RTN Newspaper - Costa Blanca South 27 July - 2 August 2018 Issue 979

FREE!

Issue 979 27th July - 2nd August

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

For daily news online www.rtnnewspaper.com

Rescued cat ‘feline’ better

EXCLUSIVE

Photo credit: Zarateman Wikimedia

A CAT which had been stuck in a tree for more than 24 hours was finally rescued by firefighters in Torrevieja. Local people were alerted to the plight of the feline as it was continually meowing throughout its ordeal when it found itself stuck at the top of a palm tree in Calle Peñalara in Los Altos and unable to get down by its own steam. When the fire brigade arrived at the scene, they managed to reach the cat with the help of an automatic ladder who, according to witness reports, didn’t show any sign of resistance such was its relief. The story had an even happier ending as a local British resident decided to adopt the cat when it was realised it didn’t have an owner.

Bus drugs bust by Darren Parmenter HE specialist dog team of the Local Police in Alicante had more success than they anticipated last Monday night when a number of people suspected of carrying narcotics were caught. Out of 40 passengers on the service that links Algeciras and Barcelona - a well-known route for d r u g t r a ff i c k i n g - s i x were asked to leave the bus after a German shepherd with its handler sniffed them out either on board or their luggage in the hold. Tw o o f t h e c o u p l e s , when questioned publicly on the coach admitted that they had hashish and marihuana with them. A fifth person was asked to get off af-

Five a day generosity

T

SNIFFED OUT: A handful of people detained at Alicante Bus Station.

ter the luggage hold was searched and greeted by loud barking... an offending rucksack was found. One of the six was allowed to return after a

search and the passengers on board - including myself - were permitted to leave and continue their journey after a 20-minute delay. The remaining five

s u s p e c t e d o ff e n d e r s were questioned and detained by the Local Police and the happy German shepherd was content to chew on their treat.

AROUND 400 schoolchildren who take part in summer camps in Alicante have enjoyed the fruits of a major food distributor. Mercalicante have delivered the fruit to 16 social centres in the city so they can benefit from a healthy diet. The products consist of fresh, local and seasonal fruit provided by wholesalers who work for Mercalicante, whose director, Dolores Mejia, said: “Our goal is that children will have healthy options to eat.”

SUMMER OFFER FLAT RATE FOR EASY LEGALS PROPERTY CONVEYANCING of only 800€ including: • Legal Advice during the purchase • Notarised power of attorney • 2 NIE numbers • Change of all service bills Please contact us for more information 966 765 024 – info@easylegals.com C/Algarobo 2, CC Los Dolses, Local M-120, Villamartin

2

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

AN interesting fact about Facebook has recently surfaced in that various museums and art galleries are complaining about censorship. According to the social media giant, a number of posts from different galleries are being blocked because they offend against their rules. Recently, it decided to remove a number of recognised Old Masters including Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens, as it was considered that the image of Christ in a loincloth was unacceptable. This is not the first time such images have been removed and it has irritated a number of curators around the world, especially as recently CEO of Facebook, Mark

Zuckerberg, has stated that he will allow Holocaust deniers to continue to post on their pages. Whilst on the matter of the Holocaust, the Labour party continues to be accused of anti-Semite leanings and indeed Labour MP Margaret Hodge, who lost family members in the Holocaust, may be disciplined for concluding that Jeremy Corbyn displays tendencies towards antiSemitism. The internet itself contains a nest of nasty vipers who use an element of distance to attack and bully those weaker than themselves, making hurtful and hateful statements which they would never be brave enough to make on a face-to-face basis. There is no question that use of social media has given great benefits to the world, especially countries which have had poor infrastructure and educational standards, but for

Dear Readers, Please be advised that your RTN newspaper will be taking a two week summer break giving everyone a well-deserved rest, consequently we will not be publishing on Friday August 3 or August 10. It will return with additional features and the usual mix of community news and opinion on Friday August 17.

all of the good, there is plenty of bad. Fake news isn’t imagined and there must be some truth in the protestations that different governments are trying to manipulate elections and referendums and then hackers are able to steal millions of euros and shut down important government websites. One positive theory (assuming it is not fake news) is that teen’ pregnancies have fallen because teenagers are too busy chatting together on social media to actually go out and meet up with young people of the opposite sex. I am old enough to remember telegrams, which were then followed by telexes and faxes, all of which gave people a bit of time to think about responses, to ensure that a sensible and properly thought-out response was sent. Nowadays, you can open up your email Inbox and find 100 messages and if you don’t reply immediately then you get questioned as to why you haven’t done so. Sex of course is also a major component of the internet and pornography of all types is readily available, whilst dating sites become more niche-orientated with plenty of predators waiting ready to pounce

Credit: Wikimedia

Cultural censorship

by John Smith

REMOVED FROM FACEBOOK: Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens. on the unwary. The young are captivated by social media and the internet, but we have seen that those who are immature can be susceptible to bullying and being convinced that they are unworthy, leading to depression and in some cases suicide. For a writer, the internet is absolutely invaluable as you can pick up information in minutes that it would have taken days to accumu-

late in the past, but remember that everything you do online or through chat sites and social media tells a little bit more about you and can be used by crooks, businesses and governments to target individuals. Enjoy social media but don’t let it take over your life and do take much of it with a pinch of salt. This article was written by a 6ft2 hunk who loves puppies and knitting.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

3

Station car crash rescue FIREFIGHTERS were called to release a woman trapped in her vehicle after it hit a lorry in the municipality of San Isidro. The reasons for the crash have yet to be discovered, but the middle-aged woman had to be taken out

from the back of her car after the two front doors had been severely damaged in the impact at the San Isidro Station. It took just over an hour to release her, after which she was taken to the local hospital for treatment.

Zip-a-dee-high wire STRANDED: Strong wind strands three boats.

Tabarca island rescue T

WO people needed to be rescued by the maritime branch of the Alicante Local Police after they became stranded in their boats on the island of Tabarca. The events happened around 1pm Tuesday lunchtime when very strong gusts of wind resulted in the three vessels getting into difficulties near to the shore. Police officers who continually provide surveillance services on the island were alerted to the plight of the

boats and began the rescue operation, which initially included cordoning off the area to swimmers for three hours. They began to tow two of the affected boats and left the third - measuring 12 metres long - for the following day. However, in the meantime the emergency services rescued two people, believed to be aged 70, from inside the third boat. Overall, the towing and the rescue manoeuvres carried out by the Local Police lasted for more than two hours.

Smuggling stubbed out by Darren Parmenter AN operation carried out by the Guardia Civil and the Spanish Tax Agency (Hacienda) enabled them to confiscate over 5,000 packets of cigarettes during the space of one week. The discoveries took place at the Alicante-Elche Airport and were valued at almost €25,000. During the summer months that naturally see an influx of passengers, the security patrols and the number of searches by the Guardia Civil also in-

SMOKED OUT: Major tobacco finds during one week.

tensifies, despite the problem of tobacco smuggling being a 12-month issue. The recent major finds involved travellers from Milan, Dusseldorf and Brussels, and the three

suitcases contained 1,262, 1,642 and 1,590 packets, respectively. In addition, another 606 packets of cigarettes from another eight searches were also confiscated.

AS the brave shoppers fight the crowds of the Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja, other brave souls, since last weekend, can now be daredevils in another way. Throughout the rest of the summer on Thursdays to Sundays, vis-

itors can fly through the air of the popular shopping mall on the zip wire which has been installed. The ‘all-free’ ride goes from one corner to the other and flies over the main plaza, where you can see the shoppers over all three floors from the, literally, high wire.

4

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Local Police for all fire brigade to rescue a Labrador puppy which had fallen from a wall next to the Algezares road. Considering the dog’s ordeal, he was found in good spirits, and it was announced that there was no danger to his health.

Mar Azul project ‘postponed’ TORREVIEJA’S mayor, Jose Manuel Dolon, has announced that the council has put a stop to a project that would have seen the redevelopment of the Mar Azul neighbourhood. The planned investment in the programme of works was close to €2 million, with more than 75 per cent (€1,515,865) coming from local taxpayers. Mayor Dolon confirmed that it is ‘postponed for the time being.’ The reason given is due to the restrictions that have been made to Torrevieja’s Economic Plan which have seen a number of projects that have similarly been affected.

Eight-year-old caught in pool tube IREFIGHTERS and the Local Police in Cartagena were called to an urbanisation to help free a young child who had a hand trapped in a swimming pool suction tube. According to a report in the Spanish media, the edge of the pool had to be demolished to be able to free the boy’s hand while he was in the water. The incident happened on Thursday evening in Urbanisation El Palmeral de Los Nietos, and as the emergency services arrived - which included six firefighters - they found the youngster already showing signs of hypothermia, having been in the water for some time. After various attempts to free his arm in a number of

F

Photo credit: Holidays La Manga

MURCIA’S Local Police have proved once again that they are at the service of everyone who lives and visits the area ... and that includes animals. Officers from the neighbourhood of La Alberca joined forces with members of the

RELEASED: Young boy trapped was suffering from hypothermia.

ways were all unsuccessful, they demolished the masonry around the edge of the swimm i n g p o o l a n d t h e o ff e n d i n g pipe to gain access.

Once released, he was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital for a more thorough examination.

A pee, please, bobbies CONTROVERSIAL by-laws that were introduced for the beaches of San Pedro de Pinatar last summer have been declared a success,

because nobody has been caught breaking them. At the beginning of July last year, beachgoers were told that they would be fined

up to €750 if they were caught, among other offences, urinating in the sea. H o w e v e r, i t w a s n ’ t clear how the special force of beach police would be able to confirm that someone had committed such offences if they were in the water at the time, and when the by-law was brought in it caused a great deal of public comment on social media and local political groups. In addition, people were banned from building giant sand sculptures. The absence of any fines in the 12 months since the regulations were imposed compares to a total of 120 that were issued for general beach nuisances in 2017, which included illegal selling and fishing in prohibited areas.

6

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Illegal octopus supplies uncovered by Glenn Scott MEMBERS of the Guardia Civil environmental division (SEPRONA) have confiscated a total of 300 kilos of octopus that they be-

lieve was untraceable. The raids were carried out on two restaurants in Arenales del Sol, close to El Altet, to check whether fish species they served had all the relevant documentation for this particular product.

The inspection was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from the Valencian Community, and in the first restaurant they found 266 kilos of frozen octopus in a chest freezer. In the other location, another 22 kilos was found which didn’t reach

the legal minimum weight of one kilo each, and both were minus official papers. SEPRONA were quick to point out that any fish that hasn’t passed through the fish markets or lacks relevant paperwork could potentially be a danger to health.

Three tunnel crash injuries THREE people have been injured in an accident at the entrance to the AP-7 motorway tunnel in El Pilar. The collision between two vehicles caused one of them to overturn, trapping the driver, and later a third car was involved in the aftermath of the crash. Three people in total were injured on the Ali-

cante-bound direction of the road just before 8.30pm on Monday evening. As the occupant was being released, the Pilar de la Horadada fire brigade noticed the oil which had spilled on to the road had begun to smoke and so extinguished it before it could cause any further harm.

Sit up straight!

UNDERWEIGHT: Thirty octopuses under minimum weight.

THE Physiotherapy Unit of the Torrevieja Hospital has recently carried out an awareness campaign among local schools to make students aware of correct body posture. In addition, they have been encouraging the young people to take up more sport and general physical activities. Much of the project was aimed at publicising the causes of back injuries and deformities, how to prevent them and how to correct them. Physiotherapist David Valero has toured a number of schools giving a series of very informal lectures which educated the pupils on how they should sit properly in their classes and how to correctly carry their backpacks.

New Web: www.whtravel.es

We arrange

• Train & Hotel Packages • Flights & Entry Visas • Foreign Currency • Package Holidays • Long Haul Destinations • Cruises Worldwide

8

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Photo credit: Flickr Bea y Fredi

Photo credit: @Aena Twitter

Value for money

TERMINAL: Road that sees 26,000 users daily to be upgraded.

Airport access to improve SURVEY: Alicante City has cheap beer but expensive cinema trips.

by Rob Murray ACCORDING to the results of a survey undertaken by consumer company Kelisto, Alicante is among the cheapest capital cities in Spain to live. This relates to the actual cost of property, the municipal taxes, and building / maintenance costs which have been declared as being more affordable than the rest of the country. However, a night at the cinema and petrol are more expensive. Overall,

living in Alicante is 6 per cent cheaper than the rest of Spain, and places the city as number 37 out of a list of 52 led by Barcelona, San Sebastian and Madrid... the most expensive. In more detailed figures, the price of housing in Alicante is 14.5 per cent less than the rest of the country, local taxes 17.4 per cent lower and rubbish collection 81.51 per cent cheaper. For some, a small beer is 18 per cent less. Barcelona, the most expensive place to live in Spain, is 35.5 per cent higher than the national average.

