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BORIS TAKES ACTION Your car hire around the world!

FOREIGN Secretary Boris Johnson has waded into the growing scandal of the fake holiday sickness scam. The politician has contacted the Spanish Embassy in London to see if he can help in the fight

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against a spate of compensation claims by tourists through UK law firms; estimated to cost over â‚Ź60 million last year. The Association of British Travel agents, ABTA, has asked for government support

in clamping down on fraudulent claims; while the Foreign Office warns holidaymakers they could face jail in the UK or Spain.

By Jack Troughton

....Continued Page 6

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

SECRET TRIP TO BENIDORM

By Simon Russell

FAMOUSLY secret and isolated nation North Korea sent a 20-strong delegation of to Europe to report back on its tourist trade – with Benidorm chosen as the highlight of the visit.

The group travelled through France and visited Barcelona before travelling on to Valencia, Alicante and Spain’s most famous holiday resort.

The visitors declared they were “amazed by the dimensions” of Benidorm and its high rise skyline.

They were also impressed with the Terra Mitica theme park and its recreation of ancient civilisations, as well as a local campsite, as the group investigated the

tourism model in the West.

Matias Such, who organised the Spanish leg of the trip, said that the campsites were probably where North

Korea would need to start if it was building a resort from scratch back in the Far East.

He also saw the low-key visit as a sign that the North

Koreans hoped to break down existing barriers and move towards becoming a more open society.

However, for the moment,

it seems unlikely that regular visitors to Benidorm and the Costa Blanca will be forsaking their Spanish holidays for North Korea just yet.

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

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SEVEN DAY WEEKEND Enjoying a fiesta in Spain frequently means hours. It seeme d only moments later there were losing a bit of beauty sleep and a late night, a series of loud explosions...the traditional ‘wake apparently the completely off the wall fun of up’ call using even more fireworks. An example ‘corre focs’ sparks a few nightmares too. It is not of things that are just plain silly in Spain; everyday hooded madmen chase unsuspecting especially on a Saturday morning. folk with fireworks.

This weekend is the town’s International Freaky Friday in Javea meant the dramatic Festival - fiestas are like buses, wait for ages and climax of the San Juan celebrations and the they all come along together - and a celebration streets seemed full of these strange characters. of Javea’s cosmo politan population.

Sparks were literally flying; tremendous fun, disturbing for first-timers, and a prime example More late nights but it is a bit of a knees of what makes living here worthwhile. up with plenty of entertainment, a chance to sample the cuisine of other countries (sausages Remember those solidly sensible Bonfire tend to featur e a lot) and sinking the odd beer is Night instructions about lighting the blue touch also allowe d. Sadly no chaps wielding fireworks paper and standing back, never returning to a but there is bound to be something to grab the firework that fails to go off and keeping them in attention of an Englishman abroad amongst a tin? Possibly issued by Standard Fireworks or the crowds...ther e always is!

Brock? These guys n girls have never read them or possibly think they are too ‘nanny state’.

Quitting the party ahead of the disco, it meant bedtime was suddenly in the early

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Jail for car park assault

By Simon Russell

A court in Alicante has sentenced a man to six years in jail after finding him guilty of sexual assault and attempted rape. The incident happened after the victim and the perpetrator, who the woman regarded as a friend, spent the night out in Benidorm.

They took a taxi back together and when the man was accompanying the woman to her door he suddenly pushed her into a car park and began groping and kissing her.

He then unbuttoned his trousers and the woman believed she was about to be raped, but fortunately she managed to attract the attention of police in the area. They stopped the assault and arrested the man,

named as Fabian Fernando AM. The courts rejected his plea that the incident was consensual after hearing that the victim had sustained injuries consistent with an assault.

Panda crossing TWO giant pandas have safely touched down in Germany after travelling from China along with breed specialists and a ton of bamboo.

Welcomed at Berlin’s Schoenefeld airport by the mayor and the Chinese ambassador; Meng Meng and Jiao Qing were also greeted by a posse of pressmen.

The bears’ new home is Berlin zoo and they were introduced to the public this week by Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Ping.

Describing the flight from the Far East, vet Andreas Ochs said: “They slept a bit, munched on their bamboo and nibbled on some cookies.”

China sees its pandas as specialist ambassadors; dispatching “a national treasure” to countries as a symbol of close relations.

DRUG FARM DISCOVERED

By Simon Russell

THE Guardia Civil have arrested six people who were growing marijuana on a farm in El Campello and also using three sites in Alicante city for storing

and distributing the crop. 2,275 marijuana plants have been seized as well as mobile phones, an imitation rifle and two vehicles.

Equipment that

could have been used for growing the plants was also taken in the raids that occurred last week.

The group have been under surveil-

lance for a while after the discovery of the El Campello plantation as sufficient evidence was gathered to arrest the men, five Spaniards and an Algerian.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Shell Shocked

By Simon Russell

A large turtle that came ashore in Torrevieja, probably to lay its eggs, was scared off by bathers and returned to the sea.

The bathers had not intended to frighten the creature, but they are sensitive to the presence of humans and merely the sight of people will often frighten them off.

The incident happened at about 8.30pm when a few people were still on the beach, although often turtles come ashore during the night to lay their eggs. Environmental authorities say that if anyone sees a turtle they should inform local police and stay away from the animal, avoiding its line of vision if possible so as not to alarm it.

Avoid taking photos, however

tempting it may be, as the flash will also scare them.

After eggs have been laid, generally they would be collected and incubated elsewhere as many of the animal’s

Bone burglar RELICS from a church in Cocentaina were stolen this week, including the bones of St Hipolito the Martyr. A man was later arrested in Alcoy with several items from the church in his possession, including the bones.

Although the relic of the bones may have no real intrinsic value, they are an important part of the church and are paraded through the town’s streets each year during the Moors and Christians Fiesta.

However other valuables stolen, including a chalice and bowl,

hatching spots are busy tourist beaches.

The turtle was probably a loggerhead which are a protected species and vulnerable to environmental impact.

Robbed at gunpoint

By Simon Russell

A man had a gun held to his head by three masked men as they forced him to hand over his watch and mobile phone.

The incident happened in Alicante city centre in March and the police have now arrested three men they believe to be responsible for the crime.

The mobile was a top of the range model while the watch had a value of €2,500, and it is believed

the victim was specifically targeted.

Police investigations led them to the men, aged in their twenties and thirties, who have a long criminal record for similar offences.

On searching their properties they recovered a starting pistol, an airgun and hoods plus clothing similar to that reported by the victim when the attack was carried out.

All three suspects are Spanish nationals.

were made of gold and silver and would have had a value, although they would have been almost impossible to sell on the open market at any stage.

If they had not been recovered they may well have been melted down simply for the value of their precious metals.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

BORIS TAKES ACTION

By Jack Troughton

The Association of British Travel agents, ABTA, has asked for government support in clamping down on fraudulent claims; while the Foreign Office warns holidaymakers they could face jail in the UK or Spain.

Claim management companies have been accused of touting for business; ABTA says cases usually involve guests staying on all-inclusive deals who argue they only ate in their hotel, which must have been the source of the alleged food poisoning – and claims are usually filed after a guest returns home.

Payouts are usually worth around £2,000 but could be as high as £5,000 in the “dishonest and deceitful” fraud; claims settled out of court rather than take on huge legal costs.

Mr Johnson said the issue was an “injustice” and referring to an “outlandish” 424% rise in the number of claims, said there was a “rampant culture” of insurance claims for sickness.

Seen as a British problem and risking the door being shut on UK holidays, he said the figures “made my eyes almost start from their sockets”.

After receiving a letter from ABTA, Mr Johnson said: “It seems that in the past few years there has arisen a rampant culture of claiming compensation at the end of a holiday; not for theft or for loss of valuables, but for an upset stomach.”

He added it appeared “the digestive systems of the British people have become the most delicate in the world.”

The Foreign Secretary said some holiday operators reported a 434% rise bit one maintained soaring numbers of claims over alleged gastric illness had risen by 700%.

He said it was “most odd” as over the last 20 years there had been significant improvement in the quality and hygiene of food available at resorts, yet Brits – tagged ‘the fake sick man of Europe’ – were looking for a payout backed by no more than a chemist’s receipt showing

they had bought medicine for a stomach complaint.

Mr Johnson said the situation was “infuriating” for hotels and tour operators, and for people who genuinely fell ill.

“And of course it is unfair on the vast majority of British holidaymakers

whose costs will inevitably rise to meet the burden of all these bogus claims,” he said.

“Some Spanish companies have even threatened not to accept British custom, so epidemic has been the scam.”

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

DOG'S DINNER

Fraudster mayor set to be released

By Simon Russell

By Simon Russell

THE much touted canine beach in Alicante city is not currently fully open, despite the summer season being well underway.

The Agua Amarga dog beach was actually inaugurated a year ago but it appears that this year the area was accidentally omitted from the beach tender process.

