RTN Newspaper - Costa Blanca South 7 - 13 September 2018 Issue 983

FREE! COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Issue 983 7th - 13th September

For daily news online www.rtnnewspaper.com

Brit pair stabbed in Torrevieja By Darren Parmenter Photo credit: Google Maps

T

WO British men have been stabbed in a fight in Torrevieja. The incident took place in the usually quiet and peaceful Urbanisation San Luis-El Chaparral on Wednesday night after an argument broke out between a group of Romanian and British men. For reasons that are still being investigated, the fight broke out around 1am in a bar on Calle Rodrigo and ended up with the Romanian men returning and armed with knives. One of the wounded men, aged around 60, was stabbed in the back and chest, with the other man, believed to be around 30 years

ARMED: El Chaparral, where the stabbing took place (File image)

old, was stabbed close to his heart. When the alarm was

raised, officers from the Local Police and the Guardia Civil raced to

August unemployment rise THE number of people registered as unemployed in the Murcia region rose during the month of August. According to data released by the Ministry of Employment, 3,033 people - an increase of 3.06 per cent - were added to the list compared to July, and took the total number of unemployed in the region to 102,237. The data also showed that there are 12,906 non-Span-

ish officially without a job in Murcia down 70 from the previous month - of which 2,995 are from other EU countries and the rest from outside. The Ministry of Employment statistics reveal that the largest number of the new unemployed come from the serv i c e s e c t o r, a n d a c count for 1,879 of the 3,033 additional people. These are followed by construction

the bloody scene, in addition to two paramedic units and an ambulance. The stabbed men were taken to hospital where their condition is not known.

workers (533), manufa c tur ing a nd indus try (481) and agriculture (361). On the other hand, 220 people that were previously without work finally found a job during August.

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

According to reports, one of those alleged to have carried out the stabbings dropped his mobile phone at the scene and has thus been identified by the authorities.

2

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Drunk in canal LOCAL POLICE from Orihuela were called to the canal in Las Ramblas on the Orihuela Costa to rescue a man who had fallen in. Four officers took some time to get the man out - who it’s understood was drunk - after finding him completely exhausted and crying for help on Sunday afternoon. The man hadn’t suffered any injuries and according to reports didn’t require any further treatment.

Extra dog spaces requested LOCAL political party in Orihuela, Cambiamos, has urged the local council to enable more public spaces designed for people to walk their dogs. In addition, they are asking for three special time slots to be allocated on a number of existing green areas for dogs to be exercised, all with the caveat that the owners must be responsible for the behaviour of their pets and to ensure a level of hygiene and respect for the local environment at all times. The motion will be raised at the next council meeting on Monday.

Sunday fakes found LOCAL POLICE officers had a more than successful trip to the Sunday morning market in Cabo de Palos in Cartagena. They managed to confiscate 40 items of alleged counterfeit clothing, consisting of 18 football shirts, 10 full Real Madrid kits, six pairs of shorts, one jacket, two swimsuits and three bags.

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

Costa claim scam

CULTURE: Tougher sentences behind reduction of ‘food poisoning’ claims faced by hotel owners in Benidorm alone approached €6 million (€60 million across Spain), they decided to fight back with a major public cam-

paign 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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

DEMANDS: Islas Menor, where there is no longer any lifeguards. (File image)

Locals call for extended beach cover by Ray Chadwick

F

OLLOWING the death of an 80year-old man on Monday after suffering from a cardiac arrest on a beach, people have been demanding more lifeguards during September. Since the start of the month the beaches of Islas Menor (where the death occurred), Cala Reona, Los Urrutias, Los Nietos, Playa Honda and the local caravan site have been left without any surveillance posts. A total of 14 lifeguard posts closed at the weekend on Monteblanco, Cala Reona,

Cuartel de La Azohia, Isla Plana, Punta Brava, Los Urrutias, Los Nietos, Caravaning Villas, Playa Honda, Playa Paraíso, Puerto Bello, La Gola, and both the Levante and Poniente of the Islas Menor. However, 12 further areas on Galua, Sirenas, Entremares, Levante beach of Cabo de Palos, Calblanque, Cala Cortina, Portus, Mar de Cristal, Cala del Pino and San Gines beach (La Azohía) and Zeus will still have coverage until the end of the month. Ambumar, the company that has the beach contract, charges €789,210 per annum to run the service which it has for one more year, and with an option for an extension of two further years.

Skate park damage AFTER only one month since it opened, locals in El Altet have complained about the local skate park. It has already been damaged, and much of the blame for this has been placed on the overuse of the facility during the busy summer months.

This was anticipated due to the amount of wood used in the construction that is already showing signs of wear. The park, something that had been requested for some time by younger local residents, covers 500m2 and was inaugurated in July.

Bus stop rubbish RESIDENTS living in the Carrus district of Elche have formally complained about the state of the local bus stop in front of the main access to the ITV (MOT) station. Over a period of time, the build up of rubbish has turned the bus stop into a permanent tip and, according to reports, hasn’t been cleaned for some time. In addition to the general upkeep, residents are asking for a new shelter and a waste bin for the waiting passengers for the R3 line.

3

Elche parks boost OVER the past two years, Elche Council has spent almost €700,000 on parks and gardens in the municipality. Before the end of the current calendar year, the council plan work on 31 more areas. Councillor Felip Sanchez said that much of the work has been carried out as a result of ‘Citizen Participation Budgets’ in which local people submitted their proposals as to where local taxpayers’ money is spent. Among the investments have been a park for dogs, exercise units, children’s parks and equipment, and repairing and maintaining those playgrounds.

