The weekender issue 29 marina baixa (benidorm)

Friday 26th January

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ISSUE 029

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Cyber cops crackdown

By Jack Troughton

SPAIN is set to employ a controversial but effective weapon to help prevent suspect terrorists and criminals secretly entering the country using ‘Big Brother’ cyber technology on air passengers.

A €4 million computer system will cross−reference Passenger Name Record information (PNR) with national and international police data bases as a way of stepping up security across the country.

The technology is ready to go but needs the government in Madrid to give it a green light and incorporate the use of the technology into legislation.

Once employed, the Spanish computers will daily cross match three million airline passenger details with police records available to the Intelligence Centre for Counter−Terrorism and Organised Crime.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

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Dark nights of January were lit up by two very different evenings of culture with the curtain going up on Careline Theatre’s annual pantomime and Javea Players again bringing a professional show to the Costa Blanca.

Charities benefitting from Careline’s first night ‘Party at the Panto’ always ensure there’s a boisterous crowd of grown up ‘children’ in the audience. This year was Robin Hood and hands shot up to be recruited to the growing numbers of the Merry Men – all learning a special all-action password that was heavily influenced by the advertising of a certain popular make of cider (clue: think English longbow).

Two things guaranteed to raise a smile on stage and off at the Alcalali theatre are the numbers of tiny kids strutting their stuff as part of the big musical numbers and the youngsters dragged along to watch. The tradition of boos and hisses are therefore guaranteed for years to come. Sorry, I meant three things; there are free sweeties to boot.

Amateur dramatics enjoys a formidable reputation for entertainment along the Costa Blanca and many expats keep out of

Editor

Jack Troughton

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mischief by joining in the fun on stage or behind the scenes. However, professional theatre can still be stunning; it’s sheer power getting the grey matter into motion.

Javea Players should be congratulated for bringing shows to Spain; this week’s offering Alison Skilbeck and her selfpenned one-woman play ‘Are There more of You?”. It was certainly worth missing Corrie for.

The Weekender was with the rescued dogs of animal charity APASA on Saturday when they received their annual blessing in honour of patron saint San Antonio. There are currently over 200 dogs at the pound and others with foster families and these are all remembered on a special day.

And, fingers crossed, it might bring a little luck for George. Last October he was lifted from a riverbed in Javea suffering terrible injuries and was put together on the operating table. He was wearing a lampshade after undergoing another procedure and if he was feeling a bit down, he was till ready to welcome visitors and lick their hand.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Digital detectives

By Jack Troughton

Continued from front page.

The information will be used in the investigations of a broad base of crimes, including terrorism, organised crime, people trafficking, sexual exploitation, corruption, fraud, money laundering, drug smuggling and a clampdown on fugitives seeking to disappear.

Airlines will have to send the personal traveller information to ONIP,

the National Office for Passenger Information, where it will be stored.

It means details such as a passenger’s full name, personal details and telephone number, email, flight details, payment information and frequency of travel will be logged.

Also available on the computer will be the name of the flight operator, check−in confirmation, type of luggage, even the seat number on an aircraft.

The system was given the go ahead by the EU

in 2016. Details will be visible for six months and deleted after five years and will be audited by the Spanish Data Protection Agency – which will report back to the European Parliament annually.

Support for the PNR and police crosscheck has soared in the light of terrorist outrages in London, Nice, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona.

And it was claimed the system would have prevented the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils attacks because the mastermind, the Imam Abdelbaki Es Satty’s criminal past would have been flagged up. One detective said “He would have been a positive match”.

The technology can include known fake documents and is designed to leave “an indelible trace” on computers alerting the authorities when suspects fly by

creating profiles.

However, the controversial nature of the move and implications for human rights means parliamentary groups in approval before the system is switched on – but police said the system “has been designed so that everything is recorded, every information movement leaves an indelible trace.”

AENA, the Spanish airports authority, said the move was designed to stop criminals flying into Europe and across the borders of individual member states.

It said the technology was “for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution or terrorist offences and serious crime.”

According to the EU – which believes the system will actually minimise the risk of innocent passengers being stopped − the security must be in place within two years from April 2016.

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Storm Warning W E AT H E R M E N have warned of a severe storm hitting the Costa Blanca on Sunday with a risk of extreme conditions known locally as a ‘Gota Fria’ bringing high winds and torrential rain.

The storm could affect coastal areas and inland from south of Valencia to north of Alicante − including the Safor, Marina Alta and Marina Baixa – with snow possible above 600m.

The bad weather could arrive with showers today (Friday) and unsettled conditions tomorrow (Saturday) and the depression arriving from North Africa on Sunday, with persistent rain lasting through Monday.

Keep upto date with the lasest weather warnings and information by visiting www.weekender.news or visit our Facebook page @TheWeekenderSpain

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Thirteen years for killer thief

DEATH IN DENIA

By Simon Russell

A young Romanian faces deportation from his home country after being found guilty of the killing of a man he was robbing back in 2014. The chain of events that would

lead to the tragedy started when the defendant and two Romanian friends met a 58-year-old Spaniard, Angel NJ, at a bus station in Madrid. The three were homeless and Angel invited them to stay in his flat.

He began a relationship

with one of the youths and invited the young man to come with him when he took his holiday in Denia in August 2016. The other two youths joined the pair a few days later, however they had been making plans to steal from Angel and

return to Romania. During the holiday they confronted the victim in his bedroom, demanding to know where the cash was hidden and tying his hands and feet.

They also stuffed a sock in his mouth and this is what killed the man as it lodged

HIV home tests

KITS will go on sale across Spain from this week that will allow people to perform a simple test in the privacy of their own homes to determine whether they are HIV positive. Until now this could only be done by first approaching your GP, something health professionals believe many people avoided due to the stigma of HIV and

aids. Many patients are also reluctant to discuss the details of their sexual activity.

The new test involves a test purchased from pharmacies which involves a simple pin-prick blood test with the result being known in about half an hour. Early detection is crucial with HIV and can be brought under control when treated. The kit also

contains guidelines on what to do next if your test is positive and a phone number for the national HIV helpline.

There are an estimated 150,000 people in Spain with HIV, 80% of who are being treated.

However it is thought that

around 20% are ignoring the diagnosis and may even be risking infecting sexual partners.

in his throat, causing him to suffocate.

The three fled with €10,000 cash while the man’s body was not discovered for nearly a week. The Spanish police eventually tracked the group down and found that the defendant was in jail in Romania for another

offence; the authorities there have agreed to extradite him to allow him to serve his 13 year jail sentence in Spain. Another of the group had already been sentenced to 12 years in prison while the third was sentenced to 14 years last September.

Winter warmer

By Matthew Richards

IF you thought the weather this week seemed warmer than usual for January, you’d be quite right, and in fact Monday 22 January was the hottest recorded in Valencia since records began in 1869. In Valencia City the thermometer peaked at 26.6 degrees, passing the previous January high of 26.4. Across the region people packed the beaches

and some brave souls even went in the sea, although this will need more than a few hot days to warm up at this time of year.

At Alicante airport the temperature reached 26 degrees, Alicante City peaked at 24 and Javea 23. However if the longer range forecast is correct there is some cooler, windier and wetter weather on the way from this weekend (27 January).

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Alicante and Rochdale

to be twinned?

Blood on the tracks

By Matthew Richards

AN undisclosed person was killed last Monday (22 January) after being hit by the Alicante-Barcelona train.

The incident happened at the NoveldaAspe station in Valencia province at around 10am.

The Guardia Civil were called and took statements from the driver and train staff who had witnessed the accident; the train was allowed to resume its journey after around an hour. The reason for the tragedy is unknown at this stage. However witnesses have said that the victim’s car was parked by the level crossing close to where they were struck.

By Simon Russell

THE English town of Rochdale has officially applied to become the twin town of Alicante. Rochdale’s Deputy Mayor, Mohammed Zaman, met with councillors from Alicante on Monday and officially lodged the request,

which has been under consideration for a while.

On the surface the Northern industrial town and the Costa Blanca’s “City of Light” don’t have a lot in common.

However the Rochdale metropolitan area and Alicante both have similar populations

and are driven by a large and vibrant immigrant population.

Rochdale was also where the world’s first co-operative organisation was founded, the bedrock for modern socialism and something that Alicante’s left of centre Town Hall may appreciate.

Counterfeit bling

By Matthew Richards

POLICE have intercepted a major shipment of fake jewellery at Alicante Port this week. An investigation by police and customs officers had led them to examine a batch of over 50 cases that

was in a warehouse at the airport, awaiting onward shipment to Barcelona.

While the pieces on the top of the box appeared legitimate, below these were fake and counterfeit items of leading jewellery brands.

The authorities seized

more than 20,000 items which they believe would have yielded a profit of around €600,000 although that estimation may change.

The shipment originated in China and the customs authorities have opened an investigation.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Hate bomb defused

By Jack Troughton

INTERNET firms are getting better at policing sites and removing socalled ‘hate speech’, says EU commissioners.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft all took place in a voluntary scheme to monitor their platforms for a six-week period at the end of last

year – Instagram has announced it will join the scheme.

On average they removed 70% of material deemed to be offensive; this was called a huge improvement and much better that the records for previous years - 28% in 2016 and 59% in 2017.

The voluntary code of conduct scheme was

introduced in May 2016, and the technology firms committed to combating the spread of hate speech, whether it is xenophobia, anti-migrant or anti-Islam sentiments.

And the EU reported the firms are getting better at removing the majority of such content reported to it within 24 hours.

Andrus Ansip, European Commission vice-president for the digital single market, said the results “clearly show that online platforms have increased their efforts to

review notifications and remove illegal hate speech within 24 hours”.

He continued: “I strongly encourage IT companies to improve transparency and feedback to users, in line with the guidance we published last year. It is important safeguards are in place to avoid over-removal and protect fundamental rights such as freedom of speech.”

Vera Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, added: “The internet must be a safer place, free from illegal hate speech, free from xenophobic and racist content.

“This shows that where there is a strong collaboration between technology companies, civil society and policy

makers we can get the right results, and at the same time, preserve freedom of speech.”

Misuse of social media sites can be expensive.

