The weekender issue 15 marina baixa (benidorm)

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ISSUE 015

IssueB #148

Friday 6th October

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Monarch: Over and out!

By Jack Troughton BRITISH airline Monarch was grounded early on Monday morning; stranding thousands of passengers abroad and ruining the plans of

travellers with tickets to take off in the near future.

The UK’s fifth largest carrier failed after being unable to solve its financial woes - and 50 years of service was consigned to history with

its aircraft left parked on the tarmac.

The Civil Aviation Authority took over the huge task of getting people back to Britain in a major “unprecedented” operation after the airline, based at Luton, called in the administrators. It is the largest ever peacetime repatriation, according to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

He said: “This is a hugely distressing situation for British holidaymakers abroad, and my first priority is to help them get back to the UK.” The government also pledged that while immediate priority was to return passengers to the UK, it would give “full consideration to how this happened and what can be done to stop it happening again in the future — including through legislation if needed”.

Continued page Page 5

See Page 6

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Catalonia’s anger

By Jack Troughton

PEOPLE took to the streets of Catalonia again on Tuesday in an angry protest over the police violence that marred the independence referendum.

Catalans staged a general strike to express anger at the tactics employed police during voting day in a bid to stop the ballot – in scenes that shocked the world; officers were seen firing rubber bullets, striking people with batons, storming voting stations.

The region’s trade unions called the strike to protest at the “grave violation of rights and freedoms” seen on Sunday. Up to 900 people were hurt – including 33 police officers – as the Spanish government tried to prevent voting in a referendum already declared illegal by Madrid.

Gridlock was reported in the streets of Barcelona, its port ground to a halt and the Metro was disrupted; many small businesses supported the strike, markets shut, school and universities closed or were operated by a skeleton staff, and civil servants walked out, although the airport operated as normal.

Catalonia remains divided over the question of breaking with Spain.

However, BBC Europe Editor Katya Adler reported: “What unites Catalonia today is a seething fury and resentment at the heavy-handedness of the Spanish government, represented

by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, with what Catalans perceive as his Madridcentric arrogance, brutishness and disregard for the rights of individuals.”

Madrid says the constitution prohibits secession and can only be changed if all Spaniards, not just Catalans, agree – it bussed in police and Guardia Civil officers from across the country to stop the vote.

Mr Rajoy said the referendum ballot “made a mockery of democracy” and insisted there had not been a referendum on independence.

Madrid has already warned the autonomy of the wealthy region could be suspended under constitutional laws.

It is claimed 2.2 million people did manage to cast a vote. There was a single question: “Do you want Catalonia to become an independent

state in the form of a republic?”; with a choice of two boxes: Yes or No. The Catalan government claimed the vote in support of independence was 90%. Turnout was relatively low, some 42%; but there has been no official results released – although there were claims another 750,000 votes were left uncounted as the ballot boxes were seized.

Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont has since said the region did not want a “traumatic” break with Spain but a “new understanding” with central

government Madrid.

He has also called on the international community to help mediate between the two sides in an increasingly bitter war of words – but Europe has said the crisis is “an internal matter” for Spain.

Catalonia has a population of 7.5 million people and over a quarter of Spain’s exports come from the region, which is roughly the size of Belgium.

It produces 19% of Spain’s GDP and attracts more than 20% of foreign investment.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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ALWAYS look on the bright side of life is The Weekender’s slogan of the week – even if stolen from Life of Brian and the Monty Python crew – as Spain and the world goes wrong (yet) again.

There’s absolutely no satisfaction here that predictions the Catalonia referendum would end in tears became real - and the scenes of violence flashed across the world were genuinely shocking.

When two sides stop talking there is always real despair.

When the troops arrive to reinforce one side’s will against the other, there is real danger. A certain Winston Churchill always gave a thumb’s up to ‘jaw jaw’ rather than ‘war war’.

Visitors to this wonderful country are always welcome and welcomed by our Spanish friends; tourism is a mainstay of the country and everyone hopes to be able to breeze in and out for a weekend, short break, or a holiday. Even hard-baked expats occasionally have to make it back home.

It means Monarch airline’s fall from grace does not make easy reading either. It hung on and on. There is now a huge response to get people back to the UK; which is good.

Managing Director

Marco Baiardo

marco@weekender.news

Media Director

Adam King

adamking@weekender.news

There are also rather a lot of people waiting to travel who will never get to their destination. It’s not a good thing as flexibility is not always an easy thing to achieve in this modern world – and for some there is now a route march trying to get money back, even to be able to rebook a trip. Sorry to say, vultures circle and short haul ticket prices for a time are soaring! Supply, demand and rip off!

And on a brighter side; the expat wheel is beginning to get back up to speed as we move into autumn. Charity shops do sterling work throughout the year but clubs and associations find members return and fund raising events are spread across the calendar.

Doing our duty, we hope to see as many of you as possible – failing that, we welcome reports and pictures of success! A brighter side of life indeed.

Jack Troughton Editor - The Weekender

Editor

Jack Troughton

editor@weekender.news

Senior Reporter

Simon Russell

simon@weekender.news

Design & Production

Marco Baiardo Jr. studio@weekender.news

IT & Online Manager

Samuel Fielder

social@weekender.news

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

‘OLA’: ADVICE AND EXPERIENCE

By Jack Troughton

EXPATS are being helped to “get it right” in Spain with advice from a corps of amateur diplomats recruited to the ‘Our Local Ambassador’ scheme.

Affectionately known as ‘OLA’, the scheme is run from the British Consulate in Alicante and extends through Alicante and Murcia.

The OLAs themselves share their own experiences to help people improve and make a success of their lives in Spain; they also channel official information from the consulate and the British Embassy in Madrid.

And with Brexit looming, the scheme is seen as crucial for communicating with the British community and dealing with any

concerns – all the time avoiding the rumour mill.

British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris relaunched the scheme in Alicante and said it was hoped to raise the profile of the volunteer ambassadors and give expats an idea “of how you get it right.”

She told members of the scheme: “We hope you will keep us on our toes, and make sure we are communicating with people properly “We want to celebrate the stuff that people like yourselves do; how you can have a happy and healthy life in Spain – the positive, rather than the less happy stuff.”

The volunteers will also be invited to the consulate’s successful ‘outreach’ events in their communities to share practical knowledge.

Mrs Morris added: “It gets you involved; it gives people more information through the original source rather than the rumour mill.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there.”

She paid tribute to the expat groups and associations across the Costas that helped people integrate better, adding: “Integration can be a bit of a challenge.”

However, on a positive note, the consul said: “There is a sense of community here that you perhaps

don’t get in the UK; people look out for one another.”

Mrs Morris remains “optimistic” that Brexit will still allow expats to live their lives in Spain largely unchanged but official advice is for everyone to be visible; registering as residents and signing on the official town hall ‘padron’ list.

“The challenge will be for all those Brits living here but who are not above board...there are people below the radar and I don’t know what they will do to establish themselves.”

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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Monarch misery for thousands

By Jack Troughton

Continued from front page... More than 100,000 passengers were believed to need CAA help in getting home to the UK, and it is understood up to 850,000 hold tickets that are no longer fit for purpose – last year Monarch flew 6.3 million passengers.

The troubled airline’s crash followed a reported £291 million losses in the year to October 2016, and triggered 1,900 job

losses, and cancellation of all flights and its package holidays.

Monarch’s chief executive Andrew Swaffield has said he was “absolutely devastated” at the collapse. He said a “heartbreaking” decision was made when next year’s estimated losses were “well over” an unsustainable £100 million.

And Mr Swaffield blamed the crash on “terrorism and the closure of some markets like Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt,”

which led to more competition on routes to Spain and Portugal – and the economic squeeze in the budget airline ticketing market on short haul routes.

The CAA has also been forced to deny low-cost airline market is in trouble after the Monarch crown slipped and the much-publicised cancellation problems of Ryanair were extended from October through until the New Year.

Monarch passengers were advised: anyone affected should visit the dedicated website monarch.caa.co.uk; the quickest

and best way to get information on a new flight — or call the helpline: 0300 303 2800 (UK) or +44 1753 330 330 (overseas).

People abroad and scheduled to fly within the next fortnight would be brought back to the UK at no cost to them up to 15th October without any need to cut short a stay. Those with flight-only bookings after 16th October were unlikely to have Atol scheme protection, and would need to make their own arrangements.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Double fiesta week!

By Simon Russell

NEXT week has two bank holidays in the Valencian Community.

The 9 October is Valencia’s National Day and many local towns will be holding events to celebrate, with Valencia City having the largest parade through its streets.

The day commemorates the recapture of the City of Valencia in 1238 from the occupying Moors by

King Jaume I. If you are outside of the Valencian Community on 9 October this will be a normal working day, but the 12 October is a national Spanish holiday. This is Spain’s National Day and marks the date in 1492 when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas, celebrating Spain’s links with South America in particular.

Schools, banks and

public buildings will almost all close on both days. Some shops, especially smaller ones, will be open but you would be advised to check this if you are planning a shopping trip on either day. There will also be a mini boost for the tourist industry as some Spaniards take advantage of their three day working week to take a puente, or bridge, and enjoy the week off work.

Where’s cheap and where’s not

By Simon Russell

THE consumer association OCU has published its list of the most expensive and the cheapest supermarkets across Spain. Based on a basket of 23 products purchased

from each store, they found that the cheapest national chain was Alcampo followed by Mercadona. The two most expensive national chains are both wholly internet based, Ulabox and Tudespensa.

At a local level Dani, which is

located in Granada, is the cheapest while Sanchez Romero in Madrid is the costliest – in fact they are 81% more expensive than Dani. The cheapest regions to shop in overall are La Rioja and Galicia while Catalonia and the Balearics are the priciest on average.

OCU noted that prices overall on the range of products had risen by just 0.1% from the same survey a year earlier. However prices had actually been falling until this year and they believe that the supermarket price war that led to this is now over.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

War hero remembered

By Simon Russell

A Spanish military officer who was in the first wave of allied soldiers to liberate Paris in 1945 is among people being honoured in Valencia by having streets named after them.

Amado Granell, who was born in Sueca in the Valencian province, joined the French Foreign Legion to fight against Nazi Germany in World War II. A total of 57 streets, squares, and avenues are being renamed in Valencia, most replacing people linked to General Franco’s period of rule by dictatorship.

Calle Granell for example is

A huge bull that was scheduled to take part in a bull running festival in Les Alqueries broke free of its handlers and spent several hours on the run. The creature made his way to a local orchard where there was a plentiful supply of food for it. However the trees made it very difficult to rope and capture the bull

before eventually it was lassoed. Noone was hurt in the incident, including the animal, and the city council said that the creature was being monitored at all times. However these large animals can be a danger to the public and further questions may be asked about the Castellon town’s security at events as this is the second time that this has happened there in just a few months.

