Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca South 22 - 28 December 2016 Issue 1642 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

ISSUE NO. 1642

22 - 28 December 2016

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Stop Press

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

SEE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE FLOODS PAGES 21, 22, 23

Weather cheer! Christmas forecast points to some sunshine

ORIHUELA: The Segura River overflowed for the first time since 1987. By Simon Firth Following the unseasonably bad weather in southern Spain things are looking brighter for the Christmas weekend. Weather forecasters expect little rain and certainly no huge storms. This good news follows the tragic deaths of five people as waves of up to four metres and winds of force seven and eight battered coastal areas for the second time in a month. The death toll over the two weekends of heavy rain stands at seven. The bad weather led to absolute havoc in many communities as rivers overflowed or burst their banks and many people found their homes under feet of water. Commercially the weather has also cast an unseasonal cloud over what for many is the busiest time of the year. In the south of the region, one man died after being

dragged into a swimming pool. The 40-year-old who drowned in Los Alcรกzares in Murcia, was caught by a waterspout. His body was found later in the pool. In the same town a 47-yearold man was trapped in a flooded underground garage on Monday night. After his wife raised the alarm, specialist divers were dispatched and found the man had drowned. People were advised not to travel and to stay at home as the bad weather hit, forcing the civic authorities to close schools and colleges. Streets were badly flooded in Murcia City and in Orhiuela the Segura River overflowed for the first time since 1987, rising in some places to six metres. More than a dozen roads were cut off in Cartagena and in Molino de Leon a mother went into labour, but the family were unable to leave their

village because of the floodwater. The baby was eventually delivered by the husband and a Guardia Civil officer while a doctor dispensed instructions over the phone. Farmers reported damage to crops as the waters flooded fields causing losses which have been put in the millions.

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NEWS

Life-changing day! THIS is the time of year to bring your loved ones close and let one another know how much you mean to each other. It’s the same for our family, the Euro Weekly family. Our readers and clients help complete our very own circle of affection and appreciation. So at this time of year we’d like to send our greetings to you and yours, and wish you the very best of Christmas tidings and may you enjoy a peaceful and prosperous new year. From all of us at the Euro Weekly family, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

EL GORDO: Has spread fame and fortune.

LOCAL NEWS

Local is best

THE 1641 (December 15-21) issue of the Costa Blanca South Euro Weekly News contained no less than 54 local news items, demonstrating once again our dedication and commitment to delivering the news that matters most to you, our readers, in each of our six editions. Nobody does it better!

Community news VISITORS to the EWN website may have noticed our new ‘Community News’ section, currently stuffed full of Christmas news from all the local clubs, charities, theatre and church groups. Going for-

wards it will feature all the latest from the Spanish expat community, and submissions (which will also appear in the paper, space permitting) can be sent to community@euroweek lynews.com.

By John Smith TODAY (Thursday December 22) is the day that can change the lives of potentially thousands in Spain forever. With up to €2.44 billion of prize money on the table, the Spanish National Lottery, nicknamed El Gordo, has won a reputation over decades for spreading fame and fortune in lifechanging doses. Throughout today millions will be watching it live on television and checking online to see if they are among the winners, with villages, office syndicates, clubs and associations plus bars often jointly buying tickets. Twenty children from San Ildefonso School (11 boys and nine girls aged from

nine to 13) will today sing out the numbers as the various prizes are drawn with the top prize guaranteeing €4 million for a full ticket or €400,000 for a tenth. This Christmas lottery has been organized every year since 1812 by an arm of

Millions will be watching it live on television or checking their numbers online. the Spanish Government now called Loterías y Apuestas del Estado and has been so popular that the draw even continued during the Civil War years. Nowadays even the government bene-

fits, keeping 30 per cent of the total ticket spend and additionally charging a ‘profit tax’ on winnings over €2,500. There is only a limited range of numbers, but more than one ticket with the same number is offered for sale and most of the outlets only have two or three different numbers which means that there could be say 500 big winners within the same town. Although referred to as El Gordo by almost everyone, it only applies to the top prize and the correct name for the Government Christmas Lottery is ‘El Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad’ sometimes shortened to ‘Lotería de Navidad.’ To check if you are a winner of one of the 17 prizes, visit www.laloteriadenavi dad.com.

NEWS

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Featured News 3

Our View 6

European 34

Finance 37 - 42

GENDER VIOLENCE: Around seven out of every 10 trials ends with a guilty verdict.

Stocks 38

Ending the silence

Leapy Lee 43

By Sam Croft

Daily TV 46, 48, 50, 52,

54, 56, 58

THE courts of the Valencian Community held more than 1,500 trials related to gender violence during the third quarter of the year. More than 1,150 of these trials ended with the accused being found guilty.

This indicates that around seven out of every 10 trials ends with a guilty verdict, a percentage which generally mirrors statistics from other parts of the country. In the third quarter of the year, 38,402 cases of gender violence were reported in all of Spain, which indicates an

interannual growth of 13.9 per cent. Requests for restraining orders are also on the rise. In the Valencian Community alone, 700 requests were made for restraining orders and 507 were awarded. Representatives from womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organisations have

pointed out that the rising numbers should not necessarily be seen as alarming, as they could be indicative of increased awareness of the issue of gender violence. Nationwide, around 68 per cent of the cases were reported by the victims themselves.

Letters 60

More protection and rules for cyclists Time Out 61 - 64

Health & Beauty 65 - 67

Social Scene 68 - 70

Property 71 - 74

Homes & Gardens 75

Pets 76

Services 78 - 82

Classifieds 83 - 85

Motoring 86

Sport 87 - 88

THE increased use of bicycles in and around Elche has been welcomed, but it has also prompted the town hall to develop stricter legislation for cyclists. The Department of Transport said they have modified the section on cyclists to promote safer cycling and a more peaceful coexistence between all

road users; cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. The new rules also remind drivers to respect the preferences given on the road to cyclists. The changes to the ordinance mean that cyclists may now be asked to submit breath or drug tests and refusal to do so can result in a fine.

Cyclists can also be fined between â&#x201A;Ź60-500 for sanctions such as careless and reckless cycling, using headphones, cycling across pedestrian crossings and holding on to a vehicle. Minor penalties include failing to wear reflective clothing or have lights and leaving the bike outside of authorised areas.

NEWS

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10 years for murder AN Alicante court has sentenced a Frenchman to 10 years in prison for murdering a transsexual woman. Another man has been sentenced to 17 months for helping to cover up the crime. The accused was staying at a holiday residence by San Juan Beach. He took the victim there and maintained sexual relations with her, but when the two of them had an argument he attacked her. He hit her multiple times in the head, fracturing many of her teeth in the process. The victim eventually experienced brain damage which left her unconscious. The man continued to beat his victim, kicking her and punching her repeatedly in the abdomen. Eventually she went into hypovolemic shock and experienced a haemorrhage which led to her death. The man then contacted his friend, and together they put clothes on the victim, left her in the lift, and cleaned the residence. In addition to the prison sentence, the man has also been ordered to pay a compensation of â&#x201A;Ź200,000 to the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spouse.

BICYCLES: Were stolen and sold in stores or on the internet.

Bike thieves arrested TWO men have been arrested in Almoradi for allegedly carrying out more than 30 robberies and stealing more than 100 bicycles. A third person was arrested for receiving the stolen items. The bikes were stolen and then sold in either stores or on second-hand selling sites on the internet. Police said they stole the bikes from community garages which were broken into over the course of a year. One of those arrested was a Moroccan national who has now been sent to a Foreigners Detention Centre waiting to be returned to Morocco, as he did not have the necessary papers to be in Spain. The others have been released on charges.

Prison extended for ATV attacker AN Alicante judge has agreed to extend the pretrial detention period for a man accused of running over his friend with an all-terrain vehicle. The public prosecutor has provisionally requested a punishment of 10 years in

prison for the accused. The incident occurred when the accused and the victim had an argument related to the payment of a bill in a bar where they had been drinking in Mutxamel. When the victim, 62, began to walk home along the

pavement, the suspect allegedly mowed him down using an all-terrain vehicle and ran over him repeatedly. Later the accused allegedly tried to put the body in the boot of the vehicle, but some witnesses interfered and he drove off.

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Two year sentence for brutal beating By Sam Croft A YOUNG Ukranian man has been sentenced to two years in prison for beating his partner. The man, 22, attacked his girlfriend, a 38-year-old Hungarian, at the entrance to her building in Sant Joan d’Alacant. The incident was caught on film and the recording proved to be essential evidence in the trial, particularly as neither the accused or the victim wanted to admit to what had happened.

On November 20 the couple had gone out socialising but had an argument and the young man left. The woman returned home later that evening, and was attacked by her partner as she arrived. He violently assaulted her by punching and kicking her and pulling her hair. In the video, the man can be seen keeping an eye out to make sure no one is coming. After beating the woman for five minutes, he left the scene. Despite the severity of the as-

sault, the woman was not seriously injured, although she did suffer a cervical sprain. During the majority of the trial, the man refused to give an explanation for the assault, although eventually he admitted that he had done it “in a jealous rage.” In addition to the prison sentence, the judge placed a restraining order on the man for three years which requires him to stay at least 500 metres away from his victim at all times.

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OUR VIEW

Season’s greetings THIS will be the last edition of Euro Weekly News to be published before Christmas and all of the EWN family would like to wish our family of readers and advertisers the very best for Christmas and the New Year. 2016 has been strange with Brexit which whilst pleasing many has also caused worry for expats, especially those who are of advanced years and fixed income from UK pensions. The good news is the initial dip in sterling against the euro after the Brexit result has been reversed in parts although exchange rates are fragile and can drop if the news is bad. What has become clear in hindsight is on both sides of the Brexit argument there was a huge amount of misleading information and

scaremongering but 2017 will hopefully see some positive information about the rights of expats in Spain and also EU residents in the UK. By all accounts, the Spanish authorities want to make transition easy for people living and indeed visiting Spain as their contribution to the Spanish economy is so important. Many older British residents remember living quite comfortably in Spain before Britain joined the EEC and we will certainly continue to work within the community and publish Spain’s favourite English language newspaper. Wishing you every happiness in the coming year and we look forward to continuing to be an important part of the expat family within our adopted homeland.

Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Hired hitman hunt continues A WEEK after a hitman shot and killed the widow of former CAM bank president, Vicente Sala, and police remain at the crime scene investigating the Novocar dealership where the shooting occurred. Maria del Carmen Martinez, aged 72, was shot twice in the head as she sat in the driver’s seat of her Porsche Cayenne by the dealership located close to the tanatorio La Siempreviva and a launderette. Around a dozen officers, who were also accompanied by one of the son’s of the victim, have been inspecting the premises of the used and new car showroom and the launderette. Employees of the family business have also been questioned by police who suspect it was the work of a hired murderer.

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NEWS

Brussels meets without Theresa May BREXIT PAGE By John Smith

WHILST there was a summit of EU leaders taking place in Brussels on December 15, there was one obvious absentee from a discussion on Brexit and that was British Prime Minister Theresa May.

firms its decision to leave the Union. The imaginatively named Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis has indicated that he expects a smooth exit, even though he hasn’t quite agreed any strategy with his cabinet colleagues and didn’t expect to be able to reveal plans in detail before February 2017 at the earliest. This admittance that the government really doesn’t know how to proceed but is confident of success overlooks the fact that it is one against 27 and each of the 27 may well expect to have its own national criteria

Union pean : Euro Credit Photo

The EU continues to make it clear that it will not enter into any advance negotiations unless and until Britain invokes Article 50.” It is assumed that it would be unacceptable for her to be party to the plans of the other 27 members although they of course won’t come to any decision until such time as Britain formally con-

THERESA MAY: Frozen out of the Brexit discussion.

as well as a Federal criteria when negotiating. Such a view appears to be backed up by the British Ambassador to the European Union Sir Ivan Rogers who according to the BBC has warned the government that the feedback he is getting from representatives of the other EU members is that it could take up to 10 years to negotiate the deal and it could then be vetoed by one or more members. The EU continues to make it clear that it will not enter into any advance negotiations unless and until Britain invokes Article 50 but in the meantime will be appointing a leader for the negotiating team shortly. At the moment, despite optimism on the part of those who wanted to see Britain leave the Union, there seems to be more negative than positive news but once the government reveals its final policy then perhaps the future will appear more certain. One body that has moved both speedily and without any need to negotiate is the lexicographers of the Oxford English Dictionary who has now embraced and defined the word Brexit for their latest edition describing it as “the (proposed) withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the political process associated with it. Sometimes used specifically with reference to the referendum held in the UK on June 23, 2016, in which a majority of voters favoured withdrawal from the EU.”

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Man attacks and stabs ex 35 times THE attack occurred in a park in Monforte. The victim said she did not notice any ‘resentment’ by the aggressor and had no suspicion he was “plotting something.” They were talking in the park when he hit her and grabbed her by the neck saying he wanted her to see ‘the Lord’ before forcing her to pray as he proceeded to stab her.

It was only when she stopped resisting the attack that he stopped and left her for dead. She managed to get up telling the court she was “wobbly” and “giddy” and managed to seek help from a woman who was walking her dog in the park. An Alicante court had previously issued a restraining order against the man in 2012.

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NEWS

Council’s red light for Rudolf and co FATHER CHRISTMAS had to abandon his sleigh when he visited Alicante C ity’s Europe a a nd La M a r Sa la da school. Instead he used a boat-shaped carnival float after Marisol Moreno, city hall’s Animal Protection councillor, vetoed the four reindeer hired to pull Papa Noel’s sleigh. Cantabria-based Ruben Matanza who puts on events using animals, said afterwards that after receiving a verbal go-ahead from the Animal Protection department, Moreno withheld permission. “She told me over the phone that animals are banned in Alicante City and by-laws only permit activities to promote adopting cats and dogs,” Matanza continued. Despite explaining that no cruelty was involved and the reindeer would teach the children about the importance of nature, Moreno was adamant. Matanza might be a very good per-

NO SHOW: Reindeer had to stay at home. son and do everything correctly but she would not allow him to come to Alicante with animals, the councillor said. Luis Barcala, spokesman for the Partido Popular in opposition at city hall,

asked what would go next: “Christmas t r ees? Poi nset t i as?” he want ed t o know. “Worst of all, we Alicantinos know this won’t be the last time that city hall puts its foot in it this Christmas.”

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WITH just days until Christmas, a family has been split up and made homeless. With two young children and pregnant with her third child, the mother’s situation was further worsened three months ago when her partner stopped getting paid from work following an accident. Unable to cope with the rent of their home, they have been forced to spend the last 15 days sleeping in the only possession they have left, their car.

The children have gone to stay with their Aunty but the woman, identified only as Monica, and her partner, have had to sleep in the car as there was simply not enough room at Monica’s sister’s for all of them. They have been parking in the quiet area of San Juan, laying the

YouTuber in hot water after video Granbomba for exposing him to an unwanted and uninvited amount of publicity. The man claims that despite his face being blurred out in the video, he has since gone on to become recognised as the video quickly went viral. Although he said he appreciates the outpouring of support he has received, he has instructed lawyers to take action “against the person responsible for the damage caused.”

His legal team said he was “completely overwhelmed” by the situation which has led to a “personal and professional impairment and a flagrant violation of their right to honour and their own image.” Following the controversy around the video and events since, Mr Granbomba has now removed all videos from his YouTube profile except those made for charitable causes.

Knife robbers apprehended TWO men have been placed in pre-trial detention for allegedly robbing four Alicante businesses using ham-slicing knives. The men, 30 and 38, are accused of carrying out robberies in different parts of Alicante Province. They allegedly made off with around €3,000 altogether. The men allegedly wore motorcycle helmets to hide their faces while committing the robberies. In each case, one of the suspects apparently went inside with a large knife and

Family are homeless for Christmas

UNWANTED PUBLICITY: The man was recognised as the video quickly went viral.

WHAT was meant to be an innocent joke on social media landed an Alicante ‘YouTuber’ with a slap across the face and could result in a court case. The popular ‘Mr Granbomba’ has a strong following on YouTube for videos making fun out of the public, but his latest ‘victim’ was not impressed and slapped him across the face. The delivery driver is now taking legal action against Mr

EWN

threatened the employees while the other one waited outside in a getaway vehicle. The investigation initially began in November when police officers became aware that an Alicante City shop had been robbed. They were quickly able to link the incident with three other similar robberies which had taken place in the province. The police were eventually able to track down one of the suspects and the other one the following day.

rear seat down and sleeping on blankets. Monica has not identified herself fully for fear her ex-partner will try and claim custody of the children if he becomes aware of her situation. Monica has been on the waiting list with Alicante’s Department of Housing since 2005 to be

granted access to social housing. She said she was told she qualified for the EIGE government discounted property scheme, but no properties have since become available for her and she remains on the waiting list. She has since reported her situation to the Ombudsman.

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by Linda Hall THIRTY of the 238 Chinese nationals arrested for carrying out telephone scams were based in Vistahermosa (Alicante City). Chinese officers assisted Spanish police during the Madrid, Alicante and Barcelona swoop on a gang believed to have pocketed around €16 million. Like all the Chinese nationals arrested in the large scale operation, those arrested in Vistahermosa used a variety of pretexts to persuade victims in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan to make bank transfers in their favour, believing this would safeguard their money. On other occasions they obtained credit card details and pin numbers. Chinese investigators established the Spanish connection after they found that the internet calls had a

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NEWS

Police solve Chinese puzzle

POLICE OPERATION: All of the call centres were located in villas on upmarket urbanisations. Spanish internet provider (IP) address. All of the improvised call centres were located in villas on up-

market urbanisations but despite its outward appearance of luxury, the interior of the Vistahermosa property

told a different story. ‘Employees’ slept eight to a room on mattresses on the floor, CCTV cameras kept

watch on the street and neighbours knew nothing about the occupants. Electricity consumption was kept to a minimum, using low-energy light bulbs to avoid heavy bills that would alert authorities to the villa’s real use. Police also investigated another property that they believed was used for the same purpose in Elche, although this was empty when they arrived. According to sources close to the case, the 30 Alicante detainees entered Spain on Taiwanese passports and three-month tourist visas. All those are now in Madrid, where the National High Court is processing extradition requests from China.

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Homeless man ends up in ICU A HOMELESS man, well known in Torrevieja as ‘the Antonio’ has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in Torrevieja Hospital after being hit by a car. The 58-year-old was lying unconscious on the road after being run over at the Calle Apolo/Maestro Francisco Casanovas junction. Over the last three years the police have been called to deal with dozens of incidents involving Antonio with his situation being dealt with by Social Services. The department has tried unsuccessfully to persuade the Prosecutor’s Office of Torrevieja, to get him a place in a care centre, concerned about his mental and physical health.

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NEWS

Fighting for a no kill policy SINCE 2007, the owners of Los Infiernos Perrera dog pound, San Javier, have promoted a ‘no kill’ policy with local authorities. To date, Pilar de la Horadada is the only local authority to actually implement a no kill policy. Other authorities that have contracted Los Infiernos Perrera to take in their stray dogs, do not have such a policy, but owners, Antonio Aguilar and his wife, Carmen, with the help of the charities Los Infiernos Perrera Supporters (LIPS) and Caminando con Ellos, have operated a ‘no kill’ policy of their own. Working together, they have saved hundreds of dogs’ lives and found them loving homes. Antonio Aguilar had secured contracts with Pilar de la Horadada, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcazares, Torre Pacheco, Mazarron and, more recently, Guardamar to ensure that all dogs sent to him would not be put to sleep, but Los Alcazares and San Pedro del Pinatar have now just awarded their 2017 contracts to a known killing station in Mazarron. Dogs taken there will be put to sleep within a short period of time if not claimed by their owners. This is all so that the local authorities can save €2,600 a year on costs. This year alone, 223 dogs have been

re-homed by LIPS/Caminando con Ellos, but the dogs just keep coming and they are always full to bursting point. The volunteers work hard to raise funds to ensure that the dogs are always fed, are healthy and are walked a few times a week, but all of this takes a lot of money and dedication and they need regular donations and more volunteers to help. If you would like to donate or get involved, please email Karen MacDonald at losinfiernosdogs@hotmail.com or call 633 357 309. In the meantime, local charities are joining forces to try and persuade Los Alcazares and San Pedro del Pinatar to keep their contracts with Los Infiernos Perrera and ensure that stray or abandoned dogs don’t end up in a bin bag. There is an online petition that everyone can sign at https://www.change.org/p/karenmacdonald-keep-los-alcazarestown-hall-s-contract-with-caminan do-con-ellos-lips or you can call into the Cruz Azul Centr in San Javier or the Galgos del Sol/Asociacion Unicos charity shop at Oasis Bulevar to sign. A demonstration will also be held at Los Alcazares Town Hall December 27 at 1.30pm.

NO KILL: Just two of the many dogs happily and safely re-homed, Heather and Toby.

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Bulldog attack thwarted By Sam Croft A WOMAN in Santa Pola was bitten by a dog while trying to stop the animal from attacking her own pooch. She was walking her dog in an urbanisation when a Spanish bulldog, or Alano Español, appeared and charged at her pet. The woman attempted to defend her dog from the other animal and the attacking bulldog bit her on the hand and foot. The woman was not seriously injured and was able to go to a health centre on foot after being attended to by Local Police officers. The bulldog has been put in quarantine as the police officers attempt to verify that it has been vaccinated and track down its owners.

BULLDOG: Bit woman on the hand and foot.

Ford gang strike again A GROUP of criminals, known by police as the ‘Ford Gang’ have struck again in Petrer. In this latest case, the group stole a car ahead of carrying out a robbery at a petrol station location next to

the A-31 in the direction of Alicante-Madrid. The robbery took place in the early hours of the morning when four masked men cut through the chain on the door and broke through the

gate to get inside. With the petrol station’s till empty, the gang was only able to grab dozens of lottery tickets and scratch cards before making an exit as the alarms were activated.

wanted GENUINE CARS AND CAMPERVANS INSTANT PAYMENT ALL LEGAL PAPERWORK COMPLETED PART EXCHANGES CALL NOW!

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NEWS EXTRA

Tearful goodbye DOZENS of people gathered to say farewell to the Elche resident who died while climbing near Alora. The man plunged between 20 and 30 metres while climbing in the El Chorro area of Malaga Province.

Closure talks ORIHUELA Council may create a special committee to discuss the issue of the potential closure of the seafront between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina, which some residents have requested.

Project aims THE University of Alicante is participating in a European project which aims to eradicate corporal punishment as a means of disciplining children.

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Posties are feeling the pressure at Christmas STILL missing a Christmas parcel this year? Waiting on post can be a frustrating time, but for the postal service also. Posties in Santa Pola and Crevillent reported this week they had already noticed an increase in parcels of up to 400 per cent in both municipalities. This intense period of deliveries and shipments will not end until after the Three Kings. Santa Pola Correos is reporting they are just about coping with the reinforcement of temporary staff but have also lost four workers. However, according to the Union Solidarity Postal (SSP) in Crevillent th ey a re s tru g g lin g with a round 18,000-20,000 packages waiting to be s o rted a n d d e liv ere d w ith de la ys caused by the lack of staff. The problems started the week of the Constitution bank holidays with around five staff less than normal. SSP union secretary, Pere Canto, said: “Without more staff in proper working conditions, we will not be

POSTAL SERVICE: Dealing with an intense period of deliveries. able to reduce this delay.” Canto continued: “As priority is given to the urgent and express parcel service, ordina ry le tte rs do not a rrive a nd the neighbours arrive at the post offices

with complaints.” The union said in the Crevillent postal offices there would be four or five posts to cover but at the provincial level there are between 250-300 vacancies.

NEWS

Gifts for urban favours A COURT is investigating if gifts were given in exchange for urban favours in Murcia. Elche promoter Ramon Salvador Agueda, is believed to have arranged for a private jet to take Murcia’s former mayor, Miguel Angel Camara and his wife and others, to Istanbul. The trip to Turkey was arranged just two months before the plenary council meeting approved a partial plan in Cabezo de Torres favouring the Elche promoter. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Camara’s company Grupo RS Mirallevant, rented the private aircraft and also arranged a minibus for 10 people throughout the duration of the trip along with a Spanish-speaking guide at a cost of €250 a day. It is also reported that Ramon Salvador Agueda’s lawyer also travelled to South Africa and Thailand with the former head of Urbanism in Murcia on trips in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

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NEWS

From Alicante to Essex Stuart Axe flickr and ÂŠ Essex Police

NORMAN FOWLER: Appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. By John Smith NORMAN FOWLER, a 38year-old who is accused of defrauding a number of people out of thousands of pounds via false adverts through the Gumtree website, left Colchester and moved to Spain once it was clear he was likely to be charged with the offences.

He was eventually arrested by Spanish police in Alicante and in October of this year he was returned to England under an international extradition warrant where he was immediately placed in custody After three years of freedom following the alleged fraud, he finally appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 14 via video link from prison, but

surprised the prosecution when his lawyer claimed that he could not enter a plea as he was too mentally ill to do so. The court had no option other than to postpone the hearing until March 9 so that medical tests can be undertaken to decide whether he is fit to enter a plea and to stand trial, but in the meantime he remains incarcerated.

FLOODING LATEST WEATHER NUMBERS

3,112 404 l/m2 29 Emergency calls received

of rainfall recorded in Beniarres

years since the Rio Segura last overflowed

5 5 70

people dead

major rivers burst banks

Municipalities with schools closed

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EWN

Flood clean up begins AFTER a weekend of heavy rains and storms battering the coastline and inland areas the clean up operation is now underway as people assess the damage done. The Vega Baja and Marina Alta were areas particularly hard hit and are traditionally known to be at the highest risk of flooding in the province. According to the Territorial Action Plan on the Prevention of Flood Risk in Valencia, (PATRICOVA) of a dozen municipalities in the province of Alicante, 11 of them included on the high risk register are in the Vega Baja including Almoradí, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Dolores, Formentera del Segura, Orihuela, Rafal, Benejuzar and San Fulgencio. Whilst these areas are known to be prone to flooding, as the last few days have proven, they are not the only ones that can flood. Director of the Laboratory of Climatology at the University of Alicante, Jorge Olcina, said: “There are cities like Benidorm or Pilar de la Horadada in which a ravine can generate serious

Juan Ignacio Zoido, Interior Minister, Orihuela action centre. problems.” According to the climatologist: “The biggest problem in this province is that until 2008 building in areas of flood risk continued despite such serious consequences that were seen with rain in the 1980s and 1990s.” The coastal areas with a high amount

of human occupation are also at a risk. However Olcina adds that impact can be limited and Alicante should be seen as “an example of what should be done.” After being hit hard by the rains in 1982 and 1997, the infrastructure of

the ‘Antirriadas Plan’ has minimised the impact of the rains. In addition, the construction of breakwaters have also contributed to alleviate serious problems and to facilitate the evacuation of water. Turn to page 21

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FLOODIN

An avalanche of water By Matt Ford THE strong winds and extreme rainfall that lashed the Valencian coastline last weekend provoked a raft of incidents, with emergency services receiving over 3,000 calls. Orihuela was perhaps the worst affected after the Rio Segura broke its banks for the first time in 29 years early on Monday morning. The river reached a peak height of more than six metres in places, leading the council to announce a level two flood emergency plan as neighbourhoods

closest to the river became inundated, forcing a number of residents to flee to a shelter set up in the Virgen de la Puerta school. Firefighters also intervened to assist in the rescue of six citizens with reduced mobility, who were safely evacuated and moved to a temporary shelter while Local Police patrols busied themselves moving cars in danger of being washed away. Orihuela Costa was battered, with several cliffs collapsing, Campomar losing electricity and a number of roads rendered impassable, while beaches lost significant quantities of sand.

