RTN Newspaper – Costa del Sol 5 - 11 January 2018 Issue 036

FREE! costa del sol

For daily news online

www.rtnnewspaper.com

Issue 36

5th - 11th January

Reporting The News Photo credit Alvaro RG Wikimedia

Welcome to the world

Inside this week... bikini weather

THE first baby to be born in the Costa Del Sol regional hospital this year is called Leon.

Little Leon weighs was born at 4.25am on New Year’s Day. He weighs 3.8 kilograms and was born by natural birth to mother Laura Alcantara and father Diego Morales who live in Marbella.

Laura went into labour at around 11.00pm New Year’s Eve but Leon kept her and Diego waiting.

P2 Bus service in Malaga City

2500 new jobs

Good news for bus travellers as prices held IF you travel by bus in the area of Malaga City then you will be pleased to learn that the price of a ride will remain the same since 2013.

So for six consecutive years, the ordinary ticket has remained at €1.30 which makes Malaga City one of the cheapest major conurbations in Spain for bus travel.

The council which controls pricing has found that it can afford to maintain

this rate, despite the fact that it has purchased 46 new buses, eleven of them Electric-Hybrids and has invested €16 million in the service during 2017.

The special 10 journey ticket remains at €8.30 which compares to €18.30 for the equivalent ticket in Madrid whilst students and those who meet certain criteria including pensioners will be able to obtain monthly tickets for just €27.

Parents are also able to obtain an annual ticket for children under the age of 12 which for €290 will allow unlimited travel for a whole year.

The council is particularly pleased that not only is it able to retain the prices for travel but is steadily increasing the comfort of passengers as it expands the fleet of buses which are increasingly more environmentally friendly.

P4

franco’s daughter passes away

P18

2

Bikini weather

by Pippa Harris

LONG-AWAITED plans to provide access to Malaga Airport from the north will be put into action before next summer, according to local politicians.

After seven years of delays, the €40 million project is now due to start within the next six months.

But Spanish media reports suggest the government is yet to fully approve the work, since they are still studying the details. Land has already

Families and visitors attracted to beaches business owners and promised to meet with the Junta de Andalucia to increase allotted spaces, which some workers have called “insufficient.”

Political party Izquierda Unida (IU) claimed they had received “complaints from some users of La Carihuela beach that it is sometimes difficult not only to walk along the shore but just to be on it.” A spokesman from a coalition of

left-leaning parties, David Tejeiro, asked the council’s minority-governing party, PSOE to increase beach inspections “to avoid abuse by a minority of business owners who exceed their areas.”

One business owner commented, the situation “is not positive. It gives the impression it is impossible to find space to put a towel down in Torremolinos,” adding, “it is damaging to us all.”

been made available for the work and the ministry sent various plans.

Speaking at a presentation of the project, the Popular Party’s local mayor, Joaquin Villanova, and representative Carolina Espana, said the work is due to be finalised soon, but similar promises have been broken before.

The work on the roads is also intended to ease congestion coming into the city.

Photo credit Junta de Andalucia

FAMILIES have been spotted enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures on Malaga’s beaches.

Children have been playing on the beach before school starts again after the festival of the Three Kings after new year kicked off with balmy temperatures of around 20 degrees on the coast, attracting large numbers of families and visitors to the area’s beaches.

Last summer it was revealed sun bed business owners complained after it emerged some are exceeding their allotted space to make higher profits.

The average 500 square metre space permitted by law to owners of sun bed businesses is increasingly being surpassed, leading to visits from inspectors and conflict with beach-goers who are finding it ever more difficult to find a place on the beach to sunbathe.

Business owners who do keep to their allocated space, which can house an average of 100 beds, have now voiced their concerns with their council about those who choose to exceed their area with the addition of further beds and table.

Maribel Tocon, the town’s Councillor for Beaches met with dozens of beach workers who complained about the “unfair competition and bad image” irresponsible businesses bring, calling the issue an “invasion.” Councillor Tocon asked for the “collaboration” of all

€40m airport project agreed

Drivers have trouble reaching the airport

3

Full house

by Jemima Roberts

Hotel investors name Malaga as a popular destination

Fountain plan

A NEW fountain will be built as part of the remodelling work currently taking place on the intersection between Avenida Juan Carlos I and Calle Africa in Estapona. The work is expected to be completed by the end of February.

MALAGA has been named Spain’s fifth most popular destination for hotel investors.

The country’s hotel industry attracted 83 per cent more investment in 2017 than in 2016, at around €3,750 million. The Canary Islands’ hotels attracted the most investment at around 21 per cent of the market, followed by the Balearics at 18 per cent and Madrid on 17 per cent.

The news comes after Mijas Council last year granted 1,900 construction licences. The building boom saw 300 more licences granted in 2017 than in 2016, totalling €150 million worth of investment in the municipality.

Andres Ruiz, Councillor for Urbanism, explained the increase showed, "investors feel safe in Mijas. If the pace remains the same, at the end of the year we will have a large number, and we must balance growth

with respect for land and a commitment to sustainable development.”

Of the figure, 300 licences were for major works and 1,600 were for minor ones. Councillor Ruiz explained of the smaller projects, "this fact is very significant because they generate enormous activity for the self-employed and the small entrepreneur who are key to the development of the local economy.”

Earlier this year, the council announced it expects to receive around €200 million of investment from Britons buying up property locally in the next 10 years following Brexit.

The building growth also included substantial investment in Mijas’ hotel industry. Juan Carlos Maldonado announced the council approved a building permit to refurbish luxury hotel, Byblos, with works begun after last summer.

Maldonado commented, "the deadlines are being met and, if ev-

erything continues to go to plan, once the summer season ends, this tourist attraction will have a green light to start refurbishments.” He added, “Byblos is a year-round quality attraction which draws in crowds in the golfing sector and most importantly boosts our town’s economy and generates employment.”

The hotel is located on a plot of 50,873 square metres in the Mijas Golf urbanisation, offering sports equipment rental, a private green, hotel and small public green. Works will include adding 300 parking spaces below ground and 230 rooms.

The hotel’s spa takes up an impressive 5,293 square metres, the hotel 35,424, the private green 15,056 and the private sports area 1,915 square metres, with costs expected to reach €60 million to buy and refurbish the huge space. The investment will involve employing 200 staff directly, and 500 others indirectly.

Unemployment figures drop Marbella closed 2017 with nearly 500 fewer unemployed people than 2016.

At the end of December last year, a total of 12,443 people were registered unemployed in comparison

to 12,897 at the end of December 2016.

The most recent figures are the best since the crisis began – in 2009 there were 14,674 unemployed people in Marbella.

In percentage terms, the year-onyear difference stood at 1.1 per cent less – at the end of 2016 there was an unemployment rate of 20.29 per cent, compared to 19.19 per cent at the end of 2.017.

4

Top teams will train on the Costa SOME OF the world’s best football teams will set up camp in Marbella over the winter.

Almost 60 sides are expected on the Costa del Sol this month for warm weather training at the Marbella Football Centre.

Chinese giants Shanghai Shenhua, with the likes of former Premier League stars Carlos Tevez and Obafemi Martins, arrived between Christmas and New Year and are said to be spending a month in the area as they prepare for the second half of the Chinese Super League season. German sides Borussia Dortmund Wolfsburg and Fortuna Dusseldorf will also train in Marbella ahead of the return of the Bundesliga on January 14, while other notable sides to train on the Costa later this month include Champions League side Basel, Dutch Champions Feyenoord and the Latvian National team.

Football fans will also get the chance to see some of the top teams in action, with more than 200 games confirmed.

Shopping centre will generate 2,500 jobs

by Jemima Roberts TORREMOLINOS’ planned new shopping centre will provide work for more than 2,000 people during its construction.

The project, which is set to take place over the next three years, will see 10 specialist roles employed as well as “a significant volume of workers in other roles.” The most workers will be hired during the peak of the works after around 18 months.

Once work is complete it is thought more than 4,000 people will be receive work from the new Intu Costa del Sol, including suppliers. The €700 million project “is the largest private investment in the history of the province of Malaga,” according to its promoters.

Despite setbacks, the commitment is “more strongly confirmed” than before after the site’s promoter, Intu, was bought out by British company Hammerson.

The town’s First Deputy Mayor, Maribel Tocon, met with Intu’s Spanish representative, Salvador Arenere, amid fears the company might change the project’s original plans. The development will now instead fo by the name Hammerson but continue to use the Intu brand. Intu owns 50 per cent of the shopping centres Xandu in Madrid, Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza, and Parque Principado in Asturias.

Meanwhile, the owners of nearby Plaza Mayor have been told to build two more motorway lanes before opening their planned luxury outlet.

The Highway Development Unit has demanded the MA-20 be double in capacity in the direction of Torremolinos to avoid excessive queues reaching the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Work on the almost €3 million road project could begin as soon as April and have been given a five month deadline.

Sonae Sierra and McArthurGlen, Plaza Mayor’s promoters, have also been told to build a new access road and roundabout to reduce congestion. Currently, queues are commonplace nearly every weekend, with drivers often taking to the hard shoulder to access the Plaza Mayor site, which also houses Ikea, Bricomart and McDonalds.

Two further lanes will now be added for 1.8 kilometres between the Guadalmar roundabout and Torremolinos. One lane will go directly to the outlet and another onto the roundabout, meaning drivers trying to reach Plaza Mayor do not have to give way.

It is anticipated the works will begin April and end in mid-October, when the new outlet is also due to open. Malaga Council has made it clear the outlet will not be allowed to open until the works are complete.

More room The Ministry of Education withdrew a total of 47 temporary classrooms in Andalusian schools last year. The positive action was thanks to the completion of new facilities in the schools.

6

Double trouble

First baby of the year position a tie

by Pippa Harris TWO NEWBORNS have tied for the position of first baby of the year at Malaga’s Materno Hospital.

The children, named Alvaro and Julia, were born within minutes of each other just past midnight on New Year’s Eve. Their mothers, Rocio and Estrella, have since posed for photos together.

In November it was revealed five doctors in Malaga 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.” She was not given a pregnancy test despite going into labour in October.

New Year celebrations draw crowds

REVELLERS from across the region saw in the New Year with a bang.

Towns and cities in the Costa Del Sol saw spectacular displays and long fiestas, as Spain’s 2018 started in style.

Malaga, Puerto Banus and Marbella put on particularly memorable events, drawing large crowds for the festivities.

In Malaga’s Plaza de la Constitution, thousands gathered to see in the new year amid an impressive lights show and family atmosphere.

Television stations were out in force in the small mountain town of Coin, where locals take their tra-

ditional fancy dress obligations very seriously.

Enthusiasts from around the country – and indeed some from abroad – make the journey to the town’s quiet cobbled streets, which are transformed just before the new year.

Thousands of people dress up in various extravagant costumes in the main square, which comes alive with the sound of spraying cava - and Spaniards trying to munch their 12 traditional grapes - as the clock strikes midnight.

Music blared in the square from around 11pm until the early hours, but the main event is the fancy dress.

Coin’ pulled in all sorts of costumes Credit: Harrison Jones

7

Tax debate causes delays

by Richard Johnson POLITICIANS in Mijas are refusing to pass the area’s annual budget after a disagreement over tax collection.

The move has seen last year’s budget reused for the time being as politicians battle it out over plans to transfer responsibility for the collection of taxes to the Provincial Board of Revenue.

Officials from the CC OO union are against the transfer saying the move would cost the council an additional figure of between three and five million Euros a year, would not be more effective and would not collect more defaulted tax.

Last year Mijas Council revealed it will finish the financial year with tens of millions of Euros left

over. According to media reports, data from the second quarter of the year shows the council is set to have a healthy surplus at the end of the year owing to "responsible management of the municipality and account keeping which has brought stability to the budget.”

The municipality’s healthy financial situation will this year allow it to reduce property tax (IBI) from 0.508 per cent of a property’s value to 0.44826 per cent, while capital gains tax (Plusvalia), tax on some vehicles, inheritance tax and administrative fees will be lowered.

Capital gains tax will be lowered to 22 per cent, while inheritance tax will soon only apply to houses worth more than €100,000; double the previous amount of €50,000.

Fees for auctions, contracts,

administrative forms and competitions will also be waived if they are under €6.

Mayor Maldonado, explained “we have been limiting expenditure and making savings, restoring the town’s finances and we can pass on our good fortune to the people of Mijas. We do not have any debt and this can be enjoyed by locals, who benefit from the successful way we have run our finances.”

Mari Carmen Gonzalez added, "in the last quarter of 2016, we announced the beginning of a review of a significant number of taxes to benefit residents…after the study process, we approved the motion to lower taxes in 2018.”

Non-polluting vehicles, including electric and solar cars, will receive a 75 per cent tax

Popular prescription medication reduced in price PRICES paid for a total of 1,253 prescription drugs have been reduced since January 1. Thanks to the measure, patients will save €89.6 million a year. In addition, a further 327 medicines dispensed by hospitals will also reduce their prices.

According to the General Council of the Official College of Pharmacists, approximately 80% of the drugs are all different brand names of 10 active ingredients.

These include Salbutamol, popularly used to treat asthma.

The tetracyclic antidepressant Mirtazapine, a version which creates a calming and appetite-enhancing effect and is used to treat anxiety, is on the list as well as the antibiotic Azithromycin, Chondroitin Sulfate – often sold as Glucosamine – used to ease the effects of arthritis, and the con-

traceptive Ethinylestradiol, also known as Levonorgestrel.

Two medications for arterial hypertension – Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as used for treating water retention in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis or kidney disorders, and Olmesartan Medoxomil, for treating high blood pressure, will go down in price.

The immune system suppressant Methotrexate, used for cancer, ectopic pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases; Latanoprost, often sold as Xalatan, used to treat glaucoma; and Insulin Glargine, to treat diabetes, are the final three on the list.

Any of the drugs on the list already in stock will be sold at the new lower prices and pharmacies will have to absorb the cost difference.

Council split over who will collect taxes reduction from next year, while vehicles which minimise pollution, including hybrid vehicles, will see a 50 per cent reduction.

The proposal was unanimously approved by all parties after the council received around 70 suggestions from the public.

8

€2.1m legal bill

by Richard Johnson MALAGA’S lawyers were paid over two million Euros in legal aid in the third quarter of 2017.

The bill brings the total paid out to around 10,000 lawyers across Andalucia between January and September last year to €30.2 million.

Professionals in Antequera alone received €69,176 in the third quarter of last year.

Plans to pay lawyers around 5 per cent more in 2018 will “recover the rights that were affected by the economic crisis,” and see this year’s bill potentially even higher. The Ministry of Justice said it had made “a great effort” to improve access to justice “despite the economic and budgetary difficulties.” It is thought the sums help around 300,000 people receive legal help.

In the third quarter of last year, Malaga’s courts dealt with 3 per cent more cases than the previous year.

Courts in the province handled 64,873 matters, almost 3 per cent more than in the same period in 2016. Of this increase, 1,747 cases involved civil matters, according to the Situation of Judicial Bodies report. Cases involving crime decreased by 367 in this period.

A Malaga judge has said at least 30 more judges are needed in the city.

Jose Maria Paez, Dean Judge of Malaga, has been re-elected for the third time and has lost no time in setting out what the city’s justice system needs.

In an interview with a Spanish newspaper, Paez explained, “the priority project is to increase the number of judges, since we are still very few. Spain has a number of magistrates well below the European average and thus it is impossible to give an answer with a minimum quality in a reasonable time.”

The judge added Malaga’s judicial system also needed more funds, as well as improvements to some courts.

Last November politicians 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.

Eduardo Frapolli claimed 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.

Nobu Marbella coming soon

The new Nobu resort hotel will open on March 29 in Marbella.

The hotel, which is aimed exclusively at adults, will have 81 guest suites in addition to conference and meeting facilities.

Guests can enjoy a roving mixology cart offering in-room cocktails, an exclusive Nobu beach, a swimming pool with bar, sunset DJ sessions, Nobu signature dishes served in the comfort of their suite and in-room signature Nobu wellness treatments. Private access to on-site nightclub

‘La Suite’ is also included.

The hotel’s facilities also include a Six Senses Spa, a tennis club, a Dave Thomas designed golf-course, and an equestrian centre.

The Nobu restaurant offers Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeno and Tiradito, alongside dishes inspired

by Marbella itself.

9 Roundabout to get new light and water display

Marbella finally gets its waste disposal plant AFTER TWO YEARS of hold ups, a waste disposal plant will be set up in Marbella this spring.

