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FREE! COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Issue 983 7th - 13th September

For daily news online www.rtnnewspaper.com

Costa claim scam Turn to page 2 CULTURE: Tougher sentences behind reduction of ‘food poisoning’ claims

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7th - 13th September

Sister’s death mystery by Darren Parmenter

Photo credit: Contando Estrelas Wikipedia

NATIONAL POLICE are investigating the death of a 40-year-old woman whose body was found in a building in the centre of Alicante. According to reports, it’s believed that the body could have been there for 24 hours before being discovered by a shocked brother after becoming concerned that he hadn’t seen or heard from her for a day. The grim discovery was made on Tuesday afternoon on the second floor of the building where another of the victim’s brother had his business. His sister was a cleaner there, but also apparently carried out work as a beautician. Initial examinations carried out by the emergency services that were called to the scene suggest that the woman, whose half-naked body was lying on the carpet, could have been strangled owing to some contusions on her neck.

DISCOVERY: Brother finds ‘missing’ sister in other brother’s workplace.

However, the body has since been examined by a forensic specialist and the results of the autopsy will be made public in due course. It is understood that the door to the

from Front page

Costa claim scam ‘at an end’ IT seemed to be a regular news item only a year or so ago to see tourists returning home from their holidays on the Costa Blanca and initiating legal action against their hotel for alleged food poisoning. It has come as both no surprise and a delight to many hoteliers in the area, especially Benidorm, that changes in British law and tough sentences handed out to the scammers have drastically reduced the number of claims that are pursued down to just 5 per cent. The culture of making false claims solely with the aim of getting generous amounts of compensation that not only covered the cost of their family holiday (but many more in the future too) reached a peak back in

2016. Close to 2,000 claims were made in only a few months, many encouraged by alleged rogue and disreputable legal ‘experts’ who were the only ones who won at the end of the day with their fees. After the amount in compensation payments faced by hotel owners in Benidorm alone approached €6 million (€60 million across Spain), they decided to fight back with a major public campaign to highlight the increasingly common behaviour. According to reports, the local hotel organisation HOSBEC says that around 95 per cent of people who originally made a claim against a hotel in Benidorm all of a sudden decided not to take matters further.

room where she was found hadn’t been forced, and one theory being put forward is the victim was with someone she knew before her death.

Police going Dutch OFFICERS from the National Police have arrested a man on the run from Holland. The 49-year-old Dutch fugitive is understood to have fled to Spain to avoid a five-year prison sentence handed down in his home country for drug trafficking of 113 kilos of amphetamines, fraud, and forgery. The runaway was found after the Dutch authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant as it was believed the man could be hiding in Javea, and is where the operation to locate him was focused.

No lights, please! ONDARA Council has asked the Alicante Provincial Council for a grant of €48,000 towards a new roundabout in the municipality which will remove the need for the existing traffic lights. The money will be used at the junction where five roads currently converge at the Avenida de la Marina Alta in front of the Sanchis Guarner School, and where there are constant problems with traffic hold ups, especially during the morning ‘rush hour.’

One person’s waste... THANKS to the growth of household oil and clothing being recycled within the municipality, San Vicente del Raspeig Council has been able to spend six cents per kilo raised on a number of local charity projects. Between them, the Association of Children and Youth with Disabilities of Alicante (ANDA) and the Acquired Brain Injury Association (ADACEA) have benifited from the €2,434 raised from the council being able to recycle 3,795 kilos of clothes and 6,221 kilos of oil.

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7th - 13th September

Moving ‘mojiteros’ foiled

Playground disappears

by Darren Parmenter

Photo credit: Cuarto.com YouTube

ENIDORM has almost seen the end of the ‘mojiteros.’ Named after the popular Mojito cocktail that is often part of the drinks on offer, the men who bring cool refreshments to beachgoers have instead moved along the coast. Following increased vigilance on the beaches by Local Police, combined with the first ever sentences being handed down to some of the illegal vendors, the service has now relocated to Finestrat, Villajoyosa, Altea and Alfaz del Pi to continue their trade. However, their move wasn’t as successful as was hoped as, thanks to increased surveillance, only a dozen or so sellers armed with their trays of colourful concoctions were spotted during August. According to reports, once

LOCAL people attempting to use the playground in front of the Plaza del Archivo on Calle Ramon y Cajal in Denia got a surprise this week: the park has disappeared. However, there’s nothing to panic about as it’s a result of a series of repairs being carried out on the Casa de la Marquesa Valero de Palma on Valle Cavallers. Clearing away the equipment from the playground was the only way the heavy machinery needed was able to access the site.

Old town vehicle ban NEW by-laws introduced by the Villajoyosa Council will now prohibit vehicles parking on the public roads in the historic centre for long periods. Access will now be regulated and failure to observe the restrictions could result in fines ranging from €100 to €500. As soon as the new by-laws are formally passed, drivers will only be allowed to access the old town for a maximum of 30 minutes. There will be some exceptions, such as essential loading and unloading for nearby businesses.

COCKTAILS: Fines and police presence has reduced illegal selling.

the Local Police were spotted specially looking out for them, they were never seen again. This, as well as beaches in their new patches having more bars on the sand, means there are fewer opportunities for them to do business. In addition, particularly in Cala de Finestrat, there are fines of between €100 and

€750 for such infringements of the local by-laws. One of the reasons for trying to put an end to this illegal trading was the alleged dubious origin of some of the cocktails their contents and where they were being prepared - that would be contravening health and safety regulations.

Official painting day THE banks of the River Alberca in Ondara are about to come back to life again. The council has agreed to support a new selection of the murals that were first painted in 2016 when a special event was organised for the youth of the municipality. The next event will take place on Sunday, October 7 from 9am and is aimed at people between 12 and 35-years-old who will paint the 120m2 of the banks from the Prado Bridge out to the sea. The area will be initially painted white.

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7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Juan de la Playa YouTube

HIGH WATERS: 2017 ‘Gota Fria’ in San Juan, Alicante took its toll.

No plan in place by Darren Parmenter

H E h e a v y, p r o l o n g e d r a i n and hail storms that hit around the end of the summer, known as ‘Gota Fria,’ are almost upon us. But according to reports, only five of the 36 municipalities in the Alicante Province regarded as vulnerable are fully prepared for such conditions and actually have a Municipal Action Plan (PAM) in readiness. This is despite a protocol that all areas which could be a ff e c t e d b y t h e a d v e r s e w e a t h e r should have a workable plan. In the Alicante Province, only one municipality at risk of suffering from

temporary flooding has approved its PAM in the last two years. And back in August 2016, four others complied taking the total to five - Ondara, Orihuela, Villajoyosa, Alfaz del Pi and Verger. “Those municipalities with medium and high risk of flooding must prepare their PAM,” insisted a spokesperson for the Emergency Coordination Centre, that has just begun its annual flood prevention campaign. It reminds those councils - 31 in total - that time is running out for those that don’t have an approved PAM. In the Valencian Community, only 25 out of 136 local councils have a PAM, which equates to 82 per cent not having any whatsoever.

Mayor stops parking charges CARLOS LINARES, the mayor of Teulada-Moraira, has started the formal process to cancel the contract with the company that regulates parking on the public roads in the municipality. The motion was agreed at the plenary council meeting on August 30, and affects the future use of the ticket machines. Mayor Linares promised during a meeting with a number of citizens of Teulada-Moraira some months ago that parking would become free of charge. With four months to go until the contract with Estacionamientos y Servicios SA comes to an end, the plan is to not only cancel the agreement but to end the current charging regime as soon as possible. In the future, parking will be free of charge, but regulated. The council is looking at a number of options as to what kind of regulations can be adopted, and will discuss them with local people to get their opinions.

Does your Spanish investment bond have you tied up in knots??

By Sam Kelly, Managing Partner, Chorus Financial. here in Spain, it will also be fully tax compliant, meaning it is effectively taxed at source, and under most circumstances you won’t have to declare the bond itself on the M odelo 720, or indeed your annual gains or income. Within a bond y ou can hold a fully diversified portfolio, and if that portfolio is advised through Chorus y ou will also benefit from our pr omise that we only use FCA r egulated funds, that guarant ee no hidden fees or commissions. So, with all these advantages , where can a bond fail t o provide what y ou’d expect as an investor?

I’m a big believer in investment bonds, and many of my clients here in Spain hold them, in particular Spanish c ompliant investment bonds cr eated by companies including The Prudential, SEB and Old Mutual. Investment bonds offer great tax efficiency – as an example, a net return of 7% per annum would actually double y our investment over 10 y ears thanks to the g ross roll-up (compound growth) these bonds allow you to benefit from. (As always, returns aren’t guaranteed, and the figures given are for illustration purposes only). Alongside that, if y our bond is appropriately advised and designed for you as a r esident

Firstly, the annual char ges. Did you know that y ou could be paying more for exactly the same bond depending on which firm you sign up through? I’ve seen people commit to annual char ges of

over 1% a year for as long as 10 years on a bond . That’s an unnecessarily high charge, and if you’d taken that exac t same plan through Chorus, you would be paying far less. Secondly, and pr obably worst of all, there are certain bonds offered here in Spain which not only commit clients t o incredibly high char ges for a very long period of time , but also have exclusive agreements in place with par ticular financial advisories. This means if you become dissatisfied with your financial advisor you could be effectively forced to stay with them or fac e heavy exit penalties. This really isn’t how the market should operate and would be illegal in the UK. Chorus only use in vestment bonds that are openly available to all licensed advisors (such as the 3 I mentioned pr eviously), so this means that if w e fail t o provide the ser vice we’ve

promised you, you can simply cancel our ongoing f ee and appoint another advisor. For us this is the only fair wa y for the relationship between an advisor and their client t o operate. The final element comes down to the in vestment funds y our advisor uses within y our bond. As I’ve been sa ying for many years here in Spain, the use of commission paying funds is prolific, and can mean y our portfolio is loaded with lo w quality investments and high hidden fees that y ou may be unaware of f or many, many years. A well put t ogether Spanish investment bond can offer so many advantages and can be a fantastic long-term investment solution, but sadly man y advisors here in Spain fail to put them together with their client’s needs at the forefront of the advice. Your long-term financial security is simply too important to risk not ask ing enough questions or sig ning paperwork until y ou’re 100% sure you’re getting the best possible deal and the best possible investment advice. Never be afraid to get a second opinion, whether it ’s on a new application or an existing plan. If you’d like to discuss anything in this ar ticle, please call me direct on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es. All initial advice is free and without pressure or obligation.

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7th - 13th September

A soar in sickness FOOD poisoning cases in the Alicante region have risen by 200 per cent in three years. Last year there were 312 cases and 30 outbreaks, compared to 96 and 30 respectively in 2014, across the province. Experts claim the main causes are poor hygiene in the kitchens of homes and limited knowledge of some consumers when it comes to cooking certain dishes. So far, more than 250 different food poisoning agents have been described. Most are infections caused by bacteria, viruses and food parasites, while others are poisonings produced by toxins or chemical compounds. Eggs, fish, seafood, vegetables and chicken are the most frequently implicated foods. However, in 20 per cent of the cases it is not possible to find out the causative food. According to data from the Organisation of Consumers and Users OCU, more than 50 per cent of poisonings have their origin in food prepared at home. The consumption of undercooked meats and fish increases the prevalence. Summer months are a particularly critical time because high temperatures favour the development of microorganisms. The Alicante Ministry of Health con-

On the line BENIDORM’S local fiestas association has collected more than €4,000 thanks to its ‘line of coins’ along the famous walking street in the Old Town. The €1 and €2 coins stretched for 90 metres from the beginning of the street and almost to the Parque del Elche (Dove Park), and the money raised helps to pay for the annual fiestas in November. The event began at 11am on Sunday morning and the coins soon began to build up affixed to the sticky tape placed in the centre of the street. The tradition dates back to 1990 when it was 100 peseta coins and, in 2001, the one million peseta mark was broken. In 2003, the existing record of €6,000 was set.

Councillors get cross ON THE RISE: Analytical results from the laboratories of hospitals in Valencia help give true picture of food poisoning cases firmed that while food toxicities experience annual fluctuations, the upturn observed in recent years can also be attributed to the introduction in 2015 of Red MIVA (an information system that collects daily the analytical results from all the laboratories of the hospitals of the Valencian community). This has allowed the identification and notification of small outbreaks that previously went unnoticed.

The most common infections are salmonella, botulism, listeriosis or E-coli bacteria. Most can cause gastrointestinal disorders, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by fever and in certain cases can trigger serious illness. The effects depend to a large extent on the type of toxin and how it was absorbed, as well as the sensitivity of the victim.

Cars coming to Denia THE countdown has started for an event that has already become a benchmark for the motoring sector in the Valencian Community. Expo Motor Denia 2018 - to be held over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday October 6 and 7 - is expected to far exceed previous records for both participants and visitors. Hundreds of stands will cover the Glorieta del País Valencia, extending along Calle Marques de Campo down to the port. The popularity and importance of the event is demonstrated by some of the big names in the in-

dustry that have already shown interest and will be attending. Among others, Peugeot, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Smart, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Opel, Citroën, Seat, Volkswagen, Skoda, Renault, Honda, Dacia, Fiat, Abarth, Mazda, Jeep, Ligier, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Aixam, Minauto, and Hyundai will all be on display. In addition, there will be a number of companies promoting the latest technology connected with the motor industry such as internet and WiFi and how those are being adapted to modern vehicles.

OPPOSITION councillors from the Partido Popular (PP) in San Vicente del Raspeig have demanded that the pedestrian crossings in the municipality are repainted as a matter of urgency. They believe that the poor state of many of them some hardly visible to drivers and pedestrians alike – poses a significantly higher risk of accidents, especially in the town centre. Other areas of concern are close to the Huerto de los Leones Library and along Calles Benlliure, Blasco Ibáñez, San Isidro, and Pelayo.

No hiding place A MAN sentenced to more than five years in prison in Romania has been detained by National Police in Benidorm as a result of a European Arrest Warrant. According to reports, the man had fled to Spain to avoid the sentence that had been handed down by Romanian authorities after crimes committed between 2009 and 2010. He was found in possession of a fake employment certificate and had also fraudulently obtained loans.

Roman sea history PIECE by piece, Denia Council is slowly recovering parts of a Roman ship which sank off the Playa de la Almadrava in the first century. The latest piece - a metal part of an anchor - has been donated by a local octopus fisherman after finding it more than 40 years ago during a diving expedition, and is believed to have come from a boat that was carrying wine at the time. The same fisherman, Angelino Mut Femenia from El Verger, also took part in the discovery of a warship that sunk in the area during the 18th century.

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7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Public Domain Images

Dog abandoned on roof terrace by Darren Parmenter LOCAL POLICE officers based in Elche are urgently looking for the owner of a dog that was tied up and left to die on a roof terrace. The dog was discovered on the roof of a building in Calle Gines Garcia Esquitino tethered to a chain in early August and during the hottest time of the year, but the news of the incident has only just been released. Since then, the Local Police have been attempting to trace the owner without any success. According to reports, people living in the building claimed not to know who lived in the apartment where the dog was found, or were aware of anyone else who may have been responsible for this unbelievable act of cruelty. The dog’s body was taken to the local animal protectorate and examined by a vet to confirm the cause of death. Unfortunately, cases of animal abuse are relatively frequent and it’s a continual problem for the perpetrators to be caught and punished accordingly for their crimes, which would certainly serve as a warning to others in the future. The RTN has taken the decision not to publish the photographs taken when the animal was discovered as they are deemed to be too distressing.

ACKNOWLEDGED: Unemployed can become formally qualified as a chambermaid.

