Weekender Alicante North Issue 121

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - FOOD & DRINK P 22-24 - CHRISTMAS TV PICKS P 25-28 

FREE 

ISSUE 121 & 122 - Friday 13th & 20th December 2019 

Your Weekend Starts Here! 

Seasons greetings and watch this space! 

THE Weekender newspaper 

sends its very best seasonal 

wishes to the thousands of 

loyal readers across this region 

of Spain. 

The New Year of 2020 will see 

us celebrate the continuing success 

and expansion of the paper, 

as we launch the next stage of the 

journey that we are making. 

Our recent expansion has seen 

more news stands with our paper 

appear at prime locations 

like busy supermarkets used by 

British expats across the Costa 

Blanca and the Murcia region. 

We also have plans to increase 

those points next year so that 

even more people can get to enjoy 

The Weekender, which will 

also get a new look as we aim to 

become the leading free English 

language news provider in Spain. 

You can read and follow more 

about our plans and transformation 

over the Christmas and New 

Year holiday period by going online 

to www.weekender.news and 

also by going onto Facebook. 

Our team are going to enjoy the 

festive break, and we look forward 

to seeing you back for our next 

printed edition of The Weekender 

on Friday January 10th. 

Merry Christmas and a 

Happy New Year for 2020! 

PADRONS RISE AS RESIDENCIAS REIGN 

by Alex Trelinski 

THE official number of British 

people living in Spain has 

gone up by two-and-a-half 

per cent in 2019 based on 

padron registration, but still 

falls well short of expats who 

have residencias. 

The figures were crunched 

in a review of British residents 

and visitors to Spain carried 

out by the EFE news agency, 

which is the Spanish equivalent 

of the Press Association in 

the UK. 

Compiled with Brexit in 

mind, EFE poured over provisional 

2019 figures produced 

by the National Institute of 

Statistics (INE), with the INE 

stating that are just over 249 

thousand British residents living 

in the country. 

The INE statistics are based 

on the number of people who 

are registered on the local padron, 

and so the rise reflects 

campaigns from the British 

embassy and local authorities 

to increase numbers, fuelled by 

concerns over Brexit. 

British holders of a residencia 

were logged at a much 

higher figure of 366 thousand 

back in September by the 

Interior Ministry, a fact not 

mentioned in the EFE analysis, 

which shows there is still 

a long way to go over padron 

registration, along with an 

element of residencia holders 

spending most of their time 

outside of Spain. 

Breaking down the INE 

figures and percentages, the 

numbers show that 37 per cent 

of British nationals in Spain 

are aged over 65, whilst seven 

per cent are aged under 15. 

Out of the 249 thousand 

Brits, 126 thousand are men, 

and 123 are women, whilst 

over half of the total are of 

working age. 

Of the 138 thousand working 

age expats, nearly 72 thousand 

are in a job (Andalucia is 

the top region, followed by Valencia), 

according to the latest 

Social Security figures from 

October, with three thousand 

British nationals claiming unemployment 

benefit. 

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Avda. de Madrid, 24. 

Moraira-Teulada. (Alicante) 

info@hispaniahomes.es 

+34 966 491 829 

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2 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 

www.weekender.news 

7 DAY FORECAST 

Please be aware, due to micro climates, forecast may change. Forecast is accurate at time of print. 

FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WED THURS 

13th Dec 14th Dec 15th Dec 16th Dec 17th Dec 18th Dec 19th Dec 

CWM court date set 

for early next year 

20ºC 18ºC 16ºC 16ºC 14ºC 16ºC 18ºC 

14ºC 11ºC 12ºC 11ºC 12ºC 12ºC 12ºC 

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please state this clearly 

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Deadline for advertisers, advert changes & article submissions 

is Tuesday, midday for Friday distribution. 

@TheWeekenderEs 

@TheWeekenderSpain 

The Weekender (Registered Trademark 

Pending) Editor-In-Chief Marco 

Baiardo - Y1153737-W. Deposito 

Legal - A375-2017. C/Castellion 5 

Benidorm, 03500. The Weekender 

Newspaper, its publishers, members 

of staff and its agents do not accept 

responsibility for claims by advertisers 

nor can it be held responsible for any 

errors in advertisements which are 

reproduced from poor artwork, lowquality 

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features. Further, no responsibility 

is accepted for any loss or damage 

caused by an error, inaccuracy or 

non-appearance of any advertisement, 

although all advertisements produced 

are checked prior to insertion. 

We regret that we cannot accept 

responsibility for more than ONE 

incorrect insertion and that no republication 

will be granted in the case 

of typographical or minor changes 

which do not affect the value of the 

advertisement. E&OE. No part of this 

newspaper may be reproduced without 

prior written consent of the publishers. 

The Weekender Newspaper is printed 

by SILSA SERVICIOS DE IMPRESIÓN DE 

LEVANTE S.A. GRUPO Z 

PENSIONS Life, who 

are acting on behalf of 

victims from the collapse 

of Continental 

Wealth Management 

have issued a statement 

this week concerning 

important developments. 

It starts 

as follows: 

“Last week, the news 

was received that the 

criminal court has issued 

a decision and directions 

on our case against CWM 

and associated firms. 

The judge in charge of 

the case has agreed that 

there is evidence that 

three serious crimes may 

have been committed: 

1. Fraud 

2. Disloyal Administration 

3. Forgery 

The defendants will be 

ordered to come to court 

and be cross-examined 

on the 24th, 25th and 

28th February 2020. 

Additionally, OMI, 

SEB and Generali - as 

well as InterAlliance, 

Trafalgar and GlobalNet 

will be asked to provide 

by Simon Russell 

corroborating evidence 

relating to the victims' 

portfolios and risk profiles. 

This could, potentially, 

widen the net to 

include some or all of 

the above as further defendants 

in this case.” 

The statement than 

goes on to list the next 

steps for their lawyer 

working on the case, Antonio 

Bertomeu, and a 

timetable of events leading 

up to the court hearing 

in February. 

The “Weekender” and 

ex-CWM customers involved 

in the claim were 

also sent a translated 

version of the court proceedings. 

This alleges 

that between 2008 and 

2017 CWM “scammed 

close to 1,000 victims 

out of close to £100 million 

worth of pensions 

and savings.” 

These victims were divided 

into three categories 

based on losses (50 

to 100%, significant loss 

and trivial amounts) and 

then further by pensions 

transfers into QROPS 

and non-pension funds 

into insurance bonds. 

The document then 

listed the “serious problems” 

with the financial 

advice given. 

These included lack of 

authorization, no valid 

financial service qualifications 

from “so-called 

financial advisers”, no 

indemnity insurance, 

falsification of dealing 

instruction forms and 

investments made to 

maximize commission 

for CWM rather than to 

match client’s risk profiles. 

The statement concludes 

“The combination 

of the high, undisclosed 

commissions; the 

high-risk investments 

and the expensive, unsuitable 

arrangements 

inevitably led to catastrophic 

losses for most 

of the clients.” 

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Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain 

FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 3 

Get set for toll free motoring 

– depending where you live 

AS further stretches of 

Spain’s motorway network 

It may only be the start of December 

but soon Christmas will have been and 

gone, New Year’s Eve will be upon us 

and then before you know it we will be 

in 2020. Looking ahead to a fresh start 

that New Year’s Day affords us all, we 

at Chorus Financial have drafted a list 

of 6 financial year-end tips to help our 

readers prepare for a financially sound 

2020. 

Consider tax strategies 

Maybe you’re planning to become tax 

resident in Spain in 2020? If you are 

then it is essential that your current 

financial position is reviewed to ensure 

all of your savings/investments & 

pensions continue to be tax efficient 

and legal once you become a Spanish 

resident. One important thing to 

consider is what allowances you have 

as a UK resident and how they will 

change when you become a Spanish 

resident. For example, that ISA that 

you may have held for over 20 years 

might have built up quite a gain, which 

will be tax free whilst you are a UK 

resident, but as soon as you become a 

Spanish tax resident the gain will be 

taxable. Therefore in some scenarios it 

is beneficial to liquidate your UK assets 

(such as ISAs) and maximise your 

UK tax allowances prior to becoming 

Spanish resident. 

Review your investment mix 

Are your investments still in line with 

your goals and risk tolerances? Changes 

in the values of your stocks, bonds and 

other holdings over the past year may 

have moved the relative weights away 

are set to go toll free for 

the first time, motorists in 

Finance Feature 

provided by... 

6 financial steps to take now for a fresh start in 2020 

from what best meets your needs. For 

example, if the stock market had a good 

year, the percentage of your investments 

in stocks may have drifted upward from 

what you see as the right proportion of 

stock market risk. The approach of the 

new year is a good time to review your 

mix. 

Review all insurance coverage 

Take a look at your coverage for your 

car, home, life insurance, etc. to be 

sure you have enough — and not too 

much — and that you’re not overpaying. 

Look at whether you could drop some 

deductibles to save on premiums or 

if you have some unnecessary ‘extra’ 

features in your policy that are adding 

up. Comparison-shop among insurance 

companies to see whether switching 

makes sense. 

Review your will 

Especially if you’ve had a recent family 

event such as a marriage, birth, new 

grandchildren or a divorce, the approach 

of the new year is a good opportunity 

to make sure the beneficiaries you’ve 

designated in your will, match your 

current wishes. If you’ve never made a 

Spanish will but have assets in Spain, 

you should also be aware that the 

Spanish law is very different to the UK. 

If your Will doesn’t specify that you 

wish for it to be written under British 

law then Spanish law will automatically 

apply. Spanish law states that two thirds 

of your assets automatically go to your 

children and you only have the free 

disposal on one third. 


other areas had salt rubbed 

into their wounds as increases 

were announced 

this week. 

The nine roads affected, 

which includes the Alicante 

ring road, are rising by an 

average of 0.84% from 2020. 

However, from midnight 

on 31 December the AP-4 

between Seville and Cadiz 

as well as the AP-7 between 

Tarragona, Valencia and 

Alicante will open their toll 

barriers and leave them that 

way. 

It is hoped that in the 

Valencian Community this 

measure will have an immediate 

impact on traffic black 

spots such as Benissa, Altea 

and Oliva. However, many 

think it means that the much 

Get your budget in shape 

A budget that maps out your expected 

income, fixed expenses such as rent or 

mortgage and card payments, what you 

plan to set aside for savings, and what’s 

available for everything else you may 

want can help you stay on track toward 

your financial goals. If you don’t already 

have a budget, the new-year milestone 

is a great time to start. If you’re already 

using a budget to help manage your 

finances, a year-end tune-up can help you 

make sure it’s still current. 

Review your retirement-plan 

Whether you are years away from 

retirement, or if it’s just around the 

corner, a new year is always a good 

time to review your current pension 

wanted train route connecting 

Alicante to Valencia is 

now less likely to happen. 

965 641 163 

provisions. For some it might be just 

a case of making sure you are still on 

target to retire on your intended date, 

with an annual income that you desire 

or for some it’s a question of should I 

leave my pension where it is or move it 

to SIPP but for others it could be a real 

wake up call. Planning for retirement is 

often pushed aside because life gets in 

the way however a Financial Adviser 

can help you plan for your retirement 

goals and work with you to achieve 

them. So, whether you would just like 

a professional opinion on your current 

provisions or whether you need to start 

planning DON’T put it off for another 

year!” 

At Chorus Financial we are here to help 

you every step of the way, we help our 

www.chorusfinancial.es 

info@chorusfinancial.es 

This is due to the lack of 

income from the tolls while 

maintenance costs are expected 

to rise as more vehicles 

use the motorway once 

it is free. 

Bringing Einstein and Churchill back to life 

THE Javea Players Theatre 

Group have invited professional 

actor Pip Utton over 

from the UK to perform for 

local audiences next month. 

Fresh from his Edinburgh 

Festival success, Pip will 


be performing in-character 

monologues on different 

nights, as Winston Churchill 

from 27 to 29 January and 

then Albert Einstein from 30 

January to 1 February. 

His Einstein covers the 

key decades of the life of history’s 

best known scientist 

(in lay-man’s language) and 

the Churchill monologue 

also covers the highlights of 

the great statesman’s life in 

his own words. 

The box office opens on 

14 December and tickets 

are priced at €13; go to 

www.javeaplayers.com for 

more details. 

By Tracy Storer 

Senior Partner 

Chorus Financial 

clients plan for their future financial goals 

and we work hard to make sure they stay 

on target to achieve them. Call Chorus 

Financial now on 693 107 044 or email 

t.storer@chorusfinancial.es 

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, Ref. 539348. 

Providing award winning 

advice for your pensions, 

investments & tax planning. 

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number 

FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214. 

Returning to Costa Blanca November 5th, 6th, 7th. 

For more information visit www.thefinancetour.com.



Osprey death will not 

slow down project 

THE Colombian man suspected 

of the killing of 

25-year-old Marta Calvo 

continues to refuse to 

testify, despite previously 

seeming to confess to the 

killing and disposal of the 

Valencian woman’s body. 

Jorge Palma is the only 

suspect for Marta’s death 

after her disappearance had 

sparked a major manhunt. 


THE Ministry of the Environment 

has confirmed 

that one of the four osprey 

chicks reintroduced into 

the Pego-Oliva marshes 

has died, killed as a result 

of coming into contact 

with an electricity pylon. 

Pylons and wires are seen 

as the main dangers to the 

rare birds and have been removed 

or made safe in their 

home environment. 

However, ospreys are migratory 

birds and the bird, 

named Quillo, was killed in 

Morocco last month while on 

its travels. 

Despite this setback the 

project is still judged an 

overall success as the creatures 

have settled in and 

there are plans to introduce 

four more chicks in 2020. 

This will mean that the 

area will be well on the 

way to having a breeding 

colony of the creatures that 

used to be relatively common 

until humans became 

their biggest enemy, mainly 

through hunting and over 

development of their natural 

territory. 

Of the remaining three 

young birds, two have followed 

migratory patterns to 

Africa while one has chosen 

to stay in this part of the 

world, spending most of its 

Suspected killer refuses to speak 


The pair had met online 

and arranged to meet at a 

property in a Valencian village, 

but Marta never returned, 

and Palma went 

on the run before handing 

himself into police last week. 

He initially confessed to 

her accidental killing and 

said he had disposed of her 

body in a rubbish container 

after chopping it up. 

However, he continually 

changed his story before 

shifting to his current stance 

of refusing to testify. 

There are two further 

twists in the tragedy. Firstly, 

police are becoming increasingly 

concerned for the welfare 

of 19-year-old Wafa Sabbah, 

who disappeared from 

time in the flooded paddy 

fields of northern Valencia. 

In contrast one of the 

trio has been tracked to the 

French city of Toulouse before 

travelling to Morocco 

and across the Sahara Desert 

while it is currently in 

Senegal, over 3,000 kilometres 

from its Pego homeland. 

Carcaixent two weeks after 

Marta was believed to have 

been killed. 

Carcaixent was where 

Palma handed himself into 

the police and possible links 

are being investigated. 

Questions are also being 

asked about the death of a 

prostitute in the area, who 

was last seen with Jorge 

Palma.

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Sun shines for church 

coffee morning 

OVER 40 people turned 

up on a lovely sunny day 

for the Ermita Del Popul 

Church Christmas Coffee 

Morning earlier this 

month. 

The event was at the home 

of David and Marjorie Stobart 

and there was a wide 

range of stalls selling food, 

bric a brac and other items 

as well as a raffle and guess 

the cake weight competition 

with proceeds going to the 

WATCH24 

Watch and clock 

repairs 

Total servicing, free 

estimates and home 

collection. 

Tel 602 457316 


Javea church. 

Please contact church wardens 

Hazel Allyn (hngallyn@ 

gmail.com) or Diana Pringle 

(pdiatomic@hotmail.com) if 

you would like to join in with 

any future social events. 

For more information 

about the church activities, 

services and work they do go 

to http://costablanca-anglicanchaplaincy.org 

African hero may be 

granted resident status 

A SENEGALESE immigrant 

who saved the life of a disabled 

Denia man may be 

granted full residence status 

along with his young 

family. 

The story started after a 

fire broke out in the property 

of a 39-year-old resident 

called Alex at his house 

on Calle Port de Denia last 

Thursday. 

Alex has severe mobility 

problems and, as smoke billowed 

out, he staggered onto 

his tiny balcony on the first 

floor. 

This was much too high 

to jump, while the victim 

was also suffering from 

smoke inhalation and appeared 

to be on the verge 

of passing out according 

to witnesses. 

Neighbours had been trying 

to access the property 

through the doors but were 

unable to break in with 

flames blocking their path. 

The Senegalese man, 

named as 20 year old Gorgui 

Lamine, entered the 

fray at this point, agilely 

scaling the wall and then 

able to carry the victim 

down on his back after a 

ladder had been placed 

against the wall. 


The heroic rescuer then 

stopped only to wash the 

soot off his hands at a neighbouring 

house before leaving 

the scene. 

Initially his identity remained 

a mystery, but he 

was later confirmed as Gorgui, 

who has been in Spain 

for two years and makes a 

living selling goods on the 

street. 

In light of his heroics Denia 

Council have applied for 

a residence permit for the 

young man, his wife and seven 

month old baby girl who 

was born in Spain. 

They are citing “exceptional 

circumstances” under 

article 127 of the law concerning 

the rights and freedoms 

of non-EU foreigners 

in Spain. 

Crushed by car 

A POLICE investigation 

has been opened after 

a 54-year-old man was 

crushed to death by a vehicle 

in the garage of his 

property. 

Alex meets his rescuer this week 


Apparently, he was working 

on the vehicle at the time 

of the accident and the most 

likely early theory is that the 

brakes failed. The Novelda 

Guardia Civil are conducting 

the investigation. Sources say 

that the victim was an Argentine 

national, although these 

have not been confirmed.

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25/11/19 9:07 PM



The magic of El Gordo 

THE WORLD’S biggest 

lottery, El Gordo, is once 

again set to keep Spain 

riveted a week on Sunday 

(December 22nd). 