As it requires specialist equipment

such as feeders, water bags and watering facilities it also requires a separate tender, something which was overlooked.

The opposition Partido Popular has criticised the cities ruling tripartite for the omission, who have replied that the area can still be used by dog owners and their pets, but unfortunately not all the facilities are currently available.

THE former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, is to be released from jail next month after serving three years of his jail sentence for fraud.

The conviction concerned the tender for rubbish collection in the town, whereby he knowingly bypassed the official process for awarding the â‚Ź100 million contract.

This was found to be pre-meditated fraud based on his association with the company awarded the tender, and it was found that he also forged voting documentation to further ensure the deal would go to the firm he personally favoured.

When convicted Mateo was banned from public office for at least nine years and fined â‚Ź10,000.

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FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Flip-flop fury

By Simon Russell

A man purposely drove his HGV into the security checkpoint of a factory where he was making a delivery after he was told he could not enter as he was wearing flip-flops.

The man had a furious altercation with the security guards, pushed one of them and then rammed the checkpoint with his truck. The only person injured in the incident was the driver

had refused to let the man pass as his dress code breached safety regulations, which require safety shoes as well as a high visibility jacket - not a T-shirt and flip flops.

The incident happened in Madrid and once he has recovered the driver is likely to face charges.

himself, who had to be hospitalised for bumps and bruises.

The guards

Machete madness

By Simon Russell

A man killed his father with a machete after he said he had insulted the man’s mother.

The victim, a 73 year old cancer sufferer, was found beheaded in his home in Valencia after the son had

confessed the killing to his mother who then alerted the authorities.

She was not in the house at the time of the incident. Police and an ambulance arrived at the scene but the victim had been beheaded with a

single machete blow.

The 36 year old was arrested and is undergoing psychiatric testing before charges are filed. There have been over thirty cases of patricide in the Valencian region since the year 2000.

Two decades on the run

By Simon Russell

A Spanish national has been apprehended in New York under the terms of an international arrest warrant for murder after evading capture for almost twenty years.

The man is accused of killing his Columbian partner near Barcelona back in May 1998. She had been planning to leave him and he shot her after an argument and then fled the country by immediately catching a plane to the US before the murder even came to light.

The man was originally from the Dominican Republic and he was able to blend into New York which has a high number of Dominican migrants living and working there.

Spanish police had liaised with their American counterparts and were able to finally track the man down before the statute of limitations expired in October this year.

He will now be extradited to Spain to face trial.

Guilty Google

By Simon Russell

WHETHER you live in Spain, the UK, or elsewhere in Europe, the odds are that if you search for something on the internet you use Google.

However the firm behind the world’s favourite search engine will shortly be €2.4 billion poorer after receiv-

ing a fine from the European Union’s trade regulators this week.

They ruled that Google broke EU anti-trust rules by promoting products it had ties with in favour of competitors products when people searched for something.

They added that the tech

giant had “denied other companies the chance to compete on merit, and most importantly it denied European consumers a genuine choice of services.”

While Google denies the claim they haven’t yet said if they are going to appeal or contest the fine.

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Wealth warning

By Simon Russell

CHURCH charity Caritas has warned of an increasing number of “working poor” in the Valencian Community – people who are working full or part time but still struggle to pay their way with the basics such as food and housing.

Overall Caritas helped around 60,000 people last year, a decrease of 16% on 2016 and a sign that the Spanish economy is turning the corner after the lengthy recession. Valencia saw a large drop in poverty, down 25% from 2016 although around a quarter of the people here are still classed as being in poverty. Part of the reason for the drop can be attributed to foreigners who were struggling to find work moving away, either to other countries or back to their homelands. As well as low paid workers, single parents, young people with families and single person households are still amongst the sectors of society finding life a struggle financially. Many pensioners are also finding that their pension income is being used to sustain two or even three generations of their family.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Dino Discoveries

By Simon Russell

IF you’ve ever wondered what this part of the world looked like 100 million years ago, recent discoveries in the north of

the Valencian Community should give you a good idea.

The archaeological site at Morella in Castellon

Titanosauriform Sauropod

province is fast becoming regarded as one of the epicentres for palaeontology across the planet and a new giant species has recently b e e n uncovered.

There are about 80 bones for the titanosauriform sauropod which would have measured about twenty metres from head to tail and stood about nine metres high. Like most of the very large dinosaurs it would have been a herbivore with a long neck to reach leaves.

Remarkably evidence of its diet is still evident from discovery of plant food in its stomach parts, despite it being an estimated 125 million years old. This is the second new species discovered at the site and the palaeontologists there are optimistic there will be further finds.

There is also talk in the municipality of a dinosaur museum being constructed, although the enormous size of the creature’s remains would require a huge space.

Runway crash causes delays

By Simon Russell

A Vueling plane had to be repaired after a collision with a service vehicle on the runway at Alicante’s El Altet airport.

No passengers were ever in danger in the accident, but as part of the fuselage was damaged the plane had to be repaired and the 153 passengers, on the way to Rome, ended up being delayed for around seven hours.

In the end the airline took the decision to load the passengers onto a different plane and they eventually made their way to their destination.

The incident happened on Friday 23 June, one of the busiest - and warmest - days of the year for the airport to date.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

8 FOOT SHARK STARTS PANIC

By Simon Russell

THERE have been two incidences of shark scares involving popular Spanish tourist beaches over the last week.

In Magaluf, a Balearic resort popular with young British tourists, a two and a half metre shark was spotted close to bathers. Panic then ensued and people fled the water, but when the authorities approached the shark it was clear that it was injured. The creature, a blue shark, had swallowed a fishing hook and was taken ashore and later put down as it could not be saved.

The same week a Valencian beach was evacuated by the Red Cross after a shark was seen swimming close to the

shoreline. The incident occurred on La Patacona Alboraya beach on 23 June, when the animal was spotted in shallow water and reported to the local police.

Along with the Red Cross, the police made the decision to evacuate the area for two hours until they were happy it was safe and the fish had swum well away from the beach.

Almost fifty species of shark live in the Mediterranean, around fifteen of which could be classed as dangerous to humans. However it is rare for them to venture close to the shore or near people, although the hot weather may be a factor according to experts.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Corbyn is festival hit fb00c9953a672393495bc8c1ad609c48b8e3a122dff6ea498ccd68e72af83497_3986141.jpg

By Jack Troughton

GLASTONBURY crowds cheered and sang as surprise headliner Jeremy Corbyn took to the festival’s Pyramid Stage to call for a world of human rights, peace, justice and democracy “all over the planet”.

He admitted being “inspired” by young people turning out to vote in the General Election; said to have helped

slash the Conservative majority in the snap poll.

And given as rock star welcome, referring to the polling box, the Labour leader said: “The elites got it wrong...the politics that got out of the box is not going back in that box.”

Glastonbury, with its worldwide reputation for music, is a non-profit event

and supports a number of causes including Greenpeace, Oxfam and WaterAid, helping ensure the politician was a hit.

Backstage singer-songwriter, Billy Bragg, a left wing supporter, joked: “Politicians are just frustrated rock stars!”

And while Mr Corbyn’s speech did attract a number of boos and small groups leaving the area, it did provoke an

angry response from former UKIP leader Nigel Farage after being screened in a BBC special and on the news..

He tweeted: “Why should we pay the BBC licence fee just so they can promote Jeremy Corbyn? Outrageous!

“Have this lot actually had a look at what they’re actually supporting? Google ‘Marxism’.”

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Out & About

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Nanny drowned in bath Dali’s paternity test

By Jack Troughton

By Jack Troughton

THE World Pride Festival is to be held in Madrid from 23 June to 2 July, the world’s biggest gay pride event which is expected to attract up to two million visitors to the city.

There are reports that every hotel room in the Spanish capital has been booked up for a while, and those hoping to attend for some or all of the nine days are being forced to make alternative arrangements.

Many will travel in from nearby cities and towns such as Toledo, while travel sites such as Air BNB expect their members to benefit from the influx. Another

issue for the festival is that Spain is currently on a high alert level for terrorism and there are fears that two million people packed into an already crowded city could make a tempting target.

Security has been stepped up significantly for the duration, with extra police, helicopters and armed forces all being drafted in, while all police leave has been cancelled during the festival.

The main parade is on 1 July which will also be the biggest day for the security operation.

Marina Alta Film Festival

Prizes for childrens, musical and LGTB categories THREE Marina Alta towns will be co-hosting the sixth Riurau Film Festival later this year it has been announced.

The festival which celebrates short films will be held in Jesus Pobre on 15 September, Denia on 16 September and Javea on 22 to 23 September. Prizes will be awarded in various

categories including children’s, musical and LGTB with films from different categories being showcased at the different venues and towns.

For more information on times, locations and so on you should contact the town hall or tourist centre for each municipality.