Germany started enforcing a law that demands hate speech; fake news and illegal material are removed within 24 hours or companies face fines of up to €50m.

Mediterranean rivals bouncing back

By Simon Russell

AFTER a series of terror attacks and political uncertainty North Africa’s Mediterranean tourist destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia had suffered a major drop in tourist numbers in recent years.

Spain was probably the main beneficiary of this, and saw visitor numbers rise as other countries fell.

However things appear

to have calmed down in these places and the other side of the Med is fighting back with tourist numbers up by over 3 million last year across North Africa and Turkey. Tourists from the UK can now go all inclusive to a five start resort hotel in Tunisia for £370 (approx. €420) including flights. Due to factors such as labour costs, the Costa Blanca admits it cannot compete

with prices such as that, something Benidorm hotelier association Hosbec has admitted.

They are hoping instead customer loyalty and repeat business will keep bookings stable. Last year’s Barcelona terror attacks and the political uncertainty in Catalonia have also shown that the same issues putting people off Egypt and Tunisia can happen anywhere.

Canoe tragedy A body found floating in the River Jucar near Alzira is almost certainly that of a canoeist who disappeared when training on the river a few days previously. The corpse was found about three miles from where the man was last seen and police have opened an investigation into the incident.

The body was spotted by other canoeists and the authorities alerted on 17 January. Firefighters and police attended the scene and retrieved the corpse which had been in the water for several days according to sources. The man was a member of the Scooter canoe club in nearby Algemesi (Valencia).

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Electric avenues

By Matthew Richards

ONE of the more popular gifts under people trees this Christmas was electric scooters, particularly the two wheeled variety.

However many Spanish cities are now seeing a proliferation of electric vehicles, not just scooters but skateboards, bikes and of course Benidorm’s favourite, the four wheeled mobility scooters.

All these machines are largely unregulated and Valencia City, which has a problem with the

By Simon Russell

scooters in particular, is planning on bringing in new guidelines for users.

One of the issues is that they are used principally on pavements and other pedestrianised areas, as adults and teenagers mix at speed with the elderly and very young. There are estimated to be several hundred of the machines in Valencia City alone and one of the proposals is to restrict their use to bike lanes. Stunts will also be banned in public areas and fines introduced for reckless use of the machines.

Phony Guardia officer on crime spree

By Simon Russell

A man impersonated a Guardia Civil officer in order to carry out a number of crimes in and around Bunol (Valencia).

This first came to light

after his partner reported him for sexual assault on her earlier this month.

Police went to the man’s home and found false ID cards for both the Guardia and National Police. They also found

Floury Sunday

a number of marijuana plants which it turned out he had “seized” in his alter ego as an officer of the law.

It is believed he is also responsible for a number of other crimes including

at least 20 robberies. As well as the marijuana they found jewellery, knives, guns, pistols, Guardia Civil uniforms and several other items which may have been stolen or seized illegally.

The 43-year-old Spaniard is set to face a number of charges including theft, forgery, impersonating an officer of the law, assault and crimes of public health relating to the drugs.

ONE of Spain’s quirkier festivals took place in the Galician town of Xinzo de Limia last Sunday. The Domingo Fereleiro (Floury Sunday) is a precursor to the Carnival celebrations next month and sees the townsfolk and visitors covering each other with flour.

Like so many such fiestas, the origins are somewhat lost in the midst of times.

However it is thought that the flour represents the upcoming spring and the beginning of the crop planting season.

Hundreds of kilos of flour and grain were thrown and the obligatory dressing up made for some colourful scenes. The ritual is repeated on a small scale across Spain on Carnival Day itself, when children not wearing fancy dress are traditionally pelted with flour at school.

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Grisly find for recycling staff

By Simon Russell

WORKERS sorting through bags of recycling were horrified to find the body of a baby at a plant in Alhendin (Granada).

The Guardia Civil were called out and they have now started a full enquiry.

The corpse has been transferred to Granada’s forensic institute where an autopsy will be carried out. It is hoped that this will determine the cause of death and that DNA extracted will lead the authorities to the mother.

They are also hopeful of narrowing down the area the recycling came from via the specific bag the body was found in.

The child was estimated to have been born at full term or close to full term but the presence of the umbilical cord indicates it probably died at birth or shortly after.

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Penon rescue

By Jack Troughton

A stranded walker was airlifted from the peak of the Penon de Ifach after he got into difficulties following a fall on Monday.

The rescue helicopter of the fire brigade’s Rescate team was scrambled from

Alicante to take the man to safety.

Weekender reader David Stockton was out with his camera and able to photograph the drama as it unfolded.

The injured man was able to climb from the aircraft with the help of

crew members before being asked to climb on a stretcher.

David, the publicity officer for Calpe U3A, said: “The injured man walked away from the helicopter and was put on a stretcher and taken away to hospital.”

Hero tot

By Simon Russell

A six year old child may have prevented a nasty situation getting worse after calling the 091 emergency number to say someone was in their house and “they are going to kill my mother.” The police took the call seriously and went to the address where they found the boy’s mother and her former partner; he had hit her and was acting very aggressively, probably under the influence of drugs.

The incident happened in Coruna last week when the victim answered the door to the man who struck her then threatened to kill her and the children. The

six year old witnessed this, took his baby sibling to another room, fed them a bottle, and called the police.

The inspector of the local police said the child was very mature for his age and had been forced to deal with a situation many adults would struggle with.

WhatsApp porn sting F O L L OW I N G an operation co-ordinated in Alicante, 19 people have been arrested in connection with possessing and distributing child pornography on the instant messaging tool WhatsApp. Last week 20 houses in 14 different provinces of Spain were searched on the same day, leading to the arrests, two

of which were of minors.

It is thought that the suspects met through a private Facebook group and then exchanged links to more groups on WhatsApp. A large amount of material has been confiscated in the raid after the investigation which was prompted by a witness whose identity is being kept secret.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Finance Feature

provided by...

Chorus Financial are a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), licence Number FSC1118B & registered with the UK FCA, ref. 539348.

Defined Benefit pension deficit

The headache worsens

By Tracy Storer

Senior Partner Chorus Financial

Following on from my article last week, Defined Benefit schemes have yet again been headline news, this time BT. As mentioned in my previous article, BT have one of the worst pension deficits in the UK. As it continues to grow they have attempted to change the pension scheme so that they use the generally lower Consumer Price Index (CPI) instead of what is currently used the - Retail Price index (RPI) to increase their pension schemes - something which the UK High Court has ruled that they cannot do.

BT is the latest in a line of companies that are struggling to deal with increased pension

scheme deficits and have sought to implement a change in the inflation rate they use with some hoping that the courts would decide that RPI was simply inappropriate. In this case the judge said there was “reasonable grounds to conclude that removing RPI would lead to a material risk for the pensioners under the scheme”.

So with the High Court ruling out the change, how can BT lower their current pension deficit? Well in November last year the Financial Times reported that BT planned to close its defined benefit pension scheme to 11,000 of its managers and offer substantially lower contributions for 21,000 front-line staff, as it attempts to get to grips with a crippling £14bn pension deficit. Managers who joined the company before 2001 and are represented by the Prospect union will be

asked to switch to BT’s defined contribution scheme from April 2018. The proposal is an effort to encourage staff to switch to the defined contribution scheme, which is usually less generous and often riskier for employees but more affordable for the company.

This new proposal is a “slap in the face to loyal employees” but is it the answer for many underfunded schemes? Might this be the start of the pull back for schemes to help reduce their pension deficit? Many analysts have looked to the example set

by Tesco, the retail group, which sliced £3bn off its pension deficit last year after recalculating the life expectancy of its members and resetting assumptions about future investment returns.

This can be a worrying time for many members of defined pension schemes, not knowing whether you are going to get the

benefits that you were originally promised and subsequently planned your retirement on can be unsettling. Reviewing alternative options is always recommended, it can often provide new options that you never knew were available, or provide you with comfort that your scheme is robust. You have to weigh up any long-term risk of changes to your pension, against the guaranteed benefits a defined benefit scheme offers. You should bear in mind that should companies be unable to deliver their pension responsibilities, this may affect the financial

markets and therefore the return on any investments. For some transferring away from their current defined benefits scheme and ring-fencing their current benefits protecting them from any future changes may be a comforting option. With transfer values being at all-time highs now is one of the best times to review your pension options.

For a free, independent, impartial review of your pension, call Tracy on 693107044 or email t.storer@ chorusfinancial.es

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

High fibre

By Matthew Richards

THE major project to install fibre optic cables for Teulada and Moraira is on track, said councillor Raul Dalmau in a recent press release. The work is now in the final stages and the technology should be up and running in the second half of the year.

Mr Dalmau explained that installation has taken longer in the municipality

than some other towns as all the cables have been laid underground with the final visual aspect being important.

When installed the fibre optics will deliver high speed internet for residents and businesses as well as an improved digital TV reception.

Internet access will also be improved in public wifi areas across the municipality.

Heartless attack POLICE are investigating a vicious attack on a disabled man in Valencia City last weekend.

43-year-old Enrique Garcia, who is wheelchair bound with cerebral palsy, had just left some friends when he was stopped by two people.

The assailants punched him several times in the face and he was thrown to the ground

before they fled the scene.

A neighbour found Enrique shortly after and he was taken to the hospital where he received three stitches for his facial wounds.

Robbery did not appear to be the motive as the victim’s cash and mobile were untouched.

Police are now looking into what appears to be a random and heartless attack.

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Fake Ferrari

By Simon Russell

A 43-year-old man has been arrested after trying to sell a standard car he had modified to appear to be a Ferrari.

The man worked as

a machinist and had altered the body and other key elements of the car as well as using genuine Ferrari logos he had managed to obtain.

He had been trying to sell the fake sports car

on an internet auction site but the Specialized Crime Squad in Alicante became aware and, after inspecting the vehicle, charged the man with crimes against intellectual property.

Costly cut

By Simon Russell

A man has said that he faces financial ruin after cutting down a tree without permission.

