The Courier - Edition 216

Edition 216

www.thecourier.es

Friday 10th April 2015

BEAUCOUP DE TROUBLE... ...A ND THE RE ’S M OR E O N T H E WAY !

ALEX TRELINSKI

A

48 hour French Air Traffic controllers strike caused misery for people trying to fly to and from the UK this week, with a fresh two-day walkout starting next Thursday (April 16th). Services that have to use French airspace in and out of Alicante-Elche airport and the facility at San Javier were cancelled, with a third strike (over four days) slated for April 29th to May 2nd, coinciding with spring school holidays in France. Low cost carrier Ryanair appears to have been one of the worst affected, saying that on Wednesday alone, over 250 European flights had to be scrapped. The company’s services from AlicanteElche to Liverpool, Stansted (pictured), East Midlands, Leeds, Dublin, Birmingham, and Manchester were cancelled, along with others to and from other continental locations.

"We sincerely apologise to all customers affected by this unwarranted strike action and we call on the EU and French authorities to take measures to prevent any further disruption," said Ryanair in a statement. "It's grossly unfair that thousands of European travellers will once

again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French ATC [air traffic control] workers."

A group of golfers staying in Los Montesinos told The Courier that they arrived at Alicante-Elche airport on Wednesday and queued up at a gate for their Easyjet service, which was then cancelled, with their vacation having to be extended until Monday when the next bookable Easyjet flight was available. EasyJet said: "We can assure our passengers that we are doing everything possible to limit the inconvenience of this strike on them."

Other examples of problems that The Courier has heard about include a family (who asked not to be named) from the Orihuela Costa that can’t now return from London until Tuesday after last Wednesday’s Easyjet flight to Alicante-Elche from Gatwick was scrapped. They turned up at Gatwick with their two young children and found their flight was not going to happen, and they got a somewhat late text cancellation message from Easyjet, an hour after the flight had been due to depart. At extra cost, the family have rebooked flights for this coming Tuesday evening, with the youngsters also missing out on the opening day of the new school term.

News

LOVE ME TENDER 5 Million Euro construction contract announced for decrepit Rojales school replacement. read more on page 2

Courier TV Guide 10th - 16th April

starts page 20

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Friday 10th April 2015

TELEPHONE

966 921 003 679 096 309 E-MAIL office@thecourier.es WEB www.thecourier.es HEAD OFFICE C/ Luis Canovas Martinez 03183 Torrevieja Phone: 966 921 003 Email: office@thecourier.es OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 1030 to 1600 EDITOR Alex Trelinski PRODUCTION EDITOR James Bone DESIGN ASSOCIATE Nicola Jane Cross ADVERTISING SALES 966 921 003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 966 921 003 Sally Los Alcazares, San Javier Tel. 618 391 491 Myra Quesada, Rojales, Torrevieja, San Miguel Tel. 618 583 765 Jean La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Tel. 618 898 034 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel. 685 901 265 Writers Sally Bengtsson Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Tony Mayes John McGregor Ivie Davies James Bone Peter Singh

Publication Published by TKO Media and Entertainment S.L. Printed by Localprint S.L Depósito legal A - 188 - 2014 The Courier, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for any readers letters or claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or nonappearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

TOP OF THE CLASS The Valencian Government has officially advertised a four point eight million euro tender to redevelop the dilapidated Príncipe de España school in Rojales, only days after part of the roof guttering fell onto an area (pictured) where children normally gather. The PTA at the school, AMPA, still remains cautious, with the teachers going ahead with a one-day protest this coming Tuesday(April 14th) at the start of the new term, which will see the pupils taught in the playground, rather than indoors.

The tender announcement came last Tuesday in the official gazette of the Valencian region, with construction work to last no longer than 21 months. The tendering process will take three months, with bids having to be in by Tuesday May 5th. The Primaria (Elementary) building will be totally demolished with the other three buildings of the complex being refurbished, as well as the provision of a cafeteria with seating for 300 diners. Also planned are new multipurpose classrooms, a library, and a gym as well as car parking space. Lessons will continue at the site in temporary units as the school is refurbished, in work that could begin before the start of the new school year in September.

With May’s regional elections looming, parents and teachers had suspected that last year’s surprise announcement by President Alberto Fabra for redeveloping the site was merely a gimmick to entice their support in the ballot box. An Education department spokesman was quoted

as saying on Tuesday: - “The Ministry of Education continues to fulfil its commitment to provide quality education facilities to all municipalities of Valencia, as stated by the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra". A Rojales Partido Popular spokesman added that the regional government had “kept its promise”.

AMPA members at the school have kept up the pressure on the Valencian

authorities, and in recent weeks ahead of the Easter break, parents and children have worn protest T-shirts, with the words:- “SOS:- College in Ruins”, as well as running a Facebook campaign. Two years ago, the school building was classified as “uninhabitable” in a surveyor’s report commissioned by AMPA, with a six year old boy requiring emergency treatment at Torrevieja Hospital after tripping over in the gym. The Valencian Government only allocated 28 thousand euros for “emergency remedial” work to some cracked support beams in 2013, despite the situation at the school and the strong feeling in the area.

AMPA president at the school, Pepi Gutierrez, recalled that tenders were advertised to redevelop the school five years ago, and nothing happened after the Ciegsa company pulled out. Gutierrez said that this week’s news was something that they had been waiting for, “for a long time”.

RISE AND SHINE

Mossos officers (Catalunya’s equivalent of the Guardia Civil) arrested 11 people on Wednesday who have suspected links to the Islamic State group and other terror activities. The arrests were conducted amid a growing threat in the region over an increasing number of people attempting to join militant groups in Iraq and Syria. The arrests were made in five north-eastern towns, including Barcelona, with 360 Mossos officers conducting 13 raids, making it the biggest ever operation against jihadist activities in the country.

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Friday 10th April 2015

END OF THE LINE

FAMILY PRIDE

Hollywood moguls couldn’t believe the publicity boost they got for the seventh Fast and Furious movie in Spain, as a Sevilla tram crashed into some buffers. Images soon became a Twitter hit, though stars like Vin Diesel were scarcely needed to be parachuted in as nobody was injured and only a bit of tram pride was damaged.

A family of four white lions are the new star attraction at Elche’s Rio Safari park, which celebrated being open for 32 years last month. A new facility overlooking the Santa Pola Salinas has been opened to house the lions, which are the only one of their type in Spain. The four lions have been brought in from Germany, with the oldest being aged almost one year, with the others around five months.

HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL TO COURT

Benidorm police arrested a man in his early 30’s who was spotted loading up a gun in a popular part of the resort for British tourists. Cops on a patrol at around 4.45am last Monday morning identified an individual, who was described as of Latin American-origin, putting a bullet into his Whalter 9 millimetres gun, as he was leaning against car on Calle Mallorca. Agents approached the man who threw the weapon underneath his car, before he was arrested to make an appearance before a local judge.

Police say that the gun had been stolen.

BABY DEAL GOES GAGA

The Guardia Civil have arrested a Romanian couple in Valencia, who planned to sell their one week daughter for just five thousand euros. Before the baby was born, the man went to Romania to set up the details with the buyers. The father, aged 43, and mother, aged 38, have been charged with abuse of family relationships. The couple decided to sell their daughter from the very beginning, as the woman remained pregnant for that purpose, police said. The man got in touch with potential buyers on the Internet. The infant was taken away from her parents and placed in foster care.

I’M STILL STANDING

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said that he will be looking to stand again in this year’s General Election, despite facing criticism after his party was trounced in the Andulacian regional vote last month. With potential disaster looming, according to opinion polls, for the Partido Popular in May’s regional and local elections, Rajoy told Radio Nacional on Monday that he would “like to be a candidate again and try to be Prime Minister again”. This is the first time Rajoy clearly stated that he would be running this autumn.

HAPPY HOLIDAY

Tourist chiefs say that the Costa Blanca had one of the best Semana Santa/Easter holiday periods for years, fuelled by excellent weather and more money in people’s pockets.

Businesses reported a big take up from both domestic and international visitors, with Benidorm hotel owners saying that all their rooms had been pretty much taken up. Popular areas like the resort’s Levante beach (pictured last weekend) were full to bursting. The whole of the Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, reported average hotel occupancy figures over Easter at around 85 percent, up by 10 percent on last year. Experts say the economic recovery has boosted Spanish visitors travelling to the region, a fact that seemed to be confirmed by traffic levels being close to 18 per cent higher on the AP7 motorway between Alicante and Valencia, compared to the Easter holiday period last year.

ON TAP UP AND DOWN

Water company, Hidraqua and its various local subsidiaries, are claiming that they'll be investing close to 20 million euros this year in improving water supplies in the Valencian region. One point four million euros is being into replacing pipes and upgrading water quality in Orihuela, Catral, Almoradi, Guardamar, Roajles and San Fulgencio. Subsidiary companies like Agamed are also currently working on projects in Torrevieja, which included the recently half a million euro completion of new drains to deal with storm flooding on Rambla Juan Mateo(pictured) and the Paseo Vista Alegre.

Home sales rose year on year by six point eight percent in the Valencia region in February, with the national average showing a five point two percent hike. The figures from the National Statistics Institute actually saw a one point two per cent fall in the Murcia region.

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Friday 10th April 2015

DOLE FALL

CON OVER

A scam which conned Spanish Social Security of over 40 thousand euros has seen the National Police arrest 26 people including a Moroccan man who paid out money to “workers” out of his butcher’s shop in Torre Pacheco. The operation was led by a Spaniard with a whole load of false documents claiming bogus benefits being seized.

HOME IN SPAIN

Spain’s unemployment figures continued to fall in March, in what was being presented as the best results in 13 years. Registered jobless continued its two year downward trend with 60,214 Spaniards officially coming off the unemployment list, according to figures from the Ministry of Employment published this week. The report was hailed as providing the most positive data for a month of March since such records began 13 years ago. It brings the drop in the official number of jobless to 343,937 since March 2014 leaving the total of unemployed at 4.45 million across Spain. Dole queues fell by just under 15 thousand in Alicante Province compared to year earlier, with the figures standing at 199 thousand. The returns for the Murcia region show 140 thousand people out of work, down by over nine thousand over the statistics for March 2014.

Just over 10% of Spain's population is foreign, with British citizens making up the third national group among the country's expatriates, says the Permanent Observatory on Immigration (OPI). The total figure stands at 4,925,089, based upon European Union nationals who hold a Residencia certificate, and upon the numbers of non-EU nationals with a residence visa.

Romanians make up the largest citizen group, with 953,183 of them living in Spain, followed by Moroccans, of whom 770,735 are legally resident, and Brits, who make up 275,817.

Among non-EU foreigners - not including family members of EU citizens from elsewhere the largest national community is Moroccan, with 734,297 residents, followed by China's 187,390 and Ecuador third with 172,577. Locally, there are over 660 thousand foreigners in the Valencia region, whilst Murcia has over 150 thousand non-Spaniards registered as residents,

HOLD BACK THE TANK

HELLO SAILOR

Lo Pagan businesses are up in arms over the timing of a new water collection tank being constructed in the seaside community in the San Pedro del Pinatar muncipality. Posters have gone up opposing the start of the work from this coming Monday April 13th, just as the spring holidays season starts to kick in. Critics say that closed roads and open trenches will put off any tourists coming back in the future, and they add that the new construction will stop any future developments from happening, like a possible underground carpark. The project which will stop rainwater dragging dirt into the Mar Menor is costed at over two million euros, with the money being stumped up by European funds. The collected rain water would be pumped to the nearby desalination plant, where it would be filtered and used for irrigation.

San Pedro mayor, Visitation Martinez has held meetings to allay fears over disruption caused by the work, reminding critics that construction will be suspended during the busy tourist months of July and August.

Hundreds of people who enjoy a life on the ocean wave had a splash checking out a whole range of boats and sailing equipment in last weekend’s San Pedro del Pinatar Boat Show.

The event, featuring over 30 exhibitors, was staged for the fifth time at the Marina de las Salinas as visitors were treated to displays of new and used boats , as well as an extensive line up of sailing relating products.

CHOPPER RIDDLE

A crashed helicopter has been found near Níjar in Almería province but with no passengers, crew or anybody injured. The craft is only slightly damaged, leaving Guardia Civil officers to believe it had not fallen out of the sky at speed or any great height, but it is lying on its side which suggests it has not just been parked and abandoned. No injured persons have been found nearby, nor have any bodies.

TAXING TIMES

Spain’s tax declaration season has started earlier this year, with annual returns for income earned in 2014 able to be filed as of now. Rebates will come earlier than usual, as was the case last year, but those who are required to make a payment because of a shortfall last year have until the end of June to do so or to request the total be divided into quotas. Declaration forms, known as borradores, are not automatically sent to the taxpayer by post in paper format and have to be requested specifically.

All pension income received from providers or governments outside of Spain must be declared, and anyone who has not done this in the past should do so immediately as they may be liable for tax based upon the last four years' income. Appointments at the tax office can be booked online at agenciatributaria.es or by telephone on 901 22 33 44 (Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 7.00pm) from May 6th until June 29th, although the earliest date for a face-to-face visit will be May 11th.

IN THE MONEY

A budget surplus of nearly 900 thousand euros in the Los Alcazares council coffers means that the administration has announced plans for improvements to local play areas and streets, ahead of next month's local elections. 13 muncipal playgrounds will be get a makeover, whilst road and pavement surfaces will be improved around places like Calle Joaquín Blume and the La Dorada urbanisation. New toilets will also be built amongst other new facilities at the Peñas Huertanas park.

COOING AWAY

Spain has many fine traditions, not least of which is pigeon racing which takes up and down the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Small but dedicated groups of men get involved in the sport most weekends, with the custom dating back to the late-18th century as colombicultura remains a popular rural pastime. Before the races begin, the breeders paint their birds in bright colours, so they are identifiable throughout the race. The men track their pigeons from the ground, urging them on and rescuing them should they come into trouble. The 80 or so cock pigeons hone in on the sole hen pigeon released, competing for her attention. The winner is the bird that spends the most time closest to the female within a two-hour period.

The race is about persistence and reproductive instinct, can be viewed as being incredibly macho! Orihuela-born Ricardo Cases grew up around this all-male pursuit. Now 43 and living two hours north in Valencia City, he’s documented the niceties of the sport for his book, Paloma al Aire ("Dove Into the Air") , in which he captures the nature of the breeders as well as their feathered friends. "This is a story about Spaniards," he says, "about humans who play with nature for a sport associated with courtship."

Friday 10th April 2015

BEACH BUSES

The popular Sunday bus service that links Elche and the La Marina beaches has kicked in for the spring and summer season. The bus will leave the bus station at 10.00am, killing in La Hoya, and then arriving at La Marina at 10.35am, and then the beaches shortly afterwards. The return journey from the La Marina beaches starts at 7.00pm, calling in at La Marina at 7.10pm, arriving at Elche at 7.35pm.

JUST THE TICKET

A four-bedroom house worth 90 thousand euros near Castellón in the northern part of the Valencia region, now has a new owner who won it with a ten euro lottery ticket. The Bolumar family came up with the idea of offloading the property through a lottery after struggling to sell the home they inherited when an elderly relative died two years ago.

In a stagnant property market and with little hope of a new buyer finding a bank willing to lend, the family realized it would be a struggle to sell the home for what it was worth using the traditional market.

It took more than a year to set up and a struggle through bureaucratic processes to stage but at the end of last month, the lottery took place and the house in Segorbe became the property of the winning lottery ticket holder.

The family, which estimated that it had made the 90 thousand euro value of the house plus an extra 10 thousand euros after administrative costs, will now act as consultants on others who want to offer their home through a lottery.

WITTY DITTY

A Catalonian rock band have used social media sites to post a video slagging-off budget air carrier Ryanair during a flight to Santiago de Compostela in the northern part of Spain. Sidonie, who posted the performance video to Facebook and Youtube, explained that they composed the tune after experiencing a 'lack of respect shown by Ryanair flight attendants.'

In the video, the band's lead singer strums a ukulele as the group serenades passengers on board. One line went: 'Ryanair, how we like Ryanair, and its flight attendants, they could not be nicer'.

Clearly meant to be ironic, some passengers even join in and sing or clap along as the band repeats the chorus during their impromptu performance. Explaining the motivation behind their comedy video, the band wrote online: 'After receiving, repeatedly, the habitual lack of respect shown by flight attendants on the Ryanair route to Santiago, we were moved to compose and perform a song dedicated to them and their irritable airline.'

FRANCO:- DICTATOR SHOCK

Forty years after his death, the official biographical dictionary of Spain’s Royal Academy of History will be amended to reclassify General Francisco Franco as a dictator. Carmen Iglesias, the new director of the Academy, announced the move in response to a controversy surrounding the existing entry on the Spanish military leader in the dictionary which described the Franco regime as "authoritarian but not totalitarian".

Speaking at a conference in Madrid, Ms Iglesias said that the 2011 publication would be corrected to reflect the dictatorial style of the man who ruled Spain with an iron fist from the end of the country's civil war in 1939 until his death in 1975. Four years ago, in what was seen as a remarkable apology for the Franco regime, it was revealed that his entry in the dictionary – produced at a cost to the public coffers of over six million euros – portrayed a man who "became famous for the cold courage which he showed in the field". The harshly repressive nature of his 36 years in power were mysteriously glossed over.

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SILLY YOUNG ASS ON A BEACH DONKEY

DURING a holiday in Torquay several years ago I encountered my next-door neighbour at Babbacombe Model Village. I remember saying to him: 'What a surprise. It's a small world, isn't it?'

My life is full of stuff like that. I once observed to someone named Cassadee Cross who was pregnant at the time: 'Well, we all have a cross to bear.'

Witty, what? But hang on a moment, Mrs S is calling from the kitchen.

'Pregnant? What do you mean pregnant? Who's pregnant?'

I don't believe I have heard the word pregnant spoken so many times in such a few seconds.

'Don't concern yourself, dear,' I say. 'I'm just having a bit of a muse about memories.'

Mrs S's voice comes to me a lot louder. That means that she has left the kitchen and has appeared in the living room -- where I am. I now feel threatened, very threatened.

'Who is Cassadee Cross and why is she having a baby? Are you involved in any way in that woman's condition?'

I shake my head. 'That was a number of years ago,' I say. Mrs S glares at me. 'Okay, okay,' I admit.

'That was NO number of years ago. It never happened. I just invented both Cassadee Cross and her condition in order to convey a cheap joke to my Courier readers.'

Mrs S sighs. 'How many times have I told you not to

tell lies? It will only serve to get you into trouble. Look at the occasion when you fibbed about meeting our next-door neighbour at Babbacombe Model Village.

she says. 'YOU have never been to Torquay!'

I shrug. 'I am aware of that,' I counter. 'But if I'm telling my " it's a small world" joke I have to build up to the punchline with a

have come by bloody bus!'

'Language, Husband,' admonished Mother, raising her eyebrows in my direction without dropping a stitch in the matinee jacket she was knitting for the

past.

Mother nudged Dad. 'Ask the child if he wants a drink from the flask.' Still squirming, I blurted out: 'I'm almost 16, Mother!'

Mother shrugged. 'I've

'The next-door neighbour's wife said she'd never been to Torquay and accused her husband of taking another woman away with him on holiday.'

'I don't remember ever saying that,' I lie. 'And anyway, you lend too much credence to what the neighbours say. I mean where does the woman next-door get off saying that she's never been to Torquay?

What rot. EVERYONE'S been to Torquay at some point in their lives.'

Mrs S continues to glare at me. 'No they haven't,'

reference to a model village and I don't believe there is one near Blackpool -- which I have visited many, many times.'

Wavy lines appear before my eyes, signifying a flashback. It is summer 1962 and I am stuck on a Blackpool-bound train which has conked out near Kirkham. Ah, well, that's the promise of a fun day at the seaside derailed . . .

Dad turned to Mother in the train carriage and bringing his keen analytical mind into play delivered the following line: 'We should

baby she was convinced would be born in 10 months' time to her soon-to-be-married favourite cousin.

'No salty talk in front of the child,' Mother added, just in case Dad and the other adult travellers in our carriage hadn't got the message.

I squirmed with embarrassment, not so much at Mother's admonition of Dad but at her reference to me as The Child.

