BRITCHAT MAGAZINE December 2009

EPLT Book Chat Classifieds News & Events Golf & Moto GP Winter Warmers Benidorm Feature Letter to the Editor UK Pension Feature Don Quixote Competition Article on new Dan Brown book

Living outside the UK? UK Pension Fund Concerns!

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Editor’s Chat

Dear Readers, As not only another year, but another decade draws to a close, still with few signs of recovery from the recession, we’ll try to escape, if only for a short time, into the comforting spirit of the Christmas and New Year festivities with our friends and loved ones.

Contents December

2009

Editor’s Chat Benidorm Christmas & New Year in Valencia Eating Out Chat Letter to the Editor Kitchen Chat Health & Fitness Events UK Pensions Chat News Book Chat Interview with Vet Pet Chat Brit Fun Golf Moto GP Classified Adverts More Brit Fun

3 4 7 8 10 11 12 15 16 19 21 23 24 26 27 29 30 31

New this month in Britchat, are three special features.

Firstly, an exciting opportunity to “defrost” your UK private pensions and access those much needed extra funds.

Secondly, a brilliant, new alternative medical practice specialising in, among other things, “exorcising” all those old demons from your past, and thirdly, an intriguing article relating to the latest Dan Brown novel, his sequel to the phenomenal “Da Vinci Code.” Will this one take the world by storm as much?

Benidorm, where many of you may be celebrating Christmas day, is featured in Out & About Chat, along with details of the seasonal event spectaculars of Valencia’s capital.

Eating Out Chat has a fabulous Indian restaurant to try out in Valencia’s capital and there’s some recipes for age old, seasonal winter warmers in Kitchen Chat (do be conscientious when driving! – see News on page 19). Also, the latest on WIFI company AWA is on page 5.

It is at this time of year in particular, the season of good will, that our thoughts and hearts go out to those less fortunate than us, not least our dear little animal friends, and we’ve featured some of those in greatest need of homes and care in Pet Chat.

“So, here it is …. Merry Christmas everybody!” where ever you’ll be .. Have Fun!, and we wish you a very Prosperous New Year and a bright start to a new decade, with the certain prospect that “things can only get better”!

Your faithful Editor,

Chris Proctor

The Editor r Chris Procto 909 Tel: 687 486 e.com britchat@m s 138 Apt. Correo errat 46192 Monts :

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Winners of “Find Don Quixote,” see page 25.

Please keep your entries coming in!

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Out & About Chat

Benidorm We’ve all heard the stories, we’ve maybe even seen the TV series, but just how many of us have actually been to Benidorm? A drink fuelled, dirty resort on Spain’s Costa Blanca, full of yobs and lager louts, fights, anti-social behaviour, tacky shops and a grotty beach. Or so they say.

But maybe all these are pre-conceptions, maybe there is a bit more to Benidorm than meets the eye?

Benidorm is situated around about a half hour north of Alicante, and around 1½ hours from Valencia, making it pretty easy to get to from either airports. It’s also just off the A7 motorway. The tolls on the A7 can be a tad expensive though, so if you want to save a few bob, you can also get to Benidorm easily on the old N-332l.

With a population of 65,000 residents, Benidorm is the 5th biggest city in the Alicante province, but come the summer, that figure must go up ten-fold as the holiday makers get their buckets and spades ready for a day out on the beach, before cocktails on the promenade. The city is basically divided into 2 beach areas, Poniente and Levante, where you will find the more modern parts of the town linked by Benidorm old town, nestled in the middle.

A lively area, the old part of town really is very nice, with lots of small alley type streets keeping the sun out, with plenty of cafes and eateries, as well as bars to rest those weary feet. The shops are plentiful and varied too, with many small arty type shops offering a range of handcrafted goods, as well as bigger shops selling everything from shoes and handbags to booze and, ahem, more booze!!

The idea if Benidorm really falls down to one character – Pedro Zaragoza Orts, young mayor of fledgling Benidorm circa 1954. His urban plan of Benidorm still stands true to this day. Yes, you may say that the skyscrapers look unnatural and out of place, I may well agree with you there, but down on the street, Orts ensured that an urban plan which included a huge amount of green land in all city building plans means that to this day, you will find parks and gardens everywhere in Benidorm. It’s no surprise that Benidorm has claimed several nicknames, including ‘Beniyork’ (groan) and ‘Manhattan of Spain’ (groan even more).

I’ve been to Benidorm on many occasions, and can quite happily report it to be a friendly, clean resort, full of places to go and things to see and do. I must admit to not having visited Benidorm in the height of summer, but have been there in various months over the years, and boy can you get some fantastic deals on hotels throughout the year - €30-40 per room per night (or less) including brekkie? Sounds ok to me, we even stayed last year for a friend’s birthday for €40 half board per room. There are bars and clubs open throughout the day offering sports

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.... on TV, live music and cabaret shows right into the small hours, most of which are free entrance, and you may be surprised to find that the drinks inside aren’t as much as you’d think. There’s even the euro bars if you’re short of a bit of cash – yep, pints for a euro. Get yourself well prepared for a late night out by having a good walk around during the day, and scoping out which cabaret bands are playing where, and when that night – you’ll get everything to choose from: Elvis, Queen, Showaddywaddy, Shania Twain, Take That, Meatloaf etc etc Just check your timetable and get yourself over to enjoy some great cover bands.

If a posher night out seems to be your Benidorm thing, check out the Benidorm Palace – shows on every night, you can go for the whole hog meal and show, or just settle for the show on its own. Shows in the Palace continually change, so check out their website to get more details.

For the food lovers out there, I think there’s near enough a restaurant to suit every taste. Of particular remembrance for myself, are at least 2 great Mexican restaurants, one of the best steaks I’ve ever had (in La Cala bay), your traditional fish & chips, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, and don’t forget all the greasy spoons and pubs that’ll do you an all day breakfast! You will also find many really nice and funky café/bars along the beach front specializing in fantastic menus.

Oh, and don’t fear, there are late night kebab huts everywhere too! It’s such a big town that you will certainly find something to suit, and if you’re going to go down for a weekend, you will be hard pushed to fit everything in.

For those of you interested in Theme Parks, Water Parks, Zoo’s etc, there’s a good range to choose from, all on Benidorm’s doorstep. Terra Mitica Theme Park, open from April to mid-December is a fantastic park, I really think it matches Universal in Salou.

They have new rides opening every year. What I particularly like about Terra Mitica is that whenever we have been there, the queues for rides are never that long (for example, we went to alton towers once and had to wait over 45mins per ride – sorry, that’s just not on) so you get a good chance to have a few goes on your faves, and they really are varied. The park is set up really well, and prices aren’t bad – you can even buy a season pass if you live nearby!

Terra Natura (a bio-park style nature park) open all year round, is great fun too. We took friends with their 2 kids here a couple of years back, and they loved it. Really well set out into different world zones, with lots of info on all the creatures, we loved it too, especially the poisonous creatures area!! The area also....

Out & About Chat

NEWS More on WIFI Company AWA During this last few weeks there have been more outages than normal: -

.... has a water park called Aqua Natura, which Is meant to be really good, haven’t been yet, but maybe soon!!

