The weekender issue 21 marina baixa benidorm

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ISSUE 021 Friday 17th November www.Weekender.News IssueB #154

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CYBER ATTACK

By Jack Troughton

THE fires of the independence crisis in Catalonia were deliberately stoked by Russia in a deliberate campaign to destabilise Spain, claim western leaders and defence chiefs.

Social media networks were

flooded with millions of fake messages in the run in to and after the controversial 1st October referendum in the region – declared illegal by Madrid.

And the West maintains it has proof the official Russian news outlets and unofficial sites have launched a propaganda campaign

against Spain. After the Cold War and Star Wars, welcome to Cyber Wars – tactics said to have been recently employed in events such as the USA’s presidential election, the Brexit vote, the Ukraine border war, and against the European Union.

Continued page 2

See Page 6

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Catalonia is Target

By Jack Troughton

Continuation from front page...

NATO believes Moscow is involved in a deliberate strategy of hi-tech information warfare; using disinformation – so-called ‘fake news’ – to spread disharmony and attempt to divide western allies and break the painful economic sanctions imposed on Russia following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Spain has taken over running Catalonia after imposing constitutional laws; fresh elections have been called for 21st December; however, the region declared independence following the referendum claiming it had a mandate when 92% of the ballot from a 43% turnout voted to breakaway.

Many opposing independence did not vote because they refused to recognise it as a legal process and the Spanish government responded by dissolving the parliament in Barcelona.

Sacked President Carles Puigdemont and four colleagues went into self-imposed exile in Belgium, allies in Spain face

prosecution for rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Catalonia’s separatist leaders deny Russian interference helped their cause but Spain maintains it has evidence Twitter, Facebook and other internet sites were used to massively plug the independence movement; even using fake images of violence being used against supporters.

“What we know today is that much of this came from Russian territory,” said Spain’s Defence Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal.

“These are groups that, public and private, are trying to influence the situation and create instability in Europe.”

Government colleague, Defence Minister Alfonso Dastis added false accounts were traced back to Russia and Venezuela; created to amplify the benefits of independence for Catalonia. “We have proof.”

And in Brussels, MEP Victor Bostinaru – vice chairman of the Social Democratic group in the European Parliament – said he had evidence of cyber-meddling and Catalonia was “another case of perverse interference” by Russian-

backed media organisations.

He said: “We must not be naive; behind those words and those slogans favourable to the independence movement, there are hidden intentions.”

One of the UK’s cyber-defence chiefs, Ciaran Martin believes Russia was “seeking to undermine the international system” aimed at “eroding” established order.

Chief executive of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, he said: “International order as we know it is in danger of being eroded.

This is clearly a cause for concern and we are actively engaging with international partners, industry and civil society to tackle this threat.”

Spanish daily newspaper El Pais said scientists had discovered two media organisations linked to the Kremlin – RT and Sputnik – made use of social media accounts spread from Russia, sometimes using Venuezuela and ‘chavista’ accounts.

It used research from the George Washington University in the United States which examined more than 5 million messages and warned of a “serious crisis and economic reputation in Spain and the EU.”

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

SEVEN DAY WEEKENDER SERVICES of Remembrance were held along the Costa Blanca last weekend and one of those special occasions when there is a subtle air of pride about being British and putting on a good show.

with a full range of goodies linked to the annual campaign. Weekender photographers were a little disappointed after failing to spot anyone wearing the new Poppy Onesie!

Thanks to the glorious weather, the scarlet of the iconic poppies and the colours of the standards of the Royal British Legion and Armed Forces associations were unmissable in the sunshine. Once again a truly emotional occasion on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The Great Game once described the ducking and diving in the world of ‘fake news’ in India, the days of the British Raj and the Empire and the Machiavellian mischief of Russia attempting to upset the apple cart of the jewel in the crown.

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The Queen made headlines by not laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in London; apparently, only the fourth time this has happened during her reign – the others because of foreign trips or pregnancy.

These days it involves social media and the spreading of propaganda radiating out of the Kremlin. Spain is the latest Western democracy to be hit; this time the target was the Catalonia crisis.

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However, while Prince Charles took over the duty, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh still managed to look splendidly regal on a balcony overlooking the action, including the parade of veterans; always a moving sight. Nothing wrong with a little pomp and circumstance.

Experts have found that fake footage of US warplanes in action – and allegedly bombing allies in Syria - was actually ripped from a video game…now I understand why the ghosts in Pac Man instinctively knew my every move; those spooks in the East were watching.

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Now it is a matter of waiting to hear of how much was raised during the Poppy Appeal – cash donated in Spain is spent on welfare here. The Legion now has a Poppy Shop open all year in the UK (and online)

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Ask the ambassador

By Jack Troughton

BRITISH Ambassador Simon Manley will be speaking at Elche’s University Miguel Hernandez on Tuesday 21st November, at a meeting organised by Brexpats in Spain.

The meeting will include a ‘question and answer’ session with the diplomat and Mr Manley

will aim to shed light on the latest Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

He will be joined by British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris, who will also take questions, and members of the provincial Alicante government.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event and there is no need to register beforehand. Doors open at 10am and the meeting will begin at 10.30am.

The latest information on the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU is always available at the dedicated Gov UK webpage http://bit. ly/4BritsinEU. A map with directions to the Universidad Miguel Hernandez, in Edificio Altet is available at the link: http://bit. ly/2xNtcQt.

Suicide failure of baby killer

By Simon Russell

A 28-year-old Rumanian man is under arrest after he slit the throat of his baby and then attempted to kill himself.

The incident occurred in the Valencian town of Alzira last weekend when police were alerted after a wounded man was seen on a car bonnet by a passer -by.

Local Police were not aware of the presence of the baby until they entered the man’s apartment and found the two year olds lifeless body on a bed. It seems the man had killed his daughter and then tried to commit suicide by jumping from a second floor window; however the parked car cushioned his fall and he suffered only minor injuries.

The man’s wife, the mother of the child, was at work at the time and when she found out what had happened went into shock and had to be hospitalised.

The couple were registered

legally in Alzira and neighbours said they had caused no trouble before. National Police have now taken over the investigation while Monday was declared a day of mourning in the town.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

5

Sweet results

By Simon Russell

CHOCOLATES Valor, which was founded in 1881 in Villajoyosa and still has its HQ there, saw its profits increase once again in their last financial year. The trading period from July 2016 to June 2017 saw them

selling 117 million euros worth of produce, an increase of 3% while netting a profit of just under 8 million euros.

They are the market leader in chocolate bars, with one in every five tablet bars sold in Spain coming from Valor.

Dark chocolate sales have also risen by 10% and

sugar free alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. Valor targets itself as an adult chocolate brand, with high cocoa content meaning a dark, slightly bitter chocolate which is becoming increasingly popular and is even said to have some health benefits.

One for the birds Weighty problem for smugglers

By Simon Russell

PLANS have been agreed to help the recovery of certain endangered species of native birds in the Valencian Community.

The marsh harrier and marbles teal both depend on wetland or marshy environments of which there are several across the community.

The measures used are primarily restoring these environments, conserving the existing areas, monitoring known breeding pairs as well as research and education. The initial goal is to move the birds from their current “endangered”

status to that of “vulnerable”. Areas where the creatures are found include the PegoOliva marshes, the Santa Pola Salines and Valencia’s L’Albufera lakes and wetlands.

By Simon Russell

TWO people have been arrested after 15 kilos of cocaine was discovered by authorities in a dumbbell being shipped into Alicante-Elche airport.

The package had originated in Chile and, according to police sources had been first noticed by customs officials at a flight stopover in Bremen. However, rather than confiscate the package the German

authorities notified their counterparts in Alicante of their suspicions, who were then able to detain the man and woman who came to pick up the weights.

A full inspection at the airport confirmed the dumbbell was packed with cocaine which had an estimated street value of €800,000.

It is believed that the drug was for distribution in the Alicante area and the suspects, aged 21 and 31, have been detained awaiting full charges.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Movie to be made about local crime

By Simon Russell

THE notorious Spanish crime case of modern Spanish times, the rape and murder of three schoolgirls in Valencia in 1992 is set to be made into a film. Known as the “Alcasser Girls” case the three secondary school age girls, all from the small town of Alcasser, went missing when hitchhiking to a nightclub in nearby Picassent. The three were last seen at a petrol station where witnesses said they were picked up by a white car.

Their subsequent disappearance caused massive media coverage which reignited when their bodies were found 75 days later in a ditch. An autopsy

confirmed they had been murdered and raped while the corpses also showed signs of severe torture.

After finding a glove and other physical evidence at the scene two men, Antonio Angles and Miguel Ricart, were charged with abduction, rape and murder.

To add to the drama Angles absconded and has not been found to this day. It is believed he boarded a ship in Lisbon and jumped off close to the coast of Ireland but probably drowned, although this has never been proven. Ricart was

convicted of murder; he admitted the abduction and rape of the girls and confirmed Angles role in the crime. He was released in 2013 under the Spanish system and is now believed to be living in a monastery in France.

The upcoming movie

is to be called “75 days” after the amount of time the girls went missing and is set for release next year.

Film maker Mark Romero has promised that the film “will be respectful to the dead and their families” although some people have their doubts.

Cyclists beware

By Simon Russell

MANY motorists take the view that cyclists are above the law when it comes to using public roads. However, local police in Valencia City are in the middle of a campaign where they have been told to look out for breaches by cyclists and to issue on the spot fines when they occur. This initiative runs until 26 November and already a number of people have fallen foul of the €200 sanction.

Actions penalised include using mobiles and riding on pavements. Use of mobiles while in charge of a bike has actually become the most common reason for cyclists being fined, and not all were even aware it was against the law. However, by and large the same rules apply to cyclists using public roads as they do for motorists, including drinking and jumping red lights.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Bristol

connected from 2018

By Simon Russell

RYANAIR has confirmed it will be adding Bristol to its schedule at Valencia airport from next March.

The flights will be twice weekly and flights for March and April can be purchased at €29.90 until 20 November on the firm’s website.

Benissa Tel: 965 733 311 La Nucia Tel: 682 455 828

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Sales experience is preferred, but not required.

Please send CV to info@automartlanucia.com

7

Big drop in seasonal workers

By Simon Russell

THERE were 30,000 less people employed in the tourism sector this summer across the Valencian Community, according to figures just released.

There are concerns about these numbers, as one of the key benefits of tourism to the region is higher employment.

However although most of Valencia had a fair to good summer for tourist numbers, the sector employed 270,000 people in high season this year compared to 300,000 in 2016.