CENTRAL government in Madrid has declared as ‘urgent’ the acquisition of land to enable one of the main access roads to Alicante-Elche Airport to be expanded. The N-338, that sees around 26,000 vehicles use it on a daily basis, will be made a dual-carriageway. In addition, similar work will be undertaken on the N-332. The N-338 is the road that runs parallel to the airport terminal, and its

entire stretch is just single line which last year recorded more than 13 million travellers. Alicante-Elche is among the top five in Spain in terms of passengers, and yet the only one that doesn’t have a dual-carriageway as its principle access road. The problem is exacerbated as many drivers use the road as the final part of bypassing Alicante City without using the airport.

The plan will affect a 4.75km length of the N338 with dual carriageway along a 3.50m stretch that will link the N340, A-70 and the N-332 coast road. Passenger numbers using the Alicante-Elche Airport since the new buildings opened in 2011 have grown steadily yearon-year, and the upgrade of the access can only enhance its future potential as an international terminal.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

Big yacht’s in dock THE spectacular yacht belonging to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has docked in the port of Cartagena. The head of state’s ship is 123 metres long and is named Al Lusali in honour of the city in Qatar located around 15 kilometres from the country’s capital, Doha. The luxury yacht was built in Germany two years ago and it was temporarily docked in Cartagena for a few days while it underwent a service in the shipyards, to which it may return for some work at a later date.

27th July - 2nd August

Pool gay kiss man attacked by Darren Parmenter A SANTA POLA man has made an official complaint after allegedly being assaulted in a swimming pool... after kissing his boyfriend. The man claims that he was in the pool in the communal area where he lives and was firstly verbally abused and then attacked after the display of affection. The victim has reported the incident to the Guardia Civil and to a hate crimes organisation in Valencia. The 44-year-old man, who has lived in the Carrer del Mar for two years, was in the pool around midnight with his boyfriend and was accompanied by a group of teenagers who were also enjoying the warm and balmy evening temperatures. Out of nowhere a neigh-

bour appeared and began to shout homophobic abuse at the couple when he saw them kissing. He then threatened them and forced them out of the pool where the verbal assault turned more physical. It’s alleged that the offended neighbour then hit the man in the mouth with a stone and kicked his left leg and both arms, which left him with injuries to his shoulder, lips, and broken teeth which were treated in the local hospital. The victim, who works for a well-known footwear company in Elche, is currently on sick leave as a result of the attack and is awaiting the case to reach the courts. According to a report in the Spanish media, he also feels vulnerable and afraid of going out into his local area while he recuperates from his injuries.

9

10

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

by Barry Duke

NOWADAYS, the quickest way into a police interrogation room, I reckon, would be to lean furtively across strangers’ garden walls, gates or fences, and snap pictures of their bonny wee toddlers. Yet that’s precisely what I did back in the early 1960’s when I hit on a sure-fire way of making dosh in that long-gone ‘age of innocence.’ I’d take pictures of my chosen subjects - sometimes using bags of sweeties to induce them to come up close and smile toothily then return to show the parents what delightful, photogenic children they had spawned. My line was always the same: “I’m training to be photographer, and I couldn’t help noticing what a beautiful child you have.” And the response was always the same: “How much for a set?” This tactic worked just as well with pets. In fact, some people went into greater ecstasy over photos of their dogs and cats - and in one instance a massive tortoise

I dare not do that these days - than parents who were shown snaps of their kids ... and they paid more. The money I accumulated gained me something I wanted even more than a motorbike - a Nikon F camera which, when it first came onto the market in 1959 cost around £250.00, or £2,035 in today’s money. What I actually used to snap the kids and pets was a clunky piece of kit called the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. It retailed at around £5.00 (about £33.00 now). This thing was given away free to people enrolling in a photographic course sponsored by Kodak, and I well remember the looks of sheer distaste on the faces of those who got one of these ugly Bakelite beasts. We were all expecting something a darn sight more sophisticated, but the instructor said that, once we learned to take great pics with the Hawkeye, only then would he consider giving us an upgrade.

CAMERAS: Still beat phones. By the time the course ended, I had not only learned to love my Hawkeye, but had set up a home darkroom and quickly become adept in developing and printing

my own black and white images. It took me two whole years to get my Nikon F, but I never succeeded in capturing an image that would have brought me fortune and fame - although I once came extremely close to capturing a spectacular explosion. I was running towards a factory that was on fire, Nikon in hand, when a group of firemen, fleeing the blaze and screaming ‘gas canisters,’ knocked me to the ground. At that moment one canister blew, then the rest followed. Had I not been lying face down in the dirt, I would have got a stunning shot of flames jetting skyward. Sadly, I had to put the camera aside - except for recreational purposes - when I got a job as a reporter on a South African national daily, the Johannesburg Star, which had a dedicated team of photographers. The rule then was that journalists did the writing and the photographers produced the images. It was not until I came to Spain

almost eight years ago that I started once more to put a camera to use for cash as well as for pleasure, and suddenly found myself in demand for weddings, parties, commercial presentations and the like. But, as more and more people began acquiring smartphones with high definition cameras, demand for my work tapered off to a trickle. In a 2013 Guardian article entitled ‘The death of photography: are camera phones destroying an art form?,’ Antonio Olmos, a Mexican photographer based in London, pointed out that in the 1850’s the rise of photography made many painters, who had previously made nice livings from painting family portraits, redundant. Now it’s the turn of professional photographers to join the scrap heap. “Photographers are getting destroyed by the rise of iPhones. The photographers who used to make £1,000 for a weekend taking wedding pictures are the ones facing the squeeze. Increasingly we don’t need photographers - we can do just as well ourselves.” Sad but true - except for the last part. Most pictures taken with phones are rubbish!

Sports contract to end ORIHUELA Council has begun the process for terminating the contract of the company that manages the Municipal Sports Centre (CDM) located in the Orihuela Costa. Councillor Victor Valverde said this was due to them not fulfilling a

promise in the contract, that included constructing a 1,000m2 building which would include services that aren’t available on the coast. This was due by 2014, and the councillor believes that “four years is enough time for them to complete.”

No apples for teachers THREE students attending a school in Murcia have been sentenced to working for the community after causing damage to cars belonging to two of their teachers. According to a report in the Spanish media, the students painted and used a key to scratch the vehicles back in April 2016. The Provincial Court of Murcia has stated that students two girls and a boy who were under 17years-old at the time - must do at least 20 hours community service. The damage to the cars, assessed in one case at around €400 and the other at €326, included an insulting phrase against the teacher who owned one of the vehicles.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Croatian house robbers caught THREE Croatian nationals have been arrested by the Guardia Civil in San Miguel de Salinas in connection with four house robberies. The detentions come shortly after they had begun a series of break-ins across the Alicante Province, starting with Santa Pola. Residents of four locations in the town reported robberies from their properties, all of which had been accessed through courtyard windows. According to a report in the Spanish media, one of the few witnesses to the robberies who called the police said they’d seen two girls inside a property and leaning out of a window. They then

STASH: Selection of different countries’ currency uncovered during arrests.

fled away in a suspected rental car. The three detained were a 29-year-old man and two women (aged 22 and 28), with one of them subject to a European arrest and extradition order in connection with al-

leged crimes in Croatia. Two of the three were also carrying fake identification, with the man according to the official police database - having up to six different identities and the 28-year-old woman with five.

11

Illegal bosses beware IN an effort to control alleged exploitation of employees, official inspectors from the Social Security office will be on patrol both day and night this summer. Many of the visits will be impromptu, and nowhere will be safe from these series of visits which seek to catch employers that flout the rights of their members of staff. With the summer season traditionally seeing more instances of illegal workers, and those with temporary contracts in bars, hotels, restaurants and shops, the team of inspectors will be checking that nobody is working more than the permitted maximum 48 hours per week. They will additionally be looking to see that

all workers have the correct and proper contracts that relate to the number of hours worked. A well-known practice among some employers is to take on

workers on a cash-inhand basis, meaning they have no pension or social security contributions paid on their behalf and may not be insured to be on the premises.

12

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

than welcome regular visitors UB40 featuring the excellent Ali Campbell. Once again, UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey are in Torrevieja on August 15 and performing at the Eras del Sal. John Khan is proud of the fact that he’s able to bring some of the best live and original acts to this part of Spain, and as he reaches a significant milestone shows no signs of

STAR QUALITY: John Khan (far right) with Shalamar. slowing down. There is no doubt that one of the secrets of John’s success is the way he promotes his events, ensuring blanket coverage across the local press and radio, and in the process making sure as many people as possible knows what’s on. Not only do we send John Khan the very best for his 60th birthday celebrations, we wish him many more years in bringing the wealth of star talent to Spain and letting thousands of people enjoy the live concerts and shows.

Ali Campbell & John.

Credit: www.kentaylorphotographer.com

IT’s the big Six-O for well-known entertainment promoter John Khan, and all of us here at the RTN wish him a very happy birthday! If anyone has seen any of the ‘big’ names in show business along the Costa Blanca in recent years, you can be sure that it’s John Khan and his company, Heatwave Promotions, who have brought them to sunny Spain. The list of stars includes Peter Andre, The Stylistics, Earth Wind and Fire, Joe Longthorne, Shalamar, The Real Thing and the more

Credit: Facebook

Happy birthday John!

John & Peter Andre.

Credit: Graham White Photography 2017

John & Chubby Brown.

Ralph Johnson & John.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

Short news

‘Flying’ car lands A CAR ‘landed’ in the courtyard of the IES Las Lagunas de Torrevieja School after the woman driver lost control on the Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas. For reasons that were being investigated, the car - going in the Alicante direction toward the N-332 - crossed both carriageways of the road, a service lane and the school perimeter fence before ending up 20 metres away in the playground. The driver was unhurt and at the time of the incident - just before 10am - and there was nobody in the area.

Scrub fire threat to road ALMORADI’S firefighters were called to extinguish a blaze which threatened to cut off the AP-7 motorway as it passed close to Rojales. The fire broke out in scrubland on the road that links Almoradi with Rojales and on into Guardamar del Segura. It took the fire brigade around 90 minutes to put out the fire which caused damage to around 150 metres of bush and thicket, but was stopped from reaching the adjacent pine forest and orange groves.

27th July - 2nd August

POLICE in Callosa de Segura have issued a fine to the municipality for a minibus that was driving around without a current ITV (MOT) certificate. According to a report in the Spanish media, the electric vehicle, which cost €60,000 to buy just two years ago, has been used to provide free transport to the municipal swimming pool. However, it is al-

leged that, despite being stopped and issued with a fine, the minibus continued ferrying passengers around for the rest of that day. The opposition Partido Popular (PP) were quick to make people aware that the fine isn’t paid for by the town hall ... but by the local people themselves through their taxes.

Out of date bus

13

Elche hosts heritage conference ELCHE’S Palm Grove Museum is planned to undergo a facelift and a number of other improvements to prepare it for hosting the National Heritage Council events this October. The works, with a budget of €10,000, will get underway in the coming months, with the aim of getting them finished to welcome experts from all over Spain who will come to meet over two days. At the same time, Elche City Council is working on remodelling the venue where the replica of the Dama de Elche (Lady of Elche) is now proudly on display.

14

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Murcia bank robber caught A MAN was arrested after trying to rob a bank just last week in the village of Santiago El Mayor in Murcia. He was arrested by the Local Police in Murcia after attempting the daylight robbery at the Bankia Bank located next to the church. The situation was quickly brought under control, and the authorities were equally quick to assure local people that they shouldn’t worry if they continue to see several members of the National or Local Police in the area.

UNDER CONTROL: Mid-morning bank job thwarted.