The City Council, the Commonwealth of Municipalities on the Western Costa Del Sol and Urbaser have agreed a three-way deal to set up the new plant on a 2,000 square metre site where the old landfill used to be situated.

The waste disposal plant will create around 15 new jobs, with preference given to staff from the previous plant given their experience.

The only waste disposal plant in the city stopped operating in April 2016 and no replacement was set up.

The President of the Commonwealth of Municipalities said building the new plant “was a demand that we had and thanks to the collaboration of these municipalities we will have a quick and effective response,” and commended the location of the site, adding: “a place has been found that will be accessible from any point of the coast.”

Roundabout gets a makeover

by Jemima Roberts WORKS to upgrade Malaga’s Avenida Juan Carlos I will see a new roundabout with a light and water display.

The project will see traffic lights removed to improve the flow of traffic on one of the city’s main roads. The street will also be reasphalted while pedestrian areas are increased. New street lighting, landscaping and sewage services will complete the project.

Last November it was revealed Benalmadena Council spent tens of thousands of Euros on a roundabout which caused several accidents.

The structure, which cost €68,000, has been fenced off since a councillor rolled her car on it on August 8. After considering removing the structure entirely, the Council has announced it will now modify its design, “to avoid having to return a subsidy granted by the Provincial Council for its construction,” according to Councillor for Urbanisation, Oscar Ramundo.

Plans now include narrowing the road leading up to the roundabout as well as installing traffic lights.

The Avenida Antonio Machado roundabout was partially fenced-off following an outcry from residents after a

series of accidents including one which left a motorist with a leg injury.

Locals demanded it was demolished but the council voted unanimously to keep the roundabout and simply change its layout after it emerged demolishing would mean returning funding for the project to the Provincial Council. Oscar Ramundo, Councillor for Urban Planning, said the site "has not been put to use because it suffers from some design flaws that were noticed once the work was finished,” confirming it will be modified, "to avoid having to return the subsidy granted by the Provincial Council for its construction".

10

A rich life remembered

The hearse followed by Bunny’s

family and friends

The service ended in a standing

ovation

Bunny in character and (inset) with long-term partner Phil

by Staff Reporter FRIENDS and family celebrated the life of much-loved international entertainer Bunny Lane at an emotional funeral service in Benalmadena.

The comedian and actor, real name Barry Lane Hickey and best known for his legendary drag queen act, last week passed away aged 75 following a short illness.

Several hundred people attended the funeral yesterday (Thursday), with many converging outside the former Bunny’s Bar in Bonanza Square beforehand.

The venue is cemented in Costa del Sol folklore having been packed to the rafters on a nightly basis during its prime in the mid1990s to early 2000s.

Those among the crowd included Bunny’s husband and partner of 32 years Phil, his sister Patricia and brother-in-law Gerry, plus Ellie Peters and KT Peters with who Bunny formed a beloved triple act.

When asked for his fondest memories of Bunny, Ellie – who flew in from Blackpool to pay his respects - told the RTN: “The laughs, really, we often had the most fun backstage!

“Bunny also did all he could to help other

performers, which is rare in today’s industry, plus he did so much good work for local homeless children.

“He was just brilliant to work with and loved by everyone who knew him.”

The hearse bearing Bunny’s body stopped outside the bar before leading those gathered to the Virgen del Carmen church, with some onlookers applauding during the short walk.

A stirring eulogy was read by retired cabaret artist and friend Iain Maxstead, while several of Bunny’s favourite numbers were played during the service, including ‘I Want

a Hippopotamus for Christmas.’

The final song – Petula Clark’s The Show is Over – saw smiles and tears break out in equal measure as it ended with a standing ovation.

Bunny was born in Harrow, London, in 1942 and went on to grace stages in the UK, United States, Australia and Spain, where he remains well-known on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.

He also worked with Danny La Rue and appeared in several films, including Mary Poppins and Games Lovers Play with Joanna Lumley.

12

Mayor heckled during fire visit

by Pippa Harris Malaga’s Mayor faced calls to resign after visiting the town’s main fire station.

Francisco de la Torre visited the workers in a “tense” meeting at their fire station and asked for their help in ending the labour dispute which has seen firemen strike for a year.

The mayor was met by firefighters holding banners, wearing masks and handing him paperwork after visiting the site on Christmas Eve. Videos of the visit posted on social networks show some firefighters shouting “resignation” to the politician.

The strike has caused a series of controversies over the year with a Malaga councillor condemning firemen in October for not taking part in new training courses while on strike.

Councillor for Security, Mario Cortes, said the men had other ways of taking industrial action “without endangering the safety of residents.”

He added, “how do you explain to the public who have asked for flood specialists for years that they will not attend the training sessions a month after the rainy season begins.”

He claimed the firefighters had crossed “a red line they thought they would not cross,” adding unions should, “ask for reason. These are courses other cities want to join in on. Let’s hope they handle this so that the security of

Malaga firefighters call for mayor’s resignation citizens in not affected.” A spokesman for the firemen hit back, however, saying, “we do not want to be criminalised.

This is the only opportunity we have to strike without citizens being harmed.”

During the strike 60 firefighters have been forced to defend themselves for failing to attend five blazes in one day in June.

The Malaga prosecutor’s office referred the matter to a judge who will 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.

Man detained for assaulting underage girlfriend A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for assaulting his 15-year-old girlfriend in Malaga.

The victim’s mother alleged the man had also insulted and threatened the girl before encouraging her to leave her family home.

The girl went missing for a week, sparking a large manhunt, before being found at her boyfriend’s house. She has now been granted a protection order banning him from coming near her.

Last November politicians asked Malaga Council for more money to tackle domestic violence.

Party Ciudadanos 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.”

The same month 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.”

42 kilos of cocaine seized from ship

THE NATIONAL POLICE seized 42 kilograms of cocaine from a ship in Algeciras. The drugs were found hidden in the ceiling of one of the vessel’s bathrooms often used by dock workers. The ship is believed to have arrived in Algeciras from Panama. Two people were arrested on the spot for drug trafficking and the investigation continues.

Dognappers arrested in major swoop A TOTAL of 22 people have been arrested following investigations into the theft and resale of hunting dogs in Andalucia.

The Guardia Civil carried out seven house searches in Granada and Malaga provinces from which a huge haul of different illegal items were found including 42 dogs of different breeds, 19 guns, ammunition, various drugs used on the dogs, a microchip injector, marihuana plants, phones, four vehicles and €2,000 in cash.

So organised was this group which was based in Granada but operated in Malaga province that they even took orders for specific breeds using one individual to infiltrate various hunting groups in order to make an accurate

list of the various dogs and their whereabouts.

As the investigation continued, officers discovered that a group of four people were hunting illegally and filming brutal attacks by pit bulls which they then shared amongst their friends.

The investigation of eight others suspected as being part of a criminal organisation continues and those arrested will be charged with a number of different offences.

These include theft, drug trafficking, public health offences, arms trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, theft and use of a motor vehicle, falsification of an official document, money laundering and animal abuse.

13

Nervous flier

by Jemima Roberts

NO EXIT: Once on the wing the passenger had nowhere to go

A POLISH man has been photographed escaping onto the wing of a plane at Malaga Airport.

The unidentified passenger has been released by police after opening an emergency exit and attempting to jump down from the plane’s wing while passengers waited to disembark.

The 57-year-old, who told police he lived in a hostel in Malaga, apparently became agitated after passengers were forced to wait around half an hour to get off the plane after landing, as well as enduring half an hour delays leaving London where it had flown from.

Fellow passenger Fernando del Valle filmed the incident on his mobile phone before uploading it to Facebook. He explained of the man, “he got hot-headed I know and it was the first thing that oc-

Baby (wipe) blues EMASA have claimed baby wipes are clogging up Malaga’s sewage plant. The water company said the wipes, which are increasingly being used by all members of the family, are costing €8 million a year to clear away,

or around €5 per person. Workers said the wipes are accruing in a large mass and have overtaken over objects flushed down toilets, including tampons, condoms and food waste, as the main culprit in causing blockages.

curred to him.” He added once the man was on the wing “he sat for a while until the crew got inside.”

The man was questioned by the captain and crew and denounced for breaking an air safety law as well as “interfering with the equipment of the ship.” Reports from British newspapers suggest the man may have attempted to leave the plane after having an asthma attack and not being allowed to leave.

Last August another security risk at the airport forced air traffic control to step in after a British father and his son allegedly dazzled pilots with laser pointers.

If found guilty, the men, aged 41 and 15, could be handed fines of between €30,000 and €600,000 for breaching the Citizen Security Law, according to the Provincial Commissary.

The accused were identified by an off-duty National Police officer who was staying at the same ho-

Squatters death was homicide

tel, the Don Pablo de Torremolinos. The policeman allegedly saw two people on a sixth-floor terrace pointing lasers “indiscriminately” in the air and at three planes, as well as vehicles driving in the area at around 11pm.

The National Police officer called 091, telling his colleagues about the incident. A patrol car was sent to the hotel, where staff helped the police locate the room of the accused, which officers then searched, finding small, green laser pointers.

Police confiscated the pens and took statements from the two, who apparently accepted their guilt, according to media reports.

At the same time as the incident, several pilots alerted Malaga Airport’s air traffic control tower they had been dazzled by lasers, saying they believed they came from the Bajondillo area, where the hotel is. It is not believed anyone was injured in the incident.

Police have detained two Czech men aged 27 and 33 in connection to the death of a 44-year-old Portuguese man in Marbella between Christmas and New Year. According to police, the fight broke out amongst squatters living in a house in Elviria just after 6.00pm last Wednesday. The death is being investigated as an alleged crime of homicide and forenscic tests will determine whether it was willful or reckless homicide.

14

Have your Say!

Immigrant ‘committed suicide’ while in prison

by Pippa Harris

A popular post this week is

“Costa del Sol pet cemetery to open in 2019” reaching 1,191 people with 17 reactions & comments

Patricia Marsh “The money should be put to making their living facilities more acceptable & helping the people who care for them...”

Jeanne Southworth “I have the ashes of two loved doggies who passed and when I go my ashes can be mixed with theirs and thrown to the winds”

@RTNNewspaper

Our most liked posts from this week

AN AUTOPSY has confirmed an Algerian inmate killed himself while detained at Archidona prison.

According to media reports the man asphyxiated after hanging himself, leading to calls from a pressure group to be given access to the prison’s CCTV footage for the 48 hours before the man’s body was found.

Andalucia Acoge’s secretary general Jose Miguel Morales explained, “the Ombudsman issued a legal reminder months ago saying that the surveillance circuit had to be enabled; now we will check if the ministry heard and fulfilled its duty.” The group says it wants to know whether the man had been bullied by prison staff or involved in altercation after the deceased’s brother explained he had never previously mentioned suicide.

Last December the Junta de Andalucia rescued five more children from Archidona prison. Social Services took the Algerian immigrants into custody after discovering they were under 18. A group of around 300 prison officers gathered outside the prison to protest the use of the building to detain immigrants.

Meanwhile concerned relatives have been turned away from the detention centre as they tried to deliver goods to their relatives. A

Archidona prison

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.”

Politicians are now calling on the government to open a new, perma-

Police arrested a man in Marbella on counts of gender violence against his ex-partner. The 43-year-old Spanish man was arrested between Christmas and New Year, accused of ill-treatment, illegal detention, sexual assault and breaking a restraining order. He remains in custody awaiting trial and faces a prison sentence, especially given he broke the restraining order previously imposed in January of last year, preventing him from being within 500 metres of his victim.

Fifth outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa confirmed on the Costa Blanca Lemons are the latest crop hit by drought in Alicante Street evacuated due to fire on Christmas day Children´s ward welcomes Santa at Torrevieja Hospital

In Total 14,995 people reached 7,979 reactions

Reporting The News Send us your comments on Facebook, Twitter and on our website. Or if you prefer you can email our editor directly:

admin.rtn@ ewnmediagroup.com See more on Page 32

A36-YEAR-OLD has been arrested after allegedly attempting to murder another man at a house in Malaga.

The accused will remain in prison until his trial after allegedly trying to stab his victim to death on December 27 last year. The injured person was taken to Malaga’s Carlos Haya Hospital suffering from serious stab wounds.

Police quickly identified the alleged culprit, arresting him before he was then remanded in custody.

Last December an 18-year-old boy was detained after allegedly stabbing his mother, sister and grandmother whilst on hallucinogens. The man has been arrested for ill-treatment of his family and could face charges for attempted murder after consuming a hallucinogenic plant in Churriana and attacking them and police.

Officers were called to the scene where they found his 36-year-old mother bleeding from the neck, as well as his 64-year-old grandmother who had lacerations on her right arm and face. The boy’s 14-year-old sister had also received a head wound.

Local Police officers entered the property to scenes of blood and disarray, identifying the boy and attempting to arrest him. According to police he was “greatly agitated and responded very aggressively to police action.” He allegedly elbowed one officer before pouncing on a second.

Police finally overpowered the boy before arresting him.

Facing jail for beating ex-partner

Jellyfish arrive out of season on Costa Blanca

rtnnewspaper.com

nent 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.

One councillor, Mercedes Montero, 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 put aside for the inmate as well as bottled water.

Man detained over stabbing

PART OF THE EWN MEDIA GROUP

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

• General Enquiries

951 386 161

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

All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). RTN does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. The publisher does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed by readers in the ‘Mailbox’ section of this newspaper. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited.E:&O.E. All rights reserved/Todos los derechos reservados Edita : RTN Publishing and Media SL Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 North: A-134-2004 Costa del Sol MA-630-2017

Customer service • Customer Service If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can call us or write to: EURO WEEKLY NEWS MEDIA SA Avda Ramon y Cajal 54. Edf River Playa, local 2. 29640 Fuengirola - Málaga 951 386 161

• Enquiries Enquiries

Sales@ewnmediagroup.com accounts@ewnmediagroup.com • Editorial Editorial

newsdesk.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com • Internationalenquiries Enquiries International

Marketing@ewnmediagroup.com Distribution • Distribution Distribution@ewnmediagroup.com • Complaints Complaints

Complaints@ewnmediagroup.com

15

Car fail

by Richard Johnson FIREMEN have rescued a 75year-old man after his car fell 25 metres down a ravine in the hills in Malaga.

The man was found unconscious by a cyclist before being taken to the Victoria Clinical University Hospital. Firemen said the accident could have occurred to due carelessness.

Last December it was revealed a Guardia Civil officer will be kept in prison until his trial for reckless homicide.

A Torremolinos court has decreed the accused should remain behind bars until his trial for killing three people after it was agreed he constituted a flight risk.

The man is said to have killed three people and injured three others while driving high on alcohol and drugs on June 28. An expert report claimed he shows

Beggar arrested for sexual assault

A beggar was arrested in Estepona for sexually assaulting a young woman who refused to give him money. The 52-year-old Spanish man first approached the victim as she walked alone near the Estepona bullring. He asked her for money and she said no – he then grabbed

her violently and threw her to the ground, forcing himself upon her and stealing her mobile phone. The young woman managed to escape and went straight to the police, who arrested the beggar on the spot for sexual assault, robbery with violence and injuries.

“rational signs of criminality,” and drove with “excess speed.”

The court also took into account the fact the man allegedly tried to flee the scene, as well as the “nature and seriousness of the alleged crimes,” and the “seriousness of the penalties that could be imposed on him.” It came to the conclusion he therefore posed “a real and serious risk of evasion” if freed.

Lawyers also argued the officer posed a risk of “committing a crime again, given the serious narcotic addictions revealed, with the consequent risk to the roads and especially to other drivers and pedestrians.”

In August it was revealed the Guardia Civil officer, known only as Sergeant Miguel, faces four and a half years in prison for killing three and injuring seven in a car accident.

Three survivors were left in a serious condition in hospital

Street works complete before Easter

after the policeman, who is accused of driving at high speed and swerving between lanes on the A7 outside Torremonlinos, hit two cars. The officer, who was previously the subject of six internal police investigations, and who was fined €650 in 2015 for threatening his neighbour, claims he was driving at a normal speed.

Sergeant Miguel is also accused of trying to flee the scene of the accident, hurdling the central reservation and escaping into a pine forest. Two passing members of the National Police chased and caught up with him. He allegedly told the officers “I wasn’t driving, I was with another member of the Guardia Civil. The accident had nothing to do with me.” When asked in court why he fled, Sergeant Miguel said at that moment he “just wanted to die.”

