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ISSUE 026

Friday 22nd December

IssueB #159

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PM’s message of hope

By Jack Troughton

THERESA May’s Christmas message to British nationals living across Europe is one of hope and reassurance for their futures amidst “considerable anxiety.”

The Prime Minister wrote an open letter to expats living in the European Union and said she was “delighted” that the first phase of Brexit talks had succeeded in obtaining a guarantee to protect their rights.

Mrs May said certain issues – such as including the ability of UK nationals to keep certain rights if they moved across EU member states – would be raised in the New Year.

She explained from the start of negotiations for the UK to leave the bloc, she was “constantly clear that protecting the rights of both EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU was my first priority. I know that the referendum result has caused considerable anxiety for you and your families.” ...Continued page 4

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Confident of 2018 Deal

By Jack Troughton

From front page...

And she said from the beginning any deal guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK would be dependent on such an offer being reciprocated for UK nationals in the remaining 27 member states.

“So I am delighted to announce that in concluding the first phase of the negotiations that is exactly what we have achieved,” Mrs May said.

“From speaking to my counterparts across Europe, I know they hugely value the UK nationals living in their communities. We have worked hard to address the very complex and technical issues that need working through before a final agreement could be reached.”

She added: “This agreement guarantees that your rights as residents in the EU will be protected in the Withdrawal Agreement, so you can have certainty that you will be able to receive healthcare rights, pension and other benefit provisions as you do today. You can also benefit from existing rules for past and future social security contributions.

“Furthermore, we have agreed that close family members will be able to join you in

the Member States where you live, after the UK has left. This includes existing spouses and civil partners, unmarried partners, children, dependent parents and grandparents, as well as children born or adopted outside of the UK after 29th March 2019.

“I hope this agreement will bring you some reassurance. I know there are a few important issues that have yet to be included...I will continue to push for the best possible deal for our nationals across the EU.” Mrs May’s letter ends: “The constructive way in which these talks have been conducted give me confidence that we will achieve a final deal that reflects the strong partnership between the UK and our European partners, and is in the mutual interest of citizens living across the continent.

“I wish you and your families a great Christmas and a very happy New Year.”

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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This is the last broadcast from the editor’s chair at The Weekender for 2017; it’s time for that long-promised long winter’s nap for the team…the stockings are hung by the chimney and visions of sugarplums are possibly dancing through heads.

Theresa May has delivered a Christmas message of hope about the future for expats living in Europe in general and it should ease a few worries for UK residents here in Spain.

Brexit has taken up many a column inch in papers across Spain and there has been too much Scrooge and not enough good news for the Tiny Tims of the debate – yes, that’s us bargaining chip types.

The traditional Christmas Day Queen’s Speech, officially unwrapped as the Queen’s Christmas Message, will hit television screens at about 4pm our time, broadcast on BBC1, ITV, Sky 1 and Sky News. If you prefer, it is also on BBC Radio 4.

It’s a tradition that dates back to 1932 and a radio broadcast by King George V. The Queen has delivered a festive message since 1952 and it has been a television blockbuster, one of the most watched pieces of broadcasting

Managing Director

Marco Baiardo

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Media Director

Adam King

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on the big day, since 1957.

The Queen writes her own message. According to experts, it is the one occasion when she does not need governmental approval, but can voice her own thoughts.

Closely kept under gift-wrapping until 25th December – there is always a leak or two – Her Majesty frequently refers to events over the year. Turf accountants (bookies) have probably already closed their book on a mention for Prince Harry and his engagement to Meghan Markle (the Sparkle).

And, so that’s it. A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! Just remember; Brussels sprouts are apparently good for you, turkey should always be properly defrosted and cooked until the juices run clear…and have a good time pulling a cracker or two and raising a glass of good cheer.

The Weekender returns to all the regular haunts on Friday 12th January. A happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to everyone out there.

Jack Troughton

Editor

Jack Troughton

editor@weekender.news

Senior Reporter

Simon Russell

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Editor - The Weekender

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Death with dignity

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Catalonia at the polls

By Matthew Richards

THE Valencian government is set to pass into law their promised bill concerning people’s right to die with dignity in the Valencian Community.

Known as the Law of Dignified Death, this should guarantee people the right to comprehensive palliative care and to ensure that their own wishes are met wherever possible about their end of life treatment. The law is needed as Valencia did not have such guarantees prior to the expected introduction of the new measures and was a commitment made by the new government in 2016.

By Jack Troughton

OPINION polls put the independence and rival union parties neck-and-neck as Catalonia went to the ballot boxes yesterday (Thursday) in a bid to solve its political crisis.

Campaigning ended on Tuesday and polling stations opened after the traditional Spanish day of reflection.

Madrid took over control of the region using emergency constitutional powers following an ‘illicit’ referendum – in which many opponents to independence stayed at home.

Spanish prosecutors accused 13 Catalan politician separatists of rebellion and sedition. Ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and four colleagues fled to exile in Belgium.

Spanish daily newspaper El Pais

Bus burns mystery THE Guardia Civil are investigating two incidents where people received nasty burns on public buses in Madrid.

Last Monday a student on her way home from college noticed the seat

was wet after she had sat down. She immediately moved but was soon in pain as the unknown substance had burned through to her bottom and required treatment in hospital.

used an aggregate of polls to predict the pro-independence Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) – its leader Oriol Junqueras is behind bars – will come top with 33 seats, just ahead of Ciudadanos, which wants to remain part of Spain.

Although the incident had been reported, the next day a 17-year-old boy experienced the same problem on the same bus line. His burns were not as serious, probably as he had thick denim jeans on but still required treatment.

The girl is expected to have to remain in hospital until this weekend.

Mr Puigdemont’s party JxCat could be third – independence supporters stood in a united front in the referendum.

It would mean no majority for independence in the Catalan parliament.

The bus company’s story is conflicting and it needs to explain why the original spill was not cleaned up. The hospital believes that the substance is some kind of acid, and the police are keen to find out who put it there and if it was an accidental spill or a deliberately malicious act.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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Dismembered Fake vaccine doc jailed and dumped

By Simon Russell

THE trial has started of a man accused of murdering his mother’s partner then dismembering the body and putting it into bin bags before dumping the remains in a local lagoon. The incident occurred in Alicante back in April 2015 when the two men got into an argument which allegedly resulted in the Bulgarian victim being hit with a hammer or similar blunt instrument.

Two others are accused of helping with the disposal of the body, and they arealso standing trial accused of being accomplices to murder. The crime may not have come to light, except the decomposed remains were found by children playing in the Grande de Rabasa lagoon two months after the killing. The prosecution has requested 14 years in jail for the accused and two and a half years for each of the alleged accomplices.

Word up

By Matthew Richards

JUST like the UK, Spain has a body that nominates the countries word of the year and the Fundacion del Espanol Urgente has produced a shortlist of this year’s candidates.

They include Bitcoin, noticiasfalsa

(fake news), trans, turismofobia (phobia of tourism) and uberizacion which is a reference to the Uber taxi firm way of running a business.

Previous winners have included selfie and refugiado (refugee).

The word of the year 2017 in the UK was youthquake

By Matthew Richards

A paediatrician on trial for injecting children with a saline solution rather than vaccines has changed his plea to guilty, bringing the trial to an end. The unnamed man worked at the Centro de Salud at Carlet and also at Hospital de la Ribera in Alzira, both in the Valencian province.

Parents were paying between 60 and

1,200 euros for what they thought were vaccinations against childhood ailments such as measles and chickenpox.

However it appeared the man was using the cost free saline solution and pocketing the proceeds himself, although he has not yet confirmed the reason he did what he did. His admittance of guilt was part of a plea bargain with the prosecution team and he will be jailed for two years.

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THURSDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Bombs and a body

By Simon Russell

NATIONAL Police were called out to a house where the resident had not been seen for several days and found a corpse and a massive arms cache.

Events started when locals in Linares, near Jaen, contacted the authorities to say that their neighbour had not been seen

for a while which was unusual.

After entering the house his body was discovered and it appears he had been dead for several days, probably of natural causes. The police also found more than 50 weapons and two bombs.

The weaponry included shotguns, pistols, hand grenades, a crossbow and a large amount of ammunition.

The bombs were the most immediate concern and a specialist team was called in which removed the devices and detonated them in a safe area. If they had exploded while in the house then the damage would have been huge, said police sources. The source of the weapons and the reason the man had them is being investigated.

Vendetta ends

Pool plunge in jail sentence

By Matthew Richards

TWO women were injured after falling into a swimming pool that is still under construction at Ciudad Quesada.

The pair, a mother and daughter aged 70 and 50, had the accident when a guard rail

around the area gave way.

The younger woman was hurt although able to walk out but a fire crew were required to assist her mother who was more badly injured.

The older woman was stretchered and attended to by medical personnel before being transferred to hospital.

By Simon Russell

A local policeman who worked in the Alicante town of Castalla has pled guilty to falsifying driving penalties and other offences against another resident of the town.

It appears that he had

been taking bribes from the victim to allow him to run illegal card games.

The victim had denounced the policeman after he increased the amount of the bribe.The denuncia triggered the revenge acts against the man who reported

the defendant, and who this week admitted falsifying over twenty traffic offences.

The ex-policeman is terminally ill and due to this and the guilty plea his defence team have asked for the jail sentence to be waived.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Wipes worries

By Simon Russell

SPECIALIST fire-crew marine diving squads from the Alicante region have regular training sessions off the coast and often use this as an opportunity to clean the seabed where they can. The latest exercise off Playa l’Albufereta saw them recover about 100 kilos of rubbish, the majority of which was sanitary wipes.

These are becoming an increasing

problem in the region, causing “fatbergs” in the sewage system and costing an estimated €200 million in damage to the drainage network. That they are now being found at sea in such quantities poses a real threat to the local marine flora and fauna.

The types of wipes causing the problem are non-biodegradable and not suitable for flushing, but the public seem to be ignoring this advice in a problem that is being replicated across much of Europe.

Fast movers

By Edward Graham

FOUR months into a fund raising drive and the bikers of Free Spirits HD are cruising as they raise money for Cancer Care Javea – with more than €2,438 in the pot.

Pledged to support the charity until august 2018, the Harley Davidson enthusiasts used the group’s Christmas Party at El Cid in Benidoleig to report on life in the fast lane.

More than 100 guests joined the club for the special evening – including ladies who have enjoyed the group’s ‘Ride in Style’ initiative.

Group Director Barry Haylor explained the Ride in Style scheme helped support the charity drive and got people on the pillion seat of one of the powerful machines.

