RTN Costa Calida Edition 18 by Round Town News

FREE!

Issue 18 Photo courtesy of murciatoday.com

Your English Newspaper

COSTA CALIDA EDITION

roundtownnews.com

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Thousands took to the streets in Cartagena, “We’re fed up with this” they shouted

Marea Ciudadana fills the centre of Cartagena by

.com

THIS LAST weekend the “Marea Ciudadana” or citizens wave, spread across Spain as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to voice their complaints about a wide variety of issues, and express their dissatisfaction about current issues, including evictions, corruption and spending cuts. Demonstrations took place throughout the country, includ-

ing here in the Region of Murcia, and although each local protest included an element of local content and local issues, anger against the volume of evictions which still continue across Spain was a common factor nationwide, as was anger against the banks and the levels of corruption currently dominating the media. Looking at the placards nationwide the same messages could be seen in Cartagena as in other cities: “These are not suicides, they’re murders” ( in reference to the recent suicides

from those facing eviction) “We have no money, the treasury has it all,” Rajoy resign” , “this isn´t a crisis, it’s a swindle” “cuts kill” “ We´re fed up and we won´t shut up” and “We want honest politicians not corrupt ones” In Cartagena, PAH, an organisation which dedicates itself to preventing evictions and trying to help those facing eviction to renegotiate with their banks, said that 500 people a day are facing eviction in Spain. Continued on page 6

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Vall de Biar 14. 03530, La Nucia, Alicante • Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm | Friday 10am - 2pm

TEL: 902 118 999 • FAX: 96 585 60 54

News and views from the north and south Costa Blanca and Costa Calida

Sales North

Sales South

Sales Calida

National Sales

GILLIAN ROBERTS

PETER CLARKE

KATH POOLE

peterclarke @roundtownnews.com

kathpoole@roundtownnews.com

Reporters

Production Department: production@roundtownnews.com

902 118 999

Newsdesk & General Enquiries: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

902 118 999

Edita : Round Town News Group SL Servicios De Impresion S.A.Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 / North: A-134-2004 / Costa Calida: A-766-2012 Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante. Distribution: iDs Logística. info@idssl.es, Alcoycourrier.SL. RTN are members of:

JOSIE MICHELL

607 744 153

josie@ roundtownnews.com

English/Español

COLIN RICH 607 553 870 96 642 6904

colin@ roundtownnews.com

607 744 948 gillian@ roundtownnews.com

620 340 548

STEVEN MCKENZIE

618 117 822 smck@ roundtownnews.com

902 118 999

NORTH JACK TROUGHTON

Comercial en Español

jack@ roundtownnews.com

EDUARDO PIANA

670 591 215

eduardo@ roundtownnews.com

661 403 016

SOUTH KEITH NICOL

609 417 385

keith@ roundtownnews.com

DEADLINE

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

NATIONAL NEWS JAN GAMM jangamm@ roundtownnews.com

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

TO AIR YOUR VIEWS Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Monday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be given to letters dealing with local issues. We reserve the right to amend or shorten letters. (RTN accepts no responsibility for readers comments) CUSTOMER SERVICE If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can call 902 118 999 or write to Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante. TO GET YOUR PAPER If you any difficulty in getting Round Town News each week please call 902 118 999 or visit our website www. roundtownnews.co.uk for the distribution list.

450 people demand the withdrawal of the new Education Act LOMC

Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm - Sun 10am - 2pm www.coachtripsonline.com

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY!

Valencia - enjoyed our trip and the guide was Super” LI January

OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS WINTER -- SPRING BENIDORM 3 DAY SPECIAL 4* HOTEL

3 DAYS FULL BOARD ONLY 95€

GRANADA 3 DAY SPECIAL 4* B&B ONLY 99€

Every Monday to Wed in March CUENCA REGION 3* FULL BOARD GREAT SCENERY GREAT FUN GREAT COMPANY

by Keith Nicol MORE THAN 450 people took to the streets around the centre of Torrevieja last Friday to demonstrate against planned changes to teaching in the local education system. The peaceful demonstration was, called by the platform Ampas of Torrevieja (Parents and Teachers Association), which includes eleven groups of parents from different schools and college. The demonstration was convened under the theme “in defense of a free public education, free and equal.” The march started from

the Constitution Square and ran through the streets Gallud Ramon, Apollo, Diego Ramirez and Maldonado returning to the Constitution Square. The banner thatfronted the demonstration was signed by AMPAS and referred to the new law plus another banner one asking for the resignation of Minister of Education Wert, with the phrase “Wert, Wert-e Now!”. In terms of local politicians, the only members who showed up were members of the PSOE socialist group, led by its spokesman, Ángel Sáez. During the course of the demonstration they collected signatures “In defense of a free public education, free and equal”.

MERIDA, SEVILLA, JEREZ, SANLUCAR HOTEL 4* HB + WW INCLUDES ENTRIES TIO PEPE & EQUESTRIAN SHOW

5 DAYS 11-15 MARCH -- 265€

VALENCIA FALLAS FIESTAS WEEK

VALENCIA 3 DAY SPECIAL

3* CITY HOTEL B&B 99€

4 DAYS OF FIESTA 11-14 MARCH

3 DAYS 21-23 MARCH & 11-13 APRIL

BAÑOS DE ENCINA 3* HB + WW

FERIA DE SEVILLA + CORDOBA, ECIJA

EASTER IN ANDALCIA ONLY 127€”

3 DAYS FIESTA 27-29 MARCH

SEGOVIA, SALAMANCA, GUADALAJARA CENTRAL SPAIN 3* HB+WW

FIESTA 3*HB+WW

ONLY 199€ 4 DAYS 14-17 APRIL

TOLEDO, ARANJUEZ, EXTREMADURA 3* B&B ONLY 199€

199€ 4 DAYS 22-25 APRIL

4 DAYS 2-5 MAY

PATIO FAIR CORDOBA + SEVILLA, ECIJA

ALMUÑECAR/ SIERRA NEVADA/ TORREMOLINOS

3*HB +WW

4* FB+WW ONLY 295€

Health Insurance Card scheme to be explained

By Keith Nicol AN OUTREACH event dealing with the use of EU Health Insurance Cards will take place in Torrevieja on Thursday M21 March at 10.00am. The event is organised by the British Consulate in Alicante in conjunction with the ‘DWP’ and Torrevieja’s Ayuntamiento. This particular “OUTREACH” will offer up to date information concerning the health services in Spain and in particular that relating to the use of the ‘Eurpoean Blue Card’, the “EHIC”. The event, open to the public and conducted in English, will take place at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, Torrevieja British citizens in Spain urged to make correct use of European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs). The EHIC Campaign aims to greatly raise awareness among British citizens and Spanish healthcare staff in the Valencia Autonomous Community over the next 15 months. The innovative partnership between a UK government department and a Spanish regional authority has been recognised by the European Union, which is funding the campaign.

3 DAYS 7-9 MARCH

10-12 & 20-22 MARCH - 141€

3* B&B -- 158€

People demonstrated against the Valencian minister of Education and new laws that may impact local schooling

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

4 DAYS 12-15 MAY -- ONLY 199€

7 DAYS 19-25 MAY

MADRID/ESCORIAL/VALLEY OF THE FALLEN

VIVA ESPAÑA EXTRAVAGANZA

HB + WW ONLY 199€”

4 DAYS 15-18 MAY

SUMMER CRUISE FROM 756€ SAILING FROM VALENCIA PORT TAX INCL All inclusive 8 day Med Cruise, Tunisia, Rome, Genoa , Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, 28 May/4th June

DAYTRIPS/FIESTAS Sun Cave Village Alcala del Jucar 27€ + Lunch/wine Monday Alicante Special offer 7€ Mon/ Wed -- Benidorm 11€ (Market day /Wed) Tue Altea & Guadlest 14€ (Market Day in Altea) Thursday Murcia City (Market day) 11€ Thursday Murcia & Calasparra + lunch/wine 24€ Friday Jalon Valley incl lunch/wine 23€show 51€ Friday Benidorm palace, Dinner, dance show 51€ Sunday March 17 , Valencia flowering the Virgin 17€ Tuesday March 19 Valencia night of fire 17€ Sat April 6 Murcia buries the Sardine (Carnival) 11€ Monday 22 April Alcoy Moors & Christians 15€ Thursday 2 May Running of the horses 12€

DINNER, DANCE, FLAMENCO & EQUESTRIAN SHOW ONLY 45€”

SATURDAY 4TH MAY

CRUISE - ITALY & ISLANDS FROM 506€ PORT TAXES INCLUDED 23 SEPT TO 29 SEPT ALL INCLUSIVE

MED. & ADRIATIC 15 DAY CRUISE ROME, VENICE, DUBROVNIC ETC ALL INCLUSIVE FROM 812€ Early INCL PORT TAXES Bookingof Discount

50€

Sunday Benidorm 11€ Thursday Cartagena & train ride 14€ Thursday Murcia Market Day 11€

SAILS BARCELONA 26 OCTOBER

2013 dates and excursions now on our website

visit www.coachtripsonline.com

for more info

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Jennifer Cunningham

Liability Insurance for the Self Employed AT LONG last I am able to offer Liability Insurance for the Self Employed, either with employees or working alone. Over the years my company has been asked if this is available in Spain; well it is via us. As long as you are registered as “Autónomo” we are able to give you a quotation and cover. There are many professions where the Self Employed require Public Liability; such as, painters, electricians, gas installers, TV installers, teachers, pool cleaners, gardeners and cleaner, just to mention a few….. For more information call us now. Any damages caused as a consequence of the job being carried out, whether to your clients’ property or to third parties will be assessed. Another question often asked is for liability just for swimming-pools and communal areas in urbanisations, in particular where the communal committee have decided not to take out full insurance on the community. We can now offer you a solution. These two areas are very important to have insured, especially the swimming-pool. The final support via liability insurance is for dangerous dogs and horses. We also have a new Pet Insurance to offer. Please note that veterinary bills are NOT covered for horses. Over the years I have written about the pressure being placed on the Spanish NHS via the EHIC and Health card being issued to just about anyone who applied for them. I have often stated and I tried to explain that the EHIC card was for emergency treat-

ment during a limited trip outside of your home country, and that a SIP card was only available for state registered pensioners who had taken “residencia” and also for those who worked and paid into the Social Security system. Many have abused this system, and Spain has not received the monies due to them by the relevant countries, as on many occasions people are not paying into the system in their home countries therefore no money is available. With approximately 700,000 foreigners not entitled to a Spanish Health card, but being granted one by their local medical centers, this has cost Spain in the region of 917 million Euros. No wonder the health system is in a crisis. As we are now hearing that many expats seeking treatment via their SIP card find that the card is no longer valid and therefore treatment denied, which I am sure is a concern to many. For example, only those who are either employed, self employed or who are receiving a state pension and have transferred from the British NHS to the Spanish Social Security will be entitled to free health care. The EHIC card will also be more strictly controlled as to usage during your trip abroad; there is now an excellent communication system in place between Spain and Britain to monitor your legal entitlement. Health Insurance is vital when living in Spain. Paying for treatment privately, should you need

it, could be extremely expensive. It is far better to plan ahead in case an accident or illness happens, we never know when something may occur. To help you in this very difficult time ASSSA have some excellent offers and special payment terms and you will always be supported via my head office. As always I advise you never to take the verbal word, but to read the documents carefully, before deciding on a company. Another improvement is on the Life Insurance policies. We are now able to offer policies with start up to the age of seventy and cover up to eighty. At long last a Spanish company has recognized we are all living much longer, and adjusted the terms. At the same time the premiums can more often be up to 50% cheaper than what banks charge. Now that is a real saving. It worries me that people who sign with a bank have not been asked to visit a Doctor for a medical, if deemed necessary or not being asked at all about pre-existing health issues. If on death, the payout could be either refused or suspended if death is deemed to be a direct consequence of a preexisting issue. With the life insurance policy my company sells, if felt necessary a doctors’ appointment will be made and paid for by the insurer. It is all about protection. If you are thinking about changing your policy to another insurer remember that a two month cancellation notice must be given in writing; then no one can legally refuse the cancellation.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

San Miguelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food bank Association members and Staff of Mas y Mas continue their efforts

by Keith Nicol MANY FAMILIES have been severely impacted by the present financial crisis with families facing or being evicted from their homes, being made unemployed and finding it difficult to make ends meet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a new problem but a growing concern and after 35 years providing a small food bank in San Miguel, the local branch of Asociacio de Vecinos San Miguel Arcangel has never been busier. As one of the oldest Charities in the village, they boast 300 socios and provide a food bank and information, meeting centre at C/Abril No. 47 edificio Salinas, close to Euro Salinas, in San Miguel. At present they provide a monthly package of food for the needy, but they never turn anyone away who needs something at the moment. They are open Monday to Friday from 6.00 until 8.00pm and provide packages to almost 50 families, consisting of 150 people of whom about 90 are children. Typically they provide a package of non-perishable items, canned food but also items for hygiene, especially for families with young children, babies milk mix, nappies and other items required for daily living. President of the Association is Manuel Gomes with the food bank organised by Loli Ballester. At Christmas, the Association received su-

perb help and assistance from San Miguelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest and largest supermarket, Mas y Mas, who opened last August. Shop Manager Jessica got together with Association members and they have created a permanent Box where shoppers can deposit an item when they finish their shopping, knowing that their generosity, no matter how small, will be going directly to help the needy of San Miguel. Mas y Mas are one of the few supermarkets in the area that are open seven days a week, 9.00am until 9.00pm with shorter Sunday hours of 9.00am until 2.00pm. At Christmas, the generosity of local residents, with both donations of money and foodstuffs, allowed the Association to purchase more than one thousand euros of food stuff and baby items for the Food Bank, a total of five full shopping trollys. For which they would like to thank everyone who donated and all the staff at Mas yMas for their support. The Associations are having a free concert on Saturday night, 2nd March, at the Association of Music at 8.00pm. Although free entry, each person is asked to donate an item of food for the bank, to help the association. For more information about how to become involved with this most worthwhile of causes, please contact committee member Brian on 655 256 659.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Murcia City to create new 30kph zones by

.com

MURCIA CITY council has launched a new initiative called “Plan Murcia 30”, which aims to reduce speed limits within the city to 30kph, offering greater safety to cyclists and pedestrians as well as improving their coexistence with vehicles. The system is based on a European model of «zona calmada», (calm zone). The most common cause of accidents within town environments is the speed of traffic. Converting the core streets of the city to a 30 km per hour zone form part of an European initiative promoted by pedestrians, cyclists, and the families of those who have suffered road traffic accidents, along with social ecological associations who campaign for a reduction of the speed limit in towns for the following 4 main reasons: To reduce the number of cyclists and pedestrians knocked over in residential areas. Encourage more sustainable ways of getting about such as on foot or by bike With less pollution, life is healthier If demand is reduced, we save energy By implementing the above four points, they hope to establish 8 zones in the central urban areas where certain streets will be subject to the speed limit – currently 4.6km – which will have hori-

Plan Murcia 30 aims to increase safety and air quality

zontal and vertical road markings on the entrance and exits of the zone as well as speed bumps throughout the zone. In total, this first phase – planned for implementation during this year, will have signage and road markings from this summer, covering 95.5 km of streets with 30 km per hour restrictions. In 2014 the second phase will be implemented, covering a further 95 km. These eight zones include streets which already have a signposted speed limit of 30 km/h, as well as others that due to their typology (width, large number of junctions, pedestrian crossings etc.) can be susceptible to restrictions. Once the speed reductions are in place the council will study the possibility of incorporating further traffic calming measures such as paving certain streets, raising some routes, narrowing

some walkways etc. The “Plan Murcia 30” is a municipal initiative which completes the “Plan Director de la Bicicleta” which aims to create a total strategy for improving environmentally friendly transport in the city and encouraging more people to use eco-friendly transport such as bicycles, by strategies such as the creation of a network of car parks, both open air and underground. Ultimately the aim of these measures is to improve the air quality of the city, with less smoke, less noise and fewer accidents creating a healthier environment for its citizens, be they pedestrians or cyclists

Continued from front page THEY WERE joined by protestors from La Unión, angry at the increases in water charges which have been imposed following a change in concessionary, and also by those protesting against cuts in regional health service staffing. Students and their teachers were also vocally expressive, joining the march after a protest outside the Regional Assembly, complaining about the cuts being faced by the education sector. One of the teaches explained that their anger related to the gradual erosion of educational facilities, and lack of money to pay for even basic repairs, complaining that some schools have had phones cut off as there’s no money to pay bills, that if equipment breaks, there’s no money to fix it and in his school the photocopier is out of bounds as there’s no spare cash to replace the ink cartridge. Other schools are not being heated due to the cost of running the heating system. This last point was corroborated by a reader from the North-west, who stated that 2 weeks ago pupils in the school attended by his own children had gone on strike and come home as there was no heating in the school and no money to switch it on. The march in Cartagena was peaceful at all times, although protestors have vowed to maintain their campaign for change, “ we have to protest every day, in the supermarkets, in the streets, in education centres, in bars, everywhere. We won´t be silenced “ they say.

Text by www.murciatoday.com LoArticle and image www.murciatoday.com Local news, cal news, what’s on and where to go what’s on and where to go for the Region of Murcia for the Murcia Region

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Bank’s record loss BAILED OUT Bankia has posted losses of 19.2 billion euros – the biggest ever suffered by a Spanish company. by Jack Troughton The figures come after the bank attempted to clean up its balance sheets of bad property loans and other ‘risky’ investments – including the transfer of huge amounts of loan debt to the new ‘bad-bank’, launched to soak up some of the industry’s toxic assets. Bankia was formed in 2010 by the merger of seven savings banks. It was then heralded as one of the country’s top financial entities and the solution to the banking crisis. Since then the National Court has launched investigations into a former bank president and 32 one-time board members. The bank – due to make some 6,000 staff redundant – said it hopes to return to profit this year, but its share prices have tumbled in recent months and were worth a flat 0.3 euros yesterday (Thursday) morning. Single currency partners in Europe opened a 100 billion credit line to Spanish banks last year, Bankia taking an 18 billion euro bailout to strengthen a shaky balance sheet.

Iberia and fuel costs hit airline group SOARING fuel charges and a stormy restructuring programme at Iberia was blamed for losses at International Airlines Group – which owns the Spanish flag-carrier and British Airways. IAG has reported a net loss for 2012 of 943 million euros – compared with a profit of 562 million euros 12 months earlier. The group was formed in 2011 by a merger between Iberia and BA but the fuel bill has risen 20.4% to 6.1 billion euros and Iberia, already hit by the recession in Spain, recently announced it was shedding 3,800 jobs and cutting services to return to profitability. While BA delivered an operating profit of 347 million euros, Iberia – Europe’s biggest carrier to Latin America – has had to battle competition from low-cost airlines and high-speed trains, as well as labour disputes and the crisis. IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: “We have embarked on a significant transformation programme in Iberia and these results emphasise further that the airline must adapt to survive.”

Crisis bites deeper

THE TROUBLED Spanish economy has shrunk for the sixth successive quarter and nosedived at its fastest pace for over three years, gross domestic product data for October to December has revealed. In 2012 the economy contracted 1.4% compared to a year earlier after modest growth of 0.4% in 2011 – hindering government efforts to cut the public deficit and get people back to work. And Spain’s economy is expected to continue downward trend this year. While exports have risen, retail sales have continued to decline over the last 30 months as domestic spending has been hit by ongoing cuts and record unemployment.

Share prices are now worth a flat 0.3 euros

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Mire of corruption by Jack Troughton A NETWORK of corruption has engulfed Spain and its ruling Partido Popular government triggering an institutional crisis, the Labour International Costa Blanca’s annual meeting was told. Kevin Bruton, Emeritus Professor of Spanish at Sterling University, said the country’s plight had not been worse since the death of Franco in 1975 and the first General Election. The professor said all the Spanish newspapers were united in their condemnation of the situation – while the respected New York Times reported: “Investigations into corruption have contaminated the institutional framework of Spain, from the Monarchy to the High Courts.” Prof Bruton, a member of the branch which is part of the British Labour Party, said the “first bombshell” was dropped by Spain’s El Mundo – normally a supporter of the PP – when it published “compelling” evidence that a former Treasurer of the party Luis Barcenas had 22 million euros in a Swiss bank account. It was alleged that Barcenas had been distributing ‘dinero negro’ – or dirty money – to boost the official salaries of PP leaders. SLUSH FUND “Then the centre-left El Pais newspaper published extracts from a notebook allegedly kept by Barcenas and his predecessors at the PP at PP headquarters which revealed that from 1990 to 2009, an illegal slush fund was used to make payments to PP leaders,” Kevin added. “The PP was in government from 1996 to 2004 and a number of those leaders occupied cabinet posts in that government.”

