Costa blanca and costa calida leader edition 630

No 630

Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

Simon Weston CBE has accepted an invitation to come and speak on the Orihuela Costa.

Renowned as one of the UK's foremost 'after dinner' speakers Simon will be visiting in early October when he has agreed to bring his roadshow 'An Evening with' to Mil Palmeras.

Currently taking a well deserved summer break in La Manga, the Falklands War Veteran visited the area last week to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming event which will take place at the Olympia Restaurant on Friday 7th October.

Simon was meeting with

members of the Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion which will be using the event to support the 2016 Poppy Appeal to be launched during the following week in Benidorm.

Over the years since his life was forever changed on board the Sir Galahad in 1982, Simon's story has been well publicised and he has been the subject of five major BBC Television documentaries: Simon's War, Simon's Peace, Simon's Triumph, Simon's Return and in April 1999, Simon's Journey. He has been a 'victim' on This is Your Life. His autobiography, Walking Tall, was No1 in the best selling list.

Simon has also published 4 children’s books - Get Fit With Nelson was released in 2013.

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Tel: 637 227 385

Simon Weston CBE accepts RBL invitation

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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637 227 385 E-mail office@theleader.info Website www.theleader.info Advertising Sales 637 227 385 office@theleader.info Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PART OF THIS NEWSPAPER MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS.

In 2015 Simon was awarded the Freedom of the City of London and in the 2016 New Years Honours received a CBE for his charitable work.

In recent years Simon's irrepressible humour, infectious enthusiasm and immediately engaging personality, have made him the number one choice of many companies who invite him back to speak time and again.

And it will be in his capacity as a speaker, that he will be visiting Mil Palmeras.

Simon endured years of re-constructive surgery, including 70 major operations or surgical procedures despite which the road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures.

He remains a tireless worker for charity and his charitable work earned him an OBE in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He was also awarded Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2002 in recognition of his bravery and his charity work in the region.

He has appeared in the Top 100 Merseysiders list in 2003 and honoured as one of the top 100

Welsh Heroes in 2004.

Today Simon takes the opportunity to convey his story in order to motivate and encourage those, who like him, want to move on to the next goal, whatever it may be!

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Striking a pose for Stroke Support

“The only obstacles to achieving one’s targets and successes are those you create for yourself.”

His words never fail to inspire you.

The event will be supported by the sensational Rebecca Holt who has firmly established herself as a firm supporter of The Royal British Legion in recent years.

Rebecca will be performing a repertoire which will include many well known and well loved songs popular during the war years as well as a selection of more recent popular classics from recent times.

The evening, which is in support of the Royal British Legion and which will include a buffet supper, costs just 10 euro per person.

Sponsors of the event currently include Avalon Funeral Plans, Currencies Direct and Sanchez Butron Solicitors.

More information on 600 228 616.

The 1,350 euros recently raised at Restaurante El Alto La Dolores, was handed over to Paul Owen, Treasurer for Torrevieja Stroke Support. The money will be used to support stroke victims with rehabilitation and residential care.

On 20th August there will be another charity night at the Restaurant, in aid of Samaritans in Spain.

QUESADA LADIES CLUB The Annual General Meeting of the Quesada Ladies Club will be held at the Cooper’s Arms, Dona Pepa, on Tuesday 13th September 2016. This is for members only, who will be admitted at the usual time of 2.30pm.

Entertainer will be Lee Howard, singer/guitarist, who has played with many top artists. Tickets available from the Restaurant itself, or from The Card Place in Benimar, and REDZ cafe bar in Quesada. Priced at 10 euros which includes a 2 course meal, and with another chance to win a Mediterranean cruise.

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship Torrevieja Christian Fellowship (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja.

Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our services every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. with communion and “kids church”.

During the month of August there will be NO Wednesday Fellowship meetings because of holidays and the heat.

Our Wednesday Fellowship Meetings (Bible Study) will recommence in September beginning at 6.00 p.m. For further information see our website www.tcf-Spain.org or tel: 966700391.

Notice to Readers Next Monday is the Feast of the Assumption, a public holiday here in Spain.

As such the next edition of the Leader Newspaper will be published the following day on Tuesday 16 August

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

Stabbing in Mil Palmeras as illegal party breaks up

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large deployment of police in Campoamor last Wednesday was enough to disperse the large crowd of youths that gathered to party, despite the cancellation of the Campoamor Music Festival, the macrobotellĂłn, held annually in the area.

Despite the cancellation the event it was still being advertised on social network sites resulting in approximately a thousand youths still arriving in Campoamor from across the Provinces of Murcia and Valencia, where instead they were expecting to celebrate a costume party.

However, the large deployment of officers from both the Orihuela Policia Local and the Guardia Civil, which had been in place since the late afternoon, was enough to convince all but the most demanding, that they should attempt to develop a ‘plan B’.

Unfortunately for the people of Mil Palmeras this is exactly what they did, descending on the small seaside town in cars, on bikes and on buses, where they were determined to start an alternative party.

The City of Orihuela made these costume parties and macrobotellones illegal last year when they fenced off the entire area, redirecting participants across to the other side of the N332 to the vicinity of the festival.

However, this year, after the cancellation of the festival and the convening of the Xairo nightclub, young people sought an alternative to enjoy this

summer carnival that has become a generation tradition after generation, to the despair of the neighbors, who see disturbed their particular area of ??relaxation during the holidays.

