20 June - 26 June 2023

British Empire Medal for San Miguel’s Sylvia Gallimore

Sylvia Gallimore, a British national living in San Miguel De Salinas has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to charity and community work. As part of the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list, published on June 17th, she has been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM).

Hugh Elliott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, praised Sylvia’s lifelong dedication to helping others, stating, “Sylvia has dedicated her

life to helping others. Her signi cant contributions for over 50 years of community and voluntary work have improved the lives of countless individuals, from her native Bristol to Southern Spain. This Honour represents a lifetime of service and is very much deserved.”

Sylvia’s charitable journey began when she became involved in charity work at Hor eld Prison in Bristol. She dedicated her time to teaching literacy

skills, aiming to enhance inmates’ future employment prospects. Concurrently, she managed a canteen for the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and raised funds for a pre-school while also running an animal rescue and rehousing project.

In 1996, her focus shifted towards supporting the visually impaired community in Bristol. She tirelessly fundraised for the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Avon Sports and Leisure, enabling young visually impaired Bristolians to broaden their horizons.

Her dedication to the visually impaired community reached new heights when she played a vital role in establishing the charity Have Stick Will Travel in 2002. The organisation was founded by her son, Daniel Gallimore, who lost his sight at the age of 21. Together with Daniel, Sylvia organised numerous fundraising initiatives to acquire life-changing technology for visually impaired individuals, enhancing their independence at home. She also extended her support to visually impaired sports teams.

Since relocating to San Miguel De Salinas, Sylvia Gallimore has continued her philanthropic endeavours. She actively supports the Help at Home charity, which assists individuals with mobility or health issues in attending medical appointments and running errands. Additionally, she authored a book titled ‘Sleeping Rough’ to raise funds for the homeless charity Shelter.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the British Empire Medal, Sylvia said, “I cannot say how proud and honoured I am to receive the British Empire Medal from His Majesty. I was rather thrown into the world of the poorly sighted when my son lost his sight in 1996; since then, I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful visually impaired people and tried to enhance their lives as best I could. I could not have done this alone and believe there are others that deserve the BEM more than I do.”

Sylvia Gallimore’s sel ess dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others have left an indelible mark on both Bristol and Southern Spain. Her well-deserved

Much deserved award

recognition through the British Empire Medal serves as a testament to her extraordinary achievements and serves as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps.

Orihuela’s new mayor officially appointed

Pepe Vegara Durá (PP) has been appointed, by an absolute majority, as the new mayor of Orihuela at the investiture session held on Saturday (17th June). Other members of the Popular Party have already taken o ce as councilors: Agustina Rodríguez, Víctor Valverde, Matías Ruiz, Rocío Ortuño, Mónica Pastor, Vicente Pina, Víctor Sigüenza, Noelia Grao and Irene Celdrán.

Pepe Vegara said during his speech that although he never thought of entering politics, there have been countless occasions in which he has responded to the call and has placed himself at the service of Orihuela and everyone who has needed him so that “my city was a little better, a little kinder, a little more humane. Today I receive the greatest honour that I could ever imagine. Occupying the space that I

occupy today lls me with a pride that already forces me from today not to allow myself a minute of rest in the ght for that Orihuela of which we all dream: a better Orihuela, a fairer, more livable, more accessible, an Orihuela that regains prominence and importance, an Orihuela that once again becomes a social, cultural and economic benchmark in the Valencian Community and throughout the Spanish Levant. An Orihuela that captains a region from which we promote a future that we have the obligation to defend among each and every one of us who are here this morning”.

“That’s why I said yes, out of responsibility, out of respect for myself, out of love for Orihuela and to calm that feeling of lack of value that, without a doubt, would have seized me if I had not answered the call.”

The Mayor recognises that the work is going to be hard, and claimed that ‘no one who is not willing to give everything every day will be able to be part of the project that is starting today and in which anyone who “comes with the intention of adding, of putting their part to improve everyone, from being generous to naivety if necessary. My hand is already extended, because I am absolutely convinced that we can change the way of doing things. I am convinced that if those of us who are sitting in this plenary session today truly pursue the objectives that should really promote our presence here today, we will be able to improve not only Orihuela but also the concept that citizens have of the political class. I ask that respect, constructive dialogue, cordiality to the extent possible be established in this plenary room as a way of working’.

Shark startles swimmers

A shark that was seen swimming close to the shore of Aguamarina beach one day, was found washed up on La Caletta the next.

The shark marked the start of the lifeguard and rescue season on the beaches of Orihuela Costa and certainly got their day o to an interesting start. Around 10 o’clock, a woman who was on the sand on Aguamarina beach alerted one of the lifeguards when she spotted the shark,

which was about two meters long, in the water, very close to the shore. The sighting caused quite a stir among the bathers who were on the beach at that time and has since made the headlines in UK newspapers and on-line news sources.

Local Police at the time declared that the sh was blue shark, but the visit was brief, and the shark apparently disappeared into the depths. Lifeguards from the surveillance and

rescue service, managed by Ambumar, made regular checks in boats but did not see the creature again.

However, unfortunately, the day after the corpse of the blue shark appeared washed up at La Caleta Beach in Cabo Roig. Experts from Crónicas Naturales de Torrevieja explained: “It is not uncommon for some blue sharks to appear on our coasts at this time, generally they wash up dead.

“When live specimens arrive, as

a general rule, they tend to have a problem: either they are sick or they have become unhooked from a longline and are injured, or they have been attacked, for example, by a sword sh.”

The shark was examined after the discovery of its corpse, and “the animal was in quite a bad way”. An o cial autopsy and nd out exactly what happened to the animal and its cause of death will be carried out.

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Horse Rescue Centre issues urgent plea for manpower

Many say Sue and Rod Weeding would give their life for the horses under their care at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, and tragically, Rod has come very close to that actually happening.

“My whole world has been turned upside down,” said Sue. She explained that her husband has been working so hard recently trying to prepare the centre with the correct installations ready for an inspection which would help them achieve the all-important farm licence. However, the stress and physical exertion nally caught up with the 73-year-old and he collapsed and was rushed into hospital by ambulance.

Sue said: “Rod has been working relentlessly for around 9 or 10 months, working 7 days a week including Christmas Day. The equipment needed was around 30,000€ which we managed to raise but we couldn’t a ord to pay for labour, so Rod has been doing it all himself.”

It was around three weeks ago that Rod started feeling seriously unwell after ignoring health warnings, wanting and needing to complete the work required. It was only after he collapsed and su ered convulsions and was rushed to hospital that his serious condition was realised. Sue is now caring for and nursing Rod at home as she single-handedly takes on the epic task of running the Rescue Centre in Rojales.

“He is recovering and starting to eat but he can only stand for around 30 minutes at a time, and he will never get his health back to how it was, he will never be able to take on the workload

he has been doing. I’m here now doing everything. I have a few volunteers who come in the morning, but I desperately need more help.”

The situation is still spiralling downwards as Sue was recently told that Crevillente has 6 donkeys they want her to take in. “I really don’t know what to do as I can’t handle more animals, especially as they were apparently used for breeding so some could be in foal, but if I don’t take them in no one else will have them.”

Easy Horse Care are still waiting for their farm licence which they believe will allow them to be able to get more

Mosquito fumigation

The Department of the Environment, through the company in charge of carrying out mosquito control in the municipality, has intensi ed the spraying of mosquito larvae after the rainy episodes in recent weeks. It so happens that mild temperatures shorten the life cycle of mosquitoes, which is why massive hatchings of adults can occur in these conditions.

In order to avoid this, the company is applying larvicidal treatments by means of a long-range pneumatic in numerous green areas across the municipality. The water scuppers in the city, districts and Orihuela Costa are

also being fumigated, in addition to the areas that have been ooded after the rains.