DNA tests will decide whether the legendary Spanish artist Salvador Dali is the father of a 61-year-old former tarot card reader.

Maria Pilar Abel Martinez has brought a parternity case to the courts in Madrid, claiming her mother confessed to a secret affair with the colourful painter; she described herself as “Dali without the moustache” because of her physical resemblance to the artist.

Dali died in 1989 aged 84.

Maria, who used to deal card on a Gerona television station, said she was not motivated by money, insisting: “I just want to know who I really am, where I come from, and who I belong to.”

It means the body will be exhumed to allow samples to be taken after a judge ruled biological testing was “necessary” to decide the patrnity case.

Dali is buried in the crypt of the museum bearing his name in his hometown of Figueres in Catalonia.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Benidorm Palace celebrates 40 years

Benidorm Palace is the quintessential nightclub in Benidorm and the Costa Blanca. With a new production every year, the shows are updated with the latest acts, comedians, acrobats and dancers. A fascinating experience you will want to repeat again and again.

This year will be a very special year for the Benidorm Palace, the famous Benidorm night club celebrates its Ruby anniversary. That’s right, Ruby anniversary, 40 years since it first opened its doors in 1977.

BENIDORM PALACE Back then the majority of holidays were package deals organized by companies such as Cosmos, Horizon, Thomson, Portland and

Skytours and Benidorm was quite different too. There were none of the hotels that surround the Palace today, just pine trees along the route.

The club’s design and décor back then was typical of the 70’s with neon lighting and orange and brown interiors, not to mention the fashion and hair styles of the times!

Times change of course and the Benidorm Palace has had an exterior facelift and lots of lifts and tucks along the way.

David Climent stars in a thrilling number of magic

to make way for the grand fi n a l e of the Show. The celebration concludes with the glamour of the renowned dancers of Benidorm Palace and Miss Rubí, the

emblematic piece of this show.

Apart from the m a j o r overhall of the exterior, new media lighting and laser lighting has been added plus the other big change with the introduction

of meals, complementing the show, live music and offering a whole night out in one place.

This perfect evening is perfectly matched with the delicious dinner that accompanies the show.

The new show to celebrate this special anniversary will be called Ruby and should premier on the 19th of May.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Out & About

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Players take off - Let me hold your hand

By Jack Troughton

FLYING high with a sell out six nights, Javea Players headed for airport terminals for the annual summer show and some wellobserved comic chaos.

Perhaps the most social event on the theatre group’s calendar, a tapas supper enjoyed ‘al fresco’ in Javea Old Town was followed by some easily digestible entertainment in the Casa de Cultura.

On stage there were two slices of fun. ‘Arrivals’ and ‘Departures’, both set in Gatwick during those far off days in eighties when flying was still a bit of an adventure, mass travel by budget airlines was a pipedream, and a bottle of water could be carried through security.

It was also before mobile phones. ‘Arrivals’ was a four-

daughter Mandy abroad to find a suitable match.

She stumbles on bickering couple Dennis and Sheila. Her none stop advice – full of delicious

handed – five with the answer machine – farce about the mayhem caused through a lack of communication; wrong terminal, wrong airport, wrong pub, and wrong police station. A well handled piece of right nonsense.

‘Departures’ was the terminal nightmare everyone knows and dreads. The holiday flight is delayed. Enter Rosemary - travel ‘expert’, life ‘expert’, professional Good Samaritan – taking

malapropisms – drives Dennis to a breakdown before heading off to spread the gospel according to Rosemary.

Pictured in character are Lindsay Johnson as Rosemary and the besieged victim Dennis (Gary Johnson); but a deserved round of applause for everyone involved.

Photo: Rosemary and Dennis

By Benny Davis

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Out & About

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Legally Blue

By Simon Russell

SPAIN’S famous “smurf village” has now gained the legal rights to use images of the characters in the municipality.

Juzcar, near Malaga, was painted a vibrant blue when it was used to promote the first smurf movie in 2011.

The village became such a tourist attraction that they decided to keep the unusual colour scheme and actively market itself as the official home of the smurfs. However wall murals and costumes used in parades were not officially sanctioned by the company that owns the

image rights of the smurfs, which were first created by Belgian artist Pierre Culliford in 1958.

A n agreement has been reached, and all products sold in the village are now fully authorised. Despite only having a population of 230, Juzcar attracts up to 2,500

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tourists a day who are interested in all things smurf-related. The village now has souvenir shops,

three restaurants, and a hotel in addition to its old church – all painted blue of course.

Located 113 km away from the city of Malaga.

Once a traditional white village.

Changed its look in the summer of 2011.

Campaign to promote The Smurfs movie.

Temporary project but has become host to a many events looking to take advantage of the hotspot.

An excellent destination for culture, food, and outdoor adventures, with a good variety of hiking trails, culinary tours, and cultural excursions.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Out & About

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Jack talks

By Jack Troughton

ANGELA Merkel managed a smile when she heard the UK plans to protect the rights of EU citizens post Brexit; describing the move as “a good start” but said there were still a host of questions and a lot to do.

The opening gambit from Theresa May at least addressed one of the key issues but it found little favour with senior officials in Brussels and opposition parties in the Palace of Westminster were none too happy either.

The idea is to end uncertainty for some 3.2 million EU citizens living in Britain and - fingers crossed - trigger some sort of reciprocal undertaking regarding the 1.2 million Brits enjoying life in Europe. All seems quiet so far; but Donald Task, the European Council President, did say the EU wanted to secure “full rights” for all on either side of the Channel...somehow I still feel a bit of a bargaining chip.

Mrs May wants to create a “UK settled status”, allowing European nationals to stay in the country, gaurantee their rights, and allow them access to health, education and other benefits; she does not want anyone to be forced out or families to be split up.

This goes to the negotiating table, but critics want to play a stronger hand granting full residency status, and when the chips are down, well it has been 12 months since the referendum and Mr Uncertainty still rules the roost.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has also urged a cross-party commission to “draw much of the poison” from Brexit and unite the UK. He fears disagreement between UK politicians over a series of points will become “a vote of confidence” before even reaching negotiations; it would be easier just to pray for common sense on both sides.

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Spanish Housing Prices Could Rise By As Much As 4% Non-subsidised housing prices grew 0.9% on as quarterly basis and 2.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2017, according to the statistics on the tax valuation of houses published by the Public Works Ministry. Minister Iñigo de la Serna flagged that it’s the eight consecutive quarter with price rises, although he ruled that there is an overheating in the sector. De la Serna also mentioned that currently just over 60,000 houses are being built on an annual basis, compared with over 600,000 during the boom years.

Bankinter analysts highlight that this increase is less than the 7.7% rise published by the

College of Property Registrars (which reflects the Price Index for Repeated Housing Sales) as well as Moody’s estimate for a 4.7% uptick in the coming years.

All the figures for the sector point to housing prices continuing to increase in the next few quarters. In line, in fact, with Bankinter’s forecasts for: A rise in the average price of housing of 4% in 2017, due to a recovery in demand, low financing costs and a lack of new supply.

Prices are picking up mostly in big cities like Barcelona (+6.6% yr/yr) and Madrid (+4.9% yr/yr ).

The Public Works Ministry

also pointed out that the stock of unsold houses is declining. On the other hand, de la Serna said it’s “good” that the construction sector is recovering “some protagonism”, but always using the criteria of “efficiency and rationality”.

The minister also made

reference to the Housing Plan for 2018-2021 which his department is working on. The ministry will collate observations from the autonomous regions, as well as town councils and the sector up until May 30. Its aim is to come up with a definitive report in June.

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What do Pension Freedoms really mean for Expats living in Spain? husband and has 2 adult children in the UK. She built up benefits in a Final Salary Pension Scheme. Her scheme Normal Retirement Date is 65, and her annual pension will be £8,500 per year on her 65th birthday. If Jane were to pass away, her husband would be entitled to a 50% spouses pension with nothing going to her children.

By Sam Kelly Managing Partner Chorus Financial

In 2006, the UK introduced pensions legislation that has allowed 100,000s of Expats to take control of their pension funds, gain earlier access, consolidate multiple pensions into a single scheme and substantially increase inheritance for their spouse or children.

Jane, an example client, is 53, lives in Spain with her

Pensions Freedoms allow Jane to leave her existing scheme and transfer to an HMRC recognised pension.

Before March 9th 2017, we may have recommended an overseas scheme called a QROPS, but following the UK Spring budget, it is now more likely that we would recommend a UK based, FCA regulated pension plan called a SIPP. If you have specific questions as to why this advice has recently changed

you can contact me directly on my details below.

Having sent in an enquiry through Chorus, Jane has now been offered a transfer value of £238,000 to leave her Final Salary Pension. Jane can access this £238,000 flexibly from her 55th birthday rather than waiting to 65 and can leave her husband and children the full pot of money, rather than a small spouse’s pension and nothing for her children.