4

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Flickr

Power surge drugs by Ray Chadwick NATIONAL POLICE have uncovered a major indoor marihuana plantation in Elche after the electricity supply company reported an unusual amount being consumed... and no records to back it up. Around 600 plants, mostly fully grown, were found in a storeroom attached to a house in the city after the property using all this power wasn’t fitted with an electric meter. Collaboration between the National Police and the electric company then found out that the property was connected to the street lighting supply, and when they turned up to investigate realised there was a very strong smell of marihuana. The occupants were arrested and charged.

The bus stops here NOT for the first time in recent months, there has been a problem with the electric minibus that operates within the municipality of Callosa de Segura. Passengers were forced to get off and walk the remainder of their journey after it broke down on Sunday, requiring a tow-truck to return it to base. It was only in July when the same bus was discovered not to have a current ITV (MOT) certificate and suffered a fine at the hands of the Local Police.

Fallen tree removed RESCUE: Eighty-two per cent of drownings happened where there was no lifeguard service.

A

BODY pulled from the sea off Velez-Malaga last week marked the 65th drowning in Spain during August. As yet it is unclear whether the body was that of a bather, diver or had fallen overboard from a ship, but Maritime Rescue (SalvamentoMaritimo) say the corpse was found at 6.50 pm on Friday (August 31) about 600 metres from the shore. The man may have been in the sea for several days. According to the National Drowning Report (INA) which was first published in 2015,

Number of drownings down drownings in August fell from 70 in 2015 to 60 in 2016, but in the first eight months of the year there has been a big decrease. The INA says that since January 1, 2018, 251 people have died in Spain from drowning in water, 126 fewer than in the same period last year, when 377 people died from drowning, 33.4 per cent less.

Andalucia is the Autonomous Community with the most deaths with 36 or 14.3 per cent of the total, ahead of Galicia (34 deaths, 13.5 per cent), the Canary Islands (32, 12.7 per cent), Cataluña (31, 12.4 per cent), the Valencian Community (25, 10 per cent) and the Balearic Islands (22, 8.8 per cent). La Rioja and the Autonomous City of Ceuta (1.4 per cent each) had fewest, while Melilla remains the only territory where no such deadly event has been reported. Of those who drowned, 42.2 per cent were over 65 and 77.3 per cent older than 35. In total, 82 per cent of drownings happened where there was no surveillance or lifeguard service.

A LARGE pine tree that fell and blocked the CV-952 road between San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada had to be removed by local firefighters. The eight-metre high tree had to be cut into several smaller parts to facilitate its removal, and the road was blocked while the operation was carried out. The tree fell without warning and fortunately, no vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians were in the area at the time... a busy road that connects the Vega Baja to Murcia.

Money for rubbish DUMPED builders materials, old furniture, mattresses, and waste that should be taken to specialist plants have begun to blight the outskirts of Catral. It’s a sight for sore eyes the AP-7 motorway passes through... but not for much longer. The Alicante Provincial Council has approved a subsidy of €300,000 to help remove the build up of the rubbish across the province, and that includes the Vega Baja. Similar problems have been reported in other municipalities.

Blowing his trumpet ALMORADI’S musical child prodigy, Alexandro Garcia Antolinos, has added another triumph to his long list by winning the Virtuosa Grand Prize in Brussels. The 10-year-old trumpeter continues to break all records and this latest award comes after winning the junior category with his rendition of Mozart’s Third Horn Concerto KV445. The young musician is a student of the Conservatorio Profesional de Música in Orihuela.

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.

6

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September Photo credit: Juan de la Playa YouTube

Short news

Yes... that just wasn’t thunder

Free trade boosts exports

MANY local people across the Vega Baja missed the mini earthquake that hit the area in the early hours of Monday morning, as it was disguised by the ongoing thunderstorm at the time. The 2.1 Richter scale quake rumbled across Torrevieja at 3.38am, with its epicentre on the outskirts of one of the salt lakes in La Mata. 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

T

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.

SINCE the start of a free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada, exports of fruit and vegetables to the country from the Murcia region have shown significant increases. The agreement, known as CETA, has allowed exports to rise by 45 per cent when compared to the same period in 2017, with an estimate of sales amounting to in excess of €55 million. In addition to the fruit and vegetable sector, Murcian wine growers have doubled their sales, while in sugar and confectionery, the increase was 21 per cent. Overall, it’s estimated that one in every three euros of income in the Murcia region comes from exports.

New Web: www.whtravel.es

We arrange

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

8

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

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 penal-

Tax affairs warning

ties in the future. The two events, held in Rojales and TeuladaMoraira, 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, SarahJane 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 majority 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-dueon-off shore-assets or to start the process of declaring overseas assets visit www.gov.uk/guida nce/worldwide-disclosure-facility-makea-disclosure. Photo credit: British Embassy Madrid

INFORMATIVE: British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris (seated far right) urges people to check their tax affairs are in order.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Car vandal caught on camera A MAN has been arrested by the Guardia Civil for deliberately scratching a number of cars parked along a road in Crevillente. The middle-aged man has already appeared in court charged with four incidents that took place over last weekend in Calle Santisima Tr i n i d a d a n d Av e n i d a de Madrid. Both the Local Police and the Guardia Civil r e c e i v e d o ff i c i a l c o m plaints from the cars owners, who immediately looked at recordings made by CCTV cameras in the area. They spotted the alleged vandal carrying out his crimes, certainly in the Avenida de Madrid area, and according to reports is s o m e o n e w h o s u ff e r s from mental disorders. Local Police have been quick to point out that in recent months; there has been a no-

RECORDED: Surveillance cameras help Guardia Civil.

ticeable reduction in the amount of cars that have been wantonly vandalised in this way; something that had

been quite common before. It’s been put down to the clampdown on the groups of especially

young people allowed to gather in the streets and drinking alcohol at events known as the ‘botellon.’