The decision of the youths to move south was somewhat of a surprise to the local police in the parent town of Pilar, with all the reinforcements having been focused on Campoamor so as the "avalanche" of party goers got underway at midnight there was little that the authorities could do to effect control.

At short notice they were only able to provide 11 agents in six patrols, who toured the site to ensure the safety of the partygoers, residents and tourists in the area.

However with most youngsters having fun the event was tarnished by a stabbing incident that occurred at about 6am leaving one celebrant injured and in hospital.

According to police sources, the youth received several stab wounds with a knife during an argument between a group of young men. Fortunately, despite the large amount of blood, the individual was able to make his own way to hospital. It is understood that there have not been any arrests.

Cleaning services were on hand by early morning to remove traces of blood as well as to carry out an urgent clean with the deployment of more than 20 staff and 6 vehicles so that bathers could enjoy their day in the sun.

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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Alert for Belgian fugitive heading into Spain Belgian Police have alerted Spanish authorities of a “radicalised and armed” fugitive heading to Spain.

An international arrest warrant is in place for Ilias Zohrie for attempted homicide after a failed attack on a nightclub in Antwerp and the attempted murder of the Coroner for Gieselinck, France.

The authorities are also on the lookout for three vehicles which they believe might be used to transport the fugitive, an Opel Corsa or an Opel Astra, both of which display the number plate 1JNT244, or a Volkswagen Golf, registration number 1FKC916.

Zohrie, a Belgian national born in 1988, is described as “extremely dangerous” and has absconded from Belgium reported heading to Spain on Wednesday of last week. All inbound ports, airports and transit points have been put on alert, although it I believed that

Anybody who sees a person who looks like Zohrie, or any of the vehicles mentioned, should contact the security services immediately on the multi-lingual emergency number, 112, or 062 direct to the Guardia Civil for those who speak Spanish.

year the average temperature during August will be slightly cooler than our near neighbours at just of 25 degrees.

It ain't half hot mum According to figures released by Eltiempo.es last week, Murcia, Valencia and Extremadura are traditionally the three hottest regions in Spain during August.

Murcia holds the record for the highest temperature in the entire history of the country with 47.2º recorded on 4 July 1994.

However, in 2012 a maximum temperature of 43.2º in August was recorded. During 2016 the average temperature during the month is forecast at 26.3º.

Second on the list is Valencia, which registered its historical peak heat at 43 degrees during the years 1994, 2003 and 2012. This

Zohrie will be travelling through France, possibly on Moroccan papers.

Finally, the study captures the searing heat of the Extremadura community, whose average temperature in August is also reckoned to be 25 °. The Community can easily reach 40 degrees during the peak of summer with the warmest years recorded in 1998, 2010 and 2003.

In contrast, Eltiempo.es states that the autonomous regions of Asturias, the Basque Country and Galicia will all have cooler temperatures than the country’s average during the month of August.

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Healthcare in Spain post BREXIT A reminder to those of you who are concerned about the deliverance of healthcare to UK expatriates here in Spain following BREXIT negotiations, that the Leader Newspaper has launched a petition requesting that, as part of the negotiations, those who were residents of other EU country’s at the time of the recent BREXIT vote should retain their rights to healthcare in their countries of residence.

Without such an agreement the effects don’t bear thinking about. The loss of such a resource will cause complete instability to the average resident here in Spain and seriously effect their future.

The more pressure we can all put on politicians who are about to negotiate the terms of BREXIT at this early stage the better so please share the information and the link with your friends and neighbours and on social media sites..

You can vote by going to the Leader Newspaper website or by following the link below: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/161997

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Aquópolis promises more activites for the disabled

Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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Alicante Mayor re opens debate for Sunday Shopping

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orrevieja’s Councillor for Social Welfare and Accessibility, Africa Celdrán, met with senior management from the Aquópolis Water Park recently to formalize an agreement regarding the provision of additional activities for people with disabilities.

The first such opportunity was provided last Saturday when a number of different groups and associations, including AMFA, an organisation that supports people with disabilities, SEAFI, a charity for children at risk, and a number of Saharawi children, were all hosted by the centre at a vastly reduced rate.

In putting the arrangement together the councillor met with the Director of Aquopolis Torrevieja and Project Manager of Parques Reunidos, Denis Pascal Moenandar as well as the Deputy Director, José María Soriano, with the threesome outlining an agreement "that will demonstrate the company’s sensitivity to providing greater accessibility and improving it’s social responsibility.

Celdrán said that the intention by all parties is to enlarge this collaboration so that it can eventually reach far more groups.

Gabriel Echavarri, who fills the positions of both mayor and the councillor for commerce in Alicante, has reopened the debate in the city over Sunday shopping.

With the support of Compromís he has now entered into discussions with the Ministry of Economy and is in the process of developing a definitive framework of business hours in Alicante that would expand the opening hours of those traders wishing to participate on Sunday throughout the whole year.

Although Compromís support the Government in the talks the party insist that any agreement must ensure that employees are made to work no more than 11 Sunday’s or public holidays per year.

Sun, Sea, Sand and now ‘Trendy’ Food Markets Two food markets will be taking place on the Orihuela Costa in the coming days where you can sample fine dining whilst also enjoying time on the beach.

