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Summer visitors arrive out of season by Lynn Whittaker

A Happy & Prosperous New Year to all our Clients and Readers from the RTN team

2018

Issue 949

FLUORESCENT: Torrevieja beach sees dozens of jellyfish

IN the days leading up to and during Christmas, dozens of fluorescent jellyfish have appeared stranded on a number of Torrevieja beaches. Specimens of the ‘Pelagia noctiluca’ – a distinctive violet colour with a luminescent body – have been washed up. It’s a very common visitor in the Mediterranean Sea but is classed as one of the more dangerous as its tentacles and its bite contain a very nasty sting. As a rule, they’re found only in deeper water and many miles away from the

coastal areas, but during the breeding season they are known to encroach closer. However, on this occasion, it’s believed that their presence is related to a combination of currents and localised storms at sea that prevents them escaping. This latest batch of multi-coloured visitors were discovered on the Playa Acequión and in an area protected from the most severe currents. The Romans were once in awe of Noctiluca, a goddess that shone in the darkness, and thus the name given to this species of jellyfish.

Inside this week...

millions won locally

P4 more mortgages approved

P5 bullring delay

Fire fighters in hospital... bringing Christmas joy by Lynn Whittaker MEMBERS of three fire stations turned up to visit the children’s ward of the Vega Baja Hospital just before Christmas. For the second year in succession, fire fighters from Torrevieja, Orihuela and Almoradí arrived to deliver gifts and presents to the children who, accompanied by their relatives and friends, had to spend the Christmas period in the San Bartolomé Hospital. Each brigade has its own cultural association and has once again decided to spend much of the money raised on presents for the children. Not only to they come armed with goodies, but the fire fighters turn up in full uniform and allow the children to try on their helmets and some of the other protective clothing which the young patients enjoy experiencing. A total of 19 patients benefitted from the visit that included those already admitted and a handful waiting to go in for operations and consultations. The original plan was to allow the children that were able to do so to visit the fire

No charge for charging PEOPLE using the bus stop at the Eras del Sol in Torrevieja will be able to use a solar operated point to charge their mobile devices. It’s part of a latest initiative from the Valencian Tourist Agency and will need the official authorisation from the

city council as it will be installed on municipal land. This will be one of six tourist locations throughout the Valencian Community that will feature these charging stations that can be accessed by using a USB connector.

Increased disabled beach access

THE busy summer tourist spot of Santa Pola will be more accessible for more people in 2018. Both Playa Levante and Gran Playa will be incorporating a number of measures to improve kiosks, public toilets and even inflatable equipment used in the sea for people with reduced mobility in many areas, with emphasis on the deaf and blind. The two beaches will feature signage in Braille and a number of loud-speaker guides in addition to the number of access points already adapted for the disabled.

New leaders in property sales engine in the car park, but the weather was deemed too cold. Children, parents and members of staff all agreed that these local heroes have once again demonstrated that

they’re not only the very best at what they do by putting out fires and saving lives, but also at their caring attitude that was very much on display in the Vega Baja Hospital.

ALICANTE has overtaken Torrevieja as the top place in the province for the sale of homes. Between the months of January and September – the latest figures available – 4,243 homes were sold in Alicante compared to the 3,601 in Torrevieja.

A combination of an increase in local demand for property in the city centre and the immediate surrounding neighbourhoods and the increased pull of the nearby Playa de San Juan are thought to be behind this resurgence.

Agreement for bus service CENTRAL Government in Madrid has authorised an agreement between the Ministry of Development and transport and passenger organisations to improve the bus service that connects parts of Murcia. The line under question is the No 52 that runs between the city centre and Urbanisation Molinense de Altorreal and the objective is to operate a permanent bus service for the more than 10,000 people living on the urbanisation. The total subsidy toward the improvements to the route is €73,197.

CROWDS: Annual Three Kings Parade attracts thousands of visitors

Children to be tagged for their own safety by Steve Collins MIRRORING an initiative that was employed on a number of beaches during the busy summer season, the city of Murcia will be distributing 1,000 identity bracelets to children to prevent them getting lost during the Three Kings festivities. A similar scheme was also put into practise during the September Fair in the city and proved a popular and positive idea. There will be space on the bracelets for the name of the wearer and a contact telephone number of the parents or guardians just in case they get lost or become detached from

them during the busy parade that takes place on Friday evening, January 5. There is expected to be the usual influx of people from near and far and previous experience has shown that it’s very easy for children to get caught up in the excitement of the event and unintentionally get separated from their companions. The ID tags can be picked up from two dedicated distribution points run by members of the Civil Protection – on the Santo Domingo and in the Glorieta de España next to Calle Arenal – and will be open one hour before the parade starts and will remain open for the duration.

Millions won locally in the El Gordo Christmas lottery by Glenn Scott WIDE smiles and the sound of popping champagne corks were the order of the day as millions of Euros were won on the world famous El Gordo Spanish Lottery, with €27.5 million landing in the municipality of Catral. The third prize ticket number drawn on December 22 – 06914 – was worth €500,000 and the lottery office No1 in Catral was responsible for selling 550 ‘tenths’ of that winning number. Each lucky ticket holder received €50,000 and a large number of those tickets were bought by local residents who flocked to the lottery office once they realised they were ‘in the money’! As they turned up, they were greeted by the Mayor, Pedro Zaplana, who was there with his parents that were also among the lucky winners. Celebratory T-shirts with the winning number printed on them were already being distributed. Judging by the amount of people that arrived, it was clear that the multi-million prize had been shared by many as is often the case in the Christmas El Gordo. It’s understood that a number of the ticket holders were also unemployed and so their good fortune has helped them through some difficult times.

A FIRE that broke out in a five-storey building in the centre of Murcia resulted in a number of people being trapped on the upper floors. The alarm was raised after a passer-by saw smoke and flames coming out of a window of a first floor flat in a block on Avenida Primero de Mayo. According to the emergency services, the fire was confined to the kitchen where it first started but there was a significant amount of smoke as a result and they were concerned at the existence of a butane gas bottle. All of the occupants in the building were able to leave and there were no reports of any injuries.

CELEBRATIONS: Catral gets €27.5 million lottery windfall

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AS the winter season officially begins, around 60,000 plants and flowers will fill the beds and gardens in Murcia’s city centre as the renewal of seasonal shrubs gets underway. Over a period of two weeks, a team of 16 people will be tasked with planting the thousands of mainly red and white cyclamen, poinsettias and various brassicas. Preparation work has already taken place to remove all the old plants and the soil has been aerated. Councillor José Guillén said: “The City Council is once again making a clear and direct commitment to prepare Murcia for the Christmas season and keep the area full of colour.”

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Rises in mortgage approvals registered for October by Ray Chadwick MORTGAGES on homes built in the Murcia region rose 7.8 per cent in the month of October compared to the same month in 2016. According to data released by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), the percentage figure was lower than the national average increase – 8.2 per cent – and accounted for a total of 596 operations carried out during the month. During the month, 828 mortgages were created in rural and urban estates in Murcia, including those for homes. Farms and rustic

buildings accounted for 43 approvals with €3.6 million being loaned...part of the €68.9 million total. The INE data put Murcia in tenth place among the Autonomous Communities in Spain that recorded increases in October behind La Rioja (87 per cent), Madrid (31.2 per cent), Galicia (22.1 per cent), Navarra (21.1 per cent), Cantabria (20.2 per cent), Balearic Islands (13.7 per cent), Catalonia (12.8 per cent), Basque Country (9.2 per cent), and Extremadura (8.3 per cent). At a national level, the number of new mortgages registered on properties for October 2017 stood at 24,706...8.2 per cent

INCREASING: Mortgage lending for Murcia just below the national average higher than in 2016. In other figures contained in the report, the average interest rate for mortgage loans on housing reached 2.67 per cent in

Children’s ward welcomes Santa! THE paediatric ward of the Torrevieja Hospital received a surprise visit from Santa Claus just before the big day. Father Christmas traditionally pops by the hospital every year and is all due to the support and organisation of the Torrevieja business association (APYMECO). In addition, the children also received a visit from the Torrevieja Ghostbusters Association who also distributed a number of gifts to the smallest and youngest of patients that found themselves in hospital over Christmas. The managers of the hospital thanked all those behind the initiative that always puts a smile on the faces of those that most need it at this time of the year.

Auditorium to get €80,000 renovation investment

October, compared to 3.17% in the same month of 2016. Variable rate mortgages accounted for 63 per cent registered compared to 37 per cent at a fixed rate.

THE City of Cartagena is about to undertake a programme of works in the Parque Torres auditorium, the main venue of the La Mar de Músicas festival. The budget for the renovations is estimated at more than €80,000 and has a deadline of one month. Visitors will see improved dressing rooms, bathrooms, access points and the stage itself backed up with new security cameras.

Tender issues continue to delay bullring rebuilding

Salt production recovers from storm effects Photo credit Orihuela.info

AFTER the severe rains that hit the area around this time last year, salt production in Torrevieja has seen a turnaround in fortunes and are once again fully able to meet the demands of their world-wide customers. It’s estimated that some 450,000 tons of salt has been produced during this calendar year to date.

The amount of rain caused the salt lakes to become diluted that affected the quality of the brine and thus the layer of salt produced. Recent high temperatures and the lack of rain has helped salt production...but has affected other harvests in the area that rely on wet spells of weather.

Lemons are the latest crop hit by drought IN RUINS: After 30 years, the rebuilding is in sight

by Steve Collins A COMPANY has been given until Friday January 5 to put in their formal tender to demolish and renovate the Plaza de Toros in Orihuela. Otherwise, it appears that delays to the project are likely to continue. Only two companies offered to carry out the programme of works for a bud-

get of €347,065 and the one that was originally accepted has now been excluded after missing a deadline. The bullring has been closed for more than 30 years and is in a poor state of repair. As such, the local council came up with a project to pull it down and convert it into a multipurpose leisure centre with a seating capacity for 2,800. Most of the original building –

including the main ring itself – won’t be saved and only the front tier of existing seating will be kept since the other two are badly damaged. The new complex is planned to have a cafeteria, public toilets, outside landscaped areas, and a small museum that will commemorate the history of bullfighting in Orihuela. The total plot will cover 7,200 square metres.

YOUNG farmers are the latest group of people to show their concern at the reduction in the production of lemons in the Alicante province. A spokesperson for the association (ASAJA) said that the region that regularly produces some 40 per cent of the lemons throughout Spain has registered a 30 per cent drop, and all due to the ongoing drought conditions. A consequence is that the usual size and quality of the produce that is demanded by markets across Europe is suffering and this a lack of profits for the local farmers.

Local festival confirms second big headliner FRENCH indie pop band Phoenix has been confirmed as the second major headliner of Benidorm’s Low Festival 2018, taking place July 27 – 29 next year. The news comes a week after or-

ganisers announced English electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers will be the festival’s main headliner. Awarded with a Grammy for best alternative music album for ‘Wolfgang Ama-

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deus Phoenix’ (2009), the quartet captained by Thomas Mars has released six studio albums, from ‘United’ (2000) to the most recent ‘Ti amo’ (2017). Low Festival organisers have promised the

tenth edition of the event will be the “biggest and best yet,” after this year’s festival gathered 83,000 people. For more information and tickets, check out www.lowfestival.es.

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News from around Europe RUSSIA

NETHERLANDS Child stabbed A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL was stabbed during a conflict in a home in The Hague on Christmas day. The police confirmed on twitter that the girl was taken to hospital by ambulance and they arrested a 36year-old man. Exactly what happened is not yet clear as the investigation continues. Suspected terrorists arrested THE POLICE arrested three Dutch men and one Swedish man in Rotterdam on Christmas Eve on suspicion of involvement in terrorism, After the arrests, four addresses in Vlaardingen, Delft, and Gouda

were searched. No weapons or explosives were found but the police did seize a number of data carriers for further investigation. Whodunnit? THE CAR OF Hennie de Laat, who was found murdered on Hoogvensestraat in Tilburg last Saturday, was found on Bachlaan in the city on Boxing Day. A police officer noticed the Opel Corsa parked on the street. The police are looking for witnesses who saw the car being parked, the Dutch press reports. That’s the spirit DUTCH KING Willem-Alex-

ander has called on people to work towards a sense of community in his traditional Christmas address to the nation. Speaking at his home on the De Eikenhorst estate, the king said people, should “not be looking for a bigger I, but for the greater we.” Caught on camera ROTTERDAM FOOTBALL CLUB Feyenoord has suspended a player for one match and two training sessions after he was caught on camera eating a white bread roll and croquette during half-time in last week’s cup match against Heracles Almelo.

Second collision leaves one dead A REGIONAL TRAIN TER collided on Boxing Day with a vehicle in Morbihan, northwest France. The car driver lost his life in the collision, which comes after a train smashed into a school bus in southern France on December 14, killing six teenagers. Bring it back! TURKEY’S Ministry of Culture and Tourism has requested that France return china tiles stolen from Sultan Selim II’s

tomb at the Hagia Sophia in the 1890s. Some 60 Iznik tiles were stolen by Albert Dorigny of France in 1895 and replaced with imitation tiles. The stolen tiles were later displayed in Paris’ Louvre. The end of fossil fuel FRANCE has just passed a new blanket ban on fracking and oil extraction that will enter into force in 2040. After 2040, no new drilling permits will be issued and licenses will not be renewed, putting an end to the fossil fuels’ production in France and its overseas territories. Doh! FRENCH children’s magazine ‘Youpi’ has been withdrawn from newsstands after it admitted a “mistake” in writing that Israel wasn’t a “real country.” The January issue of the magazine for children aged 5 - 8 was removed from kiosk sales in France and Belgium.

ICELAND It’s getting lighter... ICELAND has celebrated its shortest day of the year when the sun was only in the sky for four hours and seven minutes, rising at 11.22am and setting at 3.29pm. Members of the Ásatrú religion celebrated the Winter Solstice with a blót (sacrificial) ceremony at Öskjuhlíð hill in Reykjavik. Windblown...but safe A MINIBUS carrying 16 tourists was blown off the road during a strong gust of wind close to the town of Reynisfjall. Emergency services were called to the scene but although

Back off THE ROYAL NAVY monitored a Russian warship as it sailed close to Britain’s territorial waters over Christmas, the Ministry of Defence in London said on Tuesday. The Admiral Gorshkov’s passage off the Scottish coast was part of an “upsurge” in Russian naval activity near the British Isles during the festive period, the government added. No, thank you SYRIAN rebel and opposition groups have

FRANCE Lactalis under investigation FRENCH prosecutors have opened an investigation into the country’s dairy giant Lactalis following 20 cases of salmonella infection in small children. Nearly 7,000 tonnes baby formula milk and baby food products produced by a contaminated factory in Craon, northwest France have been recalled.

Why? THE RUSSIAN internet watchdog has demanded an explanation from Facebook and Instagram over the blocking of social media accounts belonging to the controversial Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov has accused the US government of pressuring the social networks to disable his accounts, which he said were blocked last weekend without explanation.

some passengers needed to be helped, nobody was injured in the accident. Hotel promotion success TOUR operators spent the pre-Christmas season working steadily on increasing the tourist flow to Iceland. A spokesperson for Icelandair Hotels said: “It’s very important that Christmas in Iceland isn’t popular just for one year. Hopefully it will become a popular season for years to come.” Award winning capital...again The 2018 Luxury Travel Guide (LTG) has named Reykjavík as the European

Adventure Destination of the Year. This is the second consecutive year that the prestigious travel periodical has selected Reykjavík as a destination: In 2017 Reykjavík was LTG Winter Destination of the Year. Early morning shakes TWO earthquakes were registered at Bárðarbunga on Christmas Eve, both at a magnitude of over 4 on the Richter scale. The first occurred at 4.57am and measured 4.1 and the second at 5.29am measuring 4.4. According to the Iceland Met Office there are no signs of a resulting eruption.

rejected Russia’s proposed peace talks next month, accusing Moscow of what they called “war crimes” in Syria and failing to put pressure on the Syrian government to end the six-year civil war. Here to help RUSSIA is ready to act as a mediator between North Korea and the United States if both parties are willing for it to play such a role, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. “Russia’s readiness to clear the way for de-escalation is obvious,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a phone call with reporters. Woman blown off balcony GALE-FORCE WINDS blew a woman off her balcony on the Pacific island of Sakhalin on Boxing Day. The 65-yearold woman from the town of Shakhtyorsk went out for a cigarette on the balcony and was blown off, breaking an arm and three ribs and leaving her with a concussion.

