The Weekender Marina Alta (Costa Blanca North) Issue 4

Marina Alta

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SOPRANOS SNARED Your car hire around the world!

By Jack Troughton

POLICE made a series of raids on businesses across Barcelona this week and arrested 20 people suspected of being part of a Mafia gang and an international money laundering operation.

Officer s of the Guardia Civil and the Catalan regional police were involved in an early morning operation. Spain’s second city is said to be a “key” strategic operations centre for notorious Italian gangsters.

Wednesday morning’s swoop rounded up alleged members of the Camorra crime syndicate, a police spokesman said, and was part of a coordinated Europe-wide operation against the gang. ..Continued Page 6

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2

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

TWO TIME LOSER

By Jack Troughton

ROBBERY victim Liz Dowling was attacked on a trip to Benidorm and remains £3,165 out of pocket because she was sold an insurance policy only valid in the UK. Her ordeal started on the first night of a week in the sun with her husband after flying to the Costa Blanca with Jet2, only to be drugged and robbed by criminals in Spain’s most famous resort.

Four months later, Jet2 has confirmed the 48-year-old’s £16.62 single trip insurance with the company did not cover the holiday and there would be no payout.

A disgusted Liz, from Linwood, Renfrewshire, bought the insurance after using a ‘prompt’ sent by Jet2 with her

booking confirmation for the holiday at the end of February.

And she said: “I am in shock.

I’d booked to go abroad, so why would they

sell me insurance for the UK? I’m stunned their processes did not pick up on this.

Liz, who says she still suffers flashbacks, added: “This has to be made clearer to customers. It’s the final straw after all I’ve been through.”

The Dowlings flew to Alicante

and travelled to Quesada. They had booked a trip to the Benidorm Palace but because it was raining w h e n they arrived at the resort, decided to go to a pub.

Liz said she had just one drink, a Baileys.

Enjoying the Take That tribute act, she took a tablet from her bag to take a photo.

“I’d just had a couple of sips when I started to feel weird; very unsteady. I got up and walked towards the door to go outside for some fresh air,” she said.

“The next thing I knew, someone was trying to grab my bag. I held onto it and put up a fight but he smashed me on the side of the head and made off.”

Police were called and Liz was taken to hospital. The drug used by muggers to spike her drink was never identified but

her lips and mouth were burned and she lost some teeth. “I was foaming at the mouth and very agitated; it was so scary.”

Three days after the attack, she was back in Scotland after paying for new flights and an emergency passport. On top of losing a mobile phone, her tablet, and jewellery, she spent £489 on dental treatment; a total of £3,165.

Assuming she would be repaid, she spent weeks dealing with the claim as she was asked for receipts and supporting documents. Liz said: “At every stage they told me they were proceeding with the refund of my

expenses.”

But last week she was told she would not be reimbursed.

“I want my story to be a warning to others; I booked flights to Alicante, why would I want insurance for a trip to Britain?”

Jet2 has apologised for the time taken in handling the claim and any distress caused.

“Our insurance provider acknowledges this has not been handled to the standard we expect.

“They have discovered the claim was invalid. However, this should have been communicated to the customer much sooner.”

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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3

SEVEN DAY WEEKENDER

THE alarm clock is set, the day of destiny has arrived, and the British and Irish Lions run out to face the mighty All Blacks early on Saturday morning for an all action series decider down under. In what should be a historic advert for Rugby Union, expect a crunch fixture – hopefully a flowing game – as tons of brawn do battle.

The drama has written itself in the build up.

All Blacks win the first test, the Lions come from behind to level things, thanks to the boot of Owen Farrell (I was behind the sofa unable to watch) and a Kiwi was shown a red card. Sofas used to come in handy during scary moments of Dr Who and it was a handy safe haven when England won the World Cup, putting the Australians in their place, thanks to a drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson.

Even those who claim no to know anything about the sport are caught up in the moment; fingers crossed for an epic...and a Lions victory.

Sadly, the dependable safety net of the sofa (terracotta red and very comfortable since you ask) is unable to offer sanctuary out on the roads of the Costa Blanca. It’s that time of year again; suddenly being out and about in the car

is like being in a virtual reality arcade game and there’s nowhere to hide and no quarter given.

The horn worked the last time the car passed its ITV – the Spanish MOT – and it still functions correctly. Naturally, it is only sounded as a warning as in line with the Highway Code, otherwise some colourful language helps; as do the brakes.

Lane hopping ‘weaver birds’ are the worst offenders, especially as when they are massive four by fours and have the misplaced idea they own the road; those drivers cutting so much off a corner they appear to be coming head on can be a tad eye-watering too, while the goings on at roundabouts are a real horror show. Take my advice keep calm and carry on or risk a face as red as a Lions shirt.

The Weekender is now available in Denia: pick up a free copy in Carrefour, Consum, Servibox, or the Tourist Office...and enjoy!

Jack Troughton Editor - The Weekender

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Daytime fires only please

By Simon Russell AFTER a series of delays, the new fire sub-station in Benissa opens it gates this week. However due to staff shortages the station will not be open overnight, with its initial operating hours being from 10am to 10pm.

There are only four fire fighters employed currently, not enough to cover the night shift as well as the day, the latter usually being the

busier period. However there are plans to change the service to 24 hours “as soon as possible” according to the Provincial Fire Consortium.

Despite the lack of all-day round coverage, the new station still significantly increases the emergency services presence in this part of the Marina Alta, crucial as the area comes up to the forest fire season.

DOUBLE MURDER OF PENSIONERS

By Simon Russell

By Simon Russell

A man of 35 has been arrested in Paterna, near Valencia, after allegedly killing his septuagenarian parents.

He was arrested at the family home where his par-

ent’s had both been killed with a shotgun and it is believed that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murders.

This is the third suspect-

ed death by patricide in the Valencian province in less than a week, after a man confessed to killing his father by beheading him with a machete earlier this month in Valencia City.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Weed bust!

By Jack Troughton THREE men were arrested when Guardia Civil officers raided a Costa Blanca cannabis plantation and seized 265 plants, 46 being dried ahead of being sold.

A specialist team of officers from Calpe led the operation acting on a series of tip-offs from farmers in the Albardera area of Pedregeur.

When police arrived, it appeared all was innocent; until a pipe was spotted leading from buildings into the undergrowth and a carefully tended field of marijuana.

A spokesman said: “Officers from Roca, a team charged with the surveillance and investigation of crimes committed on agricultural and livestock farms, were made aware of a possible marijuana plantation.

“Arriving at the locations, and at first glance, they could only see a typical farmhouse and a greenhouse.”

However, he said when premises were searched, there were 46 marijuana plants drying in the farmhouse – with a total of 990g “in buds” to be

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Drink drive campaign

By Jack Troughton

sold; and 90 mature plants in the greenhouse; many reaching over 2.5m in height.

It was revealed a water hose was spotted leading from the farm buildings through a metal border fence and out into the undergrowth.

Making their way through a “tunnel” of bushes, officers discovered another 129 marijuana plants in the middle stage of growth – all were neatly arranged in the secret field and irrigated by the hosepipe.

The three suspects arrested were Spanish and aged between 32 and 34, including the owner of the property; and all charged with being involved with the illicit production of a drug.

SPAIN has launched its annual summer drink driving campaign as the holiday getaway begins and coastal resorts prepare for a massive influx of visitors.

In addition it is planned to increase the numbers of police checkpoints, especially at weekends when most holiday journeys begin and end.

Minister of the Interior Juan Ignacio Zoido announced a nationwide advertising campaign which is aimed at cutting the numbers deaths and injuries caused by road accidents; this summer it will focus on the victims of drink driving.

The authorities believe there will be some 89 million journeys on Spanish roads during July and August, traditionally the busiest time of the year, and an increase of four million on 2016.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Mafia Gang Arrests

By Jack Troughton

By Jack Troughton

From Front Page...

Those arrested are said to be involved in laundering drug money through legitimate hostelry businesses – bars were raised in the city - as well as the purchase and sale of cars and jewellery.

And police also seized a massive haul of drugs, including 520kg of cocaine and 450kg of hashish and marijuana. Spain’s senior central court, the Audiencia Nacional, has also ordered assets worth more than €5 million to be frozen.

Police in Italy and Germany have also played a part in the operation, with search warrants being served in both countries. The suspects have been accused of being part of a criminal organization, money laundering and drug trafficking.

Detectives believe the gang was operating in a number of Europe-

an countries and the investigation outside Spain has been overseen by Eurojust, the European Union’s Judicial Cooperation unit.

It was understood the majority of those held by police are Italian, but Spaniards, Columbians, Venezuelans and Chileans are also under arrest.

“For now there are around 20 suspects detained although this figure may rise,” said a spokesman for police in Catalonia.

He said the operation was intended to “dismantle an international criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking and money laundering” and confirmed he referred to the “Italian Camorra”, the Naples-based crime family.

Barcelona and Spain in general, are said to have grown in importance in organized crime, close to Italy and with access to the illicit drug

trade routes from Latin America and North Africa into Europe. The eastern Mediterranean coast has become a chosen place to wash dirty money clean.

Italy’s mafia prosecutor Franco Roberti told Spanish national daily El Pais that gangs used the country

as “a strategic place” for “geographical reasons” and because criminals believed “think they can go about their business with less scrutiny.”

He added: “It’s a strategic location for drug trafficking and offers opportunities for money laundering.

They see it as a place to colonise.”

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Drunken Drowning Drug fight

By Jack Troughton

By Jack Troughton

BRITISH nanny Samantha Johnson accidently drowned in a bath while on a Spanish holiday after getting drunk following a heated row with her boyfriend.

