RTN Newspaper – Costa del Sol 1 - 7 December 2017 Issue 031

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Issue 31

1st-7th December 2017

Reporting The News

Travel agents are welcomed at City Hall

Inside this week...

CRUISE CONTROL

P3 CHRISTMAS FUN with decorations, music and video

P8 ALL GOOD business

Photo credit Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Mayor Muñoz and the group of travel agents

by Michael Cano A TOUR of Andalucia organised for travel agents whose clients look for luxury destinations saw the party welcomed to Marbella by Mayor Ángeles Muñoz.

The 11 agents who come from Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Russia USA, and the United Kingdom have been on a familiarisation trip, so that when they return to their respective countries, they will be able to share

their experiences with customers and recommend suitable destinations and properties.

The trip was arranged by the organisation Andalucia with Me and founder Cristina Leyva told the mayor that the agents “have been surprised by this unique offer from Andalucia," adding that “the agents’ clients are tourists who spend an average of €600 per person per day, well above the average for occasional visitors."

P20

2

1,000 benefit from tax help

by Richard Johnson FUENGIROLA COUNCIL has revealed it helped 1,000 residents pay their tax this year.

Maria Hernandez, Councillor for Finance, explained the town offered financial aid and practical assistance to locals, making it one of the easiest municipalities to pay tax in. She added residents had been given the option to split payments, a solution used by many.

Councillor Hernandez explained, the measure “has been very well received, since 776 taxpayers took it up in 2014, 884 in 2015, 840 in 2016 and 1,000 so far this year.” Up to 30 per cent off property tax (IBI), tractor tax and Environmental Waste Management fees are available providing residents fulfil various criteria, according to Hernandez.

Fuengirola Council’s finances are looking in good shape, with its debt down by 75 per cent and the town hall is passing on its fortune to residents with funding for a community project of up to €1 million.

Locals are being encouraged to put forward their ideas for how the money should be spent.

The initiative, put forward by Mayor Ana Mula, is aimed at allowing residents greater control over how council money is spent.

An online suggestion submission app has been created and all ideas will be analysed for their viability. Mayor Mula explained, "like I always say; My best team is

the residents themselves. And in that sense, we have put in place different tools that have allowed us to work as a team with the people of Fuengirola so that they can also send us their requests, their concerns, their complaints, ... and in short, that they participate as a team to improve our city.”

Fuengirola Council last week announced it has reduced its debt by 75 per cent to €10.1 million. The amount has gone down considerably from the €42 million owed at the end of 2014. The town’s Mayor, Ana Mula, has said the council’s economic policies were responsible for the achievement, claiming they were “above all transparent.”

She added, “I have a plan which is reflected in our yearly budgets and how we manage them. The approach is paying off.” Mayor Mula explained, “thanks to good economic management we even have the opportunity of running a surplus,” which allowed the council to pay off some of its loans.

3

Cruise control

Stop press

by Jemima Roberts CRUISE passengers have praised Malaga for its security and hospitality.

A study carried out by the University of Malaga (UMA) found visitors rated the destination 8.59 out of 10 overall, giving average scores of 8.8 for security and nine out of 10 for hospitality.

Professor Manuel Angel Fernandez carried out the report for the second year, handing out 225 surveys throughout 2016. He found the lowest average score given was 7.6 for the city’s traffic volume, while “memories and gifts” was also given 7.6 out of 10.

Travellers found Malaga’s restaurants were its best feature, while the city’s port facilities were also given the thumbs up, scoring 8.5 out of 10.

The study also found the destination average marks of 8.9 from visitors who would recommend the destination and 7.8 for whether guests would return.

The cruise industry is believed to contribute around €40 million a year

SEABOURN CRUISES: Debuted a new ship in Malaga to Malaga’s economy, €4.5 million of which remains in the port. Around half a million passengers have visited the port this year on 298 cruise ships.

This summer, a new cruise ship, Seabourn Encore, made its first ever trip to Malaga after visiting Gibraltar.

The luxury ship measures 210 metres long, and can accommodate 640 passengers and 400 crew. The vessel, belonging to American company, Seabourn Cruise Line, was welcomed

by Malaga’s Port Authority, the council’s department for tourism and

company Cruceros Malaga.

The ship’s captain was also given a commemorative plaque to mark the inaugural visit at a reception held on board. The cruise liner stopped in Malaga to enjoy the city’s feria, before moving on to its next stop, Cartagena.

Another cruise, Panorama II, also stopped for a night at Malaga’s Palermal Terminal for the feria. The small, exclusive vessel, measuring 50 metres, is run by Greek company, Variety Cruises.

The Costa del Sol is known as a sailing destination, with 22 sailboats taking part in a race organised by Benalmadena Marina in September.

The regatta, which was taking place for the first time since 1997, was won by Viking, a boat based in the marina and captained by Enrique Gonzalez. The vessel was victorious after two days of sailing in varied weather and sea conditions with winds measuring between 12 and 20 knots and a swell of up to two metres.

Readers are advised that the RTN will be available from newstands on Thursday 7 December instead of Friday 8 December due to National holidays.

4

More money to prevent abuse

by Jemima Roberts POLITICIANS have asked Malaga Council for more money to tackle domestic violence.

Party Ciudadanos has called on the council and Junta de Andalucia to “allocate more resources for early detection and care in the cases of migrant women, women in situations of extreme social exclusion and women over 65 years of age.”

Malaga’s council last week handed out awards to three women who have fought against domestic abuse.

The event marked International Day Against Gender Violence which takes place this Sunday and honoured individuals and bodies who are helping to highlight and reduce the issue.

Anabel Padial, a former victim of domestic abuse, has won the “female

fighter” award for founding the Association of Women Survivors of Gender Violence. The Provincial Federation of Women “Agora” has been awarded the “commitment of an association” award for celebrating 25 years of existence, while SUR journalist Ana Perez-Bryan has been awarded the “highlighting gender violence” award.

Ms Padial explained of her organisation, “we call them ‘my girls’ because we are mothers to make them see the light at the end of the tunnel and that we can live in freedom.” Josefa Sierra, president of Agora, commented, “we dedicate the award to women who are no longer with us and their families, who have to learn to live without them.”

Ana Perez-Bryan read out some of her stories highlighting domestic abuse cases, explaining it is “a fight each and every one must

make from the trenches,” adding, “we will win this battle because we are more, we are together, we are better and we are not afraid.”

Earlier this month, the Malaga Provincial Council announced it was clamping down on gender violence.

The initiative, which is being publicised on three radio stations, aims “to overcome inequality between men and women, one of the biggest outstanding issues in our democracy.”

Elias Bendodo, President of the Provincial Council, said 27.4 per cent of young people see domestic abuse as “normal,” a figure which he explained was “very alarming.”

Malaga is not the only city taking steps to deal with the issue. In October, Marbella Council put together a programme of activities to honour International Day Against Domestic Abuse.

Money needed to tackle domestic violence

6

Half of drivers worked despite strike

Crammed centre

GUADALHORCE hospital treated 32,600 patients in its first year. Over a thousand patients were transferred to other health centres to complete their treatment. The new facility covers more than 100,000 inhabitants across 13 municipalities.

by Jemima Roberts AROUND half of Malaga’s cabs turned up to work despite a strike.

The Costa del Sol Confederation of Taxis agreed half its fleet would continue to work across Malaga’s 11 municipalities, and in particular at the city’s airport.

The strike, which took place between 6am on Wednesday and 6pm yesterday (Thursday), also saw cabbies take to Madrid’s streets in protest over private hire firms. Unions agreed a minimum of 25 per cent of drivers would continue to work, although Malaga’s taxis decided to raise the amount to 50 per cent.

Jose Royon, president of the Costa del Sol Confederation of Taxis and the Malaga Unified Autonomous Association of Taxis, explained, “we cannot leave the city abandoned so we have decided that half the fleet will be operational, which we think is enough to cover demand without any problems.”

Spain’s Supreme Court dealt a blow to cab drivers across Spain earlier this month when it granted 80 new private hire licences in Madrid, potentially opening the flood gates for up to 10,000 more across the country.

Fedetaxi, Spain’s main taxi union, called yesterday’s nationwide strike over the increase in private hire vehicles from companies including Uber and Cabify, accusing them of “unfair competition and piracy.”

Powder alert Taxis were still available despite the planned strike Police in Malaga last month unearthed 118 illegal taxies. The 53 “pirate” cabs and 65 chauffeured rental cars all lacked a licence to carry passengers. Local Police officers foiled 44 of the “pirate” taxi drivers as they entered Malaga Airport, eight were found near the city’s bus station and one was located in the Alameda de Capuchinos.

Agents at Malaga Airport have carried out 120 vehicle check stops this year, checking a total of 2,035 vehicles and finding 173 which did not carry the correct licence.

A further taxi strike in Malaga in August over private hire vehicles turned ugly, leading to 10 arrests for coercion, property damage and assault. The five-day strike over private hire vehicles caused travel chaos in the city at one of the busiest times of the year. Taxi drivers refused to work at Malaga Airport, instead sitting in their vehicles to protest the success of private taxi firm Cabify. Tens of holidaymakers were left stranded as their flights landed after the last bus had left the airport and no taxis were running.

POLICE have arrested a woman in Madrid for allegedly sending more than 20 envelopes containing white powder to various government organisations in Malaga, Madrid, and Merida, leading authorities to believe they were acts of terrorism.

Team work THE mayor of Benalmadena, Victor Navas and fellow council held a press conference to report on the good relationship between the five different political parties that have made up the town council since the 2015 elections.

7

Further rights demanded

by Pippa Harris

Firemen ask for changes

MALAGA’S airport firemen have asked to become municipal employees.

The group has asked Spain’s central government to be given the “status of public employees.” Their spokesman, Eduardo Zorilla, has claimed, “the security of the people who use our airports will be guaranteed by greater security, stronger rights and a faster and more effective service.” Zorilla added the group deserved to be recognised for the “essential work they do to save lives.”

Meanwhile, a body responsible for checking work conditions has discovered “proven deficiencies in occupational risk prevention” at the Malaga Martiricos fire park. It is the second time the organisation has written to the council to complain about standards at the site although the building is due for a €3.2 million facelift in December.

It is now demanding officials be consulted

in any matters relating to health and safety as well as the psychological health of fire workers. The body also criticised the council for electrical risks in the station, including unprotected cables and boxes, dampness in the ceiling and bedroom, lack of anti-slip tape on the stairs.

A €3,242,065 project will see equipment at the Paseo de Martiricos station upgraded and improved from December 1 onwards.

The works, which are expected to take around 24 months, will be carries out in six stages and will include improvements to the building’s structure and design. The building covers a total of 5,448.86 square metres, including 2.955,48 square meters on the ground floor, 433.97 square meters of mezzanine and 2,059.41 meters squares on the top floor.

Further improvements will include work to the firefighters’ sleeping and rest area, as well as the creation of a new emergency staircase.

8

Christmas fun with decorations, music and video Photo credit Ayuntamiento de Marbella

An artist’s impression of the giant ball

by Staff Reporter WITH a large number of road works resulting in impassable roads for many months in San Pedro Alcantara, affected businesses reported lost revenue.

Now that much of the work is completed and roads have re-opened, the council has announced a number of initiatives in the lead up to Christmas and Three Kings which will attract visitors to areas which have suffered from the road closures.

An enormous Christmas ball measuring 12 metres in diameter and lit by 70,000 bulbs will be installed on the Avenida Marques del Duero "to compensate for the damage arising from the works and responding to the commitment acquired with merchants and residents," said mayor, Rafael Piña.

This change of venue for some of the Christmas decorations from the usual Plaza de la Iglesia has been done deliberately in order to stimulate trade and there will be an audio

visual presentation featuring Miguel Ríos' Anthem of Joy and Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you at 6.30pm and 8.30pm alongside the Christmas ball.

Christmas decorations around the town will be inspired by images found in San Pedro churches and there will be two enormous illuminated Christmas trees installed on the main roundabouts, so when added to decorations above the various roads, no less than 628,000 bulbs will illuminate the town.

Calle Lagasca will be closed to traffic on the weekends before Christmas and Three Kings in order to encourage more shopping and if successful, this may become a regular feature.

The Christmas programme will commence this Thursday at 7pm and will run until January 5 with a number of parades, children’s parties, a free concert on Friday December 22 and selected flashmobs.

The Three Kings have not been forgotten and they will arrive by helicopter and tour the streets of San Pedro Alcantara.

Deep water WATER levels in Malaga province’s reservoirs reportedly increased by more than 2.5 cubic hectometres following the recent rainfall, after they received an average of 30 litres of water per square meter each.

10

Man arrested after a decade on the run

by Richard Johnson A 72-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Marbella after more than a decade of evading police.

The man, who lives in Nueva Andalucia, now faces prosecution for crimes against the administration of justice and road safety after being caught when he fled a police check point.

The pensioner was driving along the A-7 in a black Mercedes when he saw a police point at the Ashmawi Boulevard roundabout and changed direction. Officers gestured for the man to stop but he ignored their requests, starting a police chase.

When he was caught, agents found the man did not have a driver’s licence and had been wanted for misappropriation and fraud since two arrests in 2005 and 2007.

Several others have been arrested on international warrants after hiding out on the Costa del Sol this year.

In September it was revealed a 36-year-old

Up in flames

Lithuanian man has been arrested in Las Tortugas, Marbella, on a warrant issued by his home country. The man is now awaiting a hearing at the Court of Central Instructions after he allegedly worked with another person to stop a driver, kidnap them and demand a ransom.

He was arrested at his home in Marbella by the Provincial Police, whom he initially told he was Bulgarian. After being unable to provide any documents to prove his nationality, police carried out an identity check and ascertained he was wanted under European arrest warrant and detained him.

Meanwhile in June, a 39-year-old Danish man was arrested in Fuengirola for sexual exploitation of minors.

The man turned himself to officers sitting in their vehicle, explaining he was tired of living on the run. The police proceeded to check the man’s identity, and on finding out he was wanted on a European arrest warrant, arrested him.

In addition to his sexual crimes, which in-

ONE driver was hurt after a car fire on the Avenida Mar del Sur in Torreguadiaro. Emergency services quickly extinguished the flames, following a collision between two cars which both caught fire.

Arrested in Marbella after ten years volve sexual contact with an underage person and sexually assaulting a woman, as well as scamming a total of €73,138 from his victims, buying mobile phones, cars, bank loans and other goods with the money. He is also believed to have stolen €6,327 in money and jewellery across his burglaries. If convicted, he faces eight years in prison under Danish law.