SCANDINAVIA World record height NORWAY is about to be the home of the world’s tallest wooden building. “Mjøstårnet” will be more than 80 metres tall and stand 30 metres higher than the current record holder and named after the country’s largest lake Mjøsa, an hour and a half’s drive north of Oslo. Norway’s airways flying high AS many thousands of people flew home for the Christmas holidays through Norwegian, aviation officials were announcing prospects for even more airline traffic in

the years ahead. Norway is a world leader in terms of air travel per capita, and shows no sign of slowing down. Suspected ‘terrorist’ arrested DANISH police have arrested a Syrian asylum seeker from Sweden for “attempting to commit a terrorist act” in Copenhagen. They said they arrested the 30-yearold man over a failed attack which he plotted with another 21-year-old man in November 2016. A warm welcome here? SINCE it began in 1989,

the Icehotel located in the town of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden, has been built and rebuilt. Situated near the Arctic Circle, the latest 2017 edition is made up of thousands of ice blocks from a nearby frozen river. Concert collapse SEVEN people were injured at a concert called “Heavy Christmas (Raskasta Joulua)” when large ventilation pipes and lighting rails came crashing down over the audience standing near the stage at Vaasa Arena in Vaasa, the largest city of the Ostrobothnia region of Finland.

GERMANY Führer’s fortune A Mercedes-Benz 770K Grosser Offener Tourenwagen once owned by Adolf Hitler is to be put up for auction next month. The auction house didn’t estimate the potential value of the car, but a classic car valuation expert has said it could fetch between $5-7 million (€4.2-5.9 million). Festive freedoms The Justice Ministry in North RhineWestphalia released 631 prisoners ahead of Christmas so that they may celebrate the holiday with their families. At least 160 other prisoners were released from Berlin, although the state of Bavaria has refused to release prisoners, saying it undermines judicial norms. Migrant attacks decreasing Attacks on refugee shelters in Germany have decreased significantly this year, although politically-motivated attacks remain

far more common than before Germany opened its borders to hundreds of thousands of migrants. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), 16 attacks involved arson and two involved explosives. Thanks be to Trump... Daimler and BMW have said that a new sweeping US tax reform giving major breaks to corporations will add hundreds of millions of Euros to their 2017 earnings. The tax law is expected to see Daimler’s net income grow by around 1.7 billion euros ($2 billion) this year. Rapist sentenced to life A German court has sentenced a Romanian truck driver who confessed to the rape and murder of a jogger to life imprisonment. He had admitted in court to sexually assaulting and killing a 27-year-old German woman who had gone for an afternoon run.

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February

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SINCE the RTN was first published on 1st October 1999 Geoff Gartland and his team spent the subsequent years establishing a newspaper that represented it’s thousands of readers, providing informative news, events and stories at a local, national and international level. After almost 15 years Geoff decided to take early retirement, signing an agreement with a third party publisher allowing them to continue to use the RTN brand, unfortunately things did not go as planned. Negotiations broke down and Geoff had no alternative but to reclaim the RTN and joined forces with the EWN Media Group, who also own another publication called the Euro Weekly News. Having sold the brand to EWN Media Group Geoff was asked to stay with the RTN and use his expertise and that of his team to bring the paper back to its former glory.

Geoff said: “this is a really exciting time, particularly as we have now joined the EWN Media Group who are a very strong company. They have the expertise, the infrastructure and are dynamic in their approach to sales. This can only be a positive move for the RTN, our readers and our advertisers.” Today’s RTN hits the streets with a bumper 56 page edition, the original design style and an extensive distribution in both North & South Costa Blanca. The paper will continue to support local charities and events, but also cover national and up-to-date news articles from around the world Geoff said: “I couldn’t be happier to be back at the helm, with the original team by my side and backed by the EWN Media Group the future is secured for the RTN.”

Will Brexit abolish the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? by Tahnee Wright For the millions of Britons travelling on the continent, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – which affords travellers state provided necessary medical treatment in the host country – has long been a default item to take on holiday. It’s not a cover-all replacement for travel insurance should something go wrong, but it certainly helps. They cover temporary stays in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, plus Switzerland, and over 27 million people have one, according to the Department of Health. Patients are effectively treated as a resident of the country in question, either at a reduced cost or for free by the state healthcare system, with the home nation picking up the tab. However, the future of this benefit has been thrown into doubt by the vote to leave the European Union. They still work. And they will continue to work until the UK leaves the EU - which could take a decade. Nothing will happen to the EHIC when Article 50 is triggered,

as it merely starts the process of leaving the European Union. One of the major factors in deciding whether the EHIC will remain available to British citizens is whether there is a separation from the EEA, as the card is not an EU initiative. Currently, EHIC offers protection in Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein - who are EEA members but not EU members and accept the EHIC. The UK could feasibly adopt this model. Outside of that, the UK has some form of reciprocal healthcare relationship with the following countries: • Anguilla •Australia • Bosnia and Herzegovina • British Virgin Islands • Falkland Islands • Gibraltar • Isle of Man • Jersey • Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) • Montenegro • Montserrat • New Zealand • St Helena

March

• Serbia • Turks and Caicos Islands Additionally, Switzerland - which isn’t in the EU or the EEA - it still accepts the EHIC as part of a deal with the single market and there has been speculation as to whether the UK could follow the Swiss model. The knock-on effect to insurance costs could be significant if the EHIC becomes unavailable for British citizens. Insurers would have to take into consideration that they would be foot-

ing the bill for all medical treatment, rather than having a proportion dealt with through the EHIC system. The card provides such good health protection that some insurers now insist you must have an EHIC to take out a policy and many will even waive your excess if you do have one. A Government spokesman said: ‘At every step of these negotiations we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of the United

Kingdom, including those travelling to and living in EU countries.’ ‘Once the details of Brexit are resolved, we will then know if we remain part of the scheme – or if we will exit from the EHIC system.’ Given the number of EU nationals that go on holiday in the UK and UK nationals that visit Europe, it would make sense for an agreement to be made as part of the Brexit negotiations - but that can’t be guaranteed.

Benson edges towards San Javier

April

Jazz, Funk and Soul legend George Benson was the stand out name, when the list of artists performing at the prestigious San Javier Jazz Festival this summer was announced. by Andy Mansell

The poster for the event, which lands on the shores of the Mar Menor between June 30 and July 29, was released last week along with the line-up of performers already confirmed. Now in it's 20th year, the San Javier Jazz Festival has cemented itself as the premier event of its kind in Spain, with a tradition of attracting top artists to their stages. In addition to George Benson, other artists include Taj Mahal & Keb Mo, The Charles Lloyd Quartet, Ramsey Lewis and his Electric Band, Stacey Kent with saxophonist husband Jim Tomlinson, Current top European Jazz Artist of the year Jorge Pardo and Daniel Jobim, grandson of the samba king Antonio Carlos Jobim.

April

The legendary George Benson tops the bill at this Summer’s San Javier Jazz Festival

Tozer opens its first trial farm in Murcia Tozer Seeds has opened a 120,000€ trial centre in Murcia, its first outside of the UK. The company said the 12,000 m2 facility is already testing several varieties of celery, broccoli, leek, lettuce, cabbage, and baby leaves (rocket, mini kale, spinach, chard, pak choi, sprouts and

Kalette). ‘We are very excited about the new farm, which is the culmination of two years of work and demonstrates our commitment to the region,’ said Jose Carlo Grajeda of Tozer Iberica. ‘Our intention is to test the improvements we have achieved

in the UK in Spain to see how they behave in a Mediterranean climate.’ At the end of last year Tozer embarked on a major marketing push for its kale-sprout hybrid Kalettes and it expects to see strong growth across Europe in the coming years.

Orihuela hospital expands range of treatments

May

by Andy Mansell Hospital Quironsalud has recently introduced new specialised departments for treatments in obesity, diabetes, assisted reproduction, spine, prenatal checks, as well as a new service of vaccinations The Hospital, situated in Orihuela, is commited to improving the health of residents of the Vega Baja region, with the introduction of its new range of services. The Centre offers a health based programme based on integral departments of different disciplines with the aim of covering all diagnosis. Patient services now include, clinical analysis, diagnostic image (digital conventional Radiology), ultrasound, daytime nursing, diurnal emergency service, ambulance and vaccination service. The medical specialties include allergy, gastrointestinal, cardiology, general surgery, orthopedic and trauma surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, Endocrinology, Gynecology and obstetrics with pre-natal pregnancy follow-ups, general, Neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Podiatry and clinical psychology as well as an area of physiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine. Integral departments are Spine/back, diabetes, Woman’s health, cosmetic treatments, nutrition and dietitians, obesity, reproduction and hair transplant. The managing director of the Quironsalud Hospital of Torrevieja, Francisco Fiestras, highlighted that, “extending of medical specialties and integral departments at the medical centre of Orihuela is due to the dedication to service of the hospital group Quironsalud in bringing the specialist ambulatory assistance to Orihuela extending and improving its services and infrastructure.” In this way, we offer a health

care response of excellence with all the best medical professionals to the City of Orihuela and its surroundings”. The medical centre Quironsalud Orihuela, in a continuous effort of renewal and adaptation, offering the patient the most qualified physicians and the most innovative technology, with a personalized warm and friendly service, typical of the Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja - Alicante-private health reference, which boasts another space for consultation and diagnosis in the province of Alicante: Medical Centre Quironsalud Santa Pola. The Medical Centre Quironsalud of Orihuela has an area exceeding 600m2 distributed over two floors and 10 consultations. It was founded with the aim of bringing health services of Quironsalud to the City of Orihuela, with easy

accessibility located in the centre of the city, Calle Extremadura, 4. In addition, medical centre Quironsalud Orihuela, just like the Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja, has agreements with leading insurance companies, both national and international companies. The Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja has been recently awarded best private hospital 2016 in the Valencian Community and among the best in Spain according to the index of Hospital Excellence Institute coordinator. This recognition has led to a new stimulus to further improve care and treatments practitioners dispense to patients from a concept of health person to person.

Super yachts choose Cartagena June

The distinctive 450 million euro, Super Yacht A has received it’s pre handover inspection at the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena

by Andy Mansell

Russian and Middle Eastern billionaires are choosing the specialist teams working at a Murcian shipyard when their precious boats need work. The state owned Navantia shipyard in Cartagena has seen four of the world’s most luxurious yachts sail into its waters in the past year. Business so far this year is already 17% above the figures for the whole of 2016, with 12 super yachts receiving repairs, modifications or ITV documentation in the shipyard. The list includes, MY Kibo, Sunrays, Imperial Princess, Kokomo, Malibu, Stargate and I Dinasty, resulting in more than 100,000 hours of direct work, between the companies own labour force and through sub-contracted work to auxiliary naval services. The yachts choosing the port are increasingly larger and more valuable with two of the most iconic and distinctive new ships arriving in recent weeks. The 450 million euro sailing Yacht A, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko and his wife Aleksandra, is the largest and most luxuriously equipped sailing yacht in the world. The boat has been in port recently to allow Navantia workers to perform a final review and the latest tests needed before handing it over to its super rich owners. The couple’s other boat, the Motor Yacht A has also arrived in the shipyard this week for a five months stay, whilst the specialist workers conduct

it’s ten year service. The 2,200 square metre vessel, complete with state rooms, crocodile leather suites, crystal chandeliers and gigantic mirrors, cost 250 million euros when it was built in 2007. Amongst the other arrivals this year was another one of the most luxurious in the world, the 'Sunrays', with its 85 metres of length and dazzling jade green colour, the Stargate, which sits at number 38 on the list of the largest and most luxurious in the world and the 'I Dinasty' owned by the Kazakh businessman Alijan Ibragimov, more than one hundred metres long. One of the most striking boats due to return to the shipyard this year is the 'Katara', the twentieth largest in the world, owned by the royal family of Qatar, with its helipad, movie theatre, a fully computerized bridge and accommodation for 32 VIP guests, who can enjoy several pools, gym and on deck jacuzzi. A spokesman for Navantia pointed out that, the increase in the number of repairs at the shipyard is due to its presence at international boat fairs reinforcing its specialist workforce and complimentary offers such as crew discounts on restaurants and other local services. So far this year, he estimated the shipyard has brought over a thousand overnight hotel stays and restaurant meals, 230 airport transfers, plus vehicle rentals and medical services to boost the economy of Cartagena city.

Alicante-Elche Airport best in Europe

In the year it celebrates it’s fiftieth anniversary, Alicante-Elche Airport has won a best in Europe award for airports with passengers in the 10 to 25 million a year category. The prestigious award is given by the Airport Council International, which governs 90% of European airports, around 500 in total. Alicante-Elche beat off competition from the airports of Vienna, Edinburgh, Athens, Hamburg and Düsseldorf in the same category. Judges marked each airport on various criteria, including, facilities, customer service (passengers and airlines ), Security, environmental awareness, operations, retail and external and institutional relations. The judges emphasized the airport’s marketing activities route network, new routes, and new airlines, plus the attention given to passengers, especially children and people with reduced mobility, as well as the improvement in the fluidity of security controls. They also highlighted the programs related to runway safety and the advanced tower project whose ultimate goal is to improve the punctuality of flights. However, the jury valued, above all, the safety and the level of attention given to improving the passenger experience at the airport. The awards, announced in Paris earlier in the week also proved good for Madrid-Barajas Airport, which finished first in the 25 million plus passengers category. ACI Europe represents 500 airports in 45 European countries, handling 90% of Europe's commercial air traffic with 1,900 million passengers per year.

24 feb - 2 march 2017

Off-duty life savers

by Glenn Scott Two nurses from the Hospital of Vinalopó, Luis Berenguer and Anna Vicente, who were having a day off and just about to enjoy their evening meal ended up saving the life of a 67-year-old man. The incident happened at around 10.15pm on Saturday night in the popular L’Aljub centre in Elche when the man suffered a heart attack. Not only was the victim lucky that there were two members of the medical profession in close attendance but the fact that the commercial centre had a defibrillator available for them to use. "We were climbing the escalators and we then saw a man lying on his side sur-

rounding by a group of people. We immediately put him on his back, saw that he wasn’t breathing, and so we started the heart massage”, said Luis, who highlighted the fact that the portable defibrillator was found straight away to help their cause. L'Aljub is believed to be the first commercial centre in the Valencian Community to install this type of device and, according to sources at the busy shopping mall, it was installed in the summer of 2007 and this has been the first time it has been used. After an evaluation of the level of the patient’s consciousness and breathing, which showed no response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started, with a sequence of 30 compressions and two ventilations to sup-

July

port the circulation of the heart. Following just a single charge and several minutes of heart massage undertaken by the nurses, the patient finally managed to regain consciousness and, after being stabilized, was transferred to the hospital by the SAMU ambulance services. The nurse explained: "The man was lucky that we were there, because after a cardiac arrest time counts: every minute after that happens the chance of it being restarted is reduced by 10%.” After the man was taken to hospital, who is expected to make a full recovery, nurses Luis and Anna were finally able to resume their dinner knowing they’d saved the life of one of their fellow shoppers.