This campaign also includes the use of adulticides to eliminate mosquitoes that have already reached adulthood. This treatment is being applied in green areas of the urban area, the banks of the Segura River, the Palmeral, the Molino de la Ciudad and the surroundings of Ociopía, as well as in the districts and in Orihuela Costa. Once this campaign ends, the company will continue with the regular treatment to control mosquito larvae, in order to prevent new hatchings of adults.

funding and help, including the money to be able to a ord to pay for some sta .

The couple have dedicated their whole life since moving to Spain to the rescue and care of these animals, building a reputable, safe and nurturing environment for them, but for them to continue, help must come and it must come soon before it actually does cost their lives.

For more information or to nd out how you could help or support, contact them via their website www. easyhorsecare.net On WhatsApp 652021980 or email: rescue@ easyhorsecare.net

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Tourist guide for Orihuela festivals

The Councillor for Tourism, María García, has presented a tourist guide on Orihuela festivities that will be available in the Tourist Info o ces across the municipality and published in Spanish, English and French. The brochure explains all the festivities in order to promote them to visitors who choose Orihuela as a holiday destination.

The guide begins with the festivities in honour of San Antón, patron saint of animals, highlighting the elements of the celebration, such as the charlatans contest, rice and crust or panizo nougat, among others. Next, the brochure has a section dedicated to the Medieval Market, since, according to the Councillor for Tourism, there was previously no physical information that would explain to travellers the characteristics of this event. Information on the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has also been included, in honour

of the patron saint of Ireland and which has become one of the most popular festivals in the municipality. “It is an event that is growing in popularity, especially among the expat community, since many people come from Ireland to celebrate this day. It is important that Orihuela Costa had its own esta, which is already a key date in the local dairy”, the Councillor added.

Holy Week, declared of International Tourist Interest, occupies a somewhat larger space in the guide due to its cultural relevance. The festival of the Virgin of Monserrate, patron saint of Orihuela has a special mention including the discovery cave and invites people to come on 8th September to enjoy the festival of the patron saint and the activities that are organized around her.

Entrenaranjos to get Civic Centre reinstated after 5 years

The Department of Citizen Participation has put out to tender the lease of two premises in the Entrenaranjos urbanisation to serve the local community and o er a Civic Centre for residents. This move will reinstate a much-needed facility for the local community, and one many believe they should never have

lost ve years ago. A loss that meant that associations and residents of the area no longer had a meeting place and courses such as Spanish for foreigners, among others were halted. Likewise, it is expected that one of the premises will be used as a medical o ce “a step that we have already been discussing

with the Department of Health to authorise an auxiliary o ce service”, explained Luis Quesada, Councilor for Health.

The lease contract for the two premises of 85 square meters each, through direct award, has a basic bidding budget for the two-year duration of the contract of 58,080 euros.

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Spain considers axing short-haul flights

Spain is considering following in France’s footsteps by implementing a ban on shorthaul ights, aiming to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The move comes after France recently imposed a ban on domestic ights for routes that could be easily covered by train within two and a half hours.

The Spanish government, in alignment with its 2050 Agenda introduced two years ago, which includes measures to address climate change, has expressed its intention to take similar steps. The objective is to promote more sustainable travel options and reduce the environmental impact of air travel.

According to a study air travel in Spain generates double the carbon emissions of highspeed trains. Notably, there were 5,744 ights between Barcelona and Madrid in the past year alone, covering a distance of just 630 kilometres, which could be conveniently travelled by train in approximately 2.5 hours. The study revealed that total CO2 emissions from air travel in 2022 amounted to around 54,000 tonnes, representing a 132% increase compared to

the emissions produced by an equivalent number of train passengers, estimated at 27,000 tonnes.

The ban on short-haul ights was initially introduced by France in May of this year.

French Transport Minister, Clement Beaune, justi ed the decision by emphasising the need to prioritise e cient train connections between major

EU Nationals require visa for isits starting next year

criticised the decision as absurd. Despite di ering opinions, research conducted by scientists at the University of Manchester suggests that short-haul ights contribute signi cantly to aviation emissions in Europe. The study highlights that eliminating ights of less than 500 kilometres within European countries would substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which currently account for approximately 6% of total emissions.

Short-haul ights typically last a few hours or less, usually within a speci c region or country.

The United Kingdom has announced that citizens from the 27 European Union (EU) member states will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) when traveling to the UK from next year. The ETA will cost approximately €12, according to recent updates from the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home O ce.

cities and question the necessity of air travel for such short distances.

Georges Gilkinet, a Belgian politician, has also called on other European Union countries to follow France’s lead in phasing out short-haul ights and improving train services as a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh,

While there is no universally accepted de nition, ights covering distances of up to around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) are often considered short-haul, though this can vary across airlines, regulatory bodies, and countries.

As Spain deliberates implementing the ban on shorthaul ights, environmentalists hope it will serve as a signi cant step towards a greener and more sustainable aviation industry. The government’s commitment to addressing climate change aligns with global e orts to reduce carbon emissions and combat the growing environmental crisis.

While the dates for citizens of certain countries outside the EU to acquire travel authorization for entering the UK have been disclosed, the exact timing for EU nationals to obtain their ETAs remains unknown. The UK Visas and Immigration department con rmed that Qatari nationals will be the rst group required to obtain an ETA, starting from November 15 of this year. Following suit, nationals from several other Arab states of the Persian Gulf, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will be included in the scheme starting from 22nd February, 2024.

EU nationals, along with travellers from countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, who currently enjoy visa-free entry to the UK for tourism and business purposes, will be required to

apply for an ETA at a later date in the upcoming year. The speci c dates for these groups are expected to be announced in the following months.

Notably, Ireland will remain una ected by the implementation of this travel authorisation scheme.

Additionally, nationals from visafree countries with permission to live, work, or study in the UK will not need to apply for an ETA. Similarly, travellers from countries under the visa regime will still need to obtain a tourist or business visa for visiting the UK.

Introducing a travel authorization in the UK emerged after the country’s departure from the EU, following the EU’s own implementation of a similar scheme called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS),

set to take e ect next year. UK citizens will also be required to apply for an ETIAS. Unlike the UK, the EU plans to make this requirement mandatory for nationals of all visa-free countries simultaneously. The EU travel authorization will cost €7 and have a validity period of three years.

Applying for an ETA is a quick and simple procedure, taking only a few minutes to complete. Each applicant must submit a fully completed application form with the required information, including a declaration a rming the authenticity, completeness, correctness, and reliability of the provided data and statements.

For more information on the ETIAS application process, interested individuals can visit the o cial website: https:// www.schengenvisainfo.com/ etias/application/

Have you lost contact with £9,500?

With the number of lost pots on the rise, now is the time to pay your forgotten pension pot some attention.

My personal nancial admin is often a Sunday task that is almost always deferred for other mundane tasks, such as laundry or bathroom cleaning, and I work in nance.

This nancial procrastination, or unawareness, is evidenced by the new lost pots gures published by Pensions Policy Institute.

The value of lost pension pots now stands at £26.6bn. What’s even worse is the increase in the number of lost pots, which is nearly 75% higher than in 2018.

• Who are losing their pots?  Primarily those

under 55, which accounts for 65% of the total number of pots lost, but over half a million are still lost in the crucial pre-retirement period of 55-65.

• Why are pots being lost? Contact is typically lost because people move home and do not tell their provider they’ve moved. People have moved jobs and home more frequently since 2018, which has predominantly led to this increase. Recent research found that only 4% of people instinctively think to contact their pension provider about a change in address; in comparison 66% tell their bank.

• How much are they losing contact with? You would assume that a lost pot would be a smaller one, because surely any materiallysized pot would have been, if not cherished,

at least tracked by their owner. But these pots are not insubstantial. The average size pot which is lost amongst the 55–75-year-old range, is £16,004. The average across all ages, is £9,474.

If you worked in the UK and now reside here in Spain, there is every possibility that your money is waiting for you to make a claim.

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National Geographic recommends a trip to the Torrevieja and La Mata Lagoons

This scienti c magazine focuses on the Vega Baja natural park.