National Interior Minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido, visited the stricken town on Tuesday, and announced that the Spanish government would on Wednesday announce that the grave situation should be declared a civil protection emergency. The Segura also caused chaos near its mouth, with numerous residents abandoning their homes in Guardamar, Benejuzar and Almoradi. Several houses were almost wiped out in Guardamar Playa, where groups of angry citizens berated local politicians for failing to heed their warnings. Further south, Pilar de la Horadada was placed on lockdown over the weekend after a landslide blocked the access road to the municipal cleaning services, although schools and businesses were able to reopen on Tuesday. In Torrevieja, nine people were evacuated from Calles Ramon Rubiales and Urbano Arregui after water began to pour into their homes on Sunday evening, while Calle Maestro Parada and Barrio San Roque were also completely submerged. Police ordered cars parked in Plaza de la Mata to be removed as gales of up to 73 km/h blasted through the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets, ripping up pergolas and cutting off the electricity supply, while several local beaches were left almost entirely without sand.

Orihuela.

Torrevieja.

Elsewhere, the Hotel Arenales in Elche provoked concern since it appears to be on the verge of collapse after being battered by gale-force winds and a river of fast-moving floodwater, with Local Police casing it out four times per hour. Santa Pola was also hit with several streets and a petrol sta-

tion on the N-332 swamped, while Local Police officers and Red Cross workers in Alicante City managed to obtain the use of a gymnasium to shelter tens of homeless people, working tirelessly from Friday night onwards. In Murcia, an emergency military unit had to be deployed in the coastal town of Los Al-

cazares after the entire town centre was flooded following the rupture of a drainage channel retaining wall. The Mar Menor lagoon is expected to have suffered a further environmental disaster after receiving thousands of litres of floodwaters, much of which picked up excessive nutrients as it ran off agricultural land.

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Dam and blast Los Alcazares.

Carravaca.

ONE positive outcome of the extreme weather is that the downpour has replenished local dams after an intense period of drought. Professor Jorge Olcina, director of the Climatology lab at the University of Alicante (UA) said: “In general, this precipitation is very good for the southeast region, which was undergoing one of the driest years in the last few decades. “Unfortunately, what also happened is that our land is no longer prepared to withstand this type of rain, and in the last 20 years too many people have decided to build things in dry river beds, which prevents them from

draining normally. “That said, just three rainy episodes in November and December have literally saved the pluviometric year.” The outcome is less positive for the agricultural sector, however, and the Valencian Farmers’ Association has estimated damages totalling at least €172 million in the wake of the storm. The torrential rain and fierce winds ruined citrus and olive groves, persimmons, vegetables and livestock facilities. Around 40 per cent of the mandarin crop is expected to have been lost, with many thrown to

the floor by the wind and others suffering from excess moisture. Oranges were also heavily damaged, with economic losses of an estimated €90 for these two fruits alone. In the Vinalopo comarca, more than half of the table grape harvest has been wiped out, leaving vineyard owners tearing their hair out since their ‘special agricultural insurance’ does not cover the losses. The grapes were about to be picked in readiness for New Year’s Eve, when the Spanish traditionally scoff 12 of them at the stroke of midnight.

Molina de Segura.

EWN

Flood crisis help coming THE president of Valencia has announced he will approve new measures to help fix the damage done to the Costa Blanca in the recent torrential rains. Ximo Puig said that regional government will ratify the measures on Friday December 23 at a special session. They take the form of an urgent request for financial aid from the national government in Madrid. He has spoken with business and community leaders across the Costa Blanca to get a sense of the scale of the devastation. Municipalities across the region will have 30 days to estimate the damage done locally to infrastructure and other public services. Whether the aid request is granted by Madrid and how long the money takes to arrive is another story, but the Costa Blanca has the support of King Felipe VI. The King called Puig to ask how the crisis was being handled and to offer his thoughts to victims.

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NEWS

WE will “see how it works.” That was the answer of Alicante’s deputy mayor and councillor for Urbanism, Miguel Angel Pavon, responding to continued criticism about plans to change the Local Police structure. Last month it was announced that the council proposed to rework the Local Police force into four districts, in a move away from specialisation officers within the force, to a division of agents that are skilled in all tasks required of them. Under this premise, it has been decided to eliminate the

police unit of Public Road Occupation (with six agents and three officers) so that their functions, such as the control of street vendors and night time drinking, are developed by agents within each district. Pavon admitted he “would have preferred to keep” this unit of the Local Police, but will see how the changes work adding that it can be beneficial to have all officers able to deal with all situations. He said in his opinion “the unit could have been maintained” but there are no staff for it. Residents and Neighbour-

Photo by Ayuntamiento de Alicante

An end to specialist units hood Associations have expressed their concern at the move saying they have fought hard to increase patrols in the city centre to help combat noise complaints and believe if these specialised units are removed it will be a step back and the problem will worsen.

MIGUEL ANGEL PAVON: The deputy mayor would prefer to keep the unit.

Palace to finally open its doors THE Palace de Labradores in Alicante, will reopen next month in all its former glory. The building, built by a family of merchants in the city in the mid-eighteenth century, has been fully renovated and revived at a cost of around €1.6million. The work was agreed in 2001 but then did not start until 2010. Now also known as Labradores 15, after its street location, it will have joint exhibition and social use. On the ground floor an exhibition on the building and its history has been installed. There will be a patio area as well as a room destined to be a tourist information office which will also offer guided routes around the old town areas. Restoring its baroque beauty there will be rooms that can be used to host activities such as concerts and they may also be booked out by associations and groups. There is also a first floor meeting room and administration offices. The palace also has a terrace with views of the old town and plans are in place to commission a historical mural on part of a wall that covers part of the view and to open a cafeteria.

It can be beneficial to have all officers able to deal with all situations.”

Discrimination of code requiring consent certificate BLIND and deaf people will now need to present a medical certificate proving their ability to give consent ahead of getting married. The move comes following changes to the Civil Code. Previously, Article 56 stated that persons affected by ‘deficiencies or physical anomalies’ had to present a medical certificate on ‘their ability to give consent’ as part of the paperwork needed to get married. Now, the code has been modified to include all those affected by ‘mental, intellectual or sensory deficiencies’ which affects a large group of citizens across Spain who are blind and deaf. The Spanish Committee of Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (CERMI) want the article amended saying it is discriminatory assuming that this sort of disability questions that they understand the meaning of marriage and the ability to consent to it. The platform reminds that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stresses that ‘all persons are equal before the law’ and therefore urges that the discrimination of the group be ended in matters related to ‘marriage, family, parenthood and personal relationships.’

Salesman jailed for fraud A MAN has accepted a twoyear jail term for defrauding the company he worked for in Torrevieja of over €100,000. The court in Elche heard how the worker had a position of broker and mediator in the

sale of building materials for commercial companies and made up several orders that were not required. When they were returned, he then sold them on to third parties keeping the money for himself.

His fraudulent acts lasted for around seven months in 2007 with the defendant seizing a total of €101,342 from the business where he worked. He must now pay the money back.

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Calls for clean up

ILLEGAL DUMPS: Have sprung up across the municipality. BENIJOFAR is proposing the creation of an eco-park to prevent and avoid further waste dumps that are developing in different parts of the municipality. Opposition parties in the town hall have denounced the increase in illegal dumps springing up and want action taken. There are two areas for residents to deposit garden waste and prunings, although Mayor Luis Rodriguez has acknowledged that “we had many problems because gardeners or people from other places were leaving their

remains in these places.” To help alleviate the problem, an eco-park is to be installed with the mayor explaining that people will have to register to use it and can then dump their prunings in an authorised and permitted manor. Small building waste and items are also accumulating in areas along by Atalaya Park and on the entrance to the Monte Azul urbanisation. The town hall reminds residents that for those carrying out small reforms on their homes, small containers can be issued to collect the waste.

Tower restoration ORIHUELA has taken steps to prevent further deterioration of its Buildings of Cultural Interest, the d’Envergonyes Tower. The tower formed part of the town’s defence for centuries and dates back to the time of the Almohad Caliphate. Since 1929 it has been crowned by a water deposit which was installed to irrigate the nearby plants. This infrastructure has deteriorated significantly over the last 100 years and has damaged its structural integrity. The building’s owners gave the council’s Heritage Department permission to remove the water deposit. The project began with elimination of the existing vegetation on the crown of the tower, especially the ivy which had become overgrown. The deposit was removed to prevent further damage to the tower. The contracted workers quickly discovered parts of it were made of reinforced concrete and the work was harder than they anticipated. They had to make a hole in

the structure and remove iron and concrete, at which point they recommenced work from inside. Once they had finished they used a herbicide treatment

to prevent the return of weeds and problematic vegetation. Further restoration work is expected to be carried out on the tower in the near-future.

EWN

NEWS

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NEWS EXTRA

Pervy pair TWO young men, aged 19 and 20, have been arrested in Alicante accused of corruption of minors for sending constant messages of a sexual nature and coercing an underage girl to send them sexual photos.

Lorry crash A LORRY driver, aged 37, was injured and had to be cut out the cabin by fire crews after an accident at kilometre 185 of the A-31 motorway at the entrance to Villena when the lorry overturned.

Life savers QUICK-THINKING local police in Sax saved a toddler’s life who had stopped breathing following a coughing attack. They carried out the necessary first aid to revive the two-yearold as they drove to the health centre.

Jaen author writes debut children’s Christmas book RUBY MOLLY HAWKINS, an English author who now resides in Spain, is to have her debut children’s book published this month. Ruby is concentrating on a series of children’s stories and these are based on the recollections of her childhood and feature the fictional ‘Hawkins Family’: three brothers and a sister, aged between three to eight years old who are brought up by their single father. The story begins with dad and the children visiting nanny and grandad’s house for a pre-Christmas visit, on a typically cold December day, only to find that they have no decorations nor Christmas tree. But, where will Father Christmas leave their presents? Or are nanny and grandad on Santa’s naughty list. The children are determined to correct this error and will not leave before the house is decorated and full of Christmas cheer. The talented author says: “From an early age, I was always encouraged to keep a diary, due to these entries I can recall events that occurred within my family, and have based my stories on these.”

RUBY MOLLY HAWKINS: Based her book on her own childhood memories. A few years ago, Ruby relocated with her husband and two young sons to Jaen in southern Spain where she worked as an English language teacher. She has previously worked in the Civil Service and in foster care and now writes full-time at home, as well as caring for their ever-expanding fam-

ily of animals. Christmas at Number 61, published by Austin Macauley, is available from Amazon and all good bookshops. For more information, please visit http://www.austinmacauley.com/book/ch ristmas-number-61 for more information.

EWN

Doctors seek work abroad MORE doctors want to leave Spain to seek work and training opportunities abroad. According to data from the Medical Organisation Collegial (OMC) up to November 22 this year, there had been 3,200 applications for the ‘certificate of suitability’ an increase of 9.7 per cent on the previous year when 2,917 were issued. This is the documentation required by medical professionals wanting to work abroad. There has been more than 15,000 certificates of suitability requested by Spanish doctors in the last five years which the OMC said “reflects the precarious situation of Spanish medical professionals and especially the youngest workers.”

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FEATURE

Advertising feature

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Exclusive service: GPS Geolocation GPS GEOLOCATOR is a brand new service exclusive to Línea Directa that allows breakdown recovery and roadside assistance services to pinpoint your location immediately, wherever you are on mainland Spain or the Canary Islands. REALLY USEFUL WHEN YOU IT NEED IT The GPS technology is simple, quick and safe to use from any smartphone with coverage at the breakdown point. There is no need for you to know your location, even if you’re lost, they will calculate the quickest route to you. And there is no extra cost for using this service. EASY TO USE If you have a breakdown just call Línea Directa’s roadside assistance service free of charge on 900 120 123.

They will send an SMS to your smartphone. Open the SMS message and click on the link to go to the Geolocator website. All you need to do is authorise Línea Directa to locate your position using GPS and satellite technology. Once authorised, they will pinpoint your location and send a breakdown vehicle to meet you. MORE PEACE OF MIND Travelling around the Spanish mainland or the Canary Islands is a wonderful way to visit new places, experience new cultures and meet new people. The new geolocation service from Línea Directa means that you can now enjoy your trips with just a little bit more peace of mind. IN ENGLISH The new exclusive service from Línea Directa is entirely in English.

If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 900 123 026 More information on Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

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AGRICULTURAL WORK: For 15 hours a day with no pay.

Slave labour stopped in the fields of Murcia ELCHEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S National Police have arrested four Romanians accused of being members of a gang that exploited fellow Romanians with slave labour. They enticed them from their home country to Spain with the promise of agricultural work, which they had. The victims were brought into Spain, kept in Elche and

forced to work in the Murcia Region for more than 15 hours a day, without payment. They were housed in poor conditions and all their documentation was kept by the gang leaders. They were also subjected to continuous threats, as were their relatives in Romania. To add insult to injury, during their time they were

also generating a debt with the network for food and transport expenses. The four Romanians, including a 17-year-old, were arrested for human trafficking and labour exploitation. The victims of the operation have been released and repatriation efforts are now being made to send them back home.

EWN

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NEWS

Community spreads Carols at Quiron Christmas cheer CHRISTMAS will be a much happier occasion for dozens of families thanks to community spirit being alive and well. Residents and businesses of Urbanisation La Marina and San Fulgencio have rallied around making donations of toys, gifts, food and toiletries to help the 73 families in the municipality currently receiving help and support from Social Services. Without such help, their Christmas and New Year would be a much bleaker and sadder time. As always, the collections have been organised by the AAN charity that supports the local needy, and the town hall. AAN makes up monthly food parcels for the families thanks to donations from fundraising events and the money received from the charity shop. This month they wanted to give bumper packages as well as gifts and as in previous years, residents have thrown their

FOOD DONATIONS: Waiting to be parcelled up. support behind the cause. Councillor for the Urbanisations, Paulino Herrero, said on behalf of the town hall and the mayor, he wished to thank all the volunteers for their help in collecting the items and arranging the parcels, the businesses for

acting as collection points and to everyone who has donated. With boxes full of necessary items as well as a few little festive treats and gifts for the children, the parcels are now being received by those who need them most.

FESTIVE CHEER: Carol singing at the Quiron Hospital in Torrevieja. PATIENTS visiting Quiron Hospital in Torrevieja were given some festive cheer when members of the International Christian Assembly Church in Torrevieja sang a selection of Christmas carols this week. The normal church choir was

augmented by about 30 members of the congregation to entertain visitors waiting for doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appointments. Ward doors were opened so that the music could be heard by patients. This was the first time the church has sung at the hospital,

welcomed there by Quironâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public relations officer Samantha Zoe Biddles. Following the success of this visit, it is likely that carol singing in the reception area of the hospital will become an annual event.

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Rascals Christmas Singalong time RASCALS: Raising funds for children’s charities. RASCALS have had a busy couple of weeks raising money for children’s charities, for a grand total of €1,032.88. They also threw a party for the students of ALPE who applauded each song with great gusto and were delighted to receive a gift from Papa Noel. This year, some of the students sang White Christmas and Jingle Bells in English, which brought a tear to the eyes of

Rascals. A very special moment. The elderly were not forgotten at this time of year as they also sang to the residents of the Rojales home, performed at the Age Concern Christmas dinner and at the Alzheimer’s Day Centre. They even found time to join in with the choirs at the annual Carols in the Square in Torrevieja.

A well-deserved short break will take place before rehearsals start on January 9 at Sackos bar el Limonar at 11am for their next show On Broadway. If you are interested in joining this sociable group who do a lot to help local charities call Jill on 966 727 282. Wishing all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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Allo Allo with the DSC THE Deadwood Stage Company invite you to meet the cast of ‘Allo Allo tries panto,’ as “I will say this only once!” Come along and join the fun on Friday January 27 or Saturday 28 at the Matrix Studio, The Mad House, Pueblo Principe, near Mercadona. Curtain up at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm.

Tickets cost €8 (non refundable), and there will be a bar with nibbles served during the interval. A Raffle will also take place with excellent prizes, and all proceeds going to charity. Tickets are available from Terry on 965 319 279, or general enquiries from Vida on 966 774 127.

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COMMUNITY

Celebrate the real Christmas YOU are invited to a very special service on Sunday December 25 2016. That’s right, Christmas Day, when the La Siesta Evangelical

Church, at Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja, will be holding a special Christmas morning service at 11am. Everyone is welcome, so come and celebrate the

Everyone is welcome, so come and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

birth of Jesus Christ. During December, you can also join in the celebrations at our other services which will be held on Sundays December 4 and Sunday Decem-

ber 18 at 9.30am, and Sunday December 11 at 11am, when you can join in singing carols. Everyone can be sure of a warm welcome on these special occasions.

Hondon Valley RBL visits ‘Top Gun’ A FEW months ago, following the attendance at a Hondon Valley Branch meeting by Sgt (Dai) Williams RAF, a seed was sown to try and organise a visit to the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) based at Los Llanos Military Airbase, Albacete. TLP delivers training courses for NATO pilots and support personnel. During these courses, they hold open days exclu-

sively for course participants. It was decided that a visit during one of these open days would be an enjoyable and rare opportunity for RBL members to engage with military personnel and aircraft from many different nations. So Hondon Valley Branch members headed north to Albacete on Thursday November 17. With a full coach of excited aviation fans, we were met and very professionally hosted all day by Sgt Williams. After a hot beverage in the airman’s canteen, we were given a guided tour of the students’ accommodation, recreation areas and facilities. A rather filling threecourse lunch then followed in the air base restaurant. The TLP Commandant, Colonel Luis Villar Coloma and suboficial mayor (WO) Zaranton formally welcomed

POPPY APPEAL: A donation was made to the Branch.

the Group to Los Llanos Airbase and the TLP Facilities. In return Nigel Hails, District Chairman, thanked them for their co-operation and assistance in enabling the visit to go ahead. The next activity was an important safety briefing before

being ‘let loose ‘ onto the runway/ flight line for two hours. Pilots and ground crew were on site to give guided tours of their respective jets, answer any questions and help visitors into the cockpits for the amazing photograph opportunities. During the flight line visit Cpl Simmons, (RAF) very kindly donated the unit’s Poppy Appeal contributions to the Branch. The Base memorabilia shop opened selling an array of ‘Top Gun Aviator’ type goodies, clothing and merchandise. After a cold drink and some farewells, the Branch boarded the coach and returned to Home Base, the Hondon Valley. The Branch would like to extend a massive thank you to the TLP Commandant and his team based at Los Llanos. The November weather was perfect. The sun shone and Branch members will remember the visit for a long time. To find out more, contact secretary.hondonvalley3577@g mail.com or visit www.british legion.org.uk/branches/hon don-valley.

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Local RBL branches tally up appeal bilised ‘armies’ of volunteers who have been THE local branches of the Royal British Leactive at Alicante airport, all of the local margion, Torrevieja, the Orihuela Costa and La Makets, many supermarkets and shops as well as rina/Gran Alacant in particular, have been busy other venues and collection outlets. What an raising funds for those ‘needy’ ex-servicemen amazing amount has been raised so far. and their dependants since the beginning of the A few poppy collection tins are still to be year. However their activities have increased emptied and counted, so the final figure for the dramatically in recent weeks as, together with district will not be released for some weeks, but branches across the world, they set out on their totals are known for the three local branches. final fundraising ‘efforts’ of the year with the In Gran Alacant/La Marina, despite being the ‘Poppy Appeal’ here in District Spain (North). smallest of the three, collected the highest This year the launch was carried out on Octoamount per member, totalling almost €10,400, ber 14 in Benidorm by the city mayor, Snr Anan increase of €300 on tonio Perez Perez, together with guests from the 2015. Special thanks to IceBritish Consulate as well as the Defence Atland Supermarket. tache, Lt Col David Whimpenny, Chairman of In Torrevieja the total the Legion Membership Council from London, collected by was €22,163, regular attendees from the Royal Hospital, an increase of over €2,700 Chelsea, Arthur ‘Skippy’ Teasdale and Wayne on the 2015 total. Again speCampbell, looking marvellous in their scarlet coats, as well of course as many officials and members of The Royal British Legion and the public. Since that time Gran Alacant/La Marina, Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa have distributed poppies and collection boxes to over 550 bars, restaurants and other locations throughout the region. In addiRBL FUNDRAISING: Combined tion, the two branches moefforts totalled over €73,000.

cial thanks to Iceland for allowing collectors to rattle tins in their store which raised €2,800, and to the Crescendo International Choir which donated €2,000 to the appeal. This is a fantastic result reflecting all the hard work put into this year’s appeal by the branch’s Poppy People On the Orihuela Costa the effort was organised By Eddie Coleman, where they too had yet another bumper year, largely due to the golfing fraternity and the magnificent efforts of Mick ‘the Grip’ Reeves and Mike Gossage who, once again, ran a series of ‘Poppy Golf’ tournaments. In total, there were 40 events, which included two charity days during a fantastically busy two-month period. With that alone raising over €10,000 it was clear the Branch was going to exceed last year’s totals.

Lisa Perry, the manager of Iceland in San Javier, was welcoming to branch collectors once again. Their efforts raised over €3,700, and there was a further €4,000 raised at Alicante Airport by Orihuela Costa members. Together with the annual fun day, St Patrick and St George’s Days, as well as the book stalls and many other activities carried out during the year, the branch raised €40,786, an increase of over €5,000 on 2015. There were many other fundraisers carried out by all three branches during the course of the year, lots of which relied on the efforts of dozens of local entertainers and bands. They too must be thanked for their enthusiasm and hard work, but one organisation that has been particularly supportive and loyal has been The Torrevieja Pipes and Drums. They have featured at just about every RBL event during the year and their efforts helped achieve a magnificent total. All the fundraising activities have been carried out professionally with maximum effort and support from within and outwith the branches. Well done to everyone involved in achieving a grand total of over €73,000.

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GERMANY

Legalising cannabis

Hitler’s house

DENMARK

COPENHAGEN is trying for a fourth time to get a trial programme allowing legal cannabis to be approved. Each attempt has so far been rejected by the national government.

Rich and poor

Freedom award BREAKING the Silence, an Israeli organisation that shares soldiers’ stories of serving in the West Bank and Gaza, has received the Freedom Award in Copenhagen.

Peaceful demo MORE than 5,000 Danes took part in a peaceful candlelit demonstration in

TRYING AGAIN: To legalise cannabis in Copenhagen.

support of civilian victims affected by bombing in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Shot dead POLICE have shot and killed a man

who attacked them with a knife. The incident occurred as officers were called to a late night noise complaint. When they tried to remove the man’s stereo he stabbed one of the officers.

Costly exit

Stop free lessons

Taxi protest

A NEW report has shown the ever increasing social divide in Germany with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. There are now more millionaires in the country but also the number heavily in debt has risen and 5.6 per cent of the population is officially classified as poor.

People’s train THE country’s first crowdfunded train has made its maiden voyage from Stuttgart to Berlin and even arrived five minutes early. The one return service a day is operated by Berlin-based startup Locomore.

Mother’s murder A MOTHER is on trial for attempted murder after she allegedly threw her three children out of a window in western Germany. The youngsters, aged three, four and six at the time, all survived the 8m fall and now live with their father.

BELGIUM

FRANCE PRESIDENTIAL candidate, Marine Le Pen, from the French far-right National Front party has said she would stop free education for children of undocumented immigrants saying “play time is over.”

THE house where Adolf Hitler was born in Austria, close to the German border, is to be demolished and replaced with a new building. The site has become a pilgrimage for neo-Naxis.

EUROPEAN PRESS

drivers protested at Charles de Gualle and Orly airports. Drivers were protesting their wages claiming they are earning just €3.75 an hour.

Tower closed THE Eiffel Tower was closed for a second day as workers took strike action over salaries and conditions leaving tourists disappointed. The attraction

has already lost about one million visitors this year compared to 2015.

Stronger security PARLIAMENT has voted to extend a national state of emergency until after next year’s elections. It means that the extra security measures in force since the Paris attacks in November 2015, will remain in place.

A HARD Brexit with the UK leaving the EU and not remaining a member of the single market, could cost Belgian businesses €1.6 billion in unexpected expenditure, according to figures from Belgium’s central bank.

No noise

Historical home A BELGIAN house built in 1964 in Tielt, has caught of the eye of The New York Times, which called it “a modernist masterpiece.” It was designed by the architect Georges Vandenbussche and in 2008, it was classified as a historical monument.

Airline acquisition

SWEDEN

NORWAY

A ZERO tolerance for planes that exceed noise levels risks forcing passenger carriers out of Brussels. As a result, Flemish PM Geert Bourgeois has called on the Brussels Region to drop the strict noise rules or risk losing thousands of jobs.

Profits up

Chess champ

HOLLAND

SMALL companies are reporting a successful 2016 with profitability increasing across most industries and profits increasing by an average 15 per cent this year, according to a consultancy firm’s profitability barometer.

THE Norwegian Magnus Carlsen is the new World Chess Champion after he played to victory in New York, USA. This is his third World Champion win and it was a good birthday present for him coming on the same day as he celebrated turning 26.

Fewer unemployed

SOME passengers missed their flights and suffered traffic chaos as taxi

Terror tax MORE tax is to be levied on those suspected of financing terror activities with 100 paying so far. It is part of a collaboration between the Swedish tax agency and security police.

Syrian smuggling TWO men accused of smuggling approximately 170 Syrians from Milan in Italy to Sweden, have been convicted of human trafficking. A third received a suspended sentence.

Nursing shortage A SHORTAGE of nursing staff has resulted in hundreds of empty hospital beds at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Patients are being sent home and operations postponed.

December gathering IN a bid to try and not offend anyone, a primary school in Stavanger has removed a festive hymn from its Christmas party and even renamed it a ‘December gathering.’ The principal of the school said this was because some people associate the word ‘Christmas’ with something Christian.

Smaller reindeer SANTA may have a struggle this year when delivering all those gifts as researchers say that reindeer on Norway’s Arctic Svalbard archipelago are becoming smaller due to climate change. The average weight of the reindeer has fallen from 55kg to 48kg.

UNEMPLOYMENT in the Netherlands has fallen to below 500,000 for the first time since March 2012. According to the national statistics office, in November, 499,000 people were officially listed as unemployed, which is around 5.6 per cent of the working population.

Lacking integration MORE needs to be done to improve integration in the Netherlands with claims the move made in 2013 for new arrivals to organise and pay for integration courses themselves is not working.

LUFTHANSA has acquired Brussels Airlines with a promise to invest €600 million in the company, for the renewal of its fleet of long-haul carriers.

Name change AMSTERDAM’S main football stadium, owned by the Ajax club, is likely to change its name to the Johan Cruijff stadium in honour of the former international player who died in March.