Chorus Financial offer pension solutions from some of the biggest financial institutions in the World including FTSE 100 companies like Old Mutual and The Prudential, with the

option to have a UK based, FCA regulated pension.

purposes only. Transferring a pension from a final salary scheme means sacrificing effectively guaranteed benefits for non-guaranteed benefits and a full review of your circumstances must be undertaken before a recommendation to transfer can be given.

To discover what options are available to you, contact me today for a free, no obligation, Pension Review, by calling 664 398 702 or emailing s.kelly@ chorusfinancial.es.

Sam Kelly is a regulated Financial Planner based on the Costa Blanca, with over 15 years’ experience of financial markets and portfolio management in both the UK and Spain.

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

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Green light for big build

By Simon Russell

A development of almost 500 properties looks set to go ahead on the outskirts of the Alicante town of El Campello.

The plot is the last available for develop-

ment in the Playa de San Juan area and will consist of 492 houses which are in addition to the 326 already on the site along with a hotel.

Plots have also been

set aside for two public green areas, two parks and sports and recreational areas. Around 30% of the overall plot will consist of housing according to the plans.

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Grow Your Very Ow

There are few things better on a hot summer day than sitting down to juicy, home-grown melons. All melons are pretty easy to grow, so no matter if you are new to gardening or an old hand, make sure you plant some Spanish melons.

Many people have their favourite kind of melon, and although there are a lot of melons that can be grown, but most people tend to grow watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), as well as muskmelon (cantaloupe), honeydew, and piel de sapo (toad skin) which, are all variations of the same species Cucumis melo.

These are all grown in much the same way, so whatever type of melon you decide to grow, if you follow the steps below, you will have fresh melon for breakfast or in a good fruit salad in just a few months.

Choosing melon plants to grow the juiciest melons.

When choosing muskmelon, make sure you choose a variety that is resistant to powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew usually develops as the melons are rip-

ening and the energy the plant loses can rob the melon of their flavour. When choosing watermelon plants, look for varieties that are resistant to fusarium wilt and bacterial wilt.

Choose long-vined cultivars rather than the short-vined or bush type.

This is because long-vined will have fruit with superior flavour and texture because they have more leaves and can put more energy into fruit production. If you are short on space and need to grow a short-vined or bush type variety, then thin the fruit to two melons per plant to keep the fruit-to-leaf ration high.

Melons like full sun, hot days, warm nights, and lots of room to grow. They also need a rich and well-draining soil.

Melons really dislike extremely acidic soil, so choose a spot that has naturally alkaline soil, or has recently been limed.

Melons need warm soil to grow well so now is a good time to start sowing them. Like other cucurbits, melons can easily crossbreed, so allow plenty of

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wn Melons In Spain space between different types or cultivars. To be completely safe from any accidental cross-pollination, keep them away from other family members including cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins.

Apart from that they need room enough to sprawl. If planting in rows, put the seeds 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart with a few metres in between rows. Thin out if necessary.

Melons need plenty of water while they are young and regular deep watering is especially crucial during the first 3 to 4 weeks that the vines are growing in your garden.

That said, you can improve the flavour of the fruit if you do not water as often as the fruit ripens. A good technique is to cut back on the water once the plants have begun to set fruit because overwatering dilutes the melon’s sugars and makes the flavour weaker and less sweet.

This is a fine line, because you never want the melons to dry out completely, or get too stressed for water, because when you do water again, or it rains, the ripening melons can split. So simply reduce the water, but not to the point where you are stressing the plant.

To give a steady supply of moisture, drip irrigation or soaker hoses are the best way because you are watering the roots directly rather than soaking the leaves. By keeping the leaves dry you can help prevent common foliar diseases such as powdery mildew which can affect the flavour of the melons.

Melons are heavy feeders and from the time they start growing until the first flowers appear, melons need a steady supply of nutrients. Fertilize at planting and then every 3 to 4 weeks during the season. Avoid nitrogen heavy fertilizer, which will produce more vine than fruit. spanish melons

Melons can be hard to tell if they are ripe, but here are some common techniques.

Muskmelons develop a thick netting over the rind, and the rind beneath becomes a lighter shade of green or even yellow.

Watermelons: When ripe, the curled tendril at the stem end dries to brown and the underside of the melon turns yellow or cream-colored. The melon will also give a flat, dead sound when thumped. Rinds of unripe watermelons have a nice shiny gloss; ripe melons lose that shine, so the rinds are drab.

Other melons: Slip from the vine when ripe.

All melons will ripen a bit more for a couple of days after harvest, so store them at room temperature until they are totally ripe, then put them in the refrigerator or cool location for several weeks.

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Caring For Your Baby’s Teeth The prevention of tooth decay starts when your child is still a baby. How well you care for your baby’s teeth (or gums!) will have a lasting effect.

Once your baby starts weaning it is best to encourage savoury tastes rather than sweet. Keep away from sweet, fizzy drinks. Water is best but if you do give your baby squash, NEVER give it in a bottle. The teat of the bottle will be sugary and will lie against the baby’s gums or ‘milk’ teeth. This is disastrous for dental health. If fruit juice is given, it should be diluted with 10 parts water and be given in a non-valved free flowing cup. If children are having chocolate or sweets it is better at the end of a meal or the end of the day rather than nibbling throughout the day.

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Cleaning you toddler’s teeth should be part of his daily routine and should be made into a fun time rather than a chore. Teeth should at least be cleaned first thing in the morning and last thing before bed time. Sit your child on your knee facing a mirror and clean his teeth from behind.

Use a small, soft toothbrush with rounded bristles and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush all surfaces in small circular movements. Do not brush side to side as this may hurt and damage his gums. Concentrate on one section of teeth at a time, not forgetting the backs.

Persuade, rather than force, your toddler to open his mouth, as he needs to learn to like the idea of brushing.

Give him lots of praise and encouragement when he allows you to brush them. Letting him choose his own toothbrush may also make it more fun for him.

If he’s reluctant to have them cleaned, let him see you brush your teeth first. With an older toddler you can then let him try to copy you. You need to be persistent.

Gradually you can give him more responsibility for the brushing as time goes on.

Supervise your child while he brushes his teeth until he is at least seven years old.

When do you need to take your child to the den-

tist and which dentist do you choose?

Take your child to the dentist when he’s about a year old. Dentists can help to prevent, as well as cure teeth problems. Don’t wait until you see signs of tooth decay.

When you go to the dentist for your own appointment, take your toddler with you. He’ll then get used to the sights, sounds and smells.

Don’t assume that you don’t need to take your toddler to the dentist because his first teeth are going to fall out anyway. Most first teeth have 10 years of hard work to do so need looking after. Also, these milk teeth help keep the space open for second permanent teeth to come through.

Choose your child’s dentist with care as you want his first experiences to be good ones. A child who is frightened at an early age by a bad dental experience with probably be put off dentists for life! Choose a dental clinic with a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door. This will immediately put your child at ease. The dentist should not only be an excellent clinician but should be friendly, approachable and used to caring for children in his dental practice.

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Keep Kids Safe Around Your Dogs

Small children and dogs seem to go hand in hand. Boys and girls see puppies as huggable friends that are wonderfully cute plus furry. The truth, nevertheless, is that not all dogs are safe close to children.

Children should be taught ways to respect puppies, and also to know that each dog is unique, with his or her own personality plus temperament.

Educating children to respect dogs for who they are will greatly lower the number of dog attacks on children, which will probably bring peace of mind, and peaceful living, to all children and also parents.

Each time discussing puppies, “temperament” means that the normal attitude as well as personality traits. Breeds of dogs are proven to have certain temperaments, which usually allows people to understand each breed, however it does not stop there. Each individual dog will also have his or her own temperament, which dog owners will get to understand

as they get to know their puppies.

In the event that you are picking a dog for your family, you must look beyond a dog’s size, as well as whatever grooming requirements it may have. It is very important also take into account the temperament of the dog. Have you got younger children? In that case you will probably want a calm, peaceful dog that will not accidentally harm your children when they are playing together.

Have you got older children? Then you may find that an active dog is a better fit for your family, considering that older children can deal with the higher-level of play which an active dog will have.

Consider also a dog’s possible need for dominance.

Dogs which want to be dominant will never be suitable

for families with young kids or babies. However, dogs that are too submissive may be frightened of noisy children of any age, and nip at them in defense.

When it comes to picking out a dog, it is usually much simpler to predict

the temperament of pureblood dogs, for the reason that their breed’s general personality traits are known.

Excellent dog breeders will be able to help choose a puppy dog for a family by matching up the demands of each and every family with the personalities of their pet dogs.

Looking for your dog is just the start. The moment you bring your puppy home, you need to start schooling your children good behavior close to your new dog.

Any time your dog eats, he needs to be left alone. Dogs are very protective of their food. If perhaps your boy or girl tries to take his food, he may aggressively attempt to protect it.

