coffee or 100ml/4fl oz strong black coffee
Apple and cranberry chutney Ingredients 1kg cooking apples, peeled and chopped into small chunks 500g eating apple, peeled and chopped into large chunks 450g onion, sliced 50g fresh root ginger, finely chopped 1 tsp peppercorns 500g granulated sugar 250ml cider vinegar 500g cranberry Method • Place all ingredients except cranberries in a large heavy-based saucepan, then gently heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 50 mins, stirring regularly until the apples and onions are tender, the mixture has thickened and no watery juice remains. • Add the cranberries, then cook for a further 10 mins or so until just softened but not burst. • Spoon the hot chutney into sterilised jars and seal (see instructions below). Store unopened in a cool, dark place. The chutney will keep for up to 6 months. Chill on opening.
Method • Fry the chorizo in a large saucepan for about 5 mins until golden and crispy at the edges. Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate, leaving the oil that has been released in the pan. • Turn the heat down low and gently cook the onion in the chorizo oil for 15-20 mins or until very soft and starting to brown. Stir in the garlic, muscovado sugar, Sherry, maple syrup, espresso and chorizo. • Cook slowly for 35-40 mins, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy. Turn off the heat, leave to cool a little, then tip everything into a food processor. Pulse briefly to chop everything up into really small pieces, then leave the mixture to cool before packing it into 2 sterilised jam jars. Will keep for up to 1 month.
Pineapple chutney Ingredients 2 tbsp sunflower oil 3 red onions, finely chopped 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds 1 tbsp black onion seeds (kalonji or nigella) 1 tsp turmeric 2 pineapples, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks 1 red chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped thumb-sized piece ginger, finely chopped 250g soft light brown sugar 175ml cider vinegar
Method • Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan. Tip in the onions and spices and cook for 5 mins until fragrant. add the rest of the ingredients plus 1 tsp salt and simmer for 1 hr until dark golden and thick. Pour into sterilised jars and allow to cool before covering.
Mince pie baklava PREP: 30 MINS
COOK: 1 HR, 5 MINS
When a mince pie meets baklava, it’s a match made in Christmas heaven. Serve warm with ice cream for dessert, or cut into smaller bites to enjoy with coffee. Ingredients 1 x 411g jar mincemeat 100g pistachios, chopped 100g ground almonds 1 orange, zested 150g butter 2 x 270g packs of filo pastry For the syrup 150g granulated sugar 2 tbsp Grand Marnier or brandy Method 1. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.
SERVES: 16
Mix the mincemeat with the pistachios, almonds, orange zest and a good pinch of salt, then set aside. Melt the butter, then use a little to brush the bottom and sides of a 20 x 30cm baking tin. Cut the sheets of filo so they’re the same size as the tin, then cover with a damp tea towel to stop them from drying out. 2. Press one sheet of filo pastry into the tin and brush with the melted butter. Continue to layer the pastry in this way until you have used up one pack of pastry (around 10 sheets). Evenly spread the mincemeat mixture over. Top with the remaining pastry, continuing to brush the layers with melted butter as you go. Brush the final layer generously with melted butter. Using a very sharp knife, cut deep, diagonal lines
all the way through the pastry to form a diamond pattern. Bake in the oven for 1 hr until golden. 3. Meanwhile, make the syrup. Put the sugar and 75ml water into a saucepan, and cook over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer until the syrup is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the Grand Marnier or brandy. Once the baklava has baked, remove from the oven and increase the temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Pour the syrup over the baklava, then
return it to the oven for 5 mins or until the syrup has been absorbed. Leave to cool completely in the tin, then slice into pieces along the diagonal lines. Will keep for up to one week in an airtight container.