Coked out

The National Police detained a 50-year-old cocaine delivery man in Torremolinos who was caught with 27 grams of cocaine on his person, with a further 335 grams found at his house.

The same month, a 51-year-old Latvian man has been arrested in Torremolinos for drug trafficking after becoming the subject of a European arrest warrant put together by police in France for his alleged involvement in transporting drugs between Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and France, where he lived until September 2011.

11

Fire strike case continues

Thug bites man’s ear off

POLICE are searching for a man who bit the ear of a young American tourist in Malaga.

The assailant and another man have yet to be identified after they attacked the holidaymaker in a brawl near Calle Granada in the city’s centre.

National Police officers attended the scene after witnesses reported the fight, which broke out around 4am, leaving two injured. A group of Americans, including three boys and one girl, who were renting an apartment in Malaga were caught up in the incident, leaving one 25-year-old man missing a piece of his right ear. It is believed footage of the brawl was captured on one of the tourist’s phones.

Police are now investigating what caused the incident although witnesses have confirmed the fight was not initiated by the Americans. One source claimed the group was being “quiet” when they were reprimanded by another group of young people, two of whom became more aggressive.

Allegedly one of the assailants then bit his victims, tearing off the top part of his ear. One witness saw the man throw the body part into the sewer and led officers to the area where they were able to retrieve the piece of cartilage and keep it on ice to give to doctors.

After he was taken to the Carlos Haya Hospital, the victim was told he would need surgery to reattach his ear but refused, saying he wanted to have it done in his own country. One of his friends, a 28-year-old man, was also injured but did not need hospital treatment.

National Police officers patrolled the centre of Malaga trying to find the assailants but have so far not identified them. Agents are using footage of the brawl alongside witness statements to continue their search but as yet have been unable to get the alleged assailants’ names.

According to witnesses, the men are Spanish and probably from Malaga, based on their accents.

Trial of firemen continues

by Jemima Roberts MALAGA firefighters have defended their decision not to battle fires while on strike.

Sixty firemen are on trial for abandonment of public service and denying assistance after failing to work when five fires broke out on the same day in June.

Their union blamed the incident on “disorganisation suffered by the service and poor media management,” adding there was not an appropriate system in place to deal with fires while on strike, claiming, “while other cities such as Torremolinos or Seville have systems in place to ensure firefighters off work are available in case of emergency, Malaga prefers to rely on improvisation in response to these situations.”

The spokesman added, "there is no

rule, regulation or law by which firefighters in Malaga are obliged to be on the phone and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” adding, "although the idea that the firefighters have neglected their obligations has been put forward by some, this is flatly false and will be seen at trial.”

The strike had been ongoing in the province for nine months, leading to a potential criminal case for 60 firefighters who ignored calls to attend five blazes in one day.

The Malaga prosecutor’s office has referred the matter to a judge who will now decide whether the workers are guilty of abandoning their office, a matter punishable by up to two years’ suspension from work and fines.

According to reports, on June 27 five fires broke out simultaneously around

the province. Sixty-one firemen were all called and asked to come to work but only one turned up. Twelve said they could not because of child care or doctor’s appointments, three said they were out of the area, one refused to go, two were on leave and the other 42 did not pick up their phones or return the call.

In the end, Provincial firefighters and Infoca workers were left to tackle the blazes in La Corta, Campanillas, Asperones, Monte Dorado and Atabal.

A court will now decide whether the men broke the “minimum services” conditions of their strike terms, in which, "in the event of an extraordinary situation (fire in buildings, activation of the Emergency Plan or any other incident), it may be necessary to take up the necessary personnel reinforcements to deal with such situation.”

12

House fire injures three

Watch thieves jailed

by Pippa Harris A FIRE in Malaga City has left two men and a woman in hospital.

Three members of the same family, aged between 58 and 61, were taken to the University Clinical Hospital after large clouds of smoke and flames tore through their home.

The fire, which broke out on the fifth floor of a building on Calle Juan de Robles, forced the occupants to evacuate before firefighters battled the blaze.

A series of house fires have struck the Costa del Sol, despite recent rainfall.

Last month, firefighters rescued two people from a blaze on Malaga’s Calle Jacinto Benavente.

Neither victim required hospital treatment but one was treated at the scene for mild smoke poisoning while the other was treated for anxiety.

The fire started at 1.50am on the first floor of a building. Firefighters evacuated the occupants and dealt with the blaze which caused considerable damage to the roof. According to fire services, hundreds of book and videotapes in the home fuelled the fire, leading to extensive damage.

In September, an 87-year-old man died after his home caught fire in Torremolinos.

Two others were affected by the blaze, with one 77-year-old woman remaining in a serious condition in hospital suffering from burns and

Series of house fires strike Costa del Sol smoke inhalation.

Firefighters attended the fire after several neighbours raised the alarm at around 9am. Finding the apartment’s doorway blocked, the rescue workers were forced to smash a window to gain entry. Inside they found a 77-year-old woman lying on the floor conscious and moved her to an ambulance. Searching the property’s rooms, firemen found the breathing but unconscious 87-year-old man lying in bed. Paramedics performed CPR before transferring the man to the Carlos Haya Hospital where he later died.

One Local Police officer was also received medical attention after suffering

from smoke inhalation and dizziness when National and Local police went to the property to cordon off the area. The 43-year-old officer was helping workers when he began to feel it, according to media reports.

Firefighters told one publication the blaze originated from one of the property’s rooms although they are still uncertain what caused the fire. According to the firemen involved, although the flames were small, the cloud of smoke “was very wide and dense.” Police are now investigating the cause of the fire.

Nine firefighters carried out the rescue operation, using two vehicles and a longlength ladder to extinguish the fire.

POLICE have held four gang members for allegedly stealing luxury watches valued at €320,000 from tourists in Marbella.

Another four suspected members are still wanted under an arrest warrant.

Two of those involved are believed to be waitresses who would point out potential victims to their associates.

The culprits allegedly changed their place of residence every few weeks and used eight different rental vehicles to avoid being detected.

According to local media reports, the criminal gang always operated at night, in groups of two to four people, and would carry out research on their victims before carrying out the robbery.

To do this they enlisted the help of two women who worked as waitresses in two well-known Marbella clubs.

The women would apparently point out clients who were drunk and wore expensive watches, and then later other members of the group would assault them in a more discreet area.

The thefts were mostly committed in Puerto Banus.

It is believed one of the men would distract the victim while another would tackle them by surprise and steal the watch before fleeing on a motorcycle or in a car.

The crime ring is also believed to be behind several robberies committed in Marbella jewellery stores. It has been reported one of the men would pose as a client, and ask to try on a watch. Other members of the group then went into the store and distracted the employee so the first man could leave the premises unnoticed while he still had it on his wrist.

The police were able to identify eight alleged members of the group after several months of surveillance and retrieved four watches, including two Rolexes valued at €9,000 and €15,000 euros, respectively.

Officers estimated that the organisation was behind numerous watch robberies in Marbella which totalled €320,000 in value altogether.

Medic row THE UGT trade un-

ion has submitted a complaint regarding the “chaos” at the

Carlos

Haya

Hospital’s external

consultations centre in Malaga capital, citing a lack of

staff and absence of slots for patients to see specialists.

14

Have your Say!

A popular post this

Visitors complain they are being turned away from detention centre

week is “Castration

programme prevents 18,000 cats in Torrevieja” which has reached over 2,800 people with over 40 reactions.

Patricia Marsh “If the cats are neutered they can’t breed but leaving them on the streets keeps down the vermin”

Micki Jones “Idiots feed them on the streets & we end up with rats & cockroaches”

@RTNNewspaper

Our most liked posts from this week Castration programme prevents 18,000 cats in Torrevieja No autumn season... again Despite having hundreds of online friends - Brits are loosing touch with the people who mean the most to them.

Medicine recycling on the increase in Murcia

Relatives unable to visit imprisoned immigrants

by Richard Johnson SEVERAL visitors were turned away from a detention centre as they tried to deliver clothes to their relatives.

After waiting all morning to see their loved-ones, visitors were asked to return to Archidona prison in the afternoon. Every day large numbers of mother, children, fathers and siblings queue outside the prison to see their families who were detained after illegally entering Spain on the coasts of Almeria and Murcia.

A plainclothes police officer was stationed outside the centre to organise visitors, some of whom say they have been waiting days to see

their relatives. Sources told one publication numbers had to be limited to control the situation which is said to have become heated. One father told a newspaper, “my son is on hunger strike because the other day they put out pork to eat.”

Relatives say they are concerned after hearing news reports of clashes inside the prison between inmates frustrated they will have to return home. A source told one publication there had been “some encounters,” which were “not serious.”

Last week a councillor urged Spain’s central government to make other arrangements for the immigrants. Mercedes Montero is asking

Sand stormed Fare enough

THE regional Environment Department has begun work on repairing the sand dunes in Artola, after they were damaged by the high influx of visitors over the summer.

In Total 6,036 People reached 2,180 Post engagements

rtnnewspaper.com

“A budget for everyone” Fuengirola Council is reaching out to residents for ideas for it’s 2018 budget

Neil Kemp “ Some of the money should go towards making Fuengirola an easier to access town for the disabled. ”

the government to open a new, permanent prison for those who illegally reach Spain’s shores by boat after it was claimed Archidona’s Local Police headquarters are being used to hold around 500 immigrants.

The councillor explained she had spoken to the Security of State for Security and, “he has assured me that they will be held for a maximum of 40 days and that another jail will be opened in January as promised.”

The immigrants, who arrived at the shores of Murcia before being transferred to Malaga, have received healthcare, personal hygiene kits and the services of an interpreter.

Around 2,000 food rations have been

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The Malaga Bar Association also met earlier this year to discuss rising immigration levels as well as appointing a panel of experts to analyse the situation and “make proposals to the relevant administrations, as the situation is increasingly worrying,” according to the association’s dean, Francisco Javier Lara.

Mr Lara said the association will “from now on work to coordinate” with other towns which also attract immigrants, including Cadiz, Almeria and Granada. He explained he was also looking in to liaising with bodies in Italy and Morocco.

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15

Wall job

A 70-METRE long, five-metre high wall has been built next to Las Mesas park in Estepona in order to reinforce the ground and prevent landslides after a nearby stream burst its banks and caused widespread damage during last winter’s storms.

Best care

THE Carlos Haya hospital in Malaga was ranked 22nd in the list of Spain’s best public hospitals, while the Quiron hospital was ranked tenth among the best private hospitals, according to the latest MERCO Spanish Corporate Reputation Report.

Four arrested for dealing heroin

by Jemima Roberts TWO MEN and two women have been detained for selling drugs in Estepona.

The group, aged between 42 and 79 years’ old, allegedly sold heroin, cocaine, marijuana and hashish from a home in the town where they also allowed buyers to take the narcotics.

Officers began investigating in September following reports of dealing in the area. On searching one property, National Police found 177.8 grams of marijuana, 720 grams of hashish, 0.5 grams of heroin, 62 wraps of cocaine 29 methadone pills. Officers also seized nine sets of scales for weighing the narcotics, one shotgun, two replica pistols, eight weapons, €201 in cash, 16 mobile phones, four televisions, six tablets and four laptops.

Earlier this month, a Spanish was detained in France for smuggling one ton of cannabis from Malaga.

The 35-year-old is being held after his truck was searched by officers in Montmarault near Lyon. Police say he was stopped due to collaboration between the Spanish and French authorities.

Also this month, a man was arrested in Malaga for importing 65 kilos of cocaine. The accused has been handed over to a court in Algeciras and police have not ruled out further arrests after they discovered the drugs at Algeciras port.

Officers from the Tax Agency and Guardia Civil seized the narcotics after becoming suspicious of a shipment. Using a non-

Heroin was found in the property intrusive scanner, officers discovered the cocaine had been hidden in eight small metal cylinders covered in lead.

The scanner showed officers the shipment’s contents did not match their description and they began to examine the objects. Looking into the cylinders, they found pills which, when tested, where found to be cocaine.

Police tracked the shipment back to a company on an industrial estate in Malaga and discovered the property did not seem to be used for commercial operations.

Last month, police began investigating another company in Malaga after finding 1,109

kilos of cocaine hidden in cargo containers.

The drugs, which have now been seized, were discovered concealed among an order of plasterboard panels being shipped from Colombia to the Malaga-based construction company. The tax office, National Police, German customs office and Spanish branch of the American Drug Enforcement Administration began working together in August thanks to a tip off about an international crime organisation.

Their investigations led them to the construction company, whose headquarters are in Seville, and the discovery of the shipment.

16

Teacher arrested for abusing two girls

No entry

by Pippa Johnson A BRITISH teacher has been arrested for sexually abusing two seven-yearold girls.

The 64-year-old suspect has now been handed over to the judicial authority. The man, who is not believed to have any previous convictions, is married with children.

Police began investigating after the victims’ mothers told officers their English tutor had touched them. On investigating, police allegedly found the man had convinced parents to allow him to teach their children at a time when there was no other teachers or students at the school, claiming it was a better time. Officers also say they found child pornography on the man’s computer.

Four other alleged paedophiles were arrested in Malaga over the last year, including a football coach who is believed to have abused at least 23 victims.

In January, a teacher in Torre del Mar confessed to touching girls in schools, while a young man allegedly abused four children in Marbella.

Earlier in the summer, it emerged a music teacher who allegedly sexually assaulted an 8-year-old pupil could still be teaching.

Teacher convinced parents to allow him to teach their children at a time when there was no other teachers or students at the school According to media reports, the 35year-old man, who was arrested on September 4 in Fuengirola, could have been transferred to another school after his suspension.

National Police are now analysing the man’s mobile phone and computer after the girl’s mother claimed he touched her daughter when alone in a classroom together one day, before showing her pornographic videos and threatening to

kill her if she told anyone.

A psychologist was brought in to listen to the girl and believed her story, leading to the man’s arrest. The teacher denies the allegations and was released on bail with an order preventing him from contacting the girl.

The National Police’s Family and Woman Unit are keeping their investigation open in case any further children come forward.

A DRIVER sparked panic after driving the wrong way along the MA-20. No arrests have been made and no one is thought to have been injured after police intercepted the vehicle at around 6am. Concerned motorists alerted officers to the driver who passed by the Palacio de Congressos and Leroy Merlin between Malaga and Torremolinos.

As no accident took place and no injuries were reported, the police have not arrested anyone.

Last week, a drunk-driver was banned from driving for a year and four months after driving the wrong way on the AP7.

The woman, who must also now pay a €1,200 fine, was found to be almost double the drink-driving limit when was spotted driving dangerously at around 4am. When police were finally able to stop the driver, she allegedly smelt of alcohol, was talkative and unsteady on her feet. Officers believe the woman reacted badly to the mixture of alcohol and a medication she had been taking, affecting her ability to drive.