The draw will start at 

9.00am, with youngsters 

from the San Ildefonso Elementary 

School in Madrid 

reaching into two large vessels 

onstage and pulling out 

one small wooden ball at a 

time from each of them, 

One features the ticket 

number, and the other has 

the prize money associated 

with that number. 

As they pick the numbers 

and prizes, they sing them 

out loud, with shifts of children 

working over a three 


hour period.. 

Millions of people across 

Spain and further afield will 

be looking to get their share 

of the prize fund, with big 

and small prizes on offer in 

El Gordo (The Fat One). 

Despite the cheerful fun 

that the lottery evokes 

throughout Spain nowadays, 

its roots lean towards the 

grim side. 

The very first Christmas 

lottery took place in Cádiz 

in 1812, when the government 

set it up as a way to 

raise money for the Spanish 

troops fighting against 

Napoleon’s armies. 

Back in the day, a single 

lottery ticket cost 40 reales, 

which would equal out to 

only six cents these days. 

The grand prize payout 

was 8 thousand pesetas, 

which would be worth just 

50 euros in today’s values!. 

Today, the average Spaniard 

spends even more than 

that amount on lottery entries 

every year—an average of 66 

euros per head, according to 

the State Lottery Association. 

And El Gordo’s prize pot 

has increased as well, with 

the top prize now clocking in 

at around four million euros, 

but hundreds of smaller 

prizes are also up for grabs. 

A full lottery ticket itself 

costs 200 euros but each ticket 

is divided into 10 décimos, 

which cost just 20 each. 

Every décimo on the 

ticket has the same five-digit 

number, and that same number 

can be repeated dozens of 

times across several full tickets. 

As a result, the prize is 

divided among everyone who 

shares that same number. 

El Gordo has has a number 

of terms and phrases 

especially associated with it:- 

• Billete: As already mentioned, 

a full lottery ticket 

costs 200 euros. It’s divided 

into 10 décimos of the 

same number that belong 

to the same serie. The actual 

draw consists of 170 

Bubbly and nougat make for a Spanish Christmas 


WHILE there are a number 

of products that many 

Spanish like to consume 

over the festive period such 

as serrano ham, prawns 

and paella there are two 

things which most consider 

essential – cava and turron. 

A bit like sprouts and turkey 

in the UK, while both 

are consumed all year round 

their sales enjoy a huge 

spike at Christmas and over 

the new year. 

Cava, a Denomination of 

Origin (DO) sparkling wine, 

has become somewhat politicised 

recently and 95% of it 

is produced in Catalonia and 

the rest down here in Valencia; 

due to the DO status a 

similar product, however 

palatable, cannot call itself 

cava. 

Recently, due to the independence 

situation in Catalonia, 

many Spanish have 

opted to buy Valencian cava. 

However, wine makers are 

limited in the amount they 

are permitted to grow in the 

region and the government 

has not allowed them to increase 

their quota, some say 

as a small nod of support to 

Catalonia. 

Anyway, whatever your 

political leanings make 

sure you try some, drink it 

cold served with meat, fish, 

tapas, cheese or simply on 

its own. 

Turron is less controversial 

and is also historically 

produced in this region, specifically 

the Alicante town of 

Jijona. It is a type of nougat 

made traditionally from honey, 

sugar, eggs and almonds 

in two types “duro” (hard) 

and “blando” (soft). 

To the horror of turron traditionalists 

a number of varieties 

have sprung up down 

the years with additions 

such as peanuts, chocolate, 

liquors, candied fruit and 

sugar substitutes. 

Mainly due to the high 

cost of almonds as a rule the 

truer to the original recipe 

it is, the pricier the product. 

If you buy some, try and get 

the local Alicante product, 

even if just to please your 

Spanish neighbours. 

series and there are 170 

billetes for every número. 

• Décimo: One-tenth of a lottery 

ticket, which sells for 

20 euros, 

• Número: The main fivedigit 

number of a billete, 

décimo or participación. 

• Participación: A smaller 

fraction of a décimo. Many 

small businesses or even 

some individuals will buy 

décimos and then divide 

each of them into a certain 

number of participaciones 

for others to buy at a 

price of the décimo owner’s 

choice. 

• Serie: A set of billetes with 

the same número. Each 

serie consists of 100 thousand 

billetes. 

While plenty of people 

will simply play whichever 

number happens to be available 

at their local bar or lottery 

outlet, many Spaniards 

choose theirs carefully, going 

for important dates in their 

family lives like birthdays. 

Another novelty also 

comes from collecting lottery 

entries from faraway towns 

and cities. 

Even if you don’t have a 

vested interest in El Gordo, 

the draw is well worth 

checking on television for 

a real piece of Spanish atmosphere, 

and there’s every 

chance that your local 

streets will be fairly quiet, 

only punctuated by the lottery 

singing coming out of 

homes that are tuned in to 

get the results. 

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PUTTING aside food for 

the holiday season and the 

El Gordo lottery, Spain has 

a number of important traditions 

as part of the annual 

Christmas and New 

Year ritual, and some have 

a regional flavour to them. 

Each December, families 

in Catalunya decorate a 

wooden log with a face and 

legs. It’s kept in the house or 

garden, covered with a blanket 

to keep it from getting 

cold. This log is called the 

Caga Tió—the “pooping log”. 

On Christmas Day, children 

gather around the log 

and start to beat it with 

sticks. While they give it a 

good whack, they sing a song 

asking the log to poop out 

sweeties for them to eat on 

Christmas. 

Once the song is finished, 

they pull back the blanket to 

discover a treasure trove of 

hidden sweeties! 

While the rest of the world 

pulls pranks and stunts on 

April 1st, Spain has December 

28th as their equivalent. 

It’s called El Día de los 

Santos Inocentes, which this 

year falls on a Saturday, and 

so you have been warned! 

Many centres across 

Spain have a public display 

of the Nativity Scene, which 

attracts locals and tourists 

alike. 

The portal de Belén is a 

common Spanish Christmas 

decoration, and uses small 

models and figures to represent 

the Nativity scene of 

Jesus’s birth. 

It can be as simple as just 

Spanish festive traditions 


Mary, Joseph and Jesus in 

his manger, or they can be 

huge and elaborate structures 

showing the desert, the 

three Wise Men, and even 

the ‘caganer’, a tiny figurine 

of a guy pooping on the floor, 

which brings us back to that 

log in Catalunya! 

A massive difference to 

newcomers to Spain is the 

fact that Santa Claus has a 

secondary role to present giving, 

which is in the domain 

of the Three Kings(Reyes 

Magos) over Epithany. 

Yes, Santa is around shopping 

areas with some presents, 

and the tradition has 

changed in Spain where 

some gifts are now handed 

over on Christmas Eve or 

Christmas Day, but the big 

time is still in the New Year. 

The Reyes Magos parade 

down the streets of every village 

and city in Spain on the 

evening 5th January every 

year, riding on big parade 

floats and throwing sweets 

to the children. 

This parade, known as 

the ‘cabalgata’, is a Spanish 

festive tradition you simply 

can’t miss if you have never 

witnessed one before. 

Also Christmas Eve and 

New Year’s Eve are very 

much regarded as evenings 

to stay in, before the Christmas 

Midnight Mass, and 

a week later taking to the 

bars an hour or so into the 

New Year. 

Reyes Magos 

The logs that give! 

FOR the fourth year in a 

row shoppers in Denia’s 

indoor market will be 

greeted with the unusual 

site of a Christmas 

tree made of shopping 

trolleys. 

The Mercat management 

team haven’t gone 

off their trolleys, so to 

speak, but rather this is 

a collaboration with the 

Acade trader’s association 

to raise money and 

awareness for local people 

with cancer and other 

serious illnesses. 

The carts, 98 in all, are 

provided by Marina Alta 

business Garmol and personalised 

with the name 

and logo of Carena, the 

charity which will be carrying 

out the aid, giving 

psychological 

assistance 

to the very ill and their 

families. 

Anyone who spends 

more than 10 euros in 

the market will be put 

into a prize draw for one 

of the 28 trolleys on the 

tree. The other 70 will 

be prizes in the annual 

scratch-off campaign run 

by Acade. 

Trolley tree for charity 

by Simon Russell



Have a very vegan Christmas 

THE annual food fair in Jijona 

(Alicante) is regarded 

by those in the trade as 

an early reminder of what 

new items may be featuring 

on the Spanish table at 

Christmas, particularly for 

people with a sweet tooth. 

Veganism is becoming increasingly 

popular in Spain, 

both for health and social 

reasons, and vegan polverones 

(small powdery sweets 

wrapped in paper) are a new 

feature at the fair. 

Polverones are a festive 

tradition for the Spanish 

and you may well have seen 

A BIT like a certain famous 

spread, Brussel sprouts 

are a “love them or hate 

them” type of thing for 

most people. 

Nonetheless, they are a 

staple of a traditional British 

Christmas dinner, if not a 

Spanish one. Over here they 

are called “coles de Bruselas” 

and can be found in the 

freezer section of many of 

the larger local supermarket 

chains and, less frequently, 

in the fresh produce section. 

You may also be able to 

buy them fresh at your local 

street market. 

So why do we insist on 

eating sprouts at Christmas, 

although they have been 


The Marmite of the veg world 


voted the most divisive food 

on the table? Partly it’s for 

the simple reason that they 

are a winter crop and would 

have been readily available. 

Despite being grown in 

mainland Europe for centuries 

Brussels didn’t really 

come to Britain until Victorian 

times and it was seen as 

a novelty to eat the “mini cabbages” 

on a special occasion 

such as Christmas. 

The general verdict is that 

as with so many of our modern 

festive traditions, eating 

sprouts seems to have 

sprung up in middle class 

Victorian times and hung 

Jijona turron producer 

Manuel Lopez with his 

firm’s saffron turron 

them in your local bar in 

a little bowl on the bar itself. 

The vegan version uses 

brown flour and olive oil. 

Other unusual twists on festive 

favourites included turron 

(nougat) with saffron, produced 

in Jijona itself, as is all 

authentic turron. There were 

also sugar free truffle chocolates, 

dark chocolate truffles 

and nougat filled cookies. 

around ever since. 

So how do you best eat 

them? Well chefs seem to 

agree that the best way to 

avoid the bitter taste that so 

many people can’t stand is to 

add something such as bacon 

or a small amount of sugar 

that offsets the taste. 

Cutting them in half first 

can also make a difference 

and never overcook your 

sprouts. Or you could just 

have an extra roast potato. 

All had 

a ball at 

the ball! 

LET’S “throw” in a sporting 

reference into this 

review of the Guardian 

Angel’s Glam Ball recently 

because it was so jampacked 

it literally felt like 

a tournament! As well as a 

tour-de-force. 

The headline act was of 

course the record-breaking 

British athlete Kriss Akabusi. 

The legend is definitely 

a bit “off the wall” but in a 

very nice way, and extremely 

“on the ball”. 

Kriss gave a personal matter. Break through your 

yet psychologically scientific 

ceiling!” was scribbled on 

speech about his own 

achievements and how to 

find inspiration. 

“I needed to belong to be 

exceptional” said Kriss, having 

grown up feeling constantly 

out of place in one 

way or another. “I’ve loved 

being here and am really inspired 

by the work that the 

Guardian Angels carry out 

quite a few napkins. 

The Lady Elizabeth School 

Choir kicked off the event 

beautifully with some carols, 

followed by the indescribably 

brilliant UK magician 

James Brown who could give 

the likes of Derren Brown 

a “run” for their money any 

day. (“He’s my man!” said 

Kriss, awestruck.) 

– helping single parents and Award winning pianist 

their kids belong.” 

The footage of his successes 

including the gold winning 

Lola Smololowski stunned 

us with a brilliant medley 

of classical classics and af- 

4 x 400 relay in Tokyo ter dinner the vivacious 

was fabulous to watch with 

his live commentary. 

Kriss’s quote “Small goals 

Matt Holbrook as Robbie 

Williams, charismatic band 

Gatecrash and our favourite 

DJ Darryl gave us a great 

work out on the dance floor. 

The raffle involved high 

stakes with luxurious hampers 

that bidders were allowed 

to specifically choose. 

Auction lots included a day 

out in London sponsored by 

Body Worlds, a lunch cruise 

down the Thames, a visit to 

the Shard and dinner for two 

at Planet Hollywood. Other 

lots included a four day 

break with flights in a quintessentially 

stone Cotswold 

cottage. 

"The evening was a massive 

success” says Sue Nutbrown, 

President of the charity. 

“After costs, the amount 

raised on the evening came 

to €5,350.00. There are so 

many families we can help 

with that kind of money. A 

special thank you to Gary at 

Giving 4 Giving for donating 

€1,000.00." 

Another treat was a 

beautifully shot short film 

about the charity with moving 

interviews from some 

of Guardian Angel’s single 

parents, children and mentors. 

Made almost singlehandedly 

by the talented 

local film director Christophe 

Putters, and available 

to view on the website 

and Facebook, as is a short 

video of the Ball. 

Needless to say readers 

you are strongly advised 

to start booking up for the 

next G.A event by keeping 

your eye on the ball - sorry 

- the G.A website - and helping 

where you can. https:// 

guardian-angels.es 

“The ball is in your court!” 

Or as the Spanish say “the 

ball is on your roof!” (You 

would think these Gota 

Fria’s we’ve had the balls 

would all be back in the gardens 

wouldn’t you?!)

902 123 461 

TM 

* O f f e r v a l i d f o r n e w c u s t o m e r s o n l y . S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . E n d s 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 . 

TheWeekender-260x340-HOME02.indd 1 20/6/19 11:15



Big “Thank You” from the ARC 

AT a presentation ceremony 

last week, the Jalon Valley 

ARC received a cheque 

from the Vall del Pop branch 

of the U3A for €600. 

They were one of several 

local good causes to receive 


Work in the UK. 

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Live-in Carer £83 - £105 per day. 

help from the associations 

year-round fundraising efforts 

which involved everything 

from cake sales to treasure 

hunts. 

ARC president Matt Mason 

received the cheque 

from Marie Fitzgerald 

and sent his thanks to all 

U3A members whose donations 

will go a long way 

to helping. 

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From Oliva to Ibiza by kite 

OLIVA Town Hall have announced 

plans to host 

the first crossing by kitesurf 

from the mainland to 

Ibiza, a distance of some 

70 nautical miles (120 

kilometres). 

As well as an attempt to 

make the record books the 

crossing is being made to 

Five tips for protecting and 

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Your portfolio must be tailored 

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highlight the importance of 

preserving the Mediterranean 

and implementing policies 

that avoid and reduce 

pollution. 

Local athletes Pepe Carratala 

and Gabriela Vila Andreu 

are the two people who 

will be attempting the feat 

on an a yet to be confirmed 

date. 

Oliva is regarded as one 

of the best places in Europe 

for kitesurfing, a rapidly 

growing sport that is a 

cross between wind-surfing 

and gliding using relatively 

cheap equipment. 

for your peace of mind. 

While it is difficult to assess 

your own tolerance for 

risk, an experienced adviser 

can create an objective risk 

profile for you. 

2. Establish your 

timeline: 

The longer it is, the more 

risk you can generally afford 

to take. Your investments 

should be ‘liquid’ enough 

for you to access capital 

when required. 

3. Insist on 

diversification: 

Spreading investments 

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regions and market 

sectors minimises risk by 

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any one area. 

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effective tax 

planning: 

Explore arrangements that 

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tax-efficient income 

for you in Spain while protecting 

future heirs. Expatriates 

need to make sure they 

meet their tax liabilities in 

by James Johnson, 

Associate Partner, 

Blevins Franks 

both Spain and the UK (or 

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For the best results, 

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Keep up to date on the 

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THE WEEKENDER – Alicante Norte – 338mm x 256mm – Colour 

13th December



Local&WhatsOn Benidorm 

Beni Brit in 

bus carnage 

MIRACULOUSLY no one 

was hurt as a Briton stole 

a coach in Benidorm, 

sending parked up mopeds 

and bikes flying and 

smashing into cars. 

The incident happened in 

the early hours of last Sunday 

morning after the unnamed 

27-year-old male stole 

the bus which was parked up 

in the Palau d’Esports on the 

outskirts of the resort. 

EARLY plans for New 

Year’s Eve in Benidorm are 

for an organised party on 

Levante Beach, following 

the success of last year’s 

event. 

This is scheduled to run 

from 6pm until 2.30am and 

there will be five giant screens 

running from the Daytona 

Beach Bar to KU Lounge on 


He was seen ploughing 

through Avenida Belgica in 

the Rincon area of the town 

at about 3.30am and damaged 

vehicles including a police car. 

The bus ended up on the 

pavement after a number of 

police cars managed to block 

it in and the “driver” was arrested. 

Reports are that he 

was on holiday, but this has 

the seafront as well as stage 

area for the DJs. 

The music will be a mix 

of current hits and dance 

music with commentary in 

Spanish and English. 

The party will pause for 

the chiming of the bells at 

midnight and again at 1am 

not been confirmed. 

The detainee is likely to 

face a number of serious 

charges even if he passes the 

toxicology tests, which most 

agree is unlikely. 

A disgruntled local posted 

on social media “Benidorm 

doesn't change. 

We Spanish are being hit 

with taxes everywhere and 

the English do what they 

like and nothing happens.” 

New Year on the beach 


for British revellers to celebrate 

the New Year coming 

to their homeland. Organisers 

will distribute the traditional 

grapes, party poppers 

and cava for the toast. 

The event is subject to 

change depending on the 

weather and other factors, so 

please check with the Town 

Hall or tourist information.



Benidorm Local&WhatsOn 

Silver lining for Brexit cloud 

BENIDORM’S Town Hall 

have made it clear in the 

past that they are not a 

fan of the UK leaving the 

EU, both from the point of 

view of their many British 

residents and the effect 

on tourism. 

However, there has been 

one good thing to emerge, a 

surge in legalisation of their 

status by expatriates from 

the UK. 