24 feb - 2 march 2017
39
food & drink
Roasted cauliflower and aubergine Christmas curry Ingredients 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds 1 teaspoon chilli flakes 1 medium cauliflower Groundnut oil 15cm piece of ginger 9 cloves of garlic 20 finger aubergines 3 medium onions 2-3 fresh green chillies 1 kg ripe tomatoes 1 cinnamon stick 150 g cashews 100 g coconut shavings 1 pomegranate SPICE BLEND 1 teaspoon cardamom pods 2 teaspoons turmeric powder 3 dried Kashmiri red chillies 7 cloves 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
INDIAN TEMPEH 3 cloves of garlic 1 small handful of fresh curry leaves 1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. 2. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the fennel and coriander seeds, and chilli flakes until fine. 3. Place the cauliflower on a sheet of tin foil, rub in half of the ground spices and 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with sea salt and black pepper. 4. Wrap the cauliflower in the foil, pop it on a roasting tray and bake for 30 minutes, or until tender, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to give it a gnarly crust. Remove and set aside. 5. Peel and finely grate the ginger and 6 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, combine twothirds of the ginger, the grated garlic and the remaining half of the spice mixture. 6. Make an incision in each aubergine with a small sharp knife, then rub the ginger
Sweet potato and kale crisps with garlicky dip Bake up some bulk batches of these super easy sweet potato crisps for party goers to nibble on and pair with our addictive and creamy garlic dip. Ingredients 2 medium sweet potatoes 3 tbsp olive oil 100g curly kale 2 tbsp dukkah spice mix For the dip 200ml Greek yogurt 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp sumac ½ garlic clove, crushed Method • Heat oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Keep the peel on the sweet potatoes and thinly slice lengthways on a mandolin or with a sharp knife, to
about 0.25cm thickness. Toss them in a bowl with 1 /2 tbsp olive oil, coating them on all sides, then tip onto a large baking tray (or divide between two trays) lined with baking parchment. • Chop the kale into large pieces. Rub well with the remaining oil in the same bowl you used for the sweet potato. Tip onto another large baking tray and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of the dukkah spice mix. Bake the potatoes and kale for 20 mins, then remove the kale. Bake the sweet potatoes for another 30 mins. Sprinkle both with salt and put on a large serving plate. Best eaten on the day. • In a small bowl, mix all the dip ingredients with some seasoning and the remaining dukkah, then chill until ready to serve. Can be made a day ahead.
mixture into each one, along with a drizzle of oil. 7. Place the aubergines in a small roasting tray and cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until softened and starting to split. Set aside. 8. Make your spice blend. Split the cardamom pods, add the seeds to a mortar with all the other ingredients, then grind well. 9. Peel and finely chop the onions, then deseed and roughly chop the chillies and tomatoes, keeping them separate. Peel and finely slice the remaining 3 cloves of garlic. 10. Place a large pan over a medium heat and toast the ground spices for 1 minute, or until aromatic. 11. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oil, followed by the onions, green chillies, sliced garlic, and the remaining ginger. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the onion and garlic are softened and coloured. 12. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon stick and 200ml of water and let it simmer over a low
heat for 30 minutes. 13. In a blender, blitz the cashews with 4 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth paste, then stir this into your curry. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thick and fragrant. 14. For the tempeh, peel and finely slice the garlic, then add to a frying pan over a medium heat with a splash of oil, the curry leaves and mustard seeds. 15. Fry for 1 minute, or until crisp, then drain on kitchen paper. 16. Chop the roasted cauliflower into florets and stir into the curry along with the aubergines. 17. Top the curry with the tempeh and shaved coconut. Halve the pomegranate and bash it, cut side down, with a wooden spoon so the seeds come tumbling out. Scatter the seeds over the curry, then serve with chapatis on the side.
40
home & garden
How to care for a Christmas poinsettia The poinsettia (or Mexican Flame Tree or Christmas Star, as it is also known) is synonymous with the festive season but keeping the plant alive long enough to see Christmas Day can be a challenge.
sap that is irritating to the tissues of the mouth and esophagus. If the leaves are ingested they can cause nausea and vomiting, but it would take a large amount of the plant’s material to actually cause significant poisoning.
How do you keep a Poinsettia healthy? Buy your poinsettia from a garden centre or reputable store. Do not buy from outside shops or stalls as lower temperatures on display will reduce the shelf life of the plant. Inspect the plant carefully before buying; poinsettia are tender plants and will not last if they stand in the cold for any length of time. If possible, check your poinsettia’s compost before buying. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry. Dense foliage and yellow-green budding flowers in-between the coloured bracts are a sure sign of quality. Protect your poinsettia from the wind and cold and transport it quickly to its warm new home. Keep it in a bright, warm spot (around 20° C). It can be close to a radiator, but not in direct sunlight or near draughts – so keep away from open doors, windows and fireplaces. Be careful not to overwater it by leaving a pool of water in the bottom of the pot it’s sitting in. Water only when the compost is starting to change colour and become lighter. To use poinsettias as fresh flowers in a vase, cut the bracts, dip the cut end in warm (60 degrees) water for five seconds, then immediately in cold water, and you’re ready to arrange.