I turned my flushed face to the window of the stationary train and gazed at the scenery that wasn't flashing

brought along a spare pair of trousers for you, David, just in case you fall off the donkey again and get yourself dirty. That's if we ever get to Blackpool.'

She turned to Dad. 'How long do you think we'll be stuck here, Husband?'

My father screwed his eyes tight shut in a gesture of concentration and pondered awhile.

He mentally totted up the number of previous train trips he had taken to the Fylde coast, made a rough tally of the total number of minutes he'd spent station-

ary in the sidings on those outings, then divided one figure into the other to produce the average breakdown waiting period.

Dad opened his eyes and delivered the bottom line of his mathematical calculation: 'We should have come by bloody bus!'

At that moment the train lurched forward and we were on our way. Dad chuckled. 'I've got a surprise for you both.'

This time Mother did drop a stitch. 'What have you done, Husband?' she asked suspiciously.

Dad chortled again.

'Seeing it's our David's birthday in a couple of weeks and yours soon afterwards, Wifey, I've booked us into a B&B for a couple of days. We'll be sleeping beside the sea tonight.'

Mother sighed. 'Nice one, Husband. If only you'd told me before I packed the carrier bag. Let me see now -no toothbrushes, no pyjamas. All I've brought are the egg sandwiches and a spare pair of cavalry twills for the child.'

Not "The Child" again, I groaned to myself.

Squirming once more in my train carriage seat, I silently prayed that I would be spared any further embarrassment.

Mother turned to the other passengers and pointed at me. 'Did I mention that the child fell off a donkey the last time we were in Blackpool? But that wasn't the only reason that he had to change his trousers.'

Friday 10th April 2015

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CYCLOGICAL - QUESADA TO LA MURADA

We left the shop at Quesada and headed for Benijofar , turn right at the town square ( cobbled area ) passing through Benijofar and at the roundabout for Rojales turn left , cycle over the bridge to the next roundabout , straight across and just follow the road to San Fulgencio where you turn left at the roundabout and follow the road past La Marina Urbanisation and just follow the signs for Elche the road is relatively straight and good. Past the petrol station on your left the road becomes a dual carriageway with a cycle track on the left , cycle on this track until you come to the next roundabout , turn left here onto the CV851 and follow this road for approx 1km then turn left, once on this road follow it until you see the sign for Realengo , turn down this road following it right into the village of Realengo turn right at the junction and you will be able to cycle along this road for about a Km however you will need to cycle on the main road up and over the bridge as they are making the new high speed train line and the old road is closed. Once over the bridge turn left at the roundabout and take the camino road which goes all the way into Albatera ( running alongside the N340 ). We stopped here in Albatera and had a coffee and tapas at one of the many roadside cafes. Once you are refreshed and ready to go again pass through the town and at the edge of town turn right onto the CV871 heading for Los Vincentes ( Approx 10kms ) turn right at Los Vincentes and cycle the last 2km into La Murada. The main street in La Murada is full of restaurants, bars and cafes so you are spoiled for choice of Menu del dia. Once you are watered and fed head back for Los Vincentes following the road straight on passing through Benferri and Orihuela. At Orihuela pick up the signs for Bigastro and cycle home through Bigastro, Jacarilla, Benejucar, Algorfa and finally Benijofar turning right at the traffic lights

and heading back towards Quesada. This is a beautiful cycle route with lots of gorgeous views of the mountains and hills.

Remember Gary and Lynn are available at “Cyclogical� in Quesada, Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and from 10.00am till 2.00pm on a Saturday to assist and advice you on all your cycling requirements including route maps.

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Friday 10th April 2015

LOCAL LOOK-IN

BEFORE AND AFTER EASTER

Los Montesinos resident, Peter Belch, will be able to feel the breeze a bit more after having his beard and moustache shaved off to raise money for cancer charities. 520 euros is going to AECC in Torrevieja, and 280 euros is being donated to Cancer Research UK. Amongst the contributors to Peter’s big snip were his neighbours in the Montesol Villas area of the town as well as from Bobby Jo’s diner, plus La Siesta Church and Sacko’s Bar at El Limonar.

IN TUNE

PARADE

The Association of English Speakers of San Pedro del Pinar (ADAPT) are settling in nicely to their new meeting place at Lo Pagan’s Pensionista Centre. The group get together on the first Saturday of each month with ADAPT’s aim being the well-being of their English-speaking members as well as integrating everybody within the local Spanish community. Last Saturday’s meeting featured an Easter Bonnet competition, with Janet Pierce judged to be the winner. The next gathering will be at the Centre on Saturday May 2nd at 10.30am, and new members are always welcome with more details on the website, www.adaptsanpedro.com

BRANCHING OUT

The Velvetones Harmony Ladies Chorus based in Torrevieja has announced the names of the charities that they’ll be supporting this year. The beneficiaries from their concerts will be AFE - for Alzheimers and ALPE, for the rehabilitation of disabled children, and relief for parents - both based in Torrevieja. They are getting ready for their charity concert which will be at El Paraiso, behind Carrefour in Torrevieja on Wednesday May 20th at 7.30pm, with tickets at just five euros each. The Velvetones also have a brand new website, www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com, with more details of their activities, including on how you can join them.

ON THE ROAD

If you’ve found the driving in Spain tips useful from the Guardia Civil officers in The Courier’s motoring page or on their N332 Facebook site, then you might want to learn more by going to a talk at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall on Thursday April 23rd at 10.00am. One of the Torrevieja-based officers will spend an hour answering questions from British expat drivers as well as talking about the many issues raised by them as they travel around the area and further afield in Spain.

The presentation will start at 10.00am, and with there being a limited amount of seats available, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so booking is highly recommended, which you can do by emailing residentes@orihuela.es, or calling into the Foreign Residents office at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca. If you’ve

found the driving in Spain tips useful from the Guardia Civil officers in The Courier’s motoring page or on their N332 Facebook site, then you might want to learn more by going to a talk at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall on Thursday April 23rd at 10.00am.

One of the Torrevieja-based officers will spend an hour answering questions from British expat drivers as well as talking about the many issues raised by them as they travel around the area and further afield in Spain. The presentation will start at 10.00am, and with there being a limited amount of seats available, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so booking is highly recommended, which you can do by emailing residentes@orihuela.es, or calling into the Foreign Residents office at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca.

The Torrevieja branch of the Royal British Legion is looking for people to join them, and you don’t have to have been a member of the forces to take part in their activities. All age groups are welcome to come along to a meeting as a guest to find out more about the branch which looks after both ex and non-service people in the area, with a range of regular social functions and meals, as well as the big annual fund-raising for the Poppy Appeal.

Membership costs just 23 euros a year, and they meet on the second Friday of each month at the Casa Ventura restaurant in San Luis at 6.30pm. TheTorrevieja branch is the oldest in Spain and currently has over 130 members. For more details, phone Pauline on 966 704 146.

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Friday 10th April 2015

LOCAL LOOK-IN

PLENTY OF AMMA

San Javier shoppers visiting the Iceland store in the town last Saturday found themselves tunefully serenaded and entertained thanks to three local groups, all raising money for AMMA(Alzheimer Mar Menor Association. Spangles(pictured in green); TAABS; and Flamenco For All were all there to provide over two hours of support to AMMA who were selling raffle tickets to boost their funds. Just over two thousand euros was raised, with the group offering special thanks to Iceland, in addi-

tion to local restaurants who donated meals to the raffle and to David’s Coachtrips who contributed prizes. AMMA does workshops at the moment in San Pedro at the pensioners club which is held two mornings a week, on a Wednesday and Friday, from 9.30am to 12.30am.

There is a mixture of Spanish and British patients under a highly trained professional staff with lots of volunteers to help during those hours. For more details, phone 630 689 431.

PIECE OF CAKE

Some home baked goodies helped to raise over 250 euros at a recent ‘Not Just a Coffee Morning' event held at the MABS Centre in San Javier last Friday. Bev Taylor’s tasty treats (pictured)were amongst the highlights of the event for the local cancer support charity which has also had a raffle for an Easter cake and eggs.

DYNAMIC DUO

The popular Spanish singing duo, Bella Vista, will be raising money for The Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity in Quesada later this month. Juan sings and plays guitar, whilst Roberto sings and plays keyboard, with both guys versatile in singing in many languages, led of course by Spanish and English. They have a wide ranging programme including the songs made famous by the Gipsy Kings and Michael Jackson. They will be performing at the Quesada Country Club on Friday April 24th, with tickets priced at 10 euros, which include a free buffet. There’ll be a charity auction as well, with tickets able to be reserved by phoning 673 465 245.

TURN BACK THE CLOCK

Old clothes were pulled out of the wardrobe for a sixties night staged by Maria and the Pink Ladies in aid of the cancer charity, AECC. Over 800 euros was raised at the Sunrise Bar and Grill in Playa Flamenca, as 120 guests enjoyed themselves dancing away to some of the greatest pop tunes ever.

MILITARY MANEOUVRES INTO THE BREACH

Big demand for this month’s concert in La Zenia featuring the UK chart-topping Military Wives choir has forced organisers to switch to a bigger venue. The concerts, also involving the Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir, have been moved from La Zenia church to the new Ecumenical Centre (Parroquia Cristo Resucitado) on Calle Diamante. The date of Saturday April 25th remains the same, as do the two performance times of 2.00pm and 8.00pm, though the evening sessions has long been sold out. Tickets for the afternoon show are still available from La Ponderosa gift shop on La Zenia island at ten euros, with proceeds are going to various charities in both Spain and the UK.

A former pantomime performer who worked with the likes of Ronnie Corbett and Jimmy Tarbuck at the London Palladium is now calling the shots at the Torrevieja-based theatre group, Stagestruck. Leigh Humphries, who also donned the costume of Mick the Marmaliser as one of Ken Dodd’s Diddymen, moved to Spain two years ago, and joined Stagestuck as a performer just over a year ago, and has stepped into the breach after previous director, Stella Readon made the shock announcement that she was quitting and returning to live in Britain.

Leigh was unanimously voted in as director, but Stella is still very much in contact with the group writing a script based on the story of Sleeping Beauty just in time for the Stagestruck Christmas panto. The group are currently rehearsing twice a week at Casa Ventura in Torrevieja, to get ready for their Spring show, "An Evening with Stagestruck", at San Fulgencio’s Cardenal Belluga Theatre between Thursday May 7th and Saturday May 9th, with all the proceeds going to local charities. Tickets priced at six euros are available from Leigh on 679 679 584.

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Friday 10th April 2015

LOCAL LOOK-IN REQUIEM DATE

The Cantabile female choir will be performing Fauré’s Requiem at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja on Saturday April 18th at 7.00pm.

Under director Jennifer Morton, Cantabile will also be singing works by Bach, Elgar, Franck and John Williams, in addition to some solos from choir members. Entry is free with a retiring collection supporting the Anglican Church of La Siesta.

HE HAD A BIG FALL The Rojales Pantomime Group is ahead of the game, as they’ve got their scripts done and dusted for their next show in January next year!

They’ve gone for Humpty Dumpty, and are looking to audition cast members over the next few weeks. If you’re interested in taking part, please phone Mandy on 685 302 529 or E-mail mandyohagan@hotmail.com.

LODGE GIVES

CHATTERING AWAY

The Help at Home Mar Menor “Chatters” Group have got a new venue for their monthly meetings, which will be The Pasty Shack on Avenida del Rio Nalon, Los Alcazares. Their first get-together will be on Wednesday April 15th at 11.00am for an 11.30 am start. Bill Hulse, Group co-ordinator said:-“We are delighted with the move and we will be having a new format for our meetings, which also feature a free coffee/soft drink and a cake. There’ll be a short fun quiz and there’ll be a talk about how the Liberty organisation can help ex-pats”. The Chatters group is all about friendship, fun, and knowledge that can be shared.

BOOKS BONNIE GALORE BONNETS

Benijófar’s Foreign Residents Library is back in business this coming Tuesday (April 14th), having been closed for the last four months for renovation work. The Library is in the Medical Centre/Correos building next to the Town Hall, and will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 1.00pm. The grand-reopening features a coffee morning and a chance to win some prizes in a special raffle.

FLOWERING GIFT

The Las Salinas Freemason Lodge has donated nearly two thousand euros to help the poor and needy around the Torrevieja area, with a thousand euros going to Aliemientas Solidarios (dubbed The Soup Kitchen) who buy essential supplies. Pictured is the Lodge Worshipful Master, Keith Hutchinson making the presentation to the deputy President of Aliemientas Solidarios, Juan Alvarez. Also pictured are charity steward Eddie Davies and Rose Orchanda.

860 euros has also been given to the Torrevieja homeless charity, Reach Out. The Lodge was formed a decade ago and you can get more details by e-mailing Eddie Davies on eddiedee@gmail.com

The Torrevieja Flower Club recently gave 200 euros to the Torrevieja Stroke Association, mainly thanks to the hard work of committee member, Marina Beardsall, who has been making greeting cards for people to buy at their monthly meetings at the New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima. New members and guests are welcome and the next meeting is on Wednesday April 15th at 2.00pm with a demonstration from Brenda Ayres called ”Love is in the Air”. For more details call Sandra on 966 848 220.

Just under 500 euros was raised thanks to a grand raffle at the recent HELP Murcia Mar Menor Easter luncheon at Lui’s restaurant at the San Javier Caravan Club. There was also best Easter bonnet contest, with Lorraine crowned the winner, with Gail as the runner-up.

ARTHUR ARRIVES

There was a happy ending to a sad story of horse abuse, when a little colt called Arthur, was born to proud mum Guinevere, one of three terribly thin mares and a stallion rescued from Granada last December by the Rojales-based Easy Horse Rescue Centre “We were very apprehensive about this birth because the mare really was in a terrible condition when she arrived three months ago but, with the good food and nutrition she has received since, little Arthur looks to have arrived safe and well,” co-founder Sue Weeding said.

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Friday 10th April 2015

STOP THIS HAPPENING! I may get many complaints at the photo above, of a dog who has just been killed, but in the words of the famous actor, Johnny Depp, “If you don’t like seeing pictures of violence towards animals being posted, you need to help stop the violence, not the pictures”.

Right now as you read this, there are thousands of more dogs in dark and cold kill stations, on the verge of being put to sleep, for simply being found on the street, or as in one of the cases we have just brought in, a dog who is 12 years old and the owners dumped him in a killing station, for being too old and sick.

Their paws are sweaty through tension, their hearts are beating at an incredible

rate and the ticks that have embedded themselves into their skin are gruesome and full of blood. The dogs we rescue have either been severely abused and tortured by wicked humans or are hours away from a lethal injection in killing stations, all over Spain. When they come into our care, they are simply terrified of what life has so far offered them and they shake with fear and mistrust of the human race.

Their eyes are dilated, their tales tightly tucked between their legs and they look away very quickly at any sign of direct eye contact from a human. They have been stripped of their dignity and whether they have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused, their eyes are empty and lost.

The level of depraved abuse towards dogs is now, in my opinion, at an all time high. The requests we have had in the last three months to take on severe cases have gone through the roof.

I am not easily disturbed, but some of the cases of abuse that have been sent to me over the last three months

have left me speechless. We have recently had an upgrade on one of our three kennels, which has allowed us to rescue ten dogs in the last two weeks, that were due to be put to sleep in killing stations. They are now living a very different life, compared to the horrid one they lived in these terrible places. These ten dogs came in and did not have a clue what was about to happen to them. When they arrived their eyes were filled with terror, but now they are filled with peace and I simply cannot find the words to explain the feeling that gives me, as I watch them bathe in the sun and simply just be, rather than waiting for that dreaded injection. They now approach me with happy eyes and wagging tails and each time I see them all, I could cry with the happiness, knowing that these beautiful dogs are now safe forever. Some of them lick my face, whilst others follow me in gratitude, which humbles me to the core.

Our work here in Spain is very intense and I must admit that I am very sad-

dened when I look at the reports of my e-mails sent out about my work and to read that on average only 40% even bother to open them. The rest simply delete them. The reason why this is sad is because the very large proportion of people that these e-mails go out to are dog lovers who know me personally or professionally.

Yet still in the reckless 150mph lifestyle that most people live, they cannot even spare a minute to spare a thought for the intense terror these dogs have been through and the immense cruelty that happens to these misfortunate dogs could have been your dogs, but for the grace of God. I will be honest as always and the people who unsubscribe and do not even open these e-mails are mostly people who just wanted to know how to do “this or that”, when it comes to dog behaviour and they are what I call “the takers” in life.

What we are doing is in at the deep end of dog rescue and at times I cannot even begin to tell you how stress-

PETS CORNER : CAN YOU TAKE IN A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT? Kiko is a beautiful three year old Yorkie was rescued from a Perrera. He is a very friendly little boy and weighs around four and a half kilos but is still very underweight.

He is good with other dogs and would suit an older family. Call: 645 469 253. www.petsinspain.com

Not much more than a kitten herself, beautiful Goldie was pregnant and living on the streets. She's now in APAH's care and looking for a loving home. She is a sweet, affectionate cat and would be a joy to whoever adopts her. To meet her, call 630 422 563.

MORGAN FUDGE

GOLDIE Fudge is just seven months old and is looking for his forever home with a sofa to lie on. He loves attention but he is nervous until he gets to know you. If you are interested please e-mail: lasthopedogrescue@outlook.com or phone 634 065 540.

Jake is a beautiful five year old GSD, who is great with other dogs, and if he could sit on your lap and give you a cuddle he would. He is very loving and eager to please. For more on Jake, please phone PEPA on 650 304 746 or e-mail p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.co m

KIKO

Ty is a small terrier with masses of energy who was rescued by the APAH Animal Charity. He is a lively, friendly boy who wants to be made a fuss of by everyone he meets. If you're looking to adopt a small dog with a big personality, Ty's the boy for you. To meet him, phone 630 422 563.

JAKE

Morgan is an adorable big pup, who is just over seven months old. He is very affectionate, likes to play and is very sociable and confident.

For more on Morgan please phone P.E.P.A. on 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

TY

ful it can be. I do mean REALLY stressful! We ask for one pound or one euro and there are simply some amazing people out there that support us and for that we will be eternally grateful.

But there are also people that will go and buy a pint this weekend, or a glass of wine and would never even think about donating a penny to what we are doing, The price of a drink would feed one of our severe cases for a few days. The price of a drink would buy one of our severe cases a chew toy that they once could only have ever dreamt of.

We are a small and very new charity and are now looking after 40 animals and when you add up food, vet bills, vaccinations and neutering and also our intense passion to try and improve on our facilities, so that we can save more lives, our current weekly outgoings are in excess of 1500 euros.

That is a huge responsibility to have to raise that kind of money every week and some people may say that we chose to be in that situa-

tion, which we did, but we are sick and tired of innocent animals being put to sleep, which is why we do, what we do. Please help us to help these desperate cases.

EVERY PENNY AND CENT goes towards the cause. www.thedogyouneed.com is a registered charity, where we rehabilitate the most severely abused animals.

Our charity registration number is 1157175. If you would be kind enough to donate anything to this special cause you can do by Paypal, where the account details are peter@thedogyouneed.com or to our Nat West charity account, where the sort code is 60-16-03 and the account number is 73754900. Anyone wanting to pay into the Spanish account, can do, where the details are The Spanish account is Cajamurcia bank.

Account number 9007006467. IBAN - ES42 0487 0485 7290 0700 6467.

BIC - GBMNESMMXXX. When donating via Paypal, can you please choose the option, personal payment or gift. Thank you sincerely from our hearts.

Friday 10th April 2015

13

THE TOP 5 REGRETS OF THE DYING (AND NOT ONE OF THEM IS MONEY)

Mark Harrison Partner AES International

After years of working with patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives, the Australian nurse, Bronnie Ware, wrote down the dying epiphanies of her patients and in doing so, has helped us realise that money doesn't matter in the end.

The hugely insightful findings captured in her own blog, are a helpful reminder to us of five of the things that do matter.

The top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Bronnie Ware: 1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

"This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners.

All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

"Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years.

There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

"This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."

It's difficult to follow these amazing insights, apart from perhaps to say money (and having financial goals) simply helps us accomplish some of our life's goals - it facilitates our journey.