Residencia is a must have 

requirement for those wanting 

to live and/or work in 

Benidorm and 600 people 

have changed their status in 

the town recently, with the 

official numbers of Brits registered 

as living there jumping 

by some 25%. 

Town Hall budgets are 

based on the number of official 

residents and all the 

while that many expats, for 

whatever reason, chose to 

live under the radar dents 

were put in spending plans. 

On the downside there 

has also been a rise in certain 

frauds such as other EU 

nationals making appointments 

for a residency card 

and then “selling” the sought 

after slot to desperate 

British nationals. 

Big cats on the 

move Benidorm 

BENIDORM’S Terra Natura 

animal park has collaborated 

with counterparts in 

France to create two new 

breeding groups of ocelots, 

a species of South 

American big cat. 

Six ocelots have been 

born in the park to the current 

breeding pair, including 

Enzo and Zoe who were born 

in November 2018. 


They have been separated 

from their mother in preparation 

for the moves to the 

Parc Animaller des Pyrenees 

and Bassin d’Arcachon 

Zoo. 

There they will hopefully 

create new breeding pairs 

that are unrelated to each 

other, so avoiding genetic 

defects. The transfer is done 

under the European Programme 

of Endangered Species 

(EEP) sche me. 

Ocelots are the third 

largest wild cat in South 

America after pumas 

and jaguars and have become 

endangered as their 

natural jungle habitat 

has become eroded by human 

activity. 

THE IBROX BAR 

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Local&WhatsOn 

Costa Blanca 

Anglican 

Chaplaincy 

Advent and 

Christmas 

13 DECEMBER 14:00 

Albir – 

Carols on the beach 

Join us by the anchor in Albir for this 

now traditional, and ever popular 

chance to sing the wonderful carols of 

Advent and Christmas. 

Well over 200 local people and visitors 

joined us last year to share the music of 

the Christmas story. 

14 DECEMBER 16.00 

Alicante El Campello 

Carol Service to be held at The 

International Club, El Campello. 


Albir – 

Carol Service 

Our annual service of lessons and carols 

in the beautiful Norwegian Seamen’s 

church in Albir. 

Please join us for this important step 

into Christmas, as the most important 

story is told, and we join together 

to prepare the way for the arrival of 

the Lord. 


Javea – 

Midnight Mass 

Midnight Mass 11:30pm (service lasts 

past midnight). 

25 DECEMBER All day 

Christmas Day Services 

Christmas Day Eucharist, celebrated 

at all our churches at usual times of 

worship. 

We celebrate the arrival of the infant 

Jesus, our Messiah. 

For locations and service times visit 

the “Churches and Services” page and 

click on your chosen church – http:// 

costablanca-anglicanchaplaincy.org 

MABS 

Donation 

THE Valleys International 

Bridge and Social Club, 

held their Christmas lunch 

at El Cid last week. 

It was decided that this 

year, a raffle would be held 

in aid of Mabs. 

Brenda Russell, President 

of the Valleys, is seen here, 

handing over a cheque for 500 

euros to Jacqueline Phillips, 

president of MABS. 

All in all, it was a very 

enjoyable and worthwhile 

afternoon. 

THE ORANGE TREE 

SPORTS BAR & PUB MENU 

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OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 

WALK IN 

NO RESERVATION NEEDED 

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Alfas,Albir,Altea 

Festive feel in Plaza Mayor 


L’ALFAS del Pi’s main square is 

now looking especially festive 

with the traditional belen (nativity 

scene) and tree now both in place. 

Ximo Sirvent Sanjose won the 

contest to design this year’s belen 

and his finished scene was officially 

opened at the weekend by Mayor 

Vicente Arques and several other 

councillors. 

Local&WhatsOn 

Sinterklass is coming to town 

THE visit of Sinterklass, 

the Dutch and Belgian 

version of Santa, is a long 

standing tradition going 

back decades in l’Alfas 

del Pi. 

The berobed figure, who is 

something of a cross between 

a bishop and the jolly British 

version of Father Christmas, 

took time out from his busy 


schedule to drop into the 

Marina Baixa town on 6 December, 

the saint’s day of St 

Nicholas and also a holiday 

in Spain for Constitution 

Day. 

He was met by a troupe 

of schoolchildren who had 

the day off, not just Dutch 

but several nationalities in 

this most multi-cultural of 

towns. 

The gathering took place 

outside the Casa de la Cultura 

where Sinterklass 

heard what the children 

wanted from him this year 

before moving inside for presentations 

and thanks from 

council members. 

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Local&Lifestyle 

Alfas,Albir,Altea 

Tarmacked in 

time for 2020 

THE asphalting work on 

three l’Alfas del Pi streets, 

Riu Montenegre, Molinell 

and Segura has now been 

completed the town hall 

has confirmed. 

The roads, all in a residential 

area of Albir, have had 

an investment of just over 


€350,000 after lapsing into 

serious disrepair over the 

years. 

While the work was being 

done the opportunity 

was also taken to update 

the sewage and drainage 

systems, explained Mayor 

Vicente Arques after he visited 

the completed works 

this week. 

There have also been new 

pavements and road-signs 

added, while some houses 

have been connected to 

underground services. 

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Mega Volume Russian Lashes 75€ 

Microblading 190€ 

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Keeping the kids busy 

CALPE’S Education Department 

are once again 

holding a series of workshops 

and activities for 

younger residents over 

the upcoming school 

holidays. 

Open to all but aimed particularly 

at helping those 

who struggle to balance 

work and family over the 

holidays, they will be held at 

the Olta School. 

The dates are December 

23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31 then 

January 2 and 3, all from 

9am until 2pm. 

Activities include games, 

crafting, music, drama and 

learning English with the emphasis 

on fun. The age group 

is children born between 2008 

and 2016 inclusive. 

The cost is €32 per week 


and kids can go to either or 

both weeks. Registration 

Spectacular setting for fun run 


THE Serra d’Olta with its 

views of the sea and the 

Ifach is the glorious setting 

for Calpe’s fifteenth 

half marathon which 

takes place this Sunday 

15 December. 

There are two separate 

courses, a 17.5 kilometre 

one for those who are walking 

and 21 kilometres for the 

runners. 

The elevation for the 

shorter course is 750 metres 

while it is around a thousand 

metres for the longer one. 

The events start at 8am 

for the walkers and then 

needs to be done at the Education 

Department in (Punt 

Jove (Plaza Constitucion) by 

20 December. 

9am for those who are 

running. 

For more details on the 

race and to register go to 

www.mychip.es 

Minors can take part but 

will need an authorisation 

form completed by a parent 

or guardian which is also on 

the website. 

Double bill of 

Christmas concerts 

MUSIC lovers in Calpe are by Simon Russell Cultura, starting at 8.30pm. 

in for a treat this week, especially 

Entry is free subject to capacity, 

if you’re a fan of a 

festive tune. 

This Sunday 15 December 

the Ifach Choir are 

performing in the atmospheric 

setting of the Parroquia 

Nuestra Señora de 

las Nieves. 

The show starts at 8pm 

and is free entry for all 

subject to capacity. 

On Wednesday 18 December 

the Cap-Ifach Musical 

Union are holding their 

Christmas concert at the 

auditorium of the Casa de la 

but you will need an 

entrance ticket. 

These can be collected 

at the box office from 7pm 

– call the Casa de la Cultura 

on 965 833 600 for 

further information about 

either event. 


Calpe 

CALPE’S municipal swimming 

pool’s management 

team have received 22 

complaints about a bather 

wearing a burquini, an all 

over swimming garment 

favoured by some Muslim 

women in particular. 

The complaints have 

been made by 22 different 

people, but all have exactly 

Local&WhatsOn 

Burquini bather prompts 

campaign of complaints 


the same wording and were 

received within a few days 

of each other in October, 

indicating an orchestrated 

campaign. 

At this time the town’s 

Sports Department had 

made no comment, verbal or 

written. 

The burquini is a relatively 

new innovation and has 

spawned many arguments 

for and against, with many 

of those against citing health 

and safety concerns. 

However, many on the 

other side of the debate 

think this is more to do with 

Islamophobia than health 

and safety. 

Horsemeat on the menu 

IN an investigation that 

has links to Calpe, it appears 

that contaminated 

horse meat made its way 

into the consumer food 

chain in 2017. 

In April of that year Dutchman 

Johannes Fasen was arrested 

in Calpe, accused of 

a Europe wide conspiracy to 

illegally sell horse meat. 


It has now transpired 

that some horsemeat destined 

for a zoo in Vigo – 

and judged unfit for human 

consumption – had gone 

missing. 

This amounted to about 

400 kilos and it is believed 

that it was sold to meat processing 

establishments at 

a much higher price than it 

would have fetched from the 

zoo, where it was usually fed 

to lions and tigers. 

This appears to all be part 

of the larger scam where 

horsemeat was passed off 

as beef, netting the mainly 

Dutch gang about 20 million 

euros a year in extra profit.



Local&Lifestyle 

Javea 

Christmas carols in Javea port 

JAVEA International Baptist 

Church (JIBC) are once 

again holding their annual 

carol singing in Javea port 

and are extending a warm 

welcome to everyone. 

The carol singing will commence 

at 12 noon on Friday, 

GEORGINA Harvey, President 

of the Original Charity Shop 

and Library in Javea, this 

week received an MBE for her 

works from the British Ambassador. 

Georgie, as she is best known 

to almost everyone, travelled to 

Madrid and received the Medal 

of the British Empire from Hugh 

Elliot at his official residence in 

the capital. 

She has lived in Spain for a 

quarter of a century, immediately 

becoming involved in the 

library and later the shop. 

Georgie has held the title of 

president for 13 years, a period of 

enormous growth for both organisations 

as well as a few moves. 

All the staff and customers 

want to congratulate Georgie on 

her MBE and her continued good 

works in the area. 

20th December, in the main 

square to the rear of the Hotel 

Miramar, and the public 

will have a ringside seat 

from the local bars and cafes. 

There will be collection 

boxes available for anyone 

wishing to make a donation 

Saving the whales 


as speed limits on vessels 

that use the protected marine 

corridor. 

Environmental group 

OceanCare praised the 

and any proceeds collected 

this year will go, in their entirety, 

to the ACACIA charity 

and the work of missionaries 

Graham and Sarah in the 

village of Mazwi in Zimbabwe, 

for the construction of 

a multi-purpose building for 

Top honour for Javea 

charity president 


A WIDE strip of the Mediterranean 

Sea off the 

coast of Javea looks set to 

become a Specially Protected 

Area of Importance 

due to its importance for 

migrating whale populations. 

The giant cetaceans are 

creatures of habit and use 

the same route each year, 

surprisingly close to shore 

off Javea and Denia. 

The “whale highway” as 

it is commonly known runs 

along the Catalan and Valencian 

coast as well as skirting 

the Balearic Islands. 

The decision to recognise 

its importance has been adopted 

at the COP21 climate 

conference in Naples and 

could lead to measures such 

move, calling it a great opportunity 

to fight issues such 

as underwater noise which 

badly affect the whale’s internal 

guidance system and 

may even lead to beachings 

of the marine giants. 

the local children. 

JIBC is an English speaking 

church and, this Christmas, 

they are also holding 

a Carols by Candlelight 

service on Sunday 22nd December 

at 6.30pm, and their 

Christmas Day service is at 

10.30am on 25th December. 

The Church Centre is at 

Calle Favara, 8, in the old 

town of Javea, just up from 

the Thursday market and 

multi-storey carpark. 

For further information, 

please access www.javeabaptist.es 

or call 96 579 5847. 

You will always receive a 

welcome at any weekly Sunday 

service, which commence 

at 10.30am, and at the above 

Christmas meetings. We 

look forward to seeing you! 

Christmas blessings to all! 

Tribute to local legend 


THERE will be a special tribute 

to Javea tennis star David Ferrer 

organised by his home-town 

council this Saturday, December 

14. 

Ferrer retired from the sport 

earlier this year and has always 

stayed close to his roots, giving 

back to Javea where he could. 

He rose to number three in the 

world rankings, but it was his consistency 

that made him stand out, being 

a top 10 player for seven seasons. 

The event will be on the paseo 

that the town have named after 

him on the Arenal beach, starting 

at 12.30pm. All are welcome 

– contact the town hall for further 

information. 

Ferrer bids farewell to the game in May 

Festive trip to the hills 

A Santa Claus hat is essential 

for those taking part in 

the annual Christmas excursion, 

hiking up the local 

Javea mountainside. 

This year’s trip takes place 

on Sunday 22 December 


with all participants meeting 

outside the Xabia Excursion 

Centre (CEX) at 9am. 

Entry is free - please ensure 

you bring suitable supplies 

and wear appropriate 

clothing and footwear for the 

weather conditions on the 

day. 

For further information 

contact the CEX or the 

Town Hall. 

Water quality judged as excellent 


ALTHOUGH the summer 

seems a distant memory, the 

result of sea-water purity 

tests carried out along the 

Marina Alta back then have 

just been made public. 

Benitatxell’s Cala del Moraig 

came out in the highest possible 

category being officially 

rated as “excellent”. 

The results were compiled 

from samples taken over the 

last four years during the 

height of the summer season, 

59 of them in all. 

The different categories for 

bathing water are excellent, 

good, sufficient and insufficient 

while the tests are carried out 

by the Ministry of Agriculture.

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Christmas Food & Drink 

Off to a great start 

TRY this for a special festive breakfast treat… 

GREEN ASPARAGUS WITH 

SOFT POACHED EGG 

INGREDIENTS 

• 5 Green Asparagus Spears 

• 1 Egg 

• A splash of White Wine Vinegar 

• Salt & Pepper 

• A small amount of washed frisse leaves 

• Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing 

METHOD 

• Clean the asparagus spears and trim off the white end, lightly peel the asparagus, 

leaving the tip intact. 

• Cook the asparagus in a pan of boiling salted water until tender, drain well 

and coat with olive oil and pepper. 

• Add a splash of white wine vinegar to boiled water, stir to create a whirlpool 

effect. Crack the egg into the centre and poach for 3 minutes. Drain well. 

• To serve place the asparagus spears on the plate leaving a gap between each 

spear, place the poached egg at the base of the spears. Garnish with frisse 

leaves and a lemon and olive oil dressing. 

Time to talk turkey! 

IT’S the centrepiece of the most highly 

anticipated meal of the year. Get it wrong 

and your Christmas dinner will be remembered 

for all the wrong reasons. So let’s 

talk turkey! 

SHOULD I STUFF MY TURKEY? 

Paul Kelly, whose family business rears its 

free-range KellyBronze birds on its Essex 

farm, says: “My mantra of ‘If you start with a 

quality ingredient, it doesn’t need any help 

to make it taste great’ applies here. I would 

strongly recommend that you do not stuff 

your bird as this lengthens the cooking time 

and then overcooks the turkey. 

“Stuffing is of course delicious which I 

cook separately. You may not have stuffed 

with the stuffing but it is still stuffing, if that 

makes sense!” 

CAN MY TURKEY BE COOKED OVER- 

NIGHT? 

Paul says: “As my mother Mollie always said, 

‘The best way to cook a KellyBronze is quickly’ 

and so I would not recommend slow or 

worse, overnight cooking.” 

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL MY BIRD 

FEED? 

Paul replies: “I often get asked ‘What size 

bird do I need?’ Allow approximately 500g 

per person for an average meal or 250g 

if buying a breast roast. We always love to 

have a little left for sandwiches on Christmas 

evening whilst watching TV and 500g 

per person allows this.” 

HOW LONG DO I COOK MY 

TURKEY FOR? 

According to the British Turkey 

website, as a guide, if the bird is 

under 4kg allow 20 minutes per kg + 

70 minutes. If the bird is over 4kg allow 

20 minutes per kg + 90 minutes. 

Its advice says: “Weigh the turkey after 

stuffing to calculate cooking time and remember 

oven temperatures vary. 

“Fan assisted ovens cook at a higher temperature 

- consult the manufacturers handbook. 

Cook in a conventional oven at 190°C 

(Fan 180°C) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5. Cover 

loosely with foil and remove foil for last 40 

minutes for browning. 

“Ensure your oven is up to temperature. 

Remember - on Christmas Day power may 

be reduced slightly. This and regular opening 

and closing of the oven door to test the 

bird will also reduce the heat. 

“Allow the turkey to stand, covered loosely 

with foil, for at least 15-20 minutes before 

carving.” 

SHOULD I BASTE MY TURKEY WHILE 

IT’S COOKING? 

According to kitchenware company Williams-Sonoma’s 

website: “Basting is optional 

when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist 

turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using 

a remote digital thermometer that will 

alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet 

still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do 

so every 30 minutes.” 

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BIRD IS COOKED? 

Experts at website thekitchn.com say: 

“When the internal temperature registers 

a steady 165°F in the thigh, your turkey is 

done. 

“The best way to check the temperature 

of a turkey is to stick an instant-read thermometer 

in the meatiest part of the thigh. 

This is a part of the turkey that cooks the 

slowest and is also one of the thickest. That 

means if it’s at the right temperature, you 

can be sure the rest of the turkey has also 

finished cooking.” 

HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY TURKEY 

MEAT IS PERFECT FOR SERVING? 

Top chef Raymond Blanc tells BBC Food: 

“Resting the turkey is an important process 

which allows the meat to become tender 

and succulent as the juices inside the meat 

become more evenly distributed throughout 

the bird - so don’t skip this stage!”

Just desserts! 

DELICIOUS desserts are part of the Christmas eating experience. 

Everyone loves a good old traditional Christmas Pud. 

However, you don’t have to limit yourself to one pudding. Here 

are some quick and simple recipes that will help keep you sweet 

across the holiday season. 

LEMON POSSET 

INGREDIENTS 

• 600ml double cream 

• 150g caster sugar 

• 2 large lemons – zest and juice only 

METHOD 

• Place the cream and sugar a pan over a low heat and bring to 

the boil slowly. 

• Boil for three minutes, then remove from the heat and allow 

to cool. 

• Add the lemon juice and zest and whisk well. 

• Pour the mixture into glasses and refrigerate for three hours. 