Hotel cleaner courses by Glenn Scott ENIDORM Council has announced that it will be holding the first ever course in hotel cleaning aimed at the unemployed in the municipality. The free training will result in a formal certificate to act as a chambermaid and has been set up to improve the quality of the

work carried out by the group of workers known as ‘Kellys,’ who have recently demonstrated across the region about their alleged poor treatment and conditions. The courses, due to commence in October and carry on until April next year, will cover basic cleaning duties, hygiene, washing, ironing and mending clothes, as well as how to work in the communal areas of the hotels while observing

health and safety regulations which cover both them and the guests. The implementation of this course goes one step further to recognising by way of a formal qualification the value of cleaning staff and chambermaids in the hotel sector. This follows on from a collaboration with the Univeristy of Alicante two years ago that created an official title to certify hotel managers; now, people with years of experience in the cleaning

industry can finally be fully acknowledged. According to reports, around two dozen places for unemployed people in Benidorm will be available on this first training course, and will be subject to passing a selection test. In addition to this scheme, a similar one is being organised for people to join the catering sector and learn how to become a waiter or kitchen worker.

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7th - 13th September

Tax affairs warning

Flood plans launched Photo credit: British Embassy Madrid

HMRC delivered two talks in the Alicante Province this week. During their talks they reminded British Nationals, who live in Spain but have assets in the UK, or who are UK tax residents, that they should make sure they have declared all their overseas taxable income to HMRC. Those who don’t could face tougher penalties in the future. The two events, held in Rojales and Teulada-Moraira, were well attended by UK citizens keen to know the latest legislation which may affect them. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions. The representatives from HMRC gave an overview of what kind of assets may need to be declared, such as income from renting a property out in the UK or UK government pensions received abroad, and explained how to start the declaration process. During the question and answer session at the end, HMRC also took the time to listen to UK nationals’ concerns around filling in tax returns whilst overseas and clarifying points around the Spain/UK double taxation agreement, which they committed to feeding back in the UK. British Consul, Sarah-Jane

INFORMATIVE: British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris (seated far right) urges people to check their tax affairs are in order. Morris, who attended both events said: “I’m really pleased that HMRC has come to this area, where so many British Nationals live. The talks were very informative and I hope those who attended will help spread the word that it is important to ensure your tax affairs are in order. More information can be found on the gov.uk website which I urge British nationals resident in Spain to check.”

As part of the British government’s ‘Requirement to Correct’ legislation, UK taxpayers must make sure that all their foreign income and assets, where there might be tax to pay, have been declared to HMRC before September 30, 2018. From October 1, 2018, new, substantially higher penalties will apply for those who have failed to pay all the tax due on foreign income and assets. The vast ma-

jority of people and businesses pay the right amount of tax. The new legislation is aimed at those who fail to pay tax on their offshore income or assets. For more information log on to www.gov.uk/guidance/require ment-to-correct-tax-due-on-off shore-assets or to start the process of declaring overseas assets visit www.gov.uk/guida nce/worldwide-disclosure-facilitymake-a-disclosure.

WITH only a few weeks remaining until the traditional start of the ‘rainy season’ in the Marina Alta region, Denia Council have put their Flood Prevention Plan into operation. Work began on Monday to clean up the drains runaways in the municipality and will continue until well into October. The team will be working between 7am and 2pm across the area, with the first tasks carried out close to the local schools.

Benidorm van victim

A MAN has been injured after being run over by a van in Benidorm. According to reports, the victim suffered a serious brain injury in the incident and after being stabilise at the scene was transferred to the Marina Baixa Hospital in Villajoyosa. The identify and age of the injured man is still unknown as he had no documentation with him at the time of the accident.

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7th - 13th September

Beach ban CCESS to La Barraca Bay and Portitxol Playas in Javea will be closed to cars next summer to safeguard bathers. The tourism department claims the roads leading to the beaches have become increasingly clogged with traffic, much of it parked illegally, and ambulance access was proving increasingly difficult. There is also a risk to pedestrians, as they are forced off the pavement by thoughtless parking. Announcing the move, the mayor and head of tourism said that ensuring the safety of mem-

Cars won’t be able to access two beaches in Javea in a bid to protect the public

bers of the public was the priority. The decision follows a similar move at La Granadella for the past two summers. In this instance free public transport has been laid on

and the move has been well received by most users of the beach. But those determined to take their car have apparently moved along to the sands of La Barraca.

Scouting for volunteers SU SHAW has been looking to start a Scout Group with British Scouting Overseas, and a few weeks ago - a s r e p o r t e d i n t h e RT N - b e g a n looking for volunteers and helpers in all areas of the Costa Blanca. She received a number of very welcome responses and is now in a posit i o n t o s t a r t t h e p r o j e c t o ff a n d b e more specific about locations of the groups. She’s still seeking adult volunteers in the Jalon Valley and Alicante areas, and so if you have some spare time to support young people where you are, Su would love to hear from you. The ages of the youngsters are six

to eight years old (Beavers); eight to 10 years old (Cubs); 10 to 14 years old (Scouts) and 14 to 18 years old (Explorers). In addition, Su is looking for a chairp e r s o n , s e c r e t a r y, t r e a s u r e r a n d fundraiser in each of these areas, and even if you feel you can’t commit on a regular basis it’s not a problem as you could be a support volunteer. Full training and support will be given and Su is also looking for some venues to operate the groups from. You can find out more by visiting the website at www.britishscoutingover seas.org.uk or by contacting Su Shaw direct on 622 933 044.

‘Home alone’ dad arrested A FATHER has been arrested in Valencia after leaving his two children ‘home alone’ so he could go to the beach. The incident might normally have gone unnoticed if it wasn’t for one of the children - aged 11 and 12 - climbing through a window and putting themselves at risk for a few minutes. The detained man - a 44-year-old Russian - had decided to go to the local beach close to where he and his children live in Benimamet around 6pm, and shortly afterwards a neighbour called the Local Police when they spotted a child with his legs hanging out of a window. As soon as the police arrived at the scene and saw the potential dangers, the officers decided break into the apartment and bring the child to safety.

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7th - 13th September

British drugs on site

Benissa’s new look ALICANTE’S Provincial Government has awarded the municipality of Benissa a grant of just under €400,000 towards making improvements to, and the overall image of, the Fustera beach area. The injection of cash will enable the council to work on around 20 streets on urbanisations that have waited a number of years for maintenance to be carried out on roads that have deteriorated over time.

EXCLUSIVE

Photo credit: John Paul Jones

SEVEN separate locations used for allegedly storing and distributing drugs, believed to be caravans, have been uncovered on a campsite just outside La Nucia. The discovery was made by the Guardia Civil and the Spanish Tax Agency (Hacienda), and six people - mostly British were arrested as a result. During the operation, 78 grams of cocaine were found alongside 194 grams of hashish, 4 kilos of marihuana. 10 syringes of marihuana oil and 297 marihuana plants kept indoors. In addition, £10,470 and €14,775 in cash was seized as well as six high-end vehicles.

J P’s ambition... Because It’s Christmas by Darren Parmenter

OHN-PAUL Jones, a popular entertainer in Benidorm and now increasingly more recognised for regularly popping up on stage in the TV series that bears the tourist capital’s name, is always planning the next stage in his career. However, if it wasn’t for recent frustrations at being rejected, not for the first time, at the preliminary stages of the new series of ‘The X-Factor’ this new project that was born almost overnight would never have taken shape. It may well be less than four months away, but now is the time to think of Christmas. And John-Paul - universally known a JP - wants to make this one a Christmas to remember and to achieve an ambition that has only been achieved by around 60 people in the world... the 2018 UK Christmas Nº1.

CHART TOPPER: The next UK Christmas Nº1?

But his plans don’t stop there. Why not make it a double success and aim to represent the UK in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest? “I auditioned for the X-Factor back in 2005 and 2006, and both times I was rejected after the very first audition,” said JP. “I then entered for Britain’s Got Talent and once again didn’t

even make it past the first hurdle, and so when I heard that the X-Factor team were going to be in Benidorm for this year’s series, I thought I’d give it a go and make it third-time lucky.” Despite appearing to be very happy with what they heard, JP endured a frustrating wait... and then be told that he hadn’t been selected for

the next stage. In a classic case of ‘if you can’t see light at the end of the tunnel, go and turn it on yourself,’ JP put a post on Facebook and Twitter asking if there were any songwriters / producers who would be up for a Eurovision collaboration. He only received one response, but then out of nowhere JP got the inspiration to write his own... and he didn’t stop, and this led to the brainwave of wanting to write a great Christmas song and get it to the coveted UK Nº1 spot. “I started working on the music side of the song as well as the lyrics and began to record the vocals from my own home in Spain,” explained JP. “Both myself and the guy I’m working on this project with in the UK, Shaun Ginks, seriously think we have a hit on our hands and can’t wait to finish the project.” Follow John-Paul on Facebook and Twitter: JP Benidorm, and Instagram: j.p_benidorm where you can hear a preview of the song.

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7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Flickr

OPPORTUNITIES: Novemberâ€™s Alicante forum to welcome more than 1,200 people.

AI in Alicante by Darren Parmenter

XPERTS from companies such as Apple, Amazon, Vodafone, IBM and representatives from the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the United Nations (UN) will be gathering together in Alicante in November. They, as well as others from universities together

with businesspeople and entrepreneurs, will take part in the International Congress of Artificial Intelligence at ADDA Auditorium. It is anticipated that more than 1,200 will attend to share knowledge, expertise, projects, business opportunities and the latest trends in AI. The Alicante Provincial Council will shortly be releasing details of the full

programme and those who will be addressing the event on November 23. Alicante is regarded as being very much part of the international network of the modern digital economy, and this event being staged in the city will aim to attract more companies and new talent to the area that can only generate employment and benefit the local economy in the future.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Please, DO try this at home THE Chinese geezer on YouTube warned ‘this could get messy’ before launching into a demonstration of exercises aimed at clearing blocked nasal passages. Austin Goh wasn’t kidding. By the end of the video I’d soaked half-a-dozen paper towels and felt quite light-headed from all the sniffing and blowing required for a complete clear-out of my troublesome snout. I’d turned to YouTube in absolute desperation about a month ago because sinusitis - a condition that’s dogged me for decades - reached such critical levels after a bout of flu that I was unable to get a decent night’s sleep, and I simply could not function effectively during

waking hours. Over-the-counter sprays were proving useless - and were actually making the problem worse. These decongestants shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages and when they wear off, the vessels swell up again. So desperate had I become that I thought that nothing short of a Roto-Rooter or small quantities of dynamite up each nostril would work. But, to my astonishment, Austin Goh’s exercises actually proved effective, and I found I was able to taste and smell better than I had done in months. Then I found a video posted by an American GP, Doc Guinand, who recommends clearing nasal passages with salt water. This proved to work better than any of the pharmacybought decongestants cluttering my medicine chest, and I ditched the lot, except for one plastic bottle that I emptied and replaced with a strong salt-water solution. Finally, I fired the last salvo in my war against sinusitis, and the throbbing headaches that ac-

Credit: Austin Goh/YouTube

by Barry Duke

CLEARING OUT: Exercises aimed at helping sinusitis. companied it, by following another YouTuber’s advice to use an organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar concoction. This is made up of vinegar, honey and cayenne pepper (a half-cup of water, mixed with a quarter cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper). I take a table-

spoon three times a day. Until I began researching sinusitis cures I knew absolutely nothing about apple cider vinegar other than it makes for great salad dressings. But I now know that it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and is widely recognised as an effec-

tive cure for a variety of conditions. For example, it has traditionally been used for treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections - and studies also show that apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels and help fight diabetes. These factors should also lead to reduced risk of heart disease. It has also proved very effective in combating acid reflux, and can help one lose weight and reduce belly fat. The website Healthline points out that it’s by no means ‘miraculous’ as some seem to believe, but it clearly does have some important health benefits. Lest you be wondering whether my positive experience with Chinese nose exercises and vinegar has tipped me into a world of woo filled with cranks who regard all modern medicine as a curse, think again. I remain firmly of the opinion that anti-vaxxers, and those who claim to be able to cure ‘diseases’ such as left-handedness and homosexuality are dangerous imbeciles.

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7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Alaska Air Wikimedia

NOT FLYING HIGH: Numbers down at Alicante-Elche Airport.

Downward trend A

SLIGHT dip in passenger figures for the last weekend of August, compared to last year, has been recorded. From Friday to Monday, 224,533 used the Alicante-Elche Airport, a decrease of 0.7 per cent (around 2,000 passengers) demonstrating a slowing down of air traffic for the area. One of the reasons is

believed to be due to the recovery of the Mediterraneanâ€™s competitors such as Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, as well as special offers coming out of the Balearic Islands. The data for the accepted end of the high summer tourist season confirm the downward trend across the tourism sector after a spectacular five years of growth. Alicante-Elche Airport

closed 2017 with 13.7 million passengers and a year-on-year increase of 11 per cent... figures that will be almost impossible to achieve in the remaining months of this year. For July, the airport registered a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2017, but still managed to reach 1.6 million and kept its spot as NÂş5 in Spain in terms of passenger traffic.

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7th - 13th September

Toll free scheme requested

No fine day A YOUNG man living in San Vicente del Raspeig has been fined for using his electric skateboard on the pavement... but he refuses to pay it. He has decided to appeal the €20 sanction as his way of highlighting the importance of these vehicles to the local authorities. He only began using the motorised board after selling his motorbike a couple of months ago. There is no requirement for any insurance on these skateboards which Alicante and Benidorm have already begun to clampdown on.

by Darren Parmenter THE Valencian Community has made a formal request to the Madrid government to consider a number of exemptions for regular users of the AP-7 motorway in Marina Alta and Safor. They are asking for those vehicles that make a return trip in a space of 24 hours to be free from paying a toll. At the same time, reductions for lorries are being sought to take them away from the N-332 and prevent the inevitable traffic build ups, particularly as they pass through the Albir and Altea bottlenecks...

Lucky head-on escape

A HEAD-ON collision on the N-332 between Benidorm and Altea which completely cut off the road in both directions for 30 minutes has left one man seriously injured. Taking into account the force of the impact his car had with a lorry, the 64-year-old driver was lucky to be released from the vehicle by firefighters alive. The man was taken to the Marina Baixa Hospital in Villajoyosa; the lorry driver was unhurt. PROPOSALS: Toll free driving for day return drivers.

notorious for delays at all times of the year, but especially in the summer months. Madrid has been re-

minded that the Marina Alta lacks both a major rail link and any other toll-free motorway, and so for many who refuse to pay

tolls they resort to the N332 with the inevitable consequences on one of the busiest roads in Spain. The aim is get a similar system of ticketing and exemptions from tolls that are planned for the AP-7 in Cataluña to be adopted in some regions of the Valencian Community. The suggestion is that returning vehicles in a 24hour period would see them paying no tolls between exit 60 (Gandia, Xeresa and Xeraco) and exit 65 (Benidorm Levante).

Police drinking crackdown OVER last weekend, Local Police operating in Alicante began their crackdown against the amount of alcohol being consumed in public, both in the popular market places and on the municipality’s beaches. The operation was launched during the early hours of Friday morning and continued throughout Saturday and Sunday when a total of 137 incidents were recorded. In addition, there were six people caught using drugs.

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7th - 13th September

Turning the clock back CREDIT: Shutterstock (main), Wikimedia Commons (inset)

PROPOSALS to alter the clocks in Spain and the continent are being put forward by the country’s Foreign Minister and the European Union. The government’s top diplomat Josep Borrell, said last week Spain’s time could leap back one hour to be more in line with its geographic location. The country was moved into the Greenwich Mean Time plus one (GMT+1) zone in 1940 by former dictator Francisco Franco. Borrell said: “Perhaps Spain should be in another time zone. Frankly I don’t know. Let’s give the European Parliament an opportunity to see if it is able to find a common denominator between countries that are in such different geographical situations.” The Foreign Minister’s comments come as the European Commission (EC), the European Union’s (EU) executive

CLOCK WATCHING: Borrell (inset) said Spain could possibly return to GMT.

branch, said last week it was considering ending daylight savings time. It follows a public poll which EC officials said showed there was overwhelming support for ending the practice of putting clocks forward in spring and turning them back in autumn. Around 4.6 million peo-

ple from the EU’s 28 member states took part in the online survey. Borrell said the proposals would have to be debated by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) before being signed off by the EC.