Financial planning is simply about helping a client put their priorities in the right order and apportion the money in the right way so they get the best possible chance to live their dreams. Thank you to the patients quoted here who have made us stop and think, if only for 2 minutes. You can contact me at mark.harrison@aesinternational.com or telephone me on 965 704 338

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Friday 10th April 2015

FARAGE HITS THE MARK

DID you enjoy last week´s TV clash of the UK political giants? What was so apparent was how much the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon stood out from the crowd and it´s no wonder that north of the border she is being dubbed Queen of Scotland.

What is so obvious is that if Labour became the party with marginally more seats than Conservatives and they formed an alliance with the SNP, Ed Miliband would be no more than a puppet on a string - the strings pulled by Nicola. But let´s not forget that Nicola, for all her charm and eloquence is way to the left in politics and has two agendas, firstly to do the very best she can for Scotland, even if that might damage the rest of the UK in the process, and also do her utmost to increase government spending - and we all know what that means increased borrowing, increased debt and increased taxes. More on that later. Who, out of Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon is the stronger character and who would actually be in charge? You don´t need me to tell you the answer - but would that be good for Britain? Like hell it would.

Next, I want to mention the performance of Nigel Farage - you can count on him to say something which many people would rather not discuss (except in private) and that goes for politicians too.

Mr Farage was greeted with silence in the hall when he said during the debate about the NHS that of the 7,000 diagnosed with HIV, 60 per cent were born abroad. After saying this was something the other leaders would be 'mortified that I dare to even talk about it', he said: "You can come to Britain from anywhere in the

world and get diagnosed with HIV and get the retroviral drugs that cost up to £25,000 per year per patient. I know there are some horrible things happening in many parts of the world, but what we need is to put the National Health Service there for the British people and families who have paid into this system for decades."

But the remarks provoked leader of Welsh Nationalists, Plaid Cymru, to accuse Mr Farage of 'dangerous scaremongering' for b l a m i n g migrants for problems in the NHS. She told him he should be 'ashamed' of himself. But should he? I had no idea that health tourism on this scale was going on.

Even if Farage´s claims were exaggerated, it should be properly debated. So often politicians only want you to know what it is politically correct for them and try to ridicule and condemn anyone standing outside the mainstream. That´s why we had the crazy influx of immigrants under the last Labour government and anyone criticising it was labelled racist. In the TV debate, the leaders were discussing the need for an extra nine billion pounds to be pumped into the NHS and Farage then landed his blow pointing out that two billion pounds could be saved by ending health tourism into the NHS. Yes, it´s a hot potato topic and it´s politically correct to say that no-one should be

turned away when in need.

But Britain cannot heal the world on its own and the NHS cannot treat the world either. We have a national health service, not an international one.

The NHS is already denying some British people

rich would be clobbered more and many would up and leave. The government would then have to borrow even more and Britain would go down the plug-hole.

Farage was right to remind the other leaders to "get real" on the level of British

drugs they need to keep alive on the grounds that it is too expensive and not cost effective. So is it fair and reasonable to accept health tourists from around the world? People on the far left of politics would say the answer would be to borrow more to spend on the NHS and treat all in need. Very commendable - but Britain´s debt is already sky high and rising every second. It´s one of the highest in the world.

The country is only able to keep interest rates low and the pound trading high because the world has confidence in Britain. That confidence would dissolve if the UK was to embark on another round of borrowing and spending. The pound would sink, interest rates would have to rise, business confidence would sink and unemployment would go up.

The government would be forced to increase taxes, the

debt and to do something about it.

We hear stories in the press about increasing pressures in the NHS and this came very close to home for us last week, when my step son was rushed to Tameside Hospital near Manchester.

He was having a shower when he suddenly had the most excruciating pain in his head. Luckily his wife was nearby and she telephoned the 911 service for advice.

They lost no time in calling for an ambulance, fearing he might have had a brain bleed. He was rushed to hospital and admitted to A&E at around 9pm and he was given pain killers and was taken for a brain scan.

This proved negative for a brain bleed and he was kept on a trolley for four hours in a corridor and a further 11 hours on the same trolley in a cubicle - a total of 15 hours, in between having a

lumbar puncture - an extremely painful experience. At first, the thought was that he may have contracted meningitis and was told he had to lie flat for eight hours, so they found him a bed in a ward. He was supposed to be there lying flat for the full eight hours, but after two came the announcement they were shutting the ward for the weekend because of a serious staff shortage and he had to be discharged.

So he was sent home.

The next day he was taken to the doctors because he was still in pain but nothing like as severe as before.

The theory is it is all related to an ear problem he has been suffering from for many years and is still waiting for an operation for that.

He´s now waiting to see the ENT specialist. My wife was going frantic to find out what was happening to her son and tried to phone the hospital. It took around 100 rings to get an answer and she was then shunted around various departments, hanging on the line for about 10 minutes before finally getting through to her daughter in law who was with her husband. We know there are many patients and their loved ones who have nothing but praise for the NHS, but there are increasing numbers who have bad experiences like the one I have detailed - or worse.

Somehow more money must be pumped into the NHS to cope with demand.

Something which should be introduced without delay is a fine of at least £10 for a missed doctor´s appointment without good reason.

My wife, who has been a doctor´s surgery nurse, says that there are at least 200 missed appointments at her surgery alone. Just multiply that over the country and that represents a dreadful waste of doctors ‘time.

Britain needs a more joined up approach with the care services, so that patients are not left blocking hospital beds but are looked after properly in their own homes wherever possible. And the NHS must be operational 24/7 with the same service on Saturdays and Sundays as the rest of the week.

More controversially, shouldn’t people who, for example, go binge drinking at weekends, take drugs, or self-harm in other ways and end up in A&E or hospital have to pay for some or part of their treatment? The stresses the NHS is under would be much reduced if society took far more care of their own health and wellbeing.

Our ancestors, 1,000 years ago, were much cleverer than we have given them credit for - and when you think about it, they were pretty good at surviving or otherwise we wouldn´t be here! Way back then our ancestors had a treatment for eye infections. AngloSaxons used onion, garlic and part of a cow´s stomach (bile) as some infection killing medicine. And scientists have experimented with the old remedy and found that it almost completely wiped out MRSA, which has been such a curse in hospitals. Oh yes, and to complete the olde remedy, you need a quantity of wine.

How´s that for an excuse for another tipple!

15

Friday 10th April 2015

AN UNFAIR COP

As someone who writes for a newspaper like The Courier, I have a certain amount of responsibility to make sure that I feature facts, although my opinions are carried in almost every article that I pen, There is the important point that I have to be careful about what I write, being conscious of my integrity and therefore for example would never mention names of people in personal matters without their express permission.

I thought this week I’d like to make some points about the news, as I like to keep up to date on both UK and Spanish matters. For me, current affairs are something to take an interest in and I know not everyone cares about the situation in the world but I do. I see both good and bad in every group, and like to keep a balanced viewpoint.

Firstly, let’s look at the police in the UK. It is easy to criticise a group of people when one or two are bad or wrong, and when mistakes happen (like in every walk in

life), then it´s simple to point the finger and suggest that the entire unit is to blame.

After the Hillsborough inquiry I´ve read comments such as ´the whole force is corrupt´ and ´they´re all no good´.

Yes there were errors and yes some people lied. The choices they made at the time turned out to be tragically misguided however they were mistakes, but it was unforgivable of them to then lie about it. This, though, should not bring the whole of the police service into disrepute.

There is no doubt that policing was different back in 1989.

I joined the Metropolitan police shortly after in 1992, and I remember how it was then. 99.9% of the officers I worked with were hard working, serious men and women with a high level of integrity. The Met was also reeling from the death of Stephen Lawrence and the upcoming label of institutional racism. I joined an area in the South East of

London which had just had to deal with riots due to a BNP bookshop being in the area.

why did I leave? It was a slow spiral for me, downwards into a pit of hate for all

It closed its doors before I actually arrived a few months later, but the effects were still being felt and the damage caused was still painfully visible. I met many brave and selfless officers both then and during my thirteen years as a copper and was proud to call them my friends. I put my own life on the line more than once to protect the public and do the job I had chosen and loved to do. So where did it all go wrong and

police. I felt we were getting hatred and being let down from the two sectors of society that should have stood up for us.

Firstly, senior officers would not stand up for the constable on the street, as there was a disregard and hand washing that Pontius Pilate, the man who sentenced Jesus Christ to death, would have been proud of. I felt the respect that they once had for us, the man and

woman on the street, was gone. The second group that let us down, and still does it, is the press. I read article after article of one police officer making a mistake or a cover-up and the whole service being blamed. I began to wonder who exactly I was doing this job for.

Was it really worth putting my life on the line for people with so little respect for us? Rightly or wrongly I did take it personally, feeling like a child being beaten up in the school playground for something someone else had done.

There was no mention of what a difficult, thankless job the other thousands of officers were carrying out when one constable or group of officers committed a crime or made a mistake or lied about something. We were a team and as such we all had to take the blame, or at least that´s how I felt.

The only time I remember seeing something positive about the police was when

one of my colleagues was killed in the line of duty. Then of course we were all heroes.

But by then it was too little too late and only a matter of time before the knives came out again. I had grown bored and tired of all the criticism and hatred and had fallen in love with Spain and knew I wanted this to be my home. I did a writing course and a TEFL course so I had something behind me when I came and I handed in my resignation dated April 1st, with the coincidence of the date not being lost on me. So here I am, and I will accept that not everyone in every job is squeaky clean, and there is corruption and bad people in every walk of life.

As for the police, let´s give them a break and appreciate what they do for us every single day of the year, holidays and nights included. Next week I´ll address another group of people that have been criticised recently, and how I believe we should be thinking about them, but of course, this is just my opinion!

16

Friday 10th April 2015

Spanish 167 Hi and welcome to another week of Spanish! This week I am going to give you the answers to last week´s questions, so dig out your old Courier and see how you did. Any that you didn´t know, then use to revise, and think about where you made a mistake. For those of you that managed to answer everything correctly well done and maybe it´s time to think about lessons if you don´t already have them, to get you talking Spanish and putting into practise what you know.

Well let´s get on with the answers: At first I asked you to just translate some sentences from English to Spanish, here are the answers: I don´t know what to buy my mum for her birthday - No sé qué comprar a mi madre para su cumpleaños, I don´t like the work in the office - No me gusta el trabajo en la oficina. I have lost my wallet - He perdido mi cartera. She listens to music in her car – Ella escucha música en su coche. In winter it´s very cold for playing tennis outside – En invierno es muy frío para jugar al tenis al aire libre. This cat is very fat- Este gato es muy gordo, I don´t feel like going to the cinema tonight – Esta noche no tengo ganas de ir al cine, She is my favourite singer – Ella es mi cantante favorita, I never watch television in the morning – Nunca veo la tele por la mańana, What do you think of my idea? - ¿Qué te parece mi idea? Can I open the window? It´s just that I´m hot - ¿Puedo abrir la ventana?

Es que tengo calor. This cake smells nice, can I eat it? – Este pastel huele muy bien. ¿Puedo comerlo? Is it cold outside? Shall I put my coat on?, yes, put it on – ¿Hace frío fuera? ¿Me pongo el abrigo? Sí, póntelo.

Next I gave you a paragraph to translate, I will give you it again in English and if, for any reason you didn´t manage to get a copy of the paper you can give it a go before you read the correct translation: Next week I will go to France unexpectedly because I won a competition in a magazine. I will rent a car and go around the country visiting lakes and cas-

tles. I like castles and old buildings. Then I will stay in a five star hotel, I hope it will have a spa and maybe a swimming pool. I want to stay for two weeks at least, I need time to relax and unwind. When I return home I will be happy and ready to go back to work!

La semana que viene irás a Francia de forma imprevista porque gané una competición de una revista. Alquilaré un coche y recorreré el país visitando lagos y castillos. Me gustan los castillos y los edificios antiguos. Entonces me quedaré en un hotel de cuatro estrellas, espero que tenga un spa y quizás una piscina. Quiero quedarme durante dos semanas por lo menos, necesito tiempo para relajarme y descansar. Cuando vuelva a casa estaré feliz y listo/a para volver a trabajar!

Then I asked you some general knowledge questions in Spanish and asked for the answers also in Spanish, this way you can learn a bit about Spain as well as practising the lan-

guage. 1. ¿Cuántas Autonomías hay en España? diecisiete 2. ¿Cuáles son las denominadas Autonomías históricas?

Cataluña, País Vasco y Galicia 3. ¿Cuál es el camino más famoso de España? El camino de Santiago, ¿Cuántas lenguas oficiales se hablan en España? Cuatro: Castellano, Catalán, Gallego, Vasco (euskera) 5. ¿En qué años fue la guerra civil española? 1936–1939 ¿Cuál es el río más largo de España? El Tajo, es 1.007km, 7. ¿Cuál es el actual presidente del gobierno español? – Mariano Rajoy, 8. ¿Quién pintó el Guernica (un cuadro sobre la guerra en España)?

Picasso 9. ¿En qué año se publicó la primera parte del Quijote? La primera parte de su obra fue publicada en el 16 de enero de 1605 10. ¿Qué día toman doce uvas a medianoche en España? En Nochevieja.

Next came something from a couple of weeks ago, put the nouns into the diminutive: Perro - perrito; mesa - mesita; abuelo - abuelito; balón - baloncito; café - cafecito; chaqueta - chaquetita; niña - niñita; sobrina - sobrinita; pelo - pelito; beso - besito.

Remember I then gave you some mixed up song titles, the first and last words were in Spanish and the middle word was an anagram. Llamar ym quizás – call me maybe; enciende ym fuego – light my fire; dinero rof nada – money for nothing; autovía ot infierno – highway to hell; nacido ot correr – born to run; loco rfo ti – crazy for you; pensando tuo voz alta – thinking out loud; canción gnsu azul – song sung blue; frío sa hielo – cold as ice; escalera ot cielo – stairway to heaven; quédate thiw mi – stay with me; andar hist manera – walk this way; este elo casa – this ole house.

Now I gave you options to choose the correct question for the answer that was given.

Here are the answers: A- 1; B – 2; C – 1; D – 2; E – 2; F – 1; G – 2; H – 1; I – 1.

I hope you had fun while you were doing these and you are aware of any parts that you need to improve. ¡Espero que tengáis una buena semana!

Friday 10th April 2015

17

Friday 10th April 2015

18

Focus on San Miguel

THE O’BRIEN LANGUAGE CENTRE The O'Brien Language Centre in San Miguel may only be a recent addition to the area's educational provision but it is already proving popular with students of all ages. Enthusiastic teenagers wanting to improve their grades, Spanish adults learning English and young ones happily coming for out-ofhours tuition - it is all on offer here. With a direct line to the UKbased AQA Examination Board, The O’Brien Language Centre has already been given the top grading for its practice and procedures. With the annual exam season soon upon us, staff are optimistic that the enjoyment shown by students will be matched by high-level results. The students not only forge ahead in the classroom but have taken part in field trips with, hopefully, a foreign visit in the future. The Director, John O'Brien, is available to meet with prospective students and parents, as are his staff.

Even with plans to accommodate even more people, the teacher/student ratio and the funding tariff will always compete with any other institution in the area.

THE NEW TAVERN BAR AND RESTAURANT The New Tavern Bar and Restaurant run by owner Ian Dowrick, is based in San Miguel and has been in business for over 4 years now proving to be a very popular bar with the locals. Sunday lunches are available served from 1pm.

Pie Nights are available on Tuesdays, and on Wednesday and Friday evenings there is the ever popular Steak Nights.

Entertainment is available on Wednesdays and Fridays and on Sunday evenings there is Karaoke for all the singers out there starting at 9pm. A pickup and drop off service is available to clients. To reserve a table or for more information, call 966 194 121.

PROPERTY SALES ESPANA Property Salespana is your professional Inmobiliaria/Estate agent here on the Costa Blanca, and we are after helping you to find your perfect home in the sun in this area!

Property Salespana is run by the experienced duo of Barry Miles and Glyn Horsfall, who also have a Spanish speaking team behind them to get that special deal sorted out for you.

Mark Pearson is their Fincas expert who will help you in every step of the way in buying your dream home, and that means from start to finish so that you can enjoy a better quality of life here in Spain. We also urgently need properties for sale in all parts of the region, due to many enquiries from potential buyers.

EL MIRADOR BAR & RESTAURANT The Family friendly Bar where everyone's welcome!

Nicole and Chris Tallowin who have resided in Spain for 6 years have owned El Mirador Bar for just over a year.

Breakfasts are served daily and start from just €2.50.

Lunches are varied with specials each day and Sundays are our fantastic Sunday Lunch served from 1pm to 6pm. 3 Courses only €9.95 and with 2x 3 Courses you get a free bottle on wine. Next week our fabulous New Summer Menu starts with a large variety of top quality dishes to choose from at great prices.

Karaoke every Friday night with Daniel Firth from 8.30pm and live entertainment on Saturdays. Located just off the road from San Miguel to Villamartin. El Mirador look forward to welcoming you soon. Phone 966 845 604

Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April 2015

CAN YOU NAME THE FOOTBALL CLUBS?

1.

6.

11.

2.

7.

12.

3.

8.

13.

4.

9.

14.

5.

10.

15.

answers in next weeks edition

Last Weeks Answers: 1) A Chorus Line 2) Dolly Parton 3) High Noon 4) From here to Eternity 5) West Side Story 6) Weeple 7) Around the World in 80 Days 8) Doctor Doolittle 9) Brokeback Mountain 10) Fiddler on the Roof 11) Odeon Leicester Square 12) J Lo 13) One Direction 14) Return to Oz 15) Camelot

TRELI ON THE TELLY NO STRINGS ATTACHED

with ALEX TRELINSKI I wasn’t expecting a great deal from the CGI-revived Thunderbirds Are Go last Saturday on ITV, but it wasn’t half bad! You can never reproduce the magic of the mid-sixties with the original version and those strings all over the place, but the new take didn’t trash the memories of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s concept, and there was plenty for us older ones to enjoy walking down memory lane (I loved the quick reference to Stingray).

Parker was voiced by the original actor, David Graham (sounding fantastic at the age of 91) but Lady Penelope had a certain annoying tweeness about her and lacked class. The Tracy boys were fine, but the

real shocker was the way that Brains had been t o t a l l y changed into some boring boffin from the Asian sub-continent, with an Indian voice t h a t appeared to be supplied in the style of Peter Sellers! Dear oh dear, was somebody trying to tick a “politically correct” box somewhere?

That aside, the effects were terrific and there was plenty of action, almost too much, as we that didn’t allow the characters and story to properly develop. It was as if there was a complete assumption that we had all seen the original show, yet

since it is aimed at kids, I’d suggest that they might be a bit confused by it all, which is certainly true with me when trying to analyse the international success of Peppa Pig! ITV have already ordered a second series, but the surprise for me is in the scheduling, with the remainder of the

W i t h even Ant and Dec’s Takeaway b e i n g given a comparative ratings roasting over the last few weeks, ITV bosses will be breathing a massive sigh of relief that Britain’s Got Talent returns tomorrow run being played out at night. I’ve said before that Saturday breakfast, as this is my favourite of all such opposed to the premiere shows as we get variety and being screened at teatime. plenty of surprises, plus a What a shame that ITV have judging panel that gels well. missed out on some light- BGT’s return of course coinhearted family viewing in cides with last week’s The favour of the usual array of Voice final on BBC 1, which Saturday flops that they spe- was won by fireman Stevie cialise in these days.

McCrorie, as the UK voting

public used their hearts rather than their minds. If you don’t think that purely in vocal terms that opera singer Lucy O’ Byrne or the sultry Sasha Simone were miles better, then you better book a doctor’s appointment.

Likeable McCrorie will soon enter the pantheon of despair with fellow club members of the likes of Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson (Two X Factor flops, in case you‘d already forgotten!).

Utter TV heaven at the moment with Sky Atlantic just starting the last series of Mad Men which has moved into the seventies, and on Monday, the fantastic Game of Thrones is back on the same channel. Or, if you have Spain’s Canal Plus you can watch it as a simulcast with the States transmission in the wee small hours of Monday!

