The weekender issue 24 marina baixa (benidorm)

ISSUE 024

Thursday 7th December IssueB #157

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Christmas In The Air

Alicante City has many exciting activities each year at Christmas, from visiting Santa’s Grotto where it snows every day, to ice skating on the popular temporary rinks and even a toboggan run. Taking in the spectacular nativity scenes while browsing in a festive market selling a wide selection of seasonal gifts and decorations is a sure way to bring the Christman spirit to even the hardiest of Scrooges.

The best of the Christmas themed craft markets can be found along Avenida de Federico Soto (10:00-15:00 and 17:0023:00) and alongside the festive market at Edificio Seneca in the Plaza Seneca in Alicante (Friday 15th 18:00-22:00, Saturday 16th 11:00-22:00, Sunday 17th 11:00-17:00) selling everything you need to bring festive cheer to you and your family at this time of year.

The Municipal Belen is situated in the Mercado Central on Alfonso X El Sabio which has wonderful nativity scenes and can be seen from the 30th November to the 7th January; it will generally be open from 08:00 until 21:00.

Not forgetting of course the many local outlets and markets closer to home across the Costa Blanca. Check out Pages 24 and 25 in The Weekender Newspaper throughout December for your guide to the best local shopping and events happening in your area.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Political heat wave

By Jack Troughton

TEMPERATURES are rising in troubled Catalonia as politicians hit the campaign trail ahead of this month’s key elections aimed at restoring the region’s autonomy.

Madrid took over the reins after an illegal referendum triggered the declaration of independence on 27th October – on election day, Sunday 21st December it is predicted there will be a bumper turnout at the ballot boxes.

And since the referendum and central government seizing control there have been highly-charged demonstrations and

counter demonstrations on the streets.

Polls are already showing the separatist cause is running neck and neck with those wishing to remain part of Spain, the unionist camp, in the “hotly contested” election – with the eyes on the world focussed on polling day.

Certainly, it is an unusual election.

There are candidates in self-imposed exile and others behind bars – and millions of highly motivated and passionate voters.

Spanish government research agency CIS predicts a turnout of almost 85% on 21st December, a surge on the predicted 69% who took part in the 2015 Catalan elections – in fact just over 77% went to polling stations.

On Tuesday, Spain withdrew a European arrest warrant for sacked-president Carles Puigdemont and four of his deposed government ministers.

The five, who fled to Belgium ahead of Madrid wielding article 155 of Spain’s Constitutional Law to take control of

Catalonia, want to return to take part in the election.

They have already been campaigning from afar and could still be arrested on charges of rebellion and sedition on their return.

Earlier in the week, a Spanish supreme court judge decided to keep two secessionist leaders in pre-trial custody; Oriol Junqueras, deputy premier of the deposed regional government, leads the replublican left-wing ERC, and Joaquim Forn was the former interior affairs minister.

Pro-independence sympathisers can vote for ERC, the far-left CUP, or Junts per Catalunya – the new platform headed by Mr Puigdemont.

The CIS poll tips centre-right Ciudadanos to become the biggest party in the 135-seat Catalan Parliament with 22.5% of the vote but with allies of the Partido Popular and Catalan socialists of PSC, the bloc would have an estimated 59 to 60 representatives and still short of a majority.

A member of the PP campaign team said: “We’re

expecting record voting figures. We believe a majority of new voters will support proConstitution options.”

On the other side of the chamber, separatists are also predicted to fall short of a majority and the poll puts Catalunya en Comu-Podem – nationally known as the more familiar Podemos – in the role of kingmaker.

The separatist cause stood together under a single banner ahead of the 2015 poll; now they are fighting to be top dog – and the road to independence remains unclear. Instead, there talks of meaningful “dialogue” and negotiations.

The change of strategy comes after the difficulties faced following ‘independence’.

No foreign country recognised the new state and Catalonia lost its right autonomy, albeit temporarily.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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THERE is a freak gene pulsing through the blood stream of an expat, identified by scientists as ‘faith, hope and charity’ and it is never more in evidence than in December.

Big-hearted people are giving with a capital ‘G’ at this time of year and supporting those less able to support themselves. It may be kids, pensioners, animals, or just a general boost to the well-being of the community as a whole.

Tinsel obviously talks. Festive fairs are everywhere, Santa’s little helpers scurrying around to make sure Christmas is a time for giving; giving to charity and good causes that is.

And while everyone accepts there is only so much cake to be shared, and so many euros to be spent, expats keep on spending with a smile on their faces.

The money is well spent. On one side of the coin, a charity stages a Christmas fair. On the other, just days later, it is presenting state of the art medical equipment to benefit everyone.

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Marco Baiardo

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Media Director

Adam King

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A big freeze is threatened for the UK. A big chill is already sweeping across Spain and my local firewood seller is doing a roaring trade. The wood burner is all aglow and there is the usual fight with the dog to get close.

Robins and assorted wildlife outside may be a little envious but there is only one way to enjoy a long winter’s night - tucked up cosy and warm with a good book or movie.

A huge moon may rise outside – and the supermoon was well worth watching – but it can also be spied from inside the nest. Nothing like a spot of comfort.

This week The Weekender hits the streets a day earlier; it is a change forced by the double national holidays of 6th and 8th December. Known as ‘red days’ to employers, the description is a comfortable at this time of year, especially with Mr and Mrs Santa Claus just about everywhere.

Jack Troughton

Editor

Jack Troughton

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Senior Reporter

Simon Russell

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Editor - The Weekender

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Marco Baiardo Jr. studio@weekender.news

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Samuel Fielder

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Brazier blaze

By Simon Russell

An apartment block in Dolores (Alicante) had to be evacuated after a fire threatened the building and its residents last Sunday. Firefighters were called out in the early hours and arrived to find smoke spreading through the building. The four storey block has 16 apartments, and despite some protest from a couple of older residents the evacuation was carried out with just two incidents, an 88-yearold who inhaled smoke and another person with minor burns.

The fire was extinguished after about two hours although fire crews were concerned about a possible collapse of the building. Early indications are that the fire was started by a brazier - which uses hot coals - being left on a sofa.

The apartment where the blaze originated has been completely destroyed.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Arctic blast hits the region

million kilos of salt, a million gallons of salt water and the use of up to 1,000 troops if needed. However these contingencies are more likely to be required inland, where the weather regularly drops below freezing and snow is a more common site.

By Simon Russell

DECEMBER started with a cold snap across the Valencian Community while strong winds made temperatures feel even lower than the thermometer indicated. Inland regions of Alicante saw temperatures as low as -4 degrees centigrade while some coastal areas dropped down to zero. The wind chill factor was significant with strong northerly blasts across the region, up to 95 kilometresper hour in Castellon province. A 17 year old girl was also injured in Castellon after the winds caused a wall to collapse on her, breaking her pelvis.

The worst of the cold weather is over for the moment, although doubtless there will be more to come before the winter ends. To combat the icy conditions if they return Valencia has 52 snowploughs, 5.6

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Heavens above! Drunk driver cuts

By Simon Russell

THE moon has starred in its first drama of the winter as it appeared larger and brighter in the night sky on Sunday.

People staring to the heavens will have witnessed the first act of a “trilogy” of socalled ‘supermoons’ as it dominated the heavens.

The December full moon is traditionally known as a ‘cold moon’ but NASA promised it was the first of three – given clear conditions, the sky will light up again on 1st January and again of 31st January to please skywatchers.

Supermoons occur when the orbit brings it close to planet earth. Last year, the moon made its closest approach to planet earth since 1948; it will not be that near again until 25th November 2034.

On Sunday, the moon came as close as 222,761 miles’

closer than the average distance of 238,900 miles and presented spectacular views of the lunar surface.

However, the difference is hardly visible to the human eye, it just appear to be super-sized as it rises above the horizon.

Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society, said of supermoons: “It’s a nice enough phenomenon. It’s always nice for people to go out and look at it – you will not necessarily think it’s huge.

It will appear a bit bigger than usual, but don’t expect it to look five times bigger.”

The moon orbits earth in an elliptical or oval shape; this means its distance from the earth varies and further changes occur as its planet – earth – moves around the sun.

Amateur photographer Christopher Pile celebrated a “direct hit” last year when he caught an Alicantebound airliner crossing the historic supermoon.

He took the shot (pictured) from ‘casa rural’ Grapevine Manor near Monovar; where the approach flight path to the runway is visible – the results and other pictures taken by Christopher can be found at www.graprevinemanor.co.uk.

short magic tour

By Simon Russell

A well-known Spanish magician has had to postpone his current tour after being hit by a drunk driver outside the hotel in Vigo where he was staying. Jorge Blass was struck on a zebra

crossing and knocked unconscious when he was rushed to hospital.

He suffered no ill effects from the blackout but his arm was broken and he required facial stitches.

He was later flown back to his home town of Madrid and announced

on Instagram that the broken arm meant he would have to cancel upcoming dates on his national tour. Illusionist Blass has an international following and has appeared with fellow magicians such as Penn and Teller.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Getting it in the neck

By Simon Russell

A man inflicted neck injuries on himself and then told police he had been attacked and robbed; however it transpired that he had made the whole story up as he couldn’t face telling his wife that he had spent their money on “a crazy night out.” The incident happened last week in the Alicante town of Novelda when the 30-year-old went to the Guardia Civil to report the robbery of €400. However his story soon fell apart and he admitted he had fabricated events, even going so

far as to wrap a chord round his neck to resemble asphyxiation marks. He has now been charged with wasting police time; the man’s wife was not available for comment.

Foreign house buyer numbers steady

By Simon Russell

ABOUT 20% of properties sold in Spain in the first half of 2017 were purchased by foreign buyers, similar figures to the last few years. More buyers still came from the UK than any other country, despite concerns over the impact of Brexit. Just over half of the foreign buyers were already resident in Spain while 46% were non-residents. The region where most foreign buyers bought property is the Canaries, where 42% of houses sold were to non-Spaniards. This was

followed by the Balearics (38%) and the Valencian Community (35%).

Italian most wanted caught

By Simon Russell

AN Italian national who was wanted for string of crimes across Spain and Europe is in detention after a dramatic car chase through Calpe and Benissa.

The net started closing when police noticed a

significant increase in burglaries across Calpe and Altea. They had reason to believe the same person was responsible and eventually he was identified by a victim from a police file photo.

The man identified had warrants for his arrest in the Canary Islands, Madrid and

from his home country. These were for burglary, robbery, fraud, forgery, attacks on the police and many others.