That is true of dog food, however especially of bones. Educate your children to never approach a dog which is chewing a bone, whether it is your dog or someone else’s.

Teach kids of all ages the way to react to an approaching dog: To stand still, stay calm (do not scream!), as well as to not look the dog in the eyes.

They additionally have to know what to do in case a dog knocks them over. They ought to roll into a ball, just like a

pill bug, plus stay quiet and still. They need to stay in this way till the dog losses interest in them and leaves. They need to continue to stay quiet as they stand up, to avoid getting the dog’s interest back to them.

Undoubtedly you already know that your dog ought to go through dog training. It is also essential to include children in this training, in case they are old enough to participate.

The reason this is significant is due to the fact it can help your dog to view your children as ranking above him in his pack (your family). This will lead to your dog treating your children with much more respect than he would treat anyone he views as beneath him in rank.

If perhaps you have kids and you take some time to think about a dog’s temperament just before choosing one, you are going a long way to making sure that your dog and young children will live safely as well as happily for a long time to come.

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Maybe The Best Pizza Ever - The Pizza Lilo This summer’s must have swimming pool accessory comes is no longer the Flamingo Float but maybe the best lilo in the world and you can grab it in the UK! Instagram has been going mad over floating slices of pizza with many sporting some extremely tasty toppings!

But if you think they cost and arm and a leg, think again – because you can pick one up in Primark in the UK for ten pounds.

Three weeks ago, they started selling hot pink flamingo inflatables for £9 but they’ve sincelaunched the Giant Lilo Pizza Slice which people are already going bonkers for.

Could things get any better? Weell if you can persuade your martes to all buy a slice you can have your very own complete pizza, EPIC

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

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Whats ON TV RETRO GAMER NINTENDO SNES MINI Nintendo has followed up the Classic Mini NES with a remastered version of the 16bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System, first released in Europe in 1992.

The Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES will come packaged with 21 games including Super Mario, Zelda and Street Fighter, along with a couple of original controllers.

Like last year’s Mini NES, you’ll be able to plug the SNES directly into your TV via the HDMI port and play all the old games either as they were or remastered for

NEW ON The Good Dinosaur

2017. We already know the release date and pricing for the new console and, like last year, Nintendo is aiming for the lucrative Christmas market.

It’s sure to be a huge seller as gamers look to recapture the nostalgia of Super Mario Bros or Street Fighter 2: Turbo. Thankfully, there are some options to pre-order the console at certain retailers, but you’ll have to be quick.

Nintendo has set the UK release date for the Mini SNES as September 29, 2017.

The Overnight

In a world where dinosaurs and humans co-exist, a runt dinosaur and a Neanderthal boy form a unique friendship and share an unforgettable adventure. In a land before history, two outcasts become unlikely friends, and find their courage together.

When a couple new to LA tries to adapt and make friends, they arrange a play date for their son, unaware that his hosts have games in mind for them. After their kids have been put to bed, things start to get freaky between two pairs of parents.

Faubourg 36

When a neighborhood music hall shuts down, a trio of jobless friends vows to bring it back from the dead by staging a musical they hope will be a hit.

When everything around them seems to be fading away, three friends dream of bringing a forgotten landmark back to life.

Director: Christophe Barratier Staring: Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week Killer Women with Piers Morgan Season 2 Episode 2 of 5

Piers travels to Homestead Correctional Institution in Florida to meet Amber Wright, who, at the age of 15 conspired with a group of friends to murder her ex-boyfriend Seath Jackson, an innocent teenage boy who was beaten, shot, and knee-capped before his corpse was burnt and his remains thrown in a quarry.

ITV London 9:15pm Thu 29 Jun

Doctor Who

Season 10 Episode 12 of 12

The Doctor Falls Peter Capaldi’s tenure as the Doctor draws close to its conclusion, as the Mondasian Cybermen rise.

BBC1 London 6:30pm Sat 1 Jul

Life of Pi (2012)

A writer interviews a man about the extraordinary events of his life. He describes his childhood in India, living in the zoo run by his father, and how the family and their animals were forced to relocate to Canada when he was a teenager. However, during the sea voyage, the ship sank and he was left adrift in a small boat with a ferocious tiger. Ang Lee’s adventure based on Yann Martel’s novel, starring Suraj Sharma and Irrfan Khan

Channel 4 8:00pm Sat 1 Jul

Dr No (1962)

James Bond travels to the Caribbean to investigate the murder of a fellow agent, leading to a confrontation with a mysterious criminal mastermind hatching a plot to sabotage the US space programme. The first in the long-running spy thriller series, starring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Jack Lord and Joseph Wiseman

ITV4 10:00pm Wed 5 Jul

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Down

Across

1. Odd (8) 2. Precipitous (5) 4. Abhorrence (6) 5. Staggers (5) 6. Breathed out (7) 7. Roman emperor (4) 8. Movie theatre (6) 13. Eastern (8) 15. Against the law (7) 17. Fleet of ships (6) 18. Come to the destination (6) 20. The Devil (5) 22. Itinerary (5) 23. Sailing vessel (4)

1. Go by (4) 3. Baker’s dozen (8) 9. Pharmacist (7) 10. Anaesthetic (5) 11. Become void (5) 12. Effortlessly (6) 14. Beast (6) 16. Male goose (6) 19. Nearer (6) 21. Combine (5) 24. Should (5) 25. Uncertain (7) 26. Gifted (8) 27. Meat from a calf (4)

Sudoku

Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Down 1 Pole for the workforce (5) 2 Teacher with English class not entirely doomed (4,3) 3 Wheatsheaf provides grub (4) 4 Bet on others giving support (8) 5 Buccaneer loses his head, getting angry (5) 6 Sink discovered by queen (7) 11 Check sieve again (8) 12 Endless barbecue arranged for young carnivore (4,3) 13 Deny profit, for example (7) 15 Rulers required in college? (5) 17 Flower store (5) 18 Maximum resentment, by the sound of it (4)

Medium

Across 1 Plant in southern border (5) 4 Cheese found by female barrister (5) 7 Attractive trap in sorcery (8) 8 Plant needing a drink (4) 9 Musical instrument from part of Scotland (4) 10 Buddy stops after short day (7) 12 Cook buys a larger sweet (6,5) 14 Knave set out to obtain clothing (7) 16 Fail to get girl (4) 19 Son is able to read (4) 20 Dislike actor’s first reading (8) 21 Animal is in good French environment (5) 22 Reversible boat (5) 25 Tea’s gone off - but that was a long time ago (5,3)

Hard

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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daily paper La Vanguardia, Mrs Perez was only able to seize back control of her property by booking it through Airbnb, based in San Francisco, moving in, and changing the locks.

And her family alleges the tenant is a member of a professional gang specialising in such a deceit in the city, pocketing a fortune by paying a landlord €950 a month but renting the property out at €200 a night through the accommodation website.

Airbnb reacted quickly by immediately taking the Perez flat off its books and demanding all “hosts” – people who list available property – to certify they have permission to do so; and check

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

ARIES

ARIES

TAURUS

TAURUS

Your brave decisions and standing up for what ARIES (March 21st-April you believe may cause a lot of 20th) shockwaves The your inactivity inertiaAnything that’s been across world and this week. can surrounding you could be good you happen as far as love is concerned. for Venus because it pours cold water on your in Taurus continues to make spending very impulsiveness.

The makes sun inyouPisces helps attractive, plus Uranus impulsive. youare look overchanges the way the last year has There so many and new beginnings Time change direction? Finance aregone. out there forto you at the weekend.

also crops up in conversation at the top TAURUS (April 21st) of the week and21st-May you’re in charge.

If you’re unattached, any new relationship TAURUS (Aprilnew 21st-May 21st) and becomes a brand commitment, you’re shy side if Even you’reifin love, on thisthe week’s sky of canTaurus also you’re a social animal this stoke the more fires ofof change in your life. This week.

There’s alsoyou ansoedge to you.

It’s makes being around exciting.

You’re called ambition. words or a attracted to people, Crossed or want to be with powerthat struggle is all about someone people, have a healthy self-worth, and understanding that we all best. must take you’re tired of settling for second

the rough with the smooth. Nostalgia suits you.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

LIBRA

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SCORPIO

Asking yourself honestly what you want is GEMINI (May your quickest route22nd-June to happiness21st) this week.

Yourit up individuality is amazing and Leave to others to decide and you may you’re strong and purposeful. sun feel let down.

It’s all about being ableThe to cast in Pisces you under the spotlight aside the oldputs in preference for the new.

GEMINI

GEMINI

for one last week, yet an irritation needs to be ironed out at the start of the week – possibly at work. The rest of the week and the weekend should CANCER 22nd-July 23rd) be plain(June sailing.