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Pet playa-ground DENIA’S dog beach has received a clean-up after complaints about its neglected state. The August storms took their toll on all of the beaches in the area, but Punta del Raset, allocated for dogs and pets, was said to be virtually unusable due to the seaweed and other flotsam and jetsam that had washed up. So last week, the council’s cleaning concessionaires sent a team in to clean up.

Biggest drop in tourists in eight years By Joe Gerrard

ALMOST 10 million foreign tourists holidayed in Spain in July, a fall of 4.9 per cent on the same time last year. Data on the industry, provided by the country’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), showed the number of British holidaymakers fell by 5.6 per cent. Holidaymakers from Britain typically make up a fifth of all visitors to Spain. Figures for French and German tourists, the leading nationalities in terms of visitors to Spain along with the British, fell by 11.4 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively. The drop was the biggest monthly fall since April 2010 when a volcano eruption in Iceland grounded flights across Europe and contributed to a 13 per cent decrease. The financial crisis which plunged much of Europe and the United States into recession in 2009 contributed to the largest fall for the month, 10 to 15 per cent compared to 2008. The news comes as Spain’s Tourist

DEEP DROP: The figures are the lowest for eight years. Board predicted visitor numbers could stagnate or fall between July and September. There may be an overall fall following record years in 2016 and 2017, Turespaña added. Industry experts said they believed the decline was down to the recovery of rival destinations such as Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia which are often cheaper than Spain. All had previously been beset by

political upheaval and some witnessed terror attacks which drove holidaymakers away. The fall in the value of the pound relative to the euro could also have been a factor in the case of British tourists. And above average temperatures in northern Europe may have resulted in many tourists staying in their home countries, analysts said.

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Cultural centre completion in sight

ALPE’S Department for Sport has sent a reassuring message to parents of children who regularly use the council facilities to play a wide range of sport. The announcement follows the establishment of a set of fees being charged for private sports clubs, although it has been stated that the increases have been offset by means of a subsidy to cover the expense. Money raised from the fees will be used by the council to reinvest in improving the sporting facilities. Between 2011 and 2018 there was a three-fold increase in subsidies for both sports clubs and for the promotion of sport in general. For 2010, the total subsidy was €80,000 which by 2016-17 had increased to €179,000... the same figure budgeted for this year. In addition, the Aguas de Calpe company allocates an additional average amount of €120,000 for sports clubs in the municipality, either by means of sponsoring equipment or competitions.

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Parents assured on sport costs Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Calpe

AN agreement has been signed between Calpe Council and the Caja de Credito Provincial for the construction of the next phase of the Unió Musical Calp-Ifac. The completion of this fourth phase will culminate the work of the cultural centre which began more than a decade ago. If everything goes to plan, it will be finished before the end of 2019. The building, located on Avenida Puerto de Santa Maria, was once privately owned by the Calpe Band and they came to an accord by which the council could have it in exchange for the council using it for a number of events. In 2016 and 2017, the council allocated €250,000 to each of the second and third construction phases, and the current and future budgets (for 2018 and 2019) have similar amounts to be able to complete the project.

SPOTLIGHT ON CALPE

OFFSET: Fees covered by increase in subsidies.

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7th - 13th September

Major crime ring exposed The Civil Guard

By Tara Rippin

OLICE have shut down an operation of drug traffickers who kidnapped and tortured a man, cutting off two of his fingers over a stash of hashish. In a series of raids, officers arrested 18 people and applied for three international arrest warrants. In addition 6,120 kilos of hashish, two prohibited firearms and 10 vehicles have been seized, five of which were stolen. According to the Guardia Civil of Andalucia, the organisation was’ dedicated to the introduction of hashish caches by sea.’ The investigation began when detectives discovered a criminal organisation with a hierarchical structure had settled at the mouth of the river Guadalquivir under the command of several ringleaders. Further probes suggested the group was dedicated to the transport of hashish from Mo-

BUSTED: Thousands of kilos of hashish found at ‘nurseries.’

SEIZED: Drugs, cars and weapons were recovered.

rocco using semi-rigid boats and all-terrain vehicles, the latter of which are believed to have been stolen from the Malaga area. According to a police source, once the drugs had been unloaded, they were stashed in properties close to the coast, known as ‘nurseries,’ before being distributed elsewhere in smaller quantities. Acting on the information gathered, the Guardia Civil intercepted one of the gang’s vehicles, in which there were members of this organisation, as well as a man from Sanlúcar de Barrameda who ‘had been kidnapped with great violence and intimidation with firearms for an alleged theft of a stash of hashish.’ Officers confirmed he had been held for several days and ‘was tortured and two phalanges cut off a hand, so that after his release he required medical assistance.’ As a result of the investigations, an agricultural warehouse in Jerez was unearthed,

where 102 hashish bundles, weighing approximately 3,000 kilos, a stolen all-terrain vehicle, a short calibre-9 pistol and a 38-calibre revolver were discovered. After the seizure of this haul, police say the organisation tried to introduce another cache of drugs through the Guadalquivir River, which was intercepted by the investigators. They recovered more drugs, a stolen 4x4 and arrested six people at a property in the Lebrija area, Sevilla. The operation was carried out by agents from the Organic Judicial Police Units of the Cadiz and Malaga Commanders with the support of agents from the Rural Action Group. The seized drugs have been placed at the disposal of the head of Mixed Court 3 of Sanulcat de Barrameda. Of the 18 arrested, 12 are now in prison and six have been released awaiting trial. An order for the international arrest of three suspected gang members outside of Spain has been issued.

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7th - 13th September

money

Government debates higher tax Photo credit: Junta Informa Wikimedia

ALTHOUGH nothing has been officially decided as yet, Spain’s relatively new Socialist government is talking about raising income tax for people who earn €150,000 or more each year. Maria Jesus Montero, the Minister for the Treasury, has held discussions with the Unidos Podemos (UP) group in parliament who have been campaigning for some time for higher tax rates for the highest earners in the country. According to reports, Montero insists that ‘nothing has been agreed as yet’ but has indicated her willingness to

DISCUSSIONS: Treasury minister Maria Jesus Montero in talks on tax hikes. engage with those who are behind such an initiative. A Podemos representative,

CAMELOT UK Lotteries Limited has announced upcoming changes to Lotto and EuroMillions, as well as preliminary details of a brand new draw game that will launch in 2019. The changes follow the company’s recent wide-ranging strategic review, which identified improving the range of National Lottery games as one of four key areas where action was needed to enable the National Lottery to get back into longterm, sustainable growth to raise as much

Pablo Echenique, said Spain has “a great deal of margin for increasing taxes for the high-

It could still be you... money as possible for good causes. Some of the new initiatives will include new bigger and fixed cash prizes in the Lotto main game, including a set prize of £1 million for matching 5+ Bonus Ball. The Lotto jackpot will be won or shared

est earners and major corporations compared with the rest of the European Union. The country’s wealthiest should be made to contribute with greater generosity.” He went on to say “It doesn’t make sense that someone who earns €60,000 a year pays the same percentage in income tax as another person who earns €120,000. It’s only common sense, and we’re hoping we can reach an agreement on this issue.” United Left, the other party in the Unidos Podemos coalition, wants to see tax bands rise for any individual earning over €60,000.

more often - the jackpot will only be allowed to roll five times (compared with around 10 rolls today) - and a new ‘Rolldown’ mechanic will see the jackpot shared across all winning cash prize tiers if no one matches all six main numbers in a must-be-won draw. On EuroMillions, the prizes on the main game will stay exactly the same, but Camelot will run more special draws in which multiple guaranteed £1 million UK winners are created.

More mortgages granted THE number of mortgages has been steadily increasing. Latest figures from the National Statistics Institute show that 30,600 mortgages were granted to buy a home, 3.9 per cent more than a year ago. But as a sign of the growth in the housing market a better figure is that of €123,896 which is the average loan given and is 5.1 per cent higher than June 2017. This is a level that has not been seen since December 2008 and is due to the rise in the price of housing. In total the amount of capital loaned on houses reached €3.791 billion, up 9.2 per cent year on year. As for interest rates, the average interest rate was 2.63 per cent, 4.5 per cent lower than a year ago, and the average term was 24 years. Of mortgages on homes, 60.8 per cent were at variable rates and 39.2 per cent at fixed rates. Fixed-rate mortgages experienced a 2.2 per cent decline. The average interest rate was 2.43 per cent for mortgages on variable-rate homes (down 5.7 per cent) and 3.03 per cent for fixed-rate mortgages (down 3.5 per cent). By Autonomous Community, Madrid (6,399), Andalucia (5,765) and Catalouña (4,852) were the regions with the highest number of mortgages granted. The communities in which the most capital was lent for housing mortgages were Comunidad de Madrid (€1.131 billion), Cataluña (€682.5 million) and Andalucia (€586.8 million).

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FOOD Focus

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The Nags Head food at its tastiest

WO very special ladies, Heidi and Sam have developed a range of three great value restaurants in Costa Blanca. Heidi - originally from Dartford in Kent followed her father into the restaurant trade and it was he who bought and opened the first carvery along the Costa Blanca... and probably throughout Spain... Monroes in Moraira. She has now been involved with Monroes for more than 30 years and as would be expected, the Monroes brand features images of the iconic star that was Marilyn Monroe. Back in March 2017, Heidi and Sam renamed the existing Monroes in Benidorm to The Nags Head - where ‘Only Fools and 3 courses’ are served and ‘plonkers’ are more than welcome! “We wanted to bring a different branding to Benidorm that caters for the visiting holiday trade, but still offering the only dedicated carvery in the city,” said Heidi. Manager of The Nags Head, Karen, has worked for the owners for 14 years having previously been based in both Monroes further up the coast. “What’s the secret to our success? The perfect combination of offering a quality product at the right price, keeping the menu fresh, and giving our customers an all-round excellent experience is essential,” emphasised Heidi. “I like to think it explains why we

have so many people come back to us again and again... they become friends as well as valued customers.” “We’re building up an excellent reputation and find many of the regular customers that only came to Moraira and Pedreguer now also visit us here in Benidorm,” said Karen. “We’re attracting a more international clientele as well. Only last week we had a coach party of 40 Norwegian tourists.” Karen explained where the great tag line came from. “Not long after we opened, the sign-writer was in the restaurant and one of the customers said, ‘Nags Head! Only Fools and three courses.’ The artist picked up the comment and incorporated it into his design.” As you enter The Nags Head, it’s like walking into the famous Doctor Who Tardis as you’re not expecting to be greeted by such a large venue and surrounding terrace. For €9.99 you can enjoy a three-course carvery of beef and pork accompanied by a delicious selection of fresh vegetables and the very best roasties. If you’ve room after the choice of starters too, you can go back and try as many of the desserts that take the fancy. If you fancy a great carvery then visit the Nags Head, Avenida Europa 11, Benidorm or visit their website to see the menu at http://www.nagsheadbenidorm.com/.

www.rtnnewspaper.com FOR many years, whilst Spain had a thriving restaurant and café culture, it was pretty much based on traditional Spanish food with regional variations but generally speaking, especially in smaller towns, the people were fairly conservative in their eating habits. Three things have helped to change this, firstly the number of foreign tourists who started to arrive on the Costas who wanted to have access to food that they were used to and suddenly English Breakfast and Fish and Chips became obligatory. Not exactly gourmet food but as the British in particular started to travel more widely and as they became used to Chinese and Indian cuisine, so they again expected this when they visited Spain and the Spanish were happy to oblige. Then there was a steady increase in new residents arriving from Latin America and North Africa and they of course brought in their cuisine (some of which was already known to Spanish diners) which added another layer of op-

FOOD Focus

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Flavours of the World

TRADITIONAL: Paella is great, but the options are enormous.

tion to the Spanish table. Thirdly, American culture became increasingly more popular on Spanish TV and within a short period of time the big American chains (and their imitators) brought fast food into the

country. Nowadays, the Spanish are definitely trying different food when they go out to eat and although there are still plenty of traditional restaurants and ventas offering great value menus del dia to

Spanish diners, there are also a large number of Spaniards who are trying and enjoying different foods and this has also affected gourmet eating as well with the number of innovative Spanish Michelin starred es-

tablishments growing all of the time. The great thing about the Costa Blanca is that it has thrown off its ‘Kiss Me Quick’, ‘Blackpool Rock’ image and is now a centre for a great range of different food and al-

though you can still enjoy a superb Sunday Roast or Fish and Chips on Friday, the quality is mainly first class and the options continue to grow. In some ways the financial difficulties of the last decade meant that in order to survive, many bars and restaurants had to ‘up their games’ offering quality produce at affordable prices and this continues until today. It’s not just the British who have influenced eating habits in Spain as so many Europeans come here for holidays and to settle that they are being catered for as well so that Belgian, Dutch, German and Russian restaurants and bars have joined the ever present Italians to ensure that there is even more choice than ever. Asian Fusion, Thai and new Indian Tex Mex are increasingly popular so that you could spend weeks on end eating different foods and savouring different cultures.

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FOOD Focus

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Food for thought N

UTRITIONISTS and scientists alike are constantly looking into the connection between what we eat and how it makes us feel, think and act. For example, eating fish and seafood is linked to the possible prevention of developing depression, dementia and Alzheimer ’s disease. The nutritional properties of tea are also believed to help establish a state of mind that is both calm and alert. Even memory is said to be affected by the food we choose to eat. Here are some ways to boost your brain power through certain foods: Our ability to concentrate and focus comes from the levels of glucose in our blood which supplies the brain. Try wholegrains, which release glucose into the bloodstream at a slow rate, increasing people’s mental awareness. Blackcurrants are one of

CHERRIES: Help to stimulate skin growth.

Foods for sunburn

BRAIN POWER: A well balanced diet keeps us healthy. the best sources of Vitamin C, long suspected to boost creative thought. Zinc, a component found in foods such as pumpkin seeds, is fundamental for

boosting memory and thinking skills. Research into diet and its possible effects on the brain is ongoing and still in its infancy, but maintaining

a well balanced diet keeps us healthy. This ultimately could give the brain the best possible chance against disease.

IN the summer months when rays from the sun are strong it’s not always easy to avoid sun damage. According to online health forums, experts claim there are some foods that can help reverse sun damage to skin cells. Fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which act as internal protection for new cells below the surface of the skin. Salmon and other seafood with a red hue also contain a type of antioxidant called astaxanthin which alleviates the damaging and ageing effects of too much sun exposure. Green tea contains another powerful antioxidant known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which combats skin

inflammation. It also helps neutralise free radicals, limiting their ability to damage the skin. Black tea can also help due to the content of quecetin found in the leaves which help protect skin cells. Cherries, particularly Montmorency cherries, contain melatonin, which acts as a barrier to protect skin against UV radiation and also stimulates skin growth in order to repair sunburnt skin. Crimini mushrooms contain very high levels of a skin-protecting mineral known as selenium. This nutrient is vital in the production process of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase which also fights against free radicals forming in the skin after sun exposure.

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Fast and healthy Although we spend less and less time cooking and pay less and less attention to what we eat, paradoxically we are more and more worried about looking after our health but a lack of time is not incompatible with eating good, healthy meals. Obviously some ingredients take longer to cook than others so with a little organising and planning, the job can get done in a shorter space of time. If one day is set aside to spend a little more time in the kitchen, then we can cook really quickly for the rest of the week; par boiling vegetables and then freezing them is a good way to lessen time in the kitchen, planned meals are always faster than “inspirational” cooking. There are also many products which are not “fast food” but are nearly ready to eat and healthy – frozen fish and vegetables, for instance, don’t have the added sugars, fats or salts.

Benefits of a cucumber CUCUMBERS are the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world, according to farming figures. Cucumber also has many health benefits and is reported to be one of the best foods known for overall health. It is even referred to as a ‘superfood.’ There are many reasons cucumbers are so healthy, the main being they contain 95 per cent water. That means eating cucumber ensures the body remains hydrated. These watery vegetables also contain most of the body’s required daily vitamins, including vitamin C found in the skin. Cucumber also has various health and beauty uses; the skin of cucumber can be used to treat skin irritations or

burns in the same way as aloe vera. Also rings of cucumber are commonly used in beaut y t reat ment s to combat tired or puffy eyes. The silicon and sulfur content in cucumber can also be used to help stimulate hair growth. Need a clear mirror in the morning? Cucumber can be used to de-steam mirrors, rub a slice of cucumber along a mirror before showering and it will prevent the mirror from fogging up. Nutritionists suggest eating a few slices of cucumber before bed to combat hangovers. The high content of sugar, vitamins and electrolytes are enough to replenish essential nutrients and in turn reduce the intensity of hangovers and headaches.