How do you revive a Poinsettia? Remove the dead leaves from the pot, and continue to remove any leaves that fall off. If the stems of the plant have started to rot, cut them back far enough so that you can remove the dead parts. Place the poinsettia near a bright, south-facing window. Poinsettias are tropical plants that benefit from plenty of light. Monitor how much you are watering your poinsettia. The plant should be moist rather than soggy. How much water you will need will depend on the temperature and humidity level. When in doubt, skip the water. Fertilise the poinsettia once a month after you’ve pruned it. As a rule of thumb, a poinsettia will require 1 or 2 tablespoons of fertiliser. Cover your poinsettia plant every night or move it to a dark cupboard overnight. For it to bloom again, a poinsettia requires 14 hours of complete darkness every night. Continue to cover your plant until the buds start to appear again.
Are Poinsettia plants poisonous to pets? The poinsettia plant’s brightly coloured leaves contain a
How long do Poinsettias last? It will depend on how well you follow the tips above, but on average a well-cared for poinsettia should last 4-6 weeks until the flowers start to fall off. Remember, poinsettias like the warmth of centrally heated
homes but they should be kept away from direct heat, as well as from drafty windows and doors. Will the poinsettia be part of your Christmas decorating scheme this year?
3 reasons why gardening is the therapy for you 1. Soil is an antidepressant Soil has been found to have similar effects on the brain as antidepressants to lift mood. A study by the University of Bristol and colleagues at University College London looked at how mice exposed to ‘friendly’ bacteria normally found in soil, altered their behaviour in a similar way to that produced by an antidepressant. When the team looked closely at the brains of mice, they found treatment with the bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae activated a group of neurons that produce the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood. Gardeners inhale the bacteria and have physical contact with it. The natural effects of the soil bacteria can be felt for up to three weeks, if the experiments with rats are any indication. 2. It boosts brain health Gardening exercises your mind as well as
your body. It utilises several our brain functions and includes learning, problem solving and sensory awareness, keeping our minds active. Several studies have shown the benefits of therapeutic gardens for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The charity Thrive uses gardening to help people with a range of mental health problems, including soldiers experiencing posttraumatic stress. Its recent research with early-onset dementia patients showed that, over a year, participants’ memory and concentration remained unchanged, but that mood and sociability improved. 3. It incorporates mindfulness You might feel too busy for mindfulness, but research shows it can have a huge impact on your stress levels, helping to stave off anxiety, slash depression risk, boost productivity and ease insomnia. Hilda Burke, psychotherapist, says that gardening is an activity that seems to help a lot of people get into a ‘flow’ state. This means that you don’t notice the time passing, aren’t simultaneously thinking over other things, making plans or rehashing the past. As such it helps people both to switch off to other stuff and switch on to the present moment. In other words, to be more mindful.
