RTN Newspaper - Costa Blanca South 15 - 21 December 2017 Issue 947

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15th-21st December 2017

Reporting The News

Rates of speeding are slowing down by Lynn Whittaker FIGURES released by the Ministry of Development indicate that the average speed on main roads – including those in and around Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela – have dropped by 1 per cent. It’s believed the slight, but significant drop, has been due to the increase in fines, radars and the amount of traffic on the roads and although there have been some exceptions the trend was widespread. A significant example of the reduction is the A-70 ring road in Alicante where vehicles were found to speed at 103kph – 0.9 per cent less than in 2015 – whereas

Issue 947

there was a decrease of 1.7 per cent on other roads to 87.6kph. It’s on these latter sections that there is a bigger concentration of traffic and two radars that monitor vehicles at the entrances to the San Juan tunnel. There were also drops of 0.9 per cent and 0.7 per cent in the speed adopted by light and heavy vehicles respectively on the N-332 between Alicante and Torrevieja. It recorded an average speed of 66.9kph for cars and 62.5kph for the trucks, which is surprising given the maximum permitted limit along the majority of the N-332 is 80kph. Radar controls in Santa Pola, Gran Alacant and Torrevieja are thought to be a significant deterrent.

Inside this week...

woman and son rescued from blaze

P4 checkpoint charlie police chase

P13 SLOW DOWN: Average speeds are reducing overall

murcia airport

passengers increase

P19

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Cleaner Costa for the summer season by Lynn Whittaker ORIHUELA City Council has announced the formation of a dedicated group of cleaners especially to clean up the Orihuela Costa on Sundays and fiesta days. Currently, the rubbish and cleaning service is carried out by the same workers that cover the entire area under the control of Orihuela – the city centre, the inland districts and the coastal zones – but with the increases in both the resident and tourist populations on the Orihuela Costa the service has proved to be insufficient. The new cleaning regime for the Orihuela Costa will begin at the start of the 2018 summer season to coincide with the influx of

tourists and it’s understood the extra cost will be around €36,000. It was also announced that the extra services will be extended throughout the municipality during the Christmas and New Year period with the addition of another 29 workers.

Trapped van driver released A VAN driver had to be cut free by firefighters after being trapped following an accident with another van on the AP-7 motorway close to Rojales. The accident happened at the Torrevieja North exit of the AP-7 at 8am on Wednesday morning on the southbound lane

and the drivers of both vehicles had to be taken to Torrevieja Hospital, one of them suffering from a head injury. The road was completely blocked until the emergency services arrived and moved the vehicles involved to the hard shoulder and allow traffic to continue

along just one lane. The firefighters also had to clear up a large leak of petrol that had covered the road before. The man needing to be released was unable to get out of his vehicle as the damage caused by the other van in the incident had prevented his door from opening.

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Local region evictions buck national trend DESPITE the economic recovery being experienced across all areas of Spain, it hasn’t stopped the numbers of evictions in the Murcia region. When many provinces are showing falls in the numbers of people being thrown out of their homes, Murcia has recorded an increase of 8.8 per cent during the third quarter of this year. Between July and September, 531 cases were

registered in the Region, which ranks fourth among all the autonomous communities in

Spain. The majority of the cases, 320, were due to non-payment of mortgages and 207 because of non-payment of rent. The remaining four were

due to other causes. The 320 mortgage-related evictions place the Murcia region in fourth place behind

Legendary cafe closes its doors A POPULAR cafe in Murcia has closed its doors after 36 years. The owner of the legendary Café Zalacaín de Murcia has taken the decision to retire and whilst the venue changes hands, as well as the name, everyone agrees that the spirit will be retained. Diego Arques, manager, founder and the undoubted personality behind the Café Zalacaín de Murcia said: “After almost 36 years the time has come for me to ‘hang up the bottle opener’ and I want to thank everyone that has accompanied me during my long adventure.”

Popular nightspot to re open under new management

Andalusia with 943; Catalonia (701); and the Valencian Community (647). In fifth place, behind Murcia, comes Madrid, with 223 cases. Murcia is also in the top five where foreclosures have been initiated – 490 - which will subsequently result in new evictions in the future. Andalusia also tops this list with 1,329 cases and accounting for almost 25 per cent of the national total.

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Elderly woman and her disabled son rescued from blaze Smoke and toxic fumes caused breathing difficulties for the rescue services

by Steve Collins A MAJOR blaze that broke out in a building in Torrevieja left four people suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. Two of the four – an 88-year-old woman and her 54-year-old disabled son – had to be rescued from the burning building by officers from the local police and the Guardia Civil, and did so before the arrival of the firefighters. They were taken by ambulance to the Torrevieja Hospital. The other two suffered from minor breathing difficulties caused by the smoke and toxic fumes. The fire broke out at 8.15pm on Tuesday night in Calle San Julián at the junction with Diego Ramírez on the third floor of the five floor building, which had to be completely evacuated during a frightening experience for many residents. Some made their way to the top of their block, fleeing the flames and thick

diately discovered the distraught elderly woman and her son who had already been noticeably affected by the fire. In total, the brave officers entered the building on three separate occasions, bringing to safety people from the third and fourth floors. All the Guardia Civil officers are in the best of health after their ordeal. The cause of the fire continues to be investigated.

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TEN flights from Alicante-Elche Airport were cancelled as a result of the snow storms that affected parts of Europe due to ‘Storm Ana’. The affected destinations were Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. It was announced that the passengers do not have

any right to any extra financial compensation due to delays caused by weather issues, but the companies are obliged to return their flight money and make necessary arrangements to put them on another flight. These ten cancellations followed 12 on Sunday.

Handbag snatch victim suffers head injury

smoke, and made their way on to an adjacent roof where they awaited the arrival of the emergency services. According to reports, the first people on the scene were four members of the Guardia Civil who were in the vicinity of the blaze at the time, when they picked up the strong smell of smoke. When they got to the building, and without any hesitation, they entered the building where they almost imme-

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A 24-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by local police in Murcia after trying to snatch a handbag belonging to a 72-year-old woman. During the struggle, the elderly woman fell to the ground hitting her head. According to police reports and witness statements, the woman suffered a severe blow to the head after being attacked and

was left bleeding from her mouth and nose. Police and an ambulance were called and the injured victim was transferred to the Reina Sofía Hospital. Shortly afterwards, the identity and the address of the alleged attacker were given to police and they proceeded to arrest the 24-year-old Romanian and take him to the San Andres Police Station.

6 RECOVERING: Housing market up by 13 per cent in Alicante province

Housing market ‘cruising’ back to pre-crisis levels by Steve Collins AFTER five years of steady improvement, the housing market in the Alicante province has upped a gear and is now in cruising speed, with volumes of business beginning to return to levels not seen for almost a decade. Up until the end of September, 29,599 homes were sold which represents a 13 per cent increase on the same nine month period in 2016 and

the best housing data since 2008. The amount of money paid for properties also increased by €437 million during those nine months, taking the overall total to €3,436 million – a rise of 14.5 per cent year-on-year. The most encouraging figure is that it’s just short of €1,300 million more than in 2012 when the housing sector bottomed out. At the moment, it’s the second-hand market that accounts for most of the transactions, as newly constructed

apartments and houses represent barely 12 per cent of the total despite the more than notable recovery that has taken place in the construction sector. Whilst the figures are many millions short of the period of the housing boom in Alicante – almost double than they are now – they are nevertheless an important boost to the economy. The latest figure of €3.4 billion is on par with the amount of exports from Alicante during the same period (€3.9 billion).

Lucky family in fire escape EMERGENCY services were called to a house fire in Catral which burned part of the property but didn’t cause any injuries. Initial reports suggest that the fire started on a sofa and spread to a Christmas tree in the living room of the threefloor building. Although the property was empty at the time of the fire, it is understood that it started within 15 minutes of the family living in the house leaving the building.

Fire brigades from both Crevillente and Elche attended the scene in Calle Bernabé Fernández.

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Locals survey the effect of a windy night

STORM ‘ANA’ caused a number of damages throughout the Vega Baja as residents woke up to its aftermath on Monday morning. There was hardly any rain of note in the storm but severe gusts of wind – some of which reached 70 kph - were responsible for falling trees, torn and removed awnings and in Torrevieja, one of the salt barges ended up close to the beach. Firefighters were called to a series of incidents

Teenage rape victim knew her attacker OFFICERS of the Judicial Police based in Cartagena are investigating an alleged rape of a 16-yearold girl in the district of Pozo Estrecho. According to reports, the victim herself reported the attack and in state-

ment said that she knew her assailant and therefore was able to identify him. The girl has undergone a full and detailed examination and forensic experts will be able to determine the extent of the injuries

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from around 10am that included a fallen tree in Nueva Torrevieja, making safe an awning that was hanging dangerously from the sixth floor of a building in Calle Almudena, and clearing rubble from the street that had fallen from a balcony in Calle San Isidro de Orihuela. The tree that fell in a garden in Calle Matilde Peñaranda temporarily affected the power cables in the street and also damaged a parked car.

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suffered by the young victim and also to find the necessary evidence that will aid investigators when it comes to arresting the culprit. At the time of going to press, the suspect has yet to be arrested.

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Four arrested for possession of ‘blank’ weapons by Lynn Whittaker OFFICERS of both the National Police and the Guardia Civil have arrested four people in connection with a number of crimes, including firearms issues. They are all Spanish nationals aged between 31 and 52-years-old The gang were accused of illegal possession of weapons after purchasing 45 blank guns with the intention of transforming them into real firearms. Investigations were carried out by the State Security Forces that specialise in detecting amounts of weapons being allegedly bought and sold illegally and to monitor suspected gangs involved in such illicit operations. This particular detailed enquiry enabled officers to detect a surprising and quite unusually high number of blank weapons purchases, notably by one person acquiring 45 during the past year. They were obtained via the internet from one particular armoury located in Madrid.

STASH: Raids in Torrevieja and Guardamar result in major weapons find.

Once converted to enable them to fire live bullets, these authentic-looking pistols and revolvers are then sold on the black market or within the criminal fraternity and thus bring dangers to the security of everyone. Faced with this new illegal method of acquiring firearms, police investigators have now taken control over the sale of arms. As the investigations progressed and assessing the dangers that the suspects presented to public safety, three loca-

tions were raided in different addresses in Torrevieja and Guardamar. In them, they found 45 ‘blank’ and air guns, 133 rounds of ammunition, 275 blank rounds and various tools to enable the weapons to be converted to live firearms. The man who acquired the main bulk of the firearms from the internet was known to the authorities for similar incidents in the past, and has a history of belonging to a number of radical groups as well as the possession of weapons and explosives.

Storm Ana swimmer rescued EMERGENCY services based in the city of Alicante were forced to intervene in the aftermath of ‘Storm Ana’ to rescue an elderly person who had been swimming in the sea off the popular Postiguet beach. The alarm was raised at 9.30am on Monday morning and ten members of

the SPEIS team arrived at the scene to find that the swimmer was unable to climb up on to the breakwater as they were being dragged back by the strength of the surf. Members of the fire brigade were able to access the jetty and pull the swimmer to safety who was unharmed by the experience.

Dead whale discovered A 6-METRE pilot whale was found dead on the shores of the La Azohía beach. The dead mammal was found by passers-by in front of the Rivemar Diving Centre in Cartagena. Emergency services were

called to the scene and they in turn notified the Wildlife Recovery Centre in El Valle who arrived to make a detailed inspection of the whale before municipal authorities safely removed it.

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Couples opt for more civil weddings by Steve Collins THE number of church weddings taking place in the Murcia region has plummeted. The traditional dream of couple going to the alter is considerably losing its popularity according to the latest set of figures supplied by the Bishopric in the region and announced by the judicial vicar of the Diocese of Cartagena, Gil José Sáez. In his words, there has been a “brutal” fall in the number of weddings taking place in church. For 2016, the number of church weddings was 2,027 which represented only 20 per cent of the annual total. In 2003, that total was 5,200 when religious services outnumbered civil ones by three to one. As church weddings fall, levels of divorce in Cartagena remain stable for the second year in succession with 86 in total last year. So far in 2017, 76 marriages have been annulled although the final figure is expected to be 82. Not all applications for divorce procedures in the region completely follow through to a final separation. There have been 190 applications so far in 2017, but as Gil José Sáez explained

A DRIVER was slightly injured on Tuesday when he crashed his car into an advertising billboard after careering across a roundabout. The incident happened in La Manga del Mar and according to police the motorist – a Moroccan national – was found to be four-times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit. Despite their being a speed limit operating for drivers approaching the roundabout at the end of the motorway and the entrance to La Manga, the drunk-driver didn’t stop

and ended up embedded in the sign. Local police from La Manga discovered the man hadn’t suffered any serious injuries in the crash – in which nobody else was involved – but when they subjected him to a breathalyser test his result showed 0.97 milligrams of alcohol. The limit is 0.25 milligrams. The man faces a sentence of three to six months in prison, a large fine or a period of work in the local community. He could also be banned from driving for up to four years.

PLUMMETING: More couples saying “I don’t” in church! the process can take seven months to settle and can cost as much as €2,500. Some couple choose not to go through

with their original intentions for a number of reasons and simply choose to remain separated.

No pay as ‘she’ tries to earn

A 66-YEAR-OLD man was forced to call police to his house in Molina in the Murcia region in the aftermath of refusing to pay for a prostitute. It appears that the businessman had contacted the woman via a website, picked her up in Albacete and spent three days with her, at the end of which he refused to pay her. She, on the other hand, refused to leave the man’s house until he did settle up with her for the sexual services that she had agreed to

Advertising...in a roundabout way

provide for the days in question. The man, who has not been identified, then telephoned the local police in Molina de Segura to fully explain the situation. When the officers arrived, the businessman admitted that the girl had travelled from Madrid to Albacete – from where he collected her – and took her to Molina where he availed himself of the service for which he’d agreed a rate of €150 per day. The girl, a 25-year-old originally from

South America, said that she was owed €450 and would not leave the premises until she got what she was due. Police advised her that she had every right to denounce her client but also suggest it would be best if she left with them...which she did. The man explained that he refused to pay because he didn’t get what he thought he’d hired as his pick-up turned out to be a transsexual woman complete with male genitals....

Escaped French juvenile detained at airport GUARDIA CIVIL officers manning the customs post at the Alicante-Elche Airport have found a young child who had escaped from juvenile centre in France. The boy was due to have travelled with his father to Algeria but had absconded from the detention centre after being implicated in several robberies. At the same time, another

man – of Italian nationality – was arrested after trying to book a flight at AlicanteElche Airport with fake documents. Immigration officers were called and it was discovered that the identity card in the man’s possession was stolen in Italy and the detainee had tried to alter one of the serial numbers on the document.

