The weekender issue 25 marina baxia (benidorm)

ISSUE 025

Friday 15th December

IssueB #158

www.Weekender.News Marina Baixa @TheWeekenderEs @TheWeekenderSpain

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Santa on the road

By Jack Troughton

ROADS along the Costa Blanca were filled with red and white as a host of Harley Davidson riding Santa Clauses raced through the region.

Enthusiasts of the Free Spirits HD group headed out on the annual Santa Run on Sunday morning – a head turning sight, thrilling other motorists and pedestrians. ...Continued page 4

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Christmas present for expats

By Jack Troughton

BRITISH Ambassador Simon Manley has welcomed the “important” agreement on citizens’ rights for expats across Europe after Brexit.

The first phase of negotiations between the UK and the European Union was concluded a week ago – allowing the talks to move on to discussions about a future trade relationship between Britain and the other 27 member states after March 2019.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the deal was “good news” for Britain and includes securing a future for 3 million European citizens living and working in the UK and some 1.5 million British expats in resident in EU countries.

It was decided “sufficient progress” was made on the issues of people’s rights, a socalled ‘divorce bill’ and the Irish border to move negotiations on.

And Mr Manley featured in a video posted on Twitter to update people living in Spain on

the progress of the discussions.

“Last week we reached an important agreement with the European Commission on the progress of those negotiations, at the heart of which is citizens’ rights,” he said.

“We hope at this week’s European Council meeting in Brussels that the other 27 members of the EU will endorse that agreement reached with the European Commission, so as to guarantee those residents’ rights, social security access, and health care access, which is so important to so many of you.”

Mr Manley said in the New Year the talks would have to address some of the issues that had yet to be solved by Brexit negotiating teams representing the UK and EU. “More importantly, this agreement will enable us to move forward to a final agreement which will enshrine those citizens’ rights in law,” he added. “As ever, we will keep you informed on the progress of those negotiations.”

Simon Manley

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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CHRISTMAS is here. The kids from the children’s home in Gandia have been to meet Father Christmas and been rewarded with a sack full of presents each.

It is the real start of the festive season for a gang of regulars who turn out every year to become ‘Santa’s little helpers’ for an afternoon and spread some good cheer.

Over the last decade, the youngsters have all enjoyed the annual Christmas Party thanks to Bay Radio and expats along the coast who donate gifts and cash.

Papa Noel takes a little time off from his preparations for the big day to make a visit to Javea and takes the opportunity to make a trial run and test the reindeer.

It always succeeds in rolling out a magical atmosphere of goodwill. Anyone capable of capturing this particular flavour of Christmas spirit in a bottle would make a fortune – it was once again a time of excitement, smiles and a sugar rush from a mass of chocolate.

There was even a little Yuletide miracle at this year’s bash. Carers are struggling to engage with a little girl at the Preventorio but as soon as she saw Peppa Pig – her favourite character – she was out of her shell and enjoying herself.

Managing Director

Marco Baiardo

marco@weekender.news

Media Director

Adam King

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Sometimes tissues are essential, even on happy days.

Another annual Christmas event to give the season a sprinkling of ‘jolly’ this week was the ‘Santa Run’ by the guys and girls of Free Spirits HD; a dedicated bunch of Harley Davidson owners and their friends.

The kings and queens of the road head out on the iconic motorcycles dressed in Santa costumes - and add a thunderclap of noise and colour to the highways and byways of the Costa Blanca.

December 25th is now approaching at supersonic speed and even The Weekender office is ‘in the mood’ for Christmas, with sleigh bells and carols supplied thanks to colleagues at Galaxy Radio.

Anyone driving by at night please don’t be alarmed. The figure in the window is not a burglar; it’s Santa (but not the real one!).

Jack Troughton

Editor

Jack Troughton

editor@weekender.news

Senior Reporter

Simon Russell

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Editor - The Weekender

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Don’t miss next week’s Christmas special!

Christmas TV guide with the best Christmas Picks and Sports Line up!

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King of the park dies

By Matthew Richards

ONE of the first animals to arrive at Valencia’s Biopark, Keops the lion, died last week after a long illness. Keops was 19, and the giant male had been one of the wildlife parks major attractions over the years. Vets had been treating his illness but the decision was taken last week to put him down for humane reasons. The average life expectancy for a lion is around 12 years, so Keops was an elderly beast by lion standards.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Santa on the Road

By Jack Troughton

Page 1 continues...

The 80km trip took the bikers from Pedregeur to Jalon, down to Benissa and through Altea to Benidorm and a sneak ride along the Levante Beach

Chloe Broad – the youngest Spirit

promenade. The return trip was via the beach at Albir and back to Calpe and lunch.

And the distinctive sound of the powerful Harley engines alerts people to the arrival of the group and stops along the way allow people a perfect photo opportunity.

There is one rule for those taking part; riders and pillion passengers must dress up as Santa – many also decorate their gleaming machines for the day and modern technology allows bikers to play festive music.

Nigel Webb won the prize for the best dressed Father Christmas, and with wife Maggie scooped the award for the best decorated motorbike.

Free Spirits president and

‘road captain’ for the day Barry Haylor said the group currently had 53 members and boasted 37 Harley Davidsons.

The aim of the group is to bring like-minded Harley enthusiasts together but Free Spirits also raises money for charity.

“We are raising money for Cancer Care Javea; we have committed to a donation of €2,000 for the first year and we very much hope to exceed that total,” Barry said.

“We did give to children last year but we put it to the vote and about 80% said ‘let’s do it for Cancer Care’ – most people know family or friends with cancer and for us it was a good one to do.”

Barry Haylor Nigel and Maggie Webb ride out

Prescription drug service trial VALENCIA’S Health Department is piloting a programme aimed at improving the service given to people living at home who have to take large

amounts of prescription drugs.

The programmed is being initially trialled in Alcoy, and will be targeting people who take at least five prescription drugsdaily and

are dependent on a live in carer (who is not a health professional).

The dangers for this sector of society, usually the elderly, include forgetting to take the

drugs, taking the wrong ones and even accidental overdoses.

Methods used include personalised pill-boxes and customised dispensing system at

the pharmacies. The programme also ties in with the Health Departments stated aim of taking more advantage of pharmacist’s extensive health care knowledge.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Seasonal Star Wars

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The Killers

coming to Valencia

By Simon Russell

A new Star Wars movie has become almost as much of a tradition at Christmas as Brussel sprouts and this year is no exception.

Star Wars Episode VIII “The last Jedi” comes out across much of Spain on 15 December and sees the return of many original stars, including Carrie Fisher who sadly died before she would see the release of the completed film.

If science fiction isn’t your thing other seasonal blockbusters include “Suburbicon”,

a comedy starring George Clooney and Matt Damon. Damon also stars in “Downsizing”, a drama featuring Kristen Wiig while Woody Allen fans can look forward to “Wonder Wheel” his latest offering starring Kate Winslet and Justin Timberlake. If musicals are your thing then “The Great Showman”, a Hugh Jackman movie, is also out soon.

Keep an eye out at your local cinema for what is on in your area. Many cinemas have a VSO showing of big movies which means it will be in the original language – English in all the above instances – with Spanish subtitles.

Foolhardy bather

By Matthew Richards

A swimmer who chose one of the roughest days of the winter so far to take a dip at Alicante’s El Postiguet beach had to be rescued by a fire crew and special diving team. The man

had tried to come ashore by scaling the breakwater, but was continually dragged back by the heavy seas. The authorities were called after someone had noticed he was getting into difficulties and he was soon rescued unharmed.

By Matthew Richards

ONE of the world’s biggest rock bands, the Killers, has been confirmed for the 2018 FIB music festival in the Castellon province of Valencia next year. The Killers, from Las Vegas, burst onto the scene in 2004 with their iconic debut album “Hot Fuss” and are currently touring their latest long player “Wonderful Wonderful”.

The band have sold an estimated 22 million records in the last 13 years and their Indy-Rock sound will fit perfectly into the Benicassim festivals eclectic mix of new music. The festival is one of Europe’s biggest, and each year tens of thousands of people descend on what is usually one of Valencia’s more tranquil regions. The 2018 FIB is scheduled for 16 to 23 July and tickets are already available.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

FAKE FINES Changing of the guard

By Simon Russell

A local policeman is the Alicante town of Castalla could be facing a jail sentence after being accused of falsifying fines against another individual in the town. All the sanctions related to traffic violations, 21 in total, sometimes twice in one day. Police reports were altered so it looked like they were coming from other members of the local squad.

The actions of the accused appear to be part of a personal vendetta and constitute a serious abuse of powers if

By Simon Russell

the man is found guilty. The case goes to trial this week and the prosecution have asked for a sentence of 17 years if the officer is found guilty.

Half ton of cocaine seized

By Simon Russell

CUSTOMS officers in Valencia port discovered 520 kilos of cocaine in a shipping container this week, hidden amongst a consignment of almonds.

The container originated in Long Beach in the US and the authorities believe that the company who made the shipment were unaware of the drugs.

They think the container may have been “contaminated� which is where drugs

are added to a legitimate shipment at the port of origin or in transit. In this instance the container ship stopped at Colombia and this may well be where the cocaine was added.

IT has been announced that the new Chief of Security for the Spanish royal family will be Jose Maria Barriuso. He has been working with King Felipe in a security capacity for 35 years and started at the palace as a personal guard to then 14-year-old prince.