In August, a bus driver was sanctioned after testing positive to alcohol and narcotics, endangering the lives of his 60 passengers. The man, who police say they could not arrest because "because there were not sufficient symptoms for the commission of crime,” instead now faces an administrative penalty.

The driver’s passengers in Benalmadena were delayed after their driver was stopped and removed by the Guardia Civil following a routine drugs check. The vehicle was travelling from Hinojosa del Duque in Cordoba to Benalmadena when police boarded the bus and tested its driver for alcohol and narcotics, with the man testing positive for marijuana use. After the driver was removed by police, the bus and its passengers were stuck until around 11am when another driver, who tested negative for drink and drugs, could take over.

Police roadside checks have recently been stepped up on journeys with coastal destinations in an effort to ensure drivers are complying with the law and reduce accidents. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil’s traffic department explained, "The dangerousness of accidents involving vehicles that transport people as it is the case that concerns us, as well as the social alarm generated by such accidents, advise to prioritize control over this type of transport.”

17

Lawyers blamed over evictions

by Jemima Roberts

Malaga Bar association claim more than 800 foreclosures have been avoided

POLITICIANS have criticised a group of lawyers over their handling of evictions.

Victoria Mendiola of the Podemos party blasted the Malaga Bar Association after it reached an agreement with Marbella Council to offer free legal advice to people facing losing their homes.

The councillor said the policy was “not the result of consensus with anti-suicide collectives, nor will it provide the necessary attention for such a serious problem.” Mendiola also criticised the council for agreeing to pay the lawyers for their time, saying the policy, “has a double cost: the economic one that we pay with our taxes and the social one for those who pay but are not given a solution.”

Her colleague, Eduardo Frapolli, shadowed her concerns, claiming the initiative incurred “economic expense with an uncertain result… because of a lack of prior analysis.”

In response the dean of the Malaga Bar Association, Francisco Javier Lara, asserted, “this service has avoided more than 800 foreclosures in Malaga province.” He added the funding the association was given for the service barely covered training and facilities.

Marbella’s Mayor, Angeles Muñoz, added a

previous law firm had been paid €118,000 for two years to provide legal advice to those at risk of eviction but the Malaga Bar Association was only charging €25,000.

The association made news earlier in the month after writing to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGDJ) asking for changes to the way floor clause mortgage claims are handled.

The group says the use of just one speciallyappointed court to deal with these claims as led to significant delays, hindering justice and leaving claimants with years to wait before their case will be heard. The Malaga Bar Assocation says the plant, which was put in place to expedite these claims, has failed and site the 2,100 cases lodged since June 1 as evidence the court is overburdened. It also warns having one central court in Malaga limits justice to those living in remote areas of the province.

After a European Court of Justice ruling last December, people who believe they were sold a floor clause mortgage have been able to claim the money back. Lawyers, prosecutors and judges had voted unanimously against forcing one court to deal with so many claims. It now seems their concerns were well-founded as the court has since received twice the expected annual amount in just two months.

18

Doctors failed to spot pregnancy

Monster under the bed

by Pippa Harris FIVE DOCTORS are under fire for allegedly failing a pregnant woman.

A judge has now told the Andalucian Health Service (SAS) the professionals could face civil liability claims after failing to spot a woman was pregnant until she went into labour.

The claimant, Carolina, allegedly visited doctors five times with stomach pain, eventually giving birth to twins on her final visit, without anyone diagnosing she was pregnant.

The mother is now suing the doctors for “medical negligence,” after she was hospitalised for a month for complications from childbirth. Her two daughters are said to be well. Carolina first visited a Malaga health centre in June complaining of “severe leg pain, weight gain and that her period had stopped.”

Convinced she could not have children as she was obese, the woman was discharged from the centre before returning on August 1 for “severe abdominal pain.” Doctors once again failed to offer her a pregnancy test and instead diagnosed her with back pain and poor circulation.

Carolina returned again on September 10, telling doctors she had not had a period in four months and in a later appointment she explained she had developed a bump on her stomach. Doctors stuck to their diagnosis, telling the woman she instead needed to lose weight before she eventually gave birth in October.

Pregnancy went undetected by five different doctors

A WOMAN almost lost an arm after becoming trapped in her sofa bed in Malaga.

The 62-year-old was attempting to reach under the bed when the mechanism closed, catching her arm in the hinge.

Firefighters and a nurse battled to free the woman after her blood supply was cut off, carefully opening the hinge to avoid damaging her arm further. Eventually the woman was released and her arm was saved.

Malaga’s firefighters have been busy in recent weeks, having dealt with several fires in one property this year.

The site on Avenida Juan XXIII was most recently attended by fire fighters after a mattress apparently caught fire in the afternoon. The flames were extinguished and no one has been reported injured.

Malaga City Council is now waiting for a court to decide whether they can remove squatters from an empty building.

Commercial Court Number One is due to make a decision over whether the council can brick up the building’s entrances or take up any other measures which would see its squatters removed. The court will also consider whether the building, a housing block on Avenida Juan XXII, could be bought by a third party who would reform it.

Following a series of fires at the property, Local Police have been forced to visit the site around 25 times this year, identifying those squatting in it.

The building’s current most recent occupiers were evicted after a latest fire on Sunday. Residents claim the spot has become a target for thieves since a construction company which owned the building declared bankruptcy. Up to one hundred people have squatted in the building since then, including some families and children. Despite police efforts to evict the occupiers, many have returned.

20 Photo credit FM Consulting‫‏‬/Twitter

Ticket rush HONORARY GUESTS: From left, Angeles Muñoz, Maria Bravo, President of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Dulce Cordoba, Fausto Martinez and CIT president Juan Jose Gonzalez

All good business

by Staff Reporter MORE than 300 people attended the 2017 CIT Marbella Business Awards at the Hotel Puente Romano in Marbella to honour businesses that have made a significant contribution to the local economy.

Maria Bravo, head of the Global Gift Foundation, was presented with the 'Luis Cierco award for promoting Marbella

tourism' for holding the ‘Global Gift Gala’ in the city each year.

The Global Gift Foundation was founded in Marbella in 2012 and holds charitable events around the world in places such as Paris, London, Miami and Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes.

Businessman of the Year was awarded to Fausto Martinez from FM Consulting, who is

also the founding member of the Marbella Centre for Tourism Initiatives and also ViceChancellor of the Malaga Consular Corps.

The dinner was also attended by various local representatives, including Angeles Muñoz, the Mayor of Marbella, Jose Luis Ruiz Espejo, the Andalusian Government Delegate in Malaga, and Susana Ibañez, the Andalusian General Secretariat for Tourism.

TEN THOUSAND tickets were sold within two hours for the infamously dangerous Caminito del Rey pathway near Ardales. The company in charge of the stunning walking route put tickets on sale for access between February and May.

No Xmas spirit BENALMADENA COUNCIL has angered residents after a series of errors in contracting a company to install the town’s Christmas lights, with the chosen firm dismissed after it “did not demonstrate the necessary economic or technical ability.”

Happy holidays ANDALUCIA has topped the national ranking for the quality tourism SICTED award, with 36 destinations and 1,951 companies having been awarded the distinction, representing 18.7 per cent of Spain’s total.

22

News from around Europe NETHERLANDS

Lost and found Rail company NS has declared this week ‘lost cuddly toy week’ in an effort to unite toys lost on the train and at stations with their owners. Its aim is to return at least five creatures from ‘a complete zoo of lost cuddly toys’ before Sinterklaas brings new ones.

Please prosecute Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell played a part in a ‘brutal campaign’ by the Nigerian security forces to silence protests in the oil-producing Niger Delta region in the 1990s, ac-

cording to a new report

by Amnesty International.

The human rights group is calling on governments to investigate Shell’s potential involvement with ‘a view to prosecution’.

First come, first served On a trial until December 11, Schiphol airport is allowing some passengers travelling within the Schengen open border zone to book a time slot to go through security controls. Passengers can reserve a 15-minute slot using the airport app if their flights are between 10.00am and 1.30pm.

Hidden talent?

The Dutch national centre for war and genocide studies NIOD has confirmed that a painting it acquired from an anonymous donor is an original watercolour

by Adolf Hitler.

Are you there?

Russia lost contact with a crucial satellite just hours after it was launched into space on Tuesday morning. The Meteor M2-1 was supposed to detach from the rocket carrying it soon after it launched.

But it failed to do so and the space agency lost contact with it.

Justice served A man who posted a racist message on Facebook in response to a demonstration against Zwarte Piet has been ordered to carry out 40 hours’ unpaid work.

The 31-year-old man from Lelystad said protesters at the welcoming parade in 2015 should be ‘put to work again as slaves’.

I’m off Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic, said he is ready to step down, leaving it to the Kremlin to choose his successor whilst President Vladimir Putin, 65, is expected to announce he will run for his fourth term in elections due in March.

FRANCE Power to the President President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to ban the use of controversial weed killer glyphosate within three years, despite the EU voting to renew its license for a further five years on Monday.

Tiger shot dead An escaped circus tiger was shot dead by its handler in the middle of a Paris district about a mile from the Eiffel Tower last Friday. Witnesses told the French press the animal was shot two or three times before it collapsed.

Suitable sentence?

A French teacher was handed an 18month suspended sentence on Monday for having sex with a 14-year-old pupil. The 31-

year-old maths teacher had an affair with the girl for several months this year after they struck up a conversation on Instagram.

Not on France's biggest secondary teachers' union has called for strikes on Monday at 500 French schools in foreign countries in protest at planned cuts to budgets and staffing.

Jo Cox honoured Murdered British MP Jo Cox has joined war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill as one of the few British politicians to have been bestowed the honour of having a French street named after her. The town of Avallon in Burgundy has honoured the Labour MP.

ICELAND Freezing times TEMPERATURES went down to -18 C in central Iceland last night and will continue to drop. The Iceland Met Office says that it's not unlikely that the temperature will beat the record for this time of year - Möðrudalur in the North central highlands in 1978 at -24.2 C. Eruption warnings AN EVACUATION plan for the Öræfajökull volcano has been published by the Department of Civil Protection in light of increased activity in recent days. If volcanic ash starts falling, people are instructed to seek shelter

in the nearest building and follow further instructions when they are issued.

Feline good about it THE FIRST cat café is set to open before Christmas in the Reykjavik city centre aptly called Kattakaffihúsið. New governmental regulations now allow restaurant owners in Iceland to decide for themselves whether or not animals are allowed there as long as health guidelines are respected.

Child car attack TWO MEN in their twenties were arrested in the city centre of

RUSSIA

Reykjavik on suspicion of attacking a four-year-old boy sitting in the back of a car that his mother was driving. According to the Reykjavik Metropolitan Police the men were in a drug-induced state and resisted arrest.

Is it an alien?

LOCALS OF Breiðdalsvík in East Iceland wondered if the aliens were actually coming when they were surprised by strange lights shooting across the sky. According to the University of Iceland science department this was most probably a meteor entering the earth's atmosphere.

Humiliating and insulting A court in St Petersburg has sentenced a man to two years in a penal colony for insulting high-ranking Russian officials on

social media. He was found guilty of writing a post on the popular Russian social network Vkontakte that “contained text of humiliating and insulting nature towards high-placed officials”.

Not big, not clever A Russian Su-30 fighter jet made an “unsafe” intercept of a US P-8A Poseidon aircraft Saturday while it was flying over the Black Sea. “The US aircraft was operating in international airspace and did nothing to provoke this Russian behaviour,” the Pentagon said.

Approaching deadline Facebook has agreed to hand over information showing the reach of Russian-backed postings during the Brexit referendum by early December, according to the House of Commons media watchdog.

SCANDINAVIA Wolf cull THE ADMINISTRATIVE court in Luleå has said that 22 wolves in defined areas of Dalarna, Gävleborg, Värmland, Västmanland and Örebro may be shot during the winter hunt, rejecting appeals against the cull.

The hunt will take place between January 2nd and February 15th next year.

Poor air quality AUTHORITIES in Bergen are considering drastic measures should air quality in the city this week become as poor as forecasts suggest.

Should meteorologists’ predictions become reality, motorists in the

city could face a fivefold increase in road tolls from 45 to 225 kroner.

Tops for tax takes A NEW survey from the OECD economic think tank puts Denmark at the top of all the countries included. When income taxes, social security contributions, taxes on property, goods and services are all added together they account for 45.9 percent of Denmark's overall earnings in 2016.

Cricket teas FAZER announced it will bring insect-based bread

to the shelves of grocery shops in Helsinki.

Loaves of freshly baked bread made partly of cricket flour at Fazer’s in-store bakery in Prisma Kaari Kannelmäki, became available at a total of eleven outlets.

100 years and counting THE CENTENARY of Finland’s independence culminates on Finland’s Independence Day, December 6, 2017. The climax of the centenary will be a joint effort, and the program will be rich and memorable.

The celebrations will take place in more than 100 countries on all the continents.

GERMANY Should be amusing...

A SCRAPBOOK of mementoes of Queen Victoria’s childhood collected by her German governess, including lockets of her hair and fabric from her wedding dress, is to be auctioned in Berlin. Baroness Louise Lehzen gathered the items during the 21 years she spent at Victoria’s side.

Fresh in the memory A GROUP of activists unveiled a replica of Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial secretly erected outside the home of a far-right AfD politician who says Germans should stop atoning for Nazi guilt. They said it wanted to send a daily reminder of the horrors that led to six million deaths.

Beatle diary thief GERMAN police have arrested a 58-yearold man in Berlin on suspicion of handling stolen items from John Lennon’s estate,

including the late Beatle’s diaries.

The items were stolen from Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono in New York in 2006 and have been seized as evidence.

Workers e-travel AS PART of a testing phase for Deutsche Bahn's (DB) new shuttle service, Frankfurt employees at the company will be able to call so-called "eTuk Tuks" using an app to take them to locations around the city. A fleet of 13 electric vehicles is hitting the streets.

No police charges THE AUGSBURG Regional Court has ruled that no charges can be brought against the patrol officers who were on duty when a young woman died in a car crash in the summer of 2015. "An unforeseeable string of unfortunate circumstances" had led to the officers failing to find the young woman.

23

The write way up

by

Michael Walsh

keyboardcosmetics@ gmail.com The opinions published in Mike´s weekly column are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or newspaper sponsors.

Everyone has a book inside them and sadly this is where it usually stays. As Richard Bach says, ‘a professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.’

Writing a book is a challenge but by way of letters and emails most people have already written enough to complete several paperbacks.