By Matthew Richards

NEARLY 2,500 cyclists took part in the sixth edition of Dia de la Bici (Bike Day) which this year raised money for the Spanish Cancer Association. All participants paid a Euro to ride the ten kilometre course through the city streets, cycling through landmark areas such as Plaza Puerta del Mar and the Conde Paseo.

As well as raising money for good causes, the event is also a way of promoting the use of bikes in the city which is aiming to become more cycle friendly and has been extending its network of cycle lanes recently. Local Police – all on bikes of course – accompanied the peloton of cyclists throughout the route to ensure their safety.

replacing a street named after Gustavo Gonzalez who was one of Franco’s right hand men in the 1936 military coup.

There is also an effort being made to name more streets after notable women such as politician Elena Just and activist Pilar Soler. There is a nod to the arts with streets being named after poets, artists and writers such as Joaquin Sorolla and Andreu Alfaro.

20,000 residents of Spain’s third largest city will now find themselves living on renamed streets and they have all been informed of the necessary paperwork they need to complete to help the change run smoothly.

Bull bids for freedom

By Matthew Richards

Pedal power

More free ATM’s

By Simon Russell

ANYONE who banks with ING can now use Bankia cashpoints free of charge as long as they withdraw a minimum of €50.

Dutch bank ING has a large network of branches across Spain and its customers will now have free access to the ATM’s of Banca March, Banco Pastor, Banco Popular and Targobank as well as Bankia.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Mass shooting reignites gun debate

By Simon Russell

AT least 59 people have died and 527 have been injured in America’s worst mass shooting incident.

64-year-old Stephen Paddock carried out the attack from a Las Vegas hotel room and opened fire on a packed country music event in the city before killing himself.

Police found 23 weapons in his hotel room along with 19 at his ranch in Nevada. Paddock, a retired accountant who became a professional gambler had no terrorist

links or criminal record and police are baffled by his motive.

While President Trump’s initial response seemed to set an unusually presidential tone, he soon stoked controversy by refusing to even discuss the issue of gun control saying it would be “inappropriate” so soon after the

tragedy. Many people in the country think this is exactly the time to discuss the divisive issue and ask if his response would have been so muted had, for example, a similar

attack been carried out by a Muslim rather than a middle class white man. Guns kill around 100 people each day in the US or 34,000 a year; about 2,600 of those are children.

Valencian wonder

By Matthew Richards

INLAND Valencian town Bocairent is on the short list for Spain’s “Seven Rural Wonders”. The list, compiled by the Toprural tourist website, features twenty rural destinations across Spain, from 17 different regions. The final seven will be decided by an internet vote with the public’s choice being

announced at the end of October.

Toprural said that the initiative is to provide maximum visibility to Spain’s great landscapes and lesser known destinations. Bocairent is in the Vall d’Albaida area near Xativa and has a population of around 4,000. The strikingly picturesque town sits on a hilltop and has preserved much of its rural history.

Latino Grammy nominees announced

By Matthew Richards

THERE are some familiar names amongst the Latino Grammy nominees with Shakira and Luis Fonsi both getting nods from the judging panel. Shakira has six nominations while there are four for Fonsi whose Despacito dominated the global music

charts in the summer, hitting the top spot in the UK, Spain and US. The most nominations are Puerto Rican artist Residente with nine while Juanes, Kevin Jiminez and Mon Laferte all have five. This is the eighteenth edition of the awards, easily the most important in Latino music; the ceremony will be held on 16 November in Las Vegas.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Smart metres on track

Litter patrol

By Simon Russell

AS promised, Alicante city now has more police on duty, primarily to crack down on anti-social behaviour such as littering. Many of the new officers will be plainclothes and they have a list of sanctions, mainly fines that they can issue against offenders.

These include up to €780 for fly-tipping or using the city’s bins out of hours, €300 for vomiting or urinating in public and even €210 for shaking carpets or clothes out of your window onto a public space.

General littering can result in a fine of €300 while moving public bins (to park for example), not cleaning up after

By Simon Russell

your pet, washing your car on a public road and flyposting are all punishable with fines.

The Town Hall have produced

Battery thieves arrested

By Simon Russell

THE Guardia Civil have arrested three people in Elche, El Campello and Petrer in connection with a series of thefts of lorry batteries. At least 14 of the lead acid batteries were taken and sold for scrap, partly to feed the groups drug addictions. However they would have had a retail value

well in excess of the scrap worth and could cost up to €1,000 for drivers to replace.

Their actions were also causing further financial damage to the drivers, many of whom are self-employed, as they would turn up for work only to find their vehicle wouldn’t start and sometimes lost business as a result.

The three, a woman and two men aged between 33 and 42, have been charged with theft and released from court with conditions.

a list of over 50 separate offences from minor to very serious, such as illegally dumping toxic materials.

Dinner delay

By Matthew Richards

DUE to the high number of requests for subsidised lunches, schools across the province have requested more money from the Alicante Consell. The school lunch service started last month but not all pupils and their family are aware if they have qualified for the grant which is done on a points basis and can be subsidised up to 100%.

As well as family income, family size and other individual circumstances such as disability of the child or a guardian are all taken into account.

There have been assurances that the neediest pupils will qualify. Around 45,000 pupils have applied for the grant, 8,000 more than just two years ago

ELECTRICITY provider Iberdrola has been installing digital smart metres across the Valencian Community, work that is nearing completion. The Alicante and Valencia Provinces now have about 95% of the firm’s customers on the meters while in Castellon it is close to 100%. The project is an essential step in modernising the electricity supply locally and across Spain.

The new system allows the meter to be read remotely and gives the customer extensive information on when and where they are using the power.

However the scheme has had its criticism, not least as the majority of customers had to bear the brunt of the costs for the meters – whether they wanted them or not.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Rural robbers

By Matthew Richards

By Simon Russell

THREE members of the same family have been charged with stealing more than 2,500 kilos of almonds from remote farms in the Alicante province. The investigation started last month after farmers voiced suspicion that their crops were being taken, sometimes as much as 600 kilos in a day.

The three, who live in Sax, were caught in the act of stealing by a farmer in the inland area of Biar; the Guardia Civil then arrested the men

aged 19, 27 and 60 although they had attempted to flee the scene. They are being linked to other thefts in the area

where it is believed that they targeted remote farms and then carried out the thefts very early in the day.

Urine proofing the town

By Matthew Richards

THE acidic qualities of urine have been damaging many of the facades of buildings in El Campello so the town has come up with a novel solution.

The company who have the cleaning concession for the town are to start using a special product in the worst effected

Police honoured

spots which effectively repels the urine, stopping it from damaging the brickwork and blighting the town with stained walls.

The product being used, CKSPLASH, was trialled effectively in Pamplona where public urination is a major problem at the massive festival, although in El Campello the problem is thankfully more to do with dogs

SEPTEMBER 29th was Denia’s Day of the Police and several members of the local force were honoured at the event which was presided over by Mayor Vicent Grimalt. Chief Inspector Antonio Cabeza received a medal for overseeing the local station and his work in co-ordinating with the National Police.

Local officers Roberto Santos Salazar, Lorente Llopis and David Gil Domenech all received orders of merit for their actions over the year which included the arrest of a criminal wanted by Interpol, the apprehension of a bank robber and the rescue of people from a floundering yacht. There was also a posthumous award for the recently deceased Manuel Llopis, which was collected by his son Roberto

than people. Environmental Councillor Cynthia Alaves stressed that this does not take away responsibility for pets from their owners and they should always clean up behind them. The problem is becoming so bad in many towns that they are starting to introduce by-laws ensuring dog owners have to carry water to clean up behind their pets.

Raise your glasses!

By Simon Russell

THERE is still time to check out the annual Oktoberfest in Moraira which runs until Monday 9th October. The Monday is a holiday across the region so beer fans have an extra day to enjoy the various wares on offer, including Paulaner, the traditional drink for German beer festivals and which is brewed in Munich, the home of the original beer festival. Around 7,000 litres of ale is expected to be consumed at this year’s festival which is being held in the Les Sorts car park in the town. As well as German beer typical Bavarian food will be available, imported in specially and prepared

by German nationals.

The beer tent will be open from 12pm until 5am except for Monday when the festival closes at 7pm.

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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Tapas by the sea

By Simon Russell

TWENTY bars and restaurants are participating in Javea’s “La mar del Tapas” from 13 to 15 October. This is the sixth edition of the event which is growing in reputation, and this year the timing is especially good, as the 12 October is a

national fiesta day and many people will be enjoying a “bridging weekend” over the duration of the festival.

As well as food and drink there will be entertainment for all ages, including street music and a children’s craft workshop.

As the name suggests fish and seafood are the focus for the

tapas bars, where the Spanish snacks will be priced at €1.80; you can accompany these with a drink for just €1.50. The event starts at 12.30pm on the Friday until 3pm and then from 7pm to 11pm. Saturday has the same schedule and the festival finishes after the Sunday lunchtime session.

Pollution as art

By Matthew Richards

AN art exhibition opened in Alicante this week highlighting the damage we are causing to the world’s oceans. One work is a 10 meter installation of a sperm whale showing the human trash found inside the creature such as 9 meters of rope and numerous pots, plastic bottles and glass.

These items are replicated exactly from the stomach contents of a dead sperm whale washed up on the Spanish coast in 2012.

Other works include the

journey of a message in a bottle, showing the fragmentation of a plastic bottle as it travels the seas.

Chemicals released from ordinary household plastics include micro-beads and

highly toxic compounds such as Bisphenol, all deadly to marine life. The works by artist and agricultural engineer Hugo Martinez-Tormo are on display in the Fish Market (Lonja del Pescado) until 26 November.

Back In

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

FREE ENTRY – IF YOUR NAME FITS

By Simon Russell

ONE of the UK’s biggest theme parks is offering free entry over the upcoming half term – although there is quite a catch. The promotion by the Legoland Windsor Resort is to tie in with the new Lego Ninjango Movie, but to qualify for the freebie you need to share a Christian name with one of the film’s six main characters. So if you’re back in the UK between 13th and 30th October and you’re named either Nya, Zane, Cole, Kai, Jay or Lloyd you might want to take advantage of the unusual offer, which applies to adults and children alike. As you would expect full proof of identity will be required when you arrive at the ticket office.

Game of chicken

By Jack Troughton

FOOD detectives are investigating one of Britain’s largest chicken suppliers after reports of breaches of safety rules at one of its factories The Foods Standards Agency (FSA) is examining evidence after an undercover reporter claimed supermarket supplier 2 Sisters Food Group workers changed slaughter dates to extend the shelf life of meat.

