The Courier Week 94 by TKO Media

Edition 94

www.thecourier.es

Friday, December 7, 2012

OAPs VICTIMS OF LAND DEAL SCAM HUNDREDS of UK pensioners may have been victims in an elaborate property investment scam perpetrated by two British-owned Spanish companies. More than 100 people have filed complaints to the official courts claiming a possible crime of fraud by the companies Primula Developments SL and Owners International SL. The action is being taken under the legal guidance of Martinez-Echevarria Lawyers, who issued a press release on Wednesday confirming the details and offering help to anyone who may have been a victim. The release revealed: “These companies, whose headquarters were in San Javier (Murcia) and Marbella (Málaga), advertised free coach trips offering a free lunch or day out, to capture a large number of British citizens (mainly pensioners) with the promise of investing in high-yield real estate products under a contract written in English.’’ Some of the “clients” are believed to have been taken to San Javier offices and interrogated for up to seven hours about their own personal finances before the salesmen made them an offer. They were given very loose contracts in English and false share certificates. The press release added: “Complaints from hundreds of concerned pensioners have not been previously followed up out of court, because the companies seem to have "disappeared" physically quite suddenly without apparent trace. “Now it seems that only with the help of the prosecution and courts will they be able to reach the person/s that are ultimately responsible for what clearly seems to an overall swindle. “There are, as said, hundreds of affected people, and it´s entirely possible that many of them do not even know yet that they have been the subject of a possible scam, so we at Martinez-Echevarria Abogados (Lawyers) would like to offer our telephone number to for any possible affected clients : 96 571 84 54.’’ Alternatively, you can contact us here at The Courier either by email at. office@thecourier.es or telephone on 966 921 003 with your story of how you were affected.

BEST OF BRITISH! Satellite switch joy for us - but Costa del Sol faces UK blackout By ALEX TRELINSKI FEARS that many TV viewers on the Costa Blanca would lose their UK channels following the switch to the new Astra 2F satellite have proved unfounded. But the picture looks bleak for the expat population in the Costa del Sol, who face the prospect of blank screens with their favourite British services no longer available on dishes smaller than two metres.

Many Costa Blanca viewers have been using small onemetre dishes, many of which were installed this year. The Astra 2F satellite came into service last month, with some channels - including Channel Five and Channel Four HD - being moved over this week. Despite fears that small dishes would not be able to pick

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Friday, December 7, 2012

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96 692 1003 679 096 309 965 99 66 66 E-MAIL office@thecourier.es WEB www.thecourier.es HEAD OFFICE Calle Luis Canovas Martinez 1. Urb Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja 03183, ALICANTE PHONE: 96 692 1003 Email: office@thecourier.es OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 1030 to 1730 CONSULTANT EDITOR Donna Gee ADVERTISING SALES 966 921 003 office@thecourier.es TELESALES 966 921 003 679 096 309 Sally Los Alcazares, San Javier 618 391 491 Myra Quesada, Rojales, Torrevieja, San Miguel Tel. 618 583 765 Jean La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Tel. 618 898 034 Janine 616 332 178 Patrick International Rep 5 Languages Tel 685 901 265 Writers Donna Gee Sally Bengtsson Jeanette Erath Alex Trelinski Dave Silver Tony Mayes Heidi Wardman John McGregor

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Publication Published by Rainbow Media, S.L. Printed by Localprint S.L Depósito legal A - 132 - 2011 The Courier, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for 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 non-appearance 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.

Picture of the Week

JUNGLE DRUMS

Rob ‘Indiana Jones’ Barnes never misses his copy of The Courier. The bridge crosses the Rio Monachil in the National Park in the Sierra Nevada. It was featured in an Indiana JoneS film.

Sex offences: Police arrest Max Clifford PR guru Max Clifford was arrested yesterday (Thursday) by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse allegations. The 69-year-old was held on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a central London police station, Sky news reported. The arrest is believed not to be related to any claims involving Savile. An earlier statement from Scotland Yard said: "Officers working on Operation

From Page One up these and other UK services on the new satellite, it appears that many installations in the region are able to do so, though there are reports from some dealers that signals are “on the edge’’. This means that cloud cover and rain may affect reception. Dish sizes of 1.2 metres and over appear to be fine. The Courier reported in October that small dish owners who used a temporary satellite launched earlier this year carrying popular services from the BBC and ITV might face a blackout when changes took place. This in fact has happened over large parts of Spain and Portugal, as well as in other European countries. However, the Costa

Yewtree have this morning, Thursday 6 December, arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the investigation. "The man from Surrey was

arrested at 07:40hrs on suspicion of sexual offences and has been taken into a central London police station. "The individual falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'Others'. "We are not prepared to discuss further." Last week a man in his 80s from Berkshire was interviewed by detectives, also as part of the investigation that does not directly relate to Savile. Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie

Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath, have been arrested and bailed as part of the probe. Last month the force said it was dealing with around 450 potential victims, the vast majority of whom claimed they had fallen prey to Savile. Officers are looking at three strands within their inquiry: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.

BEST OF BRITISH! Blanca appears to be in a “hotspot” where reception of the new satellite is good. Official projections from the satellite owners, SES, suggested that picking up the beam might prove to be very difficult, if not impossible, in this area - but that has proven not to be the case. Along with Channel Five and their associated services, a number of ITV1 regions have moved to the new satellite, along with Channel 4 HD and their repeat service, FourSeven. It’s not known when the bulk of the BBC and ITV channels will make their transfer, though there is some speculation that might not happen

now until the New Year and even as late as the spring, when yet another new satellite, Astra 2E, will come into service. Since the new satellites will be in place for the next 15 years, barring unforeseen circumstances, this ought to be the end of all the uncertainty that has surrounded picking up UK TV in this part of Spain over recent years. In fact, the overall reception of UK satellite TV services, putting aside the temporary nature of Astra 1N, is far easier and more reliable than it has been for quite some time. In the past, larger dishes had to be used, and even then, certain chan-

Friday Sunny High 12° Low 10° Chance of rain 5% Monday Partly cloudy High 17° Low 6° Chance of rain 0%

Tuesday Sunny High 15° Low 7° Chance of rain 4%

nels could not be picked up. Costa Blanca viewers are very fortunate as the new UK beam has a tight corridor which happens to take in France and Eastern Spain, but is offering little or no signal to the Costa del Sol or Portugal. Large parts of Europe have also been blacked out in a move which is restricting the availability of free-to-air UK TV channels for copyright reasons.

ADVICE ON DISHES… NIGEL COX of Satellites Direct told us: “When and if the other channels change to the UK beam, we are now certain we will still get them in this

Saturday Sunny High 18° Low 6° Chance of rain 1% Wednesday Cloudy High 14° Low 11° Chance of rain 17%

area. Unfortunately, the further south you go the weaker the signal, so from Mazzaron onwards a 1.4 metre dish at least may be needed. “If you are starting from scratch then I would advise a 1.2m or 1.35m dish, but if you are on a budget or short for space then a 1m will do the job for the foreseeable future and maybe a lot longer! “If you have a 1m dish already, check your Channel Five signal and if it’s breaking up exchange your dish to a 1.2m or 1.4m (some companies are offering a low priced upgrade.) But if it’s working now then it will continue to do so and should cope with any new changes. “One of the main reasons for the change to a weaker UK beam is so that some subscription channels can go free to air so shortly we could be getting even more UK TV for FREE ! Sunday Partly cloudy High 15° Low 6° Chance of rain 2% Thursday Rain High 14° Lo 9° Chance of rain 75%

Friday, December 7, 2012

8559 BBW HAVE YOU SEEN THIS VEHICLE?

Security officials have released new information in the hunt for a would-be child abductor – including the registration number of his vehicle. Neighbourhood Watch is urging people to be on the lookout for a man of Moroccan or Algerian appearance driving a white Peugeot Partner, reg-

istration number 8559 BBW. The vehicle has its rear windows painted out white. Anyone who sees the vehicle or suspect is asked to report the information to the security services via 112 or to their nearest Neighbourhood Watch coordinator. SEE LETTERS, PAGE 6

My €710 horror bill was justified

THEY AGREED VERBAL QUOTE AND JOB WAS NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD, SAYS UNDER-FIRE LOCKSMITH And he claimed: “I gave a verbal quote to the clients before the work was commenced. They were clearly satisfied as they accepted the €710 quote, giving me the green light to start work the following week.” The locksmith contacted us in response to our article in last week’s paper. He told us that he went to the property to assess damage to the lock, and had to gain entry by removing the steel grills from a skylight. He then stripped the inside of the door to reveal the Derria locking system, which he had to manipulate and force the door open. The lock, he said, was “damaged beyond repair due to wear and tear. “But I did manage to get the latch working to secure the property during the weekend”. He said that this process took him three

hours in total. It was at this stage that he gave the clients the €710 quote, to include all of the work, including parts and labour, as well as re-welding of the grill to secure the skylight. The following week he returned to install a new lock. “I commenced by stripping down the door and removing it from the frame, in order to gain access to the locking system. I had travelled to Cartagena to purchase the replacement lock, which was a locking system only, and keys had to be purchased separately”. He and his colleague installed, re-assembled and re-hung the door. He and his colleague completed the work at 12:30pm, three and a half hours after their arrival. He added: “On completion of the work, the client paid me €635.00 due to a lack of funds, and told me she was trying to gain compensation from the builder, believing that the lock had been faulty when it was first

IBERDROLA and Swedish company Vattenfall have started the development phase of the most important renewable energy project ever – on the East Anglian coast. Both companies have awarded a €23 million contract to Aberdeen-based Woods Group for the fabrication, installation and operation of two weather monitoring stations on the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk. These infrastructures will be built by Steel Engineering, also a Scottish company, and are expected to be located in

British waters next summer. Both stations will measure the wind speed and direction, as well as temperature and air pressure for an area bigger than Norfolk, which will enable key technical and engineering decisions for the wind farm to be taken. Once they come into operation they will be among the most technically advanced weather facilities in the United Kingdom. With this award, total investment in the East Anglia offshore wind farm, which is currently in its preliminary development

THE locksmith who charged a local couple €710 to repair a damaged lock insisted this week that the bill was fair.

IBERDROLA IN €62bn WIND FARM DEAL

installed. “I later received a telephone call from the clients, complaining that the builder could have completed the entire job for no more than €80.” And he maintained: “The clients still owe €75, and I fully intend to pursue recovery of the debt through the courts. “As you can see from the schedule of work done, this was not a straight-forward job, and involved more than simply opening the door. I stand by my reputation as a locksmith and justify the verbal quote given.” The Locksmith enclosed a breakdown of costs to verify his report:

THE ESTIMATE

Labour: Two men for 7 hours@ €30 per hour = €210.00 Lock = €200.00 Keys = €175.00 Cost to open door = €135.00 Total Cost = €710.00

THIS WEEK IN BRIEF q

SPAIN'S queue of job seekers grew to a new record close to five million in November, a grim sign for a nation in the grip of a jobs-killing recession. The number of people registered as unemployed increased by 74,296, or 1.5 percent, to 4.91 million. The figure was up 11 percent from a year earlier. It was the highest number of job seekers registered in Spain since current records began in 1996.

A SECOND round in the healthcare workers strike in Madrid over the regional government’s privatisation plans took place on Tuesday, with protesters dressed in white holding a surprise demonstration inside the Senate. The unions, which called the third day in the ongoing strikes "a success", put the absentee rate at 90%. Workers are protesting a plan to privatise or outsource services at six public hospitals and 27 clinics across the region. Two other 24-hour strikes were held last week.

A residents association in Alicante has voted overwhelmingly that politicians should take an immediate 15% drop in salary. The people of the Pla neighbourhood questioned 200 participants, 97% of whom called for the pay cut. Most local politicians earn over 2,600 euros per month.

Torrevieja town hall has announced 107 payments of 300 euros each for retirees and pensioners registered in the city. This municipal aid, a first of its kind in Spain, is addressed to all those pensioners who meet certain requirements which include widows, orphans, and the permanently disabled. Those older than 60 who are divorced and have no other means of income as a result may also apply for aid

THE Spanish central government says it has paid off more than €1.1 billion of regional debts to suppliers. Restricted cash flow means Spain's regions are increasingly turning to the central government's Regional Liquidity Fund for help paying their bills. In Valencia the fund helped the Generalitat to pay €114 million of the €450 million debt owed to the region's pharmacies, with a promise of a further €117 million to be paid by the end of January.

phase, amounts so far to 62 million euros. The project has the potential to generate enough clean green energy to power five million homes and will be one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects.

KING Juan Carlos was on Sunday discharged from hospital after a successful hip replacement operation and several days of physiotherapy. Surgeons implanted a state-of-the-art prosthetic left hip on November 23, in what was the 74year-old monarch's sixth operation in two years. Doctors have said he is expected to fully recover in about a month.

Friday, December 7, 2012

SPAIN STILL NO.1 FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

DESPITE its economic woes, Spain continues to be the world leader in organ donations and transplants, the director of the National Transplant Organisation (ONT) announced last Tuesday. With the figures available up to November, Spain maintains its world leadership after beating its own record last year with a total of 4,212 transplants. ONT chief Rafael Matesanz also said that transplants are not "a luxury therapy," particularly in the case of kidneys, which he said is one of the most cost-efficient treatments of all. He added that the policy of cutbacks carried out to reduce the budget deficit has not yet affected transplants. "Before they make indiscriminate cuts, its best to know what we can

do without," Matesanz said. In that regard, he said that at the request of the Health Ministry, further development of transplant centres is being planned. Matesanz also noted that in Spain, transplants cost up to 10 times less than in the United States, since labour costs there are much higher and the Spanish system is more efficient. The $1 million cost of a heart transplant in the United States or the $270,000 for a kidney transplant would cost in Spain around 90,000 euros and 30,000 euros respectively, he said. Besides its world leadership in transplants, Spain also leads in the number of donors – 35.3 for every 1 million people, according to figures from 2011..

A NEW campaign aimed at helping British residents avoid common pitfalls whilst living in Spain began on English language radio stations across the country on Monday. Roadside robberies, out-of-date passports and benefits and health concerns all feature in the new radio ‘fillers’ covering some of the most frequent issues Consular staff have to tackle. And there’s a reminder to visit the UKinSpain website for a wealth of information about living in Spain – the facts, not rumours and gossip. www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk.

The voices behind the fillers include Sheila Reid, who plays Madge in the hit UK television series Benidorm, former Benidorm star Keith Barron and Huggy Leaver, who has appeared in EastEnders and the film ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’.

SOUND ADVICE

SHOP A BENEFITS THIEF – IT’S EASIER THAN EVER HEARD someone boasting about ripping off the British taxpayer? Know a neighbour who’s living off benefits they shouldn’t have? If you feel fed up and want something done about it, it’s easier than ever to report a suspected benefit thief. The British Embassy in Madrid issued a press release this week saying that in addition to the free and confidential Benefit Fraud hotline in Spain – 900 554 440 – there is now an online form from the Department of Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk/benefit-thieves-spain or https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud/spain The only request from benefit investigators is that you provide as much information as you can. The more you give, no matter how insignificant it may seem, the easier it is to trace the fraudster and the more likely it is that they will be caught. Details that are particularly useful include the suspect’s full name and addresses in the UK and Spain. But just as useful are details of their spouse or partner, and information about any work they do. Remember that all the information you give will be treated in strictest confidence. You do not have to give your own name and address if you do not wish to. The new online form is just one way investigators are closing in on benefit fraudsters in Spain. A dedicated team continues to work

closely with the Spanish authorities, making it harder and harder for benefit thieves to go undetected. Siblings Lawrence Candlish and Melanie Batey from Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, wrongly thought they could outsmart investigators when they moved to Alicante in 2005 and 2007 respectively, and failed to notify benefit officials. Despite Candlish winning a £5.5 million lottery jackpot in 1997 and opening a bar and restaurant in the Santa Pola area, they both continued to fraudulently claim benefits until December 2010 when their dishonest actions finally caught up with them. Between them they had falsely claimed over £40,000 which they will now have to pay back to the UK government. Candlish appeared in court in October and was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months with supervision. His sister Melanie Batey received the same sentence. Frauds like these continue to happen, which is why Work & Pensions investigators are asking anyone who suspects others of committing benefit fraud to call the free and confidential hotline in Spain on 900 554 440, or send in their concerns at https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud/. If you want more information on which benefits can and cannot be claimed whilst living in Spain, do visit www.gov.uk.

Friday, December 7, 2012

editor@thecourier.es COURIER POSTBAG: YOUR VIEWS ON OUR NEWS

Be on your guard for the enticer DURING the past month, there have been two (confirmed by police) incidents in public parks where a male person with a white van has attempted to entice or force children into his vehicle. Both of these incidents have occurred in or near to children's playground areas and within public parks. It is quite probable, in view of his lack of success, that this person could well make a further attempt. His area of operation would appear to be anywhere within the Vega Baja district or even further afield. PLEASE BE ON THE LOOK OUT at or near

to areas where young children play. The Police are aware of this matter and have asked for vigilance on the part of everyone. Should you see anything suspicious, please contact the emergency services (112 offer a service in various languages). Please try to make a note of any description or persons and especially any registration number of a vehicle. The security services are actively seeking a male person of Maghreb (North African, Moroccan, Algerian etc) appearance, aged between 30 and 35 years. The alleged

offender is in possession of a vehicle which he has made use of in both attempted abductions: A small van (Peugeot Partner type and size). This van is WHITE in colour and is noticeable in that the rear windows have also been painted white, apparently brush painted, so that the interior cannot be seen from outside. ANY SIGHTINGS, INFORM THE SECURITY SERVICES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH. GRAHAM KNIGHT, Director, Oficina de Atención al Residente Internacional (Ayto. de Torrevieja).

Iberdrola cut-off threat - yet we owe nothing BE WARNED! If you are thinking of changing to Iberswitch, this is our story: We signed a contract with Iberswitch on January 3, 2011, but it took until June to be transferred from Iberdrola. Escandinavia was our new supplier through Iberswitch. In February 2012 they changed us to Elecval, and then in August we were switched to Cenermed, and instructed our bank to change the direct debit in favour of Cenermed. We paid one bill to them taking us up to September 17 this year. We were not happy with Iberswitch as they also told us that work needed doing costing over 600 euros, and we also realised we were not making any saving with Iberswitch. We checked with Iberdrola if we needed these modifications. They told us that we were perfectly legal and did not require any alterations. So, we decided to return to Iberdrola, and cancelled our contract with Iberswitch. On September 30, we received another bill from Elecval which we couldn't pay as they didn't have their bank details on the statement, so we rang Iberswitch to ask if they could help us to pay this outstanding bill. When we told them we were no longer under contract with them, they refused to help, saying, quote, 'we are not a charity'! We pointed out to them that we had been under contract with them at the time of Elecval supplying our electricity, but they still refused to help. Fortunately we then received a second bill from Elecval with their bank details and paid on November 5, 2012. On November 6 we received a letter from Iberdrola 'Notification of termination of access tariff contract', which states that our ex-supplier Elecval owes Iberdrola €42.11, which was invoiced to them on September 28. The letter also states: “Should the situation of non-payment continue, we shall therefore proceed to suspend the power supply as from December 27, 2012. Iberdrola fully accept that we do not owe any money to any company for electricity, and yet they have told us that unless Elecval pay Iberdrola this outstanding amount our supply will be cut off. We even offered to pay this debt from our own pocket but we’re not permitted to do that! So at the time of writing this letter we do not know if ,when we return from our Christmas holiday, we will have any electric supply. And to rub salt in the wound if they have turned us off WE will have to pay for re-connection! How can this happen? You pay all your bills and yet they can still turn your supply off! JOHN and JUNE BRADY, La Florida, Orihuela Costa

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WHITE PEUGEOT PARTNER? 8559 BBW FURTHER to recent reports concerning the attempted abduction of children in a public playground within local parks, the police have now issued specific information regarding the person believed to be responsible. Male, aged 30 to 35 years, of 'magrebi' (Moroccan or Algerian) appearance and driving a WHITE coloured PEUGEOT PARTNER van (rear windows painted out white) withregistration number

8559 BBW

The root of all weevil... I HAVE attached some photos of a palm tree in my garden. Most people are aware that the Red Weevil has been infecting the Phoenix Palm. As you can see from the photos we have a a Bismarckia Nobilis - we call it Blue Palm. The weevil can be seen in the trunk of the palm. It may be worth bringing this to the attention of your readers who may have this type of palm as it is expensive to have them removed if they die. The guy who treats my palms tells me they are now infecting Date Palms which are quite common here as well. DEREK (Sanquist)

Any sightings, please report to security services via 112 or your nearest Neighbourhood Watch coordinator. Also, please report any sightings / information to the Neighbourhood Watch association (who are coordinating this police appeal) to:oari.torrevieja@gm ail.com GRAHAM KNIGHT (on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch). Director, Oficina de Atención al R e s i d e n t e Internacional. (Ayto. de Torrevieja).