200 birds rescued in two weeks

July

The Centro De Recuperacion De Fauna El Valle in Murcia has reported record figures of common swifts and pallid swifts being brought in to the wildlife rescue centre in the past two weeks. The centre has seen over 200 of the birds, all in different stages of growth. The swifts are in full reproductive phase and are likely to have been affected by the high temperatures recorded across the region – many chicks having jumped from their nests normally located under the roofs of houses. The Director of Natural Environment, Consuelo Rosaura stressed ‘the importance of citizen collaboration to avoid the death of these birds’ and thanked the staff at the wildlife rescue centre for their work to ensure ‘these birds will be able to return to their natural environment once fully grown.’ Rosaura reminded all citizens: ‘If you find one of these birds, it is best to place it in a cardboard box. Do not attempt to feed it, instead take it to the wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible.’ When a bird arrives at the centre, it is examined and put on an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on its age and the extent (if any) of its injuries, recovery time is between one and four weeks.

Found safe and well

A LARGE and co-ordinated search for a missing man from Santa Pola has had a happy ending. In one of the biggest operations of its kind seen for some time, a combination of a police helicopter, specialist dog units, local police, Guardia Civil officers, firefighters, civil protection teams and local volunteers joined forces to look for a 71-year-old local man.

Augu

LIGHTHOUSE: One of the Santa Pola locations searched for missing man Photo credit: Flickr

August

Eduardo Ortega, who is suffering illhealth and needs regular medication disappeared in Santa Pola, was finally located safe and well on the Playa Lisa area of the town. The delay in finding the man wasn’t helped as he had been allegedly spotted in various parts of the town. One

said they thought they saw him close to the lighthouse; another said they had seen him 15kms away in Guardamar during the afternoon. Locals were at first concerned as to by Ray Chadwick what was taking place, particularly when they saw police with dogs and the accomRTN HIGHLIGHTED last panying noise of the passing helicopter.

Island in the shade Photo credit: Wikimedia

VISITORS to the island of Tabarca will no longer have to worry about standing around in the sun waiting to return from their trip. After two years of residents and tourists demanding the replacement of the existing sun shades that had reached a poor state of repair, new awnings are now proudly displayed on the jetty. The problem had been exposed during this summer of record breaking temperatures. Councillor for tourism, Eva Montesinos, confirmed that there will be more COVERinvestment into the increasingly popular UP: No island destination located off the coast more between Alicante and Santa Pola. She waiting said that the wooded walkways around in the sun for the showers on the beach had been improved and the tourist office has been Tabarca’s tourists renovated.

Medical breakthrough by local paediatrician PATRICIA GARCÍA-MARCOS, a paediatrician based at the St Lucia Hospital in Cartagena has detected cases of undiagnosed asthma in children. She has spent the last 15 years conducting a study that shows that not only has there been an increase in the number of asthma cases in Cartagena, there are also several

August

week that Alicante-Elche Airport lacked any overnight transport links and meant travellers faced queues of more than an hour for a taxi. As we went to press, it was announced that a bus service would be introduced and began to operate on Monday. Up until then, the last bus heading for the city of Alicante left at midnight, but with more and more flights arriving overnight it was exposing the shortage of onward transport, especially with restrictions on the amount of taxis able to oper-

ate from the airport. Since overnight on Monday, travellers can get a bus to Alicante city centre at 12.20am, 1.20, 2.20, 3.20, and 4.20. Services leave from the city to the airport at on the hour from 1am to 5am. Alicante-Elche has now joined the other major cities across Spain that has public transport links for 24-hours a day alongside Madrid, Barcelona and Palma, Majorca. Representatives from the tourist organisations had complained that nobody should have to wait so long to continue their journey after arriving at the airport, giving a bad impression of the area and the country in general.

August

Cleaner beaches thanks to volunteers September

symptoms of the condition that have not been previously diagnosed and as such children in particular are going on to develop the illness that they could’ve been saved from. The project has also detected that eating fruit can also be a guard against asthma because of being a natural antioxidant.

Lottery luck for two local areas

RESIDENTS of both Orihuela and Benidorm have recently enjoyed some lottery good fortune by winning some big prizes in the ONCE Eurojackpot draw. Orihuela’s winner correctly selected 5 numbers + 1 sun and won €2.73m One more number and the figure could’ve been the full €37m in the

Airport gets overnight transport Septe mber links

prize fund. The delighted seller of the ticket was Vicente Rodríguez. On the same day, another lucky citizen – but this time in Benidorm – picked 5 numbers and won the third level prize of €132,694. The ONCE Eurojackpot tickets are sold across Europe in Germany,

Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and raise money for the internationally famous blind charity established in Spain.

AROUND 400 volunteers gathered on a number of beaches in La Manga del Mar Menor as part of a cleanup initiative. A combination of the recent storms that have washed up extra waste and the behaviour of litterbug beachgoers allowed the volunteers to collect 9,500 kilos of rubbish from the Ensenada del Esparto. A total of 500 kilos of that amount consisted of plastic material found on the beach and in the sea. The project came from an original idea from residents of several urbanisations in the north of La Manga who, with the collaboration with the San Javier council, wanted to raise awareness about caring for the coastal area. The day of the big clean-up started with a demonstration by SGS Marine Services on marine pollution, followed by a talk on the most common of all beach seaweed, the posidonia. A hard day’s work, undertaken by volunteers made up of all different nationalities, finished off with a barbecue to thank everyone for their efforts.

New HQ for EWN Septem ber Media Group

SPAIN’S leading English language newspaper publisher has a new home. Switching from a quiet area in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, to a busy street in Fuengirola, it is another clear sign that the EWN Media Group (EWNMG) is continuing to go from strength to strength. Since the start of this year the company has acquired two additional newspaper brands - the RTN Newspaper and Sol Times. Meanwhile the Euro Weekly News (EWN) won the accolade of being voted Best Free Publication at the 2017 Spanish Periodical Association Awards in Madrid. The EWNMG office relocation comes after the company outgrew its former head-

quarters. But the foundation of family values throughout all group publications remains even though the team to produce ten weekly newspapers is ever-increasing in size. More than three quarters of a million people now read EWNMG newspapers every week and the team also produce Spain’s leading news websites in English with more than 700,000 page views a month (August 2017). These are figures backed by nationally respected sources from a company that can be fully trusted and now operating from state-of-the-art new premises with the future looking ever brighter.

Octob

More airport locals to get a quieter life by Steve Collins

ON THE UP: The new EWNMG head office

AIRPORT MANAGERS AENA will be soundproofing a further number of homes to reduce the increase of noise pollution in Alicante and Elche. Residents of Urbanova and Arenales del Sol have complained that in recent months there have been noticeable higher levels

of noise as the aircraft arrive and take off from the Alicante-Elche Airport, especially on Saturdays when there is a take-off roughly every five minutes. AENA announced the measures at a meeting of the team that monitor the airport which amount to €1.6m for sound insulation of 298 homes in the municipalities of Alicante

and Elche and are within the scope of the official acoustic isolation plans of the airport. The latest programme of work will take the total of 2,667 buildings that have had such soundproofing carried out in them. Over the next few months, AENA will be putting the building works out to tender.

35,000 attend Mar er Menor Games weekend Octob

er Octob

by Steve Collins

JUST when people thought the long, hot summer was coming to an end, many areas of the Vega Baja had a shock at the beginning of the week. Temperatures reached some of their highest levels for the time of the year, with the municipality of Redován reaching 36.5ºC and Orihuela not far behind on 36.5ºC. Rojales registered 33ºC, Guardamar 31.3ºC and Torrevieja 30.4ºC Local meteorologist Pedro J. Cascales explains that the phenomena

is known as the ‘Veranillo de San Miguel’ (St Michael’s Summer) when temperatures unexpectedly rise after the autumn equinox which took place on September 23. Local records show that the last time such temperatures were reached between the 20th and 30th of the month of September was back in 1991 when 37.6ºC was registered. The highest ever temperature recorded for that period was in 1968 – on September 24 – when the thermometer showed 40ºC.

You had jsut one job by Steve Collins RESIDENTS of Torrevieja and drivers passing through the area had to look twice as they approached one of the junctions in the municipality. Smiles, which turned to laughter for many, and embarrassment to the council happened as a result of a major road marking failure at the point where Calle Terremoto meets Calle La Loma. During a repainting of the large STOP sign, the order became SOTP instead.

Photo credit Twitter @OcioDM

November

The council said that they were quickly made aware of what had happened and the lettering had been restored to the correct order within a couple of days. It’s not yet been disclosed where the finger has been pointed to, although it’s either the company contracted to carry out the markings or one of the municipal employees. Whoever it is, they have become famous locally, nationally and across the world as it has become one of the most photographed places in Torrevieja.

ORDER: SOTP sign goes viral and makes Torrevieja famous

Photo credit: Twitter

Heatwave makes a day return trip

AS PROMOTED in last week’s edition of RTN, the spirit of the Olympic Games visited the Mar Menor over last weekend. Santiago de la Ribera was full to brimming with people for the second hosting of the Mar Menor Games, with an estimated 35,000 people participating and watching more than 60 different sporting activities over Saturday and Sunday. Under the organisation of the Union of Sports Federations in Murcia and with the collaboration of the Autonomous Community and the local municipality, a multitude of sports took place in a variety of venues both indoors and outside. These ranged from from badminton on the beach, tennis, paddleball, handball, rugby and American football, swimming and the Mar Menor half-marathon. Councillor Javier Celdrán paid the event a visit during the weekend and stressed that, “the union of sport and tourism is one of the main activities held in the region at the end of the summer season and shows the tremendous possibilities the area has to host any sporting events throughout the year.” Throughout the weekend the events

TRIATHLON: One of 60 events at the Mar Menor Games were held on and in La Explanada de Barnuevo, la Playa El Pescador, el Paseo Cristóbal Collón, Playa de Los Arcos,

calle Luis Federico, Real Club de Regatas de Santiago de la Ribera, pantalán Miramar and Polideportivo de San Javier.

Ambassador to address public Brexit session

Novem

ber

by Steve Collins BRITISH Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, will be speaking at the Miguel Hernandez University in Elche on Tuesday November 21. He will be hosted by representatives from the Brexpats in Spain group and will be discussing the latest developments connected with the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU alongside members of the Alicante Diputación. The British Consul, Sarah-Jane Morris, will also be present and there will be an open question and answer session. Everyone is welcome to come along to this free event and there is no need to register your interest in attending. Doors open at 10am and the session will start promptly at 10.30am and will be located in Edificio Altet in the University Miguel Hernandez. A map of the campus can be found by logging on to http://bit.ly/2xNtcQt For the latest information on the negotiations on our exit from the EU, please book mark the dedicated Gov UK webpage. http://bit.ly/4BritsinEU

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TORREVIEJA town hall has signed a contract with a specialist company to reduce the number of pigeons, doves and other birds in the urban area. A budget of €6,000 allows professional people to move numbers of the species to other areas without resorting to destroying them. It’s not only the habits of pigeons and doves that have caused complaints from locals but hens and roosters that have moved from their original habitats in the parks to other locations. This action has been taken in response to a number of customers complaining about the increasing number of birds scavenging and snatching food from outside tables.

ADDRESS: British Ambassador Simon Manley to give a Brexit update

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Positive trend in freelance registrations continue December

THE REGION of Murcia is showing a positive increase in the number of people registering for Social Security payments via the Spanish autonomo (freelance and self-employed) system. Figures for the month of September just released show an increase of 721 – an average of 24 new registrations per day – and taking the overall number to 96,532. Murcia’s rise of 0.75 per cent is only just behind that of Madrid and compares favourably to the 0.42 per cent increase

Novem

across Spain as a whole. The upward trend is also in positive territory over a 12 month period with Murcia showing a growth in autonomos of 1.33 per cent. Spain overall is 0.97 per cent. Figures for last September showed only 395 new freelancers registered in the region compared to almost double that number – 721 – for the same month in 2017, and made this September the second highest increase in registrations for one month since April 2016...the highest ever recorded.

ber

In the TOP 20 for five consecutive years

by Lynn Whittaker

NOT for the first time, the team at Torrevieja Hospital have picked up an award for their excellent service. On this occasion, the hospital has once again been placed in the prestigious TOP 20 list that is a yearly ranking of the very best private and public hospitals throughout Spain. At a ceremony held in Madrid, Torrevieja Hospital – manager Ribera Salud – was presented with a special award to acknowledge the wonderful feat of being in the TOP 20 for five years in a row. Such an award has only been given to four other hospitals in Spain and continues to highlight and confirm what

both patients and officials say about the excellent service offered by the facility. The TOP 20 is put together by two committees consisting of doctors, administrators and clinicians aimed at encouraging improvements to the provision of health in the country; in the case of Torrevieja Hospital, it was highly ranked across every area where it was examined. Representatives of the hospital – which has just completed 11 years of WINNERS: service in the community - said that Torrevieja Hospital they were “delighted” to be in the celebrates prestigious list once again and saw their the award as recognition of the com- consistent mitment of its staff and the benefits high of public-private collaboration. position

Photo credit Hospital de Torrevieja

The Buffs shine with a generous donation

Maureen Payne, President of the Southern Costa Blanca branch of Age Concern, has gratefully accepted a cheque for €1,613 from the RAOB Patience Lodge...better known as The Buffs. Jim Joyner (Treasurer), Dave Tonge (Secretary), Roy Wilce (Registrar) and Bill Clyes presented the cheque, and as Jim Joyner said: “It gives us a lot of pleasure donating money to Age Concern. We know that the money is always wisely used for all the services this branch offers for people in need of help” On this occasion, a portion of the

money raised went towards a fabulous day trip to Moraira that included a superb lunch. After the presentation, the Buffs enjoyed a cup of tea in the newly refurbished centre and mingled with volunteers and friends of Age Concern at their daily pop-in coffee morning that is open to everyone.

For any information required regarding any of the services provided by Age Concern, call 966 786 887, Monday to Friday between 10am and 1.30pm.

Decembe

HER MAJESTY’S Ambassador to Spain has presented British Empire Medals (BEM) to two British residents in Alicante. The honours were part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List announced during June this year and the proud recipients were Sylvia Tatnell and Annette English. Sylvia Tatnell, resident in Teulada-Moraira, has been awarded the BEM for her services to British residents and the wider community in Alicante, where she was a local councillor for 25 years and Head of Social Services. Mrs Tatnell also supports local charities in the area to help the most vulnerable residents. She said: “I am overwhelmed with this. I decided to go into politics twenty five years ago, because I felt I could be of help to fellow British residents in Spain. I am deeply honoured to have received this award, which is a fantastic encouragement to continue assisting people in need” The other recipient, Annette English from Alicante

Photo credit Alicante Studios

by Glen Scott

COMMUNITY: HMA Simon Manley (left) presents the BEM to Annette English was awarded her BEM for her services to child welfare. Mrs English has dedicated her retirement to improving the conditions of the Elche Children’s Care Home, close to where she lives. Annette said: “I feel very honoured to have received this award. Fundraising for the children keeps me active and I receive so much back from them! I want to give a special mention to my husband, Dave, without whose

support none of this would have been possible. Never would I have imagined I would be receiving an award from the Queen.” Speaking after the award ceremonies, Ambassador Simon Manley said, “I was delighted to present these two honours to Sylvia and Annette this week, for their work in Alicante. Their outstanding dedication and commitment to making others’ lives better are an inspiration.”