The Guardian and ITV reported the alleged practice at the company’s West Bromwich site and 2 Sisters has said it views the allegations “extremely seriously” The FSA said inspectors found “no evidence” of malpractice during a visit but it continued to review the evidence.

Marks & Spencer and Aldi have stopped taking chickens from the site while investigations continue.

The company also supplies Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl; and the outlets are said to be investigating the allegations.

The reporter claimed to have seen workers changing the “kill dates” on chickens and meat of different ages being mixed together, with codes on crates of meat altered.

The Guardian and ITV News said in a statement that more than 20 workers

had confirmed the unhygienic practices took place; some said they would no longer eat chicken from supermarkets - some workers also claimed the chicken rejected by retailers was sometimes repackaged at the factory and sent out again.

The FSA said it took any allegations of inaccurate labelling and breaches in hygiene regulations “very seriously”.

It has urged the Guardian and ITV News to share the full details with the FSA, such as the footage taken and witness interview transcripts, so that it could investigate thoroughly and promptly.

The 2 Sisters company was founded in 1993 and employs 23,000 staff. Although it has diversified, the bulk of the group’s income still comes from processing poultry.

The company said it had been made aware of allegations but had “not been given the time or the detailed evidence to conduct any thorough investigations to establish the facts, which makes a fulsome response very difficult”. It said hygiene and safety remained at the “core” of its business.

It also said: “If, on presentation of further evidence, it comes to light any verifiable transgressions have been made at any of our sites, we will leave no stone unturned in investigating and remedying the situation immediately.”

Britain

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

GOGGLEBOX STAR JOSH TAPPER LANDS JOB IN CABINET

LEE NELSON HANDING THERESA MAY HER P45

Comedian and notorious prankster Lee Nelson interrupted the PM’s keynote speech at the conference in Manchester to say: ‘Prime Minister, Prime Minister…

Boris Johnson asked me to give you this.’

After recovering from the unexpected interruption, May said: ‘I was about to talk about someone I’d like to give a P45 to and that’s Jeremy Corbyn.’ There were chants of ‘out, out, out’ from Tory MPs and activists as Nelson, real name Simon Brodkin, was escorted out of the building.

As the protester was bundled out of the hall, May briefly stopped speaking before the

party faithful stood to applaud and cheer her. quipped He Foreign that Boris Secretary Johnson – who is widely believed to have ambitions to be prime minister himself – had told him to hand the P45 to May. ‘Boris told me to hand her a P45.

He didn’t tell me why. He wanted me to do it.’

Despite encouragement from her party, May was visibly shaken after the prank and struggled to regain her composure. The PM struggled to deliver the remainder of her keynote speech repeatedly coughing and losing her voice. She had to stop on several occasions to drink water and take a cough sweet which she said came from Chancellor Philip Hammond. ‘Shows what good the chancellor’s cough sweet is,’ she said, as she continued to attempt to give her speech. And it looks as though she wasn’t the only one that was close to giving up – as letters from the slogan on the wall behind her started to fall off.

The Tapper family are best known for giving their opinions on weekly telly on Channel 4’s Gogglebox. But it seems that Josh Tapper is swapping those opinions for some that may directly affect the country even more. The 20-year-old star has reportedly been offered a job in the Cabinet Office. osh – who appears on Gogglebox with mum Nikki, dad Jonathan and sister Amy – has been offered a civil in apprenticeship service Whitehall, where over 2,000 staff work directly with Prime Minister Theresa May and her cabinet. Josh will be taking a

break from Gogglebox while the rest of his family, who have been on the show since its beginnings in 2013, continue. ‘Channel 4 will, of course, keep the door open for him but it’s a really exciting opportunity for him,’ a source told The Mirror.

‘It’s a much coveted job.

Josh has already started having meetings within No10.’ We wonder if he’ll get the PM’s thoughts on who should win Strictly… People in the apprenticeship, which can last up to two years, can apply for a job in Government at the end, with their roles involving adminstrative support and shadowing ministers.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia Striking gold

By Simon Russell

HOLLYWOOD classic ‘On Golden Pond’ comes to a Costa Blanca stage when family values and relationships go under the microscope.

Two Fondas – father Henry and daughter Jane – starred with Katherine Hepburn in the Tinseltown version; Javea Players believe a talented cast can recreate the magic next month.

Norman, a grumpy Fonda senior and long-suffering wife Ethel (Hepburn), always spend the summer on the shores of Golden Pond. Daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) arrives out of the blue to help celebrate her father’s birthday...but really to dump son Billy on the couple while she and squeeze head abroad.

She returns to find city kid Billy has shed a skin and formed a close bond with her father – something she realises she never enjoyed and now covets.

In a clever script, Chelsea tells dad: “It just seems we’ve been mad at each other for so long.” Norman retorts: “I didn’t think we were mad; I just thought we didn’t like each other.”

Javea Players bring On Golden Pond to life from Tuesday 7th November to Saturday 11th November at the Union Musical de Gata, starting at 8pm each night. Tickets are €12.50 and can be booked and paid for on the Booking Page at www.javeaplayers. com. Alternatively, email boxoffice@ javeaplayers.com or call 865 528 551.

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Local lookout

Macmillan

cuppa success

By Jack Troughton

CANCER Care Javea put the kettle on for a Macmillan Coffee Morning and raised €635 as scores of supporters turn out to enjoy a brew.

Friday’s event in Javea Park was part of the Costa Blanca’s contribution to the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning run around the globe to help the UK charity.

A €3 ticket bought a cake from a selection baked and decorated by the Cancer Care team of volunteers and friends, with a cup of tea or coffee – the drinks donated by the nearby Bar Mr Punch.

Cancer Care’s Vice President Sheila Bird organised the coffee morning and said it was “incredibly busy” throughout the morning.

“This is our contribution to the annual

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and people are again being very generous with their time by donating wonderful homemade cakes; and their money,” she said.

“Tickets are €3 but many people are giving €5. All the money collected, every cent, goes to Macmillan. Once again it is all tied in with Mr Punch, which makes a big contribution by donating tea and coffee.”

Helping horses home

By Jack Troughton

ANIMAL lovers have organised a Coffee Morning to raise much-needed funds for APAC Horse Rescue in Javea on Friday 13th October between 10am and 1pm.

The La Xara-based charity defends and

protects horses and offers them a second chance through adoption.

Bar Mr Punch in Javea Park is hosting the event; €3 buys a coffee or tea with a cake or savoury – there will also be a stall run by the Salamander Charity Shop and ‘Pat’s Famous Tombola’.

Javea-Xabia

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm September boost for tourism

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM had a 93% hotel occupancy rate in September, going some way to making up for a slightly disappointing summer season for the Costa Blanca’s premier resort. This made it the best month of the year, at least in terms of numbers although prices were higher during the peak summer months.

A spokesman for Hosbec, the town’s hoteliers association, said “The favourable climate has combined with greater flexibility in prices (than the

summer). September has become a very good month and we are the kings of spring and autumn tourism.”

The British were once again the largest group of visitors, while concern remains about the continued drop off in the number of domestic travellers to Benidorm. Illegal rentals are taking much of the blame for this but the re-emergence of Turkey and Egypt are also factors, said Hosbec. Most hoteliers will use the quieter period up until Christmas and New Year to refurbish their properties or even take a break themselves.

Benidorm bus tragedy

By Matthew Richards

AN 82-year-old Spanish woman was hit and killed by a bus on Avenida Mediterraneo in Benidorm on 1 October.

The incident happened at 8.20pm when hundreds of tourists were packing the streets of the busy road. An emergency ambulance was quickly on the scene but the woman was declared dead by the medical team.

Her name has not been released but it is known that she was a holidaymaker from Spain’s Cantabria region. Benidorm’s security councillor, Lorenzo Martinez, has said a full investigation into the event is being carried out.

Avenida Mediterraneo is one of the city’s busiest roads linking the Rincon area and the Old Town and is also a busy bus route.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm

Major drugs gang busted Sweet sponsor

By Simon Russell

THE National Police have charged fourteen people with offences relating to extortion, assault and drug dealing in Benidorm.

The extortion and assault relates to threats and violence carried out against small time drug dealers in the British areas of Benidorm, who they saw as invading their territory.

The operation had been underway since July, after the police were made aware of a number of similar incidents and had reason to believe they were linked to the same gang.

The group are regarded as dangerous and the police took 60 troops with them when they made the initial

raid which ended in the capture of seven members. The remaining seven were tracked down over the next nine days and there may yet be further arrests.

The arrested men are believed to be one of the main suppliers

to the British holidaymakers in the area, distributing cocaine, hashish, marijuana and ecstasy.

The gang is made up of Romanians and Spaniards and apparently has strong links to Benidorm’s entertainment and nightlife.

By Matthew Richards

BENIDORM’S Fiestas Association has signed a sponsorship deal with local chocolate makers Marcos Tonda.

The deal, which was mediated by the city’s Department of Fiestas, will see the Villajoyosa based chocolatiers sponsoring many of the town’s festivals. This

will include donations of their product for some events as well as arranging snacks or breakfast on some occasions.

To celebrate the new tie-in a sample of the firm’s sweets and chocolate was laid on in the Town Hall where people involved in the deal from all sides were able to enjoy some sweet treats.

Free travel for ill children TONI Perez, the Mayor of Benidorm, has signed an agreement which ensures that any children in the city suffering from

cancer get free taxi travel for any treatments they may require.

The initiative has been put together after collaboration between Taxi La Marina Baixa, Radio Taxi Benidorm, the Va-

lencian Association of Parents of Children with Cancer and a team from the Town Hall.

The agreement is set to last for two years when it will be reviewed.



By Matthew Richards

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Local lookout

Alfas, Albir & Altea,

Leap of faith

By Simon Russell

SPANISH sculptor Teodoro San Aguilar is the latest artist to exhibit at the charming and colourful Klein-Schreuder Sculpture Garden in Alfaz del Pi. The 59-year-old from Valladolid in northern Spain has won international recognition for his abstract art and now makes ‘monumental’ pieces – the gallery has already purchased ‘Leap of the Whale’ for its permanent collection.

Teo is also a painter, art therapist and writer and his work will be on show in the gardens from Sunday 8th October until Sunday 19th November. The inauguration for the show is at 11am on 8th October, when guests will enjoy a

Sculptor Teodoro San Aguilar (right) and one of his abstract sculptures (below)

glass of wine; entrance is as usual €3.

Johanna and Johannes Klein said they were “proud” to be able to put Teo’s work on exhibition in the gardens.