He said one of those alleged to have been illegally paid was present Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. El Pais alleged the leader – who had held cabinet office in a number of positions – was paid 25,200€ a year for 11 years, from 1997 to 2008. “Rajoy has repeatedly denied this and has published his income tax returns. As Rubalcaba, leader of the Spanish opposition socialist party said: ‘Let’s be serious here. Would illegal payments really be included in official tax returns?’,” said Prof Bruton. “Virtually no-one in Spain believes PP denials, especially as three ex-PP leaders have admitted that they were paid additional cash amounts.” RESIGN However, he claimed almost everyone in Spain believed Secretary of State for Health Ana Mato should resign or be dismissed after the politician and her husband were revealed in a National Police Report to have received expensive gifts in the infamous ‘Gurtel’ corruption investigation. Prof Bruton added that in Valencia the Archbishop and the Cathedral of Valencia were being investigated along with the PP regional government over misappropriation of funds linked to the pope’s visit to Spain’s third largest city in 2006. And he said the King’s son-in-law, Inaki Urdangarin, was also facing charges of corruption. “His wife, Christina, daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, may also face charges.” Yet the professor despite an “apparent miasma of corruption” opinion polls suggested that “astonishingly” despite all the corruption allegations involving the governing party, the

Franco

socialist opposition would not win a general election. He said: “Through their denials, the PP is saying to Spaniards, in effect ‘we don’t care that you don’t care that we are corrupt. We know this because you voted en masses for corrupt PP councillors and regional MPs in the last local and regional elections in 2011’.”

Works advance on the Madrid-Alicante high speed line (AVE) ADIF HAS begun installation of the electrics on the route Almansa-La Encina (Alicante) and Almansa (Albacete), a 35 km length, with double rail lines of international width, on the high speed (AVE) line Madrid-Castilla La ManchaComunidad Valenciana-Región of Murcia line. These works consist of the installation of the electric contact line (responsible for transmitting the electric energy to the trains) on the support post infrastructure. This stretch of line is within the installation between Albacete and Alicante, just one section of the entire installation which will be carried out over the 171.5 km double tracks, costing 57,626,510 Euros (IVA -VAT included). The full installation also includes other basic elements such as the supports,

suspension cables, the feeder cable and return cables all linked via the posts system. The high speed line will have an electrification system of 2x25 kV in alternate current, capable of providing the trains with the necessary energy to reach maximum speeds of 350 km/h. Adif plans to energize this stretch in the first half of April, and once the track has been completed fully, the Adif laboratory train can begin to test the running and handling of the track, electrics, signalling and communications.

Article: www.murciatoday.com Local news, what’s on and where to go for the Murcia Region

mail

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

talk to us

Email letters to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com with your full name and address

letter of the week

Much worse than one can imagine ALARMED ABOUT the almost daily recurring reports in the national press about the deplorable conditions in which unemployed families, babies, ‘woman shelters’ and children shelters reside as a result of the profound crisis in which Spain finds itself, the international community of the Costa Blanca has joined together to help and support as needed. For this purpose, three food banks in La Nucia, Alfaz del Pi and Altea are selected and six children’s shelter homes under the management of the Emaus Association. The collaboration of many individuals, associations and clubs that feel socially connected with their second home or holiday vacations, is heart-warming and makes it possible to meet the basic needs of the food banks and children shelters The aid provided is paramount, given in the form of goods and food and NOT by means of money. THE CURRENT SITUATION IS MUCH WORSE THAN ONE CAN IMAGINE Not only is the aid to the food banks and children’s

homes totally inadequate, but the staff of the children’s shelters have not been paid for months. Nevertheless they continue to care for them as best as they can. In this case, we are talking about 300 persons who have not received wages for months. In Spain, as part of the European Union, this should not be possible. This situation cannot continue or be ignored by the authorities who are responsible for the payment of the wages of dedicated staff who continue to care with love and dedication for the most vulnerable groups in our community. In turn, these people have families who depend on them for their existence in accordance with the applicable European standards and values. The International Community of the Costa Blanca requests the Spanish Authorities to accept their responsibilities and ensure that wages/salaries are being paid to the beneficiaries and show them the respect they deserve for their work in this difficult sector. www.ayudaninos.org

Give it Graffiti is a rest malicious

I AM totally fed up with the battle to see how many letters either supporting Boob Houliston or CLARO the English language paper receive. All you voters should get together and deal with it and please English papers don’t publish any more... One papers letters page was all letters about this disagreement, a right turn off like putting on the tele and only receiving party political broadcasts. So give it a rest you lot. Wayne in Spain

REGARDING KEITH Nicol’s story on ‘Vandalism or art’, graffiti is malicious damage: it should not be beyond the wit of the authorities to identify the ‘artists’ who indulge in it and make them clean it up at their own expense. Roger McCutcheon, Torrevieja

damage Of course it’s Vandalism!

OH MY - graffiti, vandalism or art? Let me see... Of course it’s Vandalism! It’s private property that these ingrates are defacing! The businesses are too mean to pay legitimate advertising costs and don’t care that they are blighting the views of everyone else. And come on: ‘The Police are trying to track them down’ – don’t make me laugh! They leave their phone numbers on the adverts! Give them a call, ask for a quote - when they turn up hit them with the cleaning bill! And as for the ‘Yoof of today’ tagging walls with their artwork... That too is illegal, unwarranted, and definitely unwanted. Mr MT Howse, La Florida

I too have been taken in AFTER READING your “Beggars Belief” letter it became clear that I too have been taken in by this plausible man standing outside the supermarket and felt pity for his circumstances. It appears that he has now changed his tactics! My friend and I were in a cafe this week and to my amazement this man appeared and left a leaflet on our table it read, you’ve guessed it “I have no home, no work, and two children. Please help me”. He carried on delivering leaflets to nearby occupied tables and swiftly returned to retrieve them along with any money. The leaflets are very good quality and appear to be professionally printed. I feel this person is taking advantage of people’s compassion for the less fortunate and also appears to be making a good living on it. I would appeal to your readers not to contribute to this man but to give any donation to a reputable charity.

I would even if it means the odd con

I AM amazed that you have given this urban myth such a prominent heading. Yes, unfortunately, there will always be the fakes and frauds but, and it is a huge but Spain and its people are in dire straits and food, clothing, warmth and money are desperately sought. Every time this story is published or discussed it hardens peoples’ attitude to those less fortunate than themselves and leaves a ‘Nice Smug’ excuse not to show Christian

Charity. What would you do if you found through no fault of your own that you suddenly had no income and a family to bring up and you live in a country with very little in the way of a safety net? Look for assistance? Yes. Seek the help of others? Definitely yes. I would rather help someone even if it means the odd con. Ayliff A McNab, Orihuela Costa

Thank you for the support

JUST A quick line to say thanks for your support of Matthew Sears recent classical guitar charity concert at the Frax Centre on the 19th of Feb. The whole proceeds were donated to the Children’s orphanage in Benidorm. If possible will you thank your readers on our behalf. Matthew Sear

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Torrevieja offers travel agents familiarity trips to boost tourism

Reps for local Tourism try out local delights

by Keith Nicol SOME OF the perks of being part of the travel and tourism industry are free entry to events and attractions, occasional free travel and what are known as ‘Fam’ Trips, to give Travel Agents a feel for an attraction. Such will be the case in two weeks, when from 15 to 19 March, Torrevieja will invite celebrates the Third South Alicante Gastronomic Show, when the City of Salt will host a full day of activities to the 200 national tourist agents participating in this third edition of the show. On Monday morning, the Deputy of the Provincial Tourism Board and vice president of Costa Blanca Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo, accompanied by the Councillor for Tourism of the City of Torrevieja, Luis Maria Pizana, President of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation for South Alicante; Joan Palau, plus representatives of hotels that make up the association, held a meeting at the Hotel Masa International. The meeting was to set out plans and to put in place areas of collaboration that the provincial adminis-

tration and the City Council will be working together on between Torrevieja in Alicante south, throughout this year, 2013. Joaquín Albaladejo highlighted the importance of this promotion for Torrevieja’s tourism product at the next international fairs, that will be undertaken during the month of March. These include Berlin, Paris, Moscow and Oslo, destinations where Torrevieja is promoted as the tourist capital of the Vega Baja region. The president of South Alicante, Joan Palau, announced that the Third Gastronomic and Fam Trip for South Alicante, will be of particular relevance in the city of Torrevieja, as Torrevieja are hosting the group of 200 influential agents for an entire day. The Fam Trip promotes the city as tourism destination and will include a gastronomic display of typical local products at the Centro de Turismo (CDT) Torrevieja, in addition to visiting the most emblematic places of the city. The 200 tour operators will stay at a variety of establishments during the five days, in local hotels and apartments that make up the South Alicante Association.

Quitting the Habit with

Fast Track Hypnosis By Alan Gilchrist, Costa Blanca Hypnotherapist Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to quit. One of the reasons is that we tend to view cigarettes as a friend. Perhaps call them pet names, don’t we? Ciggies, for example. We’ve given them nicknames, which makes them as close to us as our best pal! But they’re not our pal! They’re our enemy, our body’s enemy! We all know the facts. We know millions of deaths are caused by smoking related diseases. We’ve seen the TV ads, have been repulsed by them, but did that stop us from picking up a cigarette and lighting it? No. It didn’t. Smoking is a habit, which never seems to go away. What do they say? Once a smoker, always a smoker. It’s an old adage. One, which is universally believed… except by me. If you’re reading this article, then I can only assume that you’re ready to quit the habit. That you are fully aware you are addicted and are ready to stop using cigarettes as a crutch. Because that’s all they are. Nicotine and the other nasties - dozens of which are highly toxic and some which you use to kill slugs in the garden, are housed within a cigarette. The mind is where you can find an addiction and it is where I can help you stop it in ONE simple 30 minute session! My therapy is the real science behind Fast Track Hypnosis. Hypnosis is just the prolonged state of relaxation, into which I induce clients and then the real science comes into play. Fast Track Hypnosis is an incredibly powerful tool. When a person is in that state of relaxation, suggestions take on a

life of their own. Why? Because suggestions are implanted into the subconscious and when the client comes out of Hypnosis, the mind moves them into the active parts of the brain. Some lay dormant, these will remain there, lying in wait until you need them. Fast Track Hypnosis is a unique treatment. It’s unique, because it’s a technique I invented and proved on numerous TV programmes. It calls upon the traditional hypnotherapy methods, but I’ve condensed these methods and manipulated them into a speedier treatment. In this fast-paced world, speed is of the utmost importance. In the past, slow was key but not where an addiction is concerned! After all, do you want to stop smoking now? Or next year? I’m assuming now! Smoking is a destructive habit. One which takes over and gradually degenerates a smoker’s health. One is never enough. Another is always required and the habit must always be fed. In this day and age, where money is tight, why waste it on such an addiction? But more than that, quitting is becoming almost imperative. Governments, with overstretched healthcare budgets, are targeting tobacco, because it’s a prime culprit as the instigator of thousands of diseases. It´s a rather cold way to view it, but it´s the truth. There are hundreds of techniques to quit the habit, Patches, inhalators, tablets etc... Most are costly and time consuming. That where Fast Track Hypnosis comes into it’s own! It takes only thirty minutes to transform the way your

mind views cigarettes and smoking. After the thirty minute session, you leave with a Back-Up CD, which reinforces our work together. Listen to it, work through it and your needs will be quenched. This is all included in the incredible oneoff fee of only €95. So, if you’re ready to change your life, call me today or for more information click on www.alangilchrist.com. NEW CLINIC OPENED IN FORTUNA It is with great pleasure to announce that due to the continuing success of Fast Track Hypnosis on the Costas a new clinic has now opened in Fortuna with further clinics following. This new clinic is held at the GIMNASIO FORTUNA FITNESS CENTRE where both Jonathan and I will be in attendance every week. Jonathan will also be conducting Fast Track Hypnosis in Spanish as well as English. Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar and Benidorm and now Fortuna. Alan is also the Creator of the Stop Smoking in under 30 minutes Fast Track System as featured and proven on TV. For an appointment, Brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. Jonathan Gilchrist and also Spanish clients 691 784 954 Visit his web sites www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Avoid the property pitfalls FREE ONLINE advice on buying property abroad is available on YouTube and its 15 minutes could save people a painful and expensive headache. by Jack Troughton The film is a collaboration between the award-winning property media expert BuyAssociation and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It underlines what to do and what not to do and covers all the vital issues. It features industry experts including estate agents, overseas property lawyers, foreign exchange companies, and letting agencies – they outline a wide range of useful tips and Steve Jones, British Consul for the Canaries and Malaga adds his own views. The video also features a number of British people who already own property abroad who are willing to share insights and advice based on their own experiences. They discuss a range of topics including mortgages, property lets, foreign exchange, tax, legal advice and general administration. Even though Spain’s property bubble burst, Brits still accounted for 19% of foreign home buyers in Spain in 2011 – purchasing more than 4,000 homes. In 2007, a peak year, they bought more than 17,000 properties. To watch the video, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA 7yJSOBTj4&feature=youtu.be. A supporting document, ‘Buying Property Abroad: An Expert Guide’ can be obtained free of charge via www.buyassociation.co.uk/fco. Caroline Roberts, Chief Executive of BuyAssociation, said: “This online video is an easily accessible and enjoyable ‘know before you buy’ guide, packed with essential hints and information, and designed to get consumers off to a stimulating start on what, for them, can be a lengthy and complex learning curve. “There are so many apparent bargains on the market at the moment, and it’s vitally important that people are not tempted to buy something solely because of the price or the discount. It’s even more important for them to do their homework and ensure they’re buying the right property for them, at the right price and in the right location.” Sher Houston from the ‘Know Before You Go’ team at the Foreign Office said: “Buying overseas is a dream for many people in the UK, but this dream can often turn into one’s worst nightmare if a property is bought without considering the proper safeguards. “The Foreign Office strongly encourages those thinking of buying an overseas property, for whatever purpose, to research their destination thoroughly, take independent advice, consider their personal circumstances carefully and plan for the long-term.” The online video will also be available through leading overseas property websites such as Rightmove Overseas and A Place in the Sun. It will be edited regularly to remain factually correct and accurately reflect market developments – and the content is editorially independent of any commercial interests.

Number of Town Halls to shrink NEW LEGISLATION could see Spain’s towns and villages with less than 1,000 inhabitants having unpaid Mayors and Councillors. If this passes through Parliament, the Treasury expects to save more than seven billion euros in the next three years. In Spain, 4,862 of the 8,114 municipalities have less than 1,000 inhabitants and many villages already don’t pay their councillors or mayors.

Pension victory

By Jack Troughton SPAIN’S RULES for calculating pension payments to people who have worked in other EU states violated European legislation. The European Court of Justice maintains social security payments made in other member countries must be taken into account – a ruling that is binding on all EU nationals resident in Spain. The case centred on a Spanish worker who paid contributions for 10 years in Spain and five in Portugal. She applied for and was granted a Spanish state pension from the start of 2006. The minimum entitlement for a contributory pension in Spain is 15 years and social services took into her 10 years of payments in Spain and included a zero rate for her five years in Portugal. It meant she received a reduced monthly pension of 337 euros but she demanded her contributions paid in Portugal should be included in the calculation – this would have increased the benefit to 864 euros. The court ruled that Spain was in breach of the principle of freedom of movement of workers within the EU, saying: “Migrant workers should not suffer a reduction in their social security benefits as a result of having exercised their right to freedom of movement.”

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Guardia detain pyromaniac responsible for Moratalla fire by

.com

GUARDIA CIVIL in Albacete have detained F.A.C.V, a 49 year old man from Hellín on charges of arson, amongst them the forest fire which burnt 800 hectares of land in Moratalla and 7000 hectares in the neighbouring municipality of Hellín during the summer last year. Unbelievably, the man detained had worked for a company called Geacam, which carried out forestry vigilance services in the mountain areas of Castilla- La Mancha. The man was caught following a communication from the Central Operativa de Servicios (C.O.S.) the central operative system of the Guardia Civil in Albacete, alerting officers of a fire on one of the roadsides of the CM-3259, between Albatana and Jumilla. The caller advised that they had also seen a car coming out of a road near to the fire, with its lights switched off. The caller gave the colour, model and numberplate of the vehicle observed.

An alert went out immediately, and officers detected the vehicle on the AB-404, signalling for it to pull over. However, the driver ignored the signals and speeded up, the result being a high speed chase which lasted for several kilometres. Investigations revealed that on this same evening three separate fire focal points were discovered in the park area paraje ‘Finca de Zucaña’ in the municipality of Almansa, near to where the vehicle had been witnessed. And as police probed further and compared evidence found during investigations of other fires, evidence mounted that they were all the work of this one individual, including the fire of 1st July, which burnt 6.859,49 hectares in the provinces of Albacete and Murcia. In total, 12 different fires are being attributed to this one man.

The fire

of 1st Article by www.murciatoday.com Local July burnt news, what’s on and where to go for the 6.859,49 Murcia Region hectares

Actress Maria Asquerino dies of lung disease ACTRESS MARIA Asquerino, one of the most outstanding Spanish theatre and cinema actresses of the postwar period, died in London of a lung disease, on Wednesday February 27, aged 87. The Goya award winning actress was born in Madrid in November 1927 and spent seven decades of her life on stage, only retiring in late 2008. Some of her best known performances included ‘The Sea and the Weather’ for which she won a Goya Award for Best Supporting Actress, ‘That Obscure Object of Desire’, ‘The Robbers’, ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘El Negro que tenía el alma blanca’.

If and when will Corvera open?

By Keith Nicol THERE IS still no confirmed date when Murcia’s Corvera airport is due to open according to the ABC newspaper and many other Spanish news commentators. What remains a 266€ million white elephant has as its main promoters Murcia’s Department of Transport, the owner Antonio SanchezSolis and local Real Estate companies, desperately seeking good news to try and sell properties in the region. The coming weeks will be crucial to finding a timeline for opening as the Agencia Española de Seguridad Aérea (AESA), the Spanish Agency for Aviation Safety Agency will be examining Corvera, one of the last steps for obtaining a operating licence.

A quick HIT is best every time...

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Now that spring is just around the corner thoughts of dusting down the trainers and hitting the ground running have come to the fore. Yup, as the daffs burst forth, so do all us fatties in trackie-bottoms trying to sweat away the excess pounds. Monty, my erstwhile workmate was always disparaging of jogging and running. “I’ll start running myself,” he would say, “the day I see a jogger that has a smile on his/her face.” He had a point. Anyone you ever saw in the park doing anything above walk-speed would have a grimace on their face of such agony that you’d have to seriously question, “is it worth it?” You could argue, of course, that there’s no gain without pain. “I’d take no gain,” Monty would always retort, “and enjoy my stroll with the dog.” Which, for Monty always included a detour into some hostelry or other! Another prong of his argument was that jogging takes up too much time. He would have had his walk, supped his pint and be heading for home, whilst in the park “the same sad faces were going round for yet another lap.” Well, there is good news now for Monty; and anyone else who would rather spend less than more time keeping fit. It is the so-called HIT system and has been around since 2005 when Canadian researchers decided that maybe the benefits of exercise could be achieved in much less time than the prevailing wisdom would have us believe (It’d certainly benefit those poor saps plodding sad-faced around the park for interminable hours). So what is HIT? Is it some pugilist’s charter or hormone therapy? Well neither of those; it is in fact, High

Intensive Training. “Oh gawd,” I can hear Monty moan at the mention of anything that has “high intensive” within its title. But don’t panic because despite being high-intensive it only lasts for sixty seconds. Yup, a minute for a workout. Not bad, eh? Makes you wonder why, if its been around since 2005, we haven’t all been at it? What’s the drawback, Watts? Well, you’ll ideally need a sturdy static bicycle and, erm, I lied a bit about sixty seconds because you need to spend a little longer (but only a little). According to Prof Jamie Timmons down there at Loughborough University around ten minutes will do it; this includes three, twenty-second bursts of high intensiveness. Jamie, who is a professor of systems biology is leading a clinical trial of 300 overweight volunteers and has high hopes that his results will change the way we think about exercise. Hmmm, I don’t think I ever thought about exercise at all, so this must be good thing... Okay, here’s what the Prof suggests: “Go very gently for two minutes. Then set the bike to high power and do a full-on burst of 20 seconds. Then gently for another two minutes. Then another full-on burst of 20 seconds. Then gently for two minutes. Then another full-on burst of 20 seconds. Finally, a gentle two minutes to cool down.” Right, that’s one session done. Repeat this twice more during the week. Yeah that’s

right, just three times a week. I think, in time, I might even be able to get Monty interested. Watts in Britain, peddling like a mad-man for three minutes a week.