20

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

FRIDAY

10th APRIL

00:45 This Week 01:30 Skiing Weatherview 01:35 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Neighbourhood Blues 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Fake Britain 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:45 The Edge 15:30 Escape to the Country 16:30 Home Away from Home 17:15 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 MasterChef 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Mrs Brown's Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:25 National Lottery Update 23:25 BBC London News; Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:15 Weather 00:20 This World 01:20 Horizon 02:20 Louis Theroux: By Reason of Insanity 03:20 This Is BBC Two 07:15 Homes Under the Hammer 08:15 Flog It! Trade Secrets 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Gardeners' World 09:45 Helicopter Heroes Down Under 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The A to Z of TV Gardening 14:05 Cagney & Lacey 14:50 Animal Park 15:25 Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge 16:10 Floyd on France 16:40 Are You Being Served?

17:10 'Allo 'Allo!

17:40 Hi-de-Hi! 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Antiques Roadshow Detectives 20:00 Golf: The Masters 21:00 An Island Parish: Falklands 21:30 Gardeners' World 22:00 Sex and the Church 23:00 The Clare Balding Show 23:30 Newsnight

00:20 River Monsters 01:20 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 11:55 ITV News 11:59 ITV Meridian Weather 12:00 This Morning 13:30 O'Brien 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:20 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:40 First Blood

00:05 First Dates 01:05 Raised by Wolves 01:40 How to Be a Young Billionaire 02:35 The Secret Millionaire 03:30 Unreported World 03:55 Secret Location 04:50 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 05:45 Deal or No Deal 06:35 The Common Denominator 07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Frasier 10:25 Four in a Bed 11:30 Come Dine with Me 12:00 Come Dine with Me 12:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:40 Come Dine with Me 14:10 Jamie's Comfort Food 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 Party Election Broadcast 21:00 Marvel's Agents of SHIELD 22:00 Gogglebox 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

00:15 Family Guy 00:35 American Dad! 01:00 Family Guy 01:20 Life and Death Row 02:40 Killer Magic 03:10 Stacey Dooley Investigates 04:10 Comedy Feeds 04:30 Comedy Feeds 05:00 Close 20:00 Great Movie Mistakes 20:05 Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out 20:30 Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Transsiberian 23:45 EastEnders

00:00 The Normans 01:00 Top of the Pops: 1980 01:35 Horizon 02:35 Great Irish Journeys with Martha Kearney 03:05 Neil Sedaka Says: All You Need Is the Music 03:50 4,000 Year Old Cold Case: The Body in the Bog 04:50 Close 20:00 World News Today 20:30 Placido Domingo's Gala Concert 22:00 Biggest Band Break Ups and Make Ups 23:00 More Dangerous Songs: And the Banned Played On

00:50 Two and a Half Men 01:45 Scorpion 02:40 Royal Pains 03:20 Teleshopping 06:50 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Life's Funniest Moments 07:20 Psych 08:05 Emmerdale 09:10 You've Been Framed!

09:35 Dinner Date 10:35 Ben and Kate 11:00 Up All Night 11:25 Psych 12:20 Royal Pains 13:15 Emmerdale 14:15 You've Been Framed!

14:45 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Back-Up Plan

00:00 01:35 None 03:15 03:30 07:00 07:25 08:30 09:35 10:40 11:40 13:00 14:00 15:05 16:10 17:15 17:50 18:20 18:55 19:55 21:00 23:00

DON’T MISS

Golf: The Masters 20:00 - BBC Two

Hazel Irvine presents action from the opening day at the Augusta National in Georgia, where America's Bubba Watson began his defence of the year's first Major. Watson clinched his second Masters in the space of three years, and was never out of contention from the first tee, shooting an opening-round 69 to leave himself one shot off the lead held by compatriot Bill Haas. Commentary by Peter Alliss, Ken Brown and Andrew Cotter.

Blue Murder And Then There Were ITV3 Nightscreen Teleshopping Rising Damp Wycliffe Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Judge Judy Murder, She Wrote Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Never the Twain Rising Damp On the Buses Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Midsomer Murders Law & Order: UK

00:55 Access 01:00 SuperCasino 04:10 Secrets of Great British Castles 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Divine Designs 05:45 House Doctor 07:00 The WotWots 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Pip Ahoy!

08:10 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector Returns 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Can't Pay? We'll Take It Away 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS: Los Angeles 16:15 Virtual Lies 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 Secrets of Great British Castles 22:00 NCIS: New Orleans 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

01:00 Sudden Impact 03:15 Nitro Circus 03:40 Movies Now 03:45 ITV4 Nightscreen 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 Greatest World Cup Matches 07:15 Pawn Stars 07:35 The Professionals 08:30 Duck Dynasty 09:25 Minder 10:25 Ax Men 11:20 Magnum, PI 12:20 Minder 13:20 The Professionals 14:20 Pawn Stars 16:05 Duck Dynasty 17:00 Magnum, PI 18:00 The Professionals 19:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Counting Cars 22:00 Hard to Kill

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

SATURDAY

21

11th APRIL

00:30 Weather

00:10 Brooklyn Nine-Nine

23:30 Match of the Day

01:25 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 00:35 The White Countess USA 02:00 Question Time 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 07:00 Bottom Knocker Street 03:00 Dara and Ed's Great Big 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek's Adventure Adventures 08:00 Share a Story 04:00 This Is BBC Two 08:10 Sooty 07:15 Animal Park 08:25 Signed Stories 08:30 Scrambled!

07:45 The Magic Box 08:35 Nerds & Monsters 09:30 The Man from Laramie 09:00 Thunderbirds Are Go 09:30 Horrid Henry 11:10 Fred Dibnah's 09:50 Hulk and the Agents of Magnificent Monuments Smash 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:40 Fred Dibnah's 13:30 ITV News and Weather Magnificent Monuments 13:39 ITV Meridian Weather 13:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 12:10 The Nature of Britain 14:40 Scooby-Doo 13:00 Food & Drink 16:20 The Unforgettable 17:05 Big Star's Little Star 13:30 Michel Roux's Service 18:05 Off Their Rockers 14:30 A Taste of Britain 18:30 ITV Meridian Weather 18:30 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Flog It! 18:45 ITV News and Weather 15:40 The Philadelphia Story 19:00 New You've Been Framed!

17:30 Final Score 20:00 Ninja Warrior UK 18:30 Kew on a Plate 21:00 Britain's Got Talent 22:20 Play to the Whistle 19:30 Gardeners' World 23:05 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Dad's Army 23:19 ITV Meridian Weather 23:20 Backdraft 20:30 Golf: The Masters

00:15 Family Guy 00:40 Family Guy 01:00 American Dad! 01:25 Family Guy 01:45 Bluestone 42 02:15 Killer Magic 02:45 Uncle 03:15 Uncle 03:45 Uncle 04:15 Bluestone 42 04:45 Great Movie Mistakes 04:55 Close 20:00 Night of the Living Carrots 20:15 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave 20:45 Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit 22:05 Enemy of the State

00:00 Britain's Most Dangerous Songs: Listen to the Banned 01:00 Tubular Bells: The Mike Oldfield Story 02:00 Biggest Band Break Ups and Make Ups 03:00 More Dangerous Songs: And the Banned Played On 04:00 Britain's Most Dangerous Songs: Listen to the Banned 05:00 Close 20:00 Ice Age Giants 21:00 Wild China 22:00 Inspector Montalbano 23:45 Kings of Rock 'n' Roll

00:00 Blue Murder 01:35 Steptoe and Son Ride Again 03:15 Wycliffe 04:10 Judge Judy 04:30 ITV3 Nightscreen 04:40 Emmerdale 07:00 Where the Heart Is 07:50 Where the Heart Is 08:55 Carry On Girls 10:45 The Darling Buds of May 11:50 Seabiscuit 14:30 Wycliffe 15:45 Wycliffe 16:50 Rosemary & Thyme 17:55 Agatha Christie's Marple 20:00 Doc Martin 21:00 Foyle's War 23:00 A Is for Acid

00:25 Would I Lie to You? 00:55 EastEnders 02:50 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:55 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Mary Berry Cooks 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Formula 1 15:15 Golf: The Masters 16:30 Bargain Hunt 17:15 The Boat Race 19:35 BBC News 19:45 BBC London News; Weather 19:55 Pointless Celebrities 20:45 Atlantis 21:30 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 22:20 Casualty 23:10 BBC News; Weather 23:30 National Lottery Update

DON’T MISS

Casualty 22:20 - BBC ONE

A pregnant young woman gives birth in the back of Dixie's ambulance - but when her pushy teacher arrives at the hospital claiming to be adopting the baby, Connie suspects the confused new mum was coerced into the agreement. A schoolboy takes revenge on the bully who is making his life a misery, although it backfires when both his tormentor and his teacher are badly injured. Cal is hurting following Taylor's disappearance and apologises to Ethan for stealing his money.

00:15 Take Me Out 01:25 Two and a Half Men 02:20 Royal Pains 03:05 Life's Funniest Moments 03:25 Teleshopping 06:55 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 12:00 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 13:30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 14:00 Britain's Got More Talent 17:00 Mr Bean 18:10 ET the Extra-Terrestrial 20:30 Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure 22:20 Britain's Got More Talent 23:20 Celebrity Juice

00:40 Showgirls 03:00 Fargo 03:50 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 04:40 Secret Location 05:40 Hugh's 3 Good Things: Best Bites 05:45 Deal or No Deal 06:40 The Common Denominator 07:10 How I Met Your Mother 07:35 The King of Queens 08:00 The King of Queens 08:25 The Grid 09:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Sunday Brunch 14:00 Channel 4 Racing 18:15 Celebrity Fifteen to One 19:15 Channel 4 News 19:40 Independence Day 22:20 I Give It a Year

00:50 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 01:15 SuperCasino 04:10 Can't Pay? We'll Take It Away 05:00 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 05:45 House Doctor 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:15 Milkshake! Monkey 07:20 Angelina Ballerina 07:35 Pip Ahoy!

07:45 The Mr Men Show 08:00 Chloe's Closet 08:10 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:20 Make Way for Noddy 08:30 Paw Patrol 08:40 Little Princess 08:55 Wanda and the Alien 09:05 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:10 Zack and Quack 09:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:30 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:45 Jelly Jamm 10:05 LazyTown 10:30 Dora and Friends 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:35 The Dog Rescuers 12:05 Ice Road Truckers 15:05 Columbo: Sex and the Married Detective 17:00 Columbo: the Most Crucial Game 18:30 Most Shocking Talent Show Moments 21:10 5 News Weekend 21:15 NCIS 22:10 NCIS 23:10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

00:00 Sports Life Stories 01:05 Doom 02:55 Shed and Buried 03:45 ITV4 Nightscreen 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 UEFA Champions League Greatest Matches 07:10 The Professionals 09:00 Bundesliga Football Highlights 09:55 UEFA Champions League Weekly 10:25 I Want That Car 11:25 Minder 12:30 Pawn Stars 13:30 Counting Cars 14:20 British Superbike Championship Highlights 15:20 BRDC Formula 4 Championship Highlights 16:25 British Touring Car Championship Highlights 18:00 Storage Wars: New York 19:00 Storage Wars: Texas 20:00 Shed and Buried 21:00 River Monsters 22:00 Sudden Impact

22

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

SUNDAY

12th APRIL

00:55 The Football League Show 02:15 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:20 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Formula 1 16:55 Escape to the Country 17:25 Points of View 17:40 Songs of Praise 18:15 Pointless Celebrities 19:05 BBC News 19:20 BBC London News; Weather 19:30 Countryfile 20:30 MasterChef 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Poldark 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC London News; Weather 23:30 Match of the Day 2

00:10 Family Guy 01:15 American Dad! 01:35 Family Guy 02:20 Bluestone 42 02:50 Killer Magic 03:20 Uncle 04:50 Close 20:00 Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos 20:15 B.O.B.'s Big Break 20:25 Megamind Button of Doom 20:40 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death 21:10 Raiders of the Lost Ark 23:00 Tatau 23:40 Family Guy

DON’T MISS

01:50 Jackpot247 04:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show Pippa Lee USA 04:40 ITV Nightscreen 02:30 Free Men 07:00 Bottom Knocker Street 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek's 04:05 This Is BBC Two Adventures 08:00 Canimals 07:00 Great British Garden 08:10 Sooty Revival 08:25 Signed Stories 08:30 Scrambled!

08:00 Countryfile 08:35 Nerds & Monsters 08:50 The Aquabats! Super 09:00 Gardeners' World Show!

09:30 The Beechgrove Garden 09:30 Horrid Henry 09:50 Hulk and the Agents of 10:00 The Football League Smash 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show Show 13:25 ITV News and Weather 13:29 ITV Meridian Weather 11:20 Saturday Kitchen Best 13:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:30 Murder, She Wrote Bites 15:30 Britain's Got Talent 12:50 Back in Time for Dinner 16:50 All Star Family Fortunes 13:50 A Taste of Britain 17:35 Ninja Warrior UK 18:35 You've Been Framed!

14:20 Triathlon 19:05 ITV Meridian Weather 19:05 ITV News Meridian 15:50 Little Women 19:15 ITV News and Weather 17:50 Flog It! 19:30 The Chase 20:30 Off Their Rockers 18:30 Penguins on a Plane: 21:00 Vera 23:00 ITV News and Weather Great Animal Moves 23:14 ITV Meridian Weather 23:15 The Olivier Awards 19:30 Golf: The Masters 01:00 The Private Lives of

00:45 Rock 'n' Roll Britannia 01:45 Top of the Pops: 1980 02:20 Timeshift 03:20 Wild China 04:20 Sounds of the 70s 2 04:50 Close 20:00 Horizon 21:00 Voyager 22:00 Do We Really Need the Moon?

23:00 The Sky at Night 23:30 Biggest Band Break Ups and Make Ups

Britain's Winter: Storm Heroes 21:00 - CHANNEL 4

With first-person footage from those facing the brunt of the weather, including rescuers on the front line, this documentary tells the story of Britain's ferocious winter conditions. The programme witnesses the work of the rescue services, often manned by volunteers, battling wind, rain, snow and hail to reach those in danger.

00:05 Britain's Got Talent 01:30 Britain's Got More Talent 02:30 Hell's Kitchen USA 03:20 Crazy Beaches 03:40 Teleshopping 06:40 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Emmerdale 10:05 Coronation Street 12:35 Take Me Out 13:45 Scorpion 14:45 Honey 16:40 Despicable Me 18:35 Britain's Got Talent 20:00 Britain's Got More Talent 21:00 The Back-Up Plan 23:10 The Bourne Identity

00:20 Sean Lock: Purple Van

23:05 Gogglebox

00:05 Britain's Favourite Detectives 02:50 SuperCasino 05:00 The Gadget Show 05:50 Make It Big 06:15 Angels of Jarm 06:40 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:15 Milkshake! Monkey 07:20 Angelina Ballerina 07:35 Pip Ahoy!

07:45 The Mr Men Show 08:00 Chloe's Closet 08:10 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:20 Make Way for Noddy 08:30 Paw Patrol 08:40 Little Princess 08:55 Wanda and the Alien 09:05 Zack and Quack 09:20 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:25 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:30 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:45 Jelly Jamm 10:05 LazyTown 10:30 Dora and Friends 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:35 Access 11:40 The Dog Rescuers 12:10 The Hotel Inspector Returns 14:05 Are We There Yet? 15:55 Nim's Island 17:40 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 19:40 5 News Weekend 19:45 Spider-Man 22:00 Olympus Has Fallen

01:05 Inspector Morse 03:10 ITV3 Nightscreen 03:30 Teleshopping 07:00 Judge Judy 07:20 Seabiscuit 10:00 Heartbeat 11:05 Heartbeat 12:10 A Touch of Frost 14:20 Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four 16:35 Agatha Christie's Marple 18:40 Inspector Morse 21:00 Inside Asprey: Luxury

by Royal Appointment 22:00 Gosford Park

00:25 Crank 02:10 Boogeyman 03:55 ITV4 Nightscreen 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 The Professionals 07:50 The Professionals 08:40 Minder 09:40 British Touring Car Championship Highlights 11:15 Ax Men 12:05 Shed and Buried 13:05 Pawn Stars 16:50 The Appaloosa 18:55 The War Wagon 21:00 Premiership Rugby Union 22:00 Mars Attacks!

Man 01:25 24 Hour Party People 03:25 Hollyoaks 05:30 Secret Location 06:20 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 07:15 How I Met Your Mother 08:05 British GT Championship 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:25 The Simpsons 16:55 Location, Location, Location 17:55 Channel 4 News 18:20 Dr Seuss' The Lorax 20:00 Three in a Bed 21:00 Britain's Winter: Storm Heroes 22:00 Indian Summers

23

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

MONDAY

13th APRIL

00:30 The Last Castle 02:35 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:40 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cowboys and Angels 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Edge 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Home Away from Home 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 The Leader Interviews 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:30 BBC London News; Weather 23:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

01:00 First Snow

00:05 Family Guy 00:25 American Dad! 00:45 Family Guy 01:10 Tatau 01:50 Stacey Dooley Investigates 02:50 Bluestone 42 03:20 Comedy Feeds 03:35 Tatau 04:15 Killer Magic 04:45 Great Movie Mistakes 05:00 Close 20:00 Great Movie Mistakes 20:10 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 22:00 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia 23:00 Bluestone 42 23:30 EastEnders

DON’T MISS

23:30 Newsnight

01:00 Premiership Rugby Union 01:50 The Store 03:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 04:20 British Superbike Championship Highlights 05:10 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 11:55 ITV News 11:59 ITV Meridian Weather 12:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Wild Ireland 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Code of a Killer 23:30 ITV News and Weather

00:10 The Final Destination 01:40 Bhuvan Shome 03:25 Come Dine with Me 05:35 Jamie's Money Saving Meals 06:05 River Cottage Bites 06:20 The Common Denominator 06:45 Deal or No Deal 07:40 Will & Grace 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:25 Four in a Bed 11:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:10 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Deal or No Deal 17:00 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Party Election Broadcast 21:00 Food Unwrapped 21:30 Travel Man: 48 Hours in 22:00 Skint 23:00 Raised by Wolves 23:30 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

00:20 Ultimate Action Movies with Vinnie Jones 03:05 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 Make It Big 06:15 Angels of Jarm 06:40 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 The WotWots 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Pip Ahoy!

08:05 Milkshake! Monkey 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector Returns 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Britain's Horror Homes 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Black Friday 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Gotham 23:00 Person of Interest 23:55 Vantage Point

00:30 More Dangerous Songs: And the Banned Played On 01:30 Tubular Bells: The Mike Oldfield Story 02:30 Horizon 03:30 Voyager 04:30 The Sky at Night 05:00 Close 20:00 World News Today 20:30 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 21:00 The First World War from Above 22:00 Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal 23:00 North by Northwest

01:30 Almost Married 03:25 Teleshopping 06:55 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Life's Funniest Moments 07:20 Psych 08:05 Emmerdale 08:35 Coronation Street 09:35 Dinner Date 10:35 Ben and Kate 11:00 Up All Night 11:25 Psych 12:20 Royal Pains 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Mom 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Almost Married

00:50 03:30 04:20 04:40 07:00 07:10 07:35 08:40 09:40 10:45 11:45 13:05 14:05 15:05 16:10 17:15 17:50 18:20 18:55 19:55 20:55 22:00 23:00

00:10 02:15 03:05 03:55 04:00 07:00 07:45 08:35 09:20 10:20 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:20 16:05 17:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

02:35 Countryfile 03:30 Holby City 04:30 This Is BBC Two 07:15 Homes Under the Hammer 08:15 Italy Unpacked 09:15 Wanted in Paradise 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cagney & Lacey 14:45 Cash in the Attic 15:30 Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge 16:15 Floyd on France 16:45 Are You Being Served?

17:15 'Allo 'Allo!

17:45 Just Good Friends 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Antiques Roadshow Detectives 20:00 Collectaholics 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Food & Drink 22:00 Inside Harley Street 23:00 Jack Dee's Election Help Desk

Long Lost Family 22:00 - ITV 3

Londoner Chris Jones is searching for his sister, who he last saw when she was a newborn baby. Growing up, he knew little of his mother's past, but over the years has pieced together the tragic story of his father's death and sister's birth at a Northumbrian vicarage 50 years ago. Polly Gillon is trying to track down her eldest son, whom she was forced to give up for adoption in 1959. She has spent a lifetime regretting this decision and is desperate to ask for his forgiveness. Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell present.