Jose Velez, a pharmacist who lives on a smallholding in the countryside outside Madrid, had the tree removed in 2010 as it was threatening to fall on his house. However he had did not have the relevant municipal permissions and a few months later received notice that he had broken environmental laws - and faced a fine of between

€100,000 and €500,000.

He was “shocked and astonished”, and fought the ruling but after seven years has agreed to pay €100,000 – plus €40,000 in interest.

He is paying the fine off at the sum of €2,000 a month but fears he will soon run out of cash and will have to sell his pharmacy business.

The local mayor has agreed that the fine seems excessive, but also pointed out that they were only following the law laid down into force in 2005. Ironically current area due to a lifelong to protect forestry in the Jose was originally a town love of the country and open Madrid area, which came dweller who moved to the air.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

ICE MAIDEN TEAM TRIUMPHS

By Jack Troughton

THE Ice Maiden team – six women from the British Army – has triumphed in the freezing cold of Antarctica to celebrate a record coast-to-coast crossing of the frozen continent.

They are members of the largest female group to make the journey on skis and took 62 days on the ice; the team began the epic journey on 20th November – each woman pulling an 80kg sledge – and finished the 1,000 mile expedition last weekend at Hercules Inlet. challenge, the Completing Major Nics Wetherill said: “I’m just so incredibly proud of the team. I can’t believe how far we’ve come.”

The group was expected to take between 75 and 90 days, with the women tackling winds of up to 60mph and temperatures reaching as low as -40C. the of Wetherill, Major Royal Army Medical Corps in Portsmouth, added: “This journey has had good times, bad times

Back In

and great times for all concerned, and each of them, I know, has made us better people.”

The Countess of Wessex, who met the team at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst in September, sent a series of tweets the congratulating women, saying: “You have achieved your dream and performed an incredible feat of endurance physically and mentally, all while smashing the previous record!”

The soldiers also received congratulations from Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, who said: “They are an inspiration to us all and are role models to young people across the country.”

Major Wetherill came up with the idea along with colleague Major Nat Taylor, also of the Royal Army Medical Corps – both wanted to inspire women of all ages and abilities.

SIR ELTON JOHN TO RETIRE AFTER FINAL 3 YEAR TOUR Sir Elton John is retiring from touring after nearly 50 years.

A total of 250 people applied to take part – the only condition was they had to be serving in the army, either regular or reserves - and were put through rigorous tests in the UK and Norway before numbers were pruned down to the final six.

Major Taylor said: “I have spent the last few days trying to imprint this beautiful landscape in my mind...We have called it home for close to two months now and I will, in a strange way, miss it a lot.”

After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape and seen him claim his place as a true global icon, Elton has announced via an exclusive Live Stream on YouTube, details of his final tour called ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’.

Elton noted, “It’s time to come off the road so I can fully embrace the next important chapter of my life.”

Kicking off in the U.S. on September 8, 2018, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe and the Middle East, Asia, South America and Australasia before reaching its conclusion in 2021. Tickets are on presale and can be obtained via Ticketmaster directly from eltonjohn.com where you can also view Elton youtube annoucment.

Britain

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

SIMON BARNES (TINKY WINKY) DIES

British actor Simon Shelton Barnes - who played Tinky Winky in the hit British children’s television show Teletubbies - died from hypothermia, according to several local reports.

The father of three, who played the purple Teletubby known for carrying a handbag, died on Wednesday (Jan 17), the BBC cited Barnes’ son as saying in a report.

According to the Daily Mail, a

friend of the late actor confirmed on Wednesday that he suffered hypothermia after collapsing in a street in Liverpool.

In the same article, Merseyside police said they were called to reports that a man had died in the Mann Island area of Liverpool last Wednesday.

A resident in Ampthill, Bedford was also quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying: “We don’t know many details, but we understand he collapsed in the street and possibly died of hypothermia.”

The Sun quoted Simmit as saying: “Lots of messaging between cast and crew as we became a tight bunch over six years on location. We’ll give him an appropriate send off in a couple of Barnes’ flatmate Judith Tynan, who is the cousin of his ex-wife Emma Robbins and lived with him in Liverpool for the final year of his life, also paid tribute to the “charming and handsome” actor.

She told the Mail: “’I’m

very floored at losing him, he was just the best company. He was just the best person to live with and we got on terribly well ... He wasn’t difficult, he was pleasurable and a delicate man.”

She said they laughed a lot about his role as Tinky Winky “because it was silly”. “He used to tell me that costume weighed 60 pounds (27.2kg),” said Tynan.

Tynan added: “It was a big to-do to wear it because it was just a big thing, but it made him - it made his life and put him on the map.

“It was a very good time in his life and he was privileged to have been part of that success, I think.

I think it worked for him.

“If you’re famous everybody knows your face but they didn’t know his face, but he had a big time of it, and it worked. And he had a good living from it.”

Barnes’ family has asked mourners to “wear bright colours” for his funeral at Bedford Crematorium in a fortnight’s time on Feb 7.

#StormGeorgina

Storm Georgina batters Britain with 90mph gusts over the past few days - tearing down power lines and heavily disrupting travel.

The Met Office’s yellow “be aware” warnings were issued for high winds in the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Strathclyde, Tayside, the Highlands and Northern Ireland which were valid until around 2pm on Wednesday.

Gusts of 70mph to 80mph hit northern and western parts of the Highlands and reached around 90mph around the western isles.

With true British wit, the populous hit twitter with ‘gifs’ & images of the ordeal. Search #StormGeorgina on twitter as the humour continues to filter through from across the country.

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Out & About

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Oh yes they did!

By Jack Troughton

THE success of Careline Theatre’s hit show ‘Robin Hood – the Panto’ funded an €1,800 donation to three Costa Blanca charities.

The MABS Cancer Support Group, Jalon Valley Help and Help of Denia and the Marina Alta all received €600 from the opening night’s ‘Party at the Panto’ from the Alcalali-based group, and also shared the €420 proceeds of the raffle.

Pictured from left with the cast are: Candy Wright, President of Careline and of Help of Denia, and the Marina Alta and who was in costume as a cast member; Jacqui Phillips MBE, a Careline patron and President of MABS; and Elaine Horton, President of Jalon Valley Help.

The first night support of charities is now a Careline tradition but something the folk hero Robin Hood would have approved!

Clubs & Charity -

Would you like to see your news here? Email us Newsroom@Weekender.News

Twins back in town Regulars remember serviceman

By Jack Troughton

THE sensational classical piano duo The Naughton Twins return to the Costa Blanca in March when Christina and Michelle play the Auditori Teulada Moraira.

The show in Thursday 8th March is presented by Concerts Costa Blanca and the sisters, who have recently won a recording deal, are expected to perform a full programme including works

by Mozart, Bach, Brahms and Chopin.

Tickets are €17 and are now on sale. They are available from the Auditori de Teulada Moraira box office (Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm), Teulada town hall and the Espai La Senieta in Moraira (Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm).

They are also available online at https://www.instanticket.es/ recintos/ or call 902 444 300.

For more information and tickets please call 639 371625 or email Willy Hardee at willyhardee@ gmail.com.

By Jack Troughton

REGULARS at the Pineapple Bar in Albir generously donated €585 to the Benidorm Branch of the Royal British Legion in memory of the late James Knight.

The money will boost the branch’s Poppy Appeal and marks James’ 43 years of service with the Armed Forces in the UK and across the world.

And Trevor and Patricia Bagnall, respectively branch treasurer and membership secretary, said: “Many thanks to the Pineapple Bar for the fantastic donation of €585 to the Poppy Appeal in memory of the late James Knight.

“Special thanks to Lisa Conroy, Tia Gration, Gwen Blyth, Alan Frost and Jenny Watson, all at the Pineapple Bar.”

Supporting children in need

By Jack Troughton

JALON Valley Help continued its support for ‘children in need’ with a €2,000 donation to the Preventorio in Gandia and a selection of jumpers to help beat the winter cold.

Alison McInnes represented the charity at Gandia and presented the cheque to members of staff along with the handiwork of knitters amongst Help’s team of volunteers.

The charity is always on the lookout for talented

knitters and wool is currently available – this is turned into warm clothing or into handmade items to sell in the Jalon and Alcalali shops.

For more information, call the helpline number 659 624 643.

Help the homeless THE Franciscan refuge for homeless men in Gandia is said to be in “desperate” need of support and Jalon Valley Help is organising an appeal.

The charity has supported the refuge for many years and President Elaine Horton

recently presented a cheque for €3,000.

Up to 70 men can be cared for at the hostel, but the shelter relies heavily on donations.

Help said that currently the shelter was in ”desperate need” of unused toiletries, medications and such

things as detergent, bleach and household cleaning products.

Any donations can be left at the Help charity shops in Jalon and Alcalali and they will be taken to Gandia and “very gratefully received”.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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Troubled times for tourist hotspot

By Simon Russell

DESPITE being probably the most iconic image in the Valencian Community, the City of Arts and Sciences

continues to be plagued with financial difficulties.

Designed by globally renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava, the project had an uninspiring

beginning, taking several years more than planned to complete and coming in at triple the original budget.

Arguably it has never really recovered from this shaky start financially, and an audit for 2016 which has just been made public showed negative working capital of €356 million, with a net worth of only two thirds of its share value. There are warnings

that the business could be swamped with debt, despite the huge number of visitors to the Valencian city centre attraction. As the most important and best visited tourist attraction in Valencia it seems impossible that the City of Arts and Sciences could be allowed to fold, so a deal of some kind will almost certainly be reached – possibly involving the taxpayer.

Muscles from Brussels lends his support JEAN Claude van Damm has got behind a crowd-funding campaign to finance the filming of “Rural Cops” a planned action-comedy movie to

be shot in Benitatxell.

The Belgian actor made a video praising the film and urging anyone who wants to see the finished project to donate at least

€5 via the www.indiegogo crowd-funding site.

Benitatxell Town Hall is also supporting the campaign, which saw 200 actors and locals

filming a short pilot in the Marina Alta town last year. Director Paco Soto said that van Damm’s support was a great boost to try and get the full movie made, hopefully sometime this year.

The carnival is coming!