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ICONIC: Religious statues recovered after a series of recent robberies

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by Steve Collins TWO people have been arrested in connection with the theft of a number of religious statues from two cemeteries. A total of 13 figures – made up of angels, virgins

and of Christ - have been recovered by officers of the National Police that were reported stolen from two cemeteries in Orihuela and comes in the wake of similar thefts from nine cemeteries in Redován. It’s not known at this stage if the Redován robberies are linked to the people arrested. They are a Portuguese woman aged 46 and a 35-year-

Regional government announces new school building

IT LOOKS as if Guardamar del Segura is going to get its new school after a long wait. The Ministry of Education has announced that it will shortly request that a contract for the building of the new Dama de Guardamar centre in the municipality be launched, with the aim to begin construction during the second half of next year. Guardamar’s Mayor José Luis Sáez met with education officials in Valencia earlier this week when he was informed that the new school is part of the plans of the Valen-

cian government for 2018, and will replace the current temporary prefabricated buildings used for classrooms. It will be built on a municipal-owned plot of 15,265m2 located on Avenida del Puerto. The pending project has an initial budget of around €5m and will have a capacity for 450 pupils in 12 primary and six infant classrooms. The main building comprised of two floors will have an assembly hall, kitchens and dining room, offices, library, science laboratory and a music room among others.

old Spanish man. Investigations were launched at the beginning of November when the robbery of religious statues from family vaults in two cemeteries in Orihuela was reported. At the same time, a plaster statue of the patron saint of the municipality of Desamparados was stolen.

Permission given for more shop open days SOME of the areas that receive the large influx of tourists in the summer have provisionally been given permission to open for more days during the busy periods. The Observatory of Commerce for the Valencian Community have an-

nounced the deal as being “historic” and will see businesses

in

Orihuela,

Torrevieja and Pilar de la

Horadada opening their doors for a total of 40 ‘non-

working’ days from June 15

2018 until the Three Kings Festival in January 2019.

Medieval Market dates announced

ONE OF Orihuela’s most popular events of the year, the Medieval Market, now has a date for 2018. It is one of the biggest of its kind in Spain and will be held on February 2, 3 and 4. The dates were announced by Councillor Rafael Almagro, who said the conditions for companies that want to bid for the contract to organise the market have now been approved. The successful company must pay the Town Hall a fee of at least €6,000, although they can offer more as part of their bid if they wish.

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Happy TRAM travellers despite strike action by Ray Chadwick DESPITE the ongoing disruption to the Alicante TRAM due to a series of strikes, the passengers have given the service some very high marks. As part of the Customer Satisfaction Index (ISC) in 2017 carried out between September and October, the TRAM gained an overall assessment of 8.21 points out of 10. During the two months of the survey, the ISC interviewed 1,522 passengers over the age of 15 who use all three TRAM services that operate between Alicante and Denia. The percentage of users that said they were ‘satisfied’ with the service was 92.7 per cent with only 1.6 per cent totally disliking what is on offer. The L1 line (Alicante to Benidorm) comes out top of the highest rated journeys with an average score of

CONTENT: Passengers give high markings for their service.

8.49, followed by L2 (Alicante to San Vicente del Raspeig) with 8.29 and L9 (Benidorm to Denia) with 8.22 points. A full analysis of the survey shows that only one aspect of the service offered by TRAM comes below a mark of 7 out of 10. The areas receiving the best comments were for escalators and lifts, signalling, safety, lack of queues and

the quality of customer service...the latter receiving an average mark of 8.34. At the other end of the scale, overcrowding on the trains gets a 6.84 mark, with information about delays, frequency of the service, waiting on the platforms and the price of the journeys averaging between 7.07 and 7.65 out of 10.

Drink and drugs an increasing factor in road deaths ACCORDING to figures released by the national Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), alcohol is present in one of every three fatal accidents in the Murcia region. The publication of this data is being followed up by a series of drink and drug driving controls being under taken by the DGT until this Sunday. They expect to carry out around 5,000 tests on the main roadways in the region in collaboration with the local police in Alguazas, Archena, Beniel, Bullas, Cartagena, Jumilla, Librilla, Mula, Puerto Lumbreras, San Javier, Santomera, and Torre Pacheco. According to a spokesperson for the Murcia regional government, during

the weekends so far this year, the traffic division of the Guardia Civil has carried out 190,300 alcohol breath tests with 3,000 positive results...only 1.5 per cent of the total. When it comes to checking on the presence of drugs, the figures are much higher. During the same time scale, a total of 3,000 tests were carried out and 40 per cent of those returned a positive reading...a total of 1,200. At the same time, according to data from the Institute of Legal Medicine for the Murcia region, of those killed in road traffic accidents throughout 2016, 12 per cent had traces of drugs in their body and 18 per cent alcohol in the blood.

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Checkpoint Charlies caught after police chase by Glen Scott NATIONAL POLICE officers from Elche have arrested three men after car chase along the A-7 motorway. The trio – three men aged between 38 and 44 – were detained after they failed to stop at a police checkpoint and police gave chase. Police became wary of the situation that was about to unfold as they realised a car was approaching them at great speed with no sign of slowing down. Despite waving their luminous warning light sticks, the car ignored them and after dodging the officers and other vehicles – almost causing an accident – they sped off.

A patrol car was on hand and quickly pursued the offending car with lights and two-tones blazing, and they eventually caught up with it after a few kilometres of a high-speed chase. Once the vehicle was stopped, more police back-up was requested and the car and its occupants were thoroughly searched. One of the supporting patrols included the canine unit, and one of the dogs was able to detect almost 100 grams of hashish and small quantities of cocaine already packaged and ready for sale hidden away. An amount of cash was also found.

Failure to stop at police checkpoint

Man arrested for abandoning dying companion OFFICERS from the National Police in Alicante have arrested a man for allegedly abandoning someone as they were dying. The woman had apparently suffered a fatal heart attack and the detained man left her in a car in the area of a local cemetery without informing the medical services of the situation. According to reports from the

police, a 58-year-old man was arrested after they received a 091 emergency call from someone who discovered the lifeless body of a woman in a car. The homicide section of the Judicial Police Brigade of Alicante immediately took over the investigation, and although the death occurred as a result of a cardiac arrest the police stated that they needed to identify the man

with her at the time when she suffered the fatal attack. After just a few days, the investigators discovered the identity of the arrested man who was known to the woman, and who, rather than inform the medical services or the police of what had happened to his companion, simply left the scene as if nothing had happened.

24 feb - 2 march 2017

Quirónsalud holds a Concert as part of the solidarity campaign

The British International Christian Assembly choir has put the final touch to the campaign. Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s solidarity Christmas campaign 2017 called “The Christmas Charity Quirónsalud Project 2017”, finished last Wednesday 13th of December, at 18:00 in the main entrance of the Hospital. The British International Christian Assembly choir (ICA) gave a concert putting a finishing touch to the campaign. The solidarity campaign took place from the 1st to the 13th of December and consisted of collecting toys and Christmas cakes/pas-

tries in benefit of ONG Alimentos Solidarios and Caritas of Torrevieja. The Association of estate agencies from the Vega Baja (ASIVEGA) collaborated by giving a donation of 500 euros for both charities; and more than fifty other associations of foreign residents in the area also took part. The campaign has been present on social media with the hashtag #Xmas4all and, under the motto “Join Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s Solidarity Campaign”, the toys or Christmas cakes/pastries were left at the information point located at the hospital’s main entrance.

Jail for Jihadi

PROSECUTORS are demanding eight years in prison for a man accused of working with Jihadists. Elmedjeri is currently on trial for allegedly falsifying documents to help members of a terrorist cell travel to Mali, Syria and Lybia. He

faces charges of collaborating with Jihadists alongside five others, who were arrested when their alleged terrorist cell was brought down by police. The defendant is said to have kept precision instruments for falsifying

documents at his home, including a stylus, ultraviolet lamp and sealants. Police claim the cell he was helping carried out “incessant work of facilitation” of jihadists between 2012 and March 2014.

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News from around Europe NETHERLANDS Teen moms THE NETHERLANDS has the lowest rate of teenage motherhood in the entire EU, the national statistics office CBS said on Monday. In total, 1,492 girls below the age of 21 gave birth in the Netherlands last year – a record low. Breaking the rules ABOUT ONE THIRD of the packaging used in the Netherlands is difficult to recycle and is often contaminated with PVC, even though this has been banned because of the environmental risk, ac-

cording to researchers at Wageningen University. 25 years on POLICE have arrested a man in connection with the rape and murder of a young woman 25 years ago after taking DNA samples from more than 100 men. The breakthrough in the case of 19-year-old Milica van Doorn was announced on Monday morning. Hands up THE LEADER of motorbike gang No Surrender has been arrested on charges of assault, blackmail, rob-

bery with violence and forgery, the police said on Tuesday morning. Henk Kuiper, 53, was arrested at his home in Emmen in Drenthe, the police statement said. Something suspicious INTERPOL has been asked to investigate the death of a Dutch teenager who fell from the 20th floor of an apartment block in Kuala Lumpur last week. 18-year-old Ivana Smit was naked when she fell 42 metres and onto a sixth-floor balcony of the building in the Malaysian capital.

FRANCE Mobile phone ban FRANCE’S EDUCATION MINISTER recently announced that mobile phones will be banned from primary, junior, and middle schools, calling it a matter of “public health.” While phones are already prohibited in classrooms in France, starting in September 2018 students won’t be allowed to use them on breaks, at lunch, or between lessons either. Coming together POLICE arrested a man in connection with the jihadist murder of a police couple after his DNA was matched to traces found in their home near Paris. The 24-year-old has been linked to a Daesh extremist Larossi Aballa who claimed the June 2016 attack before being killed by police in a shootout. Desperate measures A FRENCH COUPLE have gone on trial

Games on Iceland GAME of Thrones‘ 8th season will partially be shot in Iceland next February. It is expected that the crew and cast will spend at least a few days in Iceland and will depend on where there is enough snow for them to shoot their scenes. Good Samaritan murdered KLEVIS Sula, a 20-yearold man who died of his injuries following a stabbing at Austurvöllur square a week ago had been attempting to help the attacker whom he found sobbing alone in the square. Police have arrested the

You’ve got it wrong THREE MORE Russian athletes - biathlete Olga Zaytseva and cross-country skiers Yulia Chekaleva and Anastasia Dotsenko - are appealing lifetime bans from the Olympics that were imposed in connection with doping practices uncovered at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has said. Anti-government activities RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES have blocked access to the website of Open Russia, a democracy and civil-society group founded by former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The move was the latest against Open Russia, with prosecutors accusing the group of conducting “anti-government activities.” Going home RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN has ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. He announced the move during his first visit to the country, as he arrived

accused of causing the death of their 13-month baby by allegedly putting antidepressants and tranquillisers in her bottle to stop her crying. Bla bla pervert A 52-YEAR-OLD FRENCHMAN is on trial accused of eight sexual assaults on young women he drugged with chocolate mixed with tranquilisers after they signed up to travel with him in his car via ride-sharing app Bla Bla Car. RIP Johnny HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Paris last Saturday to bid farewell to the French rock star Johnny Hallyday, who died last week at the age of 74 after a battle with lung cancer. His coffin was driven in a cortege down the Champs-Elysees followed by hundreds of leather-clad bikers.

ICELAND suspect, an Icelander, and are using security camera footage as evidence. It’s Oh So possible... A PROPOSAL was made at the City of Reykjavik’s last cultural and tourism board meeting to raise a statue of Icelandic artist Björk at Harpa Conference Centre and Concert Hall. Björk, famous for It’s Oh so Quiet put Iceland on the world music map. Eruption concerns remain THE ICE cauldron in the Öræfajökull caldera continues to deepen and become larger

as geothermal heat increases. This is shown by new measurements in the ice cauldron and these findings were presented at a meeting of the science unit of the Icelandic Civil Protection. A Sonic decision for Bernie BERNIE the African hedgehog is the first hedgehog ever to have been imported to Iceland. His owner is Eszter Tekla Fekete who moved to Iceland with her family from Hungary. She has owned Bernie since 2015 and her family have waited over a year for permission.

RUSSIA with no advance notice at Khmeimim Airbase in Syria’s Latakia province on Monday morning. Disruptive behaviour MEMBERS of a Russian nationalist group disrupted the screening in Moscow of a film about the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The movie Bullet’s Flight was due to be screened in the Oktyabr movie theatre last weekend, but reports said several individuals sprayed an acrid liquid in the hall, prompting an evacuation. Flights resume RUSSIA’S TRANSPORT MINISTER has announced Moscow is ready to resume direct flights to Egypt, more than two years after a Russian passenger plane crashed as it left Sharm el-Sheikh airport. Maxim Sokolov said the paperwork could be signed as early as this week, with flights between Cairo and Moscow beginning in February.

SCANDINAVIA Plastic to fabric RATHER than plastic, all shoppers on the Danish island of Samsø will from next year be asked to use shopping bags made of fabric. “We are avoiding plastic carrier bags in the entire trade sector,” project leader Gunnar Mikkelsen of Samsø Municipality. Yes to beavers HOLSTEBRO City Court has ruled against local land owner Find AndersenFruedahl in a civil law suit against the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen). Andersen-Fruedahl had sued the agency for between 200,000 and

300,000 over damage caused to his property by a number of gnawing beavers. Dogs for life...for ever RESEARCHERS at Uppsala University in Sweden conducted a huge study revealing that dog owners have a lower risk of dying compared to non-pet owners. The study followed 3.4 million Swedes, some of whom owned dogs and some of whom didn’t. It’s true...honestly! THE LANGUAGE Council of Norway has pronounced ‘fake news’ (falske nyheter) as the new Norwegian word of the year. The expression made famous during the 2016 US election

beat other neologisms including ‘Swedish conditions’ (svenske tilstander), ‘October child’ (oktoberbarn) and ‘purple voter’ (lillavelger) to the award. Migrant study IMMIGRANTS, their descendants and ethnic minorities continue to face widespread discrimination across the European Union, finds a survey conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) based in Finland. A total of 25,500 randomly selected firstand second-generation immigrants and members of ethnic minorities were interviewed.

GERMANY USA for Europe THE LEADER of Germany’s Social Democratic party has put down his red lines for talks to form another coalition government with Angela Merkel. In a speech at the SPD’s party conference in Berlin, Martin Schulz called for the creation of a “United States of Europe” by 2025. Major train collision POLICE said that several people have been injured – some local media reporting as many as 50 - after a passenger train and a freight train collided near Düsseldorf. The incident occurred near a train station in the town of Meerbusch and emergency crews helped people from the wreckage. Berlin flag protest INTERIOR Minister Thomas de Maizière has sharply condemned the burning of Israeli flags during anti-Israel protests in Berlin. Israeli flags were burned at the Brandenburg Gate

during a pro-Palestinian demonstration against US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Terrorist false alarm POLICE were alerted on Sunday afternoon after the tenant of a building in the Charlottenburg neighbourhood reported having found ammunition hidden behind some tires in the underground car park. According to a police spokesman, it is probably coincidental that the 7.65 calibre bullets were discovered close to a Christmas market. New village owner THE ONLY bidder at an unusual auction put down €140,000 and walked away the new owner of a small slice of German history: the village of Alwine, population 20. Its empty homes and ageing residents mirror the wider fate of the excommunist east German hinterlands since the country’s reunification 27 years ago.