Some others in Benidorm include Mundomar (animal park) which is open all year round, Aqualandia (the original water park), which is seasonal, Desafio Medieval - a medieval themed park with jousting contests and so on, and loads more to boot.

Benidorm has something for everyone. On my first visit, and on subsequent visits, I’ve always noticed how clean it is. The beaches are spotless, the promenade is clean and tidy – full of people from all walks of life, enjoying a stroll along the sea front, the bars are busy but friendly, the restaurants good value and clean – and in abundance, I don’t know, it’s just a fun place to go. It may have a bit of a ‘kitsch’ thang going on, but I’ll certainly be back.

Benidorm Official Website www.benidorm.org Benidorm Sites www.benidorm-spotlight.com www.thebenidormmap.com/benidorm.php Benidorm Palace: www.benidormpalace.es Terra Mitica: www.terramiticapark.com Terra Natura: www.terranatura.es Aqualandia: www.aqualandia.net Mundomar: www.mundomar.es This article was contributed to BRICHAT & Guide2Valencia by Lang Hunter.

See the advert for “LB WEB Solutions”.

• Pinar del Rey area had no internet service for 7 days, from Thursday to Thursday • Picassent 4 days without service • Urb. Caña Par - 4 days without service • Ourselves on Partida de Casa Blanca mast - 4 days without service • Urb. Altury - The last weekend in December and most weekends, plus many days afterwards apparently. Of everyone that has contacted BRITCHAT, Altury seem to have had the worse experiences, as we are advised that they are continual.

• Torrent - Cut off mid-November, as the mast was on the roof of a hotel which has now closed. AWA are re-siting the mast and the clients have been promised that they will be back in service Wednesday 9th December. So, the outage here will be about 3 weeks.

What is strange to the people contacting us, is that the “off periods” were all at different times, but all for the same reason: Iberdrola. How can Iberdrola affect so many different areas and masts, they ask.

So, we contacted AWA and their director of Marketing. Sr. Ignacio Ochoa García advised that there was a handover from the town halls to AWA and Iberdrola failed to change the factura details and just cut each mast off at different times. The delays in resuming service has been due to AWA having a problem with Iberdrola. This was finally settled and normal service resumed.

Sr. García also reiterated the plans for 2010 to add another 50,000 clients in 265 municipalities in the Valencia area, in partnership with SERMICRO. The other thing that concerns AWA’s clients is that there is little communication. Obviously difficult when they are all cut-off. The clients are also more concerned with their own problems being permanently fixed than hearing about the 2010 expansion plans.

Sr. Joan Garcia Perales is the Councillor on Montserrat Town Council who is responsible for Technology Matters in this area. It was whilst he was away on holiday in summer that the Mayoress re-signed the contract with AWA, whilst he was only part way through an evaluation of their service.

Sr. Perales has advised BRITCHAT that the City Council is examining the reasons why the service has been suspended and will act accordingly in response to the conditions of the contract. They are also in touch with Sr. García from AWA directly.

Everyone has been promised a refund for their days of failed service and I see that to AWA’s credit, this appeared straight away on our latest factura.

Everyone now hopes for an uninterrupted service.

Report by: John R. Knight.

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New Year

Christmas & In Valencia

Seasonal Chat

tor

By Chris Proc

What’s it about CHRISTMAS Valencia is very pretty at Christmas time: lots of gorgeous illuminations and lots of energy in the streets. The main area to see the Christmas setting is of course the city centre, especially the landmarks such as Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de Ayuntamento. Plaza de la Reina will host the Christmas crafts market - great for souvenirs and local delicacies. Plaza de Ayuntamento will host the main Nativity Scene and these compositions will be throughout the city over Christmas.

Other activities range from high-profile circuses to the 2-day festival in the City of Arts and Sciences. There really is plenty to do in Valencia during the Christmas period.

NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year is, as usual, party time and Valencia will go crazy. Many venues will host New Year events and the crowds will gather on the Plaza de Auyntamento for the year's biggest fireworks (and in Valencia this means VERY BIG fireworks) at midnight. They may also instead do a spectacular public function with light show and fireworks at the City of Arts and Sciences - check with the tourist office. One particular tradition is to eat 12 grapes (Las Uvas) for each chime of the clock, to bring good luck for new year. You can buy these just about anywhere.

To do: Go out, mix with the crowds, watch the fireworks at midnight, have Las Uvas for good luck in the new year, party till dawn.

LOS REYES MAGOS January 5th (The Three Kings or Magi) The Day of The Three Kings is the grandest Christmas Spectacle in Valencia. At 5pm the Kings enter in a grand procession and proceed to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the main ceremony. Then the City Hall opens for the people to enter and receive presents from the Kings. The next morning, children finally wake up to find the presents they asked for when the Viziers of the Kings came round in midDecember.

The Three Kings is a Christmas celebration. On Christmas Day itself not much happens in Spain - a family meal with friends and a few small gifts of money.

All presents for children are brought by the Three Kings on January 5th. In Spain, Santa has to share the spot light with them and they don’t sneak up and down chimneys, They gracefully enter the city and create a revolution.

What happens At about 5 o'clock the Kings' ships dock at the port. To the screams of the crowd, the King's rapid assault force moves through the city on foot, under a police escort, throwing sweets and toys to children. At the same time, the army of children take control of the city around a spectacular carnival in the centre - endless circuses, guards and floats parade through the streets. You will be heavily bombarded by sweets and toys flying off these floats, and you’ll never seen so many children screaming with joy.

About 2-3 hours later, the city surrenders completely and the Kings enter Plaza del Ayntamento in full convoy - guards, dancers, torches and ‘ chests of presents solemnly carried by the King's servants, all in a brilliantly colourful riot of costumes and props. The throngs of children go wild.

Finally, the Kings appear on the City Hall's balcony and address the thousands of children below.

- You shall be good kids!

The crowd goes wild.

- You shall tidy your rooms!

The crowd is in frenzy.

You shall eat vegetables!

The Revolution has happened.

The Kings then give out free presents inside the City Hall. But you’ll have to join a long queue.

As for the adults... well, the Spanish need little excuse to party, and this is a BIG excuse. Plus the next day is a day off. Take your pick in the city at night, there will be "Los Reyes" special nights in all night life venues and they’ll all end long after the sun is up.

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Eating Out Chat & News

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Eating Out

Eating Out Chat

GOING FOR AN INDIAN AT THE TAJ MAHAL

Vamos a Cenar Hindú en el Taj Mahal

Getting there - if you live in the city limits no problem, you’ll be familiar with the areas, but if you’re coming from outside the city, it’s also quite straight forward, as it is only minutes away by car from the center of Arts and Sciences (new opera house). C/ Dr, Manuel Candela, 20 is a long, wide road, but the restaurant is located at the Opera house end of the road.

Our verdict – definitely worth a taster (we’re looking forward to the next)!