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE THOSE OF THE LETTER WRITERS BUT NOT NECESSARILY OF THE COURIER

Friday, December 7, 2012

THE HAND OF PETE THE past four months have been a living hell for my granddaughter Daisy. She’s spent roughly half that time in hospital, has lost two stone in weight and her once-rosy cheeks have been replaced by a ghostly white complexion. She is currently on a medical regime which involves taking 32 pills a day…plus a fortnightly injection she describes as ‘’like a really bad wasp sting’’. Even when Daisy is not in hospital, she’s bent double in agony much of the time and cannot go to school. Such is life for a 12 year-old with a particularly aggressive type of Crohn’s Disease. At what should be the most exciting time of her life, she’ll become a teenager next month not knowing what the future holds. If she is lucky, the ulceration of her bowel will respond to treatment and the digestive spasms that crease her up will ease – just as they did for her older sister Rosie, 21. She has the same incurable illness as Daisy, but has been in remission for four years. If she’s unlucky, Daisy will require major surgery. It all seems so unfair for a youngster whose dad suffered a massive brain haemorrhage when she was three years old and has been in hospital, paralysed and blind, ever since. Last Friday Daisy was discharged from her latest hospital stay, even though she was far from well. The lives of her medical team would have been at risk had they refused to let her go. Her mother Hayley had booked tickets to see Peter Andre ‘Up Close and Personal’ at Manchester’s Apollo Theatre and this was one event she was NOT going to miss. Two years ago, Daisy was photographed with singing heartthrob Andre at a CD signing at a local ASDA store in Manchester – and prayed for the day she could see her

Daisy at a Peter Andre CD signing in 2010 and (right), in hospital recently idol in concert. Now it was actually going to happen…with family friend Louisa, a qualified nurse, joining Hayley’s entourage at the Apollo in case Daisy’s pains became intolerable during the evening. We’d been racking our brains for a way to contact Peter Andre in the hope he might just find time to say hello to her. We knew it was a forlorn hope…and with 3,500 fans yelling for his attention at the Apollo, that forlorn hope quickly deteriorated to ‘no chance’. Their seats were four rows from the back… just about as far from the stage as it was possible to get. Frail Daisy was dwarfed by adults vying for the best viewing points and as everyone leapt to their feet to welcome their hero, she was left staring at people’s backs. In desperation, she stood on her seat to get a better view and was immediately ordered down by the fans behind her. In tears, she resigned herself to the worst. At least she could hear her idol, she reasoned. That was better than nothing. Then fate took a hand in the most dramat-

THE HEX FACTOR

A COUPLE of months ago, I vowed never to watch the X Factor again after joke singer Rylan Clark was manipulated back into the show by the collusion of the judges. Well, I have a confession to make – I’ve started watching it again. And that’s because there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing so-called experts with egg all over their faces. In their desperation to see the back of vulnerable Christopher Maloney - and, perhaps with a little coaxing from Simon Cowell - three of the judges have constantly pilloried the camp Scouser. But as someone who delights in seeing an underdog win, I’m happy to say that the cynicism of Tulisa and Co has rebounded on them bigtime. It is rumoured that Chris regularly gets TWICE as many votes as any of the other competitors and if that’s so, then he will this weekend become the first X Factor winner with no X Factor. I accept that fellow finalists Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur have vastly more appeal to the younger generation. But I’m fed up hearing The Broadband and Telephone Company Maloney berated by people like Tulisa, an average singer who has no right to be judging the talent of vastly superior vocalists. It seems all the negative comments have inspired the public to cast a sympathy vote for Maloney. All three finalists are assured of a big future, so it doesn’t really matter who wins. But how enjoyable to see Tulisa’s bitchiness come back to bite her in the bum.

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ic way. Someone pointed out a free seat in the very back row; here was a chair Daisy could stand on without fear of being ordered to sit down and where she could get an uninterrupted, if distant, view of her beloved Peter. The six-stone waif was about to enter dreamland. In the distance, Andre left the stage as his dancing entourage began a routine to the tune of John Lennon’s Imagine. Then the hand of fate took over. ‘Suddenly Peter emerged from a door just to

Daisy’s right, singing - and started walking along the aisle behind us,’’ says Hayley. “Daisy turned round and he saw her straight away. She was crying hysterically and Peter came straight over to her and started singing to her. He touched her face and she grabbed his arm…and then he moved away. “Daisy somehow found the energy to jump over the seat and run after him but was held back by one of his minders. “But it was an amazing experience for her and a fantastic pick-me-up that none of us could have dreamed of.’’ Daisy is still overcome by the experience: ‘’I can’t believe what happened. I and lots of my friends had been tweeting him for two weeks hoping he might just agree to say hi to me but it was more in hope than expectation. Then it just happened all by chance. I actually felt the muscles in his arm and I can tell you he smelt wonderful!’’ A great perfumance, you might say – and one that brought a rare smile from a child whose happy personality has been knocked sideways by her health problems. We all know that pain and happiness just don’t mix. But for those few wonderful seconds at the back of the Apollo, agony turned to ecstasy for a sick child...and the hand of fate showed its gentle side. Thanks, Peter.

Friday, December 7, 2012

FIFTEEN years ago last Wednesday, Mrs S left me. ('Actually it was 14 years ago,' she has just pointed out. 'But why complicate your story with facts. Just get on with it.') It was one of our rare evenings at home together -the pub must have been shut for refurbishment or for the regular ceremony of the watering of the beer. My beloved and I were watching television. It was a Saturday night and we were awaiting the National Lottery results. 'I'm quite excited,' I commented. 'It's a rollover.' 'You did remember to buy a ticket?' asked Mrs S. 'Of course, my love. Otherwise this situation might have easily turned into a Terry and June sketch.' We settled back and waited for the numbers to be called. I just happened to glance at the floor and noticed my mutt Brian lying on his back, not moving, his paws pointing at the ceiling. 'Oh, dear,' I observed. 'I do believe our dog is dead.' 'Whaaat!' 'These things happen,' I sighed, placing a comforting arm around Mrs S. 'Such is

Friday, December 7, 2012

GLOVE STORY

life.' 'Sod the solace!' she cried. 'Phone the vet.' I shook my head. 'I think it's too late for that. And anyway, the vet will charge double on a Saturday night.' Brian suddenly turned right side up on the carpet and commenced to wag his tail. 'You stupid pooch,' I said. 'When I uttered the word "rollover" I was referring to the Lottery. Must you take everything I say at face value?' Brian trotted off into the kitchen and, after confirming that not a single one of our numbers had been called, I sent Mrs S after the dog to make us a mug of tea. I viewed the latest episode of Casualty just to make sure I had got none of the illnesses portrayed. Then I snoozed through the news and woke up in time for Match of the Day. But something was wrong. For once I could hear the soccer com-

mentary perfectly. I realised what was missing -- Mrs S's constant yattering. Not only was her voice absent but so was Mrs S herself. And then I heard the front door slam. I waited until half-time (it was an exciting match), checked the kitchen, the front room and the cupboard under the stairs but there was no sign

of Mrs S. I watched the second half of the match and a bit of the next one and then went to check upstairs. Mrs S's wardrobe door was open and most of her clothes were missing, including the last dress I'd bought for her -- the long white one with the veil. My heart flipped over as I realised Mrs S had walked out on me. Then I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw our car still parked in the path. Then I cancelled that sigh of relief when I remembered that Mrs S had never fully mastered the art of driving -- too much trying to solve the difference between left and right. I trudged into the kitchen and collapsed into a self-pitying heap. 'She's gone,

Brian!' I wailed at my dog. The pooch poked his head into the cupboard under the sink and emerged with a single marigold washing-up glove in his jaws. What was the daft dog up to now, I wondered as he dropped the glove onto the floor and started to sniff at it. 'Got it!' I shouted. 'You're picking up your mistresses's scent from one of the few possessions she's left behind and now you're going to track her down. 'What a super-intelligent beast you are,' I enthused as I clipped on Brian's lead. 'Okay, boy, let's go find Mrs S.' Brian pelted around the house as I encouraged him with cries of 'Mush!' We ended up back in the kitchen. The mutt stuck his head back into the cupboard under the sink and came out with a second object. 'You furry waste of time!' I shrieked. 'The only thing you've accomplished is to trace the OTHER marigold washing-up glove!'

Brian looked balefully at me. His hangdog expression seemed to say: 'What did you expect, master? I'm not a flaming bloodhound.' Resisting the urge to clamp the sink plunger over Brian's useless sniffing tackle, I retired to the living room to watch the end of Match of the Day. After that I would phone Missing Persons. And then Mrs S suddenly appeared in the living room. 'Where's my mug of tea?' I demanded without thinking. Then: 'What am I saying! You've come back to me, my darling.' I took her in my arms and patted her passionately on the top of the head. 'What's all the fuss about?' she asked with a hint of suspicion at my solicitousness. 'I only left the house to drop off some clothes outside the charity shop.' 'Come sit with me,' I purred. 'We can watch Man United v Arsenal together.' 'Nah,' she said. 'I think I'll go to bed.' 'Wise move,' I said, grabbing a can of ale and diving into my armchair. 'Brian! Good doggie. Fetch me one of my slippers and then go back for the other one.'

Friday, December 7, 2012

SAY IT IN SPANISH Learn the lingo - with a little help from JEANETTE ERATH LESSON 49 I HOPE you are progressing well with your Spanish and managing to incorporate some into your daily lives. As promised we are going to move on with verbs. We are talking this week about reflexive verbs. Basically verbs which we do to ourselves are reflexive and again hopefully all will become clear as we go through the lesson. Spanish has numerous reflexive verbs but there are some that are used more as reflexive than non reflexive. We will learn these first and then move on to other types. Because the verb is used with a reflexive pronoun the verb will be written with se attached to the end, for example: vestirse, lavarse. When a verb is used in its reflexive form you must use the following pronouns: me – myself, te – yourself, se – yourself/himself/herself, nos – ourselves, os – yourselves, se – yourselves/themselves The reflexive pronoun is placed directly before the conjugated verb. The conjugations are as the tense in which you are using, as we have only learnt the present tense we will stick with that as we learn how to use reflexive verbs. Here is how you use the verb bañarse – to bathe oneself: me baño – I bathe myself, te bañas – you bathe yourself, se baña – he/she bathes him/herself, you bathe yourself (usted) , nos bañamos – we bathe ourselves, os bañáis – you all bathe yourselves, se bañan – they bathe themselves/you all bathe yourselves (ustedes) The main verbs that are used a lot in their reflexive forms are: acostarse – to go to bed, afeitarse – to shave; cepillarse – to brush, despertarse – to wake up, ducharse – to shower, levantarse – to get up, vestirse – to get dressed. When saying that something is being done regarding personal care, the part of the body being talked about is never my, your, his etc. it is just the E.g. Me lavo los manos – I wash my hands, te cepillas los

dientes – you brush your teeth. This is a very important point to remember when using reflexive verbs, but it is a difficult one to use. The more you practise the easier it will become. Certain verbs are irregular and change the stem. Remind yourself of stem changing verbs from lessons 31, 32 and 33. These include: acostarse (o – ue) – me acuesto, despertarse (e – i) – me despierto, sentarse (e – ie) – me siento, vestirse (e – i) – me visto Remember: almost any verb can be made into a reflexive verb. All you do is add the pronoun, even the verb ir – to go, although you do not physically do anything to yourself you do go, therefore you can say irse, which conjugates as: me voy, te vas etc. you may have heard this in regular conversation and if so, now you know why. So, when are reflexive verbs used in Spanish? To describe actions related to personal care and habitual routines: se cepillan el pelo – they brush their hair, por la noche me siento en el sofá para ver el televisión – at night I sit on the sofa to watch the television. To express feelings and emotions or changes in conditions, moods and emotional states (in English we tend to use the verbs ´to get´ or ´to become´ not as a reflexive verb): nos divertimos mucho en el parque – we have fun (enjoy ourselves) in the park, Juan se enferma cada vez se moja – John gets ill every time he gets wet, Some verbs change meaning when they are used as a reflexive verb, in some cases the difference is very small, for example, nos lavamos las manos – we wash our hands, Lavamos el coche – we wash the car. Other changes are bigger and the entire meaning changes, e.g: los soldados acuerdan no pelear más – the soldiers agree not to fight any more, Nos acordamos de traer el dinero – we remember to bring the money. Here is a list of verbs that change depending on whether it is being used as a reflexive verb or not: Basic meaning / Reflexive Meaning:

acercar – to bring near / acercarse – to get closer acordar (o-ue) – to agree / acordarse – to remember acostar (o – ue) – to put to bed /acostarse – to go to bed colocar – to place / colocarse – to get a job dormir – to sleep / dormirse – to fall asleep enfermar – to make ill / enfermarse – to become ill/get sick engañar – to deceive/cheat / engañarse – to deceive oneself llamar – to call / llamarse – to be called/named llevar – to take / llevarse con – to get along with (someone) parecer – to appear / parecerse – to look like (someone) probar (o – ue) -to try,test,taste / probarse – to try on quitar – to take away / quitarse – to take off sentir – to feel / sentirse – to feel (emotionally or physically) volver (o – ue) – to return / volverse – to become As mentioned before, almost any verb can be used as a reflexive verb. You will get used to when to use it the more you do it, but remember the pronouns and what they mean and you can start to use reflexive verbs. Here is some homework for you - translate the following into Spanish, you may need your verb book or dictionary for some of them. See how you do, the more you practise the more you will see how simple it is to use reflexive verbs. The hardest thing is knowing when to use them. Homework: I shave myself every day, we shower in the morning, I brush my hair, I get up at eight o´clock every day, she bathes every night, it is hot and Maria dresses herself in a dress, Elena takes off her shoes, we get bored in this class, Ana never sleeps before midnight, I put on my coat, I sit at the table, I wake up at seven o´clock in the morning. Hasta la próxima....como siempre ¡que tengas una buena semana!

Friday, December 7, 2012

WHY DO THEY DO THAT? Top dog psychologist PETER SINGH writes exclusively for The Courier. Check out www.thedogyouneed.com or email Peter at peter@thedogyouneed.com

CAUGHT ON THE OP WHEN our dogs are sick or have an injury, it is always a worrying time. It is not always easy to know the best option to take and that has been a serious problem for me lately.

to only a small amount of movement each day and in some cases the operation does not solve the problem. I was also warned that her other leg could also soon have the same problem, because after the operation she would be putting so much weight on it. After more research, I spoke to a lady who provides laser treatment and massage for dogs going through this problem. We have decided to carry on the treatment of the cartrophen injections, limit Lola’s exercise to gentle lead walks for the next two months and she will also be having a series of laser treatment and massage therapy for her leg. This problem is not about the money, because if I know that the operation is the only action that would cure Lola, then that is what I would arrange. Even if I had to sell my house for the health of one of my dogs, I would. What I am saying, is that it is always good to get a second opinion and look at alternative treatments. Don’t always just take your vet’s opinion as the only one out there. I am convinced that the prices vets charge in the UK, include a ‘tugging at the heartstrings fee’. They are well aware that most people will pay any amount of money to get their pets better and somehow I feel that fact is being taken advantage of. The most important aspect for me is that Lola gets better with the minimal amount of distress to her. She does superb work in Spain, playing the substitute Mother to many homeless puppies. There will be many a delighted puppy, at the sight of a fit and healthy Lola in Spain next year. To buy tickets for my dog psychology seminar in Spain in February, please visit www.thedogyouneed.com and click on ‘courses’ for details, or you can email me directly at peter@thedogyouneed.com

'Pretty bubbles in the air'. Lola, my girl..

I noticed my female German Shepherd, Lola, had been limping on one of her back legs, so I took her to a vet in Kent to see what the problem was. She was put on a week’s course of painkillers, which also deal with any inflammation. After a week there was no improvement and back again we went. Lola had an X-ray and the vet said that she was suffering from hip dysplasia and arthritis. She recommended a series of cartrophen injections, which we are currently halfway through. These injections maintain the joints and help stop the spread of the arthritis. Last week, though, one of the head vets thought he would take a quick look at Lola and within seconds he told me that it is a cruciate ligament problem and she would definitely need an operation. He spoke to me about the operation and said that dogs normally heal in about six months after the operation. He said it would cost £2,650 and takes about 90 minutes to perform. I then spoke to Cristina, my own vet in Pinoso in Spain and she confirmed that she could arrange the same operation for £800! My opinion of vets in the UK is not fantastic and this latest episode confirmed just that. How can exactly the same operation, 1,200 miles down the road, cost less than a third of what I was being asked to pay? It is incidents like this that make it difficult for me to trust vets in the UK, as part of me thinks with many of them it is simply about money. The recovery time after the operation worried me and after doing some research, I found out that Lola would be limited

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Accident black spots: the 15 most dangerous Spanish roads Drivers on the M-40 in Madrid, the Avenida Diagonal de Barcelona or the Puente del V Centenario in Seville, must be aware of the fact that they are travelling on one of the three most dangerous urban areas in the country. This is the main conclusion of the study “Black spots: traffic accidents in Spanish capitals” carried out by Línea Directa Aseguradora in which more than 1.2 million motor vehicle accidents in provincial capital cities in the last six years were analysed. The main aim of the report, which has attracted a great deal of media attention, is to analyse a phenomenon causing 18% more fatal accidents than on interurban roads. To this end, the areas of the Spanish capital cities in which Línea Directa has registered the highest number of accidents, have been identified, which has made it possible to create, for the first time, a map of accident black spots, i.e. those streets and roads on which over 100 accidents a year have been recorded. . According to the list of black spots, Barcelona, Madrid and Seville head the Top 15 of provincial capitals. Madrid also has three of the five most dangerous areas in the whole country.

Call now for more information on 902 123 104

Friday, December 7, 2012

DISADVANTAGED BRITS

WHEN I came to Spain I had a slightly naïve view of how I would be treated by other English people. I believed that as we were all in the same rather scary boat, we would all be looking out for each other and would give each other the best deals and prices and never rip each other off. How wrong could I be? Life in Spain for the Spanish is difficult enough in the current climate but for those of us for whom this is all new it is not only tough but also a little frightening. Therefore, why do I hear on an almost daily basis about expats being taken advantage of? I have heard of various situations over the time I have lived here; this is nothing new and the recession is not to blame. This is about a culture of getting whatever you can from whomever you can. It affects expats more because the majority do not speak the language so tend to use people they can communicate with. But it also affects people like me who like to give business to the English here so we can all survive. However, I am getting more and more disillusioned with my fellow countrymen the more stories I hear. There are plenty of examples and I am sure that every person reading this has been the victim of a rip-off by an expat, or at least knows someone who has. The example that made me write this article was about a translator. I do not know the translator in person but I do know the people they were paid to translate for. Apparently this translator was due to help a couple at the doctors; he arrived late, the couple had to go in to the doctor alone yet the so-called translator still charged them for the benefit of his non attendance as he was sitting outside in his car. And

he didn´t just charge them a few euros petrol money, the charge was, to me, high even if he had translated. I appreciate that there are legal, registered translators and to be legal in Spain is an expensive business. Therefore the price would be justified. However, there are many others who I am sure do not pay the self-employed legal payments and who are pocketing the money they earn, in which case greed pays a big part in the price quoted.

It is a necessity to have a Spanish-speaking person with you if you want to do pretty much anything official here in Spain. Therefore those of us who have learnt the language if we are that way inclined, can take advantage of other expats who haven´t. That may be more a lesson for those who haven´t tried to learn –however, that´s another article. I still don´t like to see anyone taken advantage of because of their nationality. Another example is on the markets. Many expats may not be aware but it is common practice for Spanish, Moroccan, English, etc. stallholders to put their price up if the customer is not Spanish. That is why on a lot of stalls you won´t see a price. When you ask how much, the stallholder knows you

are English and up goes the price. How do I know this? Because for many years I worked on the market with my son´s dad and I learned a few tricks of the trade. Over-pricing seems common when it comes to teeth, where many Spanish dentists vastly cheaper than their English, German or Dutch counterparts. English shops and supermarkets are of course more expensive than the Spanish stores. If you want a taste of home it seems natural that you’ll have to pay for it; after all, the products have to be sent here. However, the mark-up on something that was obviously cheaper for the shop to buy than the price stated on it, still seems quite high and the conversion rate of some supermarkets is questionable to say the least. Having said that, I did find one small English shop near me which has some reasonably priced items. When I go in there, that is, because I do tend to do most of my shop in the bigger supermarkets. Of course I have to mention the locksmith written about in last week’s Courier. Although the price seems incredibly excessive I am not in possession of all the facts. Therefore all I´ll say is before you go to someone who speaks your language be aware that a lot of the time you are also paying for the benefit of that language. That said, of course there are expats who do not rip you off and keep their prices low, including a very good English mechanic who has just gone ´freelance´ and who is very good at his job and is reasonably priced. My advice would be to shop around and to ask friends for recommendations. Use expat businesses by all means, but always get a quote and if time allows shop around for better deals. These days who can afford not to?

Friday, December 7, 2012

DAVID Cameron’s response to the Leveson Report on newspaper behaviour was as predictable as a rubbish act winning The X Factor. You just knew he wouldn’t want to upset some of his old media friends by getting tough on the newspaper barons. I just can’t see what’s wrong with the UK press having the same sort of regulation as the broadcasters? I am, of course, a passionate believer in press freedom but I don’t know what the problem is in having a genuinely independent body to oversee complaints, which is underwritten by the law. Fudging on the statutory element of this has put the Prime Minister hopelessly out of touch with public opinion, and a parade of names like Hugh Grant, J.K.Rowling, Steve Coogan, the McCanns and Uncle Tom Cobley and all, are queueing up to vent their anger. It’s a gift for Labour, and for that matter, the junior coalition partners, the Lib Dems, who at last are able to show the difference they have with their Tory puppetmasters.

PRESS-BUTTON TIME FOR CAM Let’s be honest. It’s not the big reason for voting for anybody in a future election, but it just might offer Nick Clegg some added room for manoeuvre as he desperately tries to return some much-missing mojo to his beleaguered party. Isn’t it delightful in this festive season that Starbucks have said that they would actually like to pay some corporation tax in the UK? The coffee chain has only paid this tax once in the last 15 years but, stung by all the criticism, they now want to get into line. How nice of them, and of course the country’s coffers will not be boosted by all the money they should have paid over the years. It’s all down to image and Starbucks are getting worried. Surely the honest taxpaying Brits have a very

easy way to make them suffer, and that’s to buy their capuccinos and mochas somewhere else? But of course they won’t, and this multinational will continue to make fools of everybody. Do you know what the OECD is? It sounds like a criminal organisation that’s the sworn enemy of James Bond, or some kind of nervous affliction suffered by people who continually use a bathroom for washing their hands and other things. It’s actually the

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and was formed over 50 years ago with the aim of “producing better policies for better lives”. I’m sure this Frenchbased grouping with 30 odd countries as members really does care about people, because they say so in their blurb. I love the line of “wanting to improve the social well-being of people around the world”, and they have an annual budget of around £300 million to tell us all about it. But this quango needs to wake up and face some facts.