Pedro begins his dream by Keith Nicol THE LATEST trend in local fundraising initiatives is one of collecting plastic bottle tops. All over Torrevieja and in schools and special drop off points, people have been saving the tops to be taken to a recycling plant. The latest fundraising initiative is for five-year old Pedro Ballester, who is also receiving the backing and support from Torrevieja’s Department of Social Services and the public school system. Pedro suffers from cerebral palsy, which restricts his movement, but like any normal five year old, he is too young to really notice he is different and he just wants to be able to get around by himself. Little Pedro Ballester recently travelled to Bilbao, where he was fitted with an ‘Andador Walker’, which allows him to stand by himself. Pedro’s plight has touched the hearts of thousands and through an intense solidarity campaign; torrevejenses are working to raise the money to purchase the special walker that allows Pedro to move without difficulty. The collection of money and countless plastic plugs will continue until the walker is paid for in full. Apart from donations, the goal is to accumulate one hundred tons of tops in exchange for the 15,000€ the appliance costs. Earlier in the month, Pedro’s mother Heidi and his aunt Carmen were at Torrevieja’s City Hall with Councillor Thomas Ballester, telling the press about the solidarity initiative as a life project for Pedro. His mother

talked about the daily struggle faced by Pedro but they did not want money to be the main obstacle to bring him some happiness. For every kilo of plastic bottle tops that can be recycled, the waste companies pay about 15 cents, which becomes 150€ per ton! They need 100 tonnes for the walker. According to ObjetivoTorrevieja.com, last Friday, Heidi, Carmen and Pedro flew to Bilbao in a bid to fulfil this dream. They spent three hours working with the professionals at the Rehabilitation Clinic ‘Pitxuflitos’ to check if Pedro was in good enough physical condition to manage the ‘Andador Walker’, and the suit that he must wear. The result was spectacular as the walker supported Pedro 100% with the added advantage of instantly straightening his back and posture, relieving him of back problems, as is typical of children suffering from cerebral palsy. In early April, Pedro will have the use of the walker for one month for testing. At the time of delivery, a one thousand euro deposit will be handed over and if all goes well, after that month, work will begin on the customised design of walker tailored for Pedro. If anyone would like to make a direct donation to Pedro’s cause, the bank account number to help Pedro is 2100 2748 03 0100353061 and telephone number for those who want Pedro to participate in the “Walk with Peter” is tries his 965 705 827, a special sponsored walk, which takes place special on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2013. walke

There’s no business like the cruise business

by Keith Nicol CRUISE SHIPS have not had the best of press of late, however the world of cruising remains the fastest growth sector in the travel and tourism industry, with more than twenty million people sailing round the world cruises last year. Barcelona is at the forefront of the cruising adventure from Spain, with other major ports

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

of call being Malaga and Majorca. Locally, Cartagena, Valencia and Alicante all have cruise ports, although compared to the majority of the world’s major cruise destinations, they lag far behind when it comes to facilities, services, land based attractions, shore excursions and professional knowledge. That all might be about to change as the Costa Blanca seeks to attract a

greater number of cruise ships and passengers. Although both Alicante and Valencia have cruise terminals, the number of cruise ships visits and those choosing to use either harbour as a home port, is very few. Torrevieja has also been approached in the past with ideas about expanding their port to accommodate a cruise ship, something with the

layout of the harbour that would not be too difficult nor costly to do. Torrevieja’s Deputy Mayor and Deputy of Provincial Tourism Joaquín Albaladejo attended the ‘First Meeting on cruise traffic in the Mediterranean’, along with Alicante Harbour President Joaquín Ripoll and Alicante Mayor Sonia Castedo, who have been working with more than 55 organizations and companies in the tourism sector in the province.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Mazarrón council remove the street name “Iñaki Urdangarín” from the municipality

The Mayor said it was for “obvious reasons”

.com

MAZARRÓN PLENO has approved a motion to change the name of the street called “Iñaki Urdangarín” to that of “Ginés Navarro Martínez”. The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, explained that “for obvious reasons we are changing the existing name of the street for that of this local businessman, who was born here in Mazarrón. We are honouring him for his professional and personal life, for his achievements and for the diffusion of the name of Mazarrón through his political and business life. “ The “obvious reasons” referred to by the Mayor involve the implication of the Duke of Palma, Iñaki Urdangarín, who is the Son-in-law of the King of Spain, in the caso Nóos corruption scandal which is currently undergoing a judicial process.

On Saturday the Duke was back in court for the second time, being the only member of the modern Spanish monarchy to have been called to give evidence in a court of law, and went out of his way to assure the courts that his wife, the Infanta Cristina, was not involved in the business dealings or business aspects of his finanes being investigated by the courts. The Duke has been forced to surrender his share of the Palacete de Pedralbes in Barcelona as bail surety and faces a number of charges, including 3 counts of fiscal fraud and other charges relating to the activities of the Instituto Nóos. Mazarrón is not the first to remove the name of the Duke from it’s streets: the council in La Palma in Mallorca were the first to vote that the street name, “ Duques de Palma” be changed and a mayorial decree was issued to rename the street “Rambla a Seques” .

La Palma council have been vocal in their condemnation of the Duke and requested that his title be removed, as they say it brings disrepute on the name of their town in the light of what they called his “unseemly conduct towards the title he held ”. The Duke’s profile has also been removed from the Royal website and only appears as the husband of the Infanta Cristina. The whole case is a deep embarrassment for the Royal Family, and comes at a time when the health of the King is starting to cause concern, and Spain is at a low ebb, plagued with high unemployment, corruption scandals and in a deep economic recession.

Article by www.murciatoday.com Local news, what’s on and where to go in the Murcia Regio

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

HOME

GARDEN

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Neater Pool Guardian Your “Seat Belt” in the garden

ONE DAY, in the not-too-distant future’ we will be looking back on today’s attitude towards swimming pool safety fences with the same bewildered amazement that we now look back on the seatbelt laws of the 1970’s. This became apparent to me during a conversation I was having with my teenage son and his friends in the car. I was explaining how huge the “clunk-click every trip” seatbelt campaign was. These teenagers were absolutely astounded that a device that had such proven life-saving benefits with no adverse effects was not compulsory to wear. Not only that, but car manufacturers were not initially obliged to install them, they were an “option” like aircon and tinted windows. Even after their installation became compulsory, wearing them was optional. In 1979 a motion in Parliament was defeated even though medical evidence suggested that making the wearing of seat belts compulsory would save over 1000 lives and prevent over 10,000 injuries a year. The Law did not change until 1987. In Spain over the last 10 years an average of 100 infants have drowned each year in pools. For each death there have been 2,000 reported accidents that needed hospital admission ranging from routine check-ups to brain injury due to oxygen deficiency. Most

of the victims of these accidents fit the following profile. A child who is being supervised by one-or-more adults who think he/she is somewhere else, perfectly safe, nowhere near the pool. Installing a Neater Pool Guardian will give you the peace of mind of knowing that even if you are wrong about where your

child is, they are still safe from the pool. For more information please see our website www.neaterpoolguardian.es Alternately please contact us on (0034) 634312171 or email us info@neaterpoolguardian.es.

Costa Blanca North Gardening Circle OUR NEXT meeting is on wednesday 6th March, at La Senieta, Moraira, 2.00pm for 2.30pm. Newcomers are always welcome. The speaker will be Mike Wyatt, on the subject of PRUNING. So if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a clue what to do with your Citrus fruits, or have a shrub or tree which is growing ever taller and more spindly,come along and get advice from Mike! As usual we will also have our free raffle, newsletter, plants and fertilizer for sale, and library books/articles on gardening topics. We will also be telling you about the trips we have lined up for this season, and asking for questions for our April 3rd meeting, which will be a Gardenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Question time session,with a panel of experts. THIS MONTHS COMPETITIONS ARE: 1. Three different cut flowers from bulbs or tubers. 2. Five different Herbs. For more information contact Joy Lally [secretary] on 96 649 8681 or 646 729 794 or at lallyandjoy@hotmail.com

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Fruit trees can flourish in Spain SPAIN IS a fantastic place to grow your own fruit and now is a good time to plant more both on the coastal plain and inland. by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Holistic gardeners and authors gardening in Spain for 25 years

ALTHOUGH THE climates vary, especially in the winter, there is a wide range of fruit suitable for all situations. By careful selection it is possible to harvest one or more fruits on every day of the year – even from apartment terraces. Indeed many fruits can be grown in various types of containers. For instance strawberries in a strawberry barrel or window box, a grape vine in a tub trailing along a balustrade or supported on an end wall and a perpetual flowering/fruiting Lunar lemon and early season white fleshed peach tree in large pots.

With the latter not only do you get the benefit of picking perfectly ripe tasty juicy peaches for immediate eating but also the early blossom. Indeed it is very possible for a peach tree in a tub to be flower in the middle of January while the almond blossom on a tree in the garden is still out. Within a garden fruit trees can be planted in containers on terraces, trained on walls or as spring flowering/summer or autumn fruiting trees anywhere in the flower beds. Naturally, if you have a large property a dedicated orchard is possible. But do take the following success factors into account. Firstly plant fruits that you like. Over seventy are described in the book including tropical/subtropical fruits for frost free areas of the coastal plain and temperate types that need inland frosts to fruit well. The former include citrus fruits, mangoes and avocados and the latter cherry and pear trees. Secondly select strong plants and if oranges or mandarins check out when they will be ready to harvest. In both cases there are early , mid season and late season varieties to chose from – some ripening in October and others as late as early June. We list some of the most popular varieties in the book. Thirdly prepare the ground and planting holes in advance and

‘Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s gardening books make good presents. They can be obtained from high street and internet bookshops including Amazon UK and Spain. Thanks to readers the Kindle E-book Making waterless gardens a practical reality world wide is starting to sell well.’ © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

ensure that the young root ball is spread out when planting. If not strangled roots can develop that result in stunted poorly fruiting trees. Fourthly water newly planted trees and bushes deeply each week until established. The water needs to get down to the deepest roots. Fifthly spray with ecological insecticides and fungicides to ensure that there are no residual chemicals on or in the skins and also that the garden is save even when spraying for the family, pets and wildlife. Our favourites are neem based insecticides and propolis as a fungicide. If your local garden centres or agricultural cooperatives don’t stock these they are easily ordered by mail order from www.trabe.net.

money

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Improve your lifestyle with Milton Express Services - the perfect solution CURRENT CLIENTS already benefit from an arbitrage trading facility regularly providing them with 2.75% monthly returns. AS THE originators of the scheme Milton Express actually market a sports advisory service that pays significantly higher returns – but with a degree of volatility. Members will not only benefit from the services themselves. Winning Express offers a home-based business opportunity with the potential of earning generous commissions, by promoting the services to others. So whether your goal is achieving a regular tax free monthly return, along with access to their arbitrage trading facility or if you’re looking for a lucrative home-based business, then Winning Express is the ideal vehicle. ‘The Winning Express exists to provide its members with a sense of enjoyment in simply belonging to a club that’s dedicated to our mutual success’ this season they teamed up with FC Torrevieja as new sponsors of the club, offering their services to fans who would be interested in seeing higher returns on their money than is generally currently available to them, using the company’s specialised expertise.

Now for just £99 residents on the Costa Blanca can join and sample the full services for 3 months with a money back guarantee if they fail to make a profit. Presentations can be arranged in our La Zenia Office, your own home or a venue to suit. You can also register your interest via our website www.winningexpress.com

Get on board @ www.winningexpress.com please check website for full details. There is a representative available within the North Costa Blanca area, on 6th and 7th March, if you are looking for more information or a presentation on their services, please contact Denise on 965 994 815 or e-mail denise@milton-express.com

FREE DRAW FOR WINNING EXPRESS MEMBERS Become a subscribing member and gain the opportunity to win the fabulous “Cruise” competition.

For further information on our services and how to join Winning Express contact the Milton Express Office, La Zenia on 96 599 4815. Or call into our offices located on 1st floor, Edif. 2 Centro Zenia, Avda. De Villamartin s/n Urb. La Zenia, Orihuela Costa. Find us off the N332 at La Zenia roundabout, above Alejandros Restaurant.

Departing mid October Valencia-Malaga-Sardinia-RomeCorsiga-Palma de Mallorca All Inclusive, 7 nights All transfers and €500 spending money Winning Express are offering all members who have achieved Pioneer status by the end of August the chance to enter their FREE draw.

All administration duties for Milton Express are carried out by Admin Solutions (UK) Ltd;Velocity House, Tenter Street, Sheffield S14DE Tel: 0114 213 3539. Visit the website for full terms and conditions along with details of all our services and promotions.

money

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

How long will your savings last you into your retirement? NEARLY ALL of us work very hard to save for our retirement thinking that the money saved will last us until we die. Well think again a recent survey by HSBC found that most Britons retirement saving run out after seven years, yes just seven years, leaving retirees with nothing for their final twelve years.

The average Briton would like to retire at 65 years old at the latest, and will need around £20,000 per annum to live comfortably. Joanne Segars, chief executive of the National Association of Pension Funds, said: ‘The UK needs to do more to face up to saving for its old age.´ ‘For millions of people, that will mean working longer or saving more or both.´ ‘Too many people will retire only to find they have to significantly downgrade their lifestyle because they do not have enough savings.’

So what can you do to stop this happening to you, the answer is to invest your savings wisely, in a variety of products that offer a mix of capital protection and growth. That will give you a level of capital security and cautious risk so that your investments have the potential to outstrip deposit accounts and more importantly inflation. Nowadays leaving all your savings in a Bank earning little or no interest is tantamount to financial suicide. You have worked for your money now is the time to take control and make your money work for you. There are a myriad of products out there and as long as you are prepared to investment some of your savings for between 3 and 5 years you will outperform the current bank interest rates. If you feel you would like help in taking take control of and securing your financial future you can contact me on 658 892 330 or email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is licenced by the UK by the Financial Services Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.

legal Getting your money back - No win no fee 1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

GETTING THE money back for buyers who purchased from HUMA MEDIATERRANEO (complex Almanzora Country Club), GARDEMA DEVELOPMENTS S.L (complex Valle de Calpe), DETINSA, (Residencial la Via, Denia) and who did not have bank guarantees. WE HOPE that this article will bring some light to readers who have paid a deposit to developers in Spain, such as HUMA, GARDEMA, DETINSA, etc. and thought that because they did not have a bank guarantee, they would not be able to get their money back. As we informed our readers back in 2011, there exists a good legal possibility to get the deposits back from the banks even if they have not issued an individual bank guarantee for you, as long as they have a general bank guarantee line approved. Currently there are many Court Orders confirming what we foresaw some

time ago, such as the Province Audience of Murcia, Malaga, Valencia, etc. From the court cases we have dealt with and that we have won, we know now that: HUMA MEDITERRANEO in the complex of ALMANZORA COUNTRY CLUB has provided bank guarantees to buyers, through at least these 3 banks: BANCO POPULAR SA, BANCO DE VALENCIA and BANKINTER. GARDEMA DEVELOPMENTS S.L in the complex at VALLE DE CALPE provided bank guarantees to purchasers through BANCO POPULAR, and DETINSA in the complex of Residencial la Via, Denia, used Caja Madrid, now BANKIA.

Therefore, it should be understood that these banks had an agreement with the said developers to give bank guarantees to the buyers-consumers of the mentioned complex. Our firm, after helping affected buyers, is happy to offer a no win no fee deal, only in these complexes, for any buyers who are able to prove that a deposit was paid into the developer’s bank accounts at these banks. What we mean by no win no fee, is that if you do not get any money back, we will not charge you. If you are in this situation with these or different developers our firm can assist you.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2012 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

money

Have you got a problem with HMRC or the Spanish Tax Office? Are you one of the British residents in Spain who received the letter from the Spanish Tax Authorities asking you for Non Resident Tax or Income Tax Return for past years? Have you listened to many rumors about how difficult it can be to pay your taxes in Spain? Or are you having any problem with HMRC which you are finding nearly impossible to sort out? You are not the only one in these circumstances. Unfortunately, a lot of expats in Spain invest valuable time and money trying to get in touch with the Inland Revenue. What they get in return is an answering machine which keeps them waiting 20 minutes until a person finally answers to say they do not have a solution to their problem. It is very frustrating being so far away and not to being able to keep your affairs with the UK in order. Especially your tax affairs. On the other hand, Spain is THE GREAT UNKNOWN when we talk about Tax. We all wonder if we are doing the right thing as there is no one who can explain the rules to us. Residents? Non Residents? What is our real situation in Spain? “We have the green certificate therefore we are residents”. Yes you are a domiciliary resident. But, are you a fiscal resident as well? There is a difference between this two concepts. Our clients were in the same position until they decided that a phone call would be worth it. We were able to explain how we work, what we could do to help them, and

now, when they hear the word TAX, they do not panic as before. They simply answer: “That is not a problem anymore since we contacted UK TAX REFUND SL”. We offer a unique service to British residents in Spain. We ensure that a client’s tax affairs in both Spain and the UK are dealt with correctly and any overpaid tax is refunded under the Double Taxation Agreement between Spain and the UK. UK TAX REFUND SL, registered Agent with HMRC, can help you to sort out any problem with Self-Assessment, PAYE, wrong Coding Notices, letters about an under payment of tax and many other situation where you can see there is an error but at the same time you are unable to deal with without the assistance of a professional. UK TAX REFUND SL deals with the HMRC and the Spanish Tax Office directly and ensure that our clients affairs are dealt with preference. Over 700 clients up and down the Coasts are able to verify this. If you are one of the Expats who received a letter from the Spanish Tax Authorities, please do not panic and rest assure there is a way to put your tax affairs in order in Spain. And the best way is always the easiest. Give us a call on 96 563 6938 and stop worrying! Or e-mail us: michelle.hamilton@uk-taxrefund.com

money

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Don’t let your Dream Home get swept away by Spanish Inheritance Tax MOST OWNERS are not aware that their beneficiaries and their estate may have to pay Inheritance Tax both in their country of domicile and in Spain. Spanish law dictates that the beneficiary of your estate must pay tax on the amount that they inherit.

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

The level of tax payable is not fixed and is determined by the relationship to the deceased, their residency status and their existing wealth in Spain. In addition the estate of the deceased could be liable to pay Inheritance Tax in their country of domicile. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS TO MINIMISE THE LIABILITY? Unfortunately, it is common practice for lawyers and tax advisers who are not conversant with both jurisdictions to advise based on their own, often insufficient, knowledge. The most common advice is to prepare a Spanish Will to avoid the tax. As the tax is paid by the person inheriting the asset, the existence of a Will does nothing to minimise this. There are also times when a separate Will in Spain complicates matters and increases legal costs. It is key, then, that all British owners of Spanish property have a UK Will dealing with their worldwide assets, making another Will elsewhere unnecessary.

Another misconception is that by taking out a mortgage on the property the tax liability will reduce upon death. It is true that the value of the asset will be reduced by the amount outstanding on the mortgage however, the Banks often insist that life policies are taken out which pay off the mortgage on death and the beneficiaries are back to inheriting the whole of the unencumbered property. Even with no life policy there is a substantial debt outstanding which will have to be paid before the property can be transferred. Finally the most dangerous option that we hear is to transfer the property to your children or beneficiaries now. The Spanish tax is payable not only on the inheritance of a property but also the gifting of a property so the tax would be paid sooner rather than later. Also once the property is in the names of your beneficiaries then you have to trust that they will not dispose or charge your asset leaving you homeless. Issues of insolvency, divorce and your beneficiary predeceasing you can add complications. THE SOLUTION Quite simply you invest your Spanish property into your own UK Company (that Wincham can supply) of which you will be the Director and shareholder and have total control. Contrary to popular belief there would be no 7-

Wincham Consultants Limited, Wincham House, Greenfield Farm Trading Estate, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4TR, England. (Wincham Consultants also have offices located on the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol) UK Tel: +44 (0)1260 299 700 | Spain Tel: +34 965 830 991 | Email: iht.info@wincham.com | Web: www.winchamiht.com

10% Property Transfer Tax payable on this transaction. Our method enables you to utilise Spanish legislation to conveniently own and maintain your home within a corporate structure in the most tax efficient way. For more information about our solution and to receive your ‘complimentary’ Spanish Inheritance Tax illustration please visit www.winchamiht.com or scan the QR code below. Alternatively contact one of our advisers on +44 (0)1260 299700 (UK) or 0034 965 830 991 (Spain). Wincham is hosting complimentary informal discussions about Spanish IHT in Javea, Denia and Moraira during March, for further details read the next edition of RTN or visit www.winchamiht.com

money matters

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

The RTN Money Matters page has been created to help you our readers by giving you as much information about current financial matters and products as possible. If you would like us to cover any specific topics or products please email moneymatters@roundtownnews.com. Also if you have any questions that you would like answered by our panel of experts, email them to moneymatters@roundtownnews.com

money

Showing it’s legal – the Apostille by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

IT MUST be a very challenging role checking documents in the tourist areas of Spain. I OFTEN wonder how the police officers get to grips with the number of international driving licences, passports and registration documents that must be handled in a days work. From all over Europe and beyond they must constantly have people trying to assure them that this is the right document and valid in their country. No wonder then, that something a little more ‘secure’ is needed to make sure that all these foreigners (the British and Irish included) are not trying to pull a fast one. So the solution to this? The ‘Apostille’ of the Hague Convention. It hardly trips off the tongue and gives the impression of something very grand. In a way it is. The Apostille came to be because of the need to have a standardised legalisation procedure between the countries who are part of ‘The Hague Convention of 1961’. It is a crucial method of conveniently demonstrating the legality of a document from a foreign country. The Apostille is, in fact, a stamp that is attached to the original document. It confirms that the signature, seal or stamp on that document is genuine. Quite recently one of the Ábaco staff found out, to her surprise, that she needed one too. Caroline Clinton explains, ‘I was confirming my husband’s SIP card and, even though I have been married for 29 years and lived in Spain for 27. I was still asked to produce a legalised version of my marriage certificate.’

Caroline knew that this meant she needed to prove the authenticity of her marriage certificate by obtaining an Apostille. ‘I was actually quite surprised at how easy it was to do. I sent my certificate by registered mail to the Legalisation Office, part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Milton Keynes, and paid online. It cost £30 but I also had to pay for return postage. This was special delivery so I knew the certificate would be safe. They sent it back to me within a week and I was able to use it as confirmation that we were married.’ It turned out to be a very simple process for Caroline as a translation wasn’t needed, ‘For some documents you would also have to have an official translation by a sworn translator.’ It doesn’t matter how long you have been living in Spain. There is always the chance that something will take you by surprise. At least now you know that being asked for a document to be legalised is not quite as daunting as it may at first sound. More information can be found at: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/ services-we-deliver/legal-services/Legalisation/ Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Ireland): http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=268 If you need help with legalising or obtaining a sworn translation of a document contact our Ábaco Help Line on 96 670 3748.