Marbella Mayor Angeles Munoz has promised the works on city centre streets will be complete before Easter. The renovations on Calle Alonso de Bazan, Calle Víctor de la Serna and Calle Antonio Herrero will be finished in the next 8-10 weeks. The works have been funded by a €1 million grant from the Provincial Council to “improve mobility in Marbella city centre and the quality of life for residents” said President Elias Bendodo.

16

Drug family arrested

by Staff Reporter A FAMILY gang which has allegedly been wholesaling drugs throughout Malaga Province has been dismantled with assets in excess of €5 million seized.

Working together, officers of the Guardia Civil and National Police discovered that a family group consisting of seven brothers and an aunt together with another woman had been operating for several years without being suspected.

Due to the closeness of the family network, little information was leaked but the officers managed to piece together the modus operandi of the group discovering that the two women were effectively the leaders.

The aunt aged 48 lived in the village of Pizarra north of Malaga City and placed the order whilst the other woman, a 51-year-old resident in Torremolinos made all of the arrangements to obtain and distribute the various drugs accompanied by her husband.

The older of the two received the order for the drugs and obtained them from a source in Mijas, then buried them in a sealed container at a secret rendezvous to be dug up by the other woman.

This was a daily operation carried out for years and ensured that there were never very large amounts of the drugs kept on hand in case they were ever visited by the police.

After raiding 10 properties in Alhaurin de la Torre, Fuengirola, Mijas, Pizarra, and Torremolinos, officers seized 110 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of heroin, €26,000 euros in cash and six motor vehicles.

In addition, it was discovered that the leaders had amassed a fortune of €5 million in property and other assets, 26 race horses a luxury villa and a number of shops in Torremolinos which all declared annual profits of less than €10,000.

All of these items have been seized as part of the investigation.

Valuable jewellery discovered during the raids

Marbella will save €4m in IBI

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS reviewed Cadastre values in 26 Malaga municipalities last week.

The Cadastre value of a property in Spain is an important estimate of its capital value. The Cadastre is unlike the Land Registry – which records legal ownership of the property – in that it is used to calculate the volume and amount of Real Estate Tax (IBI) due on each property.

Cadastre values in Marbella have been lowered by 9 per cent, which means IBI will also be lowered.

The IBI saving in Marbella have been estimated at €4 million.

If you feel that the Cadastre value of your property or the property you are interested in buying is inaccurate, then you can appeal, but only at the time of review.

CHEVROLET ORLANDO volkswagen GOLF PLUS VOLKSWAGEN POLO

10.500€ DIESEL 2.0 opel zafira

10.500€ DIESEL 1.6 fiat panda

10.500€ DIESEL 1.7

5.300€ petrol 1.2

8.500€ DIESEL 1.6 volkswagen golf vi

10.300€ DIESEL 1.6

Overturned car leaves two injured A CAR has overturned at the entrance to Churriana near Malaga Airport. The incident, which occurred at around 4.30pm near a Burger King, left two in a nearby hospital after one person had to be released from the wreckage by firefighters.

ford fiesta

6.700€ DIESEL 1.4 opel corsa

7.500€ DIESEL 1.3

opel corsa

hyundai i 10

7.150€ 5.300€ petrol 1.2 petrol 1.1 peugeot partner volkswagen caddy

6.200€ DIESEL 1.6

9.700€ DIESEL 1.6

17

Police recover stolen SUVs – and a TONNE of hash The National Police seized a tonne of hashish in Cadiz, transported in two 4x4s stolen in Marbella last year.

The investigation began when police received reports of two SUVSs being loaded with bales of hashish on the beach in Los Barrios.

Officers pursued the cars as they fled the scene.

Realising they were being followed, the drivers led police on a high-speed chase through central Cadiz.

One of the 4x4s crashed into a lamppost and two other cars – the driver, a 22year-old Spanish man, was arrested accused of drug trafficking.

14 bales of hashish were found in the first car.

Officers found the second 4x4 abandoned. The driver had managed to escape on foot.

Another 14 bales of the drug were found in the second car.

The two SUVs had been reported stolen in Marbella. in March and May of 2017.

Prison for disco batterer

by Jemima Roberts PROSECUTORS are seeking five years in prison for a bouncer accused of hitting a man at a club in Torremolinos.

Lawyers are also seeking €28,820 in compensation after claiming the accused fractured his victim’s skull leading to problems with his vision.

The incident, which dates back to July 31 2011 at 5.30am, saw the defendant allegedly punch his victim hard without provocation before continuing to beat him on the ground at a bar on the Paseo Maritimo de Los Alamos.

Lawyers say the victim took 278 days to heal from his wounds.

Last December it was revealed a 17-year-old boy is facing years in prison for stabbing a man to death in a nightclub in Malaga.

Prosecutors are asking a judge to place the boy in a reform centre for killing 44-year-old Rafael RD in September at the Tropical Disco-karaoke in Arroyo de los Angeles.

Paramedics found the victim at 4am lying on a pavement. Initially believing he was drunk they soon realised he was lying in a pool of blood and had no pulse. The man was later found to have five stabs wounds, one in his chest and four in his back.

The National Police began investigating and soon identified the man as a resident of La Palmilla who held several criminal records. After initially struggling to find witnesses as they had

Lawyers claim victim’s skull was fractured with punch fled when the stabbing occurred, police eventually gathered enough evidence to carry out a reconstruction of the event.

They found three people had tried to enter the club earlier that night but were refused as two of them were underage. The victim, who happened to be near the argument, supposedly made a comment agreeing with the bouncer.

One of the group apparently challenged Rafael RD to a fight at which point another boy stabbed him in the back. After investigating for a month

and a half, police identified the three young men.

Two were released as they were not believed to have been involved in the stabbing. The accused has been held in a reform centre since his arrest on suspicion of murder.

Meanwhile the same month a group of youths were arrested in Marbella after one of them was thrown out of a nightclub. The five Spanish people, aged between 20 and 25 years old, are facing prosecution for assault, public disorder and property damage.

18

Taxes down

by Jemima Roberts TWENTY-SIX municipalities in Malaga will benefit from lower property tax (IBI) payments.

The change comes after the cadastre (land register) is being updated and will mean reductions of around 4 per cent in Benalmadena.

Last November Fuengirola Council 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.”

The Council also reduced its debt by 75 per cent to €10.1 million at the end of last year. 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.

Only child of dictator Franco passes away aged 91 THE ONLY CHILD of former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, Maria del Carmen Franco y Polo, passed away last Friday at her home in Madrid.

She was 91 and had been suffering from cancer.

Born in Oviedo, Spain on September 18, 1926, Carmen as she was known, was the only daughter of Franco and his wife Maria del Carmen Polo.

As honorary chairman of the National Francisco Franco Foundation and Duchess of Franco, she played a role in protecting her father’s legacy following his death in 1975.

In April 1950, Carmen married Cristobal Martínez-Bordiu, a heart surgeon from Villaverde, with whom she had seven children.

Martinez-Bordiu died in 1998.

During her last months, Carmen was surrounded by her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

In a heartfelt message on Instagram, her grandson Alfonso de Borbon announced “God has taken Man (her nickname) (RIP) but she has not gone: she will be forever in my heart.”

He added “You will always be my super-granny, my second mother, one of my pillars and my example to follow.”

20

Holiday landlords to face more tax

by Richard Johnson SPAIN’S central government has passed legislation compelling rental websites to show how much property owners are earning.

The move will see owners with homes on sites including Airbnb and Homeaway potentially liable for further tax after information about their earnings will be passed on to the treasury.

Landlords who rent out their properties will soon have information handed over about how many days their home is let out for and for how much in a crackdown to prevent tax fraud.

Professionals in the hotel sector have welcomed the move after claiming the rental sites offered unfair competition.

A representative from one group Exceltur explained, “this represents a very important step in the role that internet platforms have to play to help the tourist

accommodation service by guaranteeing tax contribution to the Spanish treasury and providing information necessary to preserve national security.”

He explained previously there had been, “uncontrolled growth of tourism rental in a context of general opacity.”

Last year 21,500 property owners were contacted by the treasury to be told it had proof they had rented their home and would have to include their profits in their tax returns. Francsico Javier Fernandez, Minister for Tourism at the Junta de Andalucia, said, “it is important to look for a fairer taxation. Tourist rental housing is a more accommodation offer, such as camping, apartments or hotels and, therefore, it is an economic activity that must have a taxation.”

He added, “those who stay in these buildings also make use of the infrastructure and services of the destination, so the responsibility has to be shared.”

A BOAT containing 58 immigrants has been rescued off the coast of Malaga.

The migrants are said to be in good health after the 48 men and 10 women were picked up by the Salvamar Alnitak Salvage vessel around 45 miles off the coast of the city. A commercial vessel reported the boat after seeing it in the water off Spain.

Last December a further 55 people were rescued from a boat off the coast

Immigrant boat rescued of Malaga. Maritime Rescue Officers intercepted the boat of Sub-Saharan immigrants after an airplane located it 42 miles southeast of the city.

Among those transferred to Malaga Port were seven women. All on board were helped by the Red Cross and lawyers and are said to be in good health.

The same month the Malaga Bar Association celebrated the International Day of Human Rights.

Attendees read out extracts of the 1948 Universal Declaration, the document written after the end of the Second World War to protect human rights, as well as discussing areas for growth.

Francisco Javier Lara, the association’s dean, explained all countries still had issues surrounding, "attention to immigrants and refugees and inequalities of all kinds, many of which are manifested with special cruelty when they affect women.” He added more than 1,900 people had risked “their lives at sea” to reach the province and confirmed the Malaga Bar Association was committed to defending their rights.

22

News from around Europe RUSSIA

NETHERLANDS Moving with the times According to a recent analysis, crowdfunding, crowd financing, and crowd investing in the Netherlands showed strong growth of 31 per cent last year. A total of €223 million euros was raised through Dutch crowd initiatives in 2017, which financed over 5,300 separate projects.

Body of missing student found A body found in the water of the Noordersingel in Leeuwarden on New Year’s Day is that of 18-year-old student Remon Bruinsma. Missing

for a month, Bruinsma was last seen leaving a pub in the city’s Nieuwestad district at 2.00am on December 1 after a night out. The investigation continues.

Man kills himself and his son A 46-year-old man killed himself and his four-year-old son by jumping in front of a train last Saturday night in Haarle, Overijssel province.

Some 200 people kill themselves by jumping in front of trains in the Netherlands every year.

Golden tickets A small frisian villagecalled

Eastermar won the top prize in the Postcode Lottery’s New Year draw. Just two addresses in the village with the postcode 9261 XC take part in the lottery and they will share the €26.95 million winnings.

Population now 17.2m The official population of the Netherlands rose 100,000 last year to reach 17.2 million. In total, some 233,000 ‘foreigners’ – including refugees – moved to the Netherlands while 151,000 left, increasing the population by 82,000. In addition, 19,000 more babies were born than people died.

FRANCE Trouble shows no sign of settling France saw an increase in arrests on New Year’s Eve as well as an increase in the number of cars torched by vandals, a ritual among revellers. The number of vehicles set alight climbed from 935 a year ago to 1,031, while arrests rose from 456 to 510, the interior ministry said on Monday.

Trafficking ring bust Indian Police have broken up an alleged human trafficking ring which transported young boys to France on the pretext of sending them on rugby tours. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three men after they allegedly tricked the families of 25 children into sending them to France for what they said was a rugby camp.

Terrorists arrested A 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested in France last week for planning to commit terror attacks.

The man was planning to attack soldiers, while the woman planned to strike in the French provinces. Both have been charged with criminal conspiracy in connection to a terrorist enterprise.

We will sue A french activist group says it has filed a complaint against Apple over revelations that the tech giant remotely slowed the performance of older iPhone models.

French law since 2015 has made planned obsolescence - deliberately reducing the useful life of products - a crime.

No lighty French power grid company Enedis on Monday said some 65,000 homes were without power in France’s western regions of Brittany, Pays-de-la-Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine due to winter storm Carmen. The storm hit France’s Atlantic coast on Monday as national weather service Meteo-France warned of gusts of winds up of to 150 kilometres per hour.

ICELAND Scouting for thieves TWO pallets of fireworks were stolen from the scout group Skjöldungar in Reykjavík. Every year, scouts sell fireworks to fund their rescue missions. The companies are not-for-profit and rely on public donations. The stolen fireworks account for 20 per cent of what was planned to be sold.

Black, white or skinny NESPRESSO opened its first store in Iceland – in the Kringlan shopping mall - with grand fanfare.

It’s been a global coffee brand for over 30 years and sells its system of

machines and capsules worldwide and is one of the main brands of the coffee capsule concept.

Staff Christmas benefits COMPANIES in Iceland have continued to the tradition of giving their staff a Christmas present as a bonus. Among them are bank employees of Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki and Arion banki who each received a Garmin watch and a 50,000 ISK gift voucher.

More state funded artists FOUR new artists have been added to the list of those who receive

Set free Russian blockchain expert Pavel Lerner was freed by his abductors in Ukraine last Friday. Mr Lerner, 40, a leading analyst at cryptocurrency company Exmo, was kidnapped on Boxing Day while leaving his office in Kiev’s Obolon district. According to Ukrainian media reports, Mr Lerner was “thrown out on a motorway” by his abductors.

Predominantly political A russian court has sentenced UKbased financier Bill Browder - a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin - to nine years’ jail in absentia. Interpol has rejected repeated requests from Russian prosecutors to help them arrest Mr Browder - it says the case against him is “predominantly political in nature”.

Back in touch Russian scientists restored communications with a satellite days after they lost contact with it. Angosat-1 was launched on Boxing Day and just

hours later, Russian ground control staff said they were no longer receiving data from it. It comes soon after Russia revealed “programming errors” led to the loss of another multi-million-euro satellite.

Fake news In the week between Christmas and New Year, more than 50 sites in 30 Russian cities, including five airports and some government offices were evacuated following bomb threats that later proved to be fake.

Giving up Nikolai Philipchenko, an officer of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), has withdrawn his appeal against a Lithuanian court’s decision to sentence him to ten years in prison for spying.

Lithuanian law-enforcement bodies say Philipchenko sought to recruit officers from Lithuania’s VIP Protection Department to bug President Dalia Grybauskaite at her home and office.

SCANDINAVIA New Year blast A NUMBER of apartments in Helsingborg, Sweden were evacuated after an explosion in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Police were called to the scene and said one person was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The blast happened in a communal area of the building.

Bloody bubbly blunder A MAN has been placed into an induced coma after a champagne bottle exploded between his legs on New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen as he attempted to open it. He

was injured when a shard of the shattered glass cut through an artery in his leg.

Asylum families free THE POLICY of keeping families at the Trandum facility after their application for asylum in Norway has been rejected and has come to an end. The change in procedure has started following a decision by the civil ombudsman that the detention centre is unsuitable for children.

Christmas fall mystery A MAN in Norway was found on Christmas Eve, over 24 hours after he’d

fallen 10 metres while out walking. The 24-year-old was reported missing at around 6pm on December 23 after the man’s sister was contact by a mutual friend who was concerned that he was late for a meeting.

Icy job figures LOCAL areas with the highest rates of unemployment in Finland are in Lapland and North Karelia. Lapland has a rate of 18.8 per cent, followed

by Lieksa, Enontekiö, Juuka, and Tohmajärvi. The regions with the highest rates are North Karelia with 14.5 per cent, ahead of South-Eastern Finland.

GERMANY state-funded grants for their work. They are Guðrún Helgadóttir, Gunnar Þórðarson, Kristín Jóhannesdóttir, and Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir and make up a total list of 25 beneficiaries that get an “honorary artist salary”.

Waves in the sky RARE and unusual cloud formations, shown as “wave clouds” in Icelandic were spotted over Reykjavík by local residents. Formed by strong winds, it’s similar to what happens when waves form in the ocean, and there are two masses with different densities moving at different speeds.

Firework blast tragedy NEW YEAR celebrations in Germany left two people dead, a child injured and five people requiring amputations due to accidents with fireworks.

A 35-year-old man and a 19-year-old died when fireworks – believed to be the ‘Polish rocket’ which contains more explosive than normal - went off in their faces.

Inflation slowing down INFLATION in Germany slowed slightly in December but was still ahead of forecasts made by the European Central Bank for the second month in a row. Consumer prices in the country rose by 1.7 per cent year-on-year according to figures from Destatis.