Where are the bus stops? T

HE Federation of Associations on the Orihuela Costa (FAOC) has prepared a report highlighting the deficiencies in state of the bus stops in the area. According to the sur-

vey, up to 80 per cent of the bus stops (40 out of 50 in the area) lack any form of shelter, information boards or even signs indicating that buses actually pick up passengers. The problem is high-

lighted even more in the summer when people waiting for the services have no shade from the direct sunshine. In addition, with many tourists in the Orihuela Costa not knowing where the buses are, they have particular problems with inadequate signing. The FAOC also highlight that there are hardly any seating areas at the stops, something which is a necessity, especially for elderly persons. Such is the seriousness of the problem that residents of La Regia on the San Miguel de las Salinas road have even put a plastic chair with its own sign which says, when translated, ‘Please. Do not steal this chair. It’s for the bus stop.’ Another aim of the FAOC is to get more bus stops installed in the urbanisations where there are none currently, such as those in Punta Prima.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Serial criminal arrested by Darren Parmenter

N

ATIONAL POLICE officers have arrested a man in Alicante accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Guardamar del Segura. The 32-year-old Spanish national has a long criminal record, having been arrested for a series of 30 different crimes over a period of time. In addition to the alleged sexual assault which allegedly took place last month; the man has previously been involved in five vehicle thefts, forgery, fraud, and robbery with violence. His partner, an 18year-old Spaniard, was also arrested for their involvement in several of the crimes. After the woman was as-

DETAINED: Wanted man has a history of various crimes. saulted, the investigating officers managed to identify who the guilty party was and discovered his criminal past in the process. In fact, on the day of the assault, he was driving a vehicle that had been stolen from a town in Cadiz. At the time of his arrest, he was also in a stolen vehicle with no paperwork for the car or a driving licence. Even the ID card that he

presented to the National Police on his arrest belonged to somebody else. In a further twist, the number plates on the stolen car (from the Basque Country) came from another car he’d allegedly stolen in Marbella. After a court appearance in front of magistrates in Alicante, he was immediately sent to prison pending further legal processes.

15

Filming ‘terminates’ traffic FILMING of scenes for the new Terminator film have led to a build-up of traffic close to the Cabezo Beaza Industrial Estate in Cartagena. Most of the jams were recorded between 9am and 10pm at the en-

trance to the area, with more noticed around lunchtime. The Local Police had to cut the traffic on Calle Londres from 8am until late afternoon which is a main access route to the A30.

The filming affected a number of companies on the estates, with one of them receiving an undisclosed amount of compensation from the film’s producers for the two days they were forced to close.

www.rtnnewspaper.com by Jennifer Cunningham

TO see parliament tearing itself apart over Brexit was perhaps inevitable, as the right wing of the Tory government have, for over 40 years, been anti-EU. Prime ministers have found it impossible to control these xenophobic men and women. Mrs May had no alternative but to put a plan what she could present to the EU, where parts of the plan would either be acceptable or up for negotiation. With the business world at last finding their voice, there is a lot at stake regarding the single market. As for the customs union, any alternative could be a nightmare and I understand there are no real plans in hand regarding loads more customs officials and extra spaces (large). Of course, the press, as always, are having a field day. Who on earth would want to be prime minister at this moment in time? Never forgetting President Trump, who wants a hard Brexit for reasons of his own. Over the last few months, I have

27th July - 2nd August

17

Brexit and Expat Services You couldn’t make it up.

read and listened to a number of people discussing the implications for expats in Spain, when a deal is finally resolved. I asked myself a question - how do these people know how it will affect the expats, when nobody who is involved even knows? I do feel the advice they are giving is perhaps for their own commercial benefit and this is not right at all. At the moment, all we can advise people is that if they are considering moving to Spain, to do it now, as it is taking quite a long time for paperwork to be processed and I am sure it will be easier to do this now, rather than after Brexit, as I believe there will be certain amount of confusion and delays. However, currently you require private healthcare if you are not entitled to the National Health Service. This has to be taken out for a year and although people are cancelling at the end of the year, they are very unwise to do so, as it is very likely we will all be asked to

submit all our paperwork when Brexit happens. In the meantime, you may have developed a pre-existing condition which will be excluded or moved into the next age bracket which will affect the premium. Healthcare is required when applying for Residencia and the documentation has to be submitted to the authorities. There are limited number of health insurance companies who have been approved and my company is able assist you here. Some months ago I relaunched Expat Services and I am delighted to work with two very professional, long-term, family businesses, who, I assure you, are not there to frighten you but to offer very good legal and sound financial advice. There is far more information on my website www.expatservicesspain.net but if you are living in Spain, or thinking of moving to Spain, there are some very practical, straightforward questions, of which you may

be able to answer one or two, but there will be those that you cannot. As always, my team is there to offer good, honest, sound advice. Here are a few examples. Do you know what your options are with your UK pension? Are you taking advantage of your tax rights? How much will you leave the tax man in the UK and Spain? Have you got your Residencia and documentation ready for Brexit? Are your yearly tax returns in place and conform to Spain’s laws? Is your family fully protected by your wills? Please everyone, do not leave it until the last minute. Some changes will happen and all we can do at the moment is ensure that we are as prepared as possible. The process could take a number of months, and only cause you and your family extra stress. When discussing your situation and future in Spain, another question to ask is, have you any concerns that if anything happened to you, your partner and family you

could find it difficult to pay for the funeral costs and inheritance tax, which is required very quickly. My company can help you to alleviate those concerns. I have two dedicated consultants, Anita in the Javea office and Katy in the southern offices, that specialise, not only in Bespoke Life insurance but mortgage protection and life insurance. Sadly, accidents and illnesses do happen, just don’t leave your life to chance, it doesn’t work. Buyer beware. Despite what is being advertised, no insurance covers you for everything, especially on house insurance. Even with the superior Liberty Seguros home policies, it cannot claim to cover you for everything, as it does not. Do not be seduced by any verbal word or cheap price, always check your policy terms and conditions. If you require a quotation or information, please visit my websites www.expatservicesspain.net and www.jennifercunningham.net or call one of my offices.

18

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Builder by day... robber by night OFFICERS from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 43-year-old Spanish man in connection with a suspected series of robberies in homes located in Pilar de la Horadada. According to a report in the Spanish media, the detained man was a builder by day and a robber by night as it’s understood he used his tools to break in through the security grills. The man is believed to be behind 11 thefts, although investigations continue to see if he could be implicated in a further 16, taking the total to 27. The Guardia Civil were alerted to the break-ins and almost immediately discovered they all had one characteristic in common, as the metal grills had been forced on the inside patios of the properties. During the 10 weeks that

DOUBLE LIFE: Results of thefts on display. the investigation lasted, a man had been followed by undercover officers and was found on the urbanisation which suffered a number of the robberies on two occasions. The man was

discovered to have a history of robbery with force from houses, and when arrested the police found a selection of stolen objects in his home to the value of around â‚Ź20,000.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

19

Gluten-free network launched

SURPLUS: Elche’s mayor Carlos Gonzalez thanks PSOE in Madrid.

Locals benefit from council surplus ELCHE’S City Council will be allocating €4.3 million to improve access roads, street lighting and a sports’ area in the municipality. In announcing the policy, Mayor Carlos Gonzalez paid tribute to the new PSOE Government of Pedro Sanchez for allowing extra investment in such projects, rather than pay off debt from the 2017 budget surplus as was previously envisaged. “This has been a long battle within a number of municipalities and not just in Elche,” said Gonzalez.

“We asked the previous PP administration led by Mariano Rajoy a number of times to make it possible to spend any surplus in this way.” According to a report in the Spanish media, over recent years Elche has had to give central government up to €16 million from budget surpluses rather than use that cash on benefitting the local population. “It’s a very positive decision for Elche, and it’s all thanks to the changes introduced by Pedro San- chez and the PSOE,” conclued Mayor Gonzalez.

IT is estimated that around 7,000 people in the Murcia region have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, with a further 8,000 yet to learn that they probably have the condition. As a result, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health in Murcia will see them being the first area to create a network of facilities suitable for people suffering from intolerance to gluten. There is no known medical treatment for this condition, and so the only thing that those affected can do is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Councillor Manuel Villegas, who presented the project, explained that a guide has been drawn up featuring all the establishments that offer these types of products, as well as information to avoid cross-contamination in transporting, storage, processing and handling. Villegas said: “We intend to make the Murcia region a reference point for the coeliac

community around the world.” The Association of Coeliacs in Murcia will contact the businesses which wish to take

part in the scheme and will supply them with documentation certifying they are a gluten-free establishment.

20

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Watch the lunar eclipse STRONOMERS - both expert and amateurs - will get the opportunity to see a total eclipse of the moon tonight (Friday), and in Torrevieja will see a series of activities organised by the municipality and the University of Alicante. The special programme includes an astronomy workshop and also the chance to observe the eclipse from the port in La Mata. Councillor Fanny Serrano said that the evening’s events will start at 8pm in the Plaza del Embarcadero, and the eclipse itself will be visible in Torrevieja from 9.10pm

A

TORREVIEJA’S Guardia Civil has shown some extra special solidarity with the people of the municipality by collaborating with the 2019 APANEE calendar. The well respected organisation which stands for the Association of

LONGEST: Total eclipse of the moon to last for more than six hours. until its maximum of 10.22pm. It will finish at midnight, and is the longest total eclipse of the moon of the 21st century lasting over six hours in all. Assuming technology permits, it will be projected on screens and also retransmitted across the world via the internet. During the eclipse, the moon stops receiving direct light from the sun, but some light does reach it refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere, giving it a red colour. No eye protection is needed to look at it and it can be viewed through telescopes, which will be available for public use. they were more than happy to oblige. The photographs were taken at some of the famous places in Torrevieja. The calendar will be on sale from November 10 and 5,000 copies are planned to be sold.

Guardia Civil solidarity Parents of Students with Special Educational Needs of Torrevieja and looks after 55 special needs children, asked the Guardia Civil if they’d like to collaborate in a photo shoot for next year’s calendar... and

22

27th July - 2nd August

www.rtnnewspaper.com

Extra spending authorised Photo credit: La Moncloa flickr

PEDRO SANCHEZ, Spain’s new prime minister heading the socialist PSOE government, has given authority for regional governments to spend extra cash. Increasing regions’ deficit margins from 0.1 per cent of their GDP to 0.3 per cent will free-up another €2.4 billion across the board. Therefore, a number of towns and cities across the country will now be able to continue with building plans - such as schools, hospitals and roads - which have been shelved for some time. Social welfare is also set to benefit from the relaxation. Whether by accident or design, the extra money will be made available to coincide with next year’s European, regional and municipal elections. The policy has been a result of a recent negotiation between Spain’s new finance minister, Nadia Calviño, and the European Commission, to relax the country’s national debt targets. For 2018, Spain was required to reduce its deficit to 2.2 per cent of its GDP, but Calviño explained that this was impossible after finishing last year on 3.1 per cent; the target missed by some considerable distance. The cash available for the additional spending will differ across the regions, with the Basque Country getting an additional €150 million, according to a statement from the Basque National Party (PNV).

NEGOTIATIONS: Early success for PSOE’S Nadia Calviño. Without their handful of votes, the PSOE would not have had the ability to force the vote of confidence which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy.

24

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

by John Redfern

OKAY my sun-seeking fans who hopefully lap up my music stories, it’s John Redfern, the bass man from Lady Godiva’s patch Coventry City, where Peeping Tom always keeps his beady eye on you (actually Tom was a bit of a pervert). Anyway, congratulations to the Ambassadors of Coventry City and a special thanks to a great friend of ours (Astrid Clarke who is part of the Ambassadors’ committee). Coventry City was recently awarded ‘The City of Culture’ award! I was chuffed to bits. Give me a second, as I need a glass of the red stuff to toast this great achievement to the city of my birth. On the night of November 14, 1940 the Luftwaffe bombed Coventry, which was regarded as the biggest test of British resolve at this time of the war! OK, let’s get on with my story: My pop trio, after 10 years, had come to an abrupt end and I had a head on me like a bulldog chewing a bee! Was bored as my group was my life, so my life had come

All right now - love of the Irish

IRISH: The Las Vegas Showband (John Redfern middle left). to an end and I started to watch the box! Dossing on the sofa with my new best friend ... the ruddy

hand control. One night I was just getting into Emmerdale Farm with Joe Sugden

trying to milk a cow which happened to amuse me! I was now at the end of my tether after six weeks of being bored, bored, really bored! In fact, I was that bored I picked up my old yuke and strummed Cleaning Windows by George Formby ... very badly. The phone rang, I picked it up and it was a call from the gaffa of an Irish showband called The New City Sounds. This band, in the day, had won a TV talent show called Opportunity Knocks .The host was Hughie Green (“I really wanna tell you folks”). So, after winning this prestigious famous show on TV, this band, like most bands, hadn’t read the small print on the contract which resulted in them breaking up. The gaffa of the band decided to form a new six-piece Irish showband called The Las Vegas Showband and he wanted me to turn up for an audition to complete the formation. I arrived at the given time at the empty club and prepared for battle, clutching my guitar case like a woman clutches her handbag when she hears the sound of a moped ripping past her while shopping in the high street in the UK.