The 23-year-old, who rarely drank alcohol, is believed to have passed out in a Magaluf hotel after drinking vodka and liqueurs with other holidaymakers at the Majorca resort.

Samantha was found dead in the bath at the Hotel TRH Torrenova by staff on May 2nd, last year, after guests reported water coming from her room, a Blackpool inquest was told.

Known as ‘Samie’, from Bispham, Blackpool, she was said to be the equivalent of being seven and a half times over the Spanish drink driving limit.

The inquest heard she had flown to the island with her unnamed boyfriend for a romantic break.

However, trouble flared the day before her death and the pair argued;

Spanish police ordered the man to leave Majorca and Samantha later claimed he had broken her collarbone but did not press charges.

Recording as verdict of accidental death, Coroner Alan Wilson said there was no evidence of suspicious circumstances before her partner left the island and no evidence from the Spanish post mortem of any fracture to her collarbone.

He said: “She wasn’t someone in the habit of drinking at all. She was on holiday and did drink to excess but she is not the first person to do that.

“She drank to excess with sadly fatal consequences. When she was significantly intoxicated, she passed out and became submerged in water and drowned as a result.

“During a holiday in Majorca, Samie accidently drowned in a bath in the hotel bathroom because of significant intoxication. To all of Samie’s family that are here, and those who are not in attendance, you all have my sympathies.”

goes on

By Simon Russell THERE were 741 arrests for narcotic related offences throughout 2016 in Alicante province, an average of just over two a day.

The first quarter of this year saw similar figures with 177 arrests being made across Alicante. These numbers were disclosed by Agustin Almodobar from the joint commission for the study of drugs problems. The statistics include all

classes of drugs from Grade A, such as heroin, to less dangerous kinds such as marijuana, with over thirty different types of banned narcotics leading to arrests.

The police will be aiming to reinforce their hard line on drugs throughout the summer, particularly in some resorts that are known to have drug problems mainly due to the influx of young tourists.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Triple homicide charge for officer

By Simon Russell

A Guardia Civil officer tested positive for drugs and alcohol after a car crash which killed three tourists.

The man, a sergeant in the Guardia, was off duty at the time of the accident and driving his civilian vehicle.

The crash happened at a motorway junction near Torremolinos and it appears that

the accused collided with a taxi which was transferring a group of Moroccans from the airport.

One died at the scene and a man and woman said to be in their late twenties died shortly after in Malaga’s Regional Hospital.

An 18-year-old woman is poorly but in a stable condition

in the same hospital.

There were no other occupants in the car of the Guardia sergeant, who has been accused of three counts of negligent homicide.

He has appeared before the courts in Torremolinos where the charges were read out, and has been suspended from all duties relating to his employment,

Terrified Toddler Mum Found Guilty

By Simon Russell

A woman whose four year old child was seen dangling from their sixth floor apartment’s balcony while she was alone at home has received an eight month jail sentence for neglect.

The case set social media alight at the time as the incident was filmed and streamed online at the time from Alicante city centre where it took place.

Thankfully there was a happy outcome as the terrified toddler was coaxed back into the apartment by her returning mother, with fire crews on stand-by in case she fell.

The mother said she had been taking her other child to school while the younger one slept, but the judge found her to be negligent in her role as a guardian.

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Jack talks

By Jack Troughton

EURO-SCEPTICS enjoyed a ‘told you so’ moment this week as the European Parliament was branded “ridiculous” by one of the senior playmakers in Brussels, Jean-Claude Junker.

The UK dailies – those newspapers solidly behind Brexit anyway – highlighted the scathing comment from the European Commission President, especially as there were possibly more hacks writing about the tiff than politicians in the room.

MEPs became the whipping boys and girls of Mr Junker’s temper because there was a near empty chamber ahead of an address of Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, the island state that has just ended its six month turn at the helm of the 28 member states; obviously numbers relatively soon to be reduced by one.

The EC president let fly with an almost McEnroe fury: “The fact there are only about 30 members of this parliament present for the debate only illustrates the fact that this parliament is not serious...you are ridiculous.”

The last seven days have been reasonably quiet Brexit-wise. However, as in all the best westerns and thrillers when a lead actor says it is too quiet, batten down the hatches because something is bound to happen, if only

for dramatic purposes.

For the moment, assume much is happening behind closed doors as both sides sharpen their claws over the divorce proceedings to come.

However, it is a good thing that people are gradually waking up to the fact things are going to change and taking positive steps. The historic and powerful Square Mile in London is a good example, one of the world’s leading financial centres.

This week representatives of the City of London headed for the Continent to press the EU for a post-Brexit deal.

Given the international importance of the UK capital in the world of finance, it makes sense a delegation went for a ‘pow-wow’ and to smoke a peace pipe.

According to the Financial Times, the team is being led by the former City Minister Mark Hoban and the move comes amid the increased concern London’s standing as a European financial hub is threatened.

Many firms have already made plans to open new offices on the mainland – at least branches of a City head office – while EU governments are already turning on the charm...

Theresa May’s team is determined to keep the status quo; and maintain London’s standing.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Expats calling Spain "home"

By Edward Graham NUMBERS of British expats calling Spain ‘home’ is more than double the population of Spaniards living in the UK, new statistics reveal.

Figures for 2016 – the year of the historic Brexit referendum – show that the number of British pensioners moving to the sun continues to rise.

According to figures released by the ONS, the Office for National Statistics, 296,000 British citizens resided in Spain in 2016, while there were 116,000 Spaniards living in the UK.

And around 78% of Britain’s Spanish population work in the public sector, finance or the hospitality industry and around half are aged between 29 and 39-years-old.

Back in Spain the numbers of retired British people continues to rise.

Spain’s National Institute of Population Statistics revealed the official proportion of over-65s in the country had risen from 32% in 2011 to 40% in 2016.

The statistics show 121,000

pensioners officially living in Spain; more than the entire population of Spaniards in Britain The Province of Alicante has the largest population of expats with Malaga, followed by Murcia and Almeria – most choose to live along the coast.

However, it is thought the population of Brits is much higher, an estimated 800,000 because there are many expats suspected of not officially declaring they are resident here.

€2 Million Grant For Beach Facilities By SImon Russell

By Simon Russell THE Valencian government has allocated €2 million for the development and infrastructure of the community’s beaches this year. The biggest spend is on new parks, with about €700,000 being spent on 24 new play and green areas (eight in Alicante, 10 in Valencia and six in Castellon provinces).

Other developments include new bathroom facilities, new walkways and increased disability access.

A further innovation this year is charging points for mobile devices which are initially planned for seven of the Valencian Communities busiest beaches. These will use solar energy and will be installed in the pilot areas during the autumn.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

THE TEMPERATURE’S RISING

By Edward Graham RECORD sea temperatures have been measured off the Spanish coast according to data collected by scientists.

Measurements show the thermometers have detected new highs, of up to 2.5C warmed over the last decade.

Bathers may be shouting ‘come in the water’s lovely’, but

environmentalists are concerned about the harmful affect on marine life and the risk of attracting invasions by species used to warmer seas.

The changes have been recorded by thermometers attached to deep-sea buoys and reveal the warmest ever temperatures for any month of June.

The midsummer month brought the first heatwave to the country – weathermen saying it was the hottest June recorded in Spain for 50 years.

The Mediterranean off the Tarragona coast revealed the warmest water; reaching 27C, which was

2.5% up on 12 months earlier.

However, the trend was not just witnessed on the East coast of Spain. The mercury was rising in thermometers used to measure the Atlantic off Galicia and the Bay of Biscay off northern Spain.

It was reported Cabo Silleiro in the northwest region of Galicia registered 19.9C; the warmest ever recorded. Off the coast of Bilbao, temperatures reached 23.5C in June.

KIDNAP GANG BUSTED

By Edward Graham KIDNAPPERS who held an expat prisoner for 11 days while demanding a €1.5 million ransom from the Dutchman’s family have been arrested by Spanish police.

The Eastern European gang disguised themselves as cops to snare the victim near his home at the seaside resort of Lloret de Mar in northeast Spain on June 12.

However, the man’s family reported the unnamed hostage was ‘taken’ to police and gang members were arrested as they took him from a house in Casarrubios del Monte, a small community close to Madrid where he was held prisoner after being continually drugged.

Police this week revealed some details of the crime; saying the well-organised gang had kept watch near his home,

waiting for an opportunity to strike.

The victim was beaten, blindfolded and forced into the boot of a car at gunpoint.

One of the gang used the hostage’s mobile to call his wife and demand the ransom – meanwhile the victim was constantly fed a diet of tranquilisers and sedatives by the alleged gang leader, a Romanian who once studied medicine in the Spanish capital.

Police were able to trace the gang to the hideout and rescued the expat hours before a scheduled meeting at a hotel car park close to a motorway, where the criminals expected their payoff.

Officers swooped as the drugged Dutchman was being moved out of the house in a wheelchair ahead of the rendezvous. Five suspects were held in the July 3rd raid.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Ready, set, drone!

By Simon Russell

LA Marina shopping centre outside Ondara will be holding its first drone race on 8 July.

Open to the public, the race will have prizes of €300, €200 and €100 for first, second and third respectively. Participants don’t even need their own drone, with the machines and even training being provided if required.

To take part you will need to purchase a €3 ticket while numbers are limited to 52. The race itself will run all afternoon from 2pm but those “pilots” requiring training will need to attend from 10.30am.

The format for the event itself is a number of races with points being awarded to the fastest three, starting with a table format and then leading to a knock-out stage.