By Simon Russell

THE 9 February is carnival day across Spain, and Altea Town Hall has announced its programme of events for the local children on the day. Organised by the Education and Youth Department, the first festivities will be held at the Youth Centre between 5pm and 8pm for the younger kids.

Activities will include face painting, balloon sculpting, bouncy castles and a magician. The

youngsters will be expected to dress up as usual and awards will be given for the best costumes while there will also be snacks and music.

For the older children and youths, there will be a disco from 10pm until 1am at the same venue. There will be gifts at the party as well as a confetti machine and a photo-call. Once again prizes will be given for best costumes including best group outfits. Both events are free to all and no alcohol is permitted.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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HPV: WHAT IS IT AND SHOULD I BE TESTED WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW! Family Medical Centre - Albir

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can be transmitted sexually and is the most common sexually-acquired viral infection in the world. There has been much press coverage since 2008, due to a vaccination program in

which 12 year-old girls are being offered a series of injections to give protection against the most common strains of the virus.

There are over 120 types of HPV, and about half of them affect the genital area. It commonly

causes warts or other harmless fleshy lumps to appear on the skin, e.g. verrucas, which can be unsightly. However, more seriously, HPV can also cause cell changes which are strongly associated with different types of cancer. Sexually-acquired HPV can cause cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, rectum, penis, foreskin, urethra, vulva, vagina and cervix, as well as causing genital warts.

Today, 8 out of 10 sexuallyactive adults are infected with HPV and able to pass it on without ever having any symptoms of carrying the virus.

Genital warts can take anywhere between 3 weeks and 18 months, or even longer to appear, and some people will never develop any due to their immune system keeping the virus at bay. Cell changes, which can cause cancer, are invisible to the naked eye, so we may not develop symptoms of a problem until the virus has caused serious damage.

Whilst girls have benefitted from the vaccination program and the protection it provides, boys

have been left out. There is anger amongst UK health professionals as, in July this year, it was decided that it wouldn’t be “cost effective” to offer this protection to adolescent boys too, despite 1 in 20 cancers being caused

by HPV. The optimum age for boys to be vaccinated is also at 12 years of age. In my opinion it is as important for boys to be protected against the commonly sexually transmitted types of HPV as it is girls.

If you’d like to discuss the HPV vaccinations further, would like to be tested to see if you carry the virus, or you have any symptoms of sexually-transmitted HPV, please book an appointment with Vanessa the Sexual Health Adviser on 966 865 072.

DO I NEED AN STI TEST? Vanessa Sexual Health Advisor Family Medical Centre - Albir

In one word, YES! Getting tested will save you a lot of worry, and it could even save your life.

Most sexually transmitted infections can be cured with medication and those that can’t can be managed. But in order to manage or cure your STI you need to know that you have it. Earlier detection means it will be easier to treat and cause less long-term damage.

If you answer “Yes” to one or more of these questions then you should consider having an STI test: -Have you Never been tested before?

-Have you ever had unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex?

-Has something ever gone wrong

during sex (eg. split condom)?

-Do you have a new sexual partner?

-Do you have more than one sexual partner?

-Are you worried for any reason that you might have been exposed to an STI? -Are you thinking of starting a family?

Unfortunately, even if you have no symptoms it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many people carry sexually transmitted infections without knowing it as many infections have no symptoms, or very mild ones which can easily be overlooked.

Sometimes it’s obvious from symptoms that something is wrong.

If you experience any of these symptoms or you think something isn’t right, get tested as soon as

possible. Symptoms of STIs can include: -Pain when urinating or ejaculating -Discharge from penis, vagina or anus -Pain during sex -Blisters, sores or lumps on genitals or around anus -Itching or rash -Bleeding during or after sex It is important that all partners are tested for STIs to ensure they are clear, before ceasing the use of condoms. Condoms (male & female) are the Only form of contraception that give protection against STIs, but bear in mind that even condoms are not 100% effective.

Throughout the month of January there is a 15% discount on all S.T.I. testing at the Family Medical Centre, Albir. 966 865 072

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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Jalon Valley A.R.C. CHALKY

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 c o nve rg i n g on one point. For anyone focused o n 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

m a c u l a r 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 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

Residencia canina y felina Boarding kennel & Cattery

Since nce 11977 97 desde/si

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

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

He is about 2-3 years old has been castrated and microchipped and unfortunately he appears to be deaf.

However, he is a real sweetheart who would love a home of his own & would make someone a very loyal & loving companion.

Also, many other dogs, cats & kittens needing homes.

NO ADOPRION FEE BUT A DONATION IS MUCH 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. Based in Jalon.

Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A. CIF No G5482759

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Family | Garden | Health | Home | Style | Wellbeing

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GARDENING ON THE COSTA BLANCA - Part 24

First among these has to be the Jerusalem Artichoke – if only because it is neither an artichoke nor from Jerusalem!

It is claimed to taste like an artichoke which explains that bit but the Jerusalem part is said to be a corruption of the Italian ‘girasole’ meaning to turn with the sun as it is, in fact, a sunflower and shares that characteristic with its cousins. Although not very common in local shops, it is quite an important food and animal food crop in both Europe and North America (where it originally came from) though its popularity has declined over the centuries. It grows as tall as the tallest decorative sunflowers although the flowers are smaller than those selected varieties.

The edible parts are the tubers which are borne prolifically at quite a shallow depth but beware - any small part of tuber left behind will grow and, unless you choose

the site carefully, you could end up with a forest of Jerusalem Artichokes! A big pot or a raised bed may be the best option.

If you like the nutty, smoky flavour, this might not be a problem as they are known to contain significant amounts of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin) and C. They are also a source of minerals including copper, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, while providing macronutrients like complex carbohydrates, healthy fibre and protein.

They grow easily from shop bought tubers although, if you can get hold of one of the named varieties such as Fuseau, it might make food preparation easier as they are less nobbly. The unique, slightly sweet, flavour of the tuber is due in large part to the presence of inulin, a carbohydrate similar to fructose, which humans lack the enzymes to digest. The task of breaking it down it is therefore sub-contracted to

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

for more information.

‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria which do an admirable job of making the stored energy available but produce carbon dioxide as a by-product (hence the common(!) name of ‘fartichoke’). On the plus side, due to the body’s limited ability to process inulin, it has minimal increasing impact on blood sugar so is considered suitable for diabetics and potentially helpful in managing blood sugar-related illnesses. Tubers stored for any length of time convert their inulin into its component fructose which can be processed by the body..

Jerusalem artichokes can be cooked in much the same way as potatoes or parsnips and are excellent roasted, sautéed or dipped in batter and fried, or puréed to make a delicious soup

although they tend to mush a bit if boiled so perhaps are better steamed. Sliced thinly, they can be eaten raw in a salad.

The name sunchoke which you will sometimes see used for them was a marketing gimmick which to some extent has stuck.

More about an unusual fruit next week.

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. Next month’s meeting will be on 7th February and feature Barry Lemon, a retired professional grower, speaking on the subject of ‘Bonsai’. Meetings commence at 2:30 pm and finish at about 4:30pm. Visitors including holiday makers are always welcome – admission is by a donation of 3€ per person. Our attempts at a regular meeting date are sometimes interrupted by Fiestas etc Please contact Joan Birch on 697 320 169 for details.

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Property

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www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Madrid to regulate holiday rentals with suitability certificates Madrid region will regulate all holiday lets with regulations that will include implementing suitability certificates.

These will oblige owners to say where they advertise and to inform the police who stays in their property.

Changes to the current law dating from 2014 were outlined by Jaime de los Santos, regional minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, at a recent parliamentary session.

“The current law doesn’t provide all the solutions to the new requirements in

the sector,” he said.

One of the first changes to be included are the creation of a suitability certificate for holiday lets and the definition of holiday let advertising channels so that they become subject to tourism regulations introduced in 1999 that allow for fines of between €3,000 and €300,000.

Holiday let owners are also subject to new obligations to improve quality in tourism and national security such as giving the police

information about people staying in their properties.

“The Constitutional Court has allowed for regional authorities to impose this obligation even though national security is the responsibility of the central government,” said De los Santos.

Owners must also take out public liability insurance, have complaint forms available to guests and provide heating in the property that works.

There’s also a set ratio of people per square metre “to avoid overcrowding in

small space”.

Holiday lets must have information on emergency telephone numbers, a procedure in place for evacuation both from the property itself and the complex or block. The minster also highlighted that guests should be aware of their civic obligations.

He emphasised that the Madrid regional government “believes in freedom” and isn’t going to set up “rejection procedures” as is the case in other parts of Spain. Nor is it going to encourage

tourism phobia. He pointed out that tourism in Madrid is of high quality – the average age of tourists is 47.3 years and most come with their families.

De los Santos said that the draft for the new regulations can be seen “openly and transparently” on the EU website. The text was sent to all member states so that any citizen could view it.

He was adamant that all allegations from associations and the general

public will be considered once it’s published in the Transparency Portal in “the next few weeks” since the EU is currently presenting allegations.

He recognised that holiday lets aren’t just a tourist issue but also a planning problem. “This is something councils should take seriously, especially Madrid City Council who have yet to decide how to renew their general planning regulations,” he said.

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

SEARCH FOR PROPERTY ONLINE VISIT:

PROPERTYPLUSSPAIN.COM

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Business & Finance

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Jack talks

BACK TO WORK

By Jack Troughton

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By Jack Troughton

France is apparently looking for a Brexit deal that, according to President Emmanuel Macron, would open the door to allowing the United Kingdom a ‘special’ relationship on trade.

There must be no ‘cherry-picking’ – he echoed the words already broadcast from Brussels during his visit to Britain – but hinted there was room for an entente cordiale after March 2019.

It was the president’s first visit to the UK after taking office and he held talks with Theresa May, even taking a Hollywood-style ‘selfie’ to seal the success of a chat in London.

Leaving the European Union meant Britain could not have its ‘patisserie’ and eat it, he said, but hinted there was room for a special order – something between said cake and the crumbs of a trade agreement.

It was a historic visit by Mr Macron.

He squeezed millions in promises over beefing up cross-Channel security and added a sweetener; the loan of the historic hand-woven cartoon strip called the Bayeux Tapestry – which celebrates the Norman conquest of England...one in the eye for Harold...and how the French language once ruled thanks to William the First.