They’re now telling the Madrid government how to handle their affairs, and they want even higher rates of IVA, a slashing of unemployment benefits, and lower pensions. That’s really clever stuff as Spain is reeling from record numbers out of work, with the youngsters especially suffering, whilst the recent increases in IVA have piled on the misery for millions, with many businesses closing their doors. It’s easy for some clod in a Parisian office to make some pronouncements, whilst they haven’t got the guts to justify such claptrap in person here in Spain. The irony is that the SecretaryGeneral, Angel Gurria, is a fluent Spanish speaker who comes from Mexico, and he seems to have forgotten the long list of unpopular, yet necessary measures that the Rajoy administration has introduced. It’s not as if they are sitting by doing nothing, and we only got the news the other day that they can’t afford to put up all of the state pensions in parity with the inflation rate come the New Year. I presume that this bad news will be greeted with rapturous glee by the OECD mandarins in Paris?

€8m fraud probe: 10 Brits arrested TEN British nationals are among 22 people arrested in Spain as part of an investigation into an €8 million fraud. The multi-agency investigation led by the Spanish National Police and supported by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and City of London Police, also resulted in the seizure of four firearms, ammunition and €367,000. Officers believe that members of the crime group operated a boiler room fraud in which intensive telephone campaigns were carried out to persuade over 200 members of the British

public to put their savings into investment packages that did not exist. During searches of addresses in Catalonia, officers also recovered

seven false UK passports, numerous computers, hard drives, USB sticks, mobile telephones, lists of potential clients and manuals on how to get people to part with their money. The Spanish National Police believe that the crime group was made up of various self-governing sub-groups, with each one specialising in an aspect of the defrauding process. The 22 have been charged with being part of an organised crime group, as well as with fraud offences. Five of the British nationals were remanded in custody.

Friday, December 7, 2012

GET OFF TO A CHRISTMAS FLIER AT THE AVIATOR! THE Aviator Sports Bar in Santiago De La Ribera is a great place to meet up with family and friends any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. Ivan and Kate have a full list of events planned for December to celebrate the festive season, so there should be something for everyone. The main events are: Friday 7th THE NON OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY Catch up with friends before we all go our separate ways. All your favourite party tunes, Buffet: 3.00€ per person , Mulled Wine, Party Games, Christmas Music, Party Poppers, Hats, Crackers. Start 8pm Friday 14th SPECIAL CHRISTMAS QUIZ Come and join the fun with our professional quizmaster and local radio presenter. Prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd place. 1€ per person. All proceeds go towards prizes. Start 8.30pm Monday 24th CHRISTMAS EVE Festive night, from 8.30pm with mince pies, free cup of punch. Open from 4pm Tuesday 25th CHRISTMAS DAY Drinks only. Open 7pm

Tuesday 26th BOXING DAY Boxing Day Hangover Quiz, with a light buffet 6pm for 3.00 € per plate. Open from 1pm Monday 31st NEWS YEAR EVE GLITZ & GLAMOUR; Come Dressed to Impress. A night to get blinged up and party the night way. Ticket Only Includes buffet. All Pints 2.00 €; All Canas 1.00 € All Spirits and Mixers 2.50 €. Available all night long or until you drink the bar dry. Tickets only 5.00 € . Starts at 7.30pm. NEW YEAR’S DAY Hangover quiz 6pm. Prizes for 1st 2nd, and 3rd place. Free raffle Draw. Open from 1pm There will of course be lots of other things going on at the Aviator including a full programme of football throughout the season. So come on down to the Aviator to join in the spirit of the season and soak up the party atmosphere.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Canapes ASPARAGUS WRAPS WITH LEMON MAYO Ingredients 20 asparagus tips 5 slices Parma ham 200ml light mayonnaise zest 1 lemon, juice Â˝ lemon

Method

Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, tip in the asparagus and cook for 2 mins until just tender. Drain well. Quarter each slice of ham, into 4 shorter strips, then wrap one around the middle of each asparagus spear. Mix the mayo with the lemon zest and juice and a little pepper and put in a small bowl. Serve with the asparagus, warm or cold, for dipping.

SPICED LAMB SKEWERS WITH POMEGRANATE TZATZIKI Ingredients 300g lamb , diced Â˝ tsp each ground cumin, coriander, garam masala and cinnamon 200g Greek yogurt 1 shallot , chopped 1 garlic clove , chopped

small handful mint , chopped finger-length piece cucumber , diced a little honey 50g pomegranates seeds

Method

Mix the lamb with the cumin, coriander, garam masala and cinnamon. For the tzatziki, mix the Greek yogurt, shallot, garlic, mint, cucumber and honey. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Cook the lamb under a hot grill for 8 mins, turning halfway. Thread each piece onto a cocktail stick. serve with tzatziki.

CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH SATAY DIP Ingredients 220g mini chicken fillets 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 4 tbsp peanut butter 4 tbsp coconut milk coriander leaves, to serve chopped peanuts , to serve

Method

1 .Take the mini chicken fillets and slice any large ones into fingersize lengths. Mix with the soy and sweet chilli sauces. Thread onto skewers, then place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, cover with cling film and freeze. 2. To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight and cook at

200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 10-12 mins or until cooked through. For the dip, combine the peanut butter and coconut milk. Scatter the skewers with coriander leaves and chopped peanuts, if you like. Serve with the dip.

PRAWN & CHORIZO SKEWERS WITH GREMOLATA Ingredients 225g chorizo , sliced 16 cooked, peeled king prawns FOR THE GREMOLATA zest 1 lemon chopped parsley 1 crushed garlic clove

Method

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Fry the chorizo until crisp on both sides. Skewer the cooked, peeled king prawns onto cocktail sticks and add a slice of chorizo to each, then transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 5 mins until warmed through. 2. To make the gremolata, mix lemon zest with some parsley and garlic. Sprinkle over the prawn and chorizo skewers to serve.

Friday, December 7, 2012

LEARN FROM YOUR DOG: A DAY NOT TO BE MISSED PETER SINGH will be conducting his first seminar on dog psychology in Spain on February 9. The top dog behaviourist’s popular and informative seminars in London have prompted rave reviews - most notably from the Daily Express, which commented: “Peter at The Dog You Need turned out to be very much the canine counsellor needed. “Separation anxiety, nervous aggression with other dogs, distinct nervousness with strangers – Peter addresses them all. And he did it in a positive way which exuded a confidence that was transmitted to all. He is heartily recommended”. Peter’s style of working is very different to that of dog training or other behaviourists. He is well known for teaching humans to learn from their dogs, rather than the dogs learning from humans. “Dogs have a lot more to teach us than we have to teach them,’’ he says. In taking this unusual approach, Peter has gained impressive results for his clients across Europe. His aim is to instil calm and balance in both human and dog and he has saved many dogs, who otherwise would have been put to sleep, by making the owners understand that all along the negative behaviour shown by the dog was in fact being triggered by the human on each occasion! Speaking on a recent radio interview, Peter said: “Many people all over the world are now using anti-depressant drugs to calm

themselves down. If we follow what a dog has to teach us, very few would ever need any form of drugs. “It amazes me how Spain is full of rescue centres with so many dogs looking for homes. If people actually realised what a dog could teach them, there would be a waiting list for dogs at these rescue centres” There is a huge difference between what Peter practises and dog training. He says: “Dog training is a human telling a dog to do something the human wants the dog to do. It does not involve understanding dogs. What I am teaching people is the language of dogs. For any relationship to flourish, both parties need to understand each other. “The dog is constantly picking up on the energy of the human and once people realise this easy-to-teach language, their relationships with their dogs go onto an amazing level”. Courier columnist Peter, who has appeared in newspapers and magazines across Europe, as well as radio, is looking forward to his first seminar in Spain. It will be held at The Emerald Isle Club, Calle Marte 2, Urbanization La Florida, Orihuela Costa, 03189, Alicante, on Saturday February 9, starting at 11am and finishing at 5pm. To buy your tickets, email Peter at peter@thedogyouneed.com Tickets need to be bought in advance as there is no pay on the door facility on the day. For full details on the seminar go to www.thedogyouneed.com

Friday, December 7, 2012

A CUT ABOVE FOR VALUE Well known local family business Iron Art Factory Outlets has had its most successful year to date and the company continues to grow. This is attributed to how well we know our customers and the fact that we keep ahead of the game buying in the right products at the right price. As a result of this we have recognised the necessity to extend our product range and following a very successful trial period at our Gata De Gorgos Outlet we have decided to offer our customers the chance to buy quality

Buy right at the right price at the new Iron Art Factory Outlet

home furnishings at CUT price in the Torrevieja Region. To enable us to offer a wide variety of goods we have made the decision to open a further conveniently located store in Los Montesinos which has over 400 square metres of showroom space and a further 300 square metres

of warehouse space so your product can be delivered by us or immediately taken away. The store will be managed by Dave and Elena, who have spent the last 5 years sourcing the products direct from factories and can now offer you a huge choice of Leather and Fabric Sofas, and of course a selection of our quality garden furniture all at Unbeatable Prices. In fact if you can buy anywhere cheaper we will refund the difference. We have deliveries of UK Bankrupt stock arriving

weekly so there will always be something to suit all tastes and budgets and with soft furnishings such as rugs and cushions you will find everything necessary to transform your home all under

one roof. The doors of the Los Montesinos store will open for the first time on Saturday 1st December 2012 and then will be open Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri 10.00-18.00 and Sat and Sun 10.00-14.00 giving you plenty of opportunities to pop along and see what we have to offer. You will find the new store on the main road leading into Los Montesinos coming off the CV940 , next to Belmonte kitchens and opposite the Repsol Garage. The building can be recognised as being painted black and white with English and Russian flags displayed and of course the Iron Art Factory Outlets Logo. Come and join us and enjoy a Glass of Wine and a Mince Pie and take advantage of our opening offers of up to 70% discount. And make sure you sink into that new Suite in time for the after Christmas Dinner or invest in a Gazebo and a Terrace Suite and enjoy a barbecue this Christmas. We look forward to meeting customers old and new. For further enquiries telephone Dave on 680 491 740 or visit www.ironartfactoryoutlet.com

Friday, December 7, 2012

A guilt free Christmas… Christmas can be worrying to some slimmers, often with copious amounts of food and drink on display for all to help themselves to. As well as being laden with calories, alcohol can dilute all your good intentions, so try to avoid it. If you have a slimline tonic or diet cola in a glass with ice and lemon, no one need know that you are drinking a soft drink. To enjoy Christmas here are a few Cambridge 800 tips to help you through the festive season without piling on extra pounds… * Don’t starve yourself in anticipation of a big blow out * If you end up sitting next to a bowl of crisps, nuts or snacks, then either move them or move yourself! * Dancing is a fun and social way to burn calories so avoid the temptation of nibbles by spending your evening on the dance floor * When choosing from the menu, don’t be afraid of asking the waiter how something will be prepared or cooked so you can avoid fatty or fried foods

* Avoid “all you can eat” buffets, which are tempting even with the greatest willpower * If going out with friends, why not choose one of the growing number of restaurants that show calorie content on their menu, that way you will know what you should or shouldn’t have * Pause before you reach for that extra helping: are you really hungry or are you simply eating because it’s there? * When eating Christmas dinner, choose more steamed and boiled vegetables and less roast potatoes and parsnips

Natural Diet Pills? If the thought of taking prescription diet pills scares you, but you'd like a little help in starting your diet, then the new range of natural diet aids could be an option for you. Natural diet pills are far more gentle and work on holistic principles, rather than the 'golden bullet' approach of traditional medicines. Firstly, there is the current darling of the celeb circuit, hoodia. Also known as hoodia gordonii, this cactus extract has had spectacular effects on some people. Not only does it diminish hunger pangs, but it also promotes a sense of well-being; ideal if cutting the calories puts you in a bad mood! Working on a similar principle, chromium picolinate supplements can have a very positive effect on your blood sugar levels. Chromium picolinate works by making

IS THE FLU JAB SAFE? Every year millions of people queue up at their doctors to receive their yearly dose of flu vaccine. But how effective is the flu vaccine? Even more important, how safe is it? Flu jabs are usually promoted to the over 65s, pregnant women, and people suffering from chronic diseases. Ironically, these groups of people are most likely to suffer from any adverse reactions that may occur from vaccination because of their compromised immune system. According to the health authorities, flu vaccines are recommended to the most vulnerable members of society to protect them against the dangers posed by the flu (influenza) virus. But critics point to a

DR MACHI MANNU’S ADVICE CLINIC Email your questions and comments to machimannu@gmail.com

number of reasons why flu jabs may not be effective, and possibly causing more harm than good. The flu virus is known to mutate (change form) very rapidly; never the same from one winter season to another, and may even change its form several times in a single season. Since vaccines are tailor-made for a specific strain of virus, it is no wonder that the manufacturers of vaccines have openly admitted that the viruses selected for a new vaccine is at best an ‘educated guess’. There is also the problem of

what flu vaccines contain. It may come as a surprise to some people to learn that the flu vaccine contains substances known to be toxic to health. These substances include; aluminium, mercury, formaldehyde, Triton X-100 (detergent), antibiotics, egg proteins, monosodium glutamate (MG) and many others. Many people who receive the flu jab do not experience any noticeable short term side effects. However a number of side effects have been reported such as respiratory tract infections, muscle pain, abnor-

mal blood pressures, eye problems, hives and intestinal disorders. In 2010 The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report indicating that a number of countries have reported a relationship between the development of narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness) and the flu vaccine. Researchers believe that the adverse effects of flu vaccines are caused by the toxic substances present in them. More worrisome are the long term effects of flu vaccines which spare no one. According to one study, people who have had flu shots over a ten year period, have a 10 times increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is because flu vaccines contain mercury and aluminium. These heavy metals gradually build up in the brain and nervous system, causing problems with multitasking, thinking, arithmetic, language skills as well as memory loss. What about the effectiveness of flu jabs? A study published in the LANCET last year, concluded that there was no evidence to show that the flu jab protected adults aged 65 and older. Those worried about catching the flu should consider building a very powerful immune system before and

insulin more effective in your body, thus diminishing cravings for sugary or carb-laden foods. Note that the RDA of chromium picolinate should not exceed 1200 micrograms (mcg) per day as this may result in liver and kidney

problems, and diabetics need medical approval to take it, even though it is classed as a supplement. Chitosan has fallen out of the limelight recently, but it is a tried and trusted supplement for weight loss. Chitosan causes weight loss by binding fats in the stomduring the flu season. Quality sleep is essential. Always sleep in a completely dark room to maximize melatonin production for high quality sleep. Healthy levels of intestinal flora are also essential for good health because they encourage white blood cells to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Daily intake of probiotics such as plain organic yogurt will help repopulate intestinal flora, usually deplet-

ach and preventing them from being digested and absorbed. It is best used for those who have a small amount of weight to lose, as the amount of fat is fairly small. Sea kelp can help kickstart your metabolism, if your diet is lacking in iodine. It works by stimulating the thyroid, but if you are not deficient in iodine it will not have any effect at all. Lastly there is green tea, which must be the most pleasurable supplement of all to take! Green tea is not a diet pill as such, although it can be an ingredient in general diet supplements. Green tea is just normal tea that has been picked earlier. It has a positive effect on your whole body, which can lead to less anxiety about food and a feeling of fullness. Add a little honey if the bitterness is too much. ed by genetically modified foods, processed foods and antibiotics. Garlic, which is also available as tablets has powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects, and is a known immune booster. Other important immune enhancers include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, B12 and Zinc. Contact Dr Machi Mannu for a Full Body Diagnostic Scan and Therapy

Friday, December 7, 2012

A walking disaster – the curse of MS Q

My friend was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 4 years ago, and doesn’t seem to be doing well on her prescribed medications. She now has very severe pain in her arms and legs, and sometimes has a lot of problem walking. She says she doesn’t like taking her pain killer tablets because they make her feel drowsy. Any advice you give will be much appreciated Multiple sclerosis (MS) is medically described as a progressive degenerative auto-immune disorder. In auto immune diseases, the body attacks itself, and so in multiple sclerosis, the sufferer’s immune system attacks the fatty covering protecting the nerve fibres. Multiple sclerosis is more common in females with three women affected for every two men. One of the ways the body protects itself from harmful foreign proteins is to produce antibodies against them. Sometimes the antibodies the body produces against these foreign proteins (viruses, bacteria and toxins) cross reacts with a similar protein found in the body, and in MS, antibodies are produced against the myelin sheath (nerve covering). As a result the nerve coatings become inflamed and start to break down, causing the transmission of information across nerves to slow down or halt completely. Initially the damaged areas may heal, but over time scar tissue is formed over the wound in a process known as sclerosis. It is the development of several patches of scar tissue or sclerosis that gives the disease its name. The degree of disability that occurs depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. Most people show minimal disability, but others may develop pain, visual problems,

clumsiness, slurred speech, difficulty walking and loss of bowel or bladder control. A full body detox should be at the foundation of MS therapy. There is enough evidence to suggest that exposure to organic solvents, insecticides, heavy metals and X-rays may cause or aggravate multiple sclerosis. One study found that the mercury found in the hair of people with MS is higher than healthy people. The same report found that people with MS who had their mercury-amalgam fillings removed had experienced one-third fewer relapses than people who kept their fillings. Another preliminary study found that people having a large number of fillings that had been in place for a long time appeared to be at increased risk for MS compared with those having fewer fillings. If your friend has any amalgam fillings, she should consider removing them with the help of a dentist experienced with such fillings. Mercury and other heavy metals such as lead tend to persist in the body and are not so easy to eliminate from the body. However there are formulations that combine powerful antioxidants such as Lipoic acid and binders like Bentonite clay to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Some foods contain proteins similar in nature to myelin, and restricting such foods may help alleviate some of the symptoms of MS. These foods include dairy products, gluten containing grains (wheat, rye, barley) and pulses. A number of nutrients have been studied and found to be very helpful in MS therapy. Some studies have reported that Conjugated Linoleic Acid reduces the length and severity of relapses, and decreases the disability caused by MS. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been

shown to reduce urinary symptoms, improve eyesight and help reduce relapse rate in severe cases of MS. Magnesium has been found to be low in people with MS, and one trial found a reduction in MS attacks when given in combination with calcium and Cod liver oil. Other helpful nutrients are Vitamin B1, Vitamin D and L-Carnitine. Hello doctor, I read one of your articles on your website on Statins; I am quite alarmed as I have been taking Statins for 3 years. I am absolutely appalled on the research I have done after reading your article. I would like to thank you so very much for bringing this to my attention, and desperately need your opinion as to whether I can stop taking these horrific pills straight away! Hello, thank you very much for your question. I am glad you found the article useful, but more importantly you decided to do some research yourself. With the mainstream propaganda machine on steroids, it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate actual scientific fact from manipulated science. The fact is that statins are deadly to health. Many studies have pointed to the hidden dangers of stains. My advice to you is to stop your statin medication straight away. But if you have had a blood test showing high cholesterol, then it may be advisable to keep an eye on it through regular blood checks. There is a lot of misconception surrounding cholesterol with many people believing that cholesterol is dangerous to health. Cholesterol is actually at the centre of all the vital processes needed for the body to

function properly. The brain needs cholesterol to function properly, and low levels of it have been linked to depression, memory loss and other neurological problems. There is also no such thing as ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ cholesterol. The so called ‘good cholesterol’ is actually a protein known as high density lipoprotein (HDL) which transports cholesterol from the arteries into the liver. While ‘bad cholesterol’ is another kind of protein known as low density lipoprotein (LDL), and it transports cholesterol from the liver into the arteries. If you have had a blood test, and your overall cholesterol value is high, but shows high HDL levels, it is a better reading than one with normal total cholesterol levels but with low HDL and high LDL values. You should confirm from your GP your exact cholesterol status, which will include all the different components of a cholesterol blood test. A healthy diet and plenty of exercises are important for reducing high cholesterol levels. Exercises have been shown to increase HDL and reduce LDL levels especially when combined with a weight-loss program (if necessary). Foods that are high in saturated or hydrogenated fats such as those found in margarine and pork should be avoided or consumed sparingly if your cholesterol levels are high. Nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables in generous daily portions help improve the ratio of ‘good and bad’ cholesterol. Helpful supplements include Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish (Salmon and mackerel) which increases HDL levels, Chromium (reduces total cholesterol), Pycnogenol and Red Yeast Rice. For High-Quality Supplements, visit www.medb.es

Friday, December 7, 2012

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 seven 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: Peter and his wife were unlucky enough to have ADVICE: Pam wanted to know whether the 'Trusteer their iPad stolen, is there anything they can do? Rapport' software sent to her by her bank was ok to Hi Richard, when at Alicante Airport on Wednesday my wife’s handbag was stolen, passports, money, jewellery etc. Her iPad was also in the bag. We recalled that install on her computer.

Q A

when you set it up for her you mentioned a tracking device, is this correct?

Hi Peter, yes when we set up your iPad we configured iCloud so that your iPad is tracked whenever it connects to the Internet, in order to check whether its available or not you need to do the following… 1. Find a computer and navigate to www.icloud.com 2. Click on the Sign In button and enter your iTunes username and password and click on the arrow to sign in 3. Once signed in you can click on the “Find My iPhone” button and you will be directed to a screen that shows the location of your iPad (if it’s on line). 4. If it’s not online then you have a number of options including “lock” to stop your iPad from being easily used and “Erase iPad” which will clear your personal data from the device, there is also an option on there to send an email when the device comes on line.