Ben and Emma are top kiddies FOR THE seventh year in a row, Ben is still the most popular name for boys, with Emma taking over the top spot for

girls...replacing Mia that lead the list in 2016. Jonas, Leon and Paul were next behind Ben while Sophie was next to Emma.

Twitter “insults” reported A FAR-RIGHT German MP was being investigated by police over alleged inflammatory comments she made on her Twitter account on New Year’s Eve, connected with the appeasement of Muslims. Her account was temporarily suspended but she was later posting again on the site.

Car and jail breakers FOUR people were being sought by police after breaking out of Berlin’s Plötzensee prison. They were all part of a car workshop group who carved out a hole in the wall and then slipped under a barbed wire fence after reporting for the class as normal.

24

The day I met my first ligger by

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

Once upon a time a demented woman who ruled a faraway land convinced her subjects that greed was good, that trade unions were bad and that an unbridled market economy and privatisation would benefit all.

Many – as easily played for imbeciles then as those who voted almost 40 years on for Brexit – fell hook, line and sinker for the Iron Lady’s garbage and gave the crackpot capitalist two more terms to wage war on social cohesion and make the well-off far richer than they already were.

The result was the unleashing of a short-lived era of conspicuous consumption. Obscene amounts of cash were lavished on extravagant events hosted by stockbrokers, bankers and wealthy individuals in hotels and restaurants across the country.

These attracted battalions of liggers – individuals who attend parties, openings, and social gatherings solely intent on obtaining free food and drink.

Some even came equipped with Tupperware tubs and outsize bags into which they would shamelessly tip whole trays of comestibles. (A Benidorm couple recently gained a measure of notoriety when they gatecrashed a private birthday party and made off with an entire cheese board!)

Others – like Joe, the first ligger I’d ever come across – were far classier. We met back in the 1980s at a Conservative Party fundraiser in London hotel. Guest speaker was soon-to-jailed –for-perjury Lord Jeffrey Archer, and I’d been sent by a local newspaper to report on the function.

The evening got off to a surreal start when I arrived in full biker’s leathers (I had my tuxedo and accoutrements in a pannier.) “Oh,” said the concierge “you must be delivering the gear for the party.” Clocking my puzzled expression, he held a nostril shut, made a snorting sound and winked.

Just then the pukka drug courier arrived and I legged it to the gents, where I quickly transformed

myself from Hell’s Angel into a dapper dinner-jacketed gent.

As I entered the function room, a suave, elegantly-dressed individual oiled his way to my side, and asked whether I was an official guest.

When I said yes he giggled somewhat drunkenly and confessed that he wasn’t. I invited him to explain, and he said that, being jobless and broke he’d hit on a method of eating and drinking free seven days a week.

“All you need,” Joe confided, “is a good suit.

And a business card. Then you trawl the hotels and restaurants for top-notch functions and stroll in as though you own the place.”

I stored this information for future use in the event of finding myself out of work and penniless as millions did during the ghastly Thatcher era. Two weeks later I met Joe again at a function at the Café Royal in London. Once more he was impeccably dressed, but much drunker than he was when we first met. Then it all went horribly wrong when a pianist, tinkling away at the keyboard, started playing a Cole Porter number.

Joe drew a barstool up to the piano, and began to bellow the words of “Let’s Do It”.

Then he slipped off the stool and fell to the floor. At that point the organisers realised that he wasn’t the journalist he claimed to be. His ligging came to an ignominious end when he was escorted off the premises and told never to show his face there again.

What reminded me of Joe was a delightful festive season luncheon I attended at Restaurante Ongo Etorri in Benidorm a week or so ago. Eighteen of us gathered for the occasion, and, as one might expect, most

Skateboard hero Ignacio to be honoured at new memorial centre

by Tahnee Wright IGNACIO ECHEVERRIA, the 39-year-old Spanish lawyer killed in last year’s terror attack in London will be the subject of an exhibit at the Memorial Center for Victims of Terrorism that is set to open in the Basque Country later this year.

Echeverria worked for HSBC and was a keen skateboarder.

On the night of June 3, he was on his way home having been skateboarding with friends when he stumbled across the terror attack at Borough Market. As he saw the terrorists stabbing a defenceless woman, Echeverria ran to her aid and attempted to fight them off with his skateboard when he was killed.

The memorial will showcase the skateboard he used against the terrorists before he was fatally stabbed.

Echeverria’s parents donated the skateboard to the Foundation of Victims of Terror because “it is a positive thing to spread this example to children and young people, explaining that it is worth being good even if you die because of it,” they told the Foundation of Victims of Terror magazine.

Echeverria was one of eight people who were killed in the terrorist attack. The woman he tried to protect was also among the dead.

He was posthumously awarded Spain’s highest honour for civilians, the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit and thousands of people attended a vigil in Madrid where skateboards were held in the air in his memory.

SKATEBOARD HERO: Ignacio Echeverria

opted for turkey. What no one expected was that TWO giant birds would be presented to 14 diners, and four legs of lamb to the rest.

As we wrapped up a mountain of leftovers to take home for our loved ones – our dogs – I thought that Joe would have been in his element if he had had the opportunity to share in what was a truly fabulous five-course meal.

On his own, number one son A FATHER has been arrested in Arrecife (Lanzarote) for leaving his eight-year-old son locked in his car to go to a bingo hall.

The accused, 33, is said to have an existing criminal record and was caught after residents near where the car was parked heard a child inside crying and calling for help.

They rang the National Police hotline, 091, who rushed to the scene and managed to open the car.

The little boy said his father had 'gone to bingo ages ago' and that he, the child, was 'very scared'. Whilst some of the officers looked after the boy, others went to find his father in the bingo hall, which was barely 100 metres away.

The child and youth prosecution service has been alerted, and the child is now with his mother. It is thought the father was released with charges following his arrest.

25

The comfort of our illusions

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.

George Orwell

I often look back and consider the insanity of endless wars.

Then I realise that by being in denial we simply prefer the comfort of our illusions to the truth.

There are many people who actually like war. Winston Churchill’s hand must have trembled when in 1916 he penned his letter to Lord Asquith’s daughter.

“I love this war. I know it’s smashing and shattering the lives of thousands every moment and yet, I can’t help it, I enjoy every second of it.”

The many anti-war movements have only their consciences in their arsenals. In the last 10 years alone US arms manufacturers placed $6 trillion in their loot, shoot and scoot coffers. It is hardly an even playing field is it.

As long as media can convince us of a threat then the arms industries and their shareholder’s, many of whom are politicians, are assured of vast profits from arms paid for from the taxpayers’ purse.

A pity they don’t pay for their own wars; it would make a difference.

“A people who keep electing corrupt politicians are not victims, they are accomplices,” said journalist George Orwell.

Mainstream news editor Finian Cunningham comes straight to the point: “War is a profitable business: It seems that the US has placed it at the heart of its economy.

This is why US politicians and military officials have claimed that Russia poses a threat

to their nation and its allies.

Washington’s only enemy is peace.”

Stephen Donovan was laconic; “The US has as much interest in peace as does a condom maker in abstinence.”

The truth sank in for U.S. General Smedley Butler: “War is a racket. It is conducted for the benefit of a very few, at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make huge fortunes.”

These pundits and others are right: companies under the direction of US Vice-President, Dick Cheney, made $39 billion from the Iraq war alone.

Vampires of war have always infested parliaments and still do so. “Senators who voted to attack Syria received 83 per cent more campaign money from military contractors than lawmakers voting no.”

The situation is the same in Britain where the British parliament in effect voted for perpetual war. Again George Orwell: “War against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed class think they are going to profit from it.”

The remarkable writer’s only failing was a passage in his novel, 1984: “If there is hope, Winston, it lies in the proles,”

the proletariat being us.

Sorry George, we the people are as helpless as we ever were. This is why we prefer the comforts of our illusions.

Winston Churchill

26

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by

Jane Cronin

Introduction to present perfect tense Today we are going to start looking at a new thing to do with verbs. So far we have linked some sentences in a simple way to talk about our intentions, needs and obligations, keeping our verbs in their simple infinitive form (for example “hablar”). Then we looked at changing each verb into a gerund or “-ing” form (for example “hablando”) and using this to talk about things happening at the present moment. In both cases the main verb itself only has one form, which makes it much simpler to deal with.

We are now going to do a similar thing, this time enabling us to talk about past events. We are going to turn the verb into what we call a past participle. Before we do that though, we need to know what a past participle is in English!

For example, let’s take the verb “to speak”. In English we can work out the changes by saying: “Today I speak”, “Yesterday I spoke”, “Recently, I have spo-

ken”. This gives us three forms of the verb “to speak”, namely, “speak, spoke, spoken”. “Spoken” is our past participle, and we combine it with the word “have” or “has” in English to talk about the recent past. “I have spoken to the lawyer and he says that …”.

Unfortunately some English speakers use this form wrongly in their own language. You hear people say “I have spoke”, using the past tense instead of the past participle. Another difficulty for us is that sometimes the past tense and the past participle are the same in English. For example: “Today I buy”, “Yesterday I bought”, “Recently I have bought”. So “bought” is both the past tense and the past participle of the verb “to buy”.

This is also true (in English – don’t worry we’ll get onto the Spanish before this article is over!) of our regular verbs which end in “-ed”. “Today I wash, yesterday I washed, recently I have washed”.

Sometimes people ask me: “How you do say washed in Spanish?” or “How do you say bought in Spanish?”

To answer this I have to ask for more information about the situation to work out which form they’re looking for. They sometimes look at me strangely, as if I can’t answer the question or something!

Well, there’s plenty more to say about all of this, but just so you are not left entirely in the dark, here is how we form a past participle in Spanish. In most cases we take the –ar off the infinitives of –ar verbs and change it to –ado. Therefore “spoken” is “hablado”. We take the –er or –ir endings off those verbs and change them to –ido. Therefore “drunk” as is “I have drunk” is “bebido” and “slept” (as in “I have slept”) is “dormido”. I say in most cases because there are one or two irregular ones. There’s also a great deal more to say about this subject as a whole, but at least we’ve made a start!

past participle hablado Today I buy hablar bebido past tense verbs

Yesterday I spoke

dormido

Friday 5th - Thursday 11th January

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

12:25am

Breakfast Rip Off Britain Homes Under the Hammer Wanted Down Under Close Calls: On Camera Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Father Brown I Escaped to the Country The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Pointless BBC News BBC London News Celebrity Mastermind Match of the Day Live BBC News BBC London News Graham Norton’s Good Guest Guide Enterprice

7:00am 7:30am

8:15am 9:00am

10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 1:10pm 3:15pm 4:15pm 5:15pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

Flog it! Trade Secrets The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals BBC Newsroom Live Westminster in Review Coast The Triple Cross Dolphins: Spy in the Pod Dolphins: Spy in the Pod Planet Earth II Antiques Road Trip Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Natural World Mastermind Christmas University Challenge 2017 Rome Unpacked QI Newsnight Deep Water

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

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 12:40am

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News London Midsomer Murders Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street River Monsters Coronation Street The Big Soap Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale ITV News and Weather ITV News London Guess the Star Take Me Out

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

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm

2:05pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

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

10:00pm 12:10am

3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Sun, Sea and Selling Houses Channel 4 News Couples Come Dine with Me Posh Pawn Countdown The Secret Life of the Zoo A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast The Beatles The Bourne Legacy

7:00am 10:40am 12:15pm

12:45pm

1:40pm 1:45pm 2:35pm 4:20pm 6:00pm 6:35pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:05am

Childrens TV Igor Animals Make You Laugh Out Loud GPs: Behind Closed Doors 5 News Lunchtime The Hotel Inspector Family Secrets Deadly Paradise 5 News Barging Loving Celebs 5 News Tonight Greatest Celebrity Wind-Ups Ever!

Costa Del Celebrity Celebrity Big Brother Will and Grace Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

8:30am 9:00am

9:30am

10:00am

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

Funniest Moments David Attenborough’s Micro Monsters David Attenborough’s Micro Monsters Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Modern Family Delicious A League of Their Own The Best of the Late, Late Show

The Pets Factor Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch The Dengineers Deadly Top 10 World’s Sneakiest Animals Homes Under the Hammer Pets: Wild at Heart Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure Back to the Land with Kate Humble Rome Unpacked The Letter Natural World Trust Me, I’m a Doctor Tom Kerridge’s Lose Weight for Good Hugh’s Wild West A House Through Time Dad’s Army Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs Feud: Bette and Joan Feud: Bette and Joan Live at the Apollo

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:25am

ITV News

10:30am

Saturday Morning

with James Martin

12:30pm

The Hungry Sailors

1:30pm

ITV News

1:40pm

Endeavour

3:40pm

The Greatest TV

Moments of All Time

5:35pm

ITV News London

5:45pm

ITV News

5:55pm

The Chase:

Celebrity Special

7:00pm

Catchphrase

8:00pm

Take Me Out

9:00pm

The Voice UK

10:35pm

ITV News

10:50pm

Spectre

7:05am 8:00am

8:25am

8:50am 9:20am 9:55am 10:25am 10:50am 11:20am 11:50am 12:15pm 12:45pm

1:45pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

10:00pm

12:40am

Triathlon Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons The Simpsons Sun, Sea and Selling Houses Darts A Place in the Sun Channel 4 News Spying on the Royals Princess Diana’s ‘Wicked’ Stepmother The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 The Transporter

7:00am 11:10am

11:40am

12:40pm 3:30pm

4:30pm 4:35pm

5:55pm 6:00pm

7:00pm

8:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

12:45am

Childrens TV Dogs Make You Laugh Out Loud Christmas Cruising with Jane McDonald West Side Story The Hundred-Foot Journey 5 News The Hundred-Foot Journey 5 News Weekend Playful Pups Make You Laugh Out Loud The Wonderful World of Puppies Greatest Celebrity Wind-Ups Ever!

Blind Date Celebrity Big Brother Worst Celebrity Pop Songs Ever Lip Sync Battle UK

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

6:15pm

6:30pm

7:00pm

7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:25am

Futurama Futurama Futurama Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Soccer A.M. Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday Harry Hill’s Tea Time The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons A League of Their Own Air Force One A League of Their Own

The Beatles, 10pm, Channel 4

Saturday 7:00am 11:00am 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:15pm 1:45pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:10pm 6:40pm 6:50pm 7:00pm

7:40pm 8:25pm 9:30pm 10:20pm 10:35pm 11:30pm

1:05am

Breakfast Saturday Kitchen Live Mary Berry Everyday BBC News Football Focus Match of the Day Live Money for Nothing Final Score Celebrity Mastermind BBC News BBC London News And They’re Off... for Sport Relief Pointless Wedding Day Winners Casualty BBC News Hard Sun Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights The NFL Show

8:10am 8:30am

8:45am

9:00am 9:30am 10:00am

11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm

2:00pm

3:00pm 4:00pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 6:45pm

7:15pm 8:15pm 9:15pm 9:45pm

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

Dancing on ice ITV 7.00pm

Sunday 7:00am 8:30am

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

1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm

2:40pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:05pm 7:05pm 7:20pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:30pm

12:30am

Breakfast Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights The Andrew Marr Show The Big Questions Homes Under the Hammer Bargain Hunt BBC News Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out Match of the Day Live Escape to the Country Songs of Praise Antiques Roadshow BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Still Open All Hours Attenborough and the Sea Dragon McMafia BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day: FA Cup Highlights The Women’s Football Show

The Voice UK, 9pm, ITV1

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

12:30pm

1:00pm 1:30pm

1:40pm 2:40pm 3:10pm 3:50pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

11:00pm

12:25am

Coast The Instant Gardener Gardeners’ World Greatest Gardens Countryfile Saturday Kitchen Best Bites Raymond Blanc: How to Cook Well Food and Drink The A to Z of TV Cooking Natural World Money for Nothing Talking Pictures Ladies in Lavender Flog It! Ski Sunday The Real T rex with Chris Packham Robot Wars Special Dragons’ Den Michael Palin: A Life on Screen And Now for Something Completely Different Strictly Ballroom

7:00am 10:25am 10:30am 10:55am 12:30pm 1:30pm 1:40pm 2:40pm

3:45pm 4:45pm 5:00pm 5:10pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 11:10pm 1:35am

Childrens TV ITV News River Monsters The Voice UK Tipping Point ITV News A Right Royal Quiz The Big Soap Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale Catchphrase ITV News London ITV News Happy Feet Two Dancing on Ice Vera ITV News Captain Phillips Great Art