After an operation lasting several months the man was traced to a property in El Campello where he had been living in plain sight although under a false name. This

week he was spotted entering a restaurant in Calpe by the Guardia Civil and he then jumped in a car and took off at speed. The Guardia gave chase and he was intercepted trying to join the N-332 for Altea when other vehicles blocked his way. He still managed to evade capture and

eventually the car was stopped in Benissa, but not before several vehicles had been damaged. Dangerous driving, driving without a licence and criminal damage charges have now been added to his already lengthy list of offences; the man has been imprisoned without bail awaiting trial.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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SCHOOL SUSPENDED AFTER EARTHQUAKE

By Matthew Richards

AN earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter Scale caused damage to property in the Villena area of Alicante this week. Hundreds of locals felt the tremor at lunchtime on 4 December which was at a depth of 12 kilometres. The small town of Caudete appeared to have

been the worst hit, with many properties suffering from cracked walls and ceilings. The decision was also taken to suspend classes at the town’s schools and pupils were evacuated.

People reported paintings falling off walls and items knocked off shelves, sparking a minor panic with many leaving

their houses for safety. This part of Alicante is very prone to earthquake activity and in 1991 Caudetehad a significant tremor measuring 4.1. Valencia does experience several earthquakes a year, but most are not big enough for people to even be aware they have occurred, and damage such as this is relatively rare.

Would you like some coke with that?

By Matthew Richards

POLICE in Alcoy (Alicante) have arrested a gang who were using a catering establishment as a front to sell cocaine. They wrongly thought they were avoiding suspicion by only selling small amounts of the drug at a time for personal use.

However the authorities had been monitoring the group for a while and arrested them at the end of the November with the details only being released now. Searches were made of two properties where the three resided and the police discovered 180 grams of cocaine, precision scales and €9,000 in cash.

Doing his duty off duty

By Matthew Richards

A National Police officer noticed a man acting suspiciously around an expensive car in Valencia City last weekend and then made sure he was unobserved so he could watch him further. The suspect

then overrode the cars security system and proceeded to empty the contents into a rucksack.

At this stage the officer, who was off duty, approached the thief and arrested him; his pack contained an Ipad, Iwatch, jewellery and some other electronic devices valued at around €3,000 in total. A 49-year-old man of North African origin has been charged with burglary.

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Still on track

By Simon Russell

A major customer satisfaction survey of Alicante’s TRAM system gave it an overall 8.21 marks out of a possible ten.

93% of users proclaimed themselves satisfied with the service, while the Luceros-Benidorm link was the best rated journey. The L3 Luceros-El Campello was the lowest rated line but three quarters of users were still happy with this service.

The TRAM had over 10 million users last year, an increase of 1.4% from 2015, continuing with the upward trend. Areas that could do with improvement according to those surveyed include overcrowding, waiting times and information regarding delays. Safety and customer service both scored highly.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

All in it together

By Simon Russell

THE United Kingdom is now having to adapt to something that has been commonplace in Spain for many years, multi-generational living. The idea of two, three or even four generations living under the same roof is becoming more of a reality as very high house prices in the UK mean most young adults cannot afford to leave home, while many leave and then return for periods of time as

their circumstances change. At the other end, people are living longer and care is becoming increasingly expensive so Granny or Granddad are being moved into the family house.

Over here in Spain young adults have always tended to leave home later, but years of sky high youth unemployment means that this is now less from choice than necessity.

Having elderly relatives living at home as well is also seen as the norm – and often it is their house that people are living in

and their pension that is the main source of income.

One key difference between the two countries is that Spanish houses are generally set up for multi-generational living while in the UK people are having to modify sometimes quite small spaces.

Extensions, loft rooms, second bathrooms and even “posh sheds”

are among the measures people are taking to adapt to what may be the shape of things to come in the UK.

Traditionally tasty - U3A Dining Out MORAIRA U3A’s Dining Out Group visited the traditionally Spanish ‘Antiquary Restaurant’ in Benitachell for its November meal.

It was the first time that most of the diners had been to this restaurant and they certainly

did not leave disappointed; the atmosphere was warm and cosy.

The food was excellent, starting with a wide range of tapas to suit all tastes. In addition to the three course menu, diners enjoyed a welcome glass of cava, water and half a bottle

of wine each with the meal, followed by coffee and liqueur.

Maria with her young table staff were very accommodating and the chef, Antonio, ensured that we Brits had hot food served on warm plates.

On the last evening the

diners seemed to be a reluctance to leave, a further evidence of a successful evening.

Well done to Peter & Pauline Griffiths for introducing us to this restaurant and for their smooth organisation.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Powering

Google

By Simon Russell

SPANISH electricity firm Iberdrola has won a contract to supply renewable energy to tech giant Google. Iberdrola’s US arm, Avangrid, will be supplying power generated by wind farms to Google’s operations in Coyote Ridge and Tatanka Ridge which are both in South Dakota.

The electricity supplied will be equivalent to the annual consumption of 50,000 homes and is part of Google’s commitment to use renewable energy in all its global operations.Avangrid produces around 6,000 megawatts of renewable energy, both wind and solar, which is distributed across 22 US states; a single megawatt can power up to about 1,000 residencies. @TheWeekenderES

Dangerous gang broken up

By Simon Russell

POLICE have arrested three Spanish men who they think have been behind a number of violent robberies recently. The incidents, all involving house breaking while the residents were present, occurred in Rojales, Ciudada Quesada and Formentera del Segura over the last two months. In one incident the owners were handcuffed and assaulted while a man suffered a fractured knee. An

Alicante police spokesman described the group as “highly dangerous”.

The suspect’s homes in Formentera and Segura were searched and electric tasers were found as well as 75 marijuana plants, with a street value of about €15,000. The three have been charged with robbery with violence, intimidation, assault, illegal possession of weapons and crimes against public health relating to the marijuana.

They have been remanded without bail in Alicante.

Gender violence continues

By Simon Russell

SPAIN’S fifty-first incidence of death from gender violence this year occurred in the Valencian Community last week. A 53-year-old

Romanian woman died after a beating from her partner in the small town of Guadassuar in the Ribera Alta region of Valencia.A neighbour alerted the police after hearing a disturbance.

When the police arrived the woman was experiencing breathing difficulties and died before she could even be taken to the local hospital; her 40-year-old partner, also a Rumanian, was arrested and

provisionally charged with the killing. A fast-tracked autopsy showed she had died of a heart attack and the police now need to decide what to charge her partner with.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Finance Feature

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

provided by...

6 financial steps to take now for a fresh start in 2018

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

It may only be the start of December but soon Christmas will have been and gone, New Year’s Eve will be upon us and then before you know it we will be in 2018. Looking ahead to a fresh start that New Year’s Day affords us all, we at Chorus Financial have drafted a list of 6 financial year-end tips to help our readers prepare for a financially sound 2018.

Consider tax strategies If you expect your tax bracket to rise or fall in the current year — for example, if you’ve recently retired or started a new job — it might make sense to consider opportunities to accelerate deductions into the current

year or postpone them to 2018. Maybe you’re planning to become tax resident in Spain from the start of 2018? If you are then it is essential that your current financial position is reviewed to ensure all of your savings/investments & pensions continue to be tax efficient and legal once you become a Spanish resident.

Review your investment mix Are your investments still in line with your goals and risk tolerances?

Changes in the values of your stocks, bonds and other holdings over the past year may have moved the relative weights away from what best meets your needs. For example, if the stock market had a good year, the percentage of your investments in stocks may have drifted upward from what you see as the right proportion of stock market risk. The approach of the new year is a good time to review your mix.

Review all insurance coverage Take a look at your coverage for your car, home, life insurance, etc. to be sure you have enough — and not too much — and that you’re not overpaying. Look at whether you could drop some deductibles to save on premiums or if you have some unnecessary ‘extra’ features in your policy that are adding up. Comparison-

shop among insurance companies to see whether switching makes sense.

Review your will Especially if you’ve had a recent family event such as a marriage, birth, new grandchildren or a divorce, the approach of the new year is a good opportunity to make sure the beneficiaries you’ve designated in your will, match your current wishes.

If you’ve never made a Spanish will but have assets in Spain, you should also be aware that the Spanish law is very different to the UK. If your Will doesn’t specify that you wish for it to be written under British law then Spanish law will automatically apply.

Spanish law states that two thirds of your assets automatically go to your children and you only have the free disposal on one third.

Get your budget in shape A budget that maps out your expected income, fixed expenses such as rent or mortgage and card payments, what you plan to set aside for savings, and what’s available for everything else you may want can help you stay on track toward your financial goals.

If you don’t already have a budget, the new-year milestone is a great time to start. If you’re already using a budget to help manage your finances, a year-

end tune-up can help you make sure it’s still current.

Review your retirement-plan Whether you are years away from retirement, or if it’s just around the corner, a new year is always a good time to review your current pension provisions. For some it might be just a case of making sure you are still on target to retire on your intended date, with an annual income that you desire or for some it’s a question of should I leave my pension where it is or move it to SIPP but for others it could be a real wake up call. Planning for retirement is often pushed aside because life gets in the way however a Financial Adviser can help you plan for your retirement goals and work with you to achieve them. So, whether you would just like a professional opinion on your current provisions or whether you need to start planning DON’T put it off for another year!”

At Chorus Financial we are here to help you every step of the way, we help our clients plan for their future financial goals and we work hard to make sure they stay on target to achieve them. Call Chorus Financial now on 693 107 044 or email t.storer@chorusfinancial.es

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Glittering success

By Jack Troughton

SCORES of young dancers took to Europe’s largest stage to take part in ‘Time to Shine’ and underline the level of talent on the Costa Blanca.

Performing at Benidorm Palace were 250 youngsters from nine dance schools who put on a real show in a glittering spectacular.

Produced and choreographed by the Spotlight Productions team, the dancers went through a number of routines and the thrill of taking part was evident from the smiles of the performers – and the pride on the faces of parents, family and friends in the audience.

And the evening showed off a wide variety of styles, including classical ballet, street dance, Andalucian flamenco, hi-

energy tap, Irish, cheer leading, jazz, breakdancing and much more.

The aim of Time to Shine was to “showcase” the talent “love and passion” of the art there was through the region said Showcase Productions; while individual dance school stage their own shows this brought everything together on one stage.

And the team said: We specialise in providing young amateurs with the opportunity to perform on world class stages in a fun, noncompetitive environment. Our dance and musical theatre spectaculars are of the highest quality, so that performers of any ability can relish their moment in the spotlight.”