41
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J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 ALL types of construction services, reforms, reconstruction: kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, tiling, floors, plasterboard, bricklaying, plumbing & facades. Reasonable Prices. Torrevieja & surrounding areas. Call 672 929 913 any time CARAVANS FOR SALE WE BUY, sell & transport all makes of static caravans 630 055 418 Elsyd7@hotmail.com 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 11.00 am Services are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month (and 11.00 am on the 5th Sunday, if this applies.) On the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s our Services are at 9.30 am. Our choir sings at our 11.00 am Services and there is also a Sunday
School, called Stepping Stones, on these Sundays. We welcome residents, visitors and children. For more information see our website www. lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org or telephone Pastor Keith on 666 180 108. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323) Alcoholics anonymous Our meetings currently are held on Wednesday evenings in Cañada de Gallego, near Mazarrón. From next week (w/c 3rd September) they will be moving to Thursday evenings. So the first Thursday meeting will be on 7th September at 5.30pm. Meetings are one hour. Your readers (visitors or others who think they may have a problem with alcohol) can obtain details by calling our helpline on 646 290 420. 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.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Orihuela Costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. The branch meets at Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras on 3rd Thursday of each month at 19.00 - 19.30pm. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188 CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: Sylvia 633 306 035 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. stroke Association Spain formally torrevieja stroke support. Meets each Wednesday and Friday 14.30 till 17.00. Casa de cultura Benijofar. Our aim is to support and rehabilitate stroke survivors and their carers. Speech Therapy and physiotherapy. Carers meetings etc more info please contact Suzanne 654 801 260. strokesupportgroup@hotmail. com Donations for our car boot appreciated. THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets First Monday of the month 18:00 at “La Taberna next to Monte & Mar Restaurant & Bowls Club, Plaza Mayor (MASA Square) Gran Alacant. granalacant.secretary@gmail. com CHIMNEY SWEEP PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP. Family Business established over 60 years. 660 478 881
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Last week’s puzzle answers (Issue 945)
Wordwheel Solution aal ada aid ail ain air ala ale ana and ane
ani ara are dal dan ear era lad lar lea nae
nan rad rai ran ria aide airn alae alan alar anal
anil anna area aria arid aril dale dane dare darn deal
dean dear dial earl earn elan idea ilea iran lade laid
lain lair land lane lard lari larn lead lean lear liar
lira naan nada nail nala nana nard near raia raid rail
rain rale rand rani read real rial aider ailed aired aland
alane alder alien aline anear anile annal areal arena arian ariel
deair denar diana dinar drail drain elain eland ideal inane irade
laari laden lader ladin laird lanai learn liana liane liard lidar
nadir naiad naira naled nidal ranid redan redia renal aerial alanin
aldine aldrin alined aliner andean anneal ariled daniel darnel delian denari
denial derail dialer inaner inland laired lander lanner larine linear nailed
nailer narial narine radial radian railed rained randan realia redial relaid
reland renail adrenal airland alanine annelid araneid ireland laniard lindane nadiral
nardine
Word Pyramid UNDETECTED
radiale adlerian inlander adrenalin
Codebreaker Solution
Cryptic Solution
Quick Solution
Soduku Solution
Quiz solutions 1 Curved Sword 2 Geometric shape 3 Eye 4 Seth 5 Ladybird / Ladybugs 6 Human body scans 7 Elevator 8 1 (one) 9 Home alone 10 Day
43
259519
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44
motoring
All-electric Renault Zoe takes top award THE game-changing range of the all-electric Renault ZOE has contributed to the stylish city car being voted the ‘Best Small Company Car’ at the Carbuyer Awards 2018, which were held at a ceremony in London. The award recognises that the Renault ZOE, with its ultra-low running costs, impressive range of up to 250 miles (NEDC), represents an unbeatable proposition for business users searching for a compact car that will be both exceptionally efficient and usable. On the decision to award the highly-coveted ‘Best Small Company Car’ award to the Renault ZOE, Stuart Milne, Editor, Carbuyer, said: “The Renault ZOE packs plenty into a very small package. It's good to drive, comfortable and more spacious than you'd ever think possible. Thanks to its electric power, it sits in the lowest nine per cent BIK band, but what really seals the deal is its range. The standard car can travel up to 149 miles on a charge, but ZOE Z.E.40 versions are capable of an impressive 250 miles.” The Renault ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in a choice of three trim levels and with two battery options. Despite its affordability, the entry level Expression Nav comes with a high level of standard specification, including items such as climate control and the 7-inch touch screen R-Link 2 infotainment system with sat nav. In Dynamique Nav, features include hands free keycard, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim provides buyers with features including supple leather upholstery, a seven
speaker BOSE audio system, heated front seats and a rear parking camera. ZOE is the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe and more than 4,500 ZOE have been sold since launching in the UK in 2013. ZOE is one of three models in Renault’s diverse electric vehicle range which also includes the Twizy quadricycle, the Kangoo Van Z.E. and the forthcoming Master Z.E. large panel van.