As with learning any new skill there’s a formula for success. Using advice given or learned I added my name to over 40 book titles and I have ghosted as many more. Your typing finger is simply a spare tongue so let your finger do the talking.

Most wannabe authors are deterred by their inability to write to retail standards. But, poor writing never discouraged successful authors like Jeffrey Archer or Stephen King. Their storyline inspirations are simply handed to a ghost writer who writes their book.

Most books are brought to publishing standards by a ghost-writer rather than the person named on the book’s cover. Many well-known authors lend their names to the works of lesser known authors. These include Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Clive Cussler.

Clancy’s publishers say: “Tom Clancy creates the ideas for these series and the writers execute Clancy’s ideas. All are subject to his supervision.”

It helps if the writer has experience of the subject. It is not unknown for hoteliers, social workers, those employed in the sex industry, policemen and entertainers to make more money selling their life story than living it.

Biographies don’t sell but romance and erotica; dubbed mummy porn clears the shelves.

The soft porn market generates $1.44 billion each year; most buyers are women. Hot on the heels of erotica are crime novels but with sales at $728 million crime is unlikely to close the thigh gap.

Mills and Boon shrugged off its maiden aunt image by adding Cherish and Dare Romance books which are much more sexually explicit. These are described by the publishers as erotically charged and irresistibly passionate.

Size is important: The word count for romantic novels is 50,000 whilst the average paperback is likely to consist of 70 to 80k words. A sticking point for many new authors is embarrassment but if a penname is used who knows?

Will you make the Rich List? It’s a lottery but ‘if you’re not in you can’t win’. Certainly, being a published author is financially viable; a 10-day cruise would cost more than the ghostwriting and publishing fees but royalties recover some or all of one’s outlay.

These tend to be 10 to 15 per cent of the cover price, which are paid direct into one’s bank account.

It’s all behind me by

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

The framed posters of numerous pantomimes decorating our stairwell are a reminder as December approaches, of Christmases past and the plethora of special memories that they trigger.

Early on in our panto adventures, our sound engineer had devised a system of mini microphones in sequence that could be positioned across the apron of the stage, and up and over the proscenium arch in order to distribute the sound more evenly throughout the auditorium.

Everything seemed fine at our technical rehearsal, but the real test would come later when the theatre was packed with people.

The only adjustment the actors needed to make was to wear soft soled shoes such was the sensitivity of the apron mics.

What with audience participation and much adlibbing, our panto prompt had her work cut out; it was almost impossible to know when to intervene with an appropriate line.

LOOKING LOVELY: The pantomime dames The rule therefore was to look meaningfully at the prompt if the actor needed to get out of a tight spot.

Opening night. I was aware that the Dame standing beside me on stage had forgotten ‘her’ next crucial line and moreover had not remem-

bered the prompt rule.

In panic ‘she’ muttered desperately in my ear: ‘I’ve forgotten the f^@*<?# line!’ at which point the audience fell out of their seats with shock and laughter. The words had reverberated around the hall with perfect clarity, confirm-

ing that the system worked beautifully.

In later years we reserved the opening night for an audience of special needs children and their carers.

It was provided free, and in addition every kid received a goody bag and programme

signed by members of the cast.

A Bury St Edmunds firm laid on free coaches with the drivers donating their time, and to make it a complete evening all the children were first taken to McDonald’s to get them in the party spirit.

On one occasion as the first half was coming to an end, a small boy leapt to his feet and berated one of our actors with language that would have embarrassed a Liverpool docker.

As director I was trying to placate the actor in question during the interval when I was informed that a lady was at the stage door asking to speak to me.

She was the carer of the offending boy, who it transpired suffered with Tourette’s syndrome and in his case the meatier the language the more he was enjoying himself.

I passed this information on to the relieved actor, who bounded on to the stage in the second half fervently hoping for more verbal abuse.

24

The way I see it…

Mind clinic Part Two by

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

Our bus arrived outside a nondescript long low red brick building, that I have named Stallag 1V. Morning mist clung to the ground, my breath forms a frozen cloud as it mingled with the chilled air.

The three of us were walked single file by our driver into the building, greeted by our minders.

Claire is the head honcho, then Thelma and Michelle, all were official in their appearance, however with a friendly attitude.

We were sat in comfortable arm chairs and given tea or coffee and biscuits, this was not what I expected from Stallag 1V. Thelma produced a black board in which we were asked searching questions. What day of the week is it? The date? The weather? And what year is it?

Next, we sang a song, Side

by Side, later it was to be, It’s A Long Way To Tipperary. Next a simple card game. Then when prompted we had to look at a world map and tell our minders where we were born. In

past visits, we had played with a ball, with a number stuck to our forehead, when Thelma called out a number, you had to roll the ball to the person whose number was called corresponding to the number fixed to their forehead.

All seems rather strange to you, does it?

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with dementia, after having a disturbing series of symptoms, I was interviewed by a psychiatrist and a doctor and then by the senior consultant at the unit.

I was given a brain scan, after being injected with a dye.

Now the second brain scan has now been done at the University College Hospital for nuclear medicine in London.

So where do I go from here?

In 3 months, I will see the consultant again, the results of that last scan, showed that I will likely have Alzheimer’s/ Dementia/ Lewy bodies, (Lewy bodies is a form of Parkinson’s decease), why likely? The

Playing scrabble and card games with the boys scan showed a failure in brain functions, the only conclusive evidence is an autopsy on the brain after the patient has passed away.

Us - the Thursday Boys as we call ourselves - attend a mind clinic every Thursday morning, when else!

In the meantime, I have had to return my driving licence to the DVLA, so it’s no more driving for me, that is why I’m

picked up in a bus and taken to the Mental Health Centre at Epping Hospital, Essex.

I jest! It’s my warped sense of humour Stallag 1V in truth it is a warm friendly place, with a great staff.

I try to continue my life as normal, I attend a games morning once a week, Scrabble, cards and other mind experience projects, I still write as you can see, I write notes to

myself, and use my mobile and computer to help my memory.

I’m determined to continue as before, and not allow the problem to upset my daily routine.

I recently read that the Chinese have just performed the first head transplant on a cadaver, now they will try on a live person, if needed I will volunteer, then I will be able to order a Chinese take away in Cantonese or another dialect.

Gerunds Basic Spanish for everyday needs by

Jane Cronin

We are making progress with those wonderful things called verbs, and if you have been following these articles from the beginning you will now have a few of them under your belt. Without explaining all the ramifications, we have looked at the present tense of a number of verbs and their infinitives. To explain this differently in terms of one verb (hablar), this is what we now know about it so far: Hablar = to speak (infinitive) Hablo = I speak (first person singular) Hablas = you speak (second person singular) Habla = he or she speaks, or you speak, more polite (third person singular) Hablamos = we speak (first person plural) Hablan = they speak (third person plural).

Whatever you’ve understood of all of that is good!

For those of you who are already familiar with verb conjugation in Spanish, you will be aware that I have so far omitted one form which is the second person plural – in this case habláis. There is no particular reason for omitting this and we will include it of course once we go into more details about the present tense later on. It is a form which does not have any resonances in English, since we do not have a plu-

25

ral version of “you”. That makes it hard to translate, and we end up with “you two”, “you folks” “you lot” and so on.

However, we will look into all of that in more detail later on. We’re now going to look at another form which is even simpler than all of the above. Sticking for now with the verb hablar, the word in question is hablando which means “speaking.”

The proper grammar name for this form of a verb is a “gerund”, also referred to as the “present participle”, and it is broadly the equivalent of the “…ing” form in English. However, we need to be careful as it isn’t used nearly so much in Spanish as the “…ing” forms are in English. Nevertheless is quite a common type of word and also very useful and also (this is the best bit) extremely easy to work out!

We have mentioned before that all verbs can be divided into two parts – the root and the ending. Continuing with hablar – if we remove the ending – ar we are left with the root, which is therefore habl- This process is a very important one as we will need to do it for all verbs all the time, whatever else we do with them in future articles.

Now hablar is a verb that ends in – ar, and therefore follows the same simple rule as all – ar verbs, which is to change the – ar to – ando, giving us habl-ando,

Cerrando Hablamos

hablando, speaking. This same process is identical for all verbs ending in – ar.

Mirar – to look Cambiar - to change Trabajar - to work Cocinar - to cook Bailar - to dance Andar - to walk Cerrar - to close Escuchar - to listen Estar - to be

Mirando – looking Cambiando - changing Trabajando - working Cocinando - cooking Bailando - dancing Andando - walking Cerrando - closing Escuchando - listening Estando - being

This ending is different for verbs ending in – er and – ir but the good news is that these two are the same as each other. The rule is that the endings –er and –ir both change to –iendo. This gives us, for example: Correr - to run Salir - to go out

Corriendo - running Saliendo - going out

Well as you can imagine there are a lot more exciting things to say about gerunds, including (I’m afraid) just one or two simple irregular versions. Also of course we need to know when and how we can use them, but that will have to wait now until next week!

Mirar Trabajar Bailando

Saliendo

Andar Cocinando Escucha Advertising feature

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26

Advertising feature

A bilingual lawyer who understands expatriates and Spanish law ANTONIO FLORES founded the Marbella based lawyers Lawbird 15 years ago and his practice works predominantly for English speaking clients.

He was educated in the English system and is totally bilingual as are the majority of the company staff which includes a brother who is a partner in the firm and his sister who is an expert in immigration matters.

Antonio qualified as a lawyer in Madrid and therefore is registered to practice in Spain but because of his unusual understanding and command of English, he has become a popular choice for English speaking clients who need to receive legal advice in Spain.

The company specialises in litigation work particularly with regards to claims against banks where individuals lost their deposits which were lodged with builders and developers who may have gone into liquidation.

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Antonio expects to be able to win the majority of cases for his clients although patience will be necessary.

Another area of interest for the company is the large number of mis-sold equity relief mortgages and 12 of his clients have recently recovered €6 million from a British company.

It is alleged that a number of European companies wrongly advised many British and Irish nationals that they would save inheritance tax by taking a mortgage and then interest rates shot up and in some cases properties were claimed by the lenders, so Lawbird has been active in fighting foreclosures.

Overall, the company offers a complete legal service to expatriates and can assist in any legal matter including obtaining NIE and Social Security numbers as well as setting up companies and dealing with house sales.

Antonio Flores enjoys his work and understands the frustrations that some expats suffer with the slower way in which the Spanish system can work but with a foot in both camps, this qualified lawyer with two children and a love of cycling is

Founder and Director of Lawbird Antonio Flores able to navigate the sometimes difficult waters between the two mind sets.

With an office in the heart of Marbella,

and an easy to navigate website, it is easy to learn more about the services offered by visiting www.lawbird.com.

ECB’s new VP will ‘probably’ be Spanish THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB)’s vicepresident position, currently held by Vitor Constancio who has until May next year to stand down, will probably go to a Spanish candidate, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said in comments published in the Spanish press on Tuesday.

Spain has not held a position on the ECB’s executive board since 2012 after the exit of Jose Manuel Gonzalez Paramo.

“I’m convinced that the position will go to Spain,” de Guindos said.

The ECB’s executive board is charged with implementing monetary policy for the 19 member states that use the euro and consists of the president, vice president and four board members.

All executive board members are appointed for an eight-year term that cannot be renewed.

De Guindos also dismissed rumours that he was a candidate for the position of Eurogroup head, currently held by Jeroen Dijsselbloem.

De Guindos has been considered in Brussels political circles as one of the main candidates to head up Eurogroup - an informal body where the ministers of the euro area member states discuss matters relating to their shared responsibilities related to the euro.

28

Last chance to support the ONCE fundraising campaign at Specsavers Opticas Specsavers Opticas have been fundraising for the ONCE Foundation for the Deaf-Blind (La Fundación ONCE para la Atención de Personas con Sordoceguera - FOAPS) since July, with the aim of raising 6,000€ for the charity. If they reach their goal, they will be able to fund 400 hours for interpreters to be the eyes, ears and voice of vulnerable deaf and blind people in Spain.

To raise money, Specsavers Opticas are asking everyone who has one of their free comprehensive eye tests to donate 1€ to FOAPS after their test. Having a quality eye test at Specsavers is an important health check, as well as making sure that your vision is good, so taking part in the campaign is a great way to look after yourself, as well as helping others.

FOAPS is a charitable organisation formed in 2007 by leading Spanish charity ONCE to develop programmes to help deaf-blind people. They are par-

ticularly interested in helping with education and employment, improving the quality of life and encouraging integration and development. FOAPS provide interpreters, who can help the deaf-blind communicate and interact with the world.

José Ángel Moral-Tajadura from Specsavers Opticas is asking for the public’s support to reach their goal. He explains, “The FOAPS interpreters are the eyes, ears and often voice of the deaf-blind and have a crucial role to play. We only have one more month to raise enough money to fund an extra 400 hours of interpreting support and we are short of our 6,000€ target, so we are asking anyone who hasn’t had an eye test in the last year to come into their nearest Specsavers Opticas and get their eyes tested before the end of the month. Please help us to reach our goal!”

Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store and book an eye test.

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29

Count Rudi, one of the true founders of modern Marbella

By Michael Cano ONE of the great characters who helped shape the modern Marbella is Count Rudi von Schönburg a descendant of a family that was for generations part of the Holy Roman Empire.

His mother wanted him to join the diplomatic service and his uncle wanted him to become a banker, but he was having none of that and went to the prestigious Ecole Hotelier in Lausanne, Switzerland which was founded in 1893 and is still going strong.

Having qualified, he took up a position at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hamburg and was staggered when his cousin Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg booked into the hotel and spotted him.

In short time, the Prince explained that he had just set up a 20 room hotel on the coast of southern Spain and it was known as the Marbella Club, catering mainly for his rich and famous friends.

Whilst Prince Alfonso was happy to travel around the world, promoting the hotel which was really more a club for him and his friends, he needed someone who was trained in the latest developments in the hotel trade who he could trust.

It wasn’t a difficult decision for the young man and on December 28, 1956, Count Rudi as he is affectionately known, arrived to take up his new post in Marbella and he has remained in his favourite city since that time.

Both he and the Prince were inspired by the thought of helping to create a welcoming and comfortable home in a city that would not become ‘cheap and tatty’ but would attract some of the most affluent and educated guests many of whom would later become residents.

In 1961, he was appointed General Manager and is proud that what was effectively a rather run down olive grove in a backwater

Buzz Alderin

town has become an oasis of calm and luxury in the city that he considers to be one of most attractive in Spain.

Whilst the Prince found the guests, Rudi was in charge of looking after them, making sure that they were happy and regularly returned to the hotel thanks to the very personal service that the staff was able to give.