Performing in the show were students from Babylon Dance, The Careline Dance Academy, Estudio

de Danza Alfaz del Sol, Footworks, Javea Gems, Marcia’s Dance Centre, New Generation, Studio 23, and the Valerie Dean School of Dance.

For more information and details of shows in 2018, visit www. spotlightproductions.es or go to www. facebook.com/spotlightproductions.

Future bright for the region

By Simon Russell

ONE of Spain’s leading economists has described Alicante province as “the most dynamic area of the entire European Union.” Jose Carlos Diez made the comments at a speech to businessmen and politicians in Alicante City, although he qualified the comments by saying that it was still dependant on continued growth in Spain as a whole.

He went on to say that businesses should be focusing on the challenge coming from emerging nations such as India and China and not just their European neighbours, especially in the technology sector. Employment is another problem with 5% lesspeople in work than ten years ago, but he predicts it is on track to return to 2007 levels.

Drugged driver had child on board A man who tried to flee a police patrol point outside of Elche was eventually apprehended and tested positive for both alcohol and narcotics. The incident

happened on 4 December when the driver was flagged down at the checkpoint.

Rather than stopping he accelerated away and a chase ensued with the man

driving through red lights and at high speed. A police car blocked his path which he then rammed before finally being stopped.

Once on foot he

continued to resist arrest before the police eventually detained him.

The passengers in the car were a woman and a nine year old child, who sustained

minor injuries. The man is likely to be charged with a number of offences as well as driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

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Back In

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

FORMER MODEL CHRISTIN E KEELER DIES AT AGE 75

The former model at the heart of the Profumo affair Christine Keeler has died aged 75 after a long illness.

She was thrust into the spotlight after enjoying a secret romance with Cabinet minister John Profumo in 1961 at the height of the Cold War. Scandal engulfed the Establishment after later it emerged that the then 19-year-old Keeler had also been sleeping with Eugene Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché at the Russian Embassy in London.

It nearly toppled the Conservative government, resulting in the resignation of Profumo as well as a series of criminal trials.

Ms Keeler, who had been battling an obstructive lung disease for several months, died on Monday night at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough Common, Orpington, Kent.

Her son Seymour Pratt, who now

lives in Ireland with his family, said the Profumo affair had had a longlasting effect on his mother’s life.

He told the Guardian: ‘There was a lot of good around Chris’s rather tragic life, because there was a family around her that loved her.

‘I think what happened to her back in the day was quite damaging.’

Keeler lived as a recluse under the name Sloane in the years following the scandal - breaking cover only a few times to talk about the affair.

She was briefly married twice with both ending in divorce - and had two sons as well as a granddaughter.

Ms Keeler met Conservative minister Profumo - 27 years her senior - after leaving her home in Middlesex and working at Murray’s Cabaret Club in Soho.

Dr Stephen Ward, a high-flying London osteopath and fixer who ‘procured women’ for leading

members of the Establishment, introduced the young dancer to Profumo while at a party thrown by Lord and Lady Astor.

The scandal hit the headlines after seven shots were fired at Ward’s house in a quiet Marylebone mews by a jilted boyfriend of Keeler a year later in December 1962.

It emerged the then 19-yearold Keeler had been sleeping with former Secretary of State for War John Profumo, then 48, and at the same time a handsome Russian spy Evgeny Ivanov.

But when the news broke, Profumo lied to the House of Commons about his affair. He was soon found out and Keeler sold her story to the News of The World for £23,000.

In June 1963, he quit Mandy Rice-Davies in

disgrace, amid allegations Keeler had been asked by Ivanov to discover from the War Minister when the West Germans might receive U.S. nuclear missiles to be stationed on their soil.

Profumo had been a rising star of the Tory Party, close to Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, a favoured visitor at Buckingham Palace, a war hero and the dashing husband of actress Valerie Hobson, one of the great beauties of her day.

Christine Keeler

Britain

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

PLAYING WITH FOOD

By Edward Graham

SUPERMARKET chain Co-op is selling food past the ‘best before’ date in a move aimed at cutting the £500 million of waste simply thrown away in Britain.

The retailer has launched the pioneering scheme at 125 stores in East Anglia and hopes other chains will follow the example.

It means that non-perishables like tinned food, packets of crisps, boxes of cereals and dries food such as pasta and rice will be sold to the public at a knock-down flat rate of 10p by the East of England Co-op.

The food was previously destined for landfill sites or for incineration because charity food banks and other good causes tend not to take items where the ‘best before’ date has expired.

It is estimated more than 200,000 tonnes of food is simply thrown year every away consumers because mistakenly believe it cannot be eaten after this date.

However, unlike the ‘use by’ deadline – which is included on products for safety reasons – ‘best before’ dates are an indicator They quality. of

are set cautiously; meaning there is very little deterioration in the food for weeks or months after the date shown.

The government published new guidance on reducing food waste last week and stated: “It is permissible to sell or redistribute food after the ‘best before’ date relating to it, provided it is not unsafe.”

And Roger Grosvenor, joint chief executive at East of England Co-op, said that fear of prosecution had deterred shops from taking similar action. It can be an offence to sell poor-quality food that does not meet customer expectations.

He said the Co-op’s scheme had been approved by Ipswich Borough Council and the food involved would remain on sale for up to a month after its “best before” date - although in early trials in 14 stores, all the items reduced to 10p were sold within 24 hours.

Grosvenor Mr said that the Coop was seeking to educate people not to waste food. “People are throwing things away because they think that it becomes dangerous at the stroke of midnight.”

BRITS have been warned to brace themselves for Storm Caroline which will bring 80mph winds alongside -6C temperatures and an estimated two inches of snow.

Thermometers will plunge, but not before intense rain that set in yesterday across the north west of England.

Today, strong winds will be seen across Britain, particularly in Scotland, while wintry showers batter the UK. Tomorrow, more showers are expected, as downfalls intensify in Wales and across the western parts of England.

Met Office forecasters confirmed this week that the intense conditions will form under the name Storm Caroline.

It said on Twitter:

13

SLEET CAROLINE “#StormCaroline has been officially named by the Met Office. High winds are expected to affect northern Scotland on Thursday.

The Met Office forecasts said: “Any snow showers will be most frequent over northern and western parts, and perhaps the east coast, but at times may become more widespread.

“Strong winds will affect all regions, with gales in exposed coasts in the north and east; feeling very cold in the wind.

We will also see a widespread increase in overnight frost and ice.

“This cold and windy weather is likely to stay in place for a time, perhaps with some brief milder interludes in the south, with frontal systems bringing a mix of rain, sleet and snow.

“There are signs that the slow-moving and blocked weather pattern is likely to remain in place.”

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia Helping hand for hospice

By Simon Russell

MABS received an early Christmas present with a €1,000 donation from the team of volunteers at the Benitachell Charity Shop.

The MABS Cancer Support Group runs a room at the Policlinica IMED hospital in Teulada - supporting people affected by the disease and those needing end of life care.

Members of the charity shop team handed a cheque to MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE to help pay the cost of running a facility that is increasingly in demand on the Marina Alta.

Jacqui thanked the volunteers for their generosity and said the room was currently occupied. “It is very much in demand and we would like to have a second room at Teulada.

“We have had a room there

since February and it is the 10th person we have helped, which is not bad in under a year – it’s one of four we have on the Costa Blanca.

“And the facilities are very much appreciated; the families tell us how much they appreciate the help we are able to give.”

Last month the Benitachell Charity Shop donated €500 as a special ‘thanks’ for the help MABS gave two of its members and their families.

Celebrating Christmas Costa Blanca Church of England Christmas Services THE Church of England on the Costa Blanca is staging a wonderful array of joy and celebration in the build up to Christmas.

There are carol services, Christmas concerts and Christmas services and everyone is sure of a warm welcome at any of the services and activities.

The following are taking place: Javea, Friday 8th December at 10.30am. Coffee Morning at the home of Carol Buchanan, €5 cava draw.

For more information contact Pamela at pam.pittar@gmail.com, or Gill at petergillatkinson@yahoo.co.uk.

Also Friday, 8th December, at 8pm; a performance of The Gift by Graham Kendrick at Denia Church. Entry is free.

Saturday, 9th December at 1pm; Carols in the Calpe Old Town, near the

church – at the heart of the Christmas Market.

Monday 11th December at 3pm; Carols on the Beach by the Albir Anchor. For more information contact Elaine Mitchell on 96 686 4962 or 636 164 467.

Tuesday 12th December at 4pm; a service of Nine Lessons and Carols in Javea. A beautiful service of celebration, followed by mulled wine and mince pies for all.

Wednesday 13th December at 7pm; a second performance of ‘The Gift’ at Albir Church; again, entrance is free.

Thursday 14th December at 4pm; Carol Service at the Merced church, Calpe.

Saturday 16th December at 4.30pm; Carol Service at Coveta Fuma,

El Campello.

Monday 18th December at 5pm; Candle-lit Carol Service, Albir. For more information contact Elaine Mitchell on 96 686 4962 or 636 164 467.

Sunday 24th December at 11.30pm; Midnight Mass in Javea, welcoming the good news of the Saviour’s birth.

Christmas Day worship on 25th December.The Eucharist will be celebrated in all our churches, at the usual Sunday service times: Albir, 9.45am; Javea, 9.45am; Calpe, 10.30am; Denia, 11.45 am; El Campello, noon; Gandia, noon; and La Fustera, noon.

For more information about the Anglican Chaplaincy and all its services, visit www.costablancaanglicanchaplaincy.org.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia

Dogs have their day

By Simon Russell

APASA volunteers are busy running a series of festive events in a bid to keep money rolling into the coffers of the Javea-based charity.

On Saturday, the cold and high winds failed to dampen high spirits at the outdoor Christmas Fair at the sanctuary.

A week earlier a festive market at the Marina Town’s Dance Cafe Toscamar raised around €1,000 – and there are two more important events before Christmas.

The APASA dogs sanctuary is currently home two 196 animals with another 10 out with foster families; a reduction in the overall population of

canines by up to 60 over the year.

Charity president Mandy Conway was also in good spirits; Javea Town Hall has also paid the €11,000 balance of its 2016 grant, the charity runs the municipal dog service for the council.

“That’s good news although we have not yet had the money for 2017 and we still have to do our job,” she said.

On Saturday 9th December there is a mince pies and mulled wine event at Bar Punch in Javea Park to raise money for APASA and the Javea Feral Cat Association.