The announcement comes two months after the death of the former security head Jose Corona, a period King Felipe requested to mourn his old chief who died of cancer. In common with his predecessor, Barriuso is a Guardia Civil Colonel and he is also described as a good friend of the king and his family.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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GATE DEATH MYSTERY

By Matthew Richards

AN autopsy is being carried out to determine how a man was killed, apparently by being trapped in the security gates of an urbanisation. The incident happened on 11 December at the urbanisation in Torrelodones outside Madrid.

The body of the 50 year old was found trapped in the automatic entry

gates with head injuries.

The deceased was not a resident of the estate but a well-known local of no fixed address who was visiting a friend.

However, the exact circumstances of his death are baffling police and no witnesses have come forward.

The dead man was described as a “well known and well liked local character�; he had a criminal record but for minor offences.

Search for hit and run driver

By Matthew Richards

A driver fled the scene after causing a crash that left four people injured in the Alicante town of Sax. The accident happened last Saturday on the A-31 at around midnight when the driver of a second car had to take evasive action as a vehicle swerved into his lane.

However there was still a collision and the culpable driver fled the scene on foot. All the injured adults were in the vehicle that had been hit, although their injuries are not life threatening.

Police are still looking for the driver who left the scene and when located he is likely to face multiple charges.

Health time bomb

By Matthew Richards

AN estimated 300,000 Valencian citizens are diabetic but unaware of it, according to health professionals in the area. Local experts on the disease are currently putting in place plans to detect diabetes at an early stage and treat the illness accordingly. This will be done through the GP network and involve a simple double screening consultation.

Initially this will be targeted at those

most susceptible to the disease i.e. the overweight or obese and people with a high body mass index (BMI).

It is believed this process could detect upwards of 2,000 previously undiagnosed cases a year across the region. Many, though not all, sufferers of type 2 diabetes have the illness due to their lifestyle choices and, if detected early enough, they will be advised to address these by, for example, eating less sugar and taking more exercise.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

A taste of the Emerald Isle in Javea

By Simon Russell

A shebeen was originally an illicit bar in Ireland where alcohol was sold without a licence. However, you’ll be glad to know that the newly re-opened An Shebeen Irish Tavern in Javea is fully licenced and well worth a visit. The iconic Irish themed tavern was closed for a few years but a new team have completely refurbished the building on the Cabo la Nao-Pla, and returning old customers agree the bar-restaurant is looking better than ever.

With a warm wood panelled interior and traditional booths set out over two levels, visitors could be forgiven for thinking they had wandered into a Dublin pub. The stout is certainly as good as you would get there and (say it quietly) the food is probably better, ranging from tapas to platos combinados and a good range of burgers. There is also a sunny terrace, which serves as a reminder that the Irish weather is something they won’t be replicating.

The An Shebeen is open every day from 8.30am until late and there is a variety of live music most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There’s a traditional roast

on Sundays, which is already proving popular so it’s best if you book in advance to ensure a seat. There are special meals for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, plus many other events over the festive period. For more information have a look at their Facebook page, www.facebook. com/anshebeen or call them on 965 776 197 / 647 762 088. And as they say in the old country Slainte!

Images from @ anshebeen via Facebook

Galaxy Radio’s Adam King performing with band Allerton Road @AnShebeen Javea with fans

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Tourist grants

announced

By Simon Russell

THE Costa Blanca Tourist Board will be allocating grants totalling just under a million euros to tourist related activities next year.

The biggest chunk is the €450,000 going to fiesta groups and other non-profit associations whose activities help boost tourism. €250,000 will go direct to Town Halls and €200,000 to other bodies.

Although often run by private groups, festivals such as the Fallas and Moors and Christians bring a lot of people into towns up and down the Costa Blanca.

These grants recognise that fact and the importance that the groups who organise festivals and the like play in attracting tourists. @TheWeekenderES

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Longer tourist season to combat climate change

By Simon Russell

A study of the effects of climate change in the Valencian Community has found that increasing the length of the holiday high season would have benefits. The area has seen an average increase in summer temperatures of 0.7 degrees over the last 30 years. There has also been a tripling of the amount of nights classified as “tropical” when the temperature is uncomfortably warm for visitors.

There has been a drop in rainfall generally and also a shift in when the heavy rain does come, which now tends to be more in the autumn and less in the spring. This means that the spring is becoming an increasingly desirable time for tourists to visit with warm but not unbearable temperatures and little chance of experiencing rain.

The report also noted the increase in storm conditions, sometimes in high season.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Finance Feature

provided by...

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

Pensions – what’s the value of yours?

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

In all the years that I have been advising people on transferring pensions, I have never seen such astronomical transfer values, especially in the finance, manufacturing and retail industries.

In the past, Final Salary pensions were seen as the ‘gold plated’ pension option, however, over recent years, opinions have changed dramatically.

Many UK schemes have unprecedented levels of debt and transfer offers are at all-time highs. Transferring away from your final salary pension has never been so popular, with 10,000s of applications each year.

It was due to a similar article over a year ago that my client contacted me.

He had worked as a store supervisor in a leading supermarket chain, and had no idea what his pension options were. He was 52 years of age and wanted to

start thinking about when he could retire and what his annual pension would be.

After initially meeting with him, I sent off for a transfer value, and a few weeks later I was sat back in front of him. In short, he could expect an annual pension of £10,200 at the age of 60, or, he could leave the scheme with a pot of £350,000, or approximately 35 times his annual pension.

There are lots of factors that need to be considered before deciding if a transfer is right for you, however, for this client, the high transfer value, along with being able to retire 5 years early, were significant. I was happy to recommend that we move his £350,000 transfer offer into a UK based private pension, and have his pension funds managed by a well-known,

FTSE 100 company.

He would not only have full, flexible access to this pot from 55, but should anything happen to him, his entire pot of £350k would be left to his loved ones, something that his final salary scheme did not offer.

This isn’t an isolated case, I’ve seen pension values, especially from banks, retail and manufacturing companies, as high as 40 times the

annual pension. I will reiterate that it is not always beneficial to transfer your final salary pension, they are very valuable and offer benefits that cannot always be replaced. What I will say, is that requesting a valuation is simple, free and can be life changing.

If you would like to know what your pension transfer value is email me t.storer@chorusfinancial.es

or call 693 107 044.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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Treasure in the trash

THE recent meteoric rise of the Bitcoin is of little consolation to Welshman James Howells – who accidentally disposed of a laptop with an estimated €100millions worth of the cryptocurrency on its hard drive.

IT worker James was an early Bitcoin “miner” and had 7,500 of them on his PC, which is now believed

By Jack Troughton

to be in a massive landfill site in Newport, Wales.

As a single Bitcoin is currently valued at $15,000, understandably he is keen to try and retrieve the hard drive.

However Newport council have refused his request, saying that excavation of the size required could cost millions of pounds with no guarantee of

finding the computer or that the data is retrievable.

In what is a very 21st century treasure hunt, there has been a lot of interest in people keen to help with the search.

However, as the machine has been sitting in the landfill for four years, the accumulation of waste on top of it would be enormous.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

‘CHEGGE RS’ DIES AGED 60

By Edward Graham

KEITH Chegwin – described as a “true telly legend’ – has died after a long-term fight against a progressive lung condition.

In a career spanning five decades, the 60-year-old became a household name as a host on children’s shows such as the ground-breaking Saturday morning programmes Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore, later fronting Cheggers Plays Pop. A larger-than-life character, known for his infectious good humour, was born in Liverpool and began his career as a child actor, starring in films such as Roman Polanski’s Macbeth and television shows including The Liver Birds, The adventures of Black Beauty and Z Cars.

Following a well-documented battle with alcoholism, his career took off again following a stint on the Big Breakfast and he went on to appear in a number of reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Bargain Hunt, Famous Finds, Pointless Celebrities, Masterchef, and Dancing on Ice. Fellow Swap Shop presenter Noel Edmonds said in a statement: “I’ve lost my first real telly chum and I’m certain I’m not alone in shedding tears for a true telly legend.

“The greatest achievement for any TV performer is for the viewers to regard you as a friend and today millions will be grateful for Keith’s contribution to their childhood memories and like me they will mourn the passing of a friend.”

And Phillip Schofield, who presented Saturday morning show Going Live, described Chegwin as “one of my many original Saturday morning heroes”.

Back In BAN ENERGY DRINKS IN SCHOOLS

By Jack Troughton

TEACHERS are calling for caffeine-rich energy drinks to be banned in schools blaming them for “poor behaviour” by pupils.

NASUTWT, one of Britain’s largest teaching unions, has warned about the effects; describing the drinks as “readily available legal highs”.

Academics have also urged the government to consider making the sale of the drinks illegal to anyone under 16 – but the British Soft Drinks Association maintains the drinks have been declared safe.

Research in North East England found children as young as 10 were buying the drinks because they were cheaper “than water or pop”. Available for as little as 25p, children said they choose them to “fit in” or to “look tough”.

It was also found that the drinks are targeted at young people online in pop-up adverts, on TV, in computer games, and through sports sponsorship; despite warnings they were not recommended for children.

A single 500ml can contains 160mg of caffeine, equivalent to around two shots of espresso coffee.

And European food safety guidance recommends a daily intake of no more than 105mg of caffeine for an average 11-year-old.

Youngsters in the UK were identified as amongst the highest consumers of energy drinks within Europe.