Analysts believe that the president was actually trying to set out a case for a negotiated deal that would suit French interests. Mrs May and her government are rather hoping all the other 27 EU states really want a little ‘a la carte’.

Central negotiations still come first and the EU and UK negotiators do not start their official talks until March; but the French position echoes some of the whispers leaked to the press from its neighbours.

However, Mr Macron did state in broader terms that Britain could not sit down at the common ‘diner’ without accepting the rules.

In short, there would be no access to the single market without accepting its preconditions: freedom of movement, bu d g e t

contributions and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice – although there was room for “deeper relations”.

He said: “There should be no cherrypicking in the single market because that’s a dismantling of the single market.

As soon as you decide not to leave the EU preconditions, it is not full access. What is important is not to make people believe that it is possible to have your cake and eat it.”

On a positive note, Mr Macron does not want to pull the plug on the powerful City of London and the financial services it offered to Europe and the rest of the world. “It would not make sense... it is part of the whole financing of our European Union.”

The President did admit he would not allow his own country to go to the polls on EU membership because it was too complicated an issue for the common man; saying former Premier David Cameron made a mistake with the historic 2016 referendum.

“I do respect this vote, I do regret this vote, and I would love to welcome you again,” he said. “It is a mistake when you just ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’, when you don’t ask people how to improve the situation and explain how to improve it.”

Mr Macron’s diplomacy and his pointer towards building bridges fell far short of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s ‘light bulb’ moment; suggesting the building of a physical bridge across the pond and another direct link with France – but Boris is not transport secretary or even health secretary...his call for extra NHS funding also fell on stony ground with the Cabinet.

Back at Number 10, Theresa May (possibly charmed by the smooth talking Mr Macron) insists she is on course for a comprehensive deal and stressed the “importance of a lasting good relationship for people on both sides of the Channel is recognised.”

UNEMPLOYMENT in the UK has fallen to a four-decade low at 4.3% as numbers of people with jobs increased sharply – jobless numbers falling by 3,000 in the three months to November.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed unemployment now stands at 1.44 million and wages also went up by their fastest rate in a year.

However, the growth in wages at 2.4% remains below the rate of inflation at 3.1% in November; meaning ‘real wages’ have less spending power than 12 months earlier.

Job creation galloped ahead of expectations. Numbers in work rose by 102,000 over the three months taking the number employed to a record 32.2 million.

Higher consumer price inflation – because of weaker sterling – hit spending power but it was said rising wages were beginning to close the gap.

David Freeman, an ONS statistician, said: “Demand for workers clearly remained strong. Nevertheless, inflation remains higher than pay growth and so the real value of earnings continues to decline.”

James Athey, a senior investment manager with Aberdeen Standard Investments, believes the ONS employment figures “strongly suggested” the UK economy was in better shape than many predicted after the Brexit referendum.

He said the job figures helped justify the Bank of England’s interest rate rise last November but he warned diminishing real wages put pressure on consumer spending; the linchpin of the UK economy and it was a reminder that “the economy is not on completely stable ground.”

The employment figures were good news for the exchange rate as the pound rose against the United States dollar and the Euro.

Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, expected wage growth to edge higher this year: “The worst of the squeeze on incomes is probably behind us.”

Rising demand for labour should increase wages by giving workers a greater bargaining hand and employers needing them to offer higher pay. But it appears in the ongoing economic uncertainty job security comes first.

Ben Brettell, senior economist at stockbrokers Hargreaves Lansdown, said new technology and global competition were still weakening workers’ bargaining power He said: “It looks like low wages now explain low unemployment, rather than low unemployment acting as a catalyst for better pay.”

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

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The Health of Final Salary Pension Schemes

By Christina Brady

BLACKTOWER Financial Management

Yet again in the news headlines there are details of a large company collapsing, in this case Carillion and news that the company pension scheme is being placed into the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).

Each time this happens we hear the politicians say that lessons will be learned,

rules will be changed, pensioners and pensions will be protected but nothing changes.

If a final salary scheme Company goes bust and is placed in the PPF it means Members who have reached their scheme’s normal pension age will generally receive the same amount in compensation as the pension they were receiving from their scheme at the time their employer went bust.

Those members who have not yet retired will receive up to 90 per cent compensation on reaching the normal pension age of their scheme. Members

who have retired but have not reached their normal pension age will also receive up to 90 per cent compensation. A higher cap may apply if you were a member of your pension scheme for 21 years or more or due to receive over £30,000 per year as a pension.

Once your pension has been placed in the PPF you have no flexibility in terms of the option to move your pension, to put it bluntly you are stuck whether you like it or not in this scheme until you die.

The total deficit in just the FTSE 100 pension schemes at 31 March

2017 was estimated to be £56 billion. This is a deterioration of £9 billion from the position 12 months ago.

There are a significant number of FTSE 100 companies where the pension scheme represents a material risk to the business.

11 FTSE 100 companies have total disclosed pension liabilities greater than their equity market value.

For International Airlines Group, BT and Sainsbury total disclosed pension liabilities are around double their equity market value.

Only 26 companies disclosed a pension surplus in their most recent annual

report and accounts; 63 companies disclosed pension deficits.

In the last 12 months, the total disclosed pension liabilities of the FTSE 100 companies have risen from £584 billion to £705 billion.

So if you have a final salary pension scheme and haven’t yet taken retirement, don’t just bury your head in the sand and think everything will be OK in the end. You need to find out if your pension scheme is in deficit, and if it is by how much and what plans are in place to reduce and ultimately clear the deficit.

If this seems unrealistic and/or the Company itself is on rocky ground then it’s time to get your money out.

I am here to help YOU. To arrange an independent,

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

professional and impartial consultation please contact me by email christina. b r a d y @ b l a c k t ow e r f m . com or call me on 658 892 330 . Website: www. blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound independent advice, we will be by your side both now and in the future.

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

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

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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What’s ON TV

Costa Del Celebrity LAST IN THE SERIES

Anne Diamond, Nick Owen, Ainsley Harriott, Vicki Michelle and Christine Hamilton spend the final days of their Spanish adventure helping out a familyrun vineyard on the last day of the grape harvest.

Christine and Anne have a tough task of picking the grapes in the sweltering heat, while Ainsley, Vicki and Nick get down and dirty and crush the grapes the old fashioned way - with their feet.

Channel 5 9.00pm Fri 26 Jan

Celebrity Big Brother Double Eviction

Emma Willis announces which of the nominated celebrities has proved least popular with the voting public, and to add to the excitement, two of them will be leaving tonight.

Channel 5 10:00pm Fri 26 Jan

The Last Leg

All Together Now

Rob Beckett hosts the musical talent show with a twist, as a range of singers step on-stage for a chance to win a £50,000 cash prize.

The judging panel takes the form of `The 100’, a large collective of music experts and performers from all over the UK led by Geri Horner.

However, in this talent show, the key to success is encouraging the judges to sing along too, and the more panellists each singer manages to win over, the better their chances of proceeding to the grand final

BBC1 London 8:15pm Sat 27 Jan

Pointless Celebrities

A special celebrity noughties edition of the general knowledge quiz in which four teams try to come up with the answers that no-one else could think of. Presented by Alexander Armstrong and co-host Richard Osman.

Featuring Lisa Maffia and Romeo, Gail Emms and Audley Harrison, David Spinx and Susie Amy, and Katy Brand and Brian Belo

BBC1 London 7:25pm Sat 27 Jan

NEW SERIES Hosts Adam Hills, Alex

Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories, and round up the main talking points of the past seven days. Actor David Tennant and singer-songwriter Craig David join the trio live in the studio to help dissect the week’s events

Channel 4 11:00pm Fri 26 Jan

Transformation Street

LAST IN THE SERIES A patient at the beginning of her transition from male to female prepares to explain to her son that his father is now a woman.

Cameras also follow Jessie-Renee, who is having genital surgery on the NHS. Narrated by Lesley Sharp.

ITV 10:00pm Sat 27 Jan

27

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

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

V This Week

All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish

Vera

LAST IN THE SERIES

Darkwater The dead body of a teenage boy is found in a reservoir near a remote rural timber community. Vera and her team investigate, and discover that the boy had already been missing for three days prior to his death.

ITV 9:00pm Sun 28 Jan

Chris Packham: In Search of the Lost Girl DOCUMENTARY The naturalist

returns to Sumatra, where 20 years previously he photographed a member of a nomadic hunter gatherer tribe and was struck by how her people lived in perfect harmony with their environment.

He tries to track her down despite having no clues to her identity or whereabouts.

However, ....

Channel 4 9:00pm Sun 28 Jan

Billionaire Kids: Diamond Lives DOCUMENTARY about the

luxurious lives of children from wealthy families, including the teenage son of a Formula One entrepreneur who has access to personal chauffeurs and fitness trainers.

BBC1 10:00pm Sun 28 Jan

Food: Truth or Scare NEW SERIES

Gloria Hunniford and Chris Bavin untangle more mixed messages about the food we eat - today investigating some surprising foods it is claimed could help you lose weight

BBC1 10:15am Mon 29 Jan

Winterwatch

NEW SERIES Winterwatch 2018 New series. The team returns to follow the fortunes of wildlife around the UK, catching up with animals featured in last year’s Autumnwatch. Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan host from their base at the National Trust’s Sherborne Park in Gloucestershire, while Martin Hughes-Games continues to go deeper into some of the hidden stories around the estate. Gillian Burke is on Islay in the Inner Hebrides, tracking down a family of otters who live in and around one of the island’s famous whisky distilleries

BBC2 10:00pm Mon 29 Jan

Two Doors Down

NEW SERIES Cathy, Colin, Ian and Gordon head to Eric and Beth to celebrate Burns Night, and everyone is surprised when Christine turns up - back early from visiting daughter Sophie in north Wales and full of complaints about the trip. Colin’s mention of ex-girlfriend Yvonne sets Cathy’s blood boiling, while not all the guests are enthusiastic about eating haggis, least of all vegetarian Gordon.