He said the “fantastic amount” was raised for Cancer Care since August and Free Spirits HD was committed to raising money for the charity until August 2018.

Anyone hoping for a ride on a Harley or treating someone to a thrilling journey can contact freespiritshd@gmail.com; while Harley Davidson riders interested in joining the club can email or call Barry on 629 728 375.

Domestic fatalities

By Simon Russell

A 40-year-old woman and 6-year-old child were both killed after a boiler exploded in their house in the Navarra province this week. Two other children were also badly hurt in the blast which

was so big that the building itself sustained structural damage.

It is thought that the boiler may have been an old wood burning type and fire also spread after the explosion. It is believed that the woman was the aunt of the dead child.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Bullying gang dismantled

By Simon Russell

A gang of children, described as organised and hierarchical, has been carrying out a systematic regime of bullying in the Alicante town of Crevillente.

They had been picking on the most vulnerable children, such as those with few friends and limited family support, over a period of several months.

The gang of around ten children, both boys and girls aged between 13 and

15, has now been disbanded, say the local police. The matter came to the fore after staff at two secondary schools in the municipality told the police they believed there were an unusual amount of bullying incidents occurring.

Police investigated and found that pupils from both schools were members of the same gang whose “leaders� were a girl and two boys.

Due to the ages of the children criminal charges are unlikely to be pressed.

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Triple murderer caught

By Simon Russell

A man known as Igor the Russian who killed three people last week in Teruel, including two Guardia Civil officers, has finally been arrested.

The 41-year-olds real name is Norbert Feher and he is actually a Serbian national, although he has crossed Europe on various false names and nationalities.

Feher was wanted under the terms of an international arrest warrant for two further murders committed in Italy earlier this year.

Interpol believed he had fled to Spain and a major

operation had been underway to track him down. On 14 December he was intercepted by Guardia Officers but the he shot and killed both Victor Romero and Victor Caballero as well as killing farmer Jose Luis Iranzo. A massive manhunt began and Feher was finally captured last Sunday, asleep in the vehicle he had stolen from Mr Iranzo.

As well as the Italian and now the

Spanish murders the man is wanted in other European countries in connection with other

serious incidents. Early indications are that he will be extradited back to Italy to face trial there.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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A taste of Valencia in the east

A team of ambitious young Valencianos are celebrating the fifth anniversary of their Valencian themed restaurant – which is in China.

Proprietor Ana Cloquell and her husband Santiago opened the “Sabor de Azahar” along with two friends in the Cantonese city of Foshan. You may not have heard of Foshan but it has a population of 7.2 million – or more people than the ten largest cities in Spain combined.

Ana originally moved

to China to continue her work in ceramics but saw the gap in the market for western food and opened up the restaurant in 2012. She said that many westerners do not realise that middle class Chinese rarely eat in, due to long work hours and small residencies.

Street food is a huge part of the eating scene but restaurants are becoming increasingly popular. Asked

Train link back on track

THE new transport plans for the region have included the much talked about train linking Gandia to Denia, effectively joining up rail services between the Valencia and Alicante provinces.

The new plans replace those signed off seven years ago but all involved stress things are still at an early stage, something reflected in the vague deadlines for works of between now and 2025.

Oliva is one of the towns that has been

lobbying hardest for the train as the proposed station there will improve the towns links and reduce some of the pressure on the N-332 road bottleneck.

Mayor David Martinez said that the announcement was “fantastic news but we will all need to work had to ensure it goes ahead”. The weekend before the announcement there had been a major turnout in the town for an event in support of the new rail link.

what appealed about Valencian food to the oriental palette she said “Wine, Serrano ham and paella – so not that different from around here really!”

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

THE LAST JEDI A UK BOX OFFICE HIT At the start of the year, UK depending on whether you

cinema owners agreed that the biggest film of 2017 would likely be one released in the final weeks: Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The only question was: how big? Star Wars: The Force Awakens remains the biggest film of all time at the UK box office, overtaking Skyfall (£103m) with a stonking £123m. Could the sequel match up?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi went into 723 UK and Irish cinemas, the widest release for a film. Opening weekend is a very robust £20.3m, the biggest of 2017, overtaking Beauty and the Beast (£19.7m). Including Thursday, The Last Jedi’s number rose to a four-day £28m. In comparison, The Force Awakens debuted with £24.3m in three days and £34m in four days. The Last Jedi is running either 16% or 18% behind its predecessor,

compare the three-day or four-day numbers.

There had been speculation that The Last Jedi could end up even bigger than The Force Awakens, though this overlooks the fact that 2015’s The Force Awakens was the first new Star Wars film in 10 years, and fan appetite was huge. The Last Jedi is the third Star Wars film in the space of two years, following last year’s Rogue One. The Last Jedi’s £20.3m three-day opening number is the third-biggest of all time in the UK, behind The Force Awakens and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (£23.7m).

S p e c t r e delivered a threeday £20.0m, although a more generous preview strategy pushed its overall opening number to £41.3m.

Skyfall began with £20.2m and no previews.

Back In MIRACLE MARMITE

By Jack Troughton

LOVE it or hate it, Marmite is good for you and can help lower stress and anxiety levels thanks to a key ingredient, Vitamin B. A generous layer spread across toast provides the healthy boost according to doctors involved in a new study.

They discovered people who regularly eat a yeastbased spread (YBS), such as Marmite or Aussie favourite Vegemite showed lower stress and anxiety levels but it did not ease depression.

The study was carried out by Australian experts where the spreads are massively popular and a breakfast staple; helping put people in a better mood for those with a stressful job.

Brands such as Marmite which add B12 to the thick spread are even better at reducing anxiety and stress after the doctors monitored 520 adult volunteers over their diet, habits and mood symptoms.

The study was led by Kathleen Mikkelson at the Centre for Chronic Disease at Victoria University and the results published in the Journal for Functional Foods.

The research found the YBS was also a cheap and effective way to increase Vitamin B intake for those on a tight budget or vegetarians – and a deficiency in the essential vitamin is also associated with poor mental health.

The report stated the results “indicate that regular consumption of yeast-based spreads lowers anxiety and stress scores and those consuming YBS with added Vitamin B12 have further improvements in stress scores.

“There are numerous groups that could benefit from a cheap, easily accessible form of Vitamin B. “These include hospitalised patients with decreased appetites, children who are fussy eaters, vegetarians, vegans, elderly people, low income families and people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction who may be nutritionally depleted.”

Britain

LASER PEN HOOLIGANS FACE JAIL

By Jack Troughton

PEOPLE convicted of shining a laser pen at the operator of any vehicle could be behind bars for up to five years in a Department for Transport crackdown.

It has put forward tough new penalties for laser pen offenders – including unlimited fines – with growing fears shining a laser into the eyes of a driver, sailor or pilot could trigger “catastrophic incidents”.

Under current legislation, the maximum penalty for using a laser against a pilot is £2,500 – only aircraft were covered in existing legislation; but the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Bill expands the transport covered by law to include trains, buses, boats and hovercraft.

Prosecutors will no longer need to prove intent; just that a laser was used. It will be an offence to dazzle or distract a vehicle

operator, either deliberately or by not taking reasonable precautions.

In February last year, a New York flight was forced to turn back to Heathrow when a laser beam hit the cockpit after take-off causing “a medical issue” for one of the pilots.

And since 2011 there have been about 1,500 incidents involving aircraft each year – some 1,258 were reported in 2016, with attacks at Heathrow alone rising by a quarter year-on-year.

Police chiefs say shining a laser at an aircraft or moving vehicle is “deeply irresponsible and dangerous”; and the National Police Chief ’s Council lead on the problem, Commander Simon Bray said: “Laser attacks are a crime and serious consequences will follow from committing this offence.”

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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KAT SLATER RETURNS!

It’s official: Jessie Wallace will make her long-awaited return to EastEnders in the New Year... without Shane Richie’s Alfie Moon!

Just 24 hours after her comeback was rumoured in the press, the BBC is confirming that iconic character Kat Slater will reappear in Albert Square after nearly two years away next spring.

Her fate was left ambiguous in her recent spin-off drama series Redwater, which left off with Kat seemingly drowning in the Irish sea while husband Alfie flatlined on the operating table.

However, it will be revealed early next year that Kat somehow survived her ordeal when she turns up in Walford w i t h o u t Alfie or her children. Did Alfie really die in surgery after all?

While she will not have Alfie at her side, Kat won’t be returning alone

either. Coming along with her will be Big Mo (Laila Morse) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) for a storyline that puts the Slaters right back at the centre of EastEnders.

All of the Slater women are coming back to Albert Square with one goal in mind – to sort out Stacey (Lacey Turner) after her nightmare Christmas runin with Max! “I am thrilled to be returning to EastEnders next year and knowing what [producer] John Yorke has in store for the Slaters is incredibly exciting,” Jessie Wallace said today (December 20). “I love Kat and Walford dearly and I cannot wait to get started – watch out Walford, Kat’s coming home.”

T h e announcement of Laila Morse’s own return to EastEnders comes just two months after she publicly campaigned to reunite Big Mo with Kat Slater on-screen.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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Javea-Xabia Charity champion passes away

By Matthew Richards

A Javea resident who coordinated the blood donations in the town has died at the age of 82.

Mercedes Bisquert passed away last weekend after a six month illness and her funeral on Tuesday was a well-attended affair, with hymns from the Javea parish choir.

Alongside her work with blood donors, Mercedes was a volunteer with both the Red Cross and the Caritas charities as well as being a member of the local Housewives against Cancer Association. She was a widow who leaves behind two children and a number of grandchildren.

Market malaise

By Simon Russell

THERE are currently seven unoccupied positions in Javea’s indoor market, giving the space a slightly empty feel. However the other traders are surprised, saying that the stalls that are trading are doing very well,

especially on the run up to Christmas and the New Year. A tender was run last May to try and fill the slots, but there was limited interest. The traders association is planning to conduct a market study in early 2018 to see exactly what the public want from their market.

Helipad planned

By Simon Russell

AS part of the longer term plan to fight and prevent forest fires, Javea’s mayor has confirmed that the town will have a helipad built next year. Mayor Chulvi said that several locations had been considered but a site near the Trenc d’Alba College was eventually chosen.

Costs will be minimal as basically the town just needs to ensure that a space is cleared and kept clear for emergency landings when required and a minimum of services will be required.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Local lookout

All that Jazz

Advertising Feature For Advertising enquiries please email sales@theweekender.es

Botanico Wellness Center

HIFU lifting face&body sculpting

By Jack Troughton

TALENTED singer Ian Hunt takes to a Javea stage on Christmas Eve (Sunday 24th December) to spread some festive cheer with a selection box of songs from rock and pop to Rat Pack crooning.