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

er b m

Photo credit Twitter

British Empire Medals awarded for ‘outstanding dedication’

Decemb

ALL CHANGING: New facilities for babies...and workers!

Airport enhancements for all the family by Lynn Whittaker ALICANTE-ELCHE Airport has made a new family room available for its passengers. It’s all part of an overall plan by the airport authorities to make the experience of flying a more pleasurable and less stressful one, especially for those with young children and babies. According to the airport managers AENA, families make up 10 per cent of year-

ly passenger traffic which translates to 1.3 million out of the approximately 14 million total travellers. The family room – located in the boarding area and covering an area of 26.2m2 – is equipped with three armchairs, two microwaves, clothes racks, baby changing tables and a toilet. There is also a small table and chairs for younger children with books and painting equipment. In addition to the family and baby facilities on offer

there are a number of other new ‘work zones’ installed for travellers who need to charge their mobile devices. There are four areas – also located in the boarding zone – made of benches with 12 chairs each, complete with sockets (that also accept UK plugs) and USB ports. Finally, and to complete the latest enhancements, AENA has opened a luggage storage facility in the check-in area, complete with security scanner and qualified personnel.

Black days are good too 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.

There wasn’t much about 2017 that brought a feel good factor. I waited 12 months for mine, which I hope isn’t misplaced. Grinning broadly, I watched ecstatic Africans welcoming the first White farmer to return to the ranch Mugabe’s regime had ousted him from. Remember Marxist Robert Mugabe, knighted by the queen, slobbered over by politicians and mainstream media. One rose doesn’t make a summer but it was cheering to see Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa show pragmatism and Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo tell the West to butt out. Upon his return to his beloved Lesbury Farm, 71-year old Robert Smart punched the air as he was besieged by ecstatic Africans. The farmer brings with him a wealth of experience, the bank’s confidence; he returns hope, jobs and prosperity to the impoverished community. Darryn Smart, the farmer’s son said, “Words can’t describe the feeling. Getting back to the farm has given not just us, but the whole community hope that it is a new Zimbabwe, a new country.” Such jubilation won’t be lost on Zimbabwe’s new administration. One hopes it won’t be lost either on the Westminster canker and its media. Sold as a transition of power to Black rule it was nothing of the kind. Europe’s colonies were surrendered to globalist banking corporations by corrupt European politicians. The banking clique think waiters are farmers and restaurant tables are gar-

dens of plenty. This elite’s only interest is to squat toad-like on Africa’s vast mineral resources. As a consequence Africa today is poorer than ever, millions of Africans are uprooted and as many more starve. As in Zimbabwe, many Africans would welcome return to peaceful colonialism that enriched everyone. Hopefully, Zimbabwe’s realism won’t result in yet another Washington DC regime change. Is it too much to ask that the hapless anti-White South African regime, hopelessly mired in corruption, crime and poverty, might learn from the new Zimbabwean president? Regardless of ethnicity I remind all South Africans that separate development was not as black as fake news mainstream painted it to be. In 1972, South Africa’s non-Whites owned more vehicles than all the Black ruled nations put together. In 1988, the monthly income of Africans per capita was a comfortable R352pm, the highest in Africa. There is much more we don’t know because we are not supposed to know. Is there hope for 2018? Yes, the banking clique’s worst fears will be realised. Ousting the bankers, Russia and China will demonstrate how everyone can benefit from the resources of richest continent on earth. Sadly, to prevent that happening, NATO could get the war with Russia and China. Michael Walsh is author of Rhodesia’s Death Europe’s Funeral. Amazon.

The way I see it… Shock? Horror? Confusion?

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

A Christmas present had arrived a few days earlier than expect for the Catalan region, after a snap election held in Barcelona had delivered a crushing blow to Mariano Rajoy and the Madrid government, or did it? The self-imposed exiled Carles Puigdemont leader of one of the three separatist parties of Catalonian, was the winner, or was he? just hours after the victory, or was it? He requested that Rajoy recalls the Spanish police from Cataluña, who had been policing the region previously to prevent voters from voting last October. The victory for the three secession parties together had deliver a crushing blow to Spanish President Mariano Rajoy, or had they? Rajoy had requested for a very large turnout at the polls, believing that this would give him a majority, this the voters did, with an 82% turn out, his gamble failed. The morning after the night before, many thousands of Catalans are still in a daze state, not necessarily from alcohol, but their hangover had come from a famous victory, or is it? delivered against the Madrid government that had in the past gone to violent extremes, metred out after Madrid claimed that the previous October voting to be illegal.

With 99 percent of the votes counted the three secessionists parties had together had won 70 seats of the votes of the 135-seat assembly, this allows the separatists a chance to form a coalition regional government if they wished to. If they did, will they? it would be a massive blow to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Madrid government and a fresh headache for the E.U. I’m sorry for all the question marks placed against my earlier statements, but confusion seems to be the only winner of the election held in this NorthWestern region. Spain most guaranteed life style is sunshine and Sangria, however in the past Spain has been divided by a different language, dialects, and politics, this division had even caused a civil war, The snap election called was held hopefully to resolve a constitutional crisis, just two months ago Madrid had given orders for the police and guada civil officers to use force if necessarily to stop Catalans from voting, now the vote has officially happened, has it brought an outcome that Madrid fears? If the three separatist’s parties form a coalition then they will have a majority in the assembly, but it will need more negotiations with Madrid who does not want Cataluña to become an Independent region, as they provide a huge amount of finance to an ailing Spanish government.

The next question is? will Madrid allow Carles Puigdemont to return from Brussels without arresting him for sedition, this was the charge levelled at him, Puigdemont said “That he will not return to Spain owing to the charges by the Spanish government, I would be arrested”, the only way forward is dialogue, but will President Rajoy leave Spain to have talks with me, I don’t think so”, “this is a very bad result for Madrid”, the Proindependence party had a much stronger resolve, but it will need plenty of talking and more negotiations”. Will the Madrid government want this thorn in their side for ever? The next national Spanish elections are due to take place in 2020, so will they just allow that this regional election, will fester on until then. So, this fight is over, but the battle has not really begun for the separatists, will they ever get autonomy from Spain? It’s as clear as mud, your answer is as good as mine.

Mariano Rajoy

Carles Puigdemont

Nunca, nada, nadie It’s time for another small digression away from verbs, just to let you know that there are other things to learn! Today we are going to learn three negative words, that is, the words that mean “never”, “no-one” and “nothing”. These are as follows: never is “nunca”, no-one is “nadie” and nothing is “nada”. Well that was easily done! However, as usual we need to look at them in a bit more detail because they are not used in exactly the same way in Spanish as they are in English. The first thing to realize is that in Spanish we can use a “double negative”. For example, in English it is incorrect to say something like “I don’t

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by

Jane Cronin

nada

say nothing”, or “I don’t see no-one”. We got told off for these kinds of things as children and told that if you say “I didn’t say nothing”, that means you said something, because two negatives make a positive. Well, in Spanish this isn’t the case. We say “No digo nada” (I don’t say anything) and “No veo a nadie” (I don’t see anybody). This means that the words “anything”, “anybody” and in fact the word “any” itself in most cases have no real translation into Spanish. There are a few very common phrases that use this double negative. One is “no pasa nada” which we say as a response to an apology when we want to reassure someone that there isn’t

a problem. When someone is struggling to understand something which doesn’t make sense, you may hear them exclaim “No entiendo nada” – I don’t understand anything! The word “nunca” works in exactly the same way. “No voy nunca al cine” (I never go to the cinema), “no juego nunca al golf” (I never play golf). However, (the second big however in this article), if we change the word order round of our sentences and put the “nunca”, “nadie” or “nada” first, we end up with only one negative word again. For example – “Nunca voy al cine”, “Nunca juego al golf”. “No pasa nada” is more of a set phrase that doesn’t change in any way,

although we could say “Nada pasa en este pueblo” (nothing happens in this village). When we put the negative word at the beginning of a sentence we do so for the sake of emphasis. “No voy al cine nunca” is simply a statement of fact, whereas “Nunca voy al cine” sounds more like a strong complaint or strong statement against visiting cinemas! There is another way of emphasizing the idea of “never” which would translate for us as “never ever” or “never more” and that is “nunca jamás”. Peter Pan, who you will remember lived (or lives, I beg your pardon) in Never Never Land, in Spanish lives in “El País de Nunca Jamás”.

No veo a nadie

nunca jamás

nadie Nunca No digo nada

Here’s to the next one by

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

Another Christmas comes to an end, and a new year beckons. As the beggars carry on their daily vigils for a few tourist euros outside the Vatican City walls, some without limbs and all without hope, the Pope gives his Christmas blessings to the world and prays for world peace from the opulence of St Peter’s. And once again as in Christmases past, not a thing will change with the hate and killing continuing on an industrial scale. The extermination of the world’s wildlife will accelerate and significantly more percentage points will be added to the 58% loss since 1970, giving credence to the forecast of a 67% reduction by 2020. Talking will continue on the subject of climate change, with the self satisfied politicians patting themselves on the back for their wisdom and leadership, but effectively doing precious little to prepare us for the inevitable and irreversible changes that are rapidly coming about. The leaders of the world’s most influential nations range from power hungry megalomaniacs to brainless

buffoons, with many others regarding their position as a ticket to rampant corruption. And with such a large proportion of the globe’s leadership portraying distinct strong sociopathic tendencies, it seems to have now become part of the job description. The farcical Brexit talks will continue, with the EU making their demands and Mrs May and her incompetent side-kicks cravenly surrendering concession after concession, and thereby making a nonsense of the word ‘negotiation’. The end result will almost certainly be a betrayal of the wishes of the majority of the British people as made clear on the 23rd June 2016. Our beloved NHS, once the envy of the world, but no longer, will stagger on from crisis to crisis and will remain a political bone for the hounds of Westminster to fight over, with our social services

continuing their nosedive into becoming a toothless force with vulnerable adults and children paying the price, often with their lives. But not to worry, because lessons will have been learned. The escalation of international terrorism, the poisoning of our seas and oceans and the insatiable demand for more, more, more from the citizens of the wealthiest nations will continue, and the influence of mega rich corporations and individuals will still hold sway over our lives. But where there is life, there is still a glimmer of hope. Perhaps some strong and intelligent leadership will emerge from the melee, and at last begin to put the world to rights. But I shan’t be holding my breath. Happy New Year.

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

money

Government agrees to raise minimum wage SPANISH PRIME MINISTER Mariano Rajoy signed an agreement with unions and companies' representatives this week to raise the country's minimum wage. Spain's minimum wage would be raised by 4 per cent in 2018 to €736 per month from the current €707.60. The following year, it would be raised to €773, a 5 per cent increase and in 2020 the wage would stand at €850 per month, increasing by 10 per cent. These increases would be implemented if the

country experiences a real GDP growth of more than 2.5 per cent and the average amount of people affiliated to the social security system surpasses 450,000 people. Rajoy said that job creation "is and will continue to be the main goal of his term.” "We want economic recovery to reach everyone's household and all wages, especially the lowest and that is why we are going to improve them," he said. The Spanish government is expected to pass the increase at today’s cabinet meeting.

Use it wisely!

SPAIN'S Christmas lottery has paid out some €200 million to tickets sold by a bar in a village in the north-western region of Galicia. The parish priest in San Juan de Alba urged the winners to use the money "wisely". The bar's owner said they were "humble and hardworking" people. El Gordo, the world's biggest Christmas lottery, has no single jackpot, with winnings distributed among thousands of people in a complex system. This year the prizes totalled €2.38 billion. Each ticket has a five-digit number, reprinted numerous times in so-called series, costing €200. Because of the price, they are divided into 10 subtickets or décimos, each costing €20. El Gordo, Spanish for "The Fat One", is a Christmas tradition. People traditionally chip in together, participating with friends, families or workmates. Some 130 series with the winning number 71198 were sold in Vilalba, a town of 15,000 people and annual budget of around €11 million. They will share a prize of some €520 million. Of those series, 55 were sold in the San Juan de Alba parish.

Friday 29th December - Thursday 4th January

Pick of the Day

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

Breakfast Monsters vs Aliens The Farmer’s Llamas Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Father Brown Revolting Rhymes Up Room on the Broom Brave Pointless BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind Tim Vine Travels Through Time Christmas Special EastEnders Would I Lie to You? BBC News BBC London News Gone Girl Michael Mcintyre’s Big Christmas Show

8:35am 9:55am 10:55am 11:25am 11:55am 12:55pm 2:35pm 3:05pm 4:05pm 5:05pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm

G-Force The Big Family Cooking Showdown Nadiya’s British Food Adventure Nadiya’s British Food Adventure Natural World Three Coins in the Fountain Nature’s Weirdest Events World’s Most Extraordinary Homes Inside the Factory The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel Thailand: Earth’s Tropical Paradise Christmas University Challenge 2017 Morecambe and Wise in Pieces Eric and Ernie’s Home Movies Vic and Bobs Big Night Out Live at the Apollo Frankie Boyle’s 2017 New World Order QI XL

7:00am 9:30am 10:25am 10:50am 12:45pm 1:45pm 1:55pm 2:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:50pm 12:10am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury Everything or Nothing: The Untold Stories of 007 Bond Girls are Forever ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Midsomer Murders Tenable Tipping Point The Chase Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ITV News Tina and Bobby

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

Black Nativity Lego Masters The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Hotel for Dogs Cutthroat Island Four Rooms with Sarah Beeny Channel 4 News The Simpsons The Simpsons Hollyoaks Travel Man Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Gogglebox 2017 I Give it a Year

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:00am

Arthur 2:

On the Rocks

12:10pm

Dirty Rotten

Scoundrels

2:20pm

Labyrinth

4:20pm

Look Who’s Talking

6:10pm

Footloose

8:00pm

Yorkshire:

A Year in the Wild

9:00pm

World’s Strongest Man

2017

10:00pm

Victoria Wood

by Her Friends

11:00pm

Victoria Wood Live

Birds of Paradise Pirate Fairy The Big Family Cooking Showdown Natural World Behind Closed Doors Mansfield Park World’s Most Extraordinary Homes Six Robots and Us All About Eve Talking Pictures Alice in Wonderland Dad’s Army Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs Feud: Bette and Joan Feud: Bette and Joan Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte Absolutely Fashion

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am 12:25pm 2:15pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 5:25pm 7:10pm 7:20pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:40pm 12:00am

Childrens TV ITV News Saturday Morning with James Martin at Christmas Endeavour ITV News The Chase 3 Men and a Baby Despicable Me 2 ITV News London ITV News Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway Guess the Star Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ITV News The Mask

6:15am

The Three Musketeers

7:00am

Childrens TV

8:05am

Bridge to Terabithia

11:50am

The African Queen

9:50am

Lego Masters

10:55am

The Simpsons

1:55pm

Greystoke: The Legend

11:25am

The Simpsons

of Tarzan,

11:50am

The Simpsons

Lord of the Apes

12:20pm

The Simpsons

4:30pm

Live Premiership Rugby

12:50pm

We’re Going on a

Bear Hunt

7:05pm

World’s Strongest Man

1:25pm

Born Silly

2017

1:50pm

Ever After

8:00pm

Blind Date

4:15pm

Pride and Prejudice

9:00pm

Greatest Celebrity

6:40pm

Channel 4 News

Wind-Ups Ever!