National Geographic has published an article on its website in which it recommends “seven excursions to discover the beauty of Alicante”. Among the destinations proposed are the pink lagoon of Torrevieja and the blue lagoon of La Mata, both of which form part of the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja in the Vega Baja region.

In this article, written by the editor Meritxell Batlle, they

explain that “both lagoons are separated by an anticline called El Chaparral”. In the following lines, they point out that these lagoons have been producing salt for centuries and, until the arrival of tourism, they were the main economic engine of the area. Now, “converted into a natural park, they have not abandoned their industrial essence”, and can also be visited.

Visit to the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons

National Geographic recalls

that the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, together with the Natural Parks of El Hondo and the Salinas de Santa Pola, “form a triangle of wetlands of great importance for the development of biological cycles”. The visit to the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja includes a visit to the Sea and Salt Museum where “maritime objects, tools related to the extraction of salt and models are exhibited to learn even more about the history of these salt ats”, he concludes.

Torrevieja renews its six ualitur flags

The ONCE Daily Coupon distributes 350,000 euros in Orihuela

The ONCE Daily Coupon has distributed 350,000 euros in Orihuela, with ten coupons awarded with 35,000 euros each in the draw on Thursday, June 15.

Juan Manuel González Martín, an ONCE seller since 2022, is the one who has brought the illusion to Orihuela with those 350,000 euros that he has distributed from his point of sale on Calle Francisco Tormo de Haro, 1.

The ONCE Daily Coupon puts at stake a prize of 500,000 euros for the number plus the series, and 49 prizes of 35,000 euros for the ve gures of the winning

number. In addition: 450 prizes of 250 euros for the rst four gures and another 450 prizes for the last four; 9,000 prizes of 25 euros in the case of the last three or rst three; and the same for the rst and last two (6 euros), and a refund of 2 euros to the rst or last number of the winning number.

ONCE coupons are part of the Organization’s social, safe, responsible and supportive lottery products which, from their design to their marketing, implement controls to neutralize uncontrolled consumption, expressly

prohibit the sale to minors or consumption by credit, among other measures. The Organization maintains a responsibility to the public by promoting a responsible gaming policy with the most demanding evaluation and monitoring systems de ned by the World Lottery Association and the European Association of State Lotteries and Totos.

ONCE coupons are sold by the Organization’s more than 19,000 sales agents. In addition, they can be purchased from www. juegosonce.es, and in authorized collaborating establishments.

The Councillor for Beaches and Environment of the City Council of Torrevieja, Antonio Vidal, has collected in the town of Denia the 6 Qualitur ags that certify the quality and cleanliness of the water and sand of our beaches, as well as hygienic services and recreation and leisure areas.

Antonio Vidal has collected from the hands of the regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer these 6 certi cations awarded by the Generalitat Valenciana

To the beaches of La Mata, Los Náufragos, El Cura, Los Locos,

Cabo Cervera, La Mata and Cala Piteras.

The mayor of Beaches and Environment has shown his gratitude and satisfaction for having achieved that the beaches of our town have one more year with this important recognition, in addition to ensuring that Torrevieja is fully prepared to face the summer campaign that has already begun, highlighting the signi cant investment made by the council to have a great system of lifeguard and surveillance that are making

the beaches of Torrevieja one of the safest in the Valencian Community.

Turisme Comunitat

Valenciana has awarded the Qualitur 2023 Flag to a total of 204 beaches and coves in 39 Valencian municipalities, which recognises the e orts of localities that o er beaches with clean waters and well-kept sands, surveillance measures, hygienic services, recreational facilities, environmental protection measures and the guarantee of their universal accessibility.

GBP

The pound had another strong and steady performance throughout this week, with GBP/ USD moving comfortably above 1.2800 for the rst time in since April of last year. GBP/EUR also traded above 1.1700 for a spell, a level not witnessed since August. Much of the rally could be attributed to worries over surging UK wage growth and its potential to impact accelerating in ation, which fed through to rapidly increasing market bets on the chances of further rate hikes by the BoE. To that end, markets now expect around 1.25% of further rate hikes by the BoE, as they continue to battle persistent UK in ation. Gilt yields subsequently rallied to levels last seen in the Truss/Kwarteng era.

Next week’s BoE meeting therefore looks nailed-on for another 25bps hike. However, the interesting part may be Andrew Bailey’s comments, to see whether he pushes back on those recent marketimplied rate hike increases. That seems unlikely if we take his recent comments into consideration, with Bailey admitting that in ation is taking a ‘lot longer’ than had been hoped to decline. The latest UK in ation report is released just a day before the BoE meeting, with headline in ation expected to have moderated only slightly on an annual basis from 8.7 to 8.6% during May. That would not be enough of a decline to please either the UK consumer, or the BoE.

Much the same as elsewhere, UK employment remains particularly tight, and aside from those lofty gains among wages, overall ILO unemployment declined to 3.8%, although the Claimant Count did decline by 13.6K, after the previous month’s 23.4K gains. The latest UK growth data con rmed that GDP accelerated by 0.2% during April, ipping the 0.3% monthly decline previously, and perhaps giving the BoE even more reason to feel con dent to hike away.

GBP / EUR UPDATE

One slight negative was that both Industrial and Manufacturing Production data declined over the past month, with the former slipping by 0.3% and the latter shrinking by 1.9%.

Taking everything into consideration, further gains for the pound could well be forthcoming, assuming all else remains equal.

EURO

As expected, the ECB hiked Euro area rates by a further 0.25% on Thursday, taking the ECB’s main re nancing rate from 3.5 to 3.75% in the process. That marked a 22-year high for European rates. Oh, how time ies. ECB Head, Christine Lagarde, did her best to be as hawkish as possible, con rming that the ECB are likely to hike rates again next month, as they continue to battle persistent in ation throughout the region.

During her post-meeting con ab, Lagarde suggested that (ECB) interest rates will be ‘brought to levels su ciently restrictive to achieve a timey return of in ation to the 2% medium-term target and will be kept at those levels for as long as is necessary.’

The problem is, not everyone believes the ECB. Why? Well, amongst other negative data, the region has weakening growth, with both Germany and the Region as a whole recently slipping into a recession, softening consumer sentiment and waning manufacturing output. These are not normally the best ingredients to bake a great rate hike cake. Granted, in ation remains persistent, but if the weak economic backdrop persists, Lagarde & Co will need to become ever-more creative justifying those further hikes. Time to bring in Paul Hollywood.

As for the single currency, well EUR/USD basked in the sunny post-Lagarde bullish narrative, surging back over 1.0950 for the rst time in over a month. Markets may well gravitate to the key 1.1000 next. EUR/JPY

over 153.00, a level not witnessed since 2008.

Sunday shopping returns

This weekend saw the return of Sunday shopping to large stores and commercial centres in designated tourist areas of the Valencian Community. A decision brought into e ect in 2018, limited store openings to six days a week, with exceptions made for the Easter season.

The regional administration at the time defended the move, citing the importance of granting shop workers a day of rest with their families for six months each year. However, the decision was met with mixed reactions as some employees were concerned about missing out on crucial overtime payments that supplemented incomes.

Under the current regulations, only shops with less than 300 square meters of space, as well

as petrol stations, newsagents, bakeries, and convenience stores, are allowed to operate on Sundays throughout the year.

Retailers in tourist areas in the southern Costa Blanca have actively lobbied for a return to pre-2018 rules, stressing the importance of injecting money into the local economy through increased shopping opportunities. Additionally, there is a concern that local residents have been crossing the border to Murcia, where shopping centres have no opening restrictions, leading to potential economic losses.

The future of Sunday shopping regulations in the Valencian Community may see a review when the Partido Popular and Vox parties assume control of the regional government in

July. It remains to be seen how the new administration will approach this issue, which has implications for both the retail industry and the overall tourismdriven economy in the Valencian Community.

Joaquin Cervero, the spokesman for National Association of Large Distributors in Valencia, explained that Sunday is typically one of the busiest shopping days of the week, ranking either second or third in terms of sales gures.