9

Beach deaths drop THE number of people losing their lives on beaches in the Murcia region during July and August has fallen to just four. This compares to 12 people dying during the same period in 2017. According to figures released by the rescue organisation COPLA, they carried out around 63,000 interventions of all kinds during the summer months, which included 27,100 requests for first aid across the 34 posts along the coast.

10

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

History of Guardamar uncovered Photo credit: Ximo G Rico YouTube

by Darren Parmenter

A

TEAM of archaeologists has begun work to unearth one of the most valuable treasures from the history of Guardamar del Segura. It’s taking place at the site of La Fonteta that dates back to the Phoenician period between 8 and 7 BC and is located between the thick and deep sand dunes that have allowed the area to remain in an excellent state of conservation to this day. The programme of work will last for a year with the objective of consolidating and restoring the buildings and walls that are considered as one of the most important spots along the Mediterranean from that period. To date, the easy part has been to remove plants and weeds in and around the area, but the most expensive part is on the horizon with the large sand dune probably needing to be taken away to enable further excavations.

HISTORY: One year’s work on Guardamar archaeological project. The work has been financed thanks to an investment of just under €700,000 from the Ministry of Education, Research, Culture and Sports to the company Lorquimur

SL. Every two months, there will be formal technical visits made to the site to access the project and to bring people up-to-date on its progress.

AA’s convention and anniversary THIRTY years ago on September 6, 1988, a lady by the name of Tracy B opened the first English-speaking meeting of AA in a newly built multi-denominational La Siesta Church Torrevieja. Since that day in 1988 the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous has grown tremendously on this coastline. They now have 11 meetings a week, ranging from Montebello, north of Torrevieja and down to Los Alcazares. They are also hosting our 11th Annual convention on September 14, 15, 16 at Hotel Playas De Torrevieja (Formerly Cabo Cervera). Helpline numbers: Costa Blanca North: (0034) 648 169 045. Costa Blanca South: (0034) 625 912 078. Costa Calida: (0034) 679 385 105. www.aa-costablanca.org.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Photo credit: Flickr

ALL CHANGE: No direct connection between Agost and Alicante. (File image)

Bus stops in 3 days by Darren Parmenter

F

OR almost 50 years, the bus c o m p a n y Agostense has been the proud owner of the concession to operate on the route between Alicante and Agost. With just 72 hours notice to passengers, the direct connection will be lost as from today (Friday) as part of a new timetable. Users of

the service were informed on Tuesday thanks to notices stuck on bus stops saying that as from Friday, the route will now terminate in San Vicente del Raspeig. A consequence is that people will now no longer be able to travel into Alicante City nor onto the University of Alicante unless they transfer to another connecting service with the subsequent extra costs of the two tickets. From today, the Monday to Friday schedules during

school term-times leave Agost at 7.30am, 10.15am and 4pm; and depart from San Vicente at 2pm, 2.50pm and 8.30pm. There will be a reduced service on Saturdays and none on Sundays. According to reports, the decision has gone down very badly in Agost, with Mayor Vicente Castello saying that they hadn’t received any formal notification from Agostense on the changes, and plan to take matters further.

11

12

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Sister’s death mystery 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, i t ’s b e l i e v e d t h a t t h e 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 halfnaked body was lying

Photo credit: Contando Estrelas Wikipedia

by Darren Parmenter

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

on the carpet, could have been strangled owing to some contusions on her neck. 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 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.

Murcia’s gambling numbers THE Murcia region has the largest number of gambling venues in Spain. According to data released by the New Hope Association (an organisation to help with gambling addiction and rehabilitation), there are 565 betting establishments of some kind in the region and is the highest in proportion per numbers of the population not only in this country, but in Europe as a whole. The figures also show that the average gambler is aged between 17 and 28 - compared to between 35 and 70 only a few years ago - and roulette and sports-related betting are the most popular, with single bets up to €6,000 not unknown.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Photo credit: @ExpoMotorDenia Twitter

IMPORTANCE: All the biggest names in the industry will be present

Cars coming to Denia streets by Ray Chadwick 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 PaĂ­s 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 industry that have already shown interest and will be attending. Among others, Peugeot, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Smart, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Opel, CitroĂŤn, 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.

13

14

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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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 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.

15

16

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

EXCLUSIVE by Darren Parmenter JOHN-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

J P’s ambition... Because It’s Christmas 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. 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

CHART TOPPER: The next UK Christmas Nº1?

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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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 Mediterranean’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.

17

18

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

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

DEEP DROP: The figures are the lowest for eight years. 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 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.

20

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

TO celebrate the World Day of Prostate Health (September 15), the Hospital Quirónsalud 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 Quirónsalud 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 as they get older: “If at 45 years

Quirón’s free tests for early detection of prostate cancer

FREE CAMPAIGN: Hospital Quironsalud are carrying out tests to diagnose prostate cancer. 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 incidence 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 Quirónsalud 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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

AUTUMN PRODUCTION: Stripping off and raising funds for charity.