2015 SEAT IBIZA 1.2i ADVANCE 5-door one owner from New 56,000kms metallic blue AUX plug in tyre pressure sensors etc 2015 FORD FIESTA 1.25 TREND PLUS 5-door Silver paint USB Climate control Multi function steering wheel 34,000kms 2015 FIAT 500 1.2 LOUNGE air-con, CD/radio with USB & Aux plug-in, city steering, 65,000kms. Like New with Sport interior 2015 MITSUBISHI SPACESTAR 1.0 Bluedrive with cd radio 5-door Aircon finished in red metallic perfect holiday home Car 2015 TOYOTA YARIS 1.0i VVTi CONNECT plus 40,000 KMS full of extras including USB plug in like new and very economical 2014 CITROEN DS4 STYLE PLUS 1.6i with Park assist, Auto lights/wipers Climate Cruise ONLY 3000kms. NEW PRICE 23.449€ 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2.0 AUTOMATIC in Cherry red paintwork 28,000kms like new condition A/C 6 CD 2013 FIAT PANDA 1.2 LOUNGE 5-door Beige paintwork 62,000kms electric windows Aircon great little holiday home car. 2011 CITROEN NC4 1.6i VTi 120hp COLLECTION Black paintwork One owner full history Auto lights/wipers 46,000kms. 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO 4.8 Twin Turbo full Porsche options Service history 63,000kms 8-speed Automatic. 2010 NISSAN QASHQAI TEKNA 1.5DCi 110bhp 6-speed gearbox unmarked gunmetal paintwork 104,000KMS easy access. 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5 WRX TYPE UK270 lots of new parts with new engine rebuild superb 4x4 limited edition. 2003 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE finished in Gleaming black coach work. Very clean motorcar ready for summer 1999 FORD MUSTANG 3.8L V6 AUTOMATIC 35th anniversary edition, Crystal white paint work with special 19” alloys 1997 CHEVROLET CAMERO 3.8V6 finished in arctic white paintwork with 18”alloys Targa top !! 1994 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi ACROPOLIS edition, no 20 of 100 hand-built cars, 68,000miles. Was14,995€
8,800€ 9,500€ 8,995€ 7,995€ SOLD 15,995€ 10,500€ 6,800€ 8,995€ 59,995€ 9,995€ 9,995€ 10,995€ 7,995€ 6,500€ 12,995€
motoring
Design is becoming more thought provoking I notice this as I admire the new Fiat Tipo station wagon, parked on my driveway. There’s barely a straight panel on it and that’s nothing to do with my driving! This has led me to cast my mind back to vehicles of the past. It seems that curves started to become fashionable in the ‘60s on the likes of the E-type Jaguar but many cars of that period were still boxy and this was the case right through to the ‘80s, even the ‘90s where straight lines still prevailed on the likes of the Vauxhall Cavalier. Of course this is a very general perception and there were exceptions to the rule such as TVR and the more specialist manufacturers. Over the next 20 years those straight lines were gradually rounded off, think of the Ford Granada and Vauxhall Omega. But we now live in a different era, one where manufacturers have gone back to the drawing board and created something that combines both straight lines and curves. The Fiat Tipo is a good example of this. The front wheel arches are a tasteful blend of slightly boxy curvaceousness which joins up with the equally well crafted bonnet. It looks chunkier from the side than head on. And it’s a good effect. This is offset by the two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels. Such a visual feast is a surprise from Fiat which has raised its game of late. The build quality is improved too when compared to Fiats of the past. Like a good recipe,
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Tim Saunders Motoring journalist www.testdrives.biz
sprinkled with the right amount of herbs and garnishes, the designers have done a Gordon Ramsay, successfully giving the Tipo station wagon a special personality. And it has more than 500 litres load carrying capacity making it attractive as both a family car and a business proposition. “Is the bumper meant to be like that?” I ask the delivery driver pointing at the rear section which seems to jut out as if it has been forcibly pulled out of place. “Oh yes,” he chuckles. It’s as if the fabricating machine has gone too far. Fiat, which is the world’s seventh largest car maker, also owns one of America’s most well-known car manufacturers, Chrysler. So the big American front grille on the Tipo estate, which is very much of our time, is no surprise and helps this Italian cut a strong presence on the road. The boot is not so successful, looking weaker than the front in my opinion. And the back side panels have a hint of the Honda Accord estate about them. A generous smattering of chrome is both successful and appreciated by me. There’s a comfortable driving position, although the seat fabric seems a little thin as I feel my
young son’s foot in the base of my back. It feels a sporty car and the diesel unit coupled to a six speed manual gearbox - can have a surprising sense of urgency, if required. But seemingly not enough oomph for the impatient Ford Focus behind me as I overtake a slow moving lorry. It is quite surprising to find that the Focus is quite a bit quicker. So I gracefully pull over and let the topless baseball hat clad youth pass. The air conditioning is always a welcome sign on a warm summer’s day especially when the pollen count is high. As a sufferer, the air conditioning purifies the air, removing any irritating pollen. It’s very effective.