Ábaco provide fiscal representation to non-resident and resident Spanish property owners. You can contact us for free advice and information by calling our helpline 96 670 3748 or visiting our website www.abacoadvisers.com

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

City of Light film studio up for sale CAMERA; LIGHTS; Action is no longer the call at Alicante’s City of Light film studio as one of Europe’s most advanced complexes is millions of euros in debt. To date, a minimum of 102 signed contracts have been produced to build the Alicante studios and the cinema complex, which is now for sale, was built at a cost of 274€ million of public money, almost triple what was initially budgeted! Questions are being raised by opposition political parties as to the distribution of contracts to build the complex. In many cases, it’s alleged that the correct tendering process was not followed and that ‘favoured’ companies received contracts. The PSPV said they doubted that the construction of the City of Light had a real cost of 274 million, as the Government has certified. In fact, under a contracts “escape clause”, the figures are not for publication and therefore, the Socialists have no access to them. “After review, we believe that the actual cost is even more! We should not be considering only contracts and tenders, but all the extra expenses that have been carried out even before executing the contracts, such as expropriations”, added the official.

Life

Become a reporter for RTN FANCY YOURSELF as a reporter for RTN? Do you have a story you’d love to share with our readers and viewers? by Keith Nicol MAYBE AN injustice, corruption, a rip off, a word of warning or a good news story! No matter what the story is, if you can fit the who, why, where, when, what and how into a video that lasts no longer than three minutes in length, then our editorial team will view it, pick a winner and put it on our web site for the whole world to see, with a new winner each and every week. Your mission, if you chose to accept it, is to produce a short video that you think will be of interest to our readers, using your smartphone, tablet or video camera. Pick a subject: any subject, and tell us about it. It can be a story from around your neighbourhood, local or national Spanish news and views or even something from the British Isles! It might be your review of a local fiesta, such as Semana Santa,

a local stage production, maybe a glimpse of rehearsal behind the scenes or even a promotion of a local Charity. Go ahead and let off some stream but mind your language and don’t slander anyone. put forward a point of view or heap praise on some local unsung hero. The subject matter is up to you. It’s easy to enter and along with the kudos that goes with a winning entry, the best video goes on the RTN web page for a week, with a different winner every week, so you can win more than once! Our top drawer editorial team will pick the winner and their decision is final, so don’t even think of complaining if you don’t win, unless of course that’s what your video is about! So that’s the who, what, where and why taken care of. As to the how, just upload your video to YouTube and send us the link. If you have not done so already, sign up for a YouTube

account so that you can upload your video. Simple. You are now a citizen journalist. Once uploaded, email the YouTube link for your video to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com. And finally the when? Every Friday we review the week’s submissions so should you miss one week, don’t worry as you’ll be in for a chance the following week. My sixpence worth is to keep your video short and to the point. Look at the local news and time for yourself how long a typical magazine piece lasts for and look at the pacing. You can talk to the camera, do a voiceover or combine the two. Less than three minutes in length and please don’t add any music to your video that you don’t own or have the rights to and provide us with a ‘G’ certificate video, so no nudity or cussing please and good luck!

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life tech Browser virus UK website

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

DEAR AUNTY Virus: Our lap-top has a browser virus, have looked on the internet with Google and the results are: That the virus redirects (takes over) your browser, in effect it hijacks the browser, so if you have Google, Firefox etc. it will always go to babylon.com. The virus is very hard to get rid of, even though you uninstall or go to a previous date or delete it, it still remains. Do you know how to remove from the Registry or do we need to take it somewhere to get it fixed? Kevin

Aunty says: There are few other options to do to make sure Babylon is not on your PC, as sometimes simply uninstalling the program may not remove all traces of it. First of all, you will need to go into your browser options and see if the Babylon add-on is there and disable it. How you do this will vary depending on which browser you are using. Then make sure the browsers home page is not set to Babylon. In Internet Explorer (IE), this is via the general tab, in internet options) Then remove Babylon from the list of search providers. In IE, this is via TOOLs, Manage Add-ones, and Search Providers. You may also have to reset your browser to its default values. In IE, this is via TOOLs, Internet Options, Advanced: Reset.

HELLO AUNTY: Despite typing in a UK website address, I am automatically connected to the company’s Spanish website. Sometimes I am able to reconnect to the UK website by changing the language, usually at the top of the page, but not all websites have this facility. This is an intermittent problem but one that is causing me concern. I experience the same problem with 2 laptops, one running Vista, the other Office 7 and also an iPad. I have spoken to friends who have different ISPs to me and they all experience the same problem on an intermittent basis. Is there any way of resolving this problem? Many thanks, Penny Mills Aunty says: In most cases if you connect to a company’s ‘.com’ website, then it will use the IP address of your internet connection to try and determine where you are, and thus which country settings it should display that webpage. If you use the companies name with .co.uk (if they have one) then you will be directed to the UK version of that site. For example: type in Google.com - looks at your IP address for a location - and so it brings up Google Spain. Type in Google.co.uk - and that goes to the UK site.

Response: Many thanks for your reply on the above. As suggested I have tried connecting via google.co.uk. More often than not this seems to work.

Computer clock HI AUNTY: Can you help me? My PC clock and date are resetting to an earlier time at each start up. This has only started the past two days. I have reset several times and synced with internet time, to no avail. I have a Zoostorm netbook three years old and most of that time the battery has not worked but until now there has not been a problem holding the correct date/time. Can you advise any other corrective measure? Many thanks for your help in the past and hope you can help with this problem. Sincerely, Ray-PC Aunty says: Your PCs internal clock is resetting due to two reasons: The small battery that powers the motherboard is

low on power; the motherboard itself is on its way out. The battery is a small round flat ‘watch’ type battery, and is usually visible when you take the PC casing off. If your date and time is not set correctly, then you may not be able to enter sites on the internet. If your PC is set to 2008, and the sites / files on the internet are 2013, then your PC will block those sites from being viewed as it will be thinking ‘How can I have new files that are made 5 years in the future?’

Gadget Inspector Investigates:

Philips Portable CD/Radio Player Now just hold on a moment. What an earth is cutting edge, new or gadgety about a Portable CD/Radio Player? Well, to be honest, not a lot really. But this type of gadget is what could be called a “Classic Gadget”, in that although it may be superseded by new media and/or devices the original still has a niche, and more importantly the price point has tumbled such that it can be used places you wouldn´t want to take your shiny new media player. The Philips Portable CD Player/Tuner does exactly what it says on the tin. It has two built in speakers putting out 1 watt of

power each, and features dynamic bass boost to give the sound more oomph. It has compact 262 x 245 x 123mm dimensions and weighs in at 1.1 kg. The Philips has a digital display on the front that displays the FM radio frequency and track number when playing CDs. There is a rotary volume control and buttons for all other functions. The CD player can handle CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs, so playing all of your shop bought and home burnt collections should pose no problems. The CD player can also be set to shuffle/repeat tracks and features a 20 track programmable mode. The Philips also features an FM Tuner that is easy to use and the player features an extendable FM aerial to improve reception. To allow you some compatibility with modern devices the Philips does have a line-in socket which allows you to connect your modern MP3 player, or any other device with a headphone output. Power is supplied via an included Mains Adapter (requires a Spanish 2-pin adapter) or for true portability six C type (LR14) batteries (not included). The Inspectors Verdict: The Philips AZ105S/05 Portable CD Player with FM Tuner and Line-In for MP3 Playback may be an oldie but it´s still a goodie. Cheap, tough and can go anywhere – what more do you need for music wherever you happen to be – and you´re not going to lose any sleep if the kids trash it either! Please note the following is for information and is not intended as an advertisement visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/cd-radio-player to purchase the Philips Portable CD/Radio Player for 36€. Please note the power adapter has a UK plug which will require a Spanish 2-pin adapter. Price quoted includes free delivery to Spain and is subject to availability (Euro cost subject to exchange rate at time of purchase).

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Amazon BuyVIP

Before you download this app, a word of warning, it is highly addictive if you are a bit of a shopper! BuyVIP offers you limited-time events with top brands at heavily discounted prices. At home or on the go - browse and purchase right from your android phone or tablet with this app. BuyVIP features: • Daily sale events featuring top brands in clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, homeware and more • Fashion for women, men and children • Membership-only prices up to 70% off • Free, instant membership • login using your existing Amazon account The delivery is fast and reliable and orders of over 100€ are delivered for free and on these orders should you decide that you want to return something, you don’t even have to pay for the return! Available to download on Google Play on all Android devices.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life Showbiz Goss A World Record with a Rusty Mojo? IT’S AN odd truth about how occasionally celebrity peeps can end up parodying themselves, a scenario that can get bedded in before anybody notices it, then suddenly, although it seems like the mojo is still working, it has in fact gone a bit rusty. The individual I feel that has fallen victim to this condition is Graham Norton, a guy who once had a ´not to be missed’ show and held it all together with his irrepressible cheek and a fearless approach to the content of the show. He´s here today as it was announced last Thursday that he is to raise dosh for Comic Relief by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most questions asked on a chat show, something that immediately got me thinking … do what! … who´s gonna do the counting to see if he breaks the record, or maybe there will be a big number on display to keep us posted, either way it all sounds a bit tedious to me. Named ´Comic Relief´s Big Chat´ the likes of Jimmy Carr, Martin Freeman, Ronnie Corbett, Heston Blumenthal and Elle MacPherson will all be appearing on the show, and it’s on BBC3 this coming Thursday March 7th at 8pm. When asked to comment on the announcement Graham said: “David Walliams swam the Thames, John Bishop endured a week of hell and Eddie Izzard ran marathon after marathon after marathon … I am hoping to join this elite group of celebrity fundraisers by doing what I do best – sitting on my backside and talking.” And that for me is what’s occurring for the likeable Irishman, he´s got comfortable with his show, way way too comfortable, and although I´m sure heaps of cash will be raised for Comic Relief next Thursday, will it be done in that slightly risqué style we used to get from cheeky boy Graham.

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Let’s all get behind Ricky! IT WAS a sad day last Friday when fine actor Richard Briers passed away, and quite rightly, several individuals from the business paid tribute to the great man. The one that particularly caught my eye came from Ricky Gervais, and it was quite surprising and clever the way he went about trying to bring people’s attention to how good he thought Richard Briers was. What Ricky did was posted a Tweet that read “the BBC can show old episodes of The Office for free if they agree to run repeats of the ´Ever Decreasing Circles´ this year.” If you were unfortunate enough to have not seen the show Ricky is referring to, you missed a real gem. ´Ever Decreasing Circles’ ran from ´84 - ´89 and starred Richard Briers as Martin Bryce, a local middle-aged man who is at the centre of organising his local suburban community, and with wonderful performances from Penelope Wilton as his ever suffering wife Ann, and Peter Egan as the good looking single man next door who could sort everything with ease, the comic darkness of the script was driven quite superbly by the sheer class of Richard Briers´ performance. Good on you Ricky … I for one am right behind you baby.

Call The Gynecologist WE ARE all aware of the competition that exists between the BBC and ITV, but it’s generally healthy enough stuff with no out and out skullduggery or blatant feevin´… until now that is.´Call The Midwife’ flew out the blocks for the BBC six weeks ago, and has already been guaranteed two more series … and what have ITV done?… commissioned a show called ´Breathless´ that will focus on gynecology as opposed to midwifery … hum … it will be set in the 60s rather than the 50s … double hum … and will fol-

low the lives of a group of doctors and nurses working in a London hospital … triple hum?Part of ITV´s official statement read “Breathless is a simmering cauldron of lies, deceptions and guilty secrets, driven by love, ambition and sex,” a closing line I am sure they are hoping will divert our attention from what is nothing other than a gilt edged … eighteen carat blag! The only saving grace for me is that Jack Davenport from ´Coupling’ will star in the show as well as co-write it, so we´ll let ITV off this time, but the least they could have done was admit they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Life TV

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

1st - 7th March

FRIDAY 1st March BBC1 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Hospital Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Mary and Martha 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:20 Armageddon

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Saints and Scroungers 08:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 09:15 Show Me the Monet 10:00 Live Athletics 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 16:15 Rachel Allen: Bake! 16:40 Live Athletics 20:00 Coast 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Sea City 22:00 Wild Arabia 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 Weather 24:50 They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Wild Britain with Ray Mears 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:00 ITV News 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 Gladiator

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire USA 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 22:30 The Last Leg 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 Paddy’s TV Guide 24:55 Random Acts

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dirty Great Machines 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Person of Interest 16:15 Love’s Resounding Courage 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 CSI 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Emmerdale 07:55 Life’s Funniest Moments 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed! 09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 The Grudge 23:55 Terminator 2

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:00 Ugly Betty 08:45 Scrubs 09:10 Rules of Engagement 09:40 Charmed 10:35 90210 11:30 Ugly Betty 12:25 Made in Chelsea 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:25 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop II 24:05 Revenge

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

SATURDAY 2nd March BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 The Shaggy Dog 15:30 Live Athletics 17:25 Final Score 18:20 Animal Antics 18:50 BBC News 19:10 Pointless Celebrities 20:00 Let’s Dance for Comic Relief 21:25 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 22:15 Casualty 23:05 BBC News 23:25 Match of the Day 24:55 The Football League Show

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:30 Great British Menu 09:00 Great British Menu 09:30 Great British Menu 10:00 Great British Menu 10:30 Great British Menu 11:00 A History of Britain by Simon Schama 12:00 Meet the Ancestors 12:30 Map Man 13:00 Indian Food Made Easy 13:30 Mastermind 14:00 University Challenge 14:30 Talking Pictures 15:15 Doctor in the House 16:40 Coast 17:25 Live Athletics 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Dad’s Army 21:30 Natural World 22:30 Howard Goodall’s Story of Music 23:30 The First Grader

SUNDAY 3rd March BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 08:25 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:20 Countryfile 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Call the Midwife 16:00 Walk on the Wild Side 16:30 Escape to the Country 17:30 Songs of Praise 18:05 Penguins - Spy in the Huddle 19:05 Deadly 60 on a Mission 19:35 BBC News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Match of the Day 2 24:15 Room 101 - Extra Storage 24:55 The Sky at Night

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:10 Hot Enough for June 09:45 Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein 10:15 A to Z of TV Gardening 11:00 Live Athletics 12:40 EastEnders 14:30 MasterChef: The Professionals 15:30 Flog It! 16:15 Live Athletics 19:00 Food & Drink 19:30 The Sea King: Britain’s Flying Past 20:30 Open All Hours 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Horizon 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Dancing on the Edge

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 08:40 Matt Hatter Chronicles 09:05 Ultimate Spider-Man 09:30 Share a Story 10:00 Jessie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:25 My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham 12:25 Dinner Date 13:25 ITV News 13:35 Columbo: Negative Reaction 15:35 The Chase 16:35 DragonHeart 18:30 ITV Newsr 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway 21:15 The Cube 22:15 Jonathan Ross Show 23:15 ITV News 23:30 Body of Lies

ITV1 07:00 Handy Manny 07:25 The Hive 07:45 Dino Dan 08:10 Canimals 08:25 Bookaboo 08:40 Matt Hatter Chronicles 09:05 Rated A for Awesome 09:30 Almost Naked Animals 10:00 Aquabats Super Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:25 Murder, She Wrote 12:25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:25 ITV News 13:30 Carry On Matron 15:15 Doc Martin 16:15 Agatha Christie’s Marple 18:15 You’ve Been Framed! 18:45 ITV News Central 19:15 Dancing on Ice 20:45 All Star Family 21:30 Dancing on Ice 22:00 Mr Selfridge 23:00 ITV News 23:15 Her Majesty’s Prison 24:15 Premiership Rugby

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Will & Grace 08:25 FIM Superbike World Championship 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:50 Frasier 11:50 The Big Bang Theory 12:20 The Big Bang Theory 12:45 The Simpsons 13:20 The Simpsons 13:50 Undercover Boss USA 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:00 4thought.tv 20:05 Edward VIII: The Plot to Topple a King 21:00 Kevin McCloud’s Man Made Home 22:00 Transporter 3 24:05 Jumper

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:05 Looney Tunes 12:15 Highland Emergency 12:45 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 13:45 Beat the Ancestors 14:45 Mosquito Squadron 16:30 Vera Cruz 18:20 Chisum 20:25 5 News Weekend 20:30 CSI: NY 21:15 NCIS 23:05 Law & Order

07:00 Beauty and the Geek 07:50 Coronation Street 10:10 Emmerdale 13:10 The Hot Desk 13:25 Mr Bean’s Holiday 15:15 You’ve Been Framed! 15:45 Animal Practice 16:15 Animal Practice 16:45 Animal Practice 17:15 You’ve Been Framed! 17:45 You’ve Been Framed! 18:15 You’ve Been Framed! 18:45 Babe 20:45 Ocean’s Eleven 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Shaun of the Dead

07:00 Switched 07:25 Heartland 08:10 Greek 09:05 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 10:05 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 11:10 Make It or Break It 12:10 Ugly Betty 13:05 Glee 14:05 Charmed 15:05 Scrubs 15:35 Scrubs 16:05 Scrubs 16:35 Rules of Engagement 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Happy Endings 20:30 Happy Endings 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Epic Movie 23:45 The Big Bang Theory 24:15 The Big Bang Theory 24:45 The Cleveland Show

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:05 The Big Bang Theory 13:35 The Big Bang Theory 14:05 The Simpsons 14:35 The Simpsons 15:05 The Princess Diaries 17:25 Time Team 18:25 Deal or No Deal 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Ottolenghi’s Mediterranean Feast 21:00 Meteor Strike: Fireball from Space 22:00 The Tourist 24:05 The Quick and the Dead

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:00 Once Upon a Time 13:00 Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment 14:40 See No Evil, Hear No Evil 16:30 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 18:45 Beat the Ancestors 19:40 5 News Weekend 19:45 Rocky 22:00 Person of Interest 23:00 Crank: High Voltage 24:50 Renegade Justice

07:00 The Biggest Loser 07:50 Emmerdale 10:35 Coronation Street 13:05 Top Dog Model 14:05 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway 15:20 Dennis 17:10 Beethoven 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:35 Ocean’s Thirteen 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Switched 07:20 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 08:10 Make It or Break It 09:10 Ugly Betty 10:05 Scrubs 10:35 Scrubs 11:05 Hollyoaks 13:40 Glee 14:40 Charmed 15:35 How I Met Your Mother 16:05 How I Met Your Mother 16:35 How I Met Your Mother 17:05 How I Met Your Mother 17:35 Revenge 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 New Girl 20:00 New Girl 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Stardust 23:30 Rude Tube 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life TV

1st - 7th March

MONDAY 4th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Being Eileen 24:05 Have I Got Old News for You 24:35 The Graham Norton Show

07:10 Homes Under the Hammer 08:10 Saints and Scroungers 08:55 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 09:25 Show Me the Monet 10:10 Countryfile 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 Click 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Coast 15:20 Mastermind 15:50 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 16:20 British Food Revival 17:20 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Food & Drink 22:00 The Flying Scotsman: A Rail Romance 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Cornwall with Caroline Quentin 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Broadchurch 23:00 ITV News 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Agenda 24:05 Monk

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Little Lodgers 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 The Negotiator 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Beat the Ancestors 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 23:00 Manchester United: Munich Air Crash 24:00 Rocky

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Coronation Street 08:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 09:10 You’ve Been Framed! 09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Animal Practice 21:30 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 Ben and Kate 22:30 Ben and Kate 23:00 The Big Reunion 24:00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time 24:35 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 16 Kids and Counting 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Derek 24:40 Random Acts 24:45 One Born Every Minute

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:10 ‘Til Lies Do Us Part 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Monkey Life 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Benidorm ER 22:00 CSI 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 Dallas 24:50 CSI: Miami

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Coronation Street 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed! 09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Love in the Wild 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 666 Park Avenue 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 The Big Reunion

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Scrubs 09:15 Rules of Engagement 09:45 Charmed 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:30 Made in Chelsea 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 Rude Tube 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:05 Rude Tube

TUESDAY 5th March

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Matt Lucas Awards 24:05 Cuckoo 24:35 Who Do You Think You Are?

