Weekender Alicante South Issue 121 + 122

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - FOOD & DRINK P 14-16 - CHRISTMAS TV PICKS P 17-19
FREE
ISSUE 121 & 122 - Friday 13th & 20th December 2019 - Alicante South & Murcia
Your Weekend Starts Here!
Seasons greetings and watch this space!
THE Weekender newspaper
sends its very best seasonal
wishes to the thousands of loy-
al readers across this region of
Spain.
The New Year of 2020 will see
us celebrate the continuing suc-
cess 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 pa-
per 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 en-
joy 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 transforma-
tion over the Christmas and New
Year holiday period by going on-
line 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!
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PADRONS RISE AS
THE official number of British
people living in Spain
has gone up by two-and-ahalf
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.
RESIDENCIAS REIGN
by Alex Trelinski
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,
LEAFLET
DISTRIBUTION
Telephone: 602 296 180
Email: sales@selfselectmedia.es
with three thousand British nationals
claiming unemployment
benefit.
The area where Brits buy
the most homes is the Valencia
region and the largest number
of expats in any Spanish
region is also Valencia (a total
of 78 thousand), with Alicante
Province accounting for most
of them.
British visitors dominate the
FOR ONLY
35€
per 1000,
any areas across the
Costa Blanca
foreign visitor list, with the
Canary Islands just shading
the Costa Blanca for popularity,
according to the Tourism
Ministry.
Nevertheless Benidorm is
the top spot for British hotel
bookings in the whole of Spain,
whilst UK citizens lead the
air travel list and also are the
biggest foreign spenders when
they come to Spain.
Av. Federico García Lorca 37. Benijófar 03178 (Alicante)
966 712 440
C/ Niagara 7, Local 6. Ed Miraflores III, 03189 Playa Flamenca
965 326 606
info@vincent-realestate.com www.vincent-realestate.com

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
21ºC 18ºC 16ºC 16ºC 16ºC 17ºC 19ºC
11ºC 10ºC 9ºC 11ºC 9ºC 10ºC 13ºC
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@TheWeekenderSpaineekenderSpain
The Weekender (Registered Trademark
Pending) Editor-In-Chief Marco
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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.”

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
are set to go toll free for
the first time, motorists in
by Simon Russell
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
wanted train route connecting
Alicante to Valencia is
now less likely to happen.
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.
I often wonder how people get drawn in
by scammers, you hear of it all the time
but how does it happen? How do people
allow it to happen?
I was recently approached by a couple
who were considering investing their
life savings. They had recently sold
their house here in Spain and wanted
a low risk investment which would
provide them with a steady income. In
the past this could have been achieved
by depositing cash with your bank and
getting a reasonable return on your
savings, however with interest rates at an
all-time low, people are being forced to
shop around.
So where do you start on your search for
an investment product? Well my clients
understandably googled ‘safe’, ‘low risk’
investments and were overloaded with
many different options. Not knowing
where to start, they postponed their
research and opted to speak with a
professional who can at least explain in
simple terms how investments work and
what would be most suitable. Days later,
my client was on his laptop checking
his emails when he noticed a ‘low risk’,
‘safe’, ‘capital protected’ advert appear
on the top of his screen. Inquisitively
he clicked on the advert and it took him
through to a professional looking website
where he discovered they had a fixed
interest savings plan which was capital
guaranteed and offered a set 6% return
for the next 5 years with NO FEES! This
is exactly what they were looking for so
they completed the form to receive further
information.
Days later they received a phone call
Finance Feature
provided by...
Are scammers becoming more sophisticated?
from the company who were based in
Malaga where a seemingly professional
adviser gave them confirmation that they
could have guaranteed returns of 33.82%
over 5 years with no risk to their original
capital. In fact he went as far as putting it
in writing to them, illustrating that if they
were to invest £50,000 in 5 years it would
be worth £66,910!! Being sensible they
started to research the company, and this
fixed interest, risk free savings plan. They
were re-assured by the professionalism
of the product, the company boasted that
they were operating in 189 countries
including UK, Spain, Hongkong, Thailand
and many more. Struggling to find
anything negative the couple agreed to
meet with their ‘so-called’ professional
adviser.
Having already made an appointment
to see me prior to this they popped into
the office to see what Chorus could offer
and it wasn’t long before the clients
were telling me all about the ‘risk-free’,
guaranteed returns that they were about
to sign up to, asking whether we had
anything similar.
Straight away I knew this was a scam! As
an independent adviser constantly looking
for the best options for my clients, and as
someone with nearly 10 year’s experience
advising here in Spain, all the alarm bells
began to ring.
As I started to investigate the product
in more detail, it became very clear,
very quickly that this was a completely
unregulated product, the capital guarantee
was about as useful as a chocolate teapot
and all over its literature were the words
‘for professional investors only’ (these
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
by Simon Russell
be performing in-character
monologues on different
nights, as Winston Churchill
from 27 to 29 January and
then Albert Einstein from 30
were the words used on all the ‘Structured
Notes’ which were miss-sold and left
devastating damage to the life savings of
many here on the Costa Blanca as part
of the Continental Wealth scam). This
couple narrowly avoided a scam that could
have swallowed their entire life savings,
and do you know what………. It could
have easily happened. On the surface,
to an untrained eye, this product looked
legitimate, and it was a mixture of luck
and fate that walked them into my office
that day.
I’m sorry to say, but in a world where
central bank interest rates are effectively
0%, it is impossible to guarantee returns.
The idea of a guaranteed, capital protected
5, 6 or 7% is preposterous to anyone who
knows their stuff, and truly understands
965 641 163
www.chorusfinancial.es
info@chorusfinancial.es
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
our current economic environment.
Yes, there are low risk, highly diversified
investment funds out there that have
consistently achieved growth over many
years, but they are not guaranteed and the
risks need to be properly discussed with
an independent professional to assure
suitability.
My advice is stay clear of the internet
when it comes to shopping for
investments, seek professional advice
and make sure the company and the
products you use are fully regulated and
are appropriate for you. By fully regulated
this means they will be listed with local
regulators here in Spain, and preferably
other trusted regulators like the UK FCA.
Whether it’s a product provider or a ‘socalled’
financial adviser, they are legally
obliged to clearly display their regulatory
details, reference numbers etc on everything
– articles, business cards, emails etc.
Always get a second opinion before you
commit to anything and remember, if it
seems to good to be true, it probably is. If
you are considering any new investment
or pension transfer or if you have any
concerns about anything in this article,
please contact me direct on 693 107 044 or
email t.storer@chorusfinancial.es
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.