In 2000, his work was shown at the Biennial exhibition in Florence and it won enthusiastic reviews in the international press and he later took up an invitation to show in the Triennial International Exhibition of contemporary Art in Paris; the only Spanish artist to participate.

And in 2006 he took part in the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy in London. His

sculpture ‘Firebird’ was honoured by judges as one of the most important pieces of the show. Teo has since exhibited al over the UK, the United States, and Mexico.

The garden is in Camino del Pinar, Alfaz.

For more information visit www.klein-schreuder.com.

New place for the little ones

By Simon Russell

THE Escoleta Mini-mon municipal nursery in Altea is set to open its doors on Thursday 26 October. Those interested in enrolling their young children have until 13 October to submit

an application. A list of those that have been accepted will be published a few days later and the final enrolment process will be done between the 23 and 25.

The first Thursday and Friday that the school is open will be parents open days. There will be a

maximum of 94 children attending the nursery, starting from a few months old up until the two to three year old age group. A wellattended meeting was held this week with representatives from the school and town hall taking questions from parents.

Perfect harmony

By Jack Troughton

THE talented Orihuela Male Voice Choir is heading north this month for a concert

at Alfaz del Pi in aid of Spanish cancer charity AECC. The annual trip brings director Nigel Hopkins and soloist Mary Beer to the

Marina Alta town’s Casa del Cultura in Friday 20th October at 7.30pm; entrance is by donation to the hard-working charity.

The choir’s programme includes show tunes, Les Miserables, Gilbert and Sullivan, and some popular Welsh favourites.

The previous evening, the

choir is performing at 6pm at Ciudad Patricia, the pensioners resort in Benidorm.

For more information about the events, call 96 686 0735.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Property

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Lofts for sale in Barcelona: nice but niche Barcelona is an international success story as a city to live and do business in and, together with its current positive economic climate, this has made it a popular destination for international investors and for people relocating.

This is an adapted translation of a recent article published by the Spanish daily El Mundo.

This trend has a good side and a bad one, namely the exodus of local residents to the suburbs. A tight housing supply, and rising cost of living, are pushing Barcelona residents to the outskirts and El Maresme district.

Like all big cities, local residents are discovering that the supply of property to buy or rent has reduced on the back of growing demand from foreigners. Prices have risen as a result of the law of supply-demand, and the difference between Spanish and foreign income levels.

“The positive factor of investors injecting capital into the system is another reason behind the increase in property and the cost of

“Barcelona’s middle classes are moving away in search of a better standard of living with more reasonable prices than in the centre of the city,” says Ramón. Lower fuel prices, cheaper cars, and good road connections make getting in and out of the city reasonably priced and quick. This situation is similar to that in other big urban centres such as London, Paris, New York and Hong Kong.

RtV Grupo Inmobiliario concludes that Barcelona’s success is bitter-sweet: on the one hand, it allows the city to grow, do business, and create employment, but on the other, it means many locals to look for a better standard of living in areas outside the city.

living in Barcelona,” says Vicenç Ramón Tur, managing director of the property company RtV Grupo Inmobiliario.

Faced with this scenario, many local residents find themselves forced to move to the outskirts of Barcelona and other areas such as El Maresme, where the supply of property to rent and buy is available at reasonable prices. The standard of living in nearby places such as Alella, Vilassar de Mar, Sant Andreu de Llavaneras, Tiana, Viladecans or Sant Cugat is also higher than in the centre of Barcelona.

The average square metre price for property in El Maresme and the outskirts of Barcelona currently stands at €2,500-3,000, and at €700-850 a month for rentals. In Barcelona itself, property prices are around €3,000-4,500 per square metre, and rentals between The Weekender recommends source - www.SpanishPropertyInsight.com €1,000 and €1,500.

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Business & Finance

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> into Amazon is its network of subsidiaries in Europe and so-called transfer pricing. That is the price of goods that one subsidiary of a company sells to another subsidiary under the same corporation. This in itself is not illegal. But what is illegal is if this transfer of goods is mispriced, therefore affecting the profits a company makes, and Amazon was ordered to pay 250 million give selective tax benefits to multinational Tensions between Europe and US The European Commission opened subsequently how much tax it pays. euros ($294 million) to Luxembourg groups that are not available to others,” she In 2004, Amazon restructured its its investigation into Amazon and on Wednesday after the European added.

From June 2014, Amazon changed Luxembourg’s tax arrangements in operations to create Amazon EU Sarl, Commission said the online retailer had which was its European operating the way it operates in Europe and the new October 2014. received illegal tax benefits.

Luxembourg and U.S. technology headquarters. Amazon EU Sarl pays a According to regulators, Amazon structure is outside the EU Commission’s companies have been at the center of the royalty to the parent company in Europe for received tax advantages between 2006 and authority on state aid.

In the period investigated, Amazon was commission’s probes into tax affairs and use of intellectual property. But that parent 2014 in the country without any “valid shifting its profits from a company that was antitrust. Last year, the EU ordered Ireland company is a limited liability partnership, justification.”

“Luxembourg gave illegal tax benefits subject to tax in Luxembourg to another to recover 13 billion euros in taxes from which is not subject to corporate tax in to Amazon. As a result, almost three one that wasn’t subject to tax, known as Apple. The commission is also looking Luxembourg.

EU chief under pressure quarters of Amazon’s profits were not the “holding company.” The latter had no into the tax deal between McDonald’s and The Amazon ruling could be taxed,” Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s employees, no offices and no business Luxembourg.

The EU has promised to scrutinize tax embarrassing for Jean-Claude Juncker, commissioner for competition, said in a activities.

Luxembourg is due to receive the arrangements between large mulitnationals president of the European Commission, statement.

“In other words, Amazon was allowed amount created by the aid, though there and the bloc’s member states. This case is who was Luxembourg’s prime minister to pay four times less tax than other local are no fines under EU law. Luxembourg likely to increase tensions between Europe from 1995 to 2013.

At the opening of these investigations, companies subject to the same national authorities said they have taken notice and the U.S. After the commission’s tax rules. This is illegal under EU state of the decision and will “use appropriate decision on Apple, Chief Executive Tim many European policymakers asked for a i d rules. Member states c a n n o t due diligence to analyze the decision.” Cook denounced it as “total political crap.” Juncker’s resignation. However, he denied The Amazon tax ruling is also any involvement in the tax arrangements, set against a push by President saying that the prime minister doesn’t have Donald Trump to come up with a enough power to restrict the work of tax money repatriation plan for U.S. authorities.

Correction: This story has been revised companies with big cash piles to correct the amount in U.S. dollars that abroad.

At the heart of the EU’s investigation Amazon has been ordered to pay.

$300 million fine for Amazon by EU over 'illegal tax advantage'

Caixabank considers move out of Barcelona Caixabank will consider moving its domicile outside Catalonia if the regional government issues a unilateral declaration of independence, according to people close to Spain’s third-largest bank.

The Barcelona-based lender would keep its corporate headquarters in the Catalan capital but may conclude that it has to move its legal seat to protect the interests of depositors. The

bank’s concern is that any declaration of independence in Barcelona – which could come as early as next week – would prompt a crackdown by the Spanish government in Madrid, destabilising the region and the city. “Money and fear don’t go together,” a person briefed on the bank’s current state of thinking said.

In symbolic terms, a decision

by Caixabank to leave Barcelona would deal a tremendous blow to Catalonia. The bank and the Caixa

foundation that controls it enjoy an outsize presence in the region, both as an economic and financial powerhouse and as a sponsor of cultural and social programmes in Catalonia and beyond.

Caixabank already has a large presence in Madrid. Another option would be to shift the bank’s domicile to Mallorca, the Balearic island that has been an integral part of the group’s business from the moment Caixa was created as “savings bank for Catalonia and the Balearics” in 1904.

The possible move reflects growing anxiety in the Catalan business community over the recent political escalation. On

Sunday, the regional government held an independence referendum despite a ruling from the Spanish constitutional court banning the vote. The ballot was marred by violence, as Spanish police sought to impede the voting and confiscate ballot boxes.

Caixabank signaled its concern already on Tuesday, in a communication to staff telling them to reassure clients about “our commitment to the defence of their interests”. It said the bank “reiterated that the sole objective of the entity is to protect at all times the interests of its customers, shareholders and employees, guaranteeing the integrity of deposits”.

According to media reports, Banco Sabadell, another large Catalan bank, was due to hold a board meeting later on Thursday to discuss a possible move.

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Business & Finance

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Jack talks

By Jack Troughton

THERESA May says she is still captain of HMS Brexit and denies the recent comments by a young lieutenant indicated a mutiny is being plotted.

Indeed, the Prime Minister insisted the young officer in question, Boris Johnson – also known as the Foreign Secretary – had simply reflected the government’s approach ahead of the Conservative Party conference.

Boris was also back on his feet in Manchester claiming it was time for everyone around the world to “let the British Lion roar” and insisted the UK could “win the future”.

Facing questions about the loyalty of trusted crew members, Mrs May said she did not feel undermined by her colleague and did not want a complement of officers on board the cabinet who were simply “yes men”...and presumably women.

The Tories have been urged to ‘cheer up’ by leading party figures to achieve a more positive image with the public. Manchester is not the seaside; no space for bucket and spade – perhaps the faithful should check out Bognor, Skegness, or even Blackpool.

Mrs May has insisted all is well.

The message, she said, was not about individuals but how the party could deliver for the people. She said her strong leadership depended on “having a range of voices around the table.”

Manchester’s new anthem is the Oasis song ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and everyone hopes the Tory ship is in calm and steady hands as it sails towards 2019 and casting off from the European Union – no

regrets etc.

The PM underlined how Boris Johnson had merely reflected the position she had set out in Florence; a “vision” of life post-Brexit and encompassing a close partnership with 27 countries across the water.

There might be calls for Mr Johnson to resign over his ‘red lines’ strategy with suspicions of a leadership challenge and self-serving rhetoric but Mrs May remains calm. “It doesn’t undermine what I’m doing at all.”

As she said: “Actually what people are concerned about – they don’t want us to be thinking about our jobs, they want us to be thinking about their jobs and their futures.

“What government is for is delivering for the public. That’s where our focus must be...all I would say actually, I think leadership is about ensuring you have a team of people who aren’t yes men, but a team of people of different voices around the table, so you can discuss matters, come to an agreement and then put the government view forward, and that’s exactly what we have done.”

Top Tories Liam Fox and David Davis have also called for the great British public to keep smiling and “keep their eyes on the prize”.

International Trade Secretary Mr Fox hit out at “negative” attitudes in certain quarters – probably steerage – and insisted people should be more upbeat.

“We are not passengers in our own destiny,” he told the conference. Mr Davis, believes that those in the UK could still be “good Europeans” in a brave new world.