When the Spanish courts seized the estate of arms dealer Adnam Khashoggi, Rudi was persuaded to take up a new role at the exclusive gated development of La Zagaleta in the Benahavis Hills above Marbella.

He stayed there for 10 years but when his cousin was ready to sell Marbella Club, Iraqi born businessman David Shamoon who had prospered after moving to the United Kingdom offered to buy the property and the more recently added Puente Romano hotel on the strict understanding that Count Rudi should return and work with his family.

So in 1993, Rudi returned to his beloved Marbella Club as a board member and personal adviser to Mr Shamoon, later becoming President of the company and he has been at the heart and soul of the Marbella Club ever since.

As he has grown older, he has resigned from some of his roles, including being involved in the running of Puente Romano but is now a general adviser to the Board.

Rudi is a regular figure at Marbella Club, attending most days to observe the running of the hotel and holds weekly meeting with the manager and chef to discuss the events of the week and to pass on his suggestions and observations.

Looking back, he now realizes that he actually followed the wishes of his mother and uncle as he has had to be a diplomat with guest and to manage finances for the group.

He still loves the hotel and the city and

Meryl Streep

Count Rudi in front of a portrait of Prince Alfonso in Marbella Club has no problem with advising the council on matters which he thinks are of importance, especially in the area of high rise buildings which he is totally opposed to.

His whole philosophy over the past 61 years has been to ensure that guests receive the best service, a good bed, spotless bathroom, attractive gardens to enjoy and a familiar

and calming atmosphere.

This must have been a good recipe as over the years so many members of different royal families as well as actors, socialites, musicians and captains of industry have been regular visitors to Marbella Club.

In his own words “Every guest is a king and every king has been a guest.”

Sean Connery A small selection of the many guests who have stayed at the hotel

Friday 1st December - Thursday 7th December

Pick of the Day

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

11:00pm 11:25pm 11:35pm

Breakfast Claimed and Shamed Homes Under the Hammer The Housing Enforcers The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country Royal Recipes Flog It! Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Sounds Like Friday Night EastEnders Still Open All Hours Have I Got News for You Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year Special 2017: Chez Mammy BBC News BBC London News The Graham Norton Show

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

3:15pm 4:00pm 5:30pm 6:15pm

7:00pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

An Island Parish Claimed and Shamed Royal Recipes Anglesey Britain Afloat Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics The Link Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip Going Back Giving Back Match of the Day Live Oxford Street Revealed Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Strictly - It Takes Two Mastermind Match of the Day Live QI Newsnight Snowfall

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

9:30pm 10:00pm

11:30pm 12:00am 12:15am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Australian Wilderness with Ray Mears Coronation Street I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News ITV News London Total Recall

7:20am 7:45am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:05am 10:35am 11:05am

12:00pm 1:00pm 1:05pm 2:05pm

3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

Kevin Can Wait King of Queens Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Undercover Boss USA Channel 4 News Come Dine with Me Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Gogglebox The Last Leg First Dates

7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm

2:25pm 2:30pm 3:00pm

4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm

11:00pm

12:05am

Childrens TV The Wright Stuff A Country Christmas Story 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Wishin’ and Hopin’ at Christmas A Family for Christmas 5 News Neighbours 5 News Tonight The Gadget Show Greatest British Bridges: The Severn Eight Days That Made Rome: Boudica’s Revenge Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace Nazi King: Royal Conspiracy

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

Monkey Life Animal 999 The Dog Whisperer Monkey Life Monkey Life Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Karl Pilkington A League of Their Own The Simpsons

Mrs Browns Boys New Year Special 2017: Chez Mammy, 10.30pm, BBC1

Saturday 7:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 3:00pm 5:30pm 6:25pm

6:55pm 7:05pm 7:15pm 8:05pm 9:10pm

10:10pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 12:50am

Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Live Nigella: At My Table Football Focus BBC News Snooker Rugby Union Final Score Len Goodman’s Partners in Rhyme BBC News BBC London News Pointless Strictly Come Dancing Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show Casualty BBC News Match of the Day The NFL Show

7:15am

8:00am

8:30am 9:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

1:00pm

1:30pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 7:00pm

8:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:50pm 12:20am

Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature Deadly 60 Show Me What You’re Made of: UK Rugby League World Cup Final 2017 Homes Under the Hammer Raymond Blanc: How to Cook Well Operation Snow Tiger Mastermind Snooker Rugby League World Cup Final 2017 Highlights Front Row Natural World Dad’s Army Imagine...

QI XL Insert Name Here Snooker

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am

12:25pm

12:55pm 1:00pm 2:30pm

5:00pm 5:25pm 6:00pm

6:25pm 6:55pm 7:00pm 7:10pm 8:05pm 10:10pm

11:15pm 11:35pm

Childrens TV ITV News Saturday Morning with James Martin Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape ITV News The X Factor ITV Racing: Live from Newbury Thunderbirds are Go The Cruise Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs You’ve Been Framed!

ITV News London ITV News Ninja Warrior UK The X Factor I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News Rambo III

7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:40am 9:05am 9:35am 10:05am 10:35am 11:00am 11:25am 11:55am 12:25pm 12:55pm 1:25pm 1:55pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:35pm 4:35pm 5:35pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

11:25pm

Adventure Racing Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me A Place in the Sun A Place in the Sun Best Laid Plans Grand Designs Channel 4 News Can We Live with Robots?

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel I, Robot

7:00am 10:00am

11:45am 12:45pm

1:10pm

2:50pm 4:35pm

5:35pm 5:40pm

6:25pm 7:25pm 7:30pm 8:10pm

9:05pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

Childrens TV FIA Formula E: Hong Kong The Gadget Show Cruising with Jane McDonald A Christmas to Remember Merry Kissmas Annie Claus is Coming to Town 5 News Annie Claus is Coming to Town A Dream of Christmas 5 News A Dream of Christmas Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!

NCIS: New Orleans 5 News Weekend Football on 5 Live Championship Boxing

7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:25pm 3:50pm 4:15pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Wild Things Ashley Banjo Supergirl The Flash Soccer A.M. Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own Carpool Karaoke The Russell Howard Hour Karl Pilkington

7:05am 8:05am 8:35am

9:35am 10:30am

12:00pm 12:30pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:45pm 12:40am

Coast Gardeners’ World Monty Don’s Secret History of the British Garden Countryfile Saturday Kitchen Best Bites Food and Drink My Life on a Plate MOTD2 Extra Snooker Match of the Day Turkey with Simon Reeve Robot Wars Expedition Volcano Snowfall Snowfall Snooker

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am

11:00am 11:55am

12:25pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:05pm 4:10pm 6:05pm

7:05pm 7:15pm 7:25pm

8:20pm 10:00pm

11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am

Childrens TV ITV News Australian Wilderness with Ray Mears Peston on Sunday The Martin Lewis Money Show Save Money: Good Food Tipping Point ITV News The X Factor Midsomer Murders How to Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield ITV News London ITV News The Chase: Celebrity Special The X Factor I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News Peston on Sunday Car Crash Britain Caught on Camera

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

10:00pm

12:35am

Kevin Can Wait Kevin Can Wait Kevin Can Wait Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Sunday Brunch Paul Hollywood F1: Grand Prix The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Arthur Christmas Shrek Channel 4 News Coastal Railways with Julie Walters Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol I, Frankenstein

7:00am 9:55am

11:40am 12:25pm 2:10pm 3:55pm

4:55pm 5:00pm

5:45pm

6:45pm 6:50pm

7:30pm 9:15pm

9:55pm 10:00pm 11:30pm

Childrens TV FIA Formula E: Hong Kong Football on 5 Finding Father Christmas The Christmas Secret On the Twelfth Day of Christmas 5 News On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Northpole 2: Open for Christmas 5 News Northpole 2: Open for Christmas Call Me Claus Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights 5 News Weekend The Paul O’grady Story When Reality TV Goes Horribly Wrong

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

12:00am

The Hour of Power Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons WWE Raw NCIS: Los Angeles Supergirl The Flash Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Inhumans Strike Back The Force Manchester Ross Kemp

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 9pm, Channel 4

Sunday 7:00am 8:25am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 1:50pm

2:50pm 5:15pm 5:55pm 6:55pm 7:10pm 7:20pm 8:20pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm 12:30am

Breakfast Match of the Day The Andrew Marr Show Fern Britton Meets...

Sunday Politics BBC News Flog It! Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets FA Cup Final Score Songs of Praise Blue Planet II BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Strictly Come Dancing Blue Planet II Howards End BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day 2 Ronny Chieng: International Student

this weeks weatherinbrief FRI Dec 1

134º 5ºC /

Mostly Sunny

sat Dec 2

14º 4ºC /

A full day of sunshine

sun Dec 3

14º 6ºC /

Mostly sunny

mon Dec 4

15º 7ºC /

Mostly sunny

tue Dec 5

16º 7ºC /

Plenty of sunshine

wed Dec 6

15º 8ºC /

Mostly sunny

The X Factor, 8.20pm, ITV1

thu Dec 7

14º 4ºC /

Partly sunny

31

Pick of the Day

monday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am

12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm

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

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm

12:30am

Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Panorama EastEnders Would I Lie to You? The Real Marigold on Tour BBC News BBC London News Have I Got a Bit More News for You Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show

7:00am

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

10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 6:15pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm

9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am

An Island Parish: Falklands Claimed and Shamed Royal Recipes Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Match of the Day Wild Cameramen at Work University Challenge Nigella: At My Table Employable Me Insert Name Here Newsnight Snooker

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

9:30pm 10:00pm

11:30pm 12:00am 12:15am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martin Lewis Money Show Coronation Street I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News ITV News London Killer Women with Piers Morgan

7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm

1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

11:00pm 12:05am

3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas A Christmas Proposal Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Paul Hollywood Supershoppers 999: What’s Your Emergency?

First Dates Don’t Tell the Bride

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

The Wright Stuff

12:35pm

GPs:

Behind Closed Doors

1:25pm

The Gadget Show

2:25pm

5 News Lunchtime

2:30pm

Neighbours

3:00pm

Christmas Cookies

4:45pm

The Christmas Calendar

6:30pm

5 News

7:00pm

Neighbours

7:30pm

5 News Tonight

8:00pm

Weather Terror

9:00pm

Sinkholes

10:00pm

Concorde

11:00pm

JFK’s Secret Killer:

The Evidence

12:05am

JFK Jr: The Crash That

Killed a Kennedy

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

Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Monkey Life Monkey Life Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Supergirl Arrow Carpool Karaoke The Simpsons

tuesday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am

12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm

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

Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City The A Word BBC News BBC London News Drugsland Life and Death Row

7:00am

7:30am 8:15am

9:00am

10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 6:15pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

9:00pm

10:00pm

11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am

An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico Motherland Newsnight NFL

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

10:00pm

11:30pm 12:00am 12:15am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Save Money: Good Food How to Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News ITV News London On Assignment

7:20am 7:45am 8:10am 8:35am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm

1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm

12:05am

3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Nanny for Christmas Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Finding Me a Family Extraordinary Teens: My Gay Life Naked Attraction

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

The Wright Stuff

12:35pm

Christmas Angel

2:25pm

5 News Lunchtime

2:30pm

Neighbours

3:00pm

The Christmas

Apprentice

4:40pm

Call Me Claus

6:30pm

5 News

7:00pm

Neighbours

7:30pm

5 News Tonight

8:00pm

Yorkshire: A Year in

the Wild

9:00pm

Jo Brand’s

Cats and Kittens

10:00pm

Ben Fogle:

New Lives in the Wild

11:00pm

The 00s: The Most

Shocking Celebrity

Moments

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

Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Monkey Life Monkey Life Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Flash A League of Their Own Sick Note The Simpsons The Simpsons

JFK's Secret Killer: The Evidence, 11pm, Channel 5

How To Spend it Well at Christmas with Phillip Schofield, 9pm, ITV1

32

Pick of the Day

WEDNESDAY 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm

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

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:15am

Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets The Apprentice BBC News BBC London News A Question of Sport Junior Doctors

7:00am

7:30am 8:15am

9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 12:30pm 2:00pm 6:15pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm

11:30pm 12:15am

An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas See Hear Nigella: At My Table Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals Peaky Blinders The Apprentice: You’re Fired!

Newsnight Snooker

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

9:30pm 10:00pm

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape Coronation Street I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News and Weather ITV News London UEFA Champions League Highlights

7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm

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

3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Christmas Land Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot The Secret Life of the Zoo The Channel Gogglebox The Mega Brothel

7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm

2:25pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:45pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm

12:05am

Childrens TV The Wright Stuff The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomney 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours Spirit of Christmas Marry Me at Christmas 5 News Neighbours 5 News Tonight All New Traffic Cops GPs: Behind Closed Doors My Son: The Serial Killer Levi Bellfield Left Me for Dead The Butcher Surgeon: Why Wasn’t He Stopped?

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

Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Monkey Life Monkey Life Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Inhumans Golf’s Funniest Moments The Simpsons

DC's Legends of Tomorrow, 9pm, Sky 1

An Island Parish: Falklands Island Medics The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas MasterChef: The Professionals Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Snooker Rugby Union Snooker Celebrity Eggheads Strictly - It Takes Two Snooker MasterChef: The Professionals Blitz Live at the Apollo Newsnight Snooker

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

10:00pm

11:00pm 11:35pm 11:45pm 12:15am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

ITV News and Weather ITV News London The Late Debate UEFA Europa League Highlights

7:20am 8:35am 10:00am 11:05am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm

1:25pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:25pm

12:25am

3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast Channel 4 News Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 12 Wishes of Christmas Countdown Lost and Found A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Great Canal Journeys Catching a Killer 999: What’s Your Emergency?

Born to be Free

7:00am 10:15am 12:45pm 2:25pm 2:30pm 3:00pm

4:40pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:05pm 11:45pm 1:45am

Childrens TV The Wright Stuff The Christmas Spirit 5 News Lunchtime Neighbours The Flight Before Christmas A Star Crossed Christmas 5 News Neighbours 5 News Tonight UK’s Strongest Man 2017 Traffic Cops at Christmas Brick Mansions 5 News Brick Mansions Takers Sinkholes

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

Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life Monkey Life It’s Me or the Dog The Dog Whisperer Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own Living the Dream The Russell Howard Hour The Simpsons

Brick Mansions, 10pm, Channel 5

thursday 7:00am 10:15am 11:00am 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:00pm 4:45pm

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

Breakfast Island Medics Homes Under the Hammer Claimed and Shamed The Sheriffs are Coming Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Armchair Detectives Escape to the Country The Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas Money for Nothing Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Love, Lies and Records BBC News BBC London News Question Time This Week

7:00am

7:30am 8:15am

9:00am

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

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am

33

Life

Strictly Two Golds for Michele!