ADVICE: David was having problems with his computer being unable to tell the time or date! Hi Richard, I hope you can help me with the following problem I have:When i start up my laptop i e to put in date and time get the page where it says CMOS date and time wrong and I have to put in date and time then f2 also when I go onto a site which includes payment e.g. bank, airline etc. I get 'security certificate' problem I am thinking that the 2 are connected for security reasons. Hope you can help, regards, David

Hi David, the two are indeed connected. Firstly the reason your computer is asking you for the time and date when you turn it on is because the CMOS (Complementary metal–oxide– semiconductor) battery inside your computer no longer works, this is easily fixed as it’s just like a large watch battery, you can either attempt to replace it yourself or get a qualified engineer in like me to do it for you, it’s a 2 minute job. The reason that you sometimes get a security certificate error message when you go to certain websites is likely because the current date that your computer is reporting is incorrect (due to the bad battery) and therefore cannot be validated by the security certificate on the website, if this is the case then you will see the error “the security certificate has expired or is not yet valid”, if this is not the message you see then there could be a different unrelated problem.

Hi Richard, I have just logged in to my UK bank account, and it advises me to download 'TRUSTEER RAPPORT' security software, for my protection against hackers. I already have Microsoft Security Essentials, and Malware bytes, so do I really need anything else. Pam

Hi Pam, yes you should use 'Trusteer Rapport', especially as your bank are recommending it, it does have some overlap with your currently installed anti-malware products but also includes some features that are not covered by Microsoft Security Essentials. As I have mentioned previously it’s not a good idea to have multiple security products that overlap functionality however in this case as long as your product is listed on their “supported compatible programs” list you will be fine, you can find the list here… http://www.trusteer.com/support/compatibility-other-security-software

NEWS: Microsoft is to ditch Windows Live Messenger by March 2013! Yep, you read it right, as reported widely via the technical press; Microsoft is to retire Windows Live Messenger early next year. A year and a half ago Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5bn and ever since they have been determined to merge the messaging functionality of Skype with Messenger, that coupled with the new integrated messaging function within Windows 8 will see an end to Messenger. So if you use Messenger then now is the time to move to something else or start to get used to the messaging function within Skype.

Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter @bluemoonspain Alternately 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.

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

Office: 902 906 200

Friday, December 7, 2012

MANY of you may well know from this column that I don't tolerate idiots easily - and dislike the selfish and thoughtless even less. I had both in front of me when I queued in cold, galeforce winds to get money out of a cash machine at Punta Prima last week. The first was a blonde woman in her late 20s who stood perplexed in front of the screen for ages fiddling about and getting nowhere. So she called over her partner and again the card went into the machine time and again coupled with number crunching until finally they managed to get some money. What really got them baffled was when a notice came up on the screen informing them of the exchange rate. They just stared at it for ages and didn't know whether to accept the calculation in sterling or euros. God help us – yes, these people have the vote! Next in line was a Spanish woman who started getting her money – and then got a call on her mobile phone. She forgot all about her cash, chatted away as women do, and after finishing her call, realised the card had been rejected and had to start all over again. I might have been invisible standing behind her; she couldn't have cared less - all she was interested in was what SHE was doing. I wasn't invisible, but I was near freezing to death thanks to idiots and the selfish. Next time a woman says they can multi-task, don't believe a word. I'm sure any man could answer a mobile phone and use a cash machine at the same time. HAVE you had a flu jab yet? We had ours about a fortnight ago and a day or two later came down with rotten colds. I shook off mine in a couple of days, but my other half got it bad and had to spend two days in bed.

Curse of the cash machine morons (Yes, it's woman flu and you know how much worse that is than man flu, don't you?) Anyway, my stepdaughter had her jab a week ago and she, too, got flu and spent all week in bed dosed up with Paracetamol. Have any other readers had a similar occurrence? Let me know. WHY is it that some "progressive" teachers have an obsession with trying to change, modernise or completely ignore the Christmas story? When my children were young, one of the greatest pleasures was watching them take part in enacting the traditional Christmas story. So I was saddened to hear that teachers at a school in Essex decided to scrap the traditional story of the birth of Christ for a modern cops and robbers story. They tried to justify it by explaining it had a traditional message at the end. Instead of singing the traditional Away in a Manger, the Essex children had to learn new words to the same music. It's not politically correct, clever or progressive, just plain stupid.

The revised version began… "Away with the manger, Two robbers stole it, They were called Bob and Bill, And they were both big twits. The story you will now hear, Will amaze and astound, As you see how these two fools,

Did much around."

clowning

Not surprising, is it, that some parents are furious at these teachers, who to me are the twits. At least one has said they don't want their child to have anything to do with it. I totally agree. It's also not surprising that there is more and more concern at teaching standards today.

MUCH is being said about the Leveson report into the conduct of the Press, and I agree with David Cameron that Britain should try to avoid any possibility of State control of the Press, however tenuous. What led to the Leveson inquiry was crass stupidity and criminal behaviour of a very small part of the Press. Existing law is robust enough already to deal with any newspaper criminality, provided the police do their job properly. What Britain does not want is any attempt by a future government to be able to gag the press. We all know how much Labour loves to interfere and control people’s lives and it doesn't surprise me that Labour and Lib Dems, aided

by some high profile personalities, many of whom are Labour supporters, want to win some degree of State control of newspapers. They will use all the emotive arguments at their disposal, but a Press which is not free to question and call governments, police and anyone else to account, is next to useless. And dwell on this - would a

Labour government which had the ability to put a gagging order on the press, allow publication of MPs’ over-inventive and sometimes criminal expenses claims? Would a future Labour government not try to use powers to suppress opposition to policies it holds dear? The temptation would be there and make no mistake, if a politician has power over someone or something, he will use it if the chips are down. THE rise in popularity of UKIP has brought fear and trembling to the UK's political elite, and there's no doubt that at the next election we will see far more people voting UKIP at the expense of mainstream parties and particularly the vastly unpopular Lib Dems. Ridding Britain of the bureaucracy and sheer waste of money of the EU

rings a popular tune to traditional Tory and Labour voters alike. And Britain plc will survive and prosper whether we are in or out of Europe. But what could seriously damage Britain plc is the disintegration of the United Kingdom - in my book the rise of nationalism in the UK is far more worrying. Britain will be far stronger and able to weather economic ills if it remains united. It would be a sad day if Scotland voted to pull away. Nationalism is rearing its ugly head all over Europe. We're seeing it in Spain, Italy, Belgium and France and it's worrying. We saw what happened when nationalism split Yugoslavia apart. Countless thousands were slaughtered and it's not that long ago. We could be left with fragmented little countries all over Europe - and Europe as a whole worse off as a result. Even more disturbing is if the process of tearing apart leads to violence and even wars. All down the centuries we've seen the dangers of it, and history has shown that people who cooperate and work together are the ones who prosper.

Friday, December 7, 2012

COACHTRIPS ARE BIG We 3 kings of BUS-INESS FOR HAH Orihuela are

COACHTRIPS SL elected Help At Home Mar Menor (HAH) as the beneficiary of their prize draws this year - which have so far brought in €6,624. The Grand Prize Draw came just in time for Christmas, Mrs Wheeler from Quesada claiming the star prize of a holiday for two in

Benidorm, plus spending money. HAH’s Lynda Christopher drew the winning ticket at the Coachtrips office, and was pleased to accept the generous donation from Coachtrips Director, David Malcolm. Lynda said: “We are so proud to have been cho-

sen as their charity for 2012, and cannot thank them enough for all the work they have put into raising this amazing sum, not to mention the amazing prizes.” She also thanked the local community “for buying so many raffle tickets. We have been able to help so many people who have

been struggling to cope, and this money ensures that we can continue to grow our very valuable free service.” If you would like information or to become a volunteer in the Mar Menor area, email helpathomespain@gmail.co m or visit www.helpathome.es

ALFONSO PUT TO THE SWORD POOR old King Alfonso X, nicknamed the Wise One, has been robbed of his sword. The bronze statue of the Monarch has watched over Lorca’s Plaza de España since 2001 and the local Town Hall are putting the disappearance of the

valuable weapon from his right hand as an act of hooliganism. The 1.95-metrehigh statue, which was built by the Carthaginian artist Pedro Jordán Almansa, stands on a stone over a metre high. Police are on the lookout for the blade runner…

ORIHUELA Costa is looking forward to its second Three Kings parade as part of its festive calendar. The event was first staged in Orihuela Costa last January, following a barrage of complaints by residents who felt they were being ostracised in favour of the main city of Orihuela. Following its warm reception, the Councillor for the Coast and Beaches and Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, in coordination with the Councillor for Festivities, has organised a repeat event. The Town Hall has joined forces with La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre in this season’s celebrations. Anyone living in the area is welcome to participate,

including societies, parents associations and local schools. Changes for the January 5 parade include the route, commencing this time at the Town Hall, and finishing in the main square within the new shopping centre. Here, children will have the opportunity to give their letters to the Kings. Mr Mancebo said the change will make the event more accessible for all. Finally, he hinted that this Christmas will be extra special, with activities continuing through to the “ringing of the bells” to welcome in the New Year.

THE total amount raised q from the AFA Torrevieja sponsored walk in October was €4,100. The event was supported by people from all nationalities, ages and levels of mobility.

XMAS SHOWTIME FOR THE RASCALS

THE Rascals are staging a seasonal spectacular for the benefit of handicapped children in Torrevieja next Tuesday (Dec 11). The entire proceeds of the Rascals Christmas Show will be dedicated to the Apanee association. The action commences at 7.30pm and tickets (€5) will be available through the usual channels or 'at the door'. The first half of the show will offer excerpts from Disney themes whilst the second half will be typically 'Christmas' related. A complimentary, seasonal drink will be on offer during the interval.

Friday, December 7, 2012

€1,000 AFA gift is just grand! WITH over €20,000 again in 2012, the Charity of Charities have not let a crisis deter them. The Alzheimer’s Association of Torrevieja ~ AFA ~ were again one of the beneficiaries from this fantastic fund, receiving a donation of 1.000 Euros. Judy Ferris, AFA’s treasurer and fund-raiser, said “We cannot begin to tell you how very much this is appreciated. Whilst donations from clubs and societies still keep coming in, the grants and donations from NGO’s have all but dried up due to the financial situation. Thus donations such as this are ever more precious as the need for our

work is growing and growing. “Each week we look after more than 80 patients, their carers and families from all over the Puma 22 health area and it is still not enough to meet demand, however hard we try. So thank you, Charity for Charities for this support, without which it would not happen. AFA rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. If you need help or advice, or feel you can contribute, call at the AFA shop in Calle Maestro Francisco Valejos in Torrevieja, the AFA Centre in Avenida de La Estacion or telephone Matilde Sanchez on 647119991 or Judy Ferris on 610082593. Email: afatorrevieja@hotmail.com TORREVIEJA swim kids Samira Lucumbi, Amy Connolly, Alexandra Amat and Paula Garcia, who put on took part in a league event at Sax. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club, please contact Rosa on 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com

Help us to help Louise Clarke MEDIA friends and colleagues of local reporter Louise Clarke are joining forces to raise money for her family this Christmas, as Louise battles a mystery illness in the intensive care unit at Torrevieja Hospital. As reporter for local English language paper RTN, Louise has commented on and fought on behalf of the local community on a number of issues from dodgy housing developers, poor sewerage systems to the provision of a Coastal Nursery school. In a year-long sabbatical Louise worked at Playa Flamenca Town Hall, under Monica Lorente, and continued to champion causes for foreign residents. Now the community has an opportunity to give something back to Louise and her family by attending this fun night out fundraiser. The ‘Christmas Glitter Ball for Lou’ event will be held at The Emerald Isle,

La Florida, next Wednesday, December 12 from 7.30pm and has been organised by media friends and colleagues. It will be an evening of excellent entertainment featuring top local performers including Nick Gold and Suzy G, all of whom are giving their time for free. Money will also be raised through a prize raffle, with all prizes donated by local businesses. So come along and join in the festive fun, enjoy some Christmas ‘spirits’ and see who’s under the mistletoe. Louise has been ill in hospital for around a month after collapsing. She had not been ill and the shock of her condition has been very difficult for the family to come to terms with, in someone who was so active and full of vitality. Her hospitalisation has left husband Lee to juggle hospital visits and trying to keep life as normal as pos-

sible for daughter Lilly and son Charlie - and therefore unable to work. All of the money raised will be donated to Lee to help support the family over the festive period – whether used for presents, petrol, rent or bills the money will hopefully ease some of the strain. Doctors are yet to make a diagnosis and Louise remains unconscious. So this is a heartfelt plea to everyone in the local community to help someone who has dedicated her career to trying to make a difference for us all. Tickets are on sale priced at just thre euros and can be bought at: The Emerald Isle, Fit-4-All, Maria Wilson and the Pink Ladies, The CoastRider Office or by calling 637 456 781. This number can also be used by anyone wishing to make a donation or provide a raffle prize for the evening.

BRIEF NEWS q

A Variety Night was held at the La Marina Sports Complex on November 23, aimed at raising money for the DEBRA Spain children’s charity, DEBRA. Entertainment was provided by the Alpengold Oompah Band, La Marina Tappers and Gerry Shaw. At the end of the evening, Alpengold band leader Bill Singleton, presented €50 to charity representative Mary Chambers, who added another €210 raised from the raffle. Mary thanked everyone who attended on behalf of the charity. A big thank you was also given to the stars of the evening, who gave up their time free of charge to support the event.

singing starlet Elise, and tributes to Gene Pitney and Elton John by Paul Christie and Ronnie Taylor respectively. The show will be hosted by songstress Dee and a raffle will be held for Quesada-based charity Animal Aid. Tickets are €12.50 for show and meal. Call 606192691/ 697501992 /email losrosalesshows@gmail.com

CANTABILE Singers stage a concert of Christmas Songs and Carols at La Siesta Church on Saturday December 8, commencing at 7pm. Tickets are just €5 with all proceeds going towards church funds. A second concert will be held at Sacko's Bar, El Limonar, on Sunday December 16 (7pm). Tickets are €4 , proROLL up for a five- ceeds to Age Concern, and star Christmas can be bought on the door Variety Show at or at Age Concern offices. Restaurante Los Rosales For further information, in Guardamar on call Phyl on 965 077 457 or Tuesday December 18. M.D. Jennifer 966 796 866. The bill features five acts Alternatively you may – including comedian email enquiries to jen-morJustin Sane, 14-year-old ton@hotmail.co.uk.

Janet Bell, fundraising coordinator for MABS, graciously accepted a cheque for €550 from San Javier Golf Society captain Barry Beale. The money was raised at the Captain’s Charity Trophy on November 21, in which 28 players met at Peraleja. Joe Flanagan and Ann Geary lifted the trophy by three points from Bob Blair & Mark McGregor with John Collins and Roger McGeagh a point further back in third. THE Black 7 motorcycle club, in conjunction with Rios Butchers, are collecting new and good quality used toys for the Hermanas de Caridad San Vincente de Paul orphanages at Cartagena and Murcia. Anyone with toys can take them to Rios Butchers who will give them a token for a beer and sausage sandwich available on Friday December 14.

Friday, December 7, 2012

UK HEADLINES

VISITING TIME? IT’S Fall guys get it snow wrong! AFTER NINE, MA'AM

PRANKSTERS: 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian

Daily Mail

'This call was transferred through to a ward and a short THE hospital treating the conversation was held with Duchess of Cambridge has one of the nursing staff. King released private details Edward VII’s Hospital deeply about her condition to two regrets this incident.' prank callers from an St James's Palace declined Australian radio station. to comment. The King Edward VII MailOnline can also reveal Hospital in central London that the same radio station has launched an investigation was reprimanded in 2009 into the extraordinary stunt by after a girl aged 14 was two Australians DJs. attached to a lie detector and The two presenters pre- pushed into revealing live on tended to be the Queen and air that she had been raped. Prince Charles to obtain intiIt is the second time since mate medical information marrying Prince William that about pregnant Kate, who is Kate has suffered a breach of suffering from acute morning privacy, following the publicasickness. tion of photographs of her The nurse who answered sunbathing topless in France the call revealed that Kate, in September. 30, ‘had an uneventful night’ In the outrageous stunt in and was about to get ‘fresh- the early hours of the mornened up’. ing, 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig She also revealed further and Michael Christian joke details that MailOnline will not about impersonating the publish to protect the Queen and Prince Charles Duchess’s privacy. before calling the hospital Horrified hospital boss number. John Lofthouse confirmed his They are then transferred staff had passed on informa- to the correct ward and find tion about Kate, saying: 'This themselves talking to one of was a foolish prank call that Kate’s nursing staff. we all deplore.' The woman tells them that A hospital spokesman the Duchess is about to be added: 'King Edward VII’s 'freshened up', saying: ‘She's Hospital Sister Agnes can sleeping at the moment and confirm that an Australian she has had an uneventful radio station made a hoax call night. She's been given some to the hospital in the early fluids, she's stable at the hours of Tuesday morning. moment.’

The radio presenters were told by the nurse that they could visit the Duchess after 9am. She told the hoax Queen and Charles: 'I would suggest that any time after nine o'clock will be suitable to visit. We'll be getting her freshened up.' A radio station spokesman later apologised for the 'inconvenience' caused by the call. He said today: '2Day FM sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by the enquiry to Kate’s hospital. The radio segment was done with the best intentions and we wish Kate and her family all the best.' People took to Twitter to voice their disbelief and disgust. Oliver Wright said: 'Apparently the hospital treating Kate fell for this prank phone call from Australia. Truly remarkable - it's so poor.' And Rachel Hawkes added: 'Shame on you... you make me embarrassed to be Australian.' Mr Christian said on Twitter after the incident that he was 'an Englishman with a terrible accent' and he added: 'Can't believe we got put through.' A spokesman for St James’s Palace told

MailOnline that it was a ‘matter for the hospital’. Chief executive Mr Lofthouse added: 'We take patient confidentiality extremely seriously and we are now reviewing our telephone protocols.' A nd a hospital source told MailOnline: 'There were some very sick people on Kate's ward and prank calls in the early hours of the morning are not appreciated.' Emma Rossi, a spokesman for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates broadcasters, told MailOnline: 'We are not aware of having received a complaint, but privacy is an issue that we take seriously.' She said the normal procedure would be for someone to make a complaint to the broadcaster first. If the complainant wasn't happy with the response, then the ACMA would launch its own probe. However, sources in Australia say the prank call to the Duchess's hospital could be deemed serious enough to trigger an immediate probe by ACMA, known as a section 180. It came as Prince William left his wife's beside after a six-hour vigil and for the first time in more than 24 hours finally felt able to offer a smile.

FORECASTERS admitted on Wednesday they were taken by surprise when heavy snow blanketed the South of England overnight. Experts wrongly said on Tuesday that London and the South East would be 'cold and dry' with 'scattered showers some wintry' in the South West. They only predicted that snow would settle in the North, with four inches on high ground and just two inches remaining lower down by morning. Instead, a band of snow wreaked havoc as it moved down across the south of England, with the unprepared home counties awaking to wintry scenes and travel chaos. Met Office spokesman Mark Wilson admitted today that forecasters

had not expected the extreme weather. He said: 'The snow has been heavier than we first thought and it has brought the snow to lower levels. “It was in the forecast, but the actual snow that fell was to lower levels than we had earlier forecast. “This is in the nature of forecasting. It is difficult. The issue of snow was mentioned in the forecast, but on higher ground. ‘’

What a dope! DOPEY cannabis grower Matthew Warnes was arrested after he was so angry when his plants were stolen he called 999 to report it. Warnes, 29, spent £250 buying growing equipment and six plants over the internet. But he was furious when three were stolen and called the police to report the theft. Prosecutor Mark Hughes said: “He called the police to say that three of his cannabis plants had been stolen. “When they arrived they found a further three intact cannabis plants from 18 to 42 centimetres in height and a small growing set-up. “They also found bags containing cuttings of dried cannabis suggesting this was a continuing operation.” Louisa Giblin, mitigating, said the operation was not sophisticated and urged the court not to jail him District Judge Jane Goodwin sentenced Warnes to 26 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. She said: “The fact that you yourself phoned the police to report this is not a mitigating factor.”

Friday, December 7, 2012

UK HEADLINES

GOOD BOY, GOOD CALL! Aaron, 3, saves diabetic mum’s life after cracking phone code

A three-year-old hero saved his mum's life by picking up her mobile and calling for help after she collapsed from a diabetic seizure. Tiny Aaron Green sprang into action after finding mum Cally Wooton unconscious on the floor of their home. He picked up her Blackberry and called his great-gran - even though he had never been shown how to use the phone. Little Aaron told her: "Mummy's sick, she's very ill." Great-gran Hazel Leahy, 66, alerted a neighbour - who raced to Cally's house in Coventry and called 999. Cally, 26, spent five days on a life support machine in a medicallyinduced coma before making a full recovery. She said: "If it wasn't for Aaron I wouldn't be here now - a million per cent. "The doctors said I was lucky to be alive. I don't know how he did it. "He managed to unlock my mobile phone, go to

the address book and go straight to my nan, who brought me up, of all people." The drama began after barmaid Cally, who was diagnosed with diabetes aged eight, finished work at a local pub on Saturday. She returned home in the early evening before the seizure began - and has no recollection of what happened next. Little Aaron found his mum slumped on the floor of her bedroom the following morning. He then grabbed her BlackBerry Curve 9360, which was on her bed, and called his great-gran. "It feels like I must have been watched over by a guardian angel who was guiding him through what to do," said Cally. Neighbour Kara McCoy, 18, who raced over to the house, said: "I didn't have the time to think about how amazing it was what Aaron had done. "I've got a key to the house, so I let myself in. "She was moving but wouldn't respond so I called the ambulance.’’