PANNA COTTA 

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 leaves gelatine 

• 250ml whole milk 

• 250ml double cream 

• 1 vanilla pod 


• 300g fresh raspberries 

METHOD 

• Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water until soft. Pour the milk 

and double cream into a pan. Split the vanilla pod in half and 

scrape out the seeds and add. Add the sugar. 

• Heat the mixture slowly, stirring all the time until the sugar has 

dissolved. Bring just to a simmer. 

• Remove the cream from the heat. Remove the gelatine from 

the water and squeeze well. Add to the saucepan and stir well 

until dissolved. 

• Pour the mixture into small cups or moulds. Chill for at least 

4 hours. 

• Turn out onto plates. Scatter the fresh raspberries over. 

BAKED EGG 

CUSTARD TART 

INGREDIENTS 

• Fresh sweet pastry 

• 14 egg yolks 

• 250ml milk 

• 85g sugar 

• 710ml cream 

• 1 vanilla pod 

• Nutmeg 

METHOD 

• Split the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds. 

• Line a part bake tart case or cases. 

• Boil the milk cream and vanilla. 

• Whisk the egg yolks and sugar. 

• When the milk boils pour on to the eggs and whisk. 

• Pass and skim off the froth. 

• Pour into a pastry case, dust the top with nutmeg and 

cook at 100c until firm. 

• Serve with spiced, poached plums and plum ice cream 

(optional).

Spreading some Christmas cheer! 

Raise a glass and toast the holiday season 

with these simple to make cocktails guaranteed 

to put the sparkle into any festive 

gathering. 

You can find these and more Christmas 

drinks ideas at www.realfood.tesco.com 

PINEAPPLE FIZZ 

INGREDIENTS 

• 30g desiccated coconut 

• 350ml pineapple juice 

• 75cl prosecco 

METHOD 

• Dip the rims of 10 coupe glasses in water, 

then in the desiccated coconut to frost. 

• Divide the pineapple juice between the 

glasses and top up with prosecco to serve. 

BERRY FIZZ 

INGREDIENTS 

• 70ml gin 

• 75ml strawberry and raspberry cordial 

• 2 limes, juiced 

• 75cl prosecco 

• soda water, to serve 

• 150g frozen raspberries 

METHOD 

• Mix the gin, cordial and the lime juice in 

a jug. 

• Divide between 10 flutes along with 

the prosecco. 

• Top up with soda water and garnish with 

frozen raspberries. 

MARMALADE 

MOJITO 

INGREDIENTS 

• 8 tbsp marmalade 

• 6 limes, juiced, plus 2, sliced, to serve 

• 280ml dark rum 

• 1ltr soda water 

• 60g mint sprigs 

METHOD 

• In a very large jug (or 2 smaller ones), 

whisk the marmalade, lime juice and 

rum until the marmalade dissolves. 

• Add the soda water and stir together. 

• Divide the mint sprigs between 8 

glasses, add ice and some lime slices. 

• Pour in the rum mixture to serve. 

FESTIVE PROSECCO SANGRIA 

INGREDIENTS 

• 100ml apricot brandy 


• large handful ice 

• 1 x 80g pack pomegranate seeds, or the seeds from 1 pomegranate 

• 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced 

• 100g (4oz) seedless red grapes, halved 

• 75cl bottle prosecco 

METHOD 

• Tip the apricot brandy and the caster sugar into a large glass jug. Mix well to dissolve 

the sugar. 

• Add the ice and fruit then pour over the prosecco. Stir with a spoon and pour into glasses 

to serve immediately. 

• Tip: Slice the pears just before serving to stop them turning brown. 

Put the sparkle into the festivities 

IT’S the festive season and time to pop those corks. 

Madame Lily Bollinger is undoubtedly the bestknown 

woman connected with the heady world 

of champagne. 

After all, her famous quote: “I drink champagne 

when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink 

it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it 

obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink 

it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it -- unless I'm 

thirsty”, still has resonance almost 60 years after she 

said it in an interview with the Daily Mail. 

But she’s not the only powerful female figure in 

champagne’s rich history, nor even the most influential. 

Far from it. 

The real “Grande Dame” of champagne was Madame 

Barbe-Nicole Cliquot, who took over her husband’s 

company when she was widowed at the age of just 

27 in 1805 - hence the famous grande marque Veuve 

(widow) Cliquot. 

She was not only an astute businesswoman - at a 

time when being a woman in business was a rarity to 

say the least - but a true innovator. 

It was on her watch in 1818 that the house of Veuve 

Cliquot pioneered the technique of remouage, the 

method of removing yeast sediments from the bottlefermented 

wines, leaving the clear sparkling wine we 

have enjoyed ever since. 

And in that same year Veuve Cliquot launched the 

first blended rosé champagne by adding 12 per cent of 

local red wine - the appropriately named Bouzy Rouge 

- to the pinot noir dominated house non-vintage style 

now well known as Yellow Label. 

Sparkling celebrations doesn’t just mean champagne 

these days. The festive season - and maybe 

New Year’s Eve in particular - will see enough prosecco 

downed by fizz drinkers to float an aircraft carrier. 

Fine if that’s what turns you on. However, there are 

other alternatives. 

Seaview Brut NV was, in recent times, the go-to Australian 

sparkler. Down Under it still is, and justifiably so. 

The wine delivers the champagne blend of chardonnay 

and pinot noir grapes and made in the traditional way. 

It’s crisp and easy drinking and regularly scoops 

good to very good ratings from the critics. 

By Ray King 

Another wine to consider if you’re looking to avoid 

the wave of prosecco is cava, from Catalonia in the 

north east of Spain. 

One of the best and most popular over time is Freixenet 

Cordon Negro Brut, again made in the traditional 

manner, this time from a blend of local Catalan grapes, 

producing a crisp, clean, well-balanced fizz with apple 

notes in a package that’s much deeper and more profound 

than most prosecco. 

Now for a long-time favourite of mine and the wine 

cognoscenti, who regularly garland this fine bubbly 

with awards. Cremant du Jura delivers the lot for a very 

modest price - crisp elegance, persistent bubbles delivering 

fresh citrus notes and great length. 

Also, what do we picture when we think of white 

wines from the Iberian Peninsula? Vinho Verde from 

Portugal perhaps, Albarino from where it rains in 

Spain, Galicia? White Rioja maybe? Verdejo or refreshing 

Catalan Torres Vina Sol? 

The new wave of making excellent whites in hot 

places – I’ve dished out high praise for the blancos of 

Sicily and southern Italy - is also taking off in Iberia.

On the box 

this Christmas 

LOOKING for some cracking Christmas viewing? Here we look at 

some of the best of this year’s small-screen Yuletide offerings… 

ICE THRILLS 

ARE BACK 

Dancing On Ice At Christmas 

(ITV) 8pm December 22 

THE Greatest Show on Ice is back! Kicking off 

with this festive special, we meet all 12 of this 

series’ celebrity skaters and discover who they 

have been paired with. 

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby host proceedings 

as the famous faces skate into the spotlight. 

Contenders this year include ‘H’ Watkins from 

Steps, Corrie’s Lisa George, Joe Swash and Michael 

Barrymore. 

They’ll all be hoping to do better than TOWIE’s 

Gemma Collins whose spectacular ice fall and 

clashes with judge Jason Gardiner during the last 

season will live long in the memory. 

Skating legends Torvill and Dean perform a very 

special routine before welcoming new judge John 

Barrowman to the panel – he’s replacing Gardiner - 

alongside returning regular Ashley Banjo. 

Plus, expect a number of surprise performances 

from some very special guests. 

DARK NIGHT 

AHEAD 

A Christmas Carol 

(BBC One) 9pm December 22 

AN original take on Dickens’s iconic ghost 

story by Steven Knight, creator of Taboo 

and Peaky Blinders - A Christmas Carol is 

a spine-tingling immersion into Scrooge’s 

dark night of the soul. 

Misanthropic businessman Ebenezer 

Scrooge (Guy Pearce) refuses to treat Christmas 

as different to any other day, much to Bob 

Cratchit’s (Joe Alwyn) chagrin, as he is desperate 

to leave work and get home to his family on 

Christmas Eve. 

Scrooge’s dead former business partner Jacob 

Marley (Stephen Graham) begs for peace 

in his coffin. Having repented himself, the Spirits 

have news for him. He will linger in purgatory 

until Scrooge himself repents, something 

Marley knows he will never do. 

Tim (Lenny Rush) writes his yearly thankyou 

letter to cousin Jack, thanking him for the 

money that saved his life, but Mary’s (Vinette 

Robinson) prickly reaction rouses Bob’s suspicions. 

A spooked Scrooge is visited by Marley, 

who has a warning: Scrooge will be visited by 

three spirits. Expect some surprises and lots of 

snow. First of a three-part series. 

Steven Knight says: “Every generation hands 

Dickens on to the next generation, and this 

evocation is offered with respect for whatever 

is deep and significant, and for all the many 

things that are fun, seasonal and festive. “ 

JO BRINGS JOY TO PUB FUN 

The Reluctant Landlord 

(Sky One) 11pm 

December 23 

IT’S Christmas, which can only 

mean a busy bar, karaoke and 

work parties for exasperated pub 

landlord Romesh Ranganathan. 

The Christmas special of Romesh 

Ranganathan’s semi-autobiographical 

sitcom sees Sian Gibson and 

the regulars joined by EastEnder Jo 

Joyner for some festive shenanigans. 

Jo makes a guest appearance as 

Natasha’s (Sian Gibson) not-so-welcome 

sister in this Christmas edition 

of the Sky original. 

Self-obsessed Sarah’s unannounced 

arrival puts the family on 

edge; from helping herself to Santa’s 

whisky to ‘helping’ the kids with their 

presents, her selfish traits cause comedic 

havoc throughout. 

Natasha tasks Romesh with the 

job of getting rid of her as quickly as 

possible - whatever it takes. Matthew 

Crosby also makes a guest appearance 

in the spirit of Christmas. 

Romesh says: “Having the entire 

cast around for Christmas was hilarious 

and we lost a lot of scenes to us 

cracking up on set. I hope everyone 

has as good a time watching it as we 

did making it.” 

SO WRONG IT’S RIGHT! 

The Goes Wrong Show: 

The Spirit Of Christmas 

(BBC One) 8.30pm December 23 

A JOYFUL Christmas tale, as The Cornley Drama Society present 

the story of Santa and his elves trying to bring festive happiness 

to a sad little girl and her constantly-fighting parents. 

Can the magical toy machine restore her Christmas cheer? Or perhaps 

Mr Snowman and his enchanting dance will raise her spirits? 

We’ll never know, as an already surly Santa indulges in too much 

Christmas sherry and contrives to ruin everything. Crackers explode, 

an elf is trapped in a confined space for the duration of the show, and 

the toy machine attempts to eat the snowman alive. Also, there are 

songs, and these don’t go well. 

The Goes Wrong Show: The Spirit Of Christmas was written by and 

stars the original founding Mischief Theatre members Henry Lewis, 

Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, alongside Nancy Zamit, Charlie 

Russell, Bryony Corrigan, Greg Tannahill, Dave Hearn and Chris Leask.

A ROARING 

SUCCESS 

The Tiger Who 

Came To Tea 

(C4) Christmas Eve 

8.30pm 

ONCE there was a little girl 

called Sophie, and she was 

having tea with her mummy 

in the kitchen. Suddenly there 

was a ring at the door. Sophie’s 

mummy said, “I wonder 

who that can be…?” 

The opening of The Tiger Who 

Came to Tea, written by Judith 

Kerr, who sadly passed away 

earlier this year, will be known 

well by parents and children. 

The tea-guzzling tiger, who 

turns up unannounced and eats 

and drinks Sophie and mummy 

out of house, home and bathwater 

before disappearing into 

the night, has been delighting 

generations of children and 

parents and has not been out 

of print. 

Channel 4’s new hand-drawn 

animated special, produced by 

Lupus Films and HarperCollins, 

of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, 

which celebrated its 50th anniversary 

last year, is a real festive 

treat. 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea 

has sold over five million copies 

since it was first published 

in 1968. Inspired by Judith’s 

daughter Tacy, the story of 

Sophie and her extraordinary, 

stripy tea-time guest has enchanted 

generations of children 

and has become a timeless 

classic. 

Channel 4’s last adaptation 

of a children’s classic, We’re 

Going on a Bear Hunt, also 

produced by Lupus Films, was 

the Channel’s most watched 

programme of 2016 with over 8 

million viewers over the festive 

period. 

The cast includes Tamsin 

Greig (mummy), David Oyelowo 

(tiger), Benedict Cumberbatch 

(daddy), David Walliams 

(narrator),Paul Whitehouse (the 

milkman), and Clara Ross (Sophie). 

Robbie Williams also sings 

‘Hey Tiger!’ in the film. He says: 

“It’s jaunty and fun and kind of 

otherworldly, like the book is itself. 

There’s a lot of whimsy in 

it. It’s what a song should be in 

this film.” 

LEE’S ON A MISSION OF MIRTH 

Not Going Out: Driving 

Home For Christmas 

(BBC One) 11pm 

Christmas Eve 

WE all know Christmas simply 

wouldn’t be Christmas without a 

giant inflatable Santa, an aggressive 

bull in a field and a terrifying 

Call the Midwife 

(BBC One) 8pm 

Christmas Day 

POUR a sherry, sit back and enjoy. 

This feature-length Christmas special 

of the much-loved series sees 

the midwives of Nonnatus House 

travelling from London’s EastEnd 

to the wild Outer Hebrides. 

They head far north after Mother 

Mildred (Miriam Margolyes) believes 

she’s been called by God to set up a 

clinic on the islands. 

Miriam says: “The storyline itself 

has a very magical quality about 

it, it’s quite different from anything 

we’ve ever done, it’s very imaginative, 

it’s also very honest and real but 

it’s dealing with a completely different 

community. 

“It’s dealing with a different move 

for Nonnatus House and the nuns 

truck driver. 

And we’ll dive straight into seasonal 

suburban chaos as married couple 

Lee (Lee Mack) and Lucy (Sally Bretton) 

pop out on a last-minute Christmas 

Eve mission for the kids. 

With Lucy’s father Geoffrey (Geoffrey 

Whitehead), cutting more of a 

strict and stuffy Victorian gent than 

usual, and lovely mum Wendy (Deborah 

Grant) fortunately on hand to 

temporarily mind the children, surely 

it will be an uneventful evening? 

As ever for Lee, things don’t quite 

go to plan, with a theft and unexpected 

trip into deep countryside. Meanwhile 

at home, Lee’s lovably feckless 

father, Frank (Bobby Ball) also turns 

up to offer gifts… and his unique festive 

flavour. 

MIDWIVES DELIVER DRAMA 

FAR FROM HOME 

there, although they leave Sister 

Monica Joan behind because it 

would be too difficult for her to do 

that as well.” 

Stephen McGann (Doctor Turner) 

adds: “I think everyone will really love 

this kind of a British Christmas which 

is really interesting, it’s a beautiful 

thing to have on this special time. In 

the episode, we capture some of that 

dream of the wilderness, that beautiful 

solitude that you find.

CHRISTMAS SHOCKS IN SOAPLAND 

IT will be an eventful Christmas for 

TV’s soaps this year – in fact when 

hasn’t it been? 

The holiday season is all about 

family and in Emmerdale it’s no different 

this Yuletide. 

On Christmas Day, as The Tates 

gather to carve the turkey at Home 

Farm, there is pandemonium when 

Graham walks in and delivers a devastating 

revelation, shattering relationships. 

Elsewhere, David receives a festive 

surprise that will set tongues wagging 

and change lives forever and as 

the bells ring in for the New Year, we 

see Victoria go in to labour with her 

baby. 

In Coronation Street the residents 

are dreaming of a White Christmas, 

but dreams can all too easily turn to 

nightmares, and this will be one festive 

season they will never forget. 

When a festive fairground pops up 

in Weatherfield there is much excitement 

on the cobbles, but the bleak 

half-hearted attraction fails to deliver. 

Step forward Michael Bailey, who 

vows to give his family and the other 

neighbours a snowy, fun filled experience 

complete with stalls and rides. 

Spirits are high with the reopening 

of the factory and there’s fun to be 

had as the Platts arrange an elaborate 

special birthday surprise for David 

at the fairground with Shona as 

his present. 

But Gary’s bid to leave his villainous 

past behind has upset more than 

one person and the scene is set for 

a seasonal showdown that puts the 

lives of some of our favourite residents 

in peril. 

And in EastEnders, things are also 

coming to the boil in Albert Square. 

On Christmas Day, having discovered 

Sharon and Keanu’s secret Phil 

puts his plan for revenge into action. 

A WELCOME 

RETURN 

Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special 

(BBC One) 9.30pm Christmas Day 

The Two Ronnies: 

The Unseen Sketches 

(Channel 5) Christmas 

Day 10.30pm 

FOR those of a certain generation, 

sitting down to watch the the Two 

Ronnies at Christmas was one of 

the highlights of the holidays. 

Here’s a chance to enjoy the clever 

HAVE A HAPPY QUIZ-MAS! 

Tipping Point: 

Lucky Stars 

Christmas Special 

(ITV) Christmas Day 6pm 

FANCY dress is the order of the day 

for the famous faces taking part in 

this special as they don their gladdest 

of glad rags to go up against 

the Tipping Point machine. 

It’s a case of Shephard by name, 

shepherd by nature for host Ben as 

he welcomes guests Nina Wadia, Joe 

Pasquale and Rustie Lee. Who will 

prove to be the wisest among them 

and go through to play for a huge 

cash prize in the show’s finale? 

wit and warmth of the comedy duo 

again with a series of new, recently 

discovered sketches. 

Shortly before Ronnie Barker retired 

from the business he and Ronnie 

Corbett headed for Sydney in 

Australia and reworked some of their 

best-loved work for an audience 

down under. 

And now for the first time an audience 

here has the chance to see the 

The Chase 

Celebrity Christmas 

Day Special 


BRADLEY Walsh has one more 

Christmas treat in his stocking for 

us with this special episode of the 

quiz - who will have their thinking 

hat on in today’s show? 