6:55pm

Crocodile Dundee II

9:00pm

The Price is Right

10:00pm

5 News Weekend

10:00pm

The Hunger Games:

10:05pm

Football on 5

Mockingjay - Part 1

11:15pm

Football on 5

Speed

11:45pm

How Magic Changed TV

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

Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family David Attenborough’s Galapagos Hawaii Five-0 Fungus the Bogeyman Fungus the Bogeyman Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Delicious Music Legends We Lost A League of Their Own

Gone Girl, 10.15pm, BBC1

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

Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew Futurama Futurama Futurama Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Soccer A.M. Greatest Goals Funniest Moments Sky Sports Funniest Moments Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Football’s Funniest Moments A League of Their Own Minority Report Spielberg

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part One, 10pm, Channel 4

Saturday 7:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 3:50pm 5:10pm 6:30pm 6:40pm 6:50pm 7:20pm 8:10pm 9:00pm 11:10pm 11:30pm 12:55am

Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Nigel Slater’s New Year Suppers Football Focus BBC News 102 Dalmatians The Penguins of Madagascar Final Score BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind Pointless A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Avengers: Age of Ultron BBC News Match of the Day The NFL Show

7:35am 8:35am 9:45am 10:45am 11:35am 12:35pm 2:20pm 3:20pm 4:20pm 6:35pm 7:20pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:45pm 11:30pm 1:40am

12:20am

NEW YEARS EVE 7:00am 9:00am 10:25am 11:55am 1:25pm 1:40pm 2:40pm 4:35pm 5:05pm 6:05pm 7:05pm 7:20pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 12:20am 12:55am

Breakfast Match of the Day Bolt The Croods BBC News Comic Relief 2017: ‘Twas the Thanks After Red Nose Day Bedknobs and Broomsticks Songs of Praise Top of the Pops Attenborough and the Giant Elephant BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind Countryfile Antiques Roadshow The Real Marigold on Tour BBC News The Graham Norton Show Nile Rodgers and Chic: Good Times 2017 New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2017

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

Birds of Paradise Mars Needs Moms The Big Family Cooking Showdown Saturday Kitchen Best Bites The A to Z of TV Cooking Shall We Dance? Six Robots and Us Talking Pictures 84 Charing Cross Road Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Robot Wars Special Into the Woods: Stage to Screen Match of the Day 2 Live at the Apollo Jools’s Annual Hootenanny 2017

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:25am

Countrywise

10:50am

Casino Royale

1:25pm

ITV News

1:30pm

All Star Musicals

3:20pm

A Very Royal Wedding

4:30pm

A Right Royal Quiz

5:30pm

Victoria

7:25pm

ITV News London

7:35pm

ITV News

7:50pm

Cannonball!

8:50pm

Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallows: Part 2

11:15pm

The Real Full Monty

12:45am

ITV News

6:45am 8:35am 9:00am 9:25am 10:30am 1:30pm 1:55pm 2:25pm 2:55pm 5:20pm 5:25pm 6:25pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:00am

The Four Musketeers Frasier Frasier F1: Grand Prix Sunday Brunch The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons We Bought a Zoo Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Britain’s Wildest Weather 2017 Amazing Spaces Snow and Ice Special The Crystal Maze Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular 2017 Big Fat Quiz of the Year

7:00am 11:20am 12:25pm 1:00pm 1:55pm 3:55pm 4:55pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:50pm 10:00pm 10:55pm

Childrens TV Football on 5 Football on 5 Alaska: A Year in the Wild 3 Men and a Little Lady Groundhog Day 5 News Groundhog Day The Lego Movie Brick by Brick: The Lego Story World’s Strongest Man 2017 5 News Weekend Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights All New: When TV Goes Horribly Wrong 2

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

The Hour of Power Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons WWE Raw Greatest Premier League Moments The Last Dragon Slayer Attenborough’s Natural History Live Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Carpool Karaoke Special Take That Live: Wonderland New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Jools's Annual Hootenanny 2017, 12.20am, BBC2

Pick of the Day

New Years Day

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

Breakfast Cars 2 How to Train Your Dragon: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon Bedtime Stories The Highway Rat The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message BBC News A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Shrek Forever After Blue Planet II Maleficent BBC News BBC London News Grandpa’s Great Escape EastEnders McMafia Mrs. Brown’s Boys BBC News BBC London News Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

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

Stick Man Frankenweenie The Big Family Cooking Showdown The Big Family Cooking Showdown New Year’s Day Concert Live From Vienna 2018 Natural World Dances with Wolves The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message Final Score Eric and Ernie’s Home Movies Great British Railway Journeys Reindeer Family and Me Only Connect Christmas University Challenge 2017 Sue Perkins and the Chimp Sanctuary Noah Frankie Boyle’s 2017 New World Order

7:00am

Childrens TV

7:05am

Jamie’s Cracking

10:25am

Cannonball!

Christmas

11:25am

You’ve Been Framed!

11:55am

50 Greatest

7:15am

Flash Gordon

Harry Potter Moments

9:15am

Thunderbirds

1:45pm

ITV News

11:05am

The Simpsons

2:00pm

ITV Racing:

11:35am

The Simpsons

Live from Cheltenham

12:05pm

The Simpsons

4:30pm

Charlie and the

12:35pm

The Cat in the Hat

Chocolate Factory

2:10pm

Hugo

6:45pm

Paul O’Grady:

4:35pm

Ice Age:

For The Love of Dogs

7:40pm

ITV News

The Meltdown

8:00pm

Emmerdale

6:20pm

Channel 4 News

8:30pm

Coronation Street

6:30pm

Mrs. Doubtfire

9:00pm

Spectre

8:40pm

The Great Festive

11:45pm

ITV News

Bake Off

12:05am

The Keith and Paddy

10:00pm

Pitch Perfect 2

Picture Show

12:15am

7:00am 7:30am 8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:15pm 5:15pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm

Flog it! Trade Secrets Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman The A to Z of TV Cooking Celebrity Antiques Road Trip BBC Newsroom Live Westminster Abbey Coast The Wooden Horse The Wonder of Animals Operation Wild Penguins Spy in the Huddle Planet Earth II Flog It! Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Kate Humble: Off the Beaten Track Christmas University Challenge 2017 Inside the Factory The Real T Rex with Chris Packham Inside No 9 Newsnight

7:00am 9:30am 10:25am 11:30am 1:30pm 2:30pm 2:55pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 12:10am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Midsomer Murders Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale The Greatest TV Moments of All Time ITV News and Weather ITV News London The Keith and Paddy Picture Show Clueless

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

7:00am

12:25pm

Oliver!

3:10pm

Mrs Caldicot’s

Cabbage War

5:20pm

The Hundred-Foot

Journey

7:30pm

World’s Strongest Man

2017

9:00pm

The Two Ronnies

11:00pm

Britain’s Greatest Ever

Double Acts

First Dates

1:50am

Football on 5

7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:25am

Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Sun, Sea and Selling Houses Channel 4 News Couples Come Dine with Me Posh Pawn Countdown The Secret Life of the Zoo A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Secret Life of the Zoo 24 Hours in A and E Prince Naked Attraction

7:00am 10:40am 11:05am 12:45pm 1:40pm 1:45pm 2:40pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am

Childrens TV Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return GPs: Behind Closed Doors 5 News Lunchtime The Hotel Inspector 10.0 Earthquake A Date to Die for 5 News Barging Loving Celebs 5 News Tonight Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh Diet Secrets and How to Lose Weight Celebrity Big Brother One Night with My Ex Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

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

Childrens TV

10:25am On the Town

The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Last Dragon Slayer David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies Attenborough’s Flying Monsters The Bachelor King Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Best of the Late, Late Show Air Force One Football’s Funniest Moments

Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons Moonfleet Moonfleet Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Football’s Funniest Moments Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Harry Hill The Blacklist Trollied Sky Sports Funniest Moments The Force: North East

Spectre, 9pm, ITV1

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

Breakfast Rip Off Britain Homes Under the Hammer Wanted Down Under Close Calls: On Camera Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Father Brown I Escaped to the Country The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Pointless BBC News BBC London News EastEnders Holby City McMafia BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day Stacey Dooley in the USA

Celebrity Big Brother, 10pm, Channel 5

Pick of the Day

WEDNESDAY 7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Rip Off Britain 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Father Brown 4:00pm I Escaped to the Country 4:45pm The Farmers’ Country Showdown 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Would I Lie to You? 10:00pm Miriam’s Big American Adventure 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Pretty Woman

7:30am The Farmers’ Country Showdown 8:15am Antiques Road Trip 9:00am Fern Britton Meets... 10:00am BBC Newsroom Live 12:00pm Westminster Abbey 1:00pm Coast 1:10pm School for Scoundrels 2:45pm The Wonder of Animals 3:15pm Operation Wild 4:15pm Penguins - Spy in the Huddle 5:15pm Planet Earth II 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Kate Humble: Off the Beaten Track 8:30pm Christmas University Challenge 2017 9:00pm Tom Kerridge’s Lose Weight for Good 9:30pm Trust Me, I’m a Doctor 10:00pm Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Inside the Factory

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Midsomer Murders 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Tonight 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Girlfriends 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm Car Crash Britain Caught on Camera 12:40am Britain’s Busiest Airport Heathrow

8:10am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Frasier 10:00am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Couples Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Posh Pawn 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm The Secret Life of the Zoo 5:00pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Kirstie and Phil’s Love it or List it 10:00pm 20 Kids and Counting 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:05am Miranda Does Christmas

7:00am Childrens TV 10:40am Primates of the Caribbean 12:10pm Pets Make You Laugh Out Loud 12:45pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 1:35pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:40pm The Hotel Inspector 2:30pm A Father’s Denial 4:20pm Drew Peterson: Untouchable 6:00pm 5 News 6:35pm Barging Loving Celebs 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Starting Up, Starting Over 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Marnie Simpson in Therapy 12:05am Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

7:30am Futurama 8:00am The Simpsons 10:00am Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family 11:00am Modern Family 11:30am Modern Family 12:00pm Modern Family 12:30pm Modern Family 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm Hawaii Five-0 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 5:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm A League of Their Own 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm xXx2: The Next Level 1:00am The Force: North East

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Midsomer Murders 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm Great Art 12:45am Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

7:20am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Frasier 10:00am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Couples Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Posh Pawn 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm The Secret Life of the Zoo 5:00pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Food Unwrapped Diet Special 10:00pm Hunted 11:00pm Derry Girls 11:30pm 20 Kids and Counting 12:35am 24 Hours in A and E

7:00am Childrens TV 10:45am The Unbeatables 12:00pm Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 12:25pm Access 12:30pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 1:30pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:35pm The Hotel Inspector 2:30pm The 19th Wife 4:20pm Deadly Stage Fright 6:00pm 5 News 6:35pm Barging Loving Celebs 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Baby Ballroom 9:00pm Big Family Values: More Kids Than Cash 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Celebrity 100% Hotter! 12:05am Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

7:30am Futurama 8:00am The Simpsons 10:00am Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family 11:00am Modern Family 11:30am Modern Family 12:00pm Modern Family 12:30pm Modern Family 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm Hawaii Five-0 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 5:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Duck Quacks Don’t Echo 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm Delicious 12:00am Carpool Karaoke Special

Girlfriends, 10pm, ITV1

thursday 7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Rip Off Britain 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Father Brown 4:00pm I Escaped to the Country 4:45pm The Farmers’ Country Showdown 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm Celebrity Mastermind 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm DIY SOS The Big Build 10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Mrs. Brown’s Boys 12:15am New Tricks

7:30am The Farmers’ Country Showdown 8:15am Antiques Road Trip 9:00am MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00am BBC Newsroom Live 12:00pm Westminster Abbey 1:00pm Coast 1:10pm Lucky Jim 2:45pm The Wonder of Animals 3:15pm Operation Wild 4:15pm Penguins - Spy in the Huddle 5:15pm Planet Earth II 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Kate Humble: Off the Beaten Track 8:30pm Christmas University Challenge 2017 9:00pm Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure 10:00pm A House Through Time 11:00pm Live at the Apollo 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Robot Wars Special

this weeks weather FRI Dec 29

sat Dec 30

sun Dec 31

mon Jan 1

tue Jan 2

wed Jan 3

thu Jan 4

20º 10ºC

21º 10ºC

22º 9ºC

19º 8ºC

16º 7ºC

13º 7ºC

15º 5ºC

Intervals of cloud & sun

Mostly sunny and mild

Partly sunny and warm

Pleasant with some sun

Overcast some rain

Plenty of sun

Delicious, 11pm, Sky1

24 feb - 2 march 2017

whats on

Festive celebrations continue CHRISTMAS DAY itself may well be over for another year, but there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had in Murcia in the final days of 2018, and around the Three Kings Holiday at the start of January. Giant Christmas Tree This is found in the Plaza Circular had features a number of activities for children every day (except Sunday January 1, 2018) between 11.30am to 2pm and again from 5pm to 7.30pm. There is also a special 10 minute audio-visual display taking place at 8pm and 9.30pm every day until January 6. Municipal Nativity Scene The Murcia ‘Belen’ is in the Palacio Episcopal in the main Cathedral Square and open until January 6. The opening hours are: Monday to Friday – 9am to 1.30pm & 5pm to 10pm Saturdays, Sundays & Fiestas -10am to 1.30pm & 5pm to 10pm New Years Eve – 9am to 1pm Santa’s Grotto, Toboggan run and Ice Skating These extra special features for the Christmas season are will be open on the Plaza del Cuartel de Artilleria until January 6. There’s a 40 metre long toboggan course, a 500m2 ice skating rink and, not forgetting Santa’s Grotto and the last chance for the Spanish children to ask for their presents for January 6. The cost is €6 for one hour of ice skating and €4 for the toboggan, and all the attractions will be open at the following times:

ACTIVITY CENTRE: Murcia’s Cathedral Square to host a range of events Monday to Friday – 4pm to 10pm Saturday & Sunday – 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 10pm New Years Eve – 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 7.30pm Other events for Murcia Sunday December 31: 11.30pm - New Years Eve party and ringing of the Cathedral bells in the Plaza Santa Domingo Friday January 5: 10am - Roscons (3,000 traditional cakes) plus presents and prizes will be given out in the

Realities and hopes “Isn’t the life of any person made up out of the telling of two tales, after all? People live in the space between the realities of their lives and the hopes they have for them. The whole world makes more sense if you remember that everyone has two lives, their real lives and their dreams; both stories are only a tape’s breadth apart from each other, impossibly divided, indivisibly close.” Every year, Robert’s family come together at a rambling old house to celebrate his birthday. Aunts, uncles, distant cousins - it has been a milestone in their lives for decades. But this year Robert doesn’t want to be reminded of what has happened since they last met - and neither, for quite different reasons, does his granddaughter Kate. Neither of them is sure they can face the party. But for both Robert and Kate, it may become the most important gathering of all. As lyrical and true to life as Norris’s critically acclaimed debut Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain, which won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Ondaatje Prize and Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards, this is a compelling, emotional story of family, human frailty, and the marks that love leaves on us.

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Glorieta de Espana 12.30pm - Welcoming of the Three Kings at the Town Hall 6pm - Three Kings Parade. The route will be: Avda. San Juan de la Cruz, Torre de Romo, Alameda de Colón, Gran Vía Salzillo, Pza. Circular, Alfonso X el Sabio finishing on Avda. Gutiérrez Mellado. The parade finishes at the nativity scene where they make a symbolic offering of their gifts as well as collecting the present cards which have been written by the children and previously placed in the post box in the Plaza Santo Domingo.