Tel: 96 330 6264 or 96 322 7317 for reservations - Reservas en Tel: 96 330 6264 ó 96 322 7317 For those of us who miss Indian food, this restaurant was a delightful surprise. Recommended to us by Christina from Britchat, we reserved a table one Friday evening, and just as well we did, as later on, one of our party said “crisis! what crisis?” It became extremely busy, many of the customers appearing to be regulars and created a very enjoyable ambience.

The restaurant itself is tastefully decorated and furnished and in spite of its extensive space, which is not immediately apparent on entering, it has really quite a cosy feel to it. The staff speak English, as well as Spanish. They were very friendly and their service was excellent, no waiting for drinks - or the food. Which brings us to the most important part!

All the great favorites; Chicken Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, Lamb Madras, Vindaloos, etc.etc. the menu is vast, and most important, not as expensive as you’d expect, but be warned, if you have anyone in your party who gets excited about good food, they could easily get carried away by ordering lots of extras, which will push up your bill. However, if you don’t mind this, then enjoy all, we certainly did, and we weren’t disappointed in anything.

Food sampled by Brian & Geraldine Robinson, with Editor Chris Proctor Article written by Brian Robinson Arranged & Translated by Cristina Garay Para aquellos de nosotros que echamos de menos la comida Hindú, este restaurante supone una grata sorpresa. Nos los había recomendado Cristina de BRITCHAT, así que reservamos una mesa para el viernes por la noche y menos mal que lo hicimos, porque como uno de los de nuestro grupo dijo: crisis, ¿qué crisis?

Para llegar allí, no hay problema si vives en Valencia, pues la zona te resultará conocida, pero si vienes de fuera de Valencia, es bastante fácil de localizar, porque está a sólo unos minutos en coche de la Ciudad de las Ciencias (Nuevo Palau de las Artes Escénicas). C/Avenida Manuel Candela 20. La Avenida Manuel Candela es una calle muy larga, pero el restaurante está situado cerca del extremo de la avenida cerca del Palau de las Artes Escénicas.

Así que espero veros pronto aquí. ¡Disfrutad!

Menu Del Dia lunch is also available Monday to Friday for only €9.95. This includes two courses and there is a choice for each course with a drink and coffee included.

Next door to the restaurant, they also own an Indian Deli supermarket, an added bonus if looking for items that are difficult to locate closer to home.

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Recipe Chat

Wonderful Winter Warmers MULLED WINE “Mulled” simply means heated and spiced. Mulled wine is a traditional favorite in cooler climes, with a history dating back to medieval times. Recipes evolved using honey, cinnamon, cardamon, nutmeg, cloves and galingale and cooked in a good, full bodied red wine, it goes very well with the various end of year celebrations.

Today, mulled wine recipes are as varied as Sangria. There are different styles the world over - some favour using white wine, others red. Some add only a few spices, while others pour in oranges, cloves, twelve spices and other fruit for colour!

Essentially, your mulled wine is limited only by your imagination! Here’s one example just to get you started.....

CLOVE AND NUTMEG MULLED WINE 3 bottles of wine (a good Rioja) 1 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp powdered clove 2 Tbsp whole cloves 1 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp brown sugar Combine the ingredients in a large saucepan over a very low heat. Warm carefully, stirring frequently.

Serve warm.

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EGGNOG In Europe in the 1700s, a winter drink was developed that combined a warm milk and egg mixture with Sherry or Brandy, to keep the chill at bay. This was served in a Noggin - a

small, wooden mug. Thus the drink acquired the nickname ‘eggnog’.

During the 1800s it became hugely popular in England, especially at Christmas time and became a classic punch served in large volumes, both warm and cold, to anyone who came calling during the winter season.

EGGNOG WITH BAILEYS Fancy some Eggnog with an Irish heritage? Eggnog was also enjoyed in Ireland in the 1800s, and when Baileys came out, this one became a classic hit!

12 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 2 cups Bailey’s Irish Creme 6 cups heavy cream freshly grated nutmeg

In a large bowl, beat eggs until very thick and creamy. Gradually beat in sugar. Blend in milk and Baileys.

Whip cream in another bowl until it holds soft peaks. Stir whipped cream into egg mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

When serving, stir again, ladle into punch cups and dress with a dusting of nutmeg.

Letter to the Editor & Health & Fitness Chat Advert

Letter to the Editor Hi Chris,

First let me thank you for the Britchat. Having moved to Pedralba nearly 3 years ago, I have found your magazine a brilliant source of information and a good read.

But I am slightly disappointed about the piece on the Valencia quota scheme that appears to be based on information from the British Consulates office. They and the Valencian health authority have in my opinion handled this new scheme terribly. I speak from personal experience of applying.

If I could draw your attention to the following action group based in South Costa Blanca, who are also helping us in the North with regards to this unfair scheme.

They are called Puma 22. To find out what is actually happening to us early retirees and this new scheme please could you spare a moment and have a look at there web site www.puma22.org If it wasn’t for them and their web site, I would still be waiting for my application form from Valencia .

Best regards, Peter Butterworth

IF YOU SEE A FAT MAN Who’s jolly and cute, Wearing a beard and red flannel suit, And if he is chuckling and laughing away, While flying around in a miniature sleigh, With eight tiny reindeer to pull him along, Then let’s face it...

Your Drunk!

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!

Editors Note We agree and we did a news feature in Guide2Valencia about this group. See this link: http://www. guide2valencia.com/news/339/Puma-22-ActionGroup-for-Expat-Medical-Reforms-in-Valencia Unfortunately this was 13th November, after BRITCHAT had gone to the printers.

Puma22 seems a really useful group and we thank you for writing in.

CALL NOW! 96 131 0522 WE SPEAK ENGLISH!

COMPUTERISED SPINAL CHECK IN THE CENTRO QUIROPRÁCTICO DE ROCAFORT

FREE spinal check Plaza San Sebastian, 8 Bajo 46111 ROCAFORT available

Have you ever experienced?

- Stress - Tiredness, lack of energy - Pinched nerves - Migraines, headaches - Stiffness in the neck - Whiplash, neck trauma - Vertigos, dizziness - Tension, shoulder pains - Thoracic or lumbar pain - Chest pain, Asthma - Bad posture - Stomach acidity - Sciatica, pain down the leg - Joint pain, knee pain - Pins and needles, numbness arms or hands - Pins and needles or numbness down the leg If you have experienced one or more of these symptoms, chiropractic could be the solution.

Call now for a free check, it could be the start of a new life!

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HEALTH & FITNESS CHAT

EPLT - EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL LIBERATION TECHNIQUE If a person genuinely desires positive change and uses the Emotional Physical Liberation Technique, then that person may well see dramatic benefits occurring emotionally and physically in their life.

Maybe this sounds like a very bold statement to make, but the use of this technique has helped thousands of people. It has a very high percentage success rate of around 80% and works in a quick, painless, and gentle manner.