4 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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.
Apparently, he was working
on the vehicle at the time
of the accident and the most
likely early theory is that the
by Simon Russell
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.
Big donation handover
ROAD closures in La Florida
put a major damper on
this week´s pre-Christmas
fund-raising day for Help
at Home, Costa Blanca at
the Emerald Isle, but spirits
were lifted by a major
cheque presentation.
Plenty of stalls had been
put into place with a variety
of food and seasonal gifts, as
by Alex Trelinski
well as seasonal gifts, but
the attendance was low as
resurfacing work in the area,
led to road closures and long
diversions for people trying
to come along by car.
Disappointed charity fund
raiser Sylvia Sakir said: "We
had hoped to raise about
650 euros from the day but
because of the lack of people
we took only about half of
that. The good news is that
we more than covered our
costs.”
The highlight of the day
was the handing over of a 10
thousand euro cheque from
the HAH to Adiem, an association
which takes care of
people with mental illness –
anything from depression to
more serious problems.
Their aim is to help individuals
to be live independently,
and the donation
will help build an extension
to a property they own in
Torrevieja, with the total
cost being over 18 thousand
euros.
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6 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
One sad
year on
Tainted
Mar Menor
by Alex Trelinski
THE FESTIVE season will increase the sadness
and concern over an Orihuela Costa
man who disappeared without trace nearly
a year ago.
20-year-old Henry Alejandro Jimenez Marin
went missing after having a row with a roommate
at his La Florida urbanisation home on
New Year´s Day.
He left the property at around 9.00am and
the last sighting of him was much later in the
day shortly before midnight in a bar at Aquamarina.
Since then, searches and appeals for Columbian-born
Henry, who had lived in the area for
three years, have drawn a complete blank.
Henry´s family, led by his mother, Gina
Marin, have kept up their determination to
make sure that the story of his mysterious disappearance
remains in the public eye.
Monday’s
start
Henry’s mum Gina
Mar menor inquiry
Sandier Los Locos
WORK started on Monday
on a long term project to
start extending Torrevieja’s
Los Locos beach.
The central section of the
popular beach will be eventually
widened by 20 metres
over the next decade, and will
by Alex Trelinski
by Alex Trelinski
involve 12 thousand cubic
metres of sand being brought
in from a quarry at Abanilla
in the Murcia region.
The sand is of a thick
density and therefore less
THE United Nations is to
investigate the deterioration
of the Mar Menor and
why authorities have not
done enough to protect
it.
The lobby group Ecologistas
en Accion filed a complaint
to the UN nearly three
years ago following incidents
in 2016 when the normallyclear
Mar Menor waters
turned green in colour.
It was revealed on Monday
that the UN is to look
at the potential breaking
of established protocols to
stop pollution in the Mar
Menor, which suffered further
problems after the
record-breaking storms in
September.
susceptible to storm erosion,
with the first phase
of work running until mid-
January.
The beginning of the
regeneration work was
brought forward after this
autumn’s storms.
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* B a s e d o n t h i r d p a r t y . 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-CAR02.indd 1 20/6/19 11:15