Family ‘devastated’ as Emma, 4, dies in rail crossing horror The Mirror

THE four-year-old girl who was left fighting for her life after a horror smash on a railway crossing has died. British Transport Police said Emma Lifsey, who was airlifted to Sheffield Children's Hospital following the collision, was pronounced dead in the early hours. In a statement, Emma's parents, Mark and Zoe Lifsey, aged 40 and 38 and from Haxey, Lincs, said: "Emma meant the world to us. She was our much-loved daughter and a baby sister to her 11-year-old brother Jack. "We are still trying to come to terms with the terrible incident on Tuesday afternoon and there are no words that can properly express how utterly distraught we are. "We would like to thank everyone for the many messages of sympathy and support we have received. "As you can appreciate, this tragic incident has left us shocked and devastated and we would ask that we can be left to grieve in private at this acutely difficult and sad time for us." Emma was in a car with a 67-year-old woman, believed to be her gran, when a single-carriage commuter train ploughed into them on the unmanned automatic level crossing. She was flown to intensive care at Sheffield children’s hospital by air ambulance while the driver suffered neck injuries and bruising. Set in the middle of a long stretch of farm land, the crossing was fitted with flashing lights and barriers which were smashed. Twenty passengers on

board the train, which remained upright on the tracks, were led to safety after the collision at 12.35. A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "The police investigation into the incident is ongoing and remains very much in the early stages. "Officers are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the vehicle came to be on the tracks at the time. "This will include speaking to any witnesses to the incident, while specialist officers will also look at evidence from the scene and the car in question, a black Volvo which has now been recovered. "The train, a Lincoln to Doncaster service, was damaged but remained upright and on the tracks. There

have been no reports of injuries to passengers or staff on board." There have been more than 140 collisions involving trains and cars at level crossings over the past 10 years. In May, father of three Phil Dawn, 34, was killed when he was riding his bike over the Kingsmill Barrow level crossing in Notts. In July a motorist died when his Kia car was hit on a crossing at Downham Market, Norfolk. In September drivers watched in horror as a man fell and then scrambled to his feet on a level crossing moments before a 140mph Japanese-built Javelin sped past in Gillingham, Kent. In October a man had an amazing escape when his car was destroyed by a train at a level crossing in Dunragit, Dumfries.

Andy Robertson, 18, was the only person in the Mitsubishi 4x4, which was left in a crumpled heap when it failed to clear an unmanned level crossing. The same month a court heard how a double decker bus smashed through a level crossing – seconds before a 100mph train approached. Driver Edwin Dowle, 61, admitted careless driving and was fined £350 and had eight points on his clean licence. Plans have recently been unveiled to fit in-car satellite navigation systems with warnings of level crossings to cut the risk of cars colliding with trains. The life-saving technology, devised by Network Rail and satnav maker Garmin, sounds a train whistle as the motorist approaches a crossing.

Friday, December December 16, 7, 2012 Friday, 2011

SPANISH NEWS

$500M ODYSSEY TREASURE HEADS FOR CARTAGENA

The Left needs confidence to get it right

CARTAGENA is to be the new home for the controversial treasure found by the Odyssey Marine Exploration team five years ago. After an arduous legal battle it has been decided that the $500million worth of booty will be returned to Spain and displayed in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena before the end of this year. Last Friday, Spanish cultural officials allowed a first peek at some of the 16 tons of loot from the galleon Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, which sank off Portugal's Atlantic coast near the straits of Gibraltar in 1804. Only a tiny portion of the haul was shown to the media: 12 individual silver coins, a block of encrusted silver coins stuck together after centuries under water, two gold tobacco boxes and a bronze pulley. Authorities who have been making an inventory of the treasure since it was flown from Florida to Spain in February, said it will be transferred soon from Madrid to Cartagena. Displays are expected to start next year, with some items put on rotating exhibits at museums across the country. Though the treasure has an estimated value of $500 million, Spanish officials said they weren't trying to determine an amount because the haul is part of the nation's cul-

tural heritage and can never be sold under Spanish law. "It's invaluable," said Elisa de Cabo, the Culture Ministry's deputy director of national heritage. "How would you put a price on the Mona Lisa?" Spain took possession of the treasure after courts rejected arguments that Florida-based Odyssey Marine Exploration was entitled to all or most of the treasure. De Cabo said Spanish authorities are still trying to convince a judge in Tampa, USA, that the American company should also be forced to pay Spain's legal costs. Odyssey had argued that the wreck was never positively identified as the Mercedes.

And if it was that vessel, then the ship was on a commercial trade trip -- not a sovereign mission -- at the time it sank, meaning Spain would have no firm claim to the cargo. International treaties generally hold that warships sunk in battle are protected from treasure seekers. Odyssey lost every round in federal courts as the Spanish government painted the company as modern-day pirates. The company has said in earnings statements that it has spent $2.6 million salvaging, transporting, storing and conserving the treasure. The metals were mined and the coins minted in the

Andes, from places that are now in Bolivia, Chile and Peru. Spain overcame a lastminute effort by the Peruvian government to block the transfer of the treasure back to Spain. Peru did not gain its independence until 1824, but the country's lawyers argued it was more than a simple colony at the time because it was the local seat of the Spanish crown when the ship sank. Spain's Queen Sofia promised during a visit to Bolivia several months ago that some of the treasure would be loaned to the country for display in museums.

FORMER Socialist Prime Minister Felipe González, who swept to power in 1982 with an absolute majority, says that to recover from its current malaise the Left must “recover the confidence of the majority.” Gonzalez was speaking at an event in Madrid to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first PSOE government in Spain. Current party leader Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, who last year oversaw the PSOE’s worst return at the national polls since Spain re-embraced democracy, promised “reformist radicalism” as he attempts to reverse its fortunes. Regional elections this year in the Basque Country, Catalonia and Galicia have all served to further erode the party’s regional pres-

ence — it also came close to losing its traditional stronghold of Andalusia. Rubalcaba went so far as to say the PSOE is now “completely anti-capitalist,” because the system does not create wealth but “speculates.” González, who was in power for almost 14 years, said the PSOE should “look at society with a spirit of consensus.” Rubalcaba promised to “reflect” on the labour unions’ call for a referendum on Mariano Rajoy’s policies. Also present was José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who received a standing ovation for his equality policies while in power. Rubalcaba stated that González’s government did not contain a single woman: “Something that would be impossible today.”

Friday, December 7, 2012

SPANISH NEWS

SPANISH GIANTS JOYN IN NEW MOBILE PHONE WAR BY SALLY BENGTSSON SPAIN'S three biggest mobile operators are teaming up to launch a service they hope will help them better compete with the likes of WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, which are luring customers with the promise of free phone calls and messages. The Joyn service from Movistar, Orange and Vodafone will offer free messaging, enhanced call features and in some cases free calls. The move comes amid a sharp fall in the number of paid-for text messages sent in recession-hit Spain, where WhatsApp is the best-selling application on Apple Inc's App Store. The service has become so well known that the local government on the island of Tenerife has said officials should use the application to cut mobile bills. Joyn, which allows users to send video and pictures while on a smart phone, is available for Android phones and will shortly launch for Apple's iPhone. More telecom companies in Spain and globally are expected to offer the service, which will be implemented across operators in Germany later this year and in several European countries in 2013. "This is the beginning of something that will cross most operators in most countries," said Graham Trickey, senior projects director at telecoms organisation GSMA. Telefonica and Vodafone have lost hundreds of thousands of clients in Spain this year since they stopped subsiding smartphones, a policy Vodafone recently reversed. Cash-strapped consumers are spending less on traditional telecom services, a boon to Internetbased services like WhatsApp and Skype.

SIKKIM GIN – A TRUE TONIC FOR THE TOFFS The Murcian company Sibbaris Privee has brought out a new gin for those with the most exquisite palates. The new drink consists of a combination of British gin and a selection of Indian teas. Sikkim is aimed at the most selective consumers, and will only be available at high class restaurants and hotels, as well as in the Gourmet boutique in El Corte Ingles in Madrid.

The number of paid-for text messages sent in Spain dropped to 1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2012, from 1.9 billion in the same period the year before, according to the country's telecoms regulator. Operators are keen to maintain customer loyalty, even if they are not making money from them. And Telefonica, Vodafone and Orange could charge for some Joyn services in future. "It's possible that in the future we could launch new added-value services that could be paid for, for example better quality video calls," a spokeswoman for Orange Spain said.

Disabled citizens rally for help "WE are the last to receive help and the first to suffer from budget cuts". Those were the words of Josefa Benítez, a Paralympics silver-medal winner who joined thousands of disabled people and their supporters at a march on Sunday in Madrid to protest the drastic cuts in subsidies to services for those with disabilities. They came from all parts of Spain, many marching on crutches, pushed in wheelchairs or aided by supporters. Under the slogan "SOS Disabilities," this unprecedented mass turnout of the disabled was called by the Spanish Committee of Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (CERMI). Some 500 buses brought in around 15,000 people from across the country to take part.

"We refuse to go away. They are eliminating all the achievements made by disabled persons and their families," said Clara, who was in the march. According to CERMI, an umbrella grouping of about 7,000 NGOs that provide services to the disabled, some €300m euros is owed from the last two years by regional and municipal governments, money that goes to pay homecare services and employee salaries in specialised work centres.

JOBLESS FIGURES RISE FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTH

THE dole queue in Spain lengthened for the fourth month in a row in November as unemployment figures approached the five million mark. As the recession continued to depress the labour market, figures released on Tuesday by the Labour Ministry revealed the number of people signed up as out of work climbed 74,296 to a record 4.907 million.

In November of last year, jobless claims rose by 59,536. Compared with the same month a year earlier, jobless claims were up by 11.02 percent, or 487,355. Beyond the number of workers registered as unemployed, the National Statistics Institute's quarterly Active Population Survey (EPA) for the third quarter of this year showed the number of people out of work at 5.778 million - or 25 percent of the population.

The ministry said that Tuesday’s new figures reflect the removal of the obligation for non-professional caregivers to be affiliated to the Social Security system as part of the government’s austerity drive. It said these accounted for 37,983 of the jobless claims registered last month. Factoring this out, it said the number of people registered as out of work rose by only 36,313 to 4.869 million. “This is without doubt a bad

figure, but we’re working to turn the situation around,” Labour Minister Fátima Báñez said. “The face of the crisis in Spain is unemployment.” Jobless claims rose across the economy with the exception of the construction sector. The number of people signed up with the Social Security system in November declined 205,678 to 16.531 million, the lowest level since March 2003.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Horoscopes Aries March 21 - April 19 Continually turning around in a circle is not a good way to avoid seeing the horrors you have created. Your life is a mess, now stop getting dizzy and sort it out. Crossing your arms, legs and fingers is fine. Office politics may cause problems for you today if you arrive with a comedy tie. The number 10 may be given added significance today and will randomly pop up in everyday conversations. 10.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Butter your bread on both sides so that if the bread falls, you'll be screwed no matter what. It may be easier to make a toasted sandwich. Seek comfort in clothing today. Wake up in a trash-can again? Don't let your drinking get you down, go and have a beer. Your lucky bus number for today is: 212 Don't be in the market for any of what anyone is selling.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 This week there is an evens chance you could literally get egg on your face and not metaphorically. Beware side stalls with exploding omlettes (they are mostly found near the chestnut roasting on an open fire stalls this time of the year). In card games beware the duplicitous call of a queen of hearts, her wry smile is there to fool you, the witch.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 Activities with reindeers and obese white haired unshaven men in red and white outfits are magically starred until about 10 am on the 25th of the month, then it's back to usual for the annoyingly laugh-at-everything jerk who smells of liquor and always has mince pie crumbs in his beard. This week your destiny has a multimedia dimension but without the ability to click away...

By Pandora Leo July 23 - August 22 Breaking bad news to someone today may break your heart, but please remember to wash the blood off your hands before hand. Your lucky horse for today is: Sombrero's Lid. Why not test yourself by not eating or drinking anything. Headaches and random convulsions may become a regular part of your life today.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 The future holds great peril for a masked magician in your area. Please phone your nearest masked magician and let him know. You claim that no-one is able to see the future, and yet I foresee that you will understand this never to be not untrue in your own destiny. Eggs, flour, milk, potatoes, sage and onion stuffing - these are all the ingredients you need for a happy marriage

Libra September 23 - October 22 Always make time to shop for car insurance. It will make your day more fulfilling. The accuracy of any horoscope today will be directly related to the number of things you do today. A skydiving accident may befall you if you go skydiving. Alternatively, it may not. The chances are that staying at home and doing the same things as every other day will not harm your chances of having a good day.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 The rate of absorption into your skin will increase three fold today as Mars combined with Jupiter to create... well, whatever is created to allow for that. I suppose. In the ironically immortal words of the Mortal Kombat voiceover guy: Finish Him! Any film you watch over the coming weekend will stay with you forever.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 f you feel ill a visit to the doctor could be in store. If you don't care what the weatherman says when the weatherman says it's raining - that's great! Regret can hurt you over a long period. Lament today, but tomorrow must be a day for anger and retribution. You have many more years ahead of you. Why not pick up the phone and yell into it wildly before dialling your required number.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Three is the magic number because some people have a magic superfluous nipple which can change the colour of the sky. The legend of the baked bean may trouble you today as last night's meal tries to catch up with last week's. Your worst fears may come to light today when you are shoved into a very small hole.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Try to absorb plants into your skin in order to make yourself into some kind of Marvel Super Hero. All of your aims are achievable, although many of them would involve bionic implants and a lot of theft. The older you get the more you're starting to realise that everyone else is an idiot.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Romantic evenings are much overrated. Instead of romance, think about mutated pigs. Your legs look nice today. Show them off in some kind of very short skirt that nearly shows your organy-bits. Yes Derek, I'm talking to you! Animals can be your friend this week as you learn what it's like to live in an alley.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Back from the future PARKING MAD

Time travel fans are in for a treat as a DeLorean used in hit movie "Back to the Future" has been painstakingly restored to its original state. The DMC-12's interior, exterior and mythical flux capacitor — used to propel Marty McFly and Doc to the past and future — all appear as they did in the classic 1980s trilogy. Bought by an anonymous Spanish car collector for $250,000 in 2002, its

whereabouts had become something of a mystery, which sparked fears it would never be seen again. Concerns were voiced it would go the same way as two of the five cars made for the classic Michael J Fox franchise, which have seemingly since disappeared without trace. But this week it was revealed the vehicle has spent

the last six months being restored by luxury car maintenance firm MT Performance in its garage in Majadahonda, on the outskirts of Madrid.

"They made five for the film, two have disappeared, and the other three auctioned in the United States. This one came to Spain by way of a collector and we've spent six months reconstructing it. "We brought all the pieces

from America. There's a firm in Texas that is dedicated exclusively to this type of car, and luckily we have managed to make it all original so we could conserve it as we wanted. "The transmission has been repaired, the engine too, and we've had lots of visitors from parents who come with their sons to teach them about the film." Asked whether he would use the car to traverse time, he replied: "Of course I would, and I'd find out how the hell they built the first pyramids in Egypt." The "Back to the Future" trilogy, directed by Robert Zemeckis, sees Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly travel back and forth in time using the garbage-fuelled DeLorean to alter events in his family's lives and his home town. He stars alongside eccentric scientist Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd.

It seems that parking literally comes at a premium in St Ives, Cornwall, as three spaces have just been sold at auction for over £160,000. Bidding on two others reached £50,000 a piece, but failed to meet their reserves. All five spaces are located in Barnoon Terrace, conveniently positioned for both the beach front and the town centre. St Ives is a popular British holiday destination, and it’s thought second-home owners from out of town desperate for additional parking have snapped up the spaces, rather than entrepreneurial locals. The three spaces were sold as individual lots, costing £55,000, £56,000 and £50,000. Each measures just 6.1m by 2.4m (20ft by 8ft). Which means, fact fans, that while a Lamborghini Aventador will fit, it’s a good job the doors open upwards. The Lambo – the widest car we could think of – is 2.03m wide, leaving just 17.5cm on either side… As for any new premium parking space owner with the new Range Rover on order, breathe in – as that’s 2.07m across. And doesn’t have the convenience of scissor doors. Better hope the people next door have downsized into something like a Volkswagen Up. The spaces have been sold with the explicit proviso that they can only be used for parking – so there’s no hope of getting planning permission and turning them into seaside flats. The two remaining unsold spaces in Barnoon Terrace are expected to change hands privately within days. Although local residents are understandably outraged by the money involved in the sale – and who can blame them, given most of us couldn’t even contemplate a car costing that much – it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise.

Jan 2013 fuel duty increase scrapped

Chancellor bows to public opinion and cancels controversial fuel duty increase - saving Brits £1 billion CHANCELLOR George Osborne has cancelled the 3p a litre fuel duty increase planned for January 2013 – a result even better than many who spoke out against the UK fuel duty escalator had hoped for. The Chancellor had been expected to postpone the fuel duty rise, due to come into force in January, until the start of the new financial year in April 2013. Instead, the highly unpopular duty rise has been cancelled entirely, after already being postponed several times in the past. Fuel duty will instead be frozen until different economic conditions prevail. The decision, revealed RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister, will save Britain’s motorists £1 billion a year, “money which they can use to ease their financial headaches and help support the economy through their own spending.” Commenting on the announcement, the Chancellor said: “That is real help for the cost of living for families as they fill up their cars across the country.” The move is a rare bright spot in an otherwise tough Autumn Statement, but many

industry observers say it is the right decision. The AA says that 73% of drivers are already cutting back on spending, journeys, or both – with news this week that an alarming number of commuters are actually sleeping in their cars to combat rising fuel bills. Britons have already cut collective fuel consumption by 20% in the past 20 years. However, we are also contributing a staggering 144% more in fuel duty tax over the same period. “Chancellor Osborne’s decision to cancel the 1 January fuel duty hike avoids a New Year’s headache and a long hangover for all drivers and is very much welcomed by the AA,” said Edmund King, the AA’s president. “Big Ben’s chimes ringing in a nearly £2-atank hike in petrol and diesel prices would have backfired on the Government and economy.” IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Cancelling the rise in fuel duty will help to keep Britain’s economy moving. It’s not just good news for motorists – from supermarket food deliveries to life-saving emergency services, the nation depends on its roads. “This is a saving for everyone.”

Friday, December 7, 2012

Hire the Popemobile Recommissioned Popemobile now available for city tours, pilgrimages and other outings DUBLIN’S National Wax Museum Plus has just spent €60,000 – that’s around £49,000 – recommissioning this rather curious looking truckbased bus. Why? Quite simple: Pope John Paul II used it during his 1979 visit to Ireland. That’s right, this is a genuine Popemobile. National Wax Museum Plus Director, Paddy Dunning, acquired the Popemobile when he bought the contents of the previous National Wax Museum, where the vehicle’s shell had been on display. When the museum moved home in 2009, Dunning decided it was time to bring some life back to the late pontiff’s old ride, and as a result it’s now available for members of the general public to try. The Museum has launched a Pope Mobile City Tour, and if you want to set your own agenda it’s also on offer for private hire, with “corporate events, weddings, charity fundraisers, pilgrimages to Knock” all catered for. The Popemobile seats 15 – if you include the Pope’s

chair – has big panoramic windows and even an exterior balcony. Hiring it costs between €300 and €350 an hour (£244-£284), depending on the time and day; dis-

counted rates are available for longer bookings. However, Mr Dunning also has ambitions to find a sponsor that would allow him to take the papal carriage on a tour of every town and village in Ireland, “collecting stories of bravery, success and good deeds”. The message this would send during a time of recessions and austerity would ideally see it re-named ‘The Hopemobile’.

Friday, December 7, 2012

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, 2 represents D and 14 represents V, when these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

QUICKIE

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 Point out changing sale price of exact copies (8) 7 Tranquil time for a top gym instructor (5) 8 Crustacean returns with a part in gondolier’s song (9) 9 A set of clothes is revealed in the Identikit picture (3) 10 None can alter this element (4) 11 Saints’ refined soils (6) 13 Choose quiet concern (6) 14 Previous or present shepherd (6) 17 Whatever stage you’ve reached, it will tell you what to say (6) 18 Makes fun of newspapers (4) 20 Look at the bishop’s seat! (3) 22 Describing elegant dressers or liars at a reunion? (9) 23 OK, son, turn into a niche or two (5) 24 Musicians became old enough to be bound (8) STANDARD CLUES

Down 1/21 Bird accompanying gangster or outlaw (5,4) 2 Drive pick-up rapidly passed old servant’s entrance initially (7) 3 Some call him a military man who leads prayers (4) 4 Agrees to stop advertising another way (6) 5 Stop Kelvin’s sailing ships (5) 6 Hide from sweetheart in panic (7) 7 It has a large bill substituted in place (7) 12 Right, put your clothes on again (7) 13 Folks who press on properly organised (7) 15 Shredding damaged granite (7) 16 Exchange blows with volunteers in an ancient city (6) 17 Yeomanry pose possibly as an Indian soldier (5) 19 South African boy’s food mixture (5) 21 See 1 Down

FILL IT IN

Complete the crossword grid by using the given words:

3 letter words Bob Dal Ebb End Ere Key Mag Mat Mob Sea Tan Use 4 letter words Acts Adds Agra

Ales Alms Alps Anew Awls Lead Lent Lino Loan Loch Loot Male Moan Ness Null Odds Ogle Ogre Onus

Opus Ores Owes Pole Robe Sand Sear Seed Send Shin Solo Tune Tutu Urea 5 letter words Array Baste Beryl

Blend Boron Bread Eagle Educe Lasso Lists Macle Moors Osaka Otter Salsa Satin Smack Sneer Steel Stunk Tress Trust

6 letter words Dolmen Eaglet Martha Sneaky 7 letter words Boatman Consult Hacksaw Plateau 8 letter words Clansmen Contours Recourse Traumata

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

Across

Down

1 Terrestrial gastropod (4) 3 Outlook (8) 9 Make an impact on (7) 10 Sufficient (5) 11 Unite (5) 12 Blockades (6) 14 Divides up (6) 16 Relic (6) 19 Caress (6) 21 Sample (5) 24 Make amends for (5) 25 Carry out (7) 26 Determined (8) 27 Untidiness (4)

1 Minor battle (8) 2 Higher (5) 4 Refuse to accept (6) 5 Gaze (5) 6 Articulate (7) 7 Woody plant (4) 8 Draw back (6) 13 Inexperienced (8) 15 Passionate (7) 17 Opening (6) 18 Previous to (6) 20 Reside (5) 22 Extra (5) 23 Den (4)

Last weeks Solution Across: 7 Cosmic, 8 Unused, 9 Bait, 10 Aperture, 11 Respond, 13 Naked, 15 Acute, 17 Rapture, 20 Careless, 21 Site, 22 Malice, 23 Chapel. Down: 1 Forage, 2 Omit, 3 Scrawny, 4 Quiet, 5 Subtract, 6 Decree, 12 Pathetic, 14 Hassock, 16 Cravat, 18 Rotten, 19 Defer, 21 Scam.