Messrs Johnson, Fox and Davis are suspected of having had below decks chats before. They are after all dubbed ‘The Three Brexiteers”.

NO TASK TOO SMALL

By Jack Troughton

FURNITURE giant Ikea has bought up odd-job company TaskRabbit enabling customers to pay for the assembly of flat pack purchases.

The online firm allows users to hire people to not only put furniture together but also take on a number of other household chores; such as cleaning, shopping and mowing the lawn.

The deal follows a successful trial in Ikea’s London stores and the Swedish company’s president and chief executive Jesper Brodin said the takeover was aimed at making customers’ lives “a little easier”.

He said: “We need to develop the business faster and in a more flexible way. The acquisition of TaskRabbit would be an exciting leap in this transformation.”

TaskRabbit, founded in the US in 2008, will continue to operate as an independent company within the Ikea Group. Users will select a service they want and select from a list of ‘taskers’ to get the job done.

The move takes Ikea into the ‘gig economy’; the new company will use independent contractors rather than employees; other such firms include taxi hailing app Uber, food delivery service Deliveroo, and delivery firm Hermes.

However, they have faced criticism over employment terms, workers worried about security, holiday and sickness pay.

TaskRabbit is not a unique service.

The retailer John Lewis has a similar service with Home Solutions, currently operating in Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Taunton.

Customers can hire plumbers, electricians, decorators and other trades via an app, a website, and a call centre service.

CWM CEASES TRADING AS MANY LOSE ON THEIR INVESTMENTS Continental Wealth Management (CWM) was a financial advisory firm based on the Costa Blanca in Spain.

Headed up by Darren Kirby, there were – until earlier in 2017 – 35 people working at the firm. The firm claimed to have £50 million worth of assets under management and around 500 clients. The firm closed down on 29.9.2017.

During 2016/17, numerous clients of CWM began to realise that their pension and investment funds – managed by CWM – were shrinking in value dramatically.

In fact, many clients had seen alarming losses being reported on their valuation statements and had asked CWM for an explanation.

CWM had assured the distressed clients that these were “just paper losses” and advised them not to worry.

In mid-September, it was reported that Darren Kirby and Anthony Downs had

both resigned from CWM and on Friday 29th September 2017 the firm closed down altogether. CWM is rumoured to have tried to become a tied agent of a Cyprus-based firm called Woodbrook.

But it is further suspected that Woodbrook has finally come to the conclusion that such an alliance may not be prudent.

The most important thing now is the restitution of the victims’ funds and this is underway and it is advised, if you have made an investment through CWM, to speak with a repital financial managment firm to discuss your options.

Jack Troughton, Editor of The Weekender newspaper has this week been in touch with experts on the subject and will prepare an article next week on what occured and how you may have been affected.

Galaxy Radio 106 & 106.8 FM Alicante to Altea & Calpe to Javea along the Costa Blanca and online at www.GalaxyRadio. es, will next week be interviewing a finacial managment expert live on air to provide insight and advice to affected clients of CWM.

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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Final Salary Pensions – Why now is a Good Time to transfer out

By Christina Brady

BLACKTOWER Financial Management

Its seems as if every day there is a story in the press about final salary pensions, with a record number of final salary schemes in deficit its hardly surprising.

The latest to hit the headlines is telecoms giant BT it has written to current and former workers informing them it is going to court to determine whether

it can reduce the annual increases applied to pensions paid to its employees. They want to change the annual increase from being linked to RPI to the lower rate of CPI and if they get the go ahead it is likely that most final salary pensions schemes will follow suit.

In the case of BT, the proposed move would mean many of the 80,000 current and former staff needing to find other sources of income to bridge the gap.

Figures produced by Prudential, the insurer, for Telegraph Money, suggest

the average pensioner could lose well over £100,000 over a typical 25-year retirement under the sort of changes BT has outlined.

On Wednesday, figures, from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association showed that as many as three million workers with “final salary” type pensions had a 50:50 chance of losing a fifth of their promised income – because companies could not afford to pay.

No wonder the demand for transferring workplace pensions into private arrangements has shot up

since new pension freedoms were introduced two years ago , with a record number taking place this year as the temptation to switch has grown as transfer values have soared to record levels.

The reason pension transfer values have soared are twofold, firstly a combination of rock bottom interest rates and gilt yields mean Pension Members are being offered a multiple of their promised income at retirement. This is usually between 20 and 25 times.

But since the Brexit vote, multiples of 30 or above are not untypical.

If you have any questions regarding investing, or would like to arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation please contact me by email christina.brady@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330.

The information within this article 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.

These record transfer values will not last if interest rates rise.

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 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.

FRIDAY 06TH OCT 2017

Advertising Feature

For Advertising enquiries please email sales@theweekender.es

Botanico Beauty Wellness Center

Electric Muscle Stimulation: The 20-Minute Workout EMS training in Botanico Beauty Wellness Centre Javea is comfortable, personal, effective and absolutely safe training. More and more people over the world choose EMS fitness of the future.

A 20-minute session of Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) could deliver the equivalent of 90 minutes HIIT training.EMS is the use of electric impulses to make our muscles contract while we’re doing a workout, making it a lot more intense than usual.

What is it?

EMS stands for Electric Muscle Stimulation. Technically, EMS is a total body workout with body current. In this context, it might be helpful to know that our muscles contract through electric impulses (bioelectronics) in normal state. The EMS training makes use of this effect.

EMS sessions are carried out by a personal trainer. The session involves wearing an EMS bodysuit (a bit like a wet suit) that delivers currents to different body parts to reach deep muscle layers hard to activate through conventional training.

You can choose the level of electric pulse you’re comfortable with and then target specific body parts (abs, arms, legs) depending on your own goals.

EMS is training is said to recruit up to 98% of muscles during a workout, compared to the usual 50% in a normal workout. Once the pulses are activated you do a short, 20-minute workout and could burn up to 500 calories.

The EMS machine is connected, the trainer starts the electric impulses by slowly adding them to each body part on the bodysuit.

The sensation is like a slightly aggressive vibration on the body. When you reach the point of a comfortable level of pulses, then the workout

will commence. The pulses then are set continuously on for around 8 seconds, then off for 8 seconds, for the whole 20 minutes.

The actual workout was pretty simple - we did a range of crunches, leg lifts, planks and squats - but it was much, much harder than my 40-minute HIIT class. When the pulses were active, trying to crunch or plank became so difficult that I had to keep being reminded to “keep going” and “carry on”. I was just waiting for that short relief when the pulses stop for a few seconds.

There is no pain and not really uncomfortable it is just a normal workout, after 24 hours after the feeling is the same as you have after a intense session at the gym when you just know you pushed 48 hours after is when you would feel it most and It can be a little painful to sit down and even to walk up the stairs.

EMS definitely does what it says on the tin - an intense 20-minute workout achieving results of a much longer session.

Benefits of EMS training: -Quick result achievement -Lose weight -Anti-cellulite -Become more healthy and stronger -Feel fin and in shape During this year many clients achieved these goals at Botaniko Beauty. Some of the clients lose weight to the level of more then 12 kg, and 15 centimetres from the waist. In addition the clients feel good.

Anyone can try EMS fitness, Menm and woman from 20 to 70 years old.

Come and try EMS training in Botanico Beauty.

Botánico Beauty Wellness Center, Villa del Mar Javea, Av. del Mediterráneo, 60, 03738 Jávea, Alicante Tel: +34.965059994 info@botanicobeauty.com www.botanicobeauty.com

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Protect your pets against rabies

By Simon Russell

VETERINARY associations have reminded dog owners of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies. As the jabs are not mandatory many pets are going unprotected; however vets believe there has been a significant increase in the risk due to an increase in domestic animals travelling to countries where rabies is a problem.

Africa and Eastern Europe both have problems with the disease which kills over 50,000 people each year, although it is a number of years since there has been a death in Spain.

95% of these global deaths were due to bites or scratches from infected animals which also affects cats and ferrets.

Rabies in dogs

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical symptoms. In up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans. Yet, rabies can affect both domestic and wild animals. It is spread to people through bites or scratches, usually via saliva.

Rabies is present on all continents, except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in the Asia and Africa regions.

Rabies is one of the neglected tropical diseases that predominantly affects poor and vulnerable populations who live in remote rural locations. Although effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins exist for rabies, they are not readily available or accessible to those in need.

Globally, rabies deaths are rarely reported and children between the ages of 5–14 years are frequent victims. Treating a rabies exposure, where the average cost of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is US$ 40 in Africa, and US$ 49 in Asia, can be a catastrophic financial burden on affected families whose average daily income is around US$ 1–2 per person.

Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination. This is estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually.

Eliminating rabies in dogs Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccinating dogs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people. Dog vaccination reduces deaths attributable to rabies and the need for PEP as a part of dog bite patient care.

Symptoms The incubation period for rabies is typically 1–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, dependent upon factors such as the location of virus entry and viral load. Initial symptoms of rabies include a fever with pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensation (paraesthesia) at the wound site. As the virus spreads to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops.

Rabies has two forms People with furious rabies exhibit signs of hyperactivity, excitable behaviour, hydrophobia (fear of water) and sometimes aerophobia (fear of drafts or of fresh air). Death occurs after a few days due to cardio-respiratory arrest.

Paralytic rabies accounts for about 30% of the total number of human cases.

This form of rabies runs a less dramatic and usually longer course than the furious form. Muscles gradually become paralyzed, starting at the site of the bite or scratch. A coma slowly develops, and eventually death occurs. The paralytic form of rabies is often misdiagnosed, contributing to the under-reporting of the disease.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?

By Family Medical Centre

Risk factors are just that......... certain things that may influence your chance of developing a disease. The common risk factors that are linked to ovarian cancer are: Age The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age with most ovarian cancers developing after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older and ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40.

Obesity It appears that obese women (those with a body mass index of at least 30) have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Pregnancy Women who have had a child before age 26 have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have not. The risk of ovarian cancer further decreases with each full-term pregnancy.

Women who have their first fullterm pregnancy after age 35 or who never carried a pregnancy to term have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is thought to further lower the risk.

Contraception Women who have used oral

contraceptives have a lower risk of ovarian cancer even after only 3 to 6 months of using the pill!

The risk is further lowered the longer the pills are used. This lower risk continues for many years after the pill is stopped.

A recent study found that the women who used depot medroxyprogesterone acetate ( Depo-Provera CIÂŽ), an injectable hormonal contraceptive had a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was even lower if the women had used it for 3 or more years.

Hormone therapy Some recent studies suggest women using oestrogens after menopause have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The risk seems to be higher in women taking oestrogen alone (without progesterone) for many years (at least 5 or 10). The increased risk is less certain for women taking both oestrogen and progesterone.