The markets will be sited from 11 to 15 August on the beach at La Zenia and from 16 to 21 in Playa de Campoamor. On each of the days they will be open for business from 1pm.

The mayor said that the new deal must be favorable to workers and will undoubtedly include the employment of additional staff

Similar markets have already proved extremely popular in Alicante and in Orihuela where they offered varied and good quality food in vintage trailers and caravans providing an extremely colourful and vibrant ambience.

El Corte Ingles, which already trade on Sundays, said that when introducing the additional day the decision resulted in the employment of an extra 200 staff so if this were replicated throughout the city it would have a tremendous boost on both employment and on commerce.

The food will be offered at affordable prices alongside a number of other free activities and music.

The Assumption Feast Day in La Zenia Next Monday is one of the most important religious feasts in Spain, the Assumption, the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.

It will be celebrate in La Zenia with solemn mass at 7.30 pm which will be followed by a procession around the Virgin of Assumption Catholic church. Sure to be a spectacular affair the procession will be accompanied by music from the Union Musical Torrevejense and the very popular vocal quartet Cantus Colorus.

The whole event is being organised by the AIDOC Association with the procession getting underway immediately after the mass at approximately 8.30pm

Such 'Street food' gastronomic events are proving to be very fashionable around the globe, food stalls that have invaded the streets and squares of many major cities. In Spain cities like Barcelona and Madrid already enjoy trendy street food fairs which seem to be popular with residents and visitors alike.

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

Government stall on N332 Improvements

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ccording to the Torrevieja mayor, Jose Manuel Dolon, the situation faced by drivers as they attempt to navigate the section of the N332 between Punta Prima and La Mata during the summer months is unacceptable.

Not only do the unacceptable levels of congestion cause immeasurable damage to the local economy but it is frustrating and dangerous and for many years now there has been an urgent need for action.

Speaking at a press conference last week Dolon said that he has once again written to the Provincial Traffic Management Centre in Valencia and the Directorate General in Madrid stating that the City has repeatedly approached the Ministry of Development and the Directorate General of Highways, pleading for "urgent action to be taken by the National authorities regarding the situation of the N-332 and the untenable state of affairs that occur year after year, with endless delays and traffic jams and all the dangers that they entail."

He added that "I am not satisfied" with this situation and will continue to seek support to rectify a problem that is "dangerous and exasperating" for drivers and causes a great deal of "harm" to the economy of the city.

“We have been now asking for the improvements to the road for over a decade, just eight kilometres

of roadway which require converting into dual carriageway and which will cost in the region of twenty million euros. The single carriageway along the stretch currently accommodates over 30,000 vehicles a day and the situation can only get much worse before it gets better.

The mayor said that he couldn’t understand why it was taking so long to reach a decision and to come up with the necessary funding and plans.

"We are talking about a stretch of road that is entirely within the boundaries of the city of Torrevieja, so it is not as though there are any other local authorities that need to be involved."

However Alicante Deputy Joaquín Albaladejo, previously a member of the PP administration in Torrevieja, was quick to defend the former administration blaming the Provincial government of "socialist" Ximo Puig and "Catalan" Monica Oltra for dragging their feet and causing the delay of the new carriageways.

He said that improvements to the N-332 passing through Torrevieja have been planned for almost a decade, for which the Ministry of Development has budgeted at nearly 17 million euros. The tender documentation will shortly be prepared and the optimistic period for completion of the work is 2019.

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Briton had been dead for seven days The body of a 72 year old Briton found in Torrevieja lagoon last week had been dead for at least a week.

Such were the findings of an autopsy carried out in Alicante last Wednesday.

However any contributory violence has been ruled out.

The man was found on the southern bank, in a secluded corner of the salt lagoon, last Tuesday evening, in an area close to Los Balcones, between Lagosol and the finca La Coronela, by a group of passersby showing some clear signs of decomposition.

When releasing the autopsy results the Guardia Civil spokesman also said that the man was not the subject of a missing persons report.

Agents attending the scene initially thought that the circumstances suggested a violent death but following the Alicante autopsy that has now been discarded with the authorities confident that the death occurred through natural causes.

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS QUICK ACROSS: 1 Unassuming; 7 Noted; 8 Foliage; 10 Enriched; 11 Beat; 13 Rotate; 15 Poster; 17 Burn; 18 Composer; 21 Elation; 22 Atlas; 23 Confidence.

DOWN: 1 Utter; 2 Audacity; 3 Suffer; 4 Male; 5 Nearest; 6 Unbearable; 9 Enterprise; 12 Complain; 14 Tornado; 16 Loaned; 19 Salve; 20 Tiff.

CRYPTIC ACROSS: 1 Air display; 7 Again; 8 Spirits; 10 In the end; 11 Mien; 13 Draw up; 15 Bengal; 17 Alps; 18 Restless; 21 Air-mail; 22 Skate; 23 Only chance.

DOWN: 1 Apart; 2 Runner-up; 3 Insane; 4 Pair; 5 Arising; 6 Radio drama; 9 Sun-glasses; 12 Jettison; 14 Aspirin; 16 Wealth; 19 Erase; 20 Lady.

ACROSS 6.

Prove superior (7) 7.

Sweeping implement (5)

9.

Used to be (3)

10.

Disentangle (9)

12.

Goods (11)

15.

Teasing (11)

17.