Scribble Pad

1/21 Legendary English outlaw (5,4) 1 Copies (8) 2 Intention (7) 7 Calm (5) 3 Muslim leader (4) 8 Gondolier’s song (9) 4 Takes in (6) 9 Equipment (3) 5 Dogs’ cries (5) 10 Chemical element (4) 6 Shoe material (7) 11 Blemishes (6) 7 Large water bird (7) 13 Favour (6) 12 Right (7) 14 Minister (6) 13 Individuals (7) 17 Actor’s lines (6) 15 Ripping up (7) 18 Cloth pieces (4) 16 Ancient Greek city (6) 20 Perceive (3) 17 Indian soldier (5) 22 Relating to tailoring (9) 19 Cold course (5) 23 Corners (5) 21 See 1 24 Protected a wound (8) Last weeks Solution Across: 1 Tuba, 3 Cardinal, 9 Carcase, 10 Clone, 11 Toyed, 12 Sprain, 14 Resume, 16 Rather, 19 Coffee, 21 Pedal, 24 Otter, 25 Averted, 26 Tennyson, 27 Eyes. Down: 1 Taciturn, 2 Barry, 4 Ageist, 5 Decor, 6 Neolith, 7 Leek, 8 Random, 13 Preludes, 15 Shorten, 17 Apples, 18 Legato, 20 Foray, 22 Ditty, 23 Toot.

Across

1 Jabón (para lavar) (4) 3 Skirts (6) 7 Alquitrán (3) 9 Fugarse para casarse (5) 10 Pan (5) 11 Code (5) 12 Perla (5) 14 Queen (5) 15 Revision (6) 16 Leyenda (6) 19 Ajedrez (5) 22 From (indicating starting place) (5) 23 Thirteen (5) 24 March (month) (5) 25 Mushrooms (flattopped) (5)

27 Afuera (3) 28 Suecia (6) 29 Tintas (4) Down

1 Durmiente (7) 2 Garlic (3) 4 Ámbar (5) 5 Sixteen (9) 6 Cider (5) 7 Keys (typewriter/piano) (6) 8 Leer (4) 13 Manzano (5,4) 17 Mayor (6) 18 Vestidos (7) 19 Beds (5) 20 Piedra (5) 21 Kiss (4) 26 Lata (de comida) (3)

Friday, December 7, 2012 Across 1 Which monument in Washington DC, dedicated to the 16th president of the USA, was designed by Henry Bacon? (7,8) 9 What name is given to a small woollen ball attached to a garment, especially a hat, for decoration or a large round cluster of brightly coloured streamers waved in pairs by cheerleaders? (3-3) 10 Jalapa Enriquez is the capital of which state of east central Mexico? (8) 11 What name is often applied to a paramilitary police officer in France and other French-speaking countries? (8) 14 With which athletics’ throwing event would you principally associate Tamara Press and Al Oerter? (6) 17 Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and Humpty Dumpty are both examples of which simple traditional songs or poems for children? (7,6) 20 What name is given to a ‘decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive’? (13) 23 Which tallow mixed with oil

is used to make leather soft and waterproof? (6) 25 The name of which perforated bowl used to strain off liquid from food after washing or cooking comes from the Latin for ‘to strain’? (8) 28 Which city in southwest Japan was the target of the second atom bomb, dropped by the United States on August 9, 1945? (8) 29 Which city is the provincial capital of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan? (6) 30 Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep was the only UK number one hit single by which 1970s Scottish pop group? (6,2,3,4)

Quiz Word

Down 2 In chemistry what name is given to each of two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms in the molecule and different properties? (6) 3 According to Roman mythology, who was the god of love, the counterpart of the Greek Eros? (5) 4 Which arboreal primate

SUDOKU

with a pointed snout and typically a long tail, is found only in Madagascar? (5) 5 In the US, what name is often applied to a cinema

film? (5) 6 Derived from the Spanish for ‘to look’, what name is given to a turret or tower attached to a building and

providing an extensive view? (7) 7 In rugby union, what name is given to loose scrums formed around a player with the ball on the ground? (5) 8 What name is given to a revolving tray, often with a number of separate dishes or sections for foods, intended to be placed on a dining table? (4,5) 12 In which month are both the Boston and London marathons traditionally held? (5) 13 Thabo [Who] was the president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008? (5) 15 In astronomy, which relatively small extraterrestrial body consists of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit? (5) 16 What name is often given to a fictitious name, especially one used by an author? (9) 17 The 1950s singer/songwriter Johnnie Ray was known by the nickname the [What] of Sob? (5) 18 Which widely used web search engine was founded in 1994 by Stanford University

graduate students Jerry Yang and David Filo? (5) 19 Which doglike African mammal has forelimbs that are longer than the hindlimbs and an erect mane? (5) 21 What word meaning ‘direct descent from an ancestor’ is derived from the Latin for ‘a line’? (7) 22 Which condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it, often involves the intestine at a weak point in the abdominal wall? (6) 24 Comedy performer Russell [Who] was the star of the 2011 film Arthur? (5) 25 What first name is shared by snooker player Thorburn, singer Richard and television presenter Michelmore? (5) 26 In the television series The Addams Family, what was the name of the butler character played by actor Ted Cassidy? (5) 27 Niamey is the capital of which landlocked republic in West Africa that gained its independence from France in 1960? (5)

SALLY’S SIMPLE SPANISH COSAS QUE HACEN LAS MAMAS -THINGS MUMS DO

Match these words with their Spanish translations then find them in the wordsearch. (Answers below)

abraza

enseña

aconseja

escucha

ama

estudia

ayuda

lava

besa

lee

canta

limpia

cocina

ordena

compra

organiza

cose

recuerda

cuida

sonríe

science QUIZ

ANSWERS:1. flea 2. Left Side 3. Eye 4. A Hogshead 5. The Ladybird 6. Alexander Graham Bell 7. Science of Medicine 8. TNT 9. The Frontal Lobe 10. Sound Intensity 11. Dynamite 12. Barnes Wallis 13. A Nanny

Last Week’s Solutions Code Cracker Last weeks Quiz Wordsolution Across: 1 Photosynthesis, 10 Haiku, 11 Net income, 12 Snorkel, 13 Huygens, 14 Lille, 16 Wisconsin, 19 Whisperer, 20 Durst, 22 Riposte, 25 Madonna, 27 Tasman Sea, 28 Crepe, 29 Plaster of Paris. Down: 2 Hoi polloi, 3 Truck, 4 Sunflower, 5 Notch, 6 Henry Ford, 7 Spode, 8 Stepson, 9 Chisel, 15 En passant, 17 Scrum half, 18 Serengeti, 19 Wiretap, 21 Thames, 23 Pasta, 24 Easer, 26 Dacca.

Empareja estas palabras - Match the Spanish and English words You will find the answers at the bottom of the quiz. 1.abraza, 2.aconseja, 3.ama,

20.sonríe.

m.she smiles, n.she studies,

4.ayuda, 5.besa, 6.canta,

a.she looks after, b.she loves,

o.she teaches, p.she advises,

7.cocina, 8.compra, 9.cose,

c.she tidies, d.she sews,

q.she reads, r.she washes,

10.cuida, 11.enseña,

e.she organises, f.she buys,

s.she listens, t.she kisses,

12.escucha, 13.estudia, 14.lava,

g.she sings, h.she remembers,

15.lee, 16.limpia, 17.ordena,

i.she helps, j.she hugs,

18.organiza, 19.recuerda,

k.she cooks, l.she cleans,

Soduko

Span - Eng

Quizword

Answers: 1j, 2p, 3b, 4i, 5t, 6g, 7k, 8f, 9d, 10a, 11o, 12s, 13n, 14r, 15q, 16l, 17c, 18e, 19h, 20m.

1. what type of animal is pulex irritans? 2. Which Side Of The Brain Contributes To Rational Thought? 3. Where on the human body is the skin the thinnest? 4. Which archaic imperial unit of measure is equivalent to 54 gallons? 5. Which Insect Is Popular With Gardeners Because It Feeds On Aphids? 6. Who Invented The Telephone? 7. If you were studying Iatrology what would you be studying? 8. What Is Trinitoluene Better Known As? 9. What Part Of The Brain Is Affected In A Lobotomy? 10. What Is Measured In Decibels? 11. What Did Alfred Nobel Invent Before Initiating His Nobel Peace Prize Award Scheme? 12. Who Was The Chief Of Aeronautical Research & Development At The British Aircraft Corporation 1945 To 1971 Having Previou 13. What Is A Female Goat Called?

Fill It In

Friday, December 7, 2012

TRELI ON THE TELLY with ALEX TRELINSKI IN decades gone by, there would always be a Sunday night around this time that would have the BBC or ITV screening the Royal Variety Performance, and it would often get one of the biggest viewing figures of the year. Times have changed as the show is now an ITV property and is wheeled out on a weeknight, like in the latest screening on Monday. Slick editing techniques mean that the guff and the flops can be cut down, and I have to say it was one of the best I’ve seen. David Walliams was a good host, but not as experienced or natural as Peter Kay last year. The acts offered something for all ages, and there were plenty of golden oldies performing, along with many turns that seemed to have something to do with Simon Cowell.

MAGIC MONDAY IS A ROYAL JOY

The newer comedians like Rhod Gilbert and Bill Bailey were bang on the money, and the music acts delivered in what turned out to be an excellent evening of entertainment. Live at the Apollo really has been the trail-blazer for all kinds of well-known and new stand-up acts in recent years, and the new run on BBC1 is continuing to deliver. Kevin Bridges and Phill Jupitus were in top form on the latest show, and my only criticism is that at 30 minutes, it’s too short. Imitation is the best form of flattery, and ITV1 has come up with it’s own baking show in response to the BBC’s Great British Bake Off. Running on weekday afternoons, we now have Britain’s Best Bakery and to be fair, it isn’t a bad watch, though it lacks the finesse of what the BBC pro-

will be back in January as Hanssen. It may be an ensemble piece, but the BBC1 soap goes onto a much higher level of quality when he’s there, and I can’t take Tessa Peake-Jones seriously enough as his replacement, Imelda Cousins. Tessa’s famous role as Del Boy’s wife is still too duce. The tasks are not as in some of the things he taxing or exciting and not does. He popped up last firmly fixed in my mind, and I having a Mel and Sue char- Friday guest-hosting Have I half expect David Jason to acter or characters to host it, Got News for You, and was pop out suddenly from takes some of the fun out of laid back and respectable. behind the bedpans. Now, it. But it’s certainly better than Even his hairstyle has there’s an idea! A very enjoyable new the countless repeats of become normal, and with all US drama has the changes, I thought he Midsomer Murders! I’m convinced that if was all the better for it. Mind appeared with no fanfare at the Test Card was you, I do like his madness on all on Sky Living. It’s Chicago back on British TV, Jack the Sky One sports quiz, A Fire, set amazingly enough Whitehall would replace the League of their Own, which in a Chicago fire station, and girl on it, and finish off the continues to provide the best has the Aussie, Jessie game of noughts and cross- laughs of the week on any Spencer taking the lead, fresh from his success as a es with the clown! Jack channel. Holby City fans, don’t medic in the wonderful seems to be everywhere at worry. The undoubted House. He doesn’t do a bad the moment, and is also becoming more mainstream star of the show, Guy Henry, American accent, and though

some critics have stuck their noses up at it, I find the storylines compelling and the characters interesting, with yet another British actor in a key US role. Eamonn Walker plays Jessie’s boss, and if his name rings a bell, just remember his black gay character, Winston, who looked after Alf and Elsie Garnett in the comedy, In Sickness and in Health. And 25 years on, Eamonn doesn’t look any older! I’ve got my sick-bag ready for Christopher Maloney winning The X Factor this weekend. You just know that this unwelcome pre-Xmas gift is waiting to pounce due to the gullible voting British public. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong, or else we’ll have another dud to join the ranks of Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson.

The Courier Friday TV

December 7

00:35 This Week 01:20 Skiing Weatherview 01:25 Panorama 01:55 Countryfile 02:55 Planet Earth Live 03:55 Antiques Roadshow 04:55 Sport Today 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 Watchdog Daily 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 17:55 OOglies 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater's Dish of the Day 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Outnumbered 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 John Bishop's Big Year 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show

00:20 01:10 02:10 02:40 03:10 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30

Snooker: UK Championship Dara O Briain's Science Club The Culture Show An Island Parish BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report

04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Schools: Young Legal Eagles 07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 An Island Parish 22:00 Westminster Abbey 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

00:35 The Last Word 01:05 Jackpot247 04:00 Tonight 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Crime Stories 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Island Hospital 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 100 Years of The Royal Variety Performance 23:30 ITV News and Weather

PETER KAY - IN CONVERSATION

Broadcaster Danny Baker interviews one of Britain's best-loved comedians, asking him about his personal and professional life. Peter Kay, who recently entered the Guinness Book of Records with the world's biggest stand-up comedy tour, reveals the creative process behind his work, offering a rare insight into his TV shows and live gigs.

00:05 Alien Investigations 01:10 Embarrassing Fat Bodies 02:05 The Aristocrats 03:00 Unreported World 03:25 Dispatches 03:55 Time Team 04:50 Deal or No Deal 05:45 Countdown 06:30 Make Do & Mend 06:55 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 SuperScrimpers 14:10 Comanche Station 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Peter Kay - In Conversation 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

01:05 SuperCasino 05:00 Nick's Quest 05:25 House Doctor 05:50 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 The WotWots 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Milkshake! Monkey 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:15 Road to Christmas 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 North Pole Ice Airport 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Castle 23:55 Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Courier Saturday TV

December 8

00:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 00:30 Live at the Apollo 01:00 EastEnders 02:55 Weatherview 03:00 Fake or Fortune? 04:00 Question Time 05:00 BBC News 05:30 On the Road With 06:00 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Baking Made Easy 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Pointless Celebrities 19:50 Strictly Come Dancing 20:55 Merlin 21:40 The National Lottery Awards 2012 22:20 Casualty 23:10 BBC News; Weather 23:30 National Lottery Update

00:00 00:50 01:40 03:10 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 07:30 07:50 08:05

The Review Show Snooker: UK Championship Phantoms The Week in Parliament BBC News Click Newswatch BBC News On the Road With Close Tikkabilla Balamory Charlie and Lola Cloudbabies

08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Ready, Steady, Build! 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Baby Jake 10:10 ZingZillas 10:25 Mr Bloom's Nursery 10:45 Something Special: Out and About 11:10 Let's Play 11:30 Get Well Soon 11:45 Nina and the Neurons: In the Lab 12:00 Justin's House 12:25 I Can Cook on the Go 12:40 Mister Maker Comes to Town 13:00 The Sky at Night 13:20 Coast 13:40 Carefree 15:05 Becket 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Dad's Army 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 23:00 QI XL 23:45 Led Zeppelin Live in London 2007: Celebration Day

00:05 Meridian Tonight and Weather 00:10 Basic Instinct 02:20 The Store 03:55 Columbo: A Bird in the Hand 05:30 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07:10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07:25 The Hive 07:50 Canimals 08:00 Canimals 08:05 The Avengers 08:25 Almost Naked Animals 08:40 Almost Naked Animals 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star 13:50 ITV News and Weather 14:04 Meridian Weather 14:05 All Star Family Fortunes 14:50 Home Sweet Home 15:50 Home Sweet Home 16:55 Back to the Future 19:00 Meridian News and Weather 19:15 ITV News and Weather 19:30 New You've Been Framed! 20:00 The McFly Show 21:00 The X Factor 23:00 The Invention of Lying

00:05 4Funnies 00:35 Full English 01:10 British Comedy Awards Nominations Show 2012 02:05 The Ricky Gervais Show 02:35 My Name Is Earl 03:20 Bob's Burgers 04:05 Glory Daze 04:50 90210 05:30 Deal or No Deal 06:25 Countdown 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Beach Volleyball 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Will & Grace 10:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:35 Frasier 12:05 Frasier 12:40 The Big Bang Theory 14:20 The Simpsons 14:50 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 The Simpsons 17:20 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 19:55 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Heston's Fantastical Food 21:30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man 22:00 Predators

THE INVENTION OF LYING Comedy co-written, co-directed by and starring Ricky Gervais, and also starring Jennifer Garner. In a world where everyone is 100 per cent honest, Mark Bellison's brief moment of being economical with the truth turns him into something of a prophet. But will Mark's newfound celebrity status be enough to win the girl of his dreams?

00:55 Inside Hollywood 01:00 SuperCasino 04:55 Motorsport Mundial 05:25 House Doctor 05:45 Divine Designs 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:30 The Mr Men Show 07:45 Olive the Ostrich 07:50 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:00 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 Animal Antics 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 ThunderCats 12:10 The Gadget Show 13:10 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways 14:10 Superman II 16:40 Annie Claus Is Coming to Town 18:25 Single Santa Seeks Mrs Claus 20:10 A Grandpa for Christmas 21:50 5 News Weekend 21:55 Tommy Cooper's Christmas Special 23:00 Live International Boxing

The Courier Sunday TV

December 9

00:50 The Football League Show 02:05 Weatherview 02:10 BBC News 02:30 Young and Jobless 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Dateline London 04:00 BBC News 04:30 The Firing Line 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 Young and Jobless 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:20 Countryfile 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Helicopter Heroes 15:30 Escape to the Country 16:30 Call the Midwife 17:30 Songs of Praise 18:05 Nigel Slater's Dish of the Day 18:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:00 Countryfile 20:00 Strictly Come Dancing 20:40 Antiques Roadshow 21:40 Rome's Lost Empire 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 2

00:45 The Relic 02:30 Day of the Dead 04:05 Close

07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Ready, Steady, Build! 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Baby Jake 10:10 ZingZillas 10:25 Mr Bloom's Nursery 10:45 Something Special 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Nigella's Christmas Kitchen 13:00 Live Athletics 14:45 Ray Reardon at 80 15:15 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Flog It! 19:20 Fawlty Towers 20:00 The Most Courageous Raid of WWII 21:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship

00:05 ITV News and Weather 00:19 Meridian Weather 00:20 The Invention of Lying 01:05 The Store 03:10 In Plain Sight 03:55 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Engie Benjy 07:10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07:35 Signed Stories 07:45 Canimals 08:00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08:15 Fleabag Monkeyface 08:25 Almost Naked Animals 09:00 Big Time Rush 09:30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10:25 There's No Taste Like Home 11:25 Dinner Date 12:25 Dickinson's Real Deal 13:25 ITV News and Weather 13:29 Meridian Weather 13:30 Carry On Up the Jungle 15:15 The X Factor 17:15 Midsomer Murders 19:15 Meridian News and Weather 19:25 ITV News and Weather 19:40 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 20:40 The X Factor 22:40 Rod Stewart's Christmas 23:55 ITV News and Weather

ELF Seasonal comedy fantasy starring Will Ferrell and James Caan. Raised by Santa's helpers at the North Pole, human infant Buddy matures into a strapping adult and outgrows his cramped surroundings. His resultant determination to find his real father, Walter, sends Buddy on an exciting trip to New York.

00:15 02:20 04:10 06:15 07:00 07:05 07:15 07:45 08:10 09:05 09:30 10:00 10:30 13:05 13:35 14:05 14:40 17:25 18:20 20:20 20:50 20:55 21:00 Hood 22:00 23:00 23:30

30 Days of Night The Girl Next Door Hollyoaks Countdown Sali Mali The Treacle People The Hoobs The Hoobs Great Run Series Will & Grace Frasier Frasier Sunday Brunch The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Hugh's 3 Good Things Deal or No Deal Elf Channel 4 News 4thought.tv The Political Slot How the Bismarck Sank HMS Homeland Peep Show GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra

01:00 SuperCasino 05:00 Michaela's Wild Challenge 05:25 Great Artists 05:50 County Secrets 06:05 Hana's Helpline 06:15 The Milkshake! Show 06:40 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Roary the Racing Car 07:15 Fifi and the Flowertots 07:25 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 07:30 The Mr Men Show 07:45 Olive the Ostrich 07:50 Abby's Flying Fairy School 08:00 Roobarb and Custard Too 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 Animal Antics 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:50 Castle Farm 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:40 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby's Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:35 ThunderCats 12:10 Meals in Moments 12:20 Highland Emergency 12:50 Jack Frost 14:45 Grounded 16:30 Superman III 19:05 5 News Weekend 19:10 The Dirty Dozen 22:00 The Expendables

The Courier Monday TV

December 10

00:35 The Graham Norton Show 01:20 Annapolis 02:55 Weatherview 03:00 Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman 03:30 Holby City 04:30 Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution 05:15 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 You've Been Scammed 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless Celebrities 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

00:00 00:30 01:50 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00

Never Mind the Buzzcocks Keeping Up with the Steins Reporters Newsday Young and Jobless BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today Close

07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Real Rescues 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Hairy Bakers' Christmas Special 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Inside Claridge's 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight

00:14 Meridian Weather 00:15 Nutty Professor 2: the Klumps 02:05 ITV News Headlines 02:05 The Store 03:55 Motorsport UK 04:45 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let's Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Poison Tree 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 Mercury Rising

01:45 American Football Live 05:45 Grudge Match 05:55 Countdown 06:40 Make Do & Mend 07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday 13:05 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 13:20 Major Dundee 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man 22:00 The Real Man's Road Trip: Sean and Jon Go West 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 23:50 Full English

THE POISON TREE Part one of two. Psychological thriller based on the novel by Erin Kelly, starring MyAnna Buring as a woman haunted by tragic events that took place 12 years ago. Flashbacks reveal Karen Clarke's story from the moment she entered the extraordinary world of Biba and Rex to reveal the secrets she is hiding. Now living on the Kent coast with Rex, following his release from prison, and their daughter Alice, Karen is stalked by a mysterious stranger and desperate to protect her family.