MANY know of Michele Saunders as Steven´s wife and partner who runs the much respected Little Geranium little restaurants in La Cala de Mijas and Marbella.

What readers may not know is that Michele is a professional ballet dancer (Royal Academy of Arts) and she has recently been working along side celebrity Strictly Come Dancing Stars Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe to launch Fit Steps in Costa del Sol. This fitness dance training created by Ian Waite Natalie Lowe and Olympian Mark Foster not only gets you fit but trains you to dance like a Strictly dancer too!

Michele commented, “This kind of Ballroom and Latin dancing is totally different from the original training I had as a Ballerina. All the steps, walks, postures and hip movements are almost the complete opposite to ballet and so it has been difficult for me to adjust but I love this kind of dancing, it is so full of passion and elegance.

“I was both delighted and surprised to have been awarded the two highest accolades for Fit Steps by Ian Waite.”

Michele has been flying back and forth to the UK and she recently took her final exams. She was delighted to have been awarded two Golds for excellence (the highest grade) one gold for Fit Steps ( high impact dance fitness training) and one for Fit Steps Fab (lower intensity, ideal for older people but a bit more complex).

So now Michele is a highly qualified Fit Steps teacher endorsed by Strictly stars and she plans to launch her first classes in January 2018 at The Moonlight Studios in Marbella.

Her first student could perhaps be Steven so that he could learn to dance and cook at the same time!

Lemon Posset…..

A fantastic Christmas Pudding alternative!

P35

Michele in the centre with trainer Ian Parker on her right and Ian Waite on her left

P38

I can frame that

Five ways to stop snoring

P40

34

whats on

New Year fundraiser for Prostate Cancer

Light night

Photo credit Positively Blue

ALHAURIN DE LA TORRE will switch on its Christmas lights today (Friday).

Festivities will begin in the Plaza de Espana, with different parts of the town seeing other artistic efforts and decorations throughout the evening.

FLASHBACK: Guests at the 2017 Blue dinner The Second Annual Blue Dinner is to be held at the El Olivo restaurant also in La Cala on Friday January 5 at 7.30pm to raise funds for Positively Blue which arranges to test men for Prostate Cancer.

Tickets cost is €50 per person and includes

cava on arrival, a three course meal, wine and water as well as music and dancing.

This is an excellent chance to have some fun whilst fundraising and celebrate Three Kings in style. €10 for every ticket sold will go directly to Positively Blue and all men present on the

evening be given a free ticket for Prostrate Screening Tickets will be on sale very soon either from El Olivo in La Cala or from Jan on 616 507 629.

For further information on the charity visit http://www.positively-blue.com/.

Boardroom heavyweight CLAUDE LITTNER is best known as the mercilessly tough interviewer on the BBC's award-winning The Apprentice. His abrupt style and zero-tolerance policy on nonsense have become the highlights of every series. But what is he like in real business?

Single-Minded reveals the story of Claude's varied career and the turbulent years that shaped him. From being told at school he would never amount to anything to his current status as a boardroom heavyweight both on-screen and off it, success has never come easy.

Claude's complex, fascinating work has taken him into many different industries and countries, encompassing retail start-ups, knife-edge company rescue missions, the bruising rough-and-tumble of Premier League football, facing down French trade unions, taking on Texan oil barons in multi-million-dollar deals and, in the private sphere, conquering lifethreatening illness As Lord Sugar writes in the foreword to Claude's story, the book “should be recommended reading for anyone who aspires to make their way in business

. . . It is instructive and entertaining, providing an interesting insight into the ups and downs of business life and how single-mindedness, openness and determination can yield dividends both financial and personal.”

Sponsored by Bookworld Puerto Banus info@bookworldpuertobanus.com

www@bookworldpuertobanus.com | 952 816 084

35

food & drink

Steven Saunders FMCGB The Little Geranium La Cala De Mijas www.thelittlegeranium.com A FEW weeks ago I gave you my mother’s Christmas pudding recipe which is undoubtedly one of, if not the best recipes praised by press and critics.

Strangely though my mother didn’t really like Christmas pudding, she was always more interested in the lighter alternative which was usually a Christmas trifle.

Originally the posset was a dessert or drink made from curdled milk enriched with sugar, and alcohol. It was often used as a curative for colds or fevers.

It is mentioned in the Journals of the

Lemon Posset…..

A fantastic Christmas Pudding alternative!

House of Lords in the year 1620 that King Charles I was given a posset drink from his physician. Shakespeare mentions possets several times in his writings and in Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 5, he mentions the posset’s medicinal properties and that it is made from curds.

So one year at my house I decided to have a change to trifle and I made lemon possets using organic lemons, I was convinced they had more juice in them!

This has to be one of the simplest but possibly one of the best puddings I have

ever made.

It is smooth, light, fresh, tangy and a little sweet. It has everything a dessert should have and to add a crunch I made some shortbread biscuits and served them on the side. Everyone raved over it so much that I cooked the possets for a party which Prince Charles was attending a few weeks later.

When we first came over here to Spain I put lemon posset on the menu at The Little Geranium in La Cala. I soon realized that the cream we use over here is nothing like

as good the cream in the UK, it is sweeter, almost artificial and often doesn’t even whisk up.

A posset sets because of the chemistry between the lemons and the thick cream so the cream is very important. I had difficulty until I found the Puleva Montar cream here in Spain. It’s ideal and as it now works every time, I thought I must share it with you. Follow this simple recipe and you will have the most delicious alternative to a rich Christmas pudding made in minutes.

Lemon Posset recipe

Only three ingredients are used in this delicious recipe, lemons, sugar and cream and they produce one of the best desserts you will ever eat.

INGREDIENTS

1 litre double cream, 300g white sugar, Juice of 8 lemons

METHOD

1. Put the thick cream and sugar into a saucepan and then bring to the boil, stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Now lower the heat and let it bubble enthusiastically for about three minutes, stirring regularly.

3. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and leave to settle for five minutes or so.

4. Pour into small glasses and cover over with cling wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

5. Place in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Makes approximately 8 small glass servings Lemon Posset created by Chef Steven Saunders

36

Puzzles Code Breaker

Mars actions with Saturn to bring a dynamic energy to proceedings this week. You are gifted and ready to share your expertise, but not everybody has your foresight and quick thinking. Whatever you take on may mean that you get to take it over, so be prepared for some hard work, and unexpected challenges in this busy, happy time of year!

Word Pyramid

6

Mars opposes Uranus and sextiles with Mercury. This is not a time to make any decisions in haste, which you may very well regret making. Take time to tune into recent events and feel that the negative vibration was needed to take you away from the business in hand and show you, once and for all, a hidden agenda; which is what you so sincerely seek.

Time and time again you are left putting the pieces back together again, but compromise isn’t there in your vocabulary. With Venus entering midweek into Sagittarius you will feel so very differently about making a clever move.

However, actions speak louder than words ever could, especially now, and especially where you are concerned!

Be prepared for a change of plans this week, for the best of reasons! The twists and turns you will encounter really do work in your favour; and they come to fruition when Jupiter trines Neptune midweek, and you are blessed with the positive results that you were waiting for. Whilst now everything has turned out fine, further rewards are out there!

The entry of Venus brings love around you on all levels this week, and it’s just the start of a time whereby you need it most for yourself. This is by no means selfish, since you have tirelessly supported those around you who have needed your love and understanding. Now it has to be your turn to show caution to the wind and be loved too.

Saturn and Mercury combine to shower you with attention because a message sent by you has been misunderstood, and because you have a good chance to help it to blow over if you act promptly. Your intentions were meant to offer pathways of peace to deal with a tricky situation, and now this has backfired, find a quick solution.

Mars opposes Uranus and it seems that someone will not take your no as an answer. Anybody who believes in you would accept that you are unafraid to be direct and confrontational if you have to be. Find a way of getting your polite refusal being accepted as your true feelings on the matter, as only then you can say this is a job well done!

Exceptional energies have allowed you to start to believe in yourself. You can be unassuming and gracious, but what is wanted now is action, and you are best person to instigate it. Staying silent is not an option when there is so much at stake. Your planetary leader Neptune trines with lucky Jupiter and squares on the Sun... a time of pure magic!

U

E N

D

Word Wheel There is 1x9 letter word and 189 others! Make as many 3 or more letter words as you can using any letter combination just once and you must use the central letter in every word!

Aspects of the past come back to you with a vengeance this week. As someone who connects well with now, you must wonder why the nostalgia is flooding back so strongly? Try looking back at something from the past which sticks in your mind, maybe start a family tree? Mercury sextiles Mars, so you get the leads, and surprises you need.

Love has many faces and it is your devotion to duties that keeps you away from examining your true emotions right now. You are rather more than you think that you are; and you are about to find this out for yourself. Take time to be amongst those who love and support you and you will find someone needs your help desperately, but is afraid to ask!

C

Start at a letter and spell out a 10-letter word by moving to adjacent letters. Each letter will be used at least once, but no letter will be used twice in a row.

As ever you are taking on the lion’s share of responsibility this week. This is a good time to have a good hard think of what your next move should really be, as you are multitalented and maybe it’s time for a change? In the current scheme of things there are some subtle changes that could work very well into your routine, so don’t wait go for it!

Moon magic allows you to have a free reign right now.

While the cat is away the mice will play...and so you should.

This would be a great time to put your planning skills into operation, whereby you may even surprise yourself. The charge in your psychic energies shows you that there are some things just waiting now for your tender love and care.

T

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 20 represents J and 21 represents W. 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.

Kenny’s Diary Looking forward to meeting RTN readers at the Alfaz Spiritual Foundation's Wonderful Christmas Fair on the 2nd of December. At the Bar Estacion at Alfaz spend a lovely evening doing the Christmas shopping, enjoying a mulled wine or too, tasting the barbeque, and

don't forget the hot chestnuts.

I will be doing readings, and there will also be tarot readings, Santa, and a Choir; and the whole event should go with a swing.

Kick off to an amazing start to the Christmas Season. Open 16.00 to 21.00.

For Birthday Celebrants Be a part of the shift because portents are guiding

you and advising that your energies may be required to steer the ship in the astrological year ahead. Taking

control is an option that will see you through to just where you now really want to be.

WORD fit

Using just logic, can you make all the words fit correctly into the grid?

3 LETTERS BEL CAB CAR ELL GAL LAG LEG NCR OIL ORR PRO RAE RPM SST TIL 4 LETTERS ABUT

AIDE ALAI ALEC AMID BALI BELA CASE DADA DANE DELL DIRE DOLT ELLA ERIE EVEN GIRL ITCH LORE

MACE OLAV OMAN RAGE RAID REAL SAGO SEED SLAV SUNG TAME TART TEAL UCLA VEDA 5 LETTERS ALLAN AMINO

CALEB CLEAT DIEGO GHENT LAMAR LEEDS MOIRE OBESE SAMOA STAMP STARR TENET URINE USAGE UTILE 6 LETTERS AMENDE BISECT

COARSE MANAMA NATION REASON RESORT SEDATE SENILE STREAM 8 LETTERS AIRSPEED COLONIAL CORTLAND SIDEREA

More Puzzles

Cryptic

ACROSS 1 Drums, for example, could be supersonic (10) 7 Oriental ate out and had a banquet (7) 8 Greet bad weather (4) 10 I’d heard and observed (4) 11 A brave leader (8) 13 In this you may drink or drive! (6) 15 Not opening father’s new suit (6) 17 Railway station in an Australian state (8) 18 Just not dark (4) 21 Depressed sportsman (4) 22 Unusual respect for a symbol of authority (7) 23 Made an angry fuss, as Adam and Eve did (6,4) DOWN 1 Aircraft seen in tree? (5) 2 To give her less would be cruel (4) 3 Is nude ordering lingerie? (6) 4 Vessel seen earlier outside church (8) 5 Renowned actor - one appearing in musical (7) 6 Distasteful attack? (9) 9 Is not wasteful with the jam (9) 12 Mobile phones or things without any chance or success (2-6) 14 A girl, having left university, gathering lilac (7) 16 Not seen but heard in light fog? (6) 19 Continue performing in part of London? (5) 20 A goddess from another age (4)

Word Ladder

Can you by changing 1 letter at a time, get from the first word to the last word in the given number of moves?

shark 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

bites Soduku

Quick

Futoshiki

The purpose of the game is to discover the digits hidden inside the board’s cells; each cell is filled with a digit between 1 and 6. On each row and column each digit appears exactly once; therefore, when revealed, the digits of the board form a so-called Latin square. The board may also contain some inequalities between the board cells; these inequalities must be respected and can be used as clues in order to discover the remaining hidden digits. ie > is greater than and < is less than.

37

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

Quiz 1 A scimitar (pronounced ‘simmitar’) is a: Shooting star; Sea turtle; Curved sword;

or Indian stringed instrument?

2 A rhomboid is a: Space rock; Thumb wart; Geometric shape; or Camel’s hump?

3 In the human body the cornea is in the: Ear; Eye; Heart; or Foot?

4 In the Christian Bible the third son of Adam and Eve is called: Jacob; Seth; Jesus; or Kevin?

5 Popular with children, the spotted Coccinellidae family of creatures is better known as what?

6 EMG (Electromyography), CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography), and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), are technologies for: Weather forecasting; Internet security; Human body scans; or DNA crime-profiling?

7 In 1852 American Elisha Graves Otis produced the first successful (eponymously branded) safety: Crash helmet; Seat-belt; Elevator; or Pin? 8 What is 12.5% of 8: A half; 1; 2; or 5?

9 The 1940s originating term ‘Latchkey child/kid’ refers to a child who is often: Stealing; Hiding; Losing things; or Home alone?

10 In the UK in 2016 the first completely new national daily newspaper since 1986 launched, called The New: World; Digest; Day; or Paper?

ACROSS 1 Halted (7) 5 Aroma (5) 8 Foreign (5) 9 Non-aligned (7) 10 Milan opera house (2,5) 11 Accommodate (3,2) 12 Cricketer’s “bible” (6) 14 Counting-frame(6) 18 Clever (5) 20 Raise (7) 22 Causing inconvenience (7) 23 Conked out (5) 24 Ahead of schedule (5) 25 Dashing manner (7)

DOWN 1 Lacking depth (7) 2 Leaves out (5) 3 Writer’s pseudonym (3,4) 4 Concerning teeth (6) 5 Baffle (5) 6 Haphazard (7) 7 Flowering bulb (5) 13 Shirker (7) 15 Enter forcibly (5,2) 16 Ghost (7) 17 Delayed (4,2) 18 Frighten (5) 19 Sycophant (5) 21 Savoury jelly (5)

Last Weeks Solutions on page 45

38

health Old wivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mayonnaise mask for soft, shiny hair

Sleeping on your side can prevent snoring

Five ways to stop snoring

Snoring is often linked to lifestyle, and there are some simple changes you can make to help prevent it. Try these five self-help tips: 1. Maintain a healthy weight and diet.