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Pudding can be good for you FOR pudding lov e r s e v e r y where the good news is that a study shows that eating dessert can be good for you. But before you reach for the extra large bread and butter pudding and sink back into the sofa to eat it while watching TV, you need to be having a traditional family meal at the table. That is because an 'occasional dessert' can help lift family food

and increase interaction between members of the family. But the really important part is for families to sit down to a meal together. Children benefit from that by boosting their self esteem, and so helping them do better at

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school and making them less likely to develop eating disorders. Professor Geoffrey Beattie who advised on the study for German frozen food company Coppenrath & Wiese , said: “We've known that sharing food has huge psychological, cultural and emotional significance. It's a critical part of our evolution and core to our everyday social world”.

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FOOD Focus

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Cuisine for all tastes T

HE Trafalgar Restaurant in Alfaz del Pi is a delight, with a stunning outside terrace, luxurious interior and extensive menu it would be difficult for anyone not to fall in love with what this restaurant - bar bistro has to offer. Situated at the top of the town’s high street (what was Moira McRae’s) Trafalgar’s new owner Olga greets all her customers with a warmth and charm that is refreshing and inviting. Assisted by her staff, in particular Claudio the chef, Olga has created an ambience at the Trafalgar which makes dining a true pleasure, with high quality and freshly prepared food set to tempt the palate and an extensive selection of wines, beers and spirits. The inspirational menu of international dishes and Andalucian tapas make it difficult to choose from - be it the marinated salmon tapas or an entrecote steak quality is everything. Trafalgar source their fish from the best fish farms in Norway and Holland, whilst their meat comes

from northern Spain where cows graze on mountain pastures. Struggling to choose from the main menu? Then why not have the menu of the day, which offers three courses with options, all personally selected by Claudio. A children’s menu offers enticing options for the younger diners, with quality remaining paramount. Trafalgar is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 11pm with the kitchen closing at 10pm. During the month of August, summer hours are in place. For further information telephone 966 580 509, email: trafal garrestaurant2018@gmail.com. Avd Pais Valencia 32, Alfaz del Pi.

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FOOD Focus

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A great atmosphere and superb food BAR GRIZZLY’S in Calpe is open from 10am to 1.30am and offers a great choice of food and drink to suit every palate but at prices that won’t hurt. With easy parking, a large terrace and a very comfortable indoor seating area, you can arrive for breakfast, lunch or dinner or just enjoy a drink with friends. It offers a bit of everything including baguettes and for sports fans there are a number of good sized TV screens but they don’t dominate the surroundings. The owners took over a smaller German bar some three years ago and redeveloped it into the larger and more international themed Bar Grizzly’s that it is today.

BUZZY BAR: Can cater for any event.

There is an extensive menu which includes all you would expect in fish, salads and meat with some popular chef’s specials such as ribs, goulash and imported Black Angus steak as well as some superb gambas options, all very keenly priced and cooked to perfection. This buzzy bar restaurant can cater for any event, offering a variety of areas which can be sectioned off for private parties for any number of guests and there is live music every Sunday afternoon with different acts appearing each week. Grizzly’s has a truly international atmosphere with the owners coming from Holland and staff from a range of different nationalities but there is always plenty of English spoken and

you can see the great menu in English on their Facebook page Bar Grizzly’s Calpe. Reservations can be made but are not always necessary although should the weather turn cold or wet then it is better to call them on 966 263 688 to ensure that your table will await you. There are some great testimonials and reviews on both their Facebook page and TripAdvisor so no matter what you fancy, be it day or night, a visit to Bar Grizzly’s Partida Los Pinos 1K, Calpe 03710 at the Centro Comercial Biblos site is strongly recommended. If time doesn’t allow you to stop and eat on the premises, there is even a takeaway option.

TAKEAWAY: Is also available if you don’t have time.

GREAT CHOICE: Of food and drink at great prices.

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FOOD Focus

Working hard to please the crowds

PIG ‘N’ WHISTLE: Providing top class entertainment and excellent food and drink.

LEE & HELEN: Have been preparing for all the fun and frolics.

HOUSANDS converged on Benidorm for the resort’s annual Gay Pride festival this week - and Lee Weller and his wife-to-be Helen Cook have been working flat-out to prepare their pub - the Pig ‘n’ Whistle in Benidorm’s Old Town - for all the fun and frolics. “We love it when Pride comes to town,” said Lee. “It gives us the chance to provide top class entertainment plus excellent food and drink.” Their Old Town neighbours are two other long-established Benidorm venues - Rich Bitch show bar and Kafee Klee and the picturesque walkway in which the three are locatedbecomes a joyous street party for the duration of Pride. Lee added: “This year, in addition to providing entertainment for the whole week, we’ll also be hosting a fantastic Pride finale party on Sunday, starting at 3pm.” The long-established pub - launched as The Big House in 1969 but renamed in 1971 as the Pig ‘n’ Whistle by then owner Ronnie Marr - was acquired by the couple in 2013.

Back in the day, many US naval ships docked in Benidorm, and the pub became a favourite with the visiting sailors. A half-century later, the pub renowned for its outstanding selection of ales, a music playlist spanning decades and a pool room - still retains many of its ‘old world’ features and atmosphere. “We wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Lee. “Right at the outset, we fell in love with the look of the place, and vowed to change it as little as possible.” “That look proved particularly attractive to the producers of the popular TV Series, ‘Benidorm,’ and in series three the pub was used as a set called ‘The Man Hole,’ featuring comedian Johnny Vegas. “We can guarantee a fantastic time for all those who come to visit us during Pride Week,” said the couple. “But don’t imagine the partying stops at Pride; it continues all the way through until the upcoming Spanish fiestas with quality live music every weekend.” They added: “We believe there are no strangers at the Pig ‘n’ Whistle, just friends who haven’t yet met.”

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FOOD Focus

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Be PROUD of Benidorm…

CONTINUING until this Sunday evening when a spectacular party on the beach rounds off the week of celebrations, Benidorm Pride has been welcoming many thousands to the tourist capital, with the iconic ‘Old Town’ seeing many old and new faces alike. For many members of the LGBT community, the final event in Europe is always one of the most popular, and they always make sure their flights and hotels are booked as soon as the following year’s dates are known; although it’s always usually the first or second week of September. One of the most anticipated events of Benidorm Pride is the Saturday afternoon parade that moves along the entire promenade and contains hundreds of participants dressed in some of the most outrageous and colourful costumes imaginable... all part of the wonderful Pride experience. Over the years, it’s not just the LGBT community that have been attracted to the area for the week, as its appeal has stretched far and wide with everyone joining in the fun, irrespective of gender.

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FOOD Focus

PIG’S KITCHEN: An exciting new venture.

Whistle for food… O

NE of Benidorm Old Town’s most popular pubs - the Pig ‘n’ Whistle in Calle Pal - has launched an exciting new venture, The Pig’s Kitchen, located above Rich Bitch show bar. Pig ‘n’ Whistle proprietors - Lee Weller and his wife-to-be Helen Cook said that their customers had long been asking whether they could provide food. “Unfortunately,” said Lee, “the layout of our pub wasn’t right for food service. But we kept our eyes open for alternative premises in the immediate area.” Then, 18 years after its closure, the site of the old Ali Baba restaurant, which many locals and visitors to Benidorm may recall, became available - right across the road! This allowed Helen and Lee to add another piece of Benidorm history to their Pig ‘n’ Whistle portfolio. The décor of the restaurant chimes in brilliantly with that of the pub. It offers a similar nostalgic atmosphere, real ales and an unrivalled music collection, all to be savoured as chef Stephen and his partner, Geraint prepare mouth-wa-

tering pig-themed dishes. “We’re delighted that we managed to launch the restaurant just in time for Pride,” said Helen. During Pride week more 15,000 people were expected to throng the streets of the Old Town, and the Pig ‘n’ Whistle team will be joining in the revelry by partying with Pride at both venues. The Pig ‘n’ Whistle street party will culminate on Sunday with a massive grand opening daytime fiesta from 3pm until late. There will be live music, a great deal of cava, and tastings of food from the Pig’s Kitchen menu. Lee and Helen are hoping people will really love this new addition to Benidorm’s rich culinary scene, and are open to suggestions on how their new restaurant can in any way be improved. “Talk to us, we’re great listeners,” they said. The Pig’s Kitchen’s closest neighbours are two other well-established Benidorm venues - Kafe Klee and Rich Bitch show bar - and Calle Pal will be throbbing with nightly street parties during what promises to be Benidorm’s best ever Pride festival.

7th - 13th September

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

What’s On FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Canalejas, 1 Alfaz del Pi - Avda. Pais Valencia, 44 La Nucia - C/. Alicante, 8 Altea - Avda. Comunidad Valenciana, 6 Benissa - C/. Padre Melchor, 8 Calpe - C/. Corbeta, 10 Ed. Apolo VII, L-4 Moraira market is held every Friday morning from 9am until 2pm www.teu ladamoraira.com.es. Alfaz del Pi market is held every Friday from 9am until 2pm. www.lalfas.es. Javea - Fiestas until tomorrow, honouring the Mare de Deu de Loreto. 1pm - Lunchtime parades in Calle Cristo del Mar. 7.30pm - Solemn Mass followed by a procession from the church. 9.30pm - ‘In Vivo’ four tenors with comedian Jaimito Borromeo on the promenade. Benissa - The Moscatelizate... with nine restaurants offering special tasting menus. Villena - Moors and Christians. Denia - Internacional De Dansa Folklòrica. 10pm - Grupo Siratul from Romania.

SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Colon, 39 Alfaz del Pi - C/. Bulevar Los Musicos, 18 Fase 2 BJ. Ed.Viminal La Nucia - Av. Coloma, Nº1 - Loc.9 (Zona Com. Plaza del Sol) Altea - C/. Carretera, 13, Local 2 (Altea La Vella) Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24 Calpe - Avda. Rosa de Los Vientos, 4 L-14-15 Benissa Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday every month from 9am until 2pm. www.ajbenissa.es. Benissa general market is held every Saturday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.ajbenis sa.es. Calpe market is held every Saturday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.calp.es.

DO NOT MISS Grapes on display...

IN 2017, Benissa was looking at new ways to promote a wider range of cultural tourism that would also show off some of their local produce. They came up with ‘Moscatelizate Benissa’ to bring the Muscat grapes to the attention of a wider audience, backed up with a number of activities, wine tast-

ings and special menus. Such was the success last year that the event is once again being hosted in Benissa, with nine restaurants taking part in offering special menus, as well as a number of activities and education events. This year’s festival ends on Sunday.

Javea - Fiestas until tomorrow, honouring the Mare de Deu de Loreto. 11am - Parade to the church. 8pm Solemn Procession in honour of Our Lady of Loreto. 1am - Closing fireworks. Benissa - The Moscatelizate... with nine restaurants offering special tasting menus. Villena - Moors and Christians. 12.15pm - War between the Moors and Christians. 6pm - Re-enactment of the conversion of the Moors to Christianity, followed by Solemn Procession. Denia - Internacional De Dansa Folklòrica. 10pm - Rancho Folklórico Vlhas Guardas Fazendas de Almeirin Santarém from Portugal. Alfaz del Pi - Jazz Festival at the Casa de Cultura. 10pm - Jose Luis Gutierrez. Tickets €5.

SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Colon, 39 Alfaz del Pi - C/. Bulevar Los Musicos, 18 Fase 2 BJ. Ed.Viminal La Nucia - Av. Coloma, Nº1 - Loc.9 (Zona Com. Plaza del Sol) Altea - C/. Carretera, 13, Local 2 (Altea La Vella) Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24 Calpe - Avda. Rosa de Los Vientos, 4 L-14-15 Benidorm market is held every Sunday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.Benidorm. org. Albir market is held every Sunday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.lalfas.es. Benissa - The Moscatelizate...

TRADITION: Muscat grapes being prepared for the local fiestas.

with nine restaurants offering special tasting menus. Villena - Moors and Christians. 7.30am - Procession with the statue of the Virgen Maria de las Virtudes 5pm - Entrance of the New Captains, followed by the annual presentation ceremony. Denia - Internacional De Dansa Folklòrica. 9pm - Dianium Dansa from Denia.

MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Relleu, 20-22 Alfaz del Pi - Avda. del Albir, 44 Ed. El Llobarro La Nucia - C/. Sagi-barba, 14 Altea - C/. Cap Negret, 18 Bajo G Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24 Calpe - C/. La Niña, 7 Denia market held every Monday morning from 9am until 2pm www.denia.es. Albir - Coffee morning . If you’re new to the area or just feeling a bit lonely, a group of ladies - ‘Morning Miss-Chiefs’ - meet every Monday at 12pm for a chat, organise meals out, cultural trips etc. Find them on Facebook or pop along to Together Café & Pet Spar, Albir to meet them.

TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Cervantes, 51 Alfaz del Pi - C/. Federico Garcia Lorca, 19 La Nucia - C/. Carretera, 2 Altea - Plaza Ayuntamiento, 22 Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24

Calpe - Avda. Ifach, 10 Altea market held every Tuesday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.altea.es.

WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Arsenal, 44 Alfaz del Pi - C/. Pau Casals, 5 L-2C Pd. Albir Ed. Sta. Barbara La Nucia - C/. Aladroc, 1 Urb. Holiday Club Altea - C/ Pont de Moncau, Nº1 Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24 Calpe - Av. Juan Carlos I, Nº12-14 Ed. El Dorado L-4

THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 24hr chemists Benidorm - Avda Ibiza, 6 Esq. Avda Europe, 12 or Avda Mediterranean, 29 Ed. Coblanca 41 Loc. 1 Villajoyosa - C/. Barranquet, 14 Esq. Avda. Benidorm Alfaz del Pi - Avda. Miguel Hernandez, 1 L- 2 Ur. San Rafael La Nucia - C/. Alicante, 8 Altea - C/. La Sequia, 17 Benissa - C/. Alacant, 24 Calpe - Urbanizacion El Tosal 2 J Javea market is held every Thursday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.ajxabia.es. Villajoyosa market is held every Thursday morning from 9am until 2pm. www.villajoyosa.com. Ibi - Moors and Christians opening night (until Septemer 16) in honour of the Mare de Deu dels Desemparats. 7.30pm - Mass, followed by opening speeches and parades. Midnight - Parade of the Moors and Christians through the streets until 2.30am.