APASA is also staging a Dinner Dance at the Club de Golf Javea on Friday 15th December from 7.30pm.

There is music by Adam Daniels and tickets at €28 include a three-course meal with wine. Too book, call Sue on 96 741 668 or 606 588 197.

Au d i t o ri u m gets go ahead MAYOR Jose Chulvi has signed off on the construction of Javea’s proposed auditorium. Costing €2.4 million, the project is scheduled to be finished by April 2019, although it is hoped that the end date will be brought forward. The building will have a capacity of 525 and is to be used for large scale events and shows in the town. Valencia’s Polytechnic University are involved in ensuring that the acoustics are of the highest quality.

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Javea welcomes one-woman show

By Jack Troughton

TALENTED professional actor Alison Skilbeck brings her hit onewoman show to the Costa Blanca in the New Year as the guest of Javea Players.

‘Are There More of You’ is a comedy drama and tells the tale of four women and their story of a search for love and happiness; the four characters only having a postcode in common.

Alison, who will be performing at Javea Players’ Studio Theatre from 22nd to 27th January, has appeared in The Archers, Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Doctor Who. The show features entertaining monologues about four losers becoming winners.

And she is the wife of Tim Hardy, who performed ‘The Trials of Galileo’ to rave reviews for Javea Players a few years ago.

Tickets are €12 and the show starts at 8pm each night. They are available via www.javeaplayers.com, by email to boxoffice@javeaplayers. com or by calling 865 528 551.

Group Fitness at

Botanico Wellness Center Wellness Center Botanico Beauty invite everybody to join our Fitness classes with relaxing sea view.

We can help you to look after your health and fitness with our Pilates, Yoga and Shaping classes.

You will enjoy meeting new friends, having fun an supporting each other.

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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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm Web finally closes on Spiderman burglars

By SImon Russell

FIVE people suspected of robbing hotel guests by climbing exterior walls to enter their rooms while they slept have been arrested.

The first of a series of thefts occurred in Benidorm in October when valuables such as mobiles, tablets and credit cards were taken, the latter being used to withdraw cash and buy items before the victims even realised they had been robbed.

The group have been linked to at least five similar thefts in Benidorm and Alicante city before police tracked them down at the end of November.

Property searches yielded items including mobiles, jewellery, credit cards, â‚Ź3,000 in cash and 54 grams of heroin.

The three men and two women from Romania, Spain and Argentina have been charged with robbery, membership of a criminal gang and possession of narcotics.

Kitty trouble

By SImon Russell

A kitten had to be rescued by a fire crew in Benidorm after somehow managing to get stuck up a lamppost.

The team were called out by the Spav animal association who had spotted the distressed animal.

The young male was safely brought down and later taken to a vet who declared him hungry and shaken but unhurt.

The kitten is part of a controlled colony and has been returned to his family.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

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Benidorm

HENNA HORROR A British visitor to Benidorm will probably have a permanent reminder of his holiday after his henna tattoo “moustache” has left him badly scarred. 28-yearold plumber Arran Maye and a friend had the elaborate Mexican bandit style moustaches tattooed on by an unregistered street artist for the recent fancy dress fiesta.

However the next day Aaron’s face started blistering and swelling.

After realising he had a p r o b l e m Aaron caught a flight back to the UK and ended

up in intensive care in Leicester Royal Infirmary after having breathing difficulties.

The worst symptoms were soon under control and it appears Aaron had an allergic reaction to the tattoo. Doctors have told him he will probably have a moustache shaped scar for life.



By Simon Russell

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm Chilly classrooms

By Simon Russell

THE Tossalet Infant School in La Cala de Benidorm went three weeks without heating until it was restored this week. The period when the heating was broken

High tech tree growth

By Simon Russell

A proposal to reforest areas using drones was the winning idea in Benidorm’s “Greenweekend” event last weekend.

About 20 young entrepreneurs

presented their ideas which included clothing made from hemp, coworking proposals and a land reclamation project.

All ideas had to have an ecological theme and the judges decided that “Dronecoria” was the

best. This was presented

by Lot Amoros and Jesus Ledesma and is a highly efficient way of spreading tree seeds using drones which can target specific areas that may often be difficult to access.

included the coldest part of the winter so far, and teachers and pupils alike had to wear coats and other winter gear in the classrooms.

The pupils are aged from 0 to 3 years, dangerously young to

be exposed to the cold said council opposition spokesman Ruben Martinez. He went on to accuse the ruling council of not paying full attention to the needs of the education sector in the Benidorm municipality.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

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Alfas, Albir & Altea, Christmas School

By Simon Russell

ALTEA’S Education Department has announced the details of this years “L’Escola de Nadal”. The Christmas School will run from 26th to 29th December and then the 2nd to 5th of January. The focus this year will be on workshops, covering activities such as cooking, making cards and painting as well

as storytelling and board games.

The opening hours are 9am to 2pm and children can attend on some or all days. The price for attending all sessions is €55 while the cost of each individual day is €10. For more information or to register call 619021920 or 646251224; the E-Mail address is projectes_educatius_altea@ hotmail.com

Lions give Christmas gift

By Simon Russell

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B I G - H E AT R E D members of the Alfaz del Pi Lions Club took pride in helping cancer charity

AECC with a €1,000 donation.

Pieter de Lint and club colleagues presented a cheque to Pamela Dawson Tasker (pictured), the

President of the Alfaz branch of the Spanish national cancer charity, who said it was a “great Christmas present”.

And she added: “This

welcome donation goes to our provincial office in Alicante to be used in the work of the charity across the area.”

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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Property

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www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

New homes with green credentials in central Barcelona

Boutique property developer Norvet is building new homes in Barcelona with pedigree green credentials.

Norvet’s brand-new townhouses on Jaén Street, in the heart of Barcelona’s trendy Gracia district, will come with a Green Certificate from the Green Building Council of Spain (GBCe) – a non-profit association that promotes the commitment of the Government, Public Administrations, businesses, and social agents in promoting sustainable

and environmentally friendly building practises.

The certificate is a sign of sustainable building, and high standards. The few buildings that hold it are assessed across their entire lifecycle on the environmental impact of their construction, their energy efficiency, and their use of land and natural resources.

Vertical Urban Garden The green credentials of these townhouses on Jaen street are not just about saving the planet. Green design features such as vertical urban gardens will also enhance the quality of life of the owners.

Working together with sustainable ecosystem engineers Verdtical, Norvet have harnessed state-of-the-art techniques to create a glorious living wall of biodiverse local plants that give the homes a secret garden feel. At the vanguard of green design and technology, this vertical garden brings these homes to life in a literal way.

Designed to ensure that texture and color play out in perfect harmony over the year, these gardens uses the latest irrigation systems to minimize consumption and maintenance, and meet Barcelona’s stringent water-use

regulations, even in the height of summer.

The result? These homes will be an oasis of nature and calm in the beating heart of the city within walking distance of landmarks such as Gaudi’s Güell Park and Sagrada Familia cathedral.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Business & Finance

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Jack talks

BACK ON THE RAILS

By Jack Troughton

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HIGH level talks over Brexit took place this week and finally it appeared agreement was in sight and negotiations could move on to the all-important trade deal for the UK after it leaves the European Union.

In game show terms, host Noel Edmonds might have appeared to pop the question: “Deal, or no deal?” Europe held its breath before DUP leader Arlene Foster spectacularly scotched the hopes of Brexiteers.

Mrs Foster said ‘no way’ over a proposal to solve the question of the Irish border; one of the three sticking points on the first round of talks that also included the so-called ‘divorce bill’ and citizens’ rights.

The DUP props up Theresa May’s minority Conservative Government and rejected a proposal about the future of the border between north and south Ireland.

It meant the talks between Mrs May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker broke up without agreement and the sound of knives being sharpened in the Houses of Parliament echoed across Britain.

Mrs Foster’s DUP objected to plans being drawn up said to avoid a ‘hard border’ by aligning regulations north and the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the EU member states.

Dublin wants firm guarantees there will be no hard border; Mrs Foster said her party refuses to sign up to anything that allowed a border to develop off the Emerald Isle...somewhere in the Irish Sea; the red line being anything that treats Northern Ireland differently to the rest of the UK. The mysterious offer over regulations – the DUP claims it has tried for five weeks to read the small print – has started another feeding frenzy within the UK. Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon, Wales’ leader Carwyn Jones and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan are now all demanding the same special ‘soft border’ treatment included for their fiefdoms.

On Tuesday, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds

accused Dublin of putting Anglo-Irish relations and co-operation with the north at risk - and said it was a “reckless and dangerous” attitude to Brexit.

He believes the EU has given the Republic a veto and as a result it was “flexing its muscles” and using a complicated situation to try and score “wins”.

He said: “I don’t argue with their desire to advance their interests but they’re doing so in a reckless and dangerous way that is putting at risk years of good Anglo-Irish relations and good co-operation within Northern Ireland.

“What matters are the words that are used in text and in international treaties and agreements and it’s vitally important that text translates accurately to what are the general principles of political agreement.”

The DUP is the largest party in Northern Ireland and it has 10 MPs at Westminster. Mrs May needs them to secure victory in key votes.

The impasse has caused a stinging rebuke from Shadow Brexit Secretary, Labour’s Keir Starmer. In the House of Commons, he said the Tory agreement with the DUP was a “coalition of chaos” and said: “The DUP tail is wagging the Tory dog.”

The voice of David Davis attempted to calm nerves in Parliament. The Brexit Secretary said: “The suggestion that we might depart the European Union to leave one part of the UK behind and still inside the single market and customs union – that is emphatically not something that the UK government is considering.

“So when the first minister of Wales complains about it or the first minister of Scotland uses it as a reason to start banging the tattered drum of independence, or the Mayor of London says it justifies a hard border on the M25...I say they are making a foolish mistake.

“No UK government would allow such a thing – let alone a Conservative and Unionist government.”

RAILWAY routes axed under the controversial Beeching cuts could soon be back on the network timetable in a bid to ease overcrowding.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling aims to discover which lines could help boost the economy, encourage house building and give passengers more space.

Restoring lost capacity on railways is one of a number of reforms featured in the Government’s new strategy.

It is also moves to split a number of existing franchises due to end in 2021 given to a number of operating companies – with a focus on provision of regional and long-distance services – and the new strategy also includes publicly-owned Network Rail sharing its responsibility for running the tracks with private train operators.

Mr Grayling said: “The last few years have seen massive growth on Britain’s railways. This industry has reversed decades of decline under British Rail,

delivered new investment and new trains, and doubled the number of passengers.