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Saints and Scroungers 08:50 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 09:20 Show Me the Monet 10:05 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Super League Show 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 16:15 British Food Revival 17:15 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 Alex Polizzi 22:00 The Railway 23:00 Heading Out 23:30 Newsnight

WEDNESDAY 6th March

ITV2

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:00 Ugly Betty 08:45 Scrubs 09:10 Rules of Engagement 09:40 Charmed 10:35 90210 11:30 Ugly Betty 12:25 Made in Chelsea 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:25 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 New Girl 21:30 New Girl 22:00 Revenge 23:00 My Little Princess 24:00 The Inbetweeners 24:35 The New Normal

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC Newsr 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Fake Britain 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:15 The Matt Lucas Awards 24:45 Management

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Saints and Scroungers 08:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 09:15 Show Me the Monet 10:00 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:00 Food & Drink 11:30 See Hear 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Mastermind 15:45 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 16:15 British Food Revival 17:15 The Living Planet 18:10 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 The Hairy Bikers 22:00 This World 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Railway

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:25 Party Political Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Food Glorious Food 22:00 Lightfields 23:00 ITV News 23:35 First Among Equals: The Laurie Cunningham Story 24:35 Safari Vet School

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 Derek 23:35 Anna & Katy 24:05 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 24:50 Random Acts 24:55 The Last Leg

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Mio Mao 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 21:00 Born to Kill 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 CSI

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Holiday Showdown 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed! 09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Holiday Showdown 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Fool Britannia 21:30 Fool Britannia 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Cheryl: Access All Areas

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:45 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:25 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Volcano 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 The New Normal 24:35 The Cleveland Show

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

THURSDAY 7th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:45 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 Mayday 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Saints and Scroungers 08:50 Britain’s Empty Homes Revisited 09:20 Show Me the Monet 10:05 The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The One Show 15:00 Coast 15:20 Mastermind 15:50 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 16:20 British Food Revival 17:20 The Living Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Winter 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 The Planners 22:00 How to Get to Heaven with the Hutterites 23:00 Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Married in Britain

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dinner Date 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:15 ITV News 19:45 Emmerdale 20:45 UEFA Europa League Live 23:10 ITV News 23:40 ITV News Central 23:45 Jonathan Ross Show 24:50 Grimefighters

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 11:00 The Secret Millionaire 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking? 14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Britain’s Secret Shoppers 22:00 What Destroyed the Hindenburg? 23:00 Gogglebox 23:50 Embarrassing Bodies 24:50 Random Acts 24:55 My Tattoo Addiction

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Danger: Diggers at Work 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:10 Cries in the Dark 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Jack Taylor 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:50 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed! 09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 The Corrie Years 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 The Big Reunion 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Fake Reaction 24:35 Lemon La Vida Loca

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 697 Cryptic solutions Across: 1 Gala; 8 Left-winger; 9 Impolite; 10 Pawn; 12 Acting; 14 Sphere; 15 Fiends; 17 Astute; 18 Rear; 19 Overturn; 21 Bring round; 22 Eyes. Down: 2 Atomic pile; 3 Alto; 4 Offing; 5 Sweets; 6 Snapshot; 7 Grin; 11 Work to rule; 13 Ignorant; 16 Scours; 17 Avenue; 18 Ribs; 20 Tide.

Quick solutions Across: 1 Ache; 8 Accelerate; 9 Et cetera; 10 Good; 12 Honest; 14 Extend; 15 Elapse; 17 Finish; 18 Aria; 19 Ecstatic; 21 Deliberate; 22 Note. Down: 2 Controller; 3 Ease; 4 Accent; 5 Please; 6 Frighten; 7 Vend; 11 Omniscient; 13 Emphatic; 16 Eyelet; 17 Fiscal; 18 Aide; 20 Amen.

E4 07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:45 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 The New Normal 22:30 2 Broke Girls 23:00 Rude Tube 24:00 My Little Princess

What’s on Viva TV this week VIVA TV broadcasts on the Torresat Networks every day from 2.00pm until 10pm. And you can watch all our programmes and find our full listings at www.vivatv.es

Friday 1st March Celebrity Archive – Star of so many movies, TV dramas and theatre productions, Dame Judi Dench needs no introduction. 18.00

Tuesday 5th March Let’s Talk Special – with OXO dad Michael Redfern just before his theatrical debut here on the Costa Blanca. 18.30

Saturday 2nd March An Evening With... Andy Jones performs songs from the musicals. 19.00

Wednesday 6th March Dead Frequency (film) – local producer’s debut horror film shot in Newcastle and featuring some Costa Blanca talent. 18.05

Sunday 3rd March The Consulate – Conexiones, where Spanish authorities join forces with expat charities. 18.15 Monday 4th March Spanish Eye – We talk to Mike Gatting and Rachael Heyhoe Flint at La Manga. 18.15

Thursday 7th March Out and About in Torrevieja – Who knows that there used to be a railway that ran through Torrevieja? We see what’s left of it and what the old stations are today. 19.45

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

Step by Step Spanish - 21 IN OUR last article we talked about imperatives, or commands, when addressed to more than one person in a familiar form. We are going to carry on with commands as we are now going to look at formal singular commands. YOU MAY feel that one kind of command is quite enough, but this particular one is important for at least two reasons. Firstly, it is what is often said to you in everyday situations. Perhaps the person in the office is telling you to bring another piece of paper along (you know, on those rare occasions when you don’t get it right the first time!), or sending you to another desk, telling you when to come back or that you have to fill in a form. It is highly likely that these orders will be given to you in the form we are now going to see. The other reason this form is important is that it is going to give us an introduction to something else – to be revealed next week. You may remember that the familiar singular or “tú” command makes use of the third person singular of the present tense. In other words “escribe” can mean “he or she writes” or just the familiar command “write” as in “escribe tu nombre” (write your name). Likewise “abre” means “he, she or it opens” and also the familiar command “open” as in “abre la puerta” (open the door). Now, to form the formal (usted) command we have to make use of the FIRST person singular of the present tense. You know - words like “hablo”, “tomo”, “como”, “vuelvo”, “vivo”, “escribo”“ and also the funny ones like “tengo”, “vengo”, “digo”, “hago”. These are all first person present tense forms, meaning: “I speak”, “I take”, “I eat”, “I return”, “I live, “I write”, “I have”, “I come”, “I say” and “I do”. Are you ready? This is what happens. If the verb belongs to the “ar” group, we change the ending to “e” and if the verb belongs to the “er” and “ir” groups, we change the ending to “a”. So, this is how we

Life books

change the examples above into formal commands. “Hablo” becomes “hable” and “tomo” becomes “tome” (both “ar” verbs) “Como” becomes “coma” and “vuelvo” becomes “vuelva” (both “er” verbs) “Vivo” becomes “viva” and “escribo” becomes “escriba” (both “ir” verbs).

OSCARS 2013 Professor Snape @Snape: Just a friendly reminder that Harry Potter never won an Oscar. Apparently, inspiring an entire generation isn’t good enough. Alan Carr @AlanCarr: After i raved about Argo it wins an Oscar - do i get a thank u in the acceptance speech? Oh no - i’m blanking Affleck, see if he likes it CONFUSED TWEETS Ricky Gervais @rickygervais: Ricky: “Do you still not understand evolution yet?” Karl: “I’ve got the gist of it. I know it went germ..fish.. mermaid...man.” Stephen Fry @stephenfry: It’s very confusing to be nine and a half hours ahead of GMT. Does my poor little brain in. I shall have a nap now.

The funny ones obey the rules in exactly the same way: “tengo” becomes “tenga” and “hago” becomes “haga” (both “er” verbs) “vengo” becomes “venga” and “digo” becomes “diga” (both “ir” verbs) Now at least some of these commands should look extremely familiar and, admit it, it is just a little bit exciting isn’t it? Now you know where “dígame” comes from - it’s the polite way of inviting someone to speak; and why people say “tome” when they hand things to you – they are politely telling you take something from them. Isn’t it amazing that politeness in Spanish can be expressed by a single change of letter, when politeness in English requires us to waffle for 3 minutes? We have just turned the key of the door to a completely new concept. By transposing a few letters we are entering a parallel universe like Alice stepping through the looking glass and polite commands are just the beginning of an exciting adventure.

MEATBALLS Simon Pegg @simonpegg: To be fair to Ikea, they didn’t ever specify exactly what meat was in their balls and we didn’t ask. I mean meatballs, how vague is that? Ian Hyland @HylandIan: Horse meat has been found in Ikea meatballs. Now we know why their hot dogs are so long. And chewy. RANDOM TWEETS jonathan ross @wossy: Good evening all. I have recovered from my tequila hangover. Found myself at home with two new kittens! David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd @BumbleCricket: Up to Glenchory tomorrow . Try to sort some fishing out .. Seems complicated !! Just want a rod , flies and a river .... Stephen Fry @stephenfry: Landed in Mumbai/Bombay. If we call it Mumbai then the film product ought really to be called Mollywood, no?

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

In The Blood

THE AMERICAN Civil War took place in the 1860s and the Freedom Marches 100 years later are for most people a dim memory – but not in the deep South where the cancer of racism is still deeply rooted. THAT’S WHY the death of a white firebrand evangelist, bound and beaten to death in an apparent S&M session, lights a fire brighter than the crosses of the Klu Klux Klan. And what is the connection to a genetic theory that sexual integration will eventually breed out the darker side of each race’s genes? Detective Carson Ryder has his own problems while mayhem falls around him. He’s edgy and unpredictable while plunged into circumstances that include the discovery of an abandoned baby in a boat near a burned out shack, a harpooned body, and signs of a struggle. Attacks by gun- wielding bikers add to his misery as Ryder delves into the bizarre personal life of the Reverend Scaler and his connection to the white supremacists and their battle to kill the child in their midst. Author: JA Kerley Publisher: Harper (paperback) Price: 10.40 euros ISBN: 978 0 00 726909 9

Suduko Answer

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life health Why do I have knee pain? MANY PEOPLE experience knee pain on a daily basis and see their knee as their primary problem, but many times, this knee pain may be caused by a misalignment in the spine. The knee functions as a fairly simple hinge joint by flexing and extending the leg, as when a door is opening or closing. Unless the knee had a twisting injury, tore ligaments and tendons, sprained the muscles around it, had direct trauma like a fall, is having severe osteoarthritis or is affected by a few other uncommon conditions, there is actually no real reason why the knee should hurt. There might be some hidden reasons, why the knee is hurting though. The explanation can often be found in the back, more specifically the spine. As the whole skeleton is connected and functions as a unit, all forces acting on the spine will transfer also towards the extremities. So when there is a problem or stress in the spine it can have an effect on the limbs as well. Problems or stresses are direct impact trauma, like car accidents, a difficult birth or chronic bad posture. With these different stresses a shift in the mechanics can occur and bones from the spinal column (vertebrae) move out of their optimal position putting a lot of stress on the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the extension from the brain running in a

Marisol Fernandez Vallejo

canal made of different vertebrae. When there is too much tension on the spinal cord (brought on by the above named stresses), signals going to the legs, for example, are altered. The spinal cord behaves like a guitar string that is too tightly stretched and the sound you can hear is too high pitch. When that happens, the brain and the body (knee) experience a lack of communication and pain might be the result in order to signal that an underlying mechanical shift has taken place. If we just look into the knee pain as the primary condition and treat it from there, we might get some relief for a short period of time, but if we fix the problem from the root (spine), then we can get permanent solutions by just correcting the misaligned vertebras in the spine. Chiropractic care is one of the best natural ways to look after your health and wellness. MARISOL FERNANDEZ VALLEJO´S TESTIMONIAL: Marisol came to our clinic with chronic left hip and knee pain. She was taking medication for the pain but it would not help her. The pain was not only coming back whenever she stopped taking the medication, but more painful every time. She could not walk long distances and sometimes she could not even sleep at night. “Now I can walk long distances, go out dancing with my friends and enjoy life just like anybody else. I´d never thought I could get my life back again. I´m very grateful to my chiropractor”

For an appointment with one of our chiropractors in any of our clinics (Denia, Alicante or Cartagena), call 96 520 0005.

Hanging up my audiologist hat by Trevor Smith, RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services I HAVE finally reached the stage that I must “hang up my audiologist hat”. For many years now I have thoroughly enjoyed helping people with their hearing problems and assisting them to enjoy a better quality of life. For quite some time, I have been considering retirement and with this in mind, for the last two years I have been searching for a suitable replacement. I have always prided myself on providing a first class, quality, patient orientated service and I am delighted to advise you that I Trevor Smith have now succeeded in finding a

worthy successor. May I thank all of my patients for the kind wishes I have received on the eve of my retirement. I would like now to introduce Richard Sykes to you and I have confidence that the company that I have developed over the last ten years will be in very good hands and the continuity of care that I have provided will continue. Richard Sykes, who qualified nearly 20 years ago, has worked for some of the larger international companies in the UK, both as a hearing aid audiologist and a trainer and more latterly has been working as Head of Professional Compliance. In addition he has lectured

in audiology at De Montfort University in Leicester. Richard is also a “Partner” with the industry regulator in the UK, The Health and Care Professions Council. This body regulates the hearing aid industry and maintains the quality and standards of all registered hearing aid dispensers. I am very much looking forward to continuing the quality of care and service that Trevor has offered, and looks forward to being of further service to you in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact on the same telephone number: 659 644 106 if you have any queries or problems when I will do all I can to assist you.

Richard Sykes

WANT TO join a nonprofit organisation which is thriving on the Costa Blanca and committed to supporting charitable causes and bringing people together? There are Freemasons lodges throughout the Costa Blanca who meet on a weekly basis and welcome new members. For more information please contact Harry Palmer by email at palmers.quesada@ yahoo.co.uk Â or 96 671 2326.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life fashion

Big really is beautiful THE MOST sold size in my boutique is 16 and 18, and it has been moving steadily upwards in the 11 years I have had Looking Good Boutique, proof if any were needed that we are all increasing in size. WHAT IS it about being over 40 that makes it almost impossible to lose weight? The solution is to love your curves and embrace your shape, or spend your whole life trying to change it and never being happy with what you see in the mirror. Big ladies can look fantastic, it really is just a case of knowing your body shape and dressing to enhance it, being confident about emphasizing your best bits and knowing all the tricks of the trade when it comes to hiding the bits you do not like. Plus size fashion is a really important and integral part of what we do at Looking Good, I have spent years searching for the kind of fashion my customers deserve, not the readily offered tent like creations, in hideous clashing and bold designs that high street shops seem to think plus size ladies want to wear. I am horrified sometimes by what I see when researching plus size labels, who are they aiming their products to, certainly not any larger sized ladies with flair and style, who says that if you are over a size 18 you do not want to look chic, feminine and elegant? There are lots of trade secrets when it comes to flattering plus size figures, for example, not all ladies who are the same dress size carry their weight in the same place, one lady can have big upper arms and a big bottom and another lady, taking the same size may have slim arms and bottom, but a “spare tyre” problem to deal with, as with all things, we are all different, but the rules are the same, love your curves, embrace your shape and make the most of your best bits. Once you know and understand your body shape dressing to

impress will come easily to you. At Looking Good Boutique we have spent years finding the very best plus size fashion range, from top international designers like Joseph Ribkoff , Didier Parakian, Chalou and Pause Cafe, to us there is no distinction, beautiful clothes are the same no matter what size you take, and we have a fabulous collection for larger ladies up to size 28 UK. Every woman deserves to be catered for when it comes to stylish fashion, not just the size 10 skinnies, this idea has been embraced by top designers, for example, international designer Didier Parakian, world renowned for beautiful and feminine collections, has created a collection just for plus size ladies, the ANATHEA COLLECTION by DIDIER the range is amazing and thoughtfully put together to enhance curves and make all ladies, no matter size, feel beautiful and sexy. Do not hide any longer under “tents” and baggy unflattering clothes, make inspired choices for your Summer wardrobe, learn the rules for your individual shape and remember that Big is Beautiful, you are feminine and sexy and can look fabulous for any occasion. We are holding our much anticipated CURVY LADY FASHION SHOW on Saturday 30th March at 12 noon here in the boutique where we will show you how to make the most of your shape and dress to impress. All of our lovely plus size collections will feature in a fashion show where ladies with curves reign, so come along and join us, there really is a world of fashion and elegance waiting for you. You can see all our plus size ranges on line at www.lookingforstyle.com

Looking Good Boutique, C.C. Zenia Golf, Avenida Villamartin Local 18, 03189 Orihuela Costa (Alicante), Tel. 96 676 0479 Visit our online shop: www.lookingforstyle.com, www.lookinggoodboutique.eu

Louise Brandley Looking Good Boutique

Life recipes

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Pasta with Tuna and Tomato THIS IS a kind of Bolognese sauce but using canned tuna instead of meat. It’s quick and easy to prepare and ever-so-tasty. In this version I used tagliatelli, but you could use any pasta from chunky penne to fine spaghetti.

Double murder at ADHOC

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped • Half a red pepper, finely chopped • 400g canned tomatoes • 1 tbs tomato puree • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs • 1 tsp capers chopped (optional) • 150g canned tuna, drained • Black pepper • 150g dried tagliatelli or other pasta • 25g grated parmesan cheese • Olive oil 1. Gently fry the onion and red pepper in a little olive oil until soft. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato puree, dried herbs and capers and heat until bubbling. Simmer for 6-7 minutes then add the canned tuna. Stir and season

with a little pepper. Cook for a further 5 minutes. 2. Meanwhile cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water for 7-8 minutes, drain and drizzle with a little olive oil then serve with the sauce spooned

on top and sprinkle with the grated parmesan. Serves: 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

If you have a recipe you would like to share with RTN Readers, email your recipe and if possible a photo to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

‘ADHOC’ Theatre Company will be staging a ‘Murder Mystery’ Night at ‘The Club’ in Calle Toledo in Quesada on Friday 8th March. This is a slight deviation from their usual theatre productions but gives patrons the chance to enjoy a fun filled, inter-active evening. The action takes place at the ‘Cannes Festival Awards Night’ – a glitzy, glamorous occasion, but with undertones of jealousy and subterfuge. Nova Radio’s Martin Dean will be hosting the evening in his usual zany, charismatic style. The evening includes a two course meal and tickets are available directly from The Club or by phoning 96 671 7028 and costs just 12.50€. ‘ADHOC’ will be repeating the evening, but with a different conclusion on Friday 29th March, also at ‘The Club’, but this time they will be doing it on behalf of the Cats & Dogs Charity.

Life people

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

CAFÉ ambulance will be on show in Mazarrón market NOBODY EVER likes to think about the death of a child, particularly a youngster on holiday with his family, but this was the catalyst for the creation of PALS ( Protection and Life Saving) following the drowning of a young child in a family swimming pool in 2000. The organisation began with the aim of buying life saving equipment, supporting local Emergency Services, the Red Cross and all those involved in the saving of lives, in the hope that unnecessary and tragic deaths such as this one could be prevented. In the years that followed the expat community in the Mazarrón area have enthusiastically partied, danced, enjoyed musical concerts and events, and tucked into fundraising meals and BBQ’s with the aim of raising money for this cause, and to date have contributed a staggering 188,414 euros worth of equipment to local Emergency services. The list of items donated is long and varied and includes defibrillators, a catastrophe tent which was successfully used following the Lorca earthquake, Jet skis which are used by the Lifeguards and beach patrol services during the summer, trauma kits, beds for the Emergency tent, and also equipment and training for the expat volunteers of Camposol’s own emergency response service, FAST. The combination of this is a huge investment into the safety of both residents and visitors to the area, helping to make sure that there is a greater chance of survival should an accident occur. However, this goes even further. Residents on the Camposol Urbanisation, which accounts for the majority of International residents who live within the Mazarrón municipality, frequently complained about the response times for ambulances, and although these have now improved considerably, the idea grew to provide an additional ambulance for the Mazarrón area. Although logistically it proved impossible to provide a dedicated ambulance for the urbanisation and specifically Mazarrón, due to staffing

restrictions and the structure of the Murcian Health Service, an additional vehicle could be used to augment local services, so a separate fundraising drive began to raise funds for an ambulance. The initiative was named CAFÉ (Community Ambulance Fund Espana) ,driven by PALS, with support from the Bahía Lions and the Calida Country Music Club ( name now changed), and along with the hard work of the local radio station, Costa Cálida International Radio, who organised dedicated fundraising events such as the Café concerts to raise 45,142.05€ to date. The vehicle they would like to buy costs 57, 536.23€, so there is still a shortfall of around 12,000€, and to this end, PALS have offered to donate all funds raised by themselves this year and try to conclude the fundraising push to buy the ambulance this year. On Saturday 9th March between 11 am and 2pm the vehicle which the volunteers would like to buy will be on display in the weekly marketplace in Mazarrón town, so that as many people as possible can see what is being aimed for. A tombola will be run to help raise more money, and music provided to encourage those visiting the market to contribute a few euros towards the purchase, and a presentation of three further defibrillators and other equipment made to the Mazarrón municipality at midday, bringing the total to the 188, 414€ level mentioned previously. CAFÉ are hoping to purchase the ambulance by the end of April, with the support of other organisations and the local residents. It is hoped that arrangements can be made for the ambulance to visit the Camposol urbanisation prior to the 9th March, but this could not be confirmed at time of going to print. PALS are continuing with their fundraising activities, and have this year focused on more holidays and larger trips, the visit to Cantabria in October proving so popular that a second coach has been organised to enable more people to join in. With

excursions, full board, return transport and all trips from just 285€, the trip is also a good way of raising funds for the charity, who are determined that the ambulance will be delivered and operational before the summer holiday season brings the mass influx of visitors and holidaymakers who inevitably put a strain on the Emergency Services every summer. For more information , visit the PALS website or contact 626 460 465

Article by: www.murciatoday.com Local news, what’s on and where to go for the Murcia Region

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life horoscopes Saturn may well have taken the sting from an impatient Scorpio but leave aspects of Pluto to set the mood and bring on a host of questions that need to be answered. Somebody is not who they claim to be and your analytical skills are put to good use to sort out the men from the boys and where to put your best foot forward.