The researchers highlight European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance which recommends an intake of no more than 105mg caffeine per day for an average 11-year-old. They also point out that young

people in the UK are among the highest consumers of energy drinks in Europe.

Figures from the British Soft Drinks Association shows sales of energy drinks increased by 185% between 2006 and 2015, equating to 672 million litres consumed in 2015 - and a total market value of over £2bn.

Darren Northcott, NASUWT national official for education, said: “Teachers have registered concerns with the NASUWT about the contribution of high energy drinks to poor pupil behaviour as a result of pupils consuming excessive quantities of these drinks.

“They are popular among young people who often think they are just another soft drink, and young people and parents are often not aware of the very high levels of stimulants that these drinks contain. They are readily available legal highs sold in vending machines, supermarkets and corner shops.”

Norman Lamb, chair of the Commons Science and Technology Committee and a former health minister, said: “The potential health risks and impact on sleep of energy drinks is something I would like the committee to consider evidence on in the New Year...given epidemic levels of consumption among under-16s we have to consider banning the sale of these drinks to that group”.

In a statement, the British Soft Drinks Association, which represents manufacturers, said: “Energy drinks and their ingredients have been deemed safe by regulatory authorities around the world.

“In 2010 we introduced a voluntary Code of Practice to support consumers who want to make informed choices. In 2015 this was updated to include more stringent guidelines around marketing and promoting, including reference to in and around schools.”

Britain

GOVERNMENT GROUNDED OVER RAF BILL

By Jack Troughton

CHANCELLOR Phillip Hammond is said to have been banned from using a fleet of RAF airplanes and helicopters to transport senior members of the Government.

The Treasury is accused of failing to pay its way and owing a six-figure sum over flights made with No32 (The Royal) Squadron.

And until the books are balanced, the Ministry of Defence has banned further flights with the RAF – MoD officials tasked with VIP bookings

have been ordered to turn away travel requests.

The Times originally broke the story in the UK and the paper was told by a MoD source: “At the same time as claiming our brave armed forces don’t need any more money and that the army only needs 50,000 troops; it is a huge double standard to willingly use the armed forces’ facilities at the same time as refusing to pay for them.”

The Chancellor himself was aid to have used jets and helicopters from the squadron on more than 20 official business trips this year. He has taken RAF planes to destinations such as Manchester, Brussels and Frankfurt.

It appears the Government has been grounded by the RAF as Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson prepares for a dog fight against potential financial cuts being made to Britain’s military. Mr Hammond is said to have told Prime Minister Theresa May that the army could cope with 50,000 troops – currently it has 77,400.

And some Tory MPs have threatened to resign should the number fall beyond the 70,000 mark.

Tobias Ellwood, former soldier and a defence minister, has expressed his own “deep discomfort” at prospective cost-saving plans.

Meanwhile, the Treasury has tried to defuse the situation. Behind the scenes, any ban was described as a “low key administrative issue” and the two departments were working to resolve the situation.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

SHAMED KISS-AND-TELL

KING DIES

By Jack Troughton

MAX Clifford, the infamous champion of touting kiss-andtell scandals to the media, has died aged 74 after being jailed for sordid sex offences.

The publicist was convicted of a string of historic offences and jailed for eight years in 2014 after being identified in Operation Yewtree; the Metropolitan Police investigation launched after the revelations about Jimmy Saville.

Clifford was found guilty of abusing four girls aged 15, 17 and 18, and a woman aged 20 between 1977 and 1984.

He suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital in Cambridgeshire after being taken there after collapsing in his cell at HMP Littlehay, a category C prison for sex offenders.

He was once considered the best in

his field for taking lurid and colourful tales of sex and greed to the tabloids while keeping other clients’ stories out of the papers – but fell from grace when his own behaviour went public.

Planning to return to work after his release, Clifford maintained during his Southwark Crown Court trial that his accusers were “fantasists and opportunists”; it has also been reported he planned an appeal next year claiming there was new evidence available to clear his name.

He became notorious in the sleaze business after fabricating the story about a well-known comedian under the Sun headline “Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster” and helped end the career of David Mellor by exposing the MP’s affair with actress Antonia de Sancha with a sprinkling of invented details such as Mellor liking to wear a Chelsea shirt during sex.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia Rocky: the charity champion

By Jack Troughton

THE timewarp again thrilled an excited audience as The Rocky Javea Picture Show touched down in Alcalali and raised another €1,950 for charity.

Careline Theatre was taken over by the cast of the adult comedy musical – back by popular demand – and Help of Denia and the Marina

Alta will benefit from the proceeds of what is fast becoming a Costa Blanca blockbuster.

Audience participation is central to the success of the musical and fans familiar with the story were involved from the start – barracking the cast in true ‘panto’ style and throwing toast, cards and confetti.

Candy Wright, president of both Careline and Help, was delighted to

have been able to host the show, still set for a performance in Javea in the New Year.

“I asked our Careline committee if they would mind if we let them have the building at no cost, they approved; we had to slot it in between our rehearsals for next month’s pantomime,” she said.

“I asked the Rocky cast and crew is they minded doing it for Help – it was me juggling two hats – and they said they were more than happy.”

Candy added: “It was amazing, absolutely wonderful.

The Rocky group are a great bunch and what is nice they got to perform on a proper stage with wings, lighting and sound; it was much more dramatic.

“The audience didn’t just join in, they went absolutely manic. I have never seen so much flying toast, playing cards and confetti.

It looked as if a bomb had hit the theatre afterwards but everyone helped clear up...it was just fantastic.”

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia

Poppy Appeal success Royal British Legion, Javea, Raise 9,679€

By Jack Troughton

MEMBERS of the Javea Branch of the Royal British Legion are delighted to have raised an “amazing” 9,679€ during this year’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The total represents an 11% increase on 2016 and the money will be used to support current and former servicemen and women and their families.

Roger and Pamela Dawes, respectively branch president and treasurer, said: “We would like to

say a big thank you to all those who contributed to this amazing amount; bars, restaurants, supermarkets, members of the public, and, of course, the branch members who diligently put out the collection boxes and picked them up again for counting.

“Without all of these people, the amount we collect would not be possible. The money is purely spent on members of our armed forces past and present, and their families who need help and support.”

No clunk-click

By Simon Russell

A man was injured after his vintage car – which wasn’t fitted with seatbelts – crashed into a wall in Javea.

The 71-year-old German is a resident of the town and his 1950’s Peugot 203 is a common site in the part of the town where he lives. However the crash has left him

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Dolphin display

By Simon Russell

PEOPLE out on the water off Javea last weekend were treated to the site of a large pod of dolphins. Many of the creatures splashed around close to the boats, which included a local tourist vessel which had many understandably delighted children on board.

Whales are a fairly common site off the coast of Javea as the bay is on the creature’s migratory path; dolphins are not as common, particularly larger groups. Vessels are advised not to approach too close to whales as this can interfere with their migratory route.

However dolphins are sociable animals and are quite happy being around boats and humans.

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with two broken legs and head and chest injuries.

A fire crew from Denia also had to attend the scene, opposite El Rancho restaurant, to free the pensioner.

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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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm In the frame

By SImon Russell

AS a result of the cities presence at London’s recent Film Fair, Benidorm is hoping that audiovisual companies around Europe will start using the city as a backdrop for films and documentaries.

A number of professionals in the field are due to visit Benidorm next year to see for themselves what

the city has to offer.

They are also hoping to attract advert makers with firms such as BMW and Coca-Cola having

filmed there in the past.

These then have the potential to be viewed by tens of millions of people around the globe.

Lap of luxury

By SImon Russell

THE average of price of a “luxury home” in Benidorm is €3.1 million, the highest across the Costa Blanca. This is followed by Villajoyosa (€2.7m) and Benissa (€2.5m). These properties are nearly always villas, with around 25% being apartments and houses. Most will have a pool, panoramic sea view and be close to a beach – preferably a private one.

22% of all luxury properties sold

across Spain are on the Costa Blanca, and the cheapest areas for buying there are Elche, Alfaz del Pi and Benitachell where you can expect change from a million euros.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

17

Benidorm

Charging point installed

By Simon Russell

MANY people’s association of electric vehicles and Benidorm would be the “Madge mobiles” that frequent the town. However one of the town’s hotels has become the first to install an electric

charging point for four wheeled vehicles. The Don Pancho, located on Avenida Mediterraneo, is offering this as a free service to its customers and is compatible with nearly all leading brands of electric cars.

The hotel manager, Juan Jose

Gil, said that they were sensitive to both their customers’ requirements and to the impact of climate change.

They were also the first establishment in the city to install geothermal panelling for heating and cooling the hotel and the pool.

Bike lane network set to grow BENIDORM’S Mobility Department is looking to expand its bike lanes out to a further nine streets. They are preparing a draft proposal for the

Generalitat and it is hoped that they will qualify for a Regional Development grant to fund some or all of the project.

If the work goes ahead this will add a further 12 kilometres of bike lanes to the cities already

extensive network.

The streets and avenues effected are Europa, Derramador, Valencia, Bernat de Sarria, Atmella del Mar, Severo Ochoa, Beijing, Sierra Dorada and Hamburg.