This Morning regular Nik Speakman, 

TV presenter Kate Thornton, 

comedian Lucy Porter and reality star 

James (Arg) Argent take on all five 

Chasers, who are dolled up in festive 

fancy dress. But who have they 

come as? 

IT’S been ten years since we last went to Billericay to 

spend Christmas with the Shipmans and the Wests. 

This year we’re off to Wales for the festivities, where 

Bryn is cooking dinner for 13 people. Understandably 

he’s tense. 

Pam would secretly prefer to spend Christmas in Essex 

as she finds Gwen’s house a bit lacking, but the deal 

has always been that they alternate every year, and this 

time it’s the turn of the Wests to host Christmas with 

everyone under one small roof. 

For Gavin and Stacey, parenthood continues to present 

them with several challenges, their ‘baby’ now being ten. 

Smithy, too, continues to commit to his fatherly role, 

making the journey to Barry at weekends and every second 

Wednesday to see 12 year-old Neil the Baby. 

Nessa on the other hand adopts her own brand of 

Nessa-style mothering, whilst Pam, Mick and Gwen 

have become the epitome of doting grandparents. 

On Christmas Eve, Dawn makes a shocking discovery 

about Pete that jeopardiaes their marriage (again) and a 

visit to the pub that night is an eye opener in more ways 

than one. 

Sit back and enjoy a welcome return to the award-winning 

world of Gavin and Stacey and top off your Christmas 

Day with a big festive ‘cwtch’ from these well-loved 

characters. 

IT’S HELLO AGAIN FROM ME… 

best of that work in all its glory. 

The nostalgic fun continues with 

Classic Christmas Comedy Moments 

(C5) Christmas Day 11.55pm. 

Stephen Mangan hosts the show, 

featuring a compilation of memorable 

clips from iconic TV favourites 

including Morecambe and Wise, 

The Office, Ab Fab and Mrs Brown’s 

Boys. Easy watching Christmas fun, 

it is sure to raise a smile or two. 

Who Wants to Be a 

Millionaire? 

Celebrity Special 


THE Christmas Day quizzes continue 

to come thick and fast as 

Jeremy Clarkson gives three famous 

faces the opportunity to win 

up to £1million for charity. 

The host welcomes actor Stephen 

Mangan, sports presenter Clare 

Balding and actress Catherine Tyldesley, 

but have any of them got 

what it takes to win the biggest prize 

available? As ever, they’ll have four 

lifelines to help them on their way. 

POP PRINCESS 

WILL SHINE 

Kylie’s Secret Night 

(C4) Christmas Day 

11.30pm 

FRESH from her Glastonbury triumph 

and a raft of sold out tour 

dates throughout the world, 

the quintessential pop princess 

caps a golden 2019 with this 

very special secret night. 

This is a must see spectacular 

that will allow viewers to celebrate 

with Kylie like never before. 

The 90-minute programme, 

filmed in front of an audience of 

passionate – and unsuspecting – 

fans will see a specially invited audience 

arrive for what they believe 

is a Kylie themed fan extravaganza 

hosted by Alan Carr. 

Little do they know they’re going 

to be spending a secret evening 

with the lady herself. 

Over the course of the show Kylie 

will treat her guests to the ultimate 

thank you through heartfelt 

and hilarious conversation with 

Alan, memorable performances, 

surprise money can’t buy gifts, 

hidden camera VTs and laugh out 

loud stunts. 

The UK television premiere of 

Kylie’s smash hit Golden tour will 

follow – packed full of incredible 

hits, spectacular visuals and fabulous 

choreography, we’ll see just 

why she’s the original pop princess. 

Tenable 

All Stars 

Christmas Special 

(ITV) Boxing Day 5pm 

WARWICK Davis challenges five 

celebrity guests to take on the 

Tenable tower. 

Do his pantomime star guests 

have the knowledge to conquer it 

and win big? Will the team - Debbie 

McGee, Louie Spence, Paul Chuckle, 

Rustie Lee and Paul Zerdin (and his 

two puppet helpers) - be victorious 

and win up to £125,000 for charity?

MICHAEL DELIVERS BIG LAUGHS 

Michael McIntyre’s 

Big Christmas Show 

(BBC One) 

Christmas Day 7pm 

MICHAEL McIntyre’s annual entertainment 

extravaganza returns 

stuffed with big stars, big laughs 

and even bigger surprises! 

Recorded at the world famous 

home of British entertainment, The 

London Palladium in the heart of 

Theatreland, Michael presents a 

night jam packed with treats and 

unmissable surprises. 

How will global superstar Sharon 

Osbourne cope when she hands 

over her phone to play Send To All? 

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood 

might not be feeling quite 

so fab-u-lous as Michael wakes 

him up in the middle of the night 

in a special ‘Christmassy Midnight 

Gameshow’ 

And closing the show will be another 

spectacular festive performance 

from the ‘Unexpected Star.’ 

FOUR-LEGGED 

FESTIVITIES 

Paul O’Grady: For the 

Love of Dogs at Christmas 

(ITV) Boxing Day 7pm 

PAUL O’Grady returns once again to 

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 

this one-hour special. 

This year Paul is enlisted to help dogs 

with behavioural problems. There’s a 

reclusive mongrel called Misty who 

refuses to leave her kennel, a grumpy 

Yorkshire terrier called Teddy who refuses 

to walk and an American bulldog 

who’s lost her mojo after years 

enjoying pub life. 

He also helps an over-protective 

Staffie mum who finds it hard to say 

goodbye to her pups, an Akita called 

Berry who refuses to believe her owners 

have left her and there’s one-yearold 

stray ‘Sprout’, the happiest little 

dog at Battersea who’s so excitable he 

can’t help having accidents. 

On top of all this, Paul’s back with the 

street vet team to bring festive joy to 

London’s homeless and their dogs. 

Paul says: “We’ll have all the usual 

Christmas nonsense - no doubt I’ll be 

wearing something ridiculous and we’ll 

do everything we can to make sure 

the dogs spending Christmas in kennels 

get the love and attention they 

deserve.” 

A HAUNTING TALE 

Susan Hill’s Ghost 

Story: The Small Hand 

(Channel 5) 

Boxing Day 10pm 

ADAM Snow, a dealer in rare 

and antiquarian books, gets 

lost as he heads for meeting 

with wealthy clients. 

He stumbles across a derelict, 

ostensibly abandoned house and 

gets out to explore his surroundings. 

Standing there, Snow feels a 

small hand creeping into his own. 

And so the haunting begins… 

Directed by Justin Molotnikov, 

whose previous works include 

Poldark, Merlin and Atlantis, this 

gripping drama stars Douglas 

Henshall as Snow. 

Channel 5’s strikingly modern 

adaptation has been brought to 

life by writer Barbara Machin, creator 

of BBC’s long-running crime 

drama, Walking the Dead. 

A top cast includes Louise Lombard 

as Adam’s secret lover and 

Neve McIntosh as Denisa Parsons. 

BAD COP IS BACK 

Bancroft 

(ITV) January 1, 2 and 3 

THE New Year sees Sarah Parish 

return as killer cop Bancroft (ITV 

January 1, 2 and 3) in the second 

series of the psychological thriller. 

Revered by colleagues and delivering 

impressively low crime figures, 

Bancroft is riding a professional high 

as she heads up a new merged police 

service as detective chief superintendent. 

However, this success comes at a 

great cost as she’s left isolated and 

estranged from her beloved son Joe 

(Adam Long) and facing increasing 

pressure from her dangerous pact 

with crime boss Daanish Kamara 

(Ryan McKen). 

When a disturbing double murder 

brings her personal and professional 

life crashing together, she is forced to 

confront a chilling new enemy. 

With threats closing in from all 

sides, the repercussions of her past 

actions will come back to haunt her in 

ways she could never have expected. 

All programme timings are given in Central European Time (CET)


23 



Home&Garden 

Home&Garden 

Sponserd By 

Sponsored By 

If you have made the decision or are 

thinking about making the decision to 

go solar, then you may be wondering - 

how does sunlight actually gets turned 

into electricity? 

You may have other questions too, 

such as will your solar panels work on 

cloudy days, and will your panels work 

at night via moonlight, which, after all, 

is reflected sunlight? To find out the 

answer to these questions and a few 

more, please read on. 

Charge your 

home with the 

power of the sun 

We’re logging 

on to our DIY 

DIY is thriving with a little 

bit of help from the 

internet, research has 

revealed. The ‘Google it 

Yourself’ movement is 

gathering momentum. 

More than 1.2 million 

searches have been made online 

for home improvement 

tasks through Google in the 

UK this year alone. 

And the most common 

household query was: ‘How 

to fix a leaky tap’. More 

than 422,000 people made 

that search request, according 

to the report by window 

provider Safestyle. 

The research revealed almost 

60,000 searches a year 

for both hanging doors and 

laying laminate flooring. 

And there were more than 

30,000 queries around fitting 

curtain poles and hanging 

picture frames. 

According to analysis of 

the Google data, a significant 

number of people are 

surprisingly ill-informed 

when it comes to their energy 

usage, with 82,220 and 

62,400 searches each year 

around meters, including 

how to read them, and even 

where to find them. 

The analysis comes as prospective 

house buyers and 

renters reveal the biggest 

DIY flaws that would put 

them off moving into a property, 

with 71 per cent being 

dissatisfied when bathroom 

fixtures, such as taps, 

toilets and showers, don’t 

work properly. 

A Safestyle spokesman 

said: “In an effort to reduce 

our outgoings, protect deposits 

and put our own stamps 

on our homes, we’re forgoing 

tradesmen and having a go 

ourselves; and we’re turning 

to Google for help. 

“But what are people actually 

looking for when it comes 

to their homes? Do they know 

where their stop cock is? 

How many people don’t know 

where their electricity meter 

is? 

“To find out, we looked at 

Google search data, analysing 

over 1.2 million terms 

to reveal which household 

queries are leading the 

new “Google it Yourself” 

movement. 

Google It Yourself – 

what we’re searching for 

• How to fix a leaky tap – 422,000 annual searches 

• How to read an electric meter – 84,220 annual searches 

• How to fit laminate flooring – 59,500 annual searches 

• How to hang a door – 59,360 annual searches 

• How to hang a picture frame – 33,550 annual searches 

• How to change a lightbulb – 32,130 annual searches 

• How to put up a curtain pole – 32,110 annual searches 

“Our data shows that the 

spirit of DIY clearly still 

lives on, with almost 60,000 

searches a year for both 

hanging doors and laying 

laminate flooring, and over 

30,000 queries around fitting 

curtain poles and hanging 

picture frames.”

TEAM DUMAS WISHES EVERYBODY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 

BIG CHRISTMAS SALE 

ALSO GARDEN FURNITURE FITS UNDER THE TREE… 

POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL LA PEDRERA 

C/ISAAC PERAL 3 

03720 BENISSA 

T +34 694 493 476 

INFO@DUMASDESIGN.EU 

WWW.DUMASDESIGN.EU 

COFFEE, CAVA OR BEER AWAIT YOU… 

OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS PERIOD 

25.12 – CLOSED 

01.01 – CLOSED 

SUNDAYS – CLOSED 

ALL OTHER DAYS OPEN FROM 09.00h TILL 14.00h

BUYING OR SELLING 

YOUR PROPERTY? 

www.benimo-villas.com 

SWISS PEOPLE, 

SWISS VALUES! 

• Experience 

• Quality 

• Timeliness 

• Friendliness 

A change in direction in 

the purchase and sale of 

properties in Spain has 

been detected by the 

country´s notaries. 

Although at the beginning 

of the year extra-EU nationalities 

began to gain ground, 

with Moroccans, Romanians 

and Chinese at the forefront, 

it is now the Europeans 

who are once again gaining 

weight in the Spanish 

property market. 

According to data from 

Registrars, in the third quarter 

of 2019 the main foreign 

buyers of properties in Spain 

were the British, French, 

Germans and Belgians. 

In contrast, at the start 

of the year, Moroccans were 

the fourth most prominent 

nationality, while the Belgians 

were in sixth position 

(behind Romanians). 

With the exception of the 

Germans, who continue 

to lose ground, the British 

and French are gaining 

momentum. 

In the case of UK buyers, 

the most noteworthy is that 

they have left behind the 

historic low of the second 

quarter, when they accounted 

for 13.3% of sales made by 

foreigners. 

Their current weight has 

risen to 14.27%, a record 

of the year, although still 

far from the almost 38% 

they managed to represent 

in 2008. 

On the other hand, the 

French account for 8.38% of 

transactions carried out by 

foreigners, reaching highs 

since 2017. 

The Belgians, on the other 

hand, once again account for 

6% of all transactions, as has 

become customary since the 

economic crisis hit bottom. 

International trends 

Av. de La Marina 44 

(Calpe Moraira Coast Road) 

03720 Benissa 

(+34) 965 74 78 74 

Trust us to sell your property 


Meanwhile, in the case 

(+34) 667 449 421 

of the Italians, their mar- 

CALL TODAY TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY 

info@benimo-villas.com 

ket share remains stable at 

around 5% (in the third quarter 

it stood at 5.03%), in line 

with the last three financial 

years. 

Germany, on the other 

hand, is in a different situation, 

accounting for 6.6% of 

deals in the summer, the lowest 

figure since 2008. Even so, 

it is the third most prominent 

nationality in the purchase 

and sale of properties by 

foreigners in Spain. 

Romania is the other European 

country that is losing 

ground and is doing so after 

reaching historic highs: at 

the beginning of the year it 

accounted for 6.12% of operations, 

however, at the end 

of September it was falling 

back to 5.83%. 

If the year ended at this 

level, Romanians would sign 

their second best year in 

terms of buying and selling 

properties since 2006, when 

they represented 5.98% of 

the market. 

China is another of the 

nationalities that is moving 

away from its record. Whereas 

in the first quarter they 

accounted for 4.49% of purchases, 

now they have fallen 

to 3.57%. This is the lowest 

figure since 2013, at the worst 

time of the Spanish economic 

and real estate crisis. 

Moroccans follow a similar 

pattern. At the start of 

the year they were close to 

the pre-crisis peaks (they exceeded 

7% in 2006), whereas 

in summer they lost ground 

to stay at 6.05%. As a consequence, 

they have fallen one 

place in the ranking in just 

half a year.



Local village for 

sale on Wallapop 

WALLAPOP is a popular 

website where items are 

posted for sale, aiming 

primarily at people in your 

local area. 

It is usually used for 

smaller items to save on 

the cost and hassle of postage, 

but an unusual item is 

now on there – an Alicante 

village. 

A well known one at that, 

as Colonia Santa Eulalia 

Cut your 

winter 

heating 

bills 

SPAIN’S Institution for Diversification 

and Energy 

Saving (IDAE) has issued 

seasonal tips on saving 

money on your heating 

bills with minimal financial 

outlay as winter sets in. 

They say that the most 

important aspect is insulation, 

with about a third of 

heat escaping from the average 

Spanish home in the cold 

weather. 

To minimise this, check 

the joints or seals on doors 

and windows and ensure 

that shutters are closed as 


was the location for the filming 

of a popular TV series 

“L’Alqueria Blanca”. 

The well preserved village 

has 40 houses and various 

commercial buildings including 

a post office and factories 

as well as a restaurant, 

hermitage and palace. 

It occupies 275 hectares 

(2.75 million square metres) 


soon as the sun goes down. 

Check that radiators have 

been properly bled before 

you start using them and, if 

you are in a part of the country 

where the temperature 

regularly falls below freezing 

check exposed pipes. 

The IDAE says that the 

sun is your greatest ally in 

the winter as a free heat 

source, so leave curtains 

open during sunny days, 

closing them at dusk or when 

the sun has passed overhead. 

between Villena and Sax and 

is yours for just 90 million 

euros. 

It is actually classed as an 

“agricultural colony” rather 

than an independent municipality 

and has been owned 

by various aristocrats since 

coming up for sale. 

It also has BIC cultural 

interest status meaning that 

any purchaser can apply for 

an EU restoration grant. 

Finally, use a thermostat 

to maintain a stable 

temperature in each room. 

The institute says that 

the average household will 

spend €332.74 on gas and/ 

or electric during the height 

of winter, although it will 

be less in the warmer parts 

of Spain such as the Costa 

Blanca. 

However, it can still get 

chilly even here especially 

after dark and IDEA says 

that householders should always 

take simple measures 

where possible. 

The hermitage and square, flanked by houses 

Buy to let 

bubble bursting 

REPOSESSIONS on properties 

purchased with bye 

to let mortgages in the UK 

have increased by 40% 

in 2019 compared to last 

year. 

A number of others have 

avoided repossession but are 

in arrears or serious arrears, 

according to UK Finance 

who released the figures. 

Landlords have blamed a 

combination of uncertainty 

along with changes in legislation 

that better favours 

the tenant and penalises the 

landlord. 

Meera Chindooroy from 

the National Landlords 

Association said “the next 

government should begin to 

prepare for a mass exodus of 


landlords from the private 

rented sector in the coming 

years, as the impact of fiscal 

policies are realised and 

with all the major parties 

committed to further reform 

of the sector, while providing 

landlords with little – 

if anything – to boost their 

business confidence.” 

BUYING OR SELLING 

YOUR PROPERTY? 

SWISS PEOPLE, 

SWISS VALUES! 

• Experience 

• Quality 

• Timeliness 

• Friendliness 

Trust us to sell your property 

CALL TODAY TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY 

www.benimo-villas.com 

Av. de La Marina 44 

(Calpe Moraira Coast Road) 

03720 Benissa 

(+34) 965 74 78 74 

(+34) 667 449 421 

info@benimo-villas.com



Barcelona co-op success 


A SPANISH housing co-operative 

using a pioneering ‘grant 

of use’ model on public land 

has been this week named a 

Bronze Award Winner in this 

year’s World Habitat Awards. 