Shopping spree RETAIL sales have increased by 5.4 per cent this year compar ed t o t he sam e per i od l ast year. Onl i ne sal es have al so i ncreased by almost 20 per cent in the Netherlands.

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NEWS

RUSSIAN PRESS

Power player

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Top trumps in the power stakes. PRESIDENT Putin topped Forbes magazine’s world’s most powerful people list for 2016. It’s the third consecutive year he has won, this time beating Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to the top spot, due to the extensive impact of his political decisions across the world.

Olden times A SURVEY found that many Russians are harking back to the good old days of the Soviet Union with only 15 per cent believing things are better now. The ‘happiness’ quiz found that, while Russians are largely depressed about their conditions, west Europeans are quickly catching up.

Calendar chaos AN outspoken Russian politician has called on the country to celebrate Christmas on December 25 along with the West. Vladimir Zhirinovsky asked the State Duma ‘why not switch back?’ Russian Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar.

cording to a Dutch court, despite Crimea now being a part of Russia. The court failed to recognise Moscow’s authority after the 2014 annexation of the territory, while the gold was on loan to an Amsterdam museum.

Show goes on RUSSIA will hold the 2018 World Cup according to Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, despite suggestions that doping allegations might see FIFA change its mind. A new report identified more

than 1,000 Russian athletes across 30 different Olympic sports accused of doping under a systematic state-sponsored regime.

Green card RUSSIAN politicians are considering launching the country’s very own ‘Green Card’ policy to attract skilled foreign citizens. It would follow America’s lottery-style system and help boost immigration levels. Only nationals of approved countries will be allowed to take part.

Advantageous spelling mistake SOPHISTICATED Russian hackers allegedly took advantage of a spelling mistake from an American bureaucrat to leak highly sensitive files in order to help Donald Trump get elected after the cheeky web wizards accessed Hillary Clinton’s private campaign information.

Blood and treasure SCYTHIAN treasures from the 4th century BC found in Crimea must be handed over to Ukraine ac-

WEB WIZARDS: Helped get Trump elected.

FINANCE

Costa Blanca South

22 - 28 December 2016

A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

British Airways threaten strike By John Smith BRITISH AIRWAYS crew flying out of Heathrow Airport have overwhelmingly given a strike mandate to their union Unite after rejecting a 2 per cent pay offer and the strike is due to take place sometime after December 21. Currently there is no confirmation of the actual dates or indeed the duration of the strike but to have made this decision so close to Christmas must be seen as very worrying for the management of the airline who Unite

Quote of the Week

£1.4 billion (€1.7 billion) is the amount of profit declared by the IAG group for the previous trading year.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Photo Credit: Timahaowemi Wikimedia

Saffron on the rebound

ZARA: Is the biggest brand of Inditex. By John Smith INDITEX, the world’s largest retailer of clothes continues to go from strength to strength and has announced a profit of €16.4 billion, an 11 per cent rise over the nine month period to the end of October last year. The owner of such diverse ranges as Zara (which is its biggest brand), Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Pull & Bear said that its best sellers this year have been military blazers, mi-

would like to see return to the negotiating table. The major problem arises with regards to staff employed after 2010 who were enticed to join the flight crew of the airline with expected wages of between £21,000 (€25,000) and £25,000 (€30,000) when in reality their basic wages turned out to be £12,000 (€14,500) plus a £3 (€3.6) an hour flight bonus. According to the union, staff are taking on second jobs, working whilst ill and many are suffering from depression and stress because

“Without reforms, the regional financing framework remains a risk for the achievement of fiscal targets.” Christine Lagarde, President of International Monetary Fund on Spanish economy

Inditex keeps making money

ni-skirts and velvet dresses and its online business is also continuing to attract new custom. Ironically, although competitors appear to be facing a much tougher period, the shares in the company have fallen slightly but with its policy of not overstocking, turning round production quickly for popular styles and its continued expansion into new markets, the succesful group looks destined to continue to grow.

SPAIN is renowned for the use of saffron in many of its rice dishes but with the introduction of a usable ‘imitation’ and an increase in exports from Iran, the price dropped but Spain is now making a comeback in the market.

A fine mess A BARCELONA court has overturned a fine of €30,000 imposed by the regional government of Catalonia on Airbnb for advertising lodgings that did not have permits to accept paying guests arguing that Spanish law is currently inconclusive on the matter.

Victory pay NIGERIA’S victorious women’s football team protested outside parliament in Abuja over unpaid win bonuses on the day that the annual budget was to be debated. They argue that they are owed win bonuses of €16,000 and plan to continue until paid.

Bank loses out in court case AFTER 13 years, a British couple who lost €227,000 paid to a Spanish developer in Marbella for a dream home that was never built due to planning irregularities, has been awarded the full amount by a court in Malaga.

1.62 million is the number of people unemployed in the UK at the end of October representing 4.8 per cent, which is an 11 year low.

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal

EWN

Banco Popular has been instructed to return the money which it received from the developer and should have been held in a special guaranteed account. The bank can appeal but may be hesitant as the award would only escalate if the appeal failed.

of their financial position which is particularly galling as the BA parent IAG saw its profits rise by 64 per cent in the last year. With strikes being undertaken by BA staff, Post Office staff and members of rail unions, the government alleges that these are positively motivated and planned to cause major disruption to the public but in the case of the BA strike, their union Unite denies this and says that they are looking after their own long-term interests and those of their customers.

Trump hotel sues chef SPANISH celebrity chef José Andrés who is being sued for $10 million (€9.4 million) after pulling out of a deal to open a restaurant in a Trump hotel in Washington because of what he considered racist comments by the president elect has suggested that the case be cancelled and all legal fees likely to be paid by each side be donated to a US Veterans charity. Mr Trump’s response is now awaited.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 19

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group PLC 674.75 -5.50 Admiral Group PLC 1776.50 -5.00 Anglo American PLC 1113.50 -19.50 Antofagasta PLC 659.00 -11.00 Ashtead Group PLC 1602.50 -9.00 Associated British Foods PLC 2690.00 1.00 AstraZeneca PLC 4342.00 -59.50 Aviva PLC 474.35 -4.40 Babcock International Grp 946.25 -1.00 BAE Systems PLC 590.75 -1.00 Barclays PLC 225.90 -2.25 Barratt Developments PLC 458.85 1.50 BHP Billiton PLC 1283.00 -22.43 BP PLC 492.47 2.85 British American Tobacco PLC 4507.25 1.00 British Land Co PLC 634.50 5.50 BT Group PLC 367.52 0.55 Bunzl PLC 2070.00 -1.00 Burberry Group PLC 1487.00 -2.00 Capita PLC 494.60 4.20 Carnival PLC 3920.50 -147.00 Centrica PLC 230.35 0.20 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1658.50 1.00 Compass Group PLC 1420.00 4.00 CRH PLC 2686.50 -14.00 Croda International PLC 3187.50 -1.00 DCC PLC 5855.00 -10.00 Diageo PLC 2067.50 12.00 Direct Line Insurance Group... 356.40 -0.30 Dixons Carphone PLC 345.65 1.60 easyJet PLC 1047.00 3.00 Experian PLC 1509.00 -3.00 Fresnillo PLC 1100.50 -1.00 GKN PLC 329.05 -0.50 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1521.75 -4.50 Glencore PLC 267.67 -0.80 Hammerson PLC 560.25 6.50 Hargreaves Lansdown PLC 1237.50 2.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC 1800.50 10.93 HSBC Holdings PLC 658.85 -8.00 Imperial Brands PLC 3502.00 13.00 Informa PLC 671.50 0.50 InterContinental Hotels Gr 3510.00 5.00 International Consolidated 459.70 0.29 Intertek Group PLC 3324.50 -7.00 Intu Properties PLC 273.95 0.70 ITV PLC 196.45 0.40 Johnson Matthey PLC 3074.50 5.00 Kingfisher PLC 343.10 0.30 Land Securities Group PLC 1033.00 3.00

% CHG. -0.81 -0.28 -1.72 -1.64 -0.56 0.04 -1.35 -0.92 -0.11 -0.17 -0.99 0.33 -1.72 0.58 0.02 0.87 0.15 -0.05 -0.13 0.86 -3.61 0.09 0.06 0.28 -0.52 -0.03 -0.17 0.58 -0.08 0.46 0.29 -0.20 -0.09 -0.15 -0.29 -0.30 1.17 0.16 0.61 -1.20 0.37 0.07 0.14 0.06 -0.21 0.26 0.20 0.16 0.09 0.29

NET VOL 65.41 5.60 372.93 74.91 18.93 5.73 122.46 186.05 8.93 112.03 712.93 32.81 399.28 1,615.48 165.78 60.64 239.61 20.90 20.98 130.24 30.82 234.73 6.97 118.75 12.19 2.16 1.71 91.20 15.64 69.80 54.94 10.27 65.96 33.80 210.99 2,412.14 26.72 6.78 10.15 931.98 44.93 30.61 4.71 140.04 2.21 70.58 453.03 2.62 120.63 54.44

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Legal & General Group PLC 242.50 -0.05 Lloyds Banking Group PLC 63.65 -0.12 London Stock Exchange Group...2821.50 16.00 Marks & Spencer Group PLC 355.70 0.76 Mediclinic International PLC 733.25 8.50 Merlin Entertainments PLC 436.85 -1.10 Micro Focus International PLC 2154.00 -5.00 Mondi PLC 1566.50 6.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets PLC227.35 0.70 National Grid PLC 933.65 2.30 Next PLC 4952.50 0.00 Old Mutual PLC 197.50 -1.70 Paddy Power Betfair PLC 8617.50 10.00 Pearson PLC 821.50 -0.50 Persimmon PLC 1721.50 18.00 Polymetal International PLC 767.75 -7.00 Provident Financial PLC 2749.50 -2.00 Prudential PLC 1576.25 -7.00 Randgold Resources Ltd 5615.00 40.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC 6634.00 21.00 RELX PLC 1395.00 5.00 Rio Tinto PLC 3040.00 -52.50 Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 672.50 -2.50 Royal Bank of Scotland Grou... 227.05 -0.50 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2290.00 1.00 Royal Mail PLC 451.30 -0.10 RSA Insurance Group PLC 568.00 -1.50 Sage Group (The) PLC 649.25 0.00 Sainsbury (J) PLC 250.00 0.07 Schroders PLC 2989.00 2.00 Severn Trent PLC 2191.00 8.00 Shire PLC 4590.00 -5.00 Sky PLC 991.50 0.50 Smith & Nephew PLC 1182.00 -1.00 Smiths Group PLC 1406.50 -5.00 SSE PLC 1517.50 1.00 Standard Chartered PLC 678.65 -6.40 Standard Life PLC 363.35 -2.30 St James's Place PLC 996.25 -3.00 Taylor Wimpey PLC 153.70 0.60 Tesco PLC 201.28 0.95 Travis Perkins PLC 1449.50 0.00 TUI AG 1109.50 0.00 Unilever PLC 3180.75 28.00 United Utilities Group PLC 886.50 6.50 Vodafone Group PLC 200.93 0.48 Whitbread PLC 3637.00 17.00 Wolseley PLC 4884.50 5.00 Worldpay Group PLC 269.40 0.87 WPP PLC 1782.00 1.00

% CHG. -0.02 -0.19 0.57 0.21 1.17 -0.25 -0.23 0.38 0.31 0.25 0.00 -0.85 0.12 -0.06 1.06 -0.90 -0.07 -0.44 0.72 0.32 0.36 -1.70 -0.37 -0.22 0.04 -0.02 -0.26 0.00 0.03 0.07 0.37 -0.11 0.05 -0.08 -0.35 0.07 -0.93 -0.63 -0.30 0.39 0.47 0.00 0.00 0.89 0.74 0.24 0.47 0.10 0.32 0.06

NET VOL 209.49 2,346.35 4.59 62.17 12.27 21.90 3.99 21.30 58.22 325.84 3.36 428.85 .89 36.05 27.58 29.59 4.32 49.59 51.01 52.30 50.20 156.48 46.60 227.09 181.69 53.61 18.42 24.87 95.55 1.69 9.47 23.50 131.16 36.94 14.54 23.35 208.93 148.76 13.44 182.28 376.30 1.55 33.49 67.91 31.00 1,102.90 4.14 8.96 58.27 66.20

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US dollar ..................................................................1.04625 Japan yen .................................................................122.774 Switzerland franc ..................................................1.07271 Denmark kroner...................................................7.43387 Norway kroner......................................................9.04156

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DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 19

COMPANY 3M AMERICAN EXPRESS APPLE BOEING CO CATERPILLAR CHEVRON CISCO SYSTEMS COCA-COLA DU PONT(EI) DE NMR EXXON MOBIL GENERAL ELECTRIC GOLDMAN SACHS HOME DEPOT IBM INTEL CORP J.P.MORGAN CHASE JOHNSON & JOHNSON MC DONALD'S CORP MERCK AND CO. NEW MICROSOFT NIKE PFIZER PROCTER AND GAMBLE TRAVELERS CIES UNITED TECHNOLOGIE UNITEDHEALTH GROUP VERIZON COMMS VISA WAL-MART STORES WALT DISNEY CO

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 177,450 +0,81% 1,430 106M 75,0000 +0,08% 0,0600 68M 115,970 +0,13% 0,150 617M 154,500 +0,47% 0,730 95M 92,580 -2,06% -1,950 54M 118,08 +0,88% 1,03 223M 30,590 -0,13% -0,040 153M 41,74 +0,46% 0,19 179M 74,8600 -0,04% -0,0300 65M 91,18 +0,32% 0,29 376M 31,7500 +1,57% 0,4900 281M 238,90 -1,69% -4,10 95M 135,1100 -0,54% -0,7300 164M 166,73 -0,77% -1,29 158M 36,3100 -1,30% -0,4800 171M 84,9400 -1,23% -1,0600 304M 115,8800 -0,01% -0,0100 315M 123,2400 +0,72% 0,8800 102M 62,44 +0,11% 0,07 171M 62,300 -0,45% -0,280 484M 50,92 -0,72% -0,37 68M 32,8400 +0,27% 0,0900 198M 84,680 +0,00% 0,000 226M 121,60 +1,00% 1,20 34M 108,52 +0,36% 0,39 89M 163,94 +2,07% 3,32 155M 52,27 +0,89% 0,46 212M 78,35 -1,45% -1,15 145M 70,9800 -0,14% -0,1000 217M 103,9100 -0,46% -0,4800 165M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES

DECEMBER

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced TiGenix Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. Egalet Corporation Flex Pharma, Inc. Versartis, Inc. BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Unity Bancorp, Inc. StealthGas, Inc. Horizon Pharma plc VOXX International Corporation ChemoCentryx, Inc.

$ 14.01 $ 2.15 $ 7.89 $ 6.13 $ 14.85 $ 6.19 $ 16.70 $4 $ 16.44 $ 5.05 $ 8.99

2.31 ▲ 19.74% 0.32 ▲ 17.49% 0.88 ▲ 12.55% 0.67 ▲ 12.27% 1.55 ▲ 11.65% 0.62 ▲ 11.13% 1.65 ▲ 10.96% 0.38 ▲ 10.50% 1.51 ▲ 10.11% 0.45 ▲ 9.78% 0.77 ▲ 9.37%

$ 9.98 $ 45.08 $ 3.20 $ 3.18 $ 2.98 $ 12.40 $ 28.87 $ 3.9299 $ 34.85 $ 6.63 $ 2.60

2.85 ▼ 22.21% 10.86 ▼ 19.41% 0.68 ▼ 17.53% 0.32 ▼ 9.14% 0.2659 ▼ 8.19% 1.08 ▼ 8.01% 2.44 ▼ 7.79% 0.3265 ▼ 7.67% 2.85 ▼ 7.56% 0.54 ▼ 7.53% 0.20 ▼ 7.14%

Most Declined XBiotech Inc. Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Diana Containerships Inc. SORL Auto Parts, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources LLC TerraForm Power, Inc. Fossil Group, Inc. Presbia PLC Natus Medical Incorporated Everspin Technologies, Inc. Kopin Corporation

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

British gas pipelines set to be sold Photo Credit: Oxyman Wikimedia

By John Smith FORMED in 1990 and privatised in 1995, the National Grid not only controls the movement of electricity throughout the UK it also acts as the sole transporter of gas on behalf of all of the gas producing and marketing companies through its enormous network of gas pipelines.

Ofgem has been keeping a close eye on matters and will no doubt report any fears to the government before final approval is given.” Now it has announced that it has accepted in principle an offer from a foreign consortium to sell 61 per cent of its holdings in the gas pipelines for £13.8 billion (€16.4 billion) in order to distribute part of the proceeds to shareholders, a small part to energy users and to invest the balance in faster and more profitable areas. The main partners in the consortium are the Australian investment bank Macquarie (nicknamed the ‘Vampire Kangaroo’ for its alleged draining of the lifeblood of companies in which it invests), the China Investment Corporation (CIC), the Qatari Investment Author-

NATIONAL GRID: Is the sole transporter of gas. ity as well as fund managers Allianz. The British government will need to consider whether this is an investment that it can possibly allow in view of its recent comments

concerning the owning of important British utility companies by foreign companies and governments which almost resulted in a major incident with China over the Hinkley Point C

nuclear power station. Whilst Britain may be friendly with China at the moment their continued investment in the UK, particularly in utilities, could have a potentially negative effect on the country and Prime Minister Theresa May publicly stated that investment in critical infrastructure would be “scrutinised for the purposes of national security.” Although not having made a definitive observation on the proposed sale, it is known that energy regulator Ofgem has been keeping a close eye on matters and will no doubt report any fears that it may have to the government before final approval for the deal which is planned to be completed in March of next year is given. Unions are also worried about this proposed sale as they point to the activities of Macquarie in particular which purchased (with CIC) Thames Water which it allegedly used to syphon funds back to Australia whilst increasing both prices to consumers and company debt and after 10 years of ownership is now looking to get out by selling its majority shareholding. Having as it does a complete monopoly on the distribution of gas, the National Grid has 82,000 miles of pipeline, which delivers gas to approximately 11 million households and businesses and the gas division employs more than 5,500 staff.

White Elephant discovered in South Atlantic By John Smith

ipation of the opening of the airport in May of this year, but when Comair, a subsidiary of British Airways tried to land a commercial Boeing 737 on the runway they only just managed on their third attempt due to the problem of ‘wind shear’ which had been identified by Darwin. The opening of the airport was postponed indefinitely as it then transpired that the Department for International Development (DfID) ignored a Met Office report produced in January 2015 which made it clear that there would be considerable difficulty in landing due to the problems with the wind and to make matters worse, DfID underwrote ‘profits’ for Comair which means that they will have to pay the airline £1.9 million (€2.25 million) a year for lost revenue.

One bit of good news has appeared on the horizon however as in early December an Embraer ERJ-190-100 jet aircraft, operated by Embraer Commercial Aviation as a non-commercial trial and demonstration flight, visited St Helena Airport and made a number of succesful landings in different wind conditions over a period of three days. This aircraft type is one of a number of potential solutions to operating regular flights to St Helena and other aircraft have landed at the airport either as Air Ambulances refuelling or as tests by new aircraft being delivered to South America. It is just possible that the airport will become a commercial reality rather than a white elephant which has been paid for by the British taxpayer, if the Embraer report is positive and an airline operating that aircraft type can be persuaded to fly regularly to St Helena.

Photo Credit: Paul Tyson Wikimedia

AS early as 1836 Charles Darwin noticed that winds across St Helena, the British Colony in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, were exceptionally strong, almost constant and often changed direction, but this information didn’t seem to occur to the British government when it authorised the spending of some £285 million (€340 million) on building what was meant to be a commercial airport on the remote island. Currently an age-

ing vessel, the RMS St Helena potters along a route which takes it to three of the British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic, Ascension Island, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha with journey time from South Africa to St Helena taking at least four days depending on the weather. The concept of an air strip on the island had been spoken about for years and was attractive to the 4,000 locals as it would not only make journey times to the outside world much quicker (and there is a large population of St Helenians in the UK) but would be likely to attract tourists who amongst other reasons would want to visit sites associated with Napoleon. Money was spent locally to improve hotel facilities, buy boats and vehicles all in antic-

COMAIR FLIGHT: Landing at St Helena.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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Chaos over Greek pension payout

RELIEF SUSPENDED: After the Greek Government’s Christmas bonus decision. By John Smith A DECISION taken by the Greek government to give hard hit Greek pensioners a Christmas bonus has resulted in eurozone lenders suspending a debt-relief plan as punishment. According to the lenders, the decision to make a oneoff payment of €617 million to elderly Greeks was not in accordance with any existing agreements with the lenders and it had not been put to them for approval. The European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the body that helps eurozone governments facing financial problems, has decided to review the payment. In a statement it said “Following recent proposals by the Greek government to spend additional fiscal resources for pensions and VAT, our governing bodies have put their decisions temporarily on hold.” The actual agreement was only reached in early December and would have seen an extension of time concerning the maturity of existing loans as well as freezing interest

rates on some of the country’s debts which would have made repayments on the €300 billion of debt more bearable.

Following recent proposals by the Greek government to spend additional fiscal resources our governing bodies have put their decisions temporarily on hold.” Now however this decision to make the payment to pensioners and also to delay indefinitely increasing VAT in the Aegean Islands due to the financial burdens caused by the large numbers of migrants has meant that it may miss future targets which has spurred the German government in particular to demand the suspension of the proposed debt relief. Germany is already the least favourite country of the Greek people and this decision has caused some splits within the eurozone membership with French Finance Minister Michel Sapin suggesting that the decision had

not been taken unanimously by the 19-member Eurozone. “Individual statements are not the collective statements of the Eurogroup” Sapin told reporters when the decision was announced and even Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said that “the European Commission believes there is no reason for eurozone lenders to question a debt relief deal struck with Greece.” To add to this, the International Monetary Fund is not convinced that the agreements which had been reached with the Greek government are likely to be workable and that regardless of what the eurozone lenders may consider sensible, it is possible that the Greek economy will not be able to recover from such crippling debts. In the meantime the euro found itself under fire from the US dollar which hit a new 2016 high against the currency on December 15 and sterling also continues to hold its own against the euro after initial falls following the referendum.

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

OPINION & COMMENT

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22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

Foto Copyright Emi Cristea

Celebrate Christmas while you still can LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

JUST when you thought you’d heard it all, another gem pops up. Last week some jobsworth or other, decreed that we should no longer address our school children as ‘girls and boys!’ Apparently, they inform us, labelling youngsters in this fashion can be ‘upsetting to children who may have transgender leanings.’ This bright idea of course comes hot on the heels of not running in the playground and wearing goggles plus crash helmet to play conkers! Of course, they haven’t managed to come up with any alternative titles for our poor beleaguered offspring. What about ‘bits,’ ‘no bits’ and ‘assorted bits’? Or perhaps ‘he’s,’ ‘she’s’ and ‘maybe’s’ might fit the PC acceptable bill. The mind truly does boggle. Honestly, where do they find these people? More to the point, who pays their wages? (I know I know, silly question.) What I do find almost beyond

BURNING BELGIUM: Another example of where complacency of the west has got us. comprehension is that adult people (persons) actually sit around tables

seriously discussing these ridiculous directives. Personally I think they

have a great job. I could think up all sorts of things to drive people (per-

sons) around the bend. How about all of us wearing onesies and referring to each other as ‘IT’S’? Ah well. C’est la vie. I see they are burning Christmas trees in Brussels. Belgium of course has the biggest Muslim population in Europe. For a number of years, their more radical leaders have been boasting Belgium would be the first country ‘to fall.’ I suppose the destruction of anything sacred to other religions is a natural progression. Yet another example of where the complacency of the west has got us. It’s all too late now of course. It was actually too late 20 years ago. Ah well, let’s all wish each other a Merry Christmas, while it’s still considered acceptable and let us hope our future children will be allowed to do the same! (Don’t hold yer breath) Personally I’m off to Dublin for my Christmas sojourn. Can’t wait to see ‘em all. Bring on the black beer! Have a good one. Remember whose birthday we are celebrating. Always Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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SEASON’S GREETINGS: From the Euro Weekly News’ Costa Blanca team.

What a swell party that was! By Linda Hall ALICANTE Province was on orange alert and the population warned to stay indoors if possible. Only make essential journeys, Spain’s Met Office announced as monsoongrade rains drenched the coast for the third day running. The 20 or so people setting out for Euro Weekly News’ Christmas luncheon in Altea didn’t think twice. The journey – short for some but a perilous trek for others - was definitely essential. We knew a superb meal was waiting at Restaurante La Bussola in Cap Negret and were looking forward to a get-together with the team that brings out the Costa Blanca edition of the Euro Weekly News each week. Coming in out of the wind and the rain into La Bussola’s comforting warmth we were greeted by Nicki Burgess, the Euro Weekly

News Operations Manager and Regional Manager, Ben Wickham. Like all the best lunch parties this started with a drink and a great deal of chat, laughter and mingling as we waited for stragglers who were battling the elements to get to La Bussola. Some of the Euro Weekly News employees see each other regularly but others, especially the writers who work from home, know each other only through emails or as a voice on the other end of the phone. By the time we were ready to sit down, everyone had put faces to voices as chat ranged from the inevitable ‘shop’ to catching up on Christmas plans and New Year hopes. Anyone who works for a newspaper in any capacity knows a certain amount of panic and tension are inevitable to produce a newspaper each week, let alone six editions. But for once there was no panic, no tension

as everyone concentrated on the serious business of eating lunch and having fun. We waded through four courses chosen from a menu of classic Italian dishes that included Vitello Tonnato, Minestrone, pasta of every description including – according to one of the party – the best pesto she had ever eaten. More was to come with escalopes, Osso Bucco and a prawn and fish skewer that prompted a chorus of ‘Mmms!’ Was there room for more? No one could resist the panna cotta or tiramisu. The food kept on arriving, the wine kept on flowing and there were some high jinks by the time the coffee and liqueurs arrived although it’s probably best not to mention what happened with the helium balloons…but you all know who you are! Ben Wickham thanked everyone for coming. “You are all important,” he said, “You each play a vital role in ensuring the newspa-

per comes out each week.” Without the delivery drivers, the newspaper wouldn’t reach the public, he continued. Without salespeople there would be no advertisements, the lifeblood of the Euro Weekly News. Without the office staff there would be chaos, he admitted. “And we need the writers too,” he added to general laughter, most of it from the writers. This year had been a good one for the newspaper, Ben said, and predicted 2017 would be even better. It was a challenge to bring news to thousands of readers from every corner of the Costa Blanca but one he knew everyone present was ready and eager to meet.

FEATURE

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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

Breakfast Christmas City Christmas Kitchen Homes Under the Hammer Bargain Hunt BBC News at One BBC London News The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause The Nativity How to Train Your Dragon Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Who Do You Think You Are? The Royle Family BBC News at Ten BBC London News Mrs. Brown’s Boys Katherine Jenkins: Home for Christmas Have I Got Old News for You Weather for the Week Ahead BBC News

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Countrywise 10:00pm Extraordinary Weddings 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:40pm Shaun of the Dead 1:30am Jackpot247 4:00am Tonight 4:25am ITV Nightscreen Text-based information service.