Three bass players arrived, including me, for the audition. On stage was a sax player, trombone, trumpet, drummer and guitarist. I went straight to the bar while my two competitors fought their corner! Had a stiff one followed by a pint of Carling. My name was announced over the PA. I strapped on my bass and with my Dutch courage and no fear walked onto the stage and plugged my lead into the combo amp and shouted to the band: All Right Now (by Free). A complicated bass line and a challenge for the guitarist. The drummer tapped in on the side of his snare drum - 1, 2, 3, 4. I exploded on full bass, no treble. This song requires a bass solo followed by a guitar solo, then the bass joins together with the guitarist. I knew at the end of the song I was about to join an Irish showband, the craic was good yer man. Craic is an Irish word which originated from the English which was spelt crack in the 20th century, the craic was good in Cricklewood and yer man wouldn’t leave the Crown. There were glasses flyin’, and biddy’s cryin’ and the Paddy was going to town (Dominic Behan).

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

25

legal I have just received a letter from the tax office which says I must pay. What is this and why have I received this letter? “Impuestos complementarios”, otherwise known as “hidden taxes”, are applicable after you have bought a property. On purchasing a property you must pay 10% purchase tax, plus other legal fees but, if you bought a property below market value or what the tax assessed value is, you will receive what is known as ‘ impuestos complementarios’ : complementary tax. Taxes are no longer calculated by sales price as they were in the past. Due to the many cheaper properties which are on the

market, now you pay either on the sales value or the value calculated by a divisible figure of the ‘valor catastral’ also known as the cadastral value. You may be able to claim the amount of tax that the “agencia tributaria” have requested, however there is a time limit of 10 natural days in which time you must do this. For more information on this particular issue or any other legal matter, do not hesitate to contact our Law Firm at 965 480 737 or email us at info@pellicerheredia.com

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

26

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

Advertising Feature

Discovering you have a flat car battery

DISCOVERING that you have a flat battery in the morning can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you need to be somewhere quickly. Cold weather, frequent short trips, excessive strain, battery age or simply forgetting to turn the lights off, are many reasons for getting a flat battery. The solution however is not that simple. Linea Directa knows the inconvenience a flat battery can cause and how

difficult it can be to get it charged or exchanged for a new one. Now they are offering customers their roadside assistance service that will charge a battery and jump-start their car. One call and a trained technician will be on hand to help, wherever the breakdown occurs. Sometimes the battery may have completely run out and jump-starting won’t work, then you can be towed to the nearest approved garage. The roadside assistance service is an emergency breakdown service and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

No need to get your hands dirty. No need to connect the jump leads to a neighbour’s car. With Linea Directa, one of Spain’s leading insurance providers, their roadside assistance service will have you back on the road in no time. Linea Directa is an intelligent decision when it comes to making your motoring life easier. We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 309 More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com.

LINEA DIRECTA: Best price, better cover.

28

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

What’s On FRIDAY JULY 27 La Bamba’s Dance Group - Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Every Friday is New Beginners Class between 8pm and 9pm. Intermediate Class from 9pm until 10pm. Contact Andrea on 616 478 157 for more details. Cantabile Ladies Choir are a friendly group who take their music seriously but equally enjoy their regular social get-togethers as well. They rehearse every Friday at the La Siesta Church from 3pm to 5pm. Contact Valerie on 966 795 816 for more details. Almoradi Moors and Christians week begins at 9pm with the switching on of the lights in the main square. The full programme of events runs until Sunday August 5. Los Montesinos Independence Fiestas Events in the town square from 8pm.

SATURDAY JULY 28 Almoradi Moors and Christians Torrevieja Habaneras Grand Gala Concert - Final night of the spectacular week of music in the Eras de Sal beginning at 11pm. Tickets still available from the Teatro Municipal in Torrevieja. Los Montesinos Independence Fiestas Events in the town square from 8pm.

SUNDAY JULY 29 Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre - Playa Flamenca. Sunday service with clairvoyance from 11am to 12 noon. For information, contact Linda on 606 990 665. CA New rugby club - Bettas Torrevieja RFC - trains at the Nelson Mandela Stadium every Sunday between 8.30pm and 10pm.

DO NOT MISS

Annual Dolores Fair

THE town of Dolores will once again by holding their annual August Fair and Fiesta between Sunday and Monday August 6. The nine-day spectacular promises a varied and fun-packed programme of events for people of all ages to enjoy. As well as a wealth of concerts and shows, there is as always a heavy concentration of animal-related attractions that include an equestrian exhibition and the 25th

Call Javi on 603 727 179 for details. The Orihuela Sevillanas Club meet on the last Sunday of every month in the Orihuela Costa, Cabo Roig, at the Bulerias Pub. Call 630 689 431 for more details. Almoradi Moors and Christians - Concert in the Plaza de la Constitucion 9.30pm start. Los Montesinos Independence Fiestas Events in the town square from 8pm. Dolores Summer Fair 10pm - Dance Show in the Plaza Cardenal Belluga.

MONDAY JULY 30 La Bamba’s Dance Group - Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Every Monday is Sequence Dancing Class (7pm to 8pm) followed by a Social Dance until 10.30pm. Contact Andrea on 616 478 157 for more details. Orihuela Costa Community Care - Ramon de Campoamor Civic Centre on Urbanisation Monteznia. Every Monday is Beginners Spanish (12.30pm to 2pm): Flower Arranging (12.30pm to 2.30pm): Crafts (2.30pm to 4.30pm). For info, e-mail: oc.com munitycare@gmail.com Walking Wanderers Walking Football Club -

SPECTACULAR: Humans also enjoy the annual Dolores Fair.

They meet every Monday afternoon between 4pm and 6pm at the Orihuela Costa Municipal Sports Centre. There is also a very active social aspect to the club too. For more details, contact Bob Gorrill via e-mail: bobbyg2542@hotmail.com Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Monday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. E-mail: carolejohn_3@hot mail.com For people over 50 who find themselves on their own, then Phoenix Solos Club meet every Monday from 11am to 1pm at the Marina Club in the International Marina in Torrevieja. Almoradi Moors and Christians week, featuring ‘inflatable’ Bull Running for children at 6.30pm. Los Montesinos Independence Fiestas - Events in the town square from 8pm. Dolores Summer Fair Release of Llivestock at the Sports Centre Bull Ring starts at 11pm.

TUESDAY JULY 31 English Folk Music Club - Meet every Tuesday at the Madhouse, Urb Pueblo Principe from 8.30pm. It’s an opportunity for acoustic performers of

National Animal and Livestock Fair. Definitely not to be missed is the famous ‘Cow Pat Competition’ on the final night on Monday August 6 between 7pm and 10pm. A field is divided into numerous squares and tickets can be bought for €2.50. The person who owns the ticket with the square that ‘receives’ the first cow pat wins €2,000. Don’t miss it...and hope your cow doesn’t miss your square either!

all genres and it’s free entry too. There’s a raffle each week to raise funds to book visiting acts from the UK now and then. For more details, contact Carol via e-mail: divesmith@hot mail.com Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre - Playa Flamenca. Every Tuesday, an evening of psychic clairvoyance from 7.30pm to 8.45pm. For information, contact Linda on 606 990 665. Help At Home Costa Blanca (Orihuela Costa) Every Tuesday at the Emerald Isle between 11am and 3.30pm. Funds are currently being raised for a special needs vehicle for disabled persons. Selection of stalls including clothes, shoes, art and crafts and jewellery among others. Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Tuesday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. E-mail: carolejohn_3@hotmail.co m CF Rojales Walking Football - Open to men and women aged 50 and over, they meet at the football pitches on Calle Limonar every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon. You can just turn up on the day, or for more informa-

tion, call Pat Stephensnon 654 049 388 or e-mail: pat.stephens08@gmail.co m Scrabble Club - They meet on the last Tuesday of the month in Almoradi at the Cafe Almoradi (opposite the health centre) from 3pm. For more details, call Christine on 694 437 698. Almoradi Moors and Christians Dolores Summer Fair Release of Llivestock at the Sports Centre Bull Ring starts at 11pm.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 Market held at the Emerald Isle (Orihuela Costa) from 11am to 4pm, raising funds for the 12 to 18-year-olds living at Association Elche Children’s Care Home. Orihuela Costa Community Care - Ramon de Campoamor Civic Centre on Urbanisation Monteznia. Every Wednesday is Art, Sketching and Watercolour (2.30pm to 4.30pm): Spanish Beginners (2pm to 3.30pm). E-mail: oc.community care@gmail.com Amigos Friendship Group - Meets at El Bar, El Raso every Wednesday at 3pm for a get-together and a fun quiz. They also arrange a number of activities such as day trips, meals and holidays. Just

turn up on the day or call Ann 642 774 399 or Ken 642 703 488 for info. Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Wednesday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. Email: carolejohn_3@ hotmail.com Benimar Social Club meets every Wednesday at the Rojales Steakhouse for a variety of activities such as bridge, chess, fundraising quiz, short mat bowls etc. Contact Sue on 685 339 179 or Richard on 660 825 390. A New rugby club Bettas Torrevieja RFC trains at the Nelson Mandela Stadium every Sunday between 8.30pm and 10pm. Call Javi on 603 727 179 for details. Almoradi Moors and Christians Dolores Summer Fair - Release of Livestock at the Sports Centre Bull Ring starts at 11pm.

THURSDAY AUGUST 2 Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus Meets at the Las Claras Centre in Los Narejos every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. New members are always welcome and the group would love to hear from you. Call 968 334 527 or 968 432 525 or email: info@span gleschorus.com for more details. Dragon Riders Whether you live in the area or just visiting, this is your chance to ride with likeminded people. All makes and models more than welcome. Meet every Thursday at 10am at Waldamars Restaurant, La Florida. Call Rob 671 826 201.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

vox pop

Do you agree with the recent Ryanair strikes? Name: Steve and Sandra Age: 56 and 55 On holiday: Yes Where from: Newcastle, UK

year. The business is going well, so treat customers and staff properly! Name: Paddy Barnes Age: 55 On holiday: Yes Where from: Ireland

WELL Ryanair was out of order last year. They should have sorted it out in-house but dithered over the talks. I don’t know exactly what the grievPilots were striking over flight schedances are but for the last four ules as there weren’t years I’ve used Air Lingus. enough pilots to cover The all-round service annual leave. I seems slightly better don’t think it was handled very for a similar price. I don’t agree well. with the strikes But we’ve though. The used Ryanvictims are air several people who times and have planned they’ve always been and saved up all year for a holifine. We went day, and then it’s ruto Alicante in ined. March. OUT OF ORDER: Steve The conditions of There are probably and Sandra. pilots and cabin crew similar issues this

by Colin Bird

THE days are gone when British food was regarded by foreigners as drab and unimaginative. I have never gone along with this sentiment anyway, not because I had nothing to compare it with, but largely because the Brits have always been used to down to earth, simple but wholesome ingredients without the need - or resources in war time - to tart up their food with wine, exotic spices or eye of newt. Food, like wine and art, has always attracted its own clique of snobs and the iffy reputation of British food was in part, I suspect, brought about by the propaganda of our French neighbours in their perpetual ‘we are better than the English’ campaign, or the Yanks who seem to think that anything without ketchup and barbecue sauce is tasteless. But with many celebrity British chefs strutting the world stage today, that perception is changing and, let’s face it, poulet frites is just chicken and chips with a poncy-sounding name. And whatever is the French for beef bourguignon? One of the worst meals I have ever

PADDY: Up in the air about it!

Apply sun lotion properly WITH the current extreme heat in Spain and the UK, a timely report from King’s College London suggests that many people are not applying suntan lotion correctly. Indeed, the scientists believe that the majority of those who do use sun protection are slapdash with the application and just don’t layer it on properly. According to the report, in most circumstances, an SPF (sun protection factor) of just 15 should be sufficient but because it is not applied thickly enough, the protection of even an SPF 50 lotion is unlikely to give full protection. Using volunteers, the scientists observed that the majority really didn’t understand what was needed in order to give full protection and calculate that an average adult needs to apply 36 grams of sunscreen to their body which is the equivalent of six teaspoons. Whilst most of the ‘guinea pigs’ tried to cover the obvious areas such as arms, face, chest, back and legs, many missed potentially vulnerable areas such as the side of the neck, ears and temples. They also recommend that the lotion should be applied half an hour before going into the sun as it needs time to dry and should be reapplied if you go for a swim as towel drying or even sweating can remove the protection almost completely.

An appetite for simplicity Credit: Steve Werth flickr

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

seem pretty good to me, when you see what they’re earning, and the amount of holiday they get. It might be a bit complicated though with senior pilots wanting better flight schedules for themselves. They may have a point as they’ve put the most years into it. So you could say I’m up in the air about it!

29

SCOTCH EGGS: A taste of British cuisine.

had was at a bistro not far from Notre Dame in Paris. The only thing Michelin about that restaurant, was the cause of death of a chicken which looked and tasted like road-kill. But that simply illustrates that each country has a good and a bad side to its cuisine. Imagination, quality of ingredients and

preparational skills are the things that matter. Admittedly in these modern and affluent times, British cooking has adopted a much more adventurous approach, but it is fascinating to see how many of the traditional Brit favourites have caught the attention of other countries and more particularly, our American cousins.