The Community is the only Spanish tourist region to show a drop and the reasons are unclear.

The figures show that while the number of selfemployed remains steady, the drop is almost all in employees. One theory is that many businesses have merely decided to approach the summer without significant hiring and see if they can manage. If they did, and there is no reduction in return travellers due to this, then this trend may continue next year.

A nose for money

By Simon Russell

A French citizen had been unable to explain why he was carrying more than €200,000 in cash in his suitcase – money that was detected by a

specially trained police dog this week. The animal was on patrol with officers at the Alicante bus station when he became alerted to the distinctive smell of the banknotes and stood by the case to alert

his handlers. They found 25 packages of cash and the man, who was on a stop-off bus journey between Barcelona and Marbella, is likely to face money laundering charges.

Are you applying for the “Residencia” in Spain?

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Now is the ideal time to take an ASSSA Health Insurance.

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Armed robber steals taxi

By Simon Russell

A spectacular car chase through the streets of Valencia last weekend ended without harm when a Chinese national was finally apprehended by police. The incident started when the man stole a woman’s handbag; he then fired a gun into the air, forcing a taxi driver to hand over his vehicle which the man drove off at speed.

Police cars took chase and he was stopped after crashing at Plaza Reina, one of the city’s main tourist areas. The square had to be cordoned off while police tried to disarm the man. He was eventually intercepted and has been charged with two counts of robbery with violence as well as road safety crimes.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Bull-run rape case underway

By Simon Russell

THE trial of five men accused of the gang rape of a young woman at last year’s Pamplona bull running festival has started in the city. The woman who made the accusations will be appearing to give a statement, but this will be made behind closed doors to protect her privacy.

All five men deny the charges although one has confessed to stealing the complainant’s mobile phone. Witnesses include the couple who found the woman crying after the alleged assault and several local and national police officers who dealt with the incident at the time. The prosecution have asked for sentences of 22 years if the accused are found guilty.

Remembrance along the coast

By Jack Troughton

ARMISTICE Day and Remembrance Sunday was observed with services along the northern Costa Blanca on Saturday and Sunday, marking the end of the Great War on 11th November, 1918.

Church of England clergy from the Costa Blanca Anglican chaplaincy conducted 10 service, four with, or on behalf of, the Royal British Legion; the charity supporting men and women of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families – and also keeping memories of

the sacrifice of the fallen alive.

And from Gandia to El Campello, the acts of remembrance took place on Saturday 11th – Armistice Day - and on Remembrance Sunday.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the

various charities and service organisations.

In general, services followed the traditional and comforting format used in acts of remembrance around the world, but with additions to allow a local flavour to participate.

A taste of the Costas in London

By Simon Russell

DENIA super-chef Quique Dacosta has been talking about the planned opening of his first restaurant in London. It will be trading under the new “InPaella” brand and is planned to open in the near future. He said he wants to bring the traditional taste of the Valencian region to the UK capital. Rice, and paella in particular, will be the focal point “made like our mothers and grandmothers did but with a modern twist.” InPaella will have a 25 metre long stove where the food will be prepared in full view of the diners to allow them “to savour the process of creation.”

Quique Dacosta’s eponymous restaurant in Denia has three Michelin stars, the only establishment in the region to reach that culinary height.

He has become a brand himself and is slowly building a restaurant empire not just in Spain but around the world.

Planting for the future

By Simon Russell

DOZENS of volounteers came out last weekend to plant 150 trees and shrubs along the banks of Valencia’s Turia River.

On a sunny autumn day the species planted

were salix, a type of willow and nerium, from the dogbane family. Both are native to the area but have become endangered in recent years.

This is part of an on-going project by the Aguas de Valencia

Foundation aimed at restoring and protecting the natural eco-system in the Valencian Community.

By replanting flora it is also hoped that native fauna will return to the area such as bats and birdlife.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Game of Thrones in the flesh

By Simon Russell

THE recently started Game of Thrones tour in Seville already has a waiting list as fans of the gothic drama flock to the city.

Much of the series was filmed in and around Seville, and the tour uses real actor’s role playing characters from the show. All have been well briefed on their parts and will interact with people when

asked questions about themselves (in character) and their role.

Five different parts of Seville are used in the tour and they have been themed accordingly with replicas such as the Iron Throne which fans of the programme will instantly recognise.

Game of Thrones has been a huge worldwide hit and broke PayTV records when it was shown in the UK.

A judge has agreed that a woman who killed her daughter’s rapist and was sentenced to nine year in prison can now leave the jail during the day. Antonio

Cosme had been convicted of raping the daughter of Maria del Carmen Garcia in 1998. In 2005 Mrs Garcia was waiting for a bus when she was shocked to be confronted by Cosme, who was on a three day release,

and then asked her where her daughter was.

When Cosme entered a nearby bar, Maria purchased fuel from a petrol station, entered the bar, and sprayed Cosme with the fuel before setting him alight. He died

2017

26,000 unreported sexual assults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion...”

Day release for rapist’s killer

By Simon Russell

Most Retweets

of his injuries and she was convicted of his killing amid a storm of protest.

Mrs Garcia’s supporters and legal team are hopeful that this ruling is the first step to her being given a full release.

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FRIDAY 11TH NOV 2017

Finance Feature

provided by...

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B and registered with the UK FCA as an EEA Authorised firm, reference 539348.

Can I keep my ISA & Premium Bonds if I’m a Spanish Resident?

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

The short answer to this is ‘yes’. It is a question I get asked regularly and whilst the answer to this question is yes, the answer to ‘Should I keep them?’ would be different as ISA’s and Premium bonds (in fact the majority of NS&I products) are more hassle than they are worth when you leave the UK. Around two years ago, I met with a potential client who had been living in Spain

for over 6 years. While living in the UK they had a financial adviser who had rightly maximised their annual ISA allowance meaning they were able to invest their savings tax free, and in addition to this they also had a modest amount of Premium Bonds.

The first thing I pointed out to the client is that NS&I (National Savings and Investments), are a stateowned savings bank in the UK and whilst you can keep these products open should you move overseas, you cannot pay into them and they no longer offer any tax benefits. This means that a £25 premium bond win or a 0.5% annual gain would mean a costly trip to your Spanish accountant to declare the gains. To make

matters worse, the Premium Bond prize pot has recently been reduced to a paltry 1.25% of the total holdings, with each £1 invested having a 30,000 to 1 chance of winning that minimum prize of £25.

Over the last 2 years she received just 0.5% from her ISA and 2 £25 prizes, all of which she had to declare to the Spanish tax authorities. She also had to put them on her overseas asset declaration, the Modelo 720. Her accountancy fees during that period were over 6 times her gains. Since the introduction of Common Reporting Standards, risking not declaring these gains is out of the question, as these would’ve been automatically reported to the Spanish tax authorities.

During that meeting 2 years ago I had recommended to that potential client that we set up an investment plan designed for Spanish residents – this one happened to be offered by The Prudential, a company very well known among British expats, although this is just one of several options available.

Over the last 2 years the plan I recommended, which would’ve blended 2 funds, the Prufund Cautious and Growth, would’ve returned over 10% after ALL fees. This is a very good return and results such as this will vary, but as these are fully compliant and legally recognized products for Spanish residents, her accountancy bill would’ve been zero.

Investment contracts

are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in this article are examples of what can be achieved, and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

Do you hold bonds, ISAs or investment plans designed for UK residents but live in Spain?

To find out about more suitable options, please call me today to book a free consultation on 693 107 044 or email t.storer@chorusfinancial.es.

11

FRIDAY 11TH NOV 2017

Local charity all heart

By Simon Russell

THE Lions Club of Benitatchell has donated two blood pressure monitors to the town’s Health Centre.

The machines are used to take patients’ readings and are particularly important in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and people with a history of heart trouble.

Dirk Rheindorf, the town Councillor for Health, received

the new equipment and thanked the Lions who have been working closely with the Health Department for the last five years.

The charity have also continued to help the neediest sectors of society, donating and funding

items such as schoolbooks, food vouchers and prescription glasses for children.

Olive cement on the menu?

By Simon Russell

RESEARCHERS at the University of Valencia have developed a new type of cement using olive stones.

The combination of these and blast furnace slag gives a cement with a low carbon footprint and a product that is suitable for construction works

The other side of gender violence

By Simon Russell

Airport still on the up

By Matthew Richards

AROUND one and a quarter million passengers used Alicante-Elche airport in October, an increase of

4.2% on the previous year.

They travelled on a total of 8,770 flights, 4% more than the same period in 2016.

As usual the most travellers were going to and from the

UK, almost half the total.

Domestic travellers were the second biggest group followed by Germans, Dutch, Norwegians and Belgians.

according to stress tests.

As well as utilising waste products, the manufacturing process requires much lower temperatures than conventional cement, again making for a greener product.

This is the first time that a cement type product has been developed using 100% waste material, said senior researcher Jordi Paya.

TWO women have been arrested in separate incidents in Zaragosa this week after attacks on their partners. In the first a 41-year-old has been accused of mistreating her husband after she assaulted him during a row. Police had to be called to break up the

altercation and, after talking to the pair, took the decision to charge the woman.

On the same day a 21-year-old was arrested after breaking down the front door of her ex-boyfriend’s house after he refused to see her. A scuffle broke out and in this case the police decided to arrest both of them.

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Back In

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

FUGITIVE BIG CAT DESTROYE D

ESCAPED lynx Lilleth has been “humanely destroyed” three weeks after escaping from a zoo in Wales – sparking outrage amongst animal lovers.

The wild cat – twice the size of a domestic feline – was shot dead by marksmen but was said to have posed no risk to humans.

The 17-month-old ‘baby’ escaped from Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in Ceredigion, Dyfed-Powys after leaping an electric fence.

And the local council said despite “exhaustive efforts” to recapture her, it received advice that the risk to public safety had “increased to severe”.

Earlier on Friday, the council said the zoo would be put under scrutiny.

A statement released by the local authority on Friday evening said the lynx had strayed over to a populated area of the community and “it was necessary to act decisively...and the safety of the the public was paramount.”

Staff at the zoo, which has been closed since Lilleth’s escape, had been attempting to catch her.

There had been a number of sightings but she evaded capture and was at one point thought to be hiding in bushes near the zoo.

Ceredigion council and Dyfed-Powys Police said they had tried a “range of measures” to capture the Lynx, including baited traps.

A post-mortem examination of a sheep found dead on land near the zoo showed “traumatic injury” but experts have been unable to say if the missing lynx was responsible.