Being overweight by just a few kilos can lead to snoring. Fatty tissue around your neck squeezes the airway and prevents air flowing in and out freely.

2. Try to sleep on your side rather than your back. While sleeping on your back, your tongue, chin and any

excess fatty tissue under your chin can relax and squash your airway. Sleeping on your side prevents this.

3. Avoid alcohol before going to bed.

Alcohol makes your muscles relax more than usual during a normal night's sleep. This may encourage the back of your throat to collapse as you breathe, which causes snoring.

4. Quit or cut down on smoking.

Cigarette smoke irritates the lining of your nose and throat, causing swelling

and catarrh. This means airflow is decreased and you're more likely to snore.

5. Keep your nose clear, so that you breathe in through your nose rather than your mouth. If an allergy is blocking your nose, try antihistamine tablets or a nasal spray. Ask your pharmacist for advice, or see your GP, if you're affected by an allergy or any other condition that affects your nose or breathing, such as sinusitis.

This best beauty advice from grandmas actually works! It helps to smooth, hydrate and nourish and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inexpensive. Be sure to use the real kind and leave it on for at least an hour. The egg yolk in the mayonnaise has lecithin, which is supposed to encourage hair growth. The vinegar is good for exfoliating the scalp and the oils are great for conditioning. This mask is very nourishing for damaged hair. If you straighten, blow dry or dye your hair this is a great mask for corrective healing.

The recipe: 1 cup mayonnaise 1 egg 1 to 2 teaspoons oil (olive, coconut, almond, jojoba, etc.) optional.

Mix the ingredients together when they are at room temperature and apply to warm wet hair (use warm to hot water to get your hair moist and warm.) Cover your hair and let your hair absorb the mask for 1-2 hours.

Wash hair immediately. This mask may leave an odour and you might want to wash your hair twice. The results will be hair that is moisturized and healed.

Using an eyelash curler

Step 1: Start when your lashes are clean, dry, and mascara-free. Open the eyelash curler and, keeping your eyes open, place your upper lashes between the two sides.

Step 2: Starting at the inner corner of your eye, position the curler as close as possible to your eyelid without pinching your skin. When your lashes are tucked inside, gently clamp the curler together.

Step 3: Hold for ten seconds, then repeat as necessary, moving outward to curl the entire lash line.

Why wait to New Year to get that weight off LOSING weight and keeping it off isn't easy, but it has many benefits.

You may only need to make small changes to your lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity is linked to serious health problems and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancers of the breast, colon and prostate.

Most people who are overweight can blame their excess weight on eating more calories than they burn.

You can reduce your risk of weight-related health problems by losing weight through eating more healthily and doing more physical activity.

Cut down on calories by making simple healthy food swaps in your everyday diet, and increase your daily activity levels.

Many doctors now believe that when it comes to your health, your waist measurement is important.

While knowing your body mass index (BMI) is a good way to work out if you're overweight, it doesn't tell the whole story.

BMI is a measure of how healthy your weight is for your height. You can work out what your BMI is by using a BMI healthy weight calculator. Try this one at this link: https://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/ Healthyweightcalculator.aspx If you have a high BMI, you're likely to be carrying extra fat, but your health could be at greater risk depending on where you store that fat.

Having a large amount of tummy fat (compared to fat around your bottom or thighs) makes you more likely to develop diabetes and heart problems.

A healthy waist circumference for men is less than 94cm (37 inches), and for women it's less than 80cm (32 inches).

39

health

Zinc

An important trace element Zinc is an essential trace element fulfilling many functions in the human organism. It is an important building block in the metabolic process and the natural immunity system.

Zinc is necessary for the proper function of over 200 enzymes, is involved in the release of neurotransmitter substances and plays a central role in cell division.

Zinc deficiency can manifest itself in different ways, for example in eczema, healing problems in open wounds, memory problems, low immunity, hair loss, irregularities in the nails, caries, stomach diseases and nervous problems.

Investigations confirm that, especially in the elderly, zinc deficiency is often encountered. The daily intake of zinc in this age group lies between 7 and 11 mg, which is clearly too low: rec¬ommended is an intake of 15 mg a day. A multitude of causes for widespread zinc deficiency exists. Some of them are: insufficient intake of zinc through an inadequate diet, a lowered ability to absorb zinc or an increased rate at which zinc is lost, caused by illnesses that occur more frequently in the elderly.

Zinc can be helpful in many ways: In combination with vitamin A, zinc is an important building block for the function of the eye retina.

Recent studies confirm the positive

Ask the Optician What is AMD?

by Judy Borland, Store Director from Specsavers Opticas Fuengirola

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss for people over the age of 55 in the western world, yet very few people have even heard of it, so below is a brief overview.

effect of zinc for age-related visual impairments caused by retinal detachment (Maculadegeneration).

Even diabetics benefit from an increased Zinc supply. Diabetics excrete more zinc via urine than non-diabetics. This can lead to a zinc deficiency and increases the risk of visual problems or poor wound healing. Moreover, the zinc contributes to the insulin function and it protects insulin from oxidation.

Zinc is essential for the immune system and contributes to the inhibition of harmful viruses activity.

Zinc is used in case the metabolism is exposed to elevated heavy metals and to de¬toxicate it.

Zinc is important for various hormonal functions. Especially, during

puberty there is an increased zinc demand caused by the development of sexual organs in men and women.

In case of skin disorders such as acne, dandruff, reduced wound healing can zinc be helpful, if taken in sufficient quantities.

It was found that hair loss often occurs in people with a zinc insufficiency.

Our daily zinc supply depends heavily on our diet. Liver, lentils, oysters and meat are relatively good zinc suppliers. However, a sufficient zinc supply is difficult to achieve through a normal diet. Especially at advanced ages when the zinc requirements increase, but the total food and zinc intake decreases.

What is AMD? AMD is a degenerative retinal eye disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. It affects the macula, the part of the retina that enables our most acute and detailed vision for tasks such as reading, driving, recognising faces and watching television.

Is there anything that makes you more likely to get it?

According to the World Health Organisation the only established modifiable risk factor is smoking.

People who smoke more than double their risk of developing AMD. Apart from quitting smoking can you do anything to prevent it?

Various studies indicate a link between eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and vitamins C and E and reduced risk of macular degeneration. Experts believe they can have a positive effect as they work to neutralise potentially cell-damaging molecules called ‘free radicals’ which are thought to harm the eye’s lens and macular. Studies are still being done on this link, but it’s good advice for your health and your eyesight to enjoy a variety of fruit, vegetables and whole grains every day.

For more information about eye health and avoiding blindness visit www.specsavers.es.

40

home & garden

Making a carnivorous bog planter For a fun new twist on your typical terrarium, why not try swapping succulents for carnivorous plants?

RTN talks you through how to make this eye-catching, carnivorous bog planter in four simple steps.

Start With: • Clear container with no drainage or lid (a glass vase would be perfect!)

• Pebbles for drainage • Horticultural charcoal • Sand • Peat moss or carnivorous plant blend soil • Carnivorous plants • Distilled water Use organic products when possible to avoid chemical additives. You can find these supplies at most nurseries, hydroponic stores, or hardware stores that sell orchids.

Recommended Plants: • Bladderworts • Australian pitcher plants • Butterworts • North American pitcher plants • Venus flytrap • Sundew STEP 1: Place pebbles and charcoal in bottom of large glass container.

STEP 2: Add a layer of sand and soil.

STEP 3: Add the carnivorous plants.

STEP 4: Layer with decorative moss, bark or pebbles for the finishing touches.

A venus flytrap eats live food so no need for water How to Take Care of Your Carnivorous Bog Planter • Keep soil moist but not too soggy — a great way to check is to make sure the soil is always a dark brown color. You can fill the container so that you see a little bit of water in between the pebbles at the base, then water again once that water gets used up.

• Use distilled water whenever possible — regular tap water contains additives such as chlorine which are hard for the plants to process.

• Carnivorous plants need bright, direct light during summer (ideally from a south- or west-facing window).

• In their winter dormancy, give them low, indirect light (November through February).

• Make sure there is no lid on your container or it will have a hot car green house effect and kill the plants.

• Keep away from radiator in the winter.

• Clip off any dead leaves.

• Expect to repot every year with a new plant as the old plants outgrow the container.

Feeding Directions Carnivorous Plants DO NOT REQUIRE feeding.

They get their energy from photosynthesis like any other plant, so all they need to

survive is light and water. However, insect carnivory serves as their version of using fertilizer. So you don't need to feed your plant, but if you do, follow these tips: • Venus Flytraps consume live food. The movement of a live insect inside a closed trap tells the plant that it has captured prey rather than debris.

• First, catch a live insect. The prey should be no more than 2/3 the length of the trap.

• Optional: Place the insect in a small, closed sandwich bag and place the bag in the refrigerator or freezer long enough for the insect to stop moving/pass out from the cold, but not long enough to kill it.

• Grasp the insect with tweezers. Brush it back and forth along the inner surface of the trap and its trigger hairs until it closes. Then release your hold on the insect and pull your tweezers gently out of the closed trap.

• The insect will warm up and move around inside the trap, causing it to gradually close tighter. The trap leaf will digest the insect and re-open about a week later, leaving behind the insect's shell. Removing the shell is optional.

• Sundews can be fed either live or dead caught insects, freeze-dried bloodworms or small fish food flakes. Small crickets may also be used, but if alive, their legs and arms should be removed to prevent escape.

Place the food directly on the tentacled leaf surface. Feed one to two leaves of the sundew every week or two. You can also place them in an area with a lot of fruit flies if you notice them in your kitchen.

I can frame that

Redefine artwork with these common items you can frame, most of which you probably have lying around your home!

Retro Food Labels

For a one-of-a-kind art display, turn to vintage food labels. Framed in white and placed among neutral decor, these brightly hued images really pop.

Book Jackets

Does anyone actually keep the book cover on their hardcover book when they read it?

Don't just throw it aside; frame it!

Vintage Advertisements

If you have a collection of old books, magazines, or newspapers, a gallery wall is the perfect choice for you.

Use a grid gallery format to ensure each print stands out.

Postcards

Basic frames look right at home on floating shelves. Postcards, savethe-dates, and other nostalgic mail items can all be framed and paired together. Group items with a similar colour scheme or pattern to give small, affordable frames a greater impact.

Astrological Maps

Astrological maps are unique to have anywhere in the home and inside a frame is all the more stylish. Impress guests with a taste of the stars by framing your zodiac sign or an astrological map, then put your knowledge to the test when they ask about the framed piece.

Decorative Wallpaper

With a roll of large-scale floral wallpaper, create a triptych of dramatic art panels on the cheap. Apply sections of wallpaper to extra wood or drywall following the manufacturer's directions. Then frame each piece with painted moulding and add mounting hardware.

Maps Large or Small

A map on the wall is common, but a framed map exudes importance.

Can't find an oversized map? Print it on several pieces of paper and fit it together like a puzzle.

Stamp Collection

Stop keeping your stamp collection in that old book!

Instead, tack, mat, and frame them on your wall. They make a retro statement in an office or guest room.

41

ADVANCED CLEANING Advanced Cleaning Services. Professional Carpet, Upholstery Cleaning, 27 Years Experience, Wet/Dry Clean. Honest, Reliable Service.

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domestic

storage & REMOVALS

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares.

Installation and repairs.

Quality machines. EsoSense movement sensor supplied and fitted for 80 euros. Coin meters supplied and fitted from 260 euros. For other energysaving products, visit www.coolandcosy.es.

Tel 952 935 513

antiques WANTED! All types of antiques, paintings, jewellery, watches, silver etc.

Any condition. Immediate cash settlement. For more information call into Anthony’s Antiques and Jewellers shops, extensive premises at C/Ramon y Cajal 40, Fuengirola. Mobile 609 529 633. Telephone 952 588 795

charities ACE CHARITY “El Refugio” in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the Town Hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www.ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 14.00pm SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public week-ends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at anytime. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre.

Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepeonline.net

cleaning services Professional Carpet And Upholstery Cleaning, 27 Years Experience, Wet/Dry

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Est. over 25 years. Rentals, residential, one off cleans.

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concrete CONCRETE – OZBUILD. The specialists of printed concrete. Reseals, Brickwork, Tiling, Plastering, Reforms. 14 Years in Spain. Competitive Prices, Quality Finish.

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computers COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED. Error messages fixed, viruses removed. Repairs and upgrades available. Laptops in English.

Kindle, iPad & Android help. One-to-one training. Experienced, reliable service.

Paul 630 652 338 / 952 493 859

obituaries

42 computers PC DOCTOR Computer Sales & Repairs in any Language. 24HR IT Support. 20 Years on the Coast. We come to wherever YOU are – Home or Business.

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decorators RAINBOW PINTURAS. English professional, reliable painting & decorating company. Furniture spraying. Building service available. Free quotations. Daniel 628 066 308 www.rainbowpinturas.com

dentist NHS REGISTERED DENTIST in Fuengirola. Specializing in Zircon crowns, bridges etc. Free check up! drvisky@hotmail.com 689 887 019

electrician MARBELLA BASED ELECTRICIAN call richard on 687 352 358 or email richi@europe.com all installations & maintenance. Surge protection, garden lights, upgrades, boletins.

(260566) BS ELECTRICAL, All electrical work, rewires, Boletins, Endesa helpline, professional genuine service, www.bselectrical.eu. Call Sean 952 961 108, 669 070 011 CSW ELECTRICAL & MAINTENANCE for all your Electrical & Maintenance needs. No Job too Small.

Call Craig for a FREE QUOTE on 604 106 414

motoring

floor polishing marble floor (2.50€/ M2) why pay more .We clean, crystallise, seal then polish your marble to high gloss, non slip. Professional guaranteed, fast service. 25 Years experience. Also repairs damages to marble, clean and seal terracotta terraces, covers all costa del sol.

Tel: 671 244 683

furniture The Warehouse – We Buy A Single Item To A FUll House Clearance – 602 610 103 Furniture Wanted, Same Day Collection, Also House Clearance And Removals.

602 610 103(252581)

gardening PROFESSIONAL garden services from Fuengirola to Estepona. All aspects of gardening and full maintenance and landscaping, free quotes, competitive prices. Contact Andrew 600 259 981 Andrew@garden-profes sionals.com TOP-JARDIN. No tree too tall, palm & tree pruning - removal - pests bio treatments. Town hall licence process advice. Timber logs. Mulch. Urban veggie gardens.