My best friend lives in Arizona, having retired last year and moved from California. He is a foodie and an above average cook, and has always been interested in trying out new recipes, especially those that require the freshest ingredients. But over the years the grub that his neighbours and colleagues have raved about and come back for more of, are items like his home-baked pork pies, sausage rolls and Yorkshire pudding. His first contributions to the American palate were Scotch eggs which he presented at the opening day of his local yacht club. As he put it: “They must have gone down well because none came back up.” So well in fact that he ended up making them at regular intervals over the next 12 years. The same thing has happened with his pork pies which are extremely hard to obtain in the US, and - when they are found - lack the traditional jelly and unique flavour. Speaking for myself, there are times when all I really crave is a nice steak pie on a sizeable bed of onion mash with lots of fresh garden veg and home-made gravy. That’s proper food.

FRIDAY 12:00pm Heir Hunters with Michael Buerk 12:45pm The Farmers' Country Showdown 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Red Rock 3:30pm Escape to the Country 4:30pm Celebrity Money for Nothing 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Impossible 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Still Open All Hours 10:00pm Would I Lie to You? 10:30pm Our Friend Victoria

3:15am 7:00am 7:30am 8:15am

This is BBC Two Flog it! Trade Secrets Coast Heir Hunters with Michael Buerk Gardeners' World Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live Perfection Getting the Builders in For What It's Worth Nature's Weirdest Events Jungle Atlantis Antiques Road Trip Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure Gardeners' World Love and Friendship Newsnight Louis Theroux

6:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 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 Judge Rinder 4:00pm Tenable 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 James Martin's American Adventure 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Doc Martin 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London

9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00pm The Simpsons 12:30pm The Simpsons 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Find it, Fix it, Flog it 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:00pm The £100k Drop 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Crystal Maze 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 11:00pm The Last Leg

9:40am Digby Dragon 9:55am Nella the Princess Knight 10:05am Mofy 10:15am The Wright Stuff 12:15pm Bad Tenants, Rogue Landlords 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm Cagney and Lacey 4:15pm Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Tony Robinson: Coast to Coast 9:00pm Celebrity Five Go Caravanning 10:00pm Jane Mcdonald and Friends 11:00pm Blind Date

4:20am 6:30am 7:00am 8:45am

Jupiter's Moon Anon: Special Road Hard Same Kind of Different as Me 10:50am Thor: Ragnarok 1:05pm The Mountain Between Us 3:00pm The Shanghai Job 4:40pm Same Kind of Different as Me 6:45pm Thor: Ragnarok 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us Stranded on a mountain after a plane crash, strangers Kate Winslet and Idris Elba face a perilous journey through hundreds of miles of frozen wilderness. 11:00pm The Shanghai Job 12:45am Heartlock

2:00pm

11:30am The Secret Leopards 12:15pm Homes Under the Hammer 1:00pm Food and Drink 1:30pm Kew on a Plate 2:30pm The Man Who Never Was 4:10pm Ben and James Versus the Arabian Desert 5:10pm Flog It! 5:35pm Don't Panic! The Dad's Army Story 6:25pm Dad's Army 7:00pm RideLondon 2018: Women's Classique 7:50pm Proms Extra 2018 8:30pm We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story 9:30pm Dad's Army 10:00pm Reginald D Hunter's Songs of the Border 11:15pm QI 11:45pm Stewart Lee Content Provider

7:55am The Oddbods Show 8:05am Ninjago: Possession 8:30am The Haunted Hathaways 8:55am Drop Dead Weird 9:25am ITV News 9:30am Zoe Ball on Saturday 10:25am Saturday Morning with James Martin 12:20pm James Martin's American Adventure 12:50pm Eat, Shop, Save 1:20pm Love Your Garden 2:20pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:30pm ITV Racing: Live From Ascot 5:00pm The Chase 6:00pm Wos Wrestling 7:00pm ITV Evening News 7:15pm ITV News London 7:30pm Japandemonium 8:00pm Big Star's Little Star 9:00pm The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 12:15am ITV News

9:25am 9:55am 10:30am 10:55am 11:25am 11:55am 12:25pm 1:25pm 1:55pm 2:55pm 3:25pm 4:00pm

Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons Come Dine with Me Four in a Bed Four in a Bed Four in a Bed Four in a Bed A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it Channel 4 News Formula 1 A Year in the New Forest My Family and the Galapagos Hitman: Agent 47 Riddick Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

11:00am Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:35am Access 11:40am Animals Make You Laugh Out Loud 2 12:10pm Police Interceptors 1:05pm Police Interceptors 2:05pm Police Interceptors 3:05pm Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 4:05pm Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 5:05pm Bad Tenants: Disturbing the Peace 6:05pm Rich House, Poor House Changed My Life 7:05pm 5 News Weekend 7:10pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 8:05pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 9:00pm Blind Date 10:00pm Gino's Win Your Wish List

4:40am Daphne 6:30am Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Special Sky Movies takes a behind-the-scenes look at the latest trip into JK Rowling's wizarding world. 7:00am Same Kind of Different as Me 9:15am The Shanghai Job 11:00am Top Ten Show, the 2018 11:15am The Lego Ninjago Movie 1:00pm The Mountain Between Us 3:00pm Thor: Ragnarok 5:20pm The Shanghai Job 7:10pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us 11:00pm Thor: Ragnarok

1:30pm Live Chinese Super League 3:35pm One2eleven 4:00pm SPFL Round Up 4:15pm SPFL Round Up 4:30pm SPFL Round Up 4:45pm SPFL Round Up 5:00pm Old Firm Derby Highlights 5:30pm Old Firm Derby Highlights 6:00pm SPFL Round Up 6:15pm SPFL Round Up 6:30pm SPFL Round Up 6:45pm SPFL Round Up 7:00pm SPFL Round Up 7:15pm SPFL Round Up 7:30pm SPFL Round Up 7:45pm SPFL Round Up 8:00pm Greatest Moments in Football 9:00pm Greatest Moments in Football 10:00pm Greatest Moments in Football

10:30am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:00pm RideLondon 2018 1:00pm Triathlon World Series 2:30pm The Hairy Bikers' Best of British 3:30pm Escape to the Country 4:30pm My Congo 5:30pm Inventing the Impossible: The Big Life Fix 6:30pm Secrets of Silicon Valley 7:30pm Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing 8:00pm Inside the Factory 9:00pm Searching for Shergar 10:00pm Travels in Trumpland with Ed Balls

8:05am Ninjago: Possession 8:30am The Haunted Hathaways 8:55am Drop Dead Weird 9:25am ITV News 9:30am Zoe Ball on Sunday 10:25am Japandemonium 10:50am Ninja Warrior UK 11:50am Wos Wrestling 12:50pm Big Star's Little Star 1:50pm ITV Lunchtime News 1:55pm Tipping Point 3:00pm The Chase 4:00pm Tour De France 2018 7:30pm Paul O'grady: For the Love of Dogs 8:00pm ITV Evening News 8:10pm ITV News London 8:15pm Catchphrase 9:00pm The Chase: Celebrity Special 10:00pm Unforgotten 11:00pm ITV News

7:35am Motorsport 8:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:55am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:25am Frasier 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Sunday Brunch 1:30pm The Simpsons 1:55pm The Simpsons 2:25pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4:15pm Location, Location, Location 5:15pm Bang on Budget 6:20pm Homes by the Med 7:20pm Channel 4 News 7:45pm Formula 1 10:00pm The Handmaid's Tale 11:05pm The Football Club: Artist in Residence 12:00am Chef 2:10am The Last Leg

11:30am Chuckle Time with the Chuckle Brothers 12:20pm Police Interceptors 1:10pm Police Interceptors 2:10pm Police Interceptors 3:05pm Nanny McPhee 4:05pm Access 4:10pm Nanny McPhee 5:10pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 6:10pm Access 6:15pm Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang 7:15pm The Wonderful World of Puppies 8:05pm Chuckle Time with the Chuckle Brothers 9:00pm Funniest Ever Gameshow Moments 9:55pm 5 News Weekend 10:00pm Face/Off 11:00pm Five News Update 11:05pm Face/Off

7:00am Road Hard 9:00am Thor: Ragnarok 11:20am The Lego Ninjago Movie 1:10pm The Mountain Between Us 3:10pm Ingrid Goes West It's Single White Female for the Smartphone generation as troubled thirtysomething Aubrey Plaza latches onto LA influencer Elizabeth Olsen... and won't let go. 5:00pm Thor: Ragnarok 7:15pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us 11:00pm Ingrid Goes West

10:00am Play-Off Final Highlights 11:00am Play-Off Final Highlights 12:00pm Championship Season Review 1:00pm Football's Greatest 1:30pm Live Chinese Super League 3:35pm One2eleven 4:00pm Championship Season Review 5:00pm One2eleven 5:25pm Live UEFA U19s: Final 7:30pm One2eleven 7:45pm One2eleven 8:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 9:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 10:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights

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

EFL Goals: Championship 2:30pm EFL Goals: Leagues 1&2 3:00pm Championship Season Review 4:00pm Football's Greatest 4:30pm Football's Greatest Teams 5:00pm SPFL Greatest Games 5:15pm SPFL Greatest Games 5:30pm SPFL Round Up 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Greatest Games 8:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 8:30pm EFL Goals: Leagues 1&2 9:00pm Football 11:05pm Football 1:10am Championship Season Review

SATURDAY 2:25am BBC News 7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30pm Nadiya's Family Favourites 1:00pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Wanted Down Under 3:00pm Money for Nothing 3:45pm Garden Rescue 4:30pm Escape to the Country 5:30pm Wedding Day Winners 6:25pm Monsters vs Aliens 7:50pm BBC News 8:00pm BBC London News 8:10pm Pointless 9:00pm Who Dares Wins 9:40pm Casualty 10:30pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:00pm BBC News

5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:50pm 1:55am

SUNDAY 7:00am Breakfast 10:00am BBC News The latest news from the BBC. 11:00am Sunday Morning Live 12:00pm Homes Under the Hammer 1:00pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Animals Behaving Badly 3:15pm Eat Well for Less 4:15pm Songs of Praise 4:50pm Cycling 7:30pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 10:00pm Poldark 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm BBC London News

The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of RTN.

MONDAY 10:15am Wanted Down Under 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Fake Britain 12:45pm The Farmers' Country Showdown 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Red Rock 3:30pm Escape to the Country 4:30pm Celebrity Money for Nothing 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Impossible 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Lorry Ladies 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Who Do You Think You Are?

10:00am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC Newsroom Live 12:30pm Westminster in Review 1:00pm The Entertainer 2:45pm Getting the Builders in 3:30pm For What It's Worth 4:15pm Nature's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Britain's Secret Seas 6:15pm Money for Nothing 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure 9:00pm Nadiya's Family Favourites 9:30pm University Challenge 10:00pm Versailles 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am The Five Billion Pound Super Sewer

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 Judge Rinder 4:00pm Tenable 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 Give it a Year 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Lewis 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm Long Lost Family 12:45am Our Shirley Valentine Summer

10:00am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00pm The Simpsons 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Couples Come Dine with Me 1:50pm The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm A Place in the Sun 5:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm How to Get Rich Quick 10:00pm Our Guy in Russia: The Road to Chernobyl 11:00pm Who is America?