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Las Salinas Lodge are A king’s coin of Reaching Out many colours Past Worshipful Master, Brian McArdle, making the presentation to the President of ‘Reach Out’, Brian Proctor, in the presence of Charity Steward, Vernon Sayce.

by Glenn Scott El National Restaurant in Punta Prima was the venue for the presentation of a 2500 euro cheque to ‘Reachout’ Torrevieja on Tuesday 21st November by the Las Salinas Lodge No 79. ‘Reachout’ was the chosen charity of Past Master, Brian McArdle, during his year in the Chair, an organisation that he praised for the outstanding work that they do for the homeless and underprivileged, of all nations, in the local area. The presentation was made following November’s monthly ‘Saltpot’ lunch to ‘Reach Out’s’ newly elected

President Brian Procter, who said that the bulk of the donation would be used to purchase tables and chairs for the centre’s comedor (dining room) which now serves approximately 50 homeless people with breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday every week. Brian explained the kind of support that the charity provides from their centre in C/Dona Sinforosa, including the provision of hot meals, showers and laundry facilities for those most in need, “a lot of people who are just normal people like you and I, but who are unfortunately down on their luck,” he said. ‘Reach Out’ also provides basic foodstuffs to families in need, as well as

clothing, blankets, linen and household items and furniture. With Christmas less than 4 weeks away they are currently providing support to 39 families and their 66 children. Brian McArdle said how pleased he was that the donation was being put to such a worthy cause as he urged members who were able to provide help, to do whatever they could. More information of the services provided by ‘Reach Out’ charity can be found on their website at: www.reachouttorrevieja.eu The charity will even make arrangements to collect any contributions, should donors be unable to get to the centre in Torrevieja.

A COLOURED coin with a face value of €30 is being issued to celebrate the 50th birthday of King Felipe VI on Tuesday January 30, 2018. The National Currency Factory have announced that it will issue up to a maximum of one million pieces, although with the demand expected to be higher, there are already plans to increase this amount. The coin, minted in 925 thousandths copper silver, will have a diameter of 33 millimetres, a weight of 18 grams, and will be issued during the first quarter of 2018. On the obverse side of this collectors issue coin,

there will appear the head of King Felipe VI with the phrase ‘Felipe VI Rey de España’ in capital letters accompanied by the year, 2018. On the back of the coin, the colour shield of King Felipe will be reproduced and, on the left, a royal crown will appear with the number 50 and the number 18. Below will appear the value of the piece (€30) and in the lower part, also in capital letters, ‘50 aniversario de S.M. El Rey’ The coins, which will be minted on behalf of the State, will be delivered to the Bank of Spain to make them available to the public.

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Murcia-San Javier airport flying higher by Glenn Scott IT MAY be smaller than its neighbour along the coast, but MurciaSan Javier Airport is proving just as successful as the Alicante-Elche Airport when it comes to gaining passengers. Numbers have been now been growing over the last 14 consecutive months, and in the period between

GROWING: Fourteen months consecutive growth in passenger numbers Photo credit: Twitter

January and November, there have been an extra 1,153,312 passengers... an increase of 8.8 per cent. In addition, and according to the airport managers AENA, the number of take-offs and landings amounted to 8.290 during that 11 month timescale which accounted to an increase of 4.4 per cent. During the month of November itself, Murcia-San Javier Airport

accounted for a total of 47,065 passengers – 6.6 per cent more than in the same month of 2016 – and 390 flights...a 4.3 per cent level of growth. In addition, the number of landing and take-off operations amounted to 8,290 in those eleven months, an increase of 4.4 percent compared to the previous year, according to AENA in a press release.

`1,153,312 passengers´

Police hunt for driver after fleeing scene of an accident GUARDIA CIVIL officers from the traffic department are on the hunt for a driver that is alleged to have caused an accident on the A-31 in Sax at the A-70 exit to Castalla. Local police were first on the scene following the 112 call and handed over to the Guardia Civil whose first task was to try and find the driver that caused the accident and quickly left the area. According to reports, the offending driver and

their car hit another car in the back which caused it to swerve a number of times before finally overturning. The A-31 was closed in both directions for around an hour until both vehicles could be removed which resulted in long delays and required traffic to drive through the town of Sax to carry on their journeys. Four people in the overturned car – two adults and two

children – were taken to the University General Hospital in Elda suffering from varying injuries. It is understood that two of the passengers suffered serious injuries but none are in a life-threatening condition. At the time of going to press, the driver that fled the scene after allegedly causing the collision is still being hunted by the Guardia Civil.

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Pre-Christmas party season set for bumper returns RESTAURANTS throughout the Murcia region are expected to enjoy a bumper Christmas party season. According to a study by UniversalPay, they are expected to be taking an average of €7,656 per day spent on lunches and dinners during the festive period. Despite what appears to be a high figure, only three over autonomous regions will return lower numbers per restaurant. Murcia’s figure beats those of Castilla-La Mancha (€6,531) and the two enclaves on the North African mainland of Ceuta and Melilla with predicted daily takings of €5,119. The average expected daily takings for restaurants across Spain for Christmas is €15,239, with the most being taken in Madrid (€23,338), Catalonia (€18,801) and the Canary Islands (€16,179). Murcia head the bottom three as listed above. The study foresees that the days during the Christmas season will be Saturday 9 and 16 December and

FESTIVE: Expected Christmas season takings up compared to 2016

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The way I see it… by

Harvey Mann The opinions published in Harvey’s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.

T’is the season to be jolly, Fa, la, la, la, la, etc, etc. Yes! This is season of good will, you may call me Ebenezer Scrooge, but let me fill you in on a few facts, that you could say has come straight from the pantomime horse’s mouth. Finally, the great British government has woken up to the cost of overseas spending, after £12 million of tax payer’s money to fund an aid project in Syria is halted, after fears it may end up in the hands of terrorists. This after many other aid projects had already been given to governments and countries that use the money in illegal or illicit ways to keep their inhabitants in extremely appalling conditions. An almost secret government office called the CSSF, known by the few as the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund, this department receives money from the Overseas Development Fund, this the ministerial part of government that spends our hard-earned money, by giving it away more often than not to countries supposedly helping them in their hour of need. However, it often ends up helping karaoke groups, samba dancing and buying poles for limbo dancing? An eye watering amount of money has been given away by the British (tax payers) who are still trying to rule the world as we did during our Commonwealth days, during that time we took from most of Africa, India and some of the far East, we marched around in uniforms covered in gold braid and white plumes in our hats, looking rather grand. Gone are those days, as we still try to look like the upper echelons of world domination, but to do this we have to

dig deep, very deep, throwing money to the left and then to the right. I have seen the ends of some of this money that has been given to countries such as The Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania, yes! you could say that this is just a handful of examples, but believe me I know it happens in many other places. OK let me give you my first insight into The Sudan. As an unpaid escort, I was responsible to take 25 lorries carrying 600 hundred tons of grain from Kampala into Uganda to a place called Ayod where we unloaded the trucks at a UN staging post, Ayod does not exist on any map. There had been a war raging almost since the days General Gordon fell to the Mahdi Khartoum in 1885, now for many years skirmishes between the Islamic north and the mainly Christian (thanks to the British rule) south with many thousands of people killed maimed, women raped, villages burned to the ground, men and boys kidnapped and press ganged into fighting, often for the notorious? Peoples Sudanese Liberation army, these are a ragtag band of men once led by a Sudanese educated in America, and then a splinter group led by a man with an impeccable British accent, guess where he was educated. Much of the money that has been donated to the Sudan, for so called help to the poor and needy have ended up on both sides, in many cases to further the fighting in this ravaged country. I travelled around 12 hundred miles with the lorries, we took salt and kegs of soap to give to people in the villages, as they have no shops, this made money worthless in almost all of the areas, not surprisingly,

men and boys were armed, wore uniforms, some even had boots, others wore trainers. In Rwanda, I lived in the Virunga mountains with the huge silverback gorillas, as part of a programme to raise the worlds awareness in saving the almost extinct mountain gorillas. In April 1994, I was woken by gunfire and screaming coming from the streets outside, I looked out to see bodies covered in blood, men running some firing guns other swinging machetes above their heads. This was the outbreak of one of the worst ethnic cleansing civil war outrages in modern times, in three months almost one million people were killed many by their own relatives, The cause? Some funds given to the Democratic of the Congo the neighbouring country to Rwanda, was passed onto Hutu militia, to kill members of the opposing Tutsi tribe, relatives from inter-married families were killing each other in the streets, even babies were being hacked to death. I managed to get out of the country, after a few weeks, as I had UN papers. The money

given to the D.R.C come from the British overseas budget to be used on farming projects. Next, I had been working with the Tanzanian army to catch the King of the Elephant poachers in the Selous. £50,000 pounds given out from the overseas development to a well-known charity to buy a high-speed boat to chase poachers on the Rufiji river disappeared after it was discovered that the part of the river that the boat was going to be used had been dry for at least 3 years. That is just a small example that I have seen with my own eyes. The waste by the British overseas development Fund has been astronomical, they mainly rely on the words of NGOs, who often or

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not in some cases are getting backhanders or some kind of reward for not always giving the right information. Yes, we were Great Britain once, but it is about time we pulled in our horns and stop giving away tax payers money, including the huge sum that the E.U are asking for, we are much better than almost all of the European countries put together, we will survive as the E.U. are going to face a major crisis a few years ahead. We are still great but no longer with a capital G, and we can become bigger and better and more financially stable, if we stop giving to, karaoke training, samba dancing training, and let the limbo dancers find other sticks to dance under.

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Happy British killmas 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.

As Britain transforms into a multiracial nation tens of thousands of Britons face unnecessary death through deprivation of basic necessities. Cold weather related deaths in the UK have hit a 15-year high, shocking official figures show. Last winter saw the highest number of hypothermia related casualties since the turn of the millennium. Those worst affected are the elderly who now face a heat or eat dilemma. Whichever they choose they lose but for government and the Grim Reaper it is a win-win situation. British workers, directly or indirectly, are taxed 48% on every penny they earn through their working lives. For fifty of their productive year’s government is a burden to them. They go without so government doesn’t go short. These wage slaves are worn out and unproductive by the time men and women reach retirement at 66 years of age (from 2018). Having nothing else to give the retired become a burden on government. At this point the government has no further interest in them or their life expectancy. The colder gets the weather the greater the relief of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. But, there will be no cold-related health problems for MPs as 78 per cent of them are millionaires, some many times over. There were almost 44,000 unneces-

sary British deaths between December and March last year, the largest annual rise in such figures for almost five decades. In 2012/13 there were 31,000 extra coffins filled by early culled pensioners. Experts said the failure of the flu vaccine last year, which was only effective in 3 per cent cases, was one of the key factors behind the deaths. But, Big Pharma’s profits are healthy as are the elite’s shares in that industry. Charities raise concern that the death toll could rise this year. Britain’s 300 plus crematoria will struggle to cope. The report from the Office of National Statistics show the number of premature deaths in 2014/15 the highest since 1999/00, with 27 per cent more people dying unnecessarily of hypothermia in the winter months compared with the non-winter months. There were more than twice as many excess winter deaths than the previous year, when there were 17,460 deaths caused by lack of heating. The 151% rise is the biggest annual increase since 1967. The number of cold-related deaths began to climb in December 2014 and peaked on 1 January 2015 with New Year’s Day seeing the number of excess deaths a third higher than average. Their years of pasture cruelly cut short the retired prematurely meet early death as a consequence of government indifference or government having ‘higher priorities’.

ec D 9th 2 rts a t eS l a S e v i ss Ma

e

er b m

Life expectancy is getting longer but can we afford it

Ok Santa, you win by

Colin Bird The opinions published in Colin’s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.

Many years ago, when work was scarce and times were hard - a time when the Princess and I had barely established ourselves in our dream cottage in the heart of the countryside, and desperately wanted to avoid re-locating back to town where employment was a more realistic prospect - I was offered the part time position of village postman. It wasn’t much, but it would provide a lifeline. I saw it as a temporary measure and much to my eternal shame, regarded it as a tad demeaning having been made redundant from a well paid job that carried with it perks including a company car and expense account. But I quickly learned a hard lesson in humility and came to realise that as important as money is, job satisfaction and happiness are priceless commodities. Not only did I come to enjoy the task, it also provided an environment where there was no work related stress – a new experience for me – and having been given a dedicated village round, it meant that I was never more than a mile from home. The job soon became much busier and a full time position, and since I no longer had the inclination to move on, I remained the village postie until retirement twenty one years later. I knew every house and its occupants, made many new friends and at times provided a grocery and pension service to several of the local ageing residents who found it difficult to get out. I even had the temerity to put myself forward for the Parish Council, and having polled the most votes, it shook many of the old established councillors rigid, especially our sherry loving vicar who I transplanted. But it was simply all down to a familiar and friendly face seen every morning, six days a week, at people’s front doors. A sizeable tome could be written about my observations and the funny and sometimes strange experi-

ences over those years, but my most memorable times always revolved around the Christmas period. Although by far the busiest and most hectic time of the year, often starting and finishing in darkness, December was my favourite month by far, and I always looked forward to it with great anticipation. With almost every house given over to the spirit of the season by way of fairy lights, outsize baubles and at times, complex displays of life size Father Christmases, reindeer and sleighs, the atmosphere was wonderful. One particular house owned a three foot high Santa Clause that they hung on the front door every year, and was obviously of American manufacture. He was no ordinary Santa, but was fitted with a sensor that could detect movement. Whenever I approached the house, the magic eye would pick me up and he would break into song with a heavy New York accent. He had a full repertoire from Tah Foist Noel to We Tree Kinks which were always preceded with a ‘Ho Ho Ho, Meeeerry Christmas’ greeting. This got a bit much over several weeks and became somewhat of an obsession as I tried to devise ways to outwit the damn thing and manage to arrive at the letter box without triggering another song. But whatever wheeze I came up with, it never worked. Then on my final Christmas Eve, I decided to give it a last concerted effort to defeat my red and white clad adversary from the Bronx. I cautiously entered the drive and like Secret squirrel, flattened myself against the garden wall and worked my way slowly in a circuitous route via the front wall of the building, to the door I was about to triumphantly shove the bundle of cards through the letter box, when the door flew open and the owners of the property appeared brandishing my annual Christmas bottle and card, verbally show-

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ering me with seasonal wishes. Of course the flurry of movement triggered the plastic New Yorker and off he went with a rendition of: ‘Hack tah Heralt Anchels Sing’. The owners laughed themselves silly because it transpired that not only had they been aware of my antics over the weeks, but had also witnessed my SAS style manoeuvre from an upstairs window minutes earlier. So having come so close to victory after several years of trying, I had to finally admit defeat. But you know what? I actually miss that old devil.