FRIDAY 12:00pm Dom on the Spot 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 1:38pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Neighbourhood Blues 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm Garden Rescue 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 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 Celebrity MasterChef 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News

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 11:45pm The Jonathan Ross Show 12:50am Tonight at the London Palladium

9:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm Bang on Budget 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Find it, Fix it, Flog it 5:00pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Extreme Cake Makers 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Naked Attraction

9:40am Shimmer and Shine 9:55am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:05am Peppa Pig 10:15am Jeremy Vine 12:15pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm NCIS 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm Killer Trainer 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5: England v India 9:00pm Britain by Bike with Larry and George Lamb 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:30pm Undercover Girlfriend

8:45am 9:15am 11:05am 12:55pm

Final Score: Special Final Score Pitch Perfect 3 Guardians of the Tomb A team of scientists searching for a missing colleague in an ancient labyrinth find themselves battling a swarm of flesh-eating spiders. Sci-fi horror. 2:40pm Final Score: Special 3:10pm Final Score 5:00pm Singularity 6:45pm Pitch Perfect 3 8:30pm Final Score: Special 9:00pm Final Score 10:50pm Braven 12:40am The Little Hours 2:30am Guardians of the Tomb 4:15am Chronically Metropolitan

10:00am Football Years 10:30am Football's Greatest 11:00am Play Off Final Highlights 12:00pm One2eleven 12:15pm One2eleven 12:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 12:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 1:00pm Football's Greatest 1:30pm Football Countdowns 2:00pm Football's Greatest 2:30pm EFL Greatest Games 2:45pm EFL Greatest Games 3:00pm Football 5:00pm One2eleven 5:15pm One2eleven 5:30pm Football's Greatest 5:55pm Football 8:00pm Football's Greatest 8:30pm MLS Greatest Games 8:40pm Football 10:45pm Football

11:00am Nature's Miracle Babies 12:00pm The Last Grizzly of Paradise Valley 1:00pm Nigel Slater: Eating Together 1:30pm Great British Menu 2:00pm Great British Menu 2:30pm Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food 3:00pm Homes Under the Hammer 4:00pm Wanted Down Under 4:45pm Scrappers: Back in the Yard 5:15pm Saving Lives at Sea 6:15pm Trust Me, I'm a Doctor 6:45pm Ancient Invisible Cities: Cairo 7:45pm Dad's Army 8:15pm Last Night of the Proms 10:00pm Spotlight 12:00am Drive

8:15am Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 8:30am Toonmarty 8:40am Toonmarty 8:55am Thunderbirds are Go 9:25am ITV News 9:30am Zoe Ball on Saturday 10:25am Saturday Morning with James Martin 12:35pm £10k Holiday Home 1:10pm ITV Lunchtime News 1:25pm The X Factor 2:30pm ITV Racing: Live from Haydock 5:30pm WOS Wrestling 6:30pm ITV Evening News 6:40pm ITV News London 6:50pm Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 9:30pm The X Factor 10:45pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:50pm ITV News

9:25am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 11:55am 12:25pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:35pm

10:40am Paw Patrol 10:50am Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:30am Police Interceptors 12:20pm Police Interceptors 1:20pm Police Interceptors 2:20pm Bad Tenants, Rogue Landlords 3:20pm Bad Tenants, Rogue Landlords 4:20pm Rich House, Poor House 5:20pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 6:20pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 7:10pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 7:55pm 5 News Weekend 8:00pm Cricket on 5: England v India 9:00pm Brunel's Britain: King of the Sea 10:00pm How the Victorians Built Britain

8:50am Guardians of the Tomb 10:30am Pitch Perfect 3 12:20pm Final Score: Special 12:50pm Final Score 2:50pm The Disaster Artist Behind-the-scenes farce charting the chaotic production of cult film The Room. 4:50pm Singularity 6:40pm Pitch Perfect 3 8:30pm Final Score: Special 9:00pm Final Score 11:00pm The Disaster Artist Behind-the-scenes farce charting the chaotic production of cult film The Room. 1:00am Braven 2:45am Final Score 4:40am The Little Hours

8:00am 8:30am 10:35am 10:45am 11:00am 12:30pm 2:30pm 5:30pm 5:55pm 8:00pm 11:30pm 1:00am 1:30am 1:45am 2:00am 2:15am 2:30am 2:45am 3:00am 3:30am 3:45am 4:00am 4:30am 5:00am 5:15am

Football Years Football One2eleven One2eleven Soccer A.M. Football Football One2eleven Football Football Football Football Countdowns EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games One2eleven One2eleven SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football Years Football Countdowns EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games

10:30am The Beechgrove Garden 11:00am Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30pm Great British Menu 1:00pm Great British Menu 1:30pm Great British Menu 2:00pm Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food 2:30pm The Hairy Bikers' Best of British 3:30pm Wastemen 4:30pm Homes Under the Hammer 5:30pm Flog It! 6:00pm Athletics 7:00pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 9:00pm Dragons' Den 10:00pm Eight Go Rallying: The Road to Saigon 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm No Activity

8:30am 8:40am 8:55am 9:25am 9:30am 10:25am 11:25am 12:25pm 1:45pm 2:45pm 3:00pm

9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Frasier 10:00am Frasier 10:30am Sunday Brunch 1:30pm The Simpsons 1:55pm The Simpsons 2:25pm The Book of Life 4:15pm The £100k Drop 5:20pm Orangutan Jungle School 6:20pm The Great British Bake Off 7:35pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Hidden Britain by Drone 9:00pm Battle of Britain: Model Squadron 10:00pm Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:00am The Lincoln Lawyer

11:35am 12:25pm 1:20pm 1:55pm 2:20pm 2:50pm 3:20pm 3:50pm 4:15pm 4:45pm 5:15pm 5:45pm 6:15pm

6:30am Mamma Mia - Here We Go Again: Special 7:00am Chronically Metropolitan 8:50am The Disaster Artist 10:50am Final Score 12:50pm Final Score: Special 1:20pm The Ballad of Lefty Brown 3:20pm Braven 5:10pm Pitch Perfect 3 7:00pm The Ballad of Lefty Brown 9:00pm Final Score 11:00pm The Disaster Artist 1:00am Singularity 2:45am Final Score 4:45am Guardians of the Tomb

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am

EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games EFL Goals: League One and League Two EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games EFL Goals: League One and League Two Sunday Supplement EFL Goals: League One and League Two Football Football Football's Greatest Football Football EFL Goals: League One and League Two

7:00am An Island Parish: Falklands 7:30am Garden Rescue 8:15am Antiques Road Trip 9:00am Gardeners' World 10:00am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC Newsroom Live 1:15pm Politics Live 2:00pm For What It's Worth 2:45pm Building Dream Homes 3:15pm All About Eve 5:30pm Natural World 6:15pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:45pm The Repair Shop 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm Ancient Invisible Cities: Cairo 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am Gone Girl 2:25am Panorama

SATURDAY 7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30pm Nadiya's Family Favourites 1:00pm Football Focus 1:30pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Great North City Games 4:45pm Money for Nothing 5:15pm Brave 6:40pm BBC News 6:50pm BBC London News 6:55pm Impossible Celebrities 7:45pm Pointless 8:35pm Strictly Come Dancing 10:00pm Last Night of the Proms 11:35pm BBC News 11:55pm The NFL Show 12:25am The Client

5:35pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm

Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory 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 Four in a Bed A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun The People's Vet Escape to the Chateau: DIY Channel 4 News Britain at Low Tide Lost Cities of the Maya Massacre at Ballymurphy Gladiator

SUNDAY 10:30am Great North Run 2:30pm BBC News 2:45pm Still Open All Hours 3:15pm Hold the Sunset 3:45pm Points of View 4:00pm Songs of Praise 4:35pm Fake or Fortune? 5:35pm Escape to the Country 6:35pm Shop Well for Less 7:35pm BBC News 7:50pm BBC London News 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Fake or Fortune? 10:00pm Bodyguard 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm BBC London News 11:30pm Kylie Minogue Live in Hyde Park 12:30am The Women's Football Show 1:00am Weather for the Week Ahead

5:00pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:45pm

Toonmarty Toonmarty Thunderbirds are Go ITV News Zoe Ball on Sunday Ninja Warrior UK WOS Wrestling The X Factor 5 Gold Rings ITV Lunchtime News Goodwood Revival Live Paul O'grady's Little Heroes Tipping Point The Chase ITV Evening News ITV News London 5 Gold Rings The X Factor Vanity Fair The Imitation Game ITV News

8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

Police Interceptors Police Interceptors Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Disney's Tarzan and Jane Cricket on 5: England v India 5 News Weekend That's So...1982 Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Ghost Hunt: Haunted Holiday Extraordinary People

8:30am 8:45am 9:00am 9:30am 9:45am 10:00am 10:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 8:40pm 11:15pm

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 7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Council House Crackdown 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Dom on the Spot 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Neighbourhood Blues 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm Garden Rescue 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Inside Out 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm Reported Missing

Fake or Fortune? Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Week in Parliament Politics Live For What It's Worth Building Dream Homes Who Do You Think You Are? World's Weirdest Events Wild West: America's Great Frontier Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Celebrity Eggheads The Repair Shop Great British Menu Nadiya's Family Favourites University Challenge Black Earth Rising QI Newsnight

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 Griff's Great Britain 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Strangers 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm Ross Kemp and the Armed Police 12:45am Killer Women with Piers Morgan 1:35am Jackpot247

10:05am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 1:00pm Channel 4 News Midday Summary 2018 1:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm A New Life in the Sun 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Find it, Fix it, Flog it 5:00pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Extreme Cake Makers 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Jamie Cooks Italy 9:30pm Travel Man 10:00pm The Undateables 11:00pm Gogglebox

9:55am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:05am Peppa Pig 10:15am Jeremy Vine 12:15pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm NCIS 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm Psycho in-Law 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5: England v India 9:00pm Gallagher Premiership Rugby Highlights 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 12:05am Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side

7:00am 8:50am 9:20am 11:20am 1:10pm 2:50pm 4:40pm

Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live Politics Live The Super League Show 2:45pm Building Dream Homes 3:15pm Who Do You Think You Are? 4:15pm World's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Wild West: America's Great Frontier 6:15pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:45pm The Repair Shop 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Saving Lives at Sea 10:00pm Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal 11:00pm Live at the Apollo

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 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 International Football Highlights 1:00am The Frankenstein Chronicles 1:50am Jackpot247

10:05am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Undercover Boss USA 12:00pm Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA 1:00pm Channel 4 News Midday Summary 2018 1:05pm Come Dine with Me 2:05pm A New Life in the Sun 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Find it, Fix it, Flog it 5:00pm A Place in the Sun 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Extreme Cake Makers 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Great British Bake Off 10:15pm First Dates Hotel

9:25am Floogals 9:40am Shimmer and Shine 9:55am Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:05am Peppa Pig 10:15am Jeremy Vine 12:15pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm NCIS 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm The Cheating Pact 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cricket on 5: England v India 9:00pm The Yorkshire Vet 10:15pm Inside Harrods 11:15pm Celebs in Solitary

7:00am The Disaster Artist Behind-the-scenes farce charting the chaotic production of cult film The Room. 9:00am Chronically Metropolitan 10:40am Never Steady, Never Still 12:40pm Final Score 2:35pm Final Score: Special 3:05pm The Ballad of Lefty Brown 5:00pm The Disaster Artist 7:00pm Never Steady, Never Still 9:00pm Final Score 11:00pm The Ballad of Lefty Brown 12:55am Psych 2:40am Final Score 4:40am Singularity

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

The Little Hours Final Score: Special Final Score Psych Singularity Final Score The Ballad of Lefty Brown 6:40pm Braven 8:30pm Final Score: Special 9:00pm Final Score 11:00pm Psych 12:45am The Little Hours 2:25am Guardians of the Tomb 4:10am Singularity Two teenagers battle to survive in the rubble of a world run by machines, hoping to make it to the last human stronghold. Slick sci-fi thriller.

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

One2eleven One2eleven SPFL Greatest Games SPFL Greatest Games Football's Greatest Football Countdowns EFL Goals: League One and League Two Football's Greatest Play Off Final Highlights Football's Greatest Football Countdowns One2eleven One2eleven Football Years Football Countdowns Soccer Am Best Bits Football Countdowns EFL Goals: League One and League Two One2eleven Football Football The Debate - Live MLS Round Up Show

TUESDAY 12:00pm Dom on the Spot 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News at One 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Neighbourhood Blues 4:00pm Escape to the Country 4:45pm Garden Rescue 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm Wanderlust 11:00pm BBC News at Ten

10:00am 12:00pm 1:15pm 2:00pm

12:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 1:00pm Football's Greatest 1:30pm Football Countdowns 2:00pm Football Years 2:30pm MLS Round Up Show 3:00pm Play Off Final Highlights 4:00pm Football's Greatest 4:30pm MLS Round Up Show 5:00pm One2eleven 5:45pm One2eleven 6:00pm Football Years 6:30pm Football Countdowns 7:00pm EFL Greatest Games 7:15pm EFL Greatest Games 7:30pm SPFL Greatest Games 7:45pm SPFL Greatest Games 8:00pm MLS Round Up Show 8:30pm Football 11:00pm Football 12:00am Play Off Final Highlights

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

7th - 13th September

WEDNESDAY 4:00pm

Escape to the Country 4:45pm Garden Rescue 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Ill Gotten Gains 9:00pm Shop Well for Less 10:00pm DIY SOS 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News

4:15pm

World's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Wild West: America's Great Frontier 6:15pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:45pm The Repair Shop 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Trust Me, I'm a Doctor 9:30pm Upstart Crow 10:00pm Trust 11:00pm Motherland 11:30pm Newsnight

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Tenable Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Paul O'grady's Little Heroes Coronation Street Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London The Imitation Game Bad Move

1:05pm 2:05pm

Come Dine with Me A New Life in the Sun 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Find it, Fix it, Flog it 5:00pm A Place in the Sun 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Extreme Cake Makers 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Supervet 10:00pm 24 Hours in A&E 11:00pm Hang Ups 11:35pm The Undateables

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NCIS Home and Away Neighbours Aurora Teagarden Mystery: Reap What You Sew 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Traffic Cops 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm Casualty 24/7 11:00pm Celebs in Solitary

6:30am 7:00am 9:00am 10:55am 12:35pm 2:35pm 3:05pm

Moana: Special Final Score The Disaster Artist Singularity Final Score Final Score: Special The Ballad of Lefty Brown 5:05pm Never Steady, Never Still 7:10pm The Disaster Artist 9:00pm Final Score 11:00pm Hatred 1:15am Psych 3:00am Singularity 4:45am Guardians of the Tomb

4:00pm 4:30pm

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6:30am Black Panther: Special 7:00am The Disaster Artist 9:00am Singularity 10:50am Final Score 12:40pm My Friend Dahmer 2:40pm Never Steady, Never Still 4:45pm The Disaster Artist 6:35pm The Ballad of Lefty Brown 8:30pm Final Score: Special 9:00pm Final Score 10:50pm My Friend Dahmer 12:45am Hatred 3:00am Psych: the Movie

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Football's Greatest Football Countdowns One2eleven One2eleven One2eleven One2eleven Football Years Football Countdowns EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football Countdowns Play Off Final Highlights

THURSDAY 4:00pm

Escape to the Country 4:45pm Garden Rescue 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Celebrity MasterChef 10:00pm Press 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London

4:15pm

World's Weirdest Events 5:15pm Attenborough's Paradise Birds 6:15pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 7:00pm Celebrity Eggheads 7:45pm The Repair Shop 8:30pm Great British Menu 9:00pm Back in Time for the Factory 10:00pm The Mighty Redcar 10:45pm Sara Pascoe vs Monogamy 11:00pm Match of the Day

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

The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Fighting Fat: Back to Basics - Tonight Emmerdale Birds of a Feather Serial Killer with Piers Morgan ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London Vanity Fair Tonight at the London Palladium

3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

Countdown Find it, Fix it, Flog it A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:30pm Extreme Cake Makers 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Location, Location, Location 10:00pm No Offence 11:00pm Grayson Perry: Rites of Passage 12:00am Gogglebox

Home and Away Neighbours You Killed My Mother 5:00pm Friends 5:30pm Friends 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm I Survived a Sinkhole 10:00pm Celebs in Solitary 11:00pm Texas Mega Jail: Serial Killer Hell

One2eleven One2eleven One2eleven Football Years Football Countdowns EFL Greatest Games EFL Greatest Games Football Countdowns EFL Matters Football's Greatest Football Years EFL Matters Best Championship Goals 2017/18 10:30pm EFL Greatest Games 10:45pm EFL Greatest Games

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Empathy from the earliest moments… by Peter F. Purvey

I HOLD a Discussion Group once a month, one of the 30-odd activities offered to members of the Calpe U3A organisation, of which I am currently, Vice President. We recently discussed loneliness, especially amongst the elderly, which experts believe can lead to despair, dementia, and possibly Alzheimer’s. The other day while wondering what to write about this month, I suddenly remembered a curious incident I had read a year or so ago, but can’t remember exactly where it occurred. But no matter. A surgeon reported that he had just delivered premature twin girls by Caesarian section,(remember Cleopatra and Caesarion), but in the womb the two little girls were holding hands so tightly that he couldn’t separate them for fear of breaking their tiny fingers. So they were delivered together and placed together, still holding hands, in an incubator. I began to wonder if loneliness or

COMFORT: New born twins hold hands.

the need to experience closeness can actually be experienced by a baby in the womb. Did these two tiny people hold hands by accident and then experience plea-

sure in knowing they weren’t alone? If so, it begs the question of whether empathy in us humans can exist at such an early stage in life. We hold hands with our loved ones with an occasional

Let’s hear it for Robin

I WAS thinking about Robin Hood the other day. No particular reason, just one of those Robin Hood moments. A favourite movie of the Princess’ is Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, and although I have always felt that Kevin Costner’s failure to lose his American accent rather shatters the depiction of a legendary English hero, I have to admit that it is an entertaining film. Though mostly due I feel, to the performance of the late Alan Rickman. It’s amazing how such a largely fictional character has taken the world by storm and fired people’s imaginations down the years. There’s even an airport named after him at Doncaster, much to the annoyance of the people of Nottingham 48 miles away, who regard him, real or not, as their most famous son. But there has to be an element of truth in the legend and I have my own theories about this outlaw figure and indeed some of his associates. Take Little John. It has always been assumed that his title was a sobriquet based on his large stature, but there is some evidence to suggest that he was called ‘little’ because that is exactly what he was - tiny. So why make him out to be a giant? Well if you recall, Robin’s first encounter with him was on a fallen log over a stream somewhere in Sherwood Forest.

by Colin Bird The opinions published in Colin’s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors. Neither would give way to let the other past, so they fought it out with quarter staffs with John sending Robin for an early bath. Now if you were the great Robin Hood, the last thing you would want is for it to be known that you had been bested by a short arse. Bad PR if you were numero uno in the outlaw world. So the best course of action was to offer John the number two position in the hierarchy and agree that no more be said about the affair. And let’s face it, Will Scarlet would have been as out of place as a rapper at a tea dance; I mean they all lived in The Greenwood and wisely wore Lincoln green - except for Will. But then I read somewhere that it was because of his complexion, not his penchant for bright clothing that gave rise to his nickname. A leftover from the plague,

perhaps. As to why the outlaw band were referred to as the Merry Men, I suspect that this has much to do with the frequent visits to the camp by Maid Marion and as such, in the name of decency, is best left alone. But fiction or not, Robin and Co remain firm favourites in our pantheon of national heroes, and boy do we need them today.