La Borda, the first housing 

co-operative of its kind in Spain, 

incorporates ‘passive’ energy-efficient 

systems that improve climatic 

comfort, lower living costs 

and improve health. 

A group of residents in Barcelona 

set up the co-operative with 

the aim of creating an equal, intergenerational 

community and 

providing an alternative to home 

ownership, the rental market 

and public housing. 

Construction began in 2012 

and in January 2019 residents 

moved in. The building comprises 

28 apartments, which 

house 60 people in the Sants 

neighbourhood of Barcelona. 

In a city with soaring rents 

and unstable tenancies, La Borda 

has provided its members with a 

secure and more affordable home. 

Retired resident Rosa, aged 

67 said:-“I had always dreamed 

of growing old surrounded by 

people who brought me vitality, 

with their ideas, their music, 

their longings, and their 

youth. In the co-operative La 

Borda this dream is coming 

true. I feel accompanied by the 

whole community.” 

David Ireland, chief executive 

of World Habitat said:- “La 

Borda has created an environmentally 

sustainable building 

and way of living. This 

provides a blueprint for how a 

good standard of living can reduce 

its impact on the climate 

emergency.” 

The judging panel said:- “It’s 

hard to break away from the 

historical housing path, but La 

Borda has managed it. It is a 

precedent for what is possible in 

co-operative housing and they 

have achieved the construction 

of a beautiful building in an 

expensive city.” 

Each year the World Habitat 

Awards are presented to the 

most outstanding and innovative 

housing projects from across the 

world. In 2019 almost 200 projects 

and programmes entered 

the Awards. 

Buying Selling Building 

For 20 Years 

Tel: +34 965 74 49 18 

www.villasbuigues.com 

Carrer de les Tosqueres, 9, 03724, Moraira



Pets 

Luigi’s amazing slimming 

‘tail’ is a real inspiration 

A FORMER bulging Beagle 

with a taste for Sunday 

roasts has been named 

pet slimmer of the year. 

Six-year-old Luigi took the 

title after shedding a third of 

his bodyweight and 14 inches 

in just six months. 

Every year vet charity 

PDSA helps the UK’s fattest 

pets battle the bulge in Pet 

Fit Club – a six-month diet 

and exercise competition, 

specially tailored and overseen 

by its vets and nurses. 

Luigi, from Newport, 

Wales, ditched the roasts 

and beat off competition 

from three dogs and two cats 

to be crowned champ. 

At the beginning of his diet 

he weighed-in at a whopping 

29.10kg (4st 8lb) – 39 per 

cent over his ideal weight. 

After PDSA vets warned 

that his health was at serious 

risk from his excess 

pounds, his concerned owners 

cut out his extra food and 

increased his exercise. 

Luigi’s owner Perrie Eedy, 

28, said that his pet’s huge 

appetite and love of human 

treats had led his weight to 

spiral out of control. 

She said: “Since overhauling 

Luigi diet and exercise regime, 

the change we’ve seen 

in him has been unbelievable, 

he’s a different dog now! 

“At first the weight came 

off slowly, but after a couple 

of months of being strict and 

really sticking to it, we noticed 

a big difference in him 

and his body shape. 

“The diet has impacted all 

of our lives for the better; we 

take him out for a walk without 

question first-thing in 

the morning which is a great 

kick-start to our day. 

“We spend more time outdoors 

exploring new places 

with him now, and it’s helped 

me with my exercise too as I 

go out on runs and long bike 

rides with him. He has totally 

transformed from the 

dog we used to drag out on 

walks before, he’s often running 

well ahead of us now.” 

However, the beagle’s 

weight-loss journey hasn’t 

been without a few mishaps. 

Perrie added: “We got married 

earlier this year and put 

Luigi in a home boarding 

kennel for a few nights. 

“But while he was there he 

managed to break into the 

locked utility room where the 

food was kept. They found 

him head-first in a bag of food! 

We don’t know how much he 

managed to eat but he didn’t 

lose any weight that month. 

“On another occasion he 

also managed to steal a 

birthday cake I’d made and 

left cooling on the kitchen 

counter before I decorated it! 

“He ate about half of it 

before I found him, and my 

poor husband was left without 

a birthday cake, as I had 

no time to make another. 

“Apart from those slip-ups 

he’s been brilliant. He’s so 

much more agile now, and 

full of energy.” 

Luigi’s weight-loss has 

been supervised by Karen 

Jones, PDSA Vet Nurse at 

Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital. 

Karen said: “Luigi has 

undergone an incredible 

transformation over the last 

six months. He is unrecognisable 

from the dog that waddled 

into our hospital for his 

first Pet Fit Club weigh-in 

six months ago. Every month 

we’ve seen him slim down a 

little more and gradually get 

healthier and happier. He is 

like a puppy again!” 

She added: “Any owners 

who are worried about their 

pet’s weight should seek advice 

from their vet, who can 

work with them to get them 

on the right diet and safely 

increase their pet’s exercise 

levels.” 

Pet obesity is a growing 

issue that affects millions of 

pets. In the UK alone it is believes 

that up to 50 per cent of 

dogs and cats are overweight - 

which can lead to serious long 

term health problems and a 

shortened life expectancy. 

Adoption 

Corner 

PETS IN SPAIN 

Mindy is around 4 months 

old and was found with her 

mum and siblings hiding 

under a shed which was 

about to be knocked down. 

The mother and kittens were 

placed in a foster home and 

now in need of a forever 

home. Tel: 645 469 253 

www.petsinspain.com 

Email: info@petsinspain.com 

Since 

1977



Health&Lifestyle 

MEN’S HEALTH 

FACTS… 

MEN are more likely than 

women to suffer serious 

health problems. 

Their mortality rate is 

much higher – Overall, for 

every two women who die, 

three men die. 

Top 10 causes of 

premature death in 

men 

1. Ischaemic heart disease 

2. Trachea and lung cancer 

3. Stroke 

4. Chronic lower respiratory 

disease 

5. Prostate cancer 

6. Dementia and 

Alzheimer’s disease 

7. Colon and rectum cancer 

8. Blood and lymph cancer, 

including leukaemia 

9. Diabetes 

10. Suicide. 

It is clear that women 

are healthier than 

men, but why . . ? 

Men are more likely to 

work full-time, working 

hours often not being compatible 

with clinic opening 

hours. Therefore men 

may tend to ‘put off’ seeing 

a doctor. 

Men, particularly older 

men, may prefer to see a 

male doctor for what they 

consider to be intimate or 

embarrassing issues. If 

their family doctor is female 

and they do not have the 

choice of a male doctor they 

may be reluctant to make 

an appointment. 

Men are more likely to 

have high-risk jobs that are 

stressful, dangerous and 

deadly such as mining, logging 

and construction etc. 

Macho men – men are encouraged 

by our culture to 

be tough and independent. 

Some men could believe that 

visiting doctors or complaining 

of feeling ill are threats 

to their masculinity. 

Males, particularly teenagers, 

tend to act as if they 

are invulnerable. This can 

lead behaviours such as drug 

or alcohol binges, or reckless 

driving. 

Women are more likely to 

have regular contact with 

doctors because of ‘women’s 

issues’. 

Male depression is a 

known high-risk factor 

for suicide. 

The good news is that 

these days more and more 

men are becoming health 

conscious. They are more 

likely to partake in screening 

campaigns (such as PSA 

blood test for prostate cancer) 

and seek medical advice 

than ever before. They are 

even taking on the concept 

of preventive health care 

in the form of well man 

health checks. 

So for that special person 

think about giving ‘The Gift 

of Good Health’. 

Gift vouchers available 

from the Family Medical 

Centre, Albir. 

For more information or to book an appointment call the Family Medical Centre 

on +34 966 865 072, emailing us at info@albirfamilymedicalcentre.com or on 

Facebook www.facebook.com/albirfamilymedicalcentre 

OPEN: 10am - 7.30pm Sat 10am - 2pm 

Closed Monday 

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Any size frame 

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Monthly lenses and solution 69€ 

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Your English 

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Wishing our 

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very happy 

Christmas 

Avda. Pais Valencia 9, ALFAZ DEL PI. Tel 966 860 276

30 30 36 FRIDAY FRIDAY 13TH 21ST 21ST & JUNE 20TH JUNE 2019 DECEMBER 2019 2019 



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Don’t 

fall at 

the 

first 

hurdle 

FREE 

HEARING 

TESTS 

IT’S a well-worn path, especially 

in the New Year 

- but those first steps to 

fitness in new trainers can 

be daunting. 

However, all workout novices 

should be reassured 

that the usual beginners’ 

blunders can be avoided. 

Fitness experts from Vivotion.com 

have revealed 

the five most common mistakes 

that gym-beginners 

make. Avoid these and 

you’ll maintain motivation 

throughout 2020. 

to do too much too soon. 

It is necessary for novices 

to be realistic about their 

current with current abilities 

and limits and to know 

what their objectives in the 

short and long-term. 

The best approach is to 

steadily build a foundation 

of fitness – remember every 

single session doesn’t need to 

be a personal best. 

TOP TIP: “Consult a relevant 

professional about the 

gym machines and how to 

use them or the pace and 

distance of runs would be 

beneficial; experience means 

they also have tips and trick 

to maximise any beginner’s 

potential.” 

3. Unbalanced 

routines 

Failing to strike a balance 

between cardiovascular calorie 

burning and strength or 

weight training will not help 

achieve fitness goals. 

It is normal to have a specific 

focus or objective, such 

as gaining arm strength 

or training for a race, but 

overall fitness can only 

be achieved by including 

the whole body in workout 

regimes. 

TOP TIP: “Never skip ‘leg 

day’. It has become a cliché 

among exercise enthusiasts, 

but overlooking the lower 

body will eventually result 

in the double-whammy of 

looking stupid and getting 

hurt.” 

4. Losing motivation 

The novelty will wear off 

naturally as with any new 

activity, but the only way 

to consistently uphold and 

improve fitness levels is to 

maintain motivation. 

Do this by keeping music 

or podcast playlists vibrant 

and up to date, but definitely 

avoid off-putting books; the 

gym is for exercise, not story 

time. 

Also accept that injuries 

can happen even with all the 

correct precautions; elite athletes, 

such as Olympic medallists, 

are susceptible to an 

occasional strained muscle – 

beginners will be too. 

Though an obvious physical 

barrier in the short-term, 

an injury should not become a 

mental obstacle and discourage 

beginners from all that is 

good about getting active. 

TOP TIP: “Working out 

with a friend can be a great 

inspiration in the gym, as 

support or competition 

depending on the dynamic; 

both parties will benefit from 

mutual motivation.” 

5. Neglecting 

recovery 

The warm-down after hitting 

the gym is crucial 

to getting the most out 

of exercise. 

Inadequate rest and recovery 

between sessions 

could cause injuries, but that 

doesn’t mean an immediate 

lie down on the sofa postworkout. 

Do some light stretches 

covering the whole body and 

gradually decrease movement 

to avoid stiffness later that 

day or the following morning; 

consider, for example, 

a walk to the shops. 

TOP TIP: “Warm-down by 

strolling around your local 

high street, as this can also 

provide the opportunity to 

rehydrate and refuel, which 

is pivotal to recovery and 

reaping long-term benefits.” 

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1. Poor Preparation 

Beginners hitting the gym 

don’t realise that a workout 

actually starts before 

entering the gym, by eating 

the right pre-exercise meal, 

getting fully hydrated and 

stepping into appropriate 

clothing. 

Don’t eat anything full of 

fibre or too heavy to avoid 

feeling bloated, take a bottle 

of water and wear a loose 

shirt and shorts with appropriate 

trainers. 

Location is also vital to ensuring 

a successful session; 

don’t choose somewhere 

that’s too busy, that could 

be distracting or that has 

disappointing facilities. 

VIVOTION.COM TOP TIP: 

“The key to preparation is 

warming up the muscles; this 

could be as simple as a brisk 

walk to the gym followed by 

some suitable stretches.” 

2. Over-ambition 

Confidence is key to starting 

an exercise journey, but 

many first-time gym-goers 

make the mistake of trying

Brexit 

stole my 

Christmas! 

SITTING here at Blacktowers 

office in Javea I’ve been 

wondering what I should write 

about for this week’s editorial, 

and then I realised that by the 

time this goes to press we will 

have the General Election results 

in the UK, and hopefully 

this will mean an end to the 

Brexit saga one way or another! 

It appears to me that we may 

have all been so focused on who 

might win and what this will 

mean to us as Spanish resident 

UK Expats, that we may have 

completely forgotten that Christmas 

is almost upon us! 

On your behalf, I have read the 

UK “withdrawal agreement from 

Europe” pretty well from top to 

tail and as long as there is a deal 

the withdrawal agreement will 

mean an awful lot to UK Expats 

and their families living in Spain. 

Having an election so close to 

Christmas has in effect stolen 

my Christmas and quite possibly 

yours! Boris Johnson and Jeremy 

Corbin have effectively in my 

view, taken the place of Father 

Christmas (not bearing gifts) and 

Scrooge; take your pick as to who 

is who but I see more of these politicians 

on TV and in the papers 

than all of the Christmas characters 

put together. 

Let´s hope that after the election 

we can all quickly get back to 

this special time of year! 

In the meantime, I am thinking 

right now a deal looks more 

likely, in which case where are 

you at with your Tax residency 

and Spanish Residencia? 

What is your understanding of 

the UK withdrawal agreement 

and how it will affect you? 

What have you done about your 

UK pensions? I am only asking 

because if you have UK investments, 

especially pensions, the 

likelihood of the UK Government 

continuing to allow UK expats to 

transfer their pensions overseas 

tax free after Brexit seems unlikely, 

according to the pundits in 

the know. 

When you think about it, the 

UK Government is losing mil- 

lions in tax on pensions which 

would have otherwise been taxable 

in the UK if the pensioner 

had stayed. Therefore, why 

would they want to continue to 

allow anyone to transfer out of 

their taxable environment? 

I would suggest now is the 

time to get a move on, have a free 

confidential review and find out 

what can be done before Brexit. 

Call me now on 603 612 464, 

email: Andrew.gibson@blacktow 

erfm.com or visit www.blacktow 

erfm.com 

The above information was correct 

at the time of preparation 

and does not constitute investment 

advice, you should seek advice 

from a professional adviser 

before embarking on any financial 

planning activity. 

Blacktower Financial Management 

Ltd is authorised and regulated 

in the UK by the Financial 

Conduct Authority and is registered 

with both the DGS and 

CNMV. Blacktower Financial 

Management (Int) Ltd is licensed 

in Gibraltar by the Financial 

Services Commission (FSC) and 

is registered with both the DGS 

and CNMV in Spain. 

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by 

the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. 

Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial 

Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain

Wishing you a Happy Christmas 

& a Prosperous New Year 

CALL US FOR BREXIT ADVICE NOW 

JOIN OUR WEEKLY ADVICE MEETINGS ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA 

admin@sun-lawyers.com +34 605 766 117 

www.sun-lawyers.com 

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The No.1 multilingual law firm with 7 offices across the Costa Blanca 

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www.sun-lawyers.com



BUCHAREST is a young 

city of more than 500 

years old, Romania’s capital 

has atmosphere. and 

an eclectic mix of architectural 

styles, reflecting 

the evolution of a city that 

is still in a shape–shifting 

stage, a city bearing the 

legacies and the scars of 

Athenaeum 

its past, while finding its 

confidence and direction. 

Legend has it that the city 

of Bucharest was founded by 

a shepherd named “Bucur,” 

whose name means “joy”. His 

flute-playing reportedly dazzled 

the locals and his hearty 

wine from Romania’s Carpathian 

Mountains endeared 

Bucharest 

him to the local traders, who 

gave his name to the place. 

The first written record 

of Bucharest is a mention 

of Vlad Tepes (aka Vlad the 

Impaler) building a fortified 

palace there in 1459. The 

town developed as a crossroads 

between the routes to 

Constantinople, the east and 

the European interior. It was 

really only in the 19th Century 

that Western Europe, 

and in particular France, 

became the dominant influence, 

and Bucharest was 

remodelled by French architects. 

The superb Belle 

Epoque buildings, tree-lined 

avenues and the reputation 

for high life earned Bucharest 

the moniker ”Paris of 

the East”, or “Little Paris”. 

There is even an Arc de Triomphe 

on the elegant Soseaua 

Kiseleff, a boulevard 

larger itself than Paris’s 

famed Champs-Élysées. 

Today’s Bucharest has retained 

a certain old charm 

and its beauty is often hidden 

down small streets behind 

the modern facades. It might 

best be described as a city of 

contrasts, with old stone villas, 

marble facade mansions 

and palaces, sharing the 

same streets and neighbourhoods 

with modern, metal 

and glass storefronts, and 

communist-era, big-block 

apartment buildings. 

A place of contrasts and 

paradoxes, Bucharest gathers 

within its boundaries 

several towns that coexist, 

ignoring one another. A cosmopolitan, 

cultured city with 

an active café society, elegant 

restaurants, bustling nightlife, 

modern shopping malls, 

Bucharest is laden with 

historical charm - from the 

streets of the Old City Centre, 

which are slowly being 

restored, to the grand architecture 

of the Royal Palace 

and the lush green of Cismigiu 

Park and Herastrau 

Park The city also claims a 

large number of museums, 

art galleries, exquisite Orthodox 

churches and unique 

architectural sites. 

The city’s artistic life stood 

up to its Parisian nickname 

“Little Paris”, and today it 

is as vibrant as ever. The 

National Opera is worth 

visiting for its brilliant performances, 

for the lavish 

interior design, and for the 

joy of the classic repertoire – 

Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and 

Mozart. Bucharest can be 

one of the best value places 

to see first-class opera with 

performances at a fraction 

of the price of anywhere else 

in Europe. Also, the Romanian 

Athenaeum, renowned 

worldwide for its acoustics, 

home of the Romanian 

George Enescu Philharmonic, 

offers concerts throughout 

the year, with famous 

artists and conductors from 

all over the world performing 

on its stages. 