By Simon Russell

18

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm Flat Earth reward

By Simon Russell

Queens for a year

By Simon Russell

IN a ceremony at Terra Mitica attended by over a thousand people, Benidorm’s 2018 Fallas Queens for 2018 were announced last weekend. The outgoing queens passed over the mantle to Fatima Espinosa and young Anna Garcia who will be the junior Fallas Queen. Benidorm’s Mayor was among

the dignitaries attending the ceremony alongside, representatives from the cities various Fallas organisations.

Mayor Perez made a speech afterwards thanking the retiring reinasfor their efforts over the year and congratulating the incoming pair. They will both be involved in various fundraising and publicity events leading up the Fallas Fiesta in March.

HOWARD Stirrup is well known to many people in Benidorm as the proprietor of the curtain shop in the town’s indoor market. However Howard has another string to his bow, and is the man behind the Benidorm Flat Earth Challenge. The challenge is offering a €1,000 reward to anyone with a good camera who can prove that there is a 60 metre curve between Benidorm and San Juan Alicante, as seen from much of the city including the Balcon mirador As Howard explains, there should be an 80 metre curve for the 33 kilometre stretch of water if, as conventional science maintains, the world is round.

However not everyone subscribes to this view, and there are a number of modern Flat Earth Societies with several million

people around the world (or should that be on the world?) questioning something most people take for granted.

You can decide for yourself by watching Howard present his challenge on www.facebook.BritishBenidorm/ videos/871825996315476/Good luck!

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Local lookout

Alfas, Albir & Altea, Pruning time

By Simon Russell

EACH year around this time Alfaz del Pi’s Environment Department carry out a number of tasks to ensure the good health of the towns trees. This year it is the turn of the 600 or so plane trees that are scattered throughout the town which they are currently being

pruned back and fumigated.

This is a good time of year to cut back the trees, partly as this reduces the amounts of leaves which end up clogging the drains and making the roads and pavements slippery. All the foliage that has been cut back is recycled as natural fertilizer for the municipal green areas such as parks and gardens.

Away in a manger

By Simon Russell

Have an opinion?

Have your say!

Letters@weekender.news

ALTEA has now installed the traditional Christmas Belen(manger), this year in the town’s municipal library. Anyone can visit up to Three

Kings Day when it will be taken down; the opening hours are 10am to 2pm and in the evenings from 5pm to 8pm. As usual, the Belen was prepared by the Association of Marina Baixa Belenistes. Zaragozi Diego,

the Culture Councillor thanked the association for their efforts. He went on to say that each year whichever building contains the scene becomes the towns most visited attraction over the festive period.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Property

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www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Water bills are cheap in Spain despite lack of rain, but other utilities are expensive by EU standards Despite most water resource indicators being on red alert because of a drought; despite most reservoirs in Spain losing water; and despite a mostly dry climate in Spain, water bills are among the lowest in Europe. They’re actually the second lowest in the EU. According to the Spanish Economic Papers report, published by Funcas, the price of a cubic metre of water in Spain is 35.3% cheaper than the European average. This is somewhat surprising given that Spain’s dry climate hardly favours a cheap water supply.

The cheap price of water in Spain is much lower than other utilities, particularly energy supplies, where prices are high. In Spain, consumers pay €2.18 per cubic metre for water, a much lower figure than in some European countries. For example, in Denmark a cubic metre costs €7.32 and in Finland, €4.40.

The Funcas report also looks at the affordability of water bills and finds that the Spanish along with the Italians have the most affordable.

However, once the focus moves to other bills,

such as gas or electricity, the trend in Spain changes dramatically. Spaniards pay the third highest costs in Europe for these bills, behind Denmark and Portugal.

Experts explain that the consumer price of water has nothing to do with water management, but is

based on criteria such as access and availability of water resources. Prices vary according to altitude or rainfall. Variations in the price also depend on location, the number of homes in an area, and the number of official residents.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Business & Finance

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Jack talks Sponsored By

Tel: 671 935072 See our Advert Page 7

By Jack Troughton

Theresa May has been cast as both Santa and Scrooge as she reported back to the House of Commons over the ‘deal’ that allows Brexit negotiations to move forward to the next phase and talks with the European Union over future trade.

The Prime Minister told Parliament it was “good news” for both sides of the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ debate and should allow oil to be poured on troubled waters for those scared of the UK crashing out without an agreement.

High level and crucial talks have allowed the umpires in the EU to wave a banner acknowledging there has been “sufficient progress” to march on to discussions over future trade.

It was described as a “Christmas present” for both sides of the heated debate. The progress surrounds the first three key items on the agenda: citizens’ rights, the so-called divorce bill, and the Irish border.

God rest ye merry gentlemen? Not necessarily. There was no silent night in Westminster as the latest round of talks was debated and across the Channel, there were also questions being launched that might spoil heavenly peace.

Mrs May was left red-faced – or should that be red-nosed? – when Tory rebels, 11 of them, helped hand her a rare defeat. The House passed an amendment 309 to 305 that ensures the parliament of the mother of modern democracy will indeed have a “meaningful” voice on the terms of Brexit, the final deal.

The Prime Minister has underlined the people have spoken and the UK will exit the EU in March 2019 – an envisaged transition period will add another two years – all part of a plan for a “smooth and orderly” Brexit.

Politicians of all colours were demanding a say ahead of any final agreement.

Parliament believes it – and its views – truly represents the people.

Accordingly, MPs won an explicit guarantee it gets the last chance to give Brexit a thumbs up...or down.

And while there is a feeling the ‘remainers’ want to de-rail the

whole Brexit process, while there are hardline ‘leavers’ who are unhappy with concessions being agreed with Brussels.

Mrs May has written an open letter to the people, Brexit Secretary David Davis has appealed to MPs for unity, yet there were still voices demanding a final say before any deal with the EU is set in stone – naturally, this includes calls from certain quarters for a second referendum over the ultimate agreement.

In EU-land; Strasbourg no less, MEPs have endorsed the decision to move ahead to the next stage of negotiations.

Largely symbolic but significant in public relations terms, the European Parliament backed the European Commission’s view that Brexit thingies could progress.

Despite concerns over the detail of last Friday’s ‘first phase’ broad agreement and whether it was legally binding; Europe’s parliamentarians want assurances the UK will not ‘back track’.

Chief negotiator Michel Barnier maintained there was ”no going back” and the terms would be translated into a withdrawal treaty that was legally binding. He said legal papers would be in place in weeks rather than months.

Britain’s Brexit Secretary David Davis came under fire for claiming the thorny first-phase agreement was a gentlemen’s agreement settled over a handshake and a “statement of intent”.

Nigel Farage, former UKIP leader and a hard line veteran warhorse of the campaign to take Britain out of the EU, was also on his feet during the debate, and as hostile as ever.

“I’m not surprised you’re all very pleased with Theresa the appeaser – who has given in on virtually everything,” he said. “She has danced to your tune all the way through this. You must be very happy, very happy indeed.”

Mr Farage said a transition period was ”the biggest deception yet” and predicted the Brexit battle with the EU might yet still have to be fought again.

RETAIL GIANT’S SALES BOOM

By Jack Troughton

SPANISH retail giant Inditex boasts a surge in sales and expansion across the globe for driving up net profits over the first nine months of the year.

The company – which owns the increasingly popular brand Zara – and also has a stable of labels including Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka and Oysho, has 7,504 shops in 94 countries.

One of the world’s largest fashion retailers, Inditex has posted figures showing a net profit of €2.34 billion across February to October – a 6% rise on the €2.2 billion recorded over the same period in 2016.

The figures were in line with market analysis at a difficult time for the retail industry and are actually down on the 9% profit boost over the previous ninemonth cycle.

Inditex has followed an expansion plan across international markets – most are Asian targets – and overall net sales have flourished, worth nearly €18 billion.

It has introduced ‘same day’ delivery of online purchases in key cities and the company has opened a total of 212 new stores – including flagship outlets in Madrid, Mumbai, Shanghai and Hanoi. Inditex owns 7,504 shops in 94 countries.

Home for Inditex is Arteixo, a small town in the north west of Spain.

Production of its clothing takes place in factories close to its markets – both in Spain and Portugal, as well as Turkey, North Africa, Turkey and Eastern Europe.

And a business model allows it to get clothes on rails quickly and react with speed to changing seasons and consumer tastes.

AXE FALLS ON BANKING JOBS

By Edward Graham

SANTANDER, Spain’s largest banking group, is to wield the axe and slash 1,100 jobs after the takeover of rival Banco Popular, claim unions.

Already the biggest lender in the Eurozone, the bank – which swallowed up Britain’s Abbey National in 2004 – paid just €1 earlier this year to buy its smaller rival, a symbolic price tag to prevent Banco Popular’s collapse and another crisis in the troubled sector.

Back in June, Santander maintained the bill for restructuring

the operation following the move would be as high as €1.3 billion.

In comparative terms, Santander had some 200,000 employees across the world; prior to the takeover, Banco Popular had around 11,000 workers.

However, banking unions have warned of job cuts. In a statement, it was said: “The reorganisation of the central services of Banco Santander and Banco Popular will affect 1,100 people....the vast majority through early retirement.”

The unions released the warning after signing an agreement with management as a way forward.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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Business & Finance BREXIT BLOW FOR EXPAT PENSIONERS THIS CHRISTMAS

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By Christina Brady

BLACKTOWER Financial Management

The majority of Expat pensioners are now living off an income which is worth 20% less than the previous preBrexit festive period, according to Equiniti Group plc which manages the payment of over 60,000 Expat pensioners.

