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

ISSUE NO. 1642

22 - 28 December 2016

COSTA DEL SOL

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Drugs gang held Gold, guns, â&#x201A;Ź70,000 and vehicles seized

By John Smith Gold bullion, weapons, â&#x201A;Ź70,000 cash and 17 high value vehicles were seized by police as they smashed a Costa del Sol drugs gang. Twenty one people, including Brits, French, Italian and Spanish were arrested as Guardia Civil Officers moved in on the gang that was involved in growing cannabis for local distribution.

Detectives who swooped said the gang members are part of an international criminal conspiracy with properties in Estepona, Marbella and Mijas. Cannabis was being cultivated on at least three plantations. Officers raided eight premises, and as well as seizing the gold, cash, weapons including seven handguns and a shotgun, plus the vehi-

cles, they also found cocaine, 1,250 cannabis plants and anabolic steroids. One of the gang held had been hiding in the United Kingdom but was arrested as he flew into Spain, police said. The gang will be charged with offences including membership of a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and possessing illegal firearms.

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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!

LOCAL NEWS

Local is best

THE 1641 (December 15 - 21) issue of the Costa del Sol Euro Weekly News contained no less than 67 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

forwards 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 commu nity@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 life-changing 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 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 benefits, keeping 30 per cent of the total ticket spend and additionally charging a ‘profit tax’ on winnings over €2,500.

EL GORDO: Has spread fame and fortune.

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 al-

most 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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EWN

Featured News 3

Our View 6

European Press 44

Finance 47 - 52

Stocks 48

Leapy Lee 53

Daily TV 56, 58, 60, 62,

64, 66, 68

Time Out 69 - 72

Gibraltar 74

Letters 76

Health & Beauty 77 - 78

Social Scene 79 - 87

Homes & Gardens 88

Pets 89

Services 90 - 96

Classifieds 98 - 105

Motoring 106 - 1009

Sport 110 - 112

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British real estate tycoon passes away

ONE of the biggest players in Marbella’s real estate market, the millionaire British businessman Judah Binstock, has died, aged 88. Born in the former East Germany, he was said to have grown up in Moscow before becoming a British citizen in the late 1960s. Arriving in Marbella from the UK in the 80s, he was known for buying up areas of land that had not been allocated for development. When restrictions on the issuing of licences for property development were tightened by a former mayor of Marbella, Julian Munoz, a number of councillors tried to oust him. In 2003 The Guardian newspaper in the UK said Binstock was being investigated by Spanish police. This inquiry was said to have followed a claim by the Spanish daily El Mundo that Binstock had supported the move to oust mayor Julian Munoz. In the event, the politics of real estate in Marbella achieved national notoriety when the town was revealed to be at the centre of a scandal which ended with multiple convictions in

A BRITISH couple implicated in a German investment scam worth millions of euros have been apprehended in Estepona under a European arrest warrant. The 57-year-old man and 55-year-old woman have been wanted by Munich police

MARBELLA PLAYER: Was known for buying up areas of land. Spain’s largest-ever corruption trial. In 2013, 53 pe ople w e re found guilty of offences ranging from real estate fraud to bribery and two former mayors were jailed.

Known as the Malaya case, the cashfor-votes scandal involved urban planning adviser Juan Antonio Roca paying off i ci al s t o appr ove pl anni ng permits.

Dodgy twosome nabbed since early November. The crimes they are accused of date back to 2009 and involve scamming 230 victims out of €4.8 million. Dodgy in-

vestment firms were set up encouraging people to put their money into fictitious companies they pretended were involved in the gold market.

Their precise involvement remains unclear. They will be deported to Germany to face charges of simulating commercial activity.

NEWS

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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

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FEATURE

Counterfeit goods operation raided By John Smith A MASSIVE operation which produced high quality fake goods mainly sold in the Costa del Sol has been broken up by the National Police who have arrested 55 people. The items were so well made and so difficult to distinguish from the originals tha t the s e goods s old a t prices from €100 to €400 and the whole network was first reported when an international handbag manufacturer appointed a private detective to try to identify the s ourc e of the fa ke ite ms w hic h w e re flooding the Costa del Sol. Once he had compiled his report, information was passed to the National Po-

Photo by National Police

POLICE OPERATION: Discovered the clandestine factory.

The items were so well made and so difficult to distinguish from the originals that these goods sold at prices from €100 to €400.”

lice and they identified the fact that the goods were being made in a workshop in

Ubrique in Cadiz Province and were being shipped to a Marbella warehouse where

they were then sold in shops and markets in Estepona, Marbella and Fuengirola. The majority of people involved in the production and wholesale distribution of these high quality counterfeit goods were of Maghreb origin and they in turn supplied the goods to countrymen in the Costa del Sol. A number of properties and market stalls were raided and a secondary warehouse was discovered in Torremolinos and apart from the 55 people arrested, officers seized 4,865 leather products, 9,800 garments, 544 watches and 138 belts as well as false dies to allow for the leather goods in particular to be branded as if real.

Ten day crime spree ends in jail spotted four youths listening to music inside A MAN from Alora who went on a 10-day a parked car in Campanillas. Climbing into crime spree has been jailed for eight and a half the driving seat and threatening the passenyears. gers with a screwdriver, he drove them to The 28-year-old defendant, who appeared Las Castañetas, where one of the men manbefore Malaga Provincial Courts, was found aged to escape. He then took the other three guilty of a long list of crimes including vehicle to his sister’s house in theft, burglary, kidAlora, where he denapping and injuring a police officer between Eventually the group re- manded money and reSeptember 8 and 18 turned to the car but had fused to allow them to leave. 2015. an accident, with the vehiEventually the group The spree, the sencle overturning and being returned to the car but tence stated, began completely destroyed.” had an accident, with with the theft of a car the vehicle overturning in Alora which the acand being completely destroyed. Yet the cused drove to a nearby supermarket. After youths’ ordeal did not end then, as their kidbreaking in, he stole various bottles of alcoholic napper forced them to accompany him to drinks and €100 in cash before driving to Las Pizarra, where he tried unsuccessfully to Castañetas and setting fire to the car. steal three more cars before his hostages A few nights later, it continued, he stole managed to escape and go to the Guardia three cars, two motorbikes and a bicycle in Civil for help. quick succession, using each for a while beBefore his arrest, the sentence stated, the defore stealing anything inside and abandoning fendant injured a police officer who he kicked them. in the chest. Events continued when the defendant

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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.”

NEWS

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NEWS EXTRA

Lights off THE Xmas light and music shows on Malaga City’s Calle Larios were turned off Tuesday and Wednesday as a sign of respect for victims of an attack on a Christmas market in Berlin.

Call of duty TWO policewomen in Torremolinos saved the day by managing to evacuate a woman from a flat fire. The officers spotted smoke pouring from the window of a third floor flat and entered the building to investigate.

Rental dues LOCAL tenants owe more monthly payments to their landlords than anywhere else in Andalucia. Malaga Province now has an average tenant debt of €7,443 in unpaid rent, well above the national average of €6,425.

Be responsible for a happy Christmas By Sam Croft MARBELLA Council has given citizens some tips that will help them maximise their happiness during the Christmas period. Through the Municipal Consumer’s Information Office (OMIC), the council has offered up a series of recommendations. Councillor Ana Leschiera said that “it is important during a period in which we usually consume more than usual that citizens follow some basic advice so that they enjoy the festivities without going overboard.” The OMIC pointed out that people should always attempt to plan out their purchases. To do this, it is essential to be organised. They should know how much money they have

and organise their shopping budgets accordingly. OMIC points out that consumers should always try not to exceed their budgets and should not be swiping their credit cards indiscriminately. The council also suggested reusing clothes and decorations, buying fresh seasonal foods or freezing things well in advance. Other top tips included saving tickets and receipts for tax purposes and verifying that establishments are complying with security measures during New Year ’s Eve celebrations. TOP TIPS: You should always try to plan out purchases.

Perversion of power A LOCAL football coach has been held over claims he sexually abused young boys under his care. One formal allegation of physical abuse has been made and at least five other cases of potential grooming are being investigated. National Police arrested Juan Carlos, a 44-year-old Malaga man, after parents of one boy came forward with the claims, and have denied him bail. Five other boys have come forward to detail the exchange of sexual images on social media sites with the coach. They claimed to have been bullied into agreeing for fear that disobeying would hurt their football careers. Detectives have seized two laptops and other electronic devices at the home of the accused. Juan Carlos is well-known in the world of local junior football.