Whether sight-seeing, dining 

or shopping, visitors can 

experience the authenticity 

of Bucharest, thanks to the 

warm and welcoming style 

of the people who live and 

work in Bucharest. There 

has been no better time to 

visit than now. 

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- 23:00 

Tips not in the price included 

26.3.2020 King’s Wharf, Bermuda 18:00 - 

27.3.2020 King’s Wharf, Bermuda - 18:00 

1.4.2020 Ponta Delgada, Portugal 7:00 16:00 

3.4.2020 Lisbon 10:30 18:30 

5.4.2020 Valencia 10:00 17:00 

Inside Fantastica 2.078€ 

Tips not in the 

Balcony Bella price included 3.278€ 

Inside 599€* Tips and Balcony flights not included 949€* 


price included 

Opening Hours 

Monday-Friday 9.30 - 17.00 Saturday 10.00 - 13.00 

Denia: Avda. Joan Fuster 2 

(Near Yachtclub) 

Telf. 965 997 017 - 622 045 993 

Janurary 7th 2020 – 35 days 

MSC MAGNIFICA from Barcelona 

to Valparaiso 

Inside Bella 4.049€ 

Balcony Bella 6.049€ 

Suite 12.299€ 



Incl. 5 excursions and drinks during lunch and dinner. Price per person in doublecabin with port tax 



Inside 599€* Balcony 949€* Inside 599€* Balcony 959€* Not incl.: tips and Inside flights 599€* Balcony 859€* 

**Cruises with transfer from Benidorm & Ondara incl. 

**2020- 8 days med. Cruise with 

MSC FANTASIA



The Cook Islands 

THE Cook Islands comprises 

of 15 islands whose 

land total area is around 

240 square kilometres. It 

is a self-governing island 

country, located in the 

South Pacific Ocean. 

The history of the islands 

can be traced back to around 

AD 1000, when it is thought 

that the first settlers arrived 

from neighbouring Tahiti and 

settled in Rarotonga. Sighted 

by Spanish ships in the 16th 

Century, their Portuguese 

captain made the first recorded 

European landing, setting 

foot on Rakahanga, which 

he named Gente Hermosa 

(Beautiful People). When 

the British Navigator James 

Cook arrived in 1773 and 

1777, he named the island 

known as Manuae, Hervey 

Island which then incorporated 

the rest of the islands 

too. The name, Cook Islands 

was given at a later stage in 

honour of Captain Cook. 

The island with the largest 

population remains that of 

Rarotonga, and the languages 

spoken there are predominately 

English and their 

own Maori language, named 

after the city of Rarotonga. 

of the main staples of the 

island culture. Many of the 

islands annual Celebrations 

include street food and Bbqs 

whilst the party goes on over 

days. If you are planning to 

visit the island, check in advance 

as the fiestas are not 

widely publicised and yet are 

a great way to participate in 

this vibrant island culture. 

Of course, when visiting 

a new destination, it´s important 

to try out the local 

cuisine too, which in the case 

of the Cook Islands, includes 

ika mata (raw fish) with coconut 

milk, finely chopped 

vegetables, umu food (prepared 

in the traditional 

earth oven), curried eke 

(octopus in coconut curry), 

rukau (Taro leaves, usually 

cooked with coconut cream) 

and poke (cooked fruit pudding) 

(banana, pawpaw,...) 

with coconut milk. 

Luckily, for such a small 

island, they are two ers of a range of local good 

brew- 

beers, one of which can also 

be visited. With all imported 

products demanding a hefty 

price, it´s just as well that 

these beers are both tasty as 

well as relatively well priced! 

by Yvonne Hollywood, 

Worldwide Horizons 

Most tourists tend to stay 

on this island where there 

is an abundance of welcoming 

small hotels and places 

to stay, however the island 

has not succumbed to high 

rise hotels and vast overdevelopement 

that dominiates 

Hawaii, which it is often 

compared to, sharing much 

of the same characteristics in 

temperatures and facilities. 

The islands have a winter 

time average temperature 

of 25 degrees May – October 

and 29 degrees in Nov 

– April, their summertime, 

which also co-incides with 

the rainier season. The island 

is connected by only a 

few airlines, Air New Zeland, 

Air Tahiti, Virgin Australia. 

Many of the tourists visiting 

use this as one of their stopovers 

on a round the world 

visit. It is also a popular 

destination for cruise ships 

crossing the Pacific. 

The tourism of the island 

is mainly based around 

beach and leisure facilities 

and of course, seafood is one 

Asia with Azamara 

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LAST MINUTE! 

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America, French Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, 

Barbados, St Lucia,Trinidad & Tobago, Azores & 

London, 42 nights full board

Star 0008-Grid_Solution 

Rose_0006_M1 



Puzzles ROSETTA Rose_0010_H1 & Tarotscope 

1 5 

2 3 4 

A Rosetta is made up of a 

7 6 

centre coloured hexagon 

encircled by 6 white ROSETTA 

hexagons. 

Example 1 5 

To complete the puzzle, fill in all 72Rosettas 

3 4 

A Rosetta A is Rosetta made up is of amade up of a 

with centre each coloured number between 1 and 7 

in 6 

centre hexagon coloured hexagon no 

particular encircled by order 6 white while hexagons. also ensuring that Example : 

ROSETTA 

Hard 

encircled by 6 white hexagons. 

To complete the puzzle, fill in all 7 Rosettas 

To complete the puzzle, fill in all 7 Rosettas 

with each number between 1 and 7 in no 

with each number between 1 and 7 in no 

1. particular No number order is while repeated also ensuring a horizontal that : row 

particular order while also ensuring that : 

2. 1. Each No number number is repeated from 1 in to a horizontal 7 are represented row in 

2. Each 

the 7 

number 

grey coloured 

from 1 to 7 

hexagon 

are represented 

cells. 

in 

1. No number is repeated in a horizontal row 

the 7 grey coloured hexagon cells. 

2. Each number from 1 to 7 are represented in 

the 7 grey coloured hexagon cells. 

STAR PUZZLE 

Easy 

STAR PUZZLE 

Star 0008-Grid_E1 

STAR PUZZLE 

Note that each white hexagon belongs to a line of 7 that 

must contain each of the numbers between 1 and 7. 

To To complete the puzzle fill fill in in each of of the the empty hexagon 

cells hexagon with cells numbers with between numbers 1 between & 7 following 1 & 7 following the 3 rules 

below; the 3 rules below; 

1. No numbers in a horizontal line can be repeated. 

1. 2. No No numbers in in a a horizontal diagonal line can be repeated. 

2. 3. No numbers in in a the diagonal 7 gray line hexagons can be repeated. can be repeated. 

3. No numbers in the 7 gray hexagons can be repeated. 

CODEWORDS 

5 

6 4 5 

5 7 

1 6 5 

7 6 2 3 1 

5 8 2 

8 5 1 3 6 

Sudoku Puzzle #T048TC 

Presented by Puzzle Baron 

Rated: Easy 

3 1 4 

3 6 6 8 1 

1 2 3 

SODUKU 

1 6 5 

7 6 2 3 1 

5 8 2 

8 5 1 3 6 

3 1 4 

6 8 

7 5 9 

4 3 

7 5 9 

4 3 

4 

EASY 

9 8 6 7 

Sudoku Puzzle #S161LR 


Rated: Medium 

© Engaged Learning 

© Engaged Learning 

9 8 6 7 

© 2011 Engaged Learning 

* Note that each white hexagon belongs to a line of 7 that 

must contain each of the numbers between 1 and 7. 

Sudoku Puzzle #T048TC 


Rated: Easy 

8 5 7 

7 3 8 

5 7 

MEDIUM 

9 6 2 

9 1 3 8 

6 3 2 

1 9 8 

1 5 

2 6 7 3 1 4 

7 

4 9 

8 2 1 4 

7 8 6 

2 9 5 

5 

ABCDEFGHIJKLM 

NOPQRSTUVWXYZ 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 

I 

K 

M 

HARD 

9 3 

9 2 1 8 

8 7 1 3 

Sudo 

Presen 

Rated 

puzzle solutions 

Copyright © Puzzle Baron December 10, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions! 

Sudoku Puzzle #S161LR 

8 5 7 

Sudoku Puzzle #J100FH 7 3 



QUICK CROSSWORD 7 CRYPTIC 3 CROSSWORD 8 

CODEWORD STARDOKU 9 

Rated: Medium 

9 6 2 

Rated: Super Difficult! 

For a complete explanation on 

how this puzzle was solved 

visit www.hexaliagames.com 

5 7 

9 1 3 8 

6 3 2 

2 

8 6 

1 9 8 

1 5 

2 6 7 3 1 4 

3 

4 1 

5 

Copyright © Puzzle Baron December 10, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions! 

Copyright © Puzzle Baron December 10, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com f



CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 

Puzzles & Tarotscope 

ACROSS 

1 Unready king making girl embarrassed (8) 

6 Article I’m to make objective (3) 

9 Precise old law? (5) 

10 Directors and editor got on (7) 

11 Stumble on crude oil in North Africa (7) 

13 “Room at the Top” in Greek (5) 

14 Teased for being badly dressed (6) 

15 Very cold beer (6) 

19 Aimed to reform press, TV, etc. (5) 

21 Allowances made for disturbance on stair? (7) 

22 Just say I may be found in a French resort (7) 

23 New gown about right? No, it’s not right (5) 

24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 

25 Drink that’s bad for teenager? (5,3) 

DOWN 

2 Dashing in great confusion (7) 

3 Dine in The Athenaeum (3) 

4 Bunny talk? (6) 

5 Mad artist turns playwright (9) 

6 Check accounts of German car trader first (5) 

7 Another word for doctor found in some 

dictionaries (5) 

8 Superior gambler (6) 

12 Working with gear in top form (9) 

16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 

17 Quit and write one’s name again? (6) 

18 Royal pop star (6) 

19 Mother has second thoughts after contagious 

disease (5) 

20 Needs reform, being stupid (5) 

23 Be successful for first half of season (3) 

DROP QUOTES 

Drop Quotes are similar to cryptograms, 

in that the goal is for the solver to 

uncover a hidden quote. A blackand-white 

crossword-style grid is set 

up for each quote, with a number of 

letters “hovering” above each column. 

Your task is to “drop” each of those 

letters into the appropriate square in 

each column, until the entire quote is 

revealed. All punctuation (commas, 

periods, dashes, etc.) has been 

removed. Good luck! 

Drop Quotes 

Source: Unattributed 

V 

S 

W 

L 

E 

H 

O 

E 

N 

R 

T 

W 

M 

I 

O 

T 

A 

C 

K 

E 

S 

H 

N 

O 

“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.” 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

ACROSS 

O 

I 

S 

N 

C 

W 

1 RIGOROUS (6) 

4 SLOPING SCRIPT (6) 

8 IMITATE (5) 

9 SUBSTITUTE (5-2) 

10 WELSH CITY (7) 

11 INDIAN LANGUAGE (5) 

12 FLABBERGASTED (9) 

17 PARROT’S NAME (5) 

19 RECITAL (ANAG.) (7) 

21 WITHOUT WEAPONS (7) 

22 LEAVES OUT (5) 

23 MAKE POSSIBLE (6) 

24 DECAPITATE (6) 

S 

E 

O 

S 

W 

Y 

O 

A 

S 

DOWN 

Puzzle #W361ZM 

N 

U 

H 

O 

G 

E 

H 

V 

1 TO SUCH AN EXTENT (2,4) 

2 COMMENTS (7) 

3 SPINY DESERT PLANTS (5) 

5 INSTRUCTOR (7) 

6 WEIGHED DOWN (5) 

7 OUTSPOKEN (6) 

9 PROTECT (9) 

13 APPALLING (7) 

14 MISLEAD (7) 

15 HUSBAND OR WIFE (6) 

16 CAME TO AN END (6) 

18 CAPITAL OF TIBET (5) 

20 TYPE OF STEAK (1-4) 

L 

A 

E 

Aries 

21st Mar – 20th Apr 

The Emperor 

It seems hard for you to make a 

certain decision just now but you 

need to get off the fence before 

someone else decides for you. Take 

control of your destiny now and see 

a brighter future. Your flamboyant 

nature will surface on Wednesday 

and you can have some real fun 

Lucky Number 21 

Taurus 

21st Apr – 21st May 

The Heirophant 

Yet again this card shows for 

you Taureans it is about time you 

listened to your intuition or inner 

voice and made the changes you so 

desperately need. Believe in magic, 

then magic will begin to happen. 

Friday will be your best day as you 

step into some unknown territory 


Gemini 

22nd May – 21st June 

The Lovers 

This week will be full of twists and 

turns with most things being turned 

upside down. Be ready to take a bit 

of a gamble around mid week and 

it will all work out in your favour. A 

friend will ask a favour and you will 

be able to help them out. Friday will 

be your best day 


Cancer 

22nd June – 22nd July 

Ace of Cups 

All around will be showing their love 

for you and there may be tears of 

happiness for you. Take time with 

those you love and then you will 

find the answers you are seeking 

from some advice given. Don’t 

judge others by your standards not 

everyone thinks the same 


Leo 

23rd July – 22nd Aug 

Ace of Swords 

This is a great time to be learning 

new skills and taking up new 

hobbies, those around will support 

you in all you do. This is a period of 

change but also moving onto better 

outcomes. Balance will be attained 

as you keep your ideas uppermost 

and work things out for yourself 


Virgo 

23rd Aug – 22nd Sept 

Two of Wands 

With travel on your mind this week 

will start off really busy but by 

Wednesday you will find time to 

relax and enjoy some company. 

New ventures will surface and give 

you another perspective on your 

life. A change of diet may be on the 

cards, if not then exercise will be 


Libra 

23rd Sept – 22nd Oct 

Ten of Cups 

This time is all about friends and 

family for you and maybe you will 

find a new member of family being 

brought into the mix. You may cause 

yourself some delays if you do 

not plan events properly, a mother 

type figure will bring sanity to an 

otherwise unorganised week 


Scorpio 

23rd Oct – 21st Nov 

Three of Wands 

Looks like news is coming from a 

distance that will surprise and elate 

you. A walk in the countryside will 

relax you and give you food for 

thought and there will be more travel 

this week than is usual for you. This 

is now a time to reap the benefits of 

your past projects 


Sagittarius 

22nd Nov – 20th Dec 

Page of Wands 

This week is all about you and the 

endeavours you wish to work with. 

Others may try to sway you with well 

meaning advice but you are your 

best advisor at this time, follow your 

own path. Walking into a strange 

building will give you some excellent 

insights into your future 


Capricorn 

21st Dec – 19th Jan 

The Ace Magician 

of Wands 

You There 

have is good 

all that luck 

is around 

necessary the work 

to 

change place this 

your week 

future and 

but you 

you will 

do 

see some 

need improvements 

to believe in 

in that 

yourself part of 

and 

your life. 

take Someone 

that step is arranging 

forward, a 

may party 

feel so 

like 

be 

the ready 

unknown to celebrate 

but you with 

will them. 

handle Notice 

it 

extremely your dreams 

well there 

and will 

come be a 

out message 

on top 

of in 

your there. 

world. Your 

Time luckiest 

to day 

plant will 

seeds be on 

for 

your Thursday 

future and let others sort theirs 

Lucky Lucky 

Number Number 

12 

24 

Aquarius 

20th Jan – 19th Feb 

Six of Wands 

This is a time for you to become the 

leader your pack and put your rules 

in place for the future you want and 

deserve. Check any savings or 

pensions to make sure they are still 

working in your favour. Creativity is 

highly starred this week time to get 

arty and crafty 

Lucky number 16 

Pisces 

20th Feb – 20th Mar 

Page of Swords 

Your inner rebel is out this week, 

stand back world there are things to 

sort out and this is a great time to do 

this as your instincts will lead you in 

the right direction. A younger family 

member will look to you for advice, 

be kind as they seem to reject your 

ideas all will be well 


Copyright © Puzzle Baron December 10, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions!



Sports & Local News 

Marina Alta 

Golf Society 

Val and Bob 

Johnson and a 

mystery guest! 

THE Marina Alta Golf Society’s 

game at Oliva Nova, 

on Monday 9th December 

2019, saw just 10 players 

taking part in a regular 

stableford game and, being 

close to Christmas, 

the game has traditionally 

been known as the Turkey 

Trott competition and was 

once one of the must play 

games of the society’s 

year. 

The Oliva Nova course 

was looking in excellent 

condition and the players 

were looking forward 

to going out to enjoy the 

continuing warm weather 

after last week’s wet and 

cold spell. At least it was 

not raining, which was the 

cause of last week’s game 

being cancelled. 

For many of the players 

this game would be their last 

until the new year, as they 

go about their travels over 

the Xmas period. 

Later in the clubhouse, the 

banter had to be put aside 

while the following winners 

were announced. 

In first place was Dave 

Reid with a whooping 39 

points off a 13 handicap. My 

understanding of his game 

had him two over par and 

23 points at the turn, but 

then he struggled a bit going 

through Oliva’s Amen 

Corner, holes 13, 14 and 15, 

but was able to scramble 16 

points on the back nine. 

Dave has made no secret 

Alan Tissington, Denis McVeigh, Dave Reid, 

Clark Bowie, Paul Fraser 

by Dave O’Meara 

of the fact that he wants to 

get his handicap down to 

single numbers. It won’t be 

long Dave the way you are 

playing. 

In second place was Clark 

Bowie with 36 points off a 32 

handicap. Clarke only arrived 

back on Saturday, so may be 

the trip away helped relax his 

attitude towards the game. 

Or some lessons up in the 

highlands in the snow. 

In third place was Paul 

Fraser with 35 points off a 

23 handicap. 

There were no two’s recorded 

and the NTP on 

hole number three the winner 

was Denis McVeigh, on 

hole five in two shots it was 

Dave Reid. Hole 16 saw Paul 

Fraser take the prize, while 

on hole number 18, in two 

shots, it was Alan Tissington 

walking away with it. 

Well done to all. 

There were no tales to tell 

today so let’s hope everyone 

enjoyed the game and let’s 

head to the bar. 