Of the 60,000 pensioners the largest group is receiving their pension in the Eurozone, where market uncertainty and the threat of Brexit have led to the value of their pension falling by over 3% in the last year, added to the 17%

fall in the year following the vote.

With inflation across the Eurozone running at 1.5%, British Expat pensioners will be feeling the pinch.

However, Expat pensioners elsewhere in the world have suffered from these exchange rate woes, with pensioners worse off in US (-10%), New Zealand, Australia and Canada (all -14%).

South Africa (-15%) and Jamaica (-4%) also saw fall in Expat pensioner income as a result of exchange rate movements. (See image of table) As if Brexit and exchange rates weren’t enough to worry about, if you have savings in a bank then you are also losing money, Inflation in the UK is now at 3% - its highest rate for more than 5 years. It is the ‘silent threat’ that eats away at the real value of cash over time. The Bank of England’s recent interest rate rise has done little to help savers, there may be another rate rise in the UK, but any rise will be very

small, so little cheer for savers for the next year.

I am here to help you find the right solution to make your money work for YOU, the New Year is a great time to review your finances and investments, to help maximise their returns. To arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation please contact me by email christina. brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330. Website: www.blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound independent advice, we will be by your side both now and in the future.

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

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

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

Bigger festive budget

of This is largely down RESIDENTS province to increased consumer Alicante ce as people are planning to spend confiden see economic to t more than 3% extra star and feel more very this Christmas than last reco their jobs. The in re secu year, according to recent Spanish gift one ber num many For surveys. ngly, cash bori er rath is, seasonal spending began books and , hing clot with on Black Friday at the being also all s etic cosm n end of November whe choices. a lot of early presents popular video games and s Toy at purchased were are the top presents for discount prices. a majority Looking at spending children, with to preferring plans across the board still er rath in shops - gifts, food and going purchase h oug alth ne, out - the average local is than onli each es clos planning to spend €633, this gap r. yea r. yea last 3.3% more than

Chilly rea ction to ice rin k

OPPOSITION party Guanyar Alacant have complained about the natural ice rink installed in Alicante’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The party has e two main issues, the waste of energy and the nois ice produced by the generators used to keep the frozen.

Spokesman Miguel Angel Pavon said that both if these complaints would have been addressed also He rink. the artificial ice had been used for accused Mayor Gabriel Echavarri of going back on a promise to install an artificial rink this year after similar concerns were raised in 2016.

carols at christmas

JAVEA International Baptist Church plans to evoke the spirit of Christmas on Friday 22nd December when it stages its popular open air carol singing in Javea Port.

Everyone is invited to listen and join in with carols traditional and modern in the square behind the Miramar Hotel from noon – to add to the festive feel of the occasion, everyone is asked to wear something red.

Festive fun

Javea U3A members were in for a treat at their last monthly meeting of the year at the Parador hotel!

The usual general meeting business was replaced by another spectacular Christmas show – the annual Extravaganza.

The fun began with a performance by the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir. It was followed by a series of sketches and musical groups by U3A members.

The committee was unrecognisable in the shortened version of Hungarian Cinderella. And members Lyndsey and Gary Johnson were hilariousin their respective sketches as an aerobics instructor and “father of the bride.

It is an ideal opportunity to relax at one of the cafes, enjoy a sing-a-long with members of JIBC, or just listen and enjoy.

JIBC is also holding a Carol service with El Faro Church at its Church centre in Carrer Favel 8, in Javea Old Town, near the main underground car park, on Christmas Eve, 24th December at 6pm.

And the JIBC Christmas Day service is being staged on Christmas Day at 10.30am.

Pastor Steve Hall leads the regular Sunday Service every week at 10.30am. Full details of the English-speaking church and all its activities – including the weekly market day ‘Place for Friendship Cafe’ at the centre – can be found at www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847.

for the U3A

There were then performances by the U3A Guitar Group, led by Phil Shepherd, and the Out of the Blue band, who got the audience into the Christmas spirit with some hearty carolling.

Linda Coughlin and Val Dromgoole finished the show as “stripping cleaners”!

The show was masterminded and compered by the U3A’s Events Co-ordinator Shirley King.

After the finale and an appreciative round of applause from the audience, there was the usual tradition of sherry and mince pies …. consumed in vast quantities by the 300 or so members who attended.

trolley tree

THE Indoor Market in Denia has an unusual centrepiece this festive season, a Christmas tree made from shopping carts.

The 22 green pull-along trolleys have been donated by local firm Garmol and are aimed at highlighting the issues of the town’s disabled and less mobile residents.

After the festivities have finished the carts will be raffled off at the market, with anyone who made a purchase of more than €10 being entered into the draw on 8 January.

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Out & About

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

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Joy bringers

Silvia Barnish

CHRISTMAS arrived early for youngsters from the ‘Preventorio’ children’s home in Gandia and the annual festive party thrown by big-hearted expats.

Father Christmas was on hand to greet an excited tsunami of 38 children aged four to 14 as they rushed into Javea’s football ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Santa’s team also included kids’ favourite Peppa Pig, a Minion from the film Despicable Me, and Frozen heroes Elsa and Olaf.

Organised every year by Javea-based Bay Radio, entertainment is laid on for the special young guests who also enjoy lunch and wade through a mountain of chocolate.

And thanks to the generosity of expats

and associations along the Costa Blanca, there was a sack full of presents for each of the children – including the seven unable to join in the fun because of illness.

Each child is called up in turn to receive their pressies – the size of the sack itself threatened to dwarf the youngest recipients – and with perfect manners each thanked the man in red in Spanish and the braver ones also expressing their gratitude in English.

Silvia Barnish, dressed once again as Snow White, has organised the festive bash for the children for each of the 10 years it has been held and said it was now legendary amongst the children.

“This is all about the children and I absolutely enjoy doing this; it’s lovely.

I look and see the joy in their faces,” she said. “They call me Snow White and while the dress gets

tighter every year, I don’t care.

“The children look forward to this day so much. It is the highlight of the year for them. They come along, have fun and take a sack of toys back with them.”

Bay Radio director Andy Stammers thanks everyone who had helped make the day possible. “This year we are also supporting the Red Cross and children in need in the area.

“This is the 10th year of the Christmas Party and we are extremely proud we can still do this.”

U3A enjoys feast MORAIRA U3A group ‘Chicas que Comen’ enjoyed Christmas lunch at the Olive Tree Restaurant, voting the venue an excellent choice for the festive feast.

After enjoying a glass of welcome cava in bright sunshine on the terrace; the group tucked into a delicious meal.

And a highlight was the appearance of ‘Santa´s

Elves’ running round the restaurant to distribute the Secret Santa presents.

Moraira-Teulada U3A is the largest and one of the most active on the Costa Blanca, with over

2000 members. To join or renew membership for 2018 check the website for details.

The first meeting of the New Year is on January 8th.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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Five Small Dog Myths That Deserve Busting

Small dogs are easier to care for than big dogs Not so fast! While it’s easier to pick up a small dog and cart him around, and pet food bills for a small dog won’t break the bank, the little guys often come with their own set of baggage. Many small dogs – think Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese – have significant grooming requirements.

Their teeth also tend to get dirtier quicker due to crowding and congenital enamel defects, requiring daily brushing, regardless of the diet he’s eating and bones he’s gnawing on. And some little dogs also seem to be more difficult to house train than bigger breeds.

Small dogs get all the exercise they need running around the house Wrong! Even if your small dog isn’t athletic or even particularly energetic, he still needs regular physical exercise to maintain her muscles and joints. R u n n i n g

back and forth from the living room to the kitchen in search of snacks or a toy doesn’t count. Exercise is not only necessary to maintain your dog physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Like larger breeds, small dogs need to burn off energy to prevent boredom and behavior problems.

Small dogs are yappy Some are; some aren’t. For example, Chihuahuas tend to be barkers, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Italian Greyhounds are generally known to be quiet pets. It’s also important to remember that often the owners of small dogs create or exacerbate barking behavior by inadvertently reinforcing it.

Small dogs are lap dogs Again, some are and some aren’t. And

often lap-sitting behavior is situational. For example, a small shivery dog might sit in your lap just until he warms up. A little fellow with a protective or territorial bent will quickly land in your lap if another pet approaches you.

Small dogs need babying They really don’t, but their owners tend to think they do. They don’t necessarily need to be fussed over… but they do need protecting. Small dogs, especially really tiny breeds, are more vulnerable in many situations than their larger counterparts.

Your 5-pound Yorkie is easy prey for a coyote wandering the neighborhood. He’s also more likely to be stepped on in your kitchen than a larger dog.

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?

The Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It is made up of two lobes, each about the size of a plum cut in half. The two lobes lie on either side of the wind-pipe.

It makes two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are excreted into the blood. These hormones are required for all the cells in the body to work normally. In the cells and tissues of the body T4 is converted into T3.

It is the T3 that is derived from T4 or excreted as T3 from the thyroid gland, which is biologically active and influences the activity of all the cells and tissues of the body.

What do thyroid hormones do?

The T3 which comes from the T4 and also that which is secreted directly by the thyroid gland influence the metabolism of body cells.

It regulates the speed with which the body cells work.

What can go wrong?

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – not enough thyroxine is produced for the bodies needs.

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – too much thyroxine is produced for the bodies needs.

Hypothyroidism is the most common.