CAUGHT: Will get you this time as well postie!

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Irregular gerunds Basic Spanish for everyday needs by

Jane Cronin

Last week I promised, or possibly threatened, that we would look at irregular gerunds. That sounds a lot worse than it is, honestly! First as a quick recap, a gerund, or present participle, is the equivalent in Spanish of the English “– ing” word. “Running”, “jumping”, “playing” are all gerunds in English. To make one of these things in Spanish we must change verbs that end in “-ar” in the infinitive to an “-ando” ending. We do this by changing only the “ar” part of the verb. The other part is the root of the verb which remains unchanged, irrespective of whether it consists of just one letter or many letters. Verbs that end in “-er” or “-ir” in the infinitive make a similar change with those two letters becoming “-iendo”. We have also seen how these gerunds combine with the verb “estar” to produce a verb tense that refers to actions in the present moment. Thus we can make statements like: “Estoy

irregular gerunds

vas leyendo

escribiendo” (I am writing), “estamos estudiando” (we are studying”, “están hablando” (they are speaking) and so on. Now I have to tell you that there are just a few verbs which produce very minor changes in the gerund. The changes are really quite negligible, to the point where, if we missed them completely when speaking, it would hardly be noticed. Firstly, the verb “dormir” (to sleep). When we change this to a gerund, we make the usual –ir to –iendo change, but we make a one-letter change to the root, giving us the word “durmiendo” (sleeping). Another verb which does exactly the same thing is “morir” to die. “Dying” is therefore “muriendo”. Secondly, there are a few other verbs ending in –ir when make a root change from “e” to “i” in the gerund. Here they – “pedir” (to order, to ask for) becomes “pidiendo”; “decir” (to say, to tell) becomes “diciendo”; “venir” (to come)

becomes “viniendo”; “seguir” (to follow, to continue) becomes “siguiendo”; “repetir” (to repeat) becomes “repitiendo” and “medir” (to measure) becomes “midiendo”. Well, that’s about as scary as gerunds get. As I’ve already said, a principle use of the gerund is with the verb “estar” to talk about present actions. However, we do find the gerund used in other ways. One interesting use is in conjunction with the verb “ir” (to go). For example we can say “voy aprendiendo”. The literal translation of this would be “I go learning”, but what it actually means is that “I am gradually learning”. The use of the verb “ir” here gives the meaning of something occurring as a gradual process. “Va descrubriendo” (“he or she is gradually discovering”), “vas leyendo” (you are reading gradually). To any of these we might add a phrase such as “poco a poco” (little by little) – “voy entendiendo poco a poco” (I am gradually understanding, little by little).

We can also add the gerund to the verb “venir” (to come). In this case it expresses the idea of having been doing something for a period of time. For example: “Vengo diciendo que …” (literally “I come saying that …) but what it actually means is “I have been saying that ….”. “Vengo pensando”, “I have been thinking”. These two forms, with “ir” and “venir” illustrate the fact that the gerund does have other uses, but our principle one for now is with “estar”. Time for a little homework, I think. Translate into Spanish: What are you doing? I am measuring the wall. You are telling the truth. My husband is washing the dishes. We are spending a lot of money. My children are cleaning the house. As ever, I will start off with the answers next week. See you then.

seguir Voy aprendiendo

muriendo

Voy entendiendo poco a poco

Vengo diciendo que...

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The place to park at Alicante-Elche airport WE PARK ALC is the new name you have to remember if you want the best in Alicante Airport parking. The company is synonymous with professional, highly personalised customer service at its best, the first parking you can see, just 200 metres from the Airport Terminal. They are first, you arrive before. Parking at Alicante-Elche airport has never been as cheap, simple and near to the Airport as it is now with WE PARK ALC. Under the management of Ilde Casanova who has over eight years of experience in the field, We Park Alc is part of a new group of parking services that really cares about what they do. You can see this on their logo which is a smart combination of a heart and parking lines, meaning that they love what they do. With new and best quality facilities like the office, the van for the shuttle service, the workers, the entrance, the flags, the colours they use, every detail they care about shows you that you

have found a really first class parking option. The company carefully considers all the individual needs of each client and with many being repeat and return customers their details are logged and stored so that friendly service becomes a familiar one. Ilde Casanova comments: “I always say: ‘We work with cars but deal with people - everyone by their name,’ and we pride ourselves on offering that personalised and friendly service.” All of their outdoor spaces and covered spaces are covered in tarmac and they operate a shuttle service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so there is never any waiting for your transfer to the airport terminal after you have dropped off your vehicle. We Park Alc is conveniently located just two minutes from Alicante-Elche airport and is accessed via its own entrance so users know they are close by without having to add to their journey time. Unlike most other companies they

Alicante-Elche airport, Tel: 683 457 146 Visit: www.weparkgroup.com Email: alc@weparkgroup.com

do not move your vehicle so you can keep your key giving customers extra security and peace of mind. However, if you are leaving your vehicle for a longer period of time you may wish to entrust Ilde Casanova and the We Park team with the key and take advantage of a range of other services available. We Park Alc offers a full valet service, can arrange an ITV test and undertake mechanical checks to make sure when you return your car is in perfect working order. A weekend stay costs just €17, a week €26 or a year (with up to 12 visits) €250, but show their advertisement in RTN and the annual pass costs just €199! If you know Ilde Casanova from previous roles, do get in contact with him, but if you haven’t met him yet, visit WE PARK ALC and find out what he can offer. For service and treatment unlike any other, WE PARK ALC is the name you can trust.

Ilde Casanova

26

by

Kevin Wright Account Manager

Moneycorp

currency Currency questions answered by Moneycorp

The cost savings of using a specialist currency company are attractive but I have been put off as I understand there could be extra work involved. I also have concerns regarding the safety of my money - am I being over cautious? Specialist currency providers are becoming popular choices for British ex-pats living in Spain or, indeed, those returning to the UK. Opening a trading facility is much easier and quicker than you may think but is necessary to comply with European KYC anti-money laundering legislation. moneycorp offers the option for customers to apply for registration on-line, via our website, which is a short and straight forward process. Alternatively, customers can simply complete a paper registration form. Additional documentation such as proof of identity and proof of address may be required in some cases. For the small amount of effort to apply for an account, there are many potential benefits available. These include potential cost savings and the advantage of having a range of currency services that are not always offered by traditional financial institutions, such as high street banks. Trading is also straightforward and is normally conducted over the telephone. Put simply, you can have access to great rates along with ‘real time’ information on the market which can help you to trade your currency at an advantageous time. Using a specialist currency company means you can arrange to have the rate monitored on your behalf, to help you make the most of market movements and potentially avoid trading when the market is not favourable for you. Purchasing a Forward Contract, means that you can fix the prevailing rate of exchange to buy currency now, to be settled at a determined date in the future, thus avoiding any potential impact from subsequent market fluctuations. A deposit of 10% of the total amount is required for this service. The question of security is completely understandable and one that any client needs to be comfortable with. There are certain questions that will allow you to choose a currency provider with confidence and should be addressed if you have any doubts: How long have you been in business? How many staff do you have? What is your turnover? How many clients do you deal with each year? Do you have any other divisions as part of the company? Do you speculate with the funds? How do you handle client funds? Do you have audited accounts at Companies House? Where are your offices? Are you Financial Conduct Authority Regulated?

This is how moneycorp answer:

How long have you been in business? Moneycorp has been dealing in foreign exchange since 1979. How many staff do you have? Over 760 last year. What is your turnover? The last financial year saw Moneycorp trade over £25.6 billlion worth of currencies. How many clients do you deal with each year? We executed over 7 million client transactions in 2016. Do you have any other divisions as part of the company? Yes. Retail, wholesale, commercial including an awardwinning online trading platform. Do you speculate with the funds? Absolutely not! Moneycorp does not take trading positions and all foreign exchange positions are exactly matched with our panel of liquidity providers. How do you handle client funds?

All client funds are safeguarded in segregated client bank accounts. Do you have audited accounts at Companies House? Yes, we do. PricewaterhouseCoopers have been our auditors since 1987. Where are your offices? Moneycorp has its HO in central London and has other offices outside the UK. Details of locations are on our web site. Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority? Yes. Moneycorp is the trading name of TTT Moneycorp Ltd. which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services. For further information about how Moneycorp can help with your particular currency requirement, contact us on +34 902 887 243 or email kevin.wright@moneycorp.com

Moneycorp is a trading name of TTT Moneycorp Ltd. which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services. TTT Moneycorp Limites, Sucursal en España is registered with the banco de España under the code number 6875 and with the Mercantile Registry of Málaga under volume 5461, book 4638, sheet 7, page MA-131271, inscription number 1. Its registered office address is Centro Comercial Cala Sol, Local 108, La Cala de Mijas, 29649 Málaga and its Spanish tax identification number is W8266051E.

legal

Cadastral meaning by

IGNACIO PELLICER MOLLĂ & PEDRO HEREDIA ORTIZ

LAWYERS

Q

A

What does Cadastral stand for? I have looked in Google translate and it doesn’t exist!

The Cadastral reference relates to the physical measurements of a property. It concentrates on the following: - exact location - physical description - boundaries - valuation This description must be mirrored with the description found in the Escritura. 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

Friday 15th December - Thursday 21st December

Pick of the Day

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 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 A Question of Sport EastEnders Still Open All Hours Have I Got News for You Mrs. Brown’s Boys BBC News BBC London News The Graham Norton Show Would I Lie to You?

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 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

Flog it! Trade Secrets Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas MasterChef: The Professionals 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 Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Mastermind Only Connect The Sweet Makers at Christmas QI Newsnight Expedition Volcano

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 11:45pm 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 Coronation Street Judge Rinder’s Crown Court Coronation Street I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out ITV News and Weather ITV News London Through the Keyhole Play to the Whistle - Extra Time

7:20am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 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 12:05am

3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie’s Festive Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Christmas Magic Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 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 12:50pm 2:35pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:35am

Childrens TV The Wright Stuff 5 News Lunchtime Married by Christmas Once Upon a Holiday Mr Christmas 5 News The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas 5 News Tonight The Gadget Show Brunel Strictly Come Dancing: Before They Were Famous The Strictly Story: Fake Tan, Tangos and a Ten From Len Strictly Special: Lip Sync Battle

7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 10:00am 10:30am 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 Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor 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

Saturday 7:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 3:15pm 4:15pm 5:00pm 6:25pm 6:35pm 6:40pm 7:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 12:45am

Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Live Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas Football Focus BBC News Sports Personality of the Year 2017 - The Contenders Bargain Hunt Escape to the Country Final Score BBC News BBC London News Pointless Strictly Come Dancing Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show 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 2:45pm 3:20pm 3:50pm 4:20pm 6:05pm 7:05pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:55pm 11:45pm

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 Homes Under the Hammer Coast Garden Rescue Mastermind Possessed Roger Moore: My Word is My Bond Escape to Athena Attenborough’s Life That Glows Feud: Bette and Joan Feud: Bette and Joan QI XL

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am 12:20pm 12:50pm 1:20pm 1:45pm 1:55pm 3:55pm 5:35pm 6:35pm 7:05pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 10:45pm 11:00pm 12:55am

Childrens TV ITV News Saturday Morning with James Martin at Christmas Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape Countrywise Thunderbirds are Go ITV News Endeavour The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas The Chase Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs ITV News London ITV News The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ITV News The Hangover Tonight at the London Palladium

7:05am 7:30am 7:55am 8:20am 8:45am 9:15am 9:40am 10:05am 10:35am 11:05am 11:35am 12:05pm 1:50pm 2:20pm 2:55pm 3:25pm 3:55pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:35pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:10am

Adventure Racing 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 Holiday in Handcuffs Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Grand Designs Best Laid Plans Channel 4 News Word of the Guy Martin v the Robot Car The World’s Most Expensive Presents Pitch Perfect The Inbetweeners Movie

7:00am 10:50am 11:45am 1:55pm 3:40pm 5:25pm 6:25pm 6:30pm 7:05pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:20am

Childrens TV The Gadget Show Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?! One Christmas Eve Love Always, Santa Mariah Carey’s a Christmas Melody 5 News Mariah Carey’s a Christmas Melody Sinkholes Sinkholes Sinkholes 5 News Weekend Football on 5 Football on 5 NCIS: New Orleans NCIS: New Orleans

7:00am 8:00am 8:30am 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 The Simpsons The Simpsons 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

7:05am 8:05am 8:35am 9:35am 10:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 5:35pm 6:20pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am

Coast Gardeners’ World Monty Don’s Secret History of the British Garden Countryfile Saturday Kitchen Best Bites Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas My Life on a Plate MOTD2 Extra Talking Pictures Equestrian Ski Sunday Nativity! Life in Polar Bear Town with Gordon Buchanan James May’s Toy Stories The Alternativity Detectorists Christmas Special Match of the Day 2 Insert Name Here

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am 10:55am 11:40am 12:10pm 12:40pm 1:40pm 1:45pm 3:50pm 5:45pm 6:45pm 7:45pm 8:40pm 8:50pm 9:00pm 12:05am 12:25am

Childrens TV ITV News Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury Countrywise Winter Wonderland The Martin Lewis Money Show Save Money: Good Food How to Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield ITV News Step Up Midsomer Murders Tipping Point The Chase: Celebrity Special The Chase: The Bloopers ITV News London ITV News The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug ITV News Through the Keyhole

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

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 Jamie’s Ultimate Christmas The Simpsons The Simpsons Jingle All the Way Born Silly Channel 4 News Miracle on 34th Street Coastal Railways with Julie Walters Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car Die Hard Mercury Rising

7:00am

Childrens TV

11:35am

Football on 5

12:30pm

Football on 5

1:00pm

Season’s Greetings

2:50pm

Twelve Trees

of Christmas

4:30pm

Mrs Miracle 2:

Miracle in Manhattan

5:30pm

5 News

5:35pm

Mrs Miracle 2:

Miracle in Manhattan

6:20pm

5 News Weekend

6:25pm

A Heavenly Christmas

8:10pm

Legally Blonde

10:00pm

Agatha Christie’s

Crooked House

12:00am

Sleepy Hollow

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

The Hour of Power Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama 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 Stella Trollied A League of Their Own