But a spokesperson for the animal park posted a statement on Facebook and said: “I would like to make it clear to everyone ... that the decision to kill her was not ours and we in no way agreed to or participated in the shooting of our baby Lynx. We are truly devastated and outraged that this happened.”

JOHN LEWIS CASTS MONSTE R MAGIC

By Jack Troughton

MOZ, the giant snoring monster, has been unveiled by John Lewis as the star of its annual Christmas advert.

The store’s annual ad campaign has won fans around the world and is eagerly anticipated as a winter warmer at the start of the festive season.

And as usual the critics are split; those giving the short film a thumbs up are reaching for the tissues, others claim this year’s effort has lost its sparkle.

The storyline tells of a little boy and his friendship with a special pal... the imaginary monster Moz who lives under his bed – the advert also features a Beatles song, Golden Slumbers, performed by Elbow.

Making its debut and later

television; viewers used social media to cast their verdicts.

One said: “So ready to cry”...another claimed: “Lost their magic touch.”

The advert is directed by Oscarwinning Michel Gondry who is a veteran of music videos for the likes of The White Stripes, The Chemical Brothers, and Bjork.

He said: “When I told my ex-girlfriend I was doing the next John Lewis Christmas film, she said ‘You have big shoes to fill, this film must make people cry, don’t forget’. “ L a s t week I showed it to her and she cried...phew!”

Previous John Lewis advertising campaigns have

included Buster the bouncing boxer; a man on the moon, Monty the penguin, and the hibernating bear woke up on Christmas Day to enjoy the fun.

According to the Advertising Association, agencies look to pocket around £6 billion this Christmas as they attempt to get people to spend on clients’ products.

The John Lewis ad follows the release of Marks and Spencer’s advert which features Paddington Bear, the furry guy from Peru mistaking a burglar for Father Christmas but inadvertently, the M&S ad this year has caused controversy with the line “Thank you little Bear” to which; with the burglars heavy accent, sounds suspiciously like something else. M&S has denied this of course.

Asda’s offering follows a little girl and her grandfather visiting a festive food factory, which has a Willi Wonka feel, while Aldi reintroduces Kevin the carrot – this time with a love interest... and there are more to come.

n Britain

13

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

CHEWING THE FAT

By Jack Troughton

DEFIANT professional surfer Andrew Cotton – who broke his back in a dramatic ‘wipeout’ – plans to get fit and back riding waves.

The 36-year-old from Braunton in North Devon hopes to make a full recovery after being engulfed by a 60ft wave – the size of a four-storey house – while surfing at Nazare in Portugal.

Footage of the accident shows him racing down towering wave before disappearing as it breaks over him; he is seen being propelled upwards and forwards through the surf before crashing down onto his back.

Afterwards he was rescued from the water, strapped to a spinal board and taken to a local hospital; where he was cared for by medical teams and interviewed by the press.

Waves in the area can reach up to 80ft and attract surfers from all over the world.

Last year professional questioned surfers whether it was safe to compete at Nazaré after

several injuries and near misses – one said the waves were “challenging and beautiful” but added: “The dangers involved seem to outweigh the rewards.”

Andy, who was previously credited with the biggest wave ever surfed, at Praia do Norte near the town, said that he considered himself very lucky.

“What can I say,” he said. “I got a little excited this morning and ending up having possibly the worst wipeout impact-wise of my life.”

And he blamed himself. “I didn’t read the wave ideally and got shown who was the boss; I’m not too bad actually — obviously, my back is hurting a little bit, but it’s all on the mend and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.

“I have broken my back but I’ve been really lucky.

I’m already looking forward and focusing my energy to get fit and back out there on some more big rollers.”

Doctors say the prognosis for Andy is good and the surfer thanked lifeguards and fellow surfers for getting him to shoes and the medical teams for his treatment.

PLANNING TO SURF ANOTHER DAY

By Edward Graham

OBESITY rates in the UK have doubled over the past 20 years and 63% of adults are now officially overweight, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.

Obesity rates in Britain have grown to 27% of people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30; the average is 19% and overweight people are said to have a BMI between 25 and 30.

The OECD rates Britain as the sixth heaviest and “considerably worse” than other members of a 35-strong group of wealthy nations.

However, the overall health and life expectancy rating of Britons remains average helped by reductions in numbers quitting smoking and a reduction in levels of adult drinking – although high levels of adolescent drunkenness has been red flagged.

The OECD lists the UK as one of five countries suffering from “historically high” rates of obesity since the 1990s increasing by 92%, compared to 65% in the United States.

“Obesity means higher risk

of chronic illnesses, particularly hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,” the ‘at a Glance’ report said.

And while the OECD recognised campaigns to fight obesity, such as the decision by hospitals in England to ban ‘super-size’ chocolate bars from hospital outlets, and the impending government sugar tax, it said “more could be done”.

A number of OECD nations, such as Australia and Canada, have managed to reduce and stabilise obesity levels in recent years, but Japan remains lowest at 4%.

Britain is, however, doing better at tackling child obesity.

Figures show it is stable at 24%, remaining below average over the past decade, at a time when it is increasing rapidly across the rest of Europe.

Although smoking rates are down, harmful alcohol consumption among adolescents continues to be a problem. The OECD found that 30.5% of 15-year-olds admit to having been drunk at least twice in their life. This is considerably higher than the 22% average.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia

Mayor at the helm

By Jack Troughton

JAVEA Mayor Jose Chulvi has been appointed General Secretary of the socialist PSOE party for the Province of Alicante.

The 46-year-old Javea-born

politician said he accepted the position “with pleasure” and thanked party members for the show of “support and confidence”.

Mr Chulvi, who was elected mayor of the Marina Alta town in 2011, said: “It is an important position that I am assuming with enthusiasm; to continue helping to improve the lives of the people who live in each of our towns and districts.

“Also, I assume

it with a sense of responsibility, since the work that lies ahead will demand the best of my efforts.”

He said together with everyone who worked for PSOE in Alicante, the way forward was through “the sum of our joint energy and ideas” that would help the province “arrive at a safe port”.

The politician also pledged to

consolidate the good work of the party already achieved and to continue to improve.

Concrete citadel

By Simon Russell

A residential building in Javea has won its young architect a prestigious design award.

Constructed in the “brutalist” style, the property on the Sardinera cliffs gained Jose Moragues Puga the international Obras Cemex Award at a ceremony in Mexico this week.

The brutalist style of architecture isn’t to everyone’s taste, and in the UK is often associated with 1960’s tower blocks and government buildings. However the use of plain concrete and a minimum

of other materials are becoming increasingly fashionable around the globe, a shift in styles reflected in this award. Moragues said his client wanted an austere feel to the finished building, and apart from concrete the only other materials used in the whole project were wood, glass and steel.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia

Javea remembers

By Jack Troughton

PEOPLE packed into the Fisherman’s Church in Javea Port for a moving Remembrance Sunday Service and to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces in two World Wars and more recent conflicts.

Poppies were worn with pride and as 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of women being able to enlist in the

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military services; and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Wrens.

Organised by the Javea Branch of the Royal British Legion, the “emotional” service was taken by Father Marcus Ronchetti of the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy.

The Laude Lady Elizabeth School Choir sang two songs, including John Lennon’s Imagine, during the service.

Hand sewn felt poppies, made by youngsters taught the craft by Lea Bragagnini at the Sew Vintage charity shop in Javea, and put onto a ‘Poppy Board’ with the words ‘Lest We Forget’ was also presented during the service.

Roger Dawes. President of the Legion’s Javea Branch, said: “Once again we had a full house at church; it was standing room only.

“As usual Father Marcus did us proud and the Lady Elizabeth School Choir was absolutely wonderful,” he said. “The choir featured a lot of soloists who went up to the microphone and sang their hearts out; it brought tears to people’s eyes.”

He said the youngsters of sewing group had made their own poppies and pinned them to the board with their names.

“Their teacher Lea said she had explained the meaning of the poppy and about the army, navy and air force and the kids volunteered to do it – that was wonderful too and brought tears to my eyes,” said Roger.

He said the children also made a donation to the Poppy Appeal of more than €101, while a church collection and a share of a collection from a Moraira church on Armistice Day added €874.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm PI hired to look into death plunge

By Simon Russell

It is now more than six months since Scot Kirsty Maxwell fell to her death from a 10th floor balcony in Benidorm and her family feel there are still more questions than answers regarding the tragedy. They have taken the step of hiring a private investigator, a former senior UK police officer who led the search for serial killer Peter Tobin amongst other high profile cases.

Kirsty’s husband Adam is hoping the investigator, David Swindle, can move the case along in a way that he feels the Spanish police have been unable to do. Adam admits he is “consumed” with his wife’s death while on a hen party holiday last April. She fell from a room that was occupied by a group of British men who said they had never seen Kirsty before and had no involvement in her death.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm

Old pros come to Benidorm

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM has confirmed it will be hosting one of the premier tournaments on the senior golf tour in 2018, when the Costa BlancaBenidorm Senior Masters will be held at the Hotel Villaitana. The senior’s golf tour is open to any tour professionals over the age of 50 and has many famous faces from yesteryear and not so long ago such as Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam.

Making the announcement, Alicante Diputacion President Cesar Sanchez went on

Premium hotels join association

By Simon Russell

THIRTEEN four and five star hotels in Valencia City are joining the Hosbec Association which currently represents hotels and other accommodation in Benidorm.

The Valencia hotels have a total of 4,000 rooms between them and to outline the importance of golf in both Alicante’s tourism sector and resident population. The sport generated €400 million last year, 1% of total

GDP for Alicante. Golfing tourists spend more on the game than any other sports played by people while on holiday and an estimated 200,000 people

those joining include establishments such as the Marriot, Las Arenas and Westin Palace. A spokesman said that the hotels saw the sense in becoming part of a larger organisation representing their interests. Hosbecs experience and their opposition to the “tourist tax” were also all important factors.

come from abroad to play golf here. Mr Sanchez made his announcement at the London Travel Fair where he was helping promote the region.

Arrested for child prostitution A man has been accused of forcing a minor into prostitution against her will, using a private apartment on Finestrat to sell

the “service”. It has been alleged that the 17-year-old went to see the man about renting a room, pretending she was over 18.

When he learned that she was only

17, he is said to have detained her against her will and forced her into prostitution, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day.

The teenager’s mother raised the

alarm and the Guardia Civil tracked her to the apartment on Cala Finestrat.

A 44-year-old Spanish man has been charged with prostitution and corruption of a minor.