Thyroid disorders tend mainly to occur in women, although they can occur in anybody, even children and babies.

Common symptoms Hypothyroidism: tiredness, feeling cold, slow heart rate, constipation, weight gain, poor concentration, depression.

Hyperthyroidism: weight loss, rapid heart rate, increased bowel movements or diarrhea, heat intolerance, anxiety and sometimes sore gritty eyes.

Sometimes there are very few symptoms. A simple blood test will confirm whether you have a thyroid disorder.

Other thyroid disorders • Thyroid eye disease – this affects people with an overactive thyroid due to Graves’ disease

• Nodules or swelling – these lumps can stop the gland from working properly or may just be uncomfortable.

• Thyroid cancer – this is very rare but it is important to get a doctor to check any lumps in the neck • Having a baby can sometimes trigger a thyroid disorder. This is known as post partum thyroiditis. It is usually a temporary but can return each time you have a baby.

How is the thyroid controlled?

In the brain there is a gland known as the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland senses the level of thyroid hormones in the blood and reacts by secreting a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and this hormone activates the thyroid gland to produce more T4 and T3.

When the thyroid levels rise above normal the pituitary stops secreting TSH so that the thyroid stops working so hard and the production of T4 and T3 is reduced.

What causes thyroid disorders?

There are many different causes of thyroid disease but the most common cause is autoimmune thyroid disease - a self destructive process in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid cells as though they were foreign cells. In response the thyroid gland becomes either under or overactive. Thyroid disorders can run in families.

Diagnosis Thyroid disease is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test.

Treatment Most thyroid disorders are treated with medication. There are other treatments for conditions which cannot be treated with medication.

If you are concerned that you have any of the symptoms then contact the Family Medical Centre, Albir to arrange to have a blood test. Throughout December there is 20% off Thyroid Function Tests.

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ASK THE OPTICIAN: HOW CAN WE HELP THE DEAF-BLIND?

By Jorge Martinez Store Director

Specsavers Opticas Benidorm

Until the end of the year, Specsavers are raising money for the Once Foundation for the Deaf-Blind (La Fundación ONCE para la Atención de Personas con Sordoceguera - FOAPS) by offering free comprehensive eye tests and asking patients to donate 1€ to FOAPS after their test. To raise awareness of the difficulties that the deaf-blind face, we wanted to dedicate this month’s column to this important topic.

Who are FOAPS? FOAPS is a charitable organisation formed in 2007 by leading Spanish charity ONCE to develop programmes to help deaf-blind people. They are particularly interested in helping with education and employment, improving the quality of life and encouraging integration and development.

What is Deaf-Blindness?

This disability results from the combination of two sensory impairments – visual and hearing, which can manifest in different levels of severity. This causes

unique communication problems and special needs caused by the difficulty with interacting with people and the outside world.

How can deaf-blind people communicate?

This depends on the severity of the sight and hearing loss, many people use sign language if their vision is good enough. They can also use tactile sign language, where the deaf-blind person puts their hands over the signer’s hands to feel the shape, movement and location of the signs.

FOAPS provide interpreters, who can help the deafblind communicate and interact with the world.

What are you fundraising for?

The FOAPS interpreters are the eyes, ears and often voice of the deaf-blind and have a crucial role to play. We hope that through our campaign we can raise enough money to fund an extra 400 hours of an interpreter. This costs 6,000€ so we

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need 6,000 people to come in and have their eyes tested and make a donation before the end of the year.

How can I support the campaign?

Just come into your nearest Specsavers Opticas store for an eye test and donate 1€ between now and the end of December.

Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store and book an eye test.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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GARDENING ON THE COSTA BLANCA - Part 20

Perhaps it’s time to talk of Christmas presents. You may, of course, be all completely organised with everything already bought and hidden away! If you are not, however, you should have no trouble buying for a gardener – the range is endless. A little thought will make the gift even sweeter because there seems little point in giving something unsuitable for growing on the Costa Blanca.

So, although plants seem straightforward, be aware that the beautiful azaleas and camellias, for example, which are available now, will always need extra care because they require acid conditions. Some beautiful house plants, such as anthurium, won’t be happy on an unheated balcony during the current cold nights so will need to be kept indoors which may not always be convenient. Orchids are readily available at a wide range of prices and are much tougher than they appear.

Always check on whether or not plants of any species bought in bloom have unopened buds ready to take over when the current selling display is finished. So far as plants for outside in the garden are concerned, anything growing in the open at a garden centre should be tough enough – just check on the acidity angle as they may be growing happily in their currently acid compost but may resent our alkaline conditions!

Tools are an easy and safe category and range in price from a few centimos for indoor pot tools to thousands of Euros for a ride-on mower/cultivator. Almost anything is available locally or via the internet at an affordable price.

Books too are easy but again make sure that they deal with Mediterranean gardening not British as the latter won’t take into account our hot and dry conditions. Recommended general gardening books available via Amazon include anything by Heidi Gildemeister – she writes based on her Majorca garden but tends to think big.

Anything by Olivier Filippi, Lorraine Cavanagh or Hugo Latymer, all are (or were in the case of Hugo who has died) professional nurserymen based in Mediterranean Spain or France.

‘Garden Plants for Mediterranean Climates’ by Graham Payne (based in Portugal) There are many specialist books

about, say, Palms or Bougainvilleas etc which could be welcomed as well as the more coffee table type publications such as ‘Private Gardens of the Mediterranean’

by Jean Mus or ’Mediterranean Landscape Design: Vernacular Contemporary’ by Louisa Jones.

You could buy a subscription to ‘Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living’, a Portugal based magazine which is always interesting.

Don’t bother with ‘Mediterranean Plants and Gardens’ even though the wonderful Roy Lancaster is named as co-author – he didn’t, then anyway, know much about Costa Blanca gardening. The many books by the Handscombes are always interesting, somewhat quirky in their layout but, based on very local knowledge.

There are many wonderful wild flower guides available while more general books include ‘The New Sunset Western Garden Book’ – California based, it makes a good encyclopedia type reference book as do some RHS books such as the ’Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers’ or the ‘A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants’, just remember their British bias!

Enough already!

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.

We are a friendly group who enjoy gardening and gardens.

Our meetings are normally held on the 1st Wednesday of 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 our Christmas lunch on 10th January. Please contact Joan Birch on 697 320 169 for details.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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What’s ON TV

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Coming Out After enduring up to three weeks facing the horrors of the Australian jungle under the spotlight of the world’s media, the celebrities get ready to embark on life back in the real world.

ITV 10:00pm Fri 15th Dec

The Sweet Makers

From candy canes and sugar mice to yule logs and chocolate coins, sweet treats are an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Guided by food historian Dr Annie Gray and social historian Emma Dabiri, four modern confectioners uncover the mystery of what a sugarplum is before decorating a series of exquisite Twelfth Cakes, affordable only to Georgian’s wealthy elite. As they move into the Victorian era, they encounter the gulf between rich and poor - from Queen Victoria’s favoured Boar’s Head cake to jelly pistols and sugar mice accessible to children with just a few pennies to spend.

BBC2 10:00pm Fri 15th Dec

The Hangover Part III (2013) Drinking buddies Phil and Stu try to help their troubled friend Alan get his life in order, only to stumble into another bizarre misadventure.

Comedy sequel, starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and John Goodman

ITV2 10:00pm Fri 15th Dec

We Have Been Watching XMAS SPECIAL

John Challis, Sue Holderness, Sally Phillips, Sarah Hadland, Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani watch clips from festive shows including Morecambe and Wise, Father Ted, Only Fools and Horses and The Royle Family, providing fresh insight, smart observations and hilarious anecdotes CHRISTMAS GOLD 2:00pm Sat 16th Dec

Strictly Come Dancing The Final

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the live grand final, which sees celebs Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Joe McFadden and their partners take to the stage for three dances each that will determine who claims the glitterball trophy.

BBC1 London 7:30pm Sat 16 Dec

A View to a Kill (1985)

James Bond clashes with a megalomaniac international businessman plotting a global takeover of the computer industry by engineering a devastating earthquake in California’s Silicon Valley - and killing millions in the process. Spy adventure, starring Roger Moore in his final appearance as 007 alongside Christopher Walken, Grace Jones, Tanya Roberts and Patrick Macnee

ITV4 7:20pm Sat 16th Dec

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

DONT MISS OUT ON OUR TV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL NEXT WEEK!

Nativity! (2009)

A primary school teacher is given the job of directing a nativity play and is determined to outdo a rival from a nearby private school. When he dishonestly claims his ex-girlfriend is a Hollywood producer and is coming to see the show with an eye on making a film, he finds himself becoming a local celebrity. Comedy, starring Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen.

BBC2 London 6:20pm Sun 17

Sports Personality of the Year

Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan present this year’s ceremony live from the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Andy Murray was presented the prestigious main award in 2016, his third overall and second in successive years.

However, he is not in contention this year after an injury-plagued campaign.

The shortlist this time include heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, short-track speed skater Elise Christie, Spurs striker Harry Kane, British tennis number one Johanna Konta and more.

BBC1 7:45pm Sun 17 Dec

The Apprentice The Final The two finalists take on their last challenge to win a coveted investment from Alan Sugar, with handpicked teams of contestants from the series returning to aid them in their endeavours.