Facts at a glance
Model Tested: Fia t Tipo Station Wagon 1.6 -litre diesel Price From: €20,4 00 Top speed: 200 Km /h 0-100km/h: 8.6 se cs Engine power: 12 0CV Economy: up to 3.3 l/100 km Watch the video at www.testdrives.b iz
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sport Russian Olympic hopefuls San Javier Golf Society need to prove they’re ‘clean’ braves a cold start THE San Javier Golf Society Individual Stableford Qualifier Christmas competition was held on Monday, and the 30 plus golfers that turned out on a bitterly cold morning included one brave – some would say foolish – player who arrived wearing shorts. It was Steve Branston, although it was the others that got into a pickle when they were suffering during the back nine as the temperatures rose into the mid 20’s The Lo Romero Golf Course is one of the best courses in Murcia and although it’s a tough test for the golfers, it’s always an enjoyable experience to play there. On this occasion, the day was enhanced by those that had donated some extra prizes to add to the festive spirit such as mince pies, chocolates and some wine. The winners on the day were: Division One: 1st – Paul Newman (35 points), 2nd – Ian Price (34) and 3rd – Frank Murphy (34). Division Two: 1st – Congratulations and well done to new member Peter Ashton (36), 2nd – Steve Barlow (32) and 3rd – Clyde Sandry (32). Division Three: 1st – Jeff Belt (35), 2nd – Jo Murphy (32) and 3rd – John Hillier (28) Nearest the Pins were won by Simon
Speak, Clyde Sandry, Frank Murphy and Paul Matthews; the Gross 2 (for €50) was won by Ty Willams. The next game is the team ‘Traffic Lights’ competition at La Serena on Wednesday December 20 with a tee-off time of 9.50am; full details will be e-mailed to all members and payday will be on Saturday December 16 in the La Serena Club House bar area between 11am and 12 noon. For further information on the society, to play as a guest, or to join as a member, please phone Barry Beale on 649 245 889 or look at the website at www.sanjaviergolfsociety.co.uk and Facebook page at www. facebook.com/sanjaviergolfsociety
CAPTAIN’S INNINGS: Joe Root fell in the third over of a disappointing last morning’s play Photo credit: Twitter
BAN: IOC President Thomas Bach (left) announcing ‘unprecedented’ punishment. Photo credit: Twitter
THE INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee has banned the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) from participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, opting to allow clean athletes to participate under the Olympic flag. The ROC has been suspended “with immediate effect,” and there will be no accreditation for any members of the Russian Ministry of Sport. Dmitry Chernyshenko, a member of the Coordination Commission Beijing 2022, and IOC member Alexander Zhukov have been removed
from their posts. Any Russian athletes that wish to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics will have to be invited by a panel and will compete under the Olympic flag. Announcing the decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement: “This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport. The IOC EB, after following due process, has issued proportional sanctions for this systemic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes. This should draw a line under this damaging
episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system led by the World Anti Doping Agency. “As an athlete myself, I feel very sorry for all the clean athletes from all NOCs who are suffering from this manipulation. Working with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, we will now look for opportunities to make up for the moments they have missed on the finish line or on the podium.” This punishment is unprecedented, and some Russian officials have called for a complete boycott of the event.