Originally from Portsmouth, Ian has lived on the Costa Blanca for just six weeks, and hopes to be the Christmas star at Jazz Bar on Javea Port.

He told The Weekender: “I’ve been living in Javea Port now for seven weeks and it’s really starting to feel like home”.

Ian started singing at the age of 20.

“I was listening to some musicians in a bar, they were playing a song that I knew and I wasn’t that impressed, so having had a glass or two of Dutch courage, I asked if I could sing it with them.

“Some local guys heard me and asked me to join their band. I have now been singing for over thirty-five years with various bands and solo.”

And he said that having been on holiday to Javea and its surrounding area about six times in the last 12 years he decided it was where he wanted to live.

“Instead of kitchen fitting, which

Javea-Xabia HIFU body treatments are the latest in non-invasive technology to target specific focused areas of fat in the quickest way possible.

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I have done for the last thirty years, I decided to sell everything and pursue my first love of music and entertaining,” added Ian.

The new Ultrasound SMAS face lifting and body sculpting is perfect for the people who are not ready for a plastic surgery but would like to lift their face/neck/ body areas drastically and look younger.

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 22ND DEC 2017

Local lookout

Benidorm Big Beat for Benidorm

By SImon Russell

PIONEERS of electronic “big beat” dance music the Chemical Brothers are the first headline act to confirm their appearance at the 2018 Low Festival.

The Manchester duo were at the forefront of the important crossover musical genre and are a hugely experienced and popular festival band.

This year’s Low – dubbed The Big Low as it expects to be the biggest and best so far – will run from 27 to 29 July inclusive and tickets are already on sale from €57, although prices are set to rise after this weekend (23 December). Once again the venue is the Guillermo Amor sports stadium

and the festival expects to host 25,000 people each day. Low has become a major generator of income for the city, as people seek local accommodation as well as spend cash on food, drink and nightlife within Benidorm.

Helping good causes

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM Town Hall has approved grants totalling €59,000 to eight charitable organisations in the city. These are not for profit groups that provide social services such as therapy, rehabilitation and support.

They are ASOFIBEN, APAEX AFA Marina Baixa, AERBECO, ASIMBE, AFEM, Anemona, Incluyenes and the Amigos Association.

Mayor Toni Perez handed cheques over to representatives from each group in a special ceremony last week.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Local lookout

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Benidorm

World’s best boss?

THE owner and manager of a firm in Newcastle could be up for the “Boss of the Year award” after taking his staff on an all expenses paid holiday to Benidorm. Looking for an alternative to the office Christmas party, Dave Collins

from Local Ironwork took his staff of over thirty to the Costa Blanca’s busiest resort earlier this month. They stayed in the four star Hotel Castilla and enjoyed the 20 degrees plus weather with wall to wall sunshine, in contrast to the snow and cold they left behind in North East England.

Although this is an unusual event, Benidorm is very much pitching itself as a possible weekend break destination. A combination of cheap flights and accommodation with the weather plus cheap food and drink, mean more Brits are jetting over for Friday to Sunday or even just the one night.



By Simon Russell

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Local lookout

Getting their skates on

By Matthew Richards

THE construction of the new roller skating park next to the Palau d’Esports in Benidorm is set to begin shortly. The various tenders have been analysed and the best one decided upon and, if the successful company complies, the final documentation will be signed off very soon.

Sports Councillor Arturo Cabrillo said that this was a much needed facility because “more and more people

are practicing this sport in our city, as shown by the huge growth in people attending the local skating school and club”. The new park will cost just under €190,000 to complete.

Benidorm Search continues for museum funding

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM Town Hall is hoping for a grant from the EU’s heritage funds for the “castellum” archaeological site at Tossal. They are hoping to convert the site to a museum where the public can view the on-going excavations of the important site dating back to Roman occupation times. The cost has been estimated at €480,000, with grants being sought for €280,000.

The castlellum dates back to the 1st century BC and has been described as the important and best preserved such site along the Levantine coastline. As well as the museum, funds are needed

to continue with the excavations and re-create parts of the original structure where possible.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Local lookout

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Alfas, Albir & Altea

Winter walks Drink detector

By Matthew Richards

ALTEA’S Tourism Department is organising a series of free guided walks over the winter months, following on from the success of the summer tours. There have already been two December walks while the next one is scheduled for Sunday 14 January and will take in the Cami Real, led by

biologist Rebecca Velasco.

The following Sunday, 21 January, will go through the Altea la Vella with local guide Felipe Lozano.

On 11 February the route is the Algar River and on 25 February local historian Juanvi Marti will be leading a group through Altea’s Old Town. Contact the Tourist Office for more information on start times etc.

By Simon Russell

A new police vehicle in Altea has state of the art equipment for detecting drivers who have been drink driving or driving while under the influence of drugs. The new van comes just in time for the festive period when there are usually increased patrols to catch the hard core of people who still get behind the wheel when they are not in a fit state to do so.

Public Safety Councillor Vicent Ripoll said that the town will expect zero tolerance from their local police in this regard. As well as alcohol the equipment can detect six other prohibited substances and calculate when they were consumed and in what quantity.

FRIDAY 22 DEC 2017

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Property

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www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Holiday rental prices in Spanish ski resorts down 7% The 2017 skiing season starts with some good news for winter sports lovers. This year it’s cheaper to rent an apartment many Spanish ski resorts.

Adapted translation of an article published by Idealista.

According to data from Rentalia, the idealista group’s holiday let platform, the average price for holiday lets near

the main Spanish ski resorts is around €150 a night, 7.4% cheaper than last year.

“The main Spanish ski resorts open between the end of November and the first week of December,” says Almudena Ucha, managing director of Rentalia. “Many holidaymakers have been waiting for this moment for

months and they’ll be looking for accommodation near their favourite resort. Holiday lets are ideal for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy winter sports without spending too much on accommodation.”

So, how much does it cost to stay in one? The first thing to bear in mind is that holiday lets near most ski resorts are cheaper on average than last year. But not all of them – those near Sierra Nevada and Candanchú are more expensive.

Sierra Nevada is the most expensive on the list with an average price of €195 a night, up 10.2% in the year.

The next most expensive price is for accommodation near Baqueira Beret with an average price of €174 a night. And that includes a 23.3% drop on last year.

Grandvalira and Vallnor ski resorts in Andorra also cost above the average at €163 a night, 15.5% less than last year.

Slightly cheaper are holiday lets in Huesca ski resorts.

In Formigal, it costs €139 a night (down 9.1% in the year).

Those near Cerler cost €119 a night, 19.6% less than last year.

But the cheapest average price is definitely in holiday lets near Candanchú with an average price of €112 a night.

However, they’re the only ones along with those in Sierra Nevada to go up in price (8.7%).

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Business & Finance

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Jack talks Sponsored By

Tel: 671935072 See our Advert Page 7

By Jack Troughton

THUGS on the terraces at the Brexit football match will face the wrath of Prime Minister Theresa May after 11 Tory rebels received a tirade of abuse and even death threats.

The rebels backed an amendment enshrining the right of Parliament to have a ‘meaningful say’ on the final deal struck by Britain and the European Union before the UK goes it alone in March 2019.

Far from being a festive kick about between the trenches between ‘leavers’ and ‘remainers’; Conservatives who ignored the government whip found themselves the scapegoats of national newspaper front pages and receiving abusive messages via social media because of their stance on Brexit.

Condemning the situation, the PM said despite “strongly held views” on both sides of the commons debate there was no place for threats of violence and intimidation.

Mrs May went further; she said it was right opposing sides tackled Brexit with “passion and conviction”; adding: “There can never be a place for the threats of intimidation against some members that we have seen in recent days, our politics must be better than that.”

Speaker John Bercow – the ‘man in black’ as referee in the House of Commons – said MPs were public servants doing what they thought to be right and were “never mutineers, traitors, nor enemies of the people.”

Tory peers have written such threats were a result of the “toxic atmosphere” created over Brexit and “worrying symptoms”.

Anna Soubry and Nicky Morgan, two of the rebels, went to the police over the threats they received in the aftermath of the Commons vote.

Kenneth Clark, who has admitted receiving a death threat – and not his first – told Newsnight the amendment in no way undermined the government’s negotiating position but underlined Parliamentary sovereignty.

Ms Soubry handed a file of evidence to the Speaker, saying it showed a direct link between press headlines attacking her views on Brexit and the threats of violence she received.

“This is serious stuff” she said. “We have to call it out...I believe in the freedom of the press but everybody has a responsibility

IKEA NAILED OVER TAX

By Jack Troughton

not to incite abuse and death threats.”

Home Secretary Amber Rudd played fourth official. In a statement she said the “bullying and demeaning” actions of a small minority were a reminder there was a “dark, unpleasant underbelly of society.”

And Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott believes there should be “punitive fines” for social media companies failing to swiftly act on abusive material, including rape and death threats.

Theresa May has also said she will not be “derailed” over Brexit and the government was proving the doubters wrong as talks move on to trade and the future relationship with the EU. Reporting back on the summit with the EU, she said the agreement secured to move on was “an important step in delivering the smooth and orderly Brexit people voted for.”

She believes the UK could achieve a “bespoke” trade deal with the other 27 member states after Brexit despite the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier claiming this could not happen.

Mrs May said agreement across the Channel also allowed Britain to look forward to building “that new, deep and special partnership” with the remaining EU club members.

The EU has said the Brexit transition period following March 2019 – the UK calls it the ‘implementation phase’ – must end by 31st December 2002 and the start of a new seven-year budget cycle.

Britain has forecast a two-year to be negotiated to avoid a “cliff edge” on leaving.

However, Europe wants the UK to follow EU law and remain in the customs union and single market during this temporary period.

This is a red rag to a bull scenario for committed leavers. Tory Jacob Rees Mogg thinks it would be a ridiculous position to be in.

He said Britain would be a “vassal state” and subordinate to the EU. “The transition which the EU is offering means we’re still effectively in the European Union.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned the UK could not be a colony of the EU and closely mirror its laws in the long term. He insists the UK needs “something ambitious” allowing “zero tariffs and frictionless trade.”

been in accordance with EU rules. It is good if the investigation can bring FURNITURE giant Ikea faces an clarity and confirm that.” in-depth investigation over its tax The move is the latest crackdown structure amid fears it enjoys unfair by the EU competition authority on advantages over competitors. tax deals between the 28 member The European Commission has states and multi-nationals. announced it will launch a probe The Ikea inquiry will centre on into Dutch-based Inter Ikea, one two tax agreements between the of the Swedish multinational’s two Netherlands and Inter Ikea which it divisions, suspecting it may have alleges “have significantly reduced” been given unfair advantages over the firm’s taxable profits in the tax by the Netherlands.