Brunel, 9pm, Channel 5

Strictly Come Dancing, 7.30pm BBC1

Sunday 7:00am 8:35am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 3:15pm 3:50pm 5:20pm 6:20pm 6:35pm 6:45pm 7:45pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 12:20am 12:30am

Breakfast Match of the Day The Andrew Marr Show Fern Britton Meets... Sunday Politics Bargain Hunt BBC News Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets Songs of Praise Toy Story 2 Blue Planet II BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Sports Personality of the Year 2017 The Apprentice The Apprentice: You’re Hired BBC News BBC London News Ronny Chieng: International Student

Sports Personality of the Year 2017, 7.45pm, BBC1

30

Pick of the Day

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

Breakfast Let’s Get a Good Thing Going Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Father Brown Escape to the Country The Instant Gardener Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Panorama EastEnders Mary Berry’s Christmas Party Would I Lie to You? BBC News BBC London News Have I Got a Bit More News for You Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show

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

Flog it! Trade Secrets Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics The Link Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home Inside Claridge’s Alaska: Earth’s Frozen Kingdom The Blue Planet Celebrity Eggheads Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Inside the Christmas Factory University Challenge Employable Me The League of Gentlemen 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 11:45pm 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 Coronation Street Save Money: Good Food Coronation Street Birds of a Feather ITV Newsand Weather ITV News London Killer Women with Piers Morgan Fraud: How They Steal Your ID

7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am 11:35am 12:05pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:20pm 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 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Channel 4 News Jamie’s Comfort Food Carry on Cleo Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Paul Hollywood Supershoppers Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds at Christmas First Dates Sarah Millican Home Bird Live

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

Puppies Make You

Laugh Out Loud

11:05am

The Gadget Show

12:05pm

The Gadget Show

1:10pm

Jim Henson’s

Turkey Hollow

2:50pm

Back to Christmas

4:35pm

A Cinderella Christmas

6:20pm

Christmas Bucket List

8:00pm

World’s Strongest Man

2017

9:00pm

Brick by Brick:

The Lego Story

10:00pm

Abba: When All is Said

and Done

12:05am

ABBA: Live in Concert

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

Flog it! Trade Secrets Let’s Get a Good Thing Going Street Auction Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics The Link Equestrian Inside Claridge’s Alaska: Earth’s Frozen Kingdom The Blue Planet Sacred Rivers with Simon Reeve The Repair Shop at Christmas MasterChef Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico The League of Gentlemen 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 11:05pm 11:40pm 11:50pm 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 The Royal Variety Performance 2017 ITV News and Weather ITV News London Lethal Weapon Lethal Weapon

7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:05am 9:35am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am 11:35am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 1:20pm 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 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Channel 4 News Jamie’s Cracking Christmas Carry on Cabby Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie’s Italian Christmas Shamed Extraordinary Teens Micky Flanagan’s Out Out Tour

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

Access

10:25am

Nutcracker Sweet

11:45am

Free Birds

1:30pm

Five Children and It

3:10pm

A Royal Family Holiday

4:50pm

Hearts of Christmas

6:25pm

A Prince for Christmas

8:00pm

World’s Strongest Man

2017

9:00pm

Jo Brand’s

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

Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Attenborough: Wild City Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own Christmas Special 2012 The Russell Howard Hour

The League of Gentlemen, 11pm, BBC2

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

Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Attenborough: Wild City Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Sky Sports Funniest Moments: Best Bits Trollied A League of Their Own The Russell Howard Hour

The Royal Variety Performance 2017, 8.30pm, ITV1

tuesday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:40pm 4:25pm 5:15pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am

Breakfast Let’s Get a Good Thing Going Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Father Brown Escape to the Country The Instant Gardener Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City U2 at the BBC BBC News BBC London News Drugsland KKK: The Fight for White Supremacy

Cats and Kittens

10:00pm

Britain’s Favourite

Biscuit

11:30pm

Greatest Ever

Christmas Movies

31

Pick of the Day

WEDNESDAY 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 4:35pm 5:55pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:25am

Breakfast Let’s Get a Good Thing Going Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Raiders of the Lost Ark Chicken Run Book of Dragons Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees The Real Marigold on Tour BBC News BBC London News Male Rape: Breaking the Silence Junior Doctors

7:30am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 12:30pm 2:00pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 5:05pm 6:05pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am

Football on 5

8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:40am

Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Attenborough: Wild City Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Golf’s Funniest Moments Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Michael Bublé’s Christmas in Hollywood The Rock The Russell Howard Hour

Childrens TV Snow Queen Open Season 3 Loch Ness Christmas with the Andersons Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan A Royal Christmas World’s Strongest Man 2017 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights Donny Osmond’s Easy Listening Christmas An Audience with Donny and Marie Lip Sync Battle UK Xmas Special

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

Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Modern Family Egg Drop Big Cats: An Amazing Animal Family Terry Pratchett Terry Pratchett Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Gwen Steffani A League of Their Own Russell Howard Christmas Special A League of Their Own Christmas Special

Flog it! Trade Secrets Nigella’s Christmas Table David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Peter Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics The Link Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Home Away From Home Inside Claridge’s Alaska: Earth’s Frozen Kingdom The Blue Planet Sacred Rivers with Simon Reeve The Sweet Makers at Christmas MasterChef Peaky Blinders The League of Gentlemen Mock the Week Alternativity: The Performance

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 11:45pm 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 Coronation Street Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape Coronation Street A Night for the Emergency Services ITV News and Weather ITV News London Car Crash Britain Caught on Camera Play to the Whistle

7:20am 8:40am 10:00am 11:05am 11:35am 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 The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Channel 4 News Jamie’s Cracking Christmas Carry on Nurse Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas The Channel Gogglebox Micky Flanagan: Back in the Game

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

Snow Queen

11:35am

Jack and the Beanstalk

1:25pm

James and the

Giant Peach

2:55pm

My Angel

4:40pm

Christmas Carol

6:20pm

A Fairytale Christmas

8:00pm

World’s Strongest Man

2017

9:00pm

GPs:

Behind Closed Doors

10:00pm

Harry Potter:

20 Years of Magic

12:00am

MasterChef: The Professionals David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Peter Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snow Babies Natural World Victorian Bakers at Christmas Back in Time for Christmas The Lake District: A Wild Year Sacred Rivers with Simon Reeve Inside the Christmas Factory MasterChef Joanna and Jennifer: Absolutely Champers Absolutely Fabulous Insert Name Here QI Dara and Ed’s Road to Mandalay

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 11:15pm 11:45pm 11:55pm

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 Coronation Street Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Great Christmas Roast ITV News and Weather ITV News London The Royal Variety Performance 2017

7:20am 8:35am 10:05am 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 12:05am

3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier The Big Bang Theory Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Channel 4 News Jamie’s Cracking Christmas Jamie’s Comfort Food Bites Carry on Constable Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Supervet at Christmas The Undateables at Christmas The World’s Most Expensive Toys Father Ted

7:00am 10:15am 11:50am 1:15pm 3:15pm 4:55pm 6:40pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am

Michael Buble's Christmas in Hollywood, 9pm, Sky1

thursday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 4:35pm 5:50pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm

Breakfast Let’s Get a Good Thing Going Homes Under the Hammer Street Auction Fake Britain Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit Merry Madagascar Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders DIY SOS The Big Build Love, Lies and Records BBC News BBC London News Darcey Bussell

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

this weeks weather FRI Dec 15

sat Dec 16

sun Dec 17

mon Dec 18

tue Dec 19

wed Dec 20

thu Dec 21

19º 8ºC

15º 6ºC

16º 7ºC

14º 2ºC

15º 4ºC

14º 5ºC

16º 8ºC

Times of clouds and sun

Plenty of sunshine

Plenty of sunshine

Partly sunny

Sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly cloudy with a shower

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The World's Most Expensive Toy, 11pm, Channel 4

32

24 feb - 2 march 2017

whats on

Stagestruck Stagestruck Theatre Group would normally have staged their annual pantomime by this time of the year but unfortunately, this year’s performance had to be cancelled due to their director’s ill health. However, this hasn’t prevented the group from raising money for charity. A small group have continued to do Murder Mysteries in local bars and the whole group recently showcased their individual talents with

an evening of variety which included singing, dancing, comedy sketches and monologues. Leaf’s bar in Quesada hosted the show on 2 separate evenings to full audiences and just under 1000 euros was raised from ticket sales and raffle tickets. Stagestruck will make this amount up to 2000 euros with money raised from the Murder Mysteries and this will be donated to the Torrevieja Alzheimer’s Association.

The group will be getting back to normal for 2018 and will commence rehearsals in January for their Summer production. The show will be a musical comedy, an original script written by Stagestruck Director, Leigh Humphries. If you would like to be informed of future Stagestruck shows and events, please make a request to be added to the mailing list to leigh.humphries58@gmail.com.

Alicante Santa Claus house already a great success

AROUND 1,000 people attended the grand opening of the Santa Claus House in Alicante and there were so many people in the area that police were forced to close adjoining roads. On the opening day, there were up to three hours to wait in queues which led to complaints from members of the public asking for the attraction to be opened earlier rather than the 12 noon start. The Santa Claus House opens on December 15, 16 and 17 from 12 noon to 8pm; December 18 to 23 (inclusive) from 12 noon to 6pm and on Christmas Eve

and Christmas Day from 10am to 2pm. The main events in and around the Alicante City centre are: Friday December 15: 7pm - Christmas concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band of Alicante in Las Cigarreras. Friday December 15 to Sunday January 7: Attractions in the Seneca Square from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 11pm, which go on until Midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Sunday December 17:

11am - Christmas swimming in the open water from the Cocó beach. 7pm - Concert of Ancient and Renaissance Choral Music at the Castle of Santa Bárbara. Thursday December 21: Mercadito de la cascaruja with crafts and Christmas products in the Paseo de Federico Soto until Sunday December 24 from 10am to 3pm and from 5pm to 11pm. Friday December 22: 8pm - Christmas Concert in the Auditorium Provincial.

History comes alive

FOOLS AND MORTALS follows the young Richard Shakespeare, an actor struggling to make his way in a company dominated by his estranged older brother, William. As the growth of theatre blooms, their rivalry - and that of the playhouses, playwrights and actors vying for acclaim and glory - propels a high-stakes story of conflict and betrayal. Showcasing his renowned storyteller's skill, Bernard Cornwell has created an Elizabethan world incredibly rich in its portrayal: you walk the London streets, stand in the palaces and are on stage in the playhouses, as he weaves a remark-

able story in which performances, rivalries and ambition combine to form a tangled web of intrigue. From the strife and division of the Dark Ages to the blood and bravery of the Napoleonic Wars, Bernard Cornwell has been bringing history to life since the early Eighties when he created the unlikely hero renegade-turned-officer Richard Sharpe. Whether turning his hand to the hunt for the Grail quest, Arthurian legend or feuding Saxons in his Last Kingdom series, his novels are consistently popular, making him one of Britain’s best-loved and bestselling novelists.

Sponsored by Bookworld Puerto Banus info@bookworldpuertobanus.com

www@bookworldpuertobanus.com | 952 816 084

Chatters for Christmas and the New Year by Bill Hulse

PLEASE note that because of our annual Chatters

Christmas Lunch there will be no Chatters meeting in December. January 17, 2018 when the guest speaker

will be Jayne Hardisty, a well known local artist with a very interesting story to tell.

The venue, as always, will be the Las Claras Centre

in Los Narejos. Complimentary refreshments will

be available between 10.15am and 10.45am and the

meeting will start at 11am. We will also have the usual quiz and picture quiz with the opportunity to win modest prizes.

Chatters is an informal monthly meeting, sponsored

by Help At Home. There is no charge and everybody is welcome. Why not come along, join in and meet old and perhaps new friends.

More information about Chatters and Help At Home

can be found on our Facebook page, HAH (Help At Home) Mar Menor, or by visiting our website, www.helpathome.es

It’s a cake mix of flour and eggs for the Ibi fiesta

IBI CELEBRATES one of the weirdest and funniest fiestas of the region on December 28 every year to coincide with the Day of the Innocents; the Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s Day. It is called the Els Enfarinats which, when roughly translated, means the Fiesta of the Floured One and is essentially a massive flour and egg fight. The tradition of this particular fiesta goes back over 200 years and has been declared as being of Regional Tourist Interest, so is well worth witnessing. It’s an early 8am start for everyone when the Els Enfarinats, dressed in an hilarious selection of military based uniforms, take control of Ibi. They hold a race to elect their Mayor who then presides over the activities in the Plaça de l’Església (Church Square). The opposition is called the Casats i Fadrins and once everyone is in place the fighting

begins and the church plaza of Ibi becomes a battle field. The weapons are primarily flour and eggs, but also involved are foaming fire extinguishers, fire crackers and rockets. The two sides continually pelt each other and gradually the whole central plaza becomes a big white cloud of flour. Those involved are not that concerned about who they actually hit. The main events are listed below: Thursday December 28: 8am - The Els Enfarinats activities start, the fight begins at 10am and continues through until 12 noon. 5pm - Traditional Dancing along Carrer de les Eres Saturday December 30: 5pm - Traditional Dancing along Carrer de les Eres

Letters to the Editor

talk to us

RTN welcomes Readers views for publication in its Letters to the Editor section. All letters by email or post should carry the writer´s address, NIE and contact number, though only the name and town will be published.

Email letters to admin.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com with your full name and address

33

community news

Lots of Christmas fayre from Age Concern AGE CONCERN have been delighted to present the first of their Christmas hampers to a number of grateful beneficiaries at a recent event held at their centre in La Siesta. The first group to get their full-to-brimming selection of delicious tea time treats including a bottle of wine, biscuits, panattone, chocolates, and more were Pam Creasey, Glenys Doyle, Joan Sugden, Ella Blacknall, Ann King, Carmen and Ken Jenkins and Joyce. The presentation took place surrounded by countless friends in the packed centre of people enjoying one of their daily coffee mornings and the atmosphere was definitely full of Christmas spirit. There is no doubt that the La Siesta centre has an incredible reputation for being welcoming to everyone who walks through

the doors, which could be daunting for any newcomers. They are immediately made welcome and within a couple of visits they become a firm regular. Pam Creasey told of her reason of joining Age Concern. She was at an all time low after becoming a widow, lonely and feeling like she had no one to care about her, or indeed, to care about. Joining Age Concern rescued her from loneliness and her desolation. Her story was echoed by a lot people who have become members. An open invitation is there for anyone of 50-years-old and over to become a member of Age Concern. For more information just pop into the centre at Calle Paganini, La Siesta or telephone 966 786 887.

Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group FOLLOWING the great success of the 2017 spectacular, the show director of the Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group is busy preparing for the next show in 2018...but it can’t be done alone. The group are always on the look-out for new members, especially those with knowledge of or a background in technical matters such as sound, lighting and stage management. If you’re interested in getting involved with the group, please contact Tom on 966 790 547 or 691 737 442. The Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group want to take this opportunity of thanking all those that have supported them and attended this year, and to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Treats for delighted beneficiaries

Domino Bar ‘reach out’ with their generosity

Southern Costa Blanca Jewish community

Public lighting of a Menorah THIS YEAR sees the 4th public lighting of a Menorah at Playa Flamenca. Chanukah is a Jewish festival that dates back to the year 165 BCE. At that time Jerusalem was ruled by a Syrian king called Antiochus. He looted and damaged the Temple in Jerusalem and stopped the Jews from practicing their laws and religion. This upset the Jews so much that they rebelled. The rebellion was successful and the Temple was restored to its former state. A new altar was consecrated but there was only enough oil for the altar lamp to burn for one day. However the lamp burnt for eight days and a miracle was declared by the Jewish leaders. To celebrate this miracle, an eight-day observance is

created ever year by lighting one candle each day in a Menorah (a special candelabra) until all eight candles are burning. The Menorah is placed in public places to remind people of the miracle. This year, the Southern Costa Blanca Jewish Community will be lighting the Menorah on the steps of the esplanade opposite the Lobster Restaurant at Playa Flamenca Beach at 7.30pm on Tuesday December 19. The ceremony will be followed by the serving wine and do-nuts. Please join us as everybody is welcome, Jews, Christians, people of every religion and those of none. For further information please email alan201150@hotmail.com.

THE Punta Prima, Rocajuna area saw an afternoon of entertainment, fun and games when Domino Bar hosted a fundraiser for Reach Out (Extiende La Mano). Patrons of the popular hostelry came together to support the Torrevieja charity with music from Just Brass Band, fairground games, Tarot Card readings, a tombola, a raffle, greeting cards, and a clothes sale. The clothing not sold was donated to the Reach Out charity shop. At the end of the afternoon a sum in excess of €450 was presented to Davy Young, Secretary of Reach Out, who thanked all participants, supporters, bar and kitchen staff for their sterling effort and generosity which was even more appreciated at this time of year. Reach Out provides help and assistance to more than 90 homeless people between 18 and 80-years-old, with breakfast and lunch meals on a Monday to Friday. Christmas lunch this year will be on Saturday December 23 in the Reach Out centre in Torrevieja. ALL the families and homeless receive a gift package at this time of year and all donations are gratefully received. More information at www.reachouttorrevieja.eu or call 96 571 3063.

34

health

Hangover cures Splitting headaches, sickness, dizziness, dehydration: anyone who's ever drunk too much knows the consequences. Alcohol makes you pee more, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is what causes many of the symptoms of a hangover. Hangover cures are generally a myth. There are no cures for a hangover, but there are things you can do to avoid one and, if you do have one, ease any discomfort. Tips to avoid a hangover • Don't drink more than you know your body can cope with. If you're not sure how much that is, be careful. • Don't drink on an empty stomach. Before you go out, have a meal that includes carbohydrates (such as pasta or rice) or fats. The food will help slow down the body's absorption of alcohol. • Don't drink dark-coloured drinks if you've found you're

sensitive to them. They contain natural chemicals called congeners, which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain and can make a hangover worse. • Drink water or non-fizzy soft drinks in between each alcoholic drink. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into your system. • Drink a pint or so of water before you go to sleep. Keep a glass of water by the bed to sip if you wake up during the night. Hangover treatment If you wake up the next morning feeling terrible, you probably didn't follow our advice. Dealing with a hangover involves rehydrating the body to help it deal with the painful symptoms. The best time to rehydrate is before going to sleep after a drinking session. Painkillers can help with headaches and muscle cramps. Sugary foods may help you feel less trembly. In some cases, an antacid may be needed to settle your stomach first. Bouillon soup, a thin vegetable-based broth, is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can top up depleted resources. Its main advantage is it's easy for a fragile stomach to digest. You can replace lost fluids by drinking bland liquids that are easy on the digestive system, such as water, soda water and isotonic drinks. Things to avoid ‘Hair of the dog’ – drinking more alcohol – does not help. Drinking in the morning is a risky habit, and you may simply be delaying the appearance of symptoms until the alcohol wears off again. If you've had a heavy drinking episode, hangover or

not, doctors advise that you wait at least 48 hours before drinking any more alcohol to give your body time to recover. Sometimes, of course, a hangover makes that advice easier to follow.

35

health Budding triathletes take note

Vitamin D3 and Calcium It is more and more known that osteoporosis and the bone fractures that consequently fol¬low are not coincidental, but caused by degenerative processes which can be prevented with a suitable diet. Approximately one out of every three women suffers from osteoporosis after menopause and therefore runs an increased risk of breaking a bone. In males, one out of every six men, over the age of 50, suffers from osteoporosis. The basic bone structure undergoes continuous change. Bone tissue is continually being bro¬ken down and renewed. Of the 1.5 to 2.5 kg of calcium stored in the whole body, about 98% forms part of the bone structure, the remaining 2% forming part of the softer tissues and the blood. Equilibrium is in fact kept and directed by various hormones and by vitamin D. Building up bone tissue is undertaken by special cells which form the basic substance of the structure. In this basic substance, minerals, such as calcium phosphate, are also stored; which is why it is important that the body has a proper functioning calcium and phosphate regula¬tory system. The actual regulation is carried out by a number of hormones. What is known as “D hormone” is especially important to enhanced the intake of calcium and supplementing storage levels of minerals in the bones; D hormone is made by the body using vitamin D3. Breaking down bone tissue is carried out by special cells, which, with the help of specific en¬zymes, dissolve the basic substance of the bone; in the process they also dissolve the minerals contained in the bone structure, a process which is greatly accelerated by the acidity of the modern environment. During childhood, puberty and early adulthood, more bone is built up than broken down; bone structure reaches its

Whiten yellow nails

1. Bleach nails in a solution of 1 tablespoon of 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small plastic bowl. 2. Use a cotton swab to press some of the mixture (it should achieve a pastelike consistency) firmly under the tip of each nail as well as over the top of the nail, covering all the nails on one hand. 3. Allow the mixture to remain in place for about three minutes before rinsing with warm water. 4. Repeat with other hand! Try this treatment every six to eight weeks. Or, soak your tips in denture cleaner for about five minutes. For a super-speedy fix, use a nail-whitening pencil under your tips for a brighter look.

maximum size at approximately 35 years of age. From that moment, breaking down bone structure becomes more prominent than building it up. How fast the breaking down process takes place is the deciding factor in the prognosis of osteoporosis. The hormone changes that take place during menopause lead more women to osteoporosis than men, as the bone density of woman is reduced by an average of 40% compared to only 12% in men. The positive influence of vitamin D on the intake of calcium, will, in fact, be regulated by the body‘s D hormone. After its synthesis from vitamin D, the D hormone will firstly cause an increase in the calcium and phosphate content of the body and will secondly slow down the hormone responsible for breaking down bone structure. D hormone will increase the rate at which the body absorbs calcium and minerals in its bone structure. A shortage of D hormone causes a decreased intake of calcium from the intestines which lowers the calcium levels in the blood; to compensate ,calcium is taken from the bone structure By adding calcium and vitamin D3 to our daily diet , the breakdown of bone tissue (oste¬oporosis) is counteracted and the danger of typical bone fractures; such as a broken hip with all its accompanying discomforts and complications, are minimized.

MEN who compete in triathlons could be putting their hearts at risk, a new study contends. The finding results from an examination of 55 male triathletes who averaged 44years-old, and 30 female triathletes, with an average age of 43. All participated in triathlons, which involve sequential endurance competitions of swimming, cycling and running. The researchers found that 18 per cent of the men had evidence of scarring of the heart, known as myocardial fibrosis. None of the women had signs of the condition. Myocardial fibrosis usually affects the pumping chambers and can progress to heart failure. "The clinical relevance of these scars is currently unclear [but] they might be a foundation for future heart failure and arrhythmia [irregular heartbeat]," the study's lead author, Dr. Jitka Starekova, said in a

news release from the Radiological Society of North America. Though regular exercise has been proven good for the heart, previous studies have found myocardial fibrosis in elite athletes. "Although we cannot prove the exact mechanism for the development of myocardial fibrosis in triathletes, increased systolic blood pressure during exercise, the amount and extent of race distances and unnoticed myocarditis could be co-factors in the genesis of the condition," Starekova said. She's with the department for diagnostic and interventional radiology and nuclear medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany. "In other words, repetition of any extreme athletic activity may not be beneficial for everyone," she explained. Starekova and her colleagues plan long-term follow-up of the triathletes with myocardial fibrosis.

36

Puzzles Code Breaker

Mars takes on Uranus just before the Holiday festivities kick off. You are well prepared to celebrate this year, and have greatly simplified entertaining and hospitality down to a fine art. All that is left is to enjoy the vigours of this time of year and all that they may bring you.

Word Pyramid

9

Mighty Uranus steers your planetary leader, Mercury into calmer waters just in time to enable you to celebrate the holiday season with no pressures or fears. Everything and anything can and will happen if you just let it, and especially now that you can focus on what positive energies bring! Venus takes on lucky Jupiter and you could not have a better aspect to look forward to. Considering that you have been in a dark place it would seem that all is coming to you in the form of fortune and good luck, heralding happier times and all the very best is coming your way! Your planetary leaders are kept busy of late. Pluto conjuncts with Mercury, and Mars sextiles with Uranus. This presents a truly mixed bag, but the endless possibilities are something worth focussing on now that you are less pressured and have the time to realise now just how far you’ve come. Saturn enters into your second house and brings back the ghost of Christmases past somewhat. There is much to celebrate this year and yet you are taken back, maybe to see just how far you have moved on? Wily, sage Saturn has a habit of helping to eliminate the past, bringing clearance. Time for change as the Sun enters in splendour. It illuminates your pathway for the events ahead in the festive season. This time of year really does belong to you and the clarity of your reactions will set you in good stead for not just the celebrations ahead, but the many changes due. Your opposing sign of Leo thrives with the Sun entering Capricorn. You need to be earthed and to know your strengths and your weaknesses better if you are to take full advantage of an opportunity coming your way. There is nothing that you can do about anything right now so relax. Though you have had little regard for this year’s festivities you now have something rather wonderful to focus on, and something to lead you into the New Year, with good luck and blessings following you all the way! Expect to receive an offer that you just cannot refuse, and turn things around!

O

E C

S

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!

Mercury squares Uranus, and allows for some communication that’s unexpected and rewards you in its actions. You are forced to make changes to your Christmas plans this year but it is taking care of others that finds you trying to please everyone in the process. Take time for yourself!

Forget what you signed up for and take care of those who love you deeply but do not quite understand your current wants and needs. A time to talk freely, and to break the negative energies of the silence that has developed; which does nothing for either of you. Be true to yourself, above all!

N

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.

Venus beguiles Pluto in a conjunction that sees you taking a consequential trip along memory lane, and giving in to some healthy and reminiscent nostalgia. With one or two surprises in store for you, this festive season sees you putting a value on the things you generally take for granted.

Resolve is especially comforting at this time of the year, and the stubborn attitude of someone close to you has hurt you somewhat. Making up is very hard to do, but you know it is the only way too, especially with the season of goodwill on your doorstep. Play it cool and all can be merry and bright!

D

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 17 represents C and 23 represents H. 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, I have the most terrible feeling that

WORD fit

Using just logic, can you make all the words fit correctly into the grid?

something is about to go wrong. I often get these negative feelings and they really bring me down. What can I do? Anna G. Anna, be strong. We cannot control fate but we can bring on some negative energies by the stress that we put ourselves under. If you are prewarned about something such premonition is hard to deal with, but you must be happy when nothing bad happens! Speak to Spirit and tell them to keep you in touch but eliminate fear on all levels please, especially for things that anyway are out of control.

For Birthday Celebrants Cosmic aspirations are shifting greatly, and there is a high probability you will change your mind over something which currently seems to be holding you well and truly back from the real event!

3 LETTERS ALE ALP BYE DYE GOP MAD PTA TON TTL 4 LETTERS ABUT AHOY ALIA AMOK AREA ASIA BOMB

DOLL DOOR ELLA GINN HARE HARM HEBE IOTA KNEE LAME LANE LARS LASH LASS LEON LILA MAID MART

NONE OATH OILY OLIN OMIT OVEN PECK PLOD RIME ROBE SILL STUB TALL TOSS TRAP 5 LETTERS AAHEAD ALIVE

ALOHA AROSE CABAL CADET CREAK DEMON EMILE GILES INTER IONIC LAGOS NOOSE ORATE PEARL SAMOA SINEW SPEND

6 LETTERS CLINIC DENTON HANNAH HEARST ISAIAH KIDNAP RELISH SEWAGE SPRAIN TATTLE 7 LETTERS AIRPARK HIGGINS LACTATE PROTEGE

More Puzzles

Cryptic

ACROSS 1 Unready king making girl embarrassed (8) 6 Article I’m to make objective (3) 9 Precise former spouse has to do something (5) 10 Directors and editor got on (7) 11 Oil change after journey in African port (7) 13 “Room at the Top” in Greek (5) 14 Teased for being badly dressed (6) 15 Beer? Bert is ordered to swallow it (6) 19 Aimed to reform press, TV, etc. (5) 21 Allowances made for disturbance on stair? (7) 22 Just say I may be found in a French resort (7) 23 New gown about right? No, it’s not right (5) 24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 25 Drink that’s bad for teenager? (5,3) DOWN 2 Dashing in great confusion (7) 3 Scoff when leader is knocked out in preliminary round (3) 4 Bunny talk? (6) 5 Mad artist turns playwright (9) 6 Check car heading for Tottenham (5) 7 Another word for doctor found in some dictionaries (5) 8 Browbeat Trojan hero (6) 12 Working with gear in top form (9) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 17 Quit and write one’s name again? (6) 18 Royal pop star (6) 19 Mother has second thoughts after contagious disease (5) 20 Teacher with north-eastern poet (5) 23 Be successful for first half of season (3)

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

ACROSS

Quiz 1 Flared trousers were originated in the early 1800s by: Sailors; Clergymen; Circus

ring-masters; or Rat-catchers? 2 The Hang Seng is Hong Kong’s: Metro; Daily newspaper; Stock market index; or

Dog show? 3 Annealing a metal makes it: Melt; Softer; Vaporize or Convert into diamond? 4 Shire, Arabian, Mustang, and Hackney are types of: Radish; Taxi; Religious cult;

or Horse? 5 The Soviet Union dissolution of 1991 created how many independent states:

5; 9; 15; or 35? 6 A half divided by a sixth is: A third; A Ninth; A Twelfth; or Three? 7 Where are found the Seas of Tranquility, Cleverness, Nectar, and Moisture:

Human liver; Superman comics/films; The South Pole; or The Moon? 8 Pitcairn Islands, home to several 1790 ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ mutineers, are in

the Southern: Pacific; Mediterranean; Baltic; or Arctic? 9 Spell the Japanese rice dish: Sushi; Souchi; ; Sueshy; or Soo shee? 10 In a church a piscina is a: Choirboy’s scarf; Basin; Altar cloth; or Medieval organ?