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NEWS

Changes to Inheritance Tax in Andalucia ACCORDING to both Benjamin Franklin and Daniel Defoe there are two things in life that you can take as being certain, death and taxes, today we are talking about the consequences of both things together. In August 2016 the Andalucian tax office introduced the first part of new regulations concerning inheritance taxes, those regulations have been revised and a more beneficial relief for inheritance tax should come into force in January 2017. In the past especially in

Andalucia, for both residents and non-residents, the taxation could be so punitive, inheritors would refuse their inheritance in order to avoid paying the taxes. The new regulations in Andalucia only relate to the main (family) home and only if the inheritor is either, the parent, child, spouse, or a more distant relative over the age of 65 who has cohabited at the same address of the deceased for the two years prior to the death. If this is the case then the tax will be calculated as a percentage of the value of the

Community Law Corner By José Luis Navarro Solicitor for Intercala Administration

joseluis@intercala.com www.intercala.com

with Pete Woodall, Woody’s Los Boliches

property to be inherited as follows. Inherited properties valued at under 122,606.47 Euros no taxes to pay. Property valued over 242,000 Euros, 5 per cent tax. For properties valued in between, the tax will be calculated on a percentage of the value of the house using a sliding scale of 1 to 5 per cent. Inheritance tax is based on the official value of the property not one recommended by an estate agent

and the inheritance tax is usually paid to the regional government not to the national tax agency. This will mean for many properties inherited in Andalucia there will be very little tax or no tax to pay but there are conditions associated with the new benefits. The inheritors must be one of the beneficiaries listed above and the property must be kept for a minimum of three years before it can be sold. Other planned changes to the inheritance tax regulations, also called succession tax are, if the total combined value of an inheritance - of both properties and other assets – for any one inheritor is under 250,000 Euros and the inheritors are either; the parent, child or spouse of

the deceased then there will be no tax to pay. If the total inheritance is over 250,000 but less than 350.000 Euros, then taxes will be payable only on the amount over 200.000 Euros. So for example if the inheritance is 280.000 Euros, the tax will be calculated on 80.000 Euros, not on the full amount. For inheritances over 350,000 Euros this is another matter. It is important to note not one size fits all, in Spain each of the 17 autonomous regions are free to, and do, establish their own inheritance taxation regulations. Currently the inheritance tax-free ceiling in Andalucia is set at 175.000 Euros, therefore if an inheritance is 175,000 Euros and one cent, (175,000.01 Euros) the tax

is due on the whole amount, not just the one cent. The new increase to 250,000 Euros is part of the General Budget Law of Andalucia which is due to be passed at the end of December 2016. These three changes will change the face of the Andalucian tax office and while they will not exactly be bearing seasonal gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh this January, it is a welcome improvement to the hard faced Andalucian tax system of previous years. On this note, we the solicitors for Intercala Administration wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and advise you to seek competent advice in all matters concerning the law.

In British tourists we trust BRITISH tourists have been praised for their loyalty to the Costa del Sol as the numbers visiting leapt considerably this year. Up until October almost one million Brits had stayed at hotels in the region, making them the largest foreign contingent by a country mile. O f c ours e the s e a re only hote l s ta ys . The re a l numbe r is va s tly higher and the president of Tourism Costa del Sol expects 1.3 million

British guests from now until May 2017. Touris m c hief El i as Bendodo thanked the UK for its friendship and fidelity. He noted that, despite the doom and gloom over Brexit, the trend was going in the opposite direction, with more visitors than ever before. The tourism board has successfully been sharpening the Costa del Sol’s appeal across the UK and has

helped usher in a new era of budget flights. More seats will be sold on flights from Manchester and Birmingham next year, while more people visit the Costa for more than just sun and sea. Attractions including the Caminito del Rey and the spectacular range of golf courses are luring in professionals and business conferences, helping the region balance its economy with more off-season tourists.

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Geography plan saves the day A UNIVERSITY professor is drawing up a blueprint for a new safety system that will help protect the province from future floods. Maria Jesus Perles is professor of physical geography at the University of Malaga and her knowledge could save lives across the Costa del Sol. Perles is devising a map of the region’s most vulnerable points, in terms of physical risk and likely damage. She has identified which rivers and streams are most likely to overflow and where people are most vulnerable, such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. She has taken into account other variables, including the information people have, the isolation of rural populations, and the special vulnerability of tourists and immigrants to propose her flood management plan. Perles argues, with time and funding, reoccurance of the devastation caused by recent floods could be prevented, but only if the government takes the matter seriously.

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NEWS

No point in waiting By Matthew Elliott MARBELLA mayor Jose Bernal has stressed the need to use council funds to repair flood damage rather than relying on aid from Madrid. He visited Plaza de Toros, an area badly damaged by the December 4 floods, to announce immediate reparation efforts would get underway. Describing the present situation of homeless neighbours and unsanitary conditions as dangerous, Bernal promised to fully repair the square as soon as possible. He also said there was no point in waiting on the central government to act, noting that Marbella is still waiting on promised funds to tackle 2014 wildfire and 2015 flood damage.

DIY PHILOSOPHY: Mayor Bernal announced immediate reparation efforts.

A catastrophe for clementines MORE than half of the Costa del Sol’s extremely valuable clementine harvest was ruined by early December’s catastrophic floods. Producers estimate that up to 70 per cent of the crop has been tossed away, rendered useless by rainfall and humidity. The news places further pressure on the local agricultural industry, which was woefully unprepared for the flooding, which caused more than €100 million in damages across Andalucia. Guadalhorce clementines are prized beyond Spain for their easy peeling skin, soft pulp and exquisite taste. Unfortunately they are extremely sensitive to moisture when ripe, the rain couldn’t have come at a worse time. Even before the floods, farmers had lain out a pessimistic prediction for the harvest at 18,320 tonnes, almost a third less than last season’s 26,306. Now they will be lucky to get even 10,000, while many small producers will be battling with their finances given that only a fraction are insured for flooding.

Costs soar A MORE detailed report has doubled the damage estimation in Casares in the aftermath of early December’s flooding. The initial council survey placed the damage at €700,000 but further analysis from the Junta de Andalucia raised that figure to a hefty €1.4 million. The new study notes the extra cost of road cleaning, storm drainage and infrastructure damage. Repairing the bridge over the Arroyo de la Parrilla alone will cost roughly €350,000. Destruction of street furniture is estimated at €100,000 while various industrial estates sustained severe damage. The question now becomes when will the money arrive?

Mapping flood danger FLOOD risk investigators have discovered that there are 71 rivers and streams across the province threatening to overflow. A further 28 coastal areas are at risk of flooding from the sea ac-

cording to their findings. The 71 streams and rivers total more than 450 kilometres, including the mighty Guadalhorce river, described as at serious risk of overflow. The chief threat resides in the mountains and valleys of Malaga, in the Antequera region, but concentrated areas around the coast can do the most harm. Overflows of the Fuengirola river and Pajares stream were largely responsible for the catastrophic December 4 floods, while there are 21 at-risk streams from the capital eastbound to Nerja. Areas at severe risk of flooding by sea are identified as Es-

There are 28 costal areas at risk of flooding from the sea.” tepona, Puerto Banus, La Cala de Mijas, and Velez, which is threatened by a vulnerable strip between Lagos and Torrox Costa. Sketching out the flood danger map is the first step in a plan to combat the threat. Scientists and engineers will evaluate how best to improve existing infrastructure while attempting to predict weather patterns in the decades ahead.

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NEWS EXTRA

King’s trail NEARLY 20,000 people visited the famous Caminito del Rey tourist site from June to November. Now more than 100,000 tickets are available for locals to visit between February and May.

Rising tide MORE immigrants than ever were arrested this year. So far 773 people have been arrested arriving on the Malaga coast compared to just 207 in 2015.

School run BENALMADENA councillor Elena Galan checked in on the El Tomillar school to see for herself the new DIY improvement works done by local companies.

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Droolingly good news

Kennel’s cruel conditions POLICE officers specialising in animal protection have reported the owner of a kennel where 17 dogs were found crammed into a tiny 10 square metre space. The officials from Malaga’s Local Police were investigating a complaint from an animal rights charity when they visited the kennel. Noting that several dogs were loose and without microchips they acquired a warrant to search the premises. In one small 10 square metre room they found 17 dogs packed in like sardines. They were attached to fixed points by short straps and had very little natural or artificial light. Other rooms held Vietnamese pigs, fighting cocks, chickens, canaries and cats, all held in poor conditions. Police officers searched the registry to locate owners of the animals, but found it had not been updated in five years. The kennel owner claimed his hands were tied by a lack of money but he will face civil charges and the farm will be shut down.

By Matthew Elliott A QUARTET of brand new dog parks have officially been opened at different sites across Marbella. They come complete with games and toys for pets and doggy bag dispensers for owners. The largest new park is on Avenida Playas Andaluzas in Las Chapas and is a huge circuit of 1,900 square metres. It is specially designed to hold official dog jumping competitions and has a large spread of stone paths with drinking fountains and meeting areas for owners. Of the other new three parks, one is in Calle Palencia in San Pedro and is 800 square metres in size. The smaller two are found in Marbella City, at Ashmawi Boulevard and Parque de la Represa. The opening brings the total number of active dog parks in the municipality to six, with large plots already established in Parque Nagueles and the Parque de los Tres Jardines in San Pedro. Parks and Gardens councillor Francisco Garcia says that the city plans to increase the number of pet-friendly facilities in the future to improve the lives of pets and their owners, while keeping local streets clean.