Netherlands.

European Competition Netherlands-based Inter Ikea Commissioner Margrethe Vestager operates the franchise business of said all firms “big or small, Ikea. It collects royalties from other multinational or not, should pay their parts of Ikea and the EU believes fair share of tax”. pays little tax on the proceeds.

The investigation will examine The European Commission whether Ikea’s tax affairs breach says that in 2006, a Dutch tax EU rules on state aid; under EU law, ruling enabled Inter Ikea to pay a member states cannot give selective “significant” annual licence fee to tax benefits to multinational groups another Ikea unit in Luxembourg, that are not available to other firms. thereby shifting revenue to a “The Commission has concerns jurisdiction where it remained that two [Dutch] tax rulings may untaxed. have given Inter Ikea Systems an Then in 2011, when the unfair advantage compared to other Luxembourg tax scheme was deemed companies,” the illegal, Inter Ikea arranged a second EU said in a tax ruling with the Netherlands. statement.

This ruling focused on a loan deal And a with an Ikea unit in Liechtenstein, spokesman which enabled Inter Ikea to shift for Inter “a significant part of its franchise Ikea Group profits” to a low-tax jurisdiction. said the way What it does not like are tax deals it had been that are available for one type of taxed “has company, huge multi-nationals, but in our view not to everyone else.

The EU believes it is unfair that commercial giants do not compete on a level playing field with smaller companies and the EU has already examined the likes of Amazon, McDonalds and Apple; ordering various member states to collect a fortune in back The EU’s competition chief Margrethe Vestager tax.

By Jack Troughton

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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Business & Finance

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Two wheeled Santa’s

1,200 police accompanied AROUND l crowd of Santa Clauses drove the unusua through bikers. motorbikes ociation of the streets of Valencia The Ass Children last Sunday, a ride Parents of and the cer Can h which culminated in wit Donald Mc ald the delivery of toys to Ron encia Val hundreds of deprived House the e wer Foundation children. of ts There had been lucky recipien for s of toy some doubts about the sacks ny of the Ma s. kid the ad the event going ahe e to the due to potential traffic children cam to greet tre cen city chaos, but eventually of Papa de alca cav a route was agreed the and a number of Noels.

Ch ristia n ca ro ls

IN a long standing tradition children and adults will take to the streets of Callosa d’en Sarria on Christmas Eve to sing carols. “El Jesuset de les monges”, or the nuns of the baby Jesus parade, will start at 4pm outside the Iglesia Sant Joan Baptista and anyone is welcome to take part, either as a participant or spectator.

The carols are ones aimed specifically at the infant Jesus and an image of him will be paraded through the town. Fiestas Councillor Rosa Savall said that the songs themselves have been passed down through generations and some are unique to the town. At midnight in the same church there will also be the usual Christmas Mass held.

Christmas

‘TWAS the week before Christmas and Valencia was in no mood for settling down for a long winter’s nap as Spain’s third largest city got into the festive spirit.

Stores were packed with shoppers hunting for gifts, the bars, cafes, and restaurants rammed with people celebrating ahead of the big day.

Towns along the Costa Blanca have dusted off and hung up Christmas lights but Valencia was simply glowing with colour as light faded.

Opposite the town hall in Plaza de Ayuntamiento, ice skaters circled on the rink, youngsters enjoyed the merrygo-round, and a host of people took ‘selfies’ with one of the most brightly coloured and modern Christmas trees ever erected.

christmas ser northern co

24 Dec 2017 - 23:30 - Javea – Midnight Mass A traditional communion service to mark the beginning of Christmas, and to welcome the good news that it brings.

25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day worship On Christmas Day the Eucharist will be celebrated in all churches, at the usual Sunday service times -

s in the city

It was the season to be jolly and Valencia was a joy to be visiting ahead of the festivities on the home front.

rvices on the osta blanca Albir – 9.45am Javea – 9.45am Calpe – 10.30am Denia – 11.45 am El Campello – 12.00 Gandia – 12.00 La Fustera – 12.00

sw eet christmas

THIS Saturday (23 December) sees the first of the official festive events when a Sweets Contest is held on Benidorm’s Plaza de la Navidad by the Town Hall. Anyone can participate and the aim is to produce seasonal sweets and pastries, especially ones typical of the Valencian Community.

The event starts at 11am and runs until 7pm; the winning sweets will be announced at 10pm.

Further upcoming events include children’s performances, DJ’s and a gastronomic fair plus much more. Contact the town hall or tourist information for an up to date programme of events.

self-funding.

Church of England parishes in Spain are entirely ministry So, fundraising is essential to maintain the Church’s sick and the here, including funerals and pastoral care to the ches in bereaved - and the activities of the seven local chur US, World support of causes such as Caritas, Red Cross, EMA Vision and the Gandia Hospice.

for details). (see http://costablanca-anglicanchaplaincy.org/churches-and-services-3/

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Out & About

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

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Hitting a high note

A special present

By Jack Troughton

MEMBERS of the Ladies Luncheon Club of Moraira were on a mission this Christmas to ensure the youngsters at a Costa Blanca children’s home still enjoyed a festive treat.

For years, the big-hearted ladies have helped to ensure the eight children at El Vergel do not miss out on some seasonal fun – this year the former EMAUS home was taken over by Barcelona-based national charitable foundation Salud y Comunidad.

And while the rules have changed – food is no longer

THE Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir was in fine voice for Christmas carol concerts in Benitachell and Teulada helping spread some traditional joy.

The group’s ever popular Christmas Carol Concert in Benitachell filled every pew in the village church.

And on addition to a varied programme of festive songs from the choir, the audience was treated to songs by the ‘Acafellas’, an acapella group comprising three members of the choir, a beautiful duet of Pie Jesu from the choir’s musical director Claire Harkness-Post and her daughter Rosanna; and a duet from the Dolce Divas.

The audience joined the choir in singing a number of traditional carols and the evening was brought to a close with a rousing version of the Hallelujah Chorus – the atmosphere was summed up by one member of the public as “magnificent”.

The choir also took part in the Christmas Carol Service at Teulada church, organised by the Costa

Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy and Teulada and Moraira Town Hall.

A special night was conducted in both English and Spanish and choir members gave readings in both languages.

The choir is now taking a well-earned rest for Christmas but from 9th January will once again be rehearsing every Tuesday evening at 5:45pm in Bar Mediterráneo, Teulada – new faces are always welcome and information is available at www. costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com

By Jack Troughton

allowed as a donation – the club members were still making sure gifts were received.

President Yvonne Keir said she would deliver a €50 shopping voucher for each child and some more personal presents; continuing a tradition.

“At Christmas time we always look after them,” she said. “We are all grandparents here and our grandchildren are not in Spain so it is lovely to help these less fortunate children.

“I got a very nice response from one of the top people in Barcelona thanking us for our support.”

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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10 ways to keep your dog healthy and happy over Christmas

1. Dust off those walking boots Walks are good for a dog’s mental and physical health - he wants to explore his local environment and see who lives there as much as he wants to explore, chase and have fun with you. Plan some longer walks with other friends with dogs, because getting out in the countryside or park can be much more enjoyable than Christmas shopping.

2. Don’t give into to the pet novelty treats Feeding treats to your dog can be a part of a healthy daily routine, but you must limit these to a small number each day and ensure they suit your dog’s digestion and health requirements. Christmas treats can look very appealing but remember to restrict how many you give your dog each day as you would with normal dog treats.

3. A pet Christmas dinner only has to happen once a year If you like to give your dog a special meal for Christmas dinner, then remember to cut back on his breakfast and treats that day. Too large a meal can cause digestive problems, so if your dog really can’t miss Christmas dinner try adding small amounts of the special food to his normal dinner instead.

4. Measure your dog’s food for each meal Get your dog in good shape before Christmas starts by keeping an eye on how much you are feeding him.

Regularly measure his food using a measuring cup, or alternatively try the

tails.com Perfect Portion Scoop to ensure he gets the right amount of food each day.

5. Keep your vet’s number handy Christmas provides dogs with lots of temptation: foods they shouldn’t eat, presents they shouldn’t destroy and changes in their routine and environment which may cause extra stress. Find out what hours your vet is planning over the Christmas period to ensure there’s emergency cover if you need it.

6. Take a closer look at what you’re feeding your dog During your holiday break you may find you’ve got the time to have a look at what you are feeding your dog and make sure you are happy with the results. Good nutrition can go a long way to keeping your dog in optimum health and condition so the holidays are a perfect time to look into any niggling concerns or worries.

Of course a tails. com diet can take away t h e s e

concerns, providing tailored blends specifically for individual dogs to ensure the food they eat matches all their needs.

7. The bigger the present the better Christmas is definitely for dogs, but they don’t need huge extravagant presents, the more time and attention they get with you the happier they’ll be. Try different games, walks and trips out with your dog - you’ll both enjoy it.

8. Christmas trees are just trees with extras to dogs Don’t be surprised if your dog leaves you a “biological” gift under the Christmas tree. To your dog, this is the ultimate convenience, the outdoors brought inside. Try marking sprays and firm commands if this becomes a frequent problem. If you’ve got a climber, then hang tempting treats and baubles on harder to reach branches.

9. Forbidden Fruit Common poisonous human foods for dogs include garlic, onion, leeks, mushrooms, chocolate and raisins, but if you are in any doubt avoid feeding something new until you’ve had a chance to check whether it is suitable for your dog. For a more comprehensive list try www.thekennelclub.org.uk which has a list of common poisons in the house and garden.

10. Be prepared for the January Blues Just like you, your dog wants Christmas to last forever, the extra time and attention he’s had will make him want it to continue. Try easing back slowly if you’ve had a lot of extra playtime and plan some good weekend walks for January once you’re back at work.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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DOGS, CATS AND BABIES!

Recent studies indicate that contact with dogs and cats in the first year of life may be associated with a decreased risk of respiratory illness.

What do dogs or cats have to do with your baby’s risk of catching a cold? According to the latest research, they may help lower his or her risk of coughs and sniffles during the first year of life.

Researchers say that babies who grow up in homes with a pet (usually a dog or cat) are less likely to get sick than those from a pet free home.

One study in Finland followed 397 children, parents keeping weekly logs of their child’s health, noting things like coughs, colds, ear infections and the necessity for prescribed antibiotics.