By Simon Russell

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm

Shine on you dancing diamonds

By Jack Troughton

DANCE takes centre stage at the award-winning Benidorm Palace with performances by students of performing arts schools from across the Costa Blanca.

The extravaganza ‘Time to Shine’ is a dance spectacular presented by Spotlight Productions and featuring an international cast of dancers on Europe’s biggest stage.

And Sunday 26th November promises to be a dynamic show featuring a selection box of dance styles, including: classical ballet;

street dance; Andalucian Flamenco; hi-energy tap; cheer leading; and contemporary jazz.

It is a show for the whole family with fabulous sparkling costumes and professional production from the Benidorm Palace’s own professional team.

And hitting the stage and looking to shine for everyone’s enjoyment are students from Babylon Dance; the Careline Dance Academy; Estudio de Danza Alfaz del Sol; Footworks; Javea Gems; Marcia’s Dance centre; New Generation; Studio 23 and

The Valerie Jean School of Dance.

Lucy Glister, from the Spotlight team, said: “We specialise in providing young amateurs with the opportunity to perform on world class stages in a fun, non-competitive environment.

Our dance and musical theatre spectaculars are of the highest quality, so that performers of any ability can relish their moment in the spotlight.”

Lucy and Aydin Hasirci launched Spotlight Productions, to give everyone a chance to perform on stage and enjoy the experience of

working with working with professional sound, lighting and backstage crew.

“We are parents of young performers ourselves, and we know while an amateur environment doesn’t affect the enjoyment of seeing your child on stage; it is certainly

nice, once in a while, to have them bolstered by the best,” added Lucy.

Tickets for Time to Shine can be purchased directly from the Benidorm Palace Box Office by calling 96 585 1660, or visit www. spotlightproductions.es

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Local lookout

Alfas, Albir & Altea,

Clean-up on the cards

By Simon Russell

THE Mayor of Altea has pledged to clean-up some of the rubbish black spots around the municipality. Jaume Llinares said “cleanliness is one of the most important issues to people.

However in spite of recent efforts some areas remain a problem.”

The Mayor arranged a meeting between the Infrastructure, Environmental and Urban Planning Departments as well

as the local police to set out ways of tackling the issue.

These measures include increases in staff and an extra garbage truck.

They also reminded residents that there is a dedicated line – 966881903 – which they can call to report dumped rubbish and request its collection. There are also plans to fine people caught fly-tipping. The group stressed they will do what they can, but the public have to play their

part by disposing of their own household waste properly and reporting those who don’t.

THE ninth mixed doubles tennis tournament is being staged in L’Alfas del Pi this weekend (18-19 November). The event will be held at the municipal

sports centre and is open to any combination of mixed pairs, including children and adults.

The tournament has been organised by Tennis Suter and the Sports Department and three courts will be used, starting at

10am. Each match is scheduled for 35 minutes with whoever has won the most games after that time winning the match.

Trophies will be awarded to the winner, runner-up and semifinalists.

Enjoy a Christmas past

By Jack Troughton

STEP back in time to enjoy a taste of goodwill and cheer from yesteryear at a Dickensian Christmas Fair in Alfaz del Pi on Saturday 2nd December.

Alfaz Spiritual Foundation has organised a fun-filled event at Bar La Estacion for all the family and hopes

to spread some traditional festive spirit amongst the whole community.

Everyone is invited to wear period costume – the organisers certainly will – and even Scrooge will be welcome.

The fair runs from 4pm until 9pm and entry is free. There are fun activities for youngsters and every kid visiting Santa’s Grotto will

Courses underway

By Simon Russell

Serving up a treat for tennis fans

By Simon Russell

19

receive a present.

There will be a host of gift stalls, a raffle and tombola. Guests can also eat roasted chestnuts, sip some traditional mulled wine, enjoy the barbecue, and take in the sounds of Christmas music.

For more information visit www. alfazspiritualfoundation.com or Facebook@AlfazDickensianFair.

THE AMICS agency for social co-existence in L’Alfaz del Pi has commenced its latest programme of courses.

Aimed at integrating everyone into the town and making them feel a part of Alfas, the courses include sewing, languages (basic Spanish and English) and,

starting in December, a new programme aimed at helping those who wish to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Although some of the courses have now commenced you may still be able to join up – just register at the AMICS office in the town. All courses are free and last year 300 people took advantage of them.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

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Property

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www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Spanish property prices set to rise 8.6% in next 3 years, says Moody’s

The growing proportion of young workers and better affordability will push Spanish property prices up by 8.6% over the next three years, according to a forecast from the international credit ratings agency Moody’s.

The credit rating agency has carried out an analysis of the effect of demographic tendencies on property prices in seven large European markets. In the case of Spain, Moody’s expects a price rise of 5.6% in 2018 with an annual rise of 1.4% in the following two years.

“Low interest rates, better economic conditions, and a larger proportion of young workers will support the property market,” said Greg Davies, an analysis at Moody’s. He pointed out that over the last decade, the number of young workers has gone up by 8%.

The agency says that the current scenario of low interest

rates and economic recovery that is helping to reduce the still high rate of youth employment is making property more affordable in Spain.

However, it also says that salary growth remains low, which is stopping some young professionals from buying property, a situation that Moody’s believes will change in the next few years.

The agency points out that in 2014 around 14% of full-time employees in Spain earnt less than two-thirds of the average wage, against 7% in Italy and 9% in France.

Moody’s highlights the fact that Spain has experienced a fall in demand for new-build homes and there’s considerably more activity in the resale sector. It adds that construction activity is currently at 40% of the level registered in 2007. This reflects, among other things, sovereign deleverage, banking sector included, which has led to a considerable drop in property investment.

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Business & Finance

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Jack talks

By Jack Troughton

UNDER starter’s orders; and they’re off! The Parliamentary steeplechase of a key piece of Brexit legislation is underway with runners and riders committed to an eight-day marathon debate.

Politicians backed plans to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act by 318 votes to 68 on Tuesday night; a move which will end the supremacy of European Union law in the UK... eventually.

The vote was crucial as it is intended to help light the way to a door marked ‘exit’ by bringing existing EU laws onto the British statute book and allowing Parliament to look at these at its leisure; keeping the good, trashing the rubbish.

The vote came after eight hours of jockeying for position at the start line; the government also winning three votes on clauses and amendments to the legislation regarding how British courts will interpret EU law after Brexit and the role of the European Court of Justice in the tricky transition period after the divorce; tipped to be two years.

And it will be a tortoise rather than hare event over the jumps. So far 470 amendments, covering a painful 186 pages, have been tabled by our elected leaders regarding changes they want included before the bill is promoted to becoming law by the Commons and the Lords.

A group of angry Conservatives came under fire ahead of the starting gun for criticising the government’s insistence on specifying an exact time and date for Brexit; 23.00 GMT on 29th March 2019 was announced by race official Theresa May last week.

The EU rulebook actually states the UK will say goodbye to membership two years to the day after it triggered Article 50, which was on 29th March this y e a r. . . u n l e s s the UK and all the other 27 member states agree an extension.

Ministers

maintain Mrs May’s deadline was to make things “crystal clear” and maximise the certainty for businesses and citizens, preventing the risk of “legal chaos”.

Labour has described the move as a “desperate gimmick” and all a part of Tory managing its own members rather than being in the national interest – arguing it actually boosted the chances of leaving without a deal.

And the Tories making noises over such a precise deadline – they include exministers – found themselves on the front pages of national newspapers as Fleet Street’s finest ran with the story.

The Daily Telegraph reported up to 15 Conservative MPs might join forces with Labour, risking a government defeat next month when the timeline finally arrives at a vote. The potential rebels were “mutineers” according to the paper; the strongly pro-Brexit Daily Mail described them as “collaborators”, a slur not often seen in peacetime.

Former business minister Anna Soubry, MP, used social media to call the reaction a “blatant piece of bullying” that was aimed at the very heart of British democracy.

However, she reined in her trusty steed and said it was like a badge of honour and she would wear the colours with pride. The politician said her stance was to ensure a ‘good’ rather than ‘hard’ Brexit; adding: “A good Brexit that works for everybody in our country.”

Brexit minister Steve Baker accused the media of “attempts to divide the Conservative Party”; he is obviously blinkered to the ongoing divisions to the rifts in Mrs May’s (ever-changing) Cabinet.

Mr Baker tweeted: My parliamentary colleagues have sincere suggestions to improve the Bill which we are working through and I respect them for that.”

The deadline was not formally debated on Tuesday but played a part in the early debate – former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve said he could not support the “mad” government proposal that would chain the hands of negotiators should talks drag on.

And former Chancellor and veteran Tory Kenneth Clarke spurred to the fore again. He indicated when the matter came to a vote, as a proEuropean he would oppose the government. Admitting he was “the rebel now” he slammed the Eurosceptics of the party, and said they were suddenly seen as Conservative “orthodoxy”.

UBER LOSER IN DRIVER BATTLE

By Jack Troughton

DRIVERS for controversial taxi firm Uber must be treated as workers rather than self-employed, a tribunal has ruled.

The company lost its appeal against a ruling last year over the distinction and plans to appeal the latest ruling over its operation in the UK – maintaining it would take the case to the Court of Appeal, and if necessary the Supreme Court.

Drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam won their case last year when a tribunal ruled they were Uber staff and entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks, and the minimum wage.

Uber appealed and argued its drivers were self employed and were under no obligation to use its booking app; the company maintained 80% of its drivers would rather be classed as self employed.

Uber has up to 40,000 drivers registered to it in London alone, where the company is also fighting to retain its licence and stay on the road.

The Employment

Tribunal upheld its original decision that any Uber driver who had the Uber app switched on was working for the company under a “worker” contract, and they were therefore entitled to workers’ rights.

James Farrar, from Hampshire, told the BBC how he was feeling: “Just huge relief. I really hope it will stick this time and that Uber will obey the ruling of the court.

“I’d like Uber to sit down and work out how as quickly as possible that every driver who is working for Uber get the rights they are entitled to.”

The GMB union said the ruling, by the Employment Appeal Tribunal, was a “landmark victory” for workers’ rights, especially in the gig economy, a system of casual working which does not commit a business or a worker to set hours or rights.

Tom Elvidge, Uber UK’s acting general manager, said: “Almost all taxi and private hire drivers have been selfemployed for decades, long before our app existed.

“The main reason why drivers use Uber is because they value the freedom to choose if, when and where they drive and so we intend to appeal.”