BBC2 London 11:00pm Mon 29 Jan

28

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Minestrone, for example (4) 3 Age of majority (8) 9 Uncharged atomic particle (7) 10 First appearance (5) 11 Native American tent (5) 12 Holiday destination (6) 14 Gifted (anag.) (6) 16 Toil (6) 19 Hitchcock film (6) 21 Humorous (5) 24 Wanderer (5) 25 Clinging part of a plant (7) 26 Contrite (8) 27 Small insect (4)

Down 1 Hallow (8) 2 Take power unlawfully (5) 4 Cold-shoulder (6) 5 Mythological abode of the dead (5) 6 Trading ban (7) 7 Crazy (4) 8 Gentle wind (6) 13 Item of jewellery (8) 15 Refuse collector (7) 17 Esoteric (6) 18 Putrid (6) 20 Military trainee (5) 22 Idiot (5) 23 Children’s card game (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 1 Where substitutes are meeting journalists for exercise (5,5) 7 Naughty Nineties physicist (8) 8 Some nibbled a mild cheese (4) 9 German song wasn’t true (4) 10 A bird with extended wings is not natural (7) 12 Ann has a gift for translation in this country (11) 14 Hold back from the chorus (7) 16 Clobber kept in storage area (4) 19 Haze not seen, we hear (4) 20 Sort of computer to be replaced in corner (8) 21 People from overseas setting signor free? (10)

Down 1 Invoice about right for fish? (5) 2 Savings invested in Shell? (4,3) 3 Shoemaking tools (4) 4 Call to follow possum (8) 5 Movement at sea is wonderful (5) 6 Move TV near bar (6) 11 Coins brought round at one for game (8) 12 Email hacked by a girl (6) 13 Chorister swallows first bit of milk shake (7) 15 Nostalgic style in treasure trove (5) 17 Accommodation no good for newly married men (5) 18 Saint with silver deer (4)

For Puzzle Answers - See Page 42

Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

29

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ITV is to broadcast a documentary ITV adds: “Cast (past and present) celebrating the fact its Spanish-set sitcom will talk about their roles on the show has been on air for over a decade. alongside show bloopers and exclusive Benidorm: 10 Years On Holiday will behind the scenes footage of the be broadcast this February, ahead of upcoming 10th series being filmed.”

Derren Litten’s comedy returning for a Amongst those speaking on the tenth series. documentary will be Steve Pemberton, Taking about the sitcom, ITV says: Siobhan Finneran, Sheila Reid, Ollie “First screened in 2007 in a 30-minute Stokes and Hannah Hobley, the actors LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) format, the show has grown to be hugely who played the Garvey family who were If you’re given the chance to You’re on the ball when it popular with ITV viewers and has been initially central to most of the sitcom’s learn something new you’re comes to practical issues and likely to grab it with both hands.

BAFTA nominated and won numerous plotlines. your sense of purpose has This is the most positive side of never been better. However its TV awards over the years including two Derren Litten says: “When I wrote Libra shining through and it’s important to recognise you can National TV Awards.” the first script of Benidorm a situation that continues on never force anyone to do what ARIES LIBRA Benidorm: 10 Years On Holiday I had no idea it would and off for the new few weeks. you want or when you want and will see Derren Litten guiding viewers change my life so this realisation leaves you feel frustrated. Don’t Your cheerfulness and kindliness is the reason around Benidorm to reveal all about how dramatically over push too hard or they’ll dig their heels in even others experience delight in their own lives. the show was created, whilst visiting the next 10 years. more. the show’s many real life locations I am so grateful to too. our fans and to ITV SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) for giving Benidorm the The moon now moves into There are times to argue and best possible home we your opposite sign of Taurus, times to keep your mouth could hope for. Here’s to bringing the part of the month tightly shut, and the latter is the the next 10 years!” known as the lunar low. It may case right now, so don’t become

Horoscopes now be best to shelve a few embroiled in confrontations unless they’re unavoidable. SCORPIO tasks, even for a day or two, while you focus on something If you have no choice but to express your opinions, do so with clarity and you see as being of supreme importance. Even better, let others do things for you if possible. conviction so there are no mistakes made.

TAURUS

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)

You’ll probably prefer to be on Present trends seem to make the move whenever possible some things more interesting today. Staying in one place for than others today, so pick too long will be boring and your tasks carefully. Focus on could make it hard for you to practical matters as much as concentrate. This is a frame of you can and don’t get involved SAGITTARIUS GEMINI mind Sagittarius adopts now in family disputes, or even discussions you know are going to get ugly as and again, and the clear secret is to keep active and interested. this way madness lies.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)

You’ll positively insist on being You feel you really need to be number one today, which is noticed at the moment so you great for you, but tiresome for wont be happy to be ignored. others. The fact remains that On a practical level you need you need to build your own to keep specific important CANCER issues in mind. You may tend to CAPRICORN self confidence, and you’re likely to do this at the expense go off in a tangent which isn’t advisable under present trends so be careful. of others, so be aware as a little consideration may be vital.

Seek the advice of a professional.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)

VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)

The Weekender 9 Letter Word Challange!

Find as many other words as you can. There are 105 possibilities (English Oxford Dictionary) but only one 9 letter word!

D P M A C O W L N

MASTERMIND! 60 or more

GENIUS! 50 or more

FAIR PLAY! 20 or more

FOR KIDS! 10 or more

Scribble Pad

There’s a search for your inner Try not to be moved by peculiar security going on within moods to do things that are you, and you’re a little more actually rather untypical of you. vulnerable to supposed At the same time there’s plenty emotional attacks than would of people who think they know normally be the case. In reality better than you how your life LEO AQUARIUS you’re probably making should be lived. Although you mountains out of molehills, so get on with won’t want to be rude to anyone make it plain something practical and leave the psychology you know what’s right for you and no one else. to others.

You’ll welcome new input with You seem to have a natural open arms today. It’s a great sense of the best way to time for making new contacts, communicate with others, and be they people you seek out for you show a very positive face yourself or not. Everyone wants to the world of work for the rest of the week. If you’re a Virgo in PISCES to be your friend and there’s VIRGO no reason to feel as nervous as full time education you should be getting on great, even if circumstances have you do over certain situations. Be open to all suggestions and you’ll do well. forced changes on you.

Are you a 9 letter word Genius?

Like our facebook page & share your results for your chance to be in The Weekender Newspaper! @TheWeekenderSpain

www.facebook.com/theweekenderspain

30

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Local lookout

Javea-Xabia

People and pets blessed

By Jack Troughton

DOGS rescued by APASA and the volunteer team at the Javea-based animal charity received a traditional blessing on Saturday in honour of the patron saint of animals San Antonio.

The saint’s day is 17th January when animals – both pets and working beasts – receive a blessing from parish priests across Spain.

APASA, the Asociacion Protectora de Animales

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de San Antonio, invited Klaus Eicher, priest with the Protestant evangelical church Evangelische Kirche Deutschland Costa Blanca, performed the ceremony this year; his Denia-based church covers the coast from Valencia to Torrevieja.

And he said: “I think it is very important that people are responsible for animals; the blessing today is not only for the animals but the people who look after them.”

Klaus carried out the

service in German and English, and welcomed everyone to APASA. He said: “It is good there are people who are committed to a partnership between animals and humans;

Drying up

By Simon Russell

THE continued dry weather is starting to have a dramatic effect on parts of the landscape around Javea. The slopes of the Santa Llucia de Xabia are

brown and yellow meaning the scene looks more like midsummer than January.

Palms in particular are suffering and their leaves are turning brown at a time of year when they would expect to be getting watered

people who are respectful of life.”

Many dogs now with ‘forever families’ return to APASA each year to receive the blessing while their owners enjoy a celebration. from the winter rains.

The pine trees are also drying out, making them more vulnerable to disease and increasing worries about the spread of any forest fires. Heavy rain is forecast in the area for the start of next week, something the local environment desperately needs.

Building bridges

By Simon Russell

PLANS to finally replace the Triana Bridge in Javea now look set to progress.

The structure, which spans the River Gorgos, has been allocated a budget of

€567,000 and is ready to go to tender. The work, when agreed, is expected to take around three months and will involve the demolition of the old structure, which suffered damage in the 2007 floods. Since then it has

been closed to heavy traffic, including buses which have been rerouted for several years now.

The new bridge will also be wider, with its width increasing from 12 to 15 metres.

31

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Local lookout

Soul food

By Jack Troughton

FOUR women opened their souls in an intriguing slice of theatre provided by their creator Alison Skilbeck in ‘Are There More of You’ – keeping all eyes on the stage at the Javea Players’ Studio Theatre.

Casting her spell across the stage, the actor drew the audience into the dramatic world of SW11, London’s Battersea, where her characters were not only strongly independent because of their individual histories but also shared unexpected links.

Alison exposes the hopes and fears of the characters she has created. It was a fairground ride of emotions,

sometimes shocking but with a rich vein of comedy running throughout the drama.

Seemingly unconnected, the girls have loose links and the play actually links together well.

As an experienced professional of stage, television and screen, Alison provided thought-provoking

Javea-Xabia theatre for a week of sell out shows, as posh Claire, the dumped wife of a diplomat; aspiring restaurateur Sophia; spiritualist Sara who also shows dark side for celebrating the fate of a cruel critic; and hard-nosed businesswoman Sam, all tell their stories.

It was all set against a minimalist set with few props; helping ensure the power of the performance reigned supreme.

Alison as ‘spirit weaver’ Sara

Trash to treasure

By Simon Russell

REISIDENT’S of Javea recycled 118 tonnes of unwanted clothing last year, according to the organisation that runs the scheme, “Humana Fundacion Para Pueblo”.

The NGO,whichinstalls clothes bins in towns across the region, said that this was an increase of just over 5% on 2016.

As well as the better quality clothing being reused, even the ropier ropa gets recycled; something the town receives payment for.

There is also a green benefit as there is an estimated reduction of

3,200 tonnes of CO2 from this amount of clothing not being incinerated; much of the rest would have ended up in landfills.

Javea has 40 clothing containers spread around

the municipality - just look out for the distinctive light green bins with the swinging “post-box” system to deposit your unwanted clothes, marked with “Ropa y Calzado”.