Diplomatically (9)

19.

Tin (3)

21.

Squander (5)

22.

Fertiliser (7)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8.

11.

13.

14.

16.

18.

20.

Inflict (5) Climbing plant (3) Hoodoo (4) Former (9) Competition (7) Fractures (6) Impoverished (9) Hue (6) Mad, commonly (7) Not true (5) Weaving machine (4) Primate (3)

L EA D E R T R I V I A Q U I Z

6.

Thoughtful writers I have cut down to size (7)

7.

Returned dug-up material (5)

9.

Consumed most of the pate (3)

10. Not the longest section of an aggressive speech (9) 12. Name for ship in a Gilbert and Sullivan piece? (3,8) 15. Are they no more than moon-starers? (11) 17. A boxing belt could be the end of the joke (9) 19. Draw the match (3) 21. Intends to have the wherewithal (5) 22. Greed for caviare, perhaps (7)

DOWN 1. Takes up with a poet (5) 2. Enquire about a small ruler (3) 3. Claim it's a rave-up (4) 4. Truce changing Eire's face (9) 5. The panto girl left after the fire (7) 8. Ban miners from the circus musical (6) 11. People involved in cameras? (9) 13. They are bolted together to create planes (6) 14. Certain animal getting awfully rude (7) 16. Field a throw (5) 18. Star with former county backing (4) 20. Give weapons to a member (3)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 23

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.......Oscar Wilde

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BONUS BALL

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LUCKY STARS

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Tuesday Euromillions jackpot 28 million euro Wednesday UK Lottery jackpot 14 million euro

7. With one word complete the title of the following Robert Ludlum novels. a. The Scarlatti, b. The Osterman, c. The Holcroft 8. Fred Perry was the first man to win all four Grand Slam events in tennis. In which other sport was he World Champion?

9. In 1838 the Sirius became the first ship to hold the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing.

Plus or minus four days, how long did the westward crossing take?

10. What kind of music is literally good news?

11. JRR Tolkien, Pope John Paul II, Anthony Burgess, Friedrich Engels and Paul Robeson are a few examples of men who were fluent in many languages. Which word beginning with the letter 'P' describes such a person?

12. In which book do two countries go to war over the best way to open a soft boiled egg?

13. Which vegetable is usually found in an 'A la Florentine' dish?

14. The Stereoscope, introduced in 1844 by David Brewster, is believed to have been the world's first example of what?

15. The following words are from songs with the word 'Blue' in the song title. Can you name the song? a. Tell me no secrets, tell me some lies, b. Drink my liquor from an old fruit jar, c. Warmer than May her tender sighs, d. There's a fog upon L.A. e. She got a camouflaged face and no money 16. The name of which popular Chinese snack translated means 'a little bit of heart'?

17. What is the longest Pink Floyd song title?

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. South Korea, 2. The Rutles, 3. Josephine Baker, 4. c. Rose, 5.

Ronald Reagan (his father's favourite actor). 6. Red Guards. 7. a.

The Scarlatti Inheritance, b. The Osterman Weekend, c. The Holcroft Covenant. 8. Table tennis. 9. 18 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes. 10. Gospel. 11. Polyglot. 12. Gulliver's Travels. 13. Spinach.

14. 3D Camera, able to take three-dimensional pictures. 15. a.

Don't it make my brown eyes blue (Crystal Gayle), b. Blue suede shoes (Elvis), c. Blue Velvet (Bobby Vinton), d. Blue Jay Way (Beatles), e. Blue Jean (David Bowie). 16. Dim Sum. 17. Several species of small furry animals gathered together in a cave and grooving with a Pict.

ACROSS

1. On the flag of which country are all of the following represented? Peace, Winter and Summer, Spring and Autumn, East and West, North and South, Moon and Sun, Heaven and Earth, Man and Woman, Night and Day and Fire and Water.

2. Which band did not have hits with songs like 'Blue Suede Schubert', 'Cheese and Onions' and 'Back in 64'?

3. What was the name of the famous dancer who wore a banana skirt while performing the 'Danse sauvage'?

4. In the film 'Godzilla vs Biollante', our hero battles a 120 metre high, 220,000 tonne mutant what? a. tuna fish, b. silk worm, c. rose 5. The Portuguese football star Ronaldo was named after which man?

6. What name was given to the student army in China during the 'Cultural Revolution'?

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

Shark sighting off La Mata ‘Unlikely’

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Drug arrest in Orihuela

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ollowing what was thought to be a shark attack on a bather at Arenales del Sol ten days ago there was a further cause for panic just a few kilometres down the coast last Tuesday when a lifeguard said that bathers had reported the sighting of a shark off the beach at La Mata.

Swimming was immediately suspended, the beach closed and the red flag raised, while Soccorista’s combed the area looking for firm evidence. However with no further indication forthcoming swimmers were allowed back in the sea within about 15 minutes.

Policia Local Agents of the Panel of Public Safety (GESC) last week arrested a 31 year old man from Orihuela for an alleged crime against public health.

They initially suspected foul play when they saw the man running out of a shop at 9pm last Tuesday evening. On challenging, the individual ran to his vehicle taking off at great speed. As he drove away he threw a package from the car which was later found to contain a large quantity of cannabis suggesting that the drug was not for personal use but for dealing.