Watch the parade again, and again... and again! TORRE PACHECO is proud to present a full programme that now features the very popular Three Kings Parade that is making its way around a number of municipalities on the afternoon and evening of Thursday January 5, so if you miss one – or want to see the parade again and pick up a few more sweets that are thrown from the floats – you have plenty of opportunities to catch up. The timetable is: 4pm – Balsicas 6pm – Torre Pacheco 7pm – San Cayetano 8.30pm - Roldan

It’s all ‘live’ at the Elche nativity display THE 37th ‘Living Nativity’ Scene will take place in Elche City this Christmas season. Until December 31, 2017 and again on January 6, 2018 you will be able to visit the Nativity Scene. The animals are real and the characters will be acted by members of the Pobladores, a group of local actors. The scene, with the manager as the main focus, will occupy an area of 3000m2 in the Palacio de Altamira, which is located between the tourist office, the municipal palm park and the cathedral. Over 40 people will be involved in creating a 1st century Bethlehem including; Roman legionaries, kings, concubines, notaries, shopkeepers, innkeepers, preachers, thieves, lepers and a whole host of other characters. Opening hours are: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 December – 11am to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm Sunday December 31 – 11am to 2pm Saturday January 6 – 11am to 2pm

Letters to the Editor

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

whats on

Events near you CITIES and municipalities right across the Southern Costa Blanca are continuing with their post Christmas and New Year festivities. Perhaps you’ve arrived in the area for a Christmas break and fancy experiencing some of the Spanish traditions at this time of the year...or perhaps you’ve forgotten where you’ve left your list? The RTN has listed some of the major events going on in your area below that we have previously featured... San Pedro del Pinatar Friday January 5: 6pm - Three Kings Parade arriving by boat across the Mar Menor onto the Explanada at Lo Pagan, then along Avda. Romeria de la Virgen y Emilio Castelar finishing at the Carpa Municipal.

Rojales Pantomime Group: Fun for all the family

Rojales Pantomime group present 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves' MAKE SURE to get a ticket to this excellent show; take a child-preferably one you know! Or just be a child yourself for the evening and let the Rojales Pantomime Group transport you to the world of the Arabian Nights to meet Ali Baba and a host of magical characters, including a dancing camel and Yousless from YMCA. Ali Baba is a traditional pantomime with lots of fun for the family. When the hero Ali Baba and his faithful friend Margarina discover a cave full

of treasure they think they are going to be rich. Unfortunately the treasure belongs to the notorious and evil Desert Fox and his forty thieves. There are lots of goodies in the show, the cast throw sweets ‘a good selling point that predates health and safety regulations,’ they sing songs and crack jokes. There are even some real children in the cast from Essence Dance and fitness who do a confident job with their dance numbers. Ali Baba would not be complete

without magic and the Genie will be characterised by Norman Love with the Dame played by Dave Allen. Cheer the Hero’s, boo the bad guys, chuckle at the jokes and sing along with the songs at the Escela de Musica Los Montesinos January 11, January 12, evening performance with a matinee performance at 2.30pm Saturday 13. Money raised goes to local charities. Enquires and ticket reservations Christine 678 212 034 or email shimserv@gmail.com

Agost celebrates their ‘orange’ king and queen EVERY year in Agost in the Alicante province, they present the Danses del Rei Moro. It’s a unique fiesta that is currently underway and continues until January 1. It’s a selection of traditional dancing and music and a spectacular costume performed by teenagers, and tells the story of the Moorish King and Queen, with the history evolving over a number of days. The full fiesta programme is on until January 1, 2018, and the remaining day’s events are: Friday December 29: 5.30pm - Traditional Dancing Saturday December 30: 5.30pm - Traditional Dancing Monday January 1: 5.30pm - The last day of the fiestas, which features the traditional climbing of trees and the untying of strings full of oranges. The most successful are the ones that earn their places in next year’s fiestas.

Murcia THE 33rd Artisans Christmas Market will take place in the City of Murcia until January 5, 2018. The market will be located on Paseo Alfonso X El Sabio and features around 70 stalls representing more than 30 types of crafts, with lots of great products. Opening times are every day until Friday January 5, 2018 apart from the dates listed below: 11am to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 9.30pm The market will be closed on the afternoons of Sunday December 31 and closed all day on New Year’s Day. Elche Sunday December 31: 11.30pm - New Years Eve Party in the Placa de Baix Friday January 5: 7pm - Three Kings Parade leaving from Calle Renia Victoria and follow a route along Plaza de Baix, Corredora, Pont dels Ortussos, Porta d’Alacant, Mestre Albeniz finishing at the Diagonal del Palau, where the Kings will greet the Baby Jesus. Guardamar THE City Council have put together a number of events that are already underway and carry on until the Three Kings festival. Sunday December 31: 11.30pm - New Years Eve Party beside the town hall with live music. Friday January 5: 6pm - Three Kings Parade, known as the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos from the Plaça Jaume II, along Avenida País Valencià and Calle Mayor finishing at the Town Hall where the children receive their gifts. Cartagena In the Parque Heroes de Cavite, there’ll be an Inflatable Play Park for children to enjoy with a number of giant rides. They will be open until Thursday January 4 between 11am and 2pm and again from 5pm to 9pm, with the exception of Sunday December 31 when there are no evening openings. Other events include: Friday January 5: 11.30am - Arrival of the Three Kings by boat into the Port 12.30pm to 2pm - Three Kings greet the children in the Plaza Ayuntamiento 6.30pm - Three Kings Parade along Alameda de San Antón, Plaza de España, Paseo Alfonso XIII, Juan Fernández, Juan XXIII, Santa Florentina, Carmen, Tolosa Latour, Sagasta, Puerta de Murcia, Mayor finishing in the Plaza Ayuntamiento. Santa Pola Sunday December 31: 11.30pm - Mobile Disco at the Castle Wednesday January 3: 7pm - Trons Parade. The route leaves from the Glorieta along C/ Cruz, C/ Alicante, C/ San Antonio, C/ Zorrilla, C/ Victoria, and C/ Elche finishing at the Glorieta. Thursday January 4: 7pm - Royal Embassy: The official postmen for the Three Kings collect the letters from the children before going on a parade leaving from the Palmeral, along Calles Elche y Glorieta. Friday January 5: 7pm - Three Kings Parade: Leaving from the Palmeral, along Calle Elche, finishing at the Glorieta, where the presents will be given out.

health Bye bye blisters As the parties are in full swing, save your soles from blisters in your new boots or party shoes with a green tea home remedy. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that aid healing. First, brew three tea bags in boiling water, then toss in a teaspoon of baking soda (for its antiseptic properties). Allow the brew to cool, then soak your blister in it. You can use gauze to apply the home remedy to the area if the blister is in an area too difficult to soak. Also, if your blister hasn't popped, you can speed up the healing process by soaking it in warm water to help it soften up and drain the fluid inside.

Keep taking away...but in moderation BE honest, we’ve all done it. Out for a few pints with the lads and then there’s that urge for a late-night takeaway. Even in Spain, the number of tempting outlets is increasing and while takeaways are often cheap, convenient and satisfying, unfortunately, they're not always very healthy and can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. The law now insists that food outlets now list calories on their menus, which lets you make a healthier choice. Fish and chips There are lots of ways to make your trip to the chippy a healthier one. Have a portion of baked beans or mushy peas with your fish and chips. The thicker the chips the better, because they absorb less fat. Ask for your fish and chips without salt – if you want some salt, add a small amount yourself. Fish and chips that are cooked in oil at the right temperature taste better and absorb less fat. So watch out for soggy batter and chips, because this is often a sign that the oil wasn't hot enough. Italian If you're having pizza, choose

TRADITIONAL: Check that your festive takeaway is a healthier option lower-fat toppings, such as vegetables, ham, fish and prawns, and don't ask for extra cheese! With pasta dishes, if you want a lower-fat option go for a sauce that's based on tomatoes or vegetables, rather than cream. Chinese Anything that’s battered or marked as "crispy" on the menu means it’s deep-fried. Watch out for starters such as prawn crackers and spring rolls, because these are generally deep-fried. Anything in batter will be high in fat. Sweet and sour pork is usually battered.

Indian Try to avoid anything that’s creamy or deep-fried. To reduce the amount of fat in your meal, choose dishes with tomato-based sauces, such as tandoori and madras, plain rice or chapatti. Also choose plenty of vegetables, including lentil side dishes (known as dhal). Kebab and burgers Doner kebabs can be high in fat. For a healthier option, go for a shish kebab, which is a skewer with whole cuts of meat or fish and usually grilled.

10 tips to make your New Year's resolution a success Many of us will make a healthy New Year's resolution – maybe to lose weight, quit smoking or drink less – but what's the best way to stick to it? Psychologists have found we're more likely to succeed if we break our resolution into smaller goals that are specific, measurable and time-based. Top 10 goal-setting tips 1. Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are greater when you channel energy into changing just one aspect of your behaviour. 2. Don't wait until New Year's Eve to choose your resolution. Take some time

out a few days before and think about what you want to achieve. 3. Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment. 4. Don't run with the crowd and go with the usual resolutions. Instead think about what you really want out of life. 5. Break your goal into a series of steps, focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, measurable and time-based. 6. Tell your friends and family about your goals. You're more likely to get support

and want to avoid failure. 7. To stay motivated, make a checklist of how achieving your resolution will help you. 8. Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a sub-goal, which will help to motivate you and give you a sense of progress. 9. Make your plans and progress concrete by keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or pictures. 10. Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether.

health

St. John‘s wort Natural relief from stress and mild depression St. John‘s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), with its yellow flowers, can be found not only in all of Europe, but also in large parts of Asia, America and Australia. The leaves have distinc¬tive dark green dots, which are in fact tiny little containers of the red active agent hypericin. For a long time people thought it was the main ingredient, but nowadays it is known that it is the combination of the many different ingredients, acting together as a whole, that give it its synergetic effect. Quite recently, it has been discovered that St. John‘s Wort stimulates the pineal gland. Me¬latonin, a highly active hormone produced by this gland, influences and regulates our nerves and hormone production and plays an important role in our organism. St. John‘s Wort has a stabilizing

and strengthening effect on the body when it is under nerv¬ous or mental strain. The effects of stress are lessened. It regulates and strengthens the func¬tions of the nervous system and has a favorable effect in cases of nervous strain and light depression. On the one hand St. John‘s Wort relaxes, on the other, it has a stimulating effect; it lessens tiredness, but does not reduce energy and the ability to react. Hence, strained nerves can be balanced and strengthened in harmony with nature and our environment. To achieve the full strengthening effect on the nerves, it is

recommended that it be taken over a prolonged period of time. The effects build up slowly, appearing within two to three weeks. While taking this St. John’s Wort, intensive UV-radiation should be avoided.

Ginger packs all the beauty benefits Ginger on the skin can increase skin's radiance and decrease inflammation that may contribute to conditions such as psoriasis and acne. Ginger is an antioxidant, which means it inhibits harmful free radicals that cause skin damage and aging. People can experience the benefits of ginger on the skin by eating ginger in foods, drinking ginger tea, consuming ginger supplements or using a ginger-infused skin care product. Improve Skin Tone Ginger's antioxidant, gingerol, not only fights skin-damaging free radicals, but also promotes smoothness and evenness in skin tone. Blue ginger from Madagascar is a type of ginger that is a particularly potent antioxidant. Lighten Age Spots Ginger also has the ability to lighten age spots while acting as an energy-booster in aromatherapy spa treatments. Because ginger is energizing and is believed to improved circulation, it is often used in cellulitereducing treatments.

Steam your skin at home CLOGGED PORES are one of the top contributing factors to acne breakouts, no matter what your age is. One of the best ways to cleanse your pores is by giving them a steam bath. Steaming your skin is like taking a bath that cleans from the inside out. Steam cleanses your pores by causing you to sweat, which opens the pores and helps push any dirt and debris out. 1. Pull your hair away from your face with a hair tie or headband. 2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and rinse well. 3. Put five cups of distilled water into a large pot and bring to a boil. 4. Transfer the hot water to a large glass bowl, making sure that the bowl is set securely on a table. 5. Sit so that you can comfortably place your face over the bowl of steaming hot water. 6. Drape a towel over your head so that you make a tent over you and the bowl of water. If at any point you feel the steam is too hot on your skin, move your face farther away from the water. 7. Stay over the steam for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the steam cools. 8. Wash your face with the cleanser of your choice, then rinse three to five times with lukewarm water. 9. Place some astringent or vinegar on a cotton ball and rub it all over your face. The astringent helps remove debris and cleanses the pores. Rinse the astringent with lukewarm water, then make your final facial rinse with cool water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Puzzles Code Breaker

Mercury takes a commanding position to ensure that the year begins with all levels of communication ready and awaiting your further instructions. With Mars currently in cahoots this brings the opportunity for you to start as you mean to continue and brings balance to your current situation in more ways than you can imagine.

Word Pyramid

Word Wheel There is 1x11 letter word and 105 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!

Where there has been conflict see peace and resolve as the actions of Uranus bring you the ability to see things in a new light. Much that has happened has served to test you but this has taken you beyond the realm of forgiveness, and as such assisted in closing your eyes on something you will now take on board.

Actions of Mars see you seeing the light, and putting two and two together. The past weeks have brought about a lot of soul searching, but you must know that your integrity is balanced with your ego, and that now things can really get off the ground. Expect a busy year; be true to yourself and all whom you really love. Mars is backing you, and whilst the conflict now is within you, in this your most indecisive phase, good can come from even your most negative thoughts. Empowered and willing use this inner energy to make a start on just what it is that turns you on right now. You are reluctant to commit, but the timing is spot on. Saturn is en route to bring sage wisdom to you before you give up on something. There is a need to make amends, and to see the challenge that is developing. Nobody is saying what you are about to do is easy, but you have to rely on your gut instincts and sheer determination if all is to work with you the way it could. Mars balances nicely with Virgo, just at a time when you are feeling it is time for a change. Beware of a simple request which sees you taking on more than you can handle at the moment, and know that you are protected by your faith and devotions at this time. Go the extra mile because a sign from you is what’s needed. Mercury knows that you have written a message in your heart, and encourages you to pass this on to those who really do need to hear it. There has been a catalogue of excuses and delays, but facing facts is what you are all about, and what needs to happen right now. Things won’t be as bad as you think. You are about to be rewarded for a job done well. It took courage and foresight to be able to do what you did, and though you expected no thanks there are so many people who have been touched by your need for transparency and resolve. Only one thing remains, and that’s to walk away with your head held high. Venus forms a strong bond as you balance Virgo and Mars in conjunction this week. With love in your heart, and a strong intention to let bygones be bygones and to move on, you now have the right recipe for the future. Not all will take what you have on offer, but you can’t please them, and you must think of yourself. You attract so many people to your side with your mystical energies and your superior spiritual strength. This year ahead is all about change, and though there is nothing you would want to change for yourself, use your abilities to attract those around you who will help you in your journey and they will show you your destiny; as it is calling.

M N B O T

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 enters into Neptune bringing love around you on all different levels. Honest and truth seeking Neptune demands answers to the questions you dare not even ask your self. The Goddess of Love herself helps you to open your eyes, see what you are missing, and to, above all, give her blessing to open your heart.

Be methodical in your approach, and just let sleeping dogs lie for a while as you make decisions based on your own instincts and not the gossip spread by others. Some say that you have made your bed and now you have to lie on it, but this is the chance you have been waiting for, don’t lose any part of it.

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 15 represents R and 24 represents Z. 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 what are your resolutions this Year ahead? Wenke H.

WORD fit

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

Well, Wenke! I have great hopes for the year ahead and all that it may bring both myself and those that I love and care for, and each one of you, dear readers. I never set unrealistic resolutions because they just don't last. Though they sound wonderful at the start of another year, they are only a reflection of what I would like to happen. This year is different, I want to make things happen and so I know, personally that I have work to do, and I am unafaid to do it! 2018 here we come!

Don't forget to email or message me with your Postbag Questions!. Check out my new website: www.kennycorris.net

For Birthday Celebrants Inspiring energies are working with an open and free

Cosmos in this peaceful and tranquil start to the cal-

endar Year. Keep your eyes open because you are about to be shown the way forward, and how to use your inner energies in pursuit!