EUROZONE RETAIL SUCCESS

By Jack Troughton

SALES of food, clothing and tobacco drove the Eurozone’s retail sector forward in September, new figures reveal.

Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics office, said retail sales in the single currency zone rose 0.7% month-on-month and 3.7% yearon-year and eclipsed the gloom of a 0.4% fall in car fuel sales in the month.

The data indicates the Eurozone economy is picking up with stronger domestic demand and the improvement has outstripped the forecasts of economists.

Eurostat attributed the increase of retail sales over September retail to a rise of 0.5% for non-food products; which include clothing, furniture and electrical goods, and an advance of 1.3% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Ireland, Denmark, Luxembourg and France led the strongest performances, while the UK, Croatia and Lithuania had the biggest decreases.

The European Central Bank in September raised growth forecasts for the Eurozone for the year to 2.2% - the best performance for a decade.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Business & Finance

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Why the push for a cashless society?

By Christina Brady

BLACKTOWER Financial Management

It appears that the governments, banks and businesses around the world are pushing us towards a cashless society, why you may ask yourself? The argument is, it is convenient, but the truth is it is mostly about control and greed.

Cash is universal and it gives us some degree of privacy about our financial affairs. Also more importantly cash is an important safeguard against economic volatility. At times of distress, when confidence

in the banking system erodes, people are likely to withdraw cash and hold it. If we have a cashless society it eliminates the ability of bank account holders to withdraw cash from a bank in a crisis and could create a huge risk with banks holding too much power.

Also if we went to a cashless society the amount of unaccounted (popularly referred to as black) money would inevitably be reduced and the tax base would increase significantly.

By eliminating cash, all transactions have to be linked to a bank account, which invariably makes it traceable by the tax departments, whether it be black money, a gift or inheritance.

The most worrying aspect is if you don’t have a bank account then you have no money, a problem with the banking system again you have no money, upset the authorities and they block your bank account again no money. At present it is estimated that over 2 billion people don’t have bank accounts, so what will these people do? It could mean total exclusion from society for these people.

It would appear that the real winners from a cashless society, will be Banks and governments, not us as individuals as all the advertising suggests.

To find out how you can invest your cash in a tax and cost

efficient manner please contact me by email christina. brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 .

Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound independent advice, we will

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower

be by your side both now and in the future.

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Benidorm’s

party people

By Jack Troughton

THE heart of Benidorm’s British quarter came to a standstill yesterday (Thursday) for the annual fancy dress party – and everyone was invited to join in the fun.

An ‘unofficial’ day added on to the traditional celebrations; and an expat invention, it has become a much-loved centrepiece of the November calendar.

Every November the town stages the fiesta of the Virgen de Sufragio – Our Lady of Suffrage – and St James and visitors from across Spain and holidaymakers from abroad put the date in their diaries to descend on the resort.

The official week of fiesta features music, parades, and fireworks. It dates back to 1740 and a violent storm when a ship was stranded on the Benidorm coast.

The boat was burned to prevent any risk of a health epidemic and an image of the Virgin was found amongst the debris. The holy relic was rescued and rehomed in a chapel – a story now re-enacted every year on the Poniente beach.

It took a little longer for the Brits to arrive in Spain’s most famous seaside town but they have made their mark on the November fiesta by introducing an extra day of celebrating.

The huge fancy dress event is

centred on Calle Gerona – closed to traffic for the afternoon – and thousands of people arrived to get down and get with it.

Essentially a giant street party and pub crawl, once again wonderfully imaginative costumes brought a rainbow of colour to Benidorm and a good time was enjoyed by all.

ie Brooke

Galaxy Radio Owner Marco & DJ Jess

Galaxy Radio D

J’s Adam King &

Jessie Brooke

Carol Thorn (left) with Jacqui Phillips

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Yesterday once more

By Jack Troughton

Antique collectors will be heading south to Quesada on Sunday (19th November) hoping to discover something to treasure at a seasonal fair.

The Christmas Antiques, Vintage, Retro and Collectors Fair is being staged at the Hotel La Laguna in Avenida Antonio.

Paul and Sue Horey, from Benissa, organise five antiques fairs a year at the Salon Canor in Teulada and three in Quesada – attracting dealers from

across Valencia and Murcia.

And Sue said they hoped to make the events in the south of Alicante, which started last year, as popular as the more established fairs in Teulada.

“We have a wide variety of lovely and diverse items on sale; literally something for everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find that elusive Christmas gift for the person who has everything,” she said.

“We hope this event will be very busy; we have been doing the events in Quesada for about a year it is difficult to get the fairs going, it

takes perseverance – it took years to establish the Canor.”

Sunday’s fair will be in aid DEBRA, the charity for the Butterfly Children, and the association will have a stall selling items donated by supporters; as well as animal sanctuary Barney – which will also be represented and selling things.

Entrance and parking at the fair are free and food and drinks will be available throughout. Doors open at 11am and the fair runs until 6pm.

For more information call Paul on 626 795 587 or Sue on 620 641 006.

Sun shines on Christmas Fayre

By Jack Troughton

GLORIOUS winter sunshine helped make the Casa Santonja Christmas Fayre a sparkling success last weekend with hundreds of people visiting the mansion house and grounds.

The event, raising money for charity, saw 695 visitors on Saturday and a bumper crowd of 1,006 arrive at the venue in Beniarbeig on Sunday.

And the popularity of the event meant more than €4,500 was raised for Make

A Smile and other charities.

Organiser Ann Martin said: “It was amazing; we just couldn’t believe just how many people were there; they just kept on coming in.

“And more than €4,500 was raised for charity; which is absolutely brilliant.”

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Antiques Roadshow star in Javea

By Jack Troughton

ANTIQUES expert Eric Knowles visits the Costa Blanca next month to stamp his unique style on a presentation explaining the Art Deco movement.

With 30 years of broadcasting with the BBC and its much-loved antique series under his belt, Eric presents ‘A Gentle Introduction to Art Deco’ to members of the Arts Society Marina Alta and guests on Thursday 7th December.

Art Deco is a recognised style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France before the Great War; it became popular in the twenties

and thirties and was hugely influential on the design of buildings, furniture, and transport – even humble pottery.

The movement features geometric shapes and clear and precise lines. Above all it embraced new technology and represented luxury, glamour, and faith in human progress.

Eric, who has travelled the UK with his own ‘mini’ antiques road show has an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of antiques and is known for passing on information with his personal “wickedly funny” style.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and ambassador for the Prince’s

Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, he has a passion for the music of Motown and has had some success on Celebrity Mastermind.

His presentation will be fully illustrated and is known for being packed with fascinating and frequently funny anecdotes.

The venue is the Parador Hotel in Javea. Doors open at 10am and the

meeting begins at 11am – visitors are welcome by prior arrangement, by emailing secretary@marinaaltaarts.com.

Rocky on a roll

By Jack Troughton

MEMBERS of the cast of the Rocky Javea Picture Show returned to earth on Tuesday to send charity Cancer Care into orbit with a €6,532 donation.

The spectacular success of the colourful sci-fi comedy musical and three performances in Moraira raised the money for Cancer Care Javea – the

largest single donation ever received by the charity.

Back in plain clothes after appearing in the outrageous adult pantomime, members of Bananadrama – the group formed in March to perform Rocky – were at the charity’s Boutique in Javea Park to make the presentation.

And the money has been ring-fenced to continue the running of the charity’s

respite room at the hospital Policlinica IMED in Teulada – with plans to open a second room to help people.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the team of volunteers, Maggie Mackenzie said Cancer Care owed an “enormous thank you” for the support.

“We cannot thank you enough. Thank you for choosing us; I know you have championed us,” she said.

“I went myself and had a wonderful time; I dragged my husband along who didn’t want to go, and he had a wonderful time...the show was amazing.

“We have never, ever, had this size of donation before; it is the largest ever.”

The producers of Rocky plan to return the show to a Javea stage in the New Year

to raise even more money for the charity; the hospital room, used for respite care costs €18,000 a year to run.

Fans of the show already have an opportunity to enjoy the first revival of The Rocky Javea Picture Show on Friday 1st December at 8pm at the Careline Theatre in Alcalali.

Tickets are €15 and all proceeds will go to HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta. To book call 634 345 014 or email pres.helpofdenia@gmail.com.

Spreading some Christmas cheer

By Jack Troughton

CHRISTMAS bells will be ringing early in the Vall del Pop on Sunday (19th November) when Jalon Valley HELP stages its annual festive fair.

The charity’s Christmas Bazaar at the Pensionistas in Jalon, is one of the most important fund raising events and a highlight of its calendar.

Volunteers and stall holders have been busy preparing a sack full of

items to tempt guests into buying Christmas gifts while enjoying the traditional fun atmosphere of the event.

Entertainment will again feature The Nomad, there will also be a fash-

ion show, and the U3A Casual Choir will sing popular carols to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Entrance is free and the fair is open between 10am and 2pm, with refreshments on offer.

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Stop Your Cat From Spraying When you spot your cat stand by a door or any other object at home, lifts its tail then urinates then you know that it is spraying on the door or object.

Perhaps if you are a neophyte in the cat world, you do not know what spraying means. When a cat is new to a place, it is bound to make that place its territory by spraying. It is not a cat’s dilemma as not knowing its own litter box; rather, it sprays for marking a definite location. It is natural for them to spray and usually it is ordinarily done by cats outdoors. Yet, there are cat owners who complain about their cats spraying indoors. It could be troublesome for a home owner if a cat sprays inside the house. Do not worry too much as for every difficulty, there is a solution.

The reason why cats spray can either be one of the following: for marking a location, for calling a mate or for relieving stress.

A cat, just like other territorial type of animals, wants to mark its territory. In order to do this, it sprays a bit of urine on its territory. The smell of the cat’s urine will alert other cats and animals to

get off its property. It is natural for cats to spray on things, so extend a little understanding towards your cat.

Pheromones are a substance that animals utilize to communicate. This substance is released with the urine sprayed by cats in heat. This hormone is similar to fingerprints because animals use this to identify the kind of creature that sprayed in the location. Often, this hormone is released when cats a r e in heat. The pheromones tell the other cats that it is searching for a mate. Other cats in heat are attracted towards the scent of the urine due to of the pheromones.

This serves as an open invitation to get engaged in procreation. Later, you will get kittens in the house.

Getting rid of stress is

another reason why cats spray. It could be stressful for a cat to find another of its kind in its territory.

When it catches a glimpse of another animal, it also sprays. The spraying of urine allows the cat to release some of the built-up stress generated by seeing another creature in its territory.