MAID MARION: The less said the better.

squeeze to demonstrate the pleasure of our closeness. Perhaps empathy is embedded somewhere in our brains from the fetus onwards. I would like to think so.

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7th - 13th September

Advertising Feature

Car hire should be easy to arrange FOR many people visiting the Costa Blanca, it is imperative that they are able to hire a car to give the freedom to travel around the area and to transport them to and from the airport. What is important however is that the car should be in good mechanical condition, easily accessible and at a price that is not extortionate. With more than 35 years of experience, Victoria Cars is an ideal choice with offices in Calpe as well as at Alicante and Valencia airports. It is simple to reserve your vehicle online and then take their shuttle bus at either airport in order to pick up your car or to take you to the departure terminal when you return it. If you decide to reserve your

SPECIAL OFFERS: Always available at Victoria Cars.

car from their head office in Calpe then there is a bonus, as

Victoria Cars will deliver and pick up your car from your house,

apartment or hotel across the area. The Victoria Cars fleet is modern and costs include fully comprehensive insurance, no deposit and no excess, ensuring that customers can expect to receive the cheapest all-inclusive rates in the market. For regular users, it is possible

to obtain up to 15 per cent on normal rates and prepaid orders can also attract a discount of up to 10 per cent. This is a car rental company that offers service with a smile and works hard to achieve customer satisfaction with access to agents on a 24/7 basis. The Head Office may be visited at Avenida Generalitat Valenciana 1, Calpe, 03710 but your first port of call to discover all that is on offer should be www.victoriacars.com or you can call +34 965 830 254 to discuss your requirements especially if you want to book a car at short notice. Alternatively, you can email the company explaining your needs and requesting a quote at bookings@victoriacars.com.

Donâ€™t forget to bring your driving licence, passport or identity card and credit card when you arrive to pick up your car and if you are under 22 or you passed your test less than two years ago, you will need to discuss with Victoria Cars in advance.

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7th - 13th September

Davy’s Calling all businesses big day FOR nearly 20 years, Davy Ward has organised a trip for over 40 men for a week or a weekend trip to Benidorm. Not only has he booked the flights, the hotels and the transport, he leaves absolutely nothing to chance. Nothing appears to bother him and with his attention to detail, ensures a smooth visit every time. During the trips, Davy who is about to celebrate a big birthday - organises a number of events that include a fancy dress party day and birthday celebrations. All those that are involved in the trips would like to take this opportunity to wish Davy a very happy 60th birthday and to express their gratitude for all he does and making the Benidorm trips such fun and memorable.

DAVY WARD: Happy 60th birthday. Davy and his faithful companions will be ‘back in town’ as from Thursday September 13, and the big party day is on Saturday, September 15 in the Rovers Return... with everyone welcome to celebrate the day with this very special person.

BENIDORM’S British Business Association, now an official registered organisation, is looking to attract new members. The aim is to bring the community together by sharing ideas to make improvements for the benefit of all. The association meets at 6pm on the first Tuesday of every month, at La Torreta Social Club, but also holds regular gatherings with the British Consulate and police and town hall representatives. The first meeting as a registered organisation was held on Tuesday, chaired by Karen Maling Cowles and Paul Thatcher. Items under discussion include cleaning up Benidorm and making it more family friendly, in part by removing sexual posters and t-shirts with crude slogans which are on sale in the streets

COMMUNITY: Association offers chance to discuss ideas to improve Benidorm.

where young children can see them. Members are also encouraging residents of Benidorm to sign up on the padron as this benefits the local community with government

funding. Membership is €20 a year, and those signing up will receive a sticker to place in the window of their business together with a membership card. This will allow mem-

A wild west of wasters

by Michael Walsh

keyboardcosmetics@gmail.com WHENEVER I am taken in by a cowboy tradesman, Henry Ford’s maxim comes to mind. ‘If you think a professional is expensive wait until you try an amateur.’ No matter how worldly wise one has little choice but to trust a service provider to deliver. We customers ask only competence, transparency, and integrity. Again, I chance upon a garage that failed on all three counts and it will cost me the same again to have their failings put right. I ask cowboy tradesmen, wouldn’t it be more honourable to turn to burglary or bank robbery. Many of us have a grudging respect for Peter Scott (1931 - 2013). Dubbed the King of the Cat Burglars, Scott risked life and limb, but unlike cowboy tradesmen he targeted those who could afford it and never risked his reputation. Bonnie and Clyde earned re-

BE HONEST: Traders with integrity will gain honour and wealth. spect. There is something noble about outlaws who openly flaunt their rebellious sinful ways. Professional criminals fail on integrity but unlike devious tradesmen can’t be criticised for lack of competence or transparency. The irony is that tradesmen who do follow their calling with

the three above-mentioned blessings retire with honour and wealth denied to the unscrupulous. Many will be familiar with the saying, ‘Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.’ On first meeting a client a

genuine business person sees work and profitability for years to come whilst the dishonest trader sees yet another victim. However, he spends his ill-gotten gains trying to replace those whose trust he has forfeited. Frankly, I would rather wash sheets in a brothel than smugly rip off a

bers to enjoy discounts at various local attractions, including Terra Natura Benidorm, Aqua Benidorm. To find out more, visit https://m.facebook.com/ benidormb ba/.

trusting new client. Ironically, I have met competent tradesmen who have done well out of fixing the mistakes made by rogue tradesmen. Another thing that life has taught me is that trade diplomas aren’t worth the paper they are written on. A City and Guilds certificate means only that the named person achieved the required level of competence on the date inscribed on it. It has no bearing on that person’s integrity or commitment to his calling. Many trade professionals if they wished could do the job properly. Flaws in their character get in the way of competence and result in an embittered client who takes his business to the rogue’s rivals. The integrity of most Spaniards is such that there is little need for a Trading Standards Department. These UK government funded watchdogs are found in every British community and do a wonderful job. We desperately need similar in the Cowboy Costas. Michael Walsh, author of Business Matters, Amazon, is a former assessor for the Guild of Master Craftsmen and Federation of Master Builders.

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

www.rtnnewspaper.com TO celebrate the World Day of Prostate Health (September 15), the Hospital Quirón Salud Torrevieja has launched a new edition of its free campaign for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. The initiative consists of carrying out free PSA tests and consultations with the urologist. Members of the general population who make an appointment, as well as patients at the hospital, aged 45 and over and from 40 years if they have a family history, will qualify. Thanks to the PSA, which is measured in a simple blood test, the specialist can establish the value of this protein synthesised by the prostate, whose value increases in the presence of a tumour. As explained by Dr Sven Petry, head of the Urology Unit at Hospital Quirón Salud Torrevieja: “The fact that the tumour cells produce it in greater quantity can determine in which people it is more probable to find this type of cells and decide to investigate or not the presence of these cells, by means of a prostate biopsy, depending on the potential benefits and risks that may derive from their diagnosis and treatment.” PSA levels increase with age, so that men without prostate cancer will have higher PSA values

7th - 13th September

Quirón’s free tests for early detection of prostate cancer

FREE CAMPAIGN: Hospital Quiron Salud are carrying out tests to diagnose prostate cancer. as they get older: “If at 45 years old we consider a normal index a value of less than 1.5, until 65 years old this index of normality moves to 2.5 and so on,” he explained. The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the

population about the importance of prevention and early detection for a good prognosis of this disease. The intention is “to inform and raise awareness in society about prostate cancer, since there is a low perception of the risk of suffering from it. Curing

prostate cancer is possible if it is detected early,” explained Dr Petry. 90 per cent of cases can be cured Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world in men and the first in inci-

dence in Europe. Each year about 25,000 new cases are diagnosed in Spain, of which between 20 per cent and 30 per cent are patients who have relapsed in the disease. “However, when detected early, this tumour can be cured in 90 per cent of cases,” said Dr Petry. Prostate cancer, except for advanced stages, rarely produces any symptoms; hence the importance of PSA, which allows the early detection of this disease in asymptomatic patients. How to access the tests It is not necessary to go on an empty stomach and it will be performed at Hospital Quirón salud Torrevieja. The analytical period will be from September 10 to 15 and you may request information from tomorrow (Friday), Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm. Call 966 909 506, or email prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or through the website http://www.quironsalud.es/torre vieja/es.

Use of ‘ser’ and ‘estar’ part three Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

WE’LL start off this week by reiterating the difference between the use of ‘ser’ and ‘estar,’ namely that ‘ser’” describes ‘who’ and ‘what’ and ‘estar’ describes ‘how,’ ‘where’ or ‘when.’ We have looked at a few specific examples of this, and this week we will explore the differences further. Always remember that there is often no hard and fast rule, it can be a question of what you actually want to say, and also, whilst I’m being nice and reassuring, remember that the Spanish are quite used to foreigners getting the two verbs mixed up, so can usually figure out what you’re trying to say, without you needing to feel too embarrassed. Here are some more specific examples of the difference between these two verbs ‘to be,’ when used with adjectives. Let’s take the word ‘maduro’ which can mean ‘ripe’ referring to food and ‘mature’ referring to people. We would say of a young person ‘es maduro’ ‘he is mature’ describing his character, whereas of fruit we would

say ‘está maduro’ ‘it’s ripe’ that is, in a state ripe for eating. Sometimes the difference is less obvious, but quite important. What about if we feel a bit overweight, maybe through eating too much over Christmas? We should say ‘Estoy gordo’ or ‘estoy gorda’ (I’m in a state of fatness at the moment) rather than ‘soy gordo’ or ‘soy gorda’ (I am a fat person). At least that way we give the message to ourselves and others that there is really a ‘thin person underneath’! One example of my long list of mistakes while grasping these concepts was when I misused the word ‘pendiente.’ This actually means ‘earring,’ but when used as an adjective with ‘estar’ also means ‘attentive, waiting.’ It’s not a good idea to say to a group of young students ‘soy pendiente’ (I’m an earring) but if you do, you won’t make the same mistake again. Moving away from descriptions now, there are a couple of examples of when the verb ‘estar’ is used to form specific grammatical constructions. One is the ‘present action’ or ‘present continuous’ tense, which we have talked about before, in which we use the appropriate form of ‘estar’ plus the present participle, as in ‘Estoy aprendiendo español,’ ‘¿Estás escuchando?’ ‘está jugando’ etc. The verb ‘estar’ is also often used with past participles when they change into adjectives. For example,

the past participle of ‘romper’ (to break) is ‘roto’ (broken). We have seen before how to say this like: ‘The child has broken the cup’ - ‘El niño ha roto el vaso.’ However, we can also say ‘The cup is broken,’ which would be ‘El vaso está roto.’ In this sort of transformation which describes the state of something we will always use the verb ‘estar.’ This is why, incidentally, we say ‘está casado,’ ‘está divorciado,’ ‘está muerto’ as they are adjectives formed from the past participle of verbs. People often think it is strange to use ‘estar’ to describe someone as married or dead, particularly if they have been taught that ‘estar’ is used to describe a temporary situation. However, if we reject ‘temporary’ and ‘permanent’ as a useful

rule and follow this grammatical explanation, it might just make a bit more sense! To round this up, and referring to the same subject area, we would say ‘soy soltero’ (I am single) using the verb ‘ser.’ This is because we are saying ‘I am a single person.’ ‘Soltero’ is a noun, and can also be an adjective, but it is not a past participle. I am skirting on the edge of an abyss here, but I hope you realise I am doing this all for your sakes, to help you to understand something that is actually a little complex. If it doesn’t make sense, please just go back to the explanation: ‘because it is’ or even ‘because the teacher says so’ or better still ‘because that’s what the Spanish say’ and that will have to do!

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7th - 13th September

health

New fibre bond technology THIS week in Clinica Britannia we have been very busy with one of our new procedures. We have had a number of patients with mobile teeth due to gum disease. Gum disease is the most common disease in the world after dental decay. In susceptible indiv i d u a l s t h e b o d y ’s i m m u n e s y s tem reacts to toxins produced by certain bacteria. This results in the bone around the teeth reducing and over time can cause loosening of the teeth. Due to our new fibre bond technology we have managed to splint the teeth together to hold them in place for many years to come as long as regular dental hygiene visits are maintained. Benefits of this is you keep your own teeth and avoid a denture, it’s done in one visit and it’s low cost. If you have any mobile teeth or are worried about gum disease, call us for a free consultation to see if this low cost treatment is suitable for you.

MOBILE TEETH: Caused by gum disease.

Please call Britannia Dental on 965 837 553 for a free consultation to see if you are suitable for this treatment. Also like us on Facebook. Britannia Dental Clinic Avenida Ejercitos Españoles 16 BIS 1st Floor (Not ground floor) E-03710 Calpe (Alicante).

Feeling stressed, frustrated at a loss? Relationships Depression Anxiety Trauma Addiction Sexual issues Bereavement and Loss I provide integrative Psychotherapy, counselling and coaching for individuals or couples in need of help and support to overcome difficulties. With a wealth of experience spanning over 24 years working both in Spain and the UK, to serve the Costa Blanca community. Fully regulated by BACP accredited, FDAP accredited, C.O.S.R.T member. If you live between countries or travel much of the time I also work via Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp audio or telephone. Please contact Annie on 634 333 169, +44 7712033508 or send an email to annie@annie-bennett.com Or visit my website www.annie-bennett.com I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to Clinica Britannia A BRITISH Medical and Dental Centre established in Calpe since 1997. English, German, Russian, French and, of course Spanish are also fluently spoken by our staff. Always, feel free to contact us immediately in case of emergency (24H/365D). At Clinica Britannia with no waiting lists we have at your disposal the best SurDR VICENTE MERA geons and Anaesthetists Senior Consultant Physician under the co-ordination of Chief Specialist in Internal our Consultant Physician. Medicine. Latest most successful and innovative laser procedures have been: Green light laser (day surgery), for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Green light laser surgery for the prostate refers to Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate using a green light laser (also known as KTP laser). It is used in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or more commonly known as enlargement of the prostate gland. Intralesional photodynamic therapy for Anal Fistulas and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The application of photodynamic therapy, application of the beam of light of a specific laser, for injuries caused by anal fistulas, hidradenitis suppurativa and other pathologies has been revealed as a revolutionary technique. Come to visit us.