“But now we need to build on that success by building a new model for the 2020s and beyond, one more able to deal with the huge rise in passenger numbers and the challenges of an increasingly congested network.”

He added: “Rail passengers deserve a more reliable, more efficient service and I will deliver it by ending the one-size-fitsall approach of franchising and bringing closer together the best of the public and private sector.”

Thousands of stations and hundreds of branch lines were closed between 1964 and 1970 in the wake of a report by British Railways chairman Dr Richard Beeching. The proposed development programme will identify ways to increase passenger capacity which offer good value for money.

Mr Grayling denied that the plans amounted to the splitting up and privatising of Network Rail. “We’re not privatising Network Rail. Network Rail will remain in public ownership, but Network Rail is going to be devolved into a series of route businesses.

“It’s not going to be one big central blob; it’s going to be a series of locallyfocused, or route-focused, operations around the country.”

He said ultimately the changes were focussed on passengers and would introduce ways of minimising disruption caused by necessary maintenance of the network.

HELP GETTING BACK TO WORK

By Simon Russell

THE free Adult Education courses subsidised by the Servef employment department have commenced in Callosa d’en Sarria. These are designed to help people get back into work and twenty Callosa residents have signed up. Course one is Gardening and Nurseries and consists of 440 hours training and 80 hour’s work placement.

Course two is Administrative Activities and consists of 810 hours training and an 80 hour work placement. Employment Councillor Lumi Puigcerver said “these courses are to help unemployed people integrate back into the labour market.”

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

23

Business & Finance

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CA LP E & BENISSA LI ONS

CHRS IT M AS FA IR

The Lions invite everyone to the 12th club’s Christmas Fair on Tuesday the December from 11am to 1pm at ed charity shop where guests will be serv . pies ce min mulled wine and a

Christma

CHRISTMAS arrived early on the Costa Blanca as HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta held its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs Santa Claus were special guests – and the festive couple was kept busy meeting youngsters in a seasonal grotto and listening to the list of wishes the children hope to find under the tree on Christmas day.

HELP held the fair in El Prado, Ondara, and as money is still being counted; the charity is hoping for a timely gift to help support its work from proceeds.

EL Campello is running a special President Candy Wright hopes the fair will have “Duelo de Tapas” from 1 to 30 made “a couple of thousand Euros” for the charity; December. A beer and tapa will cost adding: “Certainly we are €2.50 at participating bars hoping for another very and restaurants, while there pleasant surprise.” will be a prize given for And on behalf of the the most traditional tapa, charity, Candy was at talonia. the most innovative and IT is believed that in Ca can only be Orba Health Centre on Cava the most popular. Diners many Valencian resin Monday to officially ally produced will also be entered into idents are planning leg nated areas and sig a draw with the winner to boycott cava from de Valencia that is receiving €100 to be spent at Catalonia this festive in northern region participating establishments. season and instead the quena. HowevRe For more information on switch their loyalty to of quena only has Re venues and times call 965 er dpro de the locally ma out 4,000 hectares 634 606 or visit www. uct. The boycott is in ab JAVEA Old Town will vineyards for the elcampelloturismo.net protest at the recent of to d are mp be in tune with Christmas duct co Other cultural highlights Catalan independence pro onia’s 29,000 when children from three tal in the town during December movement, and the Ca ma st Javea primary schools ere the va include dance, music, theatre best known brands, wh of Spain’s fizzy sing carols on Friday 15th ity and guided visits – use the Freixenet and Codor- jor is produced.

December. contact details above for ff niu, are both produced sti This popular event is or-

festive tapas

Cava wars

Carol sin

as spirit

Hospital Christmas collection underway

hand over €10,000 worth of medical kit – includQuironsalud Caritas and other local THE ing three ECG monitors and emergency resusciHospital in Torrevieja NGO’s. tation equipment.

You can follow the is running its Christmas The equipment will be divided between health Campaign campaign on social meCollection centres in Benimeli, Sagra, Rafol, Tormos and from now until 13 De- dia under the hashtag out12 of ’ centre ‘nerve the s remain cember. They are asking #Xmas4all and gifts can Orba Sanet. to ay underw are moves and s centre people to donate toys be deposited in the lobby al lying medic them. of all of ies facilit and seasonal sweets for of the hospital. To mark se upgrade the respon s centre al medic the youngsters who may oth- the end of the event the “It was very important for bele possib erwise miss out. Over fif- ICA British Choir will be to have this equipment as soon as alty foreign residents asso- performing at 7pm on 13 cause it will really help villagers and especi ciations are helping with December at the hospily elderly people without them having to travel the campaign as well as tals main entrance. to hospitals,” said Candy. “Everything is mobile and can be taken to people’s homes in an emergency.

“There are a lot of expats living in these valleys this Scrap the traditional Christmas dinner but it is not just for expats but the whole community as istm Chr a h wit up g hin year and all the was – they can now take equipment to people living in pp 95€ 25. y Onl ir, Curry at Kathmandu, Alb outlying areas.”

Available 24th, 25t & New Yars Eve

Cu rry Fo r Ch ristm as!

ngers in Javea ganised by charity Todos Juntos Javea for the third winter and the fun starts at 6.30pm in the Placeta del Convent. It promises to be a truly international affair.

Youngsters from the

Vincente Tena, l’Arenal and Maria Inma culad a schools will sing a selection of Christmas carols in different languages – and carol sheets will be available for everyone to join in.

There will be a cake stall, Bar El Convent will enable hot chocolate and mulled wine to be served; and Father Christmas will also be attending.

Entry is free; but Todos Juntos Javea hopes the ‘Ven a Cantar’ event will attract as many donations

as possible to help “the most vulnerable families” in the Marina Alta town celebrate Christmas and Three Kings.

For more information go to www.todosjunetosjavea.com or email todosjunto sjave a201 7@gm ail. com.

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Out & About

FRIDAY 24TH NOV 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Skiing In Spain

Believe it or not Spain is a fantastic place to go skiing.

Despite Spain’s hot climate due to it’s location in Southern Europe it is actually the second most mountainous country in Europe, which surprises most people.

The most/best ski resorts in Spain are located in the Pyrenees on the border with France. Nevertheless it is even possible to ski in Spain on the Southern coast – the Costa del Sol – in the Sierra Nevada

resort close to Granada.

Other ski resorts are located near the major Spanish cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. The cost of skiing in Spain is relatively high when compared to many other resorts in Northern Europe, both for ski hire and for lift passes. In some resorts a day’s lift pass can be as high as 40 euros.

There are many ski resorts to choose from no matter what area of Spain you live in or intend to visit.

Ski Resorts Near Valencia

Considering it’s southern location in Spain and apparent lack of a major mountain range most people are amazed when told that there is skiing in this region close to the Costa Blanca coast – a major tourist area for sun lovers.

Nevertheless the height of the mountains near Teruel is above 2,000 metres although do note that these ski resorts are very, very small and do rely heavily on artificial snowmaking machines.

Javalambre – Just 1 hour drive west of Valencia towards Teruel is this tiny ski resort with 6.9 kilometres of runs. A very open ski resort – few trees and wide runs mean this is ideal for beginners.

Valdelinares – Also just 1 hour drive west of Valencia in the direction of Teruel is this tiny Spanish ski resort. There are only 7.5 kilometres of runs. Mainly set in trees this ski resort has a real alpine feel to it and some good red runs.

Wrap up warm with Gills There is only one place to grab your winter gear, Gills Fashion.

Gills is a well established clothes store situated in Albir and the Jalon valley. They offer a vast range of clothing from the

very best UK high street retailers giving customers so much choice with new items turning up every week, so its worth a regular visit!

Just in time for Christmas, Gills Fashion has all your neccessary winter wear. Coats, Jackets

Jumpers, Hoodys and so much more; all in different colors, styles and most importantly sizes offering up to XXXXXXXXL (8XL) for both men and women.

Head down to your local Gills Fashion before its all gone!

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Refresh

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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Protect your pet during winter & cold

Weather

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines: Keep pets indoors The best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet’s life.

Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.

Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors.

If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.

The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Help neighbourhood outdoor cats If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they

need protection from the elements as well as food and water.

It’s easy to give them a hand.

Give your pets plenty of food and water Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Be careful with cats, wildlife and cars Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Protect paws from salt The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

Avoid antifreeze poisoning Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family. Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold If you encounter a pet left in the cold, politely let the owner know you’re concerned. If they don’t respond well, document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff’s office and present your evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when.

Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.

Horse owners: provide special care to your outdoor pets Give your horses shelter and dry warmth Be sure your horses have access to a barn or a threesided run-in so they can escape the wind and cold. While not all horses will need to be blanketed, blankets will help horses keep warm and dry, especially if there is any rain or snow. If you’ve body-clipped your horses, keep them blanketed throughout the winter.

Supply food and water to your horses around the clock Give your horses access to unfrozen water at all times.

You can use heated buckets or water heaters/ de-icers to make sure the water doesn’t freeze.

Feed your horses more forage—unlimited amounts, if possible—during extreme cold. This will help your horses create heat and regulate their body temperatures.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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STATINS AND CHOLESTEROL A number of people over 50 years of age are prescribed statins. Some are unsure of what they do and if they should keep taking them. Most people know it is linked to their cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid which we need for normal body function. It is made mainly in the liver but can be found in some foods.

Having high lipids in your blood is detrimental to a person’s health.

Cholesterol is circulated in your blood by proteins.

High Density lipo protein (HDL) referred to as the good cholesterol. It carries cholesterol away from the cells back to the liver. The liver will break it down and excrete it. High levels of HDL are good.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to the cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for the cells to cope with, it will build up in the artery walls. LDL is known as the bad cholesterol. High levels are not good.

A raised LDL level can cause narrowing or hardening of the arteries, this can lead to coronary vascular disease (CVD). This may be a situation that statins are prescribed. A full blood lipid profile will measure LDL, HDL and triglycerides. This blood test as well as looking at liver function test is needed before statins are prescribed.

CVD is the most common cause of death in the UK. With CVD the blood supply to the heart is reduced, this can lead to angina a sharp chest pain.

If the blood supply to the heart is blocked then a heart attack can occur.

If blood supply to brain is blocked then a stroke can occur.