Torrevieja Councillor for the coast Javier Manzanares said that the action taken at the time was absolutely right and proper but having now discussed the matter with the municipal biologist the

Following the arrest the man was detained in Orihuela where he was later found to have a criminal record.

sighting has been ruled out despite the earlier incident at

Arenales del Sol. According to MEDAF there have only been approximately 60 cases of shark attacks on people or against boats in the whole of the Mediterranean since 1899 with almost half of those recorded taking place in the late 90’s.

Sightings are not uncommon although, as can be seen, attacks on humans are very rare.

Welfare at the Royal British Legion in Spain (District North) The Royal British Legion (TRBL) supports serving members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and families throughout the world.

Spain is part of this worldwide support.

TRBL is a dynamic and pro active organisation which supports beneficiaries in Spain and is appreciative of the difficulties sometimes experienced here and has the ability to tailor help to your specific needs. The following areas are examples of the types of assistance that we provide.

SIGN POSTING Are you having difficulties in accessing health and social care in Spain? Are you aware of your entitlements? Please call us or email to see if we can assist. We liaise closely with the local Consular team when necessary.

We can assist and advise on the process for obtaining a disability certificate and blue badge.

We liaise with Help, Age Concern MABS and other local charities both in the coastal and inland areas to provide help where we cannot provide support.

BEFRIENDING We can on occasion offer hospital and housebound visiting to beneficiaries and you should contact your local Branch Welfare Representative through the Branch or welfare Co-ordinator to discuss this. Where distance is an issue we can offer a telephone service through the Welfare Co-ordinator.

GRANTS Beneficiaries can request help for a variety of reasons, such as home adaptions due to changes In health or circumstances. For example assistance may be available for the provision of ramps, stairlifts, bathroom adaptions or one off payments to install security and safety systems. Also assistance may be considered to enable individuals to remain in their own home with the provision of articles of furniture and white goods. (Financial caps may apply). All the aforegoing is to provide assistance in improving the quality of life.

Later in life mobility may become an issue. There are various charities that can lend equipment free of charge and also organisations who can provide on a reasonable rental basis hospital

beds and pressure relieving mattresses. We can also provide guidance and assistance with the provision of wheelchairs mobility scooters and other aids.

CONTACT You do not need to be a member of TRBL to request assistance. You or your loved ones and friends served their country selflessly and we are here to provide support wherever we can.

Anyone may make the initial referral to the Welfare Co-ordinator with the permission of the potential beneficiary.

Pam Twissell-Cross Welfare Co-ordinator District North Pam Twissell-Cross Welfare Co-ordinator District North Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Tel: 967645180 ..... Welfare.rbl.dns@gmail.com Tel: 967645180 ..... Welfare.rbl.dns@gmail.com Donna Wilson Country Welfare Officer Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm Donna Wilson Country Welfare Officer Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm TEL: 952352300 (option6) Mobile 690144603 TEL: 952352300 (option6) Mobile 690144603 dmwilson@britishlegion.org.uk dmwilson@britishlegion.org.uk UKContact ContactCentre: Centre: 8am-8pm, 8am-8pm,77days daysaaweek week UK Overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080 (full rate) Overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080 (full rate)

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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Third election looms for Spain Voters in Spain could face a third trip to the polls in less than a year, the prime minister has warned.

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PM Mariano Rajoy said holding a third election would be "nonsense".

His Popular Party remains the biggest in the country, but has lost its absolute majority.

Flashmob stunt sparks terror alert Five German women were arrested on Tuesday night when a flashmob stunt in a northern Spanish town sparked fears of a terrorism attack. They have since been released but will be charged with public order offences.

Holidaymakers ran and hid from presumed attackers in Platja d'Aro after people pretended to be chasing a celebrity, shouting and taking photographs. The panic turned into a stampede as bystanders mistook selfie sticks for weapons. Eleven people were treated for bruising and heart palpitations. Three were taken to hospital.

Police were called to the centre of the town following reports that shots had been fired. The reports turned out to be false.

Ranger dies fighting fire A park ranger died and about 700 people have been evacuated as a wildfire blazed out of control on the Canary island of La Palma, emergency services said on Thursday.

Francisco Jose Santana, a married father of five, was killed while fighting the fire which started on Wednesday and is being fanned by high winds.

Spanish police said they had arrested a 27-year-old German man who, according to a source from the investigation, has admitted to starting the fire accidentally. Spanish media reported that he had tried to burn used toilet paper.

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What is Angelic Reiki ourselves and merge with the Angelic Kingdom.

It has been proven scientifically that our physical bodies are changing and enabling us to hold more light. We are becoming “enlightened” whether we know it or not!

The two parties with the biggest share of the latest vote have been in talks for seven months but have not agreed on forming a government.

The Socialists (PSOE) refuse to back the largest party, the Popular Party (PP). Elections in December and June gave no clear majority to any party.

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These physical changes and mean we can merge with and work very closely with Angels. The process of merging with the Angels, which is the essence of Angelic Reiki, has only become possible over the last ten years.

Angelic Reiki In 2013 I became an Angelic Reiki practitioner and was so blown away by the experience that I went onto become a Master Teacher.

When I qualified, I asked my Usui Reiki clients if they would let me show them Angelic Reiki and the feedback was amazing - people could really feel the presence of Angels!