Angela's Ashes The John Thaw Story ITV3 Nightscreen Emmerdale Movies Now Never the Twain Wycliffe Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Judge Judy Murder, She Wrote Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Never the Twain Rising Damp On the Buses Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Wycliffe Long Lost Family Law & Order: UK

Doom Viva la Mexico Benidorm ITV4 Nightscreen Teleshopping Pawn Stars The Professionals Duck Dynasty Minder Ax Men Magnum, PI Minder The Professionals Pawn Stars Duck Dynasty Magnum, PI The Professionals Pawn Stars MotoGP Highlights Storage Wars: Texas Ax Men

24

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

TUESDAY

14th APRIL

00:30 The Graham Norton Show 01:15 Taken in Broad Daylight 02:35 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:40 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cowboys and Angels 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Edge 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Home Away from Home 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Ordinary Lies 23:00 BBC News 23:30 National Lottery Update 23:30 BBC London News; Weather 23:45 Millionaire Basement Wars

00:15 Weather 00:20 Rooms, Rogues & Renters 00:50 The Great Property Race 01:20 Back in Time for Dinner 02:20 The Truth About 03:20 This Is BBC Two 07:15 Homes Under the Hammer 08:15 Italy Unpacked 09:15 Your Home in Their Hands 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The Super League Show 14:45 Cash in the Attic 15:30 Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge 16:15 Floyd on France 16:40 Are You Being Served?

17:10 'Allo 'Allo!

17:45 Just Good Friends 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Antiques Roadshow Detectives 20:00 Collectaholics 21:00 Back in Time for Dinner 22:00 Britain's Favourite Foods - Are They Good for You? 23:00 Later Live - with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight

00:00 ITV News Meridian 00:10 The Agenda 00:55 Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones 01:50 Jackpot247 04:00 UEFA Champions League Weekly 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 11:55 ITV News 11:59 ITV Meridian Weather 12:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:40 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

00:35 The Island with Bear Grylls 01:30 The Secret Millionaire 02:25 Mary Portas: Secret Shopper 03:20 The Fairy Jobmother USA 04:10 Hugh's Three Hungry Boys 05:05 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 06:05 Location, Location, Location 07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will & Grace 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:25 Four in a Bed 11:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Deal or No Deal 17:00 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Party Election Broadcast 21:00 Burger Bar to Gourmet Star 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 My Big Fat Asian Wedding

01:45 Jackass 02:15 SuperCasino 04:10 My Sister Had My Boyfriend's Baby - and Other Betrayals 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Divine Designs 05:45 House Doctor 07:00 The WotWots 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Pip Ahoy!

08:05 Milkshake! Monkey 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector Returns 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 My Daughter Must Live 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Britain's Horror Homes 22:00 Can't Pay? We'll Take It Away 23:00 2,000 Tattoos, 40 Piercings and a Pickled Ear

00:00 Family Guy 00:25 Family Guy 00:45 American Dad! 01:10 Family Guy 01:30 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia 02:30 Bluestone 42 03:00 Killer Magic 03:30 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia 04:30 Bluestone 42 05:00 Close 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Don't Tell the Bride 22:00 Stacey Dooley Investigates 23:00 Killer Magic 23:30 EastEnders

01:10 Do We Really Need the Moon?

02:10 The First World War from Above 03:10 Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal 04:10 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 04:40 Close 20:00 World News Today 20:30 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 21:00 Crossing England in a Punt: River of Dreams 22:00 The Plantagenets 23:00 A Very British Airline

01:45 Two and a Half Men 02:15 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 02:40 Royal Pains 03:25 Teleshopping 06:55 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Life's Funniest Moments 07:20 Psych 08:05 Emmerdale 08:35 Coronation Street 09:35 Dinner Date 10:35 Ben and Kate 11:00 Up All Night 11:25 Psych 12:20 Royal Pains 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:45 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Educating Joey Essex 22:00 Hell's Kitchen USA 23:00 Keith Lemon: the Film

00:00 01:35 02:30 03:10 03:30 07:00 07:10 07:35 08:40 09:40 10:45 11:45 13:00 14:05 15:05 16:10 17:15 17:50 18:20 18:55 19:55 21:00 23:00

00:00 Bundesliga Football Highlights 01:00 Premiership Rugby Union 02:00 Born to Raise Hell 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 Football's Greatest: Zinedine Zidane 07:10 Pawn Stars 07:35 The Professionals 08:25 Duck Dynasty 09:20 Minder 10:25 Ax Men 11:20 Magnum, PI 12:20 Minder 13:20 The Professionals 14:20 Pawn Stars 16:05 Duck Dynasty 17:00 Magnum, PI 18:00 The Professionals 19:00 MotoGP Highlights 20:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Shed and Buried 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Sports Life Stories

DON’T MISS

Back in Time for Dinner 21:00 BBC 2

The Robshaws get to grips with the home life and food of the 1990s and start the decade delighting in the vast quantities of food now available from around the globe - but soon realise there are definite downsides to the drive towards cheaper and cheaper food of previous years.

Giles Coren and food historian Polly Russell introduce them to the culinary treats of the era, from bagged salad and cook-in sauces to organic veg boxes and the gastro pub.

Wire in the Blood The Royal Judge Judy ITV3 Nightscreen Teleshopping Movies Now Never the Twain Wycliffe Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Judge Judy Murder, She Wrote Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Never the Twain Rising Damp On the Buses Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Midsomer Murders Law & Order: UK

25

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

WEDNESDAY

15th APRIL

00:35 Moonlight Mile 02:25 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:30 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cowboys and Angels 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Edge 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Home Away from Home 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 The Leader Interviews 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Secret Britain 23:00 BBC News 23:30 National Lottery Update 23:30 BBC London News; Weather 23:45 A Question of Sport

00:15 Weather 00:20 Inside Harley Street 01:20 Antiques Roadshow 02:20 The Ladykillers: Pest Detectives 03:20 This Is BBC Two 07:15 Homes Under the Hammer 08:15 Italy Unpacked 09:15 An Island Parish: Falklands 09:45 Helicopter Heroes Down Under 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cagney & Lacey 14:45 Cash in the Attic 15:30 Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge 16:15 Floyd on France 16:45 Are You Being Served?

17:15 'Allo 'Allo!

17:45 Just Good Friends 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Antiques Roadshow Detectives 20:00 Collectaholics 21:00 The Ladykillers: Pest Detectives 22:00 This World 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

00:40 Benidorm 01:10 Jackpot247 04:00 Loose Women 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 11:55 ITV News 11:59 ITV Meridian Weather 12:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Give a Pet a Home 22:00 Newzoids 22:30 The Delivery Man 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:40 Raining in My Heart

00:00 The Island with Bear Grylls 01:00 Poker 01:55 KOTV Boxing Weekly 02:25 The Grid 02:50 British GT Championship 03:15 Back from the Dead 04:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 05:10 Location, Location, Location 06:05 Deal or No Deal 07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will & Grace 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:25 Four in a Bed 11:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Deal or No Deal 17:00 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Party Election Broadcast 21:00 Million Pound Properties 22:00 The Island with Bear Grylls 23:00 First Dates

00:00 Family Guy 00:25 Family Guy 00:45 American Dad! 01:10 Family Guy 01:30 Stacey Dooley Investigates 02:30 Killer Magic 03:00 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia 04:00 Stacey Dooley Investigates 05:00 Close 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Don't Tell the Bride 22:00 Live at the Apollo 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia

00:00 Voyager 01:00 Ice Age Giants 02:00 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 02:30 The High Art of the Low Countries 03:30 The Plantagenets 04:30 Close 20:00 World News Today 20:30 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 21:00 Great Irish Journeys with Martha Kearney 21:30 The Quizeum 22:00 Treasures of Ancient Greece 23:00 Pavlopetri - The City Beneath the Waves

00:50 Two and a Half Men 01:45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 02:25 Royal Pains 03:05 The Hot Desk 03:15 Teleshopping 06:45 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Life's Funniest Moments 07:20 Psych 08:05 Emmerdale 08:35 You've Been Framed!

09:35 Dinner Date 10:35 Ben and Kate 11:00 Up All Night 11:25 Psych 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:40 Britain's Got More Talent 14:45 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 Red Dragon

00:00 01:35 02:25 03:20 03:30 07:00 07:25 08:30 09:35 10:40 11:40 13:00 14:00 15:05 16:10 17:15 17:50 18:20 18:55 20:00 21:00 23:00

DON’T MISS

The Island with Bear Grylls 22:00 - CHANNEL 4

After enduring a series of torrential storms and making do without adequate shelter, the men have barely slept. They also haven't had a decent meal since they arrived, and a bitter rivalry between the island's two builders, Paul and Andy, develops into all-out war. Events take a dangerous turn when two of the survivors are swept off the rocks while fishing on a treacherous stretch of coastline, and Charlie is stung by a scorpion.

Wire in the Blood The Royal Wycliffe ITV3 Nightscreen Teleshopping Never the Twain Wycliffe Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Judge Judy Murder, She Wrote Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Never the Twain Rising Damp On the Buses Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Lewis Law & Order: UK

00:00 200 Nips & Tucks and I Want More!

01:00 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 02:00 SuperCasino 04:10 Person of Interest 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:25 Divine Designs 05:45 House Doctor 07:00 The WotWots 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Peppa Pig 07:55 Pip Ahoy!

08:05 Milkshake! Monkey 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Police Interceptors 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS: New Orleans 16:15 Betrayed 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 22:00 CSI: NY 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

00:00 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 02:20 BRDC Formula 4 Championship Highlights 03:15 Ax Men 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 Pawn Stars 07:45 The Professionals 08:35 Duck Dynasty 09:25 Minder 10:30 Ax Men 11:20 Magnum, PI 12:20 Minder 13:20 The Professionals 14:20 Ax Men 15:20 Pawn Stars 16:10 Duck Dynasty 17:05 Magnum, PI 18:00 The Professionals 19:00 Pawn Stars 21:00 Storage Wars: Texas 22:00 The Chase 23:00 Inside Man

26

COURIER TV GUIDE - Friday 10th April to Thursday 16th April

THURSDAY

16th APRIL

00:15 Wild Hogs 01:50 Weather for the Week Ahead 01:55 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Food 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cowboys and Angels 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Edge 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Home Away from Home 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 19:30 BBC London News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 BBC Election Debate 2015 22:30 BBC Election Debate 2015 - The Reaction 23:00 BBC News 23:30 BBC London News; Weather 23:45 Question Time

00:15 Weather 00:20 Britain's Favourite Foods - Are They Good for You? 01:20 The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop 02:20 Kew on a Plate 03:20 This Is BBC Two 07:15 Homes Under the Hammer 08:15 Italy Unpacked 09:15 Great British Garden Revival 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cagney & Lacey 14:45 Cash in the Attic 15:30 Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge 16:15 Floyd on France 16:45 Are You Being Served?

17:15 'Allo 'Allo!

17:45 Just Good Friends 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Antiques Roadshow Detectives 20:00 Collectaholics 21:00 Coast Australia 21:50 Nature's Weirdest Events 22:00 Banished 23:00 Inside No 9

00:40 Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 British Touring Car Championship Highlights 05:15 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 11:55 ITV News 11:59 ITV Meridian Weather 12:00 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV Meridian Weather 14:55 ITV News Meridian 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 ITV Meridian Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Meridian 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Double Decker Driving School 22:00 Ice Rink on the Estate 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 ITV Meridian Weather 23:30 ITV News Meridian 23:40 The Agenda

00:00 One Born Every Minute 01:05 Snowbombing 02:00 Cyrus 03:30 Burger Bar to Gourmet Star 04:25 Location, Location, Location 05:20 River Cottage Bites 05:40 Deal or No Deal 06:35 The Common Denominator 07:00 Countdown 07:45 Will & Grace 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:25 Four in a Bed 11:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 14:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:10 Countdown 16:00 Deal or No Deal 17:00 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Party Election Broadcast 21:00 The Supervet 22:00 The Island with Bear Grylls 23:00 The Secret Life of the Pub

00:00 Family Guy 00:25 Family Guy 00:45 American Dad! 01:10 Family Guy 01:30 Killer Magic 02:00 Live at the Apollo 02:30 Live at the Apollo 03:00 Siblings 03:30 Siblings 04:00 Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia 05:00 Close 20:00 Don't Tell the Bride 21:00 Gavin & Stacey 21:30 Gavin & Stacey 22:00 Life and Death Row 23:00 Russell Howard's Good News 23:30 EastEnders

00:00 Do We Really Need the Moon?

01:00 Timeshift 02:00 The Quizeum 02:30 Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo 03:00 The High Art of the Low Countries 04:00 Treasures of Ancient Greece 05:00 Close 20:00 World News Today 20:30 The Sky at Night 21:00 Ian Hislop's Scouting for Boys 22:00 Atlantis - The Evidence 23:00 Wild China

01:30 Two and a Half Men 02:25 The Vampire Diaries 03:20 Teleshopping 06:50 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Life's Funniest Moments 07:20 Psych 08:05 Emmerdale 08:35 Coronation Street 09:10 You've Been Framed!

09:35 Dinner Date 10:35 Ben and Kate 11:00 Up All Night 11:25 Psych 12:20 Royal Pains 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 You've Been Framed!

14:45 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Scorpion 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Release the Hounds

00:00 01:05 02:55 03:30 07:00 07:25 08:30 09:35 10:40 11:40 13:00 14:00 15:05 16:10 17:15 17:50 18:20 18:55 19:55 21:00 23:00

DON’T MISS

BBC Election Debate 2015 - The Reaction 22:30 - BBC ONE

Emily Maitlis present live reaction to tonight's debate, featuring interviews with senior figures from the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

Wycliffe City Lights ITV3 Nightscreen Teleshopping Never the Twain Wycliffe Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Judge Judy Murder, She Wrote Heartbeat Where the Heart Is The Royal Never the Twain Rising Damp On the Buses Heartbeat Murder, She Wrote Foyle's War Law & Order: UK

00:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:45 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 02:10 SuperCasino 04:10 The Classic Car Show 05:00 Wildlife SOS 05:20 Divine Designs 05:45 House Doctor 07:00 The WotWots 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:55 Pip Ahoy!

08:05 Milkshake! Monkey 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby's Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector Returns 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Secrets of Great British Castles 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Look Again 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The Classic Car Show 21:00 The Last Days of 22:00 The Hotel Inspector 23:00 The Mentalist 23:55 Born to Kill?

01:40 Mars Attacks!

03:40 Nitro Circus 04:00 Teleshopping 07:00 UEFA Champions League Greatest Finals 07:15 Pawn Stars 07:40 The Professionals 08:25 Duck Dynasty 09:20 Minder 10:25 Ax Men 11:20 Magnum, PI 12:15 Minder 13:20 The Professionals 14:20 Pawn Stars 16:05 Duck Dynasty 17:00 Magnum, PI 19:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 Live UEFA Europa League Football 23:30 Born to Raise Hell

Friday 10th April 2015

27

28

Friday 10th April 2015

CODE CRACKER

Code Cracker is a crossword puzzle with no clues; instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number. In this week’s puzzle, 1 represents H and 16 represents C, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

Across

Down

1 Swindle (4) 4 Pace (4) 9 Mistake (5) 10 Resolute (7) 11 Surprise (7) 12 Clean (5) 13 Expel (6) 15 Kind (6) 18 Speak (5) 20 Guilty party (7) 23 Outlive (7) 24 Trap (5) 25 Ray (4) 26 Transmit (4)

2 Sure (7) 3 Strong point (5) 4 Afraid (6) 5 Specimen (7) 6 Hairy-bodied insects (4) 7 Cook (4) 8 Position (6) 13 Contusion (6) 14 Employment (7) 16 Ground (7) 17 Shriek (6) 19 Cut (4) 21 Inventories (5) 22 Tall woody plant (4)

Last weeks Solution

Across: xx Down: xx

Scribble Pad

DOUBLE CROSS-WORD Solve the Double Cross-Word puzzle using either the standard or cryptic clues, the answers are exactly the same.

CRYTPIC CLUES Across 1 Cavalryman, American, in reckless come back (6) 4 Commotion concerning steak given to us (6) 9 Impartial ant, lured astray, loses deadhead (7) 10 Pacific kingdom dances tango (5) 11 Soundly study the plant (4) 12 Trick diplomacy is touching (7) 13 Biblical vessel is in the Ozarks (3) 14 Glance back at fortress (4) 15 Luxuriant drinker (4) 18 Quiz buzzer? (3) 20 Tearing off with unappreciative person (7) 22 Canter into broken pole (4) 24 I’d point after British Raid for the wife (5) 25 Chubby’s dance with the Queen turns into a party game (7) 26 Got the poor quarter (6)

27 Opt for the best (6) Down 1 Miss the article on a country that’s short of food (6) 2 Close look at sleep? (43) 3 Size of field for a medleyrace? (4) 5 Lent a gun to straighten out matters (8) 6 Prince and African leader’s animal (5) 7 Crude house song? (6) 8 Pull out bottle (5) 13 A mother, for example, welcomes parking that’s clear (8) 16 Octet is revised for this kind of terrier (7) 17 Excellent newspaper’s written about British car safety feature (6) 18 Beats up some supporters (5) 19 That is back in dry Middle Eastern capital (6) 21 Dirt in jug rim edge (5) 23 Wait for bed I made up (4)

STANDARD CLUES Across 1 Cavalryman (6) 4 Commotion (6) 9 Impartial (7) 10 Friendly Islands (5) 11 Grass stalk (4) 12 Touching (7) 13 Chest or coffer (3) 14 Retain (4) 15 Luxuriant (4) 18 Hairy-bodied insect (3) 20 Thankless sort (7) 22 Run with long strides (4) 24 Woman on her wedding day (5) 25 Tornado (7) 26 Poor, depressed neighbourhood (6) 27 Pick out (6) Last weeks Solution Across: xx Down: xx

Down 1 Longing for food (6) 2 Nap (4-3) 3 Measure of land (4) 5 Straighten out (8) 6 Large black-and-white herbivorous Chinese mammal (5) 7 Crude dwelling (6) 8 Pull off (5) 13 That may be seen (8) 16 Highland terrier (7) 17 Car safety device (6) 18 Clouts (5) 19 Capital of Lebanon (6) 21 Ingrained dirt (5) 23 Dwell (4)

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

3 letter words Add Aim Day Emu Era Ewe Eye Its Oar Ore Pit Sty 4 letter words Alga Alit Aloe

Also Alto Anew Arcs Cars Dart Deal Dyer Earn Ease Ells Even Harp Lira Lore Near Oleo Pass Pelt

Pier Rays Riot Road Sear Seas Sold Soya Stir Test Tile Trod Tsar Yale 5 letter words Adieu Alien Aloha

Amino Capri Creek Lilac Logia Metal Naive Peron Reset Riels Ruler Salsa Slant Soaps Stamp Tires Trade Trial Unpeg

6 letter words Gimlet Instep Saints Snooty Strand Strata 7 letter words Airmail Kneecap Martins Relapse 8 letter words Lopsided Passport

SPANISH-ENGLISH CROSSWORD

Improve your Spanish - clues in Spanish, answers in English or vice versa.