A person will be prescribed statins if they have been diagnosed with CVD.Statins are recommended for people with a high cholesterol level

or have personal, family medical risk factors. Even if a person is in good health statins may be prescribed if they are a high risk for CVD. High risk patients for whom it is advised to be be on statins • All adults with a history of CVD • angina • acute myocardial infarction, • stroke, trans ischaemic attacks (TIA ) often referred to as mini strokes • peripheral arterial disease • familial hypercholesterolaemia. An inherited condition which causes very high cholesterol levels • chronic Kidney disease • all adults with type 1 Diabetes over the age of 40 or have had diabetes for over 10 years Statins are a tablet taken once a day ideally taken at night time as this is when cholesterol is being produced.

They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that makes LDL and raises HDL cholesterol levels. They are normally taken for life as stopping will increase LDL cholesterol levels and the benefit will be lost.

Statins cannot be prescribed to people with severe liver disease.

Lifestyle changes that can also reduce cholesterol levels • reduce foods with saturated fat: meat pies, sausages, butter, lard, cream, hard cheeses, cakes and biscuits • increase exercise • reduce sugar intake • lose weight to get to a healthy Body mass index measurement • stop smoking

As with all medications statins do have side effects. The most common ones are listed below and it is important to discuss these with your doctor: • nosebleeds • sore throat • runny or blocked nose • headache • feeling sick • digestive system problems, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, indigestion • muscle and joint pain • raised blood sugar • can increase risk of developing diabetes Statins should not be used in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.

Statins are one of the most researched and tested drugs in use. if you have been advised to start statins, lifestyle changes are a good place to start. Also have an informed discussion with your family doctor. This means the decision is a joint one and that you are aware of your CVD risk. Also the possible side effects and any drug interactions that may be relevant to you.

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SUN SHINES ON A.R.C.’S

CHRISTMAS FAIR

What a beautiful day we had after the gales for the Annual Jalon Valley ARC Christmas Fair.

Although it was cold, the sun shone and there was no wind, so dozens of people ventured out to come and support the event. There was a wide variety of stalls encouraging people to buy Christmas gifts, cards and decorations then sit down and chat while enjoying the huge array of fabulous cakes, all donated by so many kind people, together with cups of coffee.

The ever-popular Matt Mason serenaded us as always, and this year was joined by the U3A Popsters and Ukulele Groups who gave us a lovely selection of Carols and Irish songs.

There were some fabulous raffle prizes, the main one being a huge hamper that included Sunday lunch at Casa les Olives, many thanks to Nick for that, and our thanks to all the other businesses across the valley who have so kindly donated meals and wine plus a huge variety of other items, all used either on the Tombola or the Raffle, both of which raise lots of money for the charity. We beat last year’s total and this year have raised approximately €2350.00, all of which will go to support the animals in ARC’s care.

Many, many thanks to all our supporters who, throughout the year give freely of their time in

Residencia canina y felina Boarding kennel & Cattery

Since nce 11977 97 desde/si

7

RESIDENCIA CANINA Y FELINA BOARDING KENNEL & CATTERY Habitaciones individuales Ozono Hilo musical Calefacción Parques ajardinados Servicio a domicilio Admitimos todas las razas

Individual rooms Ozono Music Heated floor system Landscaped playgrounds Free home delivery service All types of dogs & cats allowed

the ARC shop, plus walking dogs, fostering, and donating money and items to the charity. Your help is so valuable and ARC could not function without you. THANK YOU for all the help in making the ARC fair such a happy and successful event.

PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR DIARIES: Our next fund-raiser will be at Iceland, Benissa, where we will be holding a raffle with a hamper kindly donated by Iceland, plus ARC volunteers will be on hand to help pack your Christmas shopping bags, this will be on Wednesday 20th and Friday 22nd December – PLEASE do your shopping on these days and support ARC – Thank You.

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GARDENING ON THE COSTA BLANCA - Part 19 which is a large flowered daisy of the sunflower family!

Equally, many plants have multiple common names including regional specialities. For example, sedum acre is called Biting Stonecrop, Prick Madam, Wall Ginger, Mousetail, Bird’s Bread, Jack-of-theButtery, Golden Carpet, Gold Chain, Small Houseleek, Mossy Stonecrop, Creeping Tom, Bittercress and, believe it or not, ‘Welcome-homehusband-be-thee-ever-so-drunk’! The name sedum acre, however, remains the same wherever in the world you are.

Another problem can be pronunciation but just go ahead and say it as you think – probably your listener will have no more idea than you do!

Often it’s a matter of opinion anyway.

For example ‘Aloe’ seems generally to be pronounced as Aloe vera ‘a low’ whereas the girl’s name ‘Chloe’ is pronounced ‘k low ee’!

Actually, when Greek intrudes into botanical language is when Thunbergia alata pronunciation

The use of Latin plant names can be confusing, sometimes even intimidating. There is, however, a very good reason to use Latin plant names. Latin words for the genus or species of a plant are descriptive terms used to describe a specific type of plant and its characteristics.

Using Latin plant names tries to avert confusion caused by the often contradictory and multiple common names an individual plant may have and because Latin is a “dead” language, there may less dispute on spelling etc.

For example, in the UK, Black eyed Susan will refer to the wonderful climber ‘Thunbergia alata’ while in the US, they will probably mean the equally wonderful ‘Rudbeckia hirta’

Rudbeckia hirta

Sedum acre

does get tricky (not to mention those instances where the local language of the area where they were first found is used!)

For example ‘ch’ often causes trouble as we usually say it as in ‘chance’ but where it is derived from Greek it becomes ‘k’ (though, come to think of it, we have no trouble with chrysanthemum or Christmas!)

the defining species of the genus to Chrysanthemum indicum, restoring the florist’s chrysanthemums to the genus Chrysanthemum. You probably just went on calling them chrysants anyway!

Another favourite plant is the rose – everybody knows what a rose looks like, yes? There are, however, over 100 species (over 360 according to some listings) in the genera Rosa ranging from this: (See pictures below)

Chrysanthemum Actually, chrysanthemum is a very good plant to illustrate naming problems. Because of the rather unwieldy nature of its full name, UK gardeners often refer to them as ‘chrysants’ whereas in the US they tend to prefer ‘mums’. Nor is the scientific name any better! One of the rules used for defining such names is that the earliest published name is the one that should be used, thus our familiar chrysanthemums several decades ago became Dendranthema!

This renaming of the genera was contentious, as you can imagine, but a ruling of the International Botanical Congress in 1999 changed

Hybrid tea to this

Rosa persica to this

Rosa multiflora

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.

Obviously there must be some common agreement as to what they are called!

That’s enough on this subject for now.

We are a friendly group who enjoy gardening and gardens.

Our meetings are normally held on the 1st Wednesday in each month from October to June in Meeting Room (Aula) 1 on the 1st floor of La Senieta in Moraira next to the free car park used for the Market on Fridays.

Meetings commence at 2:30 pm and finish at about 4:30pm.

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

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

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

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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What’s ON TV

The Gadget Show

Craig Charles, Jon Bentley, Ortis Deley and Georgie Barrat reveal all the gadgets needed for the ultimate festive experience. Jon kicks off Christmas morning with his pick of the best stocking fillers, from 3D printing pens and smartphone gadgets to the latest autonomous drones. Ortis is in charge of Christmas lunch, relying on a selection of brand new kitchen gadgets, including some top-notch steamers and ovens, to create his masterpiece.

Channel 5 8:00pm Fri 8th Dec

The Year in Music 2017

Claudia Winkleman and Clara Amfo look back at the year’s music highlights - featuring 2017’s best albums, biggest artists and most unforgettable performances. The show includes interviews with Foo Fighters, Liam Gallagher, Stormzy, Nile Rodgers, Dua Lipa, Nick Grimshaw, Mistajam and Jo Whiley.

As well as chatting Rag’n’Bone Man also gives an exclusive performance, while the winners of the prestigious 2017 BBC Music Awards are reveale.

BBC2 10:00pm Fri 8th Dec

Eight Days That Made Rome

Bettany Hughes recalls the time that marked Rome’s symbolic break with its 1,000-year pagan past - the day in 337AD that Emperor Constantine the Great was baptised a Christian.

Channel 5 Fri 8th Dec

Through the Keyhole

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

NEW SERIES. Keith Lemon returns with the home-invading panel show, in which celebrity contestants are challenged to guess which famous face has had their privacy breached by Leigh Francis’s comedy creation. The series begins with an I’m A Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here! special, in which comedian Jimmy Carr, former Queen of the Jungle Stacey Solomon, TV presenter Myleene Klass and DJ Tony Blackburn must identify `who habitates in a house like this?’.

ITV 10:50pm Sat 9th Dec

Guy Martin’s WWI Tank

The presenter builds a working replica of a First World War tank to mark the centenary of the Battle of Cambrai, and takes his tank driving test so he can take his creation on to the streets for Lincoln’s Remembrance Day parade.

He also delves into the history of the earliest armoured vehicles, the soldiers who crewed them, and the women who built thems

Channel 4 8:00pm Sat 9th Dec

The Family Man (2000)

A Wall Street banker is magically given the opportunity to find out what his life would have held if he had not walked out on his loving girlfriend. Suddenly transplanted into an alternative reality, complete with cosy home and kids, he is not initially impressed with the change - but his cold exterior gradually begins to thaw. Drama, starring Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni and Don Cheadle. Edited for language and nudityyk

Channel 5 7:40pm Sat 9th Dec

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

Britain’s Wildest Weather

Some of the UK’s most unusual weather in the past year, including catastrophic flooding, tornadoes, lightning strikes and record-breaking storms. Featuring first-hand accounts and footage, and a look at the scientific explanations for these unusual conditions.

Channel 4 7:30pm Sun 10th Dec

Attenborough and the Giant Elephant The naturalist investigates the life of Jumbo, a famous Victorian elephant, supposedly the largest that ever lived. Jumbo arrived in London Zoo in 1865 and was popular with the royal family, but was dangerously unhappy in captivity. In later life, Jumbo would be sold to PT Barnum’s circus, becoming a celebrity before dying under mysterious circumstances.

Attenborough examines Jumbo’s remains and considers the lives of elephants in the wild to learn more about the animal’s difficult lifer

BBC1 10:00pm Sun 10th Dec

Chappie (2015) Premiere. Two small-time crooks kidnap the inventor of a highly intelligent lawenforcement robot. They force him to reprogram the android so it will help them carry out an audacious heist worth $200million, but in doing so, incur the wrath of a ruthless and corrupt general.