32

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Local lookout

Benidorm Sun, sand and free wifi

By SImon Russell

MUCH of Benidorm’s coastal area will have free wifi in time for Easter, which starts in the last weekend in March this year. This is part of the resorts plans to become an official “Smart Tourist Destination” and, due to an agreement with provider

Wiongo, will not have any running costs. The city will need to provide about thirty wifi devices, which will be installed in items such as lampposts and traffic lights.

As well as having an obvious benefit for tourists who want to use the service, Benidorm will also be able

to collect data on holidaymakers that will go towards planning future tourism strategies. The information collected will be on such things as who is new to the resort, mobility and general interests while on holiday.

New park back on track

By Matthew Richards

BENIDORM Town Hall’s plans to build a children’s play area on Avenida Jaime look set to go ahead. The location is ideal, being next to two schools and a nursery and has been earmarked for this purpose for several years.

However there had been a dispute with the nearby Hotel Jaime 1 which claimed it had rights to develop on the land.

This seems to have now been resolved and Urban Development Councillor Lourdes Caselles said that

plans to finally construct the park can now be implemented.

33

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Local lookout

Benidorm

By Matthew Richards

SEVERAL well-known faces from the world of light entertainment and comedy are joining the cast of hit sit-com “Benidorm” when filming starts on the 10th series soon. The Chuckle Brothers, Hale and Pace and Bobby Ball may not command prime

time TV slots in the UK these days, but anyone over the age of 30 or so will know exactly who they are. Comedy duo Hale and Pace are lined up to play undercover detectives, hired to investigate cross dresser Lee, played by a returning Tim Healy.

From the world of soaps, former Brookside

stars Claire Sweeney and Kate Fitzgerald also have roles while ex-Eastenders Shane Ritchie is making a comeback as entertainer Sammy Valentino. The other main cast members, some of who have been there since the first series, will also all be back on set at the “Hotel Solana” (in reality the Sol Pelicanos).

As a Benidorm bonus, fans

High tech help for disabled visitors

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM City Council has announced a new app which is aimed at helping the disabled and those with mobility problems see more of the city. The Tur4all app has initially identified three different ways to see Benidorm; a city centre tour, the theme parks and finally its nightlife.

The apps creator has analysed dozens of the city’s main attractions and rated their accessibility levels. Those listed as either accessible or practicable for example include the bull ring, the two main beaches, the castle vista point and several town hall offices and museums.

The tool has been designed in collaboration

with PREDIF, the state platform for disabled people and can also be accessed on their website.

The PREDIF president thanked the council for its constant work in helping the disabled tourist. Mayor Toni Perez reiterated Benidorm’s commitment to achieving full accessibility to the cities disabled and less able bodied residents and visitors.

of the show will soon have an ITV documentary called “10 Years on Holiday” to

look forward to, which is about the first decade of the much loved series.

By Simon Russell

THE Magic Natura Hotel complex in Benidorm has been voted the 7th best family hotel in Spain by Trip Adviser.

The influential travel portal compiled a shortlist of 25 hotels across Spain, all of which win prestigious Travellers Choice Awards.

The final selection is based on opinions, ratings and comments from millions of guests on such criteria as service, quality, location and customer satisfaction.

Magic Natura is located at Terra Natura Benidorm and actually consists of 435 Balinese style cabins.

Guests are surrounded by over 1,500 animals making the stay “a unique experience” according to several travellers’ comments.

Facilities for the family include a water park, a nature/ entertainment area, kids club and access to the animal park itself, all set in 40,000 square meters of land. @TheWeekenderSpain Have an opinion? get involved and have your say!

letters@weekender.news



Household names to join “Benidorm”

Among the best

34

FRIDAY 26H JAN 2018

Local lookout

Benidorm Online abusers caught

Sad vigil

By Simon Russell

WHENEVER there is a gender violence fatality somewhere in Spain, the City Council in Benidorm hold a minutes silence outside the Town Hall as a reminder of the scale of the tragedy.

Last week the first such vigil of 2018 was held to remember a 47-year-old woman in the Canary Islands who was murdered by her estranged husband earlier this month.

Sadly, if previous years are anything to go by his won’t be the last such gathering outside

the Town Hall. Last year 49 people lost their lives as a result of gender violence, all women.

That also left 27 children who are now either orphans or have a father who will be spending much of their life in jail.

Equalities Councillor Paquita Ripoll said that gender violence must be defeated in Spain and is one of their most pressing problems. She also reminded people of the 016 helpline for victims or women worried about their partner’s behaviour.

Crucially, this number does not leave any trace on any telephone bill.

By Simon Russell

NO WITNESSES

By Spencer Williams

The family of Kirsty Maxwell have had their search for answers crushed.

The judge who is in charge of probing the five British men over Kirstys death, ordered police to find anf interview guests of

the hotel and find witnesses to the incident. However it emerged in British press on Wednesday (24th January) that police had sent the judge a short written reply stating: “No witnesses to the incident have been found in the hotel.”

In a letter to the judge, the family’s Spanish lawyer Luis Miguel Zumaquero expressed concern about officers’ efforts.

He insisted many guests at the Hotel Presidente had not been questioned and some Spanish-speaking holidaymakers had been spotted “gesticulating to police wanting to explain something” Kirsty, from Livingston, West Lothian, died instantly after plunging from apartment 10E at Apartamentos Payma early on April 29 last year.

A forty-year-old man has been arrested in Benidorm as police hope they have cracked open a national paedophile ring.

The man, a waiter in the resort, was among five people arrested this week by the National Police, including another man from Riba-roja del Turia in the Valencian province.

The five are alleged to have been sharing child pornography through the social network site Twitter. It was Twitter itself which alerted the authorities to the material, prompting the investigation which led to the arrests. The accused used tricks such as hidden networks and removable memories to cover their tracks. The mother of one of the accused and the partner of another may also face charges of being aware of the activity but taking no action.

Game over for arcade thief

By Simon Russell

POLICE have arrested and charged a man for the armed robbery of a gaming room in Benidorm last month. The original incident took place on 11 December and was described by police as a

well planned and executed crime. The perpetrator knew where to go, pointed a firearm at the cashier and quickly fled with his haul of €11,500. The entire episode was over in around a minute.

When police started their investigation their

main clue was the CCTV footage. Although the criminal wore a mask, they were still able to pinpoint certain key physical traits.

This eventually led them to the suspect, who was arrested at Alicante airport where he had been about to catch a flight to Galicia.

R e c yc l i n g bottleneck

By Simon Russell

THERE is an estimated 2,000 tons of plastics and tin cans waiting to be recycled at the Ecoembes plant that serves Benidorm.

The problem dates back to a fire in 2011 at the factory

which destroyed the machinery. This has still not been replaced although it is hoped the facility will be up and running again by 2019. There are initial plans in place to start moving the outstanding waste to other treatment

plants in the area, partly by implementing weekend shifts and overtime.

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

35

Local lookout

Alfas, Albir & Altea Bless this dog Beating the bullies

By Matthew Richards

THE Department of Education in Altea has launched a new service to help battle bullying at schools in the town. The fight against bullying has been a priority of the

department for the last year and this next step means pupils and families affected can have a free and confidential session with someone trained to offer psychological support in this difficult area.

Sessions can be made by

appointment through the email address altea.ed1@ cv.gva.es.mail. They are held every Friday in the FPA offices from 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm.

Throughout the previous year in Altea there have been workshops and

presentations on subjects such as conflict resolution as well as prevention and awareness of bullying. 543 students from the town’s primary and secondary schools have attended some form of presentation on the issue.

programmes in the town.

Eventually outdoor gyms will be placed throughout

the town; they are already installed at Parque de los Eucaliptos and Playa Albir.

Healthy move

By Matthew Richards

WORK has started in L’Alfas del Pi on the new Biosalud circuit, an outdoor gym and general fitness area. The new facility will cost €8,000 and is being built on Avinguda dels Esports by the municipal sports centre.

The different equipment will work out various parts of the body and hone skills such as balance, co-ordination, strength, flexibility and mobility.

The facility is aimed in particular at older residents and there are already more than a hundred seniors who participate in sports

By Matthew Richards

THE San Anton festival, where pets and other animals receive a blessing from the local priest, was held in l’Alfas del Pi last Sunday. Over 200 animals received benedictions on the day and alongside the numerous dogs there were also birds, hamsters and even turtles.

THE APPA animal protection association was in Plaza Mayor promoting their works which includes helping abandoned and abused animals as well as initiatives such as food and medicine banks for dogs.

They were also able to let people know about their fourth Animal Adoption

Day and Canine Festival on 11 March.

The San Anton Festival has been a staple of the Spanish calendar since the 17th century, held in honour of Saint Antonio, the Patron Saint of animals in Spain. Towns, villages and cities across Spain will have celebrated the event, with some cities including events such as bonfires, horse shows and firework displays.

36

FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

Motoring

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

Major ďŹ re by motorway

By Matthew Richards

AROUND 3,000 square metres of trees and scrubland were burned in a major fire last weekend near Albatera in the Vega Baja region of Alicante.

The two main concerns for the fire-crews from Crevillente and Elche was the proximity of the

blaze to both the A7 motorway and some residencies.

However the fire was brought under control before any houses had to be evacuated and the road remained fully passable. The reason for the fire starting is not known at this time. As well as the fire teams a number of police and

ambulances attended the scene.

Major delays after fatal smash A 22-year-old man was killed while attending to a broken down vehicle on the A-7 motorway last week in an accident where two other people were badly injured. The accident occurred on kilometer392 near the inland Valencian city of Xativa as the road heads north to

Barcelona.

The deceased was struck when it appears his breakdown van was hit by a lorry whose trailer overturned.

The crash left huge amounts of debris on the busy road which was closed for several hours northbound before partially reopening.

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FRIDAY 15TH DEC 2017

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2017

Sport

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Football team linked to immigration scam FIFTEEN people connected to Calpe Football Club have been arrested over their involvement in an illegal immigration plot.

Four of these are directors and include the president, Luciano Marziano; they are accused of handing out fake contracts to allow foreign

national to reside in Spain on the basis that they had work lined up.