7:15am 7:40am 8:05am 8:30am

8:55am

9:25am 10:00am 10:30am 1:30pm 6:30pm

7:45pm 8:00pm

9:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm 1:10am

King of Queens King of Queens King of Queens Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Sunday Brunch Darts The Great Festive Bake Off Channel 4 News The World’s Wildest Weather The Biggest Little Railway in the World SAS: Who Dares Wins The Sweeney Moonrise Kingdom

7:00am

Childrens TV

11:20am

Pets Make You

Laugh Out Loud

11:40am

Groundhog Day

1:40pm

Practical Magic

3:40pm

Will and Grace

4:10pm

Blind Date

5:15pm

The Love Punch

7:00pm

The Two Ronnies

9:00pm

Aviva Premiership

Rugby Highlights

9:55pm

5 News Weekend

10:00pm

Celebrity Big Brother

11:00pm

Hot Pursuit

12:00am

5 News

12:05am

Hot Pursuit

7:00am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 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 The Simpsons WWE Raw NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: Los Angeles Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons MacGyver Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles The Blacklist

30

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

12:15am

Breakfast Rip Off Britain Homes Under the Hammer Wanted Down Under Close Calls: On Camera Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Father Brown I Escaped to the Country The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show An Inside Out Special EastEnders Panorama Silent Witness BBC News BBC London News Have I Got Old News for You Miriam’s Big American Adventure

7:00am 7:30am

8:15am 9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm

3:15pm

4:15pm

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

8:00pm 8:30pm

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

Flog it! Trade Secrets The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Antiques Roadshow Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Coast Brazil with Michael Palin Himalaya with Michael Palin The Great British Winter Planet Earth II Flog It! Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Match of the Day Kate Humble: Off the Beaten Track Only Connect University Challenge Surgeons Insert Name Here Newsnight Robot Wars Special

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Next of Kin 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:40pm Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 12:40am Killer Women with Piers Morgan

7:20am 7:40am 8:05am

8:30am

9:00am

9:30am 10:00am 10:35am 11:05am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

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

3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Sun, Sea and Selling Houses Channel 4 News Darts Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News How to Lose Weight Well The Undateables First Dates Hotel Derry Girls

7:00am

Childrens TV

10:15am

The Wright Stuff

12:15pm

GPs:

Behind Closed Doors

1:10pm

5 News Lunchtime

1:15pm

The Hotel Inspector

2:15pm

Home and Away

2:45pm

Neighbours

3:15pm

NCIS

4:15pm

Killer Mom

6:00pm

5 News

6:30pm

Neighbours

7:00pm

Home and Away

7:30pm

5 News Tonight

8:00pm

Car Crash TV

9:00pm

Police Interceptors

10:00pm

Celebrity Big Brother

11:00pm

Not So Sweet Sixteen

12:05am

Celebrity Big Brother’s

Bit on the Side

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

12:00am

Futurama Futurama Monkey Life Monkey Life Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Road Wars Stargate Atlantis MacGyver NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Attenborough Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol The Force: North East

The Blacklist, 10pm, Sky1

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

12:25am

Breakfast Rip Off Britain Homes Under the Hammer Wanted Down Under Close Calls: On Camera Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC London News Doctors Father Brown I Escaped to the Country The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Pointless BBC News BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Silent Witness BBC News BBC London News Canvey: The Promised Island An Inside Out Special

Silent Witness, 10pm, BBC1

7:00am 7:30am

8:15am 9:00am

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

3:15pm

4:15pm

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

8:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm

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

Flog it! Trade Secrets The Farmers’ Country Showdown Antiques Road Trip Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Victoria Derbyshire BBC Newsroom Live The Daily Politics Coast Brazil with Michael Palin Himalaya with Michael Palin The Great British Winter Planet Earth II Flog It! Eggheads Great British Railway Journeys Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico Inside the Factory House of Saud: A Family at War Inside No 9 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 The Martin Lewis Money Show Live School for Stammerers ITV News and Weather ITV News London Girlfriends

7:10am

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

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:05pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

12:00am

Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Free 3rd Rock from the Sun 3rd Rock from the Sun Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Sun, Sea and Selling Houses Channel 4 News Darts Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Secret Life of the Zoo 24 Hours in A and E Working Class White Men Naked Attraction

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

1:10pm 1:15pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:15pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

9:00pm

10:00pm 11:35pm 12:35am

Childrens TV The Wright Stuff GPs: Behind Closed Doors 5 News Lunchtime The Hotel Inspector Home and Away Neighbours NCIS Eyewitness 5 News Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh Diet Secrets and How to Lose Weight Celebrity Big Brother One Night with My Ex Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

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

Futurama Futurama Monkey Life Monkey Life Meerkat Manor Meerkat Manor Road Wars Stargate Atlantis MacGyver NCIS: Los Angeles Hawaii Five-0 Hawaii Five-0 NCIS: Los Angeles Stargate SG-1 The Simpsons The Simpsons Futurama The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons Harry Hill The Blacklist Trollied A League of Their Own The Force: North East

31

Pick of the Day

WEDNESDAY 7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Rip Off Britain 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Father Brown 4:00pm I Escaped to the Country 4:45pm The Farmers’ Country

Showdown 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm The Truth About Looking Good 10:00pm Miriam’s Big

American Adventure 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am And They’re Off... for Sport Relief

7:00am Flog it! Trade Secrets 7:30am The Farmers’ Country Showdown 8:15am Antiques Road Trip 9:00am Fern Britton Meets...

10:00am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC Newsroom Live 12:30pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm Coast 2:15pm Brazil with Michael Palin 3:15pm Himalaya with Michael Palin 4:15pm The Great British Winter 5:15pm Great Barrier Reef

with David Attenborough 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway

Journeys 8:00pm Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico 9:00pm Tom Kerridge’s Lose

Weight for Good 9:30pm Trust Me, I’m a Doctor 10:00pm Fighting for Air 11:00pm Mock the Week 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Inside the Factory

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Political Broadcast by

the Conservative Party 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Britain’s Brightest Family 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Girlfriends 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:40pm Britain’s Busiest Airport -

Heathrow 12:40am Holiday Horrors: Caught on Camera

7:10am Jamie’s Comfort Food 7:20am 3rd Rock from the Sun 7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:10am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:05am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:35am Frasier 10:05am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay’s Kitchen

Nightmares USA 12:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Darts 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm Kirstie and Phil’s

Love it or List it 10:00pm Kiri 11:00pm 999: What’s Your Emergency?

12:05am 24 Hours in A and E

7:00am Childrens TV 10:15am The Wright Stuff 12:15pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm The Hotel Inspector 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm NCIS 4:15pm The Wrong Babysitter 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Starting Up, Starting Over 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:05pm Celebrity Big Brother’s

Bit on the Side 11:50pm Football on 5 1:10am Police Interceptors

7:00am Futurama 7:30am Futurama 8:00am Monkey Life 8:30am Monkey Life 9:00am Meerkat Manor 9:30am Meerkat Manor 10:00am Road Wars 11:00am Stargate Atlantis 12:00pm MacGyver 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm Hawaii Five-0 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 5:00pm Stargate SG-1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm A League of Their Own 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm Russell Howard’s Hour 12:00am The Force: North East

7:00am Good Morning Britain 9:30am Lorraine 10:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30am This Morning 1:30pm Loose Women 2:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:55pm ITV News London 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV Evening News 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Divorce Wars 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm The Cruise 10:00pm Transformation Street 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:30pm ITV News London 11:45pm Great Art 12:45am Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

7:20am 3rd Rock from the Sun 7:45am 3rd Rock from the Sun 8:10am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:35am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:00am Everybody Loves Raymond 9:30am Frasier 10:05am Frasier 10:35am Frasier 11:05am Ramsay’s Kitchen

Nightmares USA 12:00pm Sun, Sea and Selling Houses 1:00pm Channel 4 News 1:05pm Darts 6:00pm Come Dine with Me 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm George Clarke’s

Amazing Spaces 10:00pm Hunted 11:00pm Derry Girls 11:35pm The Undateables 12:35am Working Class White Men

7:00am Childrens TV 10:15am The Wright Stuff 12:15pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 1:10pm 5 News Lunchtime 1:15pm The Hotel Inspector 2:15pm Home and Away 2:45pm Neighbours 3:15pm NCIS 4:15pm Dear Diary, I Died 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Baby Ballroom 9:00pm Big Family Values:

More Kids Than Cash 10:00pm Celebrity Big Brother 11:00pm Celebrity 100% Hotter!

12:05am Celebrity Big Brother’s

Bit on the Side

7:00am Futurama 7:30am Futurama 8:00am Monkey Life 8:30am Monkey Life 9:00am Meerkat Manor 9:30am Meerkat Manor 10:00am Road Wars 11:00am Stargate Atlantis 12:00pm MacGyver 1:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 2:00pm Hawaii Five-0 3:00pm Hawaii Five-0 4:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 5:00pm Stargate SG-1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Duck Quacks Don’t Echo 10:00pm A League of Their Own 11:00pm Delicious 12:00am The Force: North East

Tom Kerridge's Lose Weight For Good, 9pm, BBC2

thursday 7:00am Breakfast 10:15am Rip Off Britain 11:00am Homes Under the Hammer 12:00pm Wanted Down Under 12:45pm Close Calls: On Camera 1:15pm Bargain Hunt 2:00pm BBC News 2:30pm BBC London News 2:45pm Doctors 3:15pm Father Brown 4:00pm I Escaped to the Country 4:45pm The Farmers’ Country

Showdown 5:30pm Antiques Road Trip 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Big Cats 10:00pm Death in Paradise 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week

7:30am The Farmers’ Country Showdown 8:15am Antiques Road Trip 9:00am MasterChef:

The Professionals 10:00am Victoria Derbyshire 12:00pm BBC Newsroom Live 1:00pm The Daily Politics 2:00pm Coast 2:15pm Brazil with Michael Palin 3:15pm Himalaya with Michael Palin 4:15pm The Great British Winter 5:15pm Great Barrier Reef

with David Attenborough 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Great British Railway

Journeys 8:00pm Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico 9:00pm Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean

Adventure 10:00pm A House Through Time 11:00pm Live at the Apollo 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Michael Palin:

A Life on Screen

How do you solve your own murder?

Imagine being trapped inside your own mind, you can’t move any part of your body, you can see but only every now and then; and then that’s only blurry images. The only thing that is working properly is your hearing and you are forced to listen while others decide whether you have a future or not.

Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, and his friends talk about how his girlfriend Bea needs to move on, he can only listen.

But Alex soon begins to suspect that the accident that put him here wasn’t really an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger.

As he goes over a series of clues from his past, Alex must use his remaining senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him, and try to protect those he loves, before they decide to let him go.

A stunning edge-of-your-seat debut novel with an unforgettable narrator.

Sponsored by Bookworld Puerto Banus info@bookworldpuertobanus.com

www@bookworldpuertobanus.com | 952 816 084

Big Cats, 9pm, BBC1

talk to us

Letters to the Editor

RTN RTN welcomes welcomes Readers Readers views views for for publication publication in its Letters to the Editor section. in its Letters to the Editor section. All All letters letters by by email email or or post should carry the writer´s address, and contact post should carry the writer´s address, and contact number, number, though though only only the the name name and and town town will will be be published. published.

Email letters letters to to admin.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com admin.rtn@ewnmediagroup.com with with your your full full name name and and address address Email

this weeks weather FRI Jan 5

sat Jan 6

sun Jan 7

mon Jan 8

tue Jan 9

wed Jan 10

thu Jan 11

17º 9ºC

13º 5ºC

12º 4ºC

13º 5ºC

13º 7ºC

14º 6ºC

14º 5ºC

Spotty afternoon showers

Mostly cloudy

Partly sunny, showers around

Sunny

Partly sunny

Partial sunshine

Morning rain, then a shower

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

32

whats on

FOR those who enjoy music from the 50s, 60s and 70s there is a Big Weekend at the Salon Varietes in Fuengirola.

Popular entertainer Johnny G will be performing three different shows on three consecutive nights following of the success of the Big Weekend last year.

On Friday January 12 enjoy the best of the late 50s and 60s with the Legends of Rock’n’Roll with hits Including hits from the likes of Roy Orbison, Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Billy Fury, Young Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more with special guests performing classics from Peggy Lee, Little Eva, Connie Francis and Shirley Bassey to name but a few.

Then on Saturday January 13 it’s Soul & Motown galore with Johnny and his gorgeous Soul Sisters performing The Legends of Soul. Enjoy the best of 60s and 70s Soul with hits from The Drifters, Sam & Dave, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke in fact all of the greats.

Special guest female vocalists perform Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Candi Staton and Beyonce and there will be a special tribute to the Blues Brothers.

The big weekend is brought to a close on Sunday January 14 with the best of Big Band swing and Elvis Presley in The Legends of Vegas.

The Big Band Legendary Hits including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin, Louis Prima and not least featuring Johnny Gs tribute to The King of Rock'n'Roll - Elvis Presley. With special guests Kim Chandler and Fibi McGregor performing hits from the Divas of Swing and sweet inspirational backing vocals to Elvis.

Shows starts at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday and at 7.00pm on Sunday with tickets costing €15 for each performance and can be purchased by calling 952 47 45 42 or online at www.salonvarietestheatre.com.

Sidecars take to the road

Photo credit Johnny G

Fuengirola will rock to the sound of Johnny G

Johnny G and the girls

Ricky Lavazza

READERS are advised that the Ricky Lavazza January performances at the Moonlight Club in Benalmadena will be held on the last weekend of the month.

Ricky's Rock n Roll Rewind Show with Ricky Lavazza and the Memphis Trio will be on Saturday January 27 with tickets costing €15.

The Dreamboats & Petticoats Show featuring Ricky Lavazza and special guests will be on the following day Sunday January 28 with tickets costing €12.50.

For more information visit and to book tickets visit www.lava-productions.rocks.

MADRID rock band Sidecars who have been performing for 11 years are embarking on a 21 date tour which sees them appearing in Malaga City.

The gig will take place at the Sala La Trinchera on Friday, February 2 with tickets costing €20 plus

booking fees although there may be some cheaper ‘early bird’ tickets available at www.ticketea.com.

Doors open at 9.30pm and the band will appear on stage at 10pm but it should be noted that minimum age for admission is 16.

Apart from the promotion of

their latest album Question of Seriousness which was produced

by British engineer Nigel Walker, Sidecar who credit the Rolling Stones and a number of Spanish bands as influences, will also be unveiling their new single Your Best Nightmare.

33

food & drink

This week Michelin and Master Chef Steven Saunders Chef proprietor of The Little Geranium in La Cala talks to us about cooking healthy and shows us some extremely tasty options.

New Year, New Kitchen!

Steven Saunders FMCGB The Little Geranium La Cala De Mijas www.thelittlegeranium.com

15 simple swaps to ensure that any unwanted weight falls off and stays off!

On and off I’ve been writing for newspapers and magazines since I was about 26 nearly 30 years ago and every New Year I write about being healthy.

Let’s face it we all wake up on New Years Day feeling that we need and want to make some changes to our diet, eat less junk, smoke less blah blah and then by March we have forgotten about it all!

So this year I am going to make a point of writing at least ONE article a month (I write weekly for RTN) based around eating and drinking healthier.

Many of my readers know me from my restaurants over here in Spain and in UK (The Geranium) but for those that don’t I was a lot heavier in the early 2000´s.

I weighed in around 105 Kilos in 2005 and I am 74-75 Kilos and have been since 2012 so I have managed to sustain my weight loss give

I n gr e d i e

n ts

or take the odd kilo from time to time, we are only human!

Follow these tips and you will not only lose weight and look better but you will sustain it which is the key to any diet and I am here to help you at any time.

If possible cut this out and pin it on your fridge as a constant reminder to follow these basic rules.

As the weeks and months go by I will divulge loads more useful tips, recipes and even a few basic exercises to help you look and feel better.

I don’t believe in fad diets and I don’t use supplements, I just follow some basic rules and then I break all those rules at least one day a week (usually Sunday when I’m not working) That’s the way to lose weight and keep it off, by not punishing your body. If you fancy chocolate eat it but do some swaps.

Here are a few ideas; 1. Milk chocolate for dark chocolate with a minimum 75 per cent of cocoa solids.