There will also be presentations from experts on drones as well as a DJ, so plenty to do for spectators.

Long Road For LGBT Spain, Celebrated

By Simon Russell DENIA is hosting an exhibition depicting the thirty year struggle for equality and recognition from the

LGBT community, both in Spain and locally.

As well as artwork there is photography, posters, press clippings and public

and private documents on display from those most affected by the progress of the LGBT movement in Spain.

The exhibition was

opened by Equality Councillor Cristina Morera and will be in place until 30 July in the Sala Joves Art on Calle Ronda Muralles.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Out & About

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British Man Arrested Over Fiesta Coma Victim

By Spencer Williams In Formentera del Segura the Guardia Civil have arrested the person suspected to have attacked a man aged 28 at the Rojales fiestas.

He is a British man aged 34 who this morning was being detained at the Courts in Torrevieja waiting to make a declaration, according to Guardia

sources.

They said the suspect was identified thanks to security cameras and witnesses who were present when it happened.

The brutal attack happened inside a kábila (fiesta bar) before dawn on Saturday when a man came up from behind and hit the younger man, who is from San Fulgencio and was

at the time talking to a girl.

As a consequence of the attack he was taken to Intensive Care Unit at IMED Hospital in Elche in an induced coma until it is known how his injury is developing.

The investigation by the Guardia Civil officers managed to locate the whereabouts of this English man who is in Spain on holiday.

Festival Week In Denia

By Simon Russell DENIA’S main fiesta week officially starts on 8 July, although there will be a musical prelude on 7 July with the Intergenerational Song Festival at 10pm on Calle la Via. 8 July has the first parade led by the children at 10am and that day also has a beach rugby tournament

as well as the first entry of the bulls.

Sunday 9 July is the first proper day of the Bous a la Mar at the port which takes place at 1am and 7am. If that’s not your thing, there is a brunch laid on by the festival committee at 10am with sardines and beer and children’s theatre in the evening as well as a dance performance.

Each day until the festival fin-

ishes on Sunday 16 July has similar events for adults and children, those who enjoy watching the bull running and those who simply prefer to chill out with a drink and tapas.

There are also plenty of musical and sporting events, too numerous to list here.

For full details visit the town hall website on www.denia.es

Altea Summer Night Concerts Every Thursday during the summer evenings of July and August in Altea will be a music concert called Musica a Boqueta Nit. The programme is varied and features an interesting assortment of performers many of which are local. The concerts will be held in the Plaça de l’Aigua and will start at 21:00.

Tickets must be brought in advance from the Casa de Cultura de Altea, or one hour before each show from the ticket booth at the venue. They cost 5€ each, but there is a great value pass available for all 4 July concerts for just 15€ or 5 August concerts for just 15€.

Thursday 6th July Nit de Cordes Thursday 13th July Quintet de Vent SFA Thursday 20th JulyParadigma Suite & Cor Infantil d’EsMuAltea Thursday 27st July SFA Percussion Ensemble Thursday 03rd August Iberian Colours Thursday 10th August La Diva Que No Fui Thursday 17th August Gas Monkey Band Thursday 24th August El Paradis de Les Paraules Thursday 31st August Wonder & Sting Golden Stones

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Out & About

Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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No need to be rude, to enj

Guide to nudist beaches on the Costa Blanca coast. Many people have the desire to experience a little more “private” and quiet beaches, where you can take a swim nude in peace.

Here you can walk around naked and meet the like-minded. For many people it, is the most natural thing in the world to be naked out there and they think it gives a sense of freedom. But what is the right etiquette?

Here we look at 9 of the better nudist beaches on the Costa Blanca in Spain.

1. Solsida beach Altea If you drive the 332 direction Calpe (from Alfas del Pi), you will find a isolated small beach area called La Solsida. Here naturists got their own “private” beach area. To arrive at the beach, you need to go a long way in a rocky terrain. But very nice when you get there.

2. Les Rotes beach, Denia This area is known as Les Rotes. Parque Natural del Montgo, is in the background and forms these beautiful surroundings. The area suitable for diving and sailing. The beach is popular for nudists.

3. `L Èsparelló beach Villlajoyosa A small bay with clear water at the foot of a cliff, nearly two kilometers from the center, direction Alicante on the N-332. This peaceful place is perfect for fishing and diving, and is suitable for nude bathing.

4. Raco del Conill, Villajoyosa The area is in a small, quiet and beautiful bay.

Large and steep mountains makes this place beautyful – Raco del Conill is located about 3 km from the center, direction Benidorm. Area is popular with naturists, divers and fishermen.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Out & About

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joy the beach in the nude

5. Ambolo, Javea This is a small natural bay, with clear waters located south of Cabo de la Nao. Just outside is the island Isla del Descubridor. Here you can swim naked in peace and dive from the high cliffs. Now Ambolo Beach it’s officially closed by order of the Town Hall of Javea due to the danger of debris falling from the crumbling cliffs, although one can access at one’s own risk.

6. Ti Ximo Cove, Benidorm Located on the northern side of Cabo de San Martín. This is a natural bay with rock formations and crystal clear water, accessible only by foot along a trail through a pine forest. The reward is that you can swim and dive alone.

7. Read Pesquera El Rebollo Beach Very suitable place to enjoy lazy beach days without crowds. This is a natural beach.

8. Calalga, Calpe This is a quiet cove with sand, gravel and

rock where it is possible to enjoy a bath without large crowds.

9. L Llobell, Benisa Length 100 m With gravel and boulders, it is a rustic and very less traveled cove, where you can enjoy the pleasure of bathing practically alone. But very popular for diving because of the clear water.

Naturist rules – Respect other people’s privacy. Staring is not polite.

Many come to the beaches to get some quiet time alone and do not want to be disturbed. It’s OK to find friends, but it’s rude to occupy another person’s time before you are welcomed.

– Always ask before taking photographs. Even on public you should ask before taking pictures. There is not anyone who wants to end up in other privates album.

Parents should always be asked before taking pictures of children. Sneak Shooting with mobile cameras will be prosecuted.

– No sex. Nudity is one thing, but sex is a private thing between people to be performed elsewhere. A good reputation keep our beaches free of this.

– Come prepared. Always take your own towel, sunscreen and food. Do not expect that others will share this with you. Do it quietly. Use headphones on radios or portable music equipment.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Out & About

n w o T z d i K Krazy ! s r o o d s t i s Open Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

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Jonathan & Elkie have been working hard for a number of months to prepare for the big opening day on Saturday 8 July.

The site was previously known as “Labels & Tables” in La Nucia CV70 opposite the BP petrol station the new indoor soft play park; open for the kids to enjoy themselves whilst the parents sit a relax in the cafe and outside terrace areas.

What better timing than now when the kids are off school and to be able to get out of the house for a few hours and let them burn off their energy in a safe and friendly environment. Too hot outside perhaps for some and there are only so many days you may want to sit on the beach so here is a great opportunity for only 6€ per child from 3 years to 13 years old; you can spend an unlimited amount of time to play in this new soft play park “The Crazy Kids Town”.

Air conditioned for your comfort this all year around kids park is the ideal place

for the parents to enjoy time-out.

After being in Spain for more than 10 years, Jonathan and his wife are opening their doors and together with the family, they will be open for business 7 days a week from 11am until 9pm. Welcoming you all and not just the kids to enjoy with Sky Sports and Free Wifi; you can relax and not worry as the children will be having so much fun in this most up to date recreation facility.

I am not an expert on soft play parks but one thing I have seen with my own eyes is the size of Krazy Kidz Town. This will certainly amaze the children and the excitement to enjoy the different zones and take part in the adventure will be a sure winner!

beverages as well as hot and cold snacks.

You can also arrange your child’s birthday party with additional options available.

Soft play areas can facilitate a 3 year old toddler and upwards. The large park From 4 to 13 years old with slides; a timed assault course, a Lego building area, a further 3 tires that include a Rope slide, Ball pit, Rope Bridge, Punch Bags and large scale soft building blocks. The facility’s also include Kids toilets, Cafeteria, outside seated terrace, Sky TV in the cafeteria area.

Don’t miss the best top sports and football matches also with free Wi Fi and seating for 120 people inside and out. You can buy soft drinks, tea & coffee, beer and other

- Opening 7 Days - 11am to 9pm - 6€ per child - Unlimited Play - Child party prices: 9.99€ each Minimum 8 kids (Includes Food and Drink - Party Pack and Invitations). Available themes, face painting, private area parties.

- Free WIFI - Air-con Krazy Kidz Town - Le Calle Serra Gelada 66, La Nucia CV70 opposite BP petrol station. Call 627 212 667

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events

Out & About

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IT WILL BE RED HOT AT BENICASSIM Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) is a huge multi-genre music festival in Spain. Now a stalwart of the European festival scene; FIB has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands of music fans across the continent.

The varied programme that runs from the early-evening until the early-hours means that festival-goers (affectionately known as Fibers) can relax in the Mediterranean sun by day and party to the music of their choosing through the night.

With lineups that regularly boast the biggest names in all manner of musical genres – from rock and indie to rap and electronic, a stunning coastal location and more-or-less guaranteed good weather;

it’s easy to see why the festival has proved to be so popular time and time again.

This year, Fibers will get to see one of the best line ups of recent years with “The Weeknd” headlining the first night who has produced a quantity of recent number ones which include “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”. The main highlight of the festival is sure to be “The Red Hot Chilli Peppers” - who rarely need an introduction - producing many great hits over the years such as “Under The Bridge” “By The Way” and “The Zephyr Song” Festival goers are strongly advised to wear plenty of sunscreen as the mercury level is set to rise alongside a high UV level for the majority of the weekend.