Visit us www.top-jardin.com or call Andres mob 686 948 552 / 602 130 250 GARDEN SERVICE – from €10 per hour. Monthly contract from €90. Benalmadena to Marbella.

RICARDO 637 160 129

glass curtains GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931

holiday rentals Nerja 2 Bed Well Equipped Rental Villa, Close To All Amenities And Beach. Please Call Kim +44 7596 379 686 (251269)

house clearance The Warehouse – We Buy A Single Item To A Full House Clearance – 602 610 103(252581)

irrigation F&P-IRRIGATION: professional new sprinkler systems and repairs, 30 years’ experience. 14 days free trial, fixed price.

Six Solid Rock Guarantees. Free quotation.

952931558 (258952) F&P PUMPS: pressure and pool pumps, service, sales and repairs Six Solid Rock Guarantees 952931558 (258952)

locksmiths 24/7 Locksmith Emergency / Appointment. Doors Opened Without Damage, Locks Changed, Patio Doors And Windows Secured, 24 Hour Honest, Fast And Reliable Service.

Call Paul 657 466 803 (251072)

24 Hour Locksmiths Safe Engineers.

30 Years Experience, Call Daren Or Bob 952 660 233 667 668 673 www.securityofspain.com (240915)

metalwork ALL METALWORK UNDERTAKEN – New Fabrication & Repairs/Alterations. Work Guaranteed.

Reliable. 14yrs on Coast.

Steve Call or Whatsapp 655 040 648

mobility

MOBILITY scooters, electric wheelchairs, wheelchairs, walking frames, etc, for sale and rent. Large selection of quality used scooters at competitive prices. Rascal vantage X, Rascal Veo X, Shoprider Sovereign, Pride Go Go, Neo 4 and 8, Mercury Prism, Pride XL8, Rascal 388, Rascal 329, Rascal 125 Wheelchair, Shoprider electric wheelchair breaks up for boot, Rascal 330 electric wheelchair as new condition at considerable saving, Rascal turnabout electric wheelchair, plus many more all with guarantee. New and used wheelchairs for sale at competitive prices. Brand New Pride Go Go Mobility Scooters All models just arrived huge savings on retails prices. Rentals from 55 euros weekly. New mobility scooter batteries supplied and fitted.

Mobility scooters bought for cash. www.mobilityscootersdi rectspain.com email info@mobilityscooter sdirectspain.com Tel 609581139

SENIORWORLD - MOBILITY scooters, wheelchairs, stairlifts, nursing beds, rise ´n´ recline chairs and a large range of daily living aids for sale or hire.

Visit our showroom in Los Boliches - or call on 952 663 131 or 670 964 181 for advice & best prices

motoring PARKING, STORAGE & SALES. Caravans - Motorhomes - Boats - Cars and Vans etc. Short / long term - Safe & secure, drop off & collections. Excellent rates, discount for long term, 5 mins from Fuengirola. Established 25 years. www.eurodog.es / info@eurodog.es 679 786 669 / 606 101 807 MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 153, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 153 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now!

LSM INSURANCE. No fat singing blokes or trumpeting telephone´s, just professional service at the best prices for all your insurance needs including car, household, commercial, life, health and travel.

Tel 952 578 008 or www.lsminsurance.biz for a quotation MOBILE MECHANIC will come to your home or work. Servicing, repairs, ITVs & diagnostics. Call Mick on 617 553 072

WANTED all cars vans and anything interesting also classic cars, bikes, etc, with or without paperwork considered, same day decision, cash waiting, 653 777 073

pest control COCKROACHES, ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc.

Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Guarantee. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Nigel 606 008 940

pets/animals EURODOG Boarding Kennels & Cattery. Under new ownership by animal loving family. Large kennels and exercise yards, fully licensed and sanitary approved. Safe, secure and caring environment.

Inspections welcome anyt ime. 5 minutes from Fuengirola 679 786 669 952 464 947 / www.eurodog.es PETCARE PET HOTEL. Alhaurin el Grande. Holiday accommodation for dogs and cats. Heated/Air conditioned kennels available.

Tel: 952 112 284 685 400 216 www.petcarespain.com.

Find us on Facebook at Petcare Spain

43 ACCOMPANY your pets to their new home.

Fully licensed pet transport service. Denise www.petchauffeur.eu 952 197 187 696 233 848 info@petchauffeur.eu

LONG TERM RENTALS. Super prices, no commission.

Apartments, townhouses, villas, fincas, shops, offices, bars, restaurants.

Coast & inland. Tlf 679 111 522

pool services

www.perfectpools.es.

Maintenance, Repairs & Renovation. Professional & Reliable Service. All Areas. info@perfectpools.es.

650 348 785

removal services

WESTARPOOLS. Pool construction, renovation, repairs and heating.

619 246 372 / www.westarpools.com SWIMMING pool construction, reforms, architectural services available www.advasolsolutions.com 951 965 309 664 871 133

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property

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Man and van / HOUSE CLEARANCES 20€ per hour 609 321 958 (258625)

roller shutters ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service.

Make your home more secure!

Tel: 951 273 254 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931

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Last weeks puzzle answers (Issue 944)

Wordwheel Solution mo pe up pep per pet pry pup pur

solar blinds

put puy pye rep tup urp yep yup perp

pert peru prep prey prut pure pyre repp type

typp erupt peppy puppy purty upper preppy puppet puppetry

Word Pyramid Hodgepodge

Codebreaker Solution

Cryptic Solution

Quick Solution

Soduku Solution

Word Ladder

BLACK SLACK SHACK SHARK SHIRK SHIRE SHITE WHITE

Wordfit Solution

Quiz solutions 1 Not Found 2 Zonda 3 Yaw 4 Vertical bar 5 Mercury (356.73 ºC) 6 Three-sixteenths (0.1875) 7 Victoria 8 Acre 9 Time 10 Grain (originally barley)

44

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Exports to the rescue for UK car manufacturing Photo credit Twitter

UK NEW car production increased in October, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 157,056 units left UK factories last month, a 3.5 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2016.

The growth was driven by exports, which rose 5.0 per cent in the month, boosted by demand for new models in overseas markets. 82.1 per cent of all UK-built cars were shipped abroad in October – the highest proportion this year – with the bulk going to our biggest trading partner, Europe.

Meanwhile, production for the UK continued to reverse, falling 2.9 per cent and making October the ninth month of decline at home this year. 28,178 cars were produced for domestic buyers, as lower business and consumer confidence, combined with confusion over government policies towards diesel, continued to dent orders.

Year-to-date figures show production for the home market decreased by 6.8 per cent or almost 22,000 units. Exports have fared better, broadly stable so far in the year at 0.1 per cent, while overall output is down 1.6 per cent.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “It’s encouraging to see positive growth in exports this month and a slight increase in overall output. Production for British consumers, however, has continued to fall as domestic demand for new cars decreased for the ninth month this year amidst continued uncertainty over both Brexit and the government’s air quality plans. It’s important that confidence is restored to the new car market, as sales of the latest cleaner, greener

UP AND DOWN: October showed ninth decrease of UK sales cars not only address air quality concerns but speed up activity on factory lines across the UK. The latest independent UK forecast report is worrying news for the sector, predicting annual output which is, at best, static

compared with last year. The industry needs stability and a clear roadmap for Brexit if we are to encourage investment and arrest the decline in both the market and business confidence.”

45

motoring

VW picks up 2018 pick-up award

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles' Amarok has won the 'International Pick-up Award 2018' (IPUA 2018). Like its predecessor in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has also succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists.

"We are very grateful to have received the IPUA 2018 and feel honoured by the decision of the international expert jury. With the new Amarok, we've once again listened to what customers want and been able to achieve more power, more torque and also better capability for deployment on any terrain. This is more than just pure luxury and lifestyle," said Dr Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, at the presentation of the International Pick-up Award 2018 in Lyon. "I promise that we will continue to deliver the best

AWARD WINNER: “Works hard and plays hard” solutions for our customers in order to make their lives and day-to-day work easier," stressed Dr Scholz.

The jury rated the Amarok as the epitome of 'work hard, play hard', a core element of

the entire pick-up segment and described the Amarok as a "top pedigree workhorse". The clear

design, the fantastic feel and the finish, in short the workmanship, were specifically cited by the jury as being key factors in their decision. The size of the double cab with room for five people, the benchmark in the segment, also impressed with its modern design. The ergoComfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, adorned with the AGR logo of the 'German Healthy Backs Society', also won over the jury, who in addition highlighted the unique eight-speed automatic transmission and broad V6 engine specification in the segment.

The second-generation Amarok with its V6 engine is a hit with customers: this year, to the end of October, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already supplied customers with 65,200 vehicles from the Amarok range (same period last year: 57,600 units). This represents an increase of 13.2 per cent.

Changes to the UK driving test

A NUMBER of British people in Spain often return to their homeland in order to pass their driving test. As from next Monday December 4, they will notice a few changes to the test that include some different manoeuvres and some tech based enhancements. The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving, and will only apply to cars to begin with.

1. The independent driving part of the test where you drive without instructions from the examiner will increase from 10 minutes to 20 minutes...roughly half the duration of the entire test.

2. During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav.

The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52)

and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.

You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.

You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it. One in five driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

3. Reversing manoeuvres will be changed. The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor. Instead, you’ll be asked to do one of the

following: a) Parallel park at the side of the road b) Park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do) c) Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and rejoin the traffic 4. During the test, you’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions, known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

You’ll be asked the ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving and then the ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers.

46

motoring

47

sport

Local sports schedule for December

1st December - Football League Match, Malaga CF - Levante UD. 3rd December - Basketball Unicaja CB v´s Divina Seguros Joventut at the Martin Carpena Sports Arena.

10th December - Marathon 2017 Malaga Marathon takes place.

14th December - Football Unicaja face Khimki Moscow Region in a Euroleague game.

18th December - Football Euroleague game between Unicaja CB and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 31st December - Running The sixth San Silvestre Palma Palmilla Race starts at 10:30am.

Australia’s cricketers comfortably won the first Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba by ten wickets, scoring 328 & 173-0 against England’s 302 & 195. The second Test (a day-night game) starts tomorrow in Adelaide.

Onto football, all there were Champions League wins last week for Chelsea (4-0 v.

Karabaq), Manchester City (1-0 v. Feyenoord), Real Madrid (6-0 v. Apoel) and Tottenham (2-1 v. Dortmund). Liverpool squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 in Sevilla; PSG thumped Celtic 7-1 and Manchester United, who lost 1-0 in Basle, need something from their last group game against CSKA Moscow to reach the knockout stage.

In the Europa League, Arsenal succumbed 1-0 in Koln and Everton’s lowest home crowd since 1999 - 17,431 – saw them belted 5-1 by Atalanta.

Manchester City, 2-1 winners at Huddersfield, are eight points clear of rivals neighbours United (lucky 1-0 victors over Brighton) at the top of the PL; Chelsea (3rd) drew 1-1 at Liverpool. Wolves lead the Championship by four points from Cardiff; Luton and Notts County top Leagues 1 & 2 respectively and Celtic, after beating Motherwell 2-0 in the SLC final, are now unbeaten in 65 domestic matches.

In Germany, Dortmund, 4-0 up, drew 4-4 with Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach ended Bayern Munich’s 30-game unbeaten run, winning 2-1.

Inter Milan top Serie ‘A’ and Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with La Liga leaders Barcelona with a £625m/€700m buy-out clause! And right now, the average weekly wage for a PL footballer is £50,000.

The draw for next year’s World Cup groups takes place in Russia today (Friday) at 4pm Spanish time. England are number 3, Spain number 10.

Brazilian Robinho, ex-Manchester City, AC Milan and Real Madrid, has been gaoled for nine years after being found guilty of sexual assault in Italy in 2013.

World Cup Draw The 2018 World Cup draw takes place in the Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia today (1st December) The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four. Each group will play three matches. The top two teams will then progress to

A former player, Tony Matthews is now the world’s most prolific author of football books with 150 published since 1975. He has also been a PE teacher, policeman, radio correspondent and is now a quiz-organiser and fund–raiser, for various charities.

Felipe Massa finished 10th in his 268th and final F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi last Sunday. The winner was Valterri Bottas with world champion Lewis Hamilton second.

After the race, Poland’s Robert Kubicki, seriously injured in 2010, test drove a Williams car and could return to F1 next year. And Fernando Alonso has had his first drive in a Le Mans 24-hour proto-type car.

the second round. As the host nation Russia will start in group A.

England are set to meet Holland in friendlies prior to manager Gareth Southgate picking his final squad.

Australian Wade Ormsby won the Hong Kong Open golf title and in tennis, France beat Belgium in the Davis Cup final.

In Rugby Union, Scotland thumped Australia by a record 53-24; England made it 14 Twickenham wins in a row by beating Samoa 48-14; Ireland defeated Argentina 2819 but Wales lost 33-12 to New Zealand.

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BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017

Here are the 12 nominees for this year’s award: Elise Christie (skater), Sir Mo Farah (runner), Chris Froome, OBE (cyclist), Lewis Hamilton, MBE (F1 driver),

Anthony Joshua (boxer), Harry Kane (footballer), Joanna Konta (tennis star), Jonny Peacock (paralympian), Adam Peaty (swimmer), Johnny Rea (super-biker),

Angia Shrubsole (cricketer) and Bianca Walkden (taekwondo). * The winner will be announced, live on BBC1 TV, on Sunday 17 December.

PL games this weekend include Arsenal-Manchester United, Brighton Liverpool, Chelsea-Newcastle, Manchester City-West Ham and Watford Spurs; it’s Birmingham-Wolves, Cardiff-Norwich in the Championship and Celtic-Motherwell in the SPL. There are also 20 second round FA Cup-ties with ten non-League teams hoping to join the ‘big boys’ in the next round, and Champions League/Europa League action continues on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.

The Mauritius Open, the Australian PGA (Gold Coast) and the Heroes Challenge (Bahamas) golf tournaments are underway and tomorrow Australia play England in Rugby League’s World Cup final.

In Rugby Union, Wales play South Africa tomorrow while in the Aviva PL, Leaders Exeter Chiefs meet Bath while second-placed Saracens play Harlequins.

DUMMY RUN Ten days ago, with his wife Steph in labour, Ryan Colclough was substituted after scoring his second goal in Wigan’s 3-0 win over Doncaster.

Still kitted out, he reached the hospital just in time to see his son born, completing a unique hat-trick for the winger!