8 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
Cabo Roig
hawkers
Group donation
THE recent West End musicals
upper show from
the Campoverde Theatre
Group has allowed them to
continue to support local
charities, including AFA
Alzheimer´s Torrevieja.
David and Lorraine Whitney,
who raise money for
by Alex Trelinski
AFA, were presented with
300 euros by the Theatre
Group to help in their latest
bit of fundraising. That contribution
meant that David
and Lorraine handed over
just over two thousand euros
to AFA last week.
Meanwhile, the Campoverde
Theatre Group
holds a show called Mingle
Bells in the Marina Bar on
Calle de las Rosas in Torrevieja
this afternoon (Friday)
from 2.00pm, with AFA
again being the beneficiary.
Enough is enough
CABO ROIG traders are to
lobby Orihuela council at
their next plenary meeting
over the continuing
problem of illegal street
hawkers in the area.
The Association of Cabo
Roig Merchants agreed at a
meeting last week to go to
the council to ask authority
members what they are doing
about the issue that is
by Alex Trelinski
prominent on the Paseo de
Aquamarina.
The traders said that they
had made frequent complaints
to the Orihuela local
police but the illegal sellers
are still operating, and taking
money away from legitimate
businesses that pay taxes.
Bar owners say that the
presence of the hawkers is
also a distraction, as they
occupy large parts of the
pavement, and pester their
customers.
Previous meetings over
the last two years between
the association and Orihuela
councillors have led to no
visible improvement in the
situation, despite promises
from the Orihuela authority.
Get your skates on
IF YOU fancy a bit of ice
skating, then Pilar de la
Horadada might be the
place for you this weekend.
200 square metres of artificial
ice has been laid down
on Avenida Reina Sofia to
create a rink, and skaters
by Alex Trelinski
of all ages can use it for just
three euros.
The rink will be open this
Friday between 4.30pm and
9.00pm, whilst this Saturday,
you can use it between
10.30am and 1.00pm, as well
as later between 4.30pm and
9.00pm.
The Sunday opening hours
are scheduled for 10.30am to
1.30pm with the final session
being between 4.30pm
and 8.00pm.
Don’t miss any of the action!
H
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NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
dont miss it!
H
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ALL LIVE
GAMES
COVERED
(ask for details)
ALL DAY MENU
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LIVE FOOTBALL ALL DAY
FOLLOWED BY LIVE MUSIC
Av. de las Naciones, 24, Ciudad Quesada (Alicante) 03170
Telephone: 603 17 87 51
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every Friday night 9pm
until Christmas
BENNY CONWAY
- THE PIANO MAN (singer & pianist)
every Saturday 8pm

Introducing a new British supermarket
Exclusive Stockists of
7,500 British and Tesco branded products
Puerto de Mazarrón C/Thomas Alva Edison, 1
NOW OPEN
Like us on facebook @TheFoodCo.Spain
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10 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
Generous masons
LOCAL Freemason Freddie
Samrai, and his wife
ous other items were made
by Alex Trelinski
seats, pushchairs and vari-
Carol, recently organised around the region. in addition to fund-raising
a “Christmas Show Box Over 170 boxes were donated
events like raffles and
Drive” for needy children
to Alimentos Solodari-
BBQ’s.
in the Torrevieja
area, and the response
was outstanding helped
os in Torrevieja, who will
pass them on to youngsters
on Christmas Day.
If you are interested in
Freemasonry, then you can
learn more by contacting
by fund-raising support
Private donations of a the email address prensa@
from Mason Lodges children's car seat, booster
glpvalencia.com
Christmas concert
by Alex Trelinski
TORREVIEJA’S popular annual
Carol Concert takes
place this evening (Friday)
at the Plaza de la
Constitucion, starting at
5.00pm.
A selection of International
Carols will be performed, with
British and European choirs
taking part, with the music
provided by the RBL Concert
Band and the Spanish Wind
and Youth Band.
Song sheets will be available
for everybody to join in what is
always a memorable event.
The Marmite of the veg world
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
by Simon Russell
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
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.
FESTIVE FAYRE
MENU
Available from
Monday 25th November to
Monday 23rd December
Served 1pm to 3pm only
15.00€
Served 6pm till 9pm 17.50€
For a 3 course meal including a
drink & a quality Christmas cracker
CHRISTMAS
EVE PARTY
WITH LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT
See the special
Christmas Eve menu
26.50€ for 3 courses
including bottle of wine between 2
Entertainment from the amazing
Juanjo Sempere (The Melody
Singer) back by popular request
NEW YEARS EVE
NOT TO BE MISSED
We have planned a spectacular
evening of good food & live
entertainment
A FANTASTIC GOURMET MEAL
ONLY 49.50€
Includes 1/2 bottle of wine pp, fun
& games & cava at midnight.
Entertainment from 9pm we have
the fabulous award winning singer
Lady Jazz
FOR ALL BOOKINGS CALL THE RESTAURANT ON 966715825
Calle Aneto, 16 Benijófar 03178
www.theamericandinerbenimar.com