Christmas City Bargain Hunt Coastal Path Great British Menu The Fox and the Child Robot Wars Money for Nothing Father of the Bride II Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas This Farming Life World’s Sneakiest Animals Full Steam Ahead Back in Time for Christmas Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen The Cook Who Changed Our Lives University Challenge MasterChef: The Professionals Close to the Enemy QI Mock the Week Alpha Papa The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve The Apprentice The Apprentice: You’re Hired

8:00pm Natural World 9:00pm Bridging the Gap 10:00pm Vienna: Empire, Dynasty and Dream In the final episode, Simon Sebag Montefiore follows the Habsburgs to their dramatic demise 11:00pm The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II with Dan Cruickshank 12:00am The Search for the Lost Manuscript 1:00am Natural World 2:00am Bridging the Gap 3:00am Danielle De Niese: The Birth of an Opera 4:00am Vienna: Empire, Dynasty and Dream 5:00am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more. More depth, more range, more to stimulate the mind.

7:00am The Hot Desk 7:10am The Ellen DeGeneres Show 7:50am The Cube 8:45am Emmerdale 9:15am Coronation Street 9:45am You’ve Been Framed! 10:15am Ninja Warrior UK 11:15am See Spot Run 12:15pm FYI Daily 12:20pm See Spot Run 1:20pm Emmerdale 1:50pm Coronation Street 2:20pm You’ve Been Framed! 2:50pm The Ellen DeGeneres Show 3:40pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:45pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:50pm The Jeremy Kyle Show 6:50pm You’ve Been Framed! 7:20pm The Amazing SpiderMan 8:20pm FYI Daily 8:25pm The Amazing SpiderMan 10:00pm Educating Joey Essex 11:00pm Celebrity Juice 12:05am Family Guy 12:35am Family Guy 1:00am Family Guy

7:00am The Sign of Four A feature-length case for Conan Doyle’s celebrated detective. 9:00am Lewis 11:00am Clash of the Santas 1:00pm Lewis 2:55pm Agatha Christie’s Marple 5:00pm Carry on Cowboy 6:00pm FYI Daily 6:05pm Carry on Cowboy Saddle up for a fistful of double entendres in a western spoof starring the Carry On regulars. 6:55pm Long Lost Family 8:00pm Agatha Christie’s Marple 10:00pm Les Dawson Forever 11:00pm Lewis 1:00am Inspector Morse 3:05am Clash of the Santas 4:45am A Touch of Frost Feature-length drama with Detective Inspector Jack Frost.

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

www.euroweeklynews.com

6:10am Countdown 6:55am King of Queens 7:45am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:35am Frasier 9:30am The Big Bang Theory 10:00am The Big Bang Theory 10:25am The Simpsons 10:55am The Simpsons 11:25am Space Chimps 1:00pm Channel 4 News Summary 1:05pm Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 1:10pm Nothing Like the Holidays 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Coast v Country 5:00pm Deal or No Deal on Tour 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas 10:00pm The World’s Most Expensive Toys 11:00pm Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas 12:05am Gogglebox 1:10am Father Ted

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

The Wine Show Classic Cars Quincy, M.E. Ironside The Professionals Goodwood Festival of Speed Cash Cowboys Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Minder Quincy, M.E. Ironside Minder Cash Cowboys Pawn Stars Pawn Stars The Chase: Christmas Special Tomorrow Never Dies FYI Daily Tomorrow Never Dies Bundesliga Ronaldo FYI Daily Ronaldo 1966 - A Nation Remembers ITV4 Nightscreen Quincy, M.E. The Wine Show

9:05am 9:10am 9:30am 9:50am 10:05am 10:20am 10:25am 10:30am 10:55am 11:13am 11:30am 1:20pm 2:50pm 4:35pm 5:35pm 5:40pm 7:10pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:35pm 12:05am 1:25am

Wissper Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Toot the Tiny Tugboat Toby’s Travelling Circus Milkshake Monkey Milkshake! Bop Box Paw Patrol SpongeBob Squarepants SpongeBob Squarepants The Water Babies James and the Giant Peach A Christmas Story The Count of Monte Cristo Five News Update The Count of Monte Cristo All New Traffic Cops World’s Strongest Man 2016 Santa Makes You Laugh Out Loud The Peter Kay Story Peter Kay at the Comedy Store The Graham Norton Story Super Casino

1:35pm

X-Men Origins: Wolverine 3:35pm Taken 3 5:40pm The Goonies 7:45pm Déjà Vu 10:00pm X-Men Origins: Wolverine 11:50pm Taken 3 1:50am The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 3:50am Unbroken

7:30am Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny 9:10am Hitch 11:15am Top Five 1:00pm The Holiday 3:20pm Trainwreck 5:30pm Ghost Town 7:20pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again 9:00pm Trainwreck 11:10pm Ghost Town 1:00am Bad Santa 2:45am Superfast 4:30am Best Defense

THURSDAY TV

7:45am Hollyoaks 8:10am How I Met Your Mother 9:10am The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation 11:00am Melissa and Joey 11:30am Melissa and Joey 12:00pm Charmed 1:00pm Charmed 2:00pm The Goldbergs 2:30pm The Goldbergs 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:30pm The Big Bang Theory 4:00pm Young and Hungry 4:30pm Young and Hungry 5:00pm How I Met Your Mother 6:00pm The Goldbergs 6:30pm The Goldbergs 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Hollyoaks 8:30pm Carjackers 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm Troy 11:00pm The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 1:20am The Big Bang Theory 1:50am The Big Bang Theory 2:15am Gogglebox 3:20am Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2014

7:00am Football Gold 8:00am WWE SmackDown! 9:00am Premier League Legends 9:30am Premier League Legends 10:00am Barclays Premier League World 10:30am Premier League Legends 11:00am The Premier League Years 1:00pm Football’s Greatest Teams 1:30pm Premier League 100 Club 2:00pm Sporting Triumphs 3:00pm Football’s Greatest 4:00pm Sporting Records 4:30pm Sporting Greats 5:00pm Premier League Legends 5:30pm Premier League Legends 6:00pm Fantasy FC: Merse Meets Gazza 7:00pm Barclays Premier League World 7:30pm Sporting Records 8:00pm Live World Darts Championship 2017 12:00am Premier League Matchpack 12:30am NFL

7:00am The Young Messiah 9:00am Sky Movies 2017 Preview 9:30am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 11:15am Rock the Kasbah 1:15pm Anti-Social 3:15pm The Top Ten Show 2016 Which movies are doing the best business at home and across the pond? 3:30pm Zoolander 2 Dim-witted supermodel Derek Zoolander must save the day when someone starts murdering pop stars. 5:15pm Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 7:00pm The Young Messiah 9:00pm Zoolander 2 10:45pm Anti-Social 12:45am Ma Ma 2:45am Lesson, the 4:30am Chastity Bites

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

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 8:40pm 10:35pm 10:45pm 11:45pm 12:00am 1:00am

Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Boxing Gold Great Sporting Moments Great Sporting Moments Great Sporting Moments Cricket Classics Great Sporting Moments England’s Best Days England’s Best Days How the 2012 T20 World Cup Was Won Sporting Greats II Motorsport Mundial Fishing World Rugby Show The Masters Cup: Touch Tennis Rugby Gold Rugby Union Rugby Gold Time of Our Lives Spanish Gold Sky Sports Originals World Rugby Show

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

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

Breakfast Christmas City Christmas Kitchen Homes Under the Hammer Bargain Hunt BBC News at One BBC London News Father Brown On Angel Wings Oz: The Great and Powerful Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News Strictly Len Goodman EastEnders Citizen Khan Have I Got 2016 News for You Walliams and Friends BBC News at Ten BBC London News The Graham Norton Show Mrs. Brown’s Boys The NFL Show Signs Weather for the Week Ahead BBC News

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 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 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 12:00am ITV News 12:35am ITV News London 12:50am Paul O’Grady’s Favourite Fairy Tales 1:45am Jackpot247 4:00am ITV Nightscreen Text-based information service.

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

2:30am 3:30am 4:30am

Bargain Hunt Fern Britton Meets... The Prince and Me Robot Wars Money for Nothing Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas This Farming Life World’s Sneakiest Animals Full Steam Ahead Porridge Inside the Christmas Factory University Challenge Wild Tales From the Village Saving Mr. Banks Mock the Week Close to the Enemy And Now for Something Completely Different Darcey Bussell Back in Time for Brixton This is BBC Two

7:00am You’ve Been Framed! 7:25am The Ellen DeGeneres Show 8:05am The Cube 9:00am Emmerdale 9:30am Emmerdale 10:00am You’ve Been Framed! 10:30am Ninja Warrior UK 11:30am Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 12:30pm FYI Daily 12:35pm Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:50pm Emmerdale 2:20pm You’ve Been Framed! 2:50pm All Star Family Fortunes 3:50pm Take Me Out 5:00pm Snow Dogs 6:00pm FYI Daily 6:05pm Snow Dogs 7:05pm You’ve Been Framed! 8:05pm Uncle Buck 9:05pm FYI Daily 9:10pm Uncle Buck 10:00pm Casino Royale 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm Casino Royale 12:55am Family Guy

www.euroweeklynews.com

8:00pm Top of the Pops John Peel presents the weekly chart show first broadcast on 18 November 1982. 8:30pm Top of the Pops Peter Powell presents the weekly chart show, first broadcast on 2 December 1982. I 9:00pm Darcey Bussell 10:00pm The Old Grey Whistle Test 11:30pm The Joy of ABBA Between 1974 and 1982 ABBA plundered the Anglo-Saxon charts, but divided critical opinion. 12:30am Queens of Disco 1:30am Top of the Pops John Peel presents the weekly chart show first broadcast on 18 November 1982. 2:05am Top of the Pops 2:45am Darcey Bussell

7:10am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Frasier 8:25am Frasier 8:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:15am The Simpsons 10:45am The Simpsons 11:15am Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 12:50pm Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 1:10pm Miracle on 34th Street 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Coast v Country 5:00pm Deal or No Deal on Tour 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Food Unwrapped Does Christmas 10:00pm The Last Leg Christmas Special 11:00pm The Windsors Christmas Special 12:05am Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas 1:10am 8 Out of 10 Cats

7:00am You’re Only Young Twice 7:25am The Four Musketeers 8:30am FYI Daily 8:35am The Four Musketeers 9:35am Bertie and Elizabeth 11:35am Agatha Christie’s Marple 1:30pm Agatha Christie’s Marple 3:35pm A Christmas Carol 5:10pm Carry on Camping 6:10pm FYI Daily 6:15pm Carry on Camping 7:00pm Long Lost Family 8:00pm Agatha Christie’s Marple 10:00pm Murder on the Home Front 11:00pm Murder on the Home Front 12:05am Lewis 2:05am Wimbledon 3:05am FYI Daily 3:10am Wimbledon 3:40am A Christmas Carol 5:00am George and Mildred

7:00am The Wine Show 7:55am Goodwood Festival of Speed 8:45am Quincy, M.E. 9:45am Ironside 10:50am The Professionals 11:55am Goodwood Revival 12:55pm Cash Cowboys 1:55pm Pawn Stars 2:25pm Pawn Stars 2:50pm Minder 3:50pm Quincy, M.E. 4:55pm Ironside 6:00pm British Superbike Championship Review 2016 8:00pm Pawn Stars 9:00pm River Monsters 10:00pm Benidorm 11:00pm Inside Man 12:05am FYI Daily 12:10am Inside Man 1:40am The Specialist 2:40am FYI Daily 2:45am The Specialist 3:45am Ironside 4:35am The Wine Show 5:30am ITV4 Nightscreen 5:40am Cash Cowboys

9:00am 9:10am 9:35am 9:45am 10:05am

1:30am 2:15am

Wissper Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Toot the Tiny Tugboat Toby’s Travelling Circus SpongeBob Squarepants SpongeBob Squarepants World’s Strongest Man 2016 Christmas Cookies Snow Queen Jack and the Beanstalk Five Children and It A Christmas Star 5 News World’s Strongest Man 2016 Christmas with the Double Acts The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter Morecambe and Wise Live! 1973 The Peter Kay Story Super Casino

7:00am Charmed 7:45am Hollyoaks 8:10am How I Met Your Mother 9:10am The Dog Who Saved the Holidays 11:00am Melissa and Joey 11:30am Melissa and Joey 12:00pm Charmed 1:00pm Charmed 2:00pm The Goldbergs 2:30pm The Goldbergs 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:30pm The Big Bang Theory 4:00pm Young and Hungry 4:30pm Young and Hungry 5:00pm How I Met Your Mother 6:00pm The Goldbergs 6:30pm The Goldbergs 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Hollyoaks 8:30pm Carjackers 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 12:20am Tattoo Fixers at Christmas 1:25am Gogglebox

7:00am 9:10am 11:20am 12:55pm 3:05pm 5:15pm 7:25pm 9:00pm 11:10pm 1:15am 3:20am 5:20am

Jurassic Park The Lost World Jurassic Park III Jurassic World Jurassic Park The Lost World Jurassic Park III Jurassic World San Andreas Run All Night Wild Wild West Rocky V

10:15am 12:10pm 1:45pm 3:35pm

Pixels Hot Pursuit Ride Along 2 The Bad Education Movie Pixels The Top Ten Show 2016 Hot Pursuit Ride Along 2 The Bad Education Movie Krampus The Interview

7:00am Rock the Kasbah 9:00am Sky Movies 2017 Preview 9:30am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 11:15am The Young Messiah 1:15pm How to be Single A newly single young woman hits the Manhattan bar scene with the help of her hard-partying pal. 3:15pm The Top Ten Show 2016 3:30pm Zoolander 2 Dim-witted supermodel Derek Zoolander must save the day when someone starts murdering pop stars. 5:15pm The Young Messiah 7:15pm Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 9:00pm How to be Single 11:00pm Zoolander 2 12:45am Anti-Social

10:15am 10:33am 10:50am 11:45am 1:25pm 3:00pm 4:45pm 6:25pm 7:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

12:05am

5:15pm 7:10pm 7:25pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:25am 2:10am

FRIDAY TV

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

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

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE Main Event Barclays Premier League World Premier League Legends Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Barclays Premier League World Premier League Match Pack Sporting Greats II Joe Hart: The Italian Job Live World Darts Championship 2017 Game Changers Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon The Fantasy Football Club Barclays Premier League Preview

Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Fishing Boxing Gold NFL Highlights Motorsport Mundial Cricket’s Best Days Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Boxing Gold NFL Highlights Sporting Greats II Sporting Greats II NFL Highlights Rugby Union Rugby Gold Rugby Gold England Women’s Winter Tour Live Pro 12 Rugby Rugby Gold Football Gold Boxing Cricket’s Best Days Cricket’s Best Days Cricket’s Greatest Cricket’s Greatest

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 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 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 12:00am ITV News 12:35am ITV News London 12:50am Paul O’Grady’s Favourite Fairy Tales 1:45am Jackpot247 Join the presenters live and play roulette on your telly. Join in now at Jackpot247.com.

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

2:30am 3:30am 4:30am

7:00am You’ve Been Framed! 7:25am The Ellen DeGeneres Show 8:05am The Cube 9:00am Emmerdale 9:30am Emmerdale 10:00am You’ve Been Framed! 10:30am Ninja Warrior UK 11:30am Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 12:30pm FYI Daily 12:35pm Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 1:25pm Emmerdale 1:50pm Emmerdale 2:20pm You’ve Been Framed! 2:50pm All Star Family Fortunes 3:50pm Take Me Out 5:00pm Snow Dogs 6:00pm FYI Daily 6:05pm Snow Dogs 7:05pm You’ve Been Framed! 7:35pm You’ve Been Framed! 8:05pm Uncle Buck 9:05pm FYI Daily 9:10pm Uncle Buck 10:00pm Casino Royale 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm Casino Royale

8:00pm Top of the Pops John Peel presents the weekly chart show first broadcast on 18 November 1982. 8:30pm Top of the Pops Peter Powell presents the weekly chart show, first broadcast on 2 December 1982. 9:00pm Darcey Bussell 10:00pm The Old Grey Whistle Test 11:30pm The Joy of ABBA Between 1974 and 1982 ABBA plundered the Anglo-Saxon charts, but divided critical opinion. 12:30am Queens of Disco 1:30am Top of the Pops 2:05am Top of the Pops 2:45am Darcey Bussell 3:45am The Joy of ABBA 4:45am This is BBC Four

www.euroweeklynews.com

7:10am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Frasier 8:25am Frasier 8:55am The Big Bang Theory 10:15am The Simpsons 11:15am Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 12:50pm Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 1:10pm Miracle on 34th Street 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Coast v Country 5:00pm Deal or No Deal on Tour 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Food Unwrapped Does Christmas 10:00pm The Last Leg Christmas Special 11:00pm The Windsors Christmas Special 12:05am Alan Carr’s 12 Stars of Christmas

8:45am Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 9:00am Wissper 9:10am Peppa Pig 9:25am Peppa Pig 9:35am Paw Patrol 9:45am Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:05am Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:15am SpongeBob Squarepants 10:50am World’s Strongest Man 2016 11:45am Christmas Cookies 1:25pm Snow Queen 3:00pm Jack and the B eanstalk 4:45pm Five Children and It 6:25pm A Christmas Star 7:55pm 5 News 8:00pm World’s Strongest Man 2016 9:00pm Christmas with the Double Acts 10:00pm The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back in Laughter 12:05am Morecambe and Wise Live! 1973 1:30am The Peter Kay Story

7:00am 9:10am 11:20am 12:55pm 3:05pm 5:15pm 7:25pm 9:00pm 11:10pm 1:15am 3:20am 5:20am

Jurassic Park The Lost World Jurassic Park III Jurassic World Jurassic Park The Lost World Jurassic Park III Jurassic World San Andreas Run All Night Wild Wild West Rocky V

10:15am 12:10pm 1:45pm 3:35pm

Pixels Hot Pursuit Ride Along 2 The Bad Education Movie Pixels The Top Ten Show 2016 Hot Pursuit Ride Along 2 The Bad Education Movie Krampus The Interview

5:15pm 7:10pm 7:25pm 9:00pm 10:45pm 12:25am 2:10am

SATURDAY TV

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

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE Main Event Barclays Premier League World Premier League Legends Boxing Gold Boxing Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Barclays Premier League World Premier League Match Pack Sporting Greats II Joe Hart: The Italian Job Live World Darts Championship 2017 Game Changers Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon The Fantasy Football Club Live World Darts Championship 2017 Barclays Premier League Preview

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

www.euroweeklynews.com

SUNDAY TV

7:00am Breakfast 11:00am Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30pm A Christmas Carol 2:00pm BBC News 2:15pm Winter: Earth’s Seasonal Secrets 3:15pm The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 5:30pm Shrek the Halls 5:50pm The Penguins of Madagascar 7:15pm BBC News 7:25pm BBC London News 7:30pm Pointless 8:25pm Michael Mcintyre’s Big Christmas Show 9:25pm EastEnders 10:00pm David Walliams Celebrates Dame Shirley Bassey 11:05pm Peter Kay’s Christmas Comedy Shuffle 11:50pm The Vicar of Dibley 12:30am BBC News 12:45am Midnight Mass From St Chad’s Catholic Cathedral 2:00am Surviving Christmas

7:15am Mars Needs Moms 8:40am The NFL Show 9:10am Hans Christian Andersen 11:00am Robot Wars 12:00pm Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave 12:30pm Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 1:00pm The Cook Who Changed Our Lives 2:00pm Splash 3:45pm Snow Chick: A Penguin’s Tale 4:45pm Gorilla Family and Me 5:45pm Gorilla Family and Me 6:45pm Carols from King’s 8:00pm Dad’s Army 9:00pm Alan Bennett’s Diaries 10:00pm The Lady in the Van 11:40pm The National Lottery Live 11:50pm Top of the Pops 2 1:20am Viva Las Vegas 2:40am Countryfile 3:40am Holby City 4:40am This is BBC Two

8:00pm All Aboard! The Sleigh Ride 10:00pm Top of the Pops 11:30pm Roy Orbison: One of the Lonely Ones 12:30am Steptoe and Son Classic comedy. Albert and Harold plan a Christmas abroad - in their own inimitable style. 1:15am Top of the Pops John Peel presents the weekly chart show first broadcast on 18 November 1982. 1:50am Top of the Pops Peter Powell presents the weekly chart show, first broadcast on 2 December 1982. 2:25am Shirley Bassey at the BBC 3:25am Top of the Pops 4:55am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.

7:15am Olive, the Other Reindeer 8:05am A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures 9:40am Father Christmas 10:10am Painting the Bear Hunt 10:15am Christmas Brunch 1:15pm Jamie’s Ultimate Christmas 2:15pm The Simpsons 2:45pm The Simpsons 3:15pm The Simpsons 3:45pm Scrooged 5:40pm Channel 4 News 5:45pm The Snowman 6:15pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 6:50pm The Muppet Christmas Carol 8:30pm We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 9:00pm Gogglesprogs Christmas Special 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 11:00pm Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2016 12:00am Trigger Happy Christmas Special 12:30am The Inbetweeners

8:50am A Winnie and Wilbur Wintery Special 9:20am Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 9:30am SpongeBob Squarepants 10:05am Doctor Zhivago 1:50pm The Vikings 4:05pm Jason and the Argonauts 5:05pm Five News Update 5:10pm Jason and the Argonauts 6:10pm Scrooge 7:10pm Five News Update 7:15pm Scrooge 7:55pm Andre Rieu in London 9:00pm The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas 10:00pm Eamonn and Ruth: A Million Pound Christmas 11:00pm Greatest Ever Christmas Movies 1:55am Scrooge 3:25am Super Casino 5:00am The Trafford Centre: Countdown to Christmas 5:50am House Doctor

7:00am Hollyoaks Omnibus 9:20am A Christmas Wedding Tail 11:10am All About Christmas Eve 12:55pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules 3:00pm Father Christmas 3:35pm Prep and Landing 4:00pm Prep and Landing 4:25pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:30pm The Big Bang Theory 6:00pm The Big Bang Theory 6:30pm The Big Bang Theory 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm The Big Bang Theory 8:30pm The Big Bang Theory 9:00pm The Big Bang Theory 9:30pm The Big Bang Theory 10:00pm The Inbetweeners Movie 12:05am Gogglebox 1:05am Gogglebox 2:10am Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2014 3:15am Rude Tube 4:20am Rude Tube 5:10am Made in Chelsea

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am 8:15am 8:30am 8:45am 9:00am 9:30am

8:10am Oddbods 8:25am Nerds and Monsters. Molting Day 8:40am Nerds and Monsters. Zanit-Clops 8:55am Horrid Henry 9:25am Weekend at Christmas 10:25am Thunderbirds are Go 10:50am The Chase 11:50am You’ve Been Framed! 12:20pm Despicable Me 2:20pm ITV News and Weather 2:30pm Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 5:20pm 101 Dalmatians 7:00pm ITV News London 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:30pm Blankety Blank 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Birds of a Feather 10:00pm Grantchester Christmas Special 11:30pm Through the Keyhole 12:30am ITV News and Weather 12:45am Christmas Carols on ITV

7:10am Emmerdale Omnibus 9:45am Coronation Street Omnibus 11:45am All Star Family Fortunes 12:50pm The Nation’s Favourite Disney Song 1:50pm Santa Paws II: The Santa Pups 2:50pm FYI Daily 2:55pm Santa Paws II: The Santa Pups 3:35pm Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas 4:35pm FYI Daily 4:40pm Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas 5:00pm The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 5:25pm You’ve Been Framed! 6:30pm Catchphrase 7:30pm You’ve Been Framed! 7:55pm The Polar Express 8:55pm FYI Daily 9:00pm The Polar Express 10:00pm Quantum of Solace 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Quantum of Solace 12:15am Family Guy

8:45am Clash of the Santas 10:35am Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 11:35am FYI Daily 11:40am Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 12:45pm Columbo: The Conspirators 2:50pm Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale. (Biopic) 4:50pm The Sound of Music Live 7:30pm The Making of the Sound of Music Live 8:00pm Lewis 10:00pm It’ll be Alright on the Night 11:00pm Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember 12:00am The Suspicions of Mr Whicher 2:05am Inspector Morse 4:00am Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale. (Biopic)

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

7:15am The Magnificent Seven 9:35am Spectre 12:15pm Fantastic Four 2:10pm Spider-Man 4:20pm Spider-Man 2 6:35pm Spider-Man 3 9:00pm Spectre 11:30pm The Dark Knight 2:05am Hitman: Agent 47 3:45am Jupiter Ascending 5:55am Lawrence of Arabia

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7:00am Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 8:00am Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 9:00am Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 10:00am Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 11:00am Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 12:00pm Sanzar Rugby 2016 Highlights 1:00pm Rugby Union 2:00pm Live Championship Rugby 4:30pm Rugby Union 5:30pm Rugby Union 6:30pm Rugby Union 7:30pm Bermuda Classic Rugby 8:30pm Super Heroes 8:35pm Super Heroes 8:40pm Live Top 14 Rugby 10:35pm Rugby Super League 11:35pm 20 Years of Super League 12:35am Super League Qualifying 8’s Highlights

Sporting Funnies Bundesliga Bundesliga Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars The Searchers FYI Daily The Searchers The Horse Soldiers FYI Daily The Horse Soldiers Rio Bravo FYI Daily Rio Bravo Cannonball Run II FYI Daily Cannonball Run II The Devil’s Advocate FYI Daily The Devil’s Advocate Road FYI Daily Road Hell on Wheels

7:40am The Simpsons Movie 9:15am Sky Movies 2017 Preview 9:45am Dad’s Army 11:35am Vacation 1:20pm Ted 2 3:20pm Sisters 5:25pm Dad’s Army 7:15pm Vacation 9:00pm Ted 2 11:00pm Sisters 1:00am The Night Before 2:50am The Hangover 4:45am I-Spy

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Moana: Special Zoolander 2 How to be Single Zootropolis The Young Messiah Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Zootropolis How to be Single A newly single young woman hits the Manhattan bar scene with the help of her hard-partying pal. Zoolander 2 Dim-witted supermodel Derek Zoolander must save the day when someone starts murdering pop stars. Rock the Kasbah Anti-Social Sky Movies 2017 Preview Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

10:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 10:00pm 2:00am

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Game Changers Premier League Preview 2016/17 The Fantasy Football Club Soccer A.M. Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon Football Joe Hart: The Italian Job NFL - A Football Life NFL - A Football Life Live NFL Action from the NFL. Live NFL Action from the NFL. Live NFL-Cincinnati @ Houston Houston Texans face Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium in the NFL.

OPINION & COMMENT

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22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

Christmas is falling victim to politically correct obsession Nora Johnson

Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

PARENTS have been told by academics to stop pretending Father Christmas is real in case the ‘lie’ damages relations with their children who might then question what else mum and dad are lying about. What! First, no Father Christmas; next they’ll be telling us politicians tell the truth and do their ‘underpaid’ job for the love of serving their country! Why do academics want to sweep away the myths and legends which are part of our cultural heritage? All part of childhood and growing up. How boring and unimaginative life would be without Father Christmas, the tooth fairy and fairy stories. What would children do without them? Obsess about video games, sexting, selfies? There are more obvious ways to get

DIWALI LANTERNS: Embracing every culture except our own. children adjusted to the harsh realities of life than to take away their Christmas ‘magic.’ Why not start reintroducing a sense of competition in schools, competition they’ll face soon enough in business and job applications?