The scent of cat’s urine can be odious. The problem is sometimes the cat sprays inside the house. The urine can stain furniture and leave foul odor. When your cat sprays, do something at once like shooing it away.

The most effective way to eradicate this spraying behavior is by neutering or spaying the cat. This applies to both male and female cats. The spraying activity will immediately stop after being neutered.

Since a male cat will no longer mate after being neutered, it will get rid of its spraying.

It is important to consider whether you do not want to breed your cat or otherwise because spaying or neutering is irreversible.

Do not spay or neuter if you still wish to have kittens. Consider another option. It is best to ask for your vet’s opinion regarding spraying if you do not want to sterilize your cat.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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Diabetic Foot Care

By Family Medical Centre

With the incidence of diabetes on the increase in the western world, the importance of foot care for diabetics has never been more important. Sadly diabetics represent the biggest group of lower limb amputees even greater than that of road traffic accidents.

Diabetic amputations are avoidable and in this article we will look at the causes and how to avoid problems leading to amputation.

If uncontrolled or poorly controlled, Diabetes can cause damage to small blood vessels particularly in feet, hands, eyes, kidneys and heart and damage to nerves.

Damage in the foot is often three fold, poor circulation, nerve damage and poor healing following injury.

Circulation can be effected by accelerating arthrosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries; this makes it more difficult for the blood to get to where it needs to go. This means when an injury occurs it may be slow to heal or even ulcerate. If the ulceration is not treated it can get infected and if that infection is not treated it can turn to gangrene which would mean amputation of the affected toe, foot or even leg.

Nerve damage or neuropathy can occur with diabetes. This can lead to loss of feeling particularly pain sensation in the feet. The problem here is the individual may not be aware that there is loss of feeling

and if there is an injury may not seek care promptly.

Poor healing in diabetic feet means that injuries are often slow to heal so wounds stay open longer increasing the chances of getting infected and infections love sugar.

The higher the blood sugar the more rapidly the infection can take hold.

Good diabetic control means less damage and less problems. Inspect the feet daily to make sure there are no injuries or changes in colour, inflammation or pain, if need be look at the bottom of the feet in a mirror. Avoid walking barefoot.

Wash the feet daily and dry carefully between toes and apply moisturiser to any dry areas, but not between the toes. Have feet measured when buying shoes and always check inside shoes before putting them on for stones or other foreign bodies. It is important to visit a Podiatrist to have foot assessment.

Circulation can be checked with a Doppler and neuropathy measured and then tailored advice given as well as routine care of nails corns and callous and even ulcers. If you have a foot problem don’t ignore it or try to self treat or self diagnose.

Early intervention and treatment is the key to avoiding serious foot problems and having peace of mind.

This article was supplied

by Philip Mann – Chiropodist / Podiatrist The Family Medical Centre, Albir.

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Make-up tips

for specs wearers

Wearing glasses doesn’t mean that you need to shy away from wearing make-up. In fact, new specs give you the perfect excuse to experiment with different beauty looks. Here are Specsavers Opticas’ top ten tips to help make sure your eyes pop and your face looks radiant.

1. Use eyelash curlers to open up eyes. This will also help stop long lashes from catching against your lenses.

2. Groom and shape your eyebrows. Your glasses frame your eyes, but your brows need to frame your glasses. After shaping them, fill in any gaps with eyebrow shadow or pencil, and finish with mascara gel to keep them looking sleek.

3. Banish dark shadows under the eyes with concealer.

We love wearing glasses, but sometimes they can cast dark shadows under our eyes.

Counteract this by blending a yellow-toned concealer beneath the lower lids.

4. Use a nude eyeliner on your lower lids. Some glasses can make eyes appear smaller.

Using a white or nude eyeliner on your waterline will make your eyes look bigger and help them really pop!

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Highlighter is a quick makeup fix to brighten eyes. Make your eyes look brighter, whiter and more radiant by blending a light highlighter near the inner corner of your eyes.

6. Use waterproof make-up. If you’ve got extra long lashes, using waterproof mascara and eyeliner will help prevent you from getting make-up smears on your lenses.

7. Avoid applying eyeshadow beyond your glasses line.

While you might like the idea of blending a strong colour up toward your brow line, this can clash with the lines created by your frames and end up looking messy. Instead, try blending a light or bronze shimmer up to your brow.

8. Create an impact with clashing specs and lippie. You don’t have to stick to either bright specs or lipstick – create a statement look by matching bright pink lipstick with glamorous red glasses.

9. Stop specs slipping with

primer. Stop glasses from sliding down your nose by applying a small amount of primer to the bridge of your nose – voilà! No more annoying slippages.

10. Match your eyeliner to your specs. For example, use a bold line with thicker frames, a thin line with rimless styles, or match a cat’s eye flick with a gorgeous cat’s eye style frame.

Specsavers offers style advice on the frame styles and shapes which suit your colouring and styles reflect the latest trends.

To find your nearest Specsavers store, book an eye test or view the full range of eyewear online visit www.specsavers.es

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> All editions of “Gardening on the Costa Blanca” can be found at www.weekender.news/CBGC or visit www.costablancagardeners.weebly.com for more information.

GARDENING ON THE COSTA BLANCA - Part 16 Returning from pots to the garden – this is one of the main times for pruning. Some pruning is best done now, some in the spring and some can be done at any time.

Autumn is a good time to prune

newly planted trees and shrubs so that they are shaped correctly from the outset. Formative pruning is especially important for trees to ensure a good framework. While many trees will naturally form their adult shape as they grow, others need a little assistance to create a clear trunk and a wellspaced canopy of branches. Fruit trees are most commonly singled out for this treatment (although there is growing debate about its necessity in the first years) and the diagram shows how this is generally carried out. When the growths shown as suckers are at the base of the tree (most commonly below the graft on

grafted trees such as citrus), they Autumn is the time to tackle from old wood and can be hacked right are best pulled off when they lavender bushes. Light trimming only is back to half its size though probably it are small rather than cut. Water recommended as they sometimes don’t is better to keep it neat from the start by shoots coming from low down on recover if you cut back into old wood. regular trimming. The cut-off material the trunk or main scaffold limbs Rosemary, however, will re-sprout can be used as cuttings for propagation should, in most cases, be removed and will often make roots in water. entirely. In citrus, water shoots are juvenile adventurous branches that shoot straight up and out of the canopy. They often have huge thorns and big leaves and originate from above the graft.

Many perennials plants that have played a star role in borders over the summer will need tidying up by the autumn. Cut back dead stems and top growth to avoid fungal diseases setting in.

December’s meeting of the Gardeners Circle (see box at the side for details) However, you could leave plants will feature a talk on pruning in English by Rocio Rodrigues, a local that have attractive seed heads over winter. professional gardener. She is always well worth listening to.

Finally, a bit of trivia!

“Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud.” So Shakespeare said.

Despite what your favourite ’80s ballad (and Shakespeare) would have you believe,

roses don’t have thorns at all! They have prickles. So what’s the difference?

Thorns are woody branches deeply embedded in a plant’s stalk which contain a bundle of tissue to transport nutrients.

Prickles, by contrast, are simply outgrowths on the plant’s outer layer which is why they snap off so easily. Try breaking off a thorn from an orange or lemon tree!

Actually, according to Michael Caine, ‘I have never said “Not Many People Know That” Peter Sellers said it when he impersonated my voice on his telephone

answering machine. His impersonation was “This is Michael Caine, Peter Sellers is out.

Not many people know that.’’’

Not many people do know that!

More next week.

We are a friendly group who enjoy gardening and gardens.

Our meetings are normally held on the 1st Wednesday in each month from October to June in Meeting Room (Aula) 1 on the 1st floor of La Senieta in Moraira next to the free car park used for the Market on Fridays. Meetings commence at 2:30 pm and finish at about 4:30pm.

Visitors including holiday makers are always welcome – admission is by a donation of 3€ per person.

Our attempts at a regular meeting date are sometimes interrupted by Fiestas etc and it is for this reason that our next meeting is on Wednesday, 13th December at 2.30 in La Senieta.

Google “Costa Blanca Gardeners Circle” will provide you with our website.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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What’s ON TV

Children in Need

England v Germany (Kick-off 9pm).

Children in Need 2017 Tess Daly and Ade Adepitan introduce a night of entertainment as the BBC’s annual appeal night gets under way, beginning with a performance from the hit West End musical Annie featuring Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan.

Live International Rugby Union England v Australia

Lee McKenzie presents action from the autumn international at Twickenham, where the hosts were looking to continue their fine run against the Wallabies. With commentary by Sara Orchard and Brian Moore

BBC1 8:30pm Fri 17 Nov

BBC2 8:30pm Sat 18 Nov

Gogglebox

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show

The armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during the week. The programme captures their instant reactions and lively discussions from the comfort of their own homes.

Channel 4 10:00pm Fri 17 Nov

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

James Bond is assigned to protect the heiress of an oil dynasty after her father is killed in a bombing at MI6 headquarters. The attack is the work of an infamous terrorist who is unable to feel pain after surviving a gunshot to his head, and who now intends to destroy the world’s supply of oil. Spy adventure, starring Pierce Brosnan, Robert Carlyle, Sophie Marceau and Robbie Coltrane

ITV4 9:00pm Fri 10 Oct

NEW SERIES Episode 1 of 6 The comedian returns with the third series of his family entertainment show, recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.

BBC2 6:45pm Sat 11 Nov

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

A farm boy accidentally rebuilds the link between the human world and a kingdom of man-eating giants in the sky, resulting in a princess being trapped in the monsters’ realm. He joins a band of the king’s knights on a rescue mission, but one of the group intends to betray them in a bid to seize the throne.

Fantasy adventure, starring Nicholas Hoult and Ewan McGregor

ITV2 8:10pm Sat 11 Nov

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

Blue Planet II Season 1 Episode 4 of 7

BIG BLUE Wildlife that live thousands of kilometres from land, featuring footage of baby turtles using debris as life rafts and whales sharks embarking on lengthy voyages across the Pacific to the point where it is safest to give birth.

BBC1 9:00pm Sun 12 Nov

Despicable Me (2010)

A criminal mastermind hopes to seal his reputation as the greatest villain of them all by stealing the moon. First he needs to get his hands on a shrinking ray owned by a rival evil genius, and adopts three orphan girls to help him - but finds that fatherhood brings out his long-buried caring side. Animated comedy, voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews

BBC2 10:00pm Sun 12 Nov

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

NEW SERIES. -Ant and Dec present the celebrity survival challenge, as another batch of famous faces are flown out to the Australian jungle, where they can look forward to completing the usual round of tough daily tasks and dreaded Bushtucker Trials until one of them is chosen as this year’s king or queen.