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FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

Property & Finance

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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Property

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Majority of residents worried their homes will be burgled whilst away on holiday into whilst they are away on holiday this summer, 41% say they know someone it has happened to, and 5% say it has already happened to them.

By Mark Stücklin Spanish Property Insight

Most of Spain goes away on holiday in August, and many families take with them the nagging worry their homes will be broken into whilst they are away at the beach.

This finding comes from a new survey commissioned by the private security company Securitas Direct. 60% of families are worried about their homes being broken

It’s not a trivial concern.

With so many families away at the same time, cities like Barcelona are left to tourists and burglars. Many apartment buildings are almost empty for the best part of a month, making it easier for thieves to break in. Flats in my building in central Barcelona have been broken into several times during August in years gone by.

What security measures do people take at home to avoid the problem?

According to the survey,

not many. Just 11% have an radio alarm with a company like Securitas Direct, 10% have security cameras installed, and 9% have reinforced doors.

So 60% are worried, yet just one in ten have any measures in place.

When it comes to public policy to make families feel more secure about their property, the most popular measures Spaniards would like to see are harsher laws against robbers (68%), quicker prosecutions (59%), and more police in tourist areas (48%).

I’m not sure what good the last measure would do to keep their homes safe from break ins whilst they are away at the beach, but that’s the data.

They survey also provided some insight into Spanish holiday habits.

84% of Spanish household plan to take some sort of summer break this year, whilst 16% say they can’t afford to. The average summer holiday lasts 14 days, whilst 17% of

families take more than 21 days off, and 22% take up to a week away.

The average spend per person on holiday is €542, the equivalent of 41 €/ person/day. 31% spend less than €300, and 8% more than €1,000.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Property & Finance

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John had no idea his investment fees were so high!

By Sam Kelly Managing Partner Chorus Financial

Last week, a gentleman, we’ll call him John, (I’ve changed his name to protect his identity) came to see me. John wanted a second opinion on an investment plan he had set up when he first moved to Spain 5 years ago. Somehow, despite strong financial markets, John’s portfolio hadn’t made a penny this entire time.

John was helpful enough to bring along all the valuations he’d been issued since he started his plan, along with some Fund Fact Sheets.

From these documents, I quickly realised that the funds that

had been recommended to John had incredibly high entry and ongoing fees. These anomalies were directly related to the fact that these funds were not FCA regulated.

FCA regulated funds cannot make non-disclosed payments to financial advisors, yet the funds John’s advisor had recommended actually charged the client a 5% entry fee, all of which was subsequently paid to John’s advisor here in Spain, and also paid John’s advisor a hidden ‘trail’ fee of 1% per year. This explains the incredibly high ongoing fees, which were 3 to 4 times higher than I’d expect of an FCA regulated fund.

In addition, the client had also paid open fees to his advisor – 3% to set up his plan and 1% annual advisor fee.

To add insult to injury, around 18 months ago, John’s advisor had switched all of John’s funds because his firm now had access to a new ‘exclusive’ fund. This cost John another 5% of his portfolio, to buy into a fund with absolutely no track record, which subsequently

underperformed.

John’s total fund and advice fees over 5 years were close to 25%, over three-quarters of which had been paid to his advisor.

Due to the complex way the fees were disguised and layered, John had no idea his investment fees were so high. There were only 2 small reassurances I could make.

Firstly, he was not alone – 10,000s of expats in Spain have been setup with similarly over-priced portfolios as this is widely practised by firms here. Secondly, it’s a very easy problem to solve.

John agreed for Chorus to take over the management of his portfolio, and we immediately reduced his annual advisor fee, and sold those over-priced, underperforming funds.

John now has a diverse portfolio of FCA regulated funds, with a strong track record from wellknown, UK based investment institutions, none of which charged an entry cost. His total fund and ongoing advice fees are down to just 1% per year, meaning John will

save significant amounts in fees over the coming years which will have a positive effect on the growth of his plan.

The exact overall fees paid will depend on the specific situation so may vary, but Chorus pride ourselves on fair, transparent and above all, value for money fees.

Chorus may not be the oldest, or indeed the biggest company out here in Spain, but we firmly believe that our approach to UK style, truly independent advice, makes us the best.

If you would like me to demonstrate where I can help reduce costs and improve the returns on your existing portfolio, including QROPS and Spanish Bonds, please

call me today to book a free, no obligation review on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial. es for more information.

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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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Property

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Rentals bring new boom

By Jack Troughton SPAIN’S new property boom is in the rental market with the rent of new leases soaring by almost 21% over 12 months ago.

Leading industry website Idealista said the market is being stoked by both a rise in demand and a drop in supply; with cities including Madrid

and Barcelona witnessing record rises.

The statistics show many homeowners previously renting out properties are again putting them up for sale as prices recover and there is a sea-change in the rental market; many landlords looking to reap the rewards of short term lets to visitors rather

than encouraging long term tenants.

Idealista maintains cities are where rental prices continue to climb, but the National Statistics Institute reveals the cost has risen in 48 provinces since 2007 and in the 10 most populated areas, rent inflation is between 5% and 15%.

Demand for rented property has risen because of the current difficulty in obtaining a mortgage and the growing feeling a tenancy is not throwing money away – there are also empty properties whose owners are keeping a weather eye on the situation.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Avocado Tree Growing Always plant avocado tree where they will get full sun and in welldrained soil They do not like wet feet so allow the soil to dry a bit in between watering To all of you who have never tried growing avocados, planting your own tree is fun and easy and they grow virtually true to type.

Meaning that if you plant a avocado, that is what you are going to get (something that doesn’t always happen when you propagate plants via seed).

So the next time you eat an avocado or use one in a recipe, save the pit (seed).

There are many ways to propagate and grow avocados, and growing avocados from seed, usually brings to mind a school project of sticking toothpicks into an avocado pit and then putting it in water to watch the roots grow.

That is fine, it can work, but there is a better way to do it, because when roots are grown in water and then transplanted into soil, they do not always do very well.

Also, not all avocado tree seeds will

germinate this way.So let us sidestep these problems and grow them in soil to begin with. The following process is fast, easy and works really well - Choose a healthy, undamaged seed and soak it in hot water (40° to 52°C) for 30 minutes. This will help stop any infection from tree root rot.

- Cut a thin slice – about ½ inch (1 cm) – from the pointed end with a sharp knife.

Then dip the wound in a fungicide.

- Sow the seed in small pot of sandy soil with the cut end slightly above the soil surface. Place it in a warm location (18°C or warmer) in bright, but indirect sunlight.

- Keep moist, but not wet, or else it will rot.Germination takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

- The seedling can be grown in the container until it is about 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) tall, then it should be ready to be moved to its final location in the garden, or potted up into a larger container.

Always plant them where they will get full sun, and in well-drained soil.

They do not like wet feet, so allow the soil to dry a bit in between watering.

Avocados generally take cold down to -1°C and after that they will get frost damage.

However, some avocados like Zutano or Mexicola will take down to -7°C.If you live in a cold weather area that gets below freezing in the winter, then pot your seedling up in a container and move it to a sheltered location during the colder months of the year.

When planting in a container you will have to increase the container size as the tree matures, but the size of the tree can be controlled by regular pruning (plus there are dwarf varieties that do well in containers too).

You will eventually have your tree in a large wine barrel or other large pot, so plan to have that container on wheels if you need to move it.

Young trees need only light feeding so only feed twice – once in the spring and once in the summer with a good citrus fertilizer, which can be found at any garden supply center.

Seed raised trees start to bear fruit when they are between 5 and 7 years old.

In order to get fruit you will normally have to have two different

varieties.

Avocado varieties have flowers that are categorized as either type A or type B, depending upon on the time of day they open and when pollen is released.

Although many single trees do produce fruit, you are better off having one of each type.

Type A flower.

Bacon, Don Gillogly, Gwen, Hass, Holiday, Mexicola, Pinkerton, Reed, Wertz (Wurtz).

Type B flower.

Fuerte, Jim, Kahaluu, Murashige, Nabal, Sharwil, Stewart’ Whitsell, Yamagata, Zutano

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Specsavers Opticas launch campaign to support the deaf and blind Specsavers Opticas have announced that they will be supporting the Once Foundation for the DeafBlind (La Fundación ONCE para la Atención de Personas con Sordoceguera - FOAPS) over the next six

months. They will be offering free comprehensive eye tests at all eight of their opticians and asking patients to donate 1€ to FOAPS after their test until the end of the year.

All funds raised will be donated to FOAPS to fund interpreters who are crucial to allow deaf-blind people to lead a full life and communicate. This is part of FOAPS’ 10 year anniversary campaign to raise awareness of the issues that deaf-blind people face and boost funding so they can help more of these vulnerable people who are totally isolated without their help.

Specsavers Opticas are committed to supporting charities and protecting sight. They have chosen FOAPS to

support because of the huge difficulties that the deaf-blind have with interacting with the world and communicating.

“Most visually impaired people are able to rely on their other senses and can still communicate easily with the outside world. Whereas the deaf-blind experience the world through touch and need someone to connect them with the world.” explains José Ángel Moral-Tajadura from Specsavers Opticas. “The FOAPS interpreters are the eyes, ears and often voice of the deaf-blind and have a crucial role to play. We hope that through our campaign we can raise enough money to fund an extra 400 hours of an interpreter. This costs 6,000€ so we need 6,000 people to come in and have their eyes tested and make a donation before the end of the year.”