I’m also reminded here of a recent report that political correctness is crippling British culture to the extent that Christmas itself is at risk. Christmas trees have already been renamed ‘festive trees’ by some and Christmas itself

‘the winter holidays.’ Way back in 1998, Birmingham City Council already called it ‘Winterval.’ When my friend’s daughter was at primary school 10 years ago, she never painted a fireworks picture in Novem-

ber, made Halloween lanterns, took in a contribution for harvest festival or acted in a nativity play. All things I did at school. She did make a lantern for Diwali, fine in itself, but not as an alternative to Britain’s own traditions. All these years we’ve been exhorted to celebrate diversity by embracing every culture except our own. Such a shame. Ah, with all this talk of political correctness, it’s already beginning to feel like Christmas. And a sure sign Santa’s already having his sleigh valeted at Kwik Fit. As for me, not exactly a hard ‘BrXmas’ here but definitely no free movement of loads of in-laws - I’m too busy writing my latest thriller! HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Nora Johnson’s psychological/suspense crime thrillers ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99; £0.99) and iBookstore. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.

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E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

Breakfast Pirate Fairy Planes The Great Christmas Bake Off BBC News BBC London News Countryfile The Moonstone Brave The Gruffalo How to Train Your Dragon 2 BBC News BBC London News Revolting Rhymes The Great Christmas Bake Off EastEnders Still Open All Hours The Witness for the Prosecution Outnumbered BBC News Match of the Day Fleabag Fleabag Walliams and Friends Weather for the Week Ahead BBC News

7:15am Natural World 8:15am Nature's Weirdest Events 9:15am Around the World in 80 Days 1:40pm Dances with Wolves 4:30pm Victorian Bakers at Christmas 5:30pm Final Score 6:20pm West Side Stories The Making of a Classic 7:20pm University Challenge 7:50pm Dad's Army 8:30pm Nature's Weirdest Events 9:30pm Gordon Buchanan: Elephant Family and Me 10:30pm The Entire Universe Eric Idle persuades Professor Brian Cox to present a lecture on the birth of the entire universe 11:30pm Pride 1:25am Gospel Christmas 2:25am Tommy 4:10am Inside the Christmas Factory 5:10am This is BBC Two

8:00pm Britain's Pompeii 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2016: Supercharged - Fuelling the Future 10:00pm Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand 11:00pm The Good Old Days Featuring Morecambe and Wise 12:00am Norman Wisdom: His Story 1:00am Doris Day: Virgin Territory 2:00am Darcey Bussell 3:00am Darcey Bussell's Looking for Audrey 4:00am Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2016: Supercharged - Fuelling the Future 5:00am This is BBC Four BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more. More depth, more range, more to stimulate the mind.

8:05am Despicable Me: Minion Madness 8:20am The Oddbods Show. Alien Abduction 8:25am Max Steel 8:55am Adventure Time 9:20am Share a Story 9:25am Almost Naked Animals 9:55am Mr. Bean 10:25am The Flintstones 12:05pm Liar Liar 1:40pm Hilda Ogden's Last Ta-ra - A Tribute to Jean Alexander 2:40pm The Nation's Favourite Disney Song 3:40pm Sleeping Beauty 5:10pm Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm You've Been Framed! 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Captain Philips 12:35am ITV News and Weather

7:00am The Hot Desk 7:10am I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! 8:00am You've Been Framed! 8:50am Emmerdale 9:55am Coronation Street 10:55am Yogi Bear 11:55am FYI Daily 12:00pm Yogi Bear 12:35pm The Smurfs 1:35pm FYI Daily 1:40pm The Smurfs 2:40pm Emmerdale 3:40pm Coronation Street 4:45pm Catchphrase 5:50pm Uncle Buck 6:50pm FYI Daily 6:55pm Uncle Buck 7:50pm Despicable Me: Minion Madness 8:05pm Despicable Me 9:05pm FYI Daily 9:10pm Despicable Me 10:00pm Love Actually 11:00pm FYI Daily 11:05pm Love Actually 12:40am Family Guy 1:15am Family Guy 1:45am Family Guy 2:15am Family Guy

7:00am Wycliffe 7:50am Anne of Green Gables... 9:35am On the Buses 10:40am FYI Daily 10:45am On the Buses 11:20am Holiday on the Buses 12:30pm FYI Daily 12:35pm Holiday on the Buses 1:10pm Mutiny on the Buses 2:15pm FYI Daily 2:20pm Mutiny on the Buses 3:00pm Agatha Christie's Marple 5:05pm Carry on Jack 6:10pm FYI Daily 6:15pm Carry on Jack 7:00pm Long Lost Family 8:00pm Agatha Christie's Marple 10:00pm An Audience with Victoria Wood 11:10pm Housewife 49 1:10am Something's Gotta Give 2:15am FYI Daily 2:20am Something's Gotta Give 3:35am The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

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

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The Morning Line Aliens in the Attic The Simpsons The Simpsons Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World Channel 4 Racing The Simpsons Christmas Eve The Chronicles Of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Channel 4 News Includes sport and weather. The World's Most Expensive Toys A Big Lego Christmas Big Fat Quiz of the Year Pitch Perfect Travel Man Celebrity First Dates Hollyoaks Omnibus Sienna visits Joel at church but is left frustrated when he doesn't acknowledge her advances.

7:50am Anne of Green Gables... 9:35am On the Buses 10:40am FYI Daily 10:45am On the Buses 11:20am Holiday on the Buses 12:30pm FYI Daily 12:35pm Holiday on the Buses 1:10pm Mutiny on the Buses 2:15pm FYI Daily A round-up of the latest entertainment news. 2:20pm Mutiny on the Buses 3:00pm Agatha Christie's Marple 5:05pm Carry on Jack 6:10pm FYI Daily 6:15pm Carry on Jack 7:00pm Long Lost Family 8:00pm Agatha Christie's Marple 10:00pm An Audience with Victoria Wood 11:10pm Housewife 49 1:10am Something's Gotta Give 2:15am FYI Daily 2:20am Something's Gotta Give

7:00am Lily's Driftwood Bay 7:10am Fireman Sam Fun with the friendly fireman and the villagers of Pontypandy. 7:20am Peppa Pig 7:25am Bob the Builder 7:35am Little Princess 7:55am Milkshake! Festive Fun! 8:00am Thomas and Friends 8:25am Noddy: Toyland Detective 8:45am Big Bash Cricket 12:15pm World's Strongest Man 2016 1:20pm Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 3:15pm West Side Story 6:20pm The Love Punch 8:00pm World's Strongest Man 2016 9:00pm Mega Builders 10:00pm Football on 5 11:00pm Football on 5 11:30pm Britain's Favourite Abba Songs 1:05am Muriel's Wedding 2:55am Super Casino

7:00am 8:55am 11:20am 1:05pm 3:20pm 5:30pm 7:35pm 10:00pm 12:15am 2:15am

Point Break Independence Day The Italian Job Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation Sherlock Holmes The Mummy Independence Day Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation Point Break John Wick

7:00am 27 Dresses 9:00am Sky Movies 2017 Preview 9:30am Magic Mike XXL 11:30am The Intern 1:35pm Grimsby 3:05pm Trainwreck 5:15pm Bridget Jones's Diary 7:00pm Magic Mike XXL 9:00pm The Intern 11:05pm Grimsby 12:35am Trainwreck 2:45am Office Space

7:00am The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation 8:40am The Dog Who Saved the Holidays 10:25am Father Christmas 11:00am Baby Daddy 11:30am The Goldbergs 12:00pm The Big Bang Theory 12:30pm The Big Bang Theory 12:55pm Big 3:00pm The Snowman 3:30pm The Snowman and the Snowdog 4:00pm The Big Bang Theory 4:30pm The Big Bang Theory 5:00pm The Big Bang Theory 5:30pm The Big Bang Theory 6:00pm The Goldbergs 6:30pm The Goldbergs 7:00pm The Big Bang Theory 7:30pm The Big Bang Theory 8:00pm Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts 8:15pm Jingle All the Way 10:00pm Made in Chelsea 11:00pm In Bed with Jamie at Christmas 11:35pm Tattoo Fixers at Christmas 12:40am Gogglebox 1:50am Naked Attraction 2:55am The Big Bang Theory

7:00am How to be Single 9:00am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 10:45am Zootropolis 12:45pm The Jungle Book 2:45pm The Top Ten Show 2016 3:00pm Deadpool Marvel's wisecracking antihero plots revenge on the villain who left him hideously disfigured. 5:00pm Zootropolis 7:00pm The Jungle Book 9:00pm Deadpool 11:00pm How to be Single 1:00am Zoolander 2 2:45am Rock the Kasbah 4:45am Star Wars: Rogue One Special 5:15am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

MONDAY TV

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

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9:00am 9:15am 9:25am 3:45pm 4:15pm 6:15pm 8:45pm 9:15pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 12:00am 2:00am 2:30am 3:00am

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon Joe Hart: Italian Job Soccer A.M. Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon Football Gillette Soccer Special Football Football Nissan Match Choice Football Football Football Football Scottish Football Round Up Live NFL Sporting Triumphs

Cricket Gold Shorts Cricket Gold Shorts Cricket Gold Shorts Great Sporting Moments Great Sporting Moments Cricket New Zealand host Bangladesh in the first ODI of three at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Sporting Triumphs Football Gold Cricket Tony Bellew: My Greatest Night Boxing Live Pro 12 Rugby Aj: Behind the Ropes Joshua's Crowning Night Info Not Available Fight of the Year Review 2016 Info Not Available Football Football Football

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

Breakfast Match of the Day Gnomeo and Juliet The Furchester Hotel Cars 2 BBC News BBC London News The Moonstone Raiders of the Lost Ark The Gruffalo’s Child Mr Peabody and Sherman Pointless BBC News BBC London News Revolting Rhymes Celebrity Mastermind EastEnders Holby City The Witness for the Prosecution Walliams and Friend Christmas Special BBC News BBC London News Mrs. Brown’s Boys Outnumbered

10:15am This Farming Life 11:15am Money for Nothing 12:15pm The Password is Courage 2:05pm The Heroes of Telemark 4:15pm Nature’s Weirdest Events 5:00pm Inside the Factory: How Our Favourite Foods are Made 6:00pm Tribes, Predators and Me 7:00pm New Zealand: Earths Mythical Islands 8:00pm Dad’s Army 8:30pm University Challenge 9:00pm Gordon Buchanan: Elephant Family and Me 10:00pm The Real Marigold on Tour 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Live at the Apollo 12:00am Insert Name Here 12:30am NFL 1:20am David Walliams Celebrates Dame Shirley Bassey 2:25am Planet Earth II 3:25am Who Do You Think You Are?

8:00pm The Ballet Master: Sir Peter Wright at 90 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2016: Supercharged - Fuelling the Future 10:00pm Time Commanders 11:00pm Rome’s Invisible City Alexander Armstrong explores the hidden underground treasures that made Rome the powerhouse of the ancient world, with the help of a team of experts using the latest in 3D scanning technology 12:00am Storyville Documentary. Three men travel together across Europe. 1:30am Time Commanders 2:30am Britain’s Pompeii 3:30am Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2016: Supercharged - Fuelling the Future 4:30am This is BBC Four

9:40am Nerds and Monsters. ZanitClops 9:55am Mr. Bean 10:25am The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 12:05pm This Time Next Year 1:05pm Tipping Point 2:05pm ITV News and Weather 2:10pm Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months 3:10pm Happy Feet 5:10pm 50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments 6:40pm Fantastic Beasts and JK Rowling’s Wizarding World 7:40pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:45pm Pompeii with Michael Buerk 12:45am Rugby

7:00am The Hot Desk 7:10am The X Factor Winner’s Story 8:05am Britain’s Got More Talent 8:55am Emmerdale 9:25am Coronation Street 9:55am Coronation Street 10:25am You’ve Been Framed! 11:25am Small Soldiers 12:25pm FYI Daily 12:30pm Small Soldiers 1:40pm Emmerdale 2:10pm Coronation Street 2:40pm Coronation Street 3:10pm You’ve Been Framed! 3:40pm Inspector Gadget 4:40pm FYI Daily 4:45pm Inspector Gadget 5:25pm Sleeping Beauty 6:25pm FYI Daily 6:30pm Sleeping Beauty 7:05pm The Lion King 8:05pm FYI Daily 8:10pm The Lion King 9:00pm Skyfall 10:15pm FYI Daily 10:20pm Skyfall 11:55pm Family Guy 12:25am Family Guy

9:35am 10:15am 11:20am 11:25am 1:05pm 3:05pm

7:00am 8:35am 10:10am 11:25am 11:50am 1:30pm 1:40pm 1:50pm 2:35pm 4:25pm 4:50pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:20pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

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On the Buses Death on the Nile FYI Daily Death on the Nile Lewis Agatha Christie’s Marple That’s Carry on FYI Daily That’s Carry on Long Lost Family Doc Martin Foyle’s War Lewis If I Had You Santa Claus FYI Daily Santa Claus Festive fantasy adventure about a disillusioned elf who leaves the hard labour of Santa’s North Pole workshop for the bright lights of New York, where he ends up making toys for a scheming business magnate.

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7:50am Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer 9:30am Magic in the Water 11:30am The Simpsons 12:00pm The Simpsons 12:30pm Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox star in director Sara Sugarman’s energetic Disney comedy. 2:15pm Channel 4 Racing 5:15pm Channel 4 News 5:20pm Stuart Little 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Posh Pawn at Christmas 9:00pm Amazing Spaces Snow Special 10:00pm This is Us 11:00pm Gogglebox 2016 12:35am 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 1:40am The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

7:00am The Professionals 7:50am The Goodwood Members’ Meeting 8:40am Cash Cowboys 9:30am Cash Cowboys 10:30am Cash Cowboys 11:35am Cash Cowboys 12:30pm Everything or Nothing: The Untold Stories of 007 1:30pm FYI Daily 1:35pm Everything or Nothing: The Untold Stories of 007 2:35pm Merry Christmas Mr Bean 3:05pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 4:05pm FYI Daily 4:10pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 5:10pm Dunkirk 6:10pm FYI Daily 6:15pm Dunkirk 7:55pm Mr. Bean 8:30pm Mr. Bean 9:00pm Rugby 10:00pm Benidorm 11:00pm The Devil’s Advocate 12:15am FYI Daily

7:50am Little Princess 8:05am Milkshake! Festive Fun! 8:10am Thomas and Friends 8:20am Noddy: Toyland Detective 8:35am Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 8:50am Wissper 9:00am Peppa Pig 9:25am Paw Patrol 9:35am Football on 5 11:05am SpaceCamp 1:10pm Teen Wolf 3:00pm Harry and the Hendersons 5:10pm Labyrinth: David Bowie Tribute 6:10pm Five News Update 6:15pm Labyrinth: David Bowie Tribute 7:15pm Battlebots: World Championship 8:00pm World’s Strongest Man 2016 9:00pm There’s a Croc in My Kitchen 10:00pm Dirty Dancing 11:30pm 5 News 11:35pm Dirty Dancing 12:05am Greatest 80s Movies

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4:30pm The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 6:30pm Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 9:00pm Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 11:30pm Terminator Genisys 1:40am Mad Max: Fury Road

7:00am Zootropolis 9:00am The Jungle Book 11:00am The Top Ten Show 2016 11:15am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 12:50pm Deadpool 2:40pm Kung Fu Panda 3 4:25pm The Jungle Book 6:15pm Zootropolis 8:15pm Kung Fu Panda 3 10:00pm Deadpool Marvel’s wisecracking antihero plots revenge on the villain who left him hideously disfigured. 12:00am How to be Single A newly single young woman hits the Manhattan bar scene with the help of her hard-partying pal. 2:00am Anti-Social 4:00am Rock the Kasbah 5:50am Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

9:45am 11:45am 1:35pm 3:25pm 5:25pm 7:10pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:45am 2:25am 4:05am

Grease Pixels Zoolander 2 Pitch Perfect 2 Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Pixels Pitch Perfect 2 Zoolander 2 Rush Hour 2 Road Trip: Beer Pong John Tucker Must Die

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

Hollyoaks Charmed The Big Bang Theory 12 Dates of Christmas Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts New Girl New Girl The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Goldbergs How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks We’re Going on a Bear Hunt The Crystal Maze Su2c Celebrity Special Tattoo Fixers Virtually Famous Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2016 Gogglebox

TUESDAY TV

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

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE SmackDown! NFL Highlights Football Football Football Football Football Football Football Football Football Live World Darts Championship 2017 Football La Liga World Premier League Legends Premier League Legends The Premier League Years Football Football’s Greatest Teams A look at the phenomenal success enjoyed by Liverpool during the 70s and 80s.

8:00am Cricket Gold Shorts 8:10am Great Sporting Moments 8:25am Cricket 9:25am Cricket 3:45pm Live Pro 12 Rugby 6:15pm Sporting Records 6:45pm Super League Gold 7:00pm Sporting Records 7:30pm Rugby Union 8:30pm Sporting Records 9:00pm Elite League Speedway 2016 11:30pm Football 12:00am Cricket 1:00am England Women’s Winter Tour 2:00am Cricket’s Greatest 2:30am Cricket’s Greatest 3:00am Cricket’s Greatest 3:30am Cricket’s Greatest 4:00am Cricket’s Greatest Series profiling some of the greatest cricketers of all time. 4:30am Cricket’s Greatest 5:00am Sky Sports Years

OPINION & COMMENT

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

When police want to pull you over AS part of the series, we answer some common driving questions and keep you updated on the latest driving and road news kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers.

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

EWN

Advertising feature

Have yourself a merry little Christmas with our ultimate Christmas security and travel guide Christina Sharp GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL christina@globelink.co.uk.

FLASHING LIGHTS: Indicate officers want you to pull over. WITH increased police patrols now due over the festive period to prevent drink driving, you may spot extra officers on the roadside, so it is important to know what actions the patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside if they wish to speak to a driver. Amongst their duties, the Guardia Civil is tasked with controlling road traffic to ensure road safety and prevent offences as well as providing assistance if necessary. If an official vehicle wants to stop you, it will display a flashing light in addition to the blue lights. This red light means you must stop your vehicle and pull over to the right hand side of the road. When stopping

however, you must ensure you do so in a safe place that does not pose a risk to the other road users. When you have safely stopped the patrol car will stop their vehicle behind yours. All occupants within your vehicle must remain inside the vehicle as the officer will approach you on the right side of your car and inform you why you have been stopped. When they have finished with you they will help you join the flow of traffic back on the road. So remember, flashing red light indicates you must stop. Stop the vehicle in a safe area and make sure all passengers remain in the car.

For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.

Can the president recover debt? WE are a small community of 16 houses, and we have just suffered our first bad debt in 10 years. Our administrator has advised me as president to call an EGM in order to obtain a majority of voters agreeing to take the case to court. We wish to use the ‘procesomonitorio’ to save on costs. Under the Law of Horizontal Property, is it necessary for a president to do this? I thought the president would have executive powers to provide simple evidence of the bad debt. Or is this a wise precaution to enable the judge to come to a decision? M.G. (Costa Blanca) First, your thinking is correct. The president is authorised to act in court for the community. With certification of the debt and of your election as president, you can initiate the ‘procesomonitorio’

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

against the debtor. This requires no lawyer and is

designed as a sort of small claims court. Second, your administrator is not wrong to suggest that every possible legal measure be taken. If you hit a snag, you can always go back to this.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and with millions of us away over the holidays, read Globelink’s tips on a stress-free festive season. Make a list and check it twice! Make your travel checklist and check it as many times as it takes to ensure you are good to go well before you travel. Keep essential documents handy so you can breeze through check-in and security. Driving home for Christmas? (… or flying) Plan your route well in advance and check that nothing will scupper your well-laid plans, like scheduled closures, maintenance work, or even strike action. Baby it’s cold outside! Seems obvious, but check the weather at your destination in advance and pack accordingly. UK temperatures have varied between minus five and 17 degrees this month, so you never know! Bring us some figgy pudding? Your Christmas pudding may be a firm family favourite, but check that you are permitted to carry whatever item you plan to take if you are travelling by plane, or crossing country borders. Don’t go crackers Even though crackers are a Christmas tradition, many airlines don’t allow Christmas crackers in your luggage. Also you cannot take party poppers, fireworks or sparklers. Blue Christmas Nothing will give you the Christmas blues and dampen your spirit like an exorbitant excess baggage charge at the airport, so check your allowance and weigh luggage before leaving home. Also avoid pre-wrapping presents in case you’re selected for a security check. Home alone? Avoid worrying about your home security at Christmas while you’re away by taking a few straightforward steps to minimise risk, leaving you to enjoy your travels. Start by cancelling any regular deliver-

ies, and arrange for the local postal service to hold your mail when you’re away. This will avoid a pile of newspapers in the doorway, or a bulging mailbox which is a sure sign that nobody’s home. Be discreet when discussing travel plans where others may overhear. Be especially careful on social media and avoid recording details on your voicemail. Don’t close curtains or blinds in an attempt to make your home look less tempting. It’s likely to do the opposite. Instead, move desirables (car keys, for instance) out of sight, and fit a timer switch on lights and radios. It’s not rocket science but it will deter casual observers and opportunists. If you can, leave a key with a neighbour or friend who will clear away telltale post, open and close curtains and maybe park their car on your drive to give an ‘I’m home’ impression. Your neighbours could be invaluable in spotting suspicious behaviour in your absence. Also avoid the unwanted surprise of burst pipes by setting your heating to automatically come on for short time periods, or if temperatures drop below zero. And insulate any exposed outside pipes. And finally, why not take snapshots of special value items, preferably in their normal surroundings; it could be useful evidence for your insurance company if you are unlucky enough to have a problem. Lastly have a wonderful Christmas from Globelink and don’t forget a decent Travel Insurance policy for essential peace of mind. Visit www.globelink.co.uk, or call (UK) +44 1353 699 082 or our Spanish link lines on 96 626 5000 or 95 124 2434.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

7:00am Breakfast 10:00am Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings 11:10am Justin’s House 11:30am Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit 12:50pm Bargain Hunt 1:40pm BBC News 1:50pm BBC London News 2:00pm The Moonstone 2:45pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 4:35pm Muppets Most Wanted 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:20pm BBC London News 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:30pm Ethel and Ernest 10:00pm Jonathan Creek 11:30pm BBC News 11:40pm BBC London News 11:50pm Mrs. Brown’s Boys 12:25am Sport Relief 2016: The Final Score 1:25am Fleabag 1:50am Fleabag 2:20am Weather for the Week Ahead 2:25am BBC News

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home 12:15pm Bean 1:55pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:05pm ITV News London 2:15pm Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months 3:20pm Father of the Bride 5:25pm Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs at Christmas 6:30pm Blankety Blank 7:25pm ITV News London 7:40pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 11:10pm ITV News 11:25pm Jaws Steven Spielberg’s scary chiller about a coastal community plagued by a killer shark. 1:40am Jackpot247 Join the presenters live and play roulette on your telly. Join in now at Jackpot247.com.

7:40am Coastal Path 8:10am Great British Menu 8:40am Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo 10:20am This Farming Life 11:20am Money for Nothing 12:20pm The Alamo 2:25pm Up Periscope 4:15pm Nature’s Weirdest Events 5:00pm Inside the Factory 6:00pm Tribes, Predators and Me 7:00pm New Zealand: Earths Mythical Islands 8:00pm The Good Life 8:30pm University Challenge 9:00pm Robot Wars: Battle of the Stars 10:00pm Dragons’ Den 11:00pm Live at the Apollo 11:30pm The Real Marigold on Tour 12:30am Song for Marion 2:00am Alan Bennett’s Diaries 3:00am The Lady in the Van 4:40am This is BBC Two Highlights of programmes on BBC Two.

7:00am Planet’s Funniest Animals 7:20am Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 7:50am Ultimate You’ve Been Framed! 8:40am Emmerdale 9:10am Britain’s Got More Talent 10:05am Ninja Warrior UK 11:05am Catchphrase 11:50am See Spot Run 12:50pm FYI Daily 12:55pm See Spot Run 1:45pm Emmerdale 2:20pm You’ve Been Framed! 3:20pm Yogi Bear 4:20pm FYI Daily 4:25pm Yogi Bear 5:00pm Catchphrase 6:05pm 101 Dalmatians 7:05pm FYI Daily 7:10pm 101 Dalmatians 7:50pm Kindergarten Cop 8:50pm FYI Daily 8:55pm Kindergarten Cop 10:00pm Casino Royale 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm Casino Royale 12:55am Family Guy 1:25am Family Guy 1:55am Family Guy

www.euroweeklynews.com

8:00pm The Mystery of Van Gogh’s Ear 9:00pm Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2016: Supercharged - Fuelling the Future 10:00pm James May: The Christmas Reassembler 10:30pm Pop Quiz: The Comeback It was the Saturday night smash hit music quiz show that ran for four years between 1981 and 1984. 11:00pm Fleetwood Mac: Don’t Stop Profile of Fleetwood Mac, one of the biggest-selling bands of all time and still on the road. 12:00am The Everly Brothers: Harmonies From Heaven 1:00am Norman Wisdom: His Story 2:00am The Good Old Days Featuring Morecambe and Wise

7:40am 9:10am 10:50am 11:15am 11:45am 1:50pm 3:45pm 5:15pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

7:00am In Loving Memory 7:25am Holiday on the Buses 8:30am FYI Daily 8:35am Holiday on the Buses 9:10am Margery and Gladys 11:10am Sparkling Cyanide 1:10pm Lewis 3:05pm Agatha Christie’s Marple 5:10pm Carry on Cruising 6:10pm FYI Daily 6:15pm Carry on Cruising 7:00pm Lewis 8:55pm Les Dawson Forever 10:00pm Foyle’s War 12:00am Lewis 2:00am Sparkling Cyanide 3:45am Agatha A fictitious account of crime writer Agatha Christie’s unexplained 11-day disappearance in 1926. 4:45am FYI Daily 4:50am Agatha 5:25am Wycliffe Drama series about a Cornish police detective.