Contestants are comedian Shappi Khorsandi, boxer Amir Khan, Boris Johnson’s father Stanley, Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas, Coronation Street actor Jennie McAlpine, The Saturdays singer Vanessa White, Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, former footballer Dennis Wise, social media sensation Jack Maynard and Rebekah Vardy, wife of England footballer Jamie

ITV2 10:00pm Sun 12 Nov

Would I Lie to You? NEW SERIES

Comedian and writer David Baddiel, former MP and Strictly Come Dancing 2016 star Ed Balls, stand-up and actress Jo Brand and ex-Pussycat Doll and Celebrity MasterChef 2015 winner Kimberly Wyatt join host Rob Brydon and captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack as the comedy panel show returns for its 11th series.

BBC1 9:30pm Mon 20 Nov

Sinkholes: Buried Underground NEW SERIES - Documentary

examining the underlying forces behind sinkholes, which can swallow up streets, rip up motorways, destroy forests and even drag unfortunate bystanders to their deaths. Stories featured include a 2016 case in Ripon, North Yorkshire, when a sinkhole measuring 66ft wide and 30ft deep suddenly appeared right behind a woman’s house, while there is also footage from Florida, often called the sinkhole capital of the worldm

Channel 5 9:00pm Mon 20 Nov

Save Money: Good Food

Susanna Reid and Matt Tebbutt are in Kent with the Ockendens, a family of six who are overspending on their food bill.

Matt takes on the challenge to reinvigorate their meal times with dishes which will get them all eating together and save money.

ITV London 8:30pm Tue 21 Nov

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Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Loss of memory (7) 5 Desist (5) 8 Tall building (5) 9 Idle or wild fancy (7) 10 Ailment (7) 11 Intrepid (5) 12 Small and dainty (6) 14 High regard (6) 18 Young ladies (5) 20 Lauded (7) 22 Protective garment (7) 23 Mourning song (5) 24 Liquid measure (5) 25 Stories in instalments (7)

Down 1 Behaved badly (5,2) 2 Small amphibians (5) 3 Taverns (anag.) (7) 4 Bowman (6) 5 Ascend (5) 6 Run-of-the-mill (7) 7 Dodge (5) 13 Turbulent swift-flowing stream (7) 15 Defamation (7) 16 Insanity (7) 17 Russets, pippins, etc. (6) 18 Menacing animal sound (5) 19 ‘The final frontier’ (5) 21 Arab country (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Petite iron designed for one with a suit (10) 7 Old song concerning an idler (8) 8 Get a poor number of spectators (4) 9 Herb in perfect condition (4) 10 Satisfied with what is inside (7) 12 Buchan’s novel translation of Ten Large Men (11) 14 Childhood in the imagination? (7) 16 Settled partnership? (4) 19 Secured when not eating (4) 20 Let oboes become out of date (8) 21 Professional farm vehicle used by geometry students (10)

Down

1 The prime minister entertains little Sarah with a song (5) 2 Aintree fixture for apprentice? (7) 3 Ancient city not completely destroyed? (4) 4 I plan too carelessly, but it’s not mandatory (8) 5 The crew dined, we hear (5) 6 Weight carried by expert without delay (2,4) 11 Stunning sort of tournament? (8) 12 Pleasant Ealing production? (6) 13 One of three allowed on journey (7) 15 A flower can make you stare wildly (5) 17 Measuring device encountered by the queen (5) 18 The continent of China, Siam, etc. (4)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 40

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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Top of the morning

By Simon Russell

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) You have quite an unusual It would be wise to keep life response to what life is offering as simple as possible today, so you, the result being you’re don’t complicate issues more living your life in a fairly unique than is strictly necessary. An way. The attraction you have for uncluttered day gives you others isn’t in doubt and you’ll more time to think up future ARIES LIBRA turn heads wherever you go. strategies. Register the fact that friends and colleagues are proving to be This period isn’t all about work because from a extremely helpful. Return the favour at a later social point of view you’re sizzling. date.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd)

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)

VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)

You’re currently enjoying an Despite your recent mental independent approach to dexterity, you’ll recognise within life, and that’s fine as long yourself a certain flightiness and as you don’t give others the unreliability. This wont please impression you don’t want you at all as it runs contrary TAURUS to your mental self image. SCORPIO or need their advice. Listen carefully to what you’re being Although it wont please you, it’ll certainly be the source of amusement to told then go ahead and do as you wish, just as others and will make you appear more human diplomatically as you can manage. to them.

You’ll probably go to great With a great desire to assert Get ready to go out and about your opinions and have your as you explore the wide blue say no matter what, you may yonder of life outside your fall foul of someone who has doorstep. You’re restless so very different opinions to you.

GEMINI It would be far better to agree SAGITTARIUS that means its time for little opportunity that comes your with them instead of arguing as you don’t have as much behind you as they do, way. Those around you may be trying to clip but bide your time, you’ll get there in the end. your wings in some way, but you’ll find the means to get what you want come way may.

You certainly have some Your powers of concentration ingenious methods for getting are great today and will ahead and you’ll make the continue to be so through the most of every little opportunity rest of the month. This means that comes your way. you can plan long term and CANCER there’s a good chance that some CAPRICORN Although you’ll be frustrated by the attitude or opinions of of your efforts from earlier in the year start to bear fruit. You may have to show particular friends, you’re wise enough to know there’s reasons for this strange behaviour. your persuasive side today.

Applying more positive Being on the move can be thinking to everything you rewarding today so keep your do should bring some very motor running. Its not a time happy experiences and should to be standing still or to allow allow you to work positively the grass to grow under you towards a longed for objective feet with regards to exciting LEO in a personal sense. Others are AQUARIUS new plans. You’ll be amazed anxious to help you out and it’s clear how how much work you’ll get through right now, popular you are among any group across the especially if you get a helping hand from board. friends.

You’re normally very careful With the moon in direct and that certainly seems to be opposition to Neptune at the true today. No mater how much start of the week, you’ll be others push, you’ll only do what feeling that there’s a lot of seems right and sensible to you inspiration out there in the big personally. All in all that’s fine PISCES wide world, even if at times you VIRGO as your friends know you well, do become overly emotional. but you may have to make some exceptions for Don’t worry though as that will change when strangers.

Mars, currently residing in your long term plans and ambitions zone gets fired up and pushes you into making an impression on someone.

A “Radio Times” poll to find the best breakfast TV presenter of all times saw Northern Irishman Eamonn Holmes as runaway winner, receiving nearly a quarter of peoples votes. Holmes has been an early morning fixture more or less non-stop since 1993 with long stints at ITV’s GMTV and Sky’s Sunrise shows.

He said to those that voted for him “Thank you for remembering that I was there on good days and bad days, when the weather was good and bad, when the news was good and bad - and thanks for the memories.” 33,000 people voted in the poll which saw Johnny Vaughan come in second and controversial presenter Piers Morgan third.

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Motoring

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Land Rover Range Rover Velar (2016) Well, presumably it’s someone who wants a car that sits inbetween an Evoque and a Range Rover Sport. This is the ‘white space’ (their words not ours...) that Land Rover has apparently identified.

Essentially what you’re looking at is a more ‘dynamic’ Range Rover designed as an alternative to the likes of the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and ironically the Jaguar F-Pace, with which it shares much.

So does the Velar live up to all the hype? Well it does

a pretty good job. It’s certainly a lovely looking thing, even more so when you see one in the metal, so to speak and there are some special details, like the retractable door handles.

Then there’s the interior. It’s a huge step forward for Range Rover in terms of technology and design. In fact, the cabin is one of the best around - of any SUV (or crossover or whatever this wants to be labelled as). It’s a lovely environment to spend time in and feels genuinely luxurious.

Despite the more swoopy shape, there’s also decent space in the back and a big boot too. This is still a practical family car and being a Range Rover it’s also pretty handy offroad. But it’s on-road where the Velar has been designed to excel.

Here it’s something of a mixed bag. The steering is quick and responsive - and there’s loads of front end grip - so you’d think it would be a recipe for decent handling. But the body control is still very much in Range Rover

territory, which means it rolls a lot, especially compared to a Porsche Macan.

That said, it rides well enough and is very relaxing to drive. What we’re not too keen on is the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The Ingenium unit is certainly quick enough but lacks the refinement and smoothness you’d expect of a premium car like the Velar. Luckily, there are also decent petrols available.

As for the name. Well ‘Velar’ dates back to the original Range Rover prototypes of the late 1960s. Back then Land Rover was limited to agricultural vehicles for farmers. However, keen to expand sales in the USA, it started work on the Range Rover in 1964. It used the Velar name to disguise the development of the prototypes on public roads between.

FRIDAY 7TH NOV 2017

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Motoring

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Black-spot work starts

By Matthew Richards

Puzzle Solutions

WORK has started to smooth out three dangerous bends on the A-31 motorway that connects Alicante with Madrid. These are located in the Villena area in the north of the province, and the Ministry of Public

Works has said that the project is being carried out now as November is one of the quieter times of the year for traffic.

Work will be carried out seven days a week and 24 hours a day until it is completed to minimise the time taken, but you can expect delays if you

QUICK CROSSWORD

are travelling in the area.

The effected stretch will be reduced to one lane when the work is taking place, so plan your journey accordingly.

The Ministry said that several accidents are recorded each year on this stretch of road, some of them fatal.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

41

Sport

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Ibrahimovic to return in 2017

By Simon Russell

The long wait for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return to action will soon be over as Jose Mourinho confirmed that the striker will make a comeback before the end of the year.

Ibrahimovic has been out since April after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. But the 36-year-old forward having recovered swiftly is closing in on a first-team comeback.

After suggesting last month that the former Sweden

international could be back this year, the Portuguese boss is now certain of that timescale.

“He is a lion, he is a fighter,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I think that is a good description of him, he has the anger all the time and that’s the reason why he’s almost coming back.

“As we expect, he’s reduced the timing of his recovering and, as we were saying a few weeks ago, he will be back in 2017, which is a magnificent recovery.”

Roger Federer top prize money earner in sport

By Jan Brown

Roger Federer, nineteentime Grand Slam champion, has overtaken former world number one golfer Tiger Woods as the highest prize money earner in individual sports, according to a list released by Forbes.