00:05 Full Metal Jacket 02:25 SuperCasino 05:00 House Doctor 05:25 House Doctor 05:50 County Secrets 06:00 Hana's Helpline 06:10 The Milkshake! Show 06:35 Thomas & Friends 06:50 Roary the Racing Car 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 A Boyfriend for Christmas 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 North Pole Ice Airport 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Mr & Mrs Smith

The Courier Tuesday TV

December 11

00:20 Hart's War 02:20 Weatherview 02:25 Richard Hammond's Miracles of Nature 03:25 Dara O Briain's Science Club 04:25 Great British Food Revival 05:25 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 You've Been Scammed 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless Celebrities 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Last Tango in Halifax 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Imagine

00:20 Westminster Abbey 01:20 BBC News 01:30 HARDtalk 02:00 Newsday 02:30 ABC World News 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Schools 06:55 Primary English Promo Schools TV

07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Real Rescues 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 Lorraine's Last Minute Christmas 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 This World 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Weather

01:35 ITV News Headlines 04:00 Champions League Weekly 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 05:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let's Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:00 Inside Guinness World Records 22:00 On the Run 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 100 Years of The Royal Variety Performance

ON THE RUN Nicky Campbell and Mark Williams-Thomas investigate how criminals evade the police and try to track down four wanted people - one of whom was on the run for more than a year after threatening to rape a woman. Two of them are caught using elaborate honey traps, but the team is forced to camp out for days to corner the other targets.

00:25 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 01:30 The Good Wife 02:10 The Good Wife 02:55 Warlock 04:55 Supernanny US 05:35 Supernanny US 06:15 Deal or No Deal 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 Kirstie's Handmade Treasures 13:50 Went the Day Well? 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Is Our Weather Getting Worse? 22:00 Heston's Fantastical Food 23:00 Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

00:25 Catwoman 02:15 SuperCasino 04:55 Nick's Quest 05:25 HouseBusters 05:50 Great Scientists 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Milkshake! Monkey 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Mr St Nick 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Highland Emergency 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Murder Files 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 CSI: NY

The Courier Wednesday TV

December 12

00:50 A Simple Plan 02:45 Weatherview 02:50 Vikings 03:50 Natural World 04:50 Great British Food Revival 05:50 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC News 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News; Weather 12:00 You've Been Scammed 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News; Weather 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Weather; 16:05 Science Fiction 16:35 Dennis and Gnasher 16:45 League of Super Evil 17:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 17:30 Pet School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless Celebrities 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Weather 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Miniature Britain 22:00 Traffic Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman

00:20 01:20 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 World 06:20 07:00

Inside Claridge's BBC News HARDtalk Newsday ABC World News BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC News Asia Business Report Sport Today Andrew Marr's History of the

07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special: We're All Friends 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Real Rescues 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 The Hairy Bikers' Christmas Party 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Hour 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Weather

01:05 ITV News Headlines 04:00 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let's Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Weight Loss Ward 22:00 The Town 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The Fugitive

00:05 Homeland 01:10 European Poker Tour 02:10 KOTV Boxing Weekly 02:40 Sailing 03:05 Beach Volleyball 04:00 Great Run Series 04:55 The Grid 05:20 Best of British 06:15 Deal or No Deal 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:35 SuperScrimpers 14:05 The Tall T 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Sarah Beeny's Selling Houses 22:00 British Comedy Awards 2012

BRITISH COMEDY AWARDS 2012 Jonathan Ross hosts the live annual ceremony as the industry gathers to honour the best comedy actors, actresses, entertainment personalities and newcomers, along with the pick of the year's TV and film comedies. Last year Twenty Twelve won Best Sitcom, and Best Comedy Panel Show went to Shooting Stars.

Vikings Tikkabilla

00:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 01:50 SuperCasino 05:00 Nick's Quest 05:25 HouseBusters 05:50 Great Scientists 06:15 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Milkshake! Monkey 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Removal Men 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Shark 16:15 Hitched for the Holidays 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 World's Strongest Man 21:00 Did We Land on the Moon? 22:00 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways 23:00 The Expendables

The Courier Thursday TV

December 13

00:15 01:00 02:40 02:45 03:15 04:15 05:15 05:30 06:00 06:30 06:45 10:15 11:00 11:58 12:00 12:30 13:13 13:15 14:00 14:30 14:45 15:15 16:00 16:05 16:35 16:45 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:15 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 Crisis 23:00 23:25 23:35

The League Cup Show Heist Weatherview See Hear DIY SOS Inside Claridge's BBC News Panorama BBC News World Business Report BBC News Heir Hunters Homes Under the Hammer BBC News; Weather You've Been Scammed Cash in the Attic BBC News; Weather Bargain Hunt BBC News; Weather Regional News and Weather Doctors Escape to the Country BBC News; Weather; School for Stars Dennis and Gnasher League of Super Evil Scooby-Doo! Pet School Newsround Pointless Celebrities BBC News Weather The One Show EastEnders Young Apprentice Britain's Hidden Housing BBC News Regional News and Weather Question Time

00:20 Great Continental Railway Journeys 01:20 BBC News 01:30 HARDtalk 02:00 Newsday 02:30 ABC World News 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 How to Build 06:00 Schools - Ecomaths: Primary

07:00 Tikkabilla 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Charlie and Lola 08:05 Cloudbabies 08:15 Everything's Rosie 08:25 Bob the Builder 08:35 Chuggington 08:45 Octonauts 09:00 Tilly and Friends 09:10 Woolly & Tig 09:15 Mike the Knight 09:30 Timmy Time 09:40 Tweenies 10:00 Numtums 10:05 Abadas 10:15 Alphablocks 10:20 The Rhyme Rocket 10:35 The Lingo Show 10:45 Something Special 11:05 Show Me Show Me 11:35 Let's Play 11:55 I Can Cook on the Go 12:10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Weakest Link 16:00 Real Rescues 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Celebrity Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 Raymond Blanc's Christmas Feast 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Hour 23:00 Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 23:30 Weather

02:00 Jackpot247 04:00 Columbo: It's All in the Game 05:40 ITV Nightscreen 06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let's Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Meridian News and Weather 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Dickinson's Real Deal 16:59 Meridian Weather 17:00 Britain's Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Meridian Tonight 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Pensioners Behind Bars 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Meridian Tonight and Weather 23:35 The River Wild

BRITAINS HIDDEN HOUSING CRISIS Britain is in the grip of a housing crisis never seen before. Every two and a half minutes someone in the UK is threatened with losing their home. This Panorama special reveals the impact of being evicted by following four stories over five months, including a businessman who loses his family home in the recession, a grandmother who has to stop working because of illness and ends up having her house repossessed, and an investment banker now sleeping rough in a park in Croydon.

00:05 Micky Flanagan's Out Out Tour 01:10 Abbey Road Studios: In Session 01:40 Mr Jack's Birthday 01:55 The Killers: London Live 02:20 Angel: Intro 02:35 Spotlight 02:50 Made in Chelsea 03:45 Suburgatory 04:05 Suburgatory 04:30 90210 05:10 Deal or No Deal 06:05 Countdown 06:50 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:55 Come Dine with Me 13:30 Channel 4 News 13:35 SuperScrimpers 14:05 The Bounty Hunter 15:40 Countdown 16:30 1001 Things You Should Know 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Jamie's 15 Minute Meals 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie's Vintage Home 22:00 Jamie & Jimmy's Food Fight Club 23:00 The 15-Stone Babies

01:05 Casino: The True Story 02:05 SuperCasino 04:55 Nick's Quest 05:20 HouseBusters 05:45 Great Scientists 06:10 Wildlife SOS 06:35 Michaela's Wild Challenge 07:00 Thomas & Friends 07:10 Igam Ogam 07:20 Fireman Sam 07:30 Jelly Jamm 07:45 Peppa Pig 07:50 Olive the Ostrich 07:55 Little Princess 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Milkshake! Monkey 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Build a New Life in the Country 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country - Was It Worth It? 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Shark 16:15 Annie Claus Is Coming to Town 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways 21:00 World's Strongest Man 22:00 Cowboy Builders 23:00 Constantine

Friday, December 7, 2012

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CHURCH SERVICES

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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, San Javier. Ladies meeting Thursdays 11am. Craft club, Tuesdays, 2pm. Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nationalities welcome. Call 966 799 273 or 660 127 276. Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact Pilar ChristianCommunity Church@gmail.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A

AIR CONDITIONING

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

AUCTIONS

ALARMS

CARS FOR SALE Call Professional Business Support now for your quick quote for car insurance. Excellent prices for expats, all policies available in English or German. We will call you back with a price. 966 923 963

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ITEMS FOR SALE Samsung flat screen TV 23 inch screen. Price 100€ like new. Cost 239€. Tel 616 252 753 (94)

MEDICAL Having problems with obtaining or using you SIP card? CASER Healthcare offers you a quick and affordable solution, using the best private hospitals in the area. All policies available in English. Call us now on 966 923 963, and we will call you back with your quote.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 2 or 3 bed / 2 bath apartments in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 300 pcm. Tel 966723437 or 636615716. (98) Ref. RS69 – Spacious towncentre apartment only a two minute walk from the beach and well known Marina International in Torrevieja centre. 2 large bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, fully furnished, 350 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref: 61, A lovely two bedroomed ground floor apartment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swimming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking distance. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. KBJ3 – Luxury duplex penthouse apartment located near the marina in Guardamar. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, amazing panoramic views, inc.parking and storage. 600 € pcm. 966 923 963

BLINDS

CARPENTER

pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. RS20 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment within private enclosed residential in San Luis, large terrace, 350 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref: 49, 2nd floor one bedroom apartment situated conveniently located in the town centre of Torrevieja, with a small sun balcony overlooking the lovely communal pool. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 CBR23 : Stylish new house in Los Montesinos, 3 bed 2 bath with large 65m2 garage, front and back terraces. 500 € pcm. 966 923 Ref 33, Ground floor spacious 2 bedroom apartment, located in Torre la Mata. Close to all amenities and beach. 3 month rental €300pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 104, 2 Bedroom apartment in Torrevieja, (near gypsy lane), small balcony, near all amenities and Friday market. €350pcm Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bedroom detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, supermarket, restaurants and bars. Short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

BARBER

BUILDER

AIRPORT COLLECTION

ALARMS

Ref. CBR21 – A rare chance to rent a frontline beach apartment in Torrevieja! Ground floor with large terrace, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, direct and full-on sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR20 – Spanish style 4th floor apartment right on the beach! 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lovely balcony to soak up the amazing sea views. 500 € pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR19 – 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in sought after area beachside Punta Prima, with communal pool and fully furnished, only 400 € pcm. 966 923 963 CBR22 : Modern 2 bed apartment only 500m from Los Locos Beach. Fully furnished, inc.storage room, 350€ pcm. 966 923 963 Ref. CBR3 – 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse located in Algorfa, communal pool, fully furnished, 300 €

CRAFTS

CAR HIRE

CLEANERS

Friday, December 7, 2012

Ref: 155, Luxurious Three Bedroom Villa With Private Pool, in Quesada Close to shops and restaurants within a five minute drive, and Guadamar Beach is within a ten minute drive. Short term rental €800PCM. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref 702: Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment, located near los Locos beach, beautifully furnished. Short term rentals from 175€ per week. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 El Chaparel/La Siesta Two bedroom apartment in a quiet gated urbanisation for rent €350 per month plus bills. Reference No 17 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 117, A Lovely 3 Bedroomed 1st floor apartment on the outskirts of Torrevieja (Mar Azul). The Apartment is in walking distance of the excellent

beaches and a good selection of restaurants, shops and bars. Long and short term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Monino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb communal pool area, in within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PROPERTY FOR SALE Comprehensive cover for house and contents with CASER Seguros - excellent prices for expats; policies available in English or German. Call 966 923 963 for a quote. Lovely Corner property in Novamar V, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Being sold fully furnished including appliances, Has secure underground parking and faces large oasis communal pool. Walking distance to beach. 139.000 Euros, Call 627 711 155 and quote Ref No. K10 Ground floor duplex, with splendid views. Quiet location in Gran Alacant. Immaculate condition. Price has just been reduced to 105.000 and includes everything. For viewing call 627 711 155 Ref. No K27 Rare opportunity to purchase on Mediterrania III, Gran Alacant. 2 bedrooms,

CAR MECHANICS

COINS

2 bathrooms, Private Parking, F/Furnished, Large communal pools & Tennis courts S/W facing, Dramatically reduced for quick sale to 126.000 euros. Ref No. K58 Call 627 711 155 for immediate viewing Ref: 521, €105,000. This comfortable bungalow is located in San Luis with a new roof and solarium tiles. It is close to supermarkets, bars, restaurants and is on the local bus route. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Don Pueblo, Gran Alacant. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Large Kitchen with Galleria, Secure underground parking, Gas Central Heating, Glazed in Porch, Solarium with stunning views. Viewings absolutely essential. Very large property at reduced price of 190.000 euros. Ref No. K38 Call 627 711 155 Opportunity to purchase at the off plan price of 195.000 euros. Large 4 Bed, 3 Bath Brand new property. Secure underground parking for 2 cars and communal pool. Situated opposite Gran Alacant and over looks projected golf course. Ref No. K52. 627 711 155 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground floor duplex. Central heating, Grills, Fully furnished, Glazed in Galleria, 2 communal pools, private parking and walking distance to the Gran Alacant commercial centre. Situated in the popular urbanisation of Puerto Marino. Now only 96,500 euros for quick sale Ref No. K46. 627 711 155 Immaculate ground floor Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, Private Parking, Situated in Novamar, Gran Alacant. Price includes very tasteful furniture and white goods. Walking distance to all local

DAMP PROOFING

amenities and beach. Now only 129,750 euros. Ref No K24. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant Detached villa, located in a very sought after location.Situated on a 560m2 S/W facing plot and constructed in 2005. Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 full baths), Lounge-Diner, fully equipped Kitchen, Porch and Solarium with Alicante & Sea Views. ref.L81. €258,000 neg. Tel. 680333242 Ref 533: Lovely 2 bedroom Townhouse located in the popular area of Punta Prima, the property has a large lounge and fully equipped kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, one with balcony, bathroom with double shower. €126,000 Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant Town House with a difference. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Glazed in Porch, Quiet Location, Extra storage areas, and South Facing Private Pool as well as 2 communal pools. Fully Furnished, All mod cons. Greenland Views and all local amenities close by. Ref. No L79. 179.000 euros 680 333 242 Top floor Duplex. Very good price of 108.000 euros for a quick sale. Furnished to a very high standard, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Lounge Diner, Glazed in Porch, Large Roof Top Solarium. Choice of Communal Pools, Private Parking. Walking distance to all amenities and on the First urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant. Viewing essential. Ref No. K44. Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant immaculate villa, 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed property maintained to a very high standard inside and out and the interior furnishings are top quality, offering a feeling of luxury and good taste. The plot size is 400m2 and has been beautifully tiles, and graveled and has established palms and plants. Oil fired central heating throughout, log effect fire place, ceiling fans in all rooms, towel heater rails, glazed in shower units, instant hot water, water purifier, free English TV, phone & internet lines, fitted double hanging wardrobes, safe, glazed in front porch, vanity units and

much more. The pool is an 8 X 4 m2 salt water pool, meaning maintenance is much easier plus outside toilet and shower. Sea views to front with Greenland views to the rear. ref K51. €245,000 Tel 680333242 Balsares is opposite Gran Alacant where the proposed golf course is now being started so this property will virtually be on the golf course, it is an investment not to be missed. The property is on a small gated urbanisation of 18 houses with private underground parking for 2 cars and direct access to the house, communal pool and toilets/changing rooms etc. The house is brand new and consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge with working fire place, large kitchen 12 m2, large galleria/ utility room, bedroom balcony and front tiled terrace. This property also has a converted under build for an extra lounge or bedroom. ref K52 €198,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 516, €39,999. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 510, €70,000. Bungalow located in San Luis. It is close to the supermarkets, bars and restaurants and is on the local bus route. An Opel Corsa car is included in this sale. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: KP3100, €183,000. Three bedroom, two bathroom detached villa, located in San Luis, on a 450sqm plot, with communal pool. Garage to side of house. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off-road parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool nearby. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea. Short or long term rental available. Call: 965 707 188 or 626

397 397 Gran Alacant Opportunity to purchase a beautiful 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed,large kitchen, detached property with rooftop solarium. Well established gardens and drive way for 2 cars, whilst also overlooking the projected 18 hole golf course. Comprising of fitted wardrobes, utility room, air con H/C, alarm system, electric wall heaters, intercom system, fireplace, ceilings fans, 8x7 gazebo, use of 2 large communal pools, immaculate condition with many extras. ref K12. €180,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant bargain, detached villa with pool on 400m2 plot. Briefly comprising of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Lounge Diner, independent kitchen, solarium with views, well maintained gardens. Quiet location yet within walking distance of all amenities. Top quality furniture and appliances included in the price. Extras include, mosquito nets, grills, toldos blinds, built in wardrobes, gas fire, electric heating, ceiling fans, English & Spanish TV, tastefully tiled & graveled garden with irrigation system. ref K43. €229,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts. Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242

INTERIOR DESIGN

DRAINAGE ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

HOUSE CLEARANCE

Friday, December 7, 2012

Gran Alacant, Large detached villa with beautiful gardens set on 550m2 plot, built in BBQ area and large 10x6 pool.Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Lounge Diner with fire place, Independent Kitchen, air con H/C, Solarium, front porch, converted under build with 3 extra rooms, private covered parking, irrigated gardens, close distance to beach and amenities. Ref. K18 €250,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Gem! Fabulous detached Villa, with Alicante sea views to the front and wood land views to the rear, means this immaculate villa is very private and un-overlooked. Comprising of 2 large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bath, large fully equipped kitchen,glazed porch sitting area, solarium, Attractive Pool with cover, well maintained Gardens. Central Heating, Air Con, Ceiling fans, Private Parking, Alarm system, Decorative working Fire Place complete with electric Fire. Outdoor workshop/storage area, Quality Pergola & BBQ. Constructed in 2006, on plot size of 380m2 and being sold fully furnished including

LOCKSMITH

white goods. ref L80. €234,995 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Ground floor south west facing apartment in Puerto Marino close to G.A commercial centre, comprising of 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area and large tiled front garden, The property is being sold fully furnished and includes all kitchen appliances, H & C Air con is fitted as well as sky TV. The apartment enjoys the use of 2 large communal pools and has private parking in an enclosed electronically gated car park. Competitively priced for a quick sale. Ref. K40 €91,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Gran Alacant, this mid terraced Puerto marino townhouse has been priced low purely for a quick sale. Briefly comprising of: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge-Diner, Independent Kitchen with Galleria, Porch area, Front tiled garden, Private gated Parking & the use of 2 large communal pools Ref. K22 €123,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, corner property in Don Pueblo with no expense spared, comprising of 3 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 decoratively tiled bathrooms, very

large independent kitchen with galleria. Included in the price are all kitchen appliances such as large fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave to name just a few. There is a huge lounge complete with chimney, plus large fully transformed under build,and small workshop. Front and rear private garden area, secure underground garage, tennis courts, football pitch and communal pools. Ref. K14 €209,00 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the "Alto" part of Gran Alacant, this 3 bedroomed, 4th floor apartment, offers luxury accommodation, with absolutely stunning sea views, as well as views of Alicante bay and the famous Santa Barbara Castle.The apartment is 89 square meters with open plan kitchen / living room and includes all electrical appliances & furniture also there is a utility room, open terrace, and private parking. The urbanisation also offers many communal pools, tennis courts, restaurants and bars. Ref. K20 €109,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant large detached villa with 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge-diner, fully equipped kitchen, large porch, roof top

solarium, 400 m2 Plot, with established low maintenance very private gardens with irrigation system, electronic gates, private parking, outside wc, sink & shower, terraces, air con ( h & c ), mosquito nets, grills, alarmed, large spa pool with separate Jacuzzi section. Within easy walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and close to local bus and tram route. Ref K33. €260,000 neg Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Rare investment!! corner south facing opportunity on Novamar urbanisation.This immaculate ground floor duplex has been kept and maintained to a very high standard inside and out the position is fantastic, enjoys views over the lovely oasis communal pool, surrounded by lawned gardens. Comprising of plot size 100m2 Build Size

PAVING

KITCHENS

PETS

PERSONAL TRAINER

90m2, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, AntiGlare Windows, Security Door, Security Grills, Built-in Wardrobes, Extra Storage, Galleria, Electric Panel Heaters, Heated Towel Rails, Air Con (h&c), Ceiling. Fans. Thermo Shower, Vanity Units and decoratively tiled throughout, exquisite garden, Underground private parking. Ref.K10 €139,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, detached villa in desirable road close to all amenities, comprising of 3 double bedrooms, 3 baths, lounge diner with working fire place, brand new kitchen with all appliances and black granite work tops, private pool, plot of 550m2, established irrigated gardens and fruit trees, private parking, solarium, also there is a converted under build giving more bedrooms ,bathroom & kitchen, this house has many extras and is being sold fully furnished. Ref.k47. €280,000 neg Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant south-facing, very private villa, with woodland and Alicante views. Situated at the end of a small cul-de-sac which means this villa enjoys a very peaceful location.3 Bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 3 Bathrooms, lounge-diner with working fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with including white goods, large front porch, solarium,workshop and storage in under build, central heating, air con H/C, ceiling fans, grills, UK T.V, off road parking and plenty of outside parking also. Due to its orientation of this property