2. Orange juice for a fresh orange 3. Fruit yoghurt for Greek yoghurt 4. Cheese and biscuits for cheese and an apple or other fresh fruit 5. Salted peanuts or crisps for toasted whole almonds 6. Olive oil for extra virgin olive oil 7. White rice for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice or lentils 8. Mayonnaise for Hummus 9. Cereal for porridge with fresh fruits on top (no sugar) 10. Sweets and cakes for a banana 11. Sugar for honey 12. Full fat milk for semi skimmed milk 13. Crispy bread for crisp Ryvita style biscuits

14. Fizzy sugary drinks for water or sparkling water with fresh lime 15. Milky Tea or coffee for Green or mint Tea with no milk or sugar Those 15 things alone will make a huge difference if you can sustain it for a few months, the weight will not only fall off but stay off!

A quick way to lose weight is to avoid carbs but your body needs carbs so this week’s recipe includes a bit of carbs and its one of the tastiest things you´ll ever eat and it has decadence and style. Lobster roll is something that you´ll find all over the States of America especially Maine and New York.

If you can delete the bread roll and have it as just a salad its even healthier but little by little hey!

New York Lobster Roll

ummus n of light h o o sp rt e ss 1 de ayonnaise or a light m eezed lemon juice squ ons freshly aves, 3 tablespo alks and le st ry le e c r e n 2 in ped finely chop leaves sh parsley e fr d e p p o ons ch ck pepper 2 tablespo ground bla ly sh e fr d n s, Salt a ot dog roll 2 brioche h d e st a to y ghtl split and li shing tter, for bru Melted bu bster ½ small lo live oil tra virgin o d 50 ml of ex rlic choppe 2 cloves ga

Ser ves 2

method

Remove the meat from the lobsters, chopping any large chunks into bite-size pieces.

Warm the lobster meat in the butter with the garlic and in

One tasty cooked lobste

r ideal for this recipe

a small saucepan combine the lobster meat, hummus or mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, celery leaves, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

Brush cut sides of the rolls with melted butter and toast the roll, fill with the lobster mixture from the saucepan and serve. If you want to add

a little spice sprinkle on a little spicy red pepper (Pimiento Piquante) .

This classic delicious dish is a favourite in Maine and in

New York. You can buy frozen lobster to keep the cost down.

This is a dish that we serve as a Tapas at The Little Geranium and it’s very popular! Enjoy.

Steven Saunders FMCGB, The Little Geranium www.thelittlegeranium.com steven@thelittlegeranium.com

34

Puzzles Code Breaker

You are very unsure what part you have to play in a situation that could be veering out of control. In hindsight you would never have got involved in the first place; but since you are then you have to see things through. Make sure that your own true feelings are known by those who are relying on your discretion.

Word Pyramid

12

This is a great time for planning some short term projects as you are finally getting your act together. Your creativity nurtures others who will, in turn, be influenced and inspired by your achievements. The Uranus direct brings timbre to your every success, so let it all happen, it’s finally the start of something both new and exciting.

The Venus conjunction with Pluto brings you a blessing in disguise. It seems that something has to go wrong to let you know your options right now. Sometimes it is how you put things right that really show you best where you are and what you are standing up for. All will be well, love will triumph over conflict!

Mars sextiles Pluto and this is the strength that you need to make that final push. Your recent decision was a risk that you took, and this week you will be very relieved to see what an impact it has made. At the start of a New Year know that all this could be just a drop in the ocean compared with what good is about to come.

As the Sun sextiles Mars, you may think that this is a same old start to yet another year. Sure this January things will drag, but this week is the time to sow the seed, and out there in the future you will reap reward. Don’t stay silent when you know things have to be said. Mars inspires and protects all aspects of love.

Transparency is the only way. You cannot live a lie and why should you? This week is thwart with changes to schedules and petty irritating matters of little concern.

You may feel as if you are being tested, but all will be revealed to you soon. Everything is building you the strongest defence if you just let things lie. Be patient.

The Mercury trine with Uranus sees you finally spilling the beans. You have been keeping yourself to yourself and for absolutely no reason. What has to be said, has to be said and this week just see what a difference reveal makes to your situation. Let those who support you do their job, they know the truth!

Accept that you are ascending in your inert spiritual wisdom. This is working with your inner self to channel energies into a new way of operating. Far from being change for changes sake, this is a way to see your talents respected and your beliefs accepted as you have to move on up and take on what now comes your way!

R

O I

C

Word Wheel There is 1x9 letter word and 117 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!

Someone has been there in the corner of your eye, sending you a message of love; so have fun getting together and let things happen. The current silence gets you nowhere. You are starting off a new year as you wish it to continue, and this year is a time for your inner you to shine through and bring you all that your heart desires!

Listen to your heart and you cannot go wrong. Saturn will keep you grounded and balanced right now in work or in domestic duties. You enjoy your routines but let things happen this week as a welcome change to the daily tasks occupies your time, and opens you up to do what it is you really want to do right now.

T

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.

Let others take centre stage this week as the Moon resides in Scorpio and you have a hidden agenda to follow.

Give into the whims of others, if you have to, but know that some kind of reward is coming your way very soon.

Seeing something from another distant angle brings you to your senses, yes, you were right all along!

Take time away from domestic issues, but do not bury your head in the sand because it takes two to tango! You are impetuous and wanting to bring about changes, but do you really know what this is really about? You should know what you do, but do you? Compromise is not an option, nor is it an excuse.

N

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 19 represents C and 20 represents M. 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 Postbag Why are horoscopes always different in every paper? Surely they should all be the same?

Marcus K.

WORD fit

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

Well, Marcus, it would be very boring if we all thought alike. Within the constancy and consistency of the Cosmos, an astrologer picks up on aspects and works within their own concepts to predict, as indeed I do. Because our Science is governed by astrological bodies and their transits, so we can, and do, each of us, home into aspects we wish to focus on. My weekly casting is my interpretation of events that are poignant to my readers each and every week. Many newspapers now select horoscopes issued by computers.

The RTN brings you, weekly, a live casting especially for the Costa Blanca, and that makes such a difference! www.kennycorris.net kennycorris@hotmail.com

Don't forget to email or message me with your Postbag Questions!. Check out my new website: www.kennycorris.net

For Birthday Celebrants See the New Year in context of where you were and now where you are. The journey for you can be complex, but

you like it that way; and you can accept challenge with

open arms. Reward seems long overdue, but don't give up on a good year!

3 LETTERS CBS IRE KIN LEA LEE MBA OER ORE PER TEL TTY YET 4 LETTERS AGEE AKIN ANNE CAMP DEAR FLAM ICON

IDLE LAIR MAST MELT METE NOEL OLAV OPEN OSLO PEER RISE SEAN SERA THIS TOOT TORN YALE 5 LETTERS ADORE AGATE ALOHA

ARENT BEEBE CLOMP EERIE INAPT METER MINOR PERIL QUAKE REPEL SARAN SLEEP SPIKY TENSE UNTIL 6 LETTERS ARISEN AUNTIE CLEVER FUNNEL MUTTER

NOTION QUIVER VENEER 7 LETTERS CANTEEN CONSIGN EMANATE EMINENT GROMMET LACERTA LATERAL LEANDER MELANIN MEMENTO NANETTE ONETIME VARIATE VENISON

More Puzzles

Cryptic

ACROSS 1 Part of mouth that’s hit by very angry person (4) 3 It discharges a spray or emits a fluid (8) 9 Play outside church with old Greek coin (7) 10 Drink containing very soft fruit (5) 11 City said to be pink (5) 12 Restless ladies went on a voyage (6) 14 Little bird and I got little nuts (4-6,3) 17 Sue is a funny person from down under (6) 19 Where snooker player may put chalk when expected (2,3) 22 Jack goes in car to find Scandinavian inlet (5) 23 Tavern drink, we hear, for one with access to confidential information (7) 24 Hedger’s response upset nosy dean (3,0,3,2) 25 Crazy about eastern drink made from honey (4) DOWN 1 Detectives I upset with regulation about mockery (8) 2 Network’s first to plug old tune that’s being broadcast (2,3) 4 Serbian trains working for this railway? (5-8) 5 This writer’s turning up twice outside a US city (5) 6 Wise eccentric in panties (7) 7 Bambi, for example, turning up in tall grass (4) 8 Talk about the French holiday accommodation (6) 13 The elder sort of English king (8) 15 Nerve cells that could make nose run (7) 16 As a self-centred person, I get so wound up (6) 18 Country star accepting Russian agreement (5) 20 Chandler, oddly, holds good sponge (5) 21 Dubious moment when leader disappears (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?

plated 1 2 3 4 5

dinner 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.

35

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

Quiz 1 The drink Tequila is made from: Sugar-cane; Aloe vera; Blue Agave; or Cactus?

2 Which one of these is not a record-player speed? 33; 45; 78; or 96?

3 Saponification produces: Rubber; Soap; Tomato ketchup; or Human babies?

4 The Latin terms ‘(summa/magna) cum laude’ refer to levels of distinction for: Academic degrees; N American driving licences; Champagne quality; or Cheese curing certification?

5 Which one of the following does not apply to stingray creatures: Edible; Venomous; Fish; or Tree-climbing?

6 The Cockney rhyming slang ‘Bread’, meaning money, is fully ‘Bread and...’ what?

7 De La Rue is a famous international maker of: Cigars; Pens; Saddles; or Banknotes?

8 Letter, Legal, Executive, Ledger/Tabloid are N American: Lawyer grades; Paper sizes; Postal delivery classes; or Official shades of black inks?

9 Nacreous means: Hot; Dull; Pearlescent; or Smelly?

10 The US-originating term ‘prom’ (school dance) is an informal abbreviation of: Promotion; Promenade; Promise; or Promiscuous?

ACROSS 1 Inquisitive (7) 5 Hebrew prophet and lawgiver (5) 8 Alloy of copper and zinc (5) 9 Violent whirling windstorm (7) 10 Green salad plant (7) 11 Vegetables associated with Wales (5) 12 Slice of bacon (6) 14 Noisy disturbance (6) 18 Truck (5) 20 Feather or ribbon on military headwear (7) 22 Married (anag.) (7) 23 Gentleman’s gentleman (5) 24 Measureless chasm (5) 25 Long-lasting (7)

DOWN 1 Mender of shoes (7) 2 Cook in an oven (5) 3 Unclear (7) 4 Sofa (6) 5 Wall painting (5) 6 Drastic reorganisation 5-2) 7 Footwear (5) 13 Rough cider (7) 15 Expose (7) 16 Emblem of royalty (7) 17 Afraid (6) 18 Long-necked woolly animal (5) 19 World War I battle (5) 21 Extemporise (2-3)

Last Weeks Solutions on page 43

36

More Puzzles

Giant Crossword Across

57. Freight (5) 58. Reproduction (7) 59. Patron (7) 61. Irritated (7) 62. Tight (4) 64. Cut (10) 67. Held sacred (9) 69. Hoard (5) 70. Pragmatic (9) 72. Dig (5) 73. Accumulated (9) 74. Superimposed (7)

1. Vegetable (7) 5. Blandished (9) 9. Titled peer (5) 13. Remember (9) 14. Units of time (5) 15. Escapade (9) 16. The study of insects (10) 18. Ship’s steering device (4) 19. Cautious (7) 22. Entourage (7) 23. Lands surrounded by water (7) 24. Piece of furniture (5) 25. Rescued (5) 26. Mythical beast (7) 28. Olfactory organ (4) 29. Lets in (6) 31. Nipped (7) 33. Wrong (9) 35. Lower limit (7) 38. Skilful (5) 39. Up-to-date (6) 40. Fraudulence (6) 42. Ringlets (5) 45. Not paid on time (7) 47. Inventions (9) 49. Memory loss (7) 50. Phsically strong (6) 52. Grain store (4) 54. Candidate (7) 55. Cake topping (5) 1

2

3

Down

1. Theft (7) 2. Implied (5) 3. Without bounds (9) 4. The night before (3) 5. Weariness (7) 6. Dull pain (4) 7. Cease-fire (5) 8. Similarity in appearance (11) 9. Month, in short (3) 10. Gained (9) 11. Equipoise (11) 12. Adolescents (9) 15. Dialects (7) 17. Lackadaisical (7) 20. Hazard (4) 21. Bills (8) 22. Income (7) 23. Disregard (6) 4

5

13

6

7

8

9

14

16

17

Jumbo Quiz

25. Female singing voice (7) 27. Insanely irresponsible (7) 30. Leave out (4) 32. Detested (5) 34. Perfidy (7) 36. Synthetic fabric (5) 37. Type of horse (7) 39. Security interest (4) 41. Tremendous (8) 43. Teller (7) 44. Part of a poem (6) 46. Abashed (11) 48. Conceited (11) 49. Wondrous (7) 50. Advocate (9) 51. Villain (9) 53. Hindered (7) 55. Immediately (9) 56. Quarry (4) 59. Exchanged (7) 60. Ignited (7) 63. Male relative (5) 65. Become liable to (5) 66. Dexterous (4) 68. Indicating maiden name (3) 71. Whole (3) 10

11

12

15

18

19

20

21 22

23

25

26

24

27

28

29 30

31

32

38

33

34

39

40

35

41

36

42

37

43

44 45

46

50

47

51

52

48

53

49

54

55

56 57

58

59

61

62

63

60

64

65

66 67

68

72

69

73

70

71

74

1 Which famous London railway station is located on a bridge over the River Thames: Blackfriars; London Bridge; Kings Cross; or Waterloo?

2 ‘Lorem ipsum’ (from Latin delorem ipsum, ‘pain itself’’) is: Red cabbage; Legal term for theft; The period/full stop; or Jumbled Latin ‘placeholder’ text in draft documents/graphics?

3 A troubadour (11-13thC France) was originally a: Bullfighter; Swordsman; Horseman; or Singing poet?

4 Czech Emil Zatopek (1922-2000) is a famously brilliant: Financier; Distance runner; Architect; or Psychiatrist?

5 What is the 2015-originating portmanteau term referring to the UK leaving the EU? 6 The German ‘dachshund’ means ‘(What?) dog’: Fox; Rabbit; Horse; or Badger?

7 The human hormone Ghrelin (also called Lenomorelin) is known as the ‘(What?) hormone’: Love; Hunger; Intelligence; or Laughing?

8 Acid rain is generally caused by which two of these emissions: Carbon dioxide; Sulphur dioxide; Nitrogen oxide; or Hydrogen cyanide?

9 Panama disease destroys what crop: Beetroot; Bananas; Strawberries; or Peas?

10 The UK billionaire called for Parliamentary questioning (2016) about his governance of the collapsed BHS company is Sir Philip: Green; Brown; Black; or Pink?

11 Professor Pat Pending, the Arkansas Chuggabug, and the Ant Hill Mob feature in which popular 1968-69 17-episode TV cartoon series?

12 Spell the typographical ‘star’ symbol: Asterix; Astorix; Asterisk; or Asterics?

13 The logo on the famous Victorinox Swiss Army pocket knife is a (What?) in a shield: Cross; Mountain; Knife; or Star?

14 The large 14-35inch elastic plastic exercise ball developed in 1963 by Aquilino Cosani, is called a (What?) ball: Swiss; Dutch; French; or Spanish?

15 The salad condiment comprising oil and vinegar, often reddened with parika and tomato, popularized/produced first in the 1950s is ‘(What?) dressing’: German; French; Power; or Croix?

16 Which newspaper remains shunned in Liverpool UK due to its grossly false reporting of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster?

17 Which two of these countries are not in Africa: Libya; Colombia; Sudan; Paraguay; Chad; or Angola?

18 What 1940s-originating word meaning ‘take a quick look around’ derives from British military slang from Arabic ‘safa’, ‘try to see’: Shifty; Shufti; Shafty; or Shanty?

19 An increasing human/animal health hazard in Europe is the ‘Oak Processionary (What?)’: Caterpillar; Mouse; Squirrel; or Woodpecker?

20 The ‘Tex-Mex’ dish fajita is a essentially (What?) in a (What?) (two answers required): Grilled meat; Boiled fish; Tomato; Rice pudding; Tortilla flatbread; or Potato omelette?

37

More Puzzles

Squiggly Soduku New Year Wordsearch CELEBRATION FIREWORKS JANUARY PARTY COUNTDOWN GATHERING MIDNIGHT RESOLUTION EXTRAVAGANZA INVITATION NOISEMAKER TRADITION

Number Fit

5975234635321448 3 DIGITS 070 077 106 261 466 477 658 728 734 4 DIGITS 0098 0285 0477 1137 1216 1405

Did you know?