Esther Requena Olea, Director of FOAPS commented,

“We are very happy that an international company such as Specsavers has decided to collaborate with our cause. The needs of the Deaf-Blind people are very specific and requires a lot of resources. With the funds raised from this campaign, we can offer more support to them to break the isolation and communication problems with the outside world that is a common problem for the Deaf-Blind.”

To participate in the campaign, visit your nearest store for a comprehensive eye test and donate just 1€ between July and December 2017.

Specsavers Opticas have eight stores in Spain, on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and in Mallorca.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Finding the Right Dentist!

When it comes to choosing a dentist for you and your family, it can be a bit confusing and daunting.

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A good way is to ask for references from people you trust as friends, family, a pharmacist or your G.P. It is important that you find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable and satisfied with.

There is no need to stay with the first dentist you find. Why not make a list of various dentists near the area you live. Most dentists offer a free initial consultation.

A few things to have in mind when going to the initial consultation are:

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• Make sure the practice is clean and tidy.

• Meet the staff, it is always nice to be attended by a professional and friendly team.

• Ask if they work with children (in case of being a family).

• The dentist should always wear gloves and use a new sterilized pack of dental instruments with each patient that should always be opened in front of the patient.

• Reasonable prices.

Dealing with the patient is a fundamental aspect of dental care, so do not hesitate to ask and inform your dentist of your doubts and fears.

Any good medical professional is truly con-

cerned about the health of their patients, gives hygiene recommendations and asks about hygiene habits, offering advice if necessary.

Before starting with any dental work the dentist should have enough information to get an idea of the patient’s situation and identify a possible diagnosis. If the patient is on any medication, suffers from a chronic disease, has had major surgery or has any allergies it is very important that your dentist is informed.

So why wait until there is a problem or to have discomfort, and find yourself rushing round to find a dentist?

Find a dentist you are happy with and keep smiling!

Article provided by Family Medical Centre Albir. - 966865072

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Stop Your Cat From Spraying When you spot your cat stand by a door or any other object at home, lifts its tail then urinates then you know that it is spraying on the door or object.

Perhaps if you are a neophyte in the cat world, you do not know what spraying means. When a cat is new to a place, it is bound to make that place its territory by spraying. It is not a cat’s dilemma as not knowing its own litter box; rather, it sprays for marking a definite location. It is natural for them to spray and usually it is ordinarily done by cats outdoors. Yet, there are cat owners who complain about their cats spraying indoors. It could be troublesome for a home owner if a cat sprays inside the house. Do not worry too much as for every difficulty, there is a solution.

The reason why cats spray can either be one of the following: for marking a location, for calling a mate or for relieving stress.

A cat, just like other territorial type of animals, wants to mark its territory.

In order to do this, it sprays a bit of urine on its territory. The smell of the cat’s urine will alert other cats and ani-

mals to get off its property. It is natural for cats to spray on things, so extend a little understanding towards your cat.

Pheromones are a substance that animals utilize to communicate. This substance is released with the urine sprayed by cats in heat. This hormone is similar to fingerprints because animals use this to identify the kind of creature that sprayed in the location.

Often, this hormone is released when cats are in heat. The pheromones tell the other cats that it is searching for a mate. Other cats in heat are attracted towards the scent of the urine due to of the pheromones. This serves as an open invitation to get engaged in procreation. Later, you will get kittens in the house.

Getting rid of stress is another reason why cats spray. It could be stressful for a cat to find anoth er of its kind in its territory. When it catches a glimpse of another animal, it also sprays. The spraying of urine allows the cat to release some of the built-up stress generated by seeing another creature in its territory.

The scent of cat’s urine can be odious. The problem is sometimes the cat sprays inside the house. The urine can stain furniture and leave foul odor.

When your cat sprays, do something at once like shooing it away.

neutered. Since a male cat will no longer mate after being neutered, it will get rid of its spraying. It is important to consider whether you do not want to breed your cat or otherwise because spaying or neutering is irreversible.

The most effective way to eradicate this spraying behavior is by neutering or spaying the cat. This applies to both male and female cats. The spraying activity will immediately stop after being

Do not spay or neuter if you still wish to have kittens. Consider another option. It is best to ask for your vet’s opinion regarding spraying if you do not want to sterilize your cat.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Health | Style | Family | Wellbeing

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Give your Avacado Its Very Own Sock Earlier on we gave you some handy tips to grow your own Avacado tree, hopefully leading to the growth of your very own avacados. Following this we can now introduce you to the avacado sock.

Avacados can be one of those nightmare fruits that you just want to be perfectly ripe before slicing into it. Avocados are delicious, but a perfect one is hard to come by.

Stores stock overly green avocados to prevent spoilage, but it can take up to a week for them to be ready to eat. Some never ripen properly, and others just become mush.

To try and avoid this headace people have sug-

gested putting them in the ovenor special stickers that tell us when they are ready to eat. Now a company called The Avocado Sock is selling a handy little bag that will perfectly ripen your avocado!

The makers claim that if you pop an unripened avocado inside the little sock, the avocado will be ripe and ready to enjoy ‘in as little as 24 hours’.

So are you ready to by your Avocado Sock? well you might be in less of a rush with the (£11.50) price tag, which may feel a bit steep to some who think a any spare sock would work just as well, Or just stay patient and wait for avocados to ripen without any additional warmth. Check out http://www.theavocadosock. com/ for more infor and to buy yours today

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Relax

Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles | TV

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Whats ON TV

Zoo

Season 3 Episode 1 of 13

New series. Ten years after the animals were cured, the Earth’s dwindling population comes under threat when an army of lab-created hybrids targets mankind. Return of the sci-fi thriller, starring James Wolk

Sky 1 10:00pm Fri 7 Jul

Peter Kay’s Comedy Shuffle Season 2 Episode 3 of 6

The comedian, actor, writer and director recalls an ambitious nationwide challenge for Comic Relief and discusses his involvement in an armed raid with chat show supremo Michael Parkinson. Featuring appearances by This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby

BBC1 London 10:00pm Fri 7 Jul

The Last Leg

Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are joined by comedian and actress Roisin Conaty for a lighthearted review of the significant moments of the past seven days. The quartet offer their own unique insight into some of the most difficult and delicate issues in modern Britain, and answer that most important of questions: is it OK?

Channel 4 11:00pm Fri 7 Jul

Dara O Briain’s Go 8 Bit

Season 2 Episode 2 of 10

Team captains Steve McNeil and Sam Pamphilon are joined by celebrity guests to play a series of video games against one another, with journalist Ellie Gibson the resident expert

Dave 11:30am Sat 8 Jul

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) Seven English pensioners looking for a fresh start are drawn to an advert for a hotel in the Indian city of Jaipur, and plan to spend their retirement there.

They arrive to find the building dilapidated but are won over by the enthusiastic young manager, and each embarks on their own adventures in the city.

Comedy drama, starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Dev Patel

BBC1 London 7:30pm Sat 1 Jul

Skyfall (2012)

James Bond pursues a mysterious criminal mastermind who has orchestrated a terrorist attack on MI6 headquarters and exposed the identities of undercover agents around the world.

Action thriller, starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench Ralph Fiennes and Naomi Harris

ITV London 10:00pm Sat 8 Jul

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 TV | Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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V This Week Poldark

Season 3 Episode 5 of 9

The French Royalists plan an invasion, which Caroline hopes will lead to Dwight’s release. However, Ross is convinced this will only make matters worse, and recruits a band of allies, including Tholly, Zacky, Drake and Henshawe, to help him free Dwight from prison.

World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides Season 15 Episode 1 of 5

The Start Of The Balkans Adventure Henry Cole takes his Metisse Steve McQueen Desert Racer on a 1500 mile ride of a lifetime from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Sofia, Bulgaria; taking in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia along the way

BBC1 10:00pm Sun 9 Jul

Travel Channel 2:00pm Mon 10

Ross Kemp: Extreme World

Catching a Killer

Season 6 Episode 1 of 6

New series - Texas - The actor travels to more of the most dangerous places on Earth, beginning by heading to Austin, Texas, to investigate growing racial tension in the wake of President Trump’s election. He discovers hate groups are gaining in popularity and extremists on both sides are arming themselves for a race war, and speaks to members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Sky 1 10:00pm Sun 9 Jul

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1 Episode 7 of 10

The Other Side Offred remembers her family’s escape attempt, leading to a shocking revelation about her life before the Gilead regime that gives her a new perspective on her current situation

Channel 4 10:00pm Sun 9 Jul

The Wind in the Willows Murder In April last year, 42-year-old antiquarian book dealer Adrian Greenwood was found dead in his home, having been stabbed more than 30 times in a frenzied and brutal attack - with no suspects, no witnesses and no sign of forced entry. This documentary follows the work of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit as Det Supt Kevin Brown and his team embark on their investigation into who killed Greenwood, as well as find out what happened to the victim’s early edition of The Wind in the Willows, worth £50,000

Channel 4 10:00pm Mon 10 Jul

First Dates

Nahida from Liverpool is searching for a man who shares her passion for food, and her date is with fellow Liverpudlian Thomas, who describes himself as a loveable bear. Excruise ship worker Dale, 46, has been single for five years since his partner passed away, but is now ready to put his faith in Cupid again, and his date is 39-year-old massage therapist Chris

Channel 4 11:00pm Tue 11 Jul

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Down

Across

1. Taken for granted (7) 2. Purloin (5) 3. Be subjected to (7) 4. Menace (6) 5. Criminal organisation (5) 6. Scottish city (7) 7. Not relaxed (5) 13. Vocation (7) 15. Point of view (7) 16. Gents’ hairdressers (7) 17. Current (6) 18. Soft sweet (5) 19. Senior (5) 21. Tranquillity (5)