BBC1 London 10:00pm Sun 17

Inside the Factory

Gregg Wallace, Cherry Healey and Ruth Goodman explore the fascinating factory processes and surprising history behind the nation’s favourite festive treats. Gregg follows 24 hours of production at a factory in Oldham, Greater Manchester, which will be making 2 million Christmas cakes for Marks and Spencer, while Cherry visits Britain’s largest marzipan manufacturer as well as a sprout farm.

Ruth investigates how the UK’s early industrial heritage inspired Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carols

BBC2 London 8:30pm Mon 18

Paul Hollywood: A Baker’s Life LAST IN SERIES - The Great British Bake Off judge shares his favourite Mediterranean recipes on a trip to Cyprus, where he spent six years living and working. In Paphos, he’s reunited with a baker friend and together they prepare a classic ham and cheese croissant, before makes baklava and a tray of celebratory spanakopita for a sunset gathering.

Later, Paul recalls his first appearance on TV and bakes a Cypriot village bread using a traditional village oven.

Last in the serie,

Channel 4 9:00pm Mon 18 Dec

Mary Berry’s Christmas Party

The food writer and former Great British Bake Off judge opens her kitchen to some of TV’s best-loved faces as they join her in cooking delicious dishes for a festive gathering BBC1 9:30pm Mon 18th Dec

34

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Rigorous (6) 4 Sloping script (6) 8 Imitate (5) 9 Substitute (5-2) 10 Welsh city (7) 11 Indian language (5) 12 Flabbergasted (9) 17 Parrot’s name (5) 19 Recital (anag.) (7) 21 Without weapons (7) 22 Leaves out (5) 23 Make possible (6) 24 Decapitate (6)

Down 1 To such an extent (2,4) 2 Comments (7) 3 Spiny desert plants (5) 5 Instructor (7) 6 Weighed down (5) 7 Outspoken (6) 9 Protect (9) 13 Appalling (7) 14 Mislead (7) 15 Husband or wife (6) 16 Came to an end (6) 18 Capital of Tibet (5) 20 Type of steak (1-4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

Down

2 Dashing in great confusion (7) 1 Unready king making girl embarrassed (8) 3 Scoff when leader is knocked out in preliminary round (3) 6 Article I’m to make objective (3) 9 Precise former spouse has to do something (5) 4 Bunny talk? (6) 5 Mad artist turns playwright (9) 10 Directors and editor got on (7) 11 Oil change after journey in African port (7) 6 Check car heading for Tottenham (5) 7 Another word for doctor found in some dictionaries (5) 13 “Room at the Top” in Greek (5) 8 Browbeat Trojan hero (6) 14 Teased for being badly dressed (6) 12 Working with gear in top form (9) 15 Beer? Bert is ordered to swallow it (6) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 19 Aimed to reform press, TV, etc. (5) 21 Allowances made for disturbance on stair? (7) 17 Quit and write one’s name again? (6) 22 Just say I may be found in a French resort (7) 18 Royal pop star (6) 23 New gown about right? No, it’s not right (5) 19 Mother has second thoughts after contagious disease (5) 20 Teacher with north-eastern poet (5) 24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 23 Be successful for first half of season (3) 25 Drink that’s bad for teenager? (5,3)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 40

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

35

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StarWars: The Last Jedi

Disney goes all-out for its latest release

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Your sense of timing is The lunar low tends to make impeccable and you’ll be you rather more circumspect anxious to make headway in than before and makes you practical matters. You’re now inclined to look back instead less geared towards negative of projecting your ideas into thoughts, and in fact on the the future. Its not too much ARIES LIBRA contrary as your mind now of a struggle to force yourself to take time to do whatever takes your fancy. focuses on strong positive issues to do with Trying too hard just wont work so take time to money and career. There’s a lot of good luck in your actions. rest and recoup.

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)

This should be one of your Every job you do seems to be a better days for getting ahead one off so needs extra thought. in a general sense and for That wont bother you at all as establishing new patterns of you remain as methodical as ever behaviour that will be useful yet somehow more ingenious TAURUS and more adventurous. Away SCORPIO in the future. Look at matters carefully but be prepared to act from practicalities, grasp any chance to do something different, be it with on impulse when you know instinctively it’s the right way for you to proceed. partners or friends.

There’s a plan of action which Making a big impact on the is meant too be played out on world feels fairly easy to you the professional arena today even if you do tend to upset a but it seems to be slowing so couple of people along the way. much that it may well grind to You’re still fairly outspoken and GEMINI unwilling to compromise on SAGITTARIUS a halt. You’re just going to have to accept it as you cant change those occasions where you’re very certain of your ground. Your personality is anything right now. Focus more on your personal and home life. very potent right now.

You could be occupying a Being the centre of attention centre stage position right isn’t exactly hard for you today. now and should be more than In among the start of the willing to entertain others. This December festivities you could isn’t what you’re all about as a be put on some sort of pedestal, CANCER most likely by more than one CAPRICORN rule but you do have it within you now to be extremely person. You’re at your best in social situations and positively glow with good showy. At heart you’re still as keen to look after your own life and circumstances as is always health and vitality. the case.

Your need for better An important plan could miss communication and your the target unless you’re crystal desire to get out more, clear about all the details. It combine to indicate a restless cant be stressed enough just but potentially interesting how important it is to check and time. You want to get in touch double check. If you’re careful LEO with lots of people but the AQUARIUS something you’ve wanted for problem is there’s not enough hours in the day ages could be coming your way any time soon, to achieve all your objectives. Be patient. but if you’re sloppy you’ll be disappointed.

Opportunities come along to As you grow more confident improve your lot in and around after the lunar low, you’ll be your home. It should now be less intimidated by finding easier to listen to relatives who yourself in the limelight. Its have been having a bit of a hard true that others are making a time and to implement plans PISCES fuss of you at the moment and VIRGO that can help. Time stretches you’re making the most of the like elastic for Virgo at this part of the week and situation. Today is also good for all aspects of you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve. romance and one to one liaisons.

2018 could be a very unusual year for the Oscars. Usually a haven of arthouse drama, austere period pieces and true life tales, it’s highly possible that this year might see some left-field choices competing for the big prizes.

Not only is low budget horror Get Out an early frontrunner, and superhero movie Wonder Woman tipped for nominations, but now Star Wars: The Last Jedi has thrown its hat into the ring.

A latecomer in terms of awards buzz, since no-one had actually seen the movie until two days ago, now Disney has added the movie to its For Your Consideration page touting it in all the major categories including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Mark Hamill is listed as the movie’s candidate for Best Actor, while Daisy Ridley is Disney’s choice for Best Actress (indicating that Hamill is obviously going to play a

major part in this new instalment).

Options for Best Supporting Actor and Actress are more open, with suggestions for Actor listed as Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Benicio Del Toro, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson.

Supporting Actresses listed are Carrie Fisher, Gwendoline Christie, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran – again giving a bit of insight into who the major players might be this time around.

Early buzz from the first screenings is incredibly strong, with critics praising how funny and surprising the movie is, heaping accolades on director Rian Johnson. The studio is obviously pretty happy with his work – Johnson is now overseeing a new trilogy of Star Wars films, which won’t focus on the Skywalker family.

Maybe a galaxy where a Star Wars movie wins a major Oscar isn’t so far, far away after all.

36

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Motoring

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Ford Fiesta

(2017)

The latest Ford Fiesta takes everything that has given its predecessors so much success – practicality, sensible pricing and great handling – and adds in extra comfort, refinement and technology. It’s easily one of the best small hatchbacks on the market.

Perfectly set up for British roads, with revised suspension and slightly deeper profile tyres, the Fiesta irons out rough roads and potholes plus is surprisingly

quiet on the motorway. Yet it still has excellent, communicative steering and a light gear change. That means it’s great to drive on a B road and makes light work of corners.

It’s not just good to drive though – it’s full of useful technology. Even even the basic Style model comes with lane keep assistance and a speed limiter. That’s about all it does come with though – but go for the still well-priced Zetec model and you’ll get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with alloy wheels and a Quickclear heated windscreen.

Three and five-door versions are available with the latter providing better rear space for passengers, with reasonable leg and headroom. The boot as a good side and shape, though there is a sizeable load lip to lift heavy items over and the rear seats don’t fold flat – so for bulky objects like flat packs it could be better.

The entry-level 1.1-litre Ti-VCT 3-cylinder petrol engine is surprisingly quiet and powerful enough for town, but we’d recommend one of the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engines, with

100PS, 125PS or 140PS, since they provide excellent performance and refinement. There’s also a surprisingly sporty 1.5-litre TDCi 120HP with 270Nm torque diesel, for long distance drivers.

With a huge range of trim levels, a good selection of engines, great driving dynamics and the latest safety technology, the Ford Fiesta does everything a small hatchback needs to do – and does it well.

It’s also well-priced and well-made, so expect to see it at the top of the sales charts for a few more years to come.

Significantly, after all the trouble with Getrag Powershift dry clutch packs, Ford has reverted to a “6-speed torque converter automatic” for the 2018 Fiesta.

THURSDAY 7TH DEC 2017

37

Motoring

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KIA Rio CRDi Emotion Year 2006, 1500cc, 110 hp, Manual, Diesel 65,000 km 4,695€

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TOYOTA Aygo Auto 1.0 Year 2008 1000cc, 70 hp Automatic, Petrol 83,000 km 5,995€

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40

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Motoring

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Holiday takes its toll

By Matthew Richards

Puzzle Solutions

AS is nearly always the case, the death toll on the Spanish roads increased over the long bank holiday weekend. 22 people were killed in the 19 accidents that involved fatalities from midnight on the Tuesday until Sunday.