Treatment covers the broad spectrum of health problems for the mind and body, ranging from all kinds of physical ailments to severe emotional issues. Possibly, of most interest to the majority of people would be the benefit received in the vast range of bodily pain issues such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Menstrual Pain…

Issues due to many years of emotional negativity affecting the mind would be those which manifest in addictions, fobias, low self-esteem, anger, jealousy, bitterness, hate, nervousness, anxiety, stress…

In trying to understand the use of EPLT, it is helpful to view one’s own emotional life in the following way:

Over time due to various reasons, one has accumulated a vast range of emotional negativity to a vast array of ideas, thoughts, feelings, situations…

This negativity is likened to looking at a Forest that has had all its trees poisoned, and that these poisoned trees are Emotional negativity.

Certain areas could be originally linked to one poisoned tree from a specific past event that happened when one was three years of age for example, or maybe the origin is vague. Anyway, what happens is that tree affects the next tree, and the next….

Do you get the picture?

Certain emotional issues in our lives have been created over time, with a certain negative viewpoint towards the theme. This can illustrated in the case of a physical injury. To begin with the injury was physical, but then the attitude towards it became emotionally negative, perhaps due to a general swaying to negativity in the person, and/or the chronic nature of the injury. Therefore, the physical problem has become negative emotionally, and the cure needs to involve a change in that negative emotional idea in for example, getting better from the injury. If the person believes they can get better, the treatment itself is made vastly easier. This is the reason why some sports people get over the same injury quicker than others. It all has to do with emotional negativity, or the lack of it.

Well, by using EPLT the poisoned trees of emotional negativity are felled down strategically one by one. This may seem to be a long process, but actually what one finds is that when the “Root Issue” or “Root Tree” is culled, this often leads to a whole area of negativity being neutralised. The issue does not get erased as that would be not be favourable, but rather the emotional sensitivity has been taken away, and the problem is seen realistically. After all, why should a past negative experience still affect us? It is because we are still trapped in that past emotions´ intensity, and we have no way of getting round or out of that. So, what EPLT does is helps the person see in a more “sane” manner, and the problem fades away.

This conventional psychology has been around for a while now, but many agree that it seems to be lacking something as positive results are very long in coming if they come at all.

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HEALTH & FITNESS CHAT What appears to be missing is knowledge of the body´s natural energy system, and how internal emotional blockages affect us severely.

The Chinese have known about this for more than 3000 years. Many of us have heard about Tai-Chi, QiQong, and Acupuncture. There has to be a reason why this ancient Eastern medicine has survived so long, and has even triumphed in the West despite our more material view of the body.

The reason is that Chinese medicine works well, and often in cases when Western Medicine does not. For example, in England Acupuncture is used to treat pain in many NHS hospitals as it is more cost-effective than Western Medicine.

By Nial Sawa - BA Please contact the EPLT Centre for more information: See advert for details. nial.sawa@gmail.com or ..... mobile: 633 231 220 Telephone: 96 392 1845

Recent developments in emotional based therapies have lead to an understanding of the inter-linking nature of the body and the emotions. This has come about in the West through Psychology, Neurology, and basic Scientific endeavour. It can be estimated that 85% of all illness have an emotional link. Therefore, an emotional therapy is vital in most cases if the patient is truly to recover!

This is were EPLT comes into play as a truly “up-todate” and relevant therapy, as it applies recent discoveries in Psychology with ancient Chinese Medicine knowledge of the meridian system in our bodies.

The author uses a combination of EPLT and Acupuncture or Acupressure, and Tai-chi or Qi-Qong depending on the patients preference, and the individual need.

Nial Sawa has had eight years of experience in Alternative therapy being a qualified therapist in Acupuncture, and also is a qualified teacher of the Yong quan school of Tai-Chi. As a special offer to Britchat readers, and because of his strong belief in the EPLT system with previous knowledge of how good the results are using it, Britchat readers will have a 100% money back guarantee, that if they do not make any improvement after receiving EPLT, they will get a full refund.

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EVENTS

You get a FREE EVENTS listing with BRITCHAT, space permitting, but in Guide2Valencia we will give you unlimited text and a photo. For more information email: enquiry@Guide2Valencia.com.

OLOCAU RASTRO

Refreshments & Food Available. Next date: December 20th. Social Club, Urb. La Lloma. 10am till 2pm. Set up from 9am for sellers. Price: Tables €5.

Raffle €1. Bookings & More Info: Carolyn 962555819 or 664809608.

Proceeds usually given to a worthwhile charity.

There are stalls selling handmade cards, thai gifts ,christmas gifts and a cafe with full breakfasts and ... a selection of chrismas cakes and mince pies etc to ordering for christmas.

Directions: Follow signs to OLOCAU from LLIRIA, Turn right towards BETERA at the main CV333 Roundabout, (CV333 Near Valencia).

URB. LA LLOMA is on the next roundabout, RASTRO will be signposted from there.

Ladies Who Do Coffee In

England Ladies do lunch, here we do coffee.

A group of ladies are meeting for coffee and chat, helpful discussions on trade’s people and shopping. Not only do we meet new people, but also it is a chance to escape from the inevitable dusting and cleaning.

At first we will be meeting every Wednesday at 11.00 a.m. in the Bar Torroners in Turis. Please accept this invitation; we look forward to seeing you. Any queries phone Berice on 96 299 8306

We are a talented group and it may be possible to start some of the recreational hobbies we had in England.

New Activity called WAY TAN YONG

No matter what your age or physical condition, this new activity will improve your health, energy and well-being.

It’s called WAY TAN YONG and in essence it is working with energy through gentle easy movements. This new group intends to start in the Chiva/Godelleta area this Autumn, so if you are interested please contact Mila on 627-884-298.

Montroy Car Boot Sale My husband and I along with the people of the town hall in Montroy organize a car boot sale every month.

Next date: December 13.

It is always held at Calle La Pau from 10 - 2 Contact person: Cindy 960 802 513 or 695 100 540

Sunday Pub Quiz with Neil and Craig

Questions in English - with a local flavour Brainboxes or boobies of all nationalities welcome. 7 pm Sundays - At Sally O’Brien Pub. Avenida Aragon, Valencia (beside the petrol station)

Artisan Fair - Montserrat

Casa de la Cultura. 18th to 23rd December Pl. de la Constitució.

Linguistic Exchange

Would you like to improve your Spanish by practicing with a local person in an informal setting? Would you like to help them to improve their English? If your answer is yes, welcome to Central Point Language Exchange. We meet every Wednesday 19 to 20.30 hs in Torrent (Bar La Red Rose – CC. Las Americas). Cost 10€ a month or 3€ a session - Interested? Please contact Marcela Mattenet at mm@centralpoint.es.

IWC- International Womens Club

Valencia Monthly Coffee meetings every 1st Thursday of the month, from 10 till 12 hs. Anybody Welcome!!!

- Come and join us at the Top restaurant – 4th Floor - HIPERCOR - C.Comercial Ademuz, Av. Pio XII, 51 ,Valencia, End off Ademuz - Lliria motorway. Near Nuevo Centro and La Fe Hospital -Near Tube station Campanar FREE Underground car park.

If you are interested in joining please, log on our site www.iwc-valencia.ning.com or mail mm@iwc-valencia.com.

16 to 17 JANUARY: San Antonio Festival - TURIS

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January, is celebrated the feast of St. Anthony, the patron saint of animals.