Cadena Sunrise 10 pin league Bowling Results 29 NOVEMBER 2017 (WEEK 9) RESULT Sol Amigos 2 - 6 Sunrise Colegas 2 - 6 999s 8 - 0 ALLEY CATS 2 - 6 S***T HAPPENS 2 - 6 ALLEY GATORS 0 - 8
GI GI’S HOOKERS STRIKE FORCE THE PHANTOMS PIN PUSHERS PIN PALS THE BANDITS
THIS WEEK´S TOP PERFORMERS
Ashes chances blown away in minutes THE SECOND Test had been in the balance when play resumed at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday morning, with England captain Joe Root still in the middle and his side having six wickets up its sleeve with 178 further runs required to complete a record-breaking run chase of 354. However, the tourists capitulated and could score only 57 more runs before being quickly bowled out for 233, and Australia sealing a 120-run victory to take a 2-0 lead in the five
match series. “We always had the faith in the team and the belief. We thought if we could come out and bowl really well, then things can happen quickly,” said Australian captain Steve Smith. Australia began the day knowing that they’d already used up their quota of reviewing umpiring decisions after surrendering both on the fourth night but their nerves were settled as Josh Hazlewood struck with the second ball of the day and then landed the crucial
blow, removing Root in his next over. Root had not added to his overnight score of 67 when he edged the Aussie fast bowler to wicketkeeper Tim Paine. That key breakthrough arrived nine balls after Hazlewood had dismissed night-watchmen Chris Woakes for five with only the second ball of the day that had began with so many hopes for followers of England cricket. Not for the first time, it wasn’t to be.
HI/GAME HI/GAME+H/CAP HI/SERIES HI/SERIES+H/CAP
LADIES MAZ RUST MAZ RUST MAZ RUST MAZ RUST
190 230 483 603
GENTS CRAIG BELLAMY CRAIG BELLAMY TERRY CAPON CRAIG BELLAMY
Pos TEAM
PLD W D L TOTAL GMS AVE. HI-G HI-S PTS
1 S***T HAPPENS 27 23 0 13 18983 27 2 GI GI’S HOOKERS 27 23 0 13 18899 27 3 STRIKE FORCE 27 22 0 14 18652 27 4 SUNRISE COLEGAS 27 21 0 15 19001 27 5 999s 27 21 0 15 18039 27 6 PIN PALS 27 20 0 16 18528 27 7 SOL AMIGOS 27 19 0 17 18430 27 8 PIN PUSHERS 27 19 0 17 18153 27 9 THE BANDITS 27 18 0 18 18625 27 10 ALLEY GATORS 27 15 0 21 18406 27 11 ALLEY CATS 27 15 0 21 18305 27 12 THE PHANTOMS 27 0 0 36 14040 27
703 699 690 703 668 686 682 672 689 681 677 520
799 822 772 785 728 815 770 738 827 766 731 520
205 225 568 606
2208 2193 2228 2259 2053 2241 2187 2104 2245 2164 2130 1560
46 46 44 42 42 40 38 38 36 30 30 0
24 feb - 2 march 2017
sport
A former player, Tony Matthews is now the world’s most prolific author of football books with 150 published since 1975. He has also been a PE teacher, policeman, radio correspondent and is now a quiz-organiser and fund–raiser, for various charities.
Football The group draw for next year’s World Cup in Russia indicates that England and Spain should qualify for the knockout stage The eight groups are: (A) Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay (B) Iran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain (C) Australia, Denmark, France, Peru (D) Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria (E) Brazil, Costa Rica, Serbia, Switzerland (F) Germany, Mexico, South Korea, Sweden (G) Belgium, England, Panama, Tunisia (H) Colombia, Japan, Poland, Senegal
Rockets Golf Society Altorreal IT WAS a long trek down the Murcia motorway to this lovely golf course but well worth the journey. Considering the time of the year and after the long, hot summer it was in pretty good condition although many found the greens awkward and this affected the overall scoring. Nothing stopped the enjoyment of a great day’s golf. Gold category: 1st – Liam Foley (35 points), 2nd – Rod Smith (31) and 3rd – Arfer Williams (27). Silver category: 1st – Andy Stenning (29), 2nd – Paul Mutter (27) and 3rd – Geoff Wild (27) and after countback. Nearest the Pins - Andy Stenning, Liam Foley, Mick Hithersay, and Malcolm Anderson.