7:00am British Touring Car Crashes and Smashes 7:10am The Professionals 8:00am Minder 8:50am Quincy, M.E. 9:55am Ironside 11:00am The Professionals 12:00pm TT 2016 1:00pm TT 2016 2:05pm Classic TT Highlights 3:05pm Quincy, M.E. 4:10pm The Land That Time Forgot 5:10pm FYI Daily 5:15pm The Land That Time Forgot 6:00pm The Train Robbers 7:00pm FYI Daily 7:05pm The Train Robbers 8:05pm Pawn Stars 8:30pm Pawn Stars 9:00pm River Monsters 10:00pm The Kingdom 11:05pm FYI Daily 11:10pm The Kingdom 12:15am Awake 1:20am FYI Daily 1:25am Awake 2:00am Rugby 3:00am The Hand of God: 30 Years On 3:55am The Wine Show

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 2:00am 4:10am

California Man Dunston Checks In The Simpsons The Simpsons The Muppet Movie Vice Versa Stuart Little 2 A Big Lego Christmas Channel 4 News The Simpsons The Simpsons Hollyoaks Arrivals Arrivals is a refreshingly warm and intimate insight into the lives of some of the thousands of people travelling in today’s evershrinking world as they pass through the Heathrow airport arrivals halls. What Britain Bought in 2016 24 Hours in A and E David Blaine Big Fat Quiz of the Year The Girl Who Played with Fire Gillette World Sport

8:50am Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 9:00am Wissper 9:15am Peppa Pig 9:35am Paw Patrol 9:45am Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:00am Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:15am Milkshake Monkey 10:20am SpongeBob Squarepants 10:38am SpongeBob Squarepants 10:55am World’s Strongest Man 2016 11:55am The African Queen 2:00pm The Glenn Miller Story 4:20pm Kelly’s Heroes 5:20pm Five News Update 5:25pm Kelly’s Heroes 7:10pm Battlebots: World Championship 8:00pm World’s Strongest Man 2016 9:00pm Kitten Rescuers at Christmas 10:00pm Most Shocking Celebrity Moments of 2016 1:05am Pete Burns: The Last Interview 2:05am Super Casino

7:50am 10:10am 12:30pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 6:40pm 9:00pm 11:35pm 1:35am 4:05am

Furious 7 Batman Begins The Dark Knight Ant-Man The Scorpion King Batman Begins The Dark Knight Ant-Man Furious 7 Max Payne

8:00am Mamma Mia! 10:00am The Wedding Ringer 11:50am My Best Friend’s Wedding 1:45pm Spy 3:50pm Vacation 5:35pm Hot Pursuit 7:15pm Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 9:00pm Spy 11:05pm Vacation 12:50am Entourage 2:40am Bad Santa 4:25am Year One

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

7:30am 9:30am 11:30am 1:15pm 3:15pm 5:15pm 7:00pm

9:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am 2:30am

4:30am

WEDNESDAY TV

Hollyoaks Charmed Charmed The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Holiday in Handcuffs Rude(Ish) Tube Shorts Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas We’re Going on a Bear Hunt The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Goldbergs How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks Carjackers The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Timeless Zombieland Scream Queens

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 8:00am 9:00am 9:30am

Zootropolis How to be Single Kung Fu Panda 3 Zootropolis The Jungle Book Kung Fu Panda 3 Deadpool Marvel’s wisecracking antihero plots revenge on the villain who left him hideously disfigured. The Jungle Book Long Way North Deadpool How to be Single A newly single young woman hits the Manhattan bar scene with the help of her hard-partying pal. Rock the Kasbah Comedy about a washed-up music manager trying to help an Afghan teenager compete in a national talent show.

7:00am Englands Best Days 9:00am Great Sporting Moments 9:15am Cricket Gold 9:25am Cricket 5:30pm Cricket Gold 5:40pm Cricket Gold 5:50pm Cricket Gold 6:00pm England Women’s Winter Tour 7:00pm Jack Russell 7:30pm Alex Hales Record Breaker Watch Alex Hales’ record-breaking innings against Pakistan in the third ODI at Trent Bridge. 8:00pm England’s World Record 10:00pm Cricket Day three of the opening Test as South Africa face Sri Lanka at St George’s Park. 11:00pm Cricket New Zealand play Bangladesh in the second ODI of the series, held at Saxton Oval in Nelson.

10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am 1:30am 2:00am

Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold WWE Experience Football Premier League Legends Boxing Gold Football The Premier League Years Sporting Records Football Live World Darts Championship 2017 Football Sky Sports Originals Out of Contract Gareth Bale: Year of the Dragon Barclays Premier League World Football Barclays Premier League World Premier League 100 Club Premier League 100 Club Football Premier League Legends Premier League Legends

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

LETTERS

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OPINION & COMMENT

YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com

Speaking another language Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com Foto Shutterstock riggsby

WELL done Mike Senker for bringing up the so-called celebrityspeak from programmes such as Strictly, X Factor and many more. Not only do they smash it, they step up to the plate, put on their game face, don’t have an option of failure, winning means everything, ride the rollercoaster, relish the journey, use awesome armography, on and on and on......... To endorse not that Grumpy, Mr Senker, STOP IT!!!!! Philip, San Fulgencio.

Berlin heartache

Dump Trump THE world seems to be so angry with traditional politicians that we somehow think it’s a good thing to elect Donald Trump! I think Americans will come to see that their political system prevented a good man from doing as much as he would have liked! Barack Obama was a missed opportunity. After Trump’s tweets does anybody think this bloke will get a second term? Not me, and I actually think he’s not all bad. If he gets through his first term without a military scrap with someone I’ll be amazed. Perhaps he’ll just divide up the world and let the bad guys have their bit as long as it doesn’t concern America too much. Sally

Droned to death IF, like me you are a regular flyer, I urge you to consider the problem that is happening within our skies. There are countless drones being allowed to fly amongst our planes, with frequent near misses. Without any regulation experts say there will soon be a major incident. Please consider signing my epetition on www.gov.uk/petition-gov ernment. Anyone who is a UK resident can do this. It will take three minutes. Our security and safety is at risk so I am contacting people from all walks of life. If we can get 100,000 clicks on this petition our MPs have to discuss the matter. We all need to do something before there is a serious accident in our skies. Please inform as many people as possible and consider the following: In the USA their airline security

Maybe it should be brought into schools too. For me, too many areas of Britain are made up of young and old who feel closer to altogether different cultures. Extend this oath and make it a part of daily school life as well. That seems to be the way forward to me. Margaret, Almeria

FIFA fine for poppy teams ENGLAND, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been fined by FIFA for wearing poppies as a mark of respect for the fallen and injured of conflict. The figure in England’s case is more than £35,000. Is there anyone who thinks the actions of an organisation as corrupt as FIFA has shown itself to be can be defended? They could have taken the moral high ground

FAA brought in new drone rulings. We need something similar. There are countless near misses reported every week despite having a recommended maximum height. In April 2016 a passenger plane was hit. Pilots have expressed their serious concerns about these toys being unregistered. Every week packages are dropped into our prisons and operators are never found. No licences are required to operate these smaller drones. Someone can film you or your children without your permission. Most police forces do not have any procedures in place to deal with drone nuisance. In the wrong hands they could be a serious threat to our security.

and insisted on levying the fine for rule breaking but made it a token. All sides would have been satisfied. Wouldn’t FIFA have been seen as taking the heat out of a thorny issue and at the same time received much needed positive publicity f or a change? Instead, they again look like the corrupt overlords of world football. David, Marbella

They should be treated in the same way as firearms Ann Paterson, Santa Pola

Stamp of disapproval TRILBY is truly fortunate to be buying his stamps for Britain from the Post Office in Calahonda as that branch must surely have the cheapest postal charges in Spain. I cannot remember when I last paid less than 80 cents to send a ‘standard’ letter or card to England (‘standard’ being 14x9cm and 23.5x12cm, and less than 20gr according to the Correos website). Since the beginning of 2016 the

price of a stamp to Britain has been 1.15€ (1.55€ for non-standard). I do hope his cards all reach the recipients safely! Barbara Wicker, Torrox

Oath of allegiance MAKING every civil and public servant swear to uphold British values seems sensible to me and long overdue. Even if it doesn’t stop radicalism, it helps to make people aware our society is based on a belief in democracy, equality and being able to say what you want. The USA uses such an oath and it seems to be successful.

THE awful events in Berlin bring to mind the attack on shoppers in the French city of Nice. I know there is no way to be completely safe but perhaps it’s time to stop traffic coming into the centres of our big cities after rush hour. But how do you stop the driver of a giant lorry who intends to kill and maim? There’d be almost no way to stop a 40 ton lorry especially one going at full speed. All we can do is express our sorrow and sympathy with the families of those who died in Berlin. How many more attacks will there be in Germany’s cities? Jane, Costa del Sol

Flood damage SPARE a thought for the victims of the floods that have hit our area of Spain. Having just arrived from the UK I thought that we had it bad, not least because we always seem to react with such surprise when the water hits. But in Spain the infrastructure seems to be taking a hammering. And officials make the right noises but will they actually pay up? I hope so for the sake of all those affected. To have everything you own destroyed by water and this close to Christmas is awful. As one who has experienced it many years ago, I know how heartbreaking it can be. Bill, Almeria

WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

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The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

TIME OUT

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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Famous quote

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

‘

Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticise, wait. Before you quit, try.” Ernest Hemingway

in history 1066 – After invading England from France and defeating and killing King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. 1642 – English physicist and mathematician Sir Isaac Newton was born in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire. 1831 – On board the HMS Beagle Charles Darwin set off from Plymouth in England on a five-year global expeditions collecting fossils and studying plants and animals that undoubtedly provided some of the evidence that led to his theory of evolution. 1888 – Suffering from depression Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh cut off his left ear. 1899 – Star of films such as the Oscar winning Casablanca and Oscar nominated The African Queen, the iconic actor Humphrey Bogart was born in New York City. 1900 – The first ever Mercedes car to be produced was delivered to its buyer Emil Jellinek, an Austrian car racer who had commissioned it from German company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The car was named Mercedes after his 11-year-old daughter. 1914 – A German monoplane dropped a single bomb on Dover during World War One signalling the first-ever air raid on Britain. 1941 – Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington DC to meet with the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to discuss war and peace. 1947 – John Bardeen, Walter Brattain and William Shockley invented the transistor at Bell Laboratories. The invention revolutionised electronics and earned them a Nobel Prize. 1956 – Coco the baby gorilla was born at Columbus Zoo in Ohio. She was the firstever to be born in captivity. 1987 – A new world record was set by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager after they flew continuously for 216 hours around the world without refuelling. Travelling at a speed of around 115 miles per hour they covered 24,986 miles in their aircraft the Voyager. 1991 – Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev resigned. 1996 – The body of six-year-old American beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey was found in the basement of her parents home in Colorado after they reported her missing at 5.52am. Although it is suspected she was killed by her parents, this has never been proven. Her murder remains unsolved and is still under active investigation. 1993 – The hit Hollywood film Philidelphia opened, starring Tom Hanks and becoming the first to focus on the subject of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 2001 – JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter, married anaesthesiologist Neil Murray in Aberfeldy, Scotland. 2004 – An enormous tsunami devastated shorelines in 14 countries that bordered the Indian Ocean including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand triggered by a 9.3 magnitude earthquake on the sea floor killing around 230,000 people and leaving 1.5 million homeless.

Women’s wit

‘

I knew that with a mouth like mine, I just hadda be a star or something..” Barbra Streisand

World of English

‘

If the English language made any sense, lackadaisical would have something to do with a shortage of flowers.”

‘WE ARE LATE - FORGET RUDOLPH I’M GOING TO CALL YOU USAIN - NOW BOLT!’

Kakuro

for next 7 days

Costa Blanca

weather

TODAY

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.

TOMORROW

JAVEA

DENIA JAVEA

DENIA

CALPE CALPE ALTEA ALTEA BENIDORM BENIDORM

ALICANTE

TORREVIEJA

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION ORIHUELA

ORIHUELA

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 9 S 17 9 S 17 9 S

Benidorm MAX 17C, MIN 8C Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 16 10 Cl Wed - 16 10 C

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 9 S 17 9 S 17 9 S

MAX 17C, MIN 8C Mon - 17 10 C Tues - 16 10 Cl Wed - 16 10 C

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

16 7 S 15 7 S 14 6 C S Sun,

16 8 Cl 14 7 Sh 15 6 Cl

MAX MIN

Mon - 14 6 C Tues - 14 7 C Wed - 13 7 Cl

Madrid MAX 16C, MIN 6C MAX MIN

Mon - 15 6 S Tues - 15 7 S Wed - 15 6 C Cl Clear,

TODAY:

Fog,

TODAY:

CLOUDY MAX 18C, MIN 8C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

18 8 C 18 8 S 17 6 C

CLOUDY MAX 13C, MIN 3C

13 3 S 12 2 C 11 2 C C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 11 2 C Tues - 12 3 S Wed - 11 4 C Sh Showers,

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

18 6 S 18 7 S 17 6 S Sn Snow,

IRISH LOTTO

LA PRIMITIVA

EURO MILLIONS

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 16 9 Cl Tues - 16 9 Cl Wed - 16 8 C

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 6 C Tues - 17 7 S Wed - 17 7 C

Murcia

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 8 S 18 8 S 17 8 S

Mallorca

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

SUNNY MAX 18C, MIN 7C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 11 S Tues - 16 10 C Wed - 16 9 C

SHOWERS MAX 15C, MIN 9C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

18 9 S 19 9 S 18 11 S

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga

SUNNY MAX 19C, MIN 10C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

MAX 17C, MIN 6C MAX MIN

Mon - 16 7 Cl Tues - 16 8 C Wed - 16 8 C Th Thunder

LOTTERY

Alicante TODAY:

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Saturday December 17

Tuesday December 13

Friday December 16

BONUS BALL

LUCKY STARS

BONUS BALL

Sunday December 18

28 18

Saturday December 17

LUCKY STARS

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E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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The Magnificent Seven Directed by: Antoine Fuqua Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Haley Bennett This action film is remake of the 1960 classic western. The town of Rose Creek is in an impossible situation after the corrupt industrialist Bartholomew Bogue besieges the town and slaughters a group of locals when they stand up to him. Despairing of the town’s situation the people, led by Emma Cullen, reach out to warrant officer Sam Chisholm for help to recruit seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns in order to protect the town. While the seven mercenaries are preparing for the fierce confrontation that lies ahead they find themselves having to fight for more than the money.

Javier Arenas, Politician, December 28

Spanish Partido Popular politician who is currently spokesman for the group in the Andalucian parliament. Born in Sevilla he was raised in Olvera and is married with two children. He graduated in Law and has a Masters degree in Business Management.

Noel Edmonds, TV/Radio Host, December 22, 68 Famous TV presenter for more than 40 years he has hosted shows such as Top of the Pops, Noel’s House Party and Deal or No Deal. He used to host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. He has been married three times and has four daughters. Danny MacAskill, Cyclist, December 23, 31 The Scottish cyclist gave up his job as a mechanic to work professionally as a street trials rider. He has appeared in many films that showcase his amazing stunts and tricks including one titled The Ridge that featured him riding the step and rocky Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Ed Miliband, Politician, December 24, 47 Former leader of the Labour Party and leader of the Opposition who has been an MP since 2005. At the tender age of 40 he became the youngest leader of the Labour party after defeating his older brother David who was also a candidate in the leadership election. Annie Lennox, Singer, December 25, 62 Award-winning singer and songwriter who has had a successful career both as a soloist and also with the Band Eurythmics. She has sold over 80 million albums worldwide and had hits with songs such as Thorn in my Side, Why and Sweet Dreams. She is also a political and social activist. Milos Raonic, Tennis Player, December 25, 26 Born in Canada he started playing tennis when he was only eight years old. In 2011 he earned his first ATP victor at the SAP open. He became Canada’s highest ATP ranked male singles player in 2013 when he was ranked in the top and in 2016 became the first Canadian male tennis player to reach the Wimbledon final.

Funagram

Just Joking

Unscramble the title of a UK Christmas number one single from 1990s (three words): A SHADY ATTORNEY

After all the little children finished visiting Santa at the shopping centre, a 20-year-old young lady went up and sat on Santa’s knee. “I want to ask for just one thing for Christmas,” she said, “and it is for my mum.” Santa replied, “I usually only answer little children, but since it is for your mum go ahead and ask me what she would like for Christmas.” “She would really, really love a handsome son-in-law.”

Unscramble the name of a famous pantomime character (two words): BUYING A STEEPLE

Hexagram

10-Star Quiz

The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (ADVENT) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ADVENT (10) CARROT CEREAL DECEIT DETOUR ENTICE HARDEN INCOME INTENT IODINE

NOTICE ORIENT PARIAH POLITE ROUTED SKIMPY THEORY TRANCE VENDOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1 Abrupt 2 Bureau 3 Blanch 4 Resume 5 Blouse 6 Launch 7 Massif 8 Bobcat 9 Defray 10 Subset 11 Titian 12 Critic 13 Mastic 14 Tracer 15 Auntie 16 Select 17 Object 18 Legume 19 Spongy.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Pat yourself on the back for all of your efforts of recent weeks. Looking back just a few months, would you have thought so much progress could be made? Because of your efforts, home life is enhanced and you are more appreciated. Give yourself a break at the weekend and do something with a loved one that you have not done together for some time. Think of the great times you had and relive them to warm your heart. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Rarely has your mind been as sharp as it is at the moment. There have been some awkward and downright bad periods in the recent past, but this week everything falls into place. Why, you wonder, have you worried so much about things which could not be changed? With this clarity of vision, the future seems so much brighter. Use your talents and advantages to the full in this sparkling seven days and beyond. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) For all of the things that you want to do, there are three others that you wish to do. Maybe they are waiting for their own time to come. During the course of this week you will be thinking of what the future could hold, even though dealing with practical issues. While you are doing the ordinary tasks of the day, or thinking of how you can save money, also think about how to save your dreams.

CAPRICORN

WE WISH YOU A MERRY QUIZMAS 1. According to Dr Seuss, which bitter, grouchy, cavedwelling green monster with a heart ‘two sizes too small’ attempts to put an end to Christmas by stealing Christmasthemed items from the homes of the nearby town Whoville on Christmas Eve? 2. George Washington and the Continental Army crossed which river on the night of December 25, 1776? 3. Spoken by Tiny Tim, what are the last five words of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? 4. The Father Christmas Letters are a collection of letters written and illustrated between 1920 and 1942 by which famous British novelist and literary scholar for his children, from Father Christmas? 5. What did Ian Hamilton, Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson and Alan Stuart steal from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950? 6. What two-word Latin phrase did the Queen use to describe the year 1992 in her Royal Christmas Message of that year? 7. What was the title of Dickie Valentine’s 1955 song that was the first UK number one hit single title to actually contain the word ‘Christmas’? 8. Which American singer/dancer/actor starred as Private Phil Davis alongside Bing Crosby in the 1954 film musical White Christmas? 9. Which light cake, usually made with sultanas and candied peel, is traditionally eaten at Christmas in Italy? 10. Who was crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066? Not a lot to people know that… in Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Santa Claus. She is also referred to as the Christmas Witch.

YOUR STARS AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) When you are at home this week I would like you to consider how you view your surroundings. This is a good week to make changes and have discussions about future directions. It is assumed that those close are happy with the status quo, but this may not be the case. The things which you find irksome may also irritate them. Ask in a tactful and gentle way and you will be surprised at the outcome.

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The enthusiasm of your bright Capricorn mind is also capable of making you restless. There are mixed feelings about being at or near home this week, with thoughts of more progress being possible elsewhere. Your need to make things better for those round you may not make you money but it can bring great joy. Give of your time and talents generously. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) When it isn't possible to change something, often it is just as effective to rearrange it. That is the solution which comes to you this week. Instead of being frustrated at a delay, try changing the conditions or times. This may mean that you save money or delay a payment to your advantage. We all have set ideas, whatever our age or circumstances. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) When we have long-standing friendships, these are often taken for granted and yet often we could make so much more of them. How long is it since you had a really deep conversation with your closest friends? What has changed in their attitudes and fortunes over the years? How could you help each other to make better progress? Working together brings so much more forward movement and satisfaction. LEO (July 24 - August 23) Consider what is the most important thing to you at the moment? Is it wealth or social position? Your work, or how it may be possible to afford that new conservatory are minor considerations compared with your greatest asset which is your health. This week, then, is all about boosting this valuable commodity and building its future. Worry, stress, overwork should be words not in your vocabulary. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) As the saying goes, ‘no one ever said it would be

easy’. In the past few months you have found this to be true. Hard work is not alien to you, but there is a point where you want to shout ‘enough’. It may be that business or home life needs some rearranging, or that someone is moving job and the routine is severely disrupted. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) As a home-loving Libran, you are torn between making changes to your surroundings and getting some cash in on the business side. Apparently, it is not possible to do both because energy levels fluctuate. I have a proposition for you. Get business out of the way during the week and plan home activities for the weekend. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) There is so much in you that is determined and looking forward to a fresh start, but something that you are trying to get rid of, or give up, may be giving you more trouble than anticipated. Some things have to be done alone, or so you think, but others have gone through this before you so they are able to give support. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Is playing the waiting game really to your advantage? Your Sagittarian character naturally leads you to be optimistic, and why not? Even so, it won't hurt to hurry someone along rather than having them go at their own pace. Bear in mind that, in letting someone get away with sloppiness, you are doing them no favours at all.

Answers 1. THE GRINCH, 2. DELAWARE River, 3. GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE!, 4. J R R TOLKIEN, 5. STONE OF SCONE, 6. ANNUS HORRIBILIS, 7. CHRISTMAS ALPHABET, 8. DANNY KAYE, 9. PANETTONE,10. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case B) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET: • Average: 8 • Good: 12 • Very good: 17 • Excellent: 21

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION acne acre cane cant care cart cent cere cert cran cure curt cute ecru narc race tact acute caner caret carte cater crane crate cruet cuter enact erect eruct nacre react recta tacet terce trace tract truce acuter canter careen center centre create curate cutter nectar recant recent tenrec tercet trance centare centaur crenate cuneate curette reenact uncrate truncate UTTERANCE

OUT

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Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition

Cryptic

Code Breaker

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC

Quick

Across:

Across 1 Wise man chopped-up elm before excited choir (8) 5 Show Ruby around American capital (4) 9 Brags about clutches (5) 10 Drove back at pace to give information (7) 11 Some bottles of wine are stored next door (7) 12 Small beers for after Christmas events (5) 13 Support donkey and sit awkwardly (6) 15 Core gym is in shed for a change (6) 19 Chooses Portsmouth to host the game (5) 21 He levitates without this to improve (7) 23 Rubbish time to walk like a duck (7) 24 Are potentially about a foot past (5) 25 Fat little girl with tiny top (4) 26 Holds a rally in favour of experiments (8) Down 1 Name tag rewritten in red (7) 2 Pack animal kept in cell a matter of hours (5) 3 Carelessly she lost lodging places (7) 4 Highly decorated in the Battle of Little Big Horn, a terrific achievement (6) 6 Record allowed to include gold US decoration (7) 7 Follows eating programme and dies with time inside (5) 8 Lofty pursuits, a right stop-start (4) 14 Or in stage warehouse (7) 16 A gentle dance is beautiful (7)

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1 Turns, 4 Barium, 9 Replica, 10 Paces, 11 Apse, 12 Granite, 13 Rue, 14 Robe, 16 Sage, 18 Pie, 20 Restate, 21 Dent, 24 Strut, 25 Spanner, 26 Steven, 27 Exile. Down: 1 Threat, 2 Ropes, 3 Skin, 5 Appraise, 6 Itching, 7 Master, 8 Barge, 13 Repartee, 15 Observe, 17 Trusts, 18 Pepsi, 19 Sterne, 22 Ennui, 23 Dame.

QUICK

17 Grassier Rastafarian land contains mountain ranges (7) 18 Finish even confused the queen (6) 19 First staff at the Esso station fills up (5) 20 Reportedly joined the rush (4) 22 Singers lost a production (5) Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 2 represents Q and 5 represents G, so fill in Q every time the figure 2 appears and G every time the figure 5 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.

Across 1 Feel remorse (6) 4 Smooth fabric (5) 8 Small adhesive token stuck on a letter (5) 9 Post conveyed by planes (7) 10 Within a building (7) 11 First light of day (4) 12 Beer (3) 14 Range of food of a particular type (4) 15 Artificial source of visible illumination (4) 18 Colour like blood (3) 21 Listen (4) 23 Ceremonial dress (7) 25 News (7) 26 Sound of any kind (5)

27 Hoard (5) 28 Edible seed (6) Down 1 Characteristic of rural life (6) 2 Mother of your father or mother (7) 3 Boss (8) 4 Arrange in order (4) 5 Jewelled head wear (5) 6 Hosiery (6) 7 Latin American style of music (5) 13 Refined grace (8) 16 Thousand thousand (7) 17 Snaps (6) 19 Put on clothes (5) 20 Father or mother (6) 22 Wireless (5) 24 Leg joint (4)

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

Across: 1 Cupboard, 7 Brave, 8 Exonerate, 9 See, 10 Peek, 11 Deduce, 13 Casual, 14 Versus, 17 Carrot, 18 Hard, 20 Try, 22 Terrified, 23 Seize, 24 Rehearse.

Down: 1 Cheap, 2 Profess, 3 Obey, 4 Reared, 5 False, 6 Defeats, 7 Bemused, 12 Narrate, 13 Contest, 15 Scarier, 16 Coarse, 17 Cynic, 19 Dodge, 21 Fine.

ENGLISHSPANISH Across: 2 Right, 6 Raza, 7 Ojal, 8 Stair, 9 Damp, 10 Miel, 11 Bride, 12 Jefe, 13 Noon, 14 Roast, 15 Door, 16 Abad, 17 Years. Down: 1 Camareros, 2 Raspberry, 3 Granizada, 4 Tormentas, 5 Cacerolas.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 Brazalete (6) 3 Heladas (6) 8 Trineos (5) 10 Chestnut (fruit) (7) 11 Emotion (7) 12 Dream (while asleep) (5) 13 Camello (5) 15 Goose (5) 20 Árboles (5)

22 Milagro (7) 24 Reunión (7) 25 Girls (young) (5) 26 Cocinas (aparatos) (6) 27 Precios (6) Down 1 Cesto (6) 2 New (5) 4 Laughs (5) 5 Patinadores (7)

6 Estación (parte del año) (6) 7 Perfume (5) 9 Deslizarse (5) 14 Dressing (culinary) (7) 16 Delantal (5) 17 Sellos (6) 18 Friend (f) (5) 19 Banquetes (6) 21 Especia (5) 23 Brandy (5)

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BOOKS Cross The Line

James Patterson AL E X CROSS hunts a cold-blooded killer. Shots ring out in the suburbs of Was hington, DC It’s former chief of detect i ves lies dead leaving a leadership vacuum. Under pressure from the mayor, Alex steps in to investigate the case. Meanwhile a dead l y stream of murders sweep t he region with only o n e factor in common. All the victims are criminals. C ro s s mus t purs ue a murderer who believes he has justice on his side making him all the more dangerous. A l ex mus t beat him a t his own game, and take the l aw back into his own hands before the city plummets into chaos. Will he succeed against someone who has appointed himself as judge, jury and executioner? books@euroweeklynews.com

CHRISTMAS is upon us once again and is celebrated by billions of people around the world. There are some weird and wonderful traditions around the world from Christmas pickle ornaments hidden on the tree to sculpted radishes to add colour to the holiday celebration. Here’s a look at some of most popular and less wacky traditions. 1. Christmas Cards Sending cards started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole who was a civil servant who had helped to set up the new Public Records Office (now known as the Post Office). He wanted to encourage ordinary people to use the new service and with the help of artist John Horsley created the first Christmas card. Advances in printing brought down the cost of making cards and by 1900 the custom had spread across Europe. 2. Christmas Trees Estonia and Latvia both claim to have first used trees at Christmas in 1441 and 1510 respectively, but they didn’t arrive in Britain until the 1830s. They became popular after Prince Albert had a tree put up in Windsor Castle in 1841 and in Victorian times they were decorated with candles. In 1885 a hospital in Chicago burned down because of candles on the tree. In 1895, Ralph Morris invented the first electric lights, similar to what’s used now. 3. Mince Pies Love them or loathe them they are a popular tradition and originally were filled with meat rather than dried fruit. In Stuart and Georgian times they were seen as a status symbol at Christmas as rich people showed off at their parties with pies made in different shapes. Children often leave one with a drink for Father Christmas and a carrot for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Around 370 million are sold in the UK each year. 4. Christmas Stockings Arising from the legendary St Nicholas who secretly threw bags of gold down

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XMAS TREE: Lit up with lights. the chimney of a poor man for his unmarried daughters. They landed in the stockings hanging to dry on the chimney and hence the custom was born. Many children now hang up an empty sock or bag on Christmas eve so that Santa can fill it with small stocking filler gifts. 5. Holly and Ivy Originating from pre-christian times they were used to celebrate the winter solstice adding a splash of colour, warding off evil spirits and celebrating new growth. An old English tradition states that whatever plant was brought into the house first over winter would tell whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year! 6. Christmas Crackers First made around 1845-1850 by Tom Smith, a London sweet maker, early

versions were based on an idea he brought back from France where he had seen almonds wrapped in pretty paper. He added a small motto or riddle and eventually the ‘crack’ when pulled open. After he died his sons introduced hats thought to symbolise the crowns worn by the Wise Men. 7. Turkey With origins in Mexico the first turkeys were brought to Britain by William Strickland in 1526. It was very fashionable in high society in the late 19th century and enjoyed very much by Henry VIII. It used to take a week’s wages to buy a turkey so it was a luxury until the 1950’s when they became more widely available. Around 76 per cent of families in the UK will serve up a roast turkey. 8. Christmas Pudding It originated in the 14th century as a porridge called ‘frumenty’ made of beef and mutton with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. It evolved over the years with the addition of eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruit and spirits to become the customary Christmas dessert around 1650. In the UK a silver sixpence is often added for luck. 9. Mistletoe The tradition of hanging it in the house dates back to the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits. There are two beliefs as to how the custom of kissing under the Mistletoe originated. One being it has the power to bestow fertility and the other considers it a plant of peace where enemies declare a truce. 10. Christmas Carols Carols originate from pagan songs sung at the winter solstice celebrations as people danced around stone circles. The word ‘carol’ actually means dance or a song of praise and joy! They used to be written and sung throughout the year but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived. Carol services are still a popular custom today.