1 Rigorous (6) 4 Sloping script (6) 8 Imitate (5) 9 Substitute (5-2) 10 Welsh city (7) 11 Indian language (5) 12 Flabbergasted (9) 17 Parrot’s name (5) 19 Recital (anag.) (7) 21 Without weapons (7) 22 Leaves out (5) 23 Make possible (6) 24 Decapitate (6)

DOWN 1 To such an extent (2,4) 2 Comments (7) 3 Spiny desert plants (5) 5 Instructor (7) 6 Weighed down (5) 7 Outspoken (6) 9 Protect (9) 13 Appalling (7) 14 Mislead (7) 15 Husband or wife (6) 16 Came to an end (6) 18 Capital of Tibet (5) 20 Type of steak (1-4)

Last Weeks Solutions on page 42

38

24 feb - 2 march 2017

advertising feature

Paddy Singh’s story

Paddy Singhs has been established for 12 years and was built by owner Allen Donaghy who is back now working full time running the restaurant after a major operation. He has also taken on the vastly experienced Ricardo and Maria to help him. Allen has owned successful bars and hotels in England for 30 years but came to Spain to retire and maybe do some part time work. After 8 years in Spain he was frustrated at the lack of good Indian Cuisine and proper English food with local fresh vegetables. So the combination of the Indian and English menu emerged and offers a great variety of popular dishes. Since its launch, the varied menu has been a huge hit with locals and tourists, Allen stated, " The combination of traditional English food with flavourful Indian dishes works well as we are able to offer something to suit everyone's palate, so if you fancy a hearty gammon, eggs and chips but your wife is craving a slow cooked lamb bhuna with naan bread, then we can offer that, so everyone's happy!" Allen has a team of 4 Indian cooks led by Head Chef Johnny Singh with a further four waiting and bar staff, who offer great service to all the customers. The service offered at Paddy Singhs is top of the agenda and Allen added "They have to be efficient and friendly. We have a year-round staff as the core of our waiting brigade, but come the summer we obviously have to take on more”. Paddy Singhs menu is freshly cooked

on site and includes a range of vegetarian dishes with all breads cooked in a traditional Tandoori oven. The chefs prepare everything themselves, including the all important spice mixes like the garam masala they use. That is no mean feat in itself and quite a task as the spices first have to be roasted to just the right degree to take off the 'raw' edge and enhance the flavour before being ground and sieved to ensure a fine powder results. Get that wrong and the food can seem gritty and over roast the spices and it can taste burnt. But the effort and attention to detail is worth it when you taste the food.

The starters are perfect, the mains delicious, and the homemade desserts are to die for. The extensive restaurant can seat up to 150 people both inside and outside on the pleasant terraced area. There is plenty of room for private parties and catered functions and special menus can be tailor made for any occassion you want to celebrate and a takeaway service is available if you wish to dine on restaurant quality foods in the comfort of your own home. Allen has added that attention to detail is part of the philosophy behind the beautifully decorated restaurant .

From the quality ingredients they buy - the jumbo prawns really are jumbo - to the selection of wine to go with the meal, everything is thought through. In addition to the great food Paddy Singhs has built up a reputation for great music nights with live entertainment on the weekends. Sports lovers are also catered for as there are large flat screens in the bar area and all major sporting events are shown. Every Monday night at 8.30pm they have a quiz with the 6.95€ menu. Monday to Saturday they have the menu del dia from 9.95€ with a glass of house wine. Every Thursday after menu del dia Debra Butterfly are holding Charity Bingo eyes down from 3.00pm. Traditional Sunday lunch any 2 courses from 10.95€ or all 3 courses 12.95€. Also just started, Credit Crunch main course lunch Monday to Saturday for 5.95€ and don’t forget Friday is fish and chips. Live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings for details see Paddy Singhs facebook. So, for a truly special Indian experience, why not try Paddys Singhs which is open seven days a week from 12.00-4.00pm for lunch and from 6.00pm to 11.00pm. Find Paddy Singh’s at Urb. Estrella de Mar, Ctra Los Nietos, Los Urrutais 30368 Murcia or call 968 134 777 to make a reservation. Alternatively email allendonaghy2003@hotmail.com for menus or further information.

24 feb - 2 march 2017

39

food & drink

Caramel chocolate log

TS INGREDIEN

reasing Butter for g s r sprinkling g 4 large eg plus extra fo , ar g su er cast 125g golden luten-free) wder o p a co ensure its g co to 25g el b la e ) ur (check th ion caramel 50g oat flo e (or Carnat ch le e d e lc 100g du its , for dusting el to ensure icing sugar eck the lab h (c te la co o 50g white ch , melted gluten-free) ing For the fill ble cream u o d l 400m sugar brown soft 2 tbsp light nd ginger ½ tsp grou n nd cinnamo om 3 pods, u ro ½ tsp g (the seeds fr m o am rd nd ca ¼ tsp grou ) ed sh u cr

method

Lightly grease a 26 x 36cm baking tray with a substantial rim and line with baking parchment. Heat oven to 180C/ 160C fan/ gas 4. To make the filling, put all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar and prevent lumps. Pour into a small container, cover with cling film and place in the fridge for a few hrs or until fully chilled.

This fabulous glutenfree cake has a festive spiced cream and dulce de leche filling - drizzle with white chocolate for an extra-special end to a Christmas dinner party. PREP: 50 MINS COOK: 20 MINS (plus 2-3 hrs chilling) SERVES 8 - 10

Put the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl and use an electric whisk to whisk for 5-8 mins or until the mixture has tripled in volume and holds a ribbon on the surface when the beaters are lifted from the bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, oat flour and a pinch of salt. Working in three additions, carefully sieve the dry ingredients over the egg mixture and carefully fold in, keeping the mixture light

and airy. Carefully pour the batter onto the prepared tray and gently level out to an even layer. Bake for 12-14 mins or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and carefully slip the cake and parchment onto a wire rack to cool (unlike other roll cakes, this one isn’t pre-rolled as it is more likely to crack). Once the cake is at room temperature, confidently turn over

Bread and butter panettone pudding tart

INGREDIENTS

PREP: 10 MINS COOK: 1 HOURS SERVES: 12

125 g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 4 tablespoons demerara sugar 750 g plain panettone 1 vanilla pod 300 ml double cream 300 ml whole milk 5 large free-range eggs 100 g golden caster sugar 60 g quality dark chocolate (70%) 60 g bitter orange marmalade

method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Lightly grease a 28cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Bash 2 tablespoons of demerara sugar in a pestle and mortar until fine, then mix with the remaining demerara so you have a range of textures. Tip into the tart tin and shake around to coat. Tap gently, then tip any excess back into the mortar for later. Slice the edges off the panettone in strips and use them to line the base and sides of the tart tin, pressing down hard to compact and create a pastry-like shell. 2. Halve the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape out the seeds, then put both the seeds and pod into a pan on a medium heat along with the cream, milk and butter, and simmer for 5 minutes or until the butter has melted. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs and golden caster sugar for 2 minutes, or until smooth. Whisking constantly, add the hot cream mixture to the bowl until combined,

then discard the vanilla pod. 3. Now it’s time to build this crazy comfort pudding. Pour one-third of the custard into the base of the tart and leave to soak in for a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, tear up all the remaining panettone into rough chunks, soak them in the bowl of creamy custard for a minute or two (the more it sucks up, the better!), then layer up in the shell you’ve created, snapping up and adding little chunks of chocolate and dollops of marmalade between the layers – there’s no need to be neat about it, you want a range of heights, saturation and textures. Pour over any leftover custard, leaving it to soak in if necessary, then sprinkle with the remaining demerara sugar. Bake for around 25 minutes, or until set. Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes, then serve with cream, custard or ice cream, if you like – it’s delicious cold, too, if you’ve got any leftovers!

in one motion onto a piece of parchment sprinkled lightly with caster sugar, then peel off the lining parchment. Whisk the spiced cream filling until it holds soft peaks, then spread to an even layer, leaving 2cm along the short edge clear. Spoon the dulce de leche randomly all over the filling and use a knife or a spoon to swirl together. Carefully roll the cake, using

the parchment underneath to help, making sure the uncovered sponge edge is at the end of the roll. Don’t worry if the cake splits a little, this is to be expected. Dust the cake with a thin layer of icing sugar and carefully lift onto a serving plate. To finish, drizzle the cake with the white chocolate. As this cake is made with very little fat, it is best served on the day it is made, as it will dry out more quickly.

40

home & garden

10 Popular Christmas Houseplants Consider adding these 10 popular Christmas houseplants to your collection. Poinsettia

A poinsettia is a pointed red flower that is often associated with the Christmas season. It is most commonly seen in red, but this plant can also bloom in shades of pink and soft yellow. Since these tropical plants are forced to bloom during Christmas, they need a little bit of extra care to get the plants to re-bloom. They grow best in direct sunlight and humid temperatures.

Mistletoe Mistletoe is a symbol of love that we typically hang in our homes during Christmas, but this plant is actually a parasitic plant, so growing it indoors means that you will need a host for the mistletoe to grow. Seeding can occur in soil, but once roots form, the plant will need to be placed in a host tree’s bark. It will take about four years for a mistletoe plant to mature, and male plants will not produce white berries.

Paperwhite Narcissus

Christmas Cactus

This is a delightful plant that stems from the Mediterranean. It is a close relative of the daffodil, and it is also a plant that creates bellshaped blooms that are extremely fragrant and perfect for your home during Christmas. The stalks of this houseplant are typically about a foot to a foot and a half in height, and the blooms are star-shaped delicacies that are pure white in colour. The blooms can be yellow or orange, but these varieties are often more rare.

Christmas cactus is a tropical plant that originates in the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil. The flat, segmented stems of the plant remain green most of the year, but around Christmas, colourful red, orange, pink, purple, and white blooms form. They grow best with moist soil and a lot of indirect sunlight. If you want to ensure that your Christmas cactus will bloom, then be sure to provide the plant with 12 hours of darkness each night for six to eight weeks before Christmas.

Christmas Azaleas

Christmas Berry The leaves of Christmas berry are dark and glossy, and starshaped flowers that are white and beautiful are produced in the summer months. During the winter season, the plant will yield fruits that are plump and red. The plant requires several hours of direct sunlight a day, and it also prefers to grow in warm temperatures with a high level of humidity.

Azaleas are evergreen shrubs that produce bright red blooms that vary in hue. The plant is loved during Christmas because it blooms during the winter months and continues into early spring. It is not a plant that likes a lot of direct sunlight; in fact, it actually likes to grow in partial shade conditions. This plant enjoys relatively cool temperatures that do not rise above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is such a great plant to have in your home during the winter months.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a plant that has been seen in homes around Christmas time more and more each year. The bell-shaped blooms are often beautiful shades of red that create a welcoming warmth in your home. Since these lovely plants are tropical, they do require relatively warm temperatures and humidity in the air. This is a plant that requires bright sunlight, but it should not be placed in direct sunlight though because this can hinder the bloom and result in a lack of colour for your Christmas gathering.

Holly

Cyclamens

Holly has been a part of Christmas since it became part of the classic Christmas carol ‘Deck the Halls’ nearly 150 years ago, but holly and berries have been a favourite to brighten the desolate winter since ancient times. The holly shrubs that we all know as traditional Christmas plants have pointed leaves, red berries, and small white blooms. Holly is a plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil that is a bit on the acidic side to grow properly.

This plant is a lovely Christmas plant to make your home feel more festive. It is a plant that originates from Europe and the Mediterranean area, and the blooms are often delightful shades of red that match the rest of your Christmas décor.

Winter Cherry Winter cherry is a plant that blooms small white flowers in the summer, but they are mostly known for their tomato-like berries that can be seen near the Christmas season. The longer the berries are on the stem, the redder they will become. These

plants adore bright sunlight, but nothing that is too direct. They also need relatively cool temperatures, but nothing too drafty. In addition, this plant is also toxic so be careful if pets or small children are in your home.

41

builders

architect 251843

structural

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motoring

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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42 METALWORK

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Last week’s puzzle answers (Issue 946)

Wordwheel Solution alp ape apt asp dap lap pad pal par pas pat pea ped pee per pes pet

pst rap rep sap spa tap alps aped aper apes apse daps deep laps leap lept pads

pale pals pard pare pars part pase past pate pats peal pear peas peat peds peed peel

peer pees pele pelt pere pert pest pete pets plat plea pled prat pree rape raps rapt

rasp reap reps salp seep sept slap spae spar spat sped step tape taps tarp tepa trap

adept apers apres apter asper deeps drape etape lapse leaps leapt leper lepta padle padre paled paler

pales palet pards pared pares parle parse parts paste pated pater pates peals pearl pears peart pease

peats pedal pedes peels peers peles pelta pelts perea peres perse petal peter plate plats plead pleas

pleat prase prate prats preed prees presa prese prest raped rapes reaps repel salep sepal septa sleep

slept spade spaed spale spare spate spear speed speel speer spelt splat sprat spree steep strap strep

taped taper tapes tarps tepal tepas traps adepts asleep depart drapes elapse etapes lapsed lapser leaped leaper

pearls pedals pedate pedlar pedler pelted pelter pesade peseta pester pestle petals petard peters petrel plated plater

lepers padles padres palest palets palter pardee parled parles parsed parsee parted pasted pastel paster paters pealed

plates pleads please pleats prated prates preset rasped reaped repast repeal repeat repels repled retape sapele septal

serape spader spared spread staple tapers tepals trapes trapse adepter departs elapsed leapers palters pearled pedaler pedlars

pedlers pelters persalt pestled petaled petards petrale petrels plaster platers pleader pleased pleaser pleated pleater predate prelate

presale prestel psalter relapse repeals repeats replate replead respade respelt retaped retapes sepaled speared spelter stapled stapler

tapered paltered pedalers pederast pedestal petrales pleaders pleaters predates prelates relapsed repasted replated replates repleads trapesed plastered

Word Ladder

Word Pyramid stepsister

TREES TRIES TRINS TEINS TEILS TELLS BELLS

Codebreaker Solution

Cryptic Solution

Quick Solution

Soduku Solution

Wordfit Solution

Quiz solutions 1 Dog 2 East Germany 3 Flowers 4 Shark 5 Skin 6 Australia 7 Veruca 8 Elements 9 RadioShack 10 Maserati

43

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Leo

APAH is launching an urgent appeal for a long-term foster home for one of their oldest dogs. Leo is almost nine and has been with APAH all of his life. He is a bit arthritic now, and will feel his age in kennels over the Winter. It is hoped to get a home for him where he can be warm and cared for. APAH will cover all his medical costs. If you are interested in giving lovely Leo a warm and loving home for the time he has left.