With Venus in Pisces there comes a conjunction with Chiron, bringing wisdom and knowledge and forward thinking and so too a squaring with lucky Jupiter in Gemini. All this brings complication to something which should be kept very simple if it is to succeed. The first priority is to yourself as you keep all together. The luck and energy of a wayward Jupiter brings good times out of the bag, and it is high time that you took things less seriously and let your hair down. In the end it is true that will accept your responsibilities but just now taking the pot off the stove will cool emotions and bring harmony just where it is needed. Taking pot luck is not what you are really about but you are blessed with determination and positive energies and there will be a time when you feel that you have to crawl into your shell for some contemplation and direction…… just not now. Nobody rises to the occasion as you do, so bide your time and wait your turn. Nobody can crave attention more than you can, but the spotlight this week is directed on an affair of the heart and it heralds a genuine call for help right now. Oddly you are indecisive and angry about something too; you have to realise that what happened was the very best chance for you to see both sides of the coin and follow your heart. The Pluto and Capricorn shift brings someone else’s problem to your door. Since you do not know what this entails or where it is going, walk away now while you can without taking sides and with your head held high. Sometimes it is important not to get involved, and that tyou really do have to learn to say no. Actions across the Zodiac bring energies from the Goddess of Love, your passionate and stirring planetary leader. Having left Neptune to his own devices taking on both Jupiter and Chiron together this week brings innovation and forward planning to your already busy agenda. There is work to be done, so go do it! Saturn has calmed you and prepared you for the worst scenario, however, it won’t be necessary right now but it will be a decisive protection for future conflict and by nipping things in the bud you are thrown somewhat off course. Things may change for the better midweek when you get to have your say and tell some home truths. Upheaval is never welcome but there are aspects of the forthcoming changes that show you just what you are made of, and that you are not to be messed with. The development of your inner strength serves to protect you on all levels and highlights something very special as a loophole is explored and action begins. In cahoots with Pluto you are about to take on Saturn and Scorpio midweek. Now is a time to really know what you want and need right now, and to accept no compromises. From now on have no doubt at all that your tried and tested will win through hands down, and if somebody can’t handle that they know what they can do. Your inner strength is tested to the limits this week as you are stretched to the point of breaking point. Somebody needs their come-uppance but the time isn’t right and you find yourself biting your tongue. When the time comes then say it like it is. You are only telling the truth after all, and all that implies. A truly busy week with Planetary changes interacting positively with a passionate Venus, guiding Chiron and retrograde Mercury. Everything is in perfect place for you to make a start on innovations and plans, but let there be no hesitations, you have a clear direction and you alone must take the reins to establish control.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

Fearless

FEAR STOPS everything in its tracks and yet we all suffer from the fear of different things. You may scream at a spider and yet love air travel, be frightened to drive but love wild wide open spaces. Alleviating people’s fears is something I have done my very best to work with over the years. My Mother was scared of creepy crawly things, so when I brought her worms and centipedes and beetles freshly dug up in the garden, she would always comment on how lovely they were, but suggested that they would be happier outside just where they had come from, and where I had found them. She must have been screaming inside, but here was a determination not to scare me. I have no fear of insects as a result. I was, however, scared of fast rides at the amusement park, but loved watching them; it took a trip to DisneyWorld to cure that, and now nothing fazes me. I certainly never had a fear of Spirit. Playing, as I did when a child, with ghost children, and seeing odd things brought me no fears whatsoever, usually quite the opposite in fact. For a start I thought that everyone saw what I saw, so I took it for granted that I was not alone with the odd whispering and manifestations. My Father and I had a spelling game and whilst it did wonders for my grammar I came across words like, “ectoplasm” and, “poltergeist” and “doppelganger” and I loved the sound of them, though they had fearful connotations. My Father probably knew that the way I was going these words would mean more to me than to most. I am always mindful of people fearing Spirit. Fearing the unknown. It is very brave of them to come to me, and often my sitters do not know what the procedure of a Medium actually involves. If they are fearful too then

Kennys diary Albir Readings: The End of the Mayan Calendar has brought the Maya Bistro in Albir a brand new name. In future it will be known as SOMETHING ELSE. Readings are available on March 18thth and 20th from 17.00. Call for bookings for mini readings on: 966 868 213. Spring Seances: Parlour Seances for Spring begin in March. Please email for information. Groups are small and places fill very quickly. No experience is necessary just an open heart to this intriguing aspect of physical Mediumship DNA: A Spring Workshop: A one day workshop that helps you to charge your own unique Spiritual DNA. An intensive workshop, open to all, that intensifies, accelerates and inspires Spiritual progress and indicates the clear way ahead. Dates in March/April, or can travel to your own group or organisation. For details please call Kenny directly on 686 361 594 or leave a message on: 96 587 8424.

If it’s your birthday this week

I have to do my best to comfort them. Often explaining what I do is more scary than just doing the real thing, but I always tell the client the truth, that the sitting is for them and that if they choose to leave through the door they entered in then that’s O.K. This gives them the control that they need. Luckily too, nobody has ever left a sitting in over fifty years, but the option is there. Yes, there are times when Spirit comes through, often standing directly behind my client. Often the sensation of their presence is there and the client feels this, but I usually can see what is going on. If I feel the client can take this I tell them exactly what´s up….. but any doubt at all, and I describe what I am seeing instead, using clairvoyance. I have never feared any contact with Spirit. I have been surprised from time to time, but I remain fearless, after all these years I know how hard it is for those in Spirit to come through, and any initial shocks quickly wear off as I communicate on behalf of my client. My table can shake, the light can go off, strange smells are perceived and there are knocks and taps during most sittings for contact. However the sitter feels the connection with a departed loved one and forgets anything untoward that occurs. The communication process is wonderful, especially if the departed decide to work through me, and chose to speak through me. Fear is a four letter word. The more open and ready the situation the more natural it is to open the doors to a unique two way communication between the living and the dead, and fear, unfortunately, can and does stop everything in its tracks if it rears its ugly head! Momentarily both myself and the sitter can be surprised, but fear melts away when a loved one comes through, and the contact becomes a connection of both the heart and soul in this life and between Worlds.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag

Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com

KENNY, WHY if it not wrong to ask for what I need, do I have a problem with this? Jane (SMS) Jane there are many reasons that you feel this way, and you are very much entitled to your own opinion and your own way of doing things. Many I feel are put off asking because they think that it is begging to ask for something they need but haven’t got. However as I have said very often, saying please and bending knees does not bring the preferred result very often…not so much as asking positively for what you deserve, and then saying a grateful thanks for it. Don’t forget that if you ask for abundance that you can enrich others too with what you receive. So too can you ask on behalf of others. Silence brings very little to the equation. Many feel that if they do not have something that they are not meant to have it, but here action, connection, asking and believing all help the law of attraction to do what it does best and that is to reward where it is due, without problems.

There is so much positive energy around in the Cosmos, and it is time to make a clean sweep of things and set the scene for what must now come into place. There has been stalling and indecisiveness where now there should be forward thinking and the implementation of passions.

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 7. It enables one to proceed along certain lines (7,6) 8. Urge the fellow to become a journalist (8) 9. Artist’s medium to reduce friction (4) 10. Frank has the ability and accomplished (6) 12. Where a ship would be all at sea, so to speak? (6) 14. From the shelves select a receptacle (6) 16. Sort of look a cricketer may give? (6) 18. Almost reject an incitement (4) 20. After strange event Ian becomes inhabitant of Italian city (8) 22. Submit an accusation but would rather not have it free (6,1,6)

Word Ladders

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

DOWN 1. Union that will disfigure one in a fit of violent anger (8) 2. Not open to forfeit between 100 and 500 (6) 3. Where agriculture is carried on in distant Minehead (4) 4. Marvellous enough to knock one out? (8) 5. Even whales must learn it would seem (6) 6. Water from here can’t be bad (4) 11. Lied about actual conveyance (8) 13. Lacking loose coins, things will have to stay as they are (2,6) 15. To fret is a state of conflict (6) 17. Off course, like a shallow vessel (6) 19. Not all an actor can take? (4) 21. It’s delightful by the sea in France (4)

The key rule is that you must only change one letter at a time as you move from one rung to another, and the word you make must be a proper word! Therefore you may move from BATH --> BATS but not from BATH --> CASH because that changes two letters in one go which is not allowed.

Quick Crossword

Across 7. Fail to understand (4,7,2) 8. Chat (8) 9. Unusual (4) 10. Redemption (6) 12. Use (6) 14. Infertile (6) 16. Bawled (6) 18. Unhearing (4) 20. Insecure (8) 22. Strengthening (13)

Down 1. Wide view (8) 2. Works for (6) 3. Indigent (4) 4. Stealing (8) 5. Ope n (6) 6. Morose (4) 11. Bravely (8) 13. Miss (8) 15. Deny (6) 17. Shed (4-2) 19. Cupid (4) 21. Team (4)

Euromillions Draw

Friday 22nd February 2013

15 16 28 36 37

No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros

Tuesday 26th February 2013

3 12 13 17 30

No ticket won the 21,860,645 Euros

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life people

Solitaire Treasure Hunt for AFECancer

San Fulgencio extend their list of activities

The singles friendship group Solataire pose with Theresa from AFECANCER

FOR THOSE of you who miss a good old-fashioned Treasure Hunt, you’ll have a chance to relive those memories of driving down country lanes and tramping around graveyards this Sunday 3 March. The Treasure Hunt is being organised by the Solitaire singles friendship group as a fundraiser for the newly formed AFECANCER, an Association of Relatives and Torrevieja Cancer Patients. AFECANCER was inaugurated last December and formed by Miguel Sanchez Barredo, who is a Psychologist for Cancer suffers and their families. He has his own practise and will be attending the Car Rally to wave the starting flag to set off the first cars, with their clues in hand, on their way. The ‘car rally’ has been organised by Sue and Bill from Solitaire and all we can tell you about the route is that it starts and finishes at Morgan’s Bar in Eagles Nest. Solving the clues will take you on a route into the countryside: that only they know the answers to! The start is at Morgan’s Bar, by Eagles Nest, Villa Martin at 11.00am. Breakfasts specials are on offer before the event and the Bar will also provide a special Sunday Lunch menu, if you order yours before you set out on route. Trevor has arranged special offers on food that day, so be sure to stop by and wish him all the very best, as he has just returned from his Honeymoon last week.

The Treasure Hunt is the first time that the group have raised money for charity and all fingers are crossed that it does not rain on the day. Solitaire is a social group, consisting of about 30 single people and because they are all single and live on their own, they tend to help each other out. They have weekly get-togethers, coffee mornings, lunches, outings, party nights, visits to the Theatre and generally keep themselves very busy. The group was started around 2 and half years ago and is a non profit group, purely for companionship, friendship and helping each other. Mainly Solitaire members socialize and arrange theatre trips and coach trips and holidays. Nights out, lunches, 10 pin bowling with plans to try and arrange a friendly game with another singles group plus they also like their crazy golf. In March a few of them are off to Thailand and you still have time to go, if you want to! These are two people who are the main organisers of the car rally, from whom you can get more details: Bill Hollingsworth - 619 387 688 or Sue Moore - 698 504 565. The cost to enter the event is just 5.00€ and you can get entry tickets from Morgan’s Bar or Debbie Mackleston, who runs The Electrical shop, Blue Lagoon. It promises to be a fun day out for all the family. Not a race against time, just a chance to enjoy the countryside and stretch the grey matter!

IT’S GOING to be a busy time in San Fulencio over the next few months, with a host of different activities on offer. The Office for the Urbanisations is currently organising many activities including golf lessons at Alicante Golf. The first lesson on the 11th of February was a great success and as such the classes will continue on the first Monday of every month at a cost of 10€. The Social Centre is now being used for classes every day including craft classes on a Wednesday between 10:30 and 1.00pm, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, table tennis and many more. From Thursday 21st February, and every subsequent Thursday, GAES Centros Auditivos will be carrying out free hearing tests in the Social Centre between 2.00pm and 5.45pm. Appointments can be made by ringing 96 541 4953. The Social Centre is also used to host events such as the Open Day for AECC on the 12th of March from 4.00pm to 6.00pm with a talk from the Chairman D.Pablo Enríquez Valens. The office is open from 9.30am until 1.30pm and until 3.00pm for emergencies. Being located next door to the San Fulgencio Town Hall, it’s also the place to go, if you need help with documentation, advice or getting onto the Padron.

A kiss for Valentine by Keith Nicol SOMETIMES THERE may seem to be no levels as to how low some people will stoop were cruelty to animals is concerned while on the other hand, there are folk who will do anything possible to make life for distressed animals worth living again. Such was the case on Valentine’s Day, February 14 when a poor dog was brought to ‘Pets in Spain’ after he was found trapped in barbed wire, his fur was completely matted and in a severely malnourished condition. The Charity members and Vet estimated that he had been trapped there for at least five days before he was found. ‘Pets in Spain’ named him ‘Valentine’ as he was found on Valentine’s day. The vet examination showed up the

severity of his injuries to the full. Even the vets were shocked when they first saw his x-rays; his pelvis, hip and his back leg were smashed and displaced. The trauma specialists have been called in and they urgently need to raise the funds to pay for Valentine’s operation and his long term treatment. Thus they have organised a fund raising event called ‘A Kiss for Valentine’ on 5th March, at Tracy’s Bar and Grill, El Limonar, beside the BMW Garage off the Crevillente Road, CV905. It’s an evening of fun, games and entertainment including an Adele tribute, Deal or No Deal. People who cannot make the event but would like to donate can do so through their paypal account: info@petsinspain.info, or go to their website www.petsinspain.com to donate in other ways.

OFFICIAL OPEL AND CITRÖEN DEALERS

FOR MARINA ALTA AND BAIX VINALOPÓ • 1 YEAR MANUFACTURERS GUARANTEE • FINANCE UP TO 10 YEARS • ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF CARS • 100€ CHEQUE FOR YOUR FIRST SERVICE June

FIAT PUNTO - 2006

1.4 ACTIVE 5P - 88,600KM

4,300€ March

September

April

CITROEN C4 - 2012

HDI 160 EXCLUSIVE - 0KM

27,900€ February

CITROEN C4 - 2012

1.6CDTI 110CV - 13,200KM

HDI 90 BUSINESS - 22,313KM

13,000€

CITROEN BERLINGO - 2011

HDI 70 DESIGN - 0KM

1.3i - 102,193KM

HDI 90 SX MULTISPACE - 31,012KM

11,900€ CITROEN C5 - 2012

13,000€

HDI 140cv BUSINESS - 0KM

18,900€

3,300€ March

MODEL ALMERA ASTRA ASTRA ASTRA BERLINGO BERLINGO C2 C2 C4 C4 C4 C4 C4 COMBO CORSA CORSA CORSA DOBLO DOBLO POLO PUNTO SPACE STAR SPACE STAR TERRACAN

DESCRIPTION COLOUR 2,2 D BLACK GTC GRS 17D BLACK 1.6 GREY HDI 90 SX MULTISPACE GREY HDI 90 SX MULTISPACE BEIGE 11i FURIO BLUE 11i SX BLUE HDI 90 BUSINESS GREY VTI 95 BUSINESS BLACK HDI 90 BUSINESS HICKORY 16i COLLECTION GREY HDI 92 COLLECT. GREY VAN FG 1,3 D WHITE C 1.2i GREY 1.3cdti 90cv C´MON WHITE 1,3 CMON ECOFLEX GREY COMBI 1,3D WHITE 13 JTD 75CV COMBI WHITE 14 5V BLUE 14i active 5p ORANGE 19DI-D PLUS 115CV GREEN 1,9 D GREY 2.9 D GREY

MONTH YEAR OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2006 APRIL 2007 JULY 2006 APRIL 2011 JUNE 2011 AUGUST 2007 AUGUST 2004 JANUARY 2012 FEB 2012 JANUARY 2012 JUNE 2007 MARCH 2008 SEPT 2008 MARCH 2005 JANUARY 2010 MARCH 2011 JANUARY 2007 FEB 2007 MARCH 2003 JULY 2006 MAY 2003 JANUARY 2005 APRIL 2005

KMS 115500 49000 94,100 76,800 31736 23,000 49,550 65,000 25524 20898 23855 59,600 94,608 171505 50,000 12500 23,825 131771 132,330 89,600 88600 93,342 118559 115000

REGISTRATION 1122-CMW 7006FHB 9813-FND 4252-FDN 0774-HCR 0188-HDS 0782-FVF 8932-CZL 2663-HHW 4812-HJG 2867-HHW 8149-FRN 4946-GBS 9714-GHR 1643 DHS 9467GSR 9958-HCJ 6122-FKL 6515-FLP 3081-CFW 9728FCJ 9233-CHP 4208-DFV 1610 DJP

11,900€ May

OPEL CORSA - 2005

CITROEN C4 - 2011

C 1.2i - 50,000KM

VTI 120 SEDUCTION - 38,760KM

3,700€

ALL MAKES OF CARS FOR SALE: MAKE NISSAN OPEL OPEL OPEL CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROEN CITROËN OPEL OPEL OPEL OPEL FIAT FIAT VOLKSWAGEN FIAT MITSUBISHI MITSUBISHI HYUNDAI

February

FORD KA - 2005

April

FORD FOCUS - 2011

January

CITROEN DS3 - 2011

PRICE 3,550.00 6,500.00 5,700.00 6,350.00 11,900.00 11,900.00 3,900.00 3,500.00 13,500.00 11,400.00 13,000.00 5,600.00 5,950.00 4,600.00 3,700.00 7,500.00 8,900.00 4,900.00 4,900.00 2,995.00 4,300.00 3,950.00 4,500.00 8,000.00

12,850€

P FREE

PARKING

Buy any car and get 1 year parking at Alicante Airport completely FREE OF CHARGE! Includes 10 FREE pick up/ drop off from the Airport.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life events AMTE sponsored walk ON MARCH 2nd a sponsored walk is being held starting from Mirador de Gebas at around 11 a.m. It will be approximately 10km. Registration costs 5€ and participants who complete the walk will receive lunch and refreshments. The money we raise will help fund our riding therapies for disadvantaged children and adults as well as those vulnerable because of their physical, psychological or emotional problems. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us TODAY and we will send you your sponsorship form. Email:- meta@meta.nom.es Telfs:- 636 17 21 98 or 600 87 16 28

La Visibilidad de lo Invisible, Palacio Molina, Cartagena

A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition by Julián Contreras focusing on Semana Santa FROM 1ST March until 15th June there will be an exhibition of work by Julián Contreras in the sala municipal of the Palacio Molina in Cartagena. Julián Contreras is an expert in social black and white photography and his work accurately captures the essence of his subjects, whilst setting them within a clear social context. The exhibition is called La Visibilidad de lo Invisible ( the visibility of the invisible) and is focused on the Holy week in Cartagena, Semana santa, which is rapidly approaching. This exhibition is the result of six years of his work covering aspects and angles of the Holy week that are unknown, intimate, anecdotal and spiritual. The Palacio Molina in Cartagena was formerly the main residence of the Molina family, and is located in the old centre of Cartagena, looking out onto Calle Jara to the front and Calle Honda to the rear. The building itself is a sober combination of the baroque and neo-classical styles of the 18th and 19th centuries with stone main doorway and wrought iron balcony rails outside the French windows. Inside there was a ballroom, a large library and an important collection of works of art, but all of these have now disappeared. The exhibition is in situ until 15th June Visiting times: from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 20:30 Address: Calle Jara 28, Cartagena

Article by www.murciatoday, What’s on , Local news and Places to visit in the Region of Murcia

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Life cars

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Aren’t computer games a great escape from reality? UP TO the age of 16 I used to enjoy playing them but there’s thankfully no time for that anymore with my demanding wife and daughter. As I sit inside the Seat Mii I find my mind wandering back to that distant past where I was the unbeatable Formula One champion of the world and I don’t mind admitting it, a dab hand at any rally circuit, too. For the Mii name reminds me of the Nintendo Wii video game console. Perhaps the Seat marketing team felt that Wii gamers consist of the cool and hip 18 to 35 category that they want to appeal to. The sort of guys and gals who like to drive a bright red little city car and thereby stand out from the bland and characterless crowd - the type of people who consider the Mii to be a reflection of their gregarious selves. Ironically I have just driven the highly economical Skoda Citigo, which looks pretty much identical and scores highly with me. Aren’t they the same car? Isn’t history going to repeat itself? Will I not simply find myself re-writing the same article? The diminutive Seat might share the same wheelbase as the Skoda Citigo and VW Up! But there is more to it than just being a rebranded VW. Firstly, it incorporates Spanish flair and styling with German engineering, the press office is keen to point out. But where Skoda and VW target a more middle aged motorist, the Seat is the young person’s choice. The five-door model tested has a smoother and decisive five-speed manual gearbox and there’s a sizeable electric sliding glass sunroof, which was missing in the Skoda. Its twotone grey and black interior is far more appealing than the

These really are versatile little numbers and excellent small cars

black in the Skoda but it lacks the heated front seats. The two share the same Navigon touch screen that is not only a sat nav but a useful trip computer that provides an up-to-date mpg and distance to refill reading. A criticism though is that when the temperature plummets to 1.5 Celsius during the test the side windows mist up despite the blowers being on full and pumping out warm air. In the same way that the Skoda Citigo makes a good long distance companion so too does the one-litre Seat Mii. These

really are versatile little numbers and excellent small cars. The Seat Mii is the funkier version and should appeal to a younger market. The five-door model is best for practicality. New price: 9,890.48€ to 13,588.47€ 2012 onwards Economy: upto 80mpg 0-60mph: 13.9secs Top speed: 99mph Power: 59bhp

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar. For more independent unbiased car reviews and videos visit www.testdrives.biz

TORREMENDO

Tel.: 965 368 274 All legal Paperwork completed

VENUS

ESTABLISHED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS FULLY LEGAL S.L COMPANY

Cars S.L.

www.venuscars.com

We Buy, Sell & Part Exchange Quality British & Spanish Cars Transfer Documents Completed Competitive Insurance Quotes. All cars Fully serviced and valeted

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

PEUGEOT 206 2004 1.6 LTR PETROL AUTOMATIC

KIA SPORTAGE 2008 2 LTR PETROL

AUTOMATICS €2,995

7 SEATER

NISSAN TERRANO 1994 4X4 PETROL

€3,495 ONE OWNER HYUNDAI MATRIX 2003 1.6 LTR PETROL

€4,995

CITROEN XSARA PICASSO 2003 2 LTR HDI DIESEL

€59,995

AUDI R8 2007 4.2 FSI QUATTRO

ONE OWNER

HYUNDAI I30 2007 1.6 LTR DIESEL FSH

€37,500

ONE OWNER 28,000KLM

SPANISH PLATE RHD, AUTO

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ESTATE 2001 1.9 LTR TDI DIESEL

€7,995

FULLY LOADED

€11,995

BRITISH

29000 KM ONE OWNER

€9,995

MOTORHOMES

€5,995

CITROEN C5 TOURER 2009 EXCLUSIVE 2 LTR HDI AUTO DIESEL

€7,995

SPANISH PLATE RHD AUTO

JAGUAR S TYPE 2005 2.7 TWIN TURBO DIESEL AUTOMATIC

€3,995 ,

LAIKA ECOVIP H680 2006

SPANISH PLATE RHD AUTO

BMW 530 2001 DIESEL AUTO

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2011 HYUNDAI IX35 DIESEL denim blue met, half leather trim, climate, alloys, twin glass sunroofs, 5 year HYUNDAI warranty.