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E02506725 ICL 2019 Christmas Adverts Nov19.indd 1
25/11/19 9:07 PM

12 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
Beating the
seasonal work trap
DESPITE pledges to beat
the “seasonal jobs only”
work issue that affects so
many people on the Marina
Alta, the difference
between those out of work
in the winter compared to
the summer is still rising.
by Simon Russell
A decade ago 11,922 were
unemployed in July in the
region, rising by just 270 in
the following January.
The most recent figures
show unemployment of 9,014
in July rising sharply to
11,380, an increase of 2,366
out of work, with similar
figures expected for this year.
The fact remains that the
area is still heavily dependent
on tourism and struggle
to plug the gaps out of season.
Five tips for protecting and
growing your investments
Careful planning plays a
vital role in securing your
financial security over the
long term.
Here are five key tips that
can help.
1. Define your
requirements:
Your portfolio must be tailored
for your specific circumstances
and goals, with
the right balance of risk/
return 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
across asset classes, geographic
regions and market
sectors minimises risk by
limiting your exposure to
any one area.
by Gerald Turner,
Partner,
Blevins Franks
4. Incorporate
effective tax
planning:
Explore arrangements that
shelter capital from tax, providing
tax-efficient income
for you in Spain while protecting
future heirs. Expatriates
need to make sure they
meet their tax liabilities in
both Spain and the UK (or
wherever they have assets).
5. Regularly review
your strategy:
Annual reviews help keep
things on track if circumstances
change and let you
take advantage of new opportunities.
With today’s
Brexit and global political
uncertainty, this is especially
important to help control
risk and encourage positive
long-term returns.
For the best results,
take personalised, professional,
cross-border advice
to help protect and grow
your wealth, not only during
your lifetime but for the
next generations.
This article should not be construed
as providing any personalised taxation
or investment advice.
Keep up to date on the
financial issues that may
affect you on the Blevins
Franks news page at
www.blevinsfranks.com
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Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain
Xmas
on the
beach
THOUSANDS of people are
expected to descend on
La Zenia beach for the annual
Christmas Day party
later this month.
The event brings together
residents and visitors from
over 100 different nationalities,
with people travelling
from Northern Europe and
diverse parts of the world to
take part in the celebrations.
by Alex Trelinski
More than three thousand
people attended last years
family-friendly event, as
they basked in the winter
sunshine.
The party starts at
11:00am but you are advised
to get to the beach early, as
long queues of traffic are
expected to build up around
the venue, especially along
the N-332 in both north and
southbound directions.
The event is supported by
the Orihuela local police who
will make sure that everybody
enjoys the festivities safely.
Parking spaces on the day
can be hard to come by, so
the advice is to be ready for a
bit of a walk on the last stage
of the journey there.
FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 13
Local&WhatsOn
Santa’s coming
THE Orihuela Costa gets
lit up tonight(Friday) at
6.00pm, with the Christmas
Tree and lights outside
the Town Hall in Playa
Flamenca being switched
on.
The area’s Christmas parade,
featuring of course
Father Christmas, will be
on Sunday December 22nd
starting at 6.00pm.
Santa and his helpers will
start from Zenia Boulevard
at 6.00pm travelling down
Calle Nicolas de Bussy and
Calle Salvador Dali, as they
do a circuit back to the shopping
centre.
Looking further ahead,
the Three Kings parade for
the Oriihuela Costa will
by Alex Trelinski
Santa and helper
last year
start at noon on Sunday
January 5th, from Plaza Antonio
Vicea and will head to
Zenia Boulevard via Calle
Nicolas de Bussy and Calle
Jade.
Festive almoradi
ALMORADI hosts its tenth
Christmas Fair this weekend
in the town´s Plaza de
la Constitución, with this
Friday evening seeing the
by Alex Trelinski
official opening and turning
on of the Christmas
lights by Father Christmas.
Christmas carols from
local performers will get
events going tonight from
6.00pm, with Father Christmas
accompanied by local
Pieces of eight
TREASURE ISLAND will be
next month’s annual show
from the Rojales Pantomime
Group, as Long John
Silver and his faithful parrot,
Polly, look for a crew
to set sail to find some
treasure!
There’s going to be plenty
of swashbuckling music and
comedy plus a panto Dame
and a chance for you to join in.
The panto will be staged
at San Fulgencio’s Cardenal
Belluga Theatre between
Thursday January 30th and
Saturday February 1st, with
curtain up at 7.30pm.
All proceeds will go to local
charities, with three thousand
euros raised by this
year’s production.
Tickets at eight euros for
adults and five euros for children
are on sale from- The
Cardard Place, Benimar; The
Post Room Benijofar; The
children on his journey from
the Teatro Cortes to the
Plaza, where the lights will
be switched on with mayor
María Gómez.
18 stalls will offer food,
drink, and artesan crafts
over today, Saturday, and
Sunday, along with a variety
of seasonal activities in and
around the Plaza and town.
Long John and friend
by Alex Trelinski
Post Box, Dona Pepa; Redz,
Quesada; Chimes Bar, Los
Montesinos; Bargain Books,
San Miguel; Serenity Insurance,
Entre Naranjos; and
The Xmas Shop, La Siesta,
Torrevieja.