1. Attack (7) 5. Power (7) 8. Velocity (5) 9. Abstain (7) 10. Tropical disease (7) 11. Corner (5) 12. Physician (6) 14. It’s built by a spider (6) 18. Book size (5) 20. Someone on an excursion (7) 22. Diminish, shrink slowly (7) 23. Wrathful (5) 24. Keen (5) 25. Politeness (7)

Sudoku

Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Down 2 Play with numbers? (7) 3 More for one with small part (5) 4 Tree support, we hear, approved (6) 5 Euro-MP’s radical leader (7) 6 A stamp used initially for a farewell (5) 7 Award for boy brought up by this setter (5) 8 Turning blue, he’s getting runs (6) 14 Leave support for little bird (7) 16 Putin’s heart — and his dough in hot water (7) 17 Bird allowed outside tavern (6) 18 Shutter, so to speak, that’s not so far away (6) 19 Book accommodation for cleaner (5) 20 Seat with a rich design (5) 22 Was Lawrence in the desert? (5)

Medium

Across 1 Rulers showing false remorse about start of purge (8) 6 Farrow back in goal (3) 9 It’s worth having when fixed (5) 10 A very quiet song turned to use (7) 11 Replacement for the acre? (7) 12 Peer must have some noble qualities (5) 13 Legalised foodstuff that’s held back (6) 15 Student’s first in one form of accommodation or another (6) 19 Males making money in America (5) 21 Despicable information (7) 23 Organist initially changes organs (7) 24 A weapon is brought back in her basket (5) 25 Spoil a short month (3) 26 One who grows red with anger, perhaps (8)

Hard

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Last picture show

By Jack Troughton

FILM critic Barry Norman has died peacefully in his sleep aged 83 with daughters Samantha and Emma paying tribute to his “remarkable” career as a journalist and broadcaster.

He became a household figure as the host of ‘Film 1972’ and became the programme’s longest running presenter through the successive years until ending with ‘Film 1998’ and being replaced by Jonathan Ross.

He also wrote for the Daily Mail and Guardian and his literary agent Curtis Brown described him as the “defining voice” of film criticism with “insightful” interviews of legendary industry figures; also

remembered for his catchphrase: “And why not?”

Norman’s daughters said he enjoyed a “great life, wonderful marriage, and an enviable career.”

Show business reacted to the news with a number of tributes, actor Stephen Fry remembering Norman’s pickled onions, launched as a brand using an old family recipe, and Jonathan Ross describing him as “a great critic and a lovely, lovely man.”

And the BBC Director General said he was a “first-class presenter and critic”. He continued: “Film buffs always found his programmes essential viewing. He dominated broadcasting about films for a generation with wit and great knowledge.”

Adele heartbreak

By Jack Troughton

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

ARIES

The sun’s in a particularly sensitive spot in your chart, and you’ll easily grasp the needs of others because of it. Although, despite you appearing like more of a pushover, you’re actually a tougher cookie than most people realise.

Impulses are unleashed as the weekend arrives.

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd)

LIBRA

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd)

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

TAURUS

This week’s agenda should contain fun and work in equal measure. Stick with what you know and avoid trying to break any new ground for now because there’s confusion in the air. Once the smoke clears, you’ll realise exactly why sticking to tried and tested was so important.

SCORPIO

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

CANCER

CAPRICORN

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

LEO

It’s easy, even strangely comforting, to let fears and worries spiral out of control, so try to be with people that lift your spirits rather than positive energy vampires. Time alone is important, but watch that you don’t go down the hermit route. A war of words could break out at the weekend and someone could be forced to grovel to cease hostilities.

VIRGO

Not a lot escapes your notice this week, particularly where other people’s sneaky behaviour is concerned. Your perceptions are so keen in fact, that you could discover something that has been hidden in plain sight. All your relationships will come under your scrutiny, so you may exit the week with a few more clues than what you started with.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)

Work and health concerns mingle together in your mind. If you’re looking to kick a bad habit then the cosmos is firmly on your side, likewise if you want to get your teeth into a job, or look for another one. You’ve an eye for detail and analysis, but watch for too much talking shop.

AQUARIUS

VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)

You’re a bit of a wildcat this week - and you’re attracted to the same in others. It’s a good time to help others and to consider of the good of collective over just your own needs.

You might have to sweeten the pill if you want to persuade your partner to give his or her blessing to something unusual or out of the blue that you decide to pursue.

Your emotional needs are greater than usual, and the physical side of a relationship comes under the cosmic spotlight. It’s now time to get in touch with what you truly feel, or have been running away from, and set the record straight with someone that you’ve been elusive with. Single? A causal encounter could intensify pretty quickly.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

The sun in your sign guarantees the return of your energy, spirit and enthusiasm. If something isn’t going the way that you want it to go, then it’s decision time, and if in doubt, please listen to what that little voice in your head is telling you. Single? It’s important you feel secure in yourself rather than looking to others for it.

Longing for that feeling of the sun on your face and sand between your toes? This is exactly the time that you should be thinking about a holiday, and if finances are reining you in, then you don’t have to go to town. You’ve a nose for a bargain. Even a few nights away would do you good. Things may come to a head if you’re drifting along in a relationship or a friendship.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

You may have been down a bit, financially perhaps, but you’re definitely not out this week. You’ve got exactly the right brain power to make sounder financial decisions, in fact, and all your intuitions are sharper when the sun’s in Cancer. A stagnant property issue may also see some much-needed movement.

Shifting up a gear or two can happen because the sun’s at the top of your chart. As well as an upward trend to life generally, you’ll have an ambition to fulfil, either personally or professionally. Recognition for a job well done feels good, and this could be a springboard to a promotion.

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)

PISCES

Sun in Cancer is always a fandabidozi time for you so you’ll really hit your stride this week.

You’ll be part of at least one celebration and hear of champagne-cork-popping news from a few different sources. You also have the ability to sort out any problems that arise by attacking them from more creative angles.

ADELE cancelled her last two shows of her successful world tour with fans left guessing whether the star would ever tour again.

The 29-year-old was due to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, ending a four-date run at the venue.

However, she announced on Twitter she had damaged her vocal chords and was “devastated” after taking the decision to pull out on medical advice.

Adele revealed the first two gigs were the “biggest and best of my life”

– Wednesday night’s 98,000 crowd was a record - but she was “heartbroken” to cancel the remainder, and posted: “I’m sorry for your disappointment... you know I would not take this decision lightly.”

Fans were sympathetic on social media, despite many travelling long distances to the capital for the chance of seeing Adele live.

In a message in the programme for Wembley, Adele indicated it could be her swansong. “I wanted my final shows to be in London because I don’t know if I’ll tour again.”

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles

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CODE CRACKER

Scribble Pad

Find the 9 letter word and as many other words as you can!

SCORE

BRILLIANT < 80 EXCELLENT< 60 GOOD < 40 FOR KIDS < 25

TW R S C A E UK Puzzle Solutions

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

CODE CRACKER

Find the 9 letter word! awestruck ( 9) cauters ( 7) curates ( 7) rackets ( 7) restack ( 7) retacks ( 7) stacker ( 7) tackers ( 7) tuckers ( 7)

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Back In THE PLANE TAKES THE STRAIN

By Jack Troughton STUDENT Joe Furness bagged a bargain when he decided to visit friends in London; flying from Newcastle to the UK capital via Spain was cheaper than boarding a train.

The 21-year-old had just a day to spare to make his travel plans and he decided to look at the cost of flights - and made headlines by posting his adventure on YouTube.

Instead of forking out £78.50 on a rail ticket from the northeast

to London - last minute booking is notoriously expensive – his plane journey saved £40.

After studying a number of routes, Joe discovered he could pay £15.99 for a flight from Newcastle to Menorca and board another plane for a £10.99 journey back from the Balearics to London.

The laid back plan even gave the student a 12 hour stopover – so he hired a car for £7.50 and explored the island’s beautiful scenery.

He even stopped off to enjoy a £4 cocktail at a beach bar and took the opportunity to throw a few moves on the dance floor during a

‘fiesta’ before continuing his journey.

Joe said: “I’m always looking at flight websites and when I saw the price of the train I thought “why not?

‘I flew to Menorca with Thomas Cook, I found a sick beach, I hired a car, I had a cocktail and I flew to London to meet up with my friends. I even slept overnight in the hired car so I didn’t pay for a hotel either.”

He added: “When I told my friends I was coming via Spain, they didn’t

believe me. It’s only when I landed at London Gatwick they knew I was serious.”

Joe spent £38.48 on the trip; a saving of £40.02, and while the journey took 24 hours rather than the three hours if he had taken a train to London; he said it was worth every minute.

He added: ‘I had this fantastic trip and I saved £40 in the process…I would definitely do it again.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Britain

Murray serves second ace

By Jack Troughton

TEN NIS star And y Mur ray – num ber one seed at Wim bled on – and his wife Kim Sea rs are “ver y hap py” to be exp ecti ng thei r seco nd chil d.

The cou ple, who mar ried in 201 5, alre ady hav e a one -yea r-ol d dau ghte r, Sop hia, ann oun ced the new s ahea d of him step ping out on cou rt to defe nd his title .

Den ying the preg nan cy wou ld put him und er extr a pres sure , the wor ld num ber one said : “We ’re both very hap py and look ing forw ard to it.”

Fam ily life , he said , was “cer tain ly not a dist ract ion in the slig htes t” and con firm ed Kim wou ld be at Wim bled on to supp ort him .