The detentions came in a series of co-ordinated raids across the city on 19 January with arrests being made at the club itself and some individual’s homes. The other eleven

arrested are all players – or supposed players – mainly from Paraguay.

The director’s team are being held in Benidorm police station and may face charges including belonging to a criminal gang and organising illegal immigration.

Van Gerwen wins PDC award Michael van Gerwen has been named as the PDC Player of the Year for the third successive year.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark was inducted into the hall of fame, while world champion Rob Cross picked up four trophies at the PDC awards on Monday.

Van Gerwen won a fourth successive European Championship title during the year, as well as his third wins in the Premier League, Masters and Grand Slam of Darts and a second World Cup of Darts.

“I had a fabulous year,” said Van Gerwen. “Rob Cross did phenomenally last year but I still had a good year and

I won 18 tournaments and I’m happy to win this award.

Cross was named as the PDC Best Newcomer, after winning four Players Championship events, reaching the European Championship final and then claiming World Championship glory in his first year on the PDC pro circuit.

Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour

By Spencer Williams

the disc and the vertebrae,” Woods said.

“But it’s all finished now.

It’s fused, and the quality of life is infinitely better than it was last year at this point.”

He looked just as strong, just as healthy, as he did in the Bahamas last month.

Woods began and ended the pro am with an approach to a few feet for easy birdies.

The real test begins Friday morning AEDT at a tournament he has won seven times, not including his US Open title in 2008.

9 LETTER WORD: Clampdown

Puzzle Solutions

TIGER Woods is more confident than ever that his return to the US PGA Tour will be different this time.

It’s not so much how he plays, but rather for how long.

“I have no more pain in my back,” Woods said after the Farmers Insurance Open pro am.

That wasn’t the case a year ago.

Woods was coming off the longest break of his

career following two back surgeries when he played the Hero World Challenge and showed promise by making 24 birdies against an 18-man field with no cut.

But then he missed the 36-hole cut at Torrey Pines, and lasted one round in Dubai before withdrawing with back spasms.

Fusion surgery on his lower back followed two months later, and now Woods is on the same track as he was last year — with one exception.

“I was trying to manage

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FRIDAY 26TH JAN 2018

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Sport

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By Eric Malpus

There was a mixed bag of Fixtures in the Alfaz Fantasy Football League which gave the Fantasy Managers another high scoring week with the average score reaching 37 points.

The one Monday Night game,5 F.A.Cup Replays which involved Premier teams and the 9 Premier League games at the Weekend supplied the A.F.F.L. with 38 goals,7 clean sheets,34 yellow cards(less than goals)and 2 red ones which were 2 Chelsea Players Pedro & Morata who were dismissed

by Referee Grahem Scott after VAR controversy.Eventually, Chelsea won the Cup Tie on penalties thanks to Willy Caballero saving the Canaries 1st penalty taken by Nelson Oliviera.

Darren’s team Daz XI have taken over the top spot of the A.F.F.L. after one week away by just nudging 1 point in front of Pauline’s Vodka Army.Lurking in 3rd & 4th place are 2 former winners of the Fantasy Wayne’s Two Years Running,Maybe and Joe’s Keith Lard F.C.Tony’s Northern Blues who have made steady progress have moved into 5th place while at the other end of the table you could say it’s all over bar the shouting as Laura’s Legends are now trailing Chris Crown Jewels by 57 points.

In our Mark Carter Ladies Section Pauline’s Vodka Army have stepped up the pace and taken a massive 84 point lead over Isabel’s team The Bluebells.Down at the foot of the table Chris’s team, Chris Crown Jewels have swapped places with Reggie’s Rejects and are now keeping Laura’s Legends company at the bottom.

Keiron’s Clown F.C. are finding it hard to shake off the challenge from Jack’s team Balutellitubbies at the top of our U.K.T.V.SPAIN Junior League at the moment they have a very fragile 7 point advantage over them. You can’t rule out Wade’s Alli Barber or former leaders Robbie’s Tea & Busquets who are both nicely placed in 3rd & 4th spot. After 7 weeks away from the bottom spot Harley’s Ginger Ninjar have returned and taken over from Ollie’s Oly F.C. who have climbed out of the relegation zone and left Gian Luca’s team Messi or Tidy

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20 points above the Ninjars.

The goals were flowing last week which gave our Golden Boot League an average score of over 19 points. Wayne’s Two Years Running ,Maybe stretched their lead at the top over Andy’s Triple Trouble to a comfortable 64 points.

Pauline’s Vodka Army & Triple Trouble both have this weeks ace Marksman Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero who scored his 2nd Hat-Trick of the season against defence minded Newcastle. At the opposite end of the table, Laura’s Legends are only 2 points behind Len’s Nelson’s Flagship.

Two of our Lady Managers feature in our Wyndham’s Monthly Wine Draw and they are Kim’s Ginger United who benefited from Manchester United’s 2 games going into the Fantasy when her team bagged the highest score of 76 points while at the other end of the scale Winnie’s Le Hombre Rioja managed the lowest score of a big fat zero mainly because all her players come from Liverpool who play in the Monday Night game.

Manager of the Month for January is being kindly sponsored by Brew Rock which is situated on the Sea-Front in Albir with fabulous views, they also provide excellent food and have live Music Daily. With just one week to go the scene is set for a grandstand finish with Eric’s Peaky Blinders holding a narrow 6 point advantage over Chris’s Two Left Feet then comes Simon’s Albrighton Beautiful and Andy’s Triple Trouble who are both in contention for this super meal for 2 at the Brew Rock.

Alan’s team Wednesday R Great have won this weeks Breakfast for 2 at the Bar Code in Alfaz after leaping up 49 places from number 200th spot to 155th place.

Eric’s Peaky Blinders still lead our F.A.Cup League after the Mid-Week Replays.They are 2 points ahead of one of our Junior Managers teams Roo& Woos Wombles.Dean’s Chelsea Blue Boys are in 3rd place just 2 points in front of top scorers in this section Ollie’s Oly F.C. Down in the Basement Carol’s team Baby Bell is only 1 point behind Paul’s Bridgewater.

This week the 4th Round of the F.A.Cup takes place so watch out for plenty of changes taking place.

The draw for our Weekender K.O.Cup Competition is now up on our website which takes place on the weekend 3rd & 4th February. The favourites Two Years Running, Maybe play Scott’s Dogdale while our lowest ranked team Gilly’s On a Wing and a Prayer(249th) take on fellow Lady Manager’s Team Karen’s Ceasar’s Blackcats(34th) what’s the chance of another major upset.Three of our Junior Managers are through and will play the following games. Marcus’s Salford Sausages play NWO Wolfpack, George’s I Love Heather are up against Gil’s Kippax and Luca’s Already Won It takes on Macca’s Albir Villains. Good Luck to all the Managers who are still in this fantastic K.O.Cup Competition.

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

Jukebox Football Predictions League

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Friday 26th January

20:45 Sheff. Wednesday v Reading FA CUP 20:55 Yeovil v Man Utd FA CUP

Saturday 27th January 13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 18:30 20:45 16.15 16.15

Peterborugh v Leicester City FA CUP Southampton v Watford FA CUP MK Dons v Coventry FA CUP Hull City v Notts Forest FA CUP Millwall v Rochdale FA CUP Sheff Utd v Preston FA CUP Middlesbrough v Brighton FA CUP Huddersfield v Birmingham FA CUP Notts County v Swansea City FA CUP Wigan Ath v West Ham FA CUP Newport County v Tottenham FA CUP Liverpool v West Brom FA CUP Valencia v Real Madrid La Liga Athletico Madrid v Las Palmas La Liga

Sunday 28th January

14:30 Chelsea v Newcastle FA CUP 17:00 Cardiff City v Man City FA CUP 20.45 Barcelona v Alaves La Liga

Tuesday 30th January

20:45 Swansea v Arsenal EPL 20:45 West Ham v Crystal Palace EPL 21:00 Huddersfield v Liverpool EPL

Wednesday 31st January 20:45 20:45 20:45 20:45 21:00 21:00 21:00

Southampton v Brighton EPL Chelsea v Bournemouth EPL Everton v Leicester City EPL Newcastle v Burnley FC EPL Man City v West Brom EPL Tottenham v Man Utd EPL Stoke City v Watford EPL

Saturday 2nd Febuary 13:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 18:30 20.45

Burnley FC v Man City EPL West Brom v Southapton EPL Man Utd v Huddersfield EPL Bournemouth v Stoke City EPL Leicester City v Swansea City EPL Brighton v West Ham EPL Arsenal v Everton EPL Levante v Real Madrid

Sunday 3rd Febuary

15:15 16.15 17:30 21:00

Crystal Palace v Newcastle EPL Espanyol v Barcelona Liverpool v Tottenham EPL Watford v Chelsea EPL

48

FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2018

Your Weekend Starts Here!

Sport KYLE EDMUND FAIRYTALE ENDS Marin Cilic powered his way into the Australian Open final with a 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 win over Great British hope Kyle Edmund on Rod Laver Arena.

Cilic had made an impressive start to the evening against Edmund by winning the first set 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena - and never looked back as he secured a meeting with Roger Federer or Chung Hyeon on Sunday.

The former US Open champion Cilic, 29, claimed the second set 7-6 (7-4) on the tiebreak before dominating the third set. Edmund had never recovered from losing the first two sets to win a match as a professional, but will be rewarded with a place in the top 25 when the new rankings are published on Monday.

Cilic hit 32 winners compared to 25 from Edmund, whose only two break points came in the opening game of the match which he failed to convert.

The Croatian sixth seed Cilic broke in the sixth game

of the opening set against the world number 49 before holding in the next game for a 5-2 advantage.

With Edmund faltering in his first Grand Slam semi-final, Cilic broke for a second time with a thumping forehand winner to move one set ahead after

36 minutes.

23-year-old Edmund immediately headed off the court for a medical timeout of three minutes against an opponent who was not entirely untroubled by a leg problem in the opening set.

An agitated Edmund hobbled through the latter

part of the match before surrendering meekly after a massive serve from the rangy Cilic.

Despite forcing the second set to a tiebreak, he never looked likely to trouble Cilic over two hour and 18 minutes.