NEWS

DOG PARK: Four have now been officially opened across Marbella.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in Puente Romano Our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will be held in Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Andalucia Ballroom on Saturday December 31. Join us for the magical night with a grand live show featuring many musicians from “Club Live Band” and excellent 8-course gala dinner including Black Winter Truffle and Brioche and Beef Tenderloin. That’s a great gala to dress up for and welcome New Year 2017 in style! Price 350 € p/person is including the welcome cocktail, dinner and wines paired with it.

For reservations and more information please write to events@puenteromano.com or call us (+34) 952 820 900

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NEWS EXTRA

Sex comes cheap

Arabic nights DIRECT flights from Malaga to Tangier in Morocco are now a reality. The Air Arabia flights will take just 45 minutes and depart on Thursdays and Sundays.

Sorry state BUSINESS COMMUNITY: Voiced their support of installing a new video surveillance system. LOCAL mayors are calling on the regional government to fix the stretch of the A-369 between Ronda and the Sierra de Cadiz which is in a sorry state.

Surveillance city By Matthew Elliott

Damp den FIREFIGHTERS are furious over the dampness at their central station in Malaga. The recent rains exposed damp spots and leaks which threaten their safety.

NEWS

LOCAL merchants have voiced their support of installing a new video surveillance system across Marbella. The entrepreneurs believe that a camera network in tourist and commercial hotspots would bolster their businesses. Guiseppe Russo, president of the Association of Businessmen and Professionals of Puerto Banus, said

modern surveillance is essential, 10 years after his group first began calling for it. The council has now committed itself to installing new systems in key parts of the city which will count on support from the business community. Other than Puerto Banus, entrepreneurs believe the Paseo Maritimo and Avenida Ricardo Soriano warrant their own surveillance.

Golf courses and other luxury developments may be provided their own cameras at public expense in order to ensure that wealthy tourists and guests feel secure. Drug dealing, prostitution and theft are common problems in Puerto Banus and Russo said he hopes the council will put its money where its mouth is and follow through with its pledge.

WOMEN are selling their bodies for just €20 on the streets of the Costa del Sol as the price of prostitution plummets. The lingering financial crisis and influx of young girls forced into sexual slavery has completely transformed the local industry. Many prostitutes in Malaga actually have legitimate jobs, but need an extra source of income to support their families. Meanwhile the number of Nigerian girls has dramatically increased as sexual encounters can be bought on the street for as little as €5. The city council has fined 314 women this year for prostitution and charities describe an epidemic, with girls living in horrific conditions with little access to condoms, gels and even food. When the floods arrived on December 4 Malaga’s Red Cross had to shield almost 100 women from the rain. The revelations come as Spanish men were revealed to be the most likely in the Europe Union to have used the services of a prostitute at 39 per cent. Yet only 31 men were fined this year, in contrast to the hundreds of women. Now Andalucia is considering making prostitution and human trafficking a form of gender violence. That may lead to more convictions down the line but, for now, the situation on the streets is only getting worse.

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NEWS

BRIDGE RESTORATION: Work will begin in summer 2017.

Cat’s cave meows By Matthew Elliott AN agreement has finally been reached to rebuild the Cueva del Gato bridge in Benaojan, Ronda. It has been practically submerged in water since a storm seven years ago, with only minor repairs despite it leading to a famous tourist destination. Work will begin in summer 2017 and is

expected to cost €500,000 for a full restoration project that will prevent future floods while improving access roads and parking conditions. The br i dge pr ovi des access t o t he renowned Cueva del Gato, the cat’s cave, a beautiful river pool with crystal clear waters that is one of Andalucia’s most celebrated attractions.

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FEATURE

Storms across Mediterranean bring death and destruction in their wake By Sam Croft THE storms which hammered the Mediterranean coastline

over the past week left widespread damage and claimed numerous lives. Six people have been re-

ported dead along the southern coast of Spain, five of them in the Costa Blanca and one in Almeria. Among the victims was a 40-year-old Moroccan man who was dragged into a pool by a waterspout in Los Alcazares, a 58-year-old homeless man who became trapped in a cave in Xativa, and a 64year-old man who was pulled down a stream by rough currents in Enguera. Another death occurred in Bedar (Almeria), this one a 65-year-old man who had been reported missing several days earlier. He had left a bar in the middle of the storm. His body was eventually discovered under a tree by a town cemetery, where he had apparently been dragged by the force of the water. The storms also caused widespread material damages and significant interruptions to day-to-day life. Dozens of

SERIOUS FLOODING: In Molina de Segura. classes were cancelled throughout the Valencian Community, and several universities were shut down. Homes were evacuated throughout the region, with the National Government having to call in an Emergency Military Unit to rescue 80 people in Los Alcazares after the town became completely

inundated with water. Roads were cut off, flights were cancelled, and agricultural workers have estimated that â&#x201A;Ź172 million worth of losses have occurred in the countryside as a result of the storms. The precipitation fell in huge amounts all along the Mediterranean coast. The mu-

nicipality of Beniarres (Alicante) was hammered with more than 400 litres of rain per square metre. Several rivers overflowed, including the Clariano River in Ontinyent and the Segura River in Orihuela, and measures were taken to ensure that local reservoirs did not do the same.

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NEWS EXTRA

Clans feud

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Opinions matter

KALASHNIVOK-style rifles were fired as tensions between two Malaga crime clans boiled over onto the streets. Gangsters wearing balaclavas terrified neighbours by firing warning shots at enemy turf.

Easy riders CARTAMA police expanded its two-wheeled fleet with a pair of new motorbikes for €11,000. Volunteers get the Kymco 125cc, while officers will cruise on a 300cc version.

MIJAS MAYOR: Has invited residents to send in their proposals and ideas for the park.

Great fake AN Antequera man was arrested for impersonating people who lost their belongings and taking wallets, purses and laptops from 10 different businesses, mainly bars and cafes.

By Eleanor Hawkins MIJAS is planning to build the largest park in Malaga Province and the council wants local residents to make suggestions on what it should include. Mayor Juan Carlos Maldonado announced that an email address (el granparque@mijas.es) has been set

up and invited everyone to send in their proposals and ideas for the park. “We want this part to be an identifying sign for Mijas and for all the residents to take part in the project. The council has presented its proposals, now it’s time for locals to add to them,” Maldonado said. The park will cover an area of 350,000 m2 with two entries, one

from the road leading to the racecourse and another from Camino Viejo de Coin, and will have a traditional Andalucian design. The council intends to include fantasy elements including hobbit houses and playgrounds for children, sports facilities including a climbing area and running, bike and skating track round the outskirts of a wooded area.

NEWS

Superyacht kingdom THE Costa del Sol is missing out on the lucrative superyacht industry according to the chief of the Andalucia Marine Association. Jose Carlos Martin believes the Costa needs to improve its ports to be able to welcome larger boats and the wealthy tourists and residents behind them. The Marine Association is a collective of 17 privately managed ports which has surveyed the region’s suitability for the mooring of luxury boats. It believes a worrying deficit is the lack of facilities available to moor private superyachts longer than 50 metres. Martin said there are only around 450 such boats across the world and there is no reason 5 per cent or so can’t be anchored around the Costa del Sol. He points to the region’s plethora of international schools and excellent climate as making it the perfect candidate. He believes the Marine Association should be incorporated under the umbrella of tourism and help attract investment to build a suitable port for the many rich Russians and upscale Saudis who call the Costa del Sol home.

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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NEWS

Costa’s sewage scourge SEWAGE spillage across the Costa del Sol makes it one of southern Spain’s worst sanitary offenders according to the European Union. The Spanish government has been fined almost €50 million over poor sanitary conditions in 17 municipalities, four of them on the Costa del Sol. Discharges from sewage treatment plants in Alhaurin el Grande, EsteponaSan Pedro Alcantara, Coin, and Nerja make Malaga Province the worst sea polluter in Andalucia. More than 124 million cubic metres of waste from the province have spilled into coastal waters this year, almost 10 million more than in 2014, despite the looming threat of European fines.

The sewage treatment plant of the Guadalhorce river and the Torrecilla emissary in Nerja are the worst offenders, accounting for more than half of Malaga’s annual waste between them. It adds more than 124 million cubic metres, of which 116 million correspond to urban waste and 8.1 to industrial waste Chlorine, nickel, nitrogen and ammonium traces are increasing in the Mediterranean to dangerous levels thanks to pollution from pharmaceutical plants, heavy industry and fish farms. The €46.5 million fine now doled out to the national government from the EU may be the incentive needed to take urgent action to combat the pollution.

WINNER: David Martin Darby won an Aston Martin Vantage S.