The Marina Alta Golf Society 

is a small but friendly 

group of players who play 

every Monday at the Oliva 

Nova course, with first tee 

time being about 10.40. 

If you want to join this 

friendly group of golfers as 

a guest then a warm welcome 

will be waiting for you. 

Anyone interested please 

contact Denis McVeigh at 

mcveigh1@hotmail.com or 

telephone 638401170, or 

Alan Tissington at alantissington@gmail.com 

or telephone 

656831893. 

Javea Green gets 

into festive spirit 

by Alan Phillips, 

JGBC Press Officer 

THIS week, Javea Green 

Bowls Club celebrated 

two Festive occasions in 

great style. 

On Sunday, the Christmas 

Ball was held at the Parador 

Hotel and over 80 people 

enjoyed a great meal, with 

entertainment provided by 

Black Glitter. 

Congratulations were given 

to Maureen Barrie who 

organised the evening. 

On Tuesday it was back 

to the Inn on the Green and 

the annual Christmas Carol 

singing afternoon, which 

was another success. 

Bob Johnson, our Social 

ON Tuesday 10th December 

2019, the most 

beautiful morning for 

golf, Pego Golf Society, at 

Oliva Nova, had 30 players 

and no guests for the 

playing for the Turkey 

for Christmas. 

The sun was shining and 

the wind was nothing when 

we set off on our quest. 

Most of the guests were 

in fancy dress for Christmas, 

and we had a prize 

for the winner, and that 

was Fiona Sankey, who 

was outstanding. 

In the Balls in the Water, 

the winner was Tricia Chapman 

who correctly guessed 

89 Balls in the Water and 

in the two’s there was only 

one two today, and that was 

by Michel Grin, so many 

congrats to you both. 

Nearest the pin at hole 

five was John Evans with 

1.25 metres and at hole 

16, the winner was Danny 

Herron with 2.28 metres. 

The main winners of the 

competition today, bearing 

in mind they only had three 

clubs and a putter were: 

1st Place - Brian Baybutt 

with a magnificent 38 points 

Secretary, led the singing 

with his usual enthusiasm 

and a fantastic rendition of 

the Twelve Days of Christmas 

brought the house down! 

If you want to find out 

more about Javea Green 

Bowls Club, visit our website 

or call into the Club. There 

is always someone there to 

give you a warm welcome. 

Three club and 

putter competition 

for a big fat turkey 

for christmas 

by Malcolm Wise 

2nd Place - Steve Crossan 

with 35 points 

3rd Place - Stella Fox with 

32 points 

4th Place - Donna Green 

with 32 points 

Amazing scores with only 

three clubs and a putter. 

Next Tuesday we have 

a Texas Scramble to finish 

off the year, and should you 

wish to take part or be our 

guest we would be delighted 

to hear from you 

Please contact Penny 

Barden at penelopebarden@ 

gmail.com and put your 

name forward to play in the 

last match of 2019.


Money doesn’t rule 

RORY McIlroy has ruled 

out competing in next 

month's European Tour 

event in Saudi Arabia, despite 

being offered a large 

appearance fee. 

World number one Brooks 

Koepka, Dustin Johnson and 

Phil Mickelson are among big 

names who will be in action 

at the Saudi International in 

late January. 

"It's just not something 


that would excite me," the 

Northern Irishman told the 

Golf Channel on Monday. 

McIlroy did not deny reports 

that he had been offered 

a two million euro fee. 

"100%, there's a morality 

to it as well," added McIlroy 

about his decision to miss the 

event, which takes place from 

30 January until 2 February. 


Christmas International Sport 

Chinese inspiration 

DING Junhui believes 

more children will take up 

snooker in China after he 

won the UK Championship 

for the third time. 

Ding outclassed Scotland's 

Stephen Maguire 10-6 for his 

14th ranking title on Sunday 

in York, which came after 

two years without winning 

any silverware. 

It followed his triumphs at 

the tournament in 2005 and 

2009 to become only the fifth 

player to win the event on 

three or more occasions. 


World number nine Ding 

is the highest ranked of 

the 23 Chinese players on 

tour, with four others in the 

top 32. 

Snooker is so popular 

in mainland China that it 

is included on the sports 

curriculum in schools. 

"They love to watch snooker 

and the young players in 

China fully support me," 

said Ding, 32, who reached 

world number one in 2014. 

On the oche 

THE 2020 PDC World Darts by Alex Trelinski 

Championship gets underway 

today with a first round top seeds, has been given a 

clash between Jelle Klaasen 

and Kevin Burness. 96 players will be involved 

bye to the second round. 

The winner will have the in the tournament at Alexandra 

Palace, with the 

unenviable task of taking on 

the champion Michael van final taking place on New 

Gerwen, who along with the Year’s Day. 

WEEK 15 

THE two lots of Premier 

League fixtures before 

Christmas gave the Alfaz 

Fantasy Football League 

a great start to the forthcoming 

festive season 

by contributing 63 goals, 

eight clean sheets, 65 

yellow cards and one red 

one. 

The average score for the 

week was almost 46 points, 

which is the highest so far 

this season. 

Crystal Palace’s Sakho 

will probably be spending 

Christmas at home after 

being the 21st player to be 

sent off in this season’s Premier 

League. 

Chris’s team Promotion 

Again stretched their advantage 

to a commanding 

49 points at the top of the 

A.F.F.L. over Martin’s Marauders. 

Wade’s Alli Barber have 

clung on to third place, while 

Eric’s team Peaky Blinders 

have moved up one place to 

fourth. 

Kapur’s team Napali Eleven 

had a poor week as they 

slipped down four places to 

sixth. 

Lyn’s team Handbrake 

City climbed out of the relegation 

zone and left Gil’s 

Kippax rooted in the bottom 

spot eight points behind Luna’s 

Liver Birds. 

It’s all change at the top 

of our Junior League where 

Luca’s Lucky Red F.C. have 

regained control of this section 

by taking a slender 

eight point lead over last 

week’s leaders Harley’s Ginger 

Ninjar. 

ALFAZ FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE 

Santa Clara Kickers have 

moved into third place by 

replacing Olly’s 11 who have 

dropped out of the top three 

for the first time this season. 

Down at the foot of the 

table, Romeo’s team My Dad 

Supports Liverpool made 

a valient effort to catch up 

to Bez Boys by scoring 31 

points (their highest of the 

season) which just leaves 

them 30 points short, after 

being written off in the early 

part of the season. 

In our Mark Carter Ladies 

League, Annette’s Hairnette 

have a 20 point lead at the 

summit over Pauline’s Vodka 

Army who have crept into 

second spot after waiting in 

third place for most of the 

season. 

Debbie’s Foxy Filberts are 

enjoying a good run of form 

from her favourite team 

Leicester City, which has 

helped her Foxy Filberts 

move into third place, just 

eight points away from Pauline’s 

Army. 

Top scoring team in this 

section was Elaine’s Dizzy 

Blonde who bagged 75 

points, which keeps them 

well in touch with the top 

three. 

At the other end of the 

scale, Gil’s Kippax are trailing 

Lyn’s Handbrake City by 

10 points. 

Once again, our Across the 

Costa’s Golden Boot League 

produced plenty of points for 

our Fantasy League Managers, 

with the average score 

soaring up to a high of 22 

points, the highest this season. 

The top scoring player in 

this Division is Leicester 

City’s Jamie Vardy, who has 

collected 80 points. 

The top three teams in 

this division, Promotion 

Again (1st), Martin’s Marauders 

(2nd) and Bill’s East 

Fifers (3rd) have all got this 

quicksilver striker in their 

line-ups. 

We have a new team at 

the foot of the table, with 

Nathan’s Delphin’s Bhouys 

taking over from Terry’s 

Could it be this Year, who 

have moved out of the bottom 

two, and left Jenny’s 

Madam Tree just one point 

above the Bhouys. 

The tightest league at the 

moment is our Champion of 

Champions Division, where 

two teams stand shoulder to 

shoulder at the top. 

Martin’s Marauders and 

Alli Barber are both on 583 

points, which is 44 points 

above Pauline’s Vodka Army. 

Gil’s Kippax, who won our 

Ladies Section 10 years ago, 

are struggling at the bottom 

and are eight points adrift of 

Luna’s Liver Bird, who had 

the pleasure of lifting our 

Main Trophy 12 years ago. 

The first two teams to go 

into our Monthly Wine Draw 

for December are our top 

scoring team, and also current 

leaders of the Fantasy, 

Chris’s Promotion Again, 

who bagged 91 points, the 

highest so far this season. 

Joining them will be our 

lowest scoring team, which 

was Rachel’s Blue Murder, 

who only managed 

seven points in a high scoring 

week. 

Manager of the Month for 

December is being kindly 

sponsored by Noah at the Arlequin 

in Albir, who do a fine 

selection of pizzas as well as 

other tasty dishes. 

With just one week gone, 

Promotion Again have taken 

a slight three point lead over 

Colin’s Bentley Boys. 

Two teams are in third 

place, Martin’s Marauders 

and Harry’s team For Fuchs 

Sake. Duffy Duck, Peaky 

Blinders and Leon’s Infidels 

are all in contention for 

this super meal for two at 

the Arlequin. 

The full results of the second 

round of our K.O. Cup 

Competition is now up on our 

website where you can also 

follow your teams progress 

in the hectic weeks ahead.



Christmas International Sport 

Joshua admission 

UNIFIED world heavyweight 

champion Anthony 

Joshua said a health issue 

left him "tired" and 

"drained" in the build-up 

to his shock June defeat 

by Andy Ruiz Jr. 

Joshua, 30, reclaimed his 

world titles in Saudi Arabia 

on Saturday, dominating the 

Mexican over 12 rounds. 

Conspiracy theories had 

circulated after his initial 

defeat, one of the biggest 

shocks in heavyweight 

history. 

"I had some issue with 

my health which I was going 

through for a long time," 


Joshua told the BBC. 

The Briton added: "I 

didn't know what was wrong 

with me. I felt so tired and 

drained and thought it must 

be down to training.” 

Joshua is now expected to 

face either the WBO's mandatory 

challenger - currently 

Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk - 

or the man in the same position 

with the IBF, Bulgarian 

Kubrat Pulev. 

He said he was no longer 

interested in calling out 

WBC champion Deontay 

Wilder for a historic bout 

with all four world heavyweight 

titles on the line. 

Chasing a contest with 

compatriot Tyson Fury was 

also dismissed as Joshua 

said he hoped to focus on one 

"hurdle" at a time, though 

some pundits believe that a 

fight with fellow Brit Dillian 

Whyte could be on the cards 

on home turf. 

After having a charge for a 

doping violation dropped by 

UK Anti-Doping on Friday, 

Whyte beat Poland´s Mariusz 

Wach on a unanimous 

points decision on the undercard 

of the Joshua-Ruiz bout 

in Riyadh. 

Fati’s Euro record 

TEENAGER Ansu Fati by Alex Trelinski 

days, came on as an 85thminute 

substitute, and a 

became the youngest 

goalscorer in Champions coach Ernesto Valverde minute later scored from 

League history on Tuesday 

as Barcelona ended Inter 

Milan's hopes of reaching 

the last 16. 

Most of Barca’s big names 

were rested as their group 

victory was in the bag, with 

starting to turn his eye to La 

Liga matters and next week’s 

clash with Real Madrid. 

The match in Italy appeared 

to be heading towards 

a one-all draw when 

Fati, aged 17 years and 40 

Luis Suarez's pass. 

"I played the give and go 

with Luis and when I scored 

the stadium just went silent. 

I'm super-happy," said Fati, 

who has represented Spain 

at under-21 level. 

Premier League Table Championship Table League One Table


International Sport 

ON TV THIS WEEK 

English Football 

Friday 13th December 

English Championship 

– Charlton v Hull 

Sky Sports Football - 20:45 

Saturday 14th December 

English Championship 

– Birmingham v West Brom 

Sky Sports Football 

Sky Sports Main Event - 13:30 

Monday 16th December 

English FA Cup 

– Boston Utd v Rochdale 

BT Sport1 - 20:30 

Tuesday 17th December 

English FA Cup 

– Plymouth v Bristol Rovers 

BT Sport1 - 20:30 

English Football League Cup 

– Aston Villa v Liverpool 

Sky Sports Football 


Darts 


PDC World Darts Championship 2019 

Sky Sports Arena 

Sky Sports Main Event 

Sky Sports Mix - 20:00 





Sunday 15th December 




Monday 16th December 


Sky Sports Arena - 20:00 

Tuesday 17th December 




Horse Trials 


Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping 

Sky Sports Mix - 14:00 

Golf 


The Presidents Cup 2019 

Sky Sports Golf 



QBE Shootout 2019 

Sky Sports Golf - 18:00 

The Presidents Cup 2019 

Sky Sports Golf 



QBE Shootout 2019 

Sky Sports Golf - 18:00 

Upcoming Premier League 

matches 

Saturday December 14 

Liverpool v Watford - 13:30 

Burnley v Newcastle - 16:00 

Chelsea v Bournemouth - 16:00 

Leicester City v Norwich City - 16:00 

Sheffield United v Aston Villa - 16:00 

Southampton v West Ham - 18:30 

Sunday December 15 

Man United v Everton - 15:00 

Wolves v Tottenham - 15:00 

Arsenal v Man City - 17:30 

Monday December 16 

Crystal Palace v Brighton - 20:45 


Everton v Arsenal - 13:30 

Aston Villa v Southampton - 16:00 

Bournemouth v Burnley - 16:00 

Brighton v Sheffield United - 16:00 

Newcastle v Crystal Palace - 16:00 

Norwich City v Wolves - 16:00 

Man City v Leicester City - 18:30 


Watford v Man United - 15:00 

Tottenham v Chelsea - 17:30 

Thursday December 26 

Tottenham v Brighton - 13:30 

Aston Villa v Norwich City - 16:00 

Bournemouth v Arsenal - 16:00 

Chelsea v Southampton - 16:00 

Crystal Palace v West Ham - 16:00 

Everton v Burnley - 16:00 

Sheffield United v Watford - 16:00 

Man United v Newcastle United - 18:30 

Leicester City v Liverpool - 21:00 

Friday December 27 

Wolves v Man City - 20:45 


Brighton v Bournemouth - 13:30 

Newcastle v Everton - 16:00 

Southampton v Crystal Palace - 16:00 

Watford v Aston Villa - 16:00 

Norwich City v Tottenham - 18:30 

West Ham v Leicester City - 18:30 

Burnley v Man United - 20:45 


Arsenal v Chelsea - 15:00 

Liverpool v Wolves - 17:30 

Man City v Sheffield United - 19:00 

Wednesday January 1 

Brighton v Chelsea - 13:30 

Burnley v Aston Villa - 13:30 

Newcastle v Leicester City - 16:00 

Southampton v Tottenham - 16:00 

Watford v Wolves - 16:00 

Man City v Everton - 18:30 

Norwich City v Crystal Palace - 18:30 

West Ham v Bournemouth - 18:30 

Arsenal v Manchester United - 21:00 

Thursday January 2 

Liverpool v Sheffield United - 21:00



Sport 

Foxes on the run 

LEICESTER City will be 

looking to cement their 

second place in the Premier 

League tomorrow, 

with a Saturday afternoon 

home-drubbing of secondbottom 

Norwich City. 

The Foxes are eight points 

behind Liverpool, who will 

be licking their Saturday 

lunchtime lips at Anfield for 

the visit of bottom club Watford, 

who will be hoping for 

something better under new 

boss Nigel Pearson. 

For Leicester though, they 


can look behind them and 

see a six point advantage 

over champions Manchester 

City, who will still be smarting 

after going down in last 

weekend’s Manchester derby. 

Though all the Premier 

talk has been of the Klopp 

kind, ex-Liverpool and Celtic 

boss Brendan Rodgers has 

worked wonders at Leicester, 

not just with the results, 

but also with the quality of 

the soccer witnessed at the 

King Power stadium. 

He was also rewarded 

with a new extended contract, 

after reports that Arsenal 

were sniffing around 

him for their top job. 

Rodgers would have been 

a fool to have even considered 

such a poisoned chalice 

considering what he was 

achieved in a very short time 

at the East Midlands club, 

but you can be sure that the 

Gunners speculation did him 

no harm at all in boosting 

his new deal! 

ALL EYES ON THE 

CHAMPIONS DRAW 

ALL four English clubs by Alex Trelinski 

involved in this season's 

Champions League have 

successfully navigated 

the group stages and 

will find themselves in 

Monday’s draw for the 

last 16, along with the 

regular healthy Spanish 

contingent. 

Liverpool and Chelsea 

both enjoyed victory in 

their final group games on 

Tuesday night meaning 

they join Manchester City 

and Spurs in the knockout 

rounds. 

Defending champions 

Liverpool were 2-0 winners 

away to RB Salzburg 

to secure top spot in Group 

E while last year's Europa 

League winners Chelsea 

had to make do with a runners 

up spot in their group 

after a surprise victory for 

Ajax away to Valencia. 

Frank Lampard's men 

ran out 2-1 victors over 

Lille thanks to goals from 

Tammy Abraham and Cesar 

Azpilicueta before a 

consolation from Blues old 

boy Loic Remy. 

City and Spurs both 

booked their place in the 

last 16 in the previous set 

of matches. 

Pep Guardiola's side 

have top spot in their 

group but Jose Mourinho's 

Tottenham could face difficult 

opponents having finished 

runners up to Bayern 

Munich. 

Barcelona, Real Madrid, 

and Valencia have qualified 

amongst the Spanish sides. 

The draw will take place 

at Uefa headquarters in 

Nyon, Switzerland this Monday 

starting at noon, with teams 

that finished top of their group 

being seeded. 

The last 16 matches will begin 

in mid-February, and after 

that round is completed in 

March, no seeding protection 

exits in the competition. 

The Europa League draw will 

follow the Champions League 

draw, with Manchester United, 

Arsenal, and Celtic amongst 

the names in the pot. 

Benidorm

Weekender Alicante North Issue 121

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