Across 1 Pulgada (4) 3 Regalos (8) 9 Principante (aprendiz) (7) 10 Acordar (5) 11 Floor (of room) (5) 12 Hermana (6) 14 A través de (6) 16 Armadura (6) 19 Huge (6) 21 Tiendas (5) 24 April (5) 25 Air hostess (7) 26 Passenger (traveller) (8) 27 All (4)

Down 1 Churches (buildings) (8) 2 Code (cipher) (5) 4 El más raro (6) 5 Focas (animales) (5) 6 Norwegian (7) 7 Sebo (4) 8 Cebollas (6) 13 Transfer (move) (8) 15 Grooves (in wood, metal etc) (7) 17 To scratch (with claw, nail) (6) 18 Reparación (arreglo) (6) 20 Clock (5) 22 Opaque (5) 23 Húmedo (clima) (4)

Friday 10th April 2015 Across 8 What name for an afternoon rest or nap, especially one taken during the hottest hours of the day in a hot climate, comes from the Latin for ‘sixth hour’? (6) 9 What is the name of the terrorist organisation set up in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional Basque party usually known? (3) 10 Which politician was Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton from March 1966 to February 1974 and MP for Plymouth Devonport from February 1974 to April 1992? (4) 11 The name of which thick creamy dressing consisting of egg yolks beaten with oil and vinegar and seasoned, is derived from the name of the capital of Minorca? (10) 12 The 20th century US writer noted for his droll epigrams was Ogden (Who)? (4) 13 What name is often applied to the regions around the North Pole? (6) 16 What name for a large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument, comes from the Greek

for ‘single stone’? (8) 17 Staffordshire bull, West Highland white, Lakeland and Jack Russell are all varieties of which breed of dog? (7) 18 What name is given to an attendant in a hospital responsible for the non-medical care of patients and the maintenance of order and cleanliness? (7) 22 Which chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes is caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning? (8) 25 Which word can mean both ‘the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property’ and ‘gives way’? (6) 26 Used especially in brewing and distilling, what name is given to a cereal grain (usually barley) that is kiln-dried after having been germinated by soaking in water? (4) 27 Which 10-armed oval-bodied cephalopod with narrow fins as long as the body has a large calcareous internal shell? (10) 30 In the human body, which vessel or tube carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart? (4)

SUDOKU (Easy)

Quiz Word

31 What is the SI unit of electrical resistance, transmitting a current of one ampere when subjected to a potential difference of one volt? (3)

32 Which English county has border with Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire? (6)

29 Down 1 Which city in Tuscany is famous for its ‘leaning tower’?

(4) 2 Which city is the capital of and most populous city in Norway? (4) 3 Which marine crustacean has an external shell that attaches itself permanently to a surface and feeds by filtering particles from the water using its modified feathery legs? (8) 4 What name is often applied to persons claiming to be in contact with the spirits of the dead and to communicate between the dead and the living? (7) 5 What was the name of the nightclub in Mathew Street, Liverpool, which hosted its first performance by The Beatles on February 9, 1961? (6) 6 Which English actor, comedian, writer and film producer co-wrote, with his wife Connie Booth, and starred in the television sitcom Fawlty Towers?

(4,6) 7 What name is often used to describe wealthy and fashionable people who travel widely and frequently for pleasure?

(3,3) 14 What is the surname of the ‘streaker’ who is best remembered for a topless run across

the pitch of Twickenham Stadium during an England v Australia rugby union match on January 2, 1982? (3) 15 Which volatile liquid, obtained by the distillation of resin obtained from live trees, mainly pines, is used as paint thinner, solvent and medicinally? (10) 19 During the English Civil War, what name was typically given to anyone supporting the king against parliament? (8) 20 By what shortened name is the powerful hallucinogenic drug lysergic acid diethylamide better known? (3) 21 With what type of music, popular between 1897 and 1917, would you principally associate Scott Joplin? (7) 23 What is the name of the hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth? (6) 24 What name often used to describe a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry, comes from the Japanese for ‘great lord’? (6) 28 Which word can precede: away, ball, bell, brand, door, sale and up? (4) 29 Which foodstuff consists of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in a closed dish or pan? (4)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH LAS PLANTAS -PLANTS

Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch.

(Answers below)

el árbol

la flor

el arbusto

la hoja

el bulbo

la margarita

el cactus

la rama

el tallo

la rosa

el tronco

la semilla

el tulipán

las malezas

la corteza

las raíces

la enredadera

la tierra

Sceince QUIZ

ANSEWRS: 1. The Escalator 2. chlorophyll 3. Vinegar 4. 0.5 5. Elsa 6.

Bismuth 7. Snowy Owl 8. Photochromic 9. Goat 10.

Squirrel 11. Rookery 12. Front legs 13. A Spinning Propellor 14. Hippopotamus 15. Herons

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Word Solution Across: xx Down: xx

Empareja estas palabras - Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz.

1.el árbol, 2.el arbusto,

16.las malezas, 17.las raíces,

j.the bush, k.the leaf, l.the stem,

3.el bulbo, 4.el cactus, 5.el tallo,

18.la tierra

m.the daisy, n.the bark, o.the cactus, p.the vine,

6.el tronco, 7.el tulipán, 8.la corteza, 9.la enredadera,

a.the bulb, b.the roots,

10.la flor, 11.la hoja,

c.the rose, d.the tulip, e.the tree,

12.la margarita, 13.la rama,

f.the weeds, g.the earth,

14.la rosa, 15.la semilla,

h.the trunk, i.the branch,

Soduko

Span - Eng

q.the flower, r.the seed

Quizword

Answers: 1e, 2j, 3a, 4o, 5l, 6h, 7d, 8n, 9p, 10q, 11k, 12m, 13i, 14c, 15r, 16f, 17b, 18g.

1. What Did Jesse Reno Invent Using Traditional Conveyor Belt Principles To Pull Folding Steps Up A Slope?

2. what makes plants green?

3. Acetic Acid Is More Commonly Known As What?

4. What Is The Value Of Sine 30 Degrees?

5. What Was Joy Adamson's Lion Cub Called?

6. Which metallic element soothes ulcers?

7. Which Is The Largest Owl Found In Britain?

8. What Type Of Glass Darkens When Exposed To Light?

9. The eyes of which animal have rectangular pupils?

10. What animal lives in a drey?

11. What Apparently Inappropriate Name Is Used For A Gathering & A Breeding Place For Seals?

12. Where are a cricket's ears located?

13. What Is Represented By The Blue And White Quartered Circle Of The BMW Logo?

14. What animal's name translates as 'water horse'?

15. What kind of animals would be in a siege?

Fill It In

30

Friday 10th April 2015

Friday 10th April 2015

31

TARTAN TAKEOVER

The UK General Election campaign is turning into one long hard slog, and we are talking about the long-suffering electorate and not the politicians, who are travelling here, there, and everywhere whilst we know there will once again be no overall majority for the Tories or Labour. We’ve another four weeks of promises and back-biting to come, but even with the seven dwarves parading in front of the ITV cameras for last week’s leader’s debate, there are no dramatic shifts for the opinion pollsters to chew over, short of the trend that the Tories are making ground, and some surveys are now showing them ahead of Labour. As I wrote recently, TV debates don’t really change people’s minds that much, and the pollsters say they’ve not detected anything significant after Julie Etchingham’s excellently moderated two hours last week.

I thought David Cameron did well, but you could understand why he’s chickened out of any other debates, simply because he has nothing to gain but everything to lose. I don’t agree with that stance, but I get where he’s coming from. Hands up how many of you were just crying out for Ed Miliband’s brother, David, to take his place at the podium? Ed was just reading out rehearsed lines, like to be fair Cameron

was, and it just didn’t seem natural. It was easy to see why the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon, and UKIP’s Nigel Farage scored well, as

was assured, but you get the sense that nobody is listening to him. There are now other places for voters to go to if they are

they just went with the flow, and were just plain different from the usual political elite.

For the record, Nick Clegg for the Lib Dems

angry, and they will certainly be doing that come May 7th. The fact that we’ll get a second hung parliament is pretty much beyond

doubt, unless there is a big late surge for the Tories, and so we are talking coalition again, or a looser agreement without a formal deal.

The two scenarios are a Tory administration with an agreement involving the Lib Dems and UKIP; or a Labour administration propped up by the SNP (and don‘t rule out the Lib Dems). Remember Nick Clegg’s words back in 2010, that the party who gets the most seats and votes is the one that they do business with first. That could well be the Tories again, but will Clegg be even around to do the talking? Some surveys suggest that he could lose his Sheffield seat next month, which I think would be a poor reward for a brave decision five years that helped to get an almost bankrupt Britain back onto its feet. Also don’t get too excited about UKIP, as not one survey suggests that they’ll get any more than three seats. No, it’s the SNP who could end up ruling the roost and pulling Ed Miliband’s strings in a massively ironic twist involving a party who wants to be independent of Westminster, yet they have power there as well as running their own parliament in Scotland! Also the SNP could prop up a party that actually finishes second in the election. I can hear constitutional screaming already!

32

Friday 10th April 2015

RICHARD CAVENDER

Bluemoon Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es

BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca, they provide quality computer services at realistic prices and specialise in working with home users and small businesses.

Richard moved to Spain eight years ago having left his management background behind in the UK and decided to use his IT skills to help home users and small businesses with their PC problems. Now a relaxed 'computer man' he is out and about in the Spanish sun every day, making house and shop calls and using his vast experience and qualifications to (usually) sort out the problem there and then. Computers are his hobby as well as his work so don’t be surprised to get an answer to your email in the early hours!

ADVICE: Chris was having issues with his Yahoo email ADVICE: Mark wanted to know if it was possible to take coming up in Spanish an entire copy of his laptops hard drive.

Q

Hi There. Hope you can find time to answer this query. For the past couple of weeks when I go to sign in to my yahoo mail it is all coming up in Spanish. My yahoo address is .co.uk and my web address is Google.ie so I am at a loss to know why this is happening. I have done full security scans and got the all clear and by the way my laptop is an Acer with windows 7. So I am hoping you may be able to tell me what the problem might be. Thank you so much.

A

Hi Chris, you can set your preferred language settings from within the options screen, just login to your email and then click on the “cog” icon in the top right hand of the screen and choose “account info” then choose “Set Language, site and time zone” and from here you can choose your default language.

Hope that helps.

ADVICE: Peter is not the first to struggle with the new email client at outlook.com

Q A

Richard, how does one group forward an email on Outlook? Is there a way of viewing your contacts, and click adding them, as you could on Hotmail?? If Outlook was supposed to be an improvement, they've failed!! Dismally!! Many thanks, Peter.

Hi Peter, you can forward an email on Outlook.Com by clicking on the little arrow next to the “reply” button.

In order to send a single email to a number of people you can either just select the people and place them in the “to” or “cc” or “bcc” field, if however you want to create a group so that you can send further emails to the same group of people then you should create a new group, you can do this by going into your contacts – now called “people” in outlook.com and clicking on the arrow next to “new”, you can then choose “group” and populate it with the people you want to be in that group.

You can find your contacts by clicking on the arrow next to “Outlook” in the top left of the screen and then selecting “people”.

You are not alone in struggling with the new version.

Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter @bluemoonspain Alternatively why don’t you sign up for my newsletter. You can do this by going to:www.bluemoonsolutions.es and fill in the form that is on any page except the front page.

Hello, I have wiped the hard drive using DBAN and restored back to factory default image using recovery discs, everything was restored except for the hidden recovery partition which now means that I have no means to restore the computer back to default settings without using recovery discs or a clean install every time. It also means that i have no way to create new recovery discs if my present ones become lost or damaged. I have an Acer Extensa 5235 and have been in touch with Acer but all they can do is sell me a set of recovery discs (at around 70 Euros!) that according to them may or may not restore the hidden partition. Is there any way you know of that would restore or completely reimage the hard drive including all hidden partitions? Any advice you can give will be appreciated. Thank you Mark

Q

Hi Mark, yes recovery disks can be expensive to buy can’t they!

Of course if you want to protect your recovery disks then you can always copy them to keep them safe, but as you suggest this means that you will need to rebuild your computer again from scratch if you needed to recover it.

I have used a piece of software called Acronis TrueImage a number of times and would recommend it to you. You can find out more at their website at www.acronis.co.uk but it will be cheaper than buying a recovery disk set from Acer.

Their software allows you to take a full image of your whole computer (to a set of DVD’s or an external drive or stick) and I highly recommend it.

Hope that helps?

A

ADVICE: James was having some problems with printing

Q

Hi Richard hope you are both well? I am having a problem printing from Outlook. I get my document from Open Office that I want to print I press print as normal a sign now comes up with " PDF Complete Document Creations Options" as a heading. I cannot find a way to print from this sign. Help Please. James Hi James, it sounds to me like you have some sort of PDF creator set as the default printer, you can change this by clicking start > control panel > hardware and sound > devices and printers and then in the printers section just right hand click your printer and select the option “set as default printer”.

This should sort out the problem.

A

office@bluemoonsolutions.es www.bluemoonsolutions.es Mobile: 655 044 970

Office: 902 906 200

Friday 10th April 2015

33

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Friday 10th April 2015

HOW TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED ON A LONG JOURNEY

Looking for ways to stop the kids getting bored in the back of the car? Research suggests you're better off with an iPad than I-Spy If you’re planning a long car journey, the best way to keep the kids entertained is to give them a tablet loaded with apps and games, a survey suggests.

Researchers for Disney contacted 5,000 British parents, with more than 80 per cent of them admitting to handing a child an iPad or equivalent to stop them getting bored on long journeys.

And more than half of the parents questioned said that up to an hour’s peace and quiet could be secured with the help of a tablet.

By comparison, only a fifth of parents said they enjoyed the same amount of quiet time when travelling without apps and games. And just 14 per cent considered traditional games, such as I spy, essential.

The research from Disney also suggests that more than two thirds of children now request to play on tablets and smartphones while travelling, compared with only 50 per

cent who ask for sweets and snacks.

10 great ways to keep the kids amused on a long car journey

Activity books such as drawing, colouring or puzzles are a surefire way to while away the hours. Traditional story or picture books are great if your kids love to read, too.

Travel games are still available in many forms, such as Connect Four, Battleship, Chess, and heaps more besides.

Audio books played through a portable MP3 player are great for keeping your kids engaged with the world they're passing by but caught up in a world of their own at the same time.

Frequent stops are not only essential for toilet breaks, but if you aim for somewhere a little unusual along the way, like an interesting tourist attraction, they can help stave off boredom too.

A tablet is expensive, but as per Disney's research, it's a favourite with parents enormously flexible, offering multiple options to your kids such as books, films, games, puzzles and even educational apps.

Or, if you fancy splashing out, you could try a portable DVD player with a selection of your child's favourite cartoons.

Never underestimate the power of the good old word game. True, their popularity has waned, but I-Spy, Word Association, Twenty Questions and their ilk are great ways to fire your kids' imaginations. If you're feeling really creative, you could even put a new spin on an old favourite - I Don't Spy or Opposite Words, for example!

Kids love cameras, so buy a cheap digital one and get your kids to take as many photos as they can. Or perhaps create a scavenger hunt game - write a list of things for your kids to take pictures of, with prizes for the winners.

Snacks are essential to make any car journey pass with the minimum of fuss, but don't go for junk - choose nutritious foods that take a while to eat and keep bellies full for a long time, such as raisins or bananas.

Tell a story - or better still, get your kids to make one up.

Or you could all tell a story together in a round, with each member of the family making up a sentence at a time.

N-332

www.fb.com/TorreviejaTrafficDepartment Tyre Pressure

www.n332.es

Incorrect tyre pressure can result in tyre damage, increased fuel consumption and adversely affect the handling of the vehicle. Tyres that are not correctly inflated cause longer stopping distances, reduce stability for braking and cornering and

checked when cold and ideally every two weeks (including the spare wheel). Correct tyre pressures can be found in the owner’s handbook, on the driver’s door or on the fuel cap.

How to check your tyre pressure Maintaining correct infla-

before long journeys. Follow our step-by-step advice on checking your pressures: Find the correct pressures in your vehicle handbook or inside the driver’s door or fuel cap(this will be a figure in psi or bar).

The plastic cap on the air valve.

increase your chance of a blow-out.

Incorrect pressures also reduce the life of your tyres by causing uneven wear, so need replacing sooner.

Recent Studies found that 90% of all cars have incorrectly inflated tyres, which means that 9 out of 10 drivers are in danger. Tyre pressures should always be

tion pressure is essential and avoids premature or uneven wear. As tyres naturally lose pressure over time, you need to refill them regularly. Driving on the correct tyre pressure will extend the life of your tyre, improve vehicle safety and maintain fuel efficiency.

Check your tyre pressure at least once a month, when your tyres are cold, and

Press the tyre-pressure gauge against the valve and hold it down firmly. If you hear a hissing noise, you are letting air out. Press down harder.

Read the measurement on the gauge.

To add air, pump gauge until correct pressure is shown. To deflate, depress the tyre valve.

Friday 10th April 2015

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36

Friday 10th April 2015

HOW TO PEEL A BOILED EGG IN SECONDS USING A GLASS OF WATER

There's nothing more infuriating than mangling a pefect boiled egg with clumsy peeling.

But one YouTuber has come up with a way to peel hardboiled eggs perfectly in a matter of seconds. No more fiddling about when all you want to do is crack on with breakfast.

The kitchen whizz, known as MichahMedia on the site, demonstrates his technique in this 28-second video.

It is incredibly simple: first place your boiled egg in a

glass, then fill receptacle with water, cover with your hand and shake for six seconds. Voila! The broken shell lifts off the egg in one swift move.

MicahMedia uploaded his video on January 27 and since then it has had over 16m views.

He's followed it up with videos in which he peels multiple eggs in larger containers.

When he attempts six, five slip out of their shells easily.

He's not the only one with ingenious egg hacks: entre-

preneur Tim Ferriss advises putting a teaspoon of baking soda into the water along with your egg when you boil it (this raises the pH and reduces the adherence of the shell).

Then, once it's cool, pick a tiny hole in either end of the egg, put it to your mouth and blow. The egg should emerge ready to eat.

While US celebrity chef Alton Brown suggest baking eggs, rather than boiling them. Baked eggs, he says, are less sulfrous and have a creamier texture.

Anyone for an egg sandwich?

37

Friday 10th April 2015

WOULD YOU PAY FOR A 'PRE-MIXED' COCKTAIL? The definition of a cocktail is "an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice or cream". What the Oxford English Dictionary fails to add is that the taste of them seems to be improved tenfold when mixed by a gorgeous bartender.

There's a certain delicious anticipation to watching a strong drink being created in front of you as you prepare for a night on the tiles.

So what are cocktail fans supposed to make of the summer trend for ready-made drinks?

There have been mutterings about prebatched cocktails being the "next big thing" for the last couple of years. Trend forecasters LS:N Global reported on their arrival back in 2013, as London cocktail bar White Lyan opened offering no brands, no shaking, no muddling, just pre-batched drinks served straight from bottle to glass.

But 2015 is the year that ready-made drinks really have officially became a "thing".

We know this because our friends have started moaning about it in bars, and Marks & Spencer have reported sales of cocktails in cans up an incredible 74 per cent.

At home, a cocktail in a bottle or tin can be brilliantly convenient. Not many people have the skill, time or ingredients to whip up a mojito or an espresso martini from scratch every time the mood takes them. But when one is

out, often paying upwards of £8 for a drink, many of us expect something a bit more "special", created before our eyes.

From Dishoom to Grind & Co. and the Cocktail Trading Co, bottled drinks are popping up on all the best booze menus. So what are London's coolest and most progressive cocktail teams doing serving up ready-made libations?

Is this just a way to sell more drinks, more quickly and make more money? Or an attempt to stop thirsty customers having to queue for too long whilst renegade Tom Cruise-wannabes show off their mixologist skills? And what does this mean for the taste of our beloved happy hour concoctions?

Well, mixology experts claim that prebatching boozy mixes is actually done to improve the taste, or create new, even more fabulous ones. This isn't just shaking up some vodka and orange and sticking it in the fridge.

Much like blending whisky or wine, giving quality ingredients time to marinate, macerate and develop adds depth and layers of flavour that can't be recreated on the hop.

"We're not really a fan of calling them premade, but we love the outcome," says Adam Wright, operations manager of London's hottest new coffee and cocktail chain Grind & Co. "Leaving cocktails to mature in reclaimed

barrels can bring a depth of flavour and complexity that simply can't be achieved with modern fire-and-forget bartending.

"The idea has been around for a while behind the scenes, but it's only just arrived in London. From the end of April, we'll be serving negronis and old fashioneds aged in a Californian oak barrel that we've fitted in our Soho Grind bar."

Trendy Indian bar and restaurant Dishoom's Permit Room in King's Cross offers several pre-made cocktails on the menu next to its more traditional juleps, fizzes, martinis and punches, for up to £10.

The ready-made "one of a kind" drinks - such as Sir Jeejeebhoy, a bottle-aged old fashioned made with Ceylon Arrack and lengthened with coconut water and orange bitters feature a strong first taste mellowed slowly by hand-chipped ice.