Lip fillers- not only for celebrities! “ I H AV E a l w a y s b e e n h a p p y w i t h m y lips, all though they are small. But as I’m ageing, I see that also the shape of the lips are changing, and the lines around the mouth appears, all though I’ve never smoked” A patient shared her concerns with o u r d o c t o r, a n d h e a s s u r e d h e r t h a t this is a normal ageing sign, but also it’s possible and easy to do something about it. Most fillers are based on Hyaluronic Acid which is injected into the lip, to increase volume and size. The hyaluronic acid fillers work by not only plumping the lip directly, but also trapping water within lips for a natural, plump pout. As the lip gets a plumped natural size, also the lines around the mouth will get more stretched and less visible. The filler can also be put in the line of the lip, and the result is very natural, with a small lifted sensation. There are many different fillers in the market, and therefore always do a little research before you have a treatment. Also be aware that only doctors are allowed to do this treatment. At Derma Clinic Spain, we have an experienced team to give you advice and help you to get the result you want. For further questions don’t hesitate to contact us, or come for a free first consultation. Derma Clinic Spain are located at Camino del Pincho 2, 03580, L’Alfaz del Pi, Alicante. For more information call 674 255 579 or email info@dermaclinicspain.com. Alternatively see our Facebook page facebook.com/DermaClinicSpain.

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7th - 13th September

Advertising Feature

Immerse yourself in tranquillity, well-being and exceptional service at Spa Novel LOCATED in Javea, Spa Novel offers a vast array of services, from therapeutic massages, manicures and pedicures, skin care and waxing to foot health services. Novelett, who is originally from the Cayman Islands, has travelled the world perfecting her skills, gaining a wealth of professional experience along the way. Taking these experiences Novelett established Spa Novel in Javea: “The town resonated with me, something that is exceptionally important.” Available for both men and women, Spa Novel offer an exceptional range of massage therapy. From warm bamboo or clam shell massage to aromatherapy and specialised neuromuscular massage. “I strongly believe that clients should be able to disconnect when having a treatment, they should never feel rushed, but relaxed and pampered,” says Novelett, “if I am doing a manicure then the client gets a hand massage, if I am doing a pedicure then I give a foot massage, I want my clients to feel the benefit from their Spa Novel experience.” Novelett specialises in foot care and is a

RANGE OF SERVICES: From therapeutic massages, manicures and pedicures, skin care and waxing to foot health services. member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals. This highly recognised qualification enables Spa Novel to offer tailored treatments for diabetic and elderly customers, where professional foot care is of the utmost importance. From toe nail trimming to corns or verruca treatments, Novelett is qualified to take care of your needs using fully sterilised

DOCTORS: Madrid has 5.9 per thousand citizens.

discount of 15 per cent to pensioners (discounts cannot be combined). To accommodate her clients Novelett opening hours are now Tuesday to Friday 10am until 2pm and 5pm until 9pm. On Saturdays 10am to 3pm; Novelett understands that some clients may require appointments outside these hours and is happy to discuss individual needs.

Located on Avenida Amanecer de Espana 21, in the old town of Javea, opposite Mercadona, appointments can be made by calling 662 545 984, by email spanovel.javea@gmail.com or by booking with Spa Novel via Facebook.

Medical experts on the increase NATIONALLY, Spain has an average of 4.7 doctors and 5.5 nurses per thousand inhabitants. The number of doctors and registered nurses continues to grow in Spain and there are already 247,974 doctors and 291,848 nurses, an increase of 2.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively compared to previously. That’s according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), which began to collate figures on the number of doctors and nurses in 1952. The largest increases in the medical professions have been observed in physicians, dietician nutritionists, occupational therapists, dental technicians and physiotherapists. Figures show that the health world is largely dominated by female workers with speech therapists having the highest percentage of women, being 93.8 per cent of the total. Over 91 per cent of occupational therapists are women along with 87.8 per cent of nutritional dieticians. However men dominate the fields of dentistry, specialist physicians

equipment for your health and safety. Waxing services for men is also a speciality at Spa Novel as experienced hands aim to make the waxing experience as painless as possible. “We will wax where others won’t,” says Novelett. For a limited opening period Spa Novel wish to reward customers with a 15 per cent discount. They also offer a permanent

and doctors. Taking into account the number of professionals active in relation to the population, Madrid has the highest rate of doctors with 5.9 doctors per thousand citizens, followed by Aragon (5.5 per thousand) and Navarre (5.4), which also has the highest rate of nurses at 8.6 per thousand inhabitants, followed by Madrid (6.8) and Cantabria (6.3). Andalucia has the lowest rate of nurses in relation to the population with just four per thousand inhabitants, followed by Murcia with 4.2.

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7th - 13th September

health

Could the humble strawberry offer fresh hope to cancer research? NOW might be the right time to take advantage of the everpopular red berry as new studies across Italy and Spain reveal their possible benefits in preventing breast cancer. Experiments carried out on mice show that concentrations of strawberry extract block the division of aggressive cancer cells and at the same time, decrease the probability of secondary tumours. Experiments were carried out using female mice divided into two categories with one group being fed a standard diet and the other a diet enriched with supplements derived from the red fruit. Cancerous growths were implanted in all mice prior to the experiment as the strawberry’s properties were put to the test. Results of the experiment were striking and confirmed scientific speculation as the second group were not only clear from secondary tumours but also demonstrated a dramatic reduction in the size of the implanted tumour. This offers exciting prospects for scientists and cancer researchers although further investigations will be needed to support and consolidate these findings. In the meantime, biologists maintain the overall health benefits of the Mediterranean fruit and hope to make further advances examining its composition. S PA I N h a s r e l e a s e d f i g u r e s t h a t show around 60,000 people die every year in the country as a result of tobacco. Worldwide, tobacco kills more than seven million people, with around 890,000 of these being non-smokers exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke according to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Around 27 per cent of the Spanish population are still daily smokers spending an average of €282.39 each year on tobacco. The average smoker has 1,264 cigarettes a year. Lung cancer and heart disease are not the only health concerns to worry about. Smoking can lead to a range of other problems such as osteoporosis, emphysema, hearing loss, cataracts, teeth deterioration and psoriasis. But despite these health concerns many continue smoking and for those who want to stop, breaking the habit can be tough. But

STRAWBERRIES: Extracts can block the division of aggressive cancer cells.

Stop smoking there are things you can do: Change habits Breaking the routine you had as a smoker can help you forget about tobacco and focus on new things. For example if you always have a cigarette with your morning cup of tea try and skip the tea or have something else instead so you don’t associate that action with smoking. Make it public By telling everyone your intentions you are more likely to succeed as you will engage the support and encouragement of others not to give up quitting. Wait 10 minutes If you have not smoked for a few days when you feel the urge to light up, breathe and wait for 10 minutes. Have a glass of water and go for a short walk and usually the urge will go, but these short battles will go a long way

CHANGE HABITS: Breaking your routine can help.

to helping you achieve your long term goal. Save the money Put aside the money you would have

spent on tobacco and watch it soon increase. Treat yourself with your extra cash and this economical motivation will soon have you quitting. Hypnotherapy For those needing extra help some hypnotherapists offer quit smoking sessions which many claim to help them stop for good.

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7th - 13th September

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

BOOK 1 2 3 4

Cryptic

Down 1 As prearranged, is winning in the tennis match (5) 2 Man left in, he made people laugh (7) 4 Sharp bar put off (6) 5 Slogs wildly, yet with a certain polish (5) 6 Good man drives and advances (7) 7 How suite he makes becomes head of state's residence (5,5) 9 Little time early in the morning (5,5) 12 Imagine an old Northerner on the Northern river (7) 14 Diluting agent is less thick (7) 15 Save when secure, possibly (6) 17 Flash flood ruins tapes (5) 19 Not a journalist is mentioned (5)

CALL Weekly Stars

Across 1 Dismiss white fortified wine (4) 3 Star with young girl outside US city (3,5) 8 Educator will find non-alcoholic beverage dear in France (7) 9 Point to unsatisfactory animal track (5) 10 One-off programme for aviator (5) 11 Commended form of despair (7) 12 Some slip-on chosen as something to wear (6) 13 Dishes spelt a different way (6) 16 Firm must order Eastern outfit (7) 18 Constellation seen from Mediterranean or Ionian Sea (5) 20 American finding time for management (5) 21 There's nothing in the brass instrument but a crown (7) 22 Eve's late, perhaps, but gives a lift (8) 23 Gravity-free network (4)

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

Aries. Curious planetary complications with networking Mercury and a wayward Uranus see things becoming more difficult than they really need to be. There is a real need to just walk away with your head held high, but if you stay around it is to be on your terms with your own specific needs met.

Libra. Venus enters into Scorpio just after the weekend bringing love to you on all levels. Your devotions open your heart and someone is about to walk into your life. bringing diversion and happiness. You are more than you think that you are; so steer this romance to just where it should be right now!

Taurus. Venus the Goddess of Love finds an opening in your sibling planet Libra, squaring up to Mars. Seems to be a time to keep all options open because you really do not know what you want right now; but it is not a rod for your own back! History repeats itself, so look beyond the passion and the flattery now.

Scorpio. Where is your sting when you need it? The Venus ingres to Scorpio is calculating and eventful, but watch the smile go from someone’s face as they realise just how things are, and how they could be. Mercury backs you to the hilt whilst Venus takes a move towards Saturn, squaring Ceres!

Gemini. Something doesn’t feel quite right, and no matter what is said or done nothing seems to make it happen for you. What you see is not what your getting, and the disillusion is not a part of your fantasy, nor is it anything to hold you back. You are on the edge of making a decision that brings needed changes.

Sagitarius. Gregarious actions put you in charge of an entertainment that makes the most of an impending celebration. Forget the hard work and the organising, nobody does it better, and it will take your mind off things. Mercury enters midweek bringing the chance to spread the word any which way.

Cancer. You are currently experiencing a healthy whiff of nostalgia as you take a positive step along memory lane. The past cannot be repeated but putting things back together is good therapy. A boost to your ego would see you making the right connection.

Capricorn. Pluto in sextile with Jupiter allows you to examine something from the grass roots upwards, highlighting something you have been concerned about for some time. With resolve and resolution you will win hands down if you just stick to your guns and give peace a real chance to work its way.

Leo. Fortune smiles, so strike while the iron is hot, and just go for gold. The Sun sextiles Jupiter and trines with Pluto midweek showing you that conscious control means just that; and if you want to get mad then better to get even and show someone just what you can do. Just please, keep your temper!

Aquarius. Uranus is in opposition with a munificent Venus and beguiled by the routines of a controlling Ceres this week. This puts you in position to show those who would doubt you that you are not to be messed with; and that for once, you are keeping all of your many options open. You are good to go!

Virgo. Stubborn pride stops you saying what has to be said right now. Mercury trines Saturn and Uranus in a double whammy this week and in hindsight things should have been nipped in the bud, but without further delay, take control of a wayward situation and you will be closer to your specific own goals.

Pisces. Jupiter brings you both good luck and the freedom to explore the possibilities regarding an impending investment. Finance is under inspection right now, and every Cosmic aspect comes with a built in warning to organise your finances so that your money works for you, not you for it!

Code Breaker

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 3 represents Z and 19 represents B, so fill in Z every time the figure 3 appears and B every time the figure 19 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.

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7th - 13th September Across 1 Frilly undergarment (9) 6 Group jargon (5) 7 Moderately warm (5) 9 Beer (3) 10 Open and genuine (7) 11 Lowest rank in the Army (7) 14 Large vase (3) 16 At or in the front (5) 17 Two times (5) 18 Having no smell (9)

Quick

Down 1 Bohemian dance (5) 2 Variety of mandarin orange (9) 3 Metal shackles for hands or legs (5) 4 Frequently (5) 5 Avoid (5) 8 Bias in favour of or against anything (9) 11 Keyboard instrument (5) 12 Sound (5) 13 Come or go into (5) 15 Requirements (5)

Across 1 Lawn (6) 4 To weep (6) 9 Lila (5) 10 Lentejas (7) 11 Then (at that time) (8) 12 Obedecer (4) 14 Billete (6) 16 Tijereta (insecto) (6) 19 Mordedura (4) 20 To return (8) 23 Postman (7) 24 Struggle (effort) (5) 25 Dill (6) 26 Nadie (6)

Down 1 El más frio (7) 2 Hendidura (corte) (5) 3 To turn on (8) 5 Firewood (4) 6 Arco iris (7) 7 Oxidado (5) 8 Moscas (insectos) (5) 13 Brick (8) 15 Fourteen (7) 17 Alemania (7) 18 Fast (quick) (5) 19 Pothole (in road) (5) 21 Sacred (art, musical) (5) 22 Doblar (4)

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

Kenny’s Postbag Kenny, just lately I have become more receptive to messages I believe are coming from the Spirit World to me. I often feel inadequate to help those who make contact, and I would like to take this further. Have you any ideas that can help me ease myself into taking on a different connection with Spirit? Ann. A. Yes, Ann, I am sure that I could help you. Your full mail was too long to print in my Postbag, but from what you say you are becoming truly closer to Spirit and they will help to facilitate your stronger connection. Time will see you stopping to feel what you think that you cannot do, and help you to connect further with Spirit, which is what you are starting to do. I would recommend you attend a Masterclass, Circle, or Course, whenever you can. Your development will come along so well, especially when you are learning with others, who will become spiritual buddies too!

Kenny Corris

Don't forget to email or message me with your Postbag Questions!.

Check out my new website: www.kennycorris.net

Kakuro

For Birthday Celebrants 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.

Much Cosmic energy seems to want to bring you the chance to see real change taking you to new levels in the Astrological year ahead. Make no mistake, for you this is too good to be missed, but nothing ventured is truly what it says on the packet, nothing gained!

Sudoku

Funagram Unscramble the name of a famous professional motorcycle road racer: INTERVAL IS SOON Unscramble the name of a famous American romantic comedy film, originally released in 1959 (four words): I TIME THE LOOKS

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

ANSWERS: - VALENTINO ROSSI - SOME LIKE IT HOT

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7th - 13th September

AIRPORT PARKING

ELECTRICIAN MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Electric bill optimisation for free. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mb electrics.es (259056) www.dragonreforms.com Tel 966 807 098. Free quotes given. (276051)

FOR SALE REF. SA-929 – APARTMENT ALBIR 97m2, 2BEDROOMS, 2BATHROOMS, 2PARKING SPACES- € 160,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402

CHARITIES EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY - nondenominational Church. We hold two services every Sunday 10.30am in English (Spanish translation) and 12.00 in Spanish only at Calle San Bartolome 35, Bajo, No.6, El Campello. Everyone welcome. For more information: www.elcampellochristian community.org or email: campellocc@gmail.com. Sue Bishop - 693 048 200 (English) or Carol Castlejon - 661 532 260 (Spanish / French).