9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm

4:50am ITV Nightscreen 6:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:00pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:20pm ITV News London 2:30pm ITV Racing Live 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 9:00pm Love Your Garden 10:00pm Long Lost Family 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm The Frankenstein

11:05am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 12:00pm The Simpsons 12:30pm The Simpsons 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Couples Come Dine with Me 1:50pm The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Ackley Bridge 10:00pm 999: What's Your Emergency? 11:00pm Gogglebox

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

Paw Patrol Floogals Digby Dragon Nella the Princess Knight Mofy The Wright Stuff Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 5 News Lunchtime GPs: Behind Closed Doors Home and Away Neighbours Cagney and Lacey Garage Sale Mystery: The Wedding Dress 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Sinkholes Police Interceptors The Bermuda Triangle Revealed Gangland 2

4:25am 6:15am

Daphne Top Ten Show, the 2018 6:30am Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Special 7:00am Same Kind of Different as Me 9:10am The Shanghai Job 11:00am The Lego Ninjago Movie 12:50pm The Mountain Between Us 2:50pm The Hurricane Heist: The Eye of the Storm 3:20pm Rememory 5:20pm Ingrid Goes West 7:10pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us 11:00pm Rememory 1:00am Ingrid Goes West 2:45am Heartlock 4:40am Road Hard

2:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 2:30pm EFL Goals: Leagues 1&2 3:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 4:00pm Football's Greatest 4:30pm Football's Greatest Teams 5:00pm Football's Greatest Teams 5:30pm SPFL Round Up 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Greatest Games 7:15pm EFL Greatest Games 7:30pm EFL Greatest Games 7:45pm EFL Greatest Games 8:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 8:30pm EFL Goals: Leagues 1&2 9:00pm Football 11:05pm MLS Round Up Show 11:35pm MLS Greatest Games 11:45pm MLS Greatest Games

4:40am Road Hard 6:30am The Hurricane Heist: The Eye of the Storm 7:00am Monster Family: Special 7:30am The Mountain Between Us 9:30am Top Ten Show, the 2018 9:45am The Lego Ninjago Movie 11:35am The Delinquent Season 1:30pm Ingrid Goes West 3:15pm Rememory 5:15pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 7:00pm The Delinquent Season 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us 11:00pm Ingrid Goes West 12:45am Rememory 2:50am Road Hard

3:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 4:00pm Football's Greatest 4:30pm Football's Greatest Teams 5:00pm Football's Greatest Teams 5:30pm SPFL Round Up 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Greatest Games 8:00pm EFL Goals: Championship 8:30pm EFL Goals: Leagues 1&2 9:00pm SPFL Round Up 9:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 9:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 10:00pm Championship Season Review 2017/18 11:00pm EFL Rivalries

TUESDAY 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:30pm 4:30pm 5:15pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:42pm 11:45pm

BBC News at One BBC London News Red Rock Escape to the Country Celebrity Money for Nothing Flog It! Impossible BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Age Before Beauty BBC News at Ten BBC London News BBC Weather Stacey Dooley Investigates

Caught Red Handed Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live Coast Love is a ManySplendored Thing 2:45pm The Super League Show 3:30pm For What It's Worth 4:15pm Nature's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Britain's Secret Seas 6:15pm Money for Nothing 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure 9:00pm Inside the Factory 10:00pm The Five Billion Pound Super Sewer 11:00pm Live at the Apollo 11:30pm Newsnight

10:15am The Wright Stuff 12:15pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm Cagney and Lacey 4:15pm Last Scene Alive: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm World Rally Championship 2018 Highlights 9:00pm The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 10:00pm The Bermuda Triangle Revealed 11:00pm First Time Call Girl

The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of RTN.

32

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

WEDNESDAY 4:30pm

Celebrity Money for Nothing 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Impossible 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Matter of Life and Debt 9:00pm Animals Behaving Badly 10:00pm The Real Marigold Hotel 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News

For What It's Worth Nature's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Britain's Secret Seas 6:15pm Money for Nothing 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment 9:00pm Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure 10:00pm Picnic at Hanging Rock 11:00pm Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 3:30pm 4:15pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:15am

ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury Coronation Street The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London Britain's Busiest Airport - Heathrow Car Crash Britain Caught on Camera

1:50pm

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Live Well for Longer 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Stath Lets Flats 11:30pm Un Sex Abuse Scandal

3:15pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Cagney and Lacey Fiance Killer 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Cricket on 5 Britain's Parking Hell 10:00pm The Bermuda Triangle Revealed 11:00pm 21st Century Sex Slaves 12:05am Young and Living Off Benefits 1:05am First Time Call Girl 2:00am Super Casino

7:00am

The Delinquent Season 9:00am The Odyssey 11:15am Road Hard 1:15pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 3:15pm The Mountain Between Us 5:15pm Rememory 7:15pm Ingrid Goes West 9:00pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 11:00pm The Odyssey 1:10am The Mountain Between Us 3:10am The Delinquent Season

4:00pm 4:30pm

4:15pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

11:15am The Lego Ninjago Movie 1:15pm The Ghost of Charnel House 3:00pm The Mountain Between Us 5:00pm The Delinquent Season 7:00pm The Lego Ninjago Movie 9:00pm The Mountain Between Us 11:00pm The Ghost of Charnel House 12:45am Ingrid Goes West 2:35am Rememory

3:35pm 5:40pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 6:45pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 11:05pm 11:35pm

Football's Greatest Football's Greatest Teams 5:00pm MLS Greatest Games 5:30pm One2eleven 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Greatest Games 7:15pm EFL Greatest Games 8:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 9:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights 10:00pm Play-Off Final Highlights

THURSDAY 3:30pm

Escape to the Country 4:30pm Celebrity Money for Nothing 5:15pm Flog It! 6:15pm Impossible 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Eat Well for Less 10:00pm Keeping Faith 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News

3:30pm 4:15pm

For What It's Worth Nature's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Britain's Secret Seas 6:15pm Money for Nothing 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway Journeys 8:00pm Nature's Miniature Miracles 9:00pm Inventing the Impossible: The Big Life Fix 10:00pm The Prosecutors 11:00pm Quacks 11:30pm Newsnight

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

ITV Racing Live Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Eat, Shop, Save Emmerdale Birds of a Feather Our Shirley Valentine Summer ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London Unforgotten Give it a Year

4:00pm

A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 5:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm George Clarke's Old House, New Home 10:00pm Meet the Drug Lords: Inside the Real Narcos 11:00pm Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back

Stalked by My Ex 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Cricket on 5 Bad Tenants, Rogue Landlords 10:00pm Eamonn and Ruth: The Millionaires Rulebook 11:00pm Rich Kids Go Skint 12:05am Gangland 1:00am Super Casino 4:10am GPs: Behind Closed Doors

Football MLS Greatest Games MLS Greatest Games MLS Greatest Games MLS Greatest Games MLS Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Matters Football's Greatest Football EFL Matters SPFL Greatest Games

this week weather FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

Aug 1

Aug 2

38º/16ºC 40º/17ºC 41º/17ºC 40º/18ºC 39º/18ºC 40º/22ºC 38º/20ºC Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR talk to us

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

Email letters to admin.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com with your full name and address The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of RTN.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

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?

Puzzles Page

NAME 1 2 3 4

Kenny Corris For Readings, Consultations and Castings kennycorris@hotmailcom www.kennycorris.net Mobile: 686 361 594 / Tel: 965 878 424

Aries. More haste…less speed, so slow things down and you will find that things start to happen in your favour. It wasn’t you who changed the rules, but it will be in your interest to make the very best of the developing situation ahead, because you can. The Ceres sextile with Jupiter this week is lucky for someone, just make sure that it’s you!

Libra. Venus captivates your sibling sign of Taurus, but saves some of the best to come, especially for you. Though your equilibrium is worth fighting for, Pluto ensures that whatever that it is that you want it is in the bag for you. Believe in yourself and look forward to ringing the changes when they come, you’re worth it, after all!

Taurus. Blessed by the Cosmos, your ebullient bullish charm is muted but special whenever love is on the cards. This week Venus trines Pluto in a stylish but pertinent way and this enters within your emotional centre to bring enlightenment and more than just a touch of enchantment to all soul sourced affairs of your open heart.

Scorpio. Mars intensifies and strengthens all that you have up your sleeve right now. The Sun in opposition is questioning and illuminating a clear way forward for you; whilst also playing Devil’s Advocate with your true destiny. You may ignore all the signs, but more than ever right now, you should know what you are about to do.

Gemini. Strained relationship issues are holding you back this week. It takes two to tango and sometimes pity is truly akin to love. Since the Sun is in opposition to Mars there are really some things worth fighting for. Check what it is that you really want right now, and base your decisions now on the truth of the matter; by bearing your soul!

Sagitarius. Uranus is in cahoots with Mars, bringing you options that intensify and strengthen your resolve. This is a time to tune into the true feelings of others before you make any personal choices an immediate priority. Taking that step upwards is truly a step in the right direction and it will open the doors you now need to walk through.

Cancer. Actions of someone acting selfishly have given you such an unwarranted slap in the face. You have invested both time and energy in a suitable solution, but now it seems impossible. The Sun touches on Saturn, opposes Mars and has even squared up to the enterprise of Uranus. Right now don’t wait for an apology that may never come.

Capricorn. Show everyone what you are made of, and what you can do when you are left to your own devices. You may surprise yourself into the bargain as you take on all the responsibilities that are in order right now. Power is yours, and the impetus is there for you to take note of the aspects of Jupiter’s dynamic midweek sextile with Ceres.

Leo. With the Sun firmly ensconced in your salient energies there is much interaction all across the Zodiac this week. In opposition with Mars and meeting face on with Saturn there are aspects that form a corner, based on your positive energies. Wishes, dreams and desires take a step closer to a new reality, and you are enabled to succeed.

Aquarius. Empowered by the Sun in Leo, you have some sage and well thought out plans that may be on hold but which are nevertheless pure genius. With both the Sun and Mars clearly focused on the planet of enterprise, Uranus, this double whammy will work well for you, showing others, above all, that you are not to be messed with!

Virgo. An acquaintance becomes a true friend and gives you the very best of advice possible right now. You have been cutting off your nose to spite your face and it is time for you to return to the safety of compassion and freedom; by being yourself. The Venus tryst with Kora confirms that right now you are to look after your own interests.

Pisces. This is a time for reflection and establishing a new routine that revolves around you, but which emphasises the wants and needs of your current situation. Spend time consolidating all that you have to right now, to make sure that the balance and freedom you need is restored and your true desires are not compromised in any way.

Sponsored by

Cryptic

Down 1 How chess game ends for prisoner (6) 2 Be all upset for a girl (5) 3 A long time after 007's detention (7) 4 It’s easy keeping theologian in unemployment benefit (6) 5 Proposed food is injected with nitrogen (5) 6 Mischievous child learning to beg (7) 7 Light material can turn red (6) 13 Model soft angora dress (7) 15 Stops a Republican’s lies (7) 16 Part of London damaged in gale (6) 17 Peel back as before, when not awake (6) 18 Doesn't give one's all in periods of work (6) 20 Puts down some runners' lap sessions (5) 22 Sea-air adds a little weight to one (5)

WELL Weekly Stars

Across 1 A doctor I sent to bed drunk (7) 5 Love-in-a-mist is slightly wet (5) 8 City in pastrami land (5) 9 Inscrutable late Greek god (7) 10 Desperate rival at work (7) 11 Treasure discovered in a controversial place (5) 12 Overturned if set up incorrectly (5) 14 Stop a person including the Guardian, say (5) 19 Spotted in embarrassing tapestry (5) 21 Arrange trout so differently (4,3) 23 Thankless person from Tangier (7) 24 Contempt for a small cereal plant (5) 25 Jokes about northern mobs (5) 26 Have sheriff's helpers joined Nazi police? (7)

Code Breaker

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 2 represents Q and 24 represents Z, so fill in Q every time the figure 2 appears and Z every time the figure 24 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

Play on Words

Answers A head for heights. A heart to heart talk.

34

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August Across 1 Marine crustacean (4) 3 Lowest brass wind instrument (4) 7 Lacking a name (9) 12 Marked by eager anticipation (9) 17 Abominable snowman (4) 18 Automobiles (4)

Quick

Down 1 Spanish sparkling white wine (4) 2 Lowest female singing voice (4) 4 Cancel or annul (4) 5 Beers (4) 6/14 Reduction in salary (3,3) 8 Nothing (3) 9 Born (woman's maiden name) (3) 10 Attained (3) 11 Tall, rounded vase (3) 12 Deadly sin (4) 13 Accord (4) 14 See 6 15 Elaborate song for solo voice (4) 16 Gentle knocks (4) Across 1 Algodón (6) 3 Ground (coffee, spices) (6) 8 Church (7) 10 Pasillo (en avión, teatro) (5) 11 Bit (piece) (5) 12 Tip (gratuity) (7) 13 Vendavales (vientos fuertes) (5) 15 Cenizas (5) 20 Acróbata (7) 22 Nidos (5) 24 pound (5) 25 Chestnut (7) 26 El más raro (6) 27 Grandmother (6)

Down 1 Joke (6) 2 Awning (5) 4 Opaque (5) 5 Inspirar (7) 6 Sheep (pl) (6) 7 Feliz (5) 9 Roncar (cuando se duerme) (5) 14 To approve of (7) 16 Canciones (5) 17 To dance (6) 18 Palo (de poco grosor) (5) 19 Broom (brush) (6) 21 Latón (metal) (5) 23 Mirar fijamente (5)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

Kakuro Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

Sudoku

Funagram Unscramble the name of a famous Italian composer: INVALID OVATION Unscramble the name of a small, rough-haired breed of dog (two words): I RENT CARRIER ANSWERS: - ANTONIO VIVALDI - CAIRN TERRIER

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

35

Kenny’s Postbag Kenny, when you wrote articles for RTN a few years ago you wrote an article titled, “Which Witch?” It explained the fine lines that divide the magic that white witchcraft brings. I am trying to support my daughter, who is greatly influenced by her powers, but I do not have a copy and need one. Amy G. Sorry Amy I do not have a copy either, but all is not lost and I could easily rewrite the basics to help you help your daughter. Witch is a word that causes offence to some people, but the difference between black and white witchcraft involves principles that are poles apart. I will try to send you something that will guide you specifically. Thank you for being such an avid reader of the RTN.