A £95,000 early Christmas present! AN early Christmas present a rrive d for one luc ky e ntrant in a spot the ball compe tition in the s ha pe of £95,000 worth of Aston Martin Vantage S plus £10,000 in cash. Marbella-based David Martin Darby entered the competition, run by BOTB, for the first time as he passed through Gatwick Airport. “I’d wanted to play for a while. I often pass through

Gatwick but I’m too rushed to play. “This time I was determined to make time and I’m so glad I did.” It is not the first time David has won a car. As a teenage boy the 44-year-old, who used to live in Chichester, entered a competition at a local shopping centre. The then 15-year-old was surprised to find he’d won a Volkswagen Passat.

But because he was so young, the family decided to sell his prize. “I still cannot believe I won. It’s a great Christmas present and this time I’m old enough to drive the car!” BOTB founder Will Hindmarch said: “It’s always speci al t o hand over t he keys to someone’s dream car, but al l t he m or e so when you know they’ve not played before.”

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Lux Mundi Fuengirola THE Centre is closed for a National Holiday on Monday January 2. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday January 3, 4, 5 the Centre is open from 9.30am to 2.30pm. The Centre is closed for the day of The Three Kings on Friday January 6, before reopening for all activities on Monday January 9.

On Wednesday January 11 it is Quiz Night at the centre, with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Team up with friends and pit your wits in this fun quiz. A light-hearted evening which includes nibbles and one drink. There will be a bar available and a prize for the winning team! Ticket price is €4 available at the Centre.

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COMMUNITY

RAF Association dinner dance Photo by Rafa Mijas

Christmas congrats

Volunteers received award.

ANNUAL EVENT: The RAF Association Christmas dinner dance was held at the Tamisa Golf Hotel.

MORE than 40 people journeyed to the Tamisa Golf Hotel to enjoy the annual RAF Association Christmas dinner dance on December 10. Guests were greeted with a glass of cava and canapés followed by a splendid three-course meal, finishing with mince pies. With the meal consumed, entertainment was provided by singer Laura Elen and there was also a surprise performance of flamenco dancing

by Antonio Palacios Valle, one of the hotel’s barmen. A raffle raised €169 for the vital welfare work of the Association aiding both serving and former members of the Royal Air Force and their families. The association sent its thanks to those who donated prizes and in particular Nursing Care Solutions. The Costa del Sol Branch is a friendly group who organise various events throughout the year. There is also a social get-to-

gether at noon on the first Monday of the month at the Black Horse Bar in Alhaurin el Grande and at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at the El Jardine Bar, Arroyo del la Miel, Benalmadena. There is a quiz and a raffle and all are invited including non-members, come to meet some new people and join in the fun. For more information please visit the website www.rafacostadelsol.co.uk.

Advertising feature

Money may be a little tight Welcome to the weekly news from Hola Credito, Spain’s leading short term lender. In our weekly column, we look at different financial products that Hola Credito offers - Need some money to see you over the holidays, perhaps Hola Credito can help. WHILST all of the days off for Christmas, New Year and Three Kings can be fun, they can also bite into your bank account so a short term loan from Hola Credito (www.holacredito.com) would certainly help to spread the cost and it will be easier than you would expect. Operating from their discreet office in Puerto Banus which has easy parking, the company offers a highly professional service lending cash against a number of easily stored items such as jewellery, watches or even cars which would be left as security. It isn’t difficult or time consuming to arrange the loan (or they will purchase some items if you prefer), as all you need to do is take a picture of the item or items and send it via email with a description to Hola Credito. They will then give you an idea of the amount you might be able to borrow and if their offer is acceptable, you To make life easier, you can contact them via WhatsApp on 672 381 908 or by email info@holacredito.com or by calling 951 319 538.

can send the item to them or take it in yourself. Once the item/s involved is received and as long as it is as described, the money can be transferred to your bank or handed over in cash and your goods will be held in safe, secure conditions until redeemed. Most lenders charge interest on a weekly or monthly basis and banks don’t work quickly or cheaply, but Hola Credito calculates everything on a daily basis, so you only pay for the length of time you keep the loan and they offer very competitive rates with no hidden surprises.

Photo Credit: Distinctive Shots Shutterstock.

THREE volunteers at the La Cala Lions Charity Shop have been presented with MJF (Melvin Jones Fellow) Awards on completion of five years service. Lion Wynson Beswick and volunteers Nena Jacques and Annette Ferguson received the awards from La Cala Lions President Paul Butler at the volunteers annual Christmas Lunch at El Olivo Restaurant.

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ASSISTANT MANAGER, Isabella Cupples with a representative from Sar Quavitae.

COMMUNITY

SUPERVISOR, Jenny Hunter with a representative from AVOI.

Christmas appeal a smash CUSTOMERS of Iceland Puerto Banus have been overwhelmingly generous this month, donating over 2,500 products to worthy charities. Week 1 - customers donated 786 packs of 12pk Candy Canes to the orphanage in La Linea and Sotogrande schoolchildren in poverty. Week 2 - 440 packs of McVities Victoria Selection Biscuits donated to Sar Quavitae to give to the elderly at Christmas. Week 3 - 664 Cadbury Selection Box-

es donated to AVOI in Malaga who work with children in hospital on a long term basis (cancer, etc.). Week 4 - Over 800 Terry’s Chocolate Oranges will be donated to Ciudad de los Niños orphanage in Malaga. The team in Puerto Banus have been working hard to get as many donations as they can to people who could do with a little cheering up at Christmas time. The charities themselves have been dumbfounded at the generosity shown and have passed on their thanks again and

again to the Iceland team. Store Manager Rob Harley said: “It is absolutely astonishing the support our clients have given these charities over the last few weeks, we never cease to be amazed at the generosity they show different causes year after year, but this one is something special. Every charity we have delivered the items to have been over the moon at what we have brought them and have assured us that it will bring a smile to many this Christmas!”

Coin RBL Christmas party FIFTY members and guests of the Coin B ra nc h of the R oya l Br i t i sh Legi on launched the festive season with a Dinner Dance at Los Candiles on Thursday December 15. Social Chairman Peter Brown struck a terrific deal with Paco at Los Candiles and everyone enjoyed a superb threecourse meal. Perfect entertainment was delivered once again by the versatile and talented Juliet Williams, who has become a firm favourite with the Coin Branch. Chairman of the Branch, Jo Taylor, acknowledged that a lot of hard work had gone into organising the evening and paid tribute to Peter and his team. She also

gave a special thanks to Rosie Mahoney who decorated the dining room and made table arrangements that really set everyone’s festive spirits soaring. Without their support such an amazing evening would have simply not been possible. Tim Williams and his wife Pamela really lit up the evening for Maria Paz Edwards by decorating her on the dance floor with a dazzling string of Christmas lights. The Coin branch has a full entertainment programme right up to Christmas, det ai l s of whi ch can be f ound at http://www.coinrbl.info/. Why not take a look and consider joining one of the most active and friendly groups in the area?

Some festive greetings MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year to all our friends down on Camping Cabopino Marbella, Costa Del Sol - from Mick & Ly n n a n d P h i l & J i l l up here in Camping Vi l l a s o l , B e n i d o r m , Costa Blanca - Keep On Lighting!!

ALL LIT UP: Camping Villasol.

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COMMUNITY

Age Concern, Estepona and Manilva ON December 5, Age Concern Estepona and Manilva was presented with a donation of â&#x201A;Ź1,000 from the Duquesa Charitable Society of St George. The Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main objective is to raise funds to

help the less fortunate members of our society, and to provide a platform for others to do the same. The main aim of Age Concern is to help older people remain full members of society

regardless of their needs. The money, for which the charity is very grateful, will go towards assisting volunteers who work in the community with older people, and to purchasing new equipment to help with preparing clothes for sale (ie a new garment steamer!). Thanks go to the Society, and those who helped raise the funds so successfully. Elsewhere, volunteers working for the Age Concern charity came together for a Christmas get together in the El Hatillo restaurant in Estepona. The food was excellent and the atmosphere vibrant. There was much to chat about over the meal and the new President, Tom Burns, introduced himself to those present as the charity enters a new chapter in its existence. After many years of tireless work for older people in the community Eileen Dry has stood down as President. She will be remembered by so many people she has helped over the years and will be missed.

One of the volunteers, Audrey Kenyon, has reached the wonderful age of 91 and she was presented with a bouquet to mark the occasion. Age Concern faces ever increasing demands on its resources as more people come forward looking for help and advice. Come and join them by calling 951 318 234. For older people who require he lp or a dvic e A ge Concern operate a telephone s e rvic e c a lle d Lifeline. This gives the individual a direct point of c onta c t w ith the c ha rity. The te le phone numbe r is 650 163 928. It should be noted that Age Concern is not an emergency service, however. There is also an email address you can use to contact Age Concern, Este pona a nd M a nilva by emailing acesteponaymanil va@ageconcern-espana.org. To find out what they are up to w hy not give the ir web site ac e s pana.org a visit and follow the links.

91 YEAR OLD Audrey Kenyon with the bouquet she was presented with.

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FEATURE

GLITZY AFFAIR: Guests were treated to drinks and tapas at the casino themed evening.