CLEANING SERVICES A1 SPECIALIST CLEANING. Carpets, upholstery, 15 years’ experience 965 058 177/ 697 511 071 marc@barnaclebills.co.u k www.britishbusinesspa gesinspain.es (259042)

REF. SA-2450 – APARTMENT ALBIR 74m2, 2BEDROOM, 1BATHROOM - € 160,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 REF. SA-2457 - CORNER TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT ALBIR 70m2 - € 241,500 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883) REF. SA-2373 - APARTMENT IN ALBIR 100m2 HIGH STANDARD, 2BEDROOMS 2BATHROOMS - € 282,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883) REF. SA-2026 - LUXURY PENTHOUSE CENTRE OF ALBIR 250m2, 3BEDROOMS 2BATHROOMS, 2KITCHENS, GARAGE € 739,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883)

FOR SALE REF. XSA-1014 - CENTRIC, INDEPENDENT AND SOUTH FACING VILLA ALBIR 100m2 , 4BEDROOMS, 2BATHROOMS, SWIMMINGPOOL – SALE PRICE € 329,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883) REF. SA-2458 - SEMIDETACHED VILLA ALBIR 240m2 , 4BEDROOMS, 3BATHROOMS, DOUBLE GARAGE, SWIMMINGPOOL - € 345,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883) REF. SA-228 – NEW MODERN SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE ALBIR 192m2, 3BEDROOMS, 3BATHROOMS, GARAGE - € 365,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883) REF. SA-2516 – VILLA ALBIR 273m2, 6BEDROOMS, 4BATHROOMS - € 385,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883)

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@beneficialin suranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialin suranceinspain.com for online quote. (259397)

METAL WORKS MOBILE WELDING SERVICE Gates, rejas, railings etc. Made to measure or repaired. Free quotes. No job too small. Calpe. Made to measure or repaired onsite. Call Dave 965 834 869 or 616 173 699

MOTORING

PEST CONTROL BUGBUSTERS BENIDORM: Fully Legal Costa Blanca Pest Control Company. EST 1994. For all pest problems, commercial and domestic. Call Lois Clark 619 054 939/96 686 5204. bugbuster slois@hot mail.com. ROESB 05552 CV

MOSQUITO & Wasp Control, Garden treatments from 30 Euros. Visit www.fogoffspain.com or call/whatsapp 681 609 730 (258886)

PET TRANSPORT PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK 01209 630604 or Spain 960 130 537 (280295)

WRITING SERVICES

REF. SA-2241 - MODERN VILLA ALBIR 265m2, 3BEDROOMS, 3BATHROOMS, PRIVATE POOL – SALE PRICE € 547,000 966 868 620 / 695 592 402 (279883)

HEALTH & BEAUTY CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST, Philip Mann, clinics in Benissa, Moraira, Javea, Calpe and Albir. 686 912 307 (250345)

MISCELLANEOUS PLUMBING

PETS

POOLS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (241910)

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7th - 13th September

SPANISH COURSES

PETS

www.100percentplumb ing.com Call for a free quotation 965 835 939 (222179) RIGHT PLUMBER plumbing & drainage for an honest, affordable, professional service call 656 303 236 (279546) www.dragonreforms.com Tel 966 807 098. Free quotes given. (246715)

POOL CLEANER

REMOVALS & STORAGE

REPAIR or replace pumps, filters, sand changes, leaks & re-piping, Calpe to Javea, Tel 671 202 985 www.morairapoolmainte nance.com (259389)

PROPERTY FOR SALE MOBILE home for sale off-site. Suitable for extra accommodation or garden house. Needs work. £4,000. Please ring 696 090 776 (256587)

SITUATIONS VACANT

Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers Puzzle answers

Word Ladder

Codebreaker

Kakuro

Quick

Sudoku

Cryptic

English-Spanish

HARE HARD HERD HEED FEED FEET

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

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

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RADIO

PROPERTY TO LET STUDIO LONG LET - ALBIR NEAR MCDONALDS. INDEPENDENT TOILET AND KITCHEN. SINGLE PERSON. DEPOSIT REQUIRED AND NO ANIMALS. 670 330 084 (278923)

ROLLER SHUTTERS ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (256042)

SITUATIONS VACANT PROPERTY RENTAL RETIRED COUPLE LOOKING FOR LONG TERM RENTAL IN LA MARINA BAIXA - PREF TWO BEDS NEEDED URGENTLY - CALL JANICE 0044 7736251800 (279523)

REMOVALS/TRANSPORT MAN & VAN. FOR HIRE. CHEAP AND RELIABLE. JALON VALLEY + SURROUNDING AREAS. 636 100 873 OR 966 480 757 OR (279522)

FREE accommodation in Spain in return for handyman work. Email oasis parks@yahoo.co.uk. Telephone: 696 090 776 (256587) 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 recruit ment@euroweeklynews. com

TELECOMS 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)

TV & SATELLITE SKYLINE SATELLITE EXPERTS IN REPAIRS, SERVICE CALLS OR ADVICE ON uk AND International tv installations 965 838 225 info@skyli nesat.com SPECIALIST IN COMMUNITY AND APARTMENT INSTALLATIONS, and Solutions, no dish, no problem. Satellite and TV accessories available 965 838 225 info@skylinesat.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

SPANISH MOVES, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Last minutes jobs undertaken www.spanish moves.net Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned (280295) WE WILL MOVE IT Full roof rack for long loads Full & part loads We will take pets Based in Javea & Denia Spain UK Spain Weekly 0034 634 360 846 / 0044 7783 222 251 wewillmoveit@ hotmail.co.uk (248746) www.ukspainuk.com We’ve 18+ years’ experience. New Clean Vehicles running 2/3 times monthly. ONLINE QUOTES. Insured with RSA. ANY size move. Worried who to use? We'll look after you. Call BMC European free on Spain 900 984 960 or UK 0800 612 4677 (WhatsApp +34 622 588 222) (279154)

WORK FROM HOME! WE ARE LOOKING FOR LADIES AGED 20 TO 65 TO TAKE CALLS FROM AN ADULT-HOTLINE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH OR SWEDISH. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INFO: work@kkhotline.com (279398)

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)

SOFT FURNISHING LOOSE COVERS, CURTAINS ETC. Made to Measure. Choose from a wide range of beautiful fabrics in your own home. Tel: 965 771 397 or 686 453 827 (256750)

XXX RELAX SEXY MATURE ENGLISH, BLOND 15 mins ALICANTE AIRPORT, OVER NIGHT STAYS POSSIBLE RING KAREN 0034 662 049 021

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS MARK PADDON BSc Hons. Building surveying. MCIOB, CAAT. From 245 EUROS + IVA. Insured and legally registered in Spain. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurvey ors.com (256116)

XXX RELAX

EROTIC MASSAGE in villa. Gorgeous Mexican lady of 29 yo. Pool, pergola, drinks, class, satisfaction. Calpe and outcalls. Vivian 644772227 (whatsapp) (277268)

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pets

7th - 13th September

• sponsored by

Missing man’s best friend Photo credit: Policia Local Burriana

Does your pet suffer from separation anxiety?

FAITHFUL: Stray dog keeps a missing man warm overnight.

by Glenn Scott

Some dogs get anxious when sensing their owners are preparing to go away.

bers. New members register online. We ID check all members to ensure we know who you are, and in addition sitters are police checked. 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. Our latest review on Trustpilot Brilliant Excellent value for what you receive; there are many sitters available. We had a nice couple apply and accepted within 36 hours which takes a big weight off our minds. The customer service is second to none. What a great idea. Highly recommended - Review by homeowner June, Alicante, Spain How you benefit as a

home and petowner 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? Visit the website www.Housesitmatch.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.

the dog wouldn’t leave him and insisted on going along with him. Normally, lost dogs with no owners are taken to the local animal shelter. In this case, the missing man’s family have insisted on adopting him as a family pet as a way of thanking him for his potential lifesaving action. If the dog is found not to have an owner, he’ll be living with the grateful family in Burriana for good.

P.E.P.A p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com A hard working team Photo credit: P.E.P.A.

Keeping pets at ease is important MANY of us will no doubt have experience of a pet boycotting the suitcase when trying to pack. Some dogs and indeed cats sense you are leaving and become anxious. I used to have a Spaniel who would start howling loudly when he saw suitcases emerging from the loft, stopping only when someone made a fuss of him. We learned that having a friendly relative to house-sit was the only way to minimise his anxiety. It is not always easy to find relatives to visit when you’re away! Having a house-sitter for when you travel can minimise separation anxiety. How we work HouseSitMatch is a housesitting network where we try to get to know our mem-

AN elderly man who was reported missing in Burr iana, C astellon, and w a s suffering from Alzheimer’s, was found safe and well... and with an apparent homeless dog by his side to keep him company. The so far unnamed 75year-old left his home during the afternoon and when he hadn’t returned

by the time it became dark, his family raised the alarm. He was found the following morning slightly disorientated and with minor hypothermia, but otherwise showing no other effects of his ordeal. However, a stray dog had sat with him all night, cuddling up to him to keep him warm and comfortable when the temperature dropped. After being found, the paramedics took the man into an ambulance but

CARE: All dogs are cared for until a good home is found. PEPA is a registered animal charity based largely in the northern Costa Blanca area and inland. Funds are raised through their three shops situated in La Font d’En Carros, L’Olleria and Oliva, and customers are always welcome to browse and find a bargain. Their teams work throughout the year organising a series of fundraising events, and full details of all of their work can be found on their website at www.pepas pain.com.

PEPA Newsletters are also available to anybody who would like to receive them by e-mail by contacting the charity at: p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gm ail.com. The animals rescued are placed in foster homes where they receive TLC and veterinary care when required, this can often be expensive long-term treatment. All the dogs are fully vaccinated, laboratory blood tested, microchipped, passported and sterilised. The puppies re-

ceive all the necessary puppy vaccinations, and all dogs and pups also receive treatment for external and internal parasites and against Leishmania. Dogs remain in foster care until a fully home checked family is considered for adoption. The PEPA fun day Sunday is being held on Sunday, September 16 in the Parc in La Font, and they need you to unleash your inner Mary Berry and bake a cake or a pie to bring on the day for the tea and cake stall.

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7th - 13th September

motoring MOST manufacturers offer an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) - in fact even the likes of Maserati have followed suit. But Nissan has been at this game for a lot longer than some and as a consequence its latest Qashqai is the one to beat. It’s a very competent package, attractive lines coupled with good levels of equipment and comfort. There’s little to criticise. On the road this type of vehicle sits between the height of a standard car and that of a larger 4x4. It’s an extremely practical offering for a young family such as mine. The rear seats offer enough space for my three little rascals in their cumbersome car seats and the interior is a hardwearing black leather and plastic. The panoramic glass roof is easily removed by the press of a button. We take the Qashqai for a jaunt to Peterborough. The boot is generally large enough for all the luggage once the parcel shelf is removed. The ideal driving position is easily achieved thanks to the electrically adjusted driver’s seat. It’s a comfortable seat, but over long journeys there is a lack of lumbar support for me. Initially I find that my foot doesn’t have to lift the clutch very far at all for a gear change, which takes

TEST DRIVE by Tim Saunders

Nissan Qashqai: One to beat Facts at a glance Price: between £27,000 and £30,000 Engine: 1.6 diesel Power: 128bhp 0-60mph: 11secs Top speed: 118mph Economy: approx 55mpg

PRACTICAL: The Japanese car maker has released a new model. a little getting used to. Once I have overcome this the ride is smooth and the diesel unit is barely audible. Its six-speed manual gearbox is also smooth and easy to use while on long motorway journeys the basic cruise control is simple to en-

gage. It’s not a complicated system by any means, such as those radar operated systems fitted to more expensive vehicles that measure the distance away from the car in front and automatically brake and accelerate accordingly. But I don’t mind this as so often

these days it can feel like the driver is becoming redundant. The Nissan needs the driver to think. The electric parking brake doesn’t cause any issues either while a reversing camera makes life easier, too. At the rear are perhaps the smallest windows I have seen on a vehi-

AT a v e r y g l i t z y p r e sentation at the 2018 Moscow International Auto Salon, a new state-owned Russian car manufacturer launched what they hope is a luxury vehicle to challenge RollsRoyce. The Auras Senat limousine and the smaller Aurus Senat sedan were unveiled with the help of Russian Trade Minister Denis Manturov, and the Auras brand with the big box grill at the front was favoured by President Vladimir Putin as he rode to the Kremlin to begin his fourth term in office. This returned to a practice preferred by

cle, all part of the design. Rear passengers enjoy privacy glass. Low profile tyres do mean that any potholes or bumps in the road are accentuated that bit more than usual. But what is lost on the swings is gained on the roundabouts and these tyres aid performance and economy. For such a large vehicle it will easily travel 500 miles on a tank at sensible speeds. If urgency is required it will respond accordingly. It’s a good experience to drive the Qashqai and the driver arrives at his destination feeling fresh and capable.

The Russian ‘ Rolls-Royce’ launched the Soviet-era leaders who always travelled around in the homecountry’s cars, as Putin, until now had instead used a Mercedes. Vadim Pereverzev, the chief designer for Auras said: “Market research among Russians showed there is a demand for a high-tech quality product made in our country, in particular for a car of such class. “Consumers of such cars, you could say they are tired of RollsRoyces, Mercedes and Maybachs,” continued P e r e v e r z e v, w h o h a s worked with a number of Italian companies including Fiat. Pereverzev was quick to acknowledge that the design influences for

the Aurus Limousine included a model once made for Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, the ZIS, which also featured a huge chrome grille. “I’d say that it was more that era that inspired our designers; an era of great achievements by our state when cars like the ZIS appeared,” Pereverzev said. The new range of cars were developed by a state enterprise called NAMI, which owns a controlling stake in the Aurus brand, in conjunction with Russian automotive group Sollers. Russian state funding for the project came to around 12 billion rubles (€151 million).

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T H E 1 9 t h ’s M o n t h l y M e d a l competition was a very hotly contested affair with only two shots separating the first five players. Geoff Smith (71) came out on top after a card countback from John Briddon in the runner-up spot a n d Te r r y Ay l i n g i n t h i r d place, also after countback. Only two shots further back were Tommy Seed and Mike Esposito with Tommy taking fourth place also on countback. Indeed another countback had to be used to determine the Ladies winner with Karyn EsMONTHLY MEDAL: A hotly contested affair. posito eventually prevail-

La Vila Rugby welcomes Tyler

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INTERNATIONAL: Tyler Bush will be a major addition for the new season.

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TYLER BUSH, a 22-year-old born in London with Jamaican roots has joined La Vila Rugby Club. Weighing in at 94 kilos and 1.82m tall, the plan is to play him at Nº6 or Nº7 as a flanker. He has played for the London Irish Wild Geese, but much of his early time was spent with the Ealing Trailfinders.

i n g o v e r C h r i s s i e D o w, b o t h having scored 83. T h e r e w e r e s e v e n ‘ t w o ’s ’ recorded by John Briddon (Hole 3), Geoff Smith (8), Tomm y S e e d , To n y M a c k a y a n d Steve Newberry (12), Alan Brigden (14) and Ralph Hunter (17). Nearest the pins: Nigel G r e e n w o o d ( H o l e 3 ) , G e o ff Smith (8), Tony Mackay (12), Nigel Greenwood (14), Vaughan Williams and Chris Heed with a dead heat (16), and Doug Birrell (17). The 19th Hole Golf Society play every week on local courses, and for more details contact mikeesposito54@ya hoo.com.

Montgo Golf Society Photo credit: Rugby La Vila

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19th Hole Golf Society Photo credit: SOL Times

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Tyler has also achieved international honours with the Jamaican team in the R u g b y S e v e n s Wo r l d C u p h e l d i n S a n Francisco last July, and at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. He’s been training with his new team for the past two weeks.

THIS year’s Rose Bowl Medal competition, sponsored by Paul Tolley, was hotly contested by Montgo GS on the last Friday of August. The weather was again perfect, but the course is now looking a little tired following the deprivations of a long, dry summer. However major repair works are now underway with the implementation of a couple of temporary greens. No doubt the course will be back on course very soon… So for those unaffected by the odd bare patch on the greens, net 70 seemed to be the favoured result with the top three players all having the same score. Countback soon sorted them out much to the dismay of the Captain who was hoping for her first victory of the year. However, it was not to be as best back nine went to Gordon Gleeson who finished in first place; second place went to Captain Cooper, whilst the third net 70 player was John Day. Fourth place went to Penny Barden with a net 72. Nearest the Pins: John Day (Hole 3), and Gordon Gleeson (Hole 16). A special prize for the ‘most travelled’ player was awarded to George Braddick who is certain to make the most of his free lesson with Paul Tolley. The next get-together, due to maintenance work, will consist of a fun game sponsored by the Society and with a format to be decided.