With an estimated 30 million tourists expected to visit the Valencian Community in 2023, projected to spend over €10 billion, Cervero emphasised the signi cance of allowing stores to be open on Sundays, contributing to the local economy.

isit one of Costa lanca’s favourite treasures

- The Reina Sofia Park in Guardamar

This beautiful park located in the heart of Guardamar del Segura, is pleasantly set among nature, and gives o an ambiance of peace and tranquillity. There are an abundance of large trees creating shaded spaces, picnic areas, ponds and waterfalls providing picturesque scenery, and a large adventure play area for the little ones. An ideal place to entertain young children for a few hours in the fresh open air, and there are several petanque courts next to the playground that are very popular with the adult visitors. As you stroll around the large pond with its beautiful cascades, you can watch the ducks, swans and turtles swimming around, and admire

the peacocks and squirrels walking freely through the park. Then just over the road, you have the equally relaxing Alfonso XIII Park. This forest space has 800 hectares of extension on the shores of the Mediterranean. Originally, it was a set of mobile sand dunes that were xed by planting various plant species such as pines, palm trees, cypresses and eucalyptus trees from a repopulation project at the end of the 19th century. Over four decades, more than 600,000 trees were planted. Thus, a beautiful landscaped environment was created of extraordinary ecological, cultural and tourist interest. One of the parks

highlights is its pleasant approach to the seafront, as you follow the walkway to the beach you are welcomed with inviting views of the shore.

On the edge of both parks there are delightful cafeterias providing snacks and refreshments with a spacious and comfortable outdoor seating areas.

The parks are both dog friendly, have

disabled access, and convenient parking spaces outside. Located on Avenida dels Pins, s/n, 03140 Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, they are open all day, every day of the week.

More inspiring places to visit on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website www.costablancascene.com

lack flag for Cala Mosca for ´mismanagement´

Cala Mosca in Orihuela Costa has received a ‘black ag’, according to the report that Ecologistas en Acción prepares every year after inspecting the sandbanks in the worst state of the Spanish coast due to their contamination or poor management.

Poor management is precisely what the report points to in granting the black ag to Cala Mosca, the last stretch of virgin coast in the municipality where the construction of more than 2,000 homes is projected.

Ecologistas en Acción recalls that Cala Mosca is home to a beach approximately one

kilometer long, with a small cli and great environmental richness that has two vulnerable species: the cat-headed jarilla and the Tudorella mauretanica snail. In addition, o the coast, its waters are home to a Posidonia meadow and a wide variety of sh. Despite the value of the environment, the promoter of the works has already fenced o the area, accumulated materials and machinery to carry out the development project, after obtaining the necessary permits from the Orihuela City Council last April.

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For a long time, neighborhood associations, some political parties and environmental groups have argued for the works to be de nitively stopped and Cala Mosca to be de nitively protected. The approval of PATIVEL in 2017 protected this area, and others on the Valencian coast, from urban speculation, but it gave 5 years for projects that already had favorable declarations to be started. Thus, just now in May 2023 that deadline was met and just now and surprisingly the works have been resumed, recalls the report.

husband is getting cross about it. It’s easy - if you want to keep her ‘friendship’, you email or message her that you are no longer having guests to stay at your place because your husband has taken the second bedroom as an office, and you can’t have people around because he needs peace and quiet. Tell her that she can rent a place locally, and find somewhere on one of the holiday

websites and send it to her, so she can book it and pay for it herself. You say she is quite forceful, so you can expect her to try and talk you back around, but stick to your guns. If this doesn’t work, you can easily end friendships these days; just block her email and phone contact messages - she doesn’t sound like a friend to me, and I would say she is using you; so there will be nothing lost. Be brave.

For five years, since we moved to Spain, my friend from home has come to stay with us. Initially I was happy to have visitors, now I am not so sure; I feel my husband I are being taken advantage of. This friend, who I only casually knew from Yoga, invited herself into my life as soon as she knew we were buying an Apartment in Spain. Until then, she had only been someone I said ‘good morning’ to. We don’t even have much in common. I want to put an end to the visits. When she visits, she has her own agenda, and as we are retired, I end up running her to the beach (she doesn’t even want me to join her), or to the market, or the shopping centre etc. She treats us to a meal, but that’s the only time she puts her hand in her pocket, and the whole time we are in the restaurant she is distracted and looking at her phone. One night we finished relatively early, and when we got home, she went out again and stayed in the local bar until closing. How can I end this relationship? I am not to sort of person to be unkind, but my WRITE TO SARA IN CONFIDENCE. A PSEUDONYM WILL BE USED IF YOU WISH. SARA READS ALL LETTERS AND CAN GIVE A PERSONAL REPLY. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION TO SARA@ COSTABLANCAPEOPLE.COM OR SARA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS, TELEPHONE 650 054 467.

Can you lend A Helping Hand?

We would rst like to thank everyone who responded to our advert last week and brought in supplies of food and children’s clothes and toys. We are based in Avenida Deva, San Luis and are open from 10-1 Tuesday and Friday. If you want to pop in and say hi to the volunteers and get an idea of the work we do, we would love to see you.

We are still desperately in need of children’s clothes for this summer along with any toys you can spare. Maybe even visit a charity shop and get some used toys there and pass onto us, that way 2 charities bene t. This week sees a real need for tinned tomatoes, cheese slices, packet soup and any kind of pasta.

As always baby wipes are

always wanted and Mercadona sell a pack of three for just €3, so maybe you can add a packet and a tin of tomatoes to your weekly shop.

If you can help in any way, then there are various drop o points which can be found on our Facebook page, or alternatively, simply take your donations to the BIG FM studio in Quesada.

Sporting and technology activity registration opens for Torrevieja teenagers

The Youth Department of the City Council of Torrevieja reports that the registration period for the “Week of Technology and Sports Activities” is now open.

The activity is free for young people in Torrevieja, and will take place the week of 26 to 30 June, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 14:00. The place where the activities related to new technologies will take place will be in the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and the sports activities will be held outside.

In addition, as a novelty in this course, it has been decided to form two age groups: the rst group with a total of 20 places for teenagers aged 12 to 14 born between 2011 and 2009, and a second group of 10 places for young people aged 15 to 17 born between 2006 and 2008.

During this special week, the youngsters will participate in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities ranging from paddle tennis matches to exciting paddle sur ng adventures on the beach, where they can experience the thrill of water sports. In addition, they will also practice other sports on the beach, such as beach volleyball, beach football and frisbee, encouraging teamwork among the participants.

At the same time, participants will also have the opportunity

to delve into the world of technology and innovation. They will learn about robotics, where they will be able to build and programme robots to perform di erent tasks and challenges.

In addition, they will have programming classes, where they will be able to develop their skills in the eld of coding and creating applications. 3D printing will also be part of the experience, allowing students to bring their own designs to life and create three-dimensional objects. And to immerse themselves in amazing virtual worlds, they will be given the opportunity to explore virtual reality, where they will be able to live immersive and educational experiences.

This special week aims to provide students with a holistic experience, combining physical activity and technological learning in a fun and dynamic way. It will promote teamwork, sportsmanship and creativity, while fostering an interest in technology and innovation.

Registrations will be open until Wednesday 21 June, and can be made through the City Council’s Electronic Headquarters in the Education, Culture and Sports section, where you can register for Youth Activities and Courses, or through the following direct link: https://torrevieja.

sedelectronica.es/dossier.3.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a rst come, rst served basis. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, a draw will be made.

For more information, those interested can go in person to the Youth Information Centre CIAJ, located at Paseo Juan Aparicio, No. 5, or get information via telephone 965.714.072, in their social networks @torreviejajuventud on Instagram or Facebook, whatsapp 606.055.291, email juventud@torrevieja.eu or on the municipal website www. torrevieja.es.

If you have a question or problem with any household technology needing my help or want to join the Technology Help Group please email Brian at cbtechnology.help@gmail. com.