PLASTERER

KENNELS

PLUMBERS

MASSAGE

POOL TABLES

enjoys full sun, all day, something very important in the winter months. Ref.K24. €237,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant detached villa with converted under build and pool. Comprising of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Lounge- Diner, Front Porch, Large Solarium, decoratively tiled, Irrigated Garden. BBQ and Log Storage Cupboard. Raised walls for Privacy. Also many extras, toldos blinds, freshly decorated interior, Grills, Mosquito Nets, Air Con H/C, Ceiling Fans, Log Burner Fire, Electric Radiators, Heated Towel Rails, Alarmed, Phone Line, Satellite UK TV, private parking. Plot size 310m2 under build 100m2. price includes all furniture.The under build consists of 2 beds, lounge, kit/utility room. ref L79. €250,000 Tel. 680333242 Gran Alacant immaculate outstanding south facing villa in sought after road. Set on a 350m2 plot with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths,large porch, solarium and terraces. The large under build includes a lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom and patio doors leading to pool area. Internal & external access for under build. Extras include electric radiators, air con H/C, ceiling fans, gas fire, heated towel rails, extended walk-in shower, fitted wardrobes. Decorative tiling inside and out. Panoramic views towards Alicante Bay, Sky TV, phone line and Internet & Private parking, established gardens, water features and fruit trees. Being sold with exquisite furniture

Friday, December 7, 2012 and all white goods. Immaculate finishes and decor. ref L84. €278,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant South facing attractive corner house Situated in the sought after urbanization of Monte Faro, this secure gated urbanization offers a stunning oasis pool, with mountain views, tennis courts and football courts. Consisting of 3 double beds with balconies, 2 bathrooms, kitchen leading onto court yard which can easily be converted into an extra room, lounge diner with working fireplace, front garden with private parking for 2 cars. Being sold fully furnishes with white goods, built in 2006 so immaculate condition hardly lived in. Ref K48 €168,000 priced for quick sale Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant limited edition villa, not very often available on the market. Only a few of this type were ever constructed- Very large 5 bedrooms, 4 bathroom(2 ensuit) property, situated on a

large corner plot with a 10 x 5 private pool and private parking. Lounge-diner with working fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with utility room. Large landing area, leading onto solarium, with extra storage external room. Front porch area leading into large well established gardens with irrigation system and fruit trees. Being sold fully furnished. Within walking distance to Gran Alacant commercial centre and 5 minute drive to Carabassi beaches. ref. K11. €270,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated on the very first urbanisation as you enter Gran Alacant, this 2nd floor duplex offers taste and quality. Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge-diner, independent kitchen, full roof-top solarium with superb views and recently glazed in porch offering extra living area as well as extra privacy as the glass is mirrored. Ref.K44 €108,000 Tel 680333242

REMOVALS

Gran Alacant beautiful detached villa with very large pool and within walking distance to the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre. This villa comprised of 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, lounge-diner, Independent kitchen, roof top storage, solarium, porch & terrace. Large private pool, BBQ area, established gardens and private terraces, Private Parking, Solarium with Views to Alicante. 450m2 plot, fully furnished including white goods. Located in very quiet desirable road. ref.L96. €255,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant Limited edition bungalow. Only six of this type available in Gran Alacant. Constructed in 2003 and immaculately maintained on a large plot size of 500m2 with a 10 x 5 pool.Comprising of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge-diner leading out onto front porch, independent kitchen including white goods, outside galleria, court yard, large garage with electric door, roof top solarium and private parking. Also built in wardrobes, Toldos blinds, air con H/C, security grills, alarm, security doors, bathrooms heaters, outside toilet, outdoor lighting, irrigation system, attractive and well kept gardens, beautifully tiled inside and out, fire place, English TV, phone line. Being sold with top quality furniture. ref L95. €275,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant villa located in a very quiet area , situated at the end of a cul-de-sac means there is no through

traffic.3 bed, 3 bath, 330m2 plot, established large gardens, working fireplace, solar panel for hot water,private parking, south facing great views, fully furnished, fantastic opportunity. ref. L85. €215,000 Tel 680333242 Gran Alacant, Situated in the central area of Gran Alacant and within walking distance to all local amenities such as a selection of different cuisine restaurants, bars, pharmacies, banks, popular GA market and Carabassi Beach. Comprises of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a private garage and roof-top solarium. This property is part of a small urbanization which has the use of a large decorative communal pool. Ref. K36 €149,000 Tel 680333242 Ref: 513, €115,000. Two

STORAGE

SKY TV INSTALLATION

ROLLER BLINDS

RECYCLING CLOTHES

bedroom ground floor apartment, in Aguas Nuevas, close to all amenities including the beach. It has a good size lounge, kitchen and has off road parking facilities. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Beach front Line property, over looks Carabassi Beach, Gran Alacant. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Secure Underground Parking, Fully furnished, Roof Top Solarium. 3 Large Communal Pools, Fantastic communal Gardens, Tennis Courts and much more. 125.000 Euros Ref No. K23. Tel. 627 711 155 Gran Alacant, Situated front line to the famous blue flag beaches of Carabassi, the real beauty of this property is its proximity to the beach, but also on offer is a fantastic communal pool situated in beautifully kept gardens with little Spanish walk ways.Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner, American style kitchen including all appliances, roof top solarium with stunning views, front porch area with front garden and a secure underground garage. fully furnished Ref. K23 €125,000 rare opportunity Tel 680333242 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge,

glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

QUIZZES Experienced quizmaster/question setter with personality available to host quiz nights in local bars. Tel:- 664 838 581

SOLICITORS Need English speaking solicitors in Torrevieja? Let us help to solve your problems with debt recovery, divorce, property, fraud, criminal defence. 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, 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 Tel no 966 921 846 Torrevieja (90)

WANTED

Friday, December 7, 2012

Greenside Gossip IVIE DAVIES takes a weekly look at the golf scene - golfdavies@gmail.com

OVER the past few weeks, European golfers have taken all the honours. Rory McIlroy (pictured below) secured top spot in the Race to Dubai after winning the DP World Tour Championship, Martin Kaymer won the Nedbank Trophy in South Africa and the same weekend Graeme McDowell triumphed in the Tiger Woods World Challenge. In the week of the lucrative and high-profile finish to its season, a wider debate over the European Tour's status rumbles on. The desire of European players to seek fortunes in the United States is nothing new but now seems more apparent, and potentially more damaging. When José María Olazábal's Ryder Cup team flew to Chicago in September, the plane included only three players. Since then one of them, Nicolas Colsaerts, has become the latest golfer to take up membership on the PGA Tour. The scenario has prompted one of the world's top

GONE WEST! European Tour fears over 'talent drain' to States

European Tour's chief executive, must be concerned, Lee Westwood could have gone home to Worksop from Dubai and conceivably not hit a golf shot for goodness knows how long because of the weather. Lee explained that he wants to win a major; he can live in Florida with his own practice range within walking distance, which he can use whenever he wants because of the climate. E v e n Ryder Cup success does not fully

players, Luke Donald, to speak of a "talent drain" on the European Tour. Such sentiment is understandable; Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose are among those who have set up home in the United States. The top 25 ranked players in the world are now PGA Tour members. George O'Grady, the

TITTER ON THE TEE THREE elderly golfers are having their weekly round when the 65 year-old says: “Well, life sure gets tough when you get on in years.” The 70 year-old says: “What do you mean?” The younger man says: “Well, every day I wake up at 5am and want a pee and no matter how I try I can’t go”. The 70 year-old finishes his putt and says: “You should worry - every day I wake up at the same time and want big jobs, and no matter how long I sit and strain I still can’t go, even medicine doesn’t work.” The oldest of the group, an 80 year-old who had been quietly listening, says: “You’re both lucky, every day I pee at 5 o’clock and do big jobs at 5.05.” ‘’So what’s so bad about that?’’ echo the other two. The older man says: “I don’t wake up till 7.”

BRADLEY DREDGE: He is considering quitting after losing his Euro Tour place

resonate at the highest level. With one of golf’s best countries, Spain, turning away European Tour events and the phone not ringing off the hook with people wanting to sponsor tournaments, it does not bode well to attract the top European players.. European Tour figures confirm that the lure of America has always coaxed away this continent's best players. It is also the case that the majority of them retain dual tour membership and will make appearances in Europe's biggest events - the Dubai World Championship included. There is must be a concern about the diminishing value – and quality of field – in smaller competitions. Money is an obvious explanation. The young

Scottish-born Russell Knox has not retained his PGA card but still earned $512,000 (£322,000) in 2012. Across the Atlantic, even failure carries heavy rewards. The European Tour has been damaged by the loss of tournaments, notably in Spain, because of economic circumstances. With that in mind, the addition of an event in Turkey this year and for the next three years proved to be a timely boost, The European Tour has to work very hard to get some huge commercial successes. If you look at the Scottish Open, Barclays pulled out of a very lucrative deal. We had some very strong work from the first minister in Scotland and then managed to get another deal in place. There isn't much recession in Eastern Europe. We are seeing courses being

built in Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland. The Tour had to find a 2018 Ryder Cup venue, which is in France, the Race to Dubai has been extended for another three years. British television contracts have been negotiated for another six years. But it would appear that is not enough to keep the top echelon of players here or attract others from the US. Nonetheless Chubby Chandler, one of golf's leading agents, believes European schedules need to be modified. "The trouble is the would-be Lee Westwoods and Luke Donalds aren't getting a chance to play just now because the tournaments are fragmented,’’ he says.

So you also have to give the good players opportunities to play for proper money in Europe. I would go to the players and ask them to nominate a week where they will all play. You can go to sponsors with a commitment from 19 of the top 25 Europeans all to play in one week. It needs some creativity and thought. Companies right now aren't stupid, they know what they can get for £2-3m. For £3m you could have a top European Tour event or the shirt sponsorship of teams five, six, and seven in the Premier League. What's going to get you more coverage? Rory McIlroy at least offered positive sentiment. He said, "I don't think anyone is going to neglect the European Tour." Let’s face it, it gave him a lot of opportunities coming through which is something he’ll never forget. He pledged his loyalty as a European Tour member. But three of the four majors are played the US, so the best players have to go over there and play a bit; it makes sense. When there are opportunities to play in the States, it's hard for guys to pass them up. Increasingly so, it would seem. At the other end of the scale is Bradley Dredge, who has a house on La Finca Golf. and is considering quitting golf after losing his automatic place on next year's European Tour and missing out at Qualifying School last week. The Welshman, 39, missed the cut at the Hong Kong Open in November and can no longer finish high enough up the rankings to avoid qualifying school. It was his 12th cut he has missed this year. He said: "Do I just retire and pack the clubs to the side? I don't know.’’

KNOW YOUR RULES QUESTION: If you’re putting from off the green and there is a sprinkler head in your line, do you get relief from the sprinkler? A. No relief B. Yes, but with one penalty shot, one club length no nearer the hole. C. Yes, one club length no nearer the hole and no penalty. Answer. A. No. The rule in question is Rule 24-2. Immovable Obstruction. If your ball was on top of the sprinkler head, you could move it. If it was resting up against the sprinkler head, you could move it. If the sprinkler head affected your swing or prevented you from taking your normal stance you could move your ball under this rule. In other words, in order to take relief because of interference with the line of your putt, your ball must be on the green. In my example the ball is off the green. Therefore, you cannot move the ball. Your options are to go ahead and putt across the sprinkler head, or chip the ball over the obstruction and onto the green.

Friday, December 7, 2012

GREATEST OF THEM ALL YEARS ago, when Pontius was a pilot, I became glued to a BBC series called ‘The Richest Prize in Sport’, about the heavyweight championship of the world. The programme went right back to the days of the first champion, Jack Johnson, 100 years ago now. It hooked me and in the ‘60s my Dad took me to the famous Ice Stadium in Nottingham to see the top fights of the day. I saw the great Henry Cooper beat the pride of Wales, Joe Erskine, to retain his British, Empire and Commonwealth titles. My real hero though, Cooper apart, was the one and only Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Clay, in 1960 he won a gold medal for America at the Rome Olympics, but soon came to world-wide fame as the ‘Louisville Lip’ (loudly) talked himself up, literally to the top. On the way he

IT’S A KNOCKOUT: Muhammad Ali stands over beaten George Foreman

fought Cooper in 1964, and when our ‘Enery hit Clay in the fourth round, right on the point of the jaw with his Sunday punch left hook, down he went like a ton of bricks. The bell sounded, Clay was dragged back to the corner, where he recovered after a stage-managed stoppage, going on to stop Cooper in the fifth with bad cuts that always plagued

the Englishman’s career. Clay went successfully and noisily on to fight the following year for the world heavyweight title against the champion: the mean, moody, mountainous ex-con Sonny Liston. Hardly anyone gave the bragging upstart a chance, but win he did in a flamboyant new style, and the world sat up to take notice.

Unbeaten in the ring, Clay became a Muslim, changed his name to Muhammad Ali, refused to be drafted into the army, was stripped of his titles and banned for three years. Back he came in 1970 and had some epic battles with amongst others, ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Some say the Frazier fights were the best Ali ever had: I disagree.

I had spotted another young, black American boxer winning the Olympic title in 1968. This young man’s physique was awesome, with thighs like tree trunks spreading up to a huge, powerful set of shoulders. He looked unstoppable in the ring. While Ali was winning, and losing terrific title challenges with Frazier, George Foreman was moving slowly up the ranks, steadily putting away all who stood before him. I really feared for Ali, and hoped he would retire before the formidable Foreman came of age. No chance! In 1973, undefeated Foreman knocked out then champion Frazier in two rounds to win the title. Inevitably in 1974 the showdown with Ali was arranged in Zaire, known forever as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. I, for one, never gave Ali a prayer, and feared for his safety. I was blearily driving

my car to work early the next morning when the news came on ‘…and in the early hours of the morning Muhammad Ali regained the world heavyweight boxing championship, knocking out the champion George Foreman in the fifth round… What? Ali knocked Foreman out? How? Later on TV I watched disbelievingly as Ali’s plan worked like a dream. He let the awesome Foreman punch himself out, riding and rolling the sledgehammer punches from the ropes, until by the fifth Foreman looked exhausted and baffled. From somewhere, after taking the kind of ferocious barrage that had destroyed everyone previously, back came the amazing Ali to knock out the champion – unbelievable, and to me undoubtedly the greatest victory I have ever seen - to prove to me, forever, that Muhammad Ali was undisputedly ‘The Greatest!’

Last-gasp agony for Saints Every Day’s a Sporting de San Fulgencio 1 CD Dolores 1

A last-minute free-kick broke San Fulgencio hearts in a fiery affair at El Nuevo Estadio Cañaveral, writes JORDAN LUCAS. Braulio had given the hosts the lead in the first half after going close to scoring minutes earlier. The breakthrough came when Marco Aurelio’s probing through ball found his strike partner inside the area - and he set himself up perfectly before smashing the ball home.

As the visitors’ quest for an equaliser intensified, San Fulgencio’s Jose Bonmati received his marching orders for a second bookable offence - and it proved costly. Aaron Lopez was harshly penalised for a foul on the edge of the area and the resulting free-kick was stunningly guided into the top corner, leaving Manuel Llopis with no chance. This Sunday, San Fulgencio entertain FB Redovan CF, kick-off 12 noon.

Smiles better, Monte! AFTER two winless games, Montesinos got among the goals again – but also missed a hatful of chances. As it was, it wasn’t until two minutes into the second half that they opened the score with an Andres penalty after Edu was

Atletico Benejuzar 1 CD Montesinos 4 brought down. The lead lasted just two minutes Benejuzar drawing level following a quick free kick. Another minute later, a corner at the other end saw unsung hero Rubio head home at the far post to restore the lead.

Further goals from Edu after 78 and 85 minutes kept Montesinos in third place. On Sunday, CD Montesinos are at home against Orihuela Costa (4pm). For additional information, visit

www.cdmontesinos.com A few tickets are still available for the supporters club Christmas lunch at El Huertano Restaurant next Thursday, December 13. Please contact Roger or Pauline Waller via email at rptorrevieja @hotmail.com

TORRY BACK A CERT WINNER! FC Torrevieja is delighted to announce Milton Express as an important new sponsor of the club. Milton Express, who have offices in nearby La Zenia, promote Winning Express, a home-based business opportunity specialising in creating tax free returns from the online betting industry. The Winning Express name will adorn the back of the club shirts and the company will have boards at the ground heralding their sponsorship of the team whom they hope to help progress up the league ladder. They will offer their services to fans who would be interested in seeing higher returns on their money and Milton Express chairman John Murray says: “I’m delighted to be associated with FC Torrevieja, and I’m certain this can be a mutually beneficial partnership.”

FC Torrevieja welcomes this timely involvement with the club, as they knuckle down to the tough task of fighting for promotion. The club also stands to benefit when new clients are established through club referrals, thus making everyone a winner! One high profile member of Winning Express is Steve Claridge, one of the very few footballers to rack up over 1,000 professional appearances and now a highly regarded TV and radio pundit. Media commitments permitting, Steve intends to attend a game early in the new year. For more information contact Jeff Scott on jeff53ref@yahoo.co.uk or at the matches; alternatively speak directly to Denise at the office on 965 994 815 or email her on denise@milton-express.com.

Football Day December

8th 1962 Bolton lost 3-2 at Arsenal. Wanderers hardly have a chance to bounce back as their next game is not played until 16th February 1963 as the ‘big freeze’ takes its toll. 9th 1978 Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, ending Forest’s 42 match unbeaten league run which spanned one year and 13 days. 10th 1892 Sheffield United become the only away team to reach double figures in an English League match as they win 0-10 against Burslem Port Vale. One of the reasons for the high score was that the Burslem keeper lost his glasses in the mud around the goalmouth! 11th 1995 Norwegian agent Rune Hauge is suspended indefinitely from football by FIFA. 12th 1891 With Burnley leading Blackburn 3-0, a mass brawl led to a man from each side being sent off. However, Rovers claimed that Burnley instigated the incident and the whole team with the exception of their goalkeeper, Herbert Walker, walked off in protest. The match restarted with Rovers playing with one man and Burnley scored a fourth, Blackburn bizarrely claiming offside! The ref then decided to abandon the game and the league decided the result should stand. 13th 1954 Wolves beat Honved of Hungary to become unofficial Champions of the World. 14th 1993 FIFA president Joao Havalange attempts to exclude Pele from the upcoming World Cup draw as the President of the Brazilian federation, Ricado Teixera is suing Pele for default. Teixera just happens to be Havalange’s son in law. Clearly, there is something about being the head honcho of FIFA... 15th 1930 Billy, the legendary white horse who helped clear crowds from the Wembley pitch prior to the 1923 FA Cup final, dies aged 30. Compiled by STUART EVANS

Friday, November 30, 2012

IT’S IN THE BRAG!

A leading question: which Manc Euro flop will be Sunday best? IT’S Super Sunday in mighty Mancunia as table-topping United and City meet at the Etihad for t’local bragging rights. With City’s pathetic Euro departure, not even making the also-rans Europa League, the pressure is all on the Blues and losing is not an option - it would put them a huge six points behind their rivals (shh, but United also lost 1 – 0 in midweek to Cluj of Romania). Not so last weekend, though. You can just imagine the row in the Reading dressing room at half-time in the topsy-turvy game against United where the lead changed hands three times. The poor strikers moaning at the defenders that as soon as they score to go ahead, the defence promptly let in two more. They then come back to lead again, only to be pegged back by another two! Reading one up early doors, United back with two in three minutes, the Royals storm back with two more to lead 3 – 2, only for Wayne Rooney to weigh in with his second, and then Robin van Persie to wrap it all up for United at 4 -3.

John McGregor reports

All done with 11 minutes to go before half-time! It stayed like that for United to be crowned the comeback kids of the season so far, once again coming from behind to win – and now clear by three points. Neighbours Manchester City couldn’t do their usual trick, the late-late show, against Everton, whose big man Marouanne Fellaini featured in everything again. After scoring his eighth of the season to put the Toffees ahead, the big Belgian then fouled Edin Dzecko from a corner and Carlos Tevez slotted in the penalty equaliser. Later Tevez and Dzecko were subbed, the usual suspects replacing them, but the crowd showed they didn’t like the popular Argentinian’s removal. ‘I hadda my reasons…’ muttered Roberto Mancini when quizzed about it afterwards. ‘Ey, butta, Roberto…they dida nota worka…’ Everton host Spurs on Sunday. In a rip-roaring London derby at Upton Park, despite taking an early lead with a terrific Juan Mata goal and dominating the first half, Chelsea were sunk second half by a stunning salvo from West Ham. Samsammers let go with goals from a rejuvenated Carlton Cole, Muhammed Diame and in the final minute from Modipa Maiga. Big Sam Allardyce were well-chooffed as that was the Eastenders’ first win over the Westenders for ten

years. Chelsea cheerers cheerfully presented their ‘push-off, Rafa’ placards along to rag the recent replacement. A Strictly-type ’TEN!’ was the MOTD entertainment verdict - providing you weren’t from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea haven’t won in their last four and are now ten points behind the leaders, equal third with neighbours Spurs and West Brom: but the Baggies lost the Midlands derby 1 – 0 to Stoke, spirited Spurs foiling Fulham 3 – 0 in the other London derby. Prodigal man-in-the-middle Mark Clattenburg was back to arbitrate as Arsenal were assailed 2 - 0 by surging Swansea, that man Miguel Michu managing both magnificently. Hey Gooners - is our Arsene Wengering about again? Got West Brom Saturday! Down at the bottom, Quite-Possibly-Reviving of Loftus Road drew 1 – 1 with Aston Villa, where Darren Bent at least made the bench. On QPR’s bench did you notice Joe Jordan next to Harry Redknapp? Any room for Kevin Bond, Clive Allen, Ray Clemence, UT Cobley… hey, instead a few new (good) players wouldn’t go amiss! Need a first win, ‘Arry…… In La Liga the Madrid derby ended Real beating Atletico which suited Barcelona, who beat Bilbao 5 – 1 to climb six points above Atletico and 11 over Real. Our Elche did it again on Sunday night, 1 – 0 victors versus Villarreal to stay top by four over Almeria.