Rational revellers celebrate Christmas FESTIVE party celebrations in Marbella saw RationalFX, a leading International Payments and money transfer service company, hosting a memorable evening to celebrate Christmas with their partners at La Sala, in Puerto Banus, for over 120 guests. A casino themed evening for their real estate agents, lawyers, financial advisers and relocation companies, as well as local press, joined RationalFX staff to celebrate what has been a busy and successful year for all. Guests were treated to a selection of wines, beers and some amazing Spanish tapas at the glitzy La Sala Banus. Vouchers were awarded to those with the sharpest

hands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well done to Margot Jann, Negar from Marbella Guides, and a double celebration for Malvin Preece, from Costa Del Sol Living, who also celebrated his birthday. The evening was summed up nicely with a few festive words from Bianca Campillo the RationalFX Spanish team manager. Bianca thanked all the partners and especially the expat community who have trusted RationalFX over the last few years to help them save money on their overseas transfers. Guests at the RationalFX Christmas Party in Marbella told Euro Weekly News they had thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to let their hair down after a year of ups and downs, the evening

GREAT SUCCESS: The evening was an opportunity for colleagues and friends to socialise.

was deemed a great success by all who attended as they ate, drank, chatted and danced among friends and colleagues alike. RationalFX, originally set up in Spain in 2013, continues to work closely with the expat communities and international clients to provide the best service in international payments and is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the world. For further information about RationalFX and how they can help you with your foreign exchange needs please call 951 553 954, email Bianca@rationalfx.com or visit their website at www.rationalfx.com.

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CHRISTMA

Euro Weekly their hair down By John Smith IT has been a very busy year for all of us at Euro Weekly News as we are responsible for producing six different versions of Spain’s favourite English language newspaper every week. What’s more, we publish 52 weeks a year and finding stories that are relevant to our readers in the different areas is quite challenging but incredibly satisfying. In addition, we keep on top of the latest breaking news in Spain and around the world through our website www.euroweek lynews.com, Facebook and Twitter with dedicated staff based not just in our Benalmadena head office but throughout all of the regions that we cover. News doesn’t sleep and we pride ourselves on being on top of events be they floods around the provinces, terrorist alerts and this year particularly, Brexit news and we don’t close down at weekends, but keep posting what

we believe that our readers want to see. Friday December 16 however proved to be something of an exception to the rule as we closed the Benalmadena office at noon and all of the staff from the directors to writers, production, sales and accounts got together for a Christmas lunch that will be difficult to forget because of the quality of the restaurant chosen, the food and the entertainment. The Little Geranium in La Cala de Mijas run by Master Chef Steven Saunders and front of house supremo Michele is a real little gem and this was our chosen venue for the afternoon. It may be small but it packs a real punch with Steven producing an incredible seven-course tasting menu and Michele’s highly trained and friendly staff making sure that everyone was served quickly and had their glasses topped up on a regular basis. The meal included jamon, lobster, turkey, beef, individual Christmas puddings, stilton and port whilst a surprise

AS PARTY

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22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

News staff let n for Christmas vegetarian was also well catered for at short notice. The incredibly versatile married couple Mr Maph (it means nothing other than Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initials) and Simone Lisa performed separately and in harmony, amazing everybody not only with their wide repertoire but the fact that they are really top notch and indeed one late comer arrived and was staggered that it was them singing rather than a disc. Everyone had a tremendous time with plenty of dancing (albeit very much on the spot), great food, happy chat and a general feeling of winding down for the day, although we had to be on top of things the following day as news broke. All of those attending (except for one who knows who he is) wore something pink in order to show the cohesion of the group as well as in tacit recognition of women around the world who suffer from Breast Cancer which happily is now more like-

ly to be cured than kill. Although the celebration was mainly attended by head office staff, a number of colleagues also made the journey from Axarquia, Almeria and Costa Blanca whilst others met in Costa Blanca (where the weather allowed) for their own smaller get together on the following Sunday. All in all it was a great way to get ready for Christmas and thanks are due to Steven and Michele Saunders and their staff for a fantastic afternoon, to Mr Maph and Simone Lisa for brilliant interpretations of classic songs and Michel and Steven Euesden for hosting such a wonderful party. Finally, heartfelt thanks are due to our family of advertisers and readers as without you, the paper could not possibly be so successful and well read. Big thanks to everyone at The Little Geranium!

Thanks to Michel & Steven from all the Staff for a wonderful party!

EWN

NEWS

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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.” 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 family of animals. Christmas at Number 61, published by Austin Macauley, is available from Amazon

RUBY MOLLY HAWKINS: Based her book on her own childhood memories. and all good bookshops. For more information, please visit http://www.austin macauley.com/book/christmas-number-61 for more information.

Medical consent to marry 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 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. 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. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stresses that ‘all persons are equal before the law.’

FEATURE

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Advertising feature

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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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EWN

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FEATURE

Euro Weekly News

Triple A charity battles on to save animals’ lives by John Smith MUCH has been made of the allegations directed at three people involved with the Triple A charity which looks after cats and dogs in the Marbella area. As one of those who were arrested during a massive raid by Seprona (the animal arm of the Guardia Civil) earlier this year, Bettina Pietsch is the last of the three to make her declaration before a court on December 20. Euro Weekly News believes in the concept of innocence before being proven guilty and unlike many newspapers and social media sites has not taken any form of negative stance with regards to the charity but has preferred to report events as they have happened which has meant that the charity respects our unbiased role. Bettina is a very quiet and private lady but she agreed to be interviewed by me in order to give some background to her involvement with the charity and to express her concern at the fact that the animals in her care could suffer when she is convinced that she and her colleagues have done nothing wrong and indeed save animals lives rather than end them. She joined the charity as a volunteer in 1997 when she still had a full-time job but wanted to do what she could to help animals in distress and spent some of the early years rescuing cats who were wild in the streets and arranged for them to be sterilised. In 2005, she gave up her job in real estate and was employed on contract by the charity to work mainly in the cat house but she also helped potential clients to adopt dogs. This continued for some years until in 2010, the president of the charity decided to resign and she was invited to take over as she is totally dedicated and is a glutton for hard work. Since then she has been coming in literally every day to care for the animals and direct the band of paid full and part-time helpers as well as up to 50 volunteers, many of whom just walk the dogs. All had been going very well and although the majority of supporters were Dutch and German in the past, there are now a number of young Spanish people becoming involved and the charity continues to be used by Marbella Town Hall to take in found animals and also to look after the bodies of any dead animals collected by the council. Until now, the charity has received an annual amount from the council but because of the

WELCOME PLEDGE: Lily van Tongeren and Nicole King surprised Bettina Pietsch with an early Christmas present. There are certainly puppies which are easy involvement of the Guardia Civil, it has been to re-home but older dogs are far more difficult hesitant to make the latest payment even to find owners and it is they that form the though it continues to utilise the full services backbone of the Triple A colony. In the event of the centre. that a suffering animal arrives or becomes ill, To suddenly lose such an important amount then the decision to have it put down is not that of money has caused considerable financial of the charity but of one the independent vets difficulty to Triple A but it battles on, caring who work with them. for animals of all ages. All shelters which see Almost in tears, Bettina In the event that a the regular arrival of showed me some of the suffering animal new animals will sadly many elderly dogs which arrives or becomes experience virus and it houses, one with just ill, then the decision to flus and there is little three legs who was scamhave it put down is not that doubt that with the bodpering around and one of the charity but of one of ies that are delivered by who was so old, you the independent vets who the council plus natural could see that it was diffiwork with the charity.” deaths, they could excult for it to walk too far. pect to have to humaneThe whole point of the ly dispose of as many as charity is to look after an50 bodies each month. imals and she tells me that they never have an Unlike council pounds which often keep ananimal put down unless it has no hope of livimals for only a week before destroying them, ing a decent life and as long as the animal is if Triple A can’t find a new home for them able to get around without too much pain and then they will keep their home in the comcan eat and sleep then it literally has a home pound and now there are even five pigs who for life.

were abandoned and are now growing to quite a size. With Christmas coming, they have decided that whilst they will accept reservations for adoption, they will not allow any animal to leave the compound between December 15 and January 15 as too often parents give in to pester power but by the time that everyone goes back to work or school, so often the animal no longer fits into their plans. Now the charity is introducing a system of virtual adoption where you can sponsor an animal and visit it without having the responsibility of looking after it yourself. On the day that I visited and met Bettina, she had one really good piece of news when her long-time colleague Lily van Tongeren and RTV Marbella personality Nicole King gave her a surprise early Christmas present with a pledge of €2,500 which was particularly welcome as their annual dog show and fair had to be cancelled because of the earlier torrential rains. If you want to learn more about the charity, visit www.tripleamarbella.org.

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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.

FINANCE

Costa del Sol

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.

48 E W N

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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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 del Sol

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 del Sol

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OPINION & COMMENT

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22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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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.)

BURNING BELGIUM: Another example of where complacency of the west has got us. What I do find almost beyond 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 (persons) around the bend. How about all of us wearing onesies and refer-

ring 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

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas with our ultimate Christmas security and travel guide

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OPINION & COMMENT

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.