SAGITTARIUS

It’s important that you pay attention to what is CANCER (June 23rd)your being said to you this 22nd-July week and redouble effThe orts to that everything right on suncheck in your sister signis of Pisces schedule therefore courseout to succeed. meansand that you’llonstrike in your

CANCER

CANCER

LEO

LEO

VIRGO

VIRGO

own individual way, plus this also opens your mind to help you see the bigger picture. Opportunity could strike without warning and the LEO (July for 24th-August 23rd) outlook the weekend is dramatic

Your attitude towards life is much more LEO (July 23rd)in love spiritual.

There24th-August may also be tensions and friendship, and these needtype to be of handled Expect a changeable week carefully.

But you won’t suff er gladly when people are hard fools to second along the way. guess. The sky also shifts your focus Use your ability to be honest and upfront towards a constructive stance about what’staking going on in your emotional life.

over your long-term plans. It’s all in the timing at the weekend.

VIRGO 24th-Sept 23rd) Don’t (August rush things

No matter your situation, this week’s sky means that, in many ways, the 23rd) changes VIRGO (August 24th-Sept that are on way your are necessary for yousign to The sunthe in opposite progress even further.

Sometimes you needALL to means you’ll be dealing with look at what you want and need for yourself, your relationships this week.

This and this is one such time, because when you is such extremely well-starred so please have a build up of planetary alignments don’tnotpanic.

You’ll be quirky in your they’re there for nothing.

communications and your thought processes midweek.

CAPRICORN

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

AQUARIUS

PISCES

PISCES

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) We all cling on to routine things and old LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) habits, but sometimes it’s good to be You’ll take ora not cool, impartial looklast at spontaneous, try to control every finances this week. sunquite in Pisces thing.

If something thatThe didn’t work is inabout uphoped, thosethen sleeves, out the wayrolling that you’d rather getting yourallshoulder to theyouwheel than hold into of these things, have the opportunity really letwork go andfor move on and making tothings you. thanks to thisitweek’s sky. after, if you set it Whatever is you’re up now, you a better chance of SCORPIO (Octstand 24th-Nov 22nd) The cosmic signposts that will be revealed SCORPIO 22nd) this week are (Oct about24th-Nov new beginnings, and this your sign Pisces is isSun whatin you’ll go sister after with theof right can-do attitude, and you won’t be content to sit your signal for fun, laughterjustand back and do feeling nothing.good.

Somewhere in there generally Spend time you an opinion, and that opinion will be onhave getting creative midweek, and coming out. You just can’t help it.

there’ll be plenty of shake, rattle, and roll by the time the weekend arrives.

SAGITTARIUS (Novdone.

23rd-Dec 21st) You’re on fire. Well

If you’ve been working towards any form of SAGITTARIUS 23rd-Dec 21st) change, settlement(Nov or understanding, you’re an extra-special connection inYou’ve a far better position this week to solidify to it. the rootsconnected of your to lifeyour and there’ll be Something public life, and lots of family issues be dealt with. doing what it is that youtoknow you can do best, give you c boost.

Thiswill might geta terrifi deep and memories

could come flying back. There’ll be a few surprises at the top of the week, but you’ll feel like you’re in a balanced CAPRICORN (Dec place again by the22nd-Jan weekend. 20th) If you’re unattached, then you could be CAPRICORN (Dec 20th) looking at a week that22nd-Jan offers a brand new and exciting romantic development. If you’re A very fast and unpredictable time inawaits a relationship, then your need for freedom some Capricorns. The sun in might rock the boat. Are you looking for Pisces means that it’s a fast-paced attention here, Capricorn, or is it something week in than general. more serious that? A revelation at

the weekend stimulates your social life, and this is a time to be among AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th) positive people.

You’ve the amazing ability to create things from a standing and make things AQUARIUS (Janstart, 21st-Feb 19th) happen in concentrates both your life and in the of The sun its rays on life what others. So in many ways you become the you want forthis you, andIt’syou to standard bearer week. also come a time for know dreams, your worth you chasing and a this time week to makeif what you cravealready. happen. This There is areasotime manyof helpful don’t self. things going on in the stars at the weekend.

Of individuality. The sky also opens Live life.

up so many opportunities at the weekend for those of you looking to PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th) make a connection.

The sun in your sister sign of Cancer pretty much guarantees that you’re feeling fun20th) and happy PISCES (Feb 20th-March with yourself, and fulfilling your own priorities There’s no stopping you, and right from isthe your look individuality towards your topprimary of thedrive. week,I’dyour social arena if Iapart were you, groups will set you - as and willbeing your in thought ofprocesses. people and having significant All of fun. thisSomething cosmic goodness could happentowhen you’re conspires make youintroduced a winner toin new the people.

You’re feeling likematter. a free spirit. eyes of people who Plant career seeds and watch them grow. Travel is also well starred.

22

23

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BARCELONA landlord Montse Perez is illegally squatting in her own apartment after finding the home touted as a holiday rental on controversial website Airbnb without her knowledge.

The flat in the popular seaside district of Barceloneta in Spain’s second city was leased to a 26-year-old man.

The rental contract outlawed subletting the property as tourist accommodation – a growing problem in tourist hotspots.

However, after the agreement was signed the Perez family discovered the tenant could not be contacted and the apartment was listed on Airbnb’s online platform.

According to Catalonia’s regional

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Landlord is squatter

they are following local laws around the world.

The company said, in any case, this was part of terms and conditions and being “a responsible host”.

However, the response from across the Atlantic has done little to soothe the anger with the Barcelona authorities; already engaged in a long-running battle with Airbnb over the issue of offering unlicensed properties.

Councillor for Planning Janet Sanz said Airbnb was the only platform advertising properties without the relevant paperwork. She said: “Enough is enough...the problem is Airbnb is hurting locals by not wishing to comply

with the law.

“Those who do not comply with regulations are going to come up against an administration that is on the side of local residents and defending their rights.”

According to La Vanguardia, its investigation continues to discover other victims of the accommodation scam.

Holiday rentals have become big business in Spain. According to new statistics, they not offer more beds to visitors than hotels – in Barcelona, it is a change that has triggered growing friction between website companies, the local authorities, and locals; many believe they are being squeezed out of the rental market.

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

Relax

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34

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

PADDINGTON CREATOR DIES

Back In game of thrones

By Jack Troughton

the AUTHOR Michael Bond, gdin Pad al ort imm creator of the 91 of age the at d die has ton Bear, following a short illness. r The marmalade-loving bea has u Per t” kes dar from “deepest, ce his entertained children sin 1958, in first story was published anan es, tal of inspiring a series a and ies ser n sio imated televi 2014 film. ks More than 35 million boo by ed pir ins all have been sold, tted a lonely teddy bear spo n o dow win p sho in a Christmas Eve and bought by Bond as a stocking filler for his wife – and named after the London railway station be cau se t h e y l i ve d n e a r the terminus the at time.

PRI NCE Har ry has adm itted he onc e “wa nted out” of bein g part of the Roy al Fam ily but decide d to stay and crea te a role for him self .

Cur rent ly fifth in line to the thro ne – and incr easi ngly pop ular with an inte rnat iona l pub lic beca use of his char ity wor k – the 32-y ear- old con side red giving up his title afte r beco min g “dis illu sion ed”.

The prin ce, who serv ed 10 year s in the Arm y, incl udin g two tour s of Afg han ista n, said the mili tary was the best esca pe “I’v e ever had ” but had to leav e the fron t line whe n his pres ence was reve aled by the pres s in 200 7.

He said he was rese ntfu l becaus e “I felt I was achi evin g som ethi ng” . Inst ead, he foun d a new path ; and said the roya ls “do n’t wan t to be just a bun ch of cele brit ies but inst ead use our role for goo d.”

In the mili tary, Prin ce Har ry said he felt “par t of a team ” but had disc ove red the sam e sati sfac tion thro ugh com mitm ent to goo d caus es – incl udin g his supp ort for wou nde d vete rans and men tal

heal th grou ps.

“We are incr edib ly pass ionate with our char ities and they hav e been cho sen beca use they are on the path show n to me by our mot her; I love char ity stuf f and mee ting peo ple.”

And in an interv iew with Newsweek magazine, the prin ce reve aled no one in the Roy al Fam ily wan ted the thro ne.

He said : “We are not doin g this for ours elve s but for the grea ter goo d of the peo ple.

“Is ther e any one of the Roy al Fam ily who wan ts to be king or que en? I don ’t thin k so, but we will carr y out our duti es at the righ t time .”

Prin ce Har ry beli eves the mon arch y will chan ge in the futu re. “We wan t to mak e sure it last s and are passion ate abo ut wha t it stan ds for.

“Bu t it can’ t go on as it has und er the Que en. The re will be chan ges and pres sure to get them righ t.

Thin gs are mov ing so fast , espe cial ly beca use of soci al med ia, so we are all invo lved in mod erni sing the mon archy.”