With the fiesta days falling on the Wednesday and Friday many people would have taken a five day weekend by “bridging� the Thursday, and the roads would have been much busier than usual.

The last time this happened with these holidays, back in 2006, 40 people died over the same period.

Including pedestrians and cyclists 1,149 people have been killed on Spanish roads so far in 2017.

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

41

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Sport

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Tyson Fury to return to the ring Fury accepts back-dated 2 year doping ban

By Spencer Williams

This week, Fury accepted a backdated two-year ban from UK AntiDoping (UKAD), which expired on December 12.

The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the renewal of Fury’s boxing licence which will be considered in January.

Should Fury be granted a licence, Hearn suggested he could have up to three fights for the 29-year-old, including a huge bout with Anthony Joshua.

The British Boxing Board of Control intend to review Fury’s suspended licence in January but he has claimed that he might look for licencing elsewhere in an online rant on Wednesday. Tyson Fury is two fights away from Anthony Joshua, according to the latter’s promoter.

The biggest fight on the table for both men is the all-British showdown between the undefeated heavyweights

but Fury will be required to prove his dedication and shake off any potential ring rust by taking a pair of bouts prior to the ‘AJ’ super-fight.

While Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn doesn’t promote Fury, he has suggested two big names from his stable who could test the controversial fighter’s mettle in the first half of 2018.

“The good news is he’s now served his ban. It looks almost inevitable that we’ll see him return to boxing, which is great for the sport,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“We’ve got three fights for him.

He can fight Dillian Whyte on the comeback, then Tony Bellew and then he can have Anthony Joshua.”

Fury had his UK Anti-Doping ban backdated two years on Tuesday, which paved the way for his comeback although a stumbling block remains his lack of a boxing licence in Britain.

Bouts against Bellew and Whyte would make sense for ‘2 Fast’, who is aiming for a return in April,

while Joshua is looking at a pair of unification bouts before meeting Fury in a tilt which has been described by Hearn as the “biggest fight in British boxing history.”

“Team Joshua are over the moon because we want as many contenders as possible and we want the biggest fights, and Tyson Fury has to go down on that list,” Hearn added.

Twice as much golf

By Simon Russell

ALICANTE’S Council President has said he would like to see the province having 40 golf courses, a major leap from the 19 currently situated there.

Cesar Sanchez sees the sport as “one of the economic engines” of the area and has asked the Valencian

Consell to draw up plans looking into the proposal.

Not everyone will support the idea, pointing out the amount of extra water required in the already drought stricken region. 88% of golfers in Alicante come from abroad, and the sport has an estimated economic impact of €400 million, providing work for around 10,000 people.

Sporting excellence

By Simon Russell

THE Mayor of Nucia has flown Brussels to collect town’s recent award the best small town

La to his for for

sport in Europe.

Accompanied by two of his councillors, Bernabe Cano attended an official reception held

by Ramon Valcarcel, the Spanish vice-president of

the European Parliament.

Mr Valcarcel made a presentation speech which included what he saw as the importance of the EU to towns like La Nucia.

42

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Sport

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Rugby La Vila humbled by

By Tony Fox

Losing 54-19 to Quesos Entrepreneurs, the top team of the first division, away in Valadolid they dropped a place into the relegation zone at this the half way point in the season. The score is not a reflection of the match and La Vila showed that coach Quirelli has ironed out a lot of faults. Both their discipline and line-outs were much improved, they even stole opposition line-outs, but although equal in most aspects they could not contain or match the strength and speed of the rampant forward play by the home side who just brushed aside the La Vila defense. One of the first half tries (just on half time) by Quesos could be doubtful as the scorer when tackled just before the line, on stumbling, threw the ball forward, caught

it and touched down. Could this have been a forward pass to himself? This coming Sunday they face another Madrid team in El Salvador currently lying second in the division. Thus far La Vila have had a baptism of fire in this league. They have played eleven games with just one win. With another eleven to play they must look to score at least another 20 points to stay in this league. Not impossible but a tough task made a little easier as they have already played many of the top flight.

What they lack in stature they make up in their courage and tenacity to the last whistle, but will that be enough?

Last week I mentioned the efforts by Club President Jason Craig and his team to find new sponsorship. They now have the support of ‘Gold Cars’ one of Spain’s foremost car hire companies.

league leaders

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

43

Sport

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By Eric Malpus

The goals continued to flow in Premier League last weekend despite the inclement weather, A full Premier League programme supplied the Alfaz Fantasy Football League with 27 goals, 4 clean sheets, 38 yellow cards and 1 red one which was Watford’s Zeegelaar who was dismissed by Referee Lee Probert.There were 3 penalties awarded 2 scored by Everton’s Wayne Rooney& Palace’s Milivojevic.Benteke was the villain at Selhurst Park when his penalty was saved by Begovic which sent the Eagles flying back to the bottom of the Premier League.

Darren’s team Daz XI returned to the top of the A.F.F.L. after conceded the top spot to Isabel’s Bluebells for the last 4 weeks.They have taken a 22 point lead over Izzy’s team.Stephen’s Krokodil F.C.remain in 3rd place followed by 2 teams in joint 4th My Gilfy Pleasure & Kemp’s United.At the other end of the table, Laura’s Legends are still chasing shadows and are now 18 points away from Tommy’s team Quantrill’s Raiders.

Isobel’s team The Bluebells have kept hold of the top spot in our Mark Carter Ladies Section although their lead has been cut to 27 points by the improving Gilf F.C.who have replaced Pauline’s Vodka Army in 2nd place.Down in the basement, Laura’s Legends have been stuck at the bottom for the last 10 weeks and are

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looking a good bet for the Wooden Spoon.

In our U.K.T.V.SPAIN Junior League, Jack’s Balutellitubbies have held on to their slight 4 point advantage at the top over Kieron’s team The Clowns F.C.who have been steadily climbing up the League in the last few weeks.Former leaders Tea & Busquets are in joint 3rd place with Alli Barber. Ollie’s team Oly F.C.have replaced Harley’s Ginger Ninjar at the bottom.

Wayne’s Two Years Running,Maybe have a firm grip at the top of our Golden Boot League thanks to Spur’s Harry Kane and Liverpool’s Mo Salah who were both amongst goals at the weekend.Adam’s Bacon Sane is in 2nd place 1 point above his Dad’s team Laurel & Vardy.

Laura’s Legends are still at the bottom of the league even though her star striker Jermaine Defoe scored a brace of goals against Crystal Palace, they now trail Rachel’s Blue Murder by 13 points.

Three more teams will go into our Wyndham’s Monthly Wine Draw and they are our highest scoring team which was Spurs or Bust with 49 points and our 2 lowest scoring teams which was Tommy’s Quantrill’s Raiders & Alan’s Wednesday R Great who both finished up with a big fat Zero.

Manager of the Month for December is being kindly sponsored by Linda at the Bar Tapas in Albir who provide a superb International Menu as well serving up some tasty Tapas.Last week Shawn’s Punky Roosters took a 10 point lead over Adam’s Bacon Sane which they have now increased to 15 points. Big Tony is in contention along with Jackop in 3rd & 4th place.

Terry’s team Spurs or Bust have won this weeks Breakfast for 2 at the Bar Code in Alfaz after climbing up 40 places to number 57 in the Main League.

At the time of going to press I have not had time to collate all the scores for our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition but I’m sure by the time you read this all the results will be up on our website.There is another big week coming up for the Fantasy League with 2 lots of fixtures going into the mix so make sure to keep an eye on how your team performs in the weeks before Christmas by visiting our website which is www. alfazffl.com.

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

Jukebox Football Predictions League

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

SPORT Week Saturday 16th December 13:30 Leicester v Crystal Palace EPL 16:00 Arsenal v Newcastle EPL 16:00 Watford v Huddersfield EPL 16:00 Brighton v Burnley EPL 16:00 Stoke City v West Ham EPL 16:00 Chelsea v Southampton EPL 18:00 Man City v Tottenham EPL 18:30 Eibar v Valencia La Liga 20.45 Athletico Madrid v Alaves La Liga

Sunday 17th December 15:15 West Brom v Man Utd EPL 17:30 Bournemouth v Liverpool EPL 20.45 Barcelona v DeportivoLa Liga

Monday 18th December 15:15 Everton v Swansea EPL

THE ASHES

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

Rugby Union Fri 15th Dec 22:00 - Ulster v Harlequins BT SPORT 2 Sat 16th Dec 22:00 - Leinster v Exeter Chiefs BT SPORT 2 Sat 16th Dec 22:00 - Bath v Toulon BT SPORT 2

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport CHRIS FROOME FAILS LA VUELTA DRUG TEST The UCI has revealed that Chris Froome returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) at the Vuelta a Espana for twice the permissible dose of the asthma medication salbutamol.

The test took place September 7 following stage 18 of the Vuelta, a race which Froome won overall.

Both Froome’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ samples revealed excess salbutamol. In a statement announcing the AAF, the UCI said that “the presence of a Specified Substance such as salbutamol in a sample does not result in the imposition of such mandatory provisional suspension against the rider.”

Froome has previously stated he has suffered from asthma since childhood and has used inhalers in the past. In a statement from the team, Froome explained that his symptoms worsened and he sought medical advice from the team doctor.