As a group member, you would have access to the group website which contains previous session notes, and handouts and access to previous Costa Blanca People published articles.

Scan the QR for a reminder of what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group o ers.

“I have deleted a le from Google Drive which was a copy of a le stored on my laptop. I have just noticed that the original le is now missing. Why?“

Important - Deleting a le or folder from Cloud Storage on one device is deleted from all your other devices. If you need the original le you can restore it from the Recycle Bin if you deleted it on a computer.

Your tech questions answered by Brian Hoile of the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group, helping over 320 members with their PCs , smartphones and more. Group members can attend meetings in person or online using Zoom or Teams.

“How do I get photos from my mobile phone to my computer?”

Whether you use an Android or Apple phone there are several ways to get photos to your computer.

Your options are:

• Use Cloud Storage – Use Google Drive (15 G Bytes free or Microsoft One Drive (5 G Bytes free). You can install these Cloud Storage Apps on all smartphones and computers. You can set up these Cloud Storage Apps to automatically upload all photos and videos to the Cloud Storage of your choice.

• Google Photos – Sign into your Google Account. Every photo or video you take will be in your Gallery and also available in Google Photos.

• Attach to an email - Transfer les wirelessly between your Android or iPhone and computer with email.

• USB Cable – With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer. On your phone, tap the “Charging this device via USB” noti cation. Under “Use USB for,” select File Transfer. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. iPhone - connect your iPhone to a PC with a USB cable that can transfer les. Turn your phone on and unlock it.

Your PC can’t nd the device if the device is locked.

On your PC, select the Start button and then select Photos to open the Photos app.

Select Import > From a USB device, then follow the instructions.

• Bluetooth - On your phone, go to the Bluetooth menu and search for nearby devices. Click on the name of your computer. Go to your Gallery and select pictures to transfer.

“What is AI?”

AI stands for Arti cial Intelligence, which refers to the ability of machines or computer programs to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem solving, perception, decision-making, and natural language understanding. AI systems can be designed to operate with varying degrees of autonomy, from fully autonomous systems that require no human intervention, to systems that work in conjunction with humans to augment their capabilities.

AI is a rapidly growing eld, with advances being made in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and cognitive computing

Brian Hoile Technology Help Group

This Week´s Movie Picks

Smallfoot

Saturday 24th June – ITV2, 3.20pm

Yetis live in on the top of a mountain in the Himalayas, Nepal, above the clouds and hidden away from sight. Migo is a yeti who abides by the law of the ancient stones held by the Stonekeeper, the yetis’ leader. Migo’s father, Dorgle, projects himself through the air each morning to hit a gong with his head, believing this allows the sun to rise. While learning how to ring the gong, Migo is distracted by the Stonekeeper’s daughter, Meechee, whom he loves, and misses the gong, landing outside the village. There, Migo witnesses a plane crash and nds a “smallfoot” (human), whom the yetis have taken for legend. Migo runs back to tell the villagers what he saw, but has no proof. The Stonekeeper banishes him from the village. Migo is suddenly visited by Gwangi, Kolka, and Fleem who bring him to the Smallfoot Evidentiary Society (S.E.S.), which is led by Meechee. She convinces Migo to be lowered below the clouds despite the stones telling them that there is nothing underneath. After some hesitation, Migo agrees to go, but his rope snaps and Migo falls, where he discovers land...

Coyote Ugly

Sunday 25th June – ITV2, 7.55pm

Sexy, romantic comedy about a girl in her early 20s named Violet Sanford going to NYC to pursue a dream of becoming a songwriter. Violet gets a “day” job as a bar maid at a nightclub called Coyote Ugly. Coyote Ugly is the city’s newest hot spot where the employees are a team of sexy, resourceful women that provoke the clientele and press with their mischief.

Service

P

Printing Indy´s Design and Print Tel: 647 472 825

PHB Supplies Tel: 865757135

Email: info@eazylawns.es www.eazylawns.es

Teddy Bear Builders

Tel: 680 851 376 616 214 713

Email: teddybearbuilders@yahoo.com

462

Email: phbsupplies@gmail.com www.phbsupplies.com

Physio Fisio Clinic Salinas

Tel: 966 720 138 639 377 982

Email: info@ sioclinicsalinas.com www. sioclinicsalinas.com

Home Improvements

Euroguard Tel: 965 999 396

www.euroguard-spain.com

The Gate & Garage Door Company Tel: 608 208 170

Email: info@auto-m8.es www.auto-m8.es

Email: Indysdp@gmail.com Indy’s Design & Print Indys_designprint

Removals & Storage

Irwin International Removals Services SL 609 903 529

Email: info@irwinremovals.es www.irwinremovals.es

La Romana Self Storage 633 125 889 or 965 075 122 colin@laromanaselfstorage.com www.laromanaselfstorage.com

Move it – Vantastic Tel: 693 251 562

Email: davendonc@aol.com

Swift Removals & Storage 0034 603336463 or 0034 602468949 0044 7465 623697

Email: info@swift-removals.net www.swift-removals.net

Swimming Pools

Simply Pools Tel: 655 492 050

Email: info@simplypoolsspain.com www.simplypoolsspain.com

All UK TV Tel: 652 247 489

Email: alluktvinspain@gmail.com

Go Satellite Tel: 965725670

Email: info@freetvspain.com www.freetvspain.com

Worldwide Horizons Travel Tel: 966 761 492 689 140 360

Email: travel@whtravel.es www.whtravel.es

Sunbay Insurance Tel: 965063483 693719221

Email: info@sunbay-insurance.com www.sunbay-insurance.com

Casas Connect Real Estate Tel: + 34 722419266

Email: sales@casas-connect.es www.casas-connect.es

My New Home in Spain Tel: 711 007 147 hello@mynewhomeinspain.com www.mynewhomeinspain.com

Health & Beauty

Concept Nail Spa

Tel: 965072570

678210063

Concept Nail Spa

Indiana´s Hair & Lash Boutique

Tel: 681 250 190 Indiana’s hair & lash boutique

Indianashairandlashboutique

Kitchen Fitters Kitchen Plus Tel: 965712754 677230071

The Kitchen Shop Tel: 965077555 661861416

Email: thekitchenshopspain@gmail.com www.thekitchenshop.es

Email: kplus3180@gmail.com ww.kitchensplus.eu

Motors Venture Fleet SL Tel: 965077330 671549920

Mobile Mechanic Tel: 665329974

Email: kevinshuter74@gmail.com

Email: info@venture eet.com www.venture eet.com

Tuesday 20th June

21st June

Raunchy Netflix show returns with a brand new cast for its fifth season... and the start date is just weeks away

Raunchy Net ix show Too Hot

To Handle is returning for its fth season.

The start date is just weeks away, with a brand new cast of horny singletons ready to put themselves in the most tempting environment ever.

Net ix UK’s o cial Twitter page, con rmed the news, tweeting: ‘As if it wasn’t hot enough already. Too Hot To Handle Season 5 arrives 14 July!’

In the teaser video, fans are told: ‘This summer the heat is rising for a new cast. Things are getting too hot to handle. It’s back and hotter than ever.’

The show is set on the shores of paradise, and sees gorgeous singles meet and mingle. But there’s a twist.

To win an enticing $100,000 grand prize, they have to give up sex.

Season one of Too Hot To Handled premiered in April 2020 and became a huge hit overnight. Season four aired in December 2022.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Too Hot to Handle season one star Harry Jowsey, 26, is set to front the forthcoming season of The Bachelor Australia, after two posters emerged on him appearing to advertise the Channel 10 series.

In the rst image, Harry looks dashing in a white singlet, tan jacket and brown pants and as he o ers a sultry gaze while sitting on a windowsill.

In a second image, the

handsome hunk is all smiles as he poses in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while rose petals fall around him.

Harry shared both images to TikTok, and wrote beside the frames, ‘See you on the other side.’