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 freerange
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 OVERNIGHT?
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.
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).
PANNA COTTA
INGREDIENTS
• 3 leaves gelatine
• 250ml whole milk
• 250ml double cream
• 1 vanilla pod
• 50g caster sugar
• 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.

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
• 30g caster sugar
• 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.
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
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?
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
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
(ITV) Christmas Day 7pm
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?
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
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.
HAVE A HAPPY QUIZ-MAS!
Who Wants to Be a
Millionaire?
Celebrity Special
(ITV) Christmas Day 10pm
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.
All programme timings are given in Central European Time (CET)
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.
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?

Wishing you a Happy Christmas
& a Prosperous New Year
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FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 21
Home&Garden
Sponsored By
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.
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
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.
“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.”

22 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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
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FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 23
Bucharest
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
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
him to the local traders,
who gave his name to
the place.
The first written record
of Bucharest is a mention
Athenaeum
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.
Arc de Triomphe
on the Soseaua
Kiseleff

Star 0008-Grid_Solution
Rose_0006_M1
24 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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
Presented by Puzzle Baron
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
Presented by Puzzle Baron
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
Presented by Puzzle Baron
Presented by Puzzle Baron
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

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FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 25
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
Lucky Number 31
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
Lucky Number 20
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
Lucky Number 03
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
Lucky Number 12
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
Lucky Number 17
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
Lucky Number 18
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
Lucky Number 09
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
Lucky Number 20
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
Lucky Number 25
Copyright © Puzzle Baron December 10, 2019 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions!

26 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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

Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain
FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 27
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
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
by Simon Russell
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)
by Simon Russell
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
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.
Cut your winter heating bills
The hermitage and square, flanked by houses
has passed overhead. 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.
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.
by Simon Russell
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.”
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bathrooms (1 ensuite), A/C, solarium with
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Calle Niágara, Playa Flamenca
Reduced to sell, quad villa, extremely well
presented and maintained, corner plot, 2
bedrooms, bathroom, communal pool, solarium
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64m2 corner top oor apartment, 2 bedrooms,
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28 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
Sports & Local News
From The Dugout
An exclusive mid-season round up with CD
Montesinos' manager Jésus Santander Martinez
MYSELF and "Full Monte"
President, Eddie Cagigao
(rhe Costa's very own
Saints and Greavsie), met
recently with Sr Santander
to get his views on his
first half-season with the
club.
We kicked off by asking
him what had pleased
him most about the teams
performances so far this
season.
"I am most pleased with
the camaraderie in the
squad as a whole, they work
and train well together. Also
they have developed a winning
mentality, which is
important if we are not playing
to our strengths all the
time". He added, "the preseason
was a difficult test for
us, we were playing teams
of a higher ability and so it
was important that we work
hard and for each other to
overcome the challenges of
these games".
We then pointed out that
our largely British peña prefer
their football to be played
with "passion" and a more
"physical" approach, did he
appreciate this? He said he
did, but added "it is important
to control this physicality
and ensure that it is with
done with skill as well as
passion". "A physical game,
as played by some of our opponents
this season, is not a
by Steve Robinson
substitute for hard work and
maintaining concentration".
He acknowledged that in
some recent games the team
has started slowly and without
him being too critical, he
puts this down to over confidence
rather than anything
else. He agreed that it was
important to give your opponents
respect regardless of
their league position.
He also reinforced his
preference for a standard
4-4-2 formation, although
tactics and player availability
sometimes means this is
not always possible.
There will be some comings
and goings around the
squad over the next few
weeks, with some players
completing work commitments
and returning and as
well as some leaving the club
for pastures new. One or two
absentees are also expecting
to return from injury shortly
as well.
Sr Santander said he
would ideally like to add possibly
two more players to the
squad, another forward (and
he openly admitted that he
would dearly like fan favourite
Carlos Lorente to come
back into the fold sooner
rather than later, if you're
reading this Carlos? he said
"with Gonzalo and Carlos up
front and the wide players
we have, we would score a lot
more goals, a LOT more!")
and possibly another wide
midfielder to bolster the
ranks. We'll obviously await
news of his efforts in this
with great interest. Over
the long four week "fiesta"
break, Sr Santander will
continue to work the squad
hard, up to three times a
week, to ensure fitness levels
are maintained ready for the
final half of this, hopefully,
promotion winning season.
We then asked him if he
and the players were aware
of the support given to the
team on match days by the
Full Monte group of supporters,
he said he definitely was
and added "the support we
receive especially away from
home is incredible and something
that is perhaps not expected
at this level of football"
he added "The players and
coaches fully appreciate this
commitment and it helps to
motivate them to perform
better". So, the message is
clear, keep supporting and
following the team, it really
does make a difference.
Finally, our excellent
talk heading for a close, we
asked Sr Santander what
his thoughts were on promotion
and, should this
happen, what changes/improvements
did he think the
squad would need to succeed
at a higher level? Being a
typical football manager, he
told us firstly that he takes
nothing for granted (not
least his own confirmation
in the role of manager) and
that, along with the players,
he takes each game as it
comes. A cliché perhaps, but
a sign that this is a manager
who, whilst having a clear
and obvious passion for the
game and his team, has his
feet firmly planted on the
ground. He told us "I think
there is not a lot that would
need to change with this
squad except perhaps two or
three more quality players,
what we would need is, the
commitment to train harder
and more frequently in order
to achieve our full potential.
This is the important part, if
we are to progress. If we can
all commit to this, we could
be challenging the top of the
table".
So, in summary, we
thanked Sr Santander for
giving us his valuable time,
after his long work day, to
talk to us. He finished by
telling us "I would personally
like to genuinely thank all
of our supporters as well as
the club committee for their
dedication and support."
My impressions, having
spoken to him for the first
time? He is a man who is
very passionate about the
game and has a very fixed
way of how he wants it to be
played, as he stated in his
inaugural comments upon
joining the club, he likes his
football to be quick, inventive
and on the ground, with
passing and moving speedily
being used to overcome opponents.
He clearly prizes
hard work, commitment and
application above all other
traits, from his players.
I think I speak for a lot, if
not all of our Full Monte supporters,
when I say we have
enjoyed watching his team so
far this season and we look
forward, hopefully to getting
the rewards that we all
believe that we should get.
Goat stopped play
Hircine intervention not enough to stop rout
A GENUINE goal-fest delighted
a packed crowd on
Sunday when Monte took
on seventh placed UD
Horadada at the Cauldron
in Montesinos.
Missing talismanic frontman
Gonzalo, you could be
forgiven for thinking that this
would be a closer encounter.
This theory was disproved
after a flat start by
both teams saw a woefully
unmarked Morante (2) nod
home from a corner, to open
his account for the season.
Minutes later, a freekick
out wide right, saw a
dummy by Luis (19) allow
Manu Sanchez (9) to catch
the whole opposition defence
flat-footed, curling the ball
directly in.
Barely time to get settled
when, following a brief period
of Horadada possession,
Manu Sanchez (9)
broke away and audaciously
chipped in, doubling his tally.
Further pain was heaped
on their opponents before
the half-hour, when Alfredo
by Steve Robinson
(10) copied his teammate to
get on the score-sheet.
A shell-shocked Horadada
huddled together before the
subsequent restart, presumably
in a post-mortem of
their pre-match tactics and
how they had gone horribly
wrong.
Further delay followed,
when a local goat wandered
onto the pitch, presumably
to find out what all the noise
was about.
If the little get-together
(and the goat?) was meant
to steady the ship, it clearly
didn't work, because before
the break, Manu Sanchez
(9) got his hat-trick, again
breaking clear and lobbing
the inert keeper.
HT: CD Montesinos 5 UD
Horadada "A" 0
Surely Monte could take
their foot off the gas after the
first half. NO WAY! There
were clearly more goals to be
had for the table toppers.
Despite Horadada making
more of a fist of the game,
it honestly was virtually
one-way traffic, with numerous
chances going begging.
Horadada, when attacking,
were reduced to wayward
long-range efforts or crosses
that Carlos (13), in goal,
easily dealt with. At the
other end, the goal harvest
continued.
Manu Sanchez (9) added
his fourth with a delightful
solo effort. He then wove his
way into the box and unselfishly
teed up German (8) to
thunder home.
German (8) then bagged
his second, and his teams
eighth, with another splendid
solo run and finish.
It could have been more,
Horadada were probably
just grateful it wasn't.
To be brutally honest,
the game, as a contest, was
over at half-time (or maybe
even on 30 minutes) and
Horadada should consider
themselves lucky that they
weren't on a worse drubbing
than they ultimately got.
Monte, whilst showing
flashes of their capabilities,
barely needed to get out of
third gear to complete their
task. Certainly, they'll not
have many easier games
than this.
Vamos Monte.
FT: CD Montesinos 8 UD
Horadada "A" 0
Team: 13 Carlos, 2 Morante,
4 Santos, 5 Manu, 9 Manu
Sanchez, 10 Alfredo, 12 Diego
Ramirez, 14 Pamies, 19
Luis, 23 Maccan, 24 Andres.
Subs: 7 Lucas, 8 German,
21 Dario, 22 Pepe, 1 Nickolay.
MATCH 14
CD Montesinos are away
on Sunday 15th December
Photo by
Terry Harris
2019, playing CD Montesinos
Todo Deporte. Kick-off is
4.00pm.
You can always email us at
thefullmonte2011@hotmail.
com
Also, JJ's Predictor League
- get your predictions here.
Don't forget the Los Montesinos
Christmas Fair, in
the main square, from Friday
13th until Sunday 15th.
The Full Monte will have a
stall there to support CD
Montesinos with the sale of
merchandise.