Fertility drugs Researchers have found that using the fertility drug clomiphene citrate (ClomidÂŽ) for longer than one year may increase the risk for developing ovarian tumours. The risk seemed to be highest in women who did not get pregnant whilst on this drug.

Sterilization Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) may reduce the chance

of developing ovarian cancer by up to two-thirds.

Hysterectomy A hysterectomy ( without removing the ovaries) seems to reduce the risk of getting ovarian cancer by about one-third.

Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer Ovarian cancer can run in families. Your ovarian cancer risk is increased if your mother, sister, or daughter has (or has had) ovarian cancer. The risk also gets higher the more relatives you have with ovarian cancer.

Increased risk for ovarian cancer can also come from your father’s side.

A family history of some other types of cancer such as colorectal and breast cancer is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This is because these cancers can be caused by an inherited mutation (change) in certain genes that cause a family cancer syndrome that increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Family cancer syndromes About 5 to 10% of ovarian cancers are a part of family cancer syndromes resulting from inherited changes (mutations) in

If you have any concerns about your risk of ovarian cancer speak to your medical centre about screening.

certain genes.

Personal history of breast cancer If you have had breast cancer, you might also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

A strong family history of breast

cancer may be caused by an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, which is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

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At least half of all cases of sight loss could have been prevented according to new report

ONE in five people will live with sight loss in their lifetime despite at least half of all cases being avoidable , warns a new report published by charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and high street opticians Specsavers.

The alarming new statistics show that 300 people in the UK start living with sight loss every day . Women are at greater risk than men, with nearly one in four women set to develop sight loss in their lifetime compared with one in eight men .

Almost six million people in the UK currently live with sightthreatening conditions yet 25% of people are not having an eye test every two years as recommended by the College of Optometrists.

The extent of the problem means that nearly every family in Britain is touched by sight problems in some way.

RNIB acting CEO Sally Harvey says: “Our report reveals new evidence that one in five people will live with

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sight loss in their lifetime, so our work is now more important than ever. The eye health crisis looks set to deepen and the cost burden is destined to soar unless urgent action is taken.

Almost 80% of people living with sight loss are over the age of 64 , so with an ageing population that is expected to retire later, more of our national workforce will be impacted by sight loss.”

Worldwide there are 285 million people suffering from visual impairment, of which 39 million are blind. The World Health Organization estimates that 120 million people are suffering visual impairment, which could be easily corrected by glasses or contact lenses.

According to a study by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics in 2008, in Spain 979,200 people are suffering a visual disability, 2.14% of the population. Of these 20,900 are people classed with

low vision, and there are 58,3000 cases of blindness. This figure is increasing every day, with 3,000 new members joining the blind charity ONCE each year and over 72,000 ONCE members who are classed as legally blind.

To support people who are deaf and blind, Specsavers Opticas are supporting the ONCE Foundation for the Deaf-Blind (La Fundación ONCE para la Atención de Personas con Sordoceguera between July and December. They are offering free comprehensive eye tests at all eight of their opticians in Spain until the end of the year and asking patients to donate 1€ to FOAPS after their test. All funds raised will be donated to FOAPS to fund interpreters who are crucial to allow deaf-blind people to lead a full life and communicate. They are appealing for the public to support the campaign to reach the goal of raising 6,000€ to fund 400 hours of interpreting for the deaf and blind.

They are encouraging everyone to make sure they get their eyes tested at least every two years to protect their sight, avoid preventable blindness and ensure that their vision is good throughout their lives.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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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 10 Having touched upon the subject of Pelargoniums last week, perhaps more information would be appropriate. First just a mention of the correct naming of these plants, although Geraniums and Pelargoniums were originally grouped together, they were separated in 1789 – quick learners aren’t we?

First, the problems so you may be prepared for for them if they happen. Number one is the Geranium Bronze Butterfly. This has sometimes

Geranium Bronze Butterfly

had a devastating effect locally, for example the magnificent banks of red Pelargoniums which lined the winding, hilly road to Denia just outside Javea fell victim to this pest This photograph, though perhaps not the clearest, shows the small

size of the butterfly as that is the photographer’s little finger! (Photo Guy Padfield) As mentioned last week, the Butterfly is mainly active during the hottest months, so perhaps information about treatment can be delayed until next year. Suffice to say that it is mainly a pest of nice juicy imported plants with fleshy stems for the caterpillars to bore into while Ivyleaved and regal pelargoniums put up more resistance! Overwatering is perhaps the next biggest problem as Pelargoniums are quite drought resistant and will rot if continually wet.

Horticulturally, Pelargoniums are divided into about 7 types, A. Zonal pelargoniums (Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey) B. Ivy-leaved pelargoniums (derived from Pelargonium peltatum) C. Regal pelargoniums (Pelargonium × domesticum Bailey) D. Angel pelargoniums (derived from Pelargonium crispum) E. Unique pelargoniums (derived from Pelargonium fulgidum) F. Scented-leaved pelargoniums

G. Species pelargoniums Of course, specialist collectors and showmen have long since subdivided many of these groups based on factors such as size and flower type but that is going rather too far for this article.

Zonal Pelargoniums are perhaps

Ivy leaf Pelargoniums

Regal Pelargoniums

Zonal Pelargoniums

the best known and get their name from their leaves which are, to a greater or lesser extent, divided concentrically like those shown in the picture. Some varieties are in fact grown more for the beauty of their leaves than for their flowers.

Ivy leaf Pelargoniums (known as Murciana locally) not only have leaves of the shape implied by the name but tend to be trailing and are often sold in pots with an attached framework to support the early

growth (and, presumably, to make them easier to transport). The leaves are shiny and waxy and the stems thin and wiry which makes them less of a target for the Geranium Bronze Butterfly.

Regal Pelargoniums are large bush-type floriferous evergreen Pelargoniums. Flowers are single, rarely double, in mauve, pink, purple or white often two-coloured. They have rounded, sometimes lobed or partially toothed (serrated) leaves, without any type of zoning.

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, 11th October at 2.30 in La Senieta.

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

These are generally the only types that you will find locally although scented-leaved varieties do appear.

These tend to be less floriferous but the range of scents released, particularly when you brush against them, is extensive. About 30 different scents are claimed to be available but whether you would agree with the identification or like them anyway is very much a matter of personal taste.

More on Pelargonium growing next week.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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What’s ON TV

The Gadget Show NEW SERIES - Jon Bentley

offers his thoughts on the latest incarnation of the iPhone, while Erica Jordan Webber and Harry Wallop reveal the best iPhone deals on the market. Jon, Ortis Deley and Georgie Barrat help self-styled tech magician Tom London improve the look of his YouTube clips, but not before Tom dazzles with his latest, Amazon Echo-based trick.

Channel 5 8:00pm Fri 6 Oct

Have I Got News for You NEW SERIES Pointless co-host

Where Eagles Dare (1968)

An American general is held captive by the Nazis in a heavily defended fortress in the Alps.

A crack team of British soldiers and an American lieutenant are dispatched to free him, but they soon realise there is a traitor in their ranks. Second World War adventure, starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Patrick Wymark, Michael Hordern and Mary Ures.

Channel 5 7:50pm Sat 7 Oct

Anglesey: Island Life

Alexander Armstrong takes the reins as the satirical current affairs quiz returns, with comedian & actress Roisin Conaty & broadcaster James O’Brien joining team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton to poke fun at the week’s news

NEW SERIES The lives of some of the residents of Wales’ largest island, including Mike Williams, who is trying to get his smoke-damaged shop back on its feet, and Khethiwe Ncube, who is competing for the Miss Anglesey title. Narrated by Julian Lewis Jones

BBC1 London 10:00pm Fri 6

BBC2 London 7:00pm Sat 7 Oct

Porridge

The Jonathan Ross Show

NEW SERIES Prison-based comedy from writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, who penned the initial series aired in the 1970s.

Cyber criminal Fletch has taken to helping his fellow inmates with appeals and letters home to loved ones, but finds things become complicated when cellmate Barry’s girlfriend pays a visit.

Kevin Bishop stars as Nigel ?Fletch’ Fletcher, grandson of original offender Norman Stanley

BBC1 London 10:30pm Fri 6

Game of Thrones star Kit Harington joins Jonathan in the studio, and while he will no doubt be talked into chatting about the shocking developments for his character Jon Snow at the end of the show’s penultimate series, discussion is likely to fall on the fact that he is starring as Robert Catesby - his own ancestor - opposite fellow guest Liv Tyler in the BBC’s historical drama Gunpowder later this autumn.

ITV 10:45pm Sat 30 Sep

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

Kevin Can Wait NEW SERIES Season 1 Ep 1 of 24 Comedy, starring Kevin James as a newly retired cop whose dreams of a life of leisure go on the backburner when he realises he has to sort out his family’s problems.

Previously shown on E4

Channel 4 6:55am Sun 8 Oct

Four in a Bed NEW SERIES The competition kicks off at Copper Beech House in Malvern, Worcestershire, a B&B run by ex-professional rugby union player Steve Lloyd and his partner Kathy Leather

Channel 4 6:00pm Mon 9 Oct

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

A reformed criminal mastermind who has abandoned his wicked ways for a life of fatherhood and jam-making helps a secret agent to bring one of his fellow evil geniuses to justice. The villain in question has stolen a dangerous experimental serum with the power to turn harmless animals into ravening monsters. Animated comedy sequel, with the voices of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig

ITV2 6:15pm Sun 8 Oct

Louis Theroux: Dark States

An Huntington, West Virginia, Louis Theroux embeds himself in an Appalachian community that is being devastated and stretched to its limits by widespread heroin use.

He spends time with members of the user community that are caught in the grip of drug addiction, and follows the emergency services as they struggle to cope with multiple overdoses each day

BBC2 10:00pm Sun 8 Oct

The Hunger Games (2012)

A totalitarian future-America holds an annual nationally televised event in which two children from each of its regions fight to the death until only one remains. Scifi adventure based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Bankss

Film4 7:15pm Mon 9 Oct

Steph and Dom’s One Star to Five Star NEW SERIES Former Gogglebox stars and B&B owners Steph and Dom Parker help people whose hotels and guesthouses are struggling, as well as those just starting out in business, aiming to take each establishment from the lowest rating to a luxury one in just five days.