The first day at 20.00 hrs, and after a walk with the priest, their is a big firework display in middle of the square and sweets and sweet wine are distibuted to those present.

On Sunday, we celebrate the Eucharist at 11.00 and later, at 1200, begins the blessing of the animals in the square. Anyone can take their pet and pass through the square for the priest to bless it and pick up a San Antonio roll.

For some years now, a huge paella has been cooked for anyone who wants it, buying a ticket in advance at the town hall.

JANUARY 16 - Presentation of the Fallera Mayor and the Fallera Mayor Infantil of the “Falla Avinguda de les Corts Valencianes.”

At 2300 hrs night at the Teatro Ideal.

Car Boot & Market

Advance warning: Sunday, 24th January 10.30-13.30 horas MAS PAVIA RESTAURANTE MASIA PAVIA URBA, Nr Montserrat Inside space available so if weather is not so hot, then this event will go ahead. Limited inside space. Call to book your stand. Amanda 625 819 734 or amandainvalencia@yahoo.com Stands are Free - Tables are not supplied Future car boots 3rd Sunday of the month BRITCHAT . 15

UK PENSION CHAT

Living Outside The UK? UK Pension Fund Concerns!

In the October edition we featured a news story headed “UK Pension Fund Concerns” and we promised to follow up on this when we‘d found out more. This is what we said: -

UK Pension Funds concerns Many members of UK Pension Schemes are suffering from frozen pension benefits. Many of these Scheme’s Pension Funds are not performing much above inflation, let alone making money, and occrding to a recent Daily Mail front page article, many look like they are doomed completely.

But enough doom and gloom, there is a new scheme known as QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme). This sounds too good to be true, so .....

QROPS will allow you much greater investment freedom with access to global funds with potential of higher returns, if your 50+ (hurry as this changes to 55 in April 2010) take your 25% tax free lump sum now with no need to buy an Annuity.

QROPS has allowed individuals and companies to unfreeze previously frozen money. In the process, the money moves from its current taxed environment into an offshore tax-free environment under your own control.

In other words, you can now gain access to your “lost” UK Pension.

What is QROPS?

BRITCHAT are finding out more for an article in our November issue”!

QROPS stands for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme.

Unfortunately we didn’t have any room for any more articles in November, but here is some information that we gleaned after having a meeting with the experts, who are fully regulated, we must add, so they are the ones in the know about these matters.

On the 6th of April 2006, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs introduced new legislation on transferring frozen pension funds from the UK to overseas QROPS solutions.

I only wish that I had known about this 2.5 years ago when I hit 60, so please do read on and ........

Don’t fall into the same trap as I did!

What to do with your frozen UK pension Most people don’t realise that they can regain control of their previously frozen UK pension money.

If you’ve ever been a member of a UK Company Pension Scheme or a UK Personal Pension, even if you didn’t pay anything in yourself.

THIS MEANS YOU! Help is at hand (Since April 2006) with a QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) Pension Transfer.

BRITCHAT . 16

This now means that those who are or will be non-UK residents can transfer their UK pension funds without tax deduction and ultimately draw them without UK tax liability.

Background For many years, British expatriates and those moving overseas have been faced with difficulties when dealing with UK pensions, as the pension is usually ‘trapped’ back in the UK. One of the main difficulties has been the tax treatment of UK pensions. Until now it has been virtually impossible to move a UK pension to an overseas pension without being forced to pay basic rate tax on the transfer.

The new legislation on QROPS is a breath of fresh air to thousands of expats around the globe, who during their time in the UK, may have been a member of a UK pension scheme, moved overseas and either lost or forgot about their UK pension. Put in very simple terms QROPS allows you to reclaim the pension money that would normally be stuck in the UK, transfer it to an offshore investment in your name and regain control.

You are simply taking your pension pot from a taxed environment to a tax free environment with better access, investment choice, growth, confidentiality and protection.

We believe a lot of expats are unaware of QROPS and the benefits it can bring. Any QROPS scheme must be

UK PENSION CHAT

fully approved by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs.

the UK, and was now worth only £200,000.

What do I need to do next?

Mr. T, aged 50, wanted to expand his business but couldn’t raise the required finance.

BRITCHAT can put you in touch with a QROPS Advisor free of charge and with no obligation. They can tell you about the benefits and potential pitfalls, especifically appertaining to your particular situation.

They will arrange a basic assessment of your frozen pension scheme. This can be carried out by telephone, post or email, saving everyone time and money. A transfer value can then be obtained and a full assessment of your situation can be made by them, and a decision whether or not it is best to move your money to a QROPS.

Email: enquiry@rescuemyukpension.com Website: www. rescuemyukpension.com Here is a Case Study which is most interesting ....

“Expat in Spain gets £50,000 to expand restaurant” Mr T had decided to move to Spain 6 years ago and follow his dream by opening a restaurant. Whilst working in the UK he had accumulated a Pension fund of £250,000.

His Pension Company told him he couldn’t take any benefits until he was 65. On his instruction we applied for a Pension Transfer Valuation. The fund had performed badly, probably due to the restrictions on investments in

We went though all the benefits associated with transferring his UK pension to a QROPS and was delighted to learn he could take 25% tax free once the transfer had completed.

Within 4 weeks Mr T had £50,000 paid into his bank account. He didn’t feel the need to take an income as well from his Pension, so we invested the remaining funds.

The QROPS jurisdiction is Guernsey and within the QROPS is a investment platform which allows him to access the worlds investment markets. Mr T now has a QROPS with a fully managed pension fund. Within his portfolio is a selection of Capital Protected Funds, structured notes and high interest deposit accounts.

Mr T has expanded his business and is still not sure when he`ll need to take an income from his QROPS, but the decision is now his now and the UK Pension Provider.

Conclusion If you are living abroad and whatever age, you CAN take advantage of QROPS. See the advert above and take action NOW! BRITCHAT . 17

BRITCHAT . 18

MORE NEWS CHAT

NEWS Valencia traffic police to start crack down on drink driving over the Christmas period.

Watch out for another special campaign to cut down alcohol consumption by drivers over the Christmas period.

Some three thousand members of the Traffic Police will undertake this campaign and it is estimated that some forty thousand drivers will be stopped at the various control points throughout the Valencian Community.

During the last campaign of this sort that took place in July, over seven hundred drivers were found to have been over the limit The Traffic Police have revealed that of the two thousand alco-tests carried out last Monday 7th December, as part of their campaign to stop drivers getting behind the wheel when they were over the limit, only ten proved positive.

By provinces, 874 control tests were carried out in Alicante, with five people testing positive, four were positive in Valencia where 887 tests were carried out and in Castellon 107 tests were undertaken with one person being over the limit.

Carrefour will open new centre in Valencia next April

The French group Carrefour has revealed that it will open its sixth centre in the Valencian Community next April.

Close to 40% of municipalities in the Region of Valencia are official tourist spots TRAVEL TURISME reports...

The Region of Valencia includes 205 municipalities that have been declared official tourist spots by the Valencian Regional Department of Tourism. This figure represents 40% of all municipalities in the three provinces that make up the Region of Valencia. This is one of the highest figures for any region in Spain.