The Calendar Girls are coming to the Costa ACTS, The Actors Community Theatre, is pleased to announce that its autumn production will be Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. Based on the true story of a group of women who come together in 1999 to raise money for charity following the death of the husband of a friend and WI colleague, their decision to pose nude for a calendar caught the attention of the national and international media and took the world by storm. A film starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters followed in 2003 and became a world number one hit. To date almost

ÂŁ5,000,000 has been raised for the Blood Wise charity in spin offs from the original idea. Calendar Girls will be staged on the evenings of October 18, 19 and 20 at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio. Tickets are â‚Ź10 each and can be ordered by ringing 699 982 726 or via e-mail: tick ets.acts@gmail.com They can also be obtained in person from Cards and More, La Marina; The Post Box, Dona Pepa; The Card Shop, Benimar; Oasis Bar & Bistro, Benijofar, and Kwik Save, Los Dolses.

7th - 13th September

21

22

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

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

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.

26

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

Folk performances from Spain, Romania and Kenya GROUPS from Romania and Kenya will perform at the 13th International Folklore Festival in Torreaguera (Murcia) from yesterday, (Thursday) to Sunday as part of the 35 cultural days of the Peña El Ciazo. As well as the two international troupes, there will be a number of Spanish participants including Rincón Pulpitero, Peña El Cántaro, Peña La Graná, San Pío X Folk Group, Antonete Gálvez Folk Group and Peña El Ciazo. On Sunday the district will also host a festival to the prickly pear with performances by the traditional Tuna District Murcia 1912 and the Medicine Tuna of Murcia. A tuna is a group of university students in traditional university dress who play traditional instruments and sing serenades. Organisers, the Peña Huertana el Ciazo, was created in 1980 under the auspices of a group of enthusiasts of the Huerta customs and the following year, when the group enrolled in the Peñas Huertanas Federation, they began to work on the formation of a folk group, rondalla and chorus, with the concept of preserving and dis-

TALENTED STARS: Some of the participants in the UK.

Tonight Matthew I’ll be…

Announcing the Folklore Festival in Torreaguera. seminating the customs and traditions of Murcia. The programme is as follows; Tomorrow (Friday) at 9.30pm there is the Children’s Folklore Festival with the performance of Rincon Pulpitero, Peña El Cántaro, Peña La Graná and Peña El Ciazo Saturday sees the start at

9.30pm of the International Folklore Festival with performances by Group San Pío X of the Peña Huertana La Graná, Siretul the Folkloric Group of Romania, Folkloric Taffi Dancers Group of Kenya and Antonete Gálvez Group of Torreaguera. Sunday also at 9.30pm is the Festival of Tunas welcoming the Tuna de Murcia 1912 and Medicine Tuna of Murcia.

IN anticipation of the celebration of the Fiesta in honour of the Virgin of Rojales, the town is inviting singers and musicians to audition for the Night of Stars 2018 which takes place on Thursday October 11. This is a talent competition with a slight difference as in the UK it will be remembered as Stars in their Eyes and all participants will have to perform as their favourite artist with as close a rendition to one of their songs as possible. This is open to individuals or groups of up to 10 members and each artist will need to be prepared to perform twice and will need to advise in advance the name of the performer/s involved, the song to be featured and number of performers involved. Should more than one group wish to perform the same song, then a draw will be held as each song presented on the night must be different. Applications have to be presented to the Rojales Office of Information and Tourism no later than Monday September 17 and the first 22 applications will take part in the show on October 11.

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!

28

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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).

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.

33

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

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

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

1:15pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm

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

2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm

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

5:15pm 5:30pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

5:00pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 5:45pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

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

this week weather FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

Sep 7

Sep 8

Sep 9

Sep 10

Sep 11

Sep 12

Sep 13

37º/19ºC 39º/21ºC 37º/20ºC 37º/19ºC 38º/19ºC 37º/17ºC 35º/19ºC Partly sunny

Partly sunny

Brilliant sunshine

Brilliant sunshine

Partly sunny

Brilliant sunshine

Partly sunny

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.

34

7th - 13th September

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

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

FOOD Focus

7th - 13th September

35

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.

36

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

What’s On FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7 La Bamba’s Dance Group - Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Every Friday is New Beginners Class between 8pm and 9pm. Intermediate Class from 9pm until 10pm. Contact Andrea on 616 478 157 for more details. Cantabile Ladies Choir are a friendly group who take their music seriously but equally enjoy their regular social get-togethers as well. They rehearse every Friday at the La Siesta Church from 3pm to 5pm. Contact Valerie on 966 795 816 for more details. Santa Pola - Moors and Christians. 8pm - Offering of the flowers in the Castle Chapel. 10.30pm - Concert by the Coral Levantina of Santa Pola and Santa Pola Union Band at the Castle, followed by fireworks at 1.30am. Daya Vieja - Fiestas in honour of Virgen de Monserrate. 8am - Fruit and Flower Parade. Torrellano - 4pm to 8pm Minature railway rides organised by the Friends of the Railways Association at the Torrellano Railway Museum. Every second Saturday of the month until October. Murcia - Moors and Christians. 8pm - Parade from Calle de la Merced to the town hall. Bullas - Tapas and Dessert Route every weekend in September. 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to midnight.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8 Santa Pola - Moors and Christians. 8pm - Solemn Procession from the Castle along Calles Cruz, Colon, Mercado, Mayor, Angel, Elche and finishing at the Castle. 1am - Fireworks Display. Daya Vieja - Fiestas in honour of Virgen de Monserrate. 1.15pm - Parade of the Big Heads. 8pm - Mass followed by Solemn Procession and Fireworks Display. Murcia - Moors and Christians. 11am - Informal parade of the Moors and Christians through the city. 8pm - Grand Entrance Parade from the Jardin de Floridablanca to the Avenida de la Constitución.