Federer became the first player

to book his place in the semifinals of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals by seeing off a spirited challenge from 20-yearold Alexander Zverev of Germany 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-1 in a thrilling round robin clash that lasted two hours and 11 minutes.

The victory took his prize money to a whopping $110,235,682, thus

surpassing previous number one Woods? tally of $110,061,012 in his career.

Federer is in a rich-vein of form having won seven titles this year, including Australian Open and Wimbledon, and will chase to win his first season-ending title since 2011. The 36-year-old Swiss chose to sit out of the second half

of 2016 in order to recover fully from his knee surgery as well as a back problem, has also moved to number two spot in the ATP Rankings.

Federer currently holds 95 career titles, sitting at the second spot on the all-time list behind American Jimmy Connors, who bagged 109 titles, Sport24 reported.

New arrival for superstar

By Matthew Richards

REAL MADRID and Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo is well on the way to having his own team after the birth of his fourth child. His partner Georgiana Rodriguez gave birth to a girl on 12 November at a private hospital in Madrid. Little Alana Martina was born about a week earlier than

expected but mother and child are both doing fine.

A beaming Ronaldo released some family images from the maternity room onto Instagram which were quickly seen by thousands.

The Portuguese national team had a friendly match lined up the weekend of the birth but Ronaldo was excused from international duty.

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FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

Sport

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‘Deja Vu’ for Rugby La Vila

By Tony Fox

The now immortal words of England coach Eddie Jones ‘what the f#### is happening’ can be applied to La Vila’s latest performance against third placed Alcobendas. In a match they should

have at the very least drawn having had 60% possession throughout they lost 29-12. In the first minute after losing a line-out they gave away a penalty and 3points. Another bad mistake allowed Brad Linklater, former New Zealand international now qualified for Spain, to score a try and conversion, 10-0. La Vila still had most of the possession but could not break down the home side defence. The league top try scorer Arturo Íñigo, added to the score,

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

COMES TO SPAIN International rugby at the end of this month is coming to Spain, 25 November, up at La Vila’s rugby stadium with Spain taking on Brasil.

Tickets will either be sold on the day or online at 10€ each and kick off is at 16.00.

There is plenty of parking at the stadium.

The more support we give to international matches

like this and the international 7’s at Elche the other week the more chance we have of getting more of these matches and tournaments being played in this area. So let’s fill the stadium and show that rugby is important here.

For more information contact Garry on whatsapp 692 767 242 or at Zoco Market on Sundays.

17-0. Just before half time La Vila lost an important scrum allowing a try by Adam Newton, a British rugby import, so it was 22-0 at the interval.

Not for the first time this season, straight from the kick off and a knock-on in front of their posts, came the scrum and La Vila gave away another 7 points, 29-0.

As hard as they tried they could not break the home side defence who tackled hard and sometimes illegally having two of their players ‘sin binned’. During that time, when Alcobendas were reduced to 14 men, La Vila

scored 2 tries, one by Juanchi Perez, giving La Vila some reward for their efforts and the final score of 29-12.

La Vila remain third from bottom of the league but have the ability to climb much higher as and when they can master their stupid mistakes which give their opponents easy scoring opportunities, in this case 17 points. They have to believe in themselves and know that they are equal in ability to any of the teams in the division and play hard and fast from the first whistle not, as now seems to be their pattern, when they are trailing in points.

FRIDAY 17TH NOV 2017

43

Sport

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By Eric Malpus

As the Premier League & Alfaz Fantasy Football League pauses for the 3rd International Break of the Season it gives us a chance to review what has happened so far this Season in the A.F.F.L. and also take a look back at the results of the 1st Round of our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition.

With just over a quarter of the Season gone, we have had 5 different teams at the top of the Fantasy League.

Kevin’s Mason United was the early pacesetters then Darren’s Daz XI took over for 4 weeks and have since been replaced by the present leaders Isobel’s team The Bluebells. Only 30 points separate the top ten teams so it looks like we are going to have a battle royal at the top for our prestigious 24 th A.F.F.L. Trophy.

Two teams have dominated our Mark Carter Ladies Section and they are Pauline’s Vodka Army in the early stages & Isabel’s Bluebells who have the advantage at the moment.The closest team to the leaders is Marilyn’s Super Saints 2nd who are trailing them by 23 points.

Harrison’s team Boden’s Boys who are new to the Fantasy League set off like a house on fire in our U.K.T.V.Spain Junior League in the first few weeks but they have since been caught and taken over by Robbie’s team Tea & Busquets who have been top of the League for the last 6 weeks.

The Golden Boot League has been a little disappointing so far with Wayne’s team Two Years Running, Maybe dominating the proceedings at

Summit.They have a 35 point cushion over Graham’s team Laurel & Vardy but it’s worth pointing out that last year in this League Lee’s Walkden Town chased down an incredible 61 point advantage held by Dave’s team Juke Box Mackems and lifted the Golden Boot Trophy so as they say at Aintree It’s a big race the Grand National!

The highest score so far is 89 points which were amassed by Eric’s Blue Moonies while lowest score goes to Winnie’s team Le Hombre Rioja with a minus 7.

Top Fantasy League Players so far are as follows. No surprise at the top Keeper as Manchester United’s David de Gea leads the way with 49 points and as yet to concede a goal at Old Trafford in the Premier League and the nearest keeper to him is his neighbour across the way Manchester City’s Moraes Ederson with 36 points.

Manchester United have also got the top Defender in Antonio Valencia with 48 points which is 1 point ahead of Chelsea’s consistent fullback Ceasar Azpilicuenta.

Manchester City’s German Winger Leroy Sane is the top Mid-Field Player with 58 points to his name. Only 24 Managers selected the tricky winger and I bet they were all Manchester City Fans while the Liverpool Fans were out in force when 45 of them chose Mo Salah who is in 2nd place with 55 points.

Top Fantasy League Player so far this season is Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku with 66 points.In 2nd place, 6 points behind him is Manchester City’s record breaker,

Sergio Aguero.

Two Mid-Field Players are joint top of our Golden Boot League and they are Liverpool’s Mo Salah and former Liverpool Player and now a Manchester City Star Raheem Sterling both on 49 points.

Out of the 128 ties in our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition 1st round 6 of them finished up a draw so that means Gerrard’s Bitch, Rabs Rockets, Altea Autos, Eccles Red Devils, I Love George, Old Mates, Walkden Town, Glory Leeds United, Ant & Brad, City Slickers, Red Lions, Foxy Filberts, will all have to play again this weekend.

Only 6 of our Junior Managers made it through to the next round with 2 involved with replays. The Ladies faired much better with no fewer than 25 getting through, with 3 more involved in replays.

The best performance came from Elaine’s team The Titan Tykes who knocked out the favourites Darren’s Daz XI by 27-23. The biggest win of the round went to Bacon Sane who thrashed Kerry’s Penfold Puffins by 4311.The new favourites Izzy’s Bluebells disposed of Nick’s Black Cats 33-17 while another top team Tommy’s Loose Connections just scraped through by beating Simon’s team Si is Norfolk R Good by a narrow 1 point margin 3534.

The Draw for the next round will be up on our website when the replays have taken place. Let’s hope all our Players come back from the Internationals fit and well and ready to go again as we approach the Christmas Fixtures.

Read the Full report and past AFFL Reports at www.Weekender.News/AFFL

Jukebox Football Predictions League

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL BREAK 3

44

Sport

FRIDAY 27TH OCT 2017

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SPORT Week Saturday 18th November 13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:15 20.45

Arsenal v Tottenham EPL Liverpool v Southampton EPL Crystal Palace v Everton EPL Leicester v Man City EPL West Brom v Chelsea EPL Bournemouth v Hudderfield EPL Burnley FC v Swansea City EPL Leganes v Barcelona La Liga Athletico Madrid v Real Madrid La Liga

Sunday 19th November 17:00 Watford v West Ham EPL

Monday 20th November 21:00 Brighton v Stoke City EPL

Tuesday 21st November 18:00 18:00 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45

Spartak Moskva v Maribor CL Besiktas v - Porto CL Dortmund v Tottenham CL Man City v Feyenoord CL Apoel Nicosia v Real Madrid CL Sevilla v Liverpool CL Napoli v Shakhtar Donetsk CL Monaco v RB Leipzig CL

Fixtures

Sunday 22nd Novemeber 18:00 18:00 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45

CSKA Moscow v Benfica CL Qarabag FK v Chelsea CL FC Basel v Man Utd CL Sporting v Olympiacos CL Anderlect v Bayern Munich CL Athletico Madrid v Roma CL Juventus v Barcelona CL Paris v Celtic CL

RUGBY UNION SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2017

Italy v Argentina 15:00 Wales v Georgia 15:30 England v Australia 16:00 Scotland v New Zealand 18:15 Ireland v Fiji 18:30 France v South Africa 20:45

E LA OabN FORalMRaU ce- Abu Dh i Fin Sunday 26th November

48

FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2017

Weekender Sport Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport

S S I M Y L A T I

P U C D L R WO F

In one of the biggest World Cup shocks in recent memory, Italy will not get to take part in next year’s finals after losing to Sweden 1-0 on aggregate in their two-leg play-off.

Italy, who have won the World Cup on four occasions, the last time in 2006, will be the most high profile absentee from the finals in Russia next year.

The result is a disaster for the Italian national team — which last missed the finals in 1958 — and for embattled coach Gian Piero Ventura, whose

60 YE N I E M I T IRST

tactics and methods have been questioned by pundits and former players alike.

Playing in front of a vocal crowd at the San Siro in Milan, the Azzurri went into the game knowing they had to score at least once to stay alive, after a goal from Jacob Johansson gave Sweden a vital 1-0 win in the first leg in Stockholm.

Italy looked the stronger side, and had plenty of chances — 11 shots on goal to Sweden’s one in the first half — but could not convert any.

On the other hand, Sweden appeared hard done by when Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz declined to award a penalty after a shot by Sweden’s Emil Forsberg hit the arm of Italian defender Andrea Barzagli inside the area.

It was still goal-less at half-time, and the tension rose as time began to tick down in the second stanza, with Italy increasingly desperate to get the goal that would keep them in contention.

In the 52nd minute, Italy had a big chance,

ARS

but Alessandro Florenzi’s shot went just wide of the post with Swedish keeper Robin Olsen at full stretch.

The home side continued to create chances, but could not get the vital finish.

The play was almost entirely focused on Sweden’s back half in the final minutes.

With seconds left, Italy forced a corner, but when the final whistle blew there was nothing but a chorus of boos from the Italian supporters as their team’s World Cup dreams.