Breaking it down by province, Valencia has the highest number of municipalities declared official tourist spots, 83, followed by Castell贸n with 65, and finally Alicante with 57.

According to Valencian regional legislation governing tourism (Act 3/1998), there are three categories into which municipalities can be classed as official tourist spots: Tourist Destination, Holiday Destination and Tourist Attraction Destination. The first of these categories, Tourist Destination, refers to municipalities that maintain a constant influx of visitors who stay overnight throughout the year, higher than the number of full-time residents registered on the official census.

Tourism, therefore, is the basis of their economy, and their tourist accommodation capacity is higher than the number of properties used as primary residences.

Holiday Destination is used to apply to municipalities with an influx of visitors who stay overnight at a certain time of year that is higher than the number of full-time residents registered on the official census.

Tourism might be a complement to the economy alongside other activities, and their tourist accommodation capacity, added to second homes, is higher than the number of properties used as primary residences, with the number of places available in tourist accommodation representing at least one percent of the total offer.

Finally, Tourist Attraction Destinations are places that, because of their natural, monumental, sociocultural attractions or because of their significance in a specific tourist market, receive at a certain time of the year a significant number of visitors in relation to the resident population, although visitors do not necessarily stay overnight.

This is to be set inside a MultiSpace Arena set next to the grounds of the Levante Football Club in Valencia.

The new hypermarket will have 3,800 square meters of shopping space, and will be on the lower ground floor of the centre, that will also have such stores as Zara Home, Dutti and H & M. BRITCHAT . 19

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BOOK CHAT

New Dan Brown Book “The Lost Symbol” An article by Anthony Windsor

Have you read the new Dan Brown book “The Lost Symbol.” I have just finished reading it but must say I enjoyed Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons more.

That said I was eagerly awaiting it’s publication as being a Freemason myself, I knew that Freemasonry was the organisation which the story was crafted around. I and many others are pleasantly surprised that for once in a fictional story, Masons have not been portrayed as the arch villains belonging to a sinister secret society.

I will not spoil anybody’s pleasure in revealing the plot or outcome of the story, if they have not yet read it, but I will look at some of the main points concerning the ritual and history, which Dan Brown has revealed throughout the story.

The story is based on American Freemasons in the order of the 33rd degree, which is a worldwide recognised Scottish Rite Masonic Order. It was originally founded in France and not as it would appear Scotland, but had Scottish Masonic connections; it spread throughout certain parts of Europe, the West Indies and eventually into America, forming the backbone of the American Masonic Society we know today.

Brown’s book centers on the American capital city of Washington, historically steeped in Masonic traditions.

Why are Masonic traditions so entrenched in American history?

It is fact that the Boston Tea Party was conceived by a group of Masons in The Green Dragon Tavern locally known as the Freemasons Arms. The American Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 people, of those 15 were known prominent Masons, one being George Washington. The American Constitution was signed by 40 people, 28 of whom were Masons.

There is no doubt that the American Revolution and its constitution today owes a lot to Freemasonry and Masonic ideals.

In the book there are lots of references to Masonic landmarks, again facts but many similar associations can be found throughout the cities of Europe especially the UK. This cannot be a surprise to anybody, as Masonry today is a direct descendant of those Operative Masons who built Europe’s finest Buildings, Churches, Cathedrals.

Many readers will be more interested in the ritual and secrets of the Masons. This is natural as the more secretive we appear to have, the more interesting we become. Also many people have been exposed to anti -Masonic propaganda and believe that we practice a variation of Black Magic, Devil Worship, Anti-Christ ceremonies, Animal Sacrifices, to name but a few.

Yes, we are a society and as a member of it I have taken solemn obligations to keep secret certain things, which are all regarding our rituals and ceremonies. Apart from those which are personal to us as Masons, there is nothing secretive about Masonry today. If you really want to know what the secrets are, then you will have to join, and that includes all you Ladies as well, as a form of Women’s Masonry is thriving Worldwide and even in Spain today. And not one of those Ladies would ever tell me about their rituals or ceremonies either.

The rituals in Dan Brown’s book I take as fact, I assume he has researched it fully and I am sure that it is possible to corroborate via the in-

ternet if you really wanted to. All I can say is I know nothing about the Scottish Rite ceremonies, so I will take all what he purports to be done and said, as true.

Perhaps I was too close to the subject to find many revealing points in the book. I knew about the Masonic History of America, I know how many similarities there are in all Masonic rituals worldwide. All that said, it is a really good piece of fiction with true Masonic history woven into the story.

As a piece of fiction he is the Master of his Craft with untold millions of books sold and films accredited to his work. He has painted a more positive picture of Masonry and for that I as an individual am grateful.

He has probably done more to help dispel undeserved anti-Masonic propaganda that is so much in evidence in the media, than anyone else.

I hope you have enjoyed or will enjoy reading the book. I hope that it has helped to dispel some myths surrounding the subject.

Article Submitted by Anthony Windsor Worshipful Master White River Lodge.

Please see our advert below for further details.

BRITCHAT . 21

BRITCHAT . 22

PET CHAT

Interview with Dario Soriano of Faycan Vets

By Cristina Garay

BRITCHAT . 23

PET CHAT

Continued - Interview with Dario Soriano of Faycan Vets

By Cristina Garay

Pet Chat - Continued The Naturaleza y Animales Association

SPAMA

On Friday the 13th November, Jenny and Roy Travers very kindly held a coffee morning at their home in Pedralba, to raise funds for local animal charities. The Naturaleza y Animales association would like to thank them and all their supporters who raised a staggering amount of 166.00 euros for our association and the same amount for the other organisation!

The Directors of SPAMA would like to extend their grateful thanks to all those who supported and attended the 25th Anniversary Dinner and Dance, at the Moli Canyar, Potries, on Saturday 21st November 2009.

A good meal, music, dancing and giant tombola added to the success of the evening...........a grand total of 3,280 euros was raised for SPAMA. The 25 year old shelter is now home to some 500+ dogs and puppies and around 100 cats and kittens.

www.naturalezayanimales.com

Foster carers are always needed for our animals, also dog walkers and good homes! If interested in helping with our animals or would like to join our association, please call Lin on

96 270 7229.

BRITCHAT . 24

Jenny handing the money to President, Javier Viguer Archer.

S.P.A.M.A Reg. charity in Spain n0. Safor. 2.020 ong.

Hello, I am Chloe; I have been in the shelter since August, but I miss my home. Could I come to live with you? I’m a loving good girl, and you can find me on one of these numbers: Gail: 962 896 118 or ...

Lesley: 962 813 226

PET CHAT & COMPETITION CHAT SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Shelter open 7 days a week 12noon - 2.00pm & 3.30pm - 7.00pm. (Spanish speaking staff) or phone Gail 962 896 118 or .... Lesley 962 813 226.

Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM! 2 Alsations: Female is 5 years old, been sterilised, all passport and chipped injections etc and her son who is 3 on Christmas Day, she is tan and brown he is more black, both are trained and will wlak to heal on or off leads, they are used to sleeping outside as always have done, free to good loving home, can mix with other dogs and children, come with a kennel etc. Moving to Dubai. Sara Rayner: sarajanerayner62@yahoo.co.uk

P.E.P.A.

WHISKEY needs a home please.

Protección y educación para los animales 650 304 746.

www.pepaspain.com

WE ARE SPANISH AND WE DO CARE ABOUT DOGS. DOGS DON’T HAVE ANY NATIONALITY, THEY ARE JUST DOGS AND THEY SUFFER!!

Male white dog 9 months old, gentle and affectionate and gets on well with other dogs and people.

Small little treasure, only 3 months old, very cuddly and friendly. Please give them a home, all of them are vaccinated and sterilised PROTECTORA JAIME D’ORTOLA - Campaining for pet sterilization.

We love dogs but we need to stop stray dogs wandering in our streets in despair due to owners’ neglect. Please

give us a hand, you can contact us on 96 298 60 47

Don Quixote Competition Winning entry this month!

This month the ticket was kindly drawn by Jane Bulman in a very Christmassy atmosphere!

The winner was Judith Hayes from Calpe and it was her first time of entering the draw, as Calpe have only recently been receiving BRITCHAT. We have also had some super feedback from a journalist no less, on how they like BRITCHAT down there, that it’s high quality and full of interesting information and the best of it’s kind that he has seen!

Judith has kindly agreed to receive her prize when we deliver the December edition down her way, so we will have a photo for January!

Congratulations Judith!

John has a confession to make. He forgot where he put Don Quixote and so put him in a second time. Everyone who submitted an entry listed only one of them.

The two were hidden as follows: 1. On page 18 on top of the house 2. On page 21 in the top left hand photo of Bjorn Don Quixote is hiding somewhere in this magazine. If you find him, send your answer by email to britchat@ me.com. Open until the last day of each month. The first entry drawn out of the bag on the 1st of the next month will win a prize.

Don Quijote está escondido en algún lugar de esta revista. Si lo encuentras, envía tu respuesta por correo electrónico a britchat@me.com. El plazo está abierto hasta el último día de cada mes. La primera entrada sacada por una “mano inocente” de la bolsa el primer día del mes siguiente a ganará un premio.

BRITCHAT . 25

BRIT FUN & BUSINESS CHAT How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.

I (John) discovered this many years ago driving through France and it really does work. Now someone has sent it to Chris, so it’s written down and we can share it! So, try it for yourselves!

We are not sure why it is so effective just try this method when it rains heavily.

This method was told by a friend who had experienced and confirmed it.

It is useful...even driving at night.

Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windscreen is still bad......

Unstoppable Virus!

I thought you would want to know about this e-mail virus. Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1960.

Symptoms: 1. Causes you tosend the same e-mail twice.done that!

2. Causes you to send a blank e-mail!that too!

3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person..yep!

4. Causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you.Aha! 5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment.well darn!

In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will do), and miracle!

All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windscreen is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.

Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with better vision, but also might save your friend’s life by giving them this idea..

Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling. You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the “blindness” from passing semi’s spraying you too.

Or the “kickup” if you are following a semi or car in the rain.

They ought to teach that little tip in driver’s training. It really does work.

NOTE: The SUN GLASSES reduce the reflection / refraction of light through the rain drops, ergo, you see better!!

BRITCHAT . 26

6. Causes you to hit “SEND” before you’ve finished.Oh,no-notagain!

hate that!

7. Causes you tohit “DELETE” instead of “SEND.”and I just

8. Causes you to hit “SEND” when you should “DELETE.” Oh No!

IT IS CALLED THE “C-NILE VIRUS.”

Hmmm.....

Have I already sent this to you?

SPORT CHAT Resultados del Campeonato de Golf Stableford celebrado el lunes 2 de Noviembre de 2009 en el Club de Golf El bosque, Chiva.

Después de otro campeonato celebrado en perfectas condiciones y con el campo de golf en un fantástico estado, Mick Newman (hándicap 28) resultó ganador con 36 puntos. El siguiente, (contando desde Norman Tong) fue Chris Ward (hándicap 28) con 34 puntos.

Results for the Stableford competition held at El Bosque Golf Club in Chiva on Monday 2nd November 2009.

After another competition held in perfect conditions with the course in fantastic condition, Mick Newman (H/ Cap 28) came out on top with 36 points. Runner-Up (on count back from Norman Tong) was Chris Ward (H/Cap 28) with 34 points.

Nearest The Pin (after 3 shots) went to Tigger while Peter Nunn won the Par 3 Nearest The Pin. The popular “Yellow Ball” team competition went to Chris Ward, Phil Shaw, Tigger and Mike Fitzgerald who collectively scored 30 points with their yellow ball. Finally Chris Ward rounded off a great day by correctly guessing that we would lose 33 balls to win the 23 euros pot in the lost balls lottery.

The first competition of 2010 will be held on Monday 11th January with the first tee-off at 10.00am and players need to call Skip on 96 2133 126 or 62 814 8939 to reserve their place.

Finally I would like to wish all the readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope to see a few new faces playing golf with us in 2010 !!!

El “Nearest The Pin” (después de 3 golpes) fue para Tigger, mientras Peter Nunn ganó el par 3 de “Nearest The Pin”.

La popular competición de equipos “Bola Amarilla” la ganaron Chris Ward, Phil Shaw, Tigger y Mike Fitzgerald, quienes colectivamente marcaron 30 puntos con su bola amarilla. Finalmente, Chris Ward redondeó una jornada perfecta, acertando correctamente que perdería 33 bolas, para así ganar el bote de 23 euros de la lotería de las bolas perdidas.

La primera competición de 2010, tendrá lugar el lunes 11 de Enero con el primer tee-off a las 10.00 am. Los jugadores que quieran participar tendrán que llamar a Skip al teléfono 96 213 3126 ó 628 148 939 para reservar su plaza.

Para terminar, me gustaría desearles a todos los lectores Feliz Navidad y un Próspero Año Nuevo. ¡Espero ver unas cuantas caras nuevas jugando al golf con nosotros en 2010!

Saludos, Tigger

Cheers, Tigger

This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins. It was a turtle disaster.

I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley. She said 'Tenpin?' I said, 'No, permanent.'

I went in to a pet shop. I said, 'Can I buy a goldfish?' The guy said, 'Do you want an aquarium?' I said, 'I don't care what star sign it is.'

BRITCHAT . 27

BUSINESS CHAT

BRITCHAT . 28

SPORT CHAT

M

OTOGP FINAL ROUND VALENCIA SPAIN Submitted by Dave Mellor

MOTOGP FINAL ROUND.VALENCIA.SPAIN.

Race Results

So its all over and to be honest the season ended with more of a whimper than a bang. After a warm up crash saw pole sitter Casey Stoner out of the running, Dani Pedrosa took a lead, when the race got underway, that was never beaten. Valentino Rossi claimed his 9th world title at the last round, but kept Dani honest, to take second.