DO NOT MISS

Photo credit: Turismo de Murcia

Moors and Christians in Murcia THE apparent non-stop rounds of the traditional Moors and Christians festivities that dominate this time of the year have reached Murcia. The fiesta forms part of the Murcia Feria and commemorates the Moorish occupation of the area from 700 to 1400 AD. The Moors and Christians festivities have been held in Murcia

Campo de Guardamar Fiestas in honour of Virgen del Rosario de Fátima between Moncayo and El Raso on the CV-895. 6pm - Fun run from the Campo de Guardamar Auditorium. 10pm - Performance by Jaqueline Sanchez Dance School and live music. Bullas - Tapas and Dessert Route every weekend in September. 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to Midnight.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9 Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre - Playa Flamenca. Sunday service with clairvoyance from 11am to 12 noon. For information, contact Linda on 606 990 665. A New rugby club - Bettas Torrevieja RFC - trains at the Nelson Mandela Stadium every Sunday between 8.30pm and 10pm. Call Javi on 603 727 179 for details. Campo de Guardamar Fiestas in honour of Virgen del Rosario de Fátima between Moncayo and El Raso on the CV-895. 5.30pm Children’s fiesta featuring a treasure hunt and traditional games. Daya Vieja - Fiestas in honour of Virgen de Monserrate. Murcia - Moors and Christians. 6.45pm - Moors and Christians Parade with the firing of the blunderbusses. Bullas - Tapas and Dessert Route every weekend in September. 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm.

ever since 1983, being one of the most genuine, traditional and popular events in Spain. This tradition goes back to the year 1452, when apparently the Christian troops of Murcia defeated the Muslim army of Granada on San Patricio (Saint Patrick’s) Day, which is why he is the Patron Saint of Murcia and its kingdom.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10 La Bamba’s Dance Group - Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar. Every Monday is Sequence Dancing Class (7pm to 8pm) followed by a Social Dance until 10.30pm. Contact Andrea on 616 478 157 for more details. Orihuela Costa Community Care - Ramon de Campoamor Civic Centre on Urbanisation Monteznia. Every Monday is Beginners Spanish (12.30pm to 2pm): Flower Arranging (12.30pm to 2.30pm): Crafts (2.30pm to 4.30pm). For information, email: oc.communitycare@ gmail.com. Walking Wanderers Walking Football Club - They meet every Monday afternoon between 4pm and 6pm at the Orihuela Costa Municipal Sports Centre. There is also a very active social aspect to the club too. For more details, contact Bob Gorrill via e-mail: bobbyg2542@hot mail.com. Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Monday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. E-mail: carole john_3@hotmail.com. For people over 50 who find themselves on their own, then Phoenix Solos Club meet every Monday from 11am to 1pm at the Marina Club in the International Marina in Torrevieja. Murcia - Moors and Christians. 8.30pm - Moors and Christians Parade from Calle Acisclo Diaz to the

COLOURFUL: The splendour of the Moors and Christians. The week of spectacular parades accompanied by the noises and colours and costumes that only come with the Moors and Christians ends on Tuesday .

Plaza Belluga. 10pm - Moors and Christians gathering followed by a parade with the statue of the Virgen de la Fuensanta.

noon. You can just turn up on the day, or for more information, call Pat Stephensnon 654 049 388 or e-mail: pat.stephens08@gmail.com.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11

The Feria de Murcia takes place annually at the beginning of September in honour of the patron saint of the city of Murcia, the Virgen de la Fuensanta. During the fiesta her statue is carried down from its usual resting place in Sanctuario de la Fuensanta in the El Valle Regional Park to the Cathedral in the centre of the city. 22.45 Fireworks Display from Pasarela Miguel Caballero.

English Folk Music Club Meet every Tuesday at the Madhouse, Urb Pueblo Principe from 8.30pm. It’s an opportunity for acoustic performers of all genres and it’s free entry too. There’s a raffle each week to raise funds to book visiting acts from the UK now and then. For more details, contact Carol via e-mail: divesmith@hotmail.com. Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre - Playa Flamenca. Every Tuesday, an evening of psychic clairvoyance from 7.30pm to 8.45pm. For information, contact Linda on 606 990 665. Help At Home Costa Blanca (Orihuela Costa) Every Tuesday at the Emerald Isle between 11am and 3.30pm. Funds are currently being raised for a special needs vehicle for disabled persons. Selection of stalls including clothes, shoes, art and crafts and jewellery among others. Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Tuesday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. E-mail: carole john_3@hotmail.com. CF Rojales Walking Football - Open to men and women aged 50 and over, they meet at the football pitches on Calle Limonar every Tuesday from 11am to 12

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12 Market held at the Emerald Isle (Orihuela Costa) from 11am to 4pm, raising funds for the 12 to 18-yearolds living at Association Elche Children’s Care Home. Orihuela Costa Community Care - Ramon de Campoamor Civic Centre on Urbanisation Monteznia. Every Wednesday is Art, Sketching and Watercolour (2.30pm to 4.30pm): Spanish Beginners (2pm to 3.30pm). For information, e-mail: oc.communitycare@gmail.co m. Amigos Friendship Group - Meets at El Bar, El Raso every Wednesday at 3pm for a get-together and a fun quiz. They also arrange a number of activities such as day trips, meals and holidays. Just turn up on the day or call Ann (642 774 399) or Ken (642 703 488) for more information.