Dishoom's cocktail master Carl Brown says: “We have five bottle-aged cocktails where the flavours are left to macerate together for a period of time and two barrelaged cocktails. Before service we decant the oldest of these bottles and barrels into our pegs to serve. It's a really enjoyable feeling receiving our own bottle to open and pour.

Our more serious flavoured old fashionedstyle cocktails have an intense flavour that grows with time. The more time the ingredients have to macerate together the better the flavour."

Pre-mixing drinks also guarantees a consistent experience, whoever is behind the bar, as well as freeing the mixologists up to wax lyrical about their favourite subject, booze.

Brown says: “Its an enjoyable process to create the bottles and the consistency before service, and it allows us more time to chat to our guests during service. We can talk about the history of our drinks and why we created them."

Superior service was the reason White Lyan decided to only ever serve pre-bottled house drinks, priced from £6 to £9, at their Hoxton bar. They say: "All our drinks are handcrafted in-house using our very own Mr Lyan spirits and ingredients. We don’t use ice, perishables or brands, so we can ensure your drink’s spot-on every time, because we’re fanatical about the little details. This means we serve house drinks only, with plenty to recommend and time to make sure you’re having fun. Behind the bar, you can also buy some off-menu cocktails to take home."

So should bartenders around the world be preparing to hang up their shakers for good?

Elliott Ball, one of the booze gurus behind the Cocktail Trading Co. bar says that bottled cocktails are only going to get bigger, because they make good business sense: "Bottled and tap serves are already a hit to an extent, but when the brands catch on, this will be huge. Happy hours separate bars and booze brands; bars hate them but need them to skim some profitability from dead zones, while brands see the volume that gets pumped out. A compromise is to give less away for less cash so any elements which improve things from the bar's end are always valued - decreasing the cost of what is given away by reducing labour cost is a great example, and pre-bottled or cocktails on tap are perfect for this."

It seems the future of cocktails could very well be prebottled and pre-batched mixes. But funnily enough, this new trend that's getting drinks fans all shaken and stirred, has a long history Pritesh Mody, founder of World of Zing, a company that makes pre-batched cocktails to drink at home, says: "The idea of storing pre-mixed drinks is not actually new. If you have checked out Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide (the first of its kind, published in 1862) you may have noticed that the 19th century bartender made record of a 'Bottled Cocktail' - essentially a large batch of Brandy Cocktails and includes recipes for a gin and a bourbon version - and a number of punch recipes specifically for bottling.

"This technique was likely more out of convenience than for the purpose of allowing the drink mix to take on different taste, but these drinks most certainly would have taken on a new character as a result."

38

Friday 10th April 2015

MY DRINKING HAS COST THE NHS ÂŁ100K

Mother-of-three Julie Merner says she doesn't feel shame in needing treatment despite being in hospital 13 times over the last six years A mother has revealed how her heavy drinking has cost the NHS more than ÂŁ100,000.

Julie Merner's alcoholism has put her in hospital 13 times over the last six years.

But, in January, after her latest admission, the 39-year-old mother-of-three decided to finally quit the habit which has ravaged her liver with severe cirrhosis leaving her with "luminous" jaundiced skin.

"I know if I carry on I will end up dead - they say one more drop will kill me," she said.

Dry ever since, it's her longest spell of abstinence. But her health is at rock bottom.

She can barely manage to speak as she struggles for breath. And her stomach regularly bloats with liquid which is no longer being processed by her liver.

Regularly, up to 18 litres needs to be drained a w a y through a

tube.

She admits she can only blame herself for her alcoholism, but with startling honesty says she doesn't feel shame in needing treatment.

"I don't see it as a waste of money, they are helping with a problem I have - an addiction," says Miss Merner from Bootle, Merseyside.

She feels news of her NHS bill might just push the Government and society to do more to prevent Britain's drinking epidemic.

Taxpayers pay up ÂŁ3.5 billion a year to treat alcohol-related problems, and at the going rate that is set to rise. Alcohol-related deaths have doubled in the last 20 years.

While smoking, drug-taking and obesity are increasingly frowned upon, drinking is still socially acceptable.

"People aren't as aware of the risks as they should be and alcohol is too cheap," says Miss Merner. "Help for alcoholism isn't advertised anywhere."

Miss Merner's drinking began 10 years ago. She split from her partner, the father of her toddler, and was forced to stay with her brother, unable to get her own place. Her two older children, now 20 and 16, went to stay

with their father.

"It was one or two drinks at night at first. A couple of vodkas helped me sleep," Miss Merner recalls. "Then it was half a bottle, then a full bottle . . . and then I started drinking when I woke up."

Six years ago, she started to have withdrawal effects when she didn't have a drink.

"I felt sick, I'd be shaking and sweating. I realised I had a problem," she says.

Miss Merner went to her doctor, who referred her to an NHS rehab clinic.

But, six weeks after leaving, she had one drink. Soon she was on a litre of vodka a day again: "I ended up at the clinic nine or 10 times," she admits.

By this time, Miss Merner had been diagnosed with cirrhosis. Her most dangerous collapse was in 2013. "I wasn't found for three days," she says. "I was in a coma for 12 days. My kids were told I wouldn't see it through the night."

The pattern continued until last December.

Once again she fell unconscious for three days after drinking and was in hospital for four weeks.

But this time something clicked and she says she will not drink again: "I know if I carry

on I will end up dead - and I don't want to die," she insists.

But her liver will never repair itself. In the meantime, she lives a painful existence and takes 11 pills a day.

"People say to me 'just don't have a drink'.

If it was that easy, don't you think I'd have done that rather than put myself by the pearly gates?" she says, her eyes filling with tears.

"But I'm so grateful for what the hospital has done. I owe everything to them."

Miss Merner's alcohol specialist nurse is Jenny Pearson, 30, who sees her weekly at the Aintree University Teaching Hospital.

She turned to the specialism after losing her father and sister to alcoholism and agrees society needs to change - and the Government must take steps.

"I have definitely seen an increase in numbers of patients. This is an epidemic," Miss Pearson says. "Every day we see 20-30 people in varying stages of liver disease, and oral cancer. Alcohol is practically poured down our throats.

"Watch daytime TV and they cook lunch with glasses of wine. Sporting events are sponsored by alcohol. It's no surprise people develop problems."

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Friday 10th April 2015

Q

I am always having abdominal discomfort such as flatulence and my abdomen feels swollen all the time. Recently I started having acid reflux for which I was prescribed omeprazole, but it only helps a bit. I actually feel nauseous after taking it. Please help.

A

Lately I have come across a number of people with similar symptoms to yours.

There are many factors that can give rise to the symptoms you are experiencing. However your diet is the most likely cause. We are all aware of coeliac disease, a disorder that occurs when people are extremely sensitive to the gliadin component of gluten. However the vast majority of people have a minor, near symptomless gliadin sensitivity. Gliadin is found mostly

in grains such as wheat, rye millet and corn. However it is found in large amounts in wheat. If your problem is due to wheat, then your best bet will be to stop eating it and see how you fare. This is of course after other likely causes of your condition such as infection have been ruled out.

Another common cause of abdominal discomfort is bacterial dysbiosis. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the stomach. It is the healthy bacteria in the stomach that determines our state of

abdominal health. These beneficial microbes include bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidus.

These ‘good bacteria’ make up part of our immune system because they suppress the growth of harmful bacteria that also thrive in our stomach and gut. In addition the ‘good bacteria’ helps us digest food. The acid in the stomach also prevents acid reflux. This is because acid in our stomach destroys harmful bacteria and prevents their growth. These harmful bacteria produce a lot of gas which escapes through the mouth, and in

the process carries stomach acid with it. This is how we get acid reflux. Omeprazole provides occasional relief from abdominal symptoms, but at a cost to the body.

Omeprazole provides relief by stopping the production of stomach acid – hydrochloric acid.

The lack of acid in the stomach encourages the growth of harmful bacteria which suppresses the good bacteria. This in turn causes gastritis, flatulence, acid reflux etc. Another cause of abdominal discomfort is the presence of toxins in the liver and intestine. This

is a common finding of mine from diagnostic scans. These toxins include heavy metals – cadmium, mercury, lead, mycotoxins (toxins from fungi), pesticides, herbicides, insecticides etc. Most people have had a lifetime accumulating these toxins in their organs without doing very much to get rid of them. And after many years, the body starts to experience an overload, especially with the abdominal organs, and this is then experienced as abdominal discomfort.

For a full body scan call 965071745, 966074189

FOOD IS NO LONGER WHAT IT USED TO BE

You may not have realised it, but the food you eat today is very different from what was consumed 50 years ago. Scientists studying the nutrient content of foods over past decades have observed steady declines in all food crops – fruits, vegetables, tubers and even meat. In the 1950s Potatoes for example contained fairly reasonable amounts of Vitamin A; today’s potatoes contain none at all. The nutrient content of fruits and vegetables has fallen by 50% in most cases. Many factors are to blame for this decline especially monoculture, which refers to the practise of growing a single crop over a large area, year in year out.

Plants do not require many nutrients to thrive, however they con-

centrate dozens of nutrients in their parts for the animals that feed on them. Over the years farmers have only replaced just the basic nutrients required by plants, and this has led to severe deficiency of other nutrients. Monoculture is akin to putting all your eggs in one basket- you’ll do all you can to protect that basket.

And to ensure the survival of monoculture crops, farmers use heavy doses, of toxic insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and many other chemicals. And this is just the beginning. When food is harvested, it is also sprayed with toxic chemicals to prevent them from going off on their long journeys to the supermarket.

And then there is the growing problem of genetically modified

(GM) plants that come with in-built pesticides that explode the intestines of the pests that consume them. Research has shown that animals develop cancer within weeks of eating such crops.

What can you do? Become vigilant, avoid GMO foods like the plague and join campaigns calling for their ban. Wash all your fruits and vegetables in Apple cider vinegar as these absorb most of the toxins when soaked for about 15 minutes. Choose organic foods if you can find them. Fortify your diet with supplements.

FOR A FULL BODY DIAGNOSTIC SCAN CALL: 965071745, 966074189 or visit www.medb.es

COULD DRINKING POMEGRANATE JUICE PREVENT A HEART ATTACK? Pomegranates have been shown to reduce stress, fight arthritis and even help with impotence.

Now, a study suggests that just a daily half-glass of the super-fruit's juice could protect against heart attacks and strokes, too.

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology examined mice with high cholesterol, as well as lab-grown arterial cells, in a trial.

The team found that consumption of pomegranate juice and dates dramatically slowed down the rate of therosclerosis - the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Overall, arterial cholesterol content decreased by 28 per cent.

The high levels of different antioxidants in the two fruits are believed to provide the perfect combination to help fight heart disase, with the team recom-

mending that people consume half a glass of pomegranate juice (around 115ml), together with three dates every day to benefit.

Although the regime sounds easy, many of the most powerful antioxidants are stored in the dates' stones or pits - so team leader Professor Michael Aviram advised grinding up the stones into a paste and consuming those as well.

Pomegranates have long been known to be a valuable source of polyphenols and anthocyanins, which have various health benefits, including helping the body protect itself against cancer.

The fruit is also rich in vitamins A, C and E and iron.

The findings were published in the most recent issue of Food & Function, a journal of The Royal Society of Chemistry.

40

Friday 10th April 2015

Horoscopes Aries March 21-April 20 The Moon’s eclipse helps you to see your situation in the round and reassess your longterm goals. Although it ushers in a new cycle in your private life, it could also bring an old, important friendship into sharper focus. An unexpected twist of fate is in your stars midweek.

Taurus April 21-May 21 A lot is going on behind the scenes this week, so do not make a hard and fast decision about something that concerns you closely yet. Far-reaching changes triggered by the Moon’s eclipse today mean that you should keep your options open. If you take each situation as it comes, you will be in the right place at the right time to take advantage.

Gemini May 22-June 21 Opportunities for growth and change are now on the horizon, so do not let an unexpected conversation undermine your confidence in your own judgment early in the week. If you are prepared to take the road less travelled, you can leave a situation that you find restrictive in the past and usher in a more fulfilling era. Follow your own star this week.

Cancer June 22-July 23 A chance to make some positive career decisions could take you by surprise this week. If you are flexible about your current plans, you can take full advantage of the opportunities that come your way, so do not hesitate to change direction. Your home life also enters a new phase from this weekend.

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Friday 10th April 2015

By Pandora Leo July 24-August 23 With Jupiter travelling backwards through your sign since December, you may have felt unsure of where you stand, or wondered if you should change course. From Wednesday, when it changes its direction through the skies, a more expansive, optimistic phase begins, so let go of recent doubts and listen to advice from someone this weekend.

Virgo August 24-September 23 An unexpected sequence of events is due to put you in a very strong position in the week ahead. The Moon’s eclipse today also stresses the importance of being independent, and of trusting your own judgment, especially where financial issues are concerned. If you stand back and weigh up your real options, you will make the right decisions.

Libra September 24-October 23 The Moon’s eclipse today in Libra marks the ending of a chapter in your life and the start of something new. As eclipses in your sign occur in a roughly nine-year cycle, this is a momentous time of change, so do not hold on to situations just because they are familiar, or be afraid to welcome the unknown.

You will soon get your bearings in the new terrain.

Scorpio October 24-November 22 Obstacles between you and career success can be swept aside from Wednesday, when Jupiter, the Lord of Luck, changes its direction through the skies. If you are flexible about your current work routine, you can also take advantage of an unexpected chance to break new ground. Opposition to your plans will crumble if you take a positive approach.

Sagittarius November 23-December 21 With your ruler, Jupiter, stirring up confusion in the area of your skies that rules your hopes and dreams since December, you may have hedged your bets about a certain situation. The time has come to ask a leading question and to take decisive action, so take full advantage of the stars this week. It is your attitude that counts.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20 Juggling home life and career could seem quite a challenge in the week ahead. With so much action in your chart’s domestic zone, focusing on your career, and on the forthcoming changes triggered by the Moon’s eclipse today, you could make the wrong decisions. Put ambitious plans on hold until you see your way ahead more clearly.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19 Something you discover now could revolutionise your outlook and your long-term plans. It seems far-reaching changes in your goals are now on the horizon, so bide your time and keep your options open until later in the week. A close relationship is under lucky stars from Wednesday, when Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, eases recent tensions.

Pisces February 20 - March 20 This week’s powerful link between the Sun and Uranus, the planet of creative growth and change, is due to help you come up with a new, inspired solution to financial problems that have held you back. Recent tensions with a friend or colleague also ease midweek, so enlist support from those who count for a new project then. The tide is on the turn.

42

Friday 10th April 2015

FREE 923 963 Car document transfers same day provisional certificate. No trafico visit require.

Torrevieja based office. Call 966 923 963.

Hiace white Toyota Power Van LWB. Good condition, well maintained, long MOT, RHD. Regularly serviced.

1000€. Tell 620 135 988.

AUCTIONS

CHURCH SERVICES Torrevieja Christian Fellowship at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183, welcome residents and visitors alike, to their friendly and lively 10.30 am. Service each Sunday morning.

They will not be holding the Wednesday night meeting

San Javier. Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nationalities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276.

INSURANCE CASER SEGUROS - for all your insurance needs, home, car, health, funeral.

Policies available in English and German.

Call Professional Business Support on 966 923 963 for a quick quote from our friendly staff.

GUITAR LESSONS Guitar lessons for beginners and improvers. Provide an insight into most styles.

From 10€ per hour. Call Peter on 966789612 or 629975378. Torrvieja

QUIZZES Experienced quizmaster/question setter with personality available to host quiz nights in local bars.

Tel:- 664 838 581

SITUATIONS VACANT

ACCOUNTANTS Pro Business Support – for all your accountancy needs in English; bookkeeping, taxes, wage slips and more. We cater for companies and self-employed people; we can deal with everything for you. Call us on 966 923 963 for first consultation free of charge.

CHOIR

Terry for details. Phone: 647-189-135.

Email: casatomsanluis@gmail.com

CARS Car insurance quotes – new extra discount on fully comprehensive policies at the price of third party!

Excellent prices for expats, all policies and call centre staff in English. We will call you back with a quote. 966

CAR HIRE

Casa Tom Community Choir: From 8 September 2014, Casa Tom Community Choir meets every Monday at 2.00pm for 2.30pm. It is a mixed choir and all levels are welcome. No auditions, no solos. Make new friends and have a good time.

Location: Casa Tom, Avenida JACA 31, San Luis, Torrevieja. Phone or email

CATERING

at 6.00 pm. For further information and/or directions please telephone 966700391 or visit our website on www.tcfspain.org.

International Christian Assembly, Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday services 11am.

Children's church 11am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones,

Qualified Chef Wanted for very busy restaurant. Must have all necessary documentation CV and checkable references. Please send CV & references to captainmorgansbar@gmail. com or call 966 189 352 and ask for Billy, Jane or Dave Captain Morgans Bar, Eagles Nest, Villamartin RADIO COSTA INTERNATIONAL MEDIA needs selfemployed salesperson. Car, mobile phone and client base available. For more info call 685 901 265 or email info@radiocosta.eu Due to expansion of business in the San Luis area, the following is required, Qualified ladies/gents hairstylist and qualified nail technician. 5 years previous experience necessary.

Please contact 966788904

BARBER

ALARMS

SITUATIONS WANTED Part time Cook wanted to prepare 3-4 vegetarian dishes per week for busy professional based in Punta Prima, Torrevieja. Call 630118439, or email: neurorep@gmail.com WANTED. English speaking mother's help aged 30-40, with driving licence, to help 7 year old boy with homework, and look after him.

Work hours will be 4 hours a day, Monday to Friday. Own room with bathroom provided, in a house with a pool and garden, in Alcayna, Murcia. Pay will be 125 euros a week. If you have a young child this will not be a problem. Phone 607 43 39 43 or email: mancanpa@yahoo.es CARPET FITTER WANTED Experienced part time carpet fitter wanted for the expanding and successful Carpet Heaven in Los Montesinos. Must be hard Working, smart & friendly, with first class customer facing skills. A clean driving license, your own transport & tools are essential. Please send CV with references to carpetheaven@hotmail.es or call us on 966720782 for more information

top fillers, Hair prostheses, Toupees and Wigs, Natural and Artificial hair and much more. Also fashion/festival accessories TV/TS are welcome to our service. Please call our salon reception for an appointment with Margaretha on Te l no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (90)

PERSONAL SERVICES

Spanish lady in Playa Flamenca near Carrefour provides Erotic massage at her private house, discretion assured tel. 865 64 64 37

FURNITURE Take the stress out of selling your unwanted furniture and leave it to U KNOW UNO'S to sell on your behalf for details call Glen on 966 262 828 or 606 926 437 or wiggfish@hotmail.com

WANTED

SERVICES Gardening, property maintenance, translations, cheap rates call David 722521654.

SOLICITORS Need English speaking solicitors in Torrevieja?

Let us help to solve your problems with Spanish Wills, debt recovery, divorce, property, fraud, criminal defence, Spanish Wills. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor today

WIG SPECIALIST SALON MARGARETHAS, 23 years in Torrevieja Hair/Wig specialist for Medical illness and Hair Loss problems. We offer different Hair Replacements,

CARPENTER

GARDENER

CLEANERS

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Friday 10th April 2015

CAR BREAKERS

DRAINAGE

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

REMOVALS

PETS

VAN HIRE

SURVEYOR

PLUMBERS POOL TABLES

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

APPLICANCE REPAIRS

SWIMMING POOL SERVICES

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

44

Friday 10th April 2015

ROADS TO NOWHERE

Sandy Jones, the Europe PGA’s chief executive, has claimed that golf is being flooded by too many “unofficial circuits” that are a road to nowhere. It’s not just at the top of the tree, where the European Tour, for instance, has spread its wings far and wide, that the face of the game has changed beyond recognition over the past 20 years. Winning on those pro circuits means nothing because it has “no connection to anything” is the point that Jones(pictured) was

quick to make.