1568 1702 1870 2498 2562 3099 3115 3178 3878 4549 4618 4703 4704 5587 5829 5961 6334 6456

Did you know 11% of people are left handed Did you know August has the highest percentage of births Did you know unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it Did you know the average person falls asleep in 7 minutes Did you know a bear has 42 teeth Did you know an ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain Did you know lemons contain more sugar than strawberries Did you know 8% of people have an extra rib Did you know 85% of plant life is found in the ocean Did you know Ralph Lauren’s original name was Ralph Lifshitz Did you know rabbits like licorice Did you know the Hawaiian alphabet has 13 letters

6518 6838 6895 7403 7487 7974 9607 9648 5 DIGITS 01777 01778 02693 05051 12621 16566 16854 17689

28252 40227 46024 49707 53617 56073 58516 61471 72558 74163 74403 75477 75814 80372 82348 85567 85904 86565

6 DIGITS 014723 041345 277853 411776 466245 589941 7 DIGITS 1685606 2153487 3039635 3481886 5825297 6586211 8748849

Did you know ‘Topolino’ is the name for Mickey Mouse Italy Did you know a lobsters blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue Did you know armadillos have 4 babies at a time and are all the same sex Did you know reindeer like bananas Did you know the longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds Did you know birds need gravity to swallow Did you know the most commonly used letter in the alphabet is E Did you know the 3 most common languages in the world are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and English

38

health

SAD – tips and home remedies 1. Know the signs and symptoms of SAD Seasonal affective disorder is cyclical—usually causing depressive periods during autumn and winter and non-depressive periods during spring and summer. Other symptoms of SAD include sleeping more than usual, having less energy, losing interest in activities, an inability to focus and think clearly and increased appetite.

2. Maximize your exposure to daylight Make your house brighter—trim the bushes around your windows and keep your blinds and curtains open during the day. Use bright colours on walls and light-coloured upholstery. Get up early to take advantage of as much daylight as possible. If possible, sit near a window at work.

3. Engage in activities that you enjoy Take some time off in the winter, instead of using all of your annual leave during the summer. Volunteer or participate in activities that make you happy. Spend time with friends and family members who are caring, supportive, and positive.

4. Practice healthy habits Exercise, get enough sleep, eat a wellbalanced diet and reduce stress. Spend time outdoors if possible. Practice good sleep

hygiene and make time to relax. Eat healthy foods for more energy and limit caffeine.

5. Take all medicines as directed Talk to your health care provider about prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and diet supplements (including vitamin D), as well as any herbs you take.

Follow directions carefully and watch for interactions and side effects. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.

6. Consider light therapy There are several devices available—from battery-powered visors, portable light boxes and special light bulbs, to dawn simulators (lamps that switch on before dawn and gradually light your room, like the sun rising)—but be cautious and talk to your health care provider before trying light therapy.

7. Watch for early signs that SAD is getting worse If you suffer from severe winter depression, consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. A qualified health care provider can help determine if your symptoms are related to SAD or may have another cause. Additional treatments available include psychotherapy, behavioural therapy, stress management techniques and antidepressants.

DIY Mint Lip Scrub This homemade lip scrub will have your lips feeling soft and without the chemicals or the designer price tag.

Ingredients • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon honey • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 drop peppermint oil

Directions Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until they resemble a coarse paste. Store in a glass jar or lidded container.

To apply, hold a warm flannel over lips for 3-5 minutes to soften. Slather with minty scrub and let sit for 5 minutes. Wash off with a warm flannel and apply usual lip balm. Lips will be tingly, fresh and plump.

Doctor claims man flu really does exist DESPITE the age-old claims men exaggerate the severity of their colds, researchers showed they are more likely to be admitted to hospital or die from flurelated symptoms than women.

Kyle Sue, an assistant professor in family medicine from the Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada, set out to determine whether men really experience worse symptoms than women and why that might be.

He found that for many acute respiratory diseases, men are also more susceptible to complications and more likely to die, according to the study now published in the British Medical Journal.

Some evidence also finds men suffering more from viral respiratory illness than

women - because they have a less robust immune system.

Dr Sue said: "The concept of man flu, as commonly defined, is potentially unjust.

"Men may not be exaggerating symptoms but have weaker immune responses to viral respiratory viruses, leading to greater morbidity and mortality than seen in women," he continued.

"The Oxford dictionary defines it as 'a cold or similar minor ailment as experienced by a man who is regarded as exaggerating the severity of the symptoms'.

"Since about half of the world's population is male, deeming male viral

39

health

Media use proven to increase childhood obesity CHILDREN’S waistlines have been expanding with the amount of time they spend with televisions, computers, smartphones and tablets, European doctors say.

In the past 25 years, obesity rates have climbed rapidly among European children and teens, according to a consensus statement from the European Academy of Pediatrics and the European Childhood Obesity Group published in Acta Paediatrica.

Roughly one in five kids and teens in Europe are overweight or obese, according to a 2017 World Health Organization study, the authors note.

Today: • 97 per cent of European households have a TV in their home • 72 per cent have a computer • 68 per cent have internet access and • 91 per cent have mobile phones This has spurred a surge in screen time, contributing to inadequate sleep, worse eating habits and less exercise - all of which can make it easy for children to become overweight, the statement authors argue.

“Mass media has been shown to have a broad effect on children’s health and can affect them physiologically and have an impact on their socio-cultural functioning and psychological wellbeing,” said senior author of the statement, Dr. Adamos Hadjipanayis.

“There is evidence of a strong link between obesity levels across European countries and childhood media exposure,” Hadjipanayis added.

Parents are part of the problem, Hadjipanayis and colleagues argue.

Even as children’s screen time rises,

parents demonstrate little awareness about what their kids do online or how much time they spend with tablets, smartphones and computers, the statement emphasises.

Food advertising is another problem, because it can convince kids to crave and demand more junk food and make them less likely to eat their fruits and veggies, the statement also notes. Kids also tend to consume a large portion of their daily calories while watching TV, when ads may influence their food choices.

The fix is more vigilance, the authors argue.

“When their TV time goes down, so does their (weight),” said Dr. David Hill.

“Food advertising seems to drive this relationship, as opposed to decreased activity. Sleep is also a major concern,” Hill added.

“Screen media before bedtime interfere with sleep quality and duration, and poor sleep contributes to obesity.”

Common sense should prevail, said Dr. Jennifer Emond.

“Limit media time each day, no media in the bedroom and ensure the media children are exposed to is high quality,” Emond said. “Regarding social media, parents should have access to their children’s social media sites and monitor their

children’s interaction with social media - that has benefits beyond promoting a healthy weight.”

Ask the Optician

What can damage your eyes?

There are many common factors which can adversely affect eye sight which we should be aware of and work to avoid.

• Too much screen time - Most of us spend hours every day reading and sitting in front of a screen and as a result our eyes become strained converging on one point. For anyone focused on screens for long periods of time, it’s essential that you take frequent breaks.

• Genetics - family history of glaucoma - If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over 40, or fall into another high risk category it’s important to have more frequent eye tests to ensure it is spotted early.

• Smoking - There is a significantly higher risk of eye disease in smokers due to the many toxic components. Smoking can cause or worsen several eye disorders, in particular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which may lead to blindness.

• Poor nutrition - Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit and nuts containing Vitamin A, Zinc and antioxidants, especially carotenoids may help slow down the effects of age related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

• Inadequate eye protection - Wear safety goggles when undertaking DIY, there are more than 20,000 eye accidents every year and some of these can result in blindness. You should also protect your eyes from the sun with the right sunglasses.

To maintain the highest standard of vision and check the overall health of your eyes, it is recommended you book an eye test and visit the opticians at least every two years.

To find your nearest Specsavers Opticas and book a free eye test visit www.specsavers.es

respiratory symptoms as 'exaggerated' without rigorous scientific evidence, could have important implications for men, including insufficient provision of care." Men's weaker immune system could allow them to invest their energy in other biological processes, such as growth, secondary sex characteristics, and reproduction.

Prof Sue added: "Lying on the couch, not getting out of

bed, or receiving assistance with activities of daily living could also be evolutionary behaviours that protect against predators.

"Perhaps now is the time for male friendly spaces, equipped with enormous televisions and reclining chairs, to be set up where men can recover from the debilitating effects of man flu in safety and comfort."

40

home & garden

Don’t neglect your decking Your decking has worked hard all summer. Now is the time to give it a little TLC before winter sets in. RTN have the tips you need to prepare your decking for winter, ensuring its beauty and function for years to come.

Tip #1: Loose nails that are exposed above the decking’s surface create hazards, especially for children and pets. If you have wooden decking, drag the back of a rake across the boards to find any protruding nail heads. Hammer them down, or replace them with galvanized screws that are approximately ½-inch longer than the original nails.

Decking made of other materials should not experience a loosening of nails. However, if you desire a smooth surface that is completely free of any type of fasteners, consider a woodalternative material for the ultimate clean and worry-free appearance.

Tip #2: Scuffs and abrasions accumulated during the summer from furniture or

pets

Nervousness in cats When taken home as a pet, a cat or kitten may be quiet and wary for the first few days, or even weeks, whilst getting used to you and the new environment.

However, some cats remain fearful despite a gentle welcome and time to settle in. This can cause their owners great anxiety because they feel that the cat is not happy. The cat may run and hide as soon as someone comes to the house, if there is a sudden noise, or from common everyday sounds such as the television.

A nervous or frightened cat needs a quiet and understanding household. If it is a busy and noisy one, the owners will probably see little of the cat until the children have gone to bed and the adults have settled down quietly in front of the TV.

Causes of nervousness in cats: • Genetics – as with people, some cats seem to be more nervous than others • Bad experiences – the cat may previously have had a frightening experience and survival mechanisms make the animal generally fearful in anticipation of it happening again • Lack of experience at a crucial time in development – kittens that meet people and other animals and are exposed to the general hubbub of life by the time

they are eight weeks old will take almost anything in their stride. This is the making of a confident cat. If the cat has missed out on these early experiences, life with humans can be difficult to cope with.

Hence, knowing a cat’s background can make a difference in determining whether you can help or not. However, for many owners this is impossible as they have no idea what happened before they took the cat on. They have to try to tackle the problem, but it is not something that can be solved overnight, if at all. It takes patience and time.

Consider a cat that hides under the bed at the slightest noise or activity within the house. The cat has moved away from what is seen as a life-threatening situation, and feels a flood of relief. This feeling is strong and reinforces “flight” behaviour – after all, the cat thinks that doing this is a life-saving act. Owners must be able to offer something more rewarding than the feeling of safety the cat gets by following their instincts – this can be difficult.

The cat must learn that there is nothing threatening in the situation that they are running from. It can be useful to obtain an indoor crate or kittening pen for the cat’s re-education. Place it in the corner of the room and cover

with a blanket so that the cat can see out of the front but as the sides remain covered the cat feels somewhat protected. Place the cat in the pen during a quiet period initially, so that the cat can get used to it and relax.

The cat will probably like the feeling of protection the pen provides. Feed your cat favourite treats in the pen and provide a litter tray. Let the cat view all normal household goings-on from this safe haven and gradually add more “action”. When the cat seems relaxed, ask a friend to visit. Normally the cat would run away when the doorbell rings, but now the cat has to watch and listen, albeit from the safety of the pen.

Ask your guest to feed the cat through the cage with a special tit-bit and talk soothingly.

You can then graduate to having the cat in the room without the pen and inviting visitors in. As the cat learns that everything is not a threat, they also discover that the rewards of staying around are indeed worth overcoming the fear. Never lose your temper or become impatient with your cat – this will just reinforce the cat’s previous fears.

Remember, cats feel safe in high places, therefore when you progress to letting the cat out of the pen, provide a high perch for your cat to sit on safely.

foot traffic are easily acquired and can mar the beauty of your decking’s surface. To keep wood decking looking good as new, it’s important to wash, stain and seal it in advance of the arrival of warm weather, as the process can take several weeks and may require the use of heavy equipment such as a power washer.

Tip #3: BBQ sauce is delicious, but not when the leftovers from a summer cookout are coating your decking. In fact, oil and grease stains can be downright unappetising, especially if they’re set-in.

For wooden decking, try to scrub the stain with a household de-greasing agent as soon as it occurs. Use an automotive degreaser or a carburetor cleaner, and rinse immediately with hot water.

For composite decking, food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

Tip #4: Mould and mildew can grow on any exterior surface – especially on decking where water is allowed to stand or to puddle under potted plants. Sweeping away pools of water and periodically cleaning the decking surface creates a first line of defence against mould and mildew.

These actions prevent the creation of an environment that promotes the growth of fungus. In addition, wooden decking need to be sealed twice a year to protect against other types of moisture damage, such as rotting planks, which can make it unsafe for kids and pets.

41

air conditioning

animals/PETS

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

678 808 837 / 952 669 701 Or Email acservs@outlook.com (252581)

air conditioning

domestic

Air Conditioning / Quality Air Conditioning Unit Installations. Silent Operation. Economical In Electrical Consumption.

Free Quotations. All Areas Covered. Envirocare Sl 21 Years Cooling The Coasts. 952 663 131 670 409 759 www.envirocarespain.com Aircon Choices 0034 617 804 564 info@airconchoices.com Serving the Costa Del Sol See our advert on page 10 (246832)

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

storage & REMOVALS

builders INLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE building services. Fully Legal and Insured. We cover all areas from Marbella to Granada. Call 695 903 825 today for a free estimate (257111)

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. Visit-

ing 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 Clean. Honest, Reliable.

678 808 837 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com (252581) Rugs Fitted Carpets, Upholstery Including Leather Cleaned On Site 685 524 921 (252581)

concrete

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

952 426 074 606 745 920 www.ozbuildspain.com

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

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.

952 591 071

obituaries

42 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.

(257525) CSW ELECTRICAL & MAINTENANCE for all your Electrical & Maintenance needs. No Job too Small.

Call Craig for a FREE QUOTE on 604 106 414

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 Col-

lection, 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

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

insurance

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 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

pool services www.perfectpools.es.

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

650 348 785 WESTARPOOLS. Pool construction, renovation, repairs and heating.

619 246 372 / www.westarpools.com

43 SWIMMING pool construction, reforms, architectural services available www.advasolsolutions.com 951 965 309 664 871 133

property management PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ANTARIOS Let us take good care of your Property www.renovarsecostadelsol.com call Piero: 605 379061 email: piero.ceciarelli@gmail.com (246580)

removal services

soft furnishings

Man and van / house clearances & removals 20€ per hour. Ikea runs available. 609 321 958 (257550)

Curtains, Blinds, More. Free Estimates And Home Visits. Tel rosannacarmella@

SIANA (security shutter)

hotmail.com (252512)

tuition

WWW.INMOANDALUZ.COM is always looking for realistically priced inland properties to sell to our interested buyers.

Tel 952 491 609 685 514 835 WWW.INMOANDALUZ.COM Bargain inland properties for all budgets, fincas, village homes, apartments and villas. Legal building plots. 952 491 609 685 514 835 LONG TERM RENTALS. Super prices, no commission.

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

Coast & inland. Tlf 679 111 522

MARBELLA DESIGN ACAD-

also offer a repair service.

EMY – Validated pro-

Make your home more

gramms. UK Bachelor of

met mic min moc moi mon moo mop mot

nim nom pom tom come comp emic emit impi

Upholstery Including Leather Cleaned On Site 685 524 921 (252581)

Arts Degrees in Interior ar-

Tel: 951 273 254

chitecture, Graphic design

671 732 204 /

www.designschool.com

ROLLER shutter repairs, from manual to motorised, new installations. All

Wet/Dry Clean. Honest,

REPAIRS – TV’s, Plasmas,

Reliable Service

LCD’s, Digi – Boxes, Video,

678 808 837 /

Hi-Fi and microwaves.

areas covered. Coast and

Free estimates, can collect.

inland. 655 825 931

35 Years experience. John

solar blinds

952 491 723 or

Solar Blinds Es Ideal For Large Glazed Areas To Reflect Heat / Glare And Stop Furniture Fading And Still Keep The View.