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App of the Week Microsoft Translator Do you want to travel but are afraid of language barriers? Microsoft has solved this problem with their translator app. It can interpret in-person conversations with up to 100 people simultaneously using computers, tablets or phones currently in nine different languages; English, Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, German, Arabic and French.

Play on Words CHRISTMAS

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? • The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. • Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. • No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. • No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET: • Average: 24 • Good: 33 • Very good: 48 • Excellent: 62

SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 5 points 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION babies bast baste bastes baster base baser bairn inept impend bias bier biers absent absentee absentees aster astern airs sire sett ires setts enter enters erst efts fete fetes fest feist fetus fern fries fret frets

Word Ladder PASS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

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GIFT BACK

Move from the start word PASS to the end word GIFT in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

Solution PASS LASS (PAST) LAST LIST LIFT GIFT

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

Answers: Snowball , White Christmas.

& Book in now for your New Year health checks

HEALTH BEAUTY

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LAST January, Medcare’s British GP clinics in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi o ff e r e d h a l f p ric e N ew Year Health Checks. The demand was such that the practice is running the offer again this January, and is launching the campaign early so everyone can get booked in to e n su r e t h a t y o u h av e a healthy start to 2017. Why are health checks needed and so important? “Tragically, too many people continue to die unnecessarily because disease is detected far too late for want of a few simple tests,” said Medcare’s Dr Hussain: “Many British expats on the Costa Blanca seem to be particularly vulnerable be-

cause of language barriers or not knowing what health screening is available meaning they are even less likely to attend for screening.” Routine health checks and early diagnosis can stop some of the b ig g e s t k illers from c la iming lives; including heart disease, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. Medcare is therefore urging everyone to see their GP to find out what screening is available. Anyone who is not registered u n d e r th e S p anis h s ys te m or prefers to see a private British GP can go to Medcare for health screening and take advantage of

Over the years our health checks have saved many lives as patients have discovered they have the early stages of diseases.” the half price offer throughout January. The Medcare health check includes screening for cervical, breast, bowel and prostate cancer. Comprehensive blood tests will be performed and patients will be screened for many conditions, including diabetes, liver

and kidney disease, anaemia, infection, bowel cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. Patients will a ls o re cei ve a nut r i t i on and life s tyle r evi ew, ECG, BMI c he c k, ski n cancer and m ol e check, dental examination and osteopath body alignment check. “ Eve n i f you f eel wel l , you don’t know what is going on inside your body so health screening is essential for everyone,” stressed Dr Hussain: “Over the ye a rs our heal t h checks have saved many lives as patients have discovered they have the early stages of diseases. It is not easy finding out you have a l i f e-

threatening illness, but not finding out will almost certainly be a lot worse.” Getting a health check could be the most important thing you do in 2017. Don’t waste time, visit your own GP or book your half-price Medcare Health Check for January by calling 966 860 258 or emailing doctors@med carespain.com. You could save more than just money. Medcare Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi Call 966 860 258 Email: doctors@medcarespain.com Visit www.medcarespain.com

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Go smart with your child’s toys STILL wondering what Santa can bring the little people in your life? Then think smart. Experts say babies and toddlers should be stimulated as much as possible and the toys they receive play an important part in that. Even from babies, eager to learn about the world, every shape, colour and texture is new to them and toys act as a fascinating tool to help build motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is also reported that in this stage black and white forms the largest stimulation in an infants brain that is continually developing. As they reach the toddler stage toys such as shape sorters and building blocks are ideal for developing their imagination and teaching about colours and shapes and building the basics in life skills. Equally, such toys can detect gaps in the development of infants as found by a university project. A project carried out by several universities in Madrid has allowed the design of different toys, from rattles, balls or cube towers with built-in sensors that can serve as support in the early detection of gaps in the development of young children. This early detection is important because certain motor difficulties can be warning signs for other diseases related to poor motor development and developmental problems. One toy used was a tower of cubes that had motion sensors in and is now pending a patent. It measures time, speed and maximum acceleration of the blocks being moved when the tower is made. Analysis of this data allows experts to detect the possibility of some kind of problem or motor impairment in children. The toy is currently being tested out in three nursery schools, one in Alcala de Henares and two in Madrid, with 60 children aged between two and six years of age. The project has been funded by the State Programme of Research, Development and Innovation Challenges.

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Pneumonia: to vaccinate or not?

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. WHAT is the vaccination against pneumonia we’ve been hearing about recently? The vaccination against pneumonia is an injection which prevents infection from pneumococcus, a bacteria which can cause serious infections. There are about 100 different varieties of pneumococcus, only a few of which can cause infections in human beings. Who should have the vaccination? The groups who are most vulnerable to this type of infection are children under the age of five, especially those under two, but it can also affect the elderly, especially those over 65 or who have conditions which make them prone to infections from this germ. Therefore, these groups are under increased risk of suffering an infection from this germ and should be vaccinated. Is it expensive? The Spanish health system covers the cost of vaccinations for people in the high-risk groups, so they do not have to pay for the injections. If you wish to have the vaccination outside the normal vaccination dates or are not in the high-risk groups, the price is approxi-

mately €80 although this depends on the brand and the country. How long do the effects last? If you are correctly vaccinated the effect can last for many years. From the age of 65 onwards it is advisable to have a reminder dose to maintain coverage for years to come. Is it efficient? The vaccination is very efficient, as proved by many studies, although no vaccination is 100 per cent effective. Does it have many side effects? The most common side effects reported have been reactions at the injection site including swelling, redness, pain at the site of the injection and difficulty moving the arm. Others are: fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, fever and vomiting among others. In very rare cases serious adverse effects may occur at a neurological level or affect the respiratory system. Is it really worth having the injection? It definitely is. Anyone who meets the vaccination criteria should most definitely be vaccinated against pneumococcus.

If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com

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Have a flatter stomach this Christmas WANT to stay looking trim this festive season, then try these tricks to avoid the bloat and keep a flatter stomach this December: Little and often That big over indulgent Christmas Day feast may be something you have been looking forward to for weeks but it can be hard for the body to digest and process all that food leading to excessive gas and bloating. Eating smaller meals more regularly is a preferred option and means those festive buffets may not be as bad as you think if you keep returning for little nibbles every now and then. Avoid the fizz We all like a glass of fizzy stuff at Christmas but the bub-

CHOOSE CAREFULLY: Try to go for healthier options. bles in prosecco and Champagne as well as beer and coke can end up in your stomach leaving you dehydrated and bloated. Get active As tempting as it is to slob around catching up on television viewing during your time off, try and stay active during the festive season. Enjoying a walk along the beach, even getting active with the family on Wii sports games, can help

speed up a sluggish digestion and help ease IBS symptoms. Choose carefully No one wants to turn down a party invite and the buffet at the office party can be hard to avoid but, you can make careful choices in what you eat. Try and stay clear of pastry and fried foods and go for the healthier option of prawns, salmon and lean meat and indulge all you like in vegetables and fruit on offer.

Take time chewing your food to allow your digestive system time to work. This will also help you realise when you are full before you over indulge. Hot water and lemon Try swapping that morning coffee for hot water and lemon to help wake up your digestive system. Peppermint and chamomile tea are also known for easing stomach problems.

Enjoy life and live longer SIMPLY being happy and having fun could help you live longer. Experts from University College London followed more than 9,000 people in their 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in England and every two years between 2002 a n d 2 0 0 6 , t h e y w ere a s k ed about how much they enjoyed their

life and daily activities. Over the next seven years to 2013, 1,310 of the participants had passed away with many of them being those who had reported having no or little enjoyment in their daily lives when asked during the assessments. Scientists believe that being happy

reduces stress and anxiety hormones which can put pressure on the heart and lead to increased blood pressure. Whilst the researchers said they could not conclude a direct biological link between happiness and mortality, they said their study did indicate a correlation.

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Retrospective exhibition THE family of the painter Pola Lledo, has donated a total of six of her works to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Elche. The Director of the Museums of Elche, Miguel Pérez, said a retrospective exhibition of Pola Lledo is in preparation for the end of 2017: “We have a year to go gathering the work of this artist through her family and the people around her,” he said. The mayor of Elche, Carlos Gonzalez, also highlighted the interest of local residents in the artist and for the city to recognise this artistic figure. Lledo passed away in 2015 and was a strong character and prolific artist. She was a pioneer in avant-garde painting and was a part of the Grup d’Elx which regularly met in the Cafeteria Arlequin. Born in Elche, she studied at the Superior School of Fine Arts in San Carlos (Valencia) and then in Madrid and has exhibited individually in Madrid, Sevilla, Benidorm, Alicante. Elche, Barcelona and Elda.

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Christmas celebrations LOOKING for something different to the usual turkey and TV this Christmas Day, then why not head to La Zenia beach for the annual festive gathering where live music will also be on offer from 11.30am. Another Christmas Concert is also being held in the city’s Teatro Circo later in the day at 7.30pm. Orihuela’s Christmas programme also includes workshops and games for children in the Plaza de la Iglesia of Hurchillo at 11am whilst in Desamparados’ Social Centre at midday there is a children’s theatre and workshop which is repeated at 5pm in San Bartolomé. Orihuela’s New Year’s Day concert is on January 1 at 7.30pm at the Teatro Circo with free entry. If you are heading to the city, Alicante hosts its Christmas Market along Avenida de Federico Soto every day until January 6, except Christmas Day and New Year ’s Day, open from 10am-3pm and 5-11pm. The Nativity Scene is in the Mercado Central until January 8 and the temporary ice skating rink is open in Plaza del Ayuntamiento until January 8, open daily

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: Get out and about with the family and make the most of the activities on offer, such as Guardamar’s Santa House. from 10am-2pm and from 4-10pm. Elche’s Living Nativity Scene can be viewed on Christmas Day 12-2pm as well as December 26, 29, 30 and 31, featuring real animals and folk actors. The scene is in the Palacio de Altamira. In San Fulgencio, children are in for

a treat with a showing of Zootropolis in the Cardenal Belluga Theatre on December 27 at 6pm and the show ‘La aventura de Matilde’ is at 6pm on December 28. Guardamar also opened the ‘Santa House’ event last night (Wednesday) and is now open behind the park.

OCIAL

Pipe organ to make its debut THE Arciprestal Inmaculada Church in Torrevieja will debut its new pipe organ to the world on Friday December 23. A mass will be held followed by a concert which will be led by local pianist Jorge Carrasco. Carrasco is a vocal interpretation professor in London at the Central School of Ballet, the Contemporary Dance School and the Royal Ballet School. The event will also feature a performance from the Intermezzo Vocale Choir, which is made up of skilled singers with ample musical experience. Two of the choir’s most well-known members, Gabriel Samper and Milagros Ballester, have spoken about how excited they are to participate in the ceremony, which has been created to bring the community closer together during the Christmas period. The programming will include the work of such masters as Haydn, Verdi, Mozart, and Carissimi.

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SPORTS TOURISM: The Volvo Ocean Race is an event already firmly established in Alicanteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting calendar.

Sports summit will be a first ALICANTE is preparing to host the first Universal Sport Tourism Summit Costa Blanca. The event takes place January 9-11, 2017, and aims to promote universal and inclusive sports tourism across the province. With the Costa Blancaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enviable climate conditions with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, major tourist and sports facilities and an international airport nearby, organisers want to bring all these aspects together under one roof and highlight what is on offer, opening the event to both sports professionals and

organisations and the tourism industry. The Summit also brings together world-class speakers from the sports section such as Javier Tebas, President of La Liga Professional Football League and Simon Gravelling from the Olympic organising committee. Debates and seminars will also be held on analysing, studying and understanding sports tourism from all points of view. For more information on the full programme or to apply for a place at the Summit, visit www.universalsportstourism.com.

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Festive fun with Exponadal FESTIVE family fun is available at the IFA e xhibition c e ntre by A lic a nte Elche airport with Exponadal which opens tomorrow (Friday) and runs until December 31. The re is a ra nge of activities for everyone including fairground rides, crafts, workshops, children’s shows and food a nd drink s ta lls . Youngsters will be able to learn pottery, visit the animated dinosaur exhibit, play on c ompute r c ons ole s a nd e ve n build their own boat with Playmobil in the Volvo Zone. Tickets cost €10 on the door, but €8 with advanced booking via the IFA website at www.feria-alicante.com/calen dario-ferial. Exponadal opens from 11am-9pm except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when the show closes at 7pm. Santa will also be making an appearance on Christmas Eve.

FESTIVE FUN: Exponadal opens at the IFA for the Christmas period.

Family films this Christmas THERE is just one chance to see The BFG at the cinema in Pilar de la Horadada this week as the cinema is closed on its usual Saturday this week for Christmas Eve celebrations. The BFG is showing tonight (Thursday) at 7pm. Based on the much-loved Roald Dahl book, the film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was released earlier this year. It tells the story of a girl who encounters the Big Friendly Giant, who is an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat children. Another family favourite is also being shown on December 29, Pete’s Dragon, at 7pm. Again, there will only be a Thursday screening that week and the cinema will be closed on Saturday December 31. Tickets cost €5 and the cinema is located in the Duplex Espacio Cultural in Calle Canalejas, 4. To keep updated on the latest films search Cinemapilar on Facebook or visit http://cinemapilar.blogspot.c om.es.

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Winter getaways pricier this year By Sam Croft WINTERTIME has arrived meaning many people are renting cottages and chalets so they can get away for a few days and enjoy some skiing. Others might

prefer relaxing by the fire with some hot chocolate and a good book. In any case, these winter getaways are a popular alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city during the Christmas period. Owing to this popularity, prices for rented residences have seen a slight increase this year,

according to data released from real estate portal Pisos.com. The average price in 2016 for a chalet or cottage near a ski resort is €562 a week, a rise of 0.4 per cent compared to 2015. However, the prices are 2.8 per cent lower than they were four years ago. Winter rentals come in all shapes and sizes,

and not surprisingly, in all price ranges. The survey by Pisos.com indicated the gap between the most expensive and cheapest weekly rate is €672. A handful of high-end chalets in the Pyrenees of Lleida cost the most, charging an average weekly price of €1,006. Those looking for more of a bargain may want to head to Segovia, where the av-

erage weekly price is €372 a week, or to Fuentes de Invierno in Asturias (€387) or La Rioja (€394). Miguel Angel Alemany, general director of Pisos.com said “residences at the foot of the ski slopes have recoved very well in recent years, but there are also many nearby municipalities where there are great opportunities at excellent prices.”

SKI BREAKS: A popular alternative for Christmas.

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Sell your property the E-Style way WHY not make 2017 the year you make the move and buy or sell your home in Spain? If you are looking to move on, E-Style property experts has international buyers ready and waiting to buy on the Costa Blanca and is looking for more properties to meet these needs. In return, this popular real estate company in Punta Prima, offers sellers a free valuation, professional photos and extensive marketing. E-Style produce high quality glossy brochures to attract buyers and advertise in leading, worldwide property magazines. It is listed on property portal Kyero, attends major property exhibitions and has a multi-international network of collaborating agents. The dedicated sales team speak five languages so international buyers and sellers feel comfortable dealing in their native language. The website is managed by a Londonbased web designer who has it listed highly on the Google search engine and by a Russian specialist so it features on the Yandex search engine. The company, which was established in 1996, believes these marketing services make it unrivalled for sellers wanting to find a buyer and it has indeed helped hundreds of people sell their property.

Reduced rate of evictions THE amount of evictions in Spain between July and September this year represented a drop of 11.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2015. The data released by the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) potentially represents another sign the country is making its way out of the crisis. The CGPJ has indicated the amount of evictions carried out in the third quarter of the year 9,094 - is the lowest number since the fourth quarter of 2007. Every region in the country saw a decrease in evictions in the third quarter of the year in comparison to 2015.

PROPERTY EXPERTS: E-Style has been established since 1996. E-Style is also a local leader. Situated in the popular Punta Prima Commercial Centre the office is in a perfect position for passing trade and around half of enquiries come from

those entering from the street. There is also a lot of local advertising in the Orihuela Costa and on major billboards along the N-332. E-Style also offers clients a comprehensive

range of services, including searches, purchasing and a full legal registration of all types of real estate. It uses only the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading lawyers and notaries, whose experience and reliability has been proven over a number of years so customers know they are in safe hands whether buying or selling. E-Style also pride themselves on the care and attention given to clients and its after sales service. Help and advice is given throughout the sales process both before, during and after. The company has had a successful and busy 2016 and is looking forward to an even busier 2017. For those looking for a new home or investment, it also has an extensive range of quality new build properties in the Costa Blanca area and many exclusive re-sales. To find out how E-Style can best help you sell your home, contact the multi-lingual team now on 966 799 645 or visit the modern and welcoming office in the Punta Marina Commercial Centre. E-Style Punta Marina Commercial Centre Punta Prima Tel: 966 799 645 Visit www.estylespain.com

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Government will not combat ‘vulture funds’ THE National Government is concerned about social housing being sold to ‘vulture funds’ but considers the issue to fall under the jurisdiction of the autonomous communities. During a Senate meeting, Maria Pilar Garrido Gutierrez, the senator from the parliamentary group Unidos Podem-En Comu PodemEn Marea grilled Minister of Development Iñigo de la Serna on the subject. She asked the minister what measures the National Government plans to implement to stop investment funds or profit-seeking entities from snapping up social housing and using it for their own personal gains. De la Serna pointed out that matters relating to real es-

tate fall under the umbrella of the autonomous communities and that “the National Government respects the current legislation.” According to De la Serna, the National Government can only approve property-related plans once they are run through the regional governments. Representatives from the Ministry of Development are scheduled to meet with representatives from the autonomous communities on Thursday December 15 to discuss the potential direction of future property plans. STOP SALES: Of social housing.

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Go loco and grow cocoa Photo Credit: Dr. Morley Read shutterstock

By Graeme Tyrrell THE Mediterranean climate allows for a wide range of plants to be grown. The restrictions of soil quality, water availability and the ability to create microclimates are really where gardening skills are required to make the most of the possibilities. It will require more planning and preparation and after care to maintain exotic plants but if you have the time it can be a great interest. If you want to add some elements of exotic interest or reminders of home to your Mediterranean garden or balcony, it is possible to grow many temperate and various tropical plants. There are many gardens in Spain that, in addition to their almond, citrus and olive trees, have tropical avocados and bananas and yet also pears, apples and peaches of the temperate climates. The secret to growing exotic plants successfully is to replicate the natural environment they come from as far as possible. If you are really adventurous, there is a plant, with heavenly connotations for many people, that can add great interest to a garden. It is known as the food of the

CHOCOLATE TREE: It is possible to grow your own with careful planning and care. gods, recognised by the greek botanical genus name Theobroma which means god food. It is better known by its species name, cocoa. In the indigenous Mexican regional language of Nahuati it is known as xoclati, but to most of us it is known for being the main flavour source of chocolate, the cocoa tree. Cocoa beans from the tree were first introduced into Europe by the Spanish and their use soon spread as a

sweet delicacy, with regional recipes developed to give us the vast range of delightful delicacies we have today. The cocoa tree grows naturally as an under storey plant shaded by taller trees in rain forests but as it matures it can tolerate full sun. So a well shaded, sheltered spot in the garden is ideal. They are cold sensitive below 8°C so the best place is next to a heated building or, if in a pot, it can be brought indoors in winter to a well lit

location. They will tolerate cold below 8°C but may lose their leaves and be set back. Frost is likely to kill them. Windy conditions are detrimental. The soil required to grow them needs copious amounts of organic material of high fertility with regular addition of nutrients several times a year, as in a tropical forest environment. Ensure the soil stays moist all year through supplementary watering as necessary, like in a rainforest environment.

Christmas cactus care CHRISTMAS cactus or Schlumbergera are cacti which originally come from Brazilian tropical rainforests, meaning they are a little different to other types of cactus. They are ideal for planting in hanging baskets as their stems and flowers tend to droop downwards. This is the best time of the year to buy Schlumbergera as they are in flower and it’s easy to choose a plant with multiple shoots, a sign of strength and health. In the warmer months they can be kept outside, however they hate direct sunlight and should be kept in a cool, shady spot. Whereas most cacti store water, this is not the case for Christmas cacti, meaning they require more frequent watering (once per week in the summer and every 15 days the rest of the year). Make sure though that the

earth is dry before watering and avoid waterlogging the pot as this can lead to mould. To favour flowering add a phosphorous and potassium rich fertiliser to the water. Common problems: Fungus or rotted stem-bases are a sign of excessive watering. Reduce frequency of watering and cut off the damaged areas. Flowers which fall off before opening are usually due to draughts or a lack of water. Stems which lose their colour are a sign of a lack of light. Place the cactus in a lighter area, but not directly in the sun.

Flowers can appear throughout the year and the cocoa fruit is gradually harvested over several months. The pod contains 30-40 bean seeds which you can separate from the pod to be dried in the sun. The cocoa bean is naturally bitter but when crushed into powder and a sweetener added, it reveals the exquisite taste of chocolate we all know. So with careful planning and care, you can have your own chocolate tree.

Design trends for year ahead PINTEREST is a social media platform which has become increasingly popular with those looking for decorating inspiration. With this in mind, its insights team has analysed data from the last year to predict the interiors trends for 2017. The colours of the year are likely to be navy and copper. Popularity of navy instead of black has increased by 80 per cent, Pinterest deduced, while that of copper instead of gold rose by 90 per cent. The pattern everyone is expected to be mad about next year is marble, with companies quickly catching on and creating wallpaper and accessories with a marbled effect. Hygge, a trend based on the Scandinavian style of cosy living, is set to stay in fashion with warm yet simple designs and rustic or farmhouse tones being the overall atmosphere to go for. For accessories, Pinterest has forecast we will all be going for indoor vines, which has seen a 260 per cent increase in interest on the platform since September, and floating art.

COOL CACTUS: Keep outside in summer in a shady spot.

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Daisy and Glossy have made themselves at home House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! To find a pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742.

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Puppies bought from the Internet David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

RESIDENTS’ REPORT: Gail keeps Ann updated on the cats and the house. ANN a homeowner in Fuengirola Spain has found that in the seven years since living in this part of Spain she has attracted large numbers of stray cats. They simply turn up at the door looking for a caring hand and over the years she has crossed paths with a large number who simply move on after a few meals. Daisy and Glossy, however, have stayed with her for four years now. They are fixtures in her home and don’t need a great deal of attention but she has grown very fond of them. As a working lawyer with a base in the UK Ann still travels a great deal and worries about her cats when she is away from them. Her current trip is a long one and may stretch from three to six months. She found HouseSitMatch online and registered. Within a couple of weeks we had

found her an experienced house-sitter in Gail. Ann has returned to the UK to take care of some urgent business leaving Gail in charge. Gail sends Ann regular updates on the property and its feline residents. Gail in the meantime has three to six months free accommodation in a sunnier climate to her Scottish homeland. Both joined HouseSitMatch as standard members for the cost of only £35 per year! Do you need a sitter? Get in touch. Housesitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as a house-sitter or homeowner now with a 20 per cent off introductory offer using code PERFECT20. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

Could your pet give you salmonella? INVESTIGATORS at Valencia’s CEU-Cardenal Herrera university have warned of the possible dangers of keeping turtles as pets. In a study led by veterinary professor Clara Marin, investigators discovered the presence of salmonella in 29 per cent of 96 privatelyowned turtles kept as pets.

The reptiles show no symptoms, yet this considerable number of carriers is extremely likely to pass the bacteria on to its owners, especially children, the elderly or people with weak immune systems, Marin said. This should be taken into account by parents who choose turtles as pets for their children

due to their small size and convenience, and pet shops should warn of the dangers, the investigators said. In Europe 100,000 cases of salmonella are diagnosed each year and although most are due to contaminated food, it’s estimated about 6 per cent are from contact with turtles and reptiles.

MORE people are buying pups online and sadly paying the price. Many puppies bought from such outlets, which are often used by puppy farmers, require long-term veterinary treatment or die before reaching six months. Research carried out by the UK Kennel Club found that one in three people may have bought their pup from a puppy farm after sourcing the animal through the internet, so-

PUPPY FARMS: Dogs often become ill or die young. cial media or newspaper adverts. This has increased from one in five last year. The research found that a third of puppies bought from one of these outlets failed to experience overall good health; almost one in five puppies bought via social media or the internet died before six months of age; and 12 per cent of pups bought online or on social media ended up with serious health problems.

Meanwhile, 94 per cent of puppies bought direct from a breeder were reported as having good overall health. The choice is obvious, especially when you’re thinking about what’s best for your pet. Remember, you could be lumbered with a very sick animal, and incur heavy fees from vets all because you didn’t do enough research to find out where your pet has come from and been.