The researchers found that babies who grew up in homes with pets were 44% less likely to develop an ear infection and 29% less likely to receive antibiotics, compared with pet-free babies.

Infants with dogs fared better than those with cats: Overall, babies who lived with a dog were 31% more likely to be healthy in their first year

than babies without a dog; infants from homes with cats were 6% more likely to be healthy than those in cat-free families.

It is thought that animal contacts are important, possibly leading to changes in immune system development and a better resistance to infectious respiratory diseases.

So, how do pets protect against these diseases?

It’s not entirely clear, but researchers think that exposure to pet microbes, as well as the microbes that pets carry into the home from outdoors, could prime baby’s still-developing immune systems and train them early

to fend off assaults from common allergens and bugs, such as from animals or other bacteria and viruses. In a nut shell, pet exposure helps mature the immune system.

This in turn leads to a more composed immunological response and shorter duration of infections.

This means that infants living in pet-friendly homes have less need for treatment with antibiotics which can only be good news!

Having a baby isn’t a reason to get yourself a cat or dog, but on the other side of the coin you need not worry about your baby ‘getting germs’ from your beloved pet!

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Refresh

Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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JALON VALLEY A.R.C Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A.

PLEASE HELP!

CIF No G54827597.

BLANCA – This little girl was wandering the streets of Jalon for weeks before she was caught. She is about 10 months old and has a sweet temperament. She has been spayed and is in good health. She will need a home with a secure garden.

MITZI – This beautiful German Shepherd cross is 20 months old and has been spayed, vaccinated, micro chipped and has a passport. She is a beautiful dog, lovely markings and temperament. She would make a great companion, she loves to play and go for walks and is good off the lead. She needs to be with a family who can give her the love and attention she deserves, but preferably not with other dogs.

NOBBY - This lovely ginger 16 week old kitten has a sweet nature and needs his own family. He has had his health checks and first vaccinations.

ARC also has many other dogs and cats needing homes.

NO ADOPTION FEE ALTHOUGH A DONATION IS APPRECIATED. Food and donations also urgently needed and can be left at ARC’s charity shop on Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between 10 am & 1.30 pm Monday to Saturday. Contact Tel No Sally:- 625 985 689 or Jayne:- 649 310 285. Email jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk Facebook – Jalon Valley A.R.C. In the Jalon Valley for the Valley. Jalon Charity Reg No. CV-01-054107-A. CIF No G54827597

HIDDEN DANGERS TO

EYE HEALTH

Good eye sight is crucial to everything we do, but there are many common factors which can adversely affect eye sight which we should be aware of and work to avoid. The experts from Specsavers Opticas offer this advice on keeping eyes healthy and eye sight good.

• Computer screen usage - Most of us spend hours every day reading and sitting in front of a screen and as a result our eyes become strained converging on one point. For anyone focused on screens for long periods of time, it’s essential that you take frequent breaks. Every 20 minutes, move away and focus your eyes on something that is at least 20 feet away.

• Genetics - family history of glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is damaged

due to raised fluid pressure inside the eye, but if detected it can be treated. If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over 40, or fall into another high risk category it’s important to have more frequent eye tests to ensure it is spotted early.

• Smoking - There is a significantly higher risk of eye disease in smokers due to the many toxic components.

Smoking can cause or worsen several eye disorders, in particular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which may lead to blindness.

Stopping smoking can halt or possibly even reverse damage to the eyes, depending on the severity and type of disease.

• Poor nutrition - Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit and nuts containing Vitamin A, Zinc and antioxidants, especially carotenoids may help slow down the effects of age related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

• Inadequate

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eye protection - Wear safety goggles when undertaking DIY, there are more than 20,000 eye accidents every year and some of these can result in blindness. You should also protect your eyes from the sun with the right sunglasses. When buying sunglasses, always look out for the CE kite mark and ensure that your sunglasses are marked UV400. Cheaper glasses not bearing these marks will not provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

To maintain the highest standard of vision and check the overall health of your eyes, it is recommend you book an eye test and visit the opticians at least every two years.

Specsavers Opticas’ opticians carry out thorough eye tests that provide professional, comprehensive checks of your eyes and vision. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes the use of specialist equipment to examine eye health and to determine the correct lens strength and type for you. If necessary the optician will refer you directly for further medical examination to an ophthalmologist.

To find your nearest Specsavers Opticas and book a free eye test visit www.specsavers.es

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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GARDENING ON THE COSTA BLANCA - Part 21

To keep in with the Christmas spirit, here’s a little gardening quiz for your idle moments. As this sort of quiz can take some time to sort out, the answers will not appear until next week. All of the answers are of a vegetative (!?) nature but no “scientific” names are involved.

24. Animals gauntlet 25. Rose on her best behaviour 26. What request did he make when he left her?

27. They used to put men in these 28. Part of the eye 29. For hanging a picture in the toilet 30. Scarlet?

7. What is aestivation?

1. Two girls together 2. Economical management 3. She had a proposal 4. A money factory 5. Several groups of sheep 6. Greeting to a girl 7. On a stylish tandem 8. Fatal nocturnal parasol 9. It dances in the breeze 10. A wise man 11. Not dancing 12. Prickly wine 13. Sad ringer 14. Is she shrinking?

15. Are these from Amsterdam?

16. Prince Charming 17. Father is at the Barbers 18. Old comic roars 19. Hope you don’t spring one of these 20. Household implement 21. Vehicle plus people 22. Blue in the garden, white in the kitchen 23. End of a watering can

Now for some questions based on previous articles in this series.

10. What is the major pest of Pelargoniums on the Costa Blanca called?

for more information.

9. What is the difference between Geraniums and Pelargoniums?

11. What number on the PH scale would indicate that a soil is neutral?

2. Name one other part of the world blessed with a mediterranean climate.

12. What are Tillandsias more commonly called?

3. When is the best time for planting on the Costas?

13. What is the leaf colour of a healthy orchid?

4. Which is better, daily watering or plentiful water applied at infrequent intervals?

14. What are “water shoots”?

6. Which very common garden shrub is poisonous in all its parts?

www.costablancagardeners.weebly.com

8. Which sweet-smelling bulbous plant will flower in the first year from seed?

1. Where was Britain’s first National Botanic Garden for 200 years established in 2000?

5. To which family do such locally common climbers as the “flame vine” and the “bower vine” belong?

All editions of “Gardening on the Costa Blanca” can be found at www.weekender.news/CBGC or visit

15. What plants are commonly called “Black Eyed Susan” in the UK and the USA?

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.

All the answers will be found in earlier articles which are available on The Weekender web site or in next week’s article.

Our attempts at a regular meeting date are sometimes interrupted by Fiestas etc Please contact Joan Birch on 697 320 169 for details.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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What’s ON TV Christmas Eve 24th BBC 1

10.05am - Film: Planes (2013) 11.30am - Film: The Santa Clause (1994) 1pm - Life in the Snow 2.45pm - Film: The Farmer’s Llamas 3.20pm -Film: Monsters University (2013) 5.10pm - Film: Home (2015) 8pm - Mary, Mel and Sue’s Big Christmas Thank You 9pm - EastEnders 9.30pm - Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show 10.35pm - Not Going Out 11.30pm - The Vicar of Dibley 12.45am - Midnight Mass

Jamies Italian Christmas, 2.10pm, Channel 4 Jamie Oliver draws inspiration from the snowy Alps of north Italy to help create his most delicious Christmas Day yet. In a cosy log cabin, accompanied by his mentor Gennaro Contaldo, the host cooks up an epic meal for the big day, taking turkey and trimmings and giving it extra sparkle with an Italian twist

Mary, Mel and Sue’s Big Christmas Thank You, 8.00pm, BBC One Mary Berry, Mel & Sue are back together to visit a community centre in the Rhondda Valley in Wales, with a very special Christmas party and a whole bunch of fabulous surprises.

ITV

10.55am - Film: Jack Frost (1998) 12.50pm - Catchphrase Christmas Special 1.55pm - Film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) 5pm - Cannonball Christmas Special 6.50pm - A Christmas Chase: Celebrity Special 7.40pm - All Star Musicals 11.45pm - A Night for the Emergency Services 12.45am- Christmas Carols

Channel 4

8.00am - Film: Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000) 10.40am - Christmas Brunch 1.40pm - Paul Hollyowood: A Baker’s Life 2.10pm - Jamie’s Italian Christmas 4.35pm - Film: The Borrowers (1997) 6.20pm - The Snowman 6.55pm - The Snowman and the Snowdog 7.30pm - Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) 9pm - Child Genius v Celebrity Christmas Special 10pm - Gogglebox 2017

Channel 5

10.20am - Film: Gone with the Wind (1939) 2.35pm - TV Film: Oklahoma! (1955) 5.15pm - Film: Scrooge (1951) 7pm - Film: Agatha Christie’s Crooked House (2017) 9pm - The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas 10pm - Andre Rieu: My Life in Music 11.20pm - Andre Rieu: Christmas in London

Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show, 9.30pm, BBC One Recorded at a packed Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End, McIntyre’s guests include Seal and comedy virtuoso Bill Bailey, as well as unmissable new stand-up material from the man himself.

A Christmas Chase - Celebrity Special ITV, 6.50pm Bradley Walsh presents a special festive episode in which celebrity contestants Patti Clare, Matt Richardson, Kirsty Wark and Jimmy Osmond pit their wits against ruthless quiz genius the Chaser in the hope of winning a potential prize pot worth thousands of pounds for charity.

33

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 All TV Listings are out-sourced. The Weekender and its partners cannot be held responsible for any mistakes listed here. All TV networks hold the right to change all times shown without prior warning. The Weekender hopes you find this guide useful over the Christmas period.

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V This Xmas!