Pilar de la Horadada Badminton Club meets every Wednesday at the sports centre between 10am and 12.30pm. Please contact John McGilvray on 868 700 235 or 634 658 506. E-mail: carolejohn_3@hotmail.com. Benimar Social Club meets every Wednesday at the Rojales Steakhouse for a variety of activities such as bridge, chess, fundraising quiz, short mat bowls etc. Contact Sue on 685 339 179 or Richard on 660 825 390. A new rugby club - Bettas Torrevieja RFC - trains at the Nelson Mandela Stadium every Sunday between 8.30pm and 10pm. Call Javi on 603 727 179 for details.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus - Meets at the Las Claras Centre in Los Narejos every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. New members are always welcome and the group would love to hear from you. Call 968 334 527 or 968 432 525 or e-mail: info@span gleschorus.com for details. Dragon Riders - Whether you live in the area or just visiting, this is your chance to ride with like-minded people. All makes and models welcome. Meet every Thursday at 10am at Waldamars Restaurant, La Florida. Contact is Rob on 671 826 201. Orihuela Costa Community Care - Ramon de Campoamor Civic Centre on Urbanisation Monteznia. Every Thursday is Card Making (1pm to 3.30pm): Sewing and Knitting (2pm to 4.30pm): Exercise to Music (12.45pm to 1.30pm): Drumming / Percussion Workshop (2pm to 4pm). E-mail: oc.community care@gmail.com. Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre - Playa Flamenca. Every Thursday morning, Spiritual healing from 10.30am to 12 noon. Development group from 2.30pm and open to everyone. Animal healing is also available for pets. For information, contact Linda on 606 990 665 The Vivace Choir is a mixed group of around 50 voices from all across Europe. This friendly classical choir meets every Thursday from 7.15pm to 9.30pm at the Casa de Cultura, San Miguel.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

37

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

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.

38

pets

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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.

K9 Animal Rescue k9clubinfo@gmail.com Caring for the animals 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

FUNDRAISING: The K9 charity shop in Almoradi. K9 is an Animal Rescue Organisation which has operated in the Valencia Region for many years, and is a fully legal, nonprofit making organisation. The organisation is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who feel strongly about animal welfare and work hard to rescue, care for and rehome animals.

They rely totally on public donations, fundraising and the income from their two shops to provide the funds to enable K9 to care for the animals to the high standard which they deserve. They have two charity shops that directly support our animal work, selling furniture, bric-a-brac, and clothes for sale.

La Marina Shop: Calle Alfredo Kraus 6, Urb, La Marina, 03177 San Fulgencio, Alicante. Telephone: 965 077 208. Almoradi Shop: Calle La Reina 1, 03160 Almoradi, Alicante. Telephone: 610 832 726. For fostering or rehoming enquiries, call 600 845 420 or e-mail: k9clubin fo@gmail.com.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

39

health Advertising Feature

Success with permanent Weight Loss - now in Torrevieja - with Slim4Life.es - Exante

HI my name is LYNN PRESTON, Slim4lifeexante consultant in Torrevieja and other areas. I have struggled with my weight all my life. When it topped 10st 4lbs, I decided 'that’s enough.’ For me exercise was the answer, so in 2003-2004 I became a personal trainer, aerobic, spinning and Zumba Instructor (2011). A couple of years ago because of knee injuries I cut down the number of classes I taught dramatically - hence my weight crept up again to 9st 12lb. I needed a weight loss plan that would keep my energy levels up as well as keeping my hunger at bay. Slim4Life exante did just that. I saw Shirley and she advised me on the perfect plan to suit my lifestyle. Going to Shirley, my consultant, kept me focused and motivated and within two months I lost the stone .

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. 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 and doctors.Taking into account the number of professionals

mins and minerals to support a healthy diet. Our programme includes adding healthy food at the right intervals to ensure continuous maximum weight loss. Why Slim4Life-exante? It works, it’s convenient, it’s cost effective and it transforms lives! Our philosophy is healthy living made simple through easy-to-follow flexible meal plans and weight loss coaching.

As a consultant now I feel great pleasure and pride in helping others achieve their weight loss goals. Not only do clients receive Personal Weight Loss Coaching - which is the secret to successful permanent weight loss - but they are able to purchase the Exante high protein product range. However, our secret to success is a unique proven programme which is included. A programme that has been designed to ensure that once the weight is lost - unlike other diets - our clients remain Slim4Life. How it works Simply follow one of our plans that suit you or use as part of a calorie controlled diet. What is Slim4Life? Slim4Life diet plans are simple, flexible and work for you. We have a range of diet plans for you, suited for whether you are looking to drop a dress size, tone up or change your eating habits for good!

Medical experts on the increase 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).

LYNNE PRESTON: Exante consultant. Or if you have more than four stone to lose - try Slim4Life and never look back. Want to lose weight? Substitute up to three meals a day with our nutritious meal replacement products that give your body all the essential vita-

Start Your Transformation Now GROUP MEETINGS • Mondays 6pm La Zona bar Los Narejos • Thursdays 10.30am Pepes Bar, Doña pepa • Fridays 11.00am Mickys Bar ,Entre Naranjas • Saturdays 11.00am LA BOHÊME Bar San Luis Call Lynn Preston 693 460 038 Email: bettyboo234@hotmail.com Or contact me on Facebook.