Christina Sharp GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL christina@globelink.co.uk.

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.

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.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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 del Sol

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 del Sol

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 del Sol

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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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

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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.

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E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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

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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

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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

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E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

7:00am 8:35am 10:10am 11:25am

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

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

11:40pm 11:55pm 12:00am 12:35am

9:15am Share a Story 9:20am Nerds and Monsters. Molting Day 9:40am Nerds and Monsters. ZanitClops 9:55am Mr. Bean 10:10am 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

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?

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 12:50am Family Guy 1:20am Family Guy 1:45am American Dad!

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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 BBC Four is the BBC channel for people who want more.

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 4:20am Food Unwrapped at Christmas 5:15am Couples Come Dine with Me

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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 12:20am The Devil’s Advocate 1:55am Gangs of New York 3:00am FYI Daily

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Wycliffe On the Buses FYI Daily 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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Peppa Pig Bob the Builder Little Princess Milkshake! Festive Fun! Thomas and Friends Noddy: Toyland Detective Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Wissper Peppa Pig Paw Patrol Football on 5 SpaceCamp Teen Wolf Harry and the Hendersons Labyrinth: David Bowie Tribute Five News Update Labyrinth: David Bowie Tribute Battlebots: World Championship World’s Strongest Man 2016 There’s a Croc in My Kitchen Dirty Dancing 5 News Dirty Dancing Greatest 80s Movies

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Hollyoaks Charmed Charmed The Big Bang Theory 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

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

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Football Gold 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 An insight into how Sky Sports has evolved, with a look at more than two decades of coverage and innovation.

OPINION & COMMENT

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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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.

Big guns for a minor disturbance Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

THE Spanish are not overwhelmingly monarchist but have too much on their minds to start agitating for changes in this department. But for Catalans who want independence, the monarchy symbolises unsympathetic central domination. This is particularly true of the CUP party, whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts thanks to its parliamentary support for the centre-right regional president Carles Puigdemont. CUP is anti-everything except independence and its MPs are actively sup-

Carles Puigdemont.

porting party members hauled up before the Madrid National High Court for burning photos of the King. By bringing out the big guns for a minor dis-

turbance the establishment is walking its usual route plagued with elephant traps and minefields. It doesn’t do the King many favours, either.

Kicking off the conversations SORAYA SAENZ DE SANTAMARIA, the national government’s vice-president recently paid her first visit as Minister of Territorial Administration to Cataluña. The radiant politician (fillers, botox, surgery or hair extensions?) smiled broadly and reiterated the government’s promises of dialogue regarding Catalan independence. Saenz de Santamaria’s first meetings were with the

PSOE’s regional secretary Miquel Iceta and Ines Arrimadas of Ciudadanos, prompting the regional government’s spokeswoman Neus Munte to express ‘surprise’ that the minister should have preferred to meet the Opposition first. Not the best of starts, then.

Altogether now! FIFTY-NINE PER CENT of Basques might want an independence referendum but centrists can stop rending their Madrid-manufactured garments. The same poll found that only 31 per cent of the Basque population would back secession. They might be anti-Constitutional but referendums are paradoxically the best way to ensure that Spain remains intact.

Discreetly keeping their distance PEDRO SANCHEZ is tenacious. No longer PSOE secretary general or an MP in the national parliament, he is popping up all over the place and if he has his way party members will again choose the next PSOE secretary general in primaries. This is how he rose to the top in 2014, a prelude to leading the party from bad results to worse. So far Sanchez is holding meetings and visiting towns where he believes he’ll get a warm welcome from the membership. Meanwhile the few politicians who backed his ‘no means no’ diktat to prevent Mariano Rajoy from forming a government once more are discreetly distancing themselves from him. Everyone loves an underdog but nobody backs an outcast.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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

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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

TIME OUT

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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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 del Sol

weather

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.

TODAY

ANTEQUERA

MALAGA COIN TORREMOLINOS

RONDA

ESTEPONA

BENALMADENA MIJAS

FUENGIROLA

MARBELLA

ANTEQUERA

TOMORROW

MALAGA COIN TORREMOLINOS

RONDA

ESTEPONA

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

BENALMADENA MIJAS

FUENGIROLA

MARBELLA

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 del Sol

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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.

TIME

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FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: STAY ANOTHER DAY (East 17), SLEEPING BEAUTY.

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(December 22 - January20)

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

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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page

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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Crossword

EWN

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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TOP 10

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

Sudoku

Christmas traditions

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.

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

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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TIME OUT

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 del Sol

Answers: Snowball , White Christmas.

E W N Costa del Sol

22 - 28 December 2016

BEST GUIDE TO LOCAL NEWS

GIBRALTAR N O W

Extend the agreement

No prize at Miss World

New centre now open

NOW the UK has confirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, which relates to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, there is no obligation on Overseas Territories to follow. The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Dr John Cortes has written to the British government asking that the agreement be extended to include Gibraltar.

DESPITE making a strong showing in the sporting section of the contest Miss Gibraltar, Kayley Mifsud sadly didn’t end up with any of the main prizes from the Miss World competition, the title being awarded to Stephanie Del Valle from Puerto Rico with the runners up coming from the Dominican Republic and Indonesia respectively.

CHIEF MINISTER, Fabian Picardo, officially opened the new premises of the Moroccan Community Association on 48 Crutchetts Ramp. In a brief speech, he said how pleased he was he had managed to reduce the waiting list of applicants for British Citizenship since being elected and the opening of this new facility was yet another step forward.

THE latest parliamentarian to visit Gibraltar, Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk met with Deputy Chief Minister Dr Richard Garcia on December 19. Mr Kyuchyuk is a Vice President of the A llia n c e o f L i b e r a l s and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and sits on the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as being a substitute on the Committee for Culture and Education. The MEP is in Gibraltar on a fact-finding visit concerning a number of issues relating to the potential withdrawal of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar from the European Union.

Bethlehem Light of Peace has arrived in Gibraltar By John Smith ON Friday December 16 at the City Hall, His Worship the Mayor, Adolfo J Canepa OBE GMH MP, received the Bethlehem Light of Peace on behalf of the people of Gibraltar. The Light was presented by the Scouts’ Association (Gibraltar Branch) as has now become traditional, following its collection this year from the Movimiento Scouts Catolicos, Delegacion de Jerez de la Frontera. Now in its 29th year, the Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organised by the Austrian Broadcasting Company - ORF (Linz) - and was part of a large charitable relief mission Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1986, there has been a great deal of co-opera-

tion between Scouts and Guides in many countries which has allowed the light to travel throughout Europe, such that the light is passed on 23 European countries and for the past few years on to North America, Mexico and Canada. Each year, a child from Upper Austria kindles a flame from the ‘Eternal Flame’ from the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem where Jesus is said to have been born. The light is then flown to Austria from where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who take it back, with a message of Peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services throughout the Continent. Scouts and guides have now taken the light on to other churches and places of public or cultural importance in Gibraltar.

Photo by HM Government of Gibraltar

Bulgarian MEP on a visit to Gibraltar

THE MAYOR receives the Light of Peace.

Photo by Piotr Adamowicz Shutterstock

Diabetes is the scourge of many

A SIMPLE TEST: Is all it takes to spot diabetes.

DIABETES as a disease is growing throughout the modern world and it has not spared the people of Gibraltar, so during Diabetes Awareness Month in November, the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) took a particular interest. In the latter part of the month the awardwinning Effective Diabetes Education Now (EDEN) diabetes education team from Leicester arrived on the Rock to deliver bespoke diabetes training and updates to the staff of the GHA in the School of Health Studies at St Bernard’s Hospital. Now that they have departed, the GHA has had a chance to consider the effectiveness of their training and the help it has given to health professionals especially with regards to new developments so that

they can provide effective advice, care and management. In total some 72 members of the authority drawn from a wide range of specialities including ambulance staff, nurses, health care assistants, hospital doctors, GPs and Consultants attended the courses and the overall impression was that they were very professional and useful. The instructors reported to the Minister of Health, Neil Costa that they were impressed by the enthusiasm of all who attended the courses and noted that the actual attendance rate was very high and they are looking forward to returning in the future to meet up with those that they missed as well as alerting those who attended this year to any new developments.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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.

HEALTH BEAUTY

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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 bubbles 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 televi-

Costa del Sol

22 - 28 December 2016

sion 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.

CHOOSE CAREFULLY: Try to go for healthier options.

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Go smart with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

EARLY DETECTION: Toys are used to detect developmental gaps.

22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

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Pneumonia: to vaccinate or not? EDIBLE NAILS: Come complete with chocolate.