Christmas Day 25th BBC 1

11:20pm - Top of the Pops 2:20pm - Toy Story 3 (2010) 4:00pm - The Queen 4:10pm - Cinderella (2015) 5:45pm - The Highway Rat 6:30pm - Doctor Who 7:30pm - Strictly Come Dancing 8:40pm - Call the Midwife 10:00pm -EastEnders 11:00pm - Mrs Brown’s Boys 11:35pm - French and Saunders 12:40am - On Christmas Night 12:45am - Have I Got a Bit More News for You 1:30am - Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire

ITV

10:25am - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 12:10am - Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007) 1:50pm - Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) 4:00pm - The Queen 5:10pm - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 6:50pm - Emmerdale 8:00pm - Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs 9:00pm - Coronation Street 10:00pm - Victoria 12:15am - The Holiday (2006)

Channel 4

12:05pm Dr Seuss’ The Lorax (2012) 1:45pm The Snowman 3:30pm The Alternative Christmas Message 3:35pm Scrooged (1988) 5:30pm Dumbo (1941) 6:50pm Home Alone (1990) 8:40pm The Great British Bake Off 10:00pm First Dates 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man

Channel 5

10:20am - Scrooge - A Christmas Carol (1951) 12:05pm - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) 2:05pm - Singin’ in the Rain (1952) 4:10pm - Oliver! (1968) 7:00pm - Elf: The Musical - Live Onstage 10:00pm- The Morecambe and Wise Story: Look Back

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

Santa Claus The Movie, 1.50pm, ITV An impulsive elf walks out on Father Christmas during the hectic preparations for the festive season, and heads for New York determined to make a name for himself. However, he falls into the clutches of an evil toy manufacturer, who has a devilish money-making plan up his sleeve. Family fantasy adventure, starring Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, David Huddleston, Burgess Meredith and Judy Cornwell

Doctor Who Christmas Special, 6.30pm, BBC One Roll up, roll up to see Peter

Capaldi in the Tardis for the final time, before he turns into... Jodie Whittaker!

It turns out the Doctor must face his past to decide his future so the Christmas special sees him teaming up with the first Doctor (William Hartnell), played by David Bradley.

However the pair get stranded in an Arctic snowscape, refusing to face regeneration.

The Great Christmas Bake Off, 8.40pm, Channel 4 Noel, Fielding, Sandi Toksvig, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood return to the tent for a traditional Christmas get-together and welcome back eight former contestants to compete once more. They face three festive challenges as they compete to impress judges Paul and Prue in the signature, technical and showstopper rounds and carry off the coveted title of Christmas Star Baker

Eastenders, 10pm, BBC One As Christmas Day dawns in Albert Square, Max believes he is finally making progress with Abi when she joins him for the celebrations. But with Stacey’s phone having been returned to her - complete with all Jane’s incriminating voicemails it is only a matter of time before the full truth emerges and Max’s downfall is complete.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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What’s ON TV Boxing Day 26th BBC 1

10am - Tinker Bell & the Legend of Neverbeast (2014) 11.10am - Film: Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014) 12.25pm - Mary, Mel & Sue’s Big Christmas Thank You 3.10pm - Film - Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) 4.45pm - Film: Mary Poppins (1964) 7.30pm - Snow Bears 8.30pm- EastEnders 9pm - Little Women

ITV

10.25am - Film: Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986) 12.25pm - Cats and Dogs: The revenge of Kitty Galore 4.30pm - Film: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) 7.40pm - Film: Jurassic World (2015) 11.15pm - Birds of a Feather 12.15am - The Keith and Paddy Picture Show 12.45am - Al Murray’s Make Christmas Great Again

LITTLE WOMEN, 9pm, BBC One Call the Midwife writer Heidi Thomas has penned a new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved Little Women.

Set against the backdrop of a divided America, the story from 1868 follows the four March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy on their journey into adulthood while their father is away at war.

The Strictly Story: Fake Tan, Tangos & a 10 from Len, 8.00pm, Channel 5 The tale behind the popular celebrity dance contest, featuring contributions from popular past contestants as well as the show’s judges and professional dancers and celebrity fans.

The programme takes a look back at Come Dancing, the long-running TV show that inspired it, and Bruce Forsyth’s tenure as the original Strictly lead host

Channel 4

1.10pm - Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squekquel 3pm - Child Genius v Celebrity 4.05pm - The Great Christmas Bake Off 5.20pm - Film: The Little Mermaid (1989) 7pm - Film: Back to the Future (1985) 10pm - The Big Fat Quiz of 2017 12.10am - Film: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Channel 5

11:00am - Film Titanic (1953) 12:50am - Film Chariots of Fire (1981) 3:10pm - Balmoral: A Hidden History 5:10pm - Sandringham: The Queen At Christmas 6:15pm - Film A Royal Night Out (2015) 8:00pm - The Strictly Story: Fake Tan, Tangos & a 10 from Len 9:30pm - Dirty Dancing: Making Movie Magic 11:00pm - Film Dirty Dancing (1987)

The Big Fat Quiz of 2017, 10pm Channel 4 Jimmy Carr hosts a comedy quiz looking back at the past 12 months, with panellists Richard Ayoade, Noel Fielding, David Mitchell, Big Narstie, Roisin Conaty and Katherine Ryan being put to the test on subjects ranging from Theresa May’s ill-fated conference speech to Taylor Swift’s unlikely musical collaborations.

Special guests including Charles Dance and Jon Snow are on hand to set the questions

Check Out All The Sport Page Including Boxing Day Fixtures 47

35

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 All TV Listings are out-sourced. The Weekender and its partners cannot be held responsible for any mistakes listed here. All TV networks hold the right to change all times shown without prior warning. The Weekender hopes you find this guide useful over the Christmas period.

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Xmas!

New Years Eve

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

GRANDPA’S GREAT ESCAPE 7.55pm, New Year’s Day, BBC One

Grandpa’s Great Escape tells the tale of Second World War flying ace and Alzheimer’s sufferer Grandpa (Tom Courtenay), who is moved into an old people’s home when his family struggle to look after him.

It soon becomes clear that Miss Dandy (Jennifer Saunders), who runs Twilight Towers, is up to something bad so Grandpa stages an audacious escape in his beloved Spitfire, helped by grandson Jack.

Author David Walliams turns up as Jack’s dad.

Alan Carr’s New Year Spectacular, Channel 4, 10pm Chat show host Alan Carr will prepare for 2017 with a number of celebrities and musical performances by Professor Green and the Teiks.

Guests include EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, comedian Keith Lemon, Olympian Greg Rutherford, presenter Laura Whitmore, Sinitta, actor Will Mellor and Gemma Collins.

Robbie Rocks Big Ben Live, BBC One, 12.25am

to midnight, then 12.15am to 12.40am

Robbie Williams will perform live at Central Hall in Westminster in the build-up to Big Ben striking midnight to see in 2017.

After the fireworks, the live concert will continue with his greatest hits and tracks from his new album the Heavy Entertainment Show.

Williams says: “I can’t wait to party with London and the rest of the UK on New Year’s Eve... Let’s start 2017 off with a bang!”

Peter Pan Goes Wrong, BBC One, 7.20pm

Selection of films this New Year’s Eve Muppet Treasure Island - Channel 4, 3.45pm Beethoven’s 2nd - Channel 4, 3.45pm The Eagle Has Landed - BBC Two, 4.20pm What Women Want - BBC Two, 7pm Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, ITV, 10pm Swiss Family Robinson - Channel 4, 7.35am

The Mischief Theatre brings the West End slapstick comedy Peter Pan Goes Wrong to the TV screen this New Year’s Eve. Their fictional counterparts, an amateur dramatics group, face technical hitches and flying mishaps as they put on Peter Pan for the cameras.

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 One for the pot? (3,3) 4 Vestiges (6) 8 Dance of Cuban origin (5) 9 Thin glossy silk fabric (7) 10 Around-the-clock (7) 11 Follow as a result (5) 12 Spoken to (9) 17 Racecourse near Windsor (5) 19 Synthetic material (7) 21 Principally (7) 22 Entire (5) 23 Almost (6) 24 Method (6)

Down 1 Seat of power (6) 2 Pungent gas (7) 3 Towards the stern of a ship (5) 5 Roof beams (7) 6 Game played on a checkered board (5) 7 Looks fixedly (6) 9 Irish county (9) 13 Obedient (7) 14 Apportion (4,3) 15 High-kicking dance (6) 16 Loud piercing cry (6) 18 Land formerly known as Cathay (5) 20 Boisterous (5)

For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 40

Sudoku

Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Ptrepared to caress philosopher (8) 5 Unexciting apartment (4) 8 Plant gardener’s first rambling rose (5) 9 It may be checked for drink and meat around midnight (7) 11 Substitute for bear at home (5,2) 12 Virgil’s first language: poetry (5) 13 They accept skater in trouble (6) 15 Smoker may need this to get off the bus (6) 18 Burst forth in another upturn (5) 20 Migrating heron is not far from the coast (7) 23 A child of three? (7) 24 Amusing American chap, we hear, serving mushrooms (5) 25 Direction taken in a Chelsea street (4) 26 Unothodox doctrine, with payment deferred (2,6)

Medium

Down

1 Wise men taking a long time on Sunday (5) 2 Fish seen by boat that may be multi-storey? (3,4) 3 Change people in commercial (5) 4 Gradually moving border (6) 6 A composer from Newcastle hardly ever seen (5) 7 Try to shield English member in violent storm (7) 10 A work of fiction by a Pole about love (5) 13 The fixed rate for a place of entertainment (7) 14 Judge with large honey badger (5) 16 Dog near ruins sounded unhappy (7) 17 Droop on carpet (6) 19 Tunis resort for singles? (5) 21 It’s right under the settee - until now (2,3) 22 Order cited in new order (5)

Hard

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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Royal Variety Performance

slated by viewers LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Personal issues show the extent Pleasurable endeavours take to which you have your work an upward swing today. You’re cut out. This can be quite a amazed and confused as to reactive sort of day but you where all this energy is coming should still make progress and from, but does it matter? Enjoy enjoy yourself if you approach life to the full. New and better ARIES LIBRA matters in the right way. Stop possibilities at work come via someone’s bad luck, but you cant blame and think before you make major decisions and avoid cluttering your life with pointless yourself for that. items.

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)

All sorts of communication are You’ll be expected to make on offer today. You may be on some fairly heavy compromises the phone a lot, or you’ll be today and that wont be easy. busy with the laptop or mobile.

The thing is, you can be very Chances are you’re using every stubborn especially when TAURUS there’s cherished values at SCORPIO possible means to keep in touch with others, especially stake. Before digging your heels in though its worth analysing how important if they’re far away. Conforming to physical expectations will be tricky as you’re more in a your pride really is. thoughtful mood.

One to one relationships bring It’s a good day for dealing with you the most pleasure today family issues of any sort and at so enjoy it while it lasts. Don’t last you’re ready for everything work too hard, even though the festive season will bring. If you might be trying hard to you’ve been outspoken about get as much done as you can anything in the past, you can SAGITTARIUS GEMINI before the Christmas holidays now put matters right once and for all, so do it. You’re wiling to join the fun and kick in. What’s not addressed now will have to wait as its time to relax. that’s good.