The cou ple mar ried in the star ’s hom etow n of Dun blan e in Apr il 201 5 and the tenn is play er freq uen tly und erli nes his fam ily is the mos t imp orta nt thin g in his life ; sayi ng bein g a husb and and a fath er has mad e him a bett er spor tsm an.

E V A R G ’S A N A I D T A PRINCE’S

By Jack Troughton

all the Duchess of Cornw te; Prince Charles and lot pri a d de en att nce Harry PRINCE William and Pri grave of their mother, were in Canada. ny people she rethe te ica ed ncess of Wales, to ma red Pri e Th ris on ath vate service to de r led in a car crash in Pa ost 20 years after he mains ‘Lady Di’, was kil time Prince William was Princess of Wales, alm 31st, 1997. At the shocked the nation. rp House in August tho Al at d ge sta s wa and his brother 12.

The ceremony ioned a statue of home - and con- 15 ily fam a’s an Di brothers have commiss – o ire tw e Th her lNorthamptonsh We the 20th anniversary of p of Canterbury, Justin ng Princess Diana to mark nsi Ke ducted by the Archbisho en her 56th birthday. of ds un c gro be It will stand in the publi by, on what would have by the Duch- death. d . de on en nd att o Lo l als s tra wa cen t en in The low key ev Char- ton Palace e George and Princess ess of Cambridge, Princ

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A Load Of Bull

By Spencer Williams The inland Marina Alta town of Pedreguer will be celebrating the Sant Buenaventura from the 7th to the 16th July 2017.

The main attraction of this fiesta is the Running of the Bulls nearly everyday, where bulls are released into the streets of the town 20 times during the week long festival This is a major fiesta that happens every year, although there has been calls by many residents

especially expats for it to be disbanded this year and forever due to the fatalities over the past 2 years alongside the ongoing protests of the treatment of bulls.

Last year a 28 year old man died during the festival after a bulls horn pierced his lung and heart as he was trying to help another runner in the annual event, in 2015 a 44 year old French tourist was gored during the annual event.

Under new management

By Jack Troughton CHARITY shop chiefs are “desperate” to find a new management team to keep raising money to help the Costa Blanca community.

Two managers are needed to run the Moraira Charity Shop which raises up to €40,000 a year for the Masonic Home of Valencia Association and funds both individual donations of equipment to major investment projects.

However, if two volunteers are not found to run the shop, it may be forced to close to the loss of good causes along the coast.

Association treasurer Hugh Parker said: “We are absolutely desperate to get someone to run the shop for us.

“The big word is ‘community here;

if no one volunteers for the shop[ it will have to close and that means up to €40,000 a year that the community will not get in support of good causes.”

Shop managers – two are needed because of the time commitment – are volunteers but are paid expenses and it is hoped will be dedicated to continue building the success of the shop.

And while the role is unpaid, the advert hoping to attract applicants underlines “the rewards and satisfaction of helping the community that come with this role”.

Anyone interested in the job and requiring further information can contact charity President Jenny Hart on 96 558 1418 or 650 628 652.

Calpe 41 Club mourns founder Ian Ritchie 1938-2017 Calpe & District 41 Club was established in 2005, and formally chartered by the UK national association less than a year later. It was the energy and determination of founder, Ian Ritchie, motivated by the founder of the original Costa Blanca 41 Club, that made it happen. And now the club mourns Ian’s passing, following his death in June.

Ian was a long-time member of the Round Table family, having first joined Hagley 851 Round Table, in 1972. He held the offices of Secretary and International Officer for much of his time. In this rôle he was responsible for organising two or three home exchanges between Hagley Table, and Sunne-Munkfors Round Table in Sweden. If he was working in Sweden he would often attend their meetings, having made friends with some of their members. In 1976 he took a party of over 40 Tabler’s, wives and children, to stay with Round Table families in Sunne-Munkfors.

These exchanges promoted several personal friendships, which lasted over the years.

He and his wife, Carol moved to Spain in 1999, having had a holiday home here for several years previously.

There is little doubt that the

thriving club in the Calpe area would not be what it is today were it not for Ian’s initiative and dogged leadership.

He never wanted to take the chair, but served as secretary and membership officer, as well as the club’s contact with the organisation world-wide.

For many, Ian was the club. We are enriched by his work, and by knowing him.

41 Club was established as a social forum for ex-members of the service organisation, Round Table. To find out more visit the website www. calpe41club.com. Use the “Contact Us” page to get in touch.

Free Beach bus

By Spencer Williams THE winding road down to the Granadella Cove in Javea was this week closed to traffic between the hours of 10am and 7pm.

A free bus service will ferry visitors to the popular beach and its surrounding hamlet from a specially created car park, running every 20 minutes.

The closure, which remains in place

until the end of August, is intended to protect the fragile environment and prevent overcrowding of the bay and its surroundings.

Residents, business owners, and taxis will still be able to go through the barriers. Javea Town Hall said it was monitoring the experiment and the new system was “flexible” so changes could be made to improve access.

FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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Has Benidorm Got Talent?

By Spencer Williams

Have you ever sat down to watch X-Factor or Britains Got Talent and thought to yourself; “I can do better!” But then you realise you are in Spain and have little chance of getting to those auditions. Well nows your chance to put yoursewlf in the limelight and have the chance to be Britains next big star. The hit show will be back in 2018 for its 12th series and BGT bosses are sending over some scouts to Benidorm to see if anyone in the area has the stuff to make it though to the live recordings.

Voices bar in Benidorm new town have been selected to

submit the best 20 acts, which will be recorded and viewd by the scouts.

Auditions can be done daily from 2pm-3am. Just make sure when you audition, you pass on your contact details.

Of course, BGT is not just for singers, producers will be on the lookout for anyone with talent, acts can be anything from Magic, ventrilaquism, dance, comedy - anything you maybe good at than anybody else! Once other venues are announced we will publish them online at www. weekender.news and facebook. com/TheWeekenderSpain

Butting out

By Simon Russell especially the filter, and apart from being an eyesore also cause problems for the equipment that cleans and filters the sands each day.



TERRA Mitica Nature Park has sponsored the distribution of 50,000 cones across Benidorm’s beaches for smokers to use when discarding their cigarette butts.

This forms part of the concessionary terms of RA Benidorm who are in charge of the cities beach cleaning this summer. The cones will be manually distributed so that the company can target smokers and explain their use, with plans to hand out another 50,000 in August.

Cigarette ends are not as degradable as many people think they are,

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Motoring

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Vauxhall Astra K (2015) Having previously had 4 Astras, I was interested in the new one and the published fuel consumptions.

They are virtually the same for the 1.4 turbo petrol 6 speed auto, the 1.4 turbo 6 speed manual, and the 1.4 non-turbo 5 speed manual models.

I bought the car new in February and have driven it for 2600 miles. It is refined, partly due to having high gearing. At 30 mph 5th gear is selected giving 1000 engine rpm, and in this state the car pulls surprisingly well up slopes. At 70 mph in 6th gear, the engine speed is 2000 rpm. Driven moderately, the engine speed hardly ever goes above 2000 rpm except up hills. The auto gearbox

is of the torque converter type, controlled electronically. The characteristics are automatically altered

according to driving style. Being new to an automatic, I appreciated the interlocks which prevent inadvertent moving off.

The wheels are 17 inch alloys with 225/45 profile tyres.

The steering characteristics and tyre grip are excellent. The lower spec Design and Techline models have 16 inch wheels and narrower tyres which ap-

parently give slightly better fuel mirror and the auto exterior light consumption and quietness, and switching work well. are less prone to kerb damage.

The Onstar communication However, these adsystem is useful. vantages are more By pressing a An excellent than outweighed the opBritish engineered button, by the additionerator answers al features of the promptly and and built car.

Sri. I have found will if requested, the windscreen camera feature put a destination into the satnav. particularly good. It recognises speed limit signs and displays the current speed limit on a small screen. Very occasionally, it will read a sign in a side street if it is angled wrongly. The camera also registers the closing distance of vehicles ahead and when necessary, warnings and braking are activated. When set to intermittent, the windscreen wipers operate when rain hits the sensor. I found that even at the most sensitive setting, the wipers In the event of an accidonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t operate soon enough under dent, one can request assistance. light rain conditions. However, If involved in a collision, Onstar the interior auto dipping interior will be automatically alerted.

They will know the location, assess the severity of the accident and summon assistance. This service is free for the first year.

Over 1700 miles, much of it in in suburbia, I averaged 39 mpg. The stop/start system works well and helps minimise fuel consumption. It runs quiet-

ly on smooth roads and the seats are comfortable. It is compact and relaxing to drive. Overall, I am very pleased with the car.

FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 2017

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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El Cid Bowls Club Gender Trophy Competition 2017 El Cid staged its annual Ladies against Men competition today. Once again the Ladies had painted the Green Pink with some very colourful but definitely PINK outfits against a mixture of Blues from the Guys.

40 bowlers took part in this match of Trips games across all 6 Rinks in a fun packed morning which started with a one bowl spider (but players could only bowl left handed). Ron Dingle fresh from his cruise to

the Fiords took the first of many prizes given on the day..

Despite the fun and some very poor etiquette there was a serious undercurrent with the ladies determined to avenge last year’s narrow win for the Men. It was so serious that we had players on their knees measuring for shot bowl or maybe praying!!

The games were evenly spread across the 6 rinks resulting in 3 wins for the ladies and 3 wins for the Men. Sadly for

the ladies and to the great enjoyment of the Men it was the men who once again claimed bragging rights on shot difference (106 shots to men in Blue and 92 shots to the ladies in Pink).