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Britain

E S I R Y A P M 6 E V I QUEEN TO RECE S D N U F C I L B U P M FRO o released its anClarence House has als fi a e eiv rec to is we sho d the Prince of The British monarch nual accounts, which r. ye his hereditary pa tax the e ’ annual incom from nancial boost from les Wa 8 of se rea inc , increased by The Queen will get an c funds, af- estate, the Duchy of Cornwall bli pu to £20.7m. percent in income from profits rose 1.2% – which is paid two ter the Crown Estate’s The Sovereign Grant, to the Queen by £24m. arrears, is money given in ars ye ll wi g din The increase in fun ury. e repairs by the Treas on the profits of the Crown Estake place as extensiv sed ba is It d carrie of Loncosting £369m are being o, which includes much oli rtf po e tat e. out at Buckingham Palac of the don’s West End. er ep Ke id, d a £24.7m rise in Re an Al Sir The Crown Estate poste rerep een Qu 2016/17.

Privy Purse, said the profits, to £328.8m, in . y” ne mo for lue va igns for an electt sented “excellen Republic, which campa these at k loo u yo its own report on n d he she “W He said: ad of state, publi he ed gn rei ve So e is the accounts, the bottom lin al expenses.

65p per person, roy to ted ua eq ar ye Grant last other costs d Kingdom. that once security and d sai It per annum, in the Unite . mp l for the monarrst class sta included, the annual bil “That’s the price of a fi re we een Qu the what s nearer £345m.

“Consider that against try, I believe chy wa un co s thi for ts en res does and rep n’s chief value for money.”

Smith, the organisatio am ah Gr it represents excellent offi s ive bill for the yal Family’ tive, said it was a “mass lifestyles”.

The Queen and the Ro ecu ex g rin du .5m yer £4 rivileged cial travel cost the taxpa taxpayer” to support “p 0. ,00 00 £5 up , /17 2016

35

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Local Lookout

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New Seat Moraig?

By Jack Troughton

BENITATCHELL is campaigning to have the new Seat named after the beautiful Cala Moraig in the town.

Famous for its natural archway and named as one of the top ten beaches in Spain by one guide, Communication Councillor Myra van ‘t Hoff believes that Moraig would be an ideal name for the car maker’s latest model.

Seat has created a lot

of publicity by holding a competition to name their new car with many local towns and villages putting their name forward.

In recent years Seat has named new cars after Spanish locations, creating extensive free advertising for places such as Altea and Cordoba. The name for their new seven seater model will be announced in September.

Beach ready

By Simon Russell

THE finishing touches have been made to ensure that Javea’s beaches are ready for the peak part of the summer season, a larger task than usual due to the devastating winter storms.

Kiki Mata, from the

town’s Department of Services, said that a small cove near the Marina Espanola Paseo has now been recovered after being lost to the winter weather.

In general much of the work required level-

ling gravel and sand with heavy machinery and it was important that it was completed before July.

Accessibility has also been improved in part and some additional bollards added for tying off boats and canoes.

Donor queen

Rubbish dump

By Simon Russell

A Teulada-Moraira resident has received a special award for being a prolific blood donor over the years.

Maria Rosa Ivars has donated an impressive 60 times and received the “Gran Donante de Espana” title from the Spanish Federation of Blood Donors. Local councillors Rosana Caselles and Nieves Rodriguez gave

the award to Rosa, commenting that the title reflected her contribution to society, her solidarity and generosity.

Rosa said that she will continue giving blood for as long as she is able to, and asked that everybody also takes part when they can, noting that this was a small action that saves a lot of lives.

THE amount of rubbish generated by the Monday market in Denia became apparent this week after the usual team of cleaners failed to turn up once it had finished.

As the plastic bags, cardboard boxes and other detritus drifted across

the city from the market site, some residents were wondering if more of the responsibility for the cleanup should not go the market holders themselves who generate nearly all of it.

Maybe because they know someone will clean up after them, many

just dump everything regardless, something that could warrant a fine in another part of the city on another day.

It is not yet clear why the council clean-up crew did not appear and if this was just a one off occurrence.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

37

Local Lookout

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How safe is Benidorm?

By Simon Russell

IN what many will see as unhelpful scaremongering, sections of the UK press have been asking how safe is to holiday in Spain this year, using the ever popular Brit resort of Benidorm as a specific example.

This follows on the heels of the UK Foreign Office raising the terror attack alert for Spain to “likely”, the fourth highest threat level. However Spain remains at a lower threat level than France, Belgium and Turkey with the UK itself rated as “severe”.

There are reports of exsoldiers being shipped out to the resorts to monitor matters amid

the current fears and some think that British tourists could once again be targeted as they were in the 2015 Tunisian attack when 30 were killed.

The Foreign Offices official advice is for holidaymakers to be vigilant, although most tourists would seem to be a bigger danger to themselves than anything else.

Accidents and deaths have occurred from such things as drink, drugs, balcony falls and car accidents while people are warned that excessive drinking or drug consumption may invalidate many travel insurances.

Braking point

By Simon Russell

Calle Castellon is already driving motorists to distraction; brake lights come on and horns are sounded in a small matter of road etiquette - a dispute over who has right of way and chaos will continue until road users get used to the new feature.



CHANGES to Benidorm’s central Avenida del Mediterraneo proved to be a little confusing for drivers...in a round about way.

The busy highway, which links the Old Town with the Rincon de Loix and runs parallel to the sea and the Levante Beach, has been given a facelift with a central cycle lane running alongside the central reservation in both directions.

The two lanes of traffic either way remain and the new white lines are easy to spot and help keep vehicles separated.

However, the controversial new mini roundabout at the junction with

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Motoring

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Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer If you want a spacious, no frills family car, the Fiat Tipo Station Wagon is more than up to the task. It has a sensibly designed load area with plenty of space for garden centre trips, prams or muddy dogs, plus it’s durably made and comes well equipped.

It’s even reasonably priced, but it would be easier to recommend as a new buy if it were cheaper..

The load area provides an extra 110 litres of capacity over the hatchback, at 550 litres. In real world terms, what you get is a low, flat load deck with no lip and a wide tailgate opening. There’s plenty of space for things like buggies and baggage, but if more is needed then the rear seat backs fold flat.

The back row of seats is spa-

cious enough for adults to sit in a reasonable amount of comfort and access is good but, while practical, the cabin is drably

styled and feels quite dark and dull. It feels pretty well made though, so should stand up to kicking children and spilled drinks.

The Tipo Station Wagon is unremarkable to drive, but the controls are nicely weighted so no real effort is required to get

down the road in comfort. The handling is adequate and the ride quality is okay, but there is some body roll through bends. If you want fun driving dynamics, go for a Ford Focus

Estate - it’s a lot more enjoyable.

Engines mirror those in the hatch, with 1.3 and 1.6-litre MultiJet diesels, along with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrols. The pick of these is the 1.4-litre 120PS T-Jet

petrol, since it provides a good blend of affordable pricing, reasonable fuel economy and useable everyday performance.

Basic Easy models come with DAB radio, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and air conditioning, but we’d opt for Easy Plus. This

adds alloy wheels and a touchscreen system, along with cruise

control and parking sensors. The touchscreen is tiny at just five inches corner to corner, but it’s better than no touchscreen at all.

There’s nothing outstanding or exciting about the Fiat Tipo Station Wagon, but equally there’s not a lot wrong with it.

There is one issue that stands out most of all, though - the active safety tech comes in optional packs instead of as standard and without it the car only gets a three star safety rating.

With one of the packs it gets four stars. That said, it’s practical enough for family life and comes with all the essentials.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

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Local Sport

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Heating up at Benitachell Bowls Setford Trophy On a blistering hot afternoon the final of the Setford Trophy competition took place between Jackie Munt and Trevor Rush. It was a tribute to the late Terry Setford that the bowling was to such a high standard in very trying condition and very well supported by BBC members.

This competition, which is only open to newer bowlers, was inaugurated by Terry who introduced and coached the majority of beginners at the club over recent years. Pauline Setford presented the prize to the winner, Jackie Munt, and congratulated both bowlers on a terrific game which we were sure Terry was watching.

From a spectators point of view, a real ding

dong affair. Jackie clawed back into the game as Trevor had raced into the lead, then it was gritty bowling from both opponents culminating in what was the final end when the score stood at 18-17 to Trevor. Jackie was left holding three with a last wood, (no pressure) a superb concentrated draw to make full house and the match.

Thanks were given to John Hendrick for marking the match and to all the spectators who supported the finalist BBC SUMMER TRIPLES WINNERS “No Such Luck” Win the BBC Summer Triples Title from “”Summer Mavericks” on shot difference, both teams clear of the field by 4 points in the BBC Summer Triples League sponsored by Di-

Spanish Team at Javea Green Javea Green Bowls Club welcomed the Spanish National Squad for training over the weekend.

On Sunday, matches were played between the Squad and teams selected from the local clubs, Bonalba, El Cid, Benitachell, Finca Guila and Javea.