Polly

Polly is an 13 week old kitten and would love to find a forever home before Christmas. She has been in a foster home since she was 5 weeks old, Polly is a confident kitten who loves cuddles and is very playful.

Bruno

Bruno is a beautiful Mastin cross who was found chained up and abandoned with no food and water, needless to say he was in a terrible condition. He would make someone a wonderful, loyal companion as he loves people. He does struggle with being in a kennel environment so a home with a garden would be perfect for him. Bruno is soft and affectionate, walks well on a lead and is very clean. He has been castrated and regularly treated for ticks and fleas, he is also up to date with vaccinations and micro chipped. Bruno has Leish but has no health problems from this condition. As Bruno is entering his twighlight years, we would also consider a FOSTER home for him. K9 would be responsible for vet fees for fostered animals.

Fleur Fleur is a very affectionate young lady , about 1 year old. She was found in Almoradi with her 3 sisters and mother and she is the only one left for adoption. Fleur is fine with other cats but would love a home where she can get lots of attention.

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motoring

Millions of drivers struggle with basic car care AS CARS become more technologically advanced fewer drivers are capable of maintaining and servicing their own vehicles. But a shocking new survey has found that many drivers can’t do some of the simplest tasks, with almost 1.3 million motorists unsure of how to open the bonnet of their own car. AA Garage Guide surveyed more than 18,000 drivers about a range of vehicle safety checks - some of which are now included in a question and answer section in the driving test. The results show that there are many drivers out there with a car manual stays firmly in the glovebox. Some four per cent of the motorists polled by the AA’s garage-finding service said they were unsure how to unlatch the bonnet to gain access the engine bay of their motor. With 31.7 million drivers on the road in Britain today, that equates to 1.27 million car owners. When asked if they knew how to check if there was a legal amount of depth on their car tyres, 22 per cent - which accounts for almost 7 million drivers - said they didn’t know how to do it. More than a quarter (26 per cent) also didn’t know how to top up their vehicle’s cooling system with antifreeze - a worrying statistic when you consider these 8.2 million drivers have been faced with the recent cold snap with snow and ice covering the ground. With the new ‘show me, tell me’ questions regarding safety checks being added to the new driving test that began at the

UNSURE: Do you know your spark plug from your boot?

start of this month, the results showed that many experienced motorists simply wouldn’t know the answer to many queries prompted by a driving examiner. Olli Astley, director at AA Garage Guide, said confidence has dropped among drivers to carry out their own basic checks, but also said that many “don’t want to get their hands dirty”.

“It is worth learning some simple maintenance tasks to make sure you’re not constantly popping in and out of the garage for problems you could fix at home – watching a YouTube

video, asking a friend or swotting up next time you’re at the garage is a great way to start,”

2015 SEAT IBIZA 1.2i ADVANCE 5-door one owner from New 56,000kms metallic blue AUX plug in etc 10,995€ 2015 FORD FIESTA 1.25 TREND PLUS 5-door Silver paint USB Climate control Multi function steering wheel 34,000kms 9,500€ 2015 FIAT 500 1.2 LOUNGE air-con, CD/radio with USB, city steering, 65,000kms. Like New with Sport interior 8,995€ 2015 MITSUBISHI SPACESTAR 1.0 Bluedrive with cd radio 5-door Aircon finished in red metallic perfect holiday home Car 7,995€ 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 10,500€ 2013 FIAT PANDA 1.2 LOUNGE 5-door Beige paintwork 62,000kms electric windows Aircon great little holiday home cars 6,800€. 2011 CITROEN NC4 1.6i VTi 120hp COLLECTION Black paintwork One owner full history Auto lights/wipers 46,000kms Alloys etc 8,995€. 2011 LEXUS CT200h 1.8i Petrol and ELECTRIC HYBRID Mila metallic with beige trim 17” Alloys with comfort pack AUTOMATIC 12,995€. 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO 4.8 Twin Turbo full Porsche options Service history 63,000kms 8-speed Automatic. 59,995€ 2010 NISSAN QASHQAI TEKNA 1.5DCi 110bhp 6-speed gearbox unmarked gunmetal paintwork 104,000KMS easy to get into 9,995€. 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5 WRX TYPE UK270 lots of new parts with new engine rebuild superb 4x4 limited edition PRODRIVE Car 2003 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE finished in Gleaming black coach work. Very clean motorcar ready for summer 2001 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5i TEKNA PART EXCHANGE TO CLEAR NEEDS SOME PAINT WORK ... excellent driver 1999 FORD MUSTANG 3.8L V6 AUTOMATIC 35th anniversary edition, Crystal white paint work with special 19” alloys 1997 CHEVROLET CAMERO 3.8 V6 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. Was 14,995€ 1973 SEAT 600L in cherry red paint work in original condition very clean for its age ... appreciating classic. !!

8,800€ 8,495€ 8,495€ 7,500€ SOLD 13,995€ 9,500€ 5,995€ 8,500€ 11,995€ 58,000€ 9,500€ 9,995€ 10,995€ 995€ 7,995€ 6,500€ 12,995€ 4,995€

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motoring

FALL: Manufacturers concerned at levels of consumer confidence

New car market continues to decline THE UK new car market declined for an eighth consecutive month in November, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 163,541 vehicles were registered, down 11.2 per cent year-on-year, driven by a significant fall in diesel demand. Business, fleet and private registrations all fell in the month, down 33.6 per cent, -14.4 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively. Registrations fell across all body types except specialist sports, which grew 6.7 per cent. The biggest declines were seen in the executive and mini segments, which decreased 22.2 per cent and 19.8 per cent respectively, while demand in the supermini segment

contracted by 15.4 per cent. The Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFV) sector, however, continued to make significant gains, growing 33.1 per cent. Petrol cars also saw a gain, though of a more modest 5.0 per cent. These increases could not, however, offset the heavy -30.6 per cent drop in diesel registrations. The decline follows months of confusion and speculation about the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air quality plans and its policies towards diesel cars. Overall, registrations have declined 5.0 per cent in the eleven months in 2017, with 2,388,144 cars hitting British roads so far this year. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;An eighth

month of decline in the new car market is a major concern, with falling business and consumer confidence exacerbated by ongoing anti-diesel messages from government. Diesel remains the right choice for many drivers, not least because of its fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The decision to tax the latest low emission diesels is a step backwards and will only discourage drivers from trading in their older, more polluting cars. Given fleet renewal is the fastest way to improve air quality, penalising the latest, cleanest diesels is counterproductive and will have detrimental environmental and economic consequences.â&#x20AC;?

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motoring

Peugeot success in South Africa TEAM Peugeot Hansen collected its tenth podium finish of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship at the last round in South Africa to become the year’s Teams’ vice-champions. The last round of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship, which took teams to Africa for the very first time, saw the PEUGEOT 208 WRX deliver a competitive performance from start to finish, including a memorable lightning start in Q4. Timmy Hansen hit the ground running to win Q1, Q4 and his semifinal, but he missed out on the weekend’s victory by just tenths of a second despite losing time in the bustle through Turn 1. The young Swede recovered to collect a tenth podium finish for the PEUGEOT 208 WRX from 12 starts this year, while Team Peugeot Hansen put the seal on second place in the year’s Teams’ standings. Timmy himself placed fifth in the 2017 Drivers’ championship. It turned out to be a frustrating weekend for Sébastien Loeb, however. After being

pushed out of contention in Q1, he picked up a puncture on the opening lap of Q2 and was consequently unable to show his true potential in qualifying. That said, his hopes of recovering ground in his semi-final got off to a promising start when he emerged from Turn 2 in second spot. Unfortunately, another puncture prevented him from reaching the final, but he can still look back at a season which saw him bag seven top-three finishes and fourth place in the 2017 Drivers’ points table. Kevin Hansen produced another strong run in his PEUGEOT 208 WRX 2016, including third-place finishes in Q2 and Q4. His start from the outside lane in his last qualifying session is likely to be remembered for some time to come. A penalty for Ken Block earned him a place in the final for the second round in a row and his excellent weekend enabled him to gain a place in the Drivers’ standings to conclude the year in eighth spot, just ahead of Block!

PODIUM: Peugeot competitive but finishing in second spot

24 feb - 2 march 2017

sport

Anyone for paddle tennis? Council courts reopen

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 In last weekend’s derbies, Wayne Rooney’s penalty earned Everton a point at Liverpool. Manchester City (streets ahead) beat lack-lustre rivals United 2-1 at Old Trafford to set a new Premiership record of 14 successive wins at start of a season and also end the Reds’ 40-match unbeaten home run. And West Ham pipped champions Chelsea 1-0 to give David Moyes his first win as manager. Elsewhere, Tottenham walloped Stoke 5-1, becoming the first team in top flight football to beat their opponents by four or more goals in four successive meetings: 4-0, 4-0, 4-0 and 5-1. There were also wins for Burnley, Huddersfield, Swansea and Leicester who ruined Newcastle 125th birthday party on Tyneside; Jermain Defoe’s 200th career League goal helped Bournemouth draw 2-2 at Crystal Palace for whom Christian Benteke ‘fluffed’ a late penalty and Arsenal drew 1-1 at Southampton. Olivier Giroud’s late equaliser for the Gunners, puts him level with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for most PL goals scored by a substitute. Wolves, Cardiff and Bristol City stand 1-2-3 in the Championship; Birmingham are third from bottom, having scored only ten goals in 21 League games, the fewest of all 92 clubs. Wigan and Luton top Leagues 1 and 2 and SPL leaders Celtic are unbeaten in 68 domestic matches after drawing 2-2 at Hibernian. In La Liga, Cristiano Ronaldo’s netted twice in Real Madrid’s 5-0 romp against Sevilla and Lionel Messi scored in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Villarreal.

ALL SET: Paddle tennis fans once again back on court after reformation COUNCILLOR for Sport for Orihuela, Victor Valverde, has announced that the paddle tennis courts in the Palacio del Agua sports centre have reopened. This has followed a programme of work carried out to reform and refurbish the facilities that, to quote the councillor, “were in a terrible state due to them being abandoned in recent years that has prevented people using them for their intended purposes.” Valverde went on to say that thanks to the action taken by the Department of Sport, “Orihuela is now again able to offer these facilities in the best possible condition. “These works have involved an investment of almost €13,000 and is something that has

been demanded by many residents of the municipality for some time. It’s a shame that it’s taken so long to complete this work as the money has been available for some time.” The perimeter fence of the courts has been improved with more security, the nets repaired, fresh coats of paint, and the actual playing surface upgraded with the latest artificial turf, installed with the approval of the Spanish sporting authorities. The courts are open again now, and anyone wishing to book a session that lasts for 90 minutes from 8am to 9.30pm can do so directly at the Palacio del Agua or via the website at http://isinet.orihuela.es/ cronosWeb/Login

Attention all Liverpool F.C supporters on the Costa Blanca! IF YOU’RE a resident, holiday home owner or just a holidaymaker visiting Torrevieja or the surrounding area, and love to share the camaraderie and atmosphere of watching good football then look no further. The Costa Blanca official Liverpool Supporters Club (OLSC) meets for each Liverpool game at Kennedy’s Bar, Calle Dinamarca 9 (corner of Pola de Siero), close to Playa de los Locas, Torrevieja.

Liverpool born Bill Connerty, local Chairman of OLSC, said: “I established the club over ten years ago recognising the need for like-minded lovers of Liverpool FC to meet together to share their enthusiasm of the game in a friendly pub environment.” He added “Just come along to the next Liverpool game and sample the atmosphere!” If you wish to become a member of the Overseas Liverpool Supporters Club there is

a 20 per cent discount until the December 20 2017. Full membership is £39.99 which gives ticket access or an international membership at £17.99 with members pack, digital match day programme and quarterly magazine. To officially join go to www.liverpoollfc.com and click on Fans, then Membership, type in LFC Costa Blanca and enter code OLSC17 for your discount.

Earlier this week, the 10 PL games included Huddersfield-Chelsea, Liverpool-WBA, Manchester United-Bournemouth, Swansea-Manchester City, Newcastle-Everton, Spurs-Brighton and West Ham-Arsenal, and over the weekend we have ArsenalNewcastle, Bournemouth-Liverpool, Chelsea-Southampton, Manchester City-Spurs and WBA-Manchester United. In the Championship, it’s Bristol City-Nottingham Forest, Cardiff-Hull and Derby-Aston Villa, plus Sheffield Wednesday-Wolves (tonight); Wimbledon-Wigan and Shrewsbury-Blackpool in FL1; Forest Green Rovers-Luton and Notts County-Grimsby in FL2 and Hearts-Celtic in the SPL. In Spain, Barcelona play Deportivo and Eibar meet Valencia. The Leganes-Real Madrid game has been postponed. And in the last 16 of the Champions League, it’s Bayern Munich-Besiktas, ChelseaBarcelona, Liverpool-Porto, Manchester City-Basel, Manchester United-Sevilla, Real Madrid-PSG, Shahktar Donestk-Roma and Spurs-Juventus; in the Europa League last 32 it’s Arsenal-Ostersunds and Celtic-Zenit SP. Round Up Last Saturday, James DeGale lost his IBF World super-middleweight crown to American Caleb Truax while Lee Selby defeated Eduardo Ramirez to win IBF world featherweight title. In New York, Belfast featherweight Michael Conlon made it five straight wins by beating Luis Fernando. In Rugby Union’s European Champions Cup, Aviva PL leaders Exeter lost 18-8 to Leinster and Saracens crashed to their heaviest-ever European defeat, losing 4614 against Clermont. And Welsh captain Sam Warburton will miss the Six Nations tournament through injury. England’s cricketers, two-nil down in the Ashes Series, are playing the Australians right now in the third Test at the WACA in Perth. Still without Ben Stokes, another Ben, Northants batsman Duckett, has been suspended by the ECB for throwing his drink over Jimmy Anderson! Ronnie O’Sullivan is the UK snooker champion for the sixth time (out of seven), equalling Steve Davis’s competition record. The ‘Rocket’ beat Shaun Murphy 10 frames to five in last Sunday’s final at York’s Barbican. Ex-World number one Serena Williams, who gave birth to a daughter in September, will compete in the first tennis Grand Slam of 2018 in Australia. Retired cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins has had his first gruelling taste at rowing! The William Hill World Darts Championships started yesterday with the retiring Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor strongly. And this Sunday, live on BBC TV from Liverpool, the Sports Personality of the Year will be announced. It’s Lewis Hamilton for me.

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