New meaning to biting your nails IT may have a strong online following, but we’re not sure the latest beauty trend will catch on; edible nails. A nail artist from New Zealand has created edible nail art with the videos viewed on Instagram 57,000 times on the account ‘Nailed It NZ.’ They come complete with white, milk or dark chocolate and some are decorated with icing and silver balls to

create the looks. The inspiration came from another nail trend this year which involves applying more than 100 coats of nail polish to create a hard lump on each nail. Whilst some love the edible art, an on the go snack treat, others have criticised it and questioned the hygiene surrounding eating chocolate off your nails.

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

22 - 28 December 2016

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Prostate cancer can be treated POSITIVELY BLUE is a charity on the Costa del Sol which exists in order to arrange for men of any age to be tested for prostate cancer which is treatable but can be a killer if not caught early. This charity, acts hand in glove, with Positively Pink which offers similar testing for those worried about breast cancer, but tests can only be undertaken if funds are available and there are invariably more people who need testing than cash to spend on them. El Olivo de la Cala restaurant in La Cala de Mijas, has kindly agreed to assist the charity and on Thursday January 5 at 7.30pm, they will be hosting a special Gala Dinner which will include a welcome glass of Kir Royale or Bellini Cocktail, four-course meal with wine and the usual high quality live music always enjoyed at one of La Cala’s top TripAdvisor recommended restaurants.

Cost is €50 with €10 paid directly to the charity but reservations are required and can be made by contacting the restaurant on 952 587 500 or Positively Blue on 952 835 776. As well as a PSA blood test all attendees to the tests are offered advice and education on testicular cancer and self-examination and the charity provide support to those men who have been given a positive diagnosis. Prostate cancer is a common cancer in older men. Every year 22,000 men are diagnosed in the UK alone. Around eight in 10 cases occur in men over the age of 65. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer is often present for many years without you realising it. Have a great meal but also contribute to assisting the charity to help those who may be in danger of disease. For more information on both charities visit www.positively–blue.com and follow their Facebook page.

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Elvis song is available to download By John Smith AS previously reported in Euro Weekly News, the song, A Touch of Heaven by song writing legends Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller has been recorded by Costa del Sol favourite Antony Wolfson, who just prior to a short tour of Elvis cities in the USA has ma de it a va ila ble to purc ha s e by download from https://itun.es/gb/ qdHSgb. If you would like to hear this song written especially for Elvis Presley which he never managed to record, then do listen to it, as it is an important piece of Elvis history especially for lovers of the King. Once Antony, who is pictured receiving a framed blow up of his story in EWN returns to Spain in mid-January, he expects to complete the video to accompany the song which will be heavily promoted in the UK and to release the CD version for those who prefer to own a physical disc.

Photo Credit: EWN

SCENE

OCIAL

ANTONY WOLFSON: Will be returning to Spain in January.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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FOR those who would like to see a slightly different Christmas scene, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art Felipe Orlando in Benalmadena is presenting a Mexican celebration of Christ’s birth. Based on the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas which remembers the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem prior to the birth of Jesus, it is for this celebration that the most important piñatas are produced and troupes of boys and girls pretending to be pilgrims often travel from house to house singing traditional songs being turned away before they are finally admitted. Located in the heart of Benalmadena Pueblo, the museum is a unique cultural space within Andalucia as it hosts one of the most important collections of pre-Columbian America in Spain. This display will be open to the public until January 7.

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alhaurín el Grande

Mexican Bethlehem

TOURING DISPLAY: One of the scenes is the arrival of Julius Caesar in Egypt.

A Playmobil Christmas By John Smith ALTHOUGH perhaps not everybody’s idea of a gripping exhibition, the last year has seen the touring Playmobil display gather a huge amount of positive response across the Costa del Sol. Open now and running until January 11, ‘The Playmobil return for Christ-

mas’ presents four dioramas covering 130 square metres and 1,500 pieces at the Municipal Library of Alhaurin el Grande and is already attracting large numbers of children and their parents following its opening by Mayor Antonia Ledesma. The displays include a scene from the birth of Christ, the arrival of Julius Cae-

sar in Egypt, a scene from the Wild West and a beach vacation. With the Christmas break coming along, there are bound to be even more visits from students and their families for the free display which is open from Monday to Friday in the morning and afternoon, and on Saturday mornings from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

SOCIAL SCENE

Flamenco lessons THOSE students who wish to improve their knowledge of Spanish dance and Flamenco can take advantage of a visit to Alhaurin del Torre of Álvaro Méndez from Daprise Danza. This specialised organisation which teaches dance at a range of levels was set up in Sevilla in April 2016. Backed by a range of well qualified instructors as well as a number of professional dancers, the organisation does a great deal to promote dance in schools and training establishments. There are two levels of training for students in Alhaurin del Torre with dancers looking to increase their knowledge and ability being reviewed between 5pm and 6.30pm on Friday December 23, with more advanced students invited to attend the Centro Social Retamar-Capellania la Platea between 6.30pm and 8pm. Students for schools associated with the organisation will be seen for free but others will need to pay €20. For further details, call 616 852 185 or email daprise@outlook.com.

E W N 22 - 28 December 2016 / Costa del Sol

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First official Marbella Santa Claus presented By John Smith MARIA BRAVO founder of Global Gift has been declared the first official Santa Claus of Marbella. Mayor José Bernal presented the official Marbella Santa Claus hat to her on December 19 as in his words “we want to give more magic to Christmas in Marbella and we believe Maria Bravo is the ideal person to be the first Santa Claus in the city.” Maria Bravo’s first official duty will be to take part in a children’s Santa Claus parade which is due to take place on Friday December 23, running from the Calle de Jacinto Benavente to City Hall where she will be formally presented with the keys to Marbella. In addition, she will visit the paediatrics ward at the Costa del Sol Hospital where

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella.

NOW OFFICIAL: Santa and her helpers. she will present gifts to the children there. The new Santa said “It is an honour to be the first Santa Claus in the city because it is

a character that is not associated with any particular religion, sex or race, but symbolises the magic and hope of Christmas.”

Symphonic Rock THERE will be a few excellent symphonic interpretations of some of the absolute best rock music of the past 40 years when the Rock Symphony Orchestra comes to the Teatro Cervantes in Malaga at 9.30 on Tuesday January 3. With 60 professional musicians manipulating strings, percussion, brass and woodwind, they will perform a whole range of different well-loved pieces including Satisfaction, Hotel California, We Will Rock You and Sweet Child O’ Mine, all presented in their own symphonic style. Songs by Deep Purple, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Aerosmith, Scorpions and AC / DC have been especially scored and adapted to allow for the audience to revel in some of the greatest recent rock hits presented in what can best be described as a classical style. Tickets range in cost from €20 to €50 and may be obtained through the usual outlets.

Magical time IF you are looking for a different show to see before Christmas, you could do worse than visit the Teatro Alameda in Malaga on Friday December 23 at 8pm, when the Factory of Magic presents the Illusionists with tickets costing €12. This is billed as a fantastic magic show to thrill and perhaps confuse all of the family as five illusionists bring a range of different styles of magic to the Malaga stage. There will be pigeons, handkerchiefs, manipulation and even comic magic to entertain the whole family.

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Picasso Museum By John Smith CHILDREN are the focus of attention for the Picasso Museum in Malaga this Christmas and New Year with holiday workshops and guided tours as well as free admission for the young. Open all over Christmas except for Christmas Day, New Year ’s Day and January 6, one of the special displays features toys produced by a combination of members of charities for those suffering from social exclusion and a number of wellknown artists. There will also be a very interesting workshop for youngsters aged from four to 10 on geometry and its place in the development of art which centres on an ex-

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: Developing an instinct for art. hibition from the artist Joaquín Torres-García and is aimed at assisting children to develop their creativity and imagination. There will be some restricted opening hours but the Museum will still be

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able to offer a free audio guide as well as a weekly tour of the permanent collection in English but in order to check details, potential visitors are advised to visit www.museopicassoma laga.org.

KEEP fit and help the community by joining in with the Torremolinos fun run which takes place at noon on New Year’s Eve, Saturday 31. Dress as one of Santa’s elves or reindeer or indeed any Christmas character that you wish and donate one kilo of food to help those who may otherwise have a hungry New Year. It is more fun than strenuous exercise and it is easy to register on http://bit.ly/2hQtEG2 which you can do up to one hour before the race starts, so support the local council by turning out in style and numbers for ‘II San Silvestre Torremolinos.’

Estepona Bedouin competition THE Estepona Council has announced that it has extended the deadline to c ompe te in w ha t it re fe rs to a s the Christmas competition of Bedouins which will be part of the Three Kings Cavalcade until January 4. Rules require that groups shall consist of at least 15 members who must all wear the same clothes and participate in the full parade together. With a top prize of €2,000, participants will be judged on the originality of their costumes as well as choreography and presentation. A ny pros pe c tive groups ne e d to register at the council Festival delegation a t the C e ntro C ultura l Pa dre Manuel.

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

XMAS COMPETITION: Bedouin competitors.

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American stars to play in Marbella TWO new super concerts have been announced by Crazy Music Productions which will see Foreigner and George Benson appearing at Puente Romano Tennis Club next year. Having brought Seal, Simply Red and the Kaiser Chiefs to the Costa del Sol in 2016, the company has just announced two 2017 specials which bring a pair of major music stars over from the US.