However, eagle eyed-fans were quick to notice that the posters featured the iconic Sydney landmark, despite the new series relocating to Melbourne.

Elsewhere, others also pointed out that Australia was spelled incorrectly.

‘No [because] Howsey is fooling everyone with Australia is spelt wrong,’ one fan wrote, while another noted: ‘Not Australia being spelt wrong.’

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Thursday 22nd June

Friday 23rd June

Saturday 24th June

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Sunday 25th June

Monday 26th June

Torrevieja hosts 69th International Habaneras choral contest

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the administrator of the Municipal Board of Habaneras, José Agustín Manrique, presented last week the 69th International Contest of Habaneras and Polyphony of Torrevieja, to be held from 24 to 30 July, a date that has been modi ed due to the call for General Elections on 23 July. For the second year, the Contest will be held in the Municipal Theatre due to the rehabilitation works being carried out in the historic site of the Eras de la Sal.

The 69th edition will have 13 participating choirs, three of which are national and 10 international, which have been selected from a multitude of applications. The participating choirs are Pichincha (Ecuador), Universidad Católica de Temuco (Chile), Conjunto Madrigalistas Universidad de Playa Ancha (Chile), Ensamble Oikos (Uruguay), Polifónico Adelis Freitez (Venezuela), Kaunas Kamertonas Mixed Choir (Lithuania), Ensalme Vocal Macondo (Colombia), Concordia Choir (Poland), Coro de Cámara de Copiapó (Chile), Cámara Extremadura (Badajoz), Nubah (Granada), Joven las Veredas (Madrid) and Kammerchor Manila (Philippines).

In this edition the presenter of the Certamen will be Elena Sánchez, journalist of TVE who already gave voice to this choral meeting from 2016 to 2019. The obligatory habanera will be the work “Sal de mi vida” by Víctor Daniel Lozada.

Programme:

-Monday, 24 July: Opening Gala with the presence on stage of the Spanish singer Pasión Vega and the Sinfonía choir of the Municipal Choir School.

-Tuesday, 25th July: It will begin with the stage-musical recreation of El Regalo: el cuento de la habanera, with original text by Amparo Cos, performed by a cast of singers, musicians and actors.

Competition phase: Coro Pichincha (Quito, Ecuador) and Coro de la Universidad Católica de Temuco

(Temuco, Chile).

-Wednesday, 26 July: Competition

phase: Conjunto de Madrigalistas Universidad de Playa Ancha (Valparaíso, Chile); Ensamble Oikos (Montevideo, Uruguay); Coro Polifónico Adelis Freitez (Estado Lara, Venezuela).

-Thursday, 27 July: Competition phase: Kaunas Kamertonas Mixed Choir (Kaunas, Lithuania); Ensamble Vocal Macondo (Medellín, Colombia); Concordia Choir (Warsaw, Poland); Coro de Cámara de Copiapó (Copiapó, Chile).

-Friday, 28 July: Competition phase: Coro de Cámara Extremadura (Badajoz); Nubah (Granada); Coro Joven Las Veredas (Colmenarejo, Madrid); Kammerchor Manila (Manila, Philippines).

-Saturday, 29 July: Great International Choral Exhibition Gala, Award Ceremony and common singing by the participating groups.

-Sunday, 30th July: Local evening with performances by the Choir and Orchestra Maestro Ricardo Lafuente, Masa Coral José Hódar, Agrupación Coral Manuel Barberá, Orfeón de Torrevieja, Coral Torrevejense Francisco Vallejos and Coro Maestro Casanovas.

Closing ceremony and performance of hymns by the choirs and the Unión Musical Torrevejense (UMT).

Awards:

The prizes for this 69th edition of the International Habanera and Polyphony Contest will be as follows:

- Modality of Habaneras:

- First Prize (Ricardo Lafuente), worth 12,000 euros and a trophy.

- Second Prize (Francisco Vallejos), endowed with 5,000 euros and trophy.

- Third Prize (Francisco Grau), with a prize of 2,500 euros and trophy.

- Modality of Polyphony:

- First Prize (Juan Aparicio), endowed with 10,000 euros and trophy.

- Second Prize (Cesar Cánovas), 4,000 euros and trophy.

- Third Prize, endowed with 2.000 euros and trophy.

- Prize for the best Direction “José Hódar Talavera”, endowed with a trophy

and the direction of the joint singing of the obligatory habanera at the Closing Gala and Awards Ceremony.

- Audience Award, endowed with 2.000 euros and trophy to the choir that receives the highest number of votes from the subscribers to the Contest. Voters will receive the voting card together with their season ticket and will rate their favourite choir once the competition round is over.

- Alicante Provincial Council Prizeendowed with 10.000. Euros and trophy for the choir with the highest score. global in the calculation of the modalities of habaneras and polyphony in the nal phase of the Contest.

Tickets:

Tickets and season tickets will be on sale at entradasatualcance.com and at the theatre box o ce from Monday, 3 July. The price of the 7-day season ticket is €55. Tickets for the opening gala are €15, the rest of the nights will be €8 per night. Senior citizens will have a 50% discount.

Parallel Activities

As last year, we will enjoy various

Woman injured after falling from a horse in Orihuela

activities, not yet completed, but we can advance:

-25 JULY (pedestrian streets): RECITTING POETRY OF RICARDO WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT, by the association 3MAP.

26 JULY (pedestrian streets): PARTICIPATION OF THE CONSERVATORY CHOIR.

28 JULY (pedestrian streets): CECILIO GALLEGO PULSE AND PUA ORCHESTRA.

29 JULY (International Auditorium): LECTURE MATINAL and MASTERCLASS by the conductors of the choirs taking part in the competition. At 12 noon, OFFICIAL RECEPTION OF THE MAYOR OF TORREVIEJA TO THE PARTICIPATING CHOIRS.

29 JULY (pedestrian streets): HABANERAS DESDE MI BALCON, by di erent singers from Torrevieja.

Night of Havaneres on the Cura´s Beach

The 28th Night of Habaneras on the Beach will be held on Saturday, 1st July, at 22:30 hours, with the following performances this year:

- CHILDREN’S CHOIR RONDO OF THE

MUNICIPAL CHOIR SCHOOL - BREA Y SAL GROUP - GRUPO EXTREMEÑO FURRIONES: currently made up of 40 members, directed by Manuel Sánchez Cuevas. The voices are accompanied by various string, wind and percussion instruments.

A man drowns on the beach of Cabo Roig in Orihuela

The incident occurred last Sunday morning

A swimmer died last Sunday on the Cabo Roig beach in Orihuela Costa. The Centro de Información y Coordinación de Urgencias (CICU) was

alerted that a man had been pulled from the water at Cabo Roig beach. The bather was unconscious and witnesses on the scene began to perform cardiac massage.

The CICU mobilised a SAMU

unit and, on arrival, the medical team continued with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other stabilisation techniques, but there was no response, the man, aged 60, had died.

She was taken to Torrevieja hospital with traumatic brain injury.

The medical team assisted the rider who was taken to hospital. The events occurred at around

13.20 hours, when the CICU received a call that the woman had fallen from a horse in the Finca los Olivos area of Orihuela.

A SAMU unit was mobilised to the scene, whose medical

team treated the woman for traumatic brain injury. After the assistance, the rider was transferred to Torrevieja Hospital in the advanced life support ambulance.

Men´s Shed supports two important projects for the Community of San Fulgencio

Members of the Men’s Shed have been very pleased to support and complete 2 important projects for the community of San Fulgencio.

Both of the projects are for the Garden of Re ection, which is used as an area of re ection and memory by people who wish to remember those who have passed away.

The project to re-furbish and repair the Rainbow Bridge, which is a memorial to animals, involved replacing all the wood, and re-strengthen the supportive framework.

The wood used from wooden pallets was completely prepared before applying undercoat and then painting the design.

The decision was how the bridge should it be painted to re ect its purpose?

The Men’s Shed hope you like the nished project.