Channel 5 01:05am Tue 4 Oct

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Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

1 Own (7) 5 Goes without food (5) 8 Freedom from war (5) 9 Dispute (7) 10 Change for the better (7) 11 Youngster (5) 12 Precious metal (6) 14 Sheep’s coat of wool (6) 18 Throng (5) 20 Try (7) 22 Radioactive element (7) 23 Reddening cosmetic (5) 24 Toy bear (5) 25 Satisfied (7)

Down

1 Young dogs (7) 2 Skin of the head (5) 3 Something offensive to look at (7) 4 What follows (6) 5 Former French currency (5) 6 Canned fish (7) 7 Substantial (5) 13 Skin-tight garment (7) 15 Afterwards (5,2) 16 Beseech (7) 17 Road-surfacing material (6) 18 Container for condiments (5) 19 God or goddess (5) 21 Shade of purple (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Trees discovered in the Spanish manuscript (4) 3 A break for the kids when actors have to work? (8) 9 They pinch children (7) 10 It doesn’t matter if it’s dis or dat duck? (5) 11 Fish that may be amber (5) 12 Trial - or trade (6) 14 Asleep, but prepared to slip away (6) 16 Rub away a bread roll (6) 19 Endless oriental holiday in spring (6) 21 Feed the furnace in this town (5) 24 Anaesthetic used in some therapy (5) 25 King surrounded by menservants or knaves (7) 26 Discover the absence of our island state (8) 27 Post that once provided personal protection (4)

Down

1 One blend - mixture given title? (8) 2 Some could help a man climbing a tree (5) 4 More off for instruction? (6) 5 Surrender return on investment (5) 6 U.S. state - or Asian one! (7) 7 Peer almost ahead of time (4) 8 Some other message for Olympian messenger (6) 13 Backing for last couple of actors in show (8) 15 Braves chase pa all over (7) 17 Ribs to order in a restaurant (6) 18 Herdsman finding river in port (6) 20 Trunk for the end of August or thereabouts (5) 22 A reporter beginning to turn up for music drama (5) 23 A number of sheets - about a thousand? (4)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 38

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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ACCIDENT ENDS MANSON TOUR

By Jack Troughton LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Progress in your career depends Try not to be so bossy at home, on your ability to think down and just allow family members completely new channels. to make their own choices. You You’re certainly on the ball don’t mean to interfere, it’s just at the moment but there’s a in your make up, but others tendency for you to get stuck in don’t appreciate you coming ARIES LIBRA your way of thinking at times. across as if you know better than them over how to run their lives. Listen, The more revolutionary you are the greater the chance the world will notice. but don’t interfere.

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)

The feeling you get from being Finally finances seem a lot in the right sort of company is easier to deal with than they what today is all about. You’re have been in recent weeks, more perceptive than usual partly because your partner or and know where to go to get family are taking your advice TAURUS in some way. You should be SCORPIO just the right sort of assistance.

Where you really gain today is enjoying a few indulgences under present trends and will be attracted to on one to one relationships with your partner. anything luxurious. Make your home even Love is calling. Listen. more welcoming.

It’s a day to use your Selected ambitious projects will imagination and to look at have to be put on hold in favour situations in unusual ways. of simply doing what you expect Your intuition and gut feelings of yourself and what others are good and your ability are anxious for you to do. Your GEMINI sense of fulfilment is closely tied SAGITTARIUS to understand what makes people tick has never been to personal attachments and your ego could be slightly dented if someone better. Casual conversations can lead to new unique ways of dealing with people. important lets you down.

It’s time to get busy. With your It’s time for weeding out what energy levels being high and you Personal and business a genuine desire to get things encounters are likely to turn out done, you’ll probably start favourably under present trends very early in the day. Once the but beware because there’s one CANCER or two people around you who CAPRICORN practical necessities are sorted it’ll be time to go out and have won’t get on with it at all well.

It’s not your fault but to avoid feelings of guilt, fun. You won’t stop moving from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. stay away from all arguments today.

You start your week with The work hard and play hard a crash, It’s a great day for ethos of your sign is most constructive career building definitely on display today. and for planning ahead Focus on those matters that where your professional life is are really important to your concerned. There could be a future and whenever possible LEO sight lull in the romantic arena AQUARIUS integrate your career and social but it’s because you’re so busy doing other life. There should be ample opportunity to things. Don’t be too selective about jobs, but make a good impression on all kinds of people. sort out the least pleasant first.

It wont be the most progressive It’s a day of high energy and day you’ve had in a while, in maximum achievement. fact you’ll feel as if you should You’ve been catapulted out have stayed in bed for all the of your twelfth house moon difference you’re making on the lethargy and you’ll now surge world at large. That’s not to say PISCES forward positively, making for VIRGO there will be no gains, there will, a potentially interesting and but just don’t expect to move any mountains eventful period. Confusion is blown away by for now. the imminent winds of change.

ROCK star Marilyn Manson has been forced to scrap nine dates of a US tour after being crushed by a stage prop performing at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.

The scenery fell as the singer performed ‘Sweet Dreams’ and witnesses say he lay on stage for some 15 minutes apparently unconscious after appearing to be crushed by the prop, said to be two guns held together with metal scaffolding.

Manson, 48, who was later treated in hospital, is understood to be recovering at home in Los Angeles following the incident. An

announcement was made the show was cancelled “due to injury”.

In a statement, the star’s publicist said: “Marilyn Manson is Marilyn Manson off to Ho being forced to spital cancel several of his October dates on his forthcoming US short.”

The artist was three dates tour.

“On Saturday night, the into his The Heaven Upside legendary performer suffered Down Tour; guitarist Tyler an injury on stage towards Bates later said the tour was the end of his set at NYC’s “on pause for a minute” but Hammerstein Ballroom “Manson will be back in causing him to cut the show action soon”.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Motoring

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017)

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, familyfriendly package. It’s not as flawlessly executed as a pricier Audi Q5, but it has plenty of appeal – especially if you want a dose of style with your family SUV. Underneath the bigger, taller body, a lot is shared with the Alfa Giulia saloon. That means strong 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines along with a standard eightspeed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional on lower trim levels and standard towards the top of the range.

On the road, the Stelvio has impressive handling for an SUV, with very little body roll, direct steering, and strong engine response. The only oddity is the fly-by-wire brake pedal that lacks feedback and feels a little alien, at least for the first few miles on a country road.

Inside, the layout has typical Alfa features like deeply-recessed instrument dials, plus there are some really nice touches like the option of open-grain wood. Material quality is good, though it’s not up to the standards of an Audi or BMW, with some ugly-looking plastics on the infotainment controller, for example.

But practicality is good, with a wide, flat load area and a decent level of rear leg- and headroom. Even older kids and teens will be able to get comfy – but if you’re really after practicality and family-friendliness, the Audi Q5 is better, with more space for passengers and a larger boot.

However, the sacrifices in terms of space and practicality are minimal and, if you like the style and driving dynamics, a few flaws are easily forgiven. Compared to its more established German rivals it doesn’t feel quite as wellfinished, but it’s still a very accomplished SUV and a worthwhile alternative.

It will start from £33,990 OTR and launches with the Milano Edizione.

Four trim levels will be available from September 2017 including Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Super, Speciale and the limited production Milano Edizione. At launch, drivers will be able to choose between two engine versions – 2.2-litre 210PS diesel Q4 AWD and 2.0-litre 280PS petrol Q4 AWD – combined with an ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The 2.0-litre 280hp petrol Q4 AWD accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 5.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 143mph, while returning 40.4mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 161g/km CO 2 .

The 2.2-litre 210PS diesel Q4 AWD meanwhile, gives out 127g/km CO 2 and returns 58.9mpg on the combined cycle, while still registering a top speed of 134mph and accelerating from zero to 62mph in 6.6 seconds.

From September the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will also be available to order with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 180PS and available in both Q4 all-wheel-drive or rearwheel-drive, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 200PS and Q4 all-wheel-drive.

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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Motoring

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Motoring

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No information for tourists

By Simon Russell

Puzzle Solutions

BENIDORM’S Mayor, who is also councillor for tourism, has been asked to explain why the bus station’s information point is being closed down.

Until two years ago the terminal had a Tourist Information Office which was closed but replaced by an information point manned by employees of the station.

Arriving bus travellers are

QUICK CROSSWORD

now being directed to the city centre for information which opposition councillor Juan Balastegui said is unacceptable.

When the original Tourist Office was closed this was said to be due to the low number of users, but there has been no official comment on the latest development from the Town Hall.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Boats & The Coast

Shifting sands

Boat men tracked down

By Simon Russell

ONE of Alicante’s beaches is disappearing at an alarming rate. The area of Playa San Juan close to the lighthouse, a popular spot for many, is being eroded and urgently needs regenerating a local residents and trader group have said. Large rocks that were recently covered in sand have now become visible and soon the beach will be unfit for sunbathing as well as becoming an eyesore while the rocks and stones also make swimming dangerous.

The council had made moves to address the issue in the winter months such as not collecting the seaweed and algae that protect the sands from erosion. However the sea appears to be winning the battle and more needs to be done or the beach will disappear altogether, something which worries local traders who depend heavily on passing trade from beachgoers.

By Mathew Richards

THE Guardia Civil have traced seven men after finding an empty boat close to the lighthouse at Santa Pola. The small craft was discovered at around 3pm on 2 October.

Four men were then found in

an abandoned house while the other three were discovered close to the lighthouse. They were wet and received medical treatment but are all said to be in good health. They claim to be from Algeria although it is not clear where the boat embarked from originally.

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Out & About

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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The Royal British Legion WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR The Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community through thick & thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. We’ve been here since 1921 and we’ll be here as long they need us.

OUR COMMUNITY As the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, we couldn’t be prouder of our national network of 220,000 members and over 100,000 volunteers. Without their passion and dedication, our work would not be possible. We also work with many partners and other charities to direct support wherever and whenever it’s needed, so we can help everyone who approaches us.

SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY THROUGH LIFE We support serving members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Reservists, veterans and their families. Our support starts after 7 days of service and continues long after life in the Armed Forces.

We help veterans young and old transition into civilian life, helping with employment, financial issues, respite and recovery, through to lifelong care and independent living. From rehabilitation courses, to tailored personal support for recovery, homelessness and financial advice – we’re by veterans’ sides, every step of the way. Every year we even take thousands of families on breaks, so they can spend some much needed quality time together. We also support older veterans with home adaptations, nursing services and through six dedicated care homes, run just for ex-service men and women.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Wish team success

New sensations

By Jack Troughton

BIG-HEARTED volunteers from The Charity Shop of Calpe have again invested in the community with a donation to help develop a much-needed therapy room at a centre for disabled adults.

The team made a €3,850 donation to the Maite Boronat Centre in the Marina Alta town, which provides occupational therapy and other support.

The money was used to refurbish a room and install electricity to a space

By Simon Russell

GRANT A Wish has celebrated the success of its biggest ever fund raiser, the Pink and Blue Ball, which raised over €12,200 for the Costa Blanca charity.