Longest Drive – Malcolm Anderson. Best Guest – ‘Red Card’ Dobson The next game is the final game of the year and is the Christmas bash. Venue is Vistabella on Tuesday December 12 with the first tee at 8.15am...players are asked to be there by 7.45am. On this occasion, the presentation of the prizes will be held at the Presentation Dinner & Dance at The Marina Bar, Calle Las Rosas, Torreta II on Thursday December 14. 7.30pm for 8pm. Anyone who would like to join the Society or simply wants a game of gold when they’re on holiday should give Ron a call on 678 849 142 or e-mail: sanmigron@gmail.com
Russia 2018 World Cup groups The draw for the next world cup in Russia has taken place and the final groups are now confirmed. The opening game on 14th June will see hosts Russia against Saudi Arabia. Spain and Portugal will also meet in next years games after being drawn in the same group.
“It’s a big rivalry and it will be like a derby,” Portugal and West Ham defender Jose Fonte told reporters “It will be fantastic. Everyone will be up for it.” The current champions Germany are in Group F with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. England were drawn in group G with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia.
Group A Russia Saudi Arabia Egypt Uruguay
Group B Portugal Spain Morocco IR Iran
Group C France Australia Peru Denmark
Group D Argentina Iceland Croatia Nigeria
Group E Brazil Switzerland Costa Rica Serbia
Group F Germany Mexico Sweden Korea Republic
Group G Belgium Panama Tunisia England
Group H Poland Senegal Columbia Japan
The opening game is Russia v Saudi Arabia on 14 June 2018; Spain meet Portugal 24 hours later and it’s England v Tunisia on 18 June. The top two from each group will enter the last 16, with the final taking place on 15 July. After recent results, Manchester City, 2-1 winners over lowly West Ham, lead the Premiership by eight points. This was City’s 14th successive PL win – a record. In a brilliant match at The Emirates, Manchester United (2nd) had Paul Pogba sent-off in a 3-1 win over Arsenal (5th); Chelsea (3rd) beat Newcastle 3-1; Liverpool (4th) won 5-1 at Brighton and Spurs (6th) drew 1-1 at Watford. Wolves (after winning 1-0 at Birmingham) lead Cardiff by four points at the top of the Championship while struggling Sunderland, beaten by Reading, haven’t won in 21 homes games. SPL top-dogs Celtic, now unbeaten in 67 domestic games, battered Motherwell 5-1. La Liga leaders Barcelona are well clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid who had Sergio Ramos sent-off for a record 19th time in their 0-0 draw with Bilbao. The last 72 hours has seen action in two major European competitions with five English clubs set to make progress in the Champions and this weekend there are three Premiership derbies – the 109th West Ham-Chelsea meeting (Saturday) and the 175th Manchester clash at Old Trafford and the 229th Merseyside battle at Anfield (Sunday). The 3rd round FA Cup draw has produced some intriguing ties including Bournemouth-Fylde/Wigan, Coventry-Stoke, Fleetwood/Hereford-Leicester, Forest Green/Exeter-WBA, Fulham-Southampton, Liverpool-Everton, Manchester CityBurnley, Manchester United-Derby, Middlesbrough-Sunderland, Norwich-Chelsea, Nottingham Forest-Arsenal, Shrewsbury-West Ham, Spurs-AFC Wimbledon and Wolves-Swansea. Ties to be played on 5/6/7 January. General Round-up Australia beat unlucky England 6-0 in the Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane, while Wales defeated South Africa 24-22 in a ‘Union’ friendly in Cardiff. Exeter (40 points) lead the Aviva Premiership from Gloucester (32); Glasgow and Scarlets top the Pro12 sections A & B respectively. England needed 354 to beat Australia in the Second Test in Adelaide after Jimmy Anderson’s 5-43 had set up the target. Ben Stokes scored just two runs and was wicketless on his Canterbury debut in New Zealand and ex-Gloucestershire and England batsman Tom Graveney has died, aged 88. Reigning champion Mark Selby, Ken Doherty, Judd Trump and Neil Robertson crashed out of the UK Snooker Championship early doors; the final is at York’s Barbican on Sunday. Rickie Fowler won the Heroes Golf Championship in the Bahamas; GB’s Tommy Fleetwood was third while Tiger Woods had three good rounds and finished eighth. Alfie Hewett beat Gordon Reid in the all-British Wheelchair Tennis Masters final. Birmingham must wait to see if they’ll host the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 48 Russians have been banned from athletics for drug abuse. And GB Olympian Jade Jones has added the world Taekwondo Grand Prix title to her C.V. Did You Know? From 1998-2003 Wolfgang Wolf managed German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg.
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