A further community project the Men’s Shed were asked to support, was the construction of a speci c sized, square framework, and covered in arti cial grass.

The ‘display wall’ will be used at the Garden of Re ection to display items that will re ect important awareness days. Such as Breast Cancer, Domestic Violence and others.

The Garden of Re ection is run by volunteers and is a tranquil place to sit and spend some time. Situated on the

urbanisation, just above the Thursday Market area on the corner of Calle Lisboa

Members of the Men’s Shed have enjoyed working on both of these community projects and hope that those visiting the Garden of Re ection will enjoy seeing the work that has been done to support the community.

Membership of The Men’s Shed is available to anyone in the San Fulgencio area or its urbanisations. Find us in Calle Azorin, on the Urbanisation La Marina.

You do not need to have any particular skills to join. Opening hours 10.00am to 16.00pm Monday – Friday. We look forward to seeing you.

Snow White has a vacancy for an Elf!

The Rojales Pantomime Group are currently rehearsing their next Christmas Pantomime production, Snow White and the 7 Christmas Elves. Alas, they nd themselves an Elf short.… OhH No… Grinch who hates Christmas and of course is a very grumpy Elf. Help - Snow White and the other six elves Need You to join them to take part in this very funny Christmas show which they are hoping will raise lots of money for local charities. Don’t worry if you’ve never acted before, join us for the fun, meet some new people and do something very di erent, you’ll be glad you did. Rehearsals recommence after the Summer break in September and are held in Quesada.

Just as important the Group are also looking to recruit Backstage Crew to assist with the props during the performances which will take place December 14-16th at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio, so, even if you don’t want to be on stage with the rest of the cast, helping backstage is just as much fun.

If you would like to be part of this amateur Theatre Group, whose members also enjoy some fabulous monthly social events what are you waiting

Olly Murs dubs himself the ‘Essex Jack Grealish’ on wild stag do ahead his upcoming wedding to Amelia Tank.

Olly Murs let loose on the second weekend of his wild stag do as he headed out dressed up as footballer Jack Grealish.

Ahead of his wedding to anceé Amelia Tank, the singer, 39, wished for ‘luck’ on round two of the boozy celebrations with pals, ensuring he said goodbye to single life in style.

Olly was clad in a Manchester City top and wore his blonde locks swept

Bars & Restaurants

Torrevieja to run intensive summer dance course for youngsters

Municipal Institute of Culture

“Joaquin Chapaprieta” reports that the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen will host from 3 to 8 July, the Torrevieja Dance Summer Intensive 2 (TDSI2), an intensive course for young dancers from 10 years. This course will be free of charge.

TDSI will o er classes in classical dance, pointe technique, contemporary, classical, neoclassical and contemporary repertoire, and reverse and inclusive dance. Places to take part in this intensive course are limited and the deadline for enrolment is 27 June. Enrolment can be made by email: emdanzatorrevieja@ gmail.com.

The course is directed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano in collaboration with the Escuela Municipal de Danza de Torrevieja. The teachers who will teach the Torrevieja Dance Summer Intensive will be: Eduard Turull Montells, Eduardo Zúñiga Jiménez, Federica Fasano, Diana Huertas, Inma Manresa, Cristina Rabasco and Gustavo Ramírez Sansano.

back as he emulated his favourite player in Instagram snaps.

He captioned the shot: ‘Oh f***!! The Essex Jack Grealish is on his stag!! Wish me luck been nice knowing you all.’

The star also shared a snap of himself enjoying a bottle of beer as he cut loose with his pals in a local pub.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are called ‘f*****g grifters’ by Spotify exec Bill Simmons after their $20M Archetypes podcast is axed Spotify and the Sussexes’s audio production company Archewell Audio on Thursday night said they have ‘mutually agreed to part ways’

The announcement marks the end of their $20 million deal, signed three years ago: they produced 13 episodes of Markle’s podcast, Archetypes

The Wall Street Journal said they did not meet the productivity benchmark to receive the full $20m payout: she is said to be working on other projects

Kylie Minogue’s ‘Padam’ makes Urban Dictionary with the pop star credited with coining the phrase - as she has her biggest hit in over a decade

Kylie Minogue is topping the charts with her latest single Padam Padam, making it her greatest hit in over a

decade.

The Australian pop princess, 55, is also making waves online as the single has gone viral on TikTok, with her lyrical phrase ‘Padam’ even making it to Urban Dictionary.

According to the dictionary, ‘Padam’ is ‘An onomatopoeia for the sound a heartbeat makes when you’re a diva who’s slaying, coined by Kylie Minogue.’ Kylie is one of few female musicians that has had a long-standing pop career as continues to have her bangers played on radio, and she isn’t letting the

societal constraints that have been put on middle-aged women stop her.

In her music video Padam Padam, the pop star is her usual sexy self as she dances in several racy red out ts.

Little Mix fans fear former bandmates are ‘drifting apart’ after Perrie Edwards misses Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s wedding and party to celebrate her new single

Little Mix announced that they were taking an inde nite break from touring together in 2021 as the trio decided to pursue their own solo careers.

The group - consisting of LeighAnne Pinnock, 31, Perrie Edwards, 29, and Jade Thirlwall, 31, - continued as a

trio after Jesy Nelson’s departure three years ago, and appeared to be the closest of pals.

But fans are now fearing the ladies have begun to drift apart after Perrie missed a number of Leigh-Anne’s recent milestones. She was noticeably absent from the star’s wedding to footballer Andre Gray in Jamaica as well as the launch party for new single Don’t Say Love - with both attended by former bandmate Jade.

During an appearance on Capital FM on Friday, Leigh-Anne gushed: ‘Jade heard Don’t Say Love on the hen do, and my second single too.

The best e-readers for the summer

The e-readers o er good visibility in bright sunlight and a longer battery life than a tablet or mobile phone.

The prices of the e-readers range from 69 to 393 euros, depending on screen size and internal memory.

Extended information:

Detailed results of the 21 e-readers analysed and on free ebook websites.

A comparative analysis of 21 e-readers carried out by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) reveals signi cant di erences in quality, but also in price, which can vary between 69 and 393 euros depending on their functions, screen size and internal memory. In any case, their performance as e-readers is generally superior to that of a tablet or mobile phone: rst, because of their good visibility in bright sunlight; and second, because of their longer battery life, which lasts at least a couple of weeks at full power. However, if they are going to be used on the beach or at the swimming pool, it is advisable to make sure that they also include some kind of protection against water.

The OCU also recommends that the e-reader meets four other requirements: touchscreen, wi connection, built-in light and a pre-installed bookstore, as is the case with the two best models analysed.

Amazon Kindle Oasis 32

GB wi +4G (279 euros). The

most complete model of those analysed. It has physical buttons for turning pages and extra settings for front light, warm light (yellow instead of blue) and night mode. Despite its size (7 inches), it is quite light (189 grams). Being a Kindle, it only reads books from Amazon’s bookstore, although it can read ePub via the book email service. It charges with micro-USB, not the standard USB-C port. And it’s expensive; its Paperwhite “brother” has some less functionality, but also costs less.

Kobo Clara 2E (149 euros).

Very good quality. It comes pre-installed with the Fnac bookshop and, in addition, it reads books in multiple formats: BMP, PNG, TIFF, ICO, CBZ and CBR for comics, HTML and RTF (except AZW3 from Amazon).

It is the lightest e-reader (171 grams), but also the one with the smallest screen (6 inches). It has 16 GB of internal memory and, of course, water protection. It is charged via a USB-C port, which will soon be the universal standard.

If you do not yet own an e-reader and would like to try out what it would be like to read on one of these digital devices, you can start by downloading a reading app to your tablet or mobile phone. If you already have an Amazon account, the Kindle app is a convenient option for both iOS and Android. But there are others such as Apple Books (for iOS), Play Books (for iOS and Android, by logging into your Google account), Kobo Books or Wattpad.