Facebook: @TheWeekenderSpain
Las Ramblas Golf Society
DUE to the heavy rain we
experienced together,
with the fact we held our
AGM, there was no report
for last week.
Welcome to our new committee
members Olga and
Alan Douglas.
However, I can’t let it go
unnoticed that Geoff Biggerstaff,
together Dean
by Peter Reffell
Tracey (who?), took Friday’s
Two Ball Better Ball with a
whopping 45 points!
Geoff was one of our
founding members some 22
years ago and is ‘hanging up’
his clubs at the end of this
year. We wish him well in his
‘retirement’.
With a score of 82 points, it
was Olga Douglas (she who
must now be obeyed)! Dave
Pulling, Ron Phipps and
Nora Betts who triumphed
in Monday’s 6x6x6.
Wednesday’s ‘Joker Stableford’
was a close call with the
top four all scoring 36 points!
After lots of count back Lindsay
Forbes was declared the
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
FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 29
Christmas International Sport
winner, followed by Annemarie
Weisheit, Ron Phipps and
Richard Connock. Just the
one ‘two’ today, which went
to Ron.
This week’s quote belongs
to Peter Dobereiner who
commented, ‘Half of golf is
fun; the other half is putting.’
Pues hasta la semana que
viene.
Money doesn’t rule
by Alex Trelinski
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.
Geoff
Biggerstaff
Rookie shows them
by Alex Trelinski
GERMANY'S Esther
Henseleit secured her
first Ladies European
Tour Order of Merit title
by hitting a course record
to win the Magical
Kenya Ladies Open on
Sunday.
The 20-year-old started
the final round seven shots
off overnight leader Julia
Engstrom of Sweden, but
carded an eight-under-par
64.
Victory at the inaugural
event in Kenya saw her
overtake Norway's Marianne
Skarpnord to finish
the year as European
number one, while Austria's
Christine Wolf was
third.
Henseleit was also
named Ladies European
Tour rookie of the year.
She is the first German
to win either the Order of
Merit or rookie of the year
and is only the third golfer
to win both in the same
season, after England's
Laura Davies in 1985 and
Spain's Carlota Ciganda
in 2012.
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 final
unenviable task of taking on
the champion Michael van taking place on New Year’s
Gerwen, who along with the Day.
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.
by Alex Trelinski
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.