5 letter words ADAPT ADEPT CAMEL CRAMP CUPID LINER NAIVE NERVE NOISE QUEST REACT TENSE

6 letter words

7 letter words

EDITOR

ABSENCE

EVENTS

COMFORT

QUAINT SCORER SIESTA STICKY

CYCLIST ENSURED IGNORED PAINTED POPCORN RAPIDLY SCIENCE TORRENT

More Puzzles

Cryptic

ACROSS 1 One or two dairy products (10) 7 Trouble in Naples is not hurting (8) 8 Man in formal evening wear (4) 9 Pickpockets? Detective inspector has second thoughts (4) 10 VIP’s sea trip producing no reaction (7) 12 Money for guardian appointed by court? (5,6) 14 Take this if put out (7) 16 Goddess appearing in this island (4) 19 Scottish leader with horse problem (4) 20 Sermon translated by an old Scandinavian (8) 21 Fly from coloured container (10) DOWN 1 Meals provided for governors? (5) 2 It brings a guy down to earth (4-3) 3 Need to cultivate first garden (4) 4 Tin makes alloy wrong (8) 5 Sugar plums, perhaps? (5) 6 Bird beginning to peck sweetheart (6) 11 Refinement, for example, in eastern weapon (8) 12 Regret having broken mantle (6) 13 Sweet, with hair swept up? (7) 15 Majestic beer brought up (5) 17 Range of notes in Tosca, Les Miserables, etc. (5) 18 Members of an industrious group of musicians (4)

Word Ladder

Can you by changing 1 letter at a time, get from the first word to the last word in the given number of moves?

foods 1 2 3 4

pound 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.

Fill the grid so every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9

Quiz 1 What in the world is at Zero Degrees Latitude and Zero Degrees Longitude: North Pole, South Pole; NATO HQ; or A weather observation buoy? 2 The first most popular book of seven from CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-56) is The Lion, The Witch and the: Table; Armchair; Bed; or Wardrobe? 3 Under normal Earth sea-level conditions water boils at how many degrees centigrade: Zero; 32; 100; or 212? 4 The term ‘histrionics’, referring to excessive emotion, is Latin ‘histrion’, meaning: Historian; Politician; Acrobat; or Actor? 5 Kangchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Kamet are the three (What? of Where? - two answers required): First rulers; Highest mountains; Top security prisons; India; Australia; or Game of Thrones? 6 Spell the word for a type of neck pendant: Medalian; Medallian; Medalion; or Medallion? 7 A spoken error, considered perhaps more truthful than the intended word(s), is called a ‘(What?) slip’: Jungian; Freudian; Dickensian; or Shakespearian? 8 Dr Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), author of ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, is most famous in what literary genre: Crime/thrillers; Chick lit; Horror; or Children’s? 9 Roughly what is the volume of a ball 10 inches wide (in cubic inches): 105; 162; 524; or 2,500? 524 10 The name of which famous island borough, also a cocktail and Woody Allen film, derives from Lenape Native American Indian, land owners until Dutch settler acquisition, 1626?

ACROSS 1 Badger’s burrow (4) 3 Hindrance (8) 9 First book of the Bible (7) 10 Passenger ship (5) 11 Short-legged dog (5) 12 Tinned (6) 14 Pact (6) 16 Grown-ups (6) 19 Not moving (6) 21 Unit of weight for gems (5) 24 Name of eight English kings (5) 25 Bureaucratic procedures (3,4) 26 Flute player (8) 27 Isle of Wight resort (4)

DOWN 1 Wisdom (8) 2 Male singing voice (5) 4 Cut in two (6) 5 Sharp hooked claw (5) 6 Hide (7) 7 Nobleman (4) 8 Aid (6) 13 So to speak (2,2,4) 15 Baltic country (7) 17 Period of ten years (6) 18 Nuts from an oak (6) 20 Romantic assignation (5) 22 Prepared (5) 23 Gordon Ramsay, for example (4)

Last Weeks Solutions on page 42

24 feb - 2 march 2017

food & drink

Beef and ale stew with horseradish dumplings Tartiflette

Ingredients 2lb 4oz Charlotte potatoes, peeled, 8oz bacon lardons, 2 shallots, 1 garlic clove, 3½fl oz white wine, 7fl oz double cream, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 whole Reblochon cheese (about 1lb), sliced Method 1. For the tartiflette, preheat oven to 200ºC/400ºF/ Gas 7. 2. Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. 3. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan until hot and fry the bacon, shallots and garlic for 4-5 minutes, or until golden-brown. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. 4. Slice the potatoes thinly and layer into an ovenproof gratin dish with the bacon mixture. Pour over the double cream. Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Layer the Reblochon slices on top. 5. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden-brown and bubbling.

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Preparation time Max 60 minutes Cooking time 120 minutes Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC/140ºC Fan/Gas 3. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a deep ovenproof casserole dish over a high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown all over, adding more oil if needed. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour another tablespoon oil into the casserole dish, then add the shallots, carrots and mushrooms and fry for few minutes, stirring. 3. Meanwhile, put the flour in a bowl, whisk in a little ale to make a smooth paste, then whisk in the rest of the ale. 4. Return the beef to the casserole, and then pour in the ale mixture and stock. Stir over a high heat until thickened and boiling. Stir in the onion marmalade, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves and gravy browning (if using) and cook, stirring, for few minutes. Season with

24 feb - 2 march 2017

food & drink Gin and tonic granita Ingredients 8oz caster sugar, 6fl oz good quality gin, 18fl oz tonic, 1 lemon, juice only 2 Bramley apples, peeled and grated, 18fl oz apple juice, 1¾oz butter 2 Braeburn apples, diced Preparation Time – 120 minutes. Cooking time – 45 minutes.

salt and pepper, cover, then bake for 2–2½ hours, or until the meat is tender. 5. To make the dumplings, put the flour and suet in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Gradually add 150ml/5fl oz water and stir to make a soft, sticky dough. Tip onto a floured work surface and gently knead until smooth. 6. Flour a sheet of non-stick baking paper. Put the dough on top and roll out to about 15x25cm/6x8in. Spread over the

horseradish cream and scatter with parsley. Roll up the dough, from the long side, to make a Swiss roll shape. Chill for 45 minutes, then slice into eight pieces. 7. When the beef is tender, remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 220ºC/200ºCFan /Gas 7. Remove the bay leaves and add the dumplings. Return to the oven, without the lid, for 25 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden and puffed up. Serve piping hot.

Baked Dorada (Bream) with Lemon and Herbs Ingredients 2 doradas that have been cleaned and prepared for baking (ask your fishmonger to do this), 1 lemon, 1 fish stock cube, ¼ cup dry white wine, ¼ cup olive oil, fresh parsley and/or other herbs, salt and pepper For the salsa - 3 firm tomatoes (green, salad tomatoes are best), 1 medium sized red bell pepper 1 medium red onion, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper Preparation time – 10 minutes. Cooking time – 45 minutes. Method 1. Set the oven to bake at 285°F (140°C) 2. In a small bowl mix the wine, olive oil, juice from half the lemon, a pinch of salt, pepper, half a stock cube, and the dried herbs (if using). 3. Make three large cuts diagonally across each fish. 4. Place the fish on a baking sheet and cover with the marinade. 5. Cut the other half of the lemon into 6 round slices and place one slice in each crevice. 6. Dissolve the other half of the bouillon cube in ¼ cup of hot water and halfway through

the cooking process cover in the liquid. 7. Put the fish in the oven on the middle rack for 40-45 minutes. 8. For the salsa, remove the seeds and pulp from the tomato and cut in a small dice. 9. Deseed the red pepper and do the same, and cut the onion in a small dice too. Season the salsa with salt and pepper and dress with vinegar and olive oil. 10. To eat the fish slowly pull off the spines and try to get most of the bones out in a few pulls. However, be extremely careful while eating that you don't swallow any bones.

Method 1. Bring 4fl oz water and the caster sugar to the boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat. Add the gin, tonic, lemon juice and the grated Bramley apple. Set aside to cool completely, then pour the mixture into a plastic freezer-proof container and place in the freezer. 2. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and whisk. Repeat this until frozen (this will take about 3-4 hours). 3. To make an apple caramel, heat the apple juice until reduced in volume to a thick caramel (this will take approximately 45 minutes). Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter. Leave to cool. 4. To serve, remove the granita from the freezer and break up with a fork to create a ‘slush puppy’ texture. Sprinkle the diced Braeburn apple on top and serve with the apple caramel.

home & garden

Protect plants from frost Cover plants before nightfall Covers don’t have to be elaborate or expensive in order to work. A row of sticks with newspaper, cardboard or sheets and towels tented over them will do just fine. If you don’t have sticks, lay the covers directly over your plants. This too will prevent heat loss. If you’re going to cover up your plants before a hard frost, do so before dusk. If you wait until darkness falls, most of the stored heat in your garden will have dissipated. No matter what type of cover you use, make sure that it extends down to the soil on each side. In the morning, after the frost has thawed, remove the covers. Warm plants with water jugs Fill plastic milk jugs with water and place them in the sun, allowing them to soak up heat during the day. Before dusk, set the jugs around your plants and throw a cover over them. The water in the jugs will lose heat more slowly than the soil and the air and the warmth it emits will keep your plants warm. Water before a frost It may sound crazy, but watering around plants the night before a spring frost can protect them from freezing. During the night, the wet soil will release moisture into the air, which will raise the temperature and keep plants warmer. Cover plants with cloches Strictly speaking, cloches are removable glass or plastic covers that protect plants from cold. Sometimes called bells or bell jars, most fit over individual plants, but some are large enough to cover a row. Glass cloches are highly ornamental. When you’re not using them outside for frost protection, you can use them indoors over humidity-loving houseplants like violets. Plastic cloches are generally less expensive than glass ones.

Because they are lightweight, they must be staked into the ground to prevent them from blowing away in high winds. Like other covers, cloches should be placed over plants before the sun goes down and removed in the morning after the frost has thawed. Place plants in frost-resistant spots It’s as true for plants as it is for property: location, location, location. Set out seedlings and store-bought spring plants in areas that are less likely to experience damaging cold. As cold air moves to lower ground, it will pass by plants located on high ground or slopes. That’s why it’s best to place seedlings and other plants that are susceptible to frost in these locations. Shrubbery also provides protection from light frosts. Placing plants by walls and fences can provide additional protection, particularly if the structures are dark in colour. During the day, the structures absorb heat. Throughout the night, they radiate it, keeping plants warmer than they’d otherwise be. Avoid frost pockets Frost pockets are depressions in the ground. Cold air drains into these “pockets,” and it can’t get out. When this happens, plants located in the depressed areas can suffer frost damage. Avoid sowing seeds and bedding new plants in these low places. Harden off seedlings Before setting out seedlings, acclimate them to the outdoors by gradually exposing them to conditions outside. This process, called hardening off, will help you grow stronger plants that are more likely to withstand the vicissitudes of early spring. Begin the hardening off process about 14 days before transplanting. When the weather’s mild, place the seedlings

outside during the day in a warm, shady spot that’s protected from the wind. At night, bring them indoors. After two weeks, the seedlings will be stronger, sturdier plants, ready for transplanting. Protect potted plants When frost is predicted, bring planters and hanging baskets inside. The roots of potted plants experience more severe temperature fluctuations than those planted in the ground. They’ll reach lower temperatures, too. That’s why potted plants are especially susceptible to root damage due to cold. It can cause their roots, particularly those near the edge of the pot, to turn spongy and black. Although root damage may not kill the plant, it will stunt its growth. If you opt to cover a hanging basket rather than bring it inside, place it on the ground first, and then place the cover over it in order to take advantage of the ground’s relative warmth. Wrap fruit trees If you grow fruit trees, be sure to wrap the trunks in the fall with burlap strips or tree wrap. Most fruit trees have thin barks that are susceptible to splitting when temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Tree wrap will prevent this splitting, which is known as frost crack.

The dos and don’ts of Spanish gardening The Spanish landscape is a study in contrasts. Boldly coloured glazed tiles are set against the sun-baked terra cotta of Saltillo pavers, while vivid plantings mingle with weathered iron and stone. These contrasts bring a lively sense of timelessness to the Spanish design style.

The dos Do choose iconic Spanish elements such as white or coloured stucco, Saltillo pavers, coloured tile and iron work. These are the common threads that help your landscaping fit in with the Spanish style of architecture. Do choose bold paint colours for the outdoors. While most people choose quiet colours for the interior, the garden is a place to play with stronger colours. Because there’s no ceiling reflecting the colour back at you, bright colours can enliven an outdoor space without overwhelming it. Do embellish concrete patios and pathways to give them personality. Adding a meandering line of river rock or

repeating elements like tile within the concrete can make even your pathways an artistic part of the décor. Do connect every plant to a drip irrigation system. In a hot landscape, a drip irrigation system is an easy way of making sure each plant and pot is getting just the right amount of water, with no waste. The don’ts Don’t be shy in choosing one-of-a-kind found objects for your landscaping. Antique stores and salvage shops can be a great source for unusual items, and the timeless beauty of an antique iron grate or a lamp with a patina brings an enduring charm to your Spanish-style landscape. Don’t throw away stone, brick or concrete that’s already on your property. You can construct attractive knee walls, terraces or pathways with salvaged materials. Not only does re-using materials save money, it also provides a unique character and sense of history in your garden. Don’t be afraid to overplant

succulents and perennial flowers for a full look right away. Planting ground covering plants in this way helps hold down weeds, and if you end up planting too many, you can easily remove a few later. Don’t feel that every piece must be authentic to a period or style of architecture. To create a feeling of continuity throughout the landscape, repeat colours or materials. Mixing styles and regions lets you explore your personality and leads to an artistic, interesting space. In any landscape, think about how you’ll use the space. One of the key considerations is examining what’s happening inside the house. For example, if you have a small dining room, you may like to open it up by adding sliding glass doors and creating a courtyard garden to improve the look and usefulness of your space. By expanding your room to include an outdoor view, you can create a whole new living area.

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surveys

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Bathroom Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434 (260101) Boating

Yacht share for sale. 7m day sailing boat with cabin. Moored in marina on Mar Menor. Well established group that will crew and help you gain experience. €2,200 Email: peter.ewers@outlook.com Text: 0044 789 900 7646 (240992) motoring

BUILDING SERVICES

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.

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.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

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.

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

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

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MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (260205) INSURANCE & iNVESTMENTS

BENEFICAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (whatsapp) info@ beneficialinsuranceinspain. com or visit www. beneficialinsuranceinspain. com for online quote. (257880) SOS www.sosinsuranceinspain. com Insurance in Spain. Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 82 euros per year and cars from 120 euros. Tel 966 787 123 / 622 275 561 / 686 116 297 / email info@sosinsuranceinspain. com

42 INTERNET

GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email mark.w@ euroweeklynews.com for more details. METALWORK

MOBILE Metal Work Any welding or plasma cutting work carried out. For a free quote call 639 487 503 www.eriksmetalwork.com. ALL METAL WORK UNDERTAKEN. Costa Calida. stan@eriksmetalwork.com. 636 050 008.