See today as a high point this The lunar low continues to month as its when you’ll turn make you feel listless and your attention towards the lacking in any overall strategy. plans you’ve wanted to put For this reason the Christmas into action for some time. Your tree could lose some of its CANCER needles, the decoration will fall CAPRICORN energy is high and good luck will wash over your efforts, on your head, the children will make demands for expensive presents you but you need to act now in order to reap the maximum benefits in the days and weeks to cant afford. Sit back and laugh. come.

Although it feels like an It’s a good day for getting expansive day and you’re about socially and for finding excited about that, be careful new ways to enjoy yourself. It as it may turn out to be an could be that you’re already expensive day unless you have in the middle of festive social your wits about you. Don’t occasions or even spicing up LEO AQUARIUS make rash purchases in store the romantic side of your life. or online as there’s scams about at this time of Whatever your choice, life finds ways and year, so don’t get caught out. means to accommodate you.

Venus is now in your twelfth Money property and house which causes you to possessions play an important reassess the effect you have on part in your thinking this month. others around you. It’s likely to You can see new opportunities be a generally positive process clearly its almost as if they were underlined, and you cant PISCES but you’re inclined to doubt VIRGO yourself on occasion and this understand why everyone isn’t as dynamic or go getting as you. Make tendency does show. Stay positive about any issues that arise today. allowances for a friend with real problems.

The Royal Variety Performance is a quintessential British tradition, like rain, cups of tea and putting jam on your scone before the cream.

Despite its standing in UK culture, and the attendance of actual royalty – this year’s offering appeared to miss the mark with a lot of viewers, who were left suitably unimpressed.

The show, hosted by Miranda Hart, featured everything from performances from the cast of Annie, stand-up comedy, acrobatics from Cirque du Soleil and even a Benidorm skit, so pretty much something for everyone, really.

Despite the breadth, or even

variety, of the talent on offer, those watching the performance on TV on wednesday (December 19) spent a lot of time, well, wishing they weren’t.

Some viewers called out Miranda for her “unfunny” presenting, while others denounced the show as “cringeworthy”.

It’s not all bad news for the acts involved in the Royal Variety extravaganza, though, because there were plenty out there who really enjoyed the show, thank you very much.

Getting the Duke of Cambridge to showcase his best galloping impression does wonders for your approval ratings, it seems.

Playing a couple of pop bangers seems to help, too.

GRUPO

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Motoring

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Streets of shame

By Matthew Richards

Puzzle Solutions

THE opposition party in Alicante have denounced the state of the roads across the city this week. Councillor Juan Escudero from Ciudadanos has taken photos of some of the worst affected areas which range from busy main roads to industrial estates. He said that the streets are approaching a state of “absolute dereliction…that gives a pathetic image of Alicante.”

The party say that the contract for on-going road repair expired a year ago and has yet to be renewed. This means that there is no mechanism in place to ensure running repairs are carried out.

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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La Vila rugby - another fruitless visit to Madrid

By Tony Fox

Beaten 42-0 by El Salvador, second placed in the league, were outplayed by a strong defence and a fast brute strength attack who managed to brush aside La Vila’s attempt to stall the flow of points. They can however take heart because although trailing 28-0 in the first half they only allowed 2 converted tries in the second . The first came when they lost a scrum (their foot in) just short of their try line.

The second came from an interception when attacking well inside the home side’s half allowing the El Salvador player to run the full length of the pitch and plant the ball between the posts. The La Vila coach has time to look at his game structure during this two week break in matches. Their long passing game, which by nature has to have a backward momentum, while attractive to watch is open to handling errors and expensive interceptions. This tactic served them well in the past but against

much better opposition is failing. They now have the inclusion of Fortunate Chipendu the giant Zimbabwe International who could well spearhead a forward momentum attack.

Making his debut, and despite looking a little ‘ring rusty’ when given the ball, he showed some class. The match, overall played in good spirit, was marred in the second half by a ‘punch up’ resulting in three red cards and one yellow. The referee must be commended on his management of what could have turned very nasty.

Bristol FC to face Man City in semi finals Bristol City fans invade the pitch after the final whistle.

Continued from Back Page Bristol, who already had three Premier League scalps in the League Cup this season, shocked United in the 51st minute when Joe Bryan sent a left-foot shot arrowing into the top corner past the despairing dive of Sergio Romero. But they were ahead for only a few minutes before Ibrahimovic pulled United level after a softish-looking free-kick awarded for a foul on Pogba in a central position.

Mourinho threw on even more attackers as he pushed for victory, with Romelu Lukaku replacing Daley

Blind while Henrikh Mkhitaryan came on for Ibrahimivoc.

But despite pressure from the away side, Bristol held their nerve, taking advantage of some sloppy defensive play from United to score deep into added time through Korey Smith.

Bristol will now face Premier League leaders Man City in the semifinals at the Etihad, with Chelsea hosting Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Both first legs will take place the week commencing 8 January, with return legs taking place a fortnight later the week of 22 January.

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

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Benitachell Bowls End of Year Report The BBC Lions are currently at the top in both the Northern and Challenger Leagues going into the New Year. Captain David Roberts said “The standard of bowling and commitment of his players has ensured that we are on track to retain the Championship for another year and wishes all bowlers on the Costa’s Season Greetings and a healthy New Year

Photo title, “A Pride of Lions”, Last years Lions with the rest of the pride and League Cup.

Quiz night

Once again Jack Chamberlain set a very varied and fun quiz night at the bowls club. 8 tables of 6 partiipated, and only 1 point seperated the first 2 teams. We shall look forward to the next one Jack!

T.M.G.S. Christmas Competition at La Marquesa As the festive season approaches 40 members and guests played our annual Christmas Texas scramble at La Marquesa this was followed by an excellent Christmas Dinner in the clubhouse restaurant. As in recent years special occasions are paid for from Society funds and this more than value for money meal was no exception.

Most members wanted to show their Christmas spirt and dressed accordingly, bright red could be seen on all parts of the course except for one person, Karin Alm who kindly showed the rest of us how in centuries gone by just how Christmas was celebrated in Sweden she was dressed as follows. In Sweden, Christmas begins with Saint Lucia ceremony on 13th of December.

Lucia was a Christian virgin who sacrificed herself for her devout faith in Christianity in the 4th century at Syracuse.

The ceremony is held in her

honour and is quite recent and is often associated with the traditional thanksgiving for the return of the sun.

On this day, the youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe with a red sash before dawn and wears a crown of evergreens with tall-lighted candles attached to it. Just a short history lesson, thank you Karin!

Again the golf course was in good

condition although a few fairways could be seen to be turning beige with the recent cold weather but playing great as usual. Results: N.T.P.’s hole 5 Ole Rong, hole 11 Bill Gillies, hole 15 Norbert Spaniol, hole 17 Sandra Twentyman. 3rd place team: N. Spaniol/L. Holmberg/L. Jernberg/K. Persson 63.3 2nd place team: J. Imrie/R. Rea/O. Haubner/C. Oatley 62.2 winning team: T. Roed/O.

Rong/K. Aasebo/R. Nilsen 60.9 to see our members enjoying their Christmas meal.

Follow us on Facebook at TMGGOLF or visit our website www. tmgs.org. or for further information call Joe on 661 524 101

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Wembley wears poppies Lewis Hamilton Secures Ryan Giggs not interested 4th World Title in Swansea job >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

PLAYERS running out However, there was a re- tin Glenn called it “a show of tonight (Friday) at Wembley think this year and last month solidarity and unity”; all four for the England and Germa- the rulebook was changed. home nations said they would ny friendly will wear black The home nations were given ask for permission to wear armbands bearing the iconic permission to wear the pop- poppies during internationals poppy symbol ahead of heReopposing and Dutch stagedstar during Lewis Hamilton says planspy to ifgothe Red Bull’steams 20-year-old MaxNovember. inspiration to keep pushing Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has organiser weakened the Swansea squad. membrance Day. the competition And DFB president Reinout at the tophimself but is not “do thefor the Same with wins, same Verstappen winnerknow, on Sunday -- in it.the ruled out about of the to running vacant -- the “I don’t I’m not club, agreed. hard Grindel underlined thebut A year ago all the couneasy thing” like former Mercedes team leading a new generation. with championships.” job at Premier League strugglers the years (it has been) a not really Tonight’s tribute obviously is double about over poppy armbands were tries ofmanager’s the home nations mate Nico Rosberg who quit days after McLaren’s title-holder Fer-the right Hamilton, Swansea City following the dismissal of Paul well-run club, (who) play way andwho is ex“politicalbe in propaganda”.

He –winning England, Scotland, WalesOne the remembrance of members last year’s Formula world nando Alonso will also potentially a pected to agree Clement. established Premier League team,” said a contract said: “They’re about rememand Northern Ireland – were of the armed forces are andancar. the championship. extension soon, said the more competitive With the Swans looking for a third boss in Giggs. fined by FIFA after internasacrifice they made, said the bering the kind of values that Hamilton clinched his fourth title in “It’s kind of cool to be in this battle fact that Vettel less than 12 months, Giggs had been talked “But it’s tough now, you see the teams down had signed Football Association (FA) who werenow kicked to ground in tional football’s governing Mexicoabout with two races to spare on Sunthree with him,” the Briton, has year. a thefor in relation with the role along with there.

It gets tougher each They lost more good years with and German Football Associtwo World Wars but are cherbody flagged they were offday, becoming most successful British recordvan 72 pole positions andthey? the second Ferrari, keeping him there Ronald the Koeman, Tony Pulis and Louis players, didn’t They lost Sigurdsson, ished by football: respect, side forofdisplaying a he political ation (DFB). driver all time, but reassured reportmost wins (62) after Michael Schumacher until 2020, was also a Gaal. they lost Llorente, and probably never replaced symbol.

FA chief executive Mar-arch-rival tolerance, and humanity.” ers that he Giggs was farwas fromasked done. if he was source of motivation.

(91), said of his new Vettel. interested in them. That’s always a problem.”

“Four is a great number.

But linked I want with before “He got 50 poles yesterday (Saturday) “I’m like:‘Ferrari are managing a club he was Giggs, 44, served as caretaker manager numberBob fiveBradley now,” declared the 32-yearnot going to like me for the make it as hard as it can possibly be for and I’m like ‘Hmm, I don’t want to give was appointed in October 2016. at Manchester United in 2014 following the old, who also races with the number 44 him any more poles because he gets closnext couple of years’,” he said. them to win championships. I really am “No. I’ve spoken to them before, last time sacking of David Moyes and was assistant on his car. er to me’.

So I’ve got to keep on, act as “But it’s OK because we are going to looking forward to that battle with them.” before they appointed Bob Bradley,” Giggs manager under Van Gaal. ”I want to go out at the top ...