The morning session saw the Squad win all four Rinks matches, but lose three of the four Singles matches. With a

decent crowd enjoying the afternoon session an upset looked on the cards, but the in-depth strength of the National Squad proved too much for the Select team and the session was drawn four matches each.

Graham Cathcart, National Manager, thanked the Inn on the Green for their hospitality and the opposition for providing a stern test

for his team. He also said that the overall result, although pleasing, was not as important as the con-

tinuing development of the Spanish team.

The photo shows players from both teams.

rekt Optik – Opticians and Ibex – Insurance .The winning team were Paul Truncheon, (El Cid) Trefor Evans, (BBC) Velia Wood, (Javea Green) Mick Adams, Sheila Lucas (BBC) and Alan Phillips.

(Javea Green)

Get In Touch!

Fancy yourself as a bit of a writer?

Maybe you just want to support a local club or organisation?

Send us your stories and news to Newsdesk@Weekender.News

42

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Sport

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TRANSFER UPDATES Dani Alves released by Juventus Juventus have confirmed the release of Dani Alves, paving the way for a possible reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The 34-year-old Brazilian right-back, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona, announced earlier this week he was leaving the Serie A champions.

City have been linked heavily with the player since releasing right-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at the end of last season.

Alves only joined Juve last summer and leaves midway through a two-year contract.

His single campaign in Turin was interrupted by a broken leg suffered last November but he returned to help the club to a Serie A and Coppa Italia double and reach the Champions League final.

A statement on Juve’s official website read: “Juventus Football Club is to part company with Dani Alves after agreeing to a termination of the player’s contract.

“Alves lifted two trophies in his single season in Turin, contributing to a third consecutive domestic league and cup double for the club before helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League final.

“The Brazilian made a total of 33 appearances for the Bianconeri, having a hand in 12 goals (six goals, six assists), seven of which came in European matches.”

Alves enjoyed two Champions Leagues and three LaLiga title successes under Guardiola at the Nou Camp. In all, he won 23 trophies over eight seasons with Barca before moving to Juve.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would continue City’s summer revamp. The club have already confirmed the signings of goalkeeper Ederson from Benfica and midfielder Bernardo Silva from Monaco.

City may also have another right-back on their radar having been linked with Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.

Done deal Defoe signs for Bournemouth Bournemouth have completed the signing of Jermain Defoe.

The striker has signed a three-year deal with the Cherries, having left Sunderland on a free transfer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Defoe, who scored in a club record 10 consecutive league games for Bournemouth during a loan spell earlier in his career, admitted the decision to sign for Eddie Howe’s side had been a straightforward one.

The 34-year-old said: “It’s great to be back and I’m really looking forward to this challenge. When the opportunity came about to return to AFC Bournemouth, I just knew it was the right one.

“It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager. It’s a great place to be.

“The Bournemouth fans know that every time I pull the shirt on, I will give 100 per cent, and the one thing I can guarantee is goals.”

Defoe has netted 15 Premier League goals in each of his last two seasons and has earned a recall to the England squad.

Bournemouth, who finished in ninth place last season, have invested heavily in the striker’s wage packet as they look to increase their goal-tally, and manager Howe - a former team-mate - was delighted to have got his man.

Howe said: “This is a huge moment for the football club and another step in the right direction.

“We want to bring players here who can have a big impact on our continued rise and we believe Jermain fits that as a natural, proven goalscorer.

“We have known him for a long time, since working with him as a young pro and playing with him. I have followed his career and am delighted to say he is going to be playing for AFC Bournemouth again.”

Defoe’s signing could be Bournemouth’s first deal of the week, with the likelihood of Chelsea defender Nathan Ake following in a £20million deal.

However, the Cherries are not interested in signing John Terry, who will be a free agent on Saturday, when the summer transfer window opens.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Sport

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Cook hits 193 in record stand In-form Alastair Cook struck his third Specsavers County Championship century of the season as Essex poured on the runs against Middlesex, at Chelmsford.

With the first Test against South Africa just over a week away, Cook (193) shared a record first-wicket stand of 373 with Nick Browne (221) as the home side made light work of surpassing Middlesex’s 246 all out.

Cook struck 26 fours in his 392-ball knock as he and Browne registered Essex’s highest opening stand, surpassing the 316 scored

by Graham Gooch and Paul in 1994, but was outscored by his partner after falling to the bowling of Ollie Raynor. Browne went on to post his double hundred off 368 balls, getting there with a single

off the bowling of Dawid Malan, and Varun Chopra put his foot on the gas to reach three figures off 74 balls and facilitate a declaration at 542-3.

Middlesex reached 27-0 before the close - openers Nick Compton and Nick Gubbins surviving a testing spell from new signing Mohammad Amir. While Cook’s Test spot is assured for the start of Joe Root’s tenure as skipper, the race to open alongside the lefthander remains on.

Haseeb Hameed made his Test debut over the winter, but has struggled so far this season - averaging only 19 in the County Championship - and Surrey’s Mark Stoneman and Durham’s Keaton Jennings, who replaced Hameed in India, are firmly in contention.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

45

Sport

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Murray Tops Wimbledon Seedings

By Simon Russell

The ”Big 4” of men’s tennis were given the four highest seedings for this year’s tournament at Wimbledon.

No. 1-ranked Andy Murray, the defending champion, is the top-seeded player, followed by Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Nadal and Djokovic are also in the top four of the ATP rankings, but Federer is No. 5. Third-ranked Stan Wawrinka, who has won the other three Grand Slam titles but not Wimbledon, is seeded fifth.

Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori and Alexander Zverev round out the top 10 in the seedings.

In the women’s seedings, Angelique Kerber is No. 1 in a list that mirrors the top-10 rankings. The only exception is the absence of No. 4-ranked Serena Williams, who is pregnant and skipping the tournament.

That means fifth-ranked Elina Svitolina is the fourth-seeded player at Wimbledon, behind Kerber, Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova.

Caroline Wozniacki, Johanna Konta, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Dominika Cibulkova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Venus Williams complete the top 10 in the seedings.

John McEnroe said something stupid about Serena (again) ohn McEnroe has long been known for his brash personality, but this time it may come back to haunt him.

McEnroe spoke to NPR about his new memoir You Cannot Be Serious. He said that while Williams is the best female tennis player ever bar none, the distinction gets a bit muddier when you ask if she’s

the best tennis player period.

McEnroe said that he believed that Williams would be the 700th player in the world on the men’s circuit.

McEnroe had some other statements that troubled people, including an implication that women’s tennis has suffered with the dominance of the Williams sisters. Of

course, on the men’s side, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovich have won 12 of the past 18 men’s Grand Slam titles. Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray have sneaked in the odd title here and there, but it has still been largely dominated by the top tier. Some have pointed out the disparity between Wil-

liams and McEnroe in terms of success, with McEnroe having won seven Grand Slams and Williams holding 23. McEnroe has always had strong opinions, and his interview touched on many other topics. All-in-all, the question boils down to relative success.

Although Williams might be the most successful tennis

player ever, McEnroe clearly sees a wide disparity between the men’s and women’s circuits. Although the odds are next to none, it would be great to see another Bobby Riggs situation to settle whether McEnroe is right or not. This interview came mere days after McEnroe declared himself a “proud feminist.”

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

TENNIS - Wimbledon July 3rd- July 16th BBC Daily RUGBY LEAGUE Friday 30th June 2017 Castleford Tigers v Hull FC Trinity Saturday 1st July 2017 atalans Dragons v Leigh Centurians Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves Sunday 2nd July 2017

Salford Red Devils v Huddersfield Giants Wigan Warriors v Widnes Vikings

GOLF Open de France Sky Sporrts 29th June - 2nd July

FORMULA ONE July 9th Austrian Grand Prix

July 16 British Grand Prix

48

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2017

Weekender Sport

ROAD RAGE The FIA is set to hold an investigation into Sunday’s collision between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton in order to determine whether further action should be taken.

In an incident that is likely to define the remainder of the season, the two championship contenders clashed twice while running behind the Safety Car. The first collision saw Vettel hit the rear of Hamilton’s car as he expected the Mercedes to accelerate on the exit of Turn 15 before the Ferrari driver drew level with Hamilton, gesticulating with his left hand while he turned his car into his title rival’s with his right.

Vettel was issued a ten-second stop-go penalty by the race stewards at the time, but reports in Germany have since suggested

that the governing body did not feel the penalty was severe enough. On Monday (July 3) the FIA will revisit data and footage from the incident to evaluate whether further sanctions are necessary.

“Following the recent incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in which Car 5 (Sebastian Vettel) was involved in a collision with Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), on Monday July 3, the FIA will further examine the causes of the incident in order to evaluate whether further action is necessary,” an FIA spokesperson said. “A statement regarding the outcome of this process will be made available before the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix (July 7-9).”