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Last week’s puzzle answers (Issue 948) morn mort mote move neon noir nome none nori norm norn note

nove omen omer omit oner oven over riot rome rote roti rove

tiro tome tone tore tori torn trio trom veto vino vote emote

enorm envoi intro irone metro minor moire monie monte mover movie ninon

niton nitro nomen nonet noter overt ovine roven tenno tenon tenor toner

tonne trone trove veeno venom vireo vomer vomit voter emoter enviro

intone intron mentor merino meteor moreen motive nonmen norite orient remote

remove renvoi revote toneme tonier tonner vetoer emotive enteron envenom environ

intoner ironmen mention nominee ONETIME overmen tenoner ternion venomer vomiter inventor

nonevent noninert overmine overtime vomerine mennonite mentioner vinometer environment

Word Pyramid thereafter

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Cryptic Solution

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Soduku Solution

Word Ladder

SLEDS STEDS STETS STOTS SOOTS SOFTS SIFTS GIFTS

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Blanca

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Marta Marta - D.O.B.APPROX OCTOBER 2010 Marta is a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd cross, medium sized. She is a very gentle and affectionate dog and would be very loyal to her owners. he is good with other dogs and very shy towards people to start with.

Ria Ria is a 9 month old German Shepherd and was found on the streets. She is in excellent health, good with other dogs and loves attention

motoring

Pre-war Alfa Romeo to be the star of the auction THE oldest-known surviving Alfa Romeo, a 1921 Alfa Romeo G1 sports roadster, has been consigned to RM Sotheby’s annual Arizona auction in January, part of a private collection of 11 Italian cars collectively entitled “A Century of Sports Cars,” each of them offered without reserve. The preauction estimated value is $1 million to $1.5 million. The Alfa G1 is the sole intact example of the first batch of automobiles produced by Alfa Romeo after the company was taken over by Nicola Romeo prior to World War I. Just 52 examples of the G1 were built after the war, including two prototypes, powered by huge, 6.3-liter straight-6 engines. Like many early cars, the roadster has a chequered past. The Alfa was purchased by an Australian businessman, who hid the car from his creditors after going bankrupt. The owner died and the car remained stashed away for 25 years. In 1947, the derelict Alfa was acquired by farmers who proceeded to use it for farm chores, including rounding up cattle. At some point during its rural duties, the car was crashed into a tree, and thereafter used to power a water pump.

The damaged roadster was rescued in 1964 and purchased by Ross Flewell-Smith, who restored the G1 during the next decade. Back in the limelight, the Alfa was twice awarded at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the latest time in 2013, according to an RM Sotheby’s news release. It also participated in the 2014 Mille Miglia and the 75th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, and was displayed at Museo Enzo Ferrari in 2015. “The only complete G1 in existence today, the offering of chassis No. 6018

is a rare opportunity to acquire the earliest piece of Alfa Romeo history,” Sotheby’s said when the auction was announced. The Italian car collection includes two other historic Alfa Romeos, a 1942 Alfa 6C 2500 SS Spider valued at $900,000 to $1.1 million and a 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Speciale by Buono valued at

SURVIVOR: 1921 Alfa Romeo G1 sports roadster valued at over a million

2015 SEAT IBIZA 1.2i ADVANCE 5-door one owner from New 56,000kms metallic blue AUX plug in etc 10,995 8,800€ 2015 FORD FIESTA 1.25 TREND PLUS 5-door Silver paint USB Climate control Multi function steering wheel 34,000kms 9,500€. 8,495€ 2015 FIAT 500 1.2 LOUNGE air-con, CD/radio with USB, city steering, 65,000kms. Like New with Sport interior 8,995€ 8,495€ 2015 MITSUBISHI SPACESTAR 1.0 Bluedrive with cd radio 5-door Aircon finished in red metallic perfect holiday home Car 7,995€. 7,500€ 2014 CITROEN DS4 STYLE PLUS 1.6i with Park assist, Auto lights/wipers Climate Cruise ONLY 3000kms. NEW PRICE 23.449€ 13,995€ 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2.0 AUTOMATIC in Cherry red paintwork 28,000kms like new condition A/C 6 CD 10,500€ 9,500€ 2013 FIAT PANDA 1.2 LOUNGE 5-door Beige paintwork 62,000kms electric windows Aircon great little holiday home cars 6,800€. 5,995€ 2011 CITROEN NC4 1.6i VTi 120hp COLLECTION Black paintwork One owner full history Auto lights/wipers 46,000kms Alloys etc SOLD 2011 LEXUS CT200h 1.8i Petrol and ELECTRIC HYBRID Mila metallic with beige trim 17” Alloys with comfort pack AUTOMATIC 12,995€. 11,995€ 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO 4.8 Twin Turbo full Porsche options Service history 63,000kms 8-speed Automatic. 59,995€ 58,000€ 2010 NISSAN QASHQAI TEKNA 1.5DCi 110bhp 6-speed gearbox unmarked gunmetal paintwork 104,000KMS easy to get into 9,995€. 9,500€ 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5 WRX TYPE UK270 lots of new parts with new engine rebuild superb 4x4 limited edition PRODRIVE Car 9,995€ 2003 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE finished in Gleaming black coach work. Very clean motorcar ready for summer 10,995€ 2001 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5i TEKNA PART EXCHANGE TO CLEAR NEEDS SOME PAINT WORK ... excellent driver SOLD 1999 FORD MUSTANG 3.8L V6 AUTOMATIC 35th anniversary edition, Crystal white paint work with special 19” alloys 7,995€ 1998 MERCEDES A-CLASS A160 1.6i AVANGARDE 169,000kms 5-door Climate control new Tyres new ITV perfect holiday home car. 2,300€ 1997 CHEVROLET CAMERO 3.8 V6 finished in arctic white paintwork with 18”alloys Targa top !! 6,500€ 1994 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi ACROPOLIS edition, no 20 of 100 hand-built cars, 68,000miles. Was14,995€ 12,995€ 1973 SEAT 600L in cherry red paint work in original condition very clean for its age ... appreciating classic. !! 4,995€

$1.25 million to $1.75 million. The most valuable car in the collection, which also includes seven Ferraris and a Ford GT, is a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Scaglietti valued at $1.8 million to $2.2 million. The collection will be part of around 160 collector cars offered at the auction.

motoring

X-Class sure to pick up off-road market THE NEW X-Class unites the typical characteristics of a pickup with the classical strengths of a Mercedes: convincing robustness with modern design, impressive off-road capabilities with high driving dynamics and safety, sophisticated functionality and stylish comfort. The new performance pickup has a comfort suspension with a ladder-type frame, rear multi-link solid axle, front independent wheel suspension and coil springs at both axles. On this platform it enters the market with different design and equipment lines, various drive variants, the largest choice of materials and colours in the segment and an extensive range of accessories developed by Mercedes-Benz which allow for further individualisation. The X-Class thus meets a wide variety of use cases â€“ from a robust, off-road capable pickup to an urban lifestyle and family vehicle. It was launched in the European market in November 2017, and in Germany it is presently available at a price from â‚Ź 37,294. At the beginning of 2018 the UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand will follow, and in early

WORKHORSE: X-Class Mercedes launches in the UK in January 2019 Argentina and Brazil. The X-Class has been specifically developed for the changing requirements of the international pickup markets. The demand for mid-size pickups with typical passenger car characteristics and comfort features has been steadily on the rise for years. At the same time, the proportion of pickups for private use is increasing. They are no longer viewed purely as "workhorses". Mercedes-

Benz is the first premium manufacturer to take these changes into account. The X-Class is aimed at very different customer groups: land-owners and farmers in Argentina, business owners such as building contractors in Australia, families with an affinity for premium products in Brazil, trend-conscious individuals in South Africa or Great Britain, as well as sporty adventurers in New Zealand.

motoring

Running on close to empty HOW many miles can you actually travel when your fuel warning light comes on? Fuel economy is incredibly important and now modern cars tell you how much range you have left, but what if you get stuck miles away from a petrol station when your tanks ticks over to empty? Every driver has felt the dread when the fuel needle hits empty and the warning light glows on the dashboard. Ideally, you should never let your car hit empty before getting it refuelled, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Cars don’t immediately shut down as soon as you hit zero as there is usually some fuel left in the tank as a reserve, for this very eventuality. But, how much further can your car travel when it hits empty? Of course, there is no way to give a definitive answer on how many miles you can continue on for. This is because of the amount of variables that affect the fuel economy. Your driving style, average speed, road surface, temperature, make and model of your car, engine size among others drastically impact how thirsty or frugal the car is.

CORSA: Likely to run out of fuel reserve before the rest Research conducted in 2016 by Your Mechanic revealed data about a number of cars and how they performed when the needle hit zero. The results showed:

8. Audi A3 – 40 miles, 9. Mini – 45 miles, 10. BMW 3 Series – 44 miles.

1. Ford Fiesta – 38 miles, 2. Vauxhall Corsa – 32 miles, 3. Ford Focus – 41 miles, 4. Volkswagen Golf – 42 miles, 5. Nissan Qashqai – 43 miles, 6. Volkswagen Polo – 41 miles, 7. Vauxhall Astra – 33 miles,

Just because there is reserve fuel in your car, however, it doesn’t mean you should use it or rely on it, as when fuel levels get low the car can start picking up debris from the bottom of the fuel tank. This can damage the fuel filter and pump and also have a negative effect on the catalytic converter. If your fuel pump runs dry as a result of you running out of fuel, it can land you a bill of up to €250 to repair.

24 feb - 2 march 2017

sport

Spanish tennis ace dismisses thoughts of retirement SPANISH tennis star David Ferrer has said that he’s not quite contemplating retirement just yet and that he will continue playing as long as he enjoys playing the game. “I still do not think about retirement. I go day by day and learning, I will continue playing because I look forward to it and with a lot of motivation. In case I see that I do not enjoy playing tennis, I will decide to hang the racket; it would not make sense to continue,” said Ferrer, who is currently at No 37 in the world rankings and now into his 36th year. He’s particularly looking forward to seeing his country enjoying success in the 2018 Davis Cup. “I think we can do some great things in the Davis Cup. We start the event playing at home and we have very good tennis players like Carreño, Bautista. We also have some good doubles teams in the top-ten, Spain has very good tennis players; I think we can win the Davis Cup in 2018, but we'll have to be calm.” Ferrer – who is about to begin the 2018 season chasing a record-breaking fifth title in Auckland and ahead of the first major, the Australian Open – was asked about what he believed has been the most important match in his long career. “If I had to pick a special victory it would be the Davis Cup final against Juan Martín

FOOTBALL: The Manchester City bandwagon continues to roll on, and after the festive season results, their chances of claiming four major trophies in the 2017-18 is quite and simply definitely on. Pep Guardiola’s goal-happy team currently leads arch-rivals Manchester United by a mile. Indeed, no team has ever had such a massive points advantage at this stage of a League season (1888-2017). City have been terrific; they’ve already scored over 100 top-flight goals in 2017 and the last time this happened was back in 1982 when Liverpool bagged a century. And star striker Sergio Aguero netted his 100th Etihad Stadium goal for City just before Christmas. In the recent Everton-Chelsea 0-0 PL draw at Goodison Park, the reigning champions failed to get a single shot on target – the first time this had happened for six years. Bristol City, who sensationally knocked the holders Manchester United out of the League Cup, now face favourites Manchester City in the semi-final, while the other ‘semi’ showdown features an all-London clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. Barcelona’s recent 3-0 El Clasico win over out-of-sorts Real Madrid, was their third successive La Liga victory at the Bernabeau. Harry Kane has already scored 56 goals in 2017, including a record 39 in the Premiership alone - beating Alan Shearer’s tally of 36 in a calendar year. He’s also netted eight hat-tricks in 2017 and, in fact, the Spurs’ striker is the top-marksman in all European top-flight Divisions this year, bagging more goals than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.

del Potro in Sevilla, or when I won the Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy. There are also some great matches that I didn’t win, such as the one in the Davis Cup final in Prague against Tomas Berdych; easily the best I’ve ever played on a tennis court.”

Opener Cooks the record books in the Fourth Test Match AS the RTN goes to press, England’s cricketers are well in charge in the Fourth Test Match being played in Melbourne, but with the series and the Ashes lost, the encouraging fight back is all in vain. However, a number of cricket records are being broken during this latest England and Australia encounter such as... During Alastair Cook’s 244 not out, he moved up to sixth on the list of alltime Test run scorers and is now above Brian Lara. With nine wickets down, this could be the first time that Cook has carried his bat in 271 first-class matches. It all depends on Jimmy Anderson at No 11. This is Alastair Cook’s fifth Test Match double century, putting him in second place for England behind Wally Hammond (7) and in front of Len Hutton (4) and Kevin Pietersen (3). He has also joined the select band of batsmen that have scored at

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.

The team who is sitting at the bottom of the Premiership on Christmas Day usually goes down! This year it was Swansea City, who sacked manager Paul Clement a few days earlier, the sixth PL boss to lose his job in 2017. WBA are next to bottom and their ex-boss Tony Pulis is now in charge at Middlesbrough. Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey was sent-off in his first Premiership game of 2017-18 in the 2-2 draw Manchester United. Newcastle United ended a run of eight games without a win with a 3-2 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. CRICKET: At the time of going to print, England were heading for victory in the fourth Test against the Aussies in Melbourne. Having been battered in the first three fixtures, losing the Ashes in the process, Joe Root’s team have responded superbly, thanks mainly to Alastair Cook’s 244 not out after day three. They dismissed Australia for 327 and replied with 491-9 before stumps. HORSE RACING: The annual King George VI Steeple chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day was won by 6-4 favourite Might Bite and it was hearty congratulations to one lucky punter who placed £10,000 bet on the winner.

least two double centuries in Ashes cricket. They are Donald Bradman (8), Wally Hammond (4), Bobby Simpson (3), and current Aussie captain Steve Smith (2). Former captain Cook also overtook Wally Hammond's 1928 innings of 200 as the highest by an England batsman in a Test at Melbourne and then subsequently Viv Richards' score of 208 as the highest by a visiting batsman at the ground, and only four

visiting players have made individual scores of at least 250 in Australia, the highest being Ross Taylor's 290 for New Zealand at Perth in 2015. Another record to fall during the England innings belongs to Stuart Broad whose innings of 56 is the highest by an England No 10 batsman in Tests in Australia, surpassing the 50 not out from Tich Freeman at Sydney in 1924 and by David Allen at Sydney in 1966.

DIARY of EVENTS: All of Rugby Union’s AVIV Premiership teams will be in action over the next three days, with these fixtures to look out for – Bath-Wasps (tonight), Gloucester-Sale Sharks, secondplaced Saracens-Worcester and Harlequins-Northampton Saints (tomorrow), and in-form and current leaders Exeter Chiefs against Leicester Tigers (Sunday). Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor (playing in his final major tournament), Michael van Gerwen and Gerry Anderson were all going well in the annual WDC end-of-year Darts tournament at London’s Ally Pally which is nearing its climax. The World Junior ice hockey championships are taking place (until 5 January)… there are ATP/WTA tennis tournaments starting this weekend in Brisbane (Australia), Doha (Qatar), India, New Zealand and Shenzhen in China… the women’s U18 World ice hockey championships,

Group 1 and qualification matches, are underway (ending in early February)… Poland’s Kamil Stoch is attempting to retain his Four Hills Ski jumping title in Oberstdorf, Germany (which runs until 6 January)… and the forthcoming top football matches include Chelsea-Stoke City, Liverpool-Leicester City and Manchester United-Southampton, Celtic-Rangers and Bristol City-Wolves (Saturday), followed by Crystal Palace-Manchester City and WBA-Arsenal (Sunday) and virtually a full programme of Premiership fixtures early in the New Year, including BurnleyLiverpool, Everton-Manchester United and Stoke City-Newcastle United (on the 1st January), Manchester City-Watford, Southampton-Crystal Palace, Swansea City-Spurs and West Ham United-WBA (on the 2nd) and Arsenal-Chelsea (on the 3rd). And after that we have 32 third round FA Cup-ties to look forward to.

And with that, I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year.