Save Heat In The Winter Too Improve Your Living Environment. ian@solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (251071)

Carpet, Upholstery Cleaning, 27 Years Experience,

tv & satellite

7 days a week, conversion

Advanced Cleaning Services. Professional

& Fashion design.

info@aceofshades.design

952 669 701 Or Email acservs@outlook.com (252581)

600 706 201 situations vacant

Last week’s puzzle answers (Issue 35)

Wordwheel Solution

em mc me mi mo om emo imp men

upholstery Rugs Fitted Carpets,

including wood effect, we

secure!

property

ternet required). Call for

600 038 950

ACE OF SHADES - PER-

various colours available

sky package available (In-

details. TV solutions

657 369 343 Or

electric and manual,

nels via satellite for a one off payment. Also full

Cushions And Much

roller shutters

BRITISH freeview chan-

item meno mice mien mine mini mint mite mitt

mono moon moot mope mote moto mott nome omen

omit poem pome pomo temp time tome toom comet

compo compt comte imine imino metic mince monie monte

impone income intime miotic mitten moonie motion optime pitmen

motet motte motto nomoi tempi tempo tempt totem coempt

potmen titmen centimo compone compote emotion emption meiotic metonic

metopic metopon mitotic pimento titmice tompion tonemic totemic

contempo contempt emoticon epitomic impotent pentomic pimiento competition

Word Pyramid

ENTOMBMENT

Quick Solution

Soduku Solution

FOODS POODS POONS POWNS POWND

Codebreaker Solution

Cryptic Solution

Word Ladder

POUND

Wordfit Solution

Quiz solutions 1 A weather observation buoy 2 Wardrobe 3 100 4 Actor 5 Highest mountains of India 6 Medallion 7 Freudian 8 Children’s 9 524 10 Manhattan

44

xxx relaxation Benalmadena, Readers Of A Sensitive

Laura, Independent

Disposition May

Beauty, Young And

Find Some Of The

Slim, Good Service,

Advertisements In This

Fluent English, Incalls /

Section Offensive.

Outcalls.

633 744 422 (251283)

Mature Elegant Lady. Voluptuous Bust. All Services.

Only Hotel And Home Visits.

687 387 680 (259505)

ATTRACTIVE BOY, Super Endowed. Perfect lover, that will make you enjoy sex.

603 202 758 (258756) NEAR ELVIRIA. Paola, Brazilian nympho, spectacular body, long hair. Pure vice, perverted and

accommodating.

I’ll make you feel like a king. I’m fully committed and offer the best services, natural French, golden shower, lesbian, couples. 650 237 145 NEW Russian Blond 18yrs & Spanish Student 19yrs. Super Body.

Guaranteed Pleasure.

Marbella 634 300 445 PUERTO BANUS next to casino. Unforgettable experience for nice gentlemen. Beautiful girl from Poland 617 700 999

motoring

´Unprecedented demand´ Honda picks up Volkswagen UK has halted sales of their hybrid Golf GTE following huge demand and a backlog of orders.

The latest electric hybrid version of VW´s ever popular hatchback has been removed from sale because of a large and growing waiting list following ´unprecedented demand´ and a huge production backlog.

The success of this plug-in hybrid with it´s traditional petrol engine and electric motor seems to have caught

Volkswagen by surprise.

The move is to prevent the waiting list from growing beyond several months which the auto maker feels would be unacceptable.

This follows previous attempts by VW to meet the initial high demand by adding a second shift at it´s production facility to double output to 70 cars a day, up to 2,100 a month.

Other hybrid models offered

by VW, such as the Passat GTE and other traditional Golf models are unaffected.

A Volkswagen spokesman stated: “Due to bottlenecks in production and in order to not impose unreasonable waiting times on our customers for new car orders, temporarily the Golf GTE cannot be ordered.

We will inform you as soon as this model is available to order again.”

Questions remain over the production bottle necks beyond the high demand as it´s reported only 7,500 Golf GTE cars were sold across Europe in 2017. A sales volume many expect one the world´s largest vehicle manufacturers to be able to meet.

The Golf GTE has a 1.4l TSI petrol engine and a 75kW electric motor with a 6 speed gearbox. With a range of 50km in all-electric mode and a total combined range of 880km.

Acceleration 0-80 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 222km/h and a combined cycle fuel consumption of 1.8-1.6 l/100km.

two coveted annual awards

HONDA has triumphed at the inaugural Workshop Magazine awards, picking up Car of the Year with the Jazz and the coveted Manufacturer of the Year.

Readers voting for the Jazz praised the car’s logical design which makes it simple to repair. It was also noted that parts are readily available from Honda. Similarly, the manufacturer of the year was voted for by readers and Honda was commended for its efficiency and strong relationships with workshops.

Aimed at garage owners, managers and automotive technicians, Workshop magazine held its first awards at the Brewery in London celebrating and recognising the best and brightest in the industry.

The current Jazz builds on the strong reputation of its highly successful predecessors. The global car, also known as the ‘Fit’ in some markets, has sold over 5,000,000 units worldwide since the first generation model was introduced in 2001.

The model will receive a facelift in the New Year with a the 1.5 i-VTEC

engine being added to the range alongside new trim levels.

“We had feedback from a lot of garages all praising the Honda Jazz for being easy to work on, reliable and for Honda itself when it comes to getting parts for it,” said Rebecca Chaplin, Head of Editorial at Blackball Media. “It was a tough contest but nothing else could quite match it!

“Equally, Honda should be delighted with the manufacturer of the year award because it’s a testament to what the workshop industry believes is the best manufacturer to work with. Franchise and independent garages love working with Honda because, whether they need parts or support, it always come up trumps offering the best service for workshops when they need it.”

“With both of these awards being voted for by the readers of Workshop magazine, it makes them all the more powerful and all the more special with Honda being recognised by those at the sharp end on the tools in the workshop,” added Phil Webb, Head of Car at Honda UK.

45

46

motoring

Tim Saunders Motoring journalist www.testdrives.biz

Peugeot 3008 When I take delivery of the Peugeot 3008 SUV (sports utility vehicle) I have a schedule planned. It is going to Chichester, only 30 minutes from home, down the M27 and after that a more gruelling trip to Cornwall, some 240 miles away. This should give me a good idea of what this vehicle is about. Throw into the mix a trio of trouble: Harriett (6), Heidi (4) and Henry (1).

My little rascals get really excited when a vehicle is delivered and when they see the 3008 their eyes light up.

The burgundy finish gets a thumbs up and we all like the black roof and smattering of chrome. Looking closer the rear section reminds me of the Range Rover Evoque but there’s also a hint of the ‘70s about it with the way the panel under the glass swooshes up in a sort of curve. The chunky chrome exhausts at the rear and the black privacy glass, the large chrome grille at the front and the sizeable bonnet all help to give this mid range SUV character. And even some drivers of more expensive Land Rovers and Range Rovers double take, I notice. Inside it

is dark due to the black roof fabric and dark interior trim.

This is only really emphasised if, like me, you have been driving cars with large glass roofs. There’s a comfortable driving position and, as my son Henry makes me realise when he stands in front of it, it sits quite high up. Therefore, the driver enjoys a good view of the road ahead. All controls are close to hand and the finish of the 3008 is good although the bonnet feels a little tinny to me.

Equipped with engine start/ stop this function pleasingly kicks in on a regular basis when stopping at traffic lights or when stuck in endless traffic jams but more of that later.

Our treks to Chichester go by without a hitch except for perhaps the reversing out of a tight parking space with a brick wall on the driver’s side. It becomes clear that there are blind spots and although the reversing camera does undoubtedly make life easier the driver still needs to proceed with extra caution when making tight manoeuvres. It soon becomes clear that the load carrying

capacity is not large enough for the Saunders family, which is disappointing in a vehicle of this size. The boot just isn’t big enough for the various paraphernalia required for little Master Saunders: pram, pushchair and travel cot. It might be best, like in some Volvos, if the thin spare emergency tyre were removed and replaced with a puncture repair kit. This would certainly make for a deeper boot. The pushchair, which folds pretty tightly, slides in beneath the girls’ feet in the rear while the pram and travel cot together with only two sets of luggage and some other smaller bags are crammed into the boot (with the parcel shelf removed). This tight space makes us travel lighter but it’s still a struggle.

We set off for Cornwall at 10am on a Monday morning and it quickly becomes clear that this is a bad decision.

We have never seen so many roadworks and traffic jams.

It takes three hours for us to travel the 70 miles from our home in Hampshire to Dorchester in Dorset. It is only meant to take us four

hours to travel to Cornwall.

So we are eventually able to stop to stretch our legs on the outskirts of Dorchester.

And boy do we all need it.

For the past 30 minutes little Henry has been exercising his larynx and my head is about to explode. He sits in his car seat in the middle of the rear seats and has discovered that he can pull his shoes and socks off and throw them at the poor old driver. I don’t blame him at all; this traffic is hell on earth. We watch as motorists ahead of us get out of their cars to do stretches or have a cup of tea. In fact one looks like they’re having a picnic. Britain’s roads just cannot cope. We really do start to wonder whether we should continue to Cornwall. After a nappy change and a quick feed

Henry is shoehorned back into his car seat… begrudgingly.

Back on the road we go. So far we have not had chance to see what the 3008 is capable of and hope that the traffic is now freer flowing. It is for a bit.

We get into sixth gear and it starts returning over 50mpg.

I discover the cruise control on the bottom left behind the steering wheel and quickly find it easy to operate.

We finally get to Portreath in Cornwall after travelling for eight-and-a-half hours, absolutely shrivelled. During this time we have sat in more traffic jams and experienced sunshine, driving rain and high winds. The latter does buffet our French friend but we arrive unscathed. During our time in this fine county, where we enjoy the odd pasty, we visit a

number of fabulous beaches at Porthtowan and Portreath.

During these travels we encounter Cornwall’s typically narrow and often hilly roads and the 3008 really has to be worked hard to get up some of them. On occasions it is such a struggle there is nothing for it but to use first gear.

Overall we have enjoyed our time with the Peugeot and although it is not perfect it does cope with family life and like an old friend, we all miss it.

Facts at a glance Peugeot 3008 SUV GT Line BlueHDi 120 M6 Price: €31,636 Engine: 1.6-litre Top speed: 188kph 0-100kph: 11.2secs Economy: 3.36 l/100km Watch the videos at www.testdrives.biz

47

sport

Double blow for British pair

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.

FESTIVE SEASON RECAP Manchester City’s record-breaking 18-match winning run came to an end on New Year’s Eve when they drew 0-0 at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola’s side still entered 2018 with a 12 point lead over neighbours United (recent 2-0 winners at Everton) at the top of the PL. Arsene Wenger’s record 811th Premiership game in charge of Arsenal ended in a 1-1 draw at West Brom, but the long-standing French boss wasn’t at all happy with referee Mike Dean’s decision to award Albion a late penalty. What about the blatant spot-kick not given against the Baggies earlier in the season at The Emirates, Mr. Grumpy?

MISSING: Both British No1 players out with worrying injuries JUST days after pulling out of the Brisbane International, Andy Murray confirmed that he would not be competing at the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

This is the second major tournament in a row that Murray has had to withdraw from, having pulled out of the US Open days before it started.

In a statement from Tennis Australia, Murray said: “Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete. I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon.”

After his withdrawal from Brisbane, Murray posted an emotional message on Instagram indicating just how desperate he is to return to the court, where he also hinted that maybe surgery now was an option he would have to consider.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said: “We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his

hip and that he’s done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer.

“Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it.

“We wish him the absolute best on his road to recovery and look forward to having him back in Melbourne. He is a true champion and one of our favourites.”

Andy Murray isn’t the only British tennis star to withdraw from tournaments down under as Johanna Konta has followed suit after retiring from the Brisbane International during her quarter-final match against No3 seed Elina Svitolina.

As reported by WTATennis.com, Konta said, after the match: “I don’t feel too comfortable saying really too much because, actually, I don’t know yet until tomorrow morning,” the former Wimbledon semi-finalist said after the match. “But hopefully it’s nothing more than a low-grade strain and more muscle spasm more than anything.”

Nothing ruled out in Real Madrid’s transfer window REAL MADRID manager Zinedine Zidane has not ruled out the club making signings in the January transfer window by stating ‘anything can happen’.

The French boss was speaking after being questioned on a possible move for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper and Spain international Kepa Arrizabalaga, with whom Madrid have been heavily linked.

“We only think about our own players and Kepa is not a Madrid player, so it is simple,” Zidane said on Wednesday.

“I discuss everything with the president (Florentino Perez) and yes maybe that was also about reinforcements.

“But we have not signed anyone at the moment, although anything can happen until the end of January.

“Anything is possible, we might sign somebody but we do not want any exits from this squad and I am happy with the players who are here.

“Defeat in El Clasico was tough to take but this club will fight to bounce back.”

UNCOMMITTED: Zidane not ruling anything out...or in for January

In-form Spurs are still winning (thanks to Mr Kane who’s certainly been ‘able’ of late); so too are Chelsea and Liverpool, the latter’s success coming at Burnley in New Year’s Day, courtesy of a dramatic late goal from Ragmar Klaven. Meanwhile, Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp has signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for a world record fee for a defender of £75m.

In-form Wolves are racing away from the pack in the Championship (they beat Bristol City over the festive season); Wigan Atrhletic and Shrewsbury Town are still first and second in FL1, while Luton Town lead FL2, despite a heavy ‘festive season’ 4-0 defeat at Port Vale.

And in Scotland, the old firm derby ended Celtic 0 Rangers 0.

And with football’s transfer window now open, we can expect plenty of activity between clubs over the next few days with several Premiership players moving to pastures new… with perhaps Coutinho, Sanchez and Walcott, among them! An expected 300+ deals will take place during this month.

Alastair Cook scored a majestic 244 not out in England’s first innings total of 491 in the drawn fourth Test with Australia in Melbourne. In fact, only the rain prevented Joe Root’s team from gaining a consolation win. Cook’s knock, by the way, was the biggest by an overseas player in Australia.

In Rugby Union, Exeter Chiefs started 2018 ten points clear at the top of the AVIVA Premiership… Ulster stormed back from 17 points to nil down to beat Munster 24-17 in the Pro-12 League… the impressive 6-4 favourite Might Bite won the Boxing Day King George VI Steeplechase at Kempton Park…. GB tennis star Johanna Konta started the year by beating Madison Keys in the first round of the Brisbane Open… and Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, playing in his last competition before retirement, was beaten 7-2 by debutant outsider Rob Cross in the PDC darts final.

FA CUP 3rd ROUND WEEKEND There are 32 FA Cup third round ties coming up, starting on Friday with the Liverpool v Everton clash at Anfield and twelve-time winners Manchester United against Derby County at Old Trafford.

On Sunday, holders Arsenal, 13-time winners and 29-time semi-finalists, visit Nottingham Forest, Wimbledon play Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, West Ham United travel to Shrewsbury Town and Leeds United travel 216 miles to South Wales to oppose Newport County.

In between times, Saturday’s 25 games feature Norwich City against Chelsea, Fulham v Southampton, Newcastle United v Luton Town, favourites Manchester City v Burnley; Bournemouth v Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers v Huddersfield Town, Jamie Vardy’s old club Fleetwood Town v Leicester City, Coventry City v Stoke; Wolves v Swansea City; Watford v Bristol City; Exeter City v West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough v Sunderland, Aston Villa v Peterborough United, Birmingham City v Burton Albion, Cardiff City v Mansfield Town, Blackburn Rovers v Hull City, Brentford v Notts County, Carlisle United v Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers v Rochdale, Ipswich Town v Sheffield United, Millwall v Barnsley, QPR v MK Dons, Stevenage v Reading, Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End and Yeovil Town v Bradford City. The last third round tie is Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace on Monday.

CUP FACT FILE * The last final to be decided on penalties saw Liverpool beat West Ham United 3-1 in 2006. * Arsenal have won three of the last four FA Cup finals, retaining the trophy in 2015. * The losers of the last 12 finals have all been different clubs! * The last Cup final to end goalless was the Arsenal-Manchester United encounter in 2005. * Fifteen of the 18 finals played since 2000 have involved a London club. * The last non-London showdown was Wigan Athletic’s 1-0 win over Manchester

City in 2013. * The biggest win in a final has been 6-0 by Bury over Derby County in 1903. * The biggest win since WW2 is 4-0 – achieved twice by Manchester United v Brighton in the 1983 replay and against Chelsea in 1994 and by Arsenal over Aston Villa in 2015. * The final has gone into extra-time five times in the last 13 years – and Manchester United have been involved in three of them. * So far a total of 43 different clubs have won the FA Cup since 1872 – the Wanderers were the first.

There’ll be a shock result – there always is in the third round!