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

38

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

keyboardcosmetics@gmail.com

RARELY did I miss a day’s work during near 50-years on the hamster wheel. My work ethic was a source of personal pride but my neighbour was not alone in thinking me foolish. I guessed my friend to be in his late 30’s. As fit as a butche r ’s d o g , h e l o v e d h o l i d a y fishing with like-minded friends. An affable man, my neighbour had been blessed with a beautiful wife, three well-dressed children and a lovely home to call his own. Ye t , h e h a d n e v e r d o n e a day’s work in his life. If the doors or windows needed replacing the local authority put things right. Being self-employed I replaced my own or in truth I yearned to do so. There never seemed enough left in the pot and so the window casements rotted

The Dickens of a time as time went by. Then, as retirement approached I fell in between jobs and like many others I faced hard times. For a while I lived off the charity of my lady partner because my pride wouldn’t allow me to claim ‘ f r o m t h e s t a t e . ’ To s i t a t a young clerk’s desk and concede that I was a failure was, for me, a burden too much. So, I sold much of my precious library and I went without. Eventually I buckled when, for the umpteenth time, my partner reminded me that I was not asking for charity. “You are simply drawing on the substantial investments you have placed with the state’s social security system over many years.”

Agreeing that she was right, but with little enthusiasm, I entered the gates of hell. There were endless forms to be completed, questions asked and answered. There was then the waiting game and only after I had sent a despairing letter was my lamenting appeal granted. I was to receive £108 each fortnight and I was told to expect a call from someone who would means test me. The means tester came and went but the alms remained the same regardless that the basic pension, one of Eur o p e ’s l o w e s t , i s s e t m u c h higher. Salvation, there were still some books yet to sell. Why was I treated differently to others? There is no

Credit: Bruce Rolff Shutterstock

by Michael Walsh

WORK ETHIC: 50 years on the hamster wheel.

doubt in my mind that in Britain all are equal but some are more equal than are others. M y n e i g h b o u r, a i d e d b y friends and accomplices infesting benefit agencies, knew how to screw the system. Many are mentored through

the process by benefit claiming agencies. I was an innocent and, by necessity, wiser and poorer. I returned to work and looked forward to retirement. I did retire with honours and I am the richer for it, but I often wonder if my neighbour was smarter than I was.

Mike Walsh’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers advertisers or sponsors.

Odd first person singular forms Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

WE have now covered the bare bones of all standard and root-changing verbs. However, we need to go back a little bit to pick up a few bits and pieces before we move on to our four irregular verbs. We are going to return to the matter of ‘first person singular’ variations, several of which have been mentioned already in previous articles. The principle is this: amongst the wide range of standard and root-changing verbs in the present tense, across the spectrum of -ar, -er and –ir groups, there is a smattering of verbs which have one form that doesn’t follow the regular pattern. This only ever applies to the first person singular ‘I’ forms, and it does not affect anything else about the verb at all. All the other forms of these verbs are entirely regular according to which group or pattern they fall into. Why (we might ask) do these changes occur? Well, I am not an expert in the history of language, but the reason clearly lies in

the way speech develops over a period of many years. Sometimes certain sounds are easier to say than others, and, through constant repetition and usage, odd forms find their way into a language and eventually become accepted as correct. We mentioned a familiar example in our last article - ‘tengo’ meaning ‘I have.’ If the verb, in this case ‘tener,’ followed the complete pattern of a ‘e to ie’ root changing verb then instead of ‘tengo’ we would be saying ‘tieno.’ However, in my simple way, I suspect that over a period of many years, and given just how frequently people use this word, ‘tieno’ turned into something that is easier to say, namely ‘tengo.’ If you’re prepared to accept this as an explanation that’s great, if not, the only other one I have to offer you is ‘that’s how it is, so tough!’ The letter ‘g’ is often involved in these changes, and here is a list of the most frequent examples of this. Caer (to fall) Hacer (to do) Oír (to hear) Poner (to put) Salir (to go out) Venir (to come) Decir (to say)

caigo (I fall) hago (I do) oigo (I hear) pongo (I put) salgo (I go out) vengo (I come) digo (I say)

Another common ‘odd-ball’ is the word for ‘I give’ - ‘doy,’ which in theory ought to be ‘do’ as it comes from the verb ‘dar’ (to give). This will remind some people of the similar forms ‘voy’ (I go), ‘estoy’ (I am) and ‘soy’ (I am), which actually belong to three or our four irregular verbs to be looked at later. Another even stranger example is the first person singular of ‘saber’ (to know) which is ‘sé.’ Why isn’t it ‘sabo?’ Answer: I have no idea, but if someone would like to find out and let me know I’d be delighted! This form is a good illustration of the best way to learn these things though, and that

is by constant use. Most people learn early on in their Spanish to say ‘no sé’ (I don’t know), without ever realising that they are using an odd form at all! Finally on this subject, there is a particular change that occurs in the first person singular to verbs that end in ‘cer’ or ‘cir’ in the infinitive. Here is an example: ‘conocer’ (to know, to be familiar with). ‘I know’ (I am familiar with) is ‘conozco’ (pronounced conothko). Here are some more examples: ‘parezco’ (I seem), ‘conduzco’ (I drive), ‘reduzco’ (I reduce). There are quite few more - something for you to look out for!

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

39

health Advertising Feature AS soon as you drive into The Colina Club in Calpe, you know straight away that it’s everything that it says it is and more ... and that’s before you’ve seen the apartments and met the wonderful staff. Your initial thought is the stunning view looking across the bay, a view that is dominated by the iconic Peñon de Ifach and one that every resident at The Colina Club can benefit from, wherever they live. Opened on January 1, 1991 it’s now well into its 27th year of providing ‘continuous care’; a concept that originated in Florida. Comprising of 48 one- or twobedroom apartments which have all been deliberately designed so that both the ground and first floor entrances have level access from an outside parking space ... so no flights of stairs to climb. The beauty of The Colina Club is you can keep your independence, safe in the knowledge that there is the backup of on-

Photo credit: Colina Club Facebook

Care, security and peace of mind site medical professionals, ably supported by a team who are there to help with any form of emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every resident has their own personal alarm which is also monitored at all times, and nothing is too much trouble for the staff should any of the residents need assistance. The complex is almost full of residents who pay a monthly rental charge - which covers everything apart from electricity and includes a free, daily

minibus which goes down the hill to Calpe town centre to allow people to do their shopping independently. “We haven’t lost anyone yet on a trip and needed to send out the St Bernard,” jokes one of The Colina Club staff and, “If one of our residents wants to stay longer in town and make their own way back, as long as they let us know it’s OK.” For those wishing to stay onsite, there is a swimming pool, a bowls green, a dining room which offers a superb lunch

every day of the week - a bar and a beautiful terrace to take in those wonderful views. There’s also a monthly quiz night with a meal and a regular number of lunch trips around the area ... so there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. Part of the ‘continuous care’ concept is to also have a Nursing and Rest Home on the complex, and in the case of The Colina Club there are 20 private rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, which enable those not in the best of health, recover-

ing from operations, and indeed those who are terminally ill to benefit from the very best of treatment and care from the most professional of people. These rooms are available to everyone in the area and not just to residents of The Colina Club. The age range of those living in the spacious and comfortable apartments is between 72 and 95. One of the oldest - the remarkable 92-year-old Dick Helyer beamed, “It’s absolutely wonderful here!”

The Colina Club: Urb Colina del Sol 52B, Apartado 430, 03710 Calpe, Alicante Tel: 965 835 226 • Website: www.colinaclub.com • E-mail: mail@colinaclub.com

MASSAGE: Makes you feel good.

Mutual massage is good for both of you

GIVING a massage will not only make your partner feel good, but it will make you feel pretty good too. That’s according to researchers who got couples to spend 15 minutes giving their partner a massage two or three times a week. They found that couples who did this showed significant improvements in their well-being, stress and relationship satisfaction. The study, which involved 38 cou-

VIEWS: The stunning setting of The Colina Club in Calpe.

ples, reports those who gave the massage felt around 9 per cent better overall, compared to 12 per cent for those who received the massage. It measured their mental well-being during a three-week course where they were taught massage skills. Three weeks after it had finished, nine out of 10 couples in the study said they would recommend mutual massage.

40

pets

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

• sponsored by

Animal lovers Dogs welcome here... make the best pet-sitters WHY is it better for a petsitter to love animals? When you leave your pets in the care of a sitter you want to be sure they’re an animal lover. You’re entrusting your pets to the care of someone who will be responsible for their care, giving them the affection you would have given them had you been at home. The feeling has to be natural and given spontaneously. Paying a pet-sitter won’t guarantee the love that only an animal lover can give. HouseSitMatch sitters are pet lovers. At HouseSitMatch.com we run a pet-sitting network online that does not require payment for sitters. All members join as paying members of a managed network and exchange services with each other. We are a new model of business that relies on the sitters exchanging their time, care and attention as pet-sitters for the love of the pets and the opportunity to visit a new location, offering pet care for free accommodation. Our sitters are pet lovers experienced in caring for animals, not just staying in your home because of a daily payment. It’s a win-win! What people say about us on Trustpilot. Godsend to people with pets ... I was looking for a solution for what to do with my cat when I was away and I came across this site and

TOGETHER: Owners and dogs enjoy beach time.

ANIMAL LOVERS: Affection. called them. I was very impressed - it was so easy and I got a lot of help and an immediate response. Would definitely recommend - this is a trustworthy company and a godsend to people with pets. Heather Szczepanski, Marbella, Spain. How we work. All new members register to join our online HouseSitMatch network. On registration we ID check every new member to ensure we know who you are, and in addition house-sitters and pet-sitters are police checked by us. We charge for membership to ensure that there is a commitment from both parties and that we can afford to manage our network online professionally. How you benefit as a home and pet owner. Our membership offers

you a secure network to help you find suitable sitters. We don’t reveal your contact details, or your address. You post an advert ahead of your travel dates, we publish the advert then house-sitters apply. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept your choice of applicant. If you join as a Premium member we can also help you at each stage of the process to get you started and to manage your account. How you do join? Please register online via our website www.Housesit match. com • Choose a membership plan • Standard (DIY option) = £49 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £79 pa.

Do you need a house- or pet-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a winwin for both parties, free house- and pet-sitting, plus the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house- or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com.

TAKING your dog for a trip with you up and down the Costa Blanca this summer? Why not take them to one of the many beaches that allow our best friends to stretch their legs and have a paddle in the Mediterranean with you. Wherever you go, always make sure you take water and a bowl with you and also ensure that you clean up after your dog at all times. Also, having their pet passport with them is important as you may be asked for them in

some locations, as are muzzles. Dog friendly beaches are found at: Alicante - Playa Aguamarga Villajoyosa - Playa El Xarco Gandia - Playa Can Santa Pola - Calas del Cuartel Denia - Playa de le Escollera Norte Elche - Playa El Pinet Campello - Playa de Punta del Riu and Playa Barranc d’aiges Altea - Playa Mar y Monatana Torrevieja - Punta Margalla and Cala del Moro

Little Pod

www.littlepodassociation.org

Little Pod Association THIS local charity based in La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa was set up in memory of Angela, aka ‘Little Pod’. She was named after two incredible ladies that took her into their hearts and gave her all the love she needed in her short life. Little Pod’s picture was first spotted by Angela and a lady from anLEGACY: Angela (Little Pod) touched the hearts of all who saw her. other rescue centre, Tina, on an e-mail that w a s s e n t b y a v o l u n t e e r. S h e w a s began to be unwell. Eventually, she a w a i t i n g c e r t a i n d e a t h i n J e r e z was diagnosed with the Parvo virus among a number of other dogs also a n d s a d l y c r o s s e d t h e R a i n b o w Bridge where her pain and suffering due to be put down in the worst conditions possible. But Angela and was no more. She was just three Tina decided to save her... but sadly months old... but her legacy lives on there are thousands of others that with the Little Pod Association. For more information about the aren’t so lucky. work of the Little Pod Association, However, Little Pod never made it to her planned new home. She was c a l l 6 6 0 8 3 2 3 6 0 o r l o g o n t o t h e initially weak but after showing signs website at www.littlepodassocia of improvement no doubt due to the t i o n . o r g . F a c e b o o k : w w w. f a c e a m o u n t o f l o v e s h o w n t o h e r, s h e book.com/littlepodassociation.