Even if people don’t want to use this energy working on others, it creates big energy shifts for the individuals by helping to clear blocks, remove energy they may have brought in from past lives and so on.

The birth of Angelic Reiki Angelic Reiki was channelled through Kevin Core in 2002/3 by Archangel Metatron and Master Djwahl Khul.

It all started with Kevin, discovering a book called “A Dictionary of Angels” which provided the material for an attunement which allows the Reiki symbols to be attuned to the Angelic vibration and therefore to their original archetypal Angelic form. He started to channel information from Metatron and Djwahl Khul and created Angelic Reiki workshops.

The difference between Angelic Reiki and other forms of Reiki Everyone who has received an attunement into Angelic Reiki has said that is different to anything else they have experienced. Kevin Core wrote that “Angelic Reiki is the healing of our time” and what he meant by this is

that years ago we would not have been able to merge with Angels due to the density of our physical bodies.

Traditionally when working with Angels people perceive them to stand alongside the healer as they work but now it is possible for the healer and Angel to MERGE energies, become as ONE. In Angelic Reiki the healer does not have to decide what symbols to use, chant the name, draw the symbols or even move their hands. The healer does not need to know if the problem is from this lifetime or a past lifetime. The healer does not need to do anything except hold the space where the Angelic presence will manifest!

In Angelic Reiki, an Angel merges its energy with each participant and facilitates the attunements. In this way everyone receives the pure vibration of the symbols and energies without human intervention. It is like an Angelic blessing and it changes the consciousness of the recipient so they are literally tuned into the Angelic vibration.

Angelic Reiki offers and facilitates a deep relationship for everyone with The Angelic Kingdom of Light. A healing or attunement to Angelic Reiki literally changes our DNA and every cell in our body enabling us to more deeply attune

If you would like to find out more please contact Penny Wing on 0034 680 25 6266 or via her web site www.pennywing.com Penny is a qualified Diana Cooper Angel & Spiritual Master Teacher, Usui /Angelic Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Counsellor and ITEC Holistic Therapist

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‘Twitters from the Atlantic’ Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.

Squirrelogy My first encounter with a squirrel was not a happy one. I was about five years old, and we had just arrived for my first holiday in Bournemouth, staying with my elderly great aunt in her Victorian home. I still remember entering the old house through a small conservatory that housed many glass cases in which were collections of stuffed birds and animals. I clearly remember several small birds trapped in a frozen, lifeless state behind glass walls; a beautiful fox with its mouth open ready to devour whatever the taxidermist had imagined when preparing the poor creature for display.

The one creature that I still remember in considerable detail, was a small red squirrel holding an acorn in its claws staring at me with its lifeless, glass eyes. This squirrel haunted me for my entire holiday and it got to the point where I could not bear to look at the poor creature; I ran whenever I had to pass by to avoid its sad stare. My great aunt's home represented a time when killing and sticking pins into butterflies for display, and installing birds and small animals into glass cases was seen as acceptable. Thankfully, some things have changed for the better.

Several years later, I had the opportunity to become acquainted with red squirrels that have become synonymous with Brownsea Island; that small, enchanted island strategically placed in Poole Harbour, Dorset. Brownsea Island is currently one of the few places in England where red squirrels thrive, although sadly I understand that many are now infected with a form of squirrel leprosy. As a visitor, and later as a teacher escorting hoards of children through the island’s woodland, the squirrels' playful charm and shy curiosity always entertained and amused us. They are cautious creatures and only occasionally would they appear, much to the annoyance of my pupils.

When I lived in the UK, I often used to walk through woodlands, as

well as more populated areas, such as the seafront gardens in Bournemouth where squirrels of the grey variety, who are even bolder and more curious than their red cousins, would compete with pigeons for pieces of sandwiches, crisps and any other goodies that visitors would offer them. In short, over the years I have fallen for the subtle charms of squirrels, of whatever variety. When we moved to the Canary Islands, I thought I would not see any again. How wrong I was!

During a recent holiday on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, we came across many squirrels close to Caleta de Fuste, also known as Squirrel Mountain. These squirrels certainly put the UK’s grey squirrels to shame in their cheeky boldness as they deftly scamper up the arms of visitors to collect a tasty treat. These squirrels are the Moorish Squirrel or Barbary Ground Squirrel and use their many charms to endear themselves to both the locals and visitors to the island. Due to their trusting and endearing nature, they have become a considerable

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By Bar rie Mahoney tourism asset for the island Fuerteventura Squirrels, or to be correct Barbary Ground Squirrels, are not native to Fuerteventura, but were accidentally introduced to the island in 1965 as escapee pets. The two pet squirrels quickly bred, the climate and food sources were acceptable and these endearing creatures have now successfully colonised much of the island. Indeed large yellow and black signs imploring visitors 'Not to feed the squirrels' are now becoming commonplace around the island.

In recent years, there have been serious university studies investigating the environmental impact that these illegal migrants have upon the island; I guess it could be described as a kind of Brexit plot against squirrels. I recall a time when university 'Media Studies' courses were regarded as frivolous and not 'a proper degree', but it seems that any subject can be the focus of degree status nowadays, and a degree in squirrelogy is clearly highly desirable.

In true human compassion, initial conclusions indicated that these delightful creatures should be exterminated and considered as pests.