30 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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,"
by Alex Trelinski
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

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FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019 31
Christmas 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
Sky Sports Main Event - 20:45
Darts
Friday 13th December
PDC World Darts Championship 2019
Sky Sports Arena
Sky Sports Main Event
Sky Sports Mix - 20:00
Saturday 14th December
PDC World Darts Championship 2019
Sky Sports Arena
Sky Sports Main Event - 13:30
Sunday 15th December
PDC World Darts Championship 2019
Sky Sports Arena
Sky Sports Main Event - 13:30
Monday 16th December
PDC World Darts Championship 2019
Sky Sports Arena - 20:00
Tuesday 17th December
PDC World Darts Championship 2019
Sky Sports Arena
Sky Sports Main Event - 13:30
Horse Trials
Sunday 15th December
Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
Sky Sports Mix - 14:00
Golf
Friday 13th December
The Presidents Cup 2019
Sky Sports Golf
Sky Sports Main Event - 21:00
Saturday 14th December
QBE Shootout 2019
Sky Sports Golf - 18:00
The Presidents Cup 2019
Sky Sports Golf
Sky Sports Main Event - 23:30
Sunday 15th December
QBE Shootout 2019
Sky Sports Golf - 18:00
Big russian ban
RUSSIA has been handed
a four-year ban from all
major sporting events by
the World Anti-Doping
Agency (Wada).
It means the Russia flag
and anthem will not be allowed
at events such as the
Tokyo 2020 Olympics and
Paralympics and football's
2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But athletes who can prove
they are untainted by the
doping scandal will be able to
compete under a neutral flag.
by Alex Trelinski
Russian prime minister
Dmitry Medvedev said the
ban was part of "chronic anti-
Russian hysteria".
Wada's executive committee
made the unanimous
decision to impose the ban
on Russia in a meeting in
Lausanne, Switzerland, on
Monday.
It comes after Russia's
Anti Doping Agency (Rusada)
was declared noncompliant
for manipulating
laboratory data handed over
to investigators in January
2019.
Wada said Russia had until
the end of the month to appeal
against the ban. If it does
so, the appeal will be referred
to the Court of Arbitration for
Sport (Cas).
Wada president Sir Craig
Reedie said the decision
showed its "determination
to act resolutely in the face
of the Russian doping crisis".
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
Saturday December 21
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
Sunday December 22
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
Saturday December 28
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
Sunday December 29
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
El clasico clash
THE first El Clásico of the by Alex Trelinski
Clasico’s, home and away,
2019/20 La Liga season
and have only lost against
between Barcelona and
Real Madrid takes place
next Wednesday, having
been postponed because
of fears of civil unrest.
The match had initially
been scheduled for October
26th, but there had been
days of protest in Barcelona
La Liga had asked for El
Clásico to be switched from
Barcelona to Real Madrid
but both clubs disagreed
with the proposal, and so
they meet next week, with
champions Barca and Real
fighting it out the top two
slots in the table.
Real Madrid four times in
the last 22 La Liga meetings,
stretching back to December
2008.
However, such is the form
of both teams at this point,
that Zinedine Zidane and
his side arguably have one
of their best chances to go
after nine Catalan separatist The Catalans are unbeaten
to the Camp Nou and come
leaders were recently jailed.
in the last six league away with three
points.

32 FRIDAY 13TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
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
by Alex Trelinski
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
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 health
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
by Alex Trelinski
You’re never too old
by Alex Trelinski
Real Betis' captain Joaquin
is showing no signs of slowing
down after netting his
first career hat-trick at 38
years and 140 days old, to
make him the oldest player
to get a La Liga hat-trick.
Winger Joaquin opened the
scoring in the second minute
against an Athletic Bilbao
side with the best defensive
record in La Liga.
Having curled in his second
after 11 minutes, he fired in
again to complete an 18-minute
treble after just 20 minutes,
as his side won threetwo
on Sunday.
Achieving the feat in his
533rd La Liga game, Joaquin
broke Alfredo di Stefano's record
as the competition's oldest
hat-trick scorer which had
stood for 55 years.
Donato remains the oldest
La Liga goalscorer, and Joaquin
will need to score again
in two years' time to beat that.
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.