Benissa’s Oceana Club hosted the event and welcomed 180 guests for a gourmet lunch, evening buffet and entertainment late into the night.

Charity founder Jody said it was “an amazing day” on the shaded terraces overlooking the Mediterranean and alive with the event’s theme colours.

that will eventually be a multi-sensory ‘Snoezelen’; an environment offering a range of tactile, visual, scented and interactive activities.

It will provide a unique environment which will help to improve the quality of life for the disabled individuals who use the centre.

Pictured (from left) are Gema González, of the Maite Boronat Centre, Diana Kemp and John Bridge from the charity shop, and Ana Perles, Calpe Councillor for Social Policy.

She said: “After months of planning and organising the biggest event Grant A wish has ever held, the day finally came at the stunning Oceana Club... and we raised a phenomenal amount of money.”

Jody, pictured with the Oceana Club’s Franco Pearson and his team, said entertainment was provided by an array of musicians and a magician, while an auction and raffles helped the fund raising.

“Thank you to the local businesses and our wonderful volunteers for their support, dedication and hard work.”

MABS’ sparkling night

By Jack Troughton

TICKETS are now on sale for the MABS Annual Glitter Ball on Saturday 4th November with entertainment provided by Galaxy Radios’ fabulous Adam King.

The event is being staged in the MABS Cancer Support Group’s Marina Alta heartland at the Salon Canor Teulada, with DJ Darrell Clayton as Master of Ceremonies and compere.

Tickets are €40 including a cava reception from 6.30pm, a five-course dinner served from 8pm, and drinks – wine, beer, and water – served free at tables all evening.

Ladies are asked to wear something sparkling to the Glitter Ball; the dress code for gentlemen is DJ or lounge suit.

Tickets are available by email to Tine at jt_troughton@hotmail.com; Ruth on 664 715 428 or email ken.ruth.kennard@ gmail.com; or Jacqui on 686 305 006 or email jandbphillips@gmail.com.

Tonight’s the night THE Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir starts a busy winter season tonight (Friday 6th October) at 7pm in Benitachell Church.

A varied programme will include Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, The Wonder of You and an upbeat Rhythm of Life to

the more serious Va Pensiero, sung in Italian.

Classical duo Dolce Divas are supporting the choir in the church with its wonderful acoustics .There is no need to book, entry is free but a collection will be taken at the end of the evening.

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FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

Sport

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La Vila return to winning ways

By Tony Fox

By beating Santboiana 2417 they climbed off the bottom of the league. The proceedings commenced with a tribute to long time supporter Tony Creasy who sadly passed away the Wednesday previous. It was fitting that his wife Josie was there to see this win which we dedicate to him.

In the tenth minute, by way of a great interception and running the full length of the field to score a great try Javier Carrion opened the scoring. Mati Jara duly converted and the score was 7-0. Another try by Carrion and conversion by Jara and the home side were now 14-0 and showing some of last seasons form. A well taken penalty by Jara and they

were 17-0 but just on half time the visitors countered good work

by Lewis Williams ending with a try by Harrison Fitzsimons. The conversion failed so it was 17-5.

The second half saw an energised Santboiana led by Ruben Sanz. They had much more of the play but had a hard time against a much improved La Vila defence. Carrion scored another great try straight from a scrum pass by scrum half Franco Salice. Jara converted and it was 24-5. The visitors were not done with and showing the form that made them last seasons Kings Cup winners scored two more tries through Torres and Tauli converting one.

Although a better performance

by La Vila they still have to improve their line-outs and first tackles if they want to make a mark in this division. Their next match is away in the Basque country against Hernani who currently lie bottom of the league having just been beaten 62-12 by 4th placed Barcelona.

Workout space now open

By Simon Russell

J A V E A ’ S Mayor Jose Chulvi inaugurated a new space for people to practice calisthenics on 4 October. This is an exercise discipline where you use your own body weight to improve your strength and agility.

The equipment is outside, which is what the sports local enthusiasts

asked for, and based in the Carrel Vall del Pop-Vorariu Park.

The €13,500 area has safety flooring, various hanging bars and other structures. The installation is all part of the town’s work to improve the health and leisure facilities for its younger residents, although people of any age can use it.

FRIDAY 6TH OCT 2017

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Sport

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By Eric Malpus

It was another entertaining weekend in the Premier League with the 1 Monday Night game and full Premier League programme producing for the Alfaz Fantasy Football League 24 goals,9 clean sheets,29 yellow cards and for the 1st time this Season no red.The average score was 34 points with most of them coming from Defenders who managed to keep 9 clean sheets, the 2nd highest so far this Season.

There were no changes in the top 3 places of the A.F.F.L. although Darren’s team Daz XI did increase his lead at the Summit to a fragile 8 points over Joe’s Keith Lard F.C.Both teams have the same strike-force of Spur’s inform marksman Harry Kane, Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy who between them have netted 18 goals already this Season.

Ryan’s team My Gylfi Pleasure are in 3rd place followed by our top Ladies team Isobel’s The Bluebells who moved up 7 places to put pressure on our early front-runners.

Liverpool Fan Tommy’s team Quantrill’s Raiders are having a tough time this Season just like his beloved Liverpool. Currently, they are 9 points behind Laura’s Legends at the bottom.

Robbie’s Tea & Busquets made it 2 weeks at the top of our U.K.T.V.SPAIN Junior League when they opened up a 16 point gap over Harrison’s Boden Boys.Jack’s team Bulatellitubbies remain in 3rd spot and have moved to within 5 points of Boden’s Boys. At the very foot of the table, Harley’s Ginger Ninjar & Leo’s 6 in a Row have managed to climb away from the relegation zone and left Roo & Woo’s Wombles staring into the Abyss.

Isabel’s The Bluebells became the 3rd team to top our Mark Carter Ladies Section when they replaced Pauline’s Vodka Army and took a 12 point advantage going into the International Break.Kim’s Manchester United Player based team Ginger United are still in contention in 3rd place and are 9 points ahead of Lisa Marie’s Los Cracks.

Top scoring team in this section was Joanna’s Gilf F.C. who waded in with a 70 point tally which helped them jump up 11 places to 6th position.At the other end of the scale, Laura’s Legends are showing no signs of improvement as they are now trailing Reggie’s Rejects

by 19 points.

Last Season’s Fantasy League Winner Wayne kept his team Two Years Running, Maybe at the top of our Golden Boot League for the 4th week on the trot. They kept their 12 point advantage over 2nd placed Joe’s Keith Lard F.C. I mentioned early on about Defenders being top scorers this week. Spur’s Ben Davies, Southampton’s Yoshida, West Brom’s sought after Jonny Evans and Arsenal’s Monreal were all on the score-sheet this week and don’t forget if a defender scores in this section it’s worth 10 points.Ken’s team Dynamite Alfaz could do with a couple of defenders scoring for his team as they are stuck at the bottom 5 points behind Thrummy’s Cool.

We have 3 more teams going into our Monthly Wyndham’s Wine Draw and they are our top scoring team which was Adrian’s Chico Time who bagged 73 points, most of them coming from his West Ham Defenders who kept a clean sheet in their last minute win against Swansea. The other 2 teams joining them will be Sandra’s Scorers & Alan’s Wednesday R Great who both finished up with the lowest score of a very creditable 11 points.

Manager of the Month for September has been kindly sponsored by Ana At Ana’s Cozy Corner Restuarant in Albir who provide excellent healthy Food at reasonable prices.The lucky winner of this meal for 2 is Jimmy’s team Nick’s Blues who beat fellow City Fan Tom’s team Loose Connections by just 3 points.

There was a shock result in our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition Preliminary Round when 235th placed Paul’s team Glory Leeds United knocked out last years winners of this Cup Dave’s team The Hatters by the narrow margin of 2 points in their 22-20 victory.In our Family Affair Tie Ian’s Red Lions saw off his missus’s team Borobabe by 54- 21. Well, it is Val’s 1st time in the Fantasy Ian.Two of our Junior Teams eased their way through to the next round when A Piece of Texas & Ginger Ninjar disposed of Altea Spring Boks & Dolphin Crusaders.

Adrian’s team Chico Time have won this weeks Breakfast for 2 sponsored by the Bar Code in Alfaz after moving up 96 places to number 146th spot.

We have an International Break next week lets hope all our Fantasy League Players all come back fit and well and ready to go again.

Jukebox Football Predictions League

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

SPORT Week No Premier League - International Break

Friday 6th October 18:00 Georgia v Wales 20:45 Republic of Ireland v Moldova 20:45 Spain v Albania

Saturday 7th October

Fixtures

20:45 Belarus v Netherlands 20:45 Bulgaria v France 20:45 Andorra v Portugal

Sunday 8th October 20:45 Germany v Azerbaijan 20:45 Norway v Northern Ireland 18:00 Lithuania v England 18:00 Slovenia v Scotland

Monday 9th October 20:45 Wales v Republic of Ireland 20:45 Israel v Spain

Tuesday 10th October 20:45 France v Belarus 20:45 Netherlands v Sweden 20:45 Portugal v Switzerland

RUGBY UNION - AVIVA Saturday 7th October

16:00 - Bath v Worcester 16:00 - Exeter v Newcastle Falcons 16:00 - Gloucester Rugby v Northampton 16:00 London Irish v Leicester Tigers

Sunday 8th October 16:00 - Saacens v Wasps

FORMULA ONE Sunday 8th October

Japenese GP

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FRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2017

Weekender Sport

BYE BYE BARCELONA?

By Spencer Williams

BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed the La Liga leaders are considering playing outside of Spain should Catalonia gain independence — and they could even attempt to join the Premier League.

Over 90 per cent of people have voted for a referendum as the region is on course to become independent.

The Catalan club’s league match against Las Palmas on Sunday was played behind closed doors after violent clashes followed the vote.

More than 840 people needed medical attention after riot police clashed with some of those attempting to participate in the controversial vote on secession, which the Spanish government had ruled illegal.

President Bartomeu revealed the Barcelona board will be discussing where the club play

LIONEL Messi and his Barce lona teammates could find themselves in the English Premier League after a dramatic ser ies of events.

their football in the future, potentially leading to the club moving to one of Europe’s other leading leagues.

“In the case of independence, the club and the members would have to decide in which league we would play,” Bartomeu told reporters after a board meeting.

“We are going through difficult and complicated moments and with respect to what could happen in the future we will take it on with calm and

wisdom.”

Catalan sports minister Gerard Figueras last week said Barcelona may be able to play in another country should the region achieve independence from Spain.

“In the case of independence, Catalan teams in La Liga Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona will have to decide where they want to play: in the Spanish league or a neighbouring country like Italy, France or the (English) Premier League,” he said.