I could told Sky Sports.

But despite being linked with a number of do the easyGiggs thing, said like obviously did, Sigurdsson jobs, he has not managed to find a role since the sales Nico of Gylfi which and is justFernando stop and Llorente retreat with in these the summer had leaving United in 2016. four titles. But I think there’s more in me.

Rafael Nadal “I think there’s more to come, more of This year’s Grand expects to be fit a challenge. There’sfor harder times ahead Group A Group E Slam will be held from the ATP Finals but and I like that, I love that. That’s challengMichael van Gerwen (1) Peter Wright (2) November 11-19 and will will see ithow hisbeknee Rob Cross Alan Norris ing and would so boring without it.”

Mauricio says But Pochettino says such dipsfeature in Joe Murnan Corey Cadby a record prize fund reacts to practice Pochettino Rosberg announced last December, Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli needs form are only natural for a 21-yearRoss Montgomery Glen Durrant of £450,000, with 24 PDC sessions before days after securing his first title, that he help and trust in order to rediscover old. ”His success in two and a players joined by eight BDO deciding whether was retiring after a he career spent battling Group B Group F his in best form. half years is massive, a fantastic representatives. can play London.

Hamilton.

Raymond van Barneveld (8) Dave Chisnall (7) Alli has struggled for consistency achievement,” said the Tottenham The 32 players are initially The 16-time The German, a family man, made Gerwyn Price Stephen Bunting this season and was fortunate not to manager. split into grand slam Jeffrey de Zwaan clear he hadchampion been drained by the 2016 clasheight at thegroups, Obolonwith Arena. Steve Lennon Joe Gomez, Ruben Loftusbe off for challenge on Kevin “It’s not that he isn’t doing good - top two players from each Scott Mitchell the pulled outsent of the campaign and wasParis nothis prepared to expend The goalkeepers for Jamie the Hughes Cheek and Tammy Abraham have Deahead Bruyneofof during Spurs’ loss at the problem in theSouthgate’s past he was grouptrip (following the roundMasters his the same amount physical and4-1 mental are Norwich City’s Angus been namedisinthat Gareth Group C Group G amazing. robin Dunn, phase) progressing to quarter-final against energyManchester to defend aCity title last thatweekend. had been so England senior squad for the first Shrewsbury’s loanee Phil Taylor (5) Mensur Suljovic (6) the knockout stages.

Filip last I am able to be 100 per cent to hard toKrajinovic win. time. from Manchester United James Dean Wade Michael Smith seed Van week due to who injury, his intercompete. The Hamilton, is putting developing Henderson, andGerwen, Newcastle United respective Liverpool, Top Robbie Green James Wilson who ‘keeper has claimed title participation thesport O2 Arena in film “If nothing ests outside ofat the in music, Freddiethe Woodman.

Crystal happens, Palace then and I Swansea Peter Machin Mark McGeeney consecutively in 2015 and doubt. will play.

I visited my doctors and fashion,he saidFA he will too had considered The defenders selected are players, the latter two both on loan take no formal United boss then had a carton of CRISTIANO Ronaldo Group has crowned individual level. Group H 2016,Liverpool will begin his quest World of number one was Nadal after the from Paris Masters – were it wasnot a a change scene but that still some Trent Dafter Chelsea,towards action against Manchester United milk thrown him named from himself the right-back “best player in Daryl history” enough to continue Gurney (4) “I still feel strong Gary Anderson (3) for a hat-trick of Grand Slam said there the areroad. no guarantees he tough day me Boothroyd’s having to pull way down in for Aidy squad Alexander-Arnold, Leicester leftor Manchester City following a inside the dressing roomU21 which hit scoring the winner for Real Madrid in my trajectory as Simon a player and to win Darren Webster Whitlock titles back in Group A Chilwell, alongside Everton’s will“Ifeature in the to season-ending out Pulling out of any willtunnel continue race while I love it, of Paris. to face instaf. a European the Ben Club World Cup final. Mark Webster trophies, which isBerry what Ivan like Peer most.” altercation in the aftermath one of hisUkraine backroom Rob Cross, Murnan and event, but is hopeful he than canever,” tournament in the world is tough, I’ve enjoyed it this year more Jonjoe Joe Kenny, Tottenham’s Kyle Qualifier.

Noppert Cameron Menzies The 32-year-old Danny Portugal Victory meant a record-equalling of the derby on December 10.

Both clubs were subsequently Ross Walker-Peters, Montgomery. will behomeloanee attempt of Parisconfirmed he said. to win the tournament but pulling out Theof the FAcitylater Hull’s impressive Keiran Dowell, Villa’s international curled a free-kick third Club World Cup forAston Real Madrid, The incident occurred following asked for their observations of joinedfrom in to Group A by fellow for the first time. is especially me. the trio had ”I do think about how it would be so Chelsea Fikayo Tomori, on tough Twitterfor that loanee from Tottenham Josh Onomah beat Brazilian aide Gremio 1-0 in the who last won the silverware in 2014, to City’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford what enfolded by the FA, which European Championship Rob Real runner-up James Wade, PDC qualifier “Hopefully thejust knee is good,” how it is.

I went nice at some stage to live in one place, “That’s Nottingham Forest’s received their firstback senior calland Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitlandmatch in Abu Dhabifinalist andJoseph helping equal rivals Barcelona’s achievement. when Jose Mourinho was irked by has now decided against enforcing Cross,Worrall Bolton’s Joe Murnan and BDO Robbie Green and World Trophy winner the told Sky Sports. home and the doctors to a lottop moreseed socializing, walking your dogs upsvisited instead.

Boothroyd has and Middlesbrough’s Niles. become the first team to lift back-toThe Madrid club has won five the loud music and celebrations any punishment. stalwart Ross Montgomery.

Peter Machin.

“I’ve done I’ve do some drafted treatment.

I expect Jake the Clarkeevery day or surfieverything ng.

Dael Fry, as well as Clarke-Salter in Chelsea’s Up-front he will select from Everton back trophies. trophies in 2017: the Champions from open dressing room as statement the FA champion Phil player Taylorwon willa fifth World Champion Gary needed do I’m inCity’s order to get ready toA work and be from ready “Buttothen thinking, there’s a lot treatment of and Tuanzebe.

Salter, Manchester United’s Axel Six-time duo Two-time Ademola Lookman Dominic CalvertThe free-scoring League, La Liga, Uefa Super Cup, the he made his way to his post-match said: “Following a review of the be appearing in this tournament for the Anderson lines up in Group H alongside for for here.Tuanzebe I know I’m lifeLondon. to live beyond 40. There’s a lot to go.”

InBallon midfield, Boothroyd will and confident Norwich’s James Lewin, Leicester’s Demarai Gray, d’Or earlier this month and Spanish Super Cup and now, the Club press conference. provided by the clubs final time ahead of his himself retirement the New World Prix finalist Simon ”Now it’s the moment to four wait times because evidence I’m having a great Next season will see two choose from Bournemouth’s Maddison in their steads and all YorkGrand City Itplayer Jack Harrison, also handed the atbest...ever.

World Cup. takes manager Zinedine An altercation followed when and independent eyewitnesses end of the year, and ‘The Power’ has been Whitlock and debutant duo Berry van and practice at the O2 over the season with one event to go.

I am world champions, Hamilton and Ferrari’s three will travel with the team to Lewis Tom Liverpool’s Solanke “The Cook, numbers Everton’s speak for themselves.

I Zindane’s Dominic total to eight since and the he made his feelings known to The FA will be taking no formal drawn in Group C alongside two-time Peer and Cameron Menzies. next couple of days.

Let’s see if here to try my best.”

Sebastian Vettel, dueling on track with Kiev on Thursday ahead of the Davies, Nottingham Forests’s am very happy; I remain motivated Maddison. to Frenchman was appointed in January City goalkeeper Ederson and the action.” keep winning things at a collective and 2016.

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THURSDAY 8TH DEC 2017

45

Sport

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Xmas sport Friday 22nd December

13:30 Arsenal v Liverpool EPL 21.30 Espanyol v Athletico Madrid La Liga

Saturday 23rd December

13:00 Real Madrid v Barcelona La Liga 13:30 Everton v Chelsea EPL 16:00 Brighton v Watford EPL 16:00 Man City v Bournemouth EPL 16:00 Southampton v Huddersfield EPL 16:00 Stoke City v West Brom EPL 16:00 West Ham v Newcastle EPL 16:00 Swansea v Crystal Palace EPL 16.15 Valencia v Villareal La Liga 18:30 Burnley FC v Tottenham EPL 20:45 Leicester City v Man Utd EPL

Tuesday 26th December 13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 18:30 20:45 21:00

Tottenham v Southampton EPL Watford v Leicester City EPL West Brom v Everton EPL Chelsea v Brighton EPL Bournemouth v West Ham EPL Man Utd v Burnley FC EPL Huddersfield v Stoke City EPL Liverpool v Swansea EPL Newcastle v Man City EPL Crystal Palace v Arsenal EPL

Wednesday 27th December 20:45 Newcastle v Man City EPL

Thursday 28th December 21:00 Crystal Palace Arsenal EPL

On UK TV Friday 22 December

8:45pm - Arsenal vs Liverpool, EPL - Sky Sports

Saturday 23 December 13:00pm - Real Madrid vs Barcelona, La Liga EL CLASSICO - Sky Sports 13:30pm - Everton vs Chelsea, EPL - Sky Sports 6:30pm - Burnley vs Spurs , EPL BT Sport 1 8:45pm - Leicester City vs Man Utd, EPL Sky Sports

Boxing Day

13:30pm - Spurs vs Southampton, EPL Sky Sports 6:30pm - Liverpool vs Swansea City, EPL Sky Sports

Wednesday 27 December

8:45pm - Newcastle Utd vs Man City, EPL Sky Sports

Thursday 28 December

9:00pm - Crystal Palace vs Arsenal EPL Sky Sports

48

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 2017

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport

BRISTOL FC KNOCK OUT

MAN UTD

CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE BRISTOL City dumped Manchester United out of the League Cup on Wednesday, scoring with seconds remaining to beat the holders 2-1 and set up a semi-final meeting with Manchester City.

United, second in the Premier League, made 10 changes from their weekend victory against West Brom but still boasted a star-studded team including a fearsome front three of Marcus Rashford, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial against the second-division highflyers.

With midfield general Paul Pogba back in the side after the three-match suspension he picked up against Arsenal earlier this month, the visitors rattled the woodwork twice in the first half but Bristol were undaunted.

Continued Page 42