40

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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.

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

Sudoku

Funagram Unscramble the name of a famous 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

41

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

ANSWERS: - VALENTINO ROSSI - SOME LIKE IT HOT

42

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

ARCHITECTS

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

BOILERS

BLINDS

LOCKSMITH

BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (278314)

BUILDERS

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

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@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran cein spain.com for online quote.

BALLROOM CLASSES Dancing – Ballroom, Latin, Sequence & Argentine Tango Wednesday Classes – Ballroom Latin & Argentine Tango Restart – Wednesday 5th September 2018 New Beginners Class 11am – 12pm Intermediate Class 12pm – 1pm Friday Classes – Restart – Friday 7th September 2018 Sequence Dance Class 7pm – 7:45pm. Social Dance – Ballroom, Latin & Sequence 8pm – 10:30pm. All are held at El Paraiso Restaurant, Urb. Jardin del Mar III 1a, Torrevieja, (near McDonalds & Carrefour). Contact Andrea + 34 616 478 157 (276627)

ELECTRICIAN

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

GRILLS

WRITING SERVICES

CURTAINS

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

PLUMBERS

POOLS HOUSE CLEARANCES

REMOVALS & STORAGE

www.rtnnewspaper.com PET CHARITIES GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, dewormed, de-fleed. We also need volunteers to help Car boot sale in Polop on Sundays Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

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

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

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

Sales Manager required. Not for estate agency but with min 5 years of real estate experience in Costa Blanca South. Fluent English & Spanish essential as is your own car. Excellent basic salary plus commissions. Please email your CV & references to info@development index.com or call 951204670

SITUATIONS VACANT

MAN AND VAN UK Spain. 2 vans travelling twice a month, Murcia – North / South UK. Storage in Spain Tel 610 846 260 or 0044 751 918 6355 email van.man@hotmail.co.uk (250809)

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

SEWING QUALIFIED SEAMSTRESS 40 years’ experience, turn-ups to tailoring patterns taken from your favourite cloths, reasonable prices. Torrevieja, Sandra: 966 799 188 / 680 486 336 (257074)

HOUSE SWAP

LOCKSMITHS

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

SITUATIONS VACANT

REMOVALS/STORAGE

REMOVALS/STORAGE

7th - 13th September

PETS

43

44

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

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)

WANTED DIESEL car LHD and motorhome right or LHD wanted. Cash waiting. Tel 650 722 905 (260886)

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

REMOVALS & STORAGE

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

WANTED Quad Bike and Jet Ski. Call 650 722 905 (260885)

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

SPANISH COURSES

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

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

www.rtnnewspaper.com • General Enquires:

951 386 161 Local call rates

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

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

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

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

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

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

45

sport

Costa Blanca airport disappointment as passenger numbers nosedive

5,784 People Reached 59 reactions Renee Dipple: Perhaps now they will believe us when we said they’re pricing themselves out of the market, getting too greedy.

@RTNNewspaper Most liked posts from this week • Costa Blanca illprepared as ‘storm season’ fast approaches • Kept safe by the Red Cross of the Costa Blanca • Costa del Sol couple stranded abroad with new son • Costa Blanca tourist guide told to pack in or pay up

In Total 18,998 people reached 17,648 reactions

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

The Plaza Golf Society FOR their recent match, with 39 members and five guests, the TPGS trotted over to La Finca where the newly hollow tined greens proved more than troublesome for many of the players. This was especially the case for Aberdeen’s finest, Barry ‘the mouth’ Mitchell, who came in with an embarrassing 16 points and in doing so once again claimed last place and an excellent bottle of wine for his trouble. There was €88 in the ‘two’s’ pot, and the six winners - Mark Parry, Ronaldo Templeton, Rod Scott, Ron McCully, Graham Clark and Gary Gates - each received a lucky €13. Nearest the Pins (sponsored once again by The Ale House, with the winners receiving a €10 voucher) were Rob Clackson, Colin McWil-

Photo credit: TPGS Facebook

Have your say...

La Finca Golf Society

TROUBLESOME: The greens proved a challenge for the TPGS gang. son, Kenny Pherson, Rod Scott and Wazza. The Best Guest was Rod Scott with 37 points playing off 10. On to the main prizes, and Alan Carter came third in the Silver Category losing on countback to Keithy Dalby who both scored 33 points. Rob Clackson was the over-

San Javier Golf Society SWELTERING humid conditions dominated the day of the Individual Stableford Qualifier at La Serena on Monday, September 3, and it was no surprise that several players wilted in the latter stages. However, it appeared not to aff e c t D i v i s i o n O n e w i n n e r, K e v Parker, with his 42 points. Second was Mark Pollitt (36) and third spot going to Doug Daughtrey (35). In Division Two, the winner was vice-captain Ty Williams (36), just h o l d i n g o ff t h e c h a l l e n g e f r o m captain Dave Farrington (32), and Clyde Sandry (32). Nearest the Pins: Jim Moffatt, Ross Graham, Kev Parker and Jeff Belt. There are a number of upcoming games, details of which can be found on the website calendar, although full details are always emailed to members. For further information on the S o c i e t y, t o j o i n , o r t o p l a y a s a guest please call Barry Beale on 649 245 889. Alternatively, log on to the website at www.sanjavier golfsociety.co.uk or have a look on Facebook at www.facebook. com/sanjaviergolfsociety.

all winner with 37. In the Gold Category, Warren Harris was third on 35 (playing off 8), Mark Parry second (36 off 9), and the winner, Billy Wilson (37 off 10). A big thanks to Mark Parry who donated all his prize money, including his ‘two’s’ pot, to the forthcoming

Neil Fyfe Foundation charity event on September 21 at Vistabella. The next TPGS event is on Friday, September 14 at Villamartin and is nearly sold out already. Be quick and book up as soon as possible via the website at www.the plazagolfsociety.com.