However, at the time of writing, I am pleased to report that after costing this 'remedy', it appears that it would be too expensive, if not impossible to carry out. The focus will now be upon ensuring that these squirrels do not develop a taste for the other Canary Islands and measures are in place to ensure that the more athletic squirrels do not paraglide into the other islands.

For these squirrels, the impact of the global economic crisis has been positive, since it seems to have secured their future in Fuerteventura.

Might I also suggest that if this growing population becomes a problem, then some kind of non-harming birth control provided in their nuts might be the way forward?

There is no doubt that, despite squirrelogy, the Fuerteventura squirrel has won its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Officials are only now becoming aware of the publicity value to tourism that these furry migrants bring to the island. Indeed, many are now suggesting that the squirrel becomes the official logo of Fuerteventura.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Island in the Sun’ (ISBN: 9780992767181). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. © Barrie Mahoney

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Boats and Nautical

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showroom in Elche or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers.

The biggest and best for price, choice and quality. (69148)

Social and Clubs

Boat servicing, engine oil/ filter change. General maintenance, fault finding, anti fouling, hull cleaning, accessory installation.

Torrevieja to Mazarron. Licensed and registered in Spain, 20 years experience. All makes of outboard engines catered for.

Competitive prices, all work guaranteed English/Spanish speaking. Call Tony on 628 166 738 (65470) FOR RENT - up to 10 metre berth - Marina Salinas - CALL 648 627 272 (69101)

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QUESADA LADIES CLUB The Annual General Meeting of the Quesada Ladies Club will be held at the Cooper’s Arms, Dona Pepa, on Tuesday 13th September 2016. This is for members only, and they will be admitted at the usual time of 2.30pm.

Volunteers are urgently needed in all areas by the Age Concern LIFELINE Team visiting people in their own homes to assess their needs, reporting back to the Lifeline Team Leader. There are many people who live alone, are lonely and need some form of social contact. Please call Age Concern on 96 678 6887.

(69185) HAH CB need you to help us help those in need in their own homes in areas surrounding Quesada, San Luis, La Siesta Torrevieja, La Mata, Orihuela Costa, Villamartin to Campoverde, short or long term medical conditions of all ages and nationalities.

Contact our head office on 965 328 794 or email charitycentre. helpathomecb@gmail.com.

TORREVIEJA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (TCF) is an English speaking lively church located at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holidaymakers are welcome to attend our services every Sunday at

10.30 a.m. with communion and “kids church”. During the month of August there will be NO Wednesday Fellowship meetings because of holidays and the heat. Our Wednesday Fellowship Meetings (Bible Study) will recommence in September beginning at 6.00 p.m. For further information see our website www.tcf-Spain.org or tel: 966700391.

Pets Delmonte Catotel Cartagena. The cattery that cares! Tel 968 168 711 or 616 276 379 (69083)

Car and Vehicle Sales

Situations Vacant

The Car of the Month at Automoviles Crespo is a 2014 Ford Fiesta petrol priced at just 13,000 euro. Come along to our

If you are currently selling advertising space to clients who are wishing to put their product or service before UK expats, you may like to have, on offer, space in a top-quality, independent

magazine as well. Good rates of commission. Call 600 228 616 for information.

The Leader Newspaper is recruiting Sales Staff in La Marina, Quesada and on the Orihuela Costa. If you are able to spare a few hours a week and would like to earn extra cash call us now on 640 534 964 for an informal chat.

We will even treat you to a coffee.

We want to Buy Aid2Mobility. We can sell your second hand equipment...call in and see us in our new premises at the Discount Depot, C/Los Arcos No 9, Ciudad Quesada. Opening: Weekdays 10.30am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm. Call 965 073 199

Property for Rent URGENT! - Properties required for waiting clients. We are receiving requests for La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, San Miguel schools catchment area, 2 or 3 bed houses, and detached villas.

Let your property earn you money - CALL NOW on 966 772 553

WANTED URGENTLY We are receiving requests for La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, San Miguel schools catchment area, detached houses. If you think your property may be suitable please CALL NOW on 966 772 553 JACARILLA Within walking distance of all amenities, including bars, the village pool and small weekly market. This ground floor apartment is just a short drive from many larger towns, including the historic city of Orihuela, and up to 25 minute drive from the beaches of

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Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Guardamar del Segura. 425 pcm including an allowance for bills.

Call us on 966 772 553 FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA Good sized 2 bed 1 bath apartment ideal for long term living.

Door to hallway has 2nd bedroom leading off. Good sized separate kitchen which is fully equipped and has galleria leading off. Lounge diner has patio doors with a good sized balcony.

Archway from lounge leads to

full bathroom with external window and spacious master bedroom with large window providing plenty of natural light.

English TV, communal pool. 375 euros per calendar month including an allowance for bills.

Contracts provided 966 772 553 JACARILLA. 3 Bed, 2 bath apartment. Good sized separate kitchen with external patio off, balcony with lovely views over orange groves. UK TV, air-con, communal pool 400 euros per

Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016 calendar month, including allowance for bills. Long term contracts provided 966 772 553

Property for Sale For Sale Town House In SAX/Alicante. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, with separate granny flat.

Single Garage space & 50 metre Patio. Quiet area with no community fees. Close to all local amenities. 160,000â‚Ź O.N.O. Call: 868 08 34 55 Or email: anna-gargan@hotmail.com

LA MANGA - Immaculate 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. Fully-furnished.