In the days when Colin Brooks, a former Scottish Amateur champion and Northern Open winner was one of its top dogs, the Satellite Tour was mainly an all British affair. Now it is known as the Challenge Tour, and it gets around the globe as much as its big brother, for which it is its only gateway along with the Qualifying School. Below the Challenge Tour, there are now no less than five “ d e v e l o p m e n t ” circuits/tours, which include the PGA EuroPro Tour, the Alps Tour and the Pro Golf Tour, which was known as the EPD Tour when the twotimes Scottish Amateur champion David Law used it to cut his teeth in the paid ranks.

Should you start to delve even deeper and you’ll find a whole host of other circuits/tours, which, by sheer definition, can only be described as being the fourth tier in professional golf on this side of the Atlantic. In Spain and Portugal, there are Geko, Jamega and Evolve Tours.

Closer to home, too, new

circuits keep popping up.

For some, they are useful for getting rid of rust.

Scottish professionals Jamie McLeary and Duncan Stewart (who I played with in the ProAm at Mar Menor in 2012 when the PGAEuroPro Tour was last here), for instance, played in one of the Portuguese ones recently in preparation for the start of the new Challenge Tour campaign.

According to the PGA CEO, though, they are not really beneficial in the grand scheme of things.

There are now too many unofficial Tours, said Sandy Jones. “The Tartan Tour and other circuits in the PGA regions are meant for guys who live and work in their countries. If you are looking to be a full-time player, you should be on the Challenge Tour or one of the development circuits, of which there are now five, as they are a gateway to the Challenge Tour. That feeds through as a promotion system.”

Unfortunately, there’s a limit in terms of how many people can play in these events, so that’s led to other circuits popping up, many sadly that are being run by pros who’ve not been good enough to make the grade themselves as players.

Winning on those circuits means nothing because it has no connection to anything. Yes, it gives playing experience but if someone is good enough then they’d be on one of the develop-

ment circuits.

The PGA EuroPro Tour has been in existence since 2002, when Paul McKechnie topped the inaug u r a l moneylist. Scott Jamieson a l s o achieved that feat in 2009 on his way to becoming a European Tour player, one of several on that circuit to have used that particular development tour as a stepp i n g s t o n e .

S o u t h African pair Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel were both PGA EuroPro Tour members before they went on to become major champions, as were three Ryder Cup players, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, England’s Ross Fisher and Welshman Jamie Donaldson, as they found their feet as professionals.

The PGA EuroPro Tour, funnily enough, sprung out of a situation with Andrew Coltart (one of Scotland’s most-promising players at the time) in the mid-’80s,”

TITTER ON THE TEE All the organs of the body were having a meeting, trying to decide who the one in charge should be.

"I should be in charge," said the stomach," "I should be in charge," said the brain, because I run all the body's systems, so without me nothing would happen."

"I should be in charge," said the blood, because I circulate oxygen all over so without me you'd all waste away."

"I should be in charge," said the stomach, because I process food and give all of you energy."

"I should be in charge," said the legs, because I carry the body wherever it needs to go."

"I should be in charge," said the eyes, because I allow the body to see where it goes."

"I should be in charge," said the rectum, because I'm responsible for waste removal.

All the other body parts laughed at the rectum and insulted him, so in a huff, he shut down tight.

Within a few days, the brain had a terrible headache, the stomach was bloated, the legs got wobbly, the eyes got watery, and the blood was toxic.

They all decided that the rectum should be the boss.

The Moral of the story? Even though the others do all the work, The “A” hole is usually in charge

as he cut his teeth in golf administration as secretary of the PGA in Scotland before moving into the organisation’s big seat at

£100,000-£150,000 into the EuroPro each year and Barry has written some good cheques’ for it as well when there’s been a short-

The Belfry. He went to see Sandy Jones at Glenbervie, saying that he wanted to be a pro but didn’t want to work in a shop. He asked what he could do other than join the PGA training programme and Sandy Jones said, ‘nothing’. The Swedes had a circuit on the go then and he was advised that he should go there to get his career started. advised to go there to get his career started.

It was always felt that it was wrong that the UK couldn’t offer players the opportunity that Coltart was looking for, and after Sandy Jones moved to The Belfry, they started the MasterCard Tour before Barry Hearn (chairman of the Romford-based Matchroom empire that promotes the circuit) came on board with the EuroPro Tour. The PGA probably put

fall in sponsorship. He’s never been short in putting his money in as he believes in giving youngsters a chance.

As I write this, there has been the pre-qualifying school competitions for the EuroPro Tour, around the UK. In fact two young men who were resident on the Costa Blanca, Kieron Fowler and Nicky Stewart entered, and Kieron qualified for the final by tying second at The Players Club in Bristol. The Qualifying School final is being held at Frilford Heath Golf Club, Abingdon, Oxford, over three days, with a prize fund of £16,000. The top achievers will then go on to the Tour proper in the hope of qualifying for the Championship Final and a top five place to play on the Challenge Tour.

KNOW YOUR RULES QUESTION A player’s ball is lodged in a tree that is growing within an area of ground under repair. However, the point directly underneath the ball is outside the lines marking the ground under repair. Which of the following is correct? (a) The ball is not in the ground under repair and must be played as it lies or declared unplayable. (b) The ball is deemed to lie within the ground under repair and free relief is available under Rule 25-1. The reference point for taking relief is the nearest outside edge of the ground under repair to where the ball lies. (c) The ball is deemed to lie within the ground under repair and free relief is available under Rule 25-1. The reference point for taking relief is the spot on the ground immediately below the place where the ball lay in the tree.

ANSWER (c) The ball is deemed to lie within the ground under repair and free relief is available under Rule 25-1. The reference point for taking relief is the spot on the ground immediately below the place where the ball lay in the tree - Rule 25-1 & Decision 25/10.5.

45

Friday 10th April 2015

NINE IN A ROW REAL RULE AT RAYO BARCELONA 4

Barca retained their four-point gap at the top of La Liga with Wednesday’s win, their ninth on the trot, over relegation candidates Almeria, thanks to a brace from Luis Suarez and a goal apiece for Marc Bartra and Lionel Messi.

"We controlled the game and we didn’t suffer

ALMERIA 0

much," said coach Luis Enrique. "Almeria let us attack on the wings and we took advantage. To me, we played at a very high level.

We just slowed up a bit when the match was practically over. Overall it was a match that will strengthen us for the next one." That next one is a visit to Sevilla tomorrow night (Saturday).

MON DIEU JEREMY! CELTA VIGO 0

BARCELONA 1

Jeremy Mathieu scored a late headed goal last Sunday to give Barcelona their victory in a testing encounter at Celta Vigo. The French defender outmuscled his marker at the far post to head home Xavi's free-kick in the 75th minute, just two weeks after nodding in the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid. The weekend result kept Barca’s four point lead over Real in La Liga with the midweek matches to come.

RAYO VALLECANO 0

REAL MADRID 2

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 300th competitive Real Madrid goal as they beat Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night to stay four points behind leaders Barcelona. Real had goalkeeper Iker Casillas to thank for being level at the break after being outplayed. Gareth Bale's diving header was just wide after the break for the improved visitors before Ronaldo was denied a clear penalty. Ronaldo finally headed home before James Rodriguez curled in a second.

A REAL ROUT! REAL MADRID 9

GRANADA 1

Karim Benzema hailed his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as a "phenomenon" after his fivegoal blitz in Real Madrid's Sunday mauling of Granada. It was the first time in his career that Ronaldo has scored five goals in a single match and it saw him become only the third player to reach the 300-goal mark for Madrid, a tally achieved in only 287 appearances. Benzema said: - "Cristiano is a phenomenon, he is always looking for goals and ways to help the team.

He deserves everything he has achieved." It also meant that Ronaldo had moved on Sunday to four goals ahead of rival Lionel Messi in the race for the 'Pichichi' top goalscorer prize.

GOAL DROUGHT ENDS

Elche scored their first goal in just over eighteen hundred minutes of action as they nudged another point clear of the Primera Division relegation zone with a well-earned Monday night draw at Espanyol. The result left them two places and three points above the drop zone ahead of last night’s match against Getafe (report in next week’s Courier). Elche began the game on the front foot, as Edu Albacar shot wide from the edge of the box and Jonathas headed wide. But the breakthrough came at the other end

ESPANYOL 1 ELCHE 1

when in the 17th minutes, following a rapid counter-attack, Abraham Gonzalez teed up Garcia to send a brilliant left-footed curler into the very top left corner from 25 yards.

The Ilicitanos deservedly equalised with just 13 minutes remaining as Jonathas turned beautifully to work space for a shot and - though his effort was parried by Francisco Casilla - Herrera reacted sharply to nod the rebound home from near the penalty spot for Elche’s first goal since March 7th

46

Friday 10th April 2015

SO NEAR, SO FAR

Torrevieja missed a golden chance to give themselves a real shot at getting into the play-offs on the back of a fine midweek home win over Cullera (details below). Coach Pedreno, looking for a third consecutive home victory, selected right winger Brani to play as right back in place of the suspended Vicente, and gave Rafa Gomez his first start in over a month following his return from injury.

Torry had a lot of the early pressure, but some fine saves from Benigánim keeper Cristian, frustrated the home side, whilst the visitors started to counter with Oscar keeping Torrevieja in the game. With ten minutes left in the first half,

substitute Ferran came on and put Torry in the lead four minutes later after some good work from Rafa Gomez to keep the ball in play, with Ferran’s deflected shot creeping in at the far post. Just before the break, Torry missed out on perhaps sealing the match, as Ferran played a perfect ball in-between the two central defenders for Rafa who showed a fine turn of pace to get away and approach the goalkeeper, only for Cristian to make a great save after a goal seemed certain.

Benigánim had caused problems in the first period by exposing both Brani and Adrian's defensive positioning, and they really went to town on Brani in the second half. Eleven

minutes in, they got their equaliser through Quiquin, with Brani out of position as the ball was crossed. Still, Ruben also had a chance to clear but failed to connect and the striker was left with an empty net to roll the ball into. The remainder of the second half became a battle, with far less quality than the opening forty five minutes, with no clear cut chances for either side, until deep into injury time when a thumping Cesar header just five yards out could have given Torry all three points, but Cristian produced another spectacular save.

Torrevieja are back on the road this Sunday, as they travel to Paterna for a noon kick-off.

TORRY FIGHT BACK

Torrevieja produced a sparkling display a week last Wednesday having fought back after being a goal down on the half-hour mark, after dominating early proceedings. After Manu put Cullera in front after 32 minutes, Carrasco levelled up matters just five minutes later. Torry’s

CD TORREVIEJA 4 CF CULLERA 1

second goal 10 minutes into the second half came from a clinical finish(pictured) courtesy of Cesar, as the whole team went up a gear after the interval. Cristian got his first goal for Torry and Brani netted a late fourth to full reflect the superiority of the home side.

LEADER’S CLASS TELLS

Leaders Bigastro came away with a win last Sunday despite a valiant performance from Monte which lacked creativity. Bigastro are a big tough challenging side and their midfield was military style organised which limited Montes chances. The visitors continually carved through the Monte midfield though he home defence held firm until an unmarked Bigastro forward headed in from a corner to put them into the lead on the 25 minute mark. Monte battled away though as Carlos shot wide and a great clearance prevented Vaz from levelling

CD TORREVIEJA 1 UD BENIGÁNIM 1

CD MONTESINOS 0 BIGASTRO 2

the scores. The second half saw Monte’s manager Juanpe arguing with the referee after a dubious freekick verdict, and it got worse for the home side as the resulting kick was slammed along the ground and fumbled by keeper Alex to trickle into the net to double Bigastro’s advantage. 0-2. It was frankly just damage limitation then on for Monte for the rest of the match, with a local derby now to look forward to this Sunday as CD take on TODO Montesinos.

47

Friday 10th April 2015

FOOTBALL’S SHORT MEMORIES

Two brief years ago in the Premier League, Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup under their bright young Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, the ‘Latics’ the scourge of Premier giants like Manchester City who they beat in the final. At the same time, just under 200 miles south, Cardiff City were promoted to the Premier League as Championship Champions after many years in the doldrums; their leader another

Mackay and there are more FA accusations outstanding against him stemming from those acrimonious Cardiff days. Their all-too-brief one season sally into the big league of the Prem was a savage example to all aspiring clubs of how-notto-do-it, with chairman and manager at odds involving power and financial struggles - and we certainly haven’t heard the last of those charges against Mackay.

charge. After playing for the club, Martinez was in place for four years between June 2009 and June 2013, but since then Wigan have been through three bosses - Owen Coyle, Uwe Rosler and lately the ubiquitous Mackay, while Martinez had been wooed on to greater heights at nearby Everton.

The veteran Lactics owner, the previously highly- respected Whelan, put his neck out to somewhat bravely, some might

banned from football-related activity for six weeks and fined £50,000 last December for the racist comments after accepting an FA charge:- a hurtful business. This led to the 70 year old owner’s sad resignation after 20 exciting years at Wigan’s helm, leaving his inexperienced grandson in charge who is only 23. Ironically back at Cardiff, Vincent Tan had appointed his son’s young friend(there on work experi-

Whelan was keen to emphasise Mackay had learned from his mistakes and presumably h o p e f u l an improvement on the field would see the issue of his past behaviour set aside.

But the Scot could not improve their wretched home form and took only 19 points from a possible 72. In the event, Mackay himself lasted 138 days at Wigan. This plucky little club who often put their huge illustrious neighbours

ment announced that no decision had been made on a replacement from the 23year-old chairman David Sharpe, grandson of the owner Dave Whelan, but in the last few days it has been announced that club captain Gary Caldwell has now been appointed manager.

For a man like Whelan who had taken Wigan from the fourth tier of English football to the Premier League in 10 years, this

dynamic young manager the Scot Malky Mackay.

Both ambitious clubs then looked hungry for more success.

Today, both clubs are now back in the Championship: Cardiff look safe but unspectacular in mid-table but Wigan already look doomed to descend further to Division One. Ironically the Greater Manchester club have just sacked the same Malky Mackay. The Scot had led Cardiff to the 2012 League Cup final and into the Premier League the following season, and there was much sympathy when he was sacked by the club’s controversial owner Vincent Tan - but rather less of it, once the accusations about Mackay's text messages came to light The racist, homophobic and sexist mobile phone accusations then dogged

Meanwhile, Wigan's win at Wembley was the pinnacle for a club that was at the foot of the fourth tier when Dave Whelan took over in 1995.

Their rise to the P r e m i e r League over the next decade, and the eight years they spent there, is a remarkable feat for any modest club living in the shadows of world-famous clubs just down the road.

It may be tempting now to cast Wigan as a side that disintegrated once Martinez left, but that is a harsh

say naively appoint Mackay, only then attracting accusations o f racism against himself. As a result, Whelan was himself

ence!) as Director of Recruitment, but that mercifully didn’t last too long to cause the club any more undue embarrassment.

like Liverpool and the Manchesters to shame, are this week in disarray, with no home gates this season getting above 17 thousand in a town known better for its famous Rugby League club.

From Premier League status and FA Cup winners two years ago to virtually certain relegatees from the Championship this season, it is sad for nosey neutrals to watch and wonder at the Latics decline. When Mackay was dismissed on Monday, the club state-

was an ignominious withdrawal from football's front line.

It might be too late to save the side from demotion now, but at least with Mackay gone, any further repercussions from his ongoing investigation will not land Wigan in more trouble.

Cardiff, boyo? Well, Malaysian billionaire owner Vincent Tan is still there, but Cardiff are g o i n g nowhere at the moment. At least the very unpopular Tan has bowed to fans outrage and returned the clubs colours to blue, from his ill-thought-out decision to change them to red, supposedly lucky in the Far East – though not in the football capital of Wales.

How cruel football can be when it all goes wrong - and in Cardiff and Wigans’ linked cases – so quickly…

48

Friday 10th April 2015

Hector’s Stunner

Nah, come on… we’re all agreed - it’s Chelsea’s title to lose (hey, they’ll be Blue blood spilt if they don’t).

Good job Jose’s heroes came racing out of the blocks when this super season started otherwise the Blues would have been caught and passed by now.– just like Arsenal were last year after a superb start. But Gunner grizzles this season are forgotten now as Arsene’s army are going great guns, looking good for second place and favourites for a second consecutive FA Cup win.

Their new young star, Spanish full back Hector Bellerin stylishly opened the 4 -1 rout of laggardly Liverpool, only to be further complemented by class goals from Ozil, Sanchez and of course by Giroud.

Eggsactly

CRACKING EASTER s e v i g e k Bente Villa hope

what we wanted! Super saves, goal-of-the-season candidates, rip-roaring matches that makes this prestigious Prem season so exciting.

In the Thriller at Villa, Big Benteke is back. Despite a superb hat-trick from the back-to-form Aston Villa striker, it still wasn’t enough to put Quaintly Pursuing Redemption away. No throwing down the gauntlet on the touchline, Villa boss Tim Sherwood tears off the Gilet and hurls it on the floor as he gets excited (often – and he did it on Tuesday night!). The potential six pointer for both sides ended 3-3, only one point each when it could have gone either way. Rangers opened the scoring, then back came Benteke twice to put Villa ahead, only for Rangers to hit back to lead 3-2 with twelve minutes left.

Celebrating Easter, born-again Christian Benteke again resurrected hopes for the Brum Clarets, once again equalising to share the spoils – and still nothing is for certain in the DDD this season, all still to play for, see below*. Now it’s back to White Hot Lane for Tim with his triers, but these days Tottenham are testing their own fans with some up and down

results, and anything could happen on Saturday. At Loftus Road, xix super goals in two games mean plucky QPR may harbour hopes of halting Chelsea’s choking run-in for the Prem title. The Hoops are defensibly vulnerable maybe – but the goals are raining in.

At the Bridge last Saturday, you couldn’t Adam and ‘eave it, 66 yards over the Prem’s tallest goalkeeper said the lot. Charlie Adam’s piledriver equaliser put the Willians up wobbly Chelsea who then unconvincingly beat a poor Stoke side 2 -1. Stoke stopper Begovic was saint turned sinner, super saviour at 1 -1 only to throw it out straight to Hazard, duly slid to Remy, 2 1, game to Chelsea following yet another Hazard penalty – yawn. The little Belgian is fast becoming another Drogba who once regularly dug the Blues out of trouble, but is past his sellby date these days.

Erm, silly question: how comes with Costa limping off and Chelsea’s fire power doused, you still have a natural goalscorer like Loic Remy available?

OK, then he dutifully does his job, scores to put you ahead – why is he then immediately substituted in favour

of the new untested winger Cuadrado?

Ah, Jose knows best, if he delivers the Prem title then who cares, but wait… there’s some feisty football fiestas to be fought out before that fat lady takes to the Bridge stage.

Phew - Liverpool replied on Wednesday with a face-saving 1 - 0 win in the FA Cup replay against plucky Blackburn to face Villa at Wembley in the semi-finals. But there are some pressing problems in the red corner of Merseyside where a Sterling crisis exists: Anfield Admin Advert. Wanted, Experienced Contracts Manager. Must be able to tie down top players to committed long-term contracts to avoid unrest and wanderlust, especially of impressionable young players, and oldies going west before their time. *DDD summary - those easily offended by bad language pi…push off now.

Sod’s law, isn’t it a bugger when you’re struggling in and around the Dreaded Drop Department, nothing is going right, and you need a win like Ed Miliband wants people to vote for him.

Then you get a rip-roaring result, great goals going in at last to win, and fans,

players and everyone at your club is ecstatic. Then, bloody ‘ell, you find the other b*****ds around you have also won - so nothing’s changed, you’re still in the shi- sheer mess you were in before - and if you hadn’t won, well , it doesn’t bear thinking about. Stand up Leicester City, QPR and Sunderland down ‘dere who all won at the weekend, although the latter’s win over archrivals Newcastle (again) to secure North Eastern bragging rights has eased the pressure slightly on temp boss Dick Advocaat. Burnley only drew with Spurs and must now face the juggernaut Arsenal firing on all four, just like while lashing Liverpool. Leicester play confused dot com West Brom, whose amazing 4 – 1 home defeat from QPR takes some explaining. Baggies saviour Tony Pulis looked stunned when asked, his word for the intense pressures all Prem clubs experience said it all – ‘relentless’ – good description Tone.

Whispers - following Man City’s dismal defeat at reviving Crystal Palace, on the Blues Wilsh list are Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson (see above Contracts Mgr vacancy).

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