Midfield strengthened by Matias

MATIAS MENDELOVICH: Brings class and character.

CD TORREVIEJA has finalised the deal to bring Matias Mendelovich to the club after agreement was reached by both parties. The 22year-old from Argentina plays as a central midfielder and brings with him class and a great deal of character. He manages the ball well in the opponent’s area, and is more than able to control the ball with both

feet... as well as being a fine header too. Matias joins CD Torrevieja from Club Atletico Huracan and will join both Alvara and Nana to play in midfield. Back in his home country, he played many important games due to his appeal as a player and he now looks forward to a great career in European football.

THIS week’s line up of events began on Monday with Eric Owens winning the roll up with 34 points. Nearest the Pins: Ole Dibbern (Hole 3) and Brian Bevan (Hole 13). Wednesday saw a Stableford competition of the Yellow Blocks, with the results as follows: 1st - Brian Bevan (38 points), 2nd - Alex Duchart (35), 3rd - Barry Roehrig (33), and 4th - Eric Owen (33). Nearest the Pins: Alex Duchart with a double on Hole 6 and 16. Saturday was a little cooler after the heat of the last few weeks, and the course was still trying to recover from the recent hollow tining, with the greens slow, sandy and uneven. This week was a Medal competition of the Yellow Plates. 1st - Derek Braid (68), 2nd - Mike Stott (73), 3rd –-Ole Dibbern (74), and 4th - Steve Higgins (75). Three ‘two’s’ on the day for Steve Higgins (Hole 6), Mick Elliot (13) and Ole Dibbern (16). Young holidaymaker Halle picked out Nº13 and so Mick won the pot. Best dressed golfer was Jos Collignon, and it was off to The Corner Flag Bar afterwards for the presentations and food, thanks to Steve and his staff. La Finca Golf Society meet every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at La Finca with first tee time around 9am. Saturday is the main day with various competitions that are Spanish Federated, and to be eligible to play you need a handicap of 16 or less. If you are interested or require more information give Barry a ring on 666 694 467 or 966 731 033.

46

www.rtnnewspaper.com

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-

SWEDISH car maker Volvo has unveiled a new concept car which it said would change the way we commute. The Volvo 360c concept, which was announced earlier this week, comes as part of a wider project from the company to create autonomous, electric, connected and safe cars.

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.

Car of the future It aims to turn minutes spent on daily commutes into time that could be used to catch up on office work and to get ahead in professional life. The car could also be used as a living room, sleeping quarters or entertainment

space, the company said in a statement. Marten Levenstam, head of corporate strategy at Volvo, said the possibilities that new technology held to change commutes was “mind boggling”. “The 360c explores what becomes possible when we remove the human driver, using new freedoms in design and recapturing time. “It’s a glimpse at how autonomous drive technology will change the world as we know it,” Levenstam said. Volvo said fully autonomous self driving cars offered a range of health, safety and lifestyle benefits, particularly for people living in cities. Environment benefits also came from the car being powered by an electric engine. The car could have a knock on effect on the property market in cities by taking pressure off existing housing stocks and reducing home prices as a result, Volvo added. Levenstam said using the 360c as a mobile office would mean people could live further away from cities.

www.rtnnewspaper.com

7th - 13th September

motoring

The Russian ‘ RollsRoyce’ launched AT a very glitzy presentation at the 2018 Moscow International Auto Salon, a new state-owned Russian car manufacturer launched what they hope is a luxury vehicle to challenge Rolls-Royce. 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 the Soviet-era leaders who always

Vehicle sales jump

CHALLENGE: The Aurus brand is looking for traditional Rolls-Royce buyers. travelled around in the home-country’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 Rolls-Royces, Mercedes and Maybachs,” continued Pereverzev, who has worked with a number of Italian companies including Fiat. Pereverzev was quick to acknowl-

47

edge 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).

THE number of vehicles registered in Spain stood at 101,700 at the end of August, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure according to industry data. Figures from car makers, dealers and sellers associations showed the figure fell short of the 115,000 forecast by the industry. They come as car sales stood at 973,542 so far this year, 14.6 per cent more had been sold by this point in 2017. The Anfac, Faconauto and Ganvam associations said part of the reason for the sales increase was new emissions rules which came into force on September 1. The new WLTP emissions standard meant cars that did not meet requirements had to be sold before the rules came into force. Sellers and dealerships slashed prices by up to 40 per cent as a result in some cases, according to the Faconauto dealer’s association. Sales to households rose by 27 per cent, with 57,457 sold to private individuals in August. The body added firms such as rental companies had taken advantage of the situation to bolster their stocks. Sales to hire car firms rose by 81.5 per cent, with a total of 6,505, according to industry figures. The industry has revised up its forecasts for the total amount sales in 2018 from 1.35 to 1.4 million. Faconauto said buyers would have the chance to snap up cars with no mileage on the back of sales to dealers last month. French car maker Renault sold the most vehicles during August at 9,516. They were followed by Kia with 9,448, Fiat with 7,403, Volkswagen with 6,706 and Seat with 6,478.