George Benson. Photo Credit: Randy Miramontez Shutterstock

Formed in 1976 by British musicians Mick Jones of Spooky Tooth and the Leslie West Band and Ian McDonald of King Crimson, the band Foreigner has had a number of hits with the most famous being ‘Cold as Ice.’ The gig will take place on June 11 next year.

G e o rg e Benson, now 73-years-old is one of the best known jazz guitarists in the world who has had hits with ‘Give Me The Night.’ Recently one of the mentors on Sky TV’s Guitar Star, the guitarist who practises the Django Reinhardt style apoyando (rest-stroke) of picking will appeaer at Puente Romano on July 21. For more information visit crazymusicproductions.com.

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Gibralta By John Smith THE organisers of the eighth Gibraltar International Song Festival (GISF) which will take place on Saturday May 6 are calling for entries with a closing date of January 15. Already, entries have been r ecei ved f r om Gi br al t ar, Spain, the UK, South America, much of Europe and Morocco but there is always room for more entries to be considered. According to the organising com m i t t ee, as has been t he case i n pr evi ous year s, t he standard of entries is exceptional, emphatic proof that the GISF is now held in very high esteem throughout the world. Every year they receive num er ous ent r i es f r om est ablished songwriters, as well as newcomers to the art of song writing. One of t he gr eat t hi ngs about the GISF is that reputations count for nothing, since the panel of judges who select the songs that will feature at

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ar Song Festival ‘17

Brandon Cooke winner of the 2016 GISF. the Finals Gala on 6 May, do so ‘blind.’ In other words, t hey select so n g s wi t h o u t prior knowledge of the iden-

tity or country of origin of the songwriters. These details are only rev ea le d to th em o n c e th e

points are added up and the fina lis t s ongs a re know n. This ‘level playing field’ approach means that newcomers to song writing have exa c tly the s a me c ha nc e of making the final as their established counterparts, as long a s the ir s ongs a re deemed to be of the required standard by the panel. Judging at the Finals Gala w ill, onc e more , be in the ha nds of a n inte rna tiona l pa ne l of e xpe rts from the mus ic indus try, w hile the prizes on offer are: £4,000 (First Prize), £2,000 (Second Prize), £1,000 (Third Prize), £500 (Best Interpreter). The GISF team is calling out to all songwriters to submit the ir e ntrie s in the knowledge that every single song is given equal time and attention, irrespective of experience, but with all due regard to quality and time is short, so if you are interested in more information on the rule s of e ntry, do vis it www.gibraltarsongfestival.com.

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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 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

Photo Credit: Dr. Morley Read shutterstock

Go loco and grow cocoa

CHOCOLATE TREE: It is possible to grow your own with careful planning and care. 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. En-

sure the soil stays moist all year through supplementary watering as necessary, like in a rainforest environment. 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.

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 e ve ry 15 da ys the re s t of t he 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 l ack of l i ght . Pl ace t he cact us i n a lighter area, but not directly in the sun.

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

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Puppies bought from the Internet

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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 alloy 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 underfloor 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.

Stats panel:

HONDA HR-V: Wor th the wait.

Model: Honda HR-V SE Navi Engine: 1.6 litre diesel Transmission: 6 speed manual Performance: 0-60 mph 10.2 seconds, top speed 119 mph Economy: 68.9 mpg combined Emissions: 108 g/km

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The Retro Fiat 500 Lounge by Nick Fletcher FIAT’S cute little 500 was a masterstroke of retro design which set it apart from more conventional city hatchbacks. The result was a bestseller for the Italian company, which added charisma and style to a car class which was previously rather humdrum. Fiat 500 prices start at £11,050 (€13,083) and there is a 0.9 litre turbo-charged two cylinder engine, and a 1.3 diesel, but the choice of most buyers is the

1.2 litre petrol unit – my test model - which though offering only 69hp, is still sufficiently perky to propel the 500 at decent pace. Top speed is 99mph, the 0-60 mph time 12.9 seconds, and while neither are best in class figures such is the cachet of the car that it just doesn’t seem to matter. The 500 is much more about style than out-and-out performance – though the racy Abarth versions do offer hot-hatch pace for those who want it.

Fuel economy is a big pluspoint for the 1.2 litre 500 – the combined figure is 60.1 mpg, and that, along with its neat day-to-day practicality, make it an ideal city runabout. It is at its agile best nipping through busy urban streets and slotting into tiny parking spaces. Its light steering, slick gearshift and good all-round visibility add to its pleasing driving dynamics. Out of its natural city habitat, the 500 sometimes shows its lack of speed, and the ride quality is more fidgety due to its short wheelbase, but that really is the

only negative against this little charmer. Front-seat space is very good and even the small rear seats will take a couple of adults as long as you are not on a long journey. The bootspace is adequate for modest shopping needs, and the rear seat split folds to accommodate larger loads. The cabin is pleasingly retro, simple and unfussy, and very easy to use, with big buttons for instant touch. Although some of the trim materials are rather basic, such is the clever design of the cabin, it still looks chic.

Stats panel: Model: Fiat 500 Lounge Engine: 1.2 litre petrol Transmission: 5 speed manual Performance: 0-60 mpg 12.9 seconds, top speed 99 mph Economy: 60.1 mpg combined Emissions: 113g/km

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SPORT

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.

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Golf package offer at a four-star Costa hotel CostaLessGolf Weekly News with

Ron Garrood CostaLessGolf had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa Fernadez who kindly showed us the facilities that Holiday World Hotel Polynesia has to offer. All areas in this hotel are decorated in a style reminiscent of Polynesia and are situated on a majestic lake and exotic tropical garden in front of the Mediterranean Sea, close to the holiday resorts of Benalmadena and Fuengirola. You can stay in one of the 328 spacious sea view Junior Suites which are stylish, modern and can accommodate a maximum of four guests and is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the golf course. Famous for their All Inclusive Package, not only for including leisure activities and free access to the Beach

POLYNESIA HOTEL: Offers many leisure activities. Club, but for offering the most extensive range of dining options on the Costa del Sol. With an abundant choice of freshly prepared cuisine, alcoholic drinks from a selection of the best national brands, beers, wines and spirits and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Other facilities include the Monoi Spa, you can immerse yourself in a full spa circuit, a Gym, Maitai Piano Bar, Ukelele Night Club, Cinema, Bowling, Restaurants, Snack

Bars and a full daily entertainment programme. CostaLessGolf has a Special Golf Package Offer for: five nights, All Inclusive in a Twin Bed Junior Suite with three green fees at Parador Old, Cabopino and El Chaparral Golf including shared buggies and five days car hire. Price: â&#x201A;Ź441.00/ÂŁ375.00 pp - and for Groups 1 in 8 players stay and play FREE. Valid: 1-28 February 2017. Call 952 661 849 or email enquiries@costalessgolf.com

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22 - 28 December 2016

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The Ball and Chain played at Mijas UNTIL Monday November 28 the weather had been astonishingly good, but on that day, two days before the Ball and Chain was due to start, everything changed. As is well known the weather is no respecter of anyone or anything and the Ball and Chain may be the oldest bowls competition on the coast, but the weather was determined to play havoc with it. That meant that the games on the first two days of the tournament were played in cloudy, cold and wet conditions. The forecast for the next few days was so horrendous that it was decided, quite rightly as it turned out, to postpone the final three rounds until Friday and Saturday December 16 and 17. By then, everybody thought, the rain would have gone and it would be more like those Spanish winters the British

BALL AND CHAIN: The oldest bowls competition played on the coast.

people have come to enjoy. That was not to be! The two days of competition did take place, however on both mornings the green had to be hoovered to remove the water from the overnight rainfall. There were only three quarter-finals as one couple had been forced to drop out as they had booked to return to their home in Belgium. In the semifinals Mac Farlow and Barbara Bartlett (Benalmadena) beat Peter and Val Allard (Mijas) in quite a close match, while Ron and Sue Jones (Lauro) beat Paul Hughes and Jane Richardson. The final, therefore, was between Mac and Barbara and Ron and Sue. The Benalmadena couple got into the lead after five ends and gradually gained on that lead during the match until Ron and Sue conceded after 16 ends.

After the presentation Mac Farlow made a nice speech thanking all those who had worked so hard to make the competition possible. The competition was sponsored by Avalon Funeral Planners. Fancy playing bowls at Mijas Bowls Club? If so, whether you are a beginner or an experienced bowler, why not ring Robert Wright, our club captain, telephone number 952 492 434. You will be made very welcome. Mijas Bowls Club is situated just off the Carretera de Mijas at 1.8 kms. From Fuengirola turn into Camino de Cortijo Grande at the Farmacia del Agua and you will find the club about 150 metres on the left. Club days are normally held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1.30pm for 2.00pm and on Sunday mornings at 10.00am for 10.30am. We look forward to seeing you.