€19,995

2007 (NEW MODEL) PORSCHE CAYENNE S,auto,black met, with tan hide,very high spec,cost new 70k. €26,995 2011 HYUNDAI IX35 DIESEL denim blue met, half leather trim, climate, alloys, twin glass sunroofs, 5 year HYUNDAI warranty. €19,995 2005 VW GOLF GTI DSG AUTO. 3 dr.tornado red with black leather,climate, alloys .huge spec €9995 2010 FIAT LINEA1.4 DIESEL AUTOMATIC, MULTIJET, slate met, climate, alloys, a/c, c/d, high spec 9995€ 2008 FORD FOCUS 1.6 AUTO. Denim blue met. Grey trim, a/c c/d, remote locking & e/w only 38k €9995 2002 BMW 325 CI CABRIO M SPORT. Black with grey leather sports seats,alloys, huge spec 8995€ 2010 SEAT IBIZA 1.4 5 DR. metallic black with grey trim, alloys, climate, c/d, low kms €8995 2009 TOYOTA YARIS1.2TS, 5 door,silver met,only 40k 8995€

2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof.

Was 8,995€ now

7,995€

2003 BMW X5, 4.4 SE AUTO silver with black hide alloys, climate, remote locking full spec WAS 10,995€ NOW 8,995€ 2008 NEW MODEL FORD FOCUS C.MAX 1.8 TDCI DIESEL. Denin blue metallic,climate,c/ d, cruise , low kms. 8,995€ 2009 FORD FIESTA1.2 TREND, 5door, blue met,charcoal trim,a/c c/d,only35k, 7995€ 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof WAS 8,995€ NOW 7,995€

2007 NEW MODEL SMART AUTOMATIC Ferrari edition met red & silver, with charcoal trim, A/C, alloys, CD, panoramic roof, low kms superb! WAS 7,995€ NOW 6,995€ 2012 RENAULT TWIZY Only 6 months old, fully electric car, pearl white met, gull wing doors 6,995€ 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E220 auto, CABRIO, ruby red met, with cream leather, electric roof, alloys, premium sound system, €6995 2004 MAZDA MX5 CABRIO, magenta mica metallic, with black trim,c/d hifi,alloys,FSH, immaculate! €5995

2010 FIAT LINEA1.4 DIESEL AUTOMATIC MULTIJET

slate met, climate, alloys, a/c, c/d, high spec

9995€ 2007 SUZUKI SWIFT 1.5glx 5dr silver with black trim, a/c, c/d, alloys, s/history, 4995€ 2005 MAZDA 6 TS2 2.0, 5 door hatch, blue met, with black trim, climate, alloys, cruise, BOSE hi-fi WAS 5,995€ NOW 4,995€ 2004 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI DIESEL dynamique, silver met, alloys, climate, C/D etc low kms 4,995€ 1998 BMW Z3 CONVERTIBLE.1.9 AUTOMATIC.silver with black hood, & black leather interior, a/c, alloys, only 45k superb! WAS 5,995€ NOW 3,995€ 2001 RENAULT CLIO,1.2 EXPRESSION NEW MODEL. white with grey trim, remote locking, c/d, tinted glass, low kms, outstanding, €2,495

2004 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI DIESEL DYNAMIQUE

silver met, alloys, climate, C/D etc low kms

4,995€ MOTORCYCLES 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 3 WHEEL SCOOTER

2,495€

CASH FOR YOUR CAR Tel: 965 876 030 Mob: 699 034 138

Over 50 + cars in stock

We buy cars for cash.

Open Mon – Fri 9:30 – 19:00 - Sat 9:30 – 14:00

Tel: 966 730 116 or 672 072 720 - www.costacars.net - Email: costacars@gmail.com

Visit us at La Zenia, Orihuela Costa

COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS

* AUTO * SEAT IBIZA 1.9 SDI STELLA “2005” 4995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.7 CDTi ENJOY “2008” 8995 € * EX DEMO *

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i LS “2009” 6995 €

SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI COMBI “2008” 7995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTi ENJOY “2008 7995 €

SKODA OCTAVIA COMBI 1.9 TDI AUTO “2007” 9995 €

MAZDA “6” 2.0i ACTIVE - NEW SHAPE “2008” 10995 €

SEAT IBIZA 1.4i 16v COOL “2007 5995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTi ENJOY “2008” 7995 €

* AUTO * FORD FOCUS EST 1.6i GHIA “2002” 3995 €

PEUGEOT 308 1.6i 16v CONFORT “2010” 10995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.9CDTi COSMO AUTO “2008” 9995 €

* 20,000kms HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.5 CRDi GLS “2008” 6995 €

CITROEN C5 1.6 HDI PREMIER “2010” 11995€

OPEL ASTRA 1.7CDTi ENJOY “2008 8995 €

OPEL INSIGNIA SPORT TOURER 2.0 CDTi EDITION “2009” 11995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.2i SILVERLINE “2004” 4500 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v TREND + “2010” 9500 €

TOYOTA RAV 4, 2.2 D4D ECO ACTIVE “2009” 15995 €

CITROEN NEW C3 1.4HDi LX “2010” 8500 €

* AUTO *

* AUTO * NISSAN MICRA 1.2i VISIA “2010” 6995 €

RENAULT MEGANE EST 1.9 DTi “2001* 2995 €

PEUGEOT 207 CC CABRIO 1.6i AUTO - LEATHER “2008” 10995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v AUTO TREND+ “2010” 9995 €

* SAT NAV *

* AUTO*

RENAULT LAGUNA EST 2.0 DCi AUTO PRIVILEGE “2008”..11995 €

RENAULT LAGUNA DCi TOM TOM - HI SPEC “2010” 10995 €

CITROEN C3 1.1i FURIO “2009 6300 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3 CDTi “2004” 4500 €

MAZDA 3 1.6i ACTIVE “2008” 8995 €

OPEL ZAFIRA 1.9 CDTi ENJOY 7 SEATS “2005” 7995 €

VOLVO S40 1.8i SUMMUM “2008” 8995€

FORD FOCUS 1.6i TREND “2005” 5995 €

CITROEN C3 1.1i FURIO+ “2010 6995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.0i ENJOY “2008” 5995 €

SUZUKI IGNIS 1.3I SPECIAL EDITION “2003” 3995 €

KIA CARNIVAL 2.9 CRDi AUTO LUXURY “2006” 8995 €

FIAT PUNTO 1.2I AUTO “2002” 3995 €

AUDI TT ROADSTER 1.8T CABRIO 163BHP “2006” 11995 €

OPEL NEW ASTRA 1.7 CDTi ENJOY “2010” 11995 €

TOYOTA YARIS 1.4 D4D LUNA “2006” 4995 €

Spanish REG

* FSH * SUZUKI GRAN VITARA 1.6i RHD “2001” 2500 €

* AUTO * NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 DCi AUTO 4X4 “2009” 16995 €

7 Seats

* OFFER *

ALFA ROMEO 147 1.9JTD DISTINCTIVE “2008’ 8995 €

RENAULT NEW MEGANE SPORT TOURER 1.5DCi “2010” 10995 €

FIAT BRAVO 1.6 JTD ACTIVE “2009” 8995 €

MITSUBISHI MONTERO LWB 2.8 TDi “1999” 4995 €

* 1 OWNER*

SKODA FABIA 1.2i YOUNG “2010” 7995 €

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i SEDAN “2006” 4500 €

1 - 7 march 2013

andrew james... The man in the middle Sponsored by “The Three Lions” (Carrer de Manuel de Falla, Albir) The Best Footy Bar on the Costa Blanca; Showing Every Game, Every Week!

Not just ugly ducklings!

After the professional demolition of Bradford in the League Cup final last Sunday, Swansea deserve massive credit. But the vultures in the general media barely gave them a day’s grace before putting the wolves at their door with stories of “it’s all downhill from here”. General consensus appears to be that The Swans will now take their foot off the gas, become bottom-half cannon fodder for the next three months and, in summer, be torn apart by the departure of their manager and half of their first team squad. Why can’t the press just let them have their moment? Plenty of things have already been written about Swansea’s achievement in going from the depths of the fourth division to this point, so I won’t go over them at too much length here, other than to say it’s remarkable how frequently they have got managerial appointments correct. Picking a boss is a notoriously tricky thing, and the number of dismissals already this season (roughly one every week since August!) displays that rather blatantly. However, from Kenny Jackett, to Roberto Martinez, to Paulo Sousa, to Brendan Rodgers and now Michael Laudrup, Chairman Huw Jenkins seems to have a knack of choosing bosses who will move the club forward. Of course this doesn’t mean that Laudrup has been a mere cog in the machine - he has done impressive work throughout the season, not least in the final against Bradford. Many “big club” managers have come unstuck against lower-league opposition this year, usually because they’ve believed that their higher status will be enough to see them through, but Laudrup didn’t do that. He made and executed tactical plans to combat Bradford, the most notable being, knowing his side would have the vast majority of possession,

Let them have their moment

he picked the ball-playing midfielder Ki at centre-half, over the rough-and-ready likes of Gary Monk or Kyle Bartley, enabling The Swans to turn defence into attack at the drop of a hat. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and given his team won 5-0, his selection was entirely vindicated, but it was a brave call with the club’s first trophy on the line. Swansea’s league form has been excellent as well and a top-ten finish looks highly likely so of course it would be naïve to suggest that there won’t be interest from the socalled bigger clubs at the end of the season. But for now their achievement should be celebrated and the purists amongst us should cross our fingers that the majority of the group stay together for next year and take another step forward. That’s easier said than done I’m sure but the club, at the time of writing, appear confident that Michael Laudrup will sign a new contract and the manager himself seems to have stuck his colours to the mast as well. The Dane spoke of “the first trophy” after Sunday’s game, in a manner that suggests this is just the start of something. Indeed, amid speculation that Chelsea and Real Madrid would come looking for him in the summer, Laudrup said before the game: “I have ambition but I have never had any

Race Report The smell of rubber, the screech of tyres, it can only mean one thing…THE RACE SEASON AT VELOCITY RACING HAS NOW WELL AND TRUELY STARTED. As the sun set, the cars took to the track for a 4 lap practice on this the second meeting of the season. As usual the 9 card race night was alternated between rooky rod and lightning rods. For those of you who are new to stock car racing, the basic difference between the two classes of vehicle is that lightening rods are more experienced and drive cars that have race spec parts. Rooky rods are usually in their first or second season and drive ‘normal’ cars. There are more competitors this season than last year. This brings with it even more opportunity for the fans and spectators to see spills, an crashes. This meeting was no exception. The marshals were certainly getting their monies worth out of the flags. Red, Black, Yellow, green they had to use them all. One race was red

flagged 3 times and then re-started due to cars spinning, bumping and crashing as the drivers pushed to get the early race season points and get to the top of the league table. The new season has well and truly started and the next meeting will be on the 9th March 2013 at the Circuito de Cartagena, and will be a night not to be missed. Why not come along, bring a picnic, and join in the fun. Or better still, get involved. Be a marshal or hire a car for the night and join the race. Message from Martin: drivers are reminded that they need to pay their licence fees before the first race. If you want to get involved then please call him on 674 256 147. Wanted: cars dead or alive, Drivers, marshals, and sponsors. Results supplied by Susie G of Velocity Racing. Please see full racing results on www.roundtownnews.com

special dream to go to a specific team or a top team. Let’s say that years ago I had set myself the ambition to become the manager of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea or Juventus, and that I finally arrived after ten years of trying. Then let’s say I finish second in the League, lose in the semi-finals of the Champions League after penalties and lose 2-1 in the national cup final. The club says: ‘Sorry, no trophies. Thank you very much, goodbye.’ I have done everything for ten years and then after nine months I am out. You can’t live like that.” It’s tough not to love a man who takes that attitude so, although we should probably make a note of those comments for when one of the big clubs actually do come calling, for now let’s take him at his word. This Week in “The Lions”: Sat 2nd Mar: Chelsea v West Brom (4pm) Man United v Norwich (4pm) Madrid v Barca (4pm) Wigan v Liverpool (6.30pm) Sun 3rd Mar: Spurs v Arsenal (5pm) Mon 4th Mar: Aston Villa v Man City (9pm) 5th/6th/7th Mar: All Champions / Europa League Fixtures

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

ANDY KAY Saint-Andre turns sinner The Final Whistle THERE SEEMED to be two very different coaching styles on show at Twickenham last weekend. While England’s Stuart Lancaster, with a high-class bunch of substitutes coming off the bench, saw his side grow stronger as the game against France went in to the final twenty minutes, his opposite number Philippe Saint-Andre watched his team implode. ADMITTEDLY, THE quality of the French replacements couldn’t match those wearing the red rose but Saint-Andre seemed to be coaching by numbers. The second half was only 14 minutes old when the highly influential fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc was swapped for Freddie Michalak. Soon after, Morgan Parra was hauled off to be replaced at scrumhalf by Maxime Machenaud . France never threatened again and one has to ask what on earth was the thinking behind both substitutions? Rather than seeing and reacting to what was happening in front of him, Saint-Andre seemed to be sticking to a preprepared plan that bore little or no resemblance to the story that was unfolding on the pitch. As it happens, I’ve spent the last few days working with a couple of French guys at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Gothenburg. Believe me, they give more thought as to which dressing to use on their salad than did Saint-Andre to serving up a couple of second-raters to face the Ros Bif’s. MUDDLED THINKING NORTH OF THE BORDER Rangers had to be punished for their financial mismanagement and for going in to administration last year, but it looks very much as if Scottish football has shot itself in the foot by demoting the 54 times champions to the third division. Going in to this weekend, and despite a midweek defeat, Celtic are 19 points clear at the top of the Premier League in what is without doubt, one of the biggest one-

International rugby

By Jack Troughton INTERNATIONAL RUGBY comes to the Costa Blanca on Thursday 14th March when top club Villajoyosa hosts a Women’s Sevens Tournament. The contest is part of the build up to this summer’s Sevens World Cup being staged in Moscow on 29th and 30th of June. And taking part at Villajoyosa’s stadium will be national teams from France, Germany, Russia, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain. Teams will be training in the area from Monday 11th March – with the exception of the Russian squad, which is holding extended training in Benidorm from 6th March. Admission for spectators on 14th March is free and food and drinks are available at the ground.

Half Marathon attracts hundreds By Keith Nicol COLD AND windy weather was not enough to put off hundreds of runners, who turned up for Torrevieja’s Half Marathon and shorter 10K races on a sunny, Sunday morning last weekend. Nearly 2,200 runners participated in the Half Marathon “City of Torrevieja”, which was first run thirty years ago. The participating runners came from many places, mainly from the province of Alicante and Murcia although both winners where foreign Nationals. From before the off, the event had a feel good feeling to it. Spectators, in their thousands too, sensed the good mood, humour and camaraderie, among the runners, some of whom completed with his family, friends, pushing prams, with cyclists and even pets! The overall winner of the competition was the North African athlete, Abdelaziz Dahhaoui, Kondy Decathlon Club of Elche, in a time of 1:08:51, a long way off the record, which has been held since 2003 by Oscar Fernandez, in one hour, two minutes and twenty seconds. Second place was Lurii Vykhopen, Torrevieja Athletics Club, who less than two minutes behind the winner, in 1:10:15. Just a short distance behind came Jefferson Monserrate, Runtriton

horse races of all time. Meanwhile, down in fourth tier of the Scottish pyramid, Rangers are 20 points clear of their nearest challengers with a goal difference of +49, which is hardly doing the likes of Queens Park, Montrose or Peterhead any favours. Perhaps a more sensible solution would have been to have kept Rangers in the top tier but to have banned them from European and domestic cup competition for three years. At least that way, interest would have been maintained in the Premier League while some of Scotland’s lesser clubs would have had more chance of securing promotion than they do now. IS THE PRICE RIGHT? Now we will see just how good David Price can be. The British heavyweight prospect, who until last week boasted a record of 15 wins from 15 fights, was knocked out in his home city of Liverpool by 41 year old American Tony Thompson and must now rebuild his credentials before probably facing either Dereck Chisora or Tyson Fury in a British battle-royal. I’d like to think that Saturday’s loss will be the making of Price. He’s bright and articulate and has a decent amateur pedigree behind him, including an Olympic bronze medal. British boxing needs a top level heavyweight. However, it just might have to wait a year or so longer than planned.

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare 968 199 279

DUE TO the inclement weather early in the week, the competition was changed from the Embalse de Pedrera to the Eden canal. The competition was the penultimate round of the Winter Championship. The day was glorious with no wind and temperatures reaching high teen´s. The fishing however, did not reflect the weather with 2 anglers not weighing in, and most of the field struggling to break 2 kilo´s. The bamboo´s at present are in their quiescent state, but it is only a matter of time before they decide to try and take over the world. So for any anglers going there, please take some cutters with you and try to keep the bamboo´s at bay. TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the pole using maggot, bread and corn with 8.22 kilo´s. 2nd Clive ( Golf No More) Cleghorn fishing Club, just 2 minutes and 27 seconds behind Dahhaoui, who was also the first local runner registered in Torrevieja. The first woman across the line was the Swedish Skiol Petra, who managed a time of 1:25:24. Despite the cold a lot of the public took to the streets of the city to witness the race around the centre of Torrevieja. The awards were presented by the Councillor for Sports, Luis Maria Pizana, the Councillor for Police, José Eduardo Gil Rebollo, the referee of the Valencian Federation of Athletics and delegate in Alicante, José Luis Coves and sports facilities manager, José Antonio Carmona.

the pole using maggot with 4.70 kilo´s. 3rd Alan ( The Chairman ) Reid fishing the feeder using maggot with 2.66 kilo´s. PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966 729 293 or 603 535 771. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS SUPPLIED BY TERRY SCREEN The venue for this week’s 7th round of the Abbey Angling cup was fished at Nancy’s or the Sweet water canal on the 19th February. With no recent rainfall the water is still low and coloured, but the sluice at the top end is still putting a fair amount of water into the river. The fish are still reluctant to feed with only the odd peg producing, and maggot and corn still seem to be the top baits at present.

1st Terry (Swing em) Screen with 17.080kg fishing the feeder using maggot 2nd Andy (The Web man) Stevenson with 11.500kg fishing the pole and feeder using corn 3rd Richard (The Lion Heart) King with 6.280kg fishing the feeder using corn These and all other details are available on our website www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368. ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish. It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day. No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

FC Torry news

LAST SUNDAY Torry played away to At Saguntino a team in the top half of the table who were home “draw” specialists. Torry were without a number of key personnel and had to put out a bit of a makeshift side. To their credit they managed to come away with a point after a hard earned 1-1 draw. Torry took the lead after 16 minutes from a Jorge header from a Cuco Ros free-kick. The opposition equalised on the stroke of half-time from a close range header after Tur had tipped a free-kick onto the bar. Torry had to soak up a lot of pressure from Saguntino in the second-half but managed to do so to return home with a hard earned point. Abel picked up an injury which may result in a spell on the side-lines and Dani and Jose Manuel received yellow cards. Torry are at home on Sunday, at the Nelson Mandela, against 6th placed Villarreal C who have a very good away record. It will be a tough encounter for Torry who need a win to stave off the threat of relegation. The game kicks off at 5.00 pm. Try to be there.