The morning finished with what seemed like a never ending raffle of prizes and a special prize for best costume was won by Linda Cummings.

Captain Tony Carroll thanked Laraine Hewlett and

Pat Arnett for organising the fun filled event and Peter Morgan was presented with the Gender

Cobras Win With Torrevieja!

Yesterday the Cobras played with Torrevieja against Totana. with Torrevieja and the Cobras winning it 1924.

Everybody played really well and showed some promising things for the up coming season, for some it was their first ever taste at a proper rugby match after only playing the 7’s tournament in Elche. For others it was a chance to finally get back on to the rug-

by pitch and re introduce them selves to the game.

Our very own Josh Watson scored a try, breaking away and flying over the line like Superman.

We would like to thank Antonio Nawaqavou & Torrevieja Tigers Rugby for giving us the opportunity to play the match and Club Rugby Totana for their hospitality.

Also we would

like to thank Marcos for helping us out while he was visiting on holiday,

as a thank you he was presented with a Cobras t-shirt.

Trophy for safe keeping by the Men for another year. Over €200 was raised for funds.

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

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TRANSFER UPDATES Manchester United Beat Chelsea To £75m Lukaku Bid

Manchester United is looking to sign striker Romelu Lukaku after the club agreed on a fee of 75 million pounds ($97 million) with Everton, a person familiar with the deal said on Thursday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a transfer that is yet to be completed.

The 24-year-old Lukaku will have to finalize personal terms and undergo a medical examination before a transfer can be completed to United, where he would be linking with manager Jose Mourinho for a second time.

Mourinho was Chelsea manager when Lukaku was sold to Everton in 2014 after the Belgium international failed to establish a first-team place and had to spend most of his time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and

Everton. English Premier League champion Chelsea has also reportedly been trying to resign Lukaku in this summer transfer window.

Lukaku, a powerfully built, 6-foot-3 (1.90-meter) forward, played only a few games under Mourinho at Chelsea. But strengthening the strike force has been a priority for Mourinho ahead of his second season in charge at United after Zlatan Ibrahimovic was released.

Lukaku was the second highest scorer in the Premier League last season, netting 25 as Everton finished seventh in the standings.

United was a place higher up but still qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Everton is yet to comment on the future of Lukaku, who has publicly stated his desire to play in the Champions League next season.

Good Bye Rooney Manchester United are keen to negotiate a deal to take Wayne Rooney to Everton that does not involve the former England captain as a makeweight in the £75 million transfer of Romelu Lukaku.

Rooney, who became football’s most expensive teenager when he left Goodison Park for United in a £27m deal in 2004, is expected to remain behind in England to finalise a return to Everton when Jose Mourinho’s squad fly to California on Sunday for their preseason preparations.

United’s initial efforts to sign Lukaku involved Rooney in order to tempt Everton into a deal. But with United now agreeing a fee for Lukaku, the two clubs are attempting to strike a separate deal.

With Rooney winning every major club honour at least once with United during his 13-year spell at Old Trafford, as well as breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time goal-scoring record, the 31-year-old has secured his status as a club legend.

And there is a determination within United that Rooney’s exit should not be overshadowed by the big-money arrival of Lukaku.

Rooney rejected the chance to negotiate a lucrative move to China in February, insisting that he wanted to remain at United to help the club achieve its ambitions under Mourinho.

United ended the cam-

paign with two major trophies -- the EFL Cup and Europa League, and returned to the Champions League as a result of their success in defeating Ajax in Stockholm.

Rooney admitted after the game that he had “more or less” made his mind up about his next move, with a return to Everton the favoured option should the club formalise their interest in re-signing him.

Talks have progressed well this week between United, Everton and Rooney’s camp, but while there is hope at Old Trafford that the Lukaku move may be completed by the weekend, a deal for Rooney could take longer.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

Sport

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Hamilton Accepts Vettel Apology Sebastian Vettel has admitted he regrets swerving into title rival Lewis Hamilton during the Azerbaijan GP and conceded “what l did was wrong”.

“Am I proud of the moment? No. Can I take it back? No. Do l regret it?

Yes,” said Vettel during a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Austrian GP. “Looking back, it was the wrong thing to do. It was dangerous and unnecessary,” admitted the four-time world champion. Hamilton, contacted by the Ferrari driver the day after the race, has accepted Vettel’s apology.

“Obviously what l did was wrong and l apologised,” said Vettel. “Obviously I did a mistake so I can understand if he is upset. But it’s nice to hear we can move forward. The respect we have on and off the track helps us in this regard.”

But Hamilton, who described Vet-

tel’s driving in Baku as “disgraceful” and “disgusting”, added in Austria: “I don’t feel like I said anything I’d want to take back. I’m still under the same opinion of what happened.” Asked whether the interest generated by their battle in Baku could be good for F1, Hamilton responded: “An intense battle is always good for a sport. But we are supposed to be role models and give a certain message. Collectively, we are supposed to inspire and send the right message. We are in a position of power and how we utilise that is very important.”

Hamilton said he was particularly keen for Vettel to publicly make clear that, as race stewards themselves concluded, he did not brake test the Ferrari.

“It felt like Lewis hit the brakes but I don’t think he actually brake-tested me,” added Vettel.

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FRIDAY 7TH JULY 2017

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Rory McIlroy targets No1 Spot Pep Tees Off

Rory McIlroy says he wants to make his way back up the world rankings after a disappointing year.

McIlroy has yet to win a tournament in 2017 and has slipped to fourth in the world rankings behind Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Jason Day. His last win came last September in the Tour Championship but a rib injury has seen the fourtime major winner play in just eight events this year.

Ahead of the Irish Open, which starts on Thursday live on Sky Sports, McIlroy said: “Does it bother me? Yeah, look, it bothers me I’m not where I want to be. But I feel like there’s been a couple of things that have been out of my control this year that have led to that with the injuries and stuff.

“Like I’ve said all along, winning golf tournaments and playing well takes care of the rankings.

It’s funny, I don’t look at it as much now as I would if I was number one. If I was Dustin Johnson, I would be looking at that thing every Monday morning,” said McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman trails world No 1 Johnson by five points in the rankings heading into the Irish Open, where he will defend his title.

Rory McIlroy warmed up for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open with a special charity night at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

The World number three golfer was joined by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Coleraine actor James Nesbitt for the fundraiser in aid of the Rory Foundation.

Around 3,000 guests packed into the venue, including members of Two Door Cinema Club and former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Stephen Ferris.

Former Westlife singer Shane Filan gave a surprise performance at the end of the evening, performing a few

well-known Westlife songs.

Taking to the stage at the Belfast Waterfront, McIlroy spoke about his win at last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, his FedEx Cup, his thrilling Ryder Cup performance and the latest work of the Rory Foundation including the 1.2million euro donation to Cancer Fund for Children for their next project in Connacht.

“I know I always say it but I love coming home - there’s no place like it,” he said.

“There’s just so many familiar faces here this evening, which is really amazing to see. I’m excited to have Pep Guardiola here in Northern Ireland.

McIlroy Off Social Media After Twitter Row Rory McIlroy is taking a break from social media in response to his Twitter row with Steve Elkington during the US Open last month.

The world No 3 missed the cut by four shots at Erin Hills despite making four birdies over his last six holes of his second round, and Elkington accused the

Northern Irishman of looking “bored” on the golf course while hinting that McIlroy was comfortable with “100mill in the bank”.

McIlroy admitted he thought long and hard about responding to the 1995 PGA champion, but he could not resist the temptation and replied: “More like 200mil... not bad for a

“bored” 28 year old... plenty more where that came from.”

The four-time major winner expressed his regret over becoming embroiled in the altercation, and he said: “I must have wrote that Tweet and deleted it about five times before I actually sent it. And yeah, it’s one

of those things.

“I sort of regret sending it at the end but I actually gave my wife, Erica, my phone and my Twitter and told her: ‘Change my password to something else and don’t tell me what it is’. So as of the time being, I’m off social media just because of that reason. I don’t need to read it. It’s

stuff that shouldn’t get to you and sometimes it does. ”It’s not what was said, it was who said it. Anyone that’s been in that environment should realise how hard golf is at times, and I think that’s the thing that got to me more than anything else.

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SUPER SEND OFF TERRY MOVES TO RELEGATED VILLA ROONEY TO RETURN TO EVERTON

Chelesea and Man Utd are saying goodbye to two of their superstars.

As unlikely as it may seem, John Terry has dropped down a division and signed for Aston Villa on a one-year contract.

The news was confirmed shortly after Villa owner Dr. Tony Xia had tweeted: “Welcome JT to Birmingham city...Aston Villa!”

Terry had attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Bournemouth, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion when it was confirmed he would leave Stamford Bridge after 22 years. The central defender made his Chelsea debut in 1998 against Aston Villa.

The 36-year-old has instead decided to link up with Steve Bruce at Villa Park on a deal that will reportedly see him earn £60,000 a week.

Terry added that he had offers from

clubs who would have kept him playing in the Premier League, he did not want to be competing against his former club. ”I thank them for their offers -- for me it was just the mental side of playing against Chelsea was too much to get over,” he said. “I had 22 years at the football club, 22 unbelievable years. I’m very proud of that but this is a new chapter in my life and my career.

Terry is the most decorated captain in Chelsea’s history, winning 15 major trophies.

Wayne Rooney will wear the number 10 shirt at Everton once he completes his move from Manchester United, The long-standing United captain looks set to complete a deal to return to Goodison Park in the coming days, 13 years after he left the Merseyside club to sign for the Red Devils. ...Read more page 43