1 Daniel Pedrosa Honda ESP 46’47.553 2 Valentino Rossi Yamaha ITA 0’02.630 3 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha ESP 0’02.913 4 Colin Edwards Yamaha USA 0’32.515 5 Nicky Hayden Ducati USA 0’34.585 6 Toni Elias Honda ESP 0’34.888 7 Ben Spies Yamaha USA 0’37.706 8 Andrea Dovizioso Honda ITA 0’38.364 9 Mika Kallio Ducati FIN 0’42.491 10 Alex De Angelis Honda SMR 0’43.689 11 Randy De Puniet Honda FRA 0’46.018 12 James Toseland Yamaha GBR 0’50.226 13 Aleix Espargaro Ducati ESP 0’57.168 14 Loris Capirossi Suzuki ITA 1’06.877 15 Chris Vermeulen Suzuki AUS 1’11.701

Jorge Lorenzo finished 3rd after he saved a huge high side that caused the air bags in his leathers inflate! Wild card rider, WSB champion, Ben Spies claimed 7th.

So there you go, that was 2009. It was closer on paper than most seasons, and with a raft of new talent and a new support class, in the form of Moto2, Next year it certainly looks like bringing back some of the excitement that may of been missing at times this year.

I’ve made a full list of the teams and all dates for next season for the next issue, until then have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, Dave

MOTOGP ULTIMA EDICION VALENCIA,ESPAÑA Se acabó y para ser honestos, la temporada termina con más lamentos que éxitos. Después de que un temprano choque enviara al poseedor del pole, Casey Stoner, fuera de pista, Dani Pedrosa se puso en cabeza nada más reanudarse la carrera y eso nadie pudo superarlo.Valentino Rossi reclamó su noveno titulo mundial en la última vuelta, dejando para Dani un honesto segundo puesto.

Jorge Lorenzo acabó el tercero después de superar un tremendo desnivel que hizo que los airbags de su mono se inflaran. El jugador comodin, Campeón del WSB, Ben Spies quedó el séptimo.

Así que esto fue 2009, se cerró, en teoria, mejor que otras temporadas, con una cantera de nuevos talentos y también con un nuevo grupo de apoyo como Moto2.

El próximo año ciertamente parece que nos traerá de vuelta algo de la emoción que este año hemos echado de menos. Elaboraré una lista completa de los equipos y la fechas para la nueva temporada en el próximo numero de BRITCHAT, hasta entonces os deseo unas buenas navidades y un próspero año nuevo.

Rider Standings - Final for 2009 1. Valentino Rossi Yamaha ITA 306 2. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha ESP 261 3. Daniel Pedrosa Honda ESP 234 4. Casey Stoner Ducati AUS 220 5. Colin Edwards Yamaha USA 161 6. Andrea Dovizioso Honda ITA 160 7. Toni Elias Honda ESP 115 8. Alex De Angelis Honda SMR 111 9. Loris Capirossi Suzuki ITA 110 10. Marco Melandri Kawasaki ITA 108 11. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki AUS 106 12. Randy De Puniet Honda FRA 106 13. Nicky Hayden Ducati USA 104 14. James Toseland Yamaha GBR 92 15. Mika Kallio Ducati FIN 71 21. Ben Spies Yamaha USA 9

Manufacturer Standings - Final for 2009 1. Yamaha 386 2. Honda 297 3. Ducati 272 4. Suzuki 133 5. Kawasaki 108

Dave MotoGP Spain - Valencia - November 8, 2009 Circuit Length: 4005. Weather: Windy.

Lap Record: 1’33.043 (Marco Melandri, 01/01/2005) Fastest Lap Ever: 1’31.002 (Valentino Rossi, 29/10/2006) Last Year’s Winner: Casey Stoner BRITCHAT . 29

CLASSIFIED CHAT & BRITCHAT MISSION Important To advertise here for free, email britchatenq@me.com CLASSIFIEDS MUST be with us by the 1st of the month please and will be placed for ONE month only. If you wish to repeat it please send in again otherwise we will assume sold!

FOR A QUICKER SALE? Advertise it in both! BRITCHAT & Guide2Valencia Not only do you get a free Classified with Britchat, space permitting, we will give you more space in Guide2Valencia and you can have 4 photos and UNLIMITED text, all for FREE! All you have to do, is become a MEMBER at ww.guide2valencia.com and make up your own classified advert.

Wanted Lonely expat. needs company. If you’d like a chat over a cup of tea please phone Gill. 962 665 873. Could Nieves please contact me again? I’ve lost your number.

BRITCHAT . 30

Classifieds Various.

Balay Gas Cooker 4 rings 90cm width pwo €150 Electric Blanket single bed used once €20 Scholl Foot Massager used once €15 Decathalon Skate Board Bag new €10 5 pairs boys jeans 27 -28 inch waist new €5 each or €20 the lot.

Casinos / Lliria area Telephone:617930298 Hot Tub. 5 person with recliner, price includes new decking steps and gazebo,€6,000 new, hardly used, €3,000 ovno.

Phone 666-988-398.

Various.

Double bed €80, 26” Panasonic flat screen tv 100mgz €80, small dining table 4 chairs €40 other items please phone for details, 666-988-398 Various Baby Items baby car carry seat graco 0 -9 months with hood shade excellent condition 15 euros baby electric steam bottle steriliser 15 euros baby rocker with toy arch boxed 15 euros and baby graco travel cot with new born bit which can then be lowered down

to the toddler 25 euros all in good excellent condition telephone michelle in montroy on ...

634-038-288 FORD LINCOLN TOWN CAR EXECUTIVE SERIES. 1993 - 1994 FULLY LOADED,ALL ELECTRIC, SEATS WINDOWS. CLIMATE CONTROL, AIR RIDE SUSPENSION. WHITE 4 DOOR 6 SEATER EX CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. WOULD BE IDEAL FOR LARGE FAMILY, LIMOUSINE WORK , AIRPORT RUNS ETC. VERY LARGE BOOT. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE RING MOBILE -648669491 OR LANDLINE - 961647829 (CASINOS AREA ) PRICE 4,000 EUROS ONO 3 ITEMS Lounge Display Cabinet - Leaded Light Glass Doors with Interior Lighting, Base - 3 Cupboards/3 Drawers, Oakstyle, 46” W in x 17”D x 72”H. Excellent Condition! GIVE AWAY PRICE €25.00.

IDEAL XMAS GIFT - Solid Gold Torqué Bracelet, 9 Carat Gold, 18 gramms, Excellent Condition/Investment! €150.00 for quick sale.

Mahogany, Inlaid Nest of 3 Tables, Plate Glass Tops, SILLY PRICE! €40.00.

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BRIT FUN The Importance of Walking

SUDOKU

Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where the hell he is. I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

I do have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

Codeword Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number 1-26. Can you crack the code and solve the crossword? Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Three letters are already in place to get you started. All words are in English.

The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, “Well, she looks good doesn't she.”

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years, ...... just getting over the hill.

We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. AND .........

Every time I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a Happy Hour and by the time I leave, I look just fine.

You could run this over to your friends, but just e-mail it to them!

BRITCHAT . 31