42

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

ARCHITECTS

ELECTRICIAN

INSURANCE

MEETING POINT

REMOVALS/STORAGE

A.A.

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND. Removals with the personal touch. Pets carried with care 965 696 750 / 0044 (0) 7447 918 589 e-mail chrisyounge73979@aol. com

FOR SALE

BATHROOMS BATHROOM & KITCHEN conversions. Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434 (260873)

BOILERS

8KW log burner for sale, virtually new plus 200€ worth of logs. Not wanted by new owners, 400€. Contact 602 510 977, Quesada area (280852)

INSURANCE BENEFICIAL 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@beneficialinsur anceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsurancein spain.com for online quote. (259397)

SEWING

INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or e-mail mark.w@euroweeklynews. com for more details.

MOTORING WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of firect car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 (200726).

MAN AND VAN UK Spain. 2 vans travelling twice a month, Murcia – North / South UK. Storage in Spain Tel 610 846 260 or 0044 751 918 6355 email van.man@hotmail. co.uk

PLUMBERS

LOCKSMITH PLUMBING MR. FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434. (257948)

BLINDS

MISCELLANEOUS

POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltech spain.com (259394)

WRITING SERVICES

REMOVALS/STORAGE

LOCKSMITHS

GRILLS

MOTORING

REMOVALS & STORAGE

QUALIFIED SEAMSTRESS 40 years’ experience, turn-ups to tailoring patterns taken from your favourite cloths, reasonable prices. Torrevieja, Sandra: 966 799 188 / 680 486 336

www.rtnnewspaper.com SITUATIONS VACANT FIELD SALES positions available. Must have own transport, English and Spanish preferred, but not essential, must have local knowledge of the area and be smart and presentable. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweekly news.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT

TELECOMS

27th July - 2nd August

PETS

HOUSE CLEARANCES

FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM teL: 902 889 070 (0)

POOLS

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

REMOVALS & STORAGE

43

44

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

WANTED DIESEL car LHD and motorhome right or LHD wanted. Cash waiting. Tel 650 722 905 (257354)

WANTED Quad Bike and Jet Ski. Call 650 722 905 (257355)

WIG SPECIALISTS WIGS-R-US. Indoor Market Rincon de Loix, Benidorm. Monday - Saturday 10 - 3. Hundreds of wigs in stock, private appointments after 3pm and home visits. 690 378 844 (257051)

CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

REMOVALS & STORAGE

XXX VARIOUS VIAGRA, cialis, kamagra all areas. Delivery available 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

XXX RELAX Please note that in Spain there is NO legislation banning adverts in this section. Neither regional nor national governments are able to pass such a law due to rules governing freedom of publication and printing.

SPANISH COURSES Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive.

XXX RELAX SPANISH lady – classic. Playa Flamenca, private house, 35 years, attractive. All erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie. From €40. Ana 657 603 495

Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers

Word Ladder WHIP CHIP CHIN COIN CORN TORN

Codebreaker

Kakuro

Quick

Sudoku

English-Spanish

www.rtnnewspaper.com • General Enquires:

951 386 161 Local call rates

• Deadlines: Adverts: copy changes, classifieds and editorial Copy: Tuesday 5pm for following Friday’s edition.

News & Views from the North & South Costa Blanca & Costa de Sol

Cryptic

Edita : RTN Publishing and Media SL Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 • North: A-134-2004 • Costa del Sol MA-630-2017

All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). RTN does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or nonappearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. The publisher does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed by readers in the ‘Mailbox’ section of this newspaper. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited.E:&O.E. All rights reserved/Todos los derechos reservados

• Enquiries: sales@rtnnewspaper.com • accounts@rtnnewspaper.com • Editorial: newsdesk@rtnnewspaper.com • International Enquiries: marketing@rtnnewspaper.com • Distribution: distribution@rtnnewspaper.com • Complaints: complaints@rtnnewspaper.com

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

45

sport

Stag and hen parties disrupt lives of Costa del Sol residents

8,672 people reached with 184 reactions

Patricia Creighton Well done Malaga. No problem with groups enjoying themselves but when they embarrass and disgrace themselves, their parents and the country of origin, enough is enough.

@RTNNewspaper Most liked posts from this week • CONGRATULATIONS! Sir Cliff Richard wins ‘substantial’ damages from BBC • Costa Blanca sex offender arrested on Costa del Sol • DIVE, DIVE DIVE! New submarine doesn’t fit into dock in Spain • Tourist boat in Spain totally ablaze and serious injuries reported

In Total 20,000 people reached 9,262 reactions

ONLINE rtnnewspaper.com Send us your comments on Facebook, Twitter and on our website. Or if you prefer you can email our editor directly: admin@rtnnewspaper.com

THE CD Torrevieja club’s management team, headed by Juanjo Fernandez and Joaquin Badimon, met up with 75 per cent of the squad that will make up the junior team for the forthcoming season. They were accompanied by the head coach, Moncho, assistant coach, Antonio and tactical skills coach, Pablo. During this first major meeting, the players got to find out first-hand what the short- and medium-term plans are for the club. These include the aim to train players to the standard at which they can form part of the first XI in the not-too-distant future. Both management and coaching staff have committed themselves to work tirelessly on a daily basis to bring the young players up to standard, with the basis of the training including information, communication, organisation and teamwork.

Photo credit: CD Torrevieja

Have your say...

CD Torrevieja youth team plans

COMMITMENT: The future of CD Torrevieja gather prior to the new season.

La Marina Golf Society FOR the second round of the Summer Cup Stableford Competition, a hot and humid day accompanied the small group of 17 golfers to El Plantio. The 18-hole course was made up of greens which proved to be tricky and more than a challenge for most of the players, and this was reflected in the number of only three ‘Nearest the Pin’ compared to the normal four; and so congratulations to Lesley Cullen, Roy Harris and Ge-

off Ettridge. The Silver Division was won by the returning Vic Smith, with 36 points, and the Gold Division was won by John Brastock, with 34 points. A big well done to all the winners, and it was a particular pleasure to see the Society’s newest lady member, Lesley Cullen, being presented with the ‘two’s pot.’ Thanks also go to Helena and Paolo for the excellent food after the day’s golf.

Triple-tie at El Plantio 2 FOR the recent El Plantio 2 Club Day, a ‘Joker’ competition was chosen for a change. All those playing were allowed to pick two different holes as their ‘joker’ on the first and second nine holes, and scored double their Stableford return on the holes selected. For the first time ever, there was a tripletie with the places decided on count-back over the final nine holes. Nearest The Pin - Henry Mellor (Hole 1) and Rod Lovday (6). Third place - Lawrence Wanty - Handicap 8 - 42 points (19 C/B) Second place - John Burke - Handicap 7 - 42 points (22 C/B) First place - Ray Housley - Handicap 8 - 42 points. If anyone would like to join the society, they play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. By using both courses - the nine-hole and the main 18-hole course - all abilities are catered for. For more information, please contact Ian Henderson on 966 716 616 or 636 116 230.

The next game is at El Plantio next Thursday at a cost of €35 (including

use of a buggy). The list is on the notice board at the sports complex

or you can contact the secretary Alan Craig on e-mail: a100ac@yahoo.co.uk.

46

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

motoring

Goodwood... the place for world premieres Photo credit: Maserati press room

ALONGSIDE the world premiere of the V8 Levante GTS and the European debut of the Levante Trofeo, Maserati also revealed at Goodwood

Festival of Speed the MY19 ranges of its Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte models, featuring an array of subtle upgrades and additional content. Both Maserati sedans, as well as the Levante SUV, have adopted a redesigned gearshift-lever featuring a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver now has the option to use it in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new ‘P’ button effortlessly sets the transmission in parking mode. With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes’ cluster on the center console of all three models is even more user-friendly. Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte share the

UNVEILED: Two of the new Maserati ranges on display.

same MTC+ infotainment system, which is based on a high resolution 8.4” multi-touch screen and a double rotary knob on the centre console. The human-machine interface has been further improved for each Maserati model boasts a dedicated colour range, which is continuously refreshed. For MY19 there is a choice of 10 body colours for the Quattroporte and 11 for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Two new tri-coat colours are now available, born to enhance the design of each: the iconic Rosso Potente and the deep, dark Blu Nobile. The Maserati Design Centre has also created a specific grille and side skirts exclusively for the Quattroporte GTS GranSport version. The major breakthrough in the MY19 Levante range is the launch of the new 550hp GTS, which alongside the previously introduced 590hp Trofeo brings the Maserati of SUVs to the very top of its class in terms of performance, driving dynamics and exclusivity. Alongside the V8 campaign, the entire Levante range has inherited new contents for MY19, which underline its ‘Gran Turismo’ character.

Audi TT gets an anniversary facelift IT has been around for the past 20 years, and so the anniversary has encouraged Audi to give the TT Coupe and Convertible - a little facelift to celebrate its continuing popularity. There are suggestions that the changes have made the current model appear slightly dated ... but not significantly in a way that alters the fundamental style. The Audi TT comes with a trendy three-dimensional single frame frill with new air inlets at the front, Matrix LED headlamps and OLED rear lights as an extra option, new alloy designs, new colours and ... the additional iconic four-ring badges. The entry level TT also has its fair share of extras too, with automatic lights and windscreen wipers, Audi Drive Select and Audi’s virtual cockpit. The engine choice is now a single

2.0-litre petrol in two power settings the 40 TFSI with 194bhp and the 45 TFSI with 245bhp - with the TTS coming with a more fulsome 302bhp. The 40 TFSI gets either a sixspeed manual or seven-speed S Tronic to send drive to the front wheels, and the 45 TFSI only comes with the S tronic ‘box. The TTS gets quattro 4WD and the S tronic ‘box. Taking its inspiration from the original 1995 concept, complete with arrow grey paint, a worldwide limited edition of just 999 are being produced to commemorate the 20th anniversary, complete with gloss grey alloys, stainless steel exhaust pipes and a special badge. CHANGES: Audi TT in celebratory mood.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

27th July - 2nd August

motoring

F

IAT has announced two new Chrome Appearance Groups for its 2018 Fiat 500L and 500X models. Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands - Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America, said: “The Fiat 500X offers all-wheel-drive confidence, five-passenger seating and bestin-class standard torque. The Fiat 500L is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine and features a spacious, flexible interior with a nearly 360-degree view. “Our new Chrome Appearance Groups give each of these Italiandesigned, fun-to-drive vehicles a sleek, refined, custom look.” Both the Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group and Fiat 500X Satin Appearance Groups are available in Fiat showrooms now. Based on the Fiat 500L Pop model, the 2018 Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group adds premium exterior features, including frontfascia chrome accents, rear-reflector chrome bezels, body-side molding chrome accents, fog lamps and 17-inch aluminium wheels with black pockets. The 2018 Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group may be ordered on any one of seven exte-

Colour choice for new Fiat models

CUSTOM LOOK: The 2018 Fiat 500L is ‘fun-to-drive.’

rior colours: Grigio Chiaro (graphite metallic), Nero (black), Bianco (white), Rosso (red), Grigio Scuro (grey metallic), Blue

Tornado and Blue Denim. Available on the Fiat 500X Pop model in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the Satin Chrome Appearance Group further expands customization options for consumers. The group adds satin chrome accents on exterior mirrors, door handles, body-side moulding, fog lamp bezels, front fascia, front and rear badges, tail lamp bezels and satin silver roof rails. It also includes fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamps and 17-inch aluminium wheels (front-wheel drive only).

47

Steel curbs worry car builders THE European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) strongly regrets the introduction of provisional measures to curb steel imports into the EU, approved by the European Commission. In March, the Commission initiated a safeguard investigation in response to US restrictions on steel and aluminium. The provisional outcome of this procedure, announced today, is the introduction of ‘tariff-rate quotas.’ Essentially, these are quotas calculated based on the average imports of different types of steel over the past three years. A 25 per cent tariff will be applied to all imports that go beyond these quotas. “Car makers’ source 94 per cent of automotive steel in Europe, so the EU steel industry is a vital partner for us,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. “However, these measures will be damaging to our competitiveness, as they will lead to steel price increases in the EU market where prices are already very high.” ACEA also regrets the commission has not taken into account that demand for steel is increasing across many sectors, including automotive. Furthermore, the EU steel industry’s capacity utilisation for automotive grades of steel is already very high. Auto manufacturers are consequently suffering from long lead times due to this lack of capacity. The provisional measures will last for 200 days, by when the commission must take a decision on definitive measures.