Health and fitness are important aspects of life in Spain

Health and tness are important aspects of life in Spain, and the country o ers a wide range of opportunities for individuals to prioritize their well-being. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’ll nd various options to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1. Gym and Fitness Centres: Spain has a multitude of gyms and tness centers that cater to di erent preferences and budgets. These facilities are equipped with modern exercise machines, o er group classes like yoga, Pilates, spinning, and provide personal training sessions.

2. Outdoor Activities: With its pleasant climate and diverse landscapes, Spain is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go hiking in the mountains, cycling along coastal routes, or participate in water sports such as sur ng, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.

3. Sports Clubs and Associations: Spain has a strong sports culture, and joining local sports clubs or associations is a fantastic way to stay active. Football (soccer) is particularly popular, but you can also nd clubs for basketball, tennis, swimming, and more.

4. Walking and Running: Spanish cities and towns often have beautiful parks, promenades, and pedestrianfriendly areas where you can enjoy leisurely walks or go for a run. Many cities organise running events and marathons throughout the year.

5. Healthy Eating: Spanish cuisine is known for its Mediterranean diet,

which emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and olive oil. You’ll nd numerous restaurants and markets o ering healthy options, and the country has a strong tradition of fresh and locally sourced produce.

6. Wellness Retreats and Spas: Spain is home to several wellness retreats and spas that provide relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic health experiences. These retreats often o er services like yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and healthy gourmet meals.

7. Public Health Services: Spain has a comprehensive public healthcare system that ensures access to medical services for residents. The system covers general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and preventive care. If you’re a resident, you can access healthcare services through the Spanish National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud).

8. Wellness Tourism: Spain is a popular destination for wellness tourism, attracting visitors seeking relaxation, spa treatments, and healthy activities. Many resorts and hotels o er wellness packages that include yoga classes, meditation sessions, and access to tness facilities.

9. Community Sports and Activities: Spanish communities often organize sports events and activities that promote health and tness. These can include local sports tournaments, group tness classes in parks, and recreational activities like Zumba, aerobics, or dance classes.

10. Beach Culture: Spain’s extensive coastline and beautiful beaches provide opportunities for engaging in various physical activities. From swimming and beach volleyball to paddle-boarding and beach yoga, the beach culture in Spain encourages an active and healthy lifestyle.

11. Cycling: Spain is known for its love of cycling, and you’ll nd numerous cycling routes, both on and o -road, across the country. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, there are options available for all skill levels.

12. Sports Events: Spain hosts a variety of sporting events that attract participants and spectators from around the world. From international tennis tournaments like the Madrid Open to cycling races like La Vuelta a España, these events showcase the country’s commitment to sports and tness.

13. Health Insurance: While Spain’s public healthcare system provides coverage for residents, it’s advisable to have private health insurance for additional bene ts and faster access to specialised care. Private health insurance can o er coverage for services such as physiotherapy, alternative therapies, and wellness treatments.

14. Wellness Apps and Online Resources: In the digital age, there are numerous wellness apps and online resources available to support personal health and tness goals. These platforms provide workout routines, nutrition tips, meditation

guidance, and tracking tools to help individuals stay on track with their wellness journey.

15. Active Lifestyle: In general, Spain promotes an active lifestyle through its culture and social habits. Walking is a common mode of transportation, and many cities are designed to be pedestrian-friendly. Taking the time to enjoy outdoor activities and engage in physical exercise is considered important for

overall well-being.

Remember, it’s always bene cial to consult with local experts, such as trainers, nutritionists, or healthcare professionals, who can provide personalised guidance based on your speci c needs and goals. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Spain, the country o ers a wide range of opportunities to prioritise personal health and tness.

Alert: risk of fire in Citroën, DS and Peugeot batteries

According to OCU, the battery failure could a ect up to 70,000 vehicles.

CU reminds that the fault must be corrected by the a ected brands free of charge.

Extended information: with more data, as well as the list of the most reliable car brands according to OCU surveys.

The EU’s rapid alert system for nonfood dangerous products (formerly known as RAPEX) has reported safety failures in batteries due to corrosion caused by possible leakage, resulting in a risk of re. A problem that could a ect up to 70,000 Citroën, DS and Peugeot cars sold in Spain, according to the Organisation of Consumers and Users

(OCU).

The Citroën cars a ected are C5 Aircross cars manufactured between 20/01/2020 and 10/01/2023. The DS brand vehicles, meanwhile, would be the DS7 Crossback manufactured between 19/02/2019 and 22/11/2022.

Peugeot, meanwhile, would be the 3008 V2 manufactured between 12/03/2019 and 12/12/2022, along with the 508 V2 manufactured between 10/07/2029 and 25/01/2023.

The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) understands that Citroën, DS and Peugeot will be contacting the owners of these vehicles to resolve the problem, which should be done free of charge and as soon as possible. It

also recommends asking the brand’s customer service department if your vehicle is among those a ected, especially if it was purchased secondhand; in this case, the owner is most likely not in the brand’s database. This information has been compiled by a team of OCU engineers, economists, lawyers, statisticians, editors and designers who, in collaboration with independent laboratories, have been analysing the main consumer products and services since 1975. Their work is based on the principles of savings, quality, e ciency and sustainability, but above all on the independence provided by its more than 200,000 active members.

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SAMM Golf Society at La Finca

Tuesday 6th June 2023 The course was in great condition and the sun shone as captain for the day, Jack Moss, led us away. Pride of Scotland, Rona Agnew won the Stableford with 26 points. David Shephard took the longest drive on the 18th with a herculean e ort easily clearing 250 metres. Steve Rocks won the nearest the pin, while Tim Pritchard took best guest. Congratulations everyone.

La Finca Hotel overlooking the 18th green, and with its elevated views of the course, played host to the aftergame celebrations with much forensic discussion of the days play. A certain amount of humour was taken over the “snack of shame” handed out to nonwinners – in reality, a bag of chocolates.

Our day out was completed when we met the Northern Ireland, Tottenham, Arsenal and FA Cup winning legend that is Pat Jennings as we were leaving. Priceless.

Next SAMM Golf Society venue is Villa Martin 12th September. If you would like to join this game please mail sammgolfsociety@gmail.com.

SAMM – Sailing Association Mar Menor, encompasses dinghy to

catamaran sailing, cruising and motorboat groups. If you like sailing and would like to know more, visit our web site at www.sailingmarmenor.com

or follow us on our Facebook Pages.

Imanyo Golf Society “Lesley’s Myeloma Shield” at Altorreal

This is the fth year we have played for the Lesley’s Myeloma Shield with the day being sponsored by Steve and Jane Day on behalf of Geo Ham.

We travelled to Altorreal golf course with twenty- ve players The weather was blue skies, hot and humid with a temperature of 35 degrees. The course was ok with the ground sta working hard to get it back to it’s normal high standard after the thunder storms from the previous few days. The format for the day was singles full handicap Stableford split into two groups.

The winner was Simon Dakers from group B with 40 points, runner up from group B was Paul Davison with 33 points and third place went to “Mr Celtic” Brian Gordon with 31 points. Winner of group A was Ray Hamilton with 39 points,

runner up on count back was “Three Clubs” Sean McGuinness with 35 points and third place went to “Mr Amstel”

Peter Kelly also with 35 points. Nearest the pins group A hole 8 Lee George, hole 13 Ray Hamilton and hole 18 Colin Deare, group B were hole 7 Steve Gain, hole 14 Simon Dakers and hole 17 Nick Chambers. Best front 9 went to Ian Bell with 22 points and best back 9 went to Lee George with 18 points, the Two’s pot was not won so it will be €30 for next game. The football card was won with Liverpool by Claire McGuinness winning €40 and raising €40 for our charities 2023

www.imanyogolfsociety.com

imanyogolfsociety@gmail.com

Photos: Big Hitter: David Shephard on the 1st Tee Pat Jennings with Steve Rocks

Photo shows Charities Secretary Dons Ralph, presenting the shield to Simon Dakers.

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