Sci-fi thriller, starring Sharlto Copley, Hugh Jackman and Dev Patel

Channel 510:20pm Sun 10th Dec

Nigella: At My Table

Nigella offers her tips for relaxed entertaining during the festive season, producing dishes including roast duck with orange, soy and ginger, garlic and parmesan mashed potato gratin and sour-sweet soused red cabbage with cranberries. There’s also an exotic take on brussel sprouts, a sticky toffee pudding and chocolate pistachio meringue cookies

BBC2 9:00pm Mon 11th Dec

Bancroft

NEW SERIES - Detective

Superintendent Elizabeth Bancroft is running an operation to against a vicious gang and adopts dubious methods to bring down the brothers who run it. Meanwhile, DS Katherine Stevens is assigned to a cold murder case and finds that there’s more to it than it seems - and that Bancroft has some secrets in her past that may prove difficult to hide. Thriller,

ITV 10:00pm Mon 11th Dec

Concorde

A look at British Airways’s attempts in the early 1980s to make the aircraft profitable after finding out Concorde was losing tens of millions a year, sacking those who were in charge and replacing them with two pilots.

Former cabin crew explain the level of service their customers expected and how things could sometimes get out of hand with the free-flowing wine and champagne Channel 5 10:00pm Mon 11th Dec

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Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Badger’s burrow (4) 3 Spend wastefully (8) 9 Caliper (anag.) (7) 10 Furious (5) 11 Scatter (5) 12 Assembled (6) 14 Puzzle (6) 16 Merchant (6) 19 Motor fuel (6) 21 Dark brown fur (5) 24 Saltpetre (5) 25 Heroic (7) 26 Uncommunicative (8) 27 Nourish (4)

Down 1 Emphasised (8) 2 Become narrower (5) 4 Misgivings (6) 5 Operatic songs (5) 6 Cul-de-sac (4,3) 7 Regretted (4) 8 Indian tent (6) 13 Stopped (8) 15 Ridiculous (7) 17 Impetuously (6) 18 Intelligent (6) 20 Rain mixed with snow (5) 22 Burn fiercely (5) 23 Tangle (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Loyalty, say, in partnership (10) 7 A married woman in the New World (7) 8 Some sugar used for punishment? (4) 10 A, B, C, D, F or G? (4) 11 Listen twice for approval from audience (4,4) 13 Villain of operas Callas appeared in (6) 15 A Greek city has ten ruins (6) 17 Kidnap a seaman somewhere in China (8) 18 Joker - or some other one from the pack? (4) 21 Aeroplane going round pole for a joke (4) 22 An animal lies on a rock (3,4) 23 Bloomers head’s angry about (10)

Down

1 Vigilant, but breaking down later (5) 2 Former PM losing head in retreat (4) 3 Poor Gerald looked angry (6) 4 Correct copper in a box (8) 5 Admit defeat in Pacific once denied (7) 6 She washes Los Angeles strip (9) 9 Quiet inhabitant - of Washington D.C.? (9) 12 Guard the foolish girl (8) 14 Drivelling drudgery? (7) 16 Endlessly putting up dried fruit (6) 19 Alternative name in Australia sometimes (5) 20 New team companion (4)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 40

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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Kit Harington named world's worst dressed man by GQ LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) You may discover how Today heralds the start of important it is to plan your a period of enjoyment and next strategy, because certain emotional fulfilment, but once situations will unravel like a ball again it’s important that you of wool if you trust to luck. This take note of what’s happening need not be a problem because round about you if you want to ARIES LIBRA you’re now as organised as any get he best from these trends.

One thing is for sure, you’ll more or less get sign can be. Unforced errors are not likely but your own way now and wont have to work hard concentration is still necessary. to get it either.

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)

Weigh up your options carefully You seem to have fantastic and don’t try to proceed until control over you working life you know that you’re likely and wont be fazed in the least to succeed. This is especially when someone tries to give important if you’re a working you more responsibility. On TAURUS the contrary, you’re likely to SCORPIO Scorpio. Not everyone will appear to be on your side, but welcome it. However just before you rise to the challenge, ask yourself if you’ll the people who really mater should support you fully. be better off as a result.

Keep personal objectives Your mind is working overtime within easy reach today or as you have an insatiable you’ll find you’re stretching curiosity abut a thousand yourself more than is necessary, different things. Keep up with unnecessarily so as it should correspondence and don’t GEMINI forget all those Christmas cards SAGITTARIUS now be a bit easier to get what you want from life. Almost you probably haven’t even bought yet. It’s a busy life so you may have everyone loves you, even people who weren’t to compartmentalise the day in order to get even interested in the past. everything done.

Things change quickly, and lets It’s one of those days where just be honest, it’s not exactly your about anything could happen. luckiest time is it? At least gains Make an early start with all now come along due to your important activities but don’t past efforts so that’s something. do more than you have to in CANCER order to get the result you want CAPRICORN Take life steadily and rely on people who have never failed in any particular situation. it’s a great day for a shopping spree or for going to to help you out in the past. Improvements see something you’ve been promising yourself come from all sorts of directions in the next few days. for ages.

There’s a lot to gain from When it comes to money all co-operative ventures, matters it seems your happy especially in the case of Leos go lucky attitude isn’t quite who are involved in business so useful here. Trends suggest partnerships.

Personal you need to count the pennies attachments are also well carefully, making certain you’re LEO starred and it might be the AQUARIUS not taking financial risks or magic of the season, but you’ll show yourself spending needlessly on luxuries you don’t to be deeply romantic as you speak your even really want or need. words of love.

Though personal relationships An excellent day for social could be slightly low key at this occasions and for getting stage, you’ll get on well with together with the people you just about everyone. You feel care for most. Work may have to the need to share your affection take a back seat because your around and wont be in the PISCES mind is firmly set on having VIRGO mood to make a special fuss of fun. Routines are especially any one individual. New starts you make feel annoying so try to get them out of the way slow, but they’ll gather speed soon. as early as possible as there’s much more interesting matters on the way.

Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington has been named the worst dressed man in the world by GQ. Singer Morrissey, internet personality PewDiePie and documentarian Louis Theroux also make the list. Harington topped the list as the judging panel, which included the likes of Giorgio Armani and Sir Paul Smith, concluded his outfits weren’t good enough.

Conversely, Doctor Who star Matt Smith was named the best dressed man on the planet, followed by rapper A$AP Rocky and film legend Jeff Goldblum.

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SEAT Ibiza The fourth-generation Ibiza represents an important step forward for SEAT. And in particular its pursuit of the Ford Fiesta. Smart, stylish and backed by a range of brilliant petrol engines, the Ibiza feels more grown up and better rounded than ever before, while its huge boot and refined ride provide a workmanlike simplicity that is lacking with many of its rivals.

Mechanically speaking, the SEAT Ibiza is almost identical to the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia - however, going against the grain of ever-growing cars, this Ibiza is actually a smidgen shorter than the model it replaces but

(2017)

(narrow garage owners please note) it is 87mm wider and has a slightly longer wheelbase. This means benefits for ride comfort and interior space.

The Ibiza isn’t a compelling car to drive, but if you prioritise refinement and practicality over ‘it corners like its on rails’ dynamics then this will very much be the small car for you. The ride quality is first rate and the soft suspension irons out the roughest of roads with ease. Even potholes are dealt with a satisfying, suppressed thump.

The cabin is large enough to fit four adults and the seats provide excellent levels of back and upper leg support.

Storage is also plentiful, with deep door bins and a useful scattering of cup holders. The 355-litre boot is huge for a car of this size and far superior to anything you’ll find in either the Fiesta or even Focus hatch.

The only area of slight annoyance is the ventilation. Air con is standard but the system is cumbersome and slow to react, which means you’ll be waiting a good 10 minutes for warm air on a wintery morning.

SEAT has confirmed that there will be no three-door Ibiza SC this time round and hasn’t confirmed whether we will see the Ibiza ST. But given the slow sales of small estates in the UK, the ST version is not expected anytime soon, which means the five-door hatchback will be the only option.

The engine range encompasses three and four-cylinder petrols, with the sweet spot being the 1.0 TSI. The turbocharged

three-cylinder petrol is one of the very best and can be specified with 95PS or 115PS - both will return an official 60.1mpg. A 150PS 1.5 TSI and a 1.6 TDI with 80PS or 95PS is also offered.

As a overall package, the Ibiza is a very good small car. It’s supremely comfortable and practical, while few of its rivals can match its outstanding petrol engines. The only area that lets the side down is the spec. Indeed, standard equipment levels are meagre, which means you’ll have to pay extra to get essentials like DAB audio, touchscreen navigation and cruise control. Like-forlike, the Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift represent better value.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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GRUPO

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Opposite Benissa Motorway Entrance

BENISSA

OPEL Insignia 2.0 CDTI Excellence Auto Year 2013, 2000cc, 160 hp, Automatic, Diesel, 121,000 km 14,995€

CITROEN C3 Sensodrive Auto Year 2007, 1400cc, 90 hp, Automatic, Petrol, 118,000 km 6,295€

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Monday to Friday 9.30 –19.00 Saturday 10.00 –14.00

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KIA Sportage Emotion 4x4 Auto Year 2007, 2700cc Automatic, Petrol 60,000 km 7,995€

HYUNDAI i10 Style Year 2010 1200cc Automatic, Petrol 67,000 km 6,995€

PEUGEOT 308 Sport Year 2008 1600cc, 110 hp Manual, Petrol 64,000 km 7,295€

NEW ARRIVAL

PEUGEOT 407 ST SPORT Year 2004 2000cc, 135 hp Manual, Diesel 86,000 km 6,495€

OPEL Astra ST CDTI Enjoy Year 2011 1700cc, 110 hp Manual, Diesel 108,000 km 8,995€

FORD FIESTA SPORT Year 2010 1600cc, 120 hp Manual, Petrol 84,000 km 6,795€

PEUGEOT 207 Year 2009 1400cc, 75 hp Manual, Petrol 55,000 km 6,995€

SEAT Leon Stylance Ecomotive DPF Year 2008, 1900cc, 105 hp, Manual, Diesel 27,000 km 9,495€

FORD Fiesta TDCI Trend Year 2015 1500cc, 75 hp Manual, Diesel 49,000 km 9,995€

HONDA JAZZ LUXURY Year 2010 1400cc, 100 hp, Automatic, Petrol, 109,000 km 8,995€

BUYING a Car includes: 1 year’s warranty ITV and full check Road tax paid for the year Name and transfer plus paperwork Part-exchange welcome