Close to beaches and Veneziola Golf. 2nd floor. Reduced for quick sale. 125.500 Euro. Tel 626 253 569. (90187) Dolores. Large Finca in plot of 10,000 m2. All services connected. Build Size 215m2. Must be viewed. 195,000 euros. Tel 649 189 930 (65297) Beautifully presented 2 bed ground floor bungalow. Property consists

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of Lounge/Diner, good sized kitchen with storage area, Master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, twin bedroom with fitted wardrobes and family bathroom.

Good sized garden and communal pool. This property is located just a short stroll to Villamartin and is ideal for full time living and holidays 80,000 euros Tel 966 772 553 (92320) A stunning quad villa in playa golf property with 2 bedrooms 1.5 bathroom and large garden just a

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short walk from bars and the bus and only a 5 mins drive to the beach 115,000 euros contact Ian on 644 115 988 (96290) Ground floor bungalow over looking community garden and just a short walk from the supermarket carrefour in Torrevieja this is a lovely property with a nice size garden Ideal for you if you are looking to be close to all amenties was 99,000 euros now 75,000 euros call me James on 644 138 502 (96293)

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Rental Property Checks Intensified

The regional police, in conjunction with the regional tourism agency, have already identified a total of 388 irregular rental properties across the region.

The inspections are being carried out as part of a clamp down on so called “tourism intrusions” which sees the official and licensed hotel and property rental businesses suffering as private owners rent their properties out to tourists, although they often lack the mandatory licences and safety standards.

So far, 3,650 inspections have been carried out across the region, with the police also identifying a scam network where a group of people were renting out properties without the owners consent.

The police also found similar scams located in Gandia where properties were advertised without the owner’s consent and the victims would pay a deposit, never to see their money again, nor given access to the properties.

In both cases, the properties listed were not registered as official tourist apartments.

The campaign has been intensified to ensure the quality of the tourism products supplied, preventing clandestine tourist activities, unfair competition and intrusiveness and monitors for other illegal activities such as illegal employment, unfair competition, fraud, social security and the tax avoidance.

Waste disposal switched to Mula The councillor for waste, Noelia Grao, said on Friday that regional government of Murcia has authorised Orihuela City Council to transfer 22,,000 tonnes of solid waste to the Cañada Hermosa plant on the road to Mula, a distance of just 47 Kms. Grao said that she was delighted with the new arrangement because, following the closure of the landfill site in Crevillente, the Orihuela waste was being disposed of in Jijona, 98 kms from Orihuela city. As such the service will now benefit from a saving in both transport and in the cost disposal.

In Jijona the disposal cost is 42.50 euros per ton whilst in Murcia the price drops to 35.20 euros which will enable a saving of at least 110,000 euros in the next year.

Cleaver Attack in Orihuela bar A woman was arrested in Orihuela this week after she allegedly attacked her 52-year old partner with a meat cleaver.

The incident occurred early on Thursday morning when the couple, one Brazilian and the other Spanish, both of whom run a bar in the city, apparently had an argument which prompted the attack.

The man was taken to hospital, although his injuries are not thought to be life threatening, while the woman was arrested for assault.

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Car Rescue in El Palmeral A woman had to be rescued from her car by emergency services on Friday after being trapped in the vehicle following an accident in the neighborhood of El Palmeral.

She was said to be trapped by her lower limbs after she rolled the car before it came to a halt. The woman, from Callosa de Segura, suffered broken bones and multiple contusions and is currently receiving treatment in the Vega Baja Hospital.

The accident was attended by two fire crews and a SAMU unit and although it was said by observers to be have been extremely spectacular the woman is thought to be in a comfortable condition

Entrance to Residents Office Unacceptable The political group ‘Vecinos Por El Pilar’ have criticised the entrance to the Council Residents Office in Torre de la Horadada which they point out is inaccessible to people with mobility problems.

The office is situated on the first floor of a building to which visitors can only gain entry via a steep set of stairs. They say that despite the council taking regular action against local businesses that fail to provide access to disabled people in the town they are guilty of double standards by ignoring the situation in their Torre office.

In July and August particularly, the town is completely full of "holidaymakers", many of them elderly people with mobility problems. As such the Council Offices in Torre de la Horadada are completely inaccessible to wheelchair users and parents with small children in buggies.

They say that it is and unacceptable situation, which violates the law, especially the rights of people with disabilities and it must be rectified as a matter of urgency.

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Five for Ibiza F

ull of excitement and expectation, after weeks of meeting and planning, the famous five were ready to organise the jam sandwiches and pop needed for their summer adven-

ture.

Sorry, not a new Enid Blyton’s famous five story, but the yachts, Lotti, Berti, Ganty, Gemini J and Baltic Moon and their 18 crew from the SAMM Cruising Group on their trip to Ibiza and Formentera. Instead of jam sandwiches and pop, each boat packed aboard enough groceries for four people on a two week sail.

The plan was to sail the 62 miles to Calpe on June 8th and cross to the islands on June 9th in flotilla. Once there, each boat could go its own way, meet up again for a birthday celebration after a week and then at the end for the return crossing.

The first day went well, the next morning was when the ‘the plan’ went wrong. Ganty’s engine would not start and Baltic Moon had battery problems so they were stuck for the day. Lotti, Berti and Gemini J weighed anchor