1 - 7 MARCH 2013

Gardeners or greenkeepers? NOEL’S WORLD OF GOLF By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Alicante Golf 639 730 891

I AM sure that I am not alone when it comes to wondering if the question in the headline of this article is appropriate when it comes to the people in charge of maintaining our golf courses. The frustration of many golfers is all too obvious when you speak to them about what is happening at some of our golf courses. The question above may even need to be; poor gardeners or poor greenkeepers? Some of you will no doubt think my observations here are being harsh on greenkeepers that have studied long and hard to gain qualifications that enable them to keep our golf courses in pristine condition in often difficult extremes of weather. It is not these people who I am questioning but the people who seem to have no clue how to grow grass in an environment where the growing season is approximately 325 days every year if the correct seed is sown. I am a dedicated supporter of golf here in south east Spain and only want the area to be a success. We have some of the very best golf courses in Europe and I want us all to enjoy them but I get as frustrated as many when I am constantly told by golfers who pay over the top prices to play golf courses that are

poorly maintained. I have long supported golfers in Spain to be able to get value for money and respect from the golf clubs and will continue to do so at every opportunity. I hate having to write anything derogatory about our area but the time comes when we cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and ignore what is going on. Too many of our golf courses are in poor condition or worse compared to other destinations and it is time to stand up and be counted. We should no longer accept sand all over the golf course except in the bunkers; no longer accept greens full of weeds; no longer accept fairways where you can lose a ball just because of a leaking pipe or poor irrigation; no longer accept tees where you cannot have a firm footing because the sand is so deep your feet slip as you swing. There are many more things I could mention but it would bore you all to death so all I will say to you golfers who pay good hard earned money to play golf; complain to management if you feel you are not getting what you pay for. As long as your complaint is valid and polite eventually even the golf course owners here in Spain will have to take notice. They must surely see the same as us; this country is no longer the top

golf destination or area for retirement homes like it used to be for so many expats and they must do something to get that status back by improving what they offer. Don’t hold your breath though!

WIN A DOZEN SRIXON GOLF BALLS COURTESY OF GOLF MED Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com The decision of the editor of Round Town News will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 1ST MARCH 2013: Which famous golfer designed the course at Alicante Golf? All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 28th February to be entered into March’s draw, which will be made on 31st March 2013. The winner will be announced in RTN on April 5th 2013. To collect your prize you will have to come along to an RTN Golf Club day and meet with Noel Eastwell.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com - Free golf lesson for all new RTN Golf members! Sign up now, limited offer

RTN Club Scene LAST TUESDAY our members once again encountered difficult conditions at Alicante Golf for our weekly meeting arranged for RTN Golf Club members and their guests. In wind and drizzle the golf was less enjoyable than we have become used to but the golf course again stood tall as all players once again praised the condition of both fairways and greens even though some felt that the greenkeeper must have woken up in a bad mood when we saw some of the pin positions. We had two players from Sweden join us last week for the first time and it was these two brothers who took top spot and the two’s money. Alex Jacobson got the only two of the day and scooped the whole pot for himself and promptly bought the beer for his playing partners. Younger brother Oliver returned the best score of the day with an impressive 38 points playing off 4 handicap. Oliver beat his brother by four points and also first time player Terry Hinds who also scored 34 points. Undoubtedly the winner on the day was golf as good competition and good humour was the priority for all who played. At just €40 per player including buggy the day represented tremendous value for money for a golf course of such quality. All members of RTN Golf Club are welcome to join us and we will always make sure you play with your chosen partners if you wish to join us and play with a particular person, email your names and handicaps to golf@roundtownnews.com for a tee time and we will make sure you have a great day out with the best golf club in Spain. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 5th March; RTN weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf 12th March; 3rd RTN Golf League 2013 meeting at Alicante Golf 19th March; RTN Weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY Quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members held at Alicante Golf, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

Classified Ads 1 - 7 MARCH 2013

All Major Credit Cards Accepted - 0.31€ per word + IVA

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

PRISTINE POOLS

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 7814 010283 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning to the highest standards • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken • No Callout Charge within the local area

British Trained with over 18 years experience. Extensive references. All work guaranteed

TEL: 966 774 199 / 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

1 - 7 march 2013

SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 (Altea area - Costa Blanca North) TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations. Tel:600-552-030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

ALSTRAYS TRANSPORT SERVICES Monthly cat and dog transports between Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK. DEFA certificate and license. www.alstrays.com. Tel: 676 653 681 PET TRANSPORTER SPAIN/ UK/SPAIN Travel door to door with your pets for free. www. spanishmoves.net UK 01209 843971 or Spain 678 756 644 PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. Van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give Joe a call on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@hotmail.com

STRICTLY SOCIAL CLUB Why not come and join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games. We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings. We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Open to all age-groups. For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159. Looking forward to meeting you. “ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helpline, South 625 912 078, North 648 169 045. www.aa-costablanca.org.

MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665 KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 JR CONSTRUCTION General Builders and Roofers Tel: 634 617 771 www. jrconstructioncostablanca.com

MLM Searching for MLM professionals or MLM experienced people for a new to launch MLM company Calvin 695645799

FREE TO A GOOD HOME Husky Cross Puppies. 10 weeks old. Will split Tel: 722 719 844

BOATING LICENSES NOW LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN. Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Ownboat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 638 056 224. enquiries@serenitysailing. com www.serenitysailing.com

HYMER B544 CAMPERVAN Spanish registered, 1991, 2.8ltr Fiat diesel.Good condition many extras.€11950. open to offers. Tel. 652 656 895 Moraira.

Fiat 500 Cabriolet 850CC 2012, 1,584kms

€14,950

BMW 135l.M Sport, 3l Petrol, 2009, 13,000kms

€31,950

2008 Mercedes CLK 200 k cabriolet auto 71,000 kms €poa Harley Davidson, Softail, Duece, 2003

€10,950

BMW X3, 3L, Diesel, Auto, 2004, 169,000kms

€10,950

VW Beetle, 2.0 Petrol, 2005, 30,000kms

€9,950

Mini Cooper, 1.6 Auto, 2004, 92,000kms

€9,950

Hyundai i30 1.4 Petrol 2009 68,000 kms

€8,950

Renault Scenic, 2.016v Prestige, 2006, 105,000kms

€7,750

Skoda Octavia 2006 1.9 tdi 64000kms

€6,950

Peugeot 1007, 1.4HDI, 2006, 108,000kms

€6,450

Jeep Cherokee, 2.5TD Sport, 144,000kms

€5,950

Renault Scenic, 1.5 Diesel, 2004, 129,000kms

€5,950

Citroen Xsara 2L diesel automatic 2003 96,000 kms €4,950

Hyundai i30

1.4 CWT Petrol 2009, 68,000kms

€8,950

Opel Astra, 1.6 Petrol, 2001, Auto, 79,000kms

€4,250

Jeep Cherokee, 4.0 Diesel, 1999, 152,000kms

€3,950

Mazda Premacy, 1.8 Petrol, 2001, 157,000kms

€3,750

Mitshubishi Carisma, A/C, 2000, 1430.000kms

€2,950

Chrysler Neon, 2.0LE 16v, 2002, 117,000kms

€2,950

Seat Inca, 1.4 Petrol, 2001, 94,000kms

€2,450

Mitshubishi Pajero, 3.0 V6, 1996, 0kms

€2,450

Fiat Brava, 1.9JTD Diesel, 2000, 98,000kms

€2,250

Renault Clio 1.9 Diesel 1999 127,000 kms

€2,250

Citroen Xsara, 1.8 Petrol, Auto 1998, 121,000kms

€1,450

Smart ForFour Passion 1.5 Petrol 2005, 32,000kms

€6,450

Right Hand Drive Vehicles

Lexus RX300

3.0 V6 (Petrol) 2003, 148,000 kms

€9,950

Rolls Royce, Silver spirit, 51,000miles

€13,950

Vauxhall Zafira, 1.9CTDi, Diesel, 2010, 35,405kms

€12,950

BMW X5, 3L Diesel, 2003, 82.000 miles

€10,950

Saab 93, 1.9TDI Estate, 85.000 miles

€7,950

Jaguar Type S, 2.7 SE Diesel, 2007

€7,950

Renault Grand Espace, 2.2 DCI, Diesel, 2007

€6,950

Fiat Doblo Active, 1.4 Petrol, 2009, 37,000 miles

€5,950

Kia Sorrento, 1.9CRDi, Diesel, 2003, 85,000miles

€5,950

Kia Carens, CRDI, Diesel 2006, 45,000 miles

€5,950

Kia Carens, 2L CRDI, Diesel, 2005, 90.000 miles

€5,950

Citroen Xsara, 2L, Diesel, 2004, 69,000 miles

€4,950

Ford Mondeo, 2L Petrol, 2004, 120,000 miles

€2,950

Mazda 323, 1.6 Petrol, 2001, 60,000 miles

€2,450

BMW 316, 1.6 Petrol, Auto, 1994, 138,000kms

€1,750

Citroen Xsara (Auto) 2.0L Diesel 2003, 96,000kms

€4,950

Right Hand Drive Vehicles - Spanish Reg Audi S5 4.2 Quattro Petrol Manual 19,000 Miles

€26,950

Mitsubushi Shogun Sport 3L, V6, Petrol, Auto, 2002 155,999kms

€4,950

Citroen C2 Airplay, 1.1 Petrol, 2007, 48,000kms

€4,950

Vauxhall Astra, 1.4 Petrol, 2002, 119,000 miles

€2,250

VW Golf Cabriolet, 1.8 Petrol, 1995

€1,950

Kia Carens (RHD) 2L CRDi (Diesel) 2005, 144,840kms

€5,950

1 - 7 march 2013

HYMER 544, LHD, ENGLISH PLATES 1xdouble, 2xsingle, low mileage, twin leisure batteries/LPG bottles, solar panels, cabin A/C, alarm, new tyres, new cam belt, awning, new MOT on sale, Taxed Oct 2013. 29,500€ Tel:616727466 MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000 € Fully furnished ready to move into, Camping Pueblo San Javier. Also homes & plots for rent. Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information. LA BAMBA’S - BALLROOM / LATIN / SEQUENCE Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.00pm [Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.00pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class 2pm 3pm Improvers Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea and Brian 616 478 157 FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at 4kwatro in Albir, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILLS By at least 33%. please call 698 320 434 for demonstration MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & Appliance & Boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems. 24hours. Cheap prices Tel 626 805 709

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price. Try us out so we can prove how good we are, book 2 hours and only pay for 1 on your first booking. References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

LAPTOP CLEAN HARD DRIVE Internet ready charger Microsoft Office 2007 DVD drive 100.00 Eur Good condition Torrevieja 693956707 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

STAFF WANTED Mature, reliable, experienced waitresses, cook/chef and bar staff required for new restaurant on the cabo roig strip. Please phone 672076928 MLM Searching for MLM professionals or MLM experienced people for a new to launch MLM company Calvin 695645799 ENTHUSIASTIC AGENTS NEEDED for Avon cosmetics. Meet people and turn spare time into cash. Phone Rosh 966 785 520 OUTBOUND CALL CENTRE OPERATORS part time contracted position. Staff required for new outbound call centre based in Javea with well-established company. This is a salaried position working hours 10:00 - 15:00 Monday to Friday with 4 weeks paid leave + Local and National fiesta days. Previous cold calling experience a distinct advantage. If you have experience of working in a target driven and team environment we would like to hear from you. Immediate starts available.Please call Lee on 602 526 748 for more information and to arrange an interview.

QUALIFIED DENTAL NURSE RECEPTIONIST seeking work, 18 years experience. Bi-lingual English/Spanish. Driving licence and own car. Call Eli on 965 780 171

MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665 NEW LAWN/LAWN PROBLEMS Call the lawn specialist for a solution on 676863778 www.lawnsinspain.com

AT MICHAEL’S Bunk beds in wood or metal. Iron head boards. English Divan bed with remote control. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 30 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

ALEXANDERS ANTIQUE JEWELLERS pay Top London prices, Est. 2003. Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 2pm. Javea Port seafront. Tel: 965 792 595 / 667 270 969

selling property, tax, resident or non resident, starting a business in spain, we can talk you through and give you the best advice and help you settle in spain. (Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 610 634 506

S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold and Silver jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990. Member of the Nat. ASSN of Goldsmiths

QUALIFIED DENTAL NURSE RECEPTIONIST seeking work, 18 years experience. Bi-lingual English/Spanish. Driving licence and own car. Call Eli on 965 780 171

PINE BAR FOR SALE Carved Pine Bar, Nice Condition. Approx. 145x36x105h. Buyer collects. 966463924 €60. Photos on request. BLACK GLASS 3 TIER corner TV table 40€. Contact Jim 637 045 386 LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIR Folding, immaculate.150 euro. Mobility scooter.40km range. Road legal. Hardly used.499 euro.627019403 LAPTOP CLEAN HARD DRIVE Internet ready charger Microsoft Office 2007 DVD drive 100.00 Eur Good condition Torrevieja 693956707 AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Display cabinets, desks, sideboards, book cases,etc. More than 600 photos on: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328

ADVICE WITH THE SPANISH SYSTEM Whatever you need to integrate into the spanish system, we can help you. NIE, residencia, empadronamiento, car import transfer, driving license transfer, schools, doctors, social security.(Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 619 269 408 email: pammcmurchie@hotmail.com ADVISORY SERVICE Need advice on making a will, buying or

CITROEN XSARA PICASSO 2003, 2 LTR HDi, silver, Spanish LHD, ,FSH, throughout. 4995€. www.venuscars.com 965 368 274. HYUNDAI MATRIX 2003, 1.6 Ltr petrol, Spanish LHD, blue, air con, one owner, 3495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274

1 - 7 march 2013 CITROEN C5 TOURER EXCLUSIVE 2009, 2 Ltr HDI auto diesel, Spanish plates RHD, One owner FSH. 11995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 HYUNDAI I30 2007, 1.6 LTR 1.6 ltr diesel, silver, Spanish LHD, 25000 klm, one owner, FSH, round elec 7995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 PEUGEOT 206 2004, 1.6 LTR Petrol AUTOMATIC Gold, Spanish LHD, 29000KM Spanish LHD, one owner, 5995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 KIA SPORTAGE 4X2 2008, 2 LTR Petrol, silver Spanish LHD and CD player. Excellent condition 9995€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 MERCEDES CLK200 KOMPRESOR COUPE 1.8 Auto Tiptronic, 2005, 48,000 kms, 2 owners, FSH, all the extras, Metallic silver. stunning condition. €15,750. We have over 65 more cars to choose from in stock. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com DISCOUNT TYRES Quality Tyres at Recession Prices. 45 Different Brands to choose from. 966875600 info@discounttyres.es HYMER B544 CAMPERVAN Spanish registered, 1991, 2.8ltr Fiat diesel.Good condition many extras.€11950. open to offers. Tel. 652 656 895 Moraira. OPEL ZAFIRA 1.9CDTI, AUTO TIPTRONIC 7 seater, 2008, 1 owner, 82,000kms, alloys, AC, cruise control, rear head restraints, rear luggage cover, stunning condition, metallic black. 12,950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com MJB MOBILE WELDERS Gates, grills, hinges etc., repaired or new. No job too small. Fast service. Low prices. Free Quotes. Call Terry: 966 845 414 / 625 995 470 HYMER 544, LHD, ENGLISH PLATES 1xdouble, 2xsingle, low mileage, twin leisure batteries/LPG bottles, solar panels, cabin A/C, alarm, new tyres, new cam belt, awning, new MOT on sale, Taxed Oct 2013. 29,500€ Tel:616727466

SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

PROBLEMS WITH INSECTS? Cockroaches, rats & mice. Call 626 828 974 All insects

HORNY, FIT MARRIED COUPLE offering four hand erotic massage for men, ladies and specialise in couples. Tel: 696 063 027 ASHLEY- 29 ENGLISH/MIXED RACE- Absolutley stunnning, near Torrevieja Hospital, 665 883 576

LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have over 75 LHD and RHD vehicles in stock for sale or exchange. We have a good selection of vehicles to clear from only 800€ Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER. From €2, other products available. Don’t miss out. Derek 685 207 378 BLUE PILLS, JELLIES AND WEEKENDERS to improve your love life. Pay on Delivery. Local and nationwide service. www.costablues.com or phone Colin 680878735

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com ONE WAY VEHICLE DELIVERY Spain - Uk - Spain Tel 671 797 151 Or 0044 2380 66 8000 onewayvehicledelivery@ hotmail.com

WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there? Call 658 670 777

LOOKING FOR COMPANY? Do you want to explore your sexual fantasies with beautiful Brazilian and Oriental ladies? 24 hours, hotel or home visit Telephone 689526354 PLEASURE HOUSE TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, low rates from 40€. Address: Calle Finlandia. 682-776-068

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 SHOWERMAN fits shower and bath screens of all shapes and sizes. Immediate delivery. Unbeatable prices guaranteed. Best service in Spain 639 292 081 or 965 792 285 see our main advert on page 5 MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & appliance & Bolier repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

1 - 7 march 2013 balconies and mountain views, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, separate fully fitted kitchen, large living room with 2 patio doors onto large terrace with mountain views and open views onto orange groves, large trastero and private parking space. Central village location. 1 min walk to supermarket, bars, restaurants, pharmacy, bus stop. 2 mins to AP7 motorway. Private sale. 170,000€. Tel: 617 893 036 or email: girlinspain@gmail.com

Property for sale MOBILE/PARK HOME 2 bedrooms en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier 22,000€. Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob 626 055 622. www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Sold your house? Moving funds back to the UK? Don’t let your Spanish Bank take up to 1% of your sale price, Talk to MoneyCorp now about how to save up to 4,500€* Moneycorp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www.moneycorp.com/ roundtownnews 3 BED APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA 110m squared, 3 double bedrooms - 2 with patio doors and

FOR RENT Alfaz del Pi. 3 bed apartment with parking & garage. Modern furniture and in town. 500€ per month 966 260 877. La Cala 2 bed, 2 bathroom apartment, close to the beach. Air con, large pool, close to bus stop and shops. 495€ per month. 966260877. Busot. 3 bed villa with own pool, private gardens, off road parking, air con. Long term rental at 650€ per

month. 966 260 877 FOR RENT 4 large rooms with toilets, changing rooms & showers ideal for gym or crèche at 4kwatro in Albir, call 634 147 515 NEW 2 BED unfurnished/ furnished apartment. Algorfa town centre, swimming pool, 250€ per month OR yearly advance €2400 plus €150 bills monthly. 0044-7949-589539 londonangels@hotmail.com PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS Both en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier. Carol Tel 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 6622 Email. Haydn47@hotmail.com www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com LONG LETS - HOLIDAYS Best Price Rentals Paul 966785891 659647616 miramarproperties@ yahoo.co.uk www.miramarholidays.com 2 OR 3 BED / 2 BATH APARTMENTS in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 350pcm. 96 672 3437 or 636615716 FOR RENT/SALE 350€PCM 85.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished. Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia. Tel: 609 177 032

PROPERTY WANTED: We are seeking for long term rental a 3 bedroom townhouse or villa close to the Norwegian school in Alfaz. Ideally with garage and private pool. 966260877. Looking for 4+ bedrooms, modern villa with under build and pool for rental all year. Would consider Altea or Albir. 966260877. Searching for a long term rental in Rincon de Loix, 2 or 3 bed apartment or house and will pay unto 550€ per month. 966260877

EARN EXTRA €€€€’S Rent your villa this Summer! We urgently require good quality villas with private pools for upmarket clients flexible packages and dates available. Fully managed service if required. We are the number one villa agency on the Costa Blanca and number one on Google. For a no obligation chat or more information please call Direct Villa Holidays on 696034522 PENTHOUSE ON THE LAS MARINES, DENIA Looking to buy or rent. Requirements, penthouse on the Las Marines, Denia 2km to 4km (at the start of Las Marines) South facing with sea views,min 2 bedroom. Monthly rental price 850 euro or to buy 100,000 euro. Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 LONG TERM RENTAL ORBA,PEGO,DENIA Rental long term, looking for 2 bedroom apartment, Orba, Pego or Denia. 350 euro per month. Furnished or unfurnished, coming back over within a few weeks. Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 WANTED LONG TERM RENTAL JALON Rental client long term, looking for: Jalon valley, 3 bedrooms, 650 euros. Private pool, south facing with garden. Looking to rent end of February. Furnished or unfurnished. In the campo not urban. Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 CASH BUYER Looking for villa in Denia area. Quick completion possible. Send details and price to houseinnorthcostablanca@gmail. com Register your property for FREE at www.rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property is 8 weeks. Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

DIGBY REMOVALS Weekly removals to and from Spain. 1 box to full household. Storage - UK & Spain. Insurance included. Call today for FREE advice no obligation quote. Tel: 676 582 333 or +44 1268 728 855 email: sales@digbyremovals. co.uk or visit: www.digbys.net

1 - 7 march 2013 B.M.C.REMOVALS UK-LOCALEUROPE FULLY INSURED, professional, reliable service. We also transport: Cars, Caravans, Quad Bikes, Motorbikes, Scooters, Small Boats and Jetskis. Office (0034) 966 19 19 11 Mobile (0034) 620 044 983 bmcremovals@live. com www.bmcremovals.com

SMALL REMOVALS, DELIVERIES & STORAGE SpainUK-Spain. Budget prices. www. spanishmoves.net UK 01209 843971 or Spain 678 756 644 VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/ SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact Joe on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 or civic1235@msn.com

SEWING SERVICES All types of clothing alterations, repairs, soft furnishing and dressmaking. turn your old clothes into new. Revamp your wardrobe. Call Chris 670384636

JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

SKY SUPPLIES FTA, Sky+HD and Humax Freesat 500GB, 1TB, 2TB new/refurbished receivers. Full Sky (Sports/Movies/HD) from 15e/mth. Complete systems installed, 1.1m 225e, 1.4m 299e. Repairs,Realigns, Spare remotes, Advice. 966194013/600899096 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV Freesat High Definition from 299€ on 1m dish. 12 months Sky package 200€ Steve 660 186 505 Ros 965 584 097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

CAMPUS ACADEMY English Language school in Cartagena looking for people keen to teach english to children and adults. Experience & qualifications preferred but not essential. contact Chris Eden info@campusacademy. es or tel 687324379.

I BUY RECORDS LP’S SINGLES AND CD’s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319-220/618-165-877