SELLING a Car

FORD FIESTA TDCI TREND Year 2008 1400cc, 70 hp Manual, Diesel 87,000 km 4,995€

SEAT Cordoba 1.4 16v Reference Year 2005 1400cc, 75 hp Manual, Petrol 104,000 km 3,995€

SUZUKI Swift 1.3 DDIS GL Year 2005, 1300cc, 70 hp, Manual, Diesel 120,000 km 4,995€

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RENAULT Clio Year 2008 1600cc, 110 hp Automatic, Petrol 75,000 km 7,695€

FORD Focus 1.6 Trend Auto Year 2009, 1600cc, 100 hp, Automatic, Petrol, 48,000 km 8,995€

PEUGEOT 208 VTi Active Touchscreen Year 2013, 1200cc, 80 hp, Manual, Petrol 62,000 km 9,395€

MINI One 1.6 90 Year 2003 1600cc, 90 hp Manual, Petrol 90,000 km 5,995€

Benissa - La Nucia

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RENAULT Megane 1.5 DCI Emotion E Eco2 E5 Year 2011, 1500cc, 110 hp, Manual, Diesel 95,000 km 8,995€

PEUGEOT 207 1.6 16v XS Year 2007, 1600cc, 110 hp, Manual, Petrol 56,000 km 6,395€

VOLKSWAGEN Polo 1.2 Advance Year 2010, 1200cc, 60 hp, Manual, Petrol 109,000 km 6,995€

SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI Style 90 Year 2012, 1600cc, 90 hp, Manual, Diesel 72,000 km 8,995€

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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Car theft hoax

By Matthew Richards

Puzzle Solutions

POLICE in the Valencian province have issued a warning about a new WhatsApp car hoax doing the rounds currently.

The WhatsApp message states that criminals have been placing notes on the back windscreens of vehicles.

If the driver does not see this

until they start the engine and then gets out to remove the note, the thief then steals the car while the engine is running. However on their Twitter account the Guardia said that this is nothing to do with them and the WhatsApp messages circulating are a hoax and should be ignored.

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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Itoje suffers fractured jaw

By Spencer Williams

Maro Itoje is a doubt for the start of England’s Six Nations campaign after scans confirmed he fractured his jaw in Saracens’ Aviva Premiership defeat by Harlequins on Sunday.

The 23-year-old forward collided with Harlequins full-back and England teammate Mike Brown in the 48th minute of Saracens’ 20-19 defeat at the Twickenham Stoop, and was taken to hospital for scans.

Itoje will now see a specialist to determine how long he will be sidelined for, but he faces a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of England’s Six Nations opener against Italy on February 4.

By Spencer Williams

Serena very likely for Melbourne Serena Williams is set to make her tennis comeback at the Australian Open with her return to Melbourne for the season’s opening Grand Slam

“very likely”.

Williams, 36, won this year’s first Slam while pregnant, beating her sister Venus in the final, and gave birth to a baby

Great Reurn For Woods

girl in September.

She has not played competitively since Melbourne, raising questions over whether the 23-time

Slam winner would attempt to defend her title next month and equal Australian Margaret Court’s singles record of 24 major titles.

The future looks bright for Woods after the 79-time PGA TOUR winner successfully negotiated all four rounds at the Hero World Challenge in his long-awaited comeback from back surgery.

Woods, who had his back fused just seven months ago, finished the tournament that he hosts to benefit his foundation with rounds of 69-68-75-68.

It was his first competitive golf tournament since early February besting and finished only 10 shots behind winner Ricky Fowler the likes of FedExCup champion Justin Thomas and world No.1 Dustin Johnson will see him climb from his lowly 1199th spot in the world rankings to somewhere in the mid 700s.

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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La Vila Rugby claw their way

By Tony Fox

La Vila climb one place in the league following on from the weekend that saw Spain beat Brazil 67-28, to keep their hopes of a place in the next world cup alive, and La Vila narrowly beaten by Cisneros by 19-22. The visitors were helped to this win by virtue of two yellow cards by the home side and thus they played for 25% of the match with only 14 men. The South African Andrew Norton and Richard Stewart pressed home the advantage and although La Vila fought till the very end it was not enough.

They did achieve one bonus defensive point.

Last Sunday’s home game saw another narrow defeat for La Vila. They went down just 29-31 to Independent Senor de Santander, third in the league, and scored 2 bonus points which on points scored averageplaces

them outside the relegation zone. The result did not reflect the improved form of the home side who can count themselves unlucky against such strong opposition. Next Sunday they are away to league leaders VRAC Quesos Entrepinares, a daunting task, yet if they can play with the self belief that their talents are capable of and control their penalty gifts to the home side, an upset could be on the cards. What we have seen this season is that the teams at the top benefit from Australian, South African, New Zealand and British imports many who have had Test Match experience. Of course club sponsorship plays a big part in the finance of these players and I know that Jason Craig and his team at La Vila are doing their very best to attract the sponsorship that will allow them the ammunition to compete on a more even playing field.

out of the drop zone

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

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By Eric Malpus

The 20 Premier League games supplied the Alfaz Fantasy Football League with the highest scoring week so far with the average score reaching a record -breaking 52 points. There was 59 goals, 10 clean sheets,51 yellow cards and 2 red ones which were Spur’s Sanchez and Manchester United’s hair stylist Paul Pogba.There were 5 penalties awarded of which two were missed by Everton’s Wayne Rooney and West Ham’s Lanzini or I should say saved by Joe Hart & Jordon Pickford which earned Fantasy League Managers 5 points.

Brighton’s Lewis Dunk put the ball past his own keeper for the 3rd time this Season. I think he could be their top scorer!

At the top of the A.F.F.L. Isabel’s team, The Bluebells are coming under severe pressure from Darren’s Daz XI who have moved to within 3 points of the leaders.Izzy’s son Stephen’s team Krokodil F.C.have moved up 3 places to the third spot while Ryan’s My Gilfi Pleasure have slipped down to 4th place.Mitchell’s team Kemps United’s quest for a top four finish improved when they climbed 5 places to their highest position so far 5th.Down at the foot of the table, Tommy’s team Quantrill’s Raiders moved off the bottom spot and left Laura’s Legends 37 points behind courtesy of his Liverpool Players who enjoyed a 5-1 romp down in Brighton.

Izzy’s Bluebells increased their advantage at the top of our Mark Carter Ladies Section to 47 points over Pauline’s Vodka Army.Joanna’s Gilf F.C. remain in 3rd place.At the other end, Laura’s Legends are lagging well behind Reggie’s

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Rejects the distance now is 39 points.

We have a new leader at the top of our U.K.T.V SPAIN Junior League with Jack’s Baluttellitubbies taking over from Robbie’s Tea & Busquets.They have a slight 4 point lead which could easily be eroded in the run in till Christmas.

Keiron’s Clowns F.C. have swapped places with Harrison’s Boden Boys and are now in 3rd place.Only 7 points separate the top four so we could be in for a ding dong battle as the Season unfolds.No change at the bottom as Harley’s team Ginger Ninjar are still trailing Roo & Woos Wombles.

With so many goals being scored the average score of the Golden Boot League shot up to a record 22 points.The highest score went to Adam’s team Bacon Sane who clocked up 56 points which moved him up 9 places to 2nd 6 points above his Dad’s team Laurel & Vardy and 37 points behind the leaders Wayne’s Two Years Running, Maybe.Down in the basement, Laura’s Legends have been joined by Gil’s Eastlanders, Richard’s High Fivers and Rachel’s team Blue Murder who are all on 85 points.

We have 3 teams going into our Wyndham’s Monthly Wine Draw and they are our highest scoring team which was Shawn’s Punky Roosters who scored a mammoth 108 points which I can’t see being beaten this Season and our 2 lowest scoring teams which were Laura’s Legends & Wilkies Wonders who both scored a very respectable 22 points.

Manager of the Month for December is being kindly sponsored by Linda at the Bar Tapas in Albir who provide a special International Menu as well a serving up some tasty Tapas.At the moment with only one week gone Shawn’s Punky Roosters are way out in front with a 19 point advantage over Gary’s team Crap on a Canary.Hugonaut Rovers & Two Years Running, Maybe are in 3rd & 4th place.

Shawn’s Punky Roosters have had a good week they have also won our Breakfast for 2 sponsored by The Bar Code in Alfaz after moving up the most places this week 77 from number 253 to number 176 in the main League.

Our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition 2nd Round takes place this weekend with the Favourites Izzy’s Bluebells taking on Macca’s Albir Villains while our lowest placed team Steve’s Altea Autos play Dave’s Pensioners.If any of the ties finish level the replays will take place next week.Good Luck to all the Managers still in this great Cup Competition.

Read All Alfaz Fantasy Football League Reports at www.alfazffl.com

Jukebox Football Predictions League

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

SPORT Week Saturday 9th December

13:30 West Ham v Chelsea EPL 16:00 Totenham v Stoke EPL 16:00 Burnely v Watford EPL 16:00 Swansea v West Brom EPL 16:00 Crystal Palace v Bournemouth EPL 16:00 Huddersfield v Brighton EPL 18:00 Newcastle v Leicester EPL 16:15 Real Madrid v Sevilla La Liga 20.45 AValencia v Celta Vigo La Liga

Sunday 10th December 13:00 15:15 20.45 17:30 20.45

Southampton v Arsenal EPL Liverpool v Everton EPL Real Betis v Athletico Madrid La Liga Man Utd v Man City EPL Villarreal v Barcelona La Liga

THE ASHES

Thursday Dec 14 Test 3 of 5 Thursday Dec 26 Test 4 of 5 Thursday Jan 4 Test 5 of 5

Saturday Night Boxing Lee Selby vs Eduardo Ramirez BoxNation 22:00 DeGale v Truax BT Sport 1 23:00

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THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport

YORKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

The Football Association, which was formed in July, have created their own national team which will play against other teams who have not received approval from FIFA. Such national sides included in that bracket are Tibet, Darfur,

Greenland and Zanzibar.

Yorkshire’s first fixture will be against the Isle of Man’s notional national team, Ellan Vannin. Therefore, the Yorkshire FA are running trials this weekend to get a team together for the match set for late January. The

main criteria to enter the trials? That you originate from Yorkshire.

“If Lionel Messi’s mum was born in Barnsley we will be happy to take a look at him, but otherwise we are just looking for those born in Yorkshire,” YIFA chairman Phil

Hegarty jokingly told British media. “The sort of football they will be playing will be proper Yorkshire football, not Premier League football.

We don’t want people diving on the floor and shouting at the referee.

In our constitution, that is a disciplinary matter.