The rats sniffing out bombs and TB RATS get a bad press. Ever since the Black Death they’ve been on virtually everyone’s bad list and stayed there. That is being overturned though in a big way thanks to the sense of smell of one of their number, in this case the African giant-pouched rat. Their sense of smell is so acute that these rats are being trained by a Belgian charity, APOPO, to work in two very different worlds, those of TB and mine clearance. From the age of four weeks they are socialised to get used to people and trained to respond to a special click sound that they associate with a reward of food. After this they have to search for their target scent, either a sample of TB infected tissue or the smell associated with explosives. Amazingly the mine detection rats can sniff out and search an area of 200 sq m in just 20 minutes. This would take humans about 25 hours to do. When it comes to TB, a rat can screen 100 samples in 20 minutes. The same would take a lab technician four days to complete. The ability of the rats to sniff out explosives is badly needed. They are at work in Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. With mines generally activated by anything over 5kg, the rats have the big advantage in weighing only 1.5kg. So far none of them have been killed or, indeed, injured. If SMART RATS: Can you would like to donate to the APOPO sniff out TB and charity, you can find them at https://sup explosives. port.apopo.org/en/support-us.

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A Christmas Tale from Tuscany By Dario Poli (part 2) GIOVANNI’S childhood friend was solidly impressive in a rough checked shirt and a rope holding up his corduroy trousers and wearing thick boots. Of medium height, he had fair wavy hair, ruddy complexion and steely grey penetrating eyes. His handshake, firm but gentle, was his calling card. I sensed immediately this man was built by nature, blessed with an abundance of good health. Wiry and physically strong, a morally incorruptible individual, with genuine spirituality exuding from every pore in his body. He grabbed the ropes, held and restrained the two excited mules. One particularly aggressive mule with his eyes on me, clearly intended to kick me as hard as he could, turning and twisting, to deliver the blow. With Silvio still firmly holding them, they finally calmed down and he amiably conversed with us about the old times and mutual friends. I asked him about local Christmas customs, and he told me about the little town of Castiglione, where at twilight, a man whose identity is known

only to the priest, enters the vestry and is closed inside the wardrobe. After Mass, the congregation leaves the church in procession and find the penitent (the same man who had been closed in the wardrobe) at the door dressed like Jesus Christ. The man leads the procession through the streets of the village wearing a hood to prevent anyone from recognising him and carrying a cross. At the end of the procession the penitent is closed again inside the wardrobe and emerges unseen only late at night. He invited us to enter the ninth century Church, of which he was the keeper. He released the mules and drove them away from the nervous visitors, then with a large metal key unlocked and pushed open wide the huge creaking doors. Once inside, I was met with the pungent smell of incense and as my eyes gradually became accustomed to the darkness, I was able to pick out a white marble altar directly in front of me fully prepared for a Christmas Mass. The interior had been left exactly as it was, as the final celebration of Christmas.

There were a number of ornate pillars supporting the wooden beamed roof, and beneath them were several rows of wooden benches for the villagers to occupy during past services. Near one of the pillars a large beautiful crib had been built to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus and was totally illuminated like a stage spotlight, Ga rfa gn an a, vi lla ge of by a penetrating shaft Ce se ra na . of light emanating from a round stainedThe men deep in their meditations glass window above. With the excepwere not at all disturbed by the arrival tion of light coming from the enof worshippers from the animal kingtrance, the rest of the church was in dom. The touching and quite amazing almost total darkness. scene of two men, two mules, and a Giovanni and Silvio standing dog, gazing silently and reverently in silently beside the crib made the sign homage at the crib appeared to be the of the cross and prayed. most natural occurrence in the world. The silence was broken by the Had I not seen this event with my echoing sound of hooves clip-clopown eyes, I would never have given ping on the stone floor. this story any credence. The two mules and Silvio’s brown Leaving the church Giovanni and I hunting dog, entered the church and said our goodbyes and in silence calmly ambled down the aisle, then turned towards the path, engrossed in stood silently in front of the crib.

our own private thoughts. Before descending, I turned and saw Silvio; his dog and the two mules, watching us depart framed by the magnificent mountains behind them. Mentally thanking each one of them for sharing with me a little of their living time and giving me a rare glimpse of innocence. The imagery of that special Christmas Eve holiday will be forever engraved in my memory and my heart. THE END

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tion packages with premium quality content unlike the re-broadcast systems, are available. With such a wide range available, this is ideal for owners who rent out their properties, meaning international visitors will be able to have their own familiar shows and make your property more selective than any other without TV. Do you need internet or telephone? AA Free English TV can even supply real 4G internet in the campo or anywhere the re-broadcasters often can’t reach. It is your one-stop shop for everything you need for television, internet and telephone, so get in touchtoday and arrange to see the systems working for yourself to see how good the quality is, the range of channels available and how easy the systems are to use. Everything is easy to understand and Pete will talk you through everything and find the best system to suit your location and needs. AA Free English TV Tel: 606 297 825 Visit www.aafreeenglishtv.com or www.facebook.com/aafreeenglishtv/

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CHARITIES/CHURCHES ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: *648 169 045* or Costa Blanca South: *625 912 078* or Costa Calida *679 385 105*. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aacostablanca.org (93323) ROUNDABOUT CHARITY SHOP. We are now into summer and very soon we will be feeling the heat! It is time therefore for another visit to the shop where you might find a bargain or two. Choose from the clothing selection, jewellery, household goods, books or bric a brac. There is usually something there for everyone —- but not always. Charitable donations have recently been made to The Alzheimers Centre, Cancer Research and The Amigos Ambulance Service. We still need your help with donations etc. Please keep them coming in! We are situated on Avenida Del Furs close to the Fountain Roundabout and immediate left by Don Colchon bed shop. (93325) THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, Torrevieja Branch, meet at 17.00 on the first Wednesday of each month at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar 3 (behind Carrefour), Torrevieja. Contact Paul Edwards, Chairman 618 644 934 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996. (95455) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Orihuela Costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. The branch meets at Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras on 3rd Thursday of each month at 19.00 - 19.30pm. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk.

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). Both offices are open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1.30 pm and the Helpdesk at La Marina is open every Thursday (10 am to 1.30 pm) at the Hope Fellowship Church (opposite the Thursday Market site) at Avda de Justo Antonio Quesada, Urb. La Marina (Tel 615770145). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com We also have a 24 hour Emergency help-line which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) THE BAKER FOUNDATION for SPIRITUAL AWARENESS. 16 Nicolas De Bussi Ave, Playa Flamenca. Sunday Service every week 11am to 12 noon, everyone welcome. For further details please phone/fax 966 760 665 (95458) THE PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB meets every Friday in the Bar Catorce, Benijofar. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) CHARITY BOOK STALL PEGO THURSDAY MARKET. Selection of over 500 books, all proceeds given to the elderly/disabled of Pego and local Animal Rescue. More stock always required please contact Chrissie 965 977 228/617 647 395 (95460) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188 (95461) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, Calle Canalejas, 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am & Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and Worship. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information www.pi larchurch.org Reg No: 2009SG/A (95463) TORREVIEJA Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our ser-

vices with communion and ‘kids church’ each Sunday at 10.30am. We have a Fellowship Meeting (Bible Study) each Wednesday at 6.00pm. For further information see our website www.tcfSpain.org or tel 966 700 391. (95464) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION JAVEA BRANCH meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month @ Scallops Rest on the Arenal at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome to attend as a visitor and join the branch if they wish. Anyone needing any help or advice on welfare, or any information regarding the branch can contact either Sheila on 965 791 270 or Roger on 965 790 123 (95472) TORREVIEJA STROKE SUPPORT GROUP meets each Friday 2.45pm to 5pm in The Annex, (behind Age Concern Centre), Calle Paganini, Urb. La Siesta. Our aim is to support stroke survivors and their carers by a range of facilities from speech therapy, rehabilitation exercise, group discussion etc. For info: Louie 966 718 964 or 965 071 920, e-mail: strokesupport group@hotmail.com Donations and further voluntary helpers are needed and guest speakers with relevant knowledge or experience are very welcome. (95473) THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets 1st Monday of every month (except July and August) at Bar Sioux , Avda Escandinavia GA at 7pm for 7.30pm prompt. For further info contact Brian, Branch Secretary on 639 917 971 / email secretary br3606@gmail.com (95474) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer has opened a charity shop at C/Virgen de los Desamparados No 13 (next door to Mas y mas) El Campello. The shop is open Mon-Fri 10 - 2pm and is run by unpaid volunteers and all monies raised goes to the AECC. We urgently need donations of clothes, books, large and small furniture etc, and we will arrange collection of large items. We need volunteers to help out in the shop and also clothes rails, shelves etc. for display. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please stop by

at the shop. Contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.com (95475) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja Evangelical non-denominational Sunday services 11am Children’s church 11am House groups in T o r r e v i e j a , Los Balcones, San Javier Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Pastor, Rafael Restrepo All nationalities welcome 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. (95476) ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca). The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Casa Ventura, San Luis Urbanisation, at 6.30pm. For further details Hon Sec 965 724 652 FREEMASONRY Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee Tel: 966 712 326 or email: palmers.quesa da@yahoo.co.uk (95477) ROYAL AIR FORCES Association Branch #1359 Costa Blanca The Branch meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the El Paraiso Restaurant located close to the Carrefour Supermarket in Torrevieja. The meeting starts at 1430 hrs. You do not have to be an ex-member of the RAF to join this friendly Association which supports the welfare of the RAF family and provides a social hub for ex RAF members and their friends. For further information about the Association and its activities please contact the Chairman on 692 508 916 or the Welfare Officer on 615 048 892 or visit our website: www.rafacb.com.

CHARITY

CHIMNEY SWEEP

PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP. Family Business established over 60 years. 660 478 881 (247324)

DAMP www.dryzone-espana.com - We are the longest established Damp Proofing company in Spain. We can cure Rising Damp, leaking Flat Roof or Terrace problems quickly & safely. We can make your Underbuild Dry. Villa Paint Due! We can protect your villa & stop PENETRATING DAMP with a Protective Coating. Call us for a survey now; Tel: 634 322 672 (249646)

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

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

INSURANCE

METALWORK MOBILE Metal Work Any welding or plasma cutting work carried out. For a free quote call 639 487 503

WANTED WANTED Cars, vans, caravans, 4 X 4’s British Spanish 600 781 873 ibuyany car@hotmail.com (249193)

MUSIC TUITION MOBILITY MOBILITY equipment wanted. Cash paid. Scooters, wheelchairs etc etc Phone Will´s 602 547 878 MOBILITY CENTRE, Mobility equipment hire, scooters, wheelchairs etc. 24hr service. Tel: 966 193 167 or 691 305 452 (247338)

MOTOR HOMES

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (240072)

PERGOLA COVERS TAILOR made, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and BBQ covers. Mazarron based, and at Procomobel Market, Guardamar Saturday mornings. 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk (249001)

PETS

PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required. For further information call or e-mail us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@petcouriers.com or www.petcouriers.com (243861)

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

WANTED RESPONSIBLE PERSON with a Van who is able to transport dogs with the owner from Spain to the UK. Contact 697 763 061 (253240)

PET CHARITIES WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct 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)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare .net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) www.euroweeklynews.com

MOTOR HOMES

INSURANCE

966 719 951

quesada@ibexinsure.com

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Shelter open 7 days a week 12noon - 2.00pm & 3.30pm 7.00pm. (Spanish speaking staff) or phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog, or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com EURO WEEKLY NEWS CLASSIFAX AGENT (95708) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, defleed. We also need volunteers to help Car boot sale in Polop on Sundays Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

MOTORING

SOS <http://www.sosinsur anceinspain.com> Insurance in Spain. Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 82 euros per year and cars from 120 euros. Tel 966 787 123 / 622 275 561 / 686 116 297 / email info@sosinsur anceinspain.com (249619)

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PET TRANSPORT THE DOG MOVER. Licensed transporters. Two handlers, so never alone. 651 581 067 / 0044 (0) 7875 947230. www.thedog mover.com (228731)

PLUMBING MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (245706)

POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (236558)

PROPERTY FOR SALE CIUDAD QUESEDA Villa 500m2 plot, 4 double bedrooms, large bathroom and shower room. Large Balcony, Cloakroom, lounge dinner, large kitchen (white goods included). Oil central heating though out. Double glazed conservatory, car port. 10x8 solar heated pool. Screened BBQ area, plus much more seeing is believing. 340,000€. Contact 688 486 752 private sale (247337)

CLASSIFIEDS 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 (248315)

SITUATIONS VACANT

REMOVALS & STORAGE 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 (245637) UK-SPAIN-IRELAND. Removals with the personal touch. Pets carried with care 965 696 750 / 0044 (0) 7447 918 589 e-mail chrisy ounge73979@aol.com (241100) UK - SPAIN -Anywhere Europe! Masses of experience. New clean vehicles. Insured with Royal Sun Alliance. Genuinely CARING service. FULL and / Part moves. ONLINE QUOTES!! www.bmceuropean.com Tel: UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 FIND US ON FACEBOOK! (243375)

For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

EARN 300€ to 2,500€ per month working with a reputable British PLC. Flexible Hours. No Selling. Local Training & Support. For more information go to www.the-vistagroup.com (249564) 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@euroweek lynews.com.

SOLAR LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegastore.es (232402

CLASSIFIEDS SPAS & JACUZZI

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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)

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

TRANSLATION ENGLISH & Spanish Translator 634 688 502 (245740) WE CAN TRANSLATE FOR YOU AT THE NOTARY’S OFFICE FOR PROPERTY SALE/PURCHASE, POWER OF ATTORNEY OR CONTRACTS. WE CAN HELP YOU OBTAIN N.I.E, RESIDENCIA, S.I.P CARDS, GUARDIA CIVIL ETC. Tel. 692 144 411 (245630)

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

WANTED

JACUZZI, SPAS, HOT TUBS WANTED. Working or not 650 722 905 (247258) WANTED Quad Bike and Jet Ski. Call 650 722 905 RECORDS & CDs WANTED. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues. Top cash paid. Henry 630 665 363

PUNTA PRIMA - 2 sexy hot blonde bombshells waiting for you with many kisses Tel 632 790 691 (247428)

ENJOY Veronica´s exciting full 1 hour massage. Fully qualified. For an appointment call 679 292 678 (245675)

ARIANA Punta Prima.Come and enjoy exquisite pleasure kisses. 603 122 202 (247429)

ORIHUELA COSTA. Luxury Villa with 6 slim, young and vivacious girls. All services, 24h, sex toys, strap-on, fetishes, couples, lingerie, credit cards, outcalls. www.champagneand girls.com. 645 385 461 (248284)

WOODEN POOLS LIMITED. Manufacturers & installers of wooden above ground pools. Take the plunge with one of the above ground pools. Best of all “No Planning Permission Required” Tel: 634 322 672. Phone or email for a FREE COLOUR BROCHURE & PRICE LIST NOW. www.woodenpo ols.limited info@woodenpo ols.limited (249646)

LA ZENIA. Sexy 20 year old Spanish girl. Natural French, anal, lesbian, all services. I love white party. 645 385 461. (248284)

FEMALE SOPHIE. Escort, sexy, slim, élégante, naughty lady, home or hotel. 3 languages spoken. 693 357 526 (245721)

BEAUTIFUL Dutch girl, 36, slim, blonde hair, big breasts, all fantasies. Campoamor, 676 067 381 (247280)

SPANISH lady - classic. Playa Flamenca, private house, 35 years, attractive. All erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie. From €40. Ana 865 646 437 (247439)

SWIMMING POOLS

EWN

FRIENDLY MATURE ENGLISH lady offers massage plus escort service in a comfortable apartment in San Javier area. Call Vicky on 691 842 737 for further information. (236602)

www.chicosorihuela.com. Guys, transvestites, complacent, feisty. We are eager and hot. DARE!!! 616 804 411 (240271) SALA LUXX. See our free drink voucher worth €8 on Page 25 (249081) DISCREET sensual pleasure with petite Spanish lady. Contact 722 887 009 (249223)

VARIOUS KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. Roy- 602 579 481 VIAGRA/Kamagra/Cialis/Weigh t loss pills the best prices in Spain! BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on certain items. Order securely & discreetly online: www.costapills.net Postal Nationwide deliverysales@ costapills.net (253176)

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E W N 22 - 28 December 2016

Costa Blanca South

SPONSORED BY

FOR BEST RATES IN MOTOR INSURANCE CALL: 952 89 33 80

Clarkson Quote of the Week

MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com

Koenigsegg are saying that the new CCX is more comfortable... more comfortable than what? Being stabbed? Some might say...

Changing of the guard By Matthew Elliott GOOGLE has launched its first foray into the pioneering world of autonomous cars with the formal unveiling of new sister company Waymo, which is expected to whet its appetite for world domination with a self-driving taxi service. Waymo says that drivers around the

world clock up an incredible 10 trillion miles each year, one of those fantastically difficult to challenge numbers, and that it will make every one of those miles safer. First step in the Google revolution will be a self-driving taxi fleet. It probably

won’t be sparing expats awkward conversations of payment moments in far flung corners of the world. More likely the fleet will occupy the pristine streets of tech cities like San Francisco and Seattle, charging executives

an arm and a leg for WiFi access on their way to meetings. After the taxi fleet, the sky is the limit. The motoring world will be transformed beyond all recognition with the entrance of tech and software companies into the market, challenging the power players of Ford, Volkswagen etc, who has ruled the roost for a century.

GOOGLE TAXIS: Will be a self-driving fleet.

Motoring shorts

What is in a name? AFTER almost a century in the motoring game, Porsche have become so irritated by constant mispronunciations of their deliberately hard to pr onounce nam e t hat t hey’ ve now r el eased a video telling people exactly how to say it. Those who pronounce it as one syllable, dropping the ‘e’ at the end now have no excuse and will be accordingly humiliated at mot or i ng gal as and cockt ai l parties until the end of time. The video is just 16 seconds long in keeping with a strict German no nonsense approach and features a man voicing how exactly to say i t phonet i cal l y onscreen... Por-she.

ROAD TEST

Honda HR-V: compact SUV by Nick Fletcher HONDA’S entry into the compact SUV market was a little later than most rivals, but the current HR-V underlines why it was certainly worth the wait. Dynamic styling, generous levels of standard equipment and class-leading interior space give the HR-V compelling appeal in a class already well served with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti and new Suzuki Vitara. HR-V prices start at £18,695 (€21,053) for an entry level S version which comes with al-

loy wheels, climate control, CD/DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB socket, cruise control with speed limiter, four power windows, and auto lights. For many that will tick most of the must-have boxes. There is a 1.5 litre petrol engine or 1.6 litre diesel, with manual and CVT options. My test model was the higher-spec SE Navi model, priced in manual form at £23,050 (€25,956) and adding extra kit including larger 17” alloys, front and rear parking sensors, 7” touchscreen infotainment centre and driver assistance pack with

lane departure, forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition. It had the 130 hp 1.6 litre diesel unit with a 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds and top speed of 119 mph. Fuel economy is impressive at 68.9 mpg combined. Visual styling is a good pluspoint. Its more sporty stance and coupé appearance (it has four doors but the rear door handles are hidden to give a two-door look) give it a boost over less sleek rivals. The dashboard is user friendly though is visually

rather dull. Front and rear occupants get plenty of space and the load area is also good, 470 litres with the rear seats in use, and 1,553 litres with them folded. The seats fold flat easily and a minimal lip makes loading easier. There is also useful under-floor storage. When it comes to the driving it establishes its credentials as soon as you move off. Smooth quiet power delivery, light intuitive steering and nicely balanced suspension enable you to feel immediately at home, and confident you know just how the car is going to behave.

SPORT

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa Blanca South

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EWN

Chelsea top at Christmas as Murray wins for third time Tony Matthews International Sports A former player and now the world’s most prolific author of football books with almost 150 published since 1975, Tony is also the sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio and lives on La Pilica in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains overlooking Turre. Costa de Almeria

THERE is always plenty of sporting action over the Festive period - enough for everyone to enjoy. And the 12 days of Christmas for 2016 is no different to any other with full programmes of outdoor sport including football, rugby and horse racing, plus the usual indoor events.

who presented him with the trophy in Miami. It is the third time the tennis star has won this prestigious annual award. Triathlete Alistair Brownlee was second with showjumper Nick Skelton third. The Team of the Year award went to Leicester City whose manager, Claudio Ranieri was voted Coach of the Year, while teenage Paralympic swimmer Ellie Robinson claimed

BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Andy Murray was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year last Sunday and it was ex-boxer Lennox Lewis

ANDY MURRAY: Won trophy for third time.

DID YOU KNOW? Surprisingly Harry Kane, the Spurs and England striker, made his Football League debut with Leyton Orient; goalkeeper Joe Hart started out with Shrewsbury Town; defender Gary Cahill played his first League game for Burnley and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson made his bow with Sunderland.

the Young Sports Person of the Year prize, and deservedly so. The ‘Unsung Hero’ award CHELSEA: Are PL leaders.

Manchester United 12 have better sequences) enter Christmas as PL leaders after successive victories over WBA (1-0) and Crystal Palace (1-0), Diego Costa scoring both goals! Chasing Antonio Conte’s men are Manchester City (2-1 winners over Arsenal who suffered two defeats in the North-west in five days after taking the lead), Liverpool (who met Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday) and Spurs (recent 2-1 victors over Burnley). Manchester United (after two hard-earned away wins at Crystal Palace and WBA) are sixth, while Southampton won the south coast derby, beating Bournemouth 3-1. As we head towards Christmas, just three points (one win) separate the bottom four in the Premiership: Crystal Palace (17th), Sunderland (18th), Swansea (19th) and Hull City (20th). Newcastle United (on 49 points), Brighton (48) and Reading (40) sit 1-2-3 in the Championship with Rotherham United at the bottom on 10 points out of a possible 66. The top three in FL1 are Scunthorpe United (47 points), Sheffield UnitLEICESTER ed (44) and Bolton CITY: Wanderers (43) while Team of Plymouth Argyle (44), the Year. Carlisle United (42) and Doncaster Rovers (42) hold the first three places in FL2, and table-toppers Celtic have an 11-point advantage over Glasgow rivals Rangers in the SPL. Last weekend, hot-shot Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet another hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Kashima Antlers 401 marathons in (Japan) 4-2 after extra-time to 401 days) won the win the World Club Cup. ‘Helen Rollason’ Boxing Day fixtures inaward and the brilliant clude Arsenal-WBA, American swimmer, Chelsea-Bournemouth, Hull Michael Phelps was presentCity-Manchester City, ed with a Lifetime AchieveLeicester City-Everton, Livment award. erpool-Stoke City, Manchester United-Sunderland and FOOTBALL Southampton-Tottenham HotIn-form Chelsea, with a run spur in the PL; Brighton and of 11 successive Premiership Hove Albion-QPR, Derby wins (only Arsenal 14 and

went to boxing coach Marcellus Baza; champion distance runner Ben Smith (bullied at school who went on to run

County-Birmingham City (whose new manager is Gianfranco Zola) and Newcastle United-Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship; Bradford City-Scunthorpe United in FL1 and Crewe AlexandraCarlisle United and Plymouth Argyle-Wycombe Wanderers. CRICKET England collapsed in their final innings losing six wickets for just 15 runs and handing India a 4-0 series win. Nair made 303 in a wonderful innings while KL Rahul became the ninth batsman in Test match history to be dismissed for 199. India won by an innings and 75 runs. Geoffrey Boycott said England in Chennai had played “awful cricket.” In the New Year, there are three One Day and T20 internationals between the two countries. RUGBY UNION In last weekend’s European Champions Cup, there were wins for Leicester 18-16 v Munster; Connacht 20-18 v Wasps; Leinster 60-13 v Northampton and Exeter 2012 in Bordeaux. Ospreys 71-3 v Grenoble and Harlequins 75-3 v Timisoara, both recorded big wins in the European Challenge Cup. Tomorrow Northampton play Sale in the Aviva Premiership followed on Saturday by Exeter-Leicester, Saracens-Newcastle and Wasps-Bath on Saturday. ROUND-UP Two-time Olympic equestrian show-jumping/dressage champion, Valegro, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin, has been officially retired. And in Formula One, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has hinted that he wants Valtteri Bottas to partner Lewis Hamilton next year, although some sources have also said that Wolff is a fan of the Aussie driver Daniel Ricciardo. And to all readers everywhere, I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Enjoy.

E W N Costa Blanca South

22 - 28 December 2016

GUNDOGAN tweets: “Don’t worry - I’m still alive” after Manchester City shirt tribute goes viral. The midfielder will miss the rest of the season due to injury.

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Costa Blanca’s best guide to local sport

Eurogolf Xmas Texas Scramble

EUROGOLF MEMBERS: Play was followed by a meal in the Clubhouse. ON Tuesday December 13 Eurogolf played a Texas Scramble followed by a meal in the Clubhouse and the member’s meals were subsidised. As the restaurant was fully booked for the Thursday they had to swap Toffs and Eurogolf days. A raffle was held and €150 was raised for the Captain’s charity which is Caritas Rojales. Also Captain Debbie Weedon announced that the amount of presents being

brought in by the members for the children was fantastic. The results were: 1st the team of Tony Forbes, Geoff Evans, Cindi Green and June Caithness 62.9, 2nd John Barraclough, Bob Shorley, Colin Hobden and Marilyn Eckersall 63.3, 3rd Morag Turner, Gordon Bourne, David Valentine and Frances Buckeridge 64.1. NTPs 5th John Barraclough, 11th Arty Crammon, 15th Franz

SPORT

Brendt, 17th Gill Britten- Football draw Mary Sanderson, Phyllis Venables, Fred Reeve, Jeff Lynch and Ian Stewart. TOFFS Unfortunately due to the weather forecast 30 players started and only four finished so the competition was cancelled. But they still enjoyed mulled wine, Xmas cake, mince pies and sausage rolls. Visit www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk.

El Raso at Las Colinas ON Friday December 16, 24 members of El Raso GS played the monthly Stableford at Las Colinas. The recent heavy rain had left the course not up to its normal standard. The fairways were soggy and the greens were in poor condition with many pitch marks! Buggies had to stay to the paths, leaving them with much walking and club selection problematic. However, half way round the back nine the forecast heavy rain came down in force. Then followed rumbles of thunder and a flash of lightening, resulting in several of the later groups having to withdraw from the course that consequently reflected in their scores. The final results were as fol-

lows: NTP’s: 5th Jeff Lynch, 7th David Valentine, 10th Terry Sharley, 14th Linda Lynch, 17th Lauraine Walker. Alan Venables won the best front nine with 17 pts and best back nine went to David Valentine 13 pts. It was a day for the ladies taking the top three places. Third was Bev Fairhurst with 29 on c/b, second Jan Shorley also with 29 and winner of the day, Lauraine Walker with a super 32 points. After the game they travelled back to the Olde 9th in Quesada where they were treated to a welcome hot snack. Their next scheduled game is on January 27 at their home course La Marquesa.

The Plaza Golf Society WITH the weather set to be a wash out, members got round the course before the heavens opened. Las Ramblas was a great venue for the players. The lowest handicapped player Kevin Harmison took the two’s pot collecting 46€. Best lady was Liz Sully winning a bottle of wine, and last place was Troy Norris with 15 points. Our next game is at Roda, Friday December 30. Please get your name down early. If you wish to join us please contact us at Thep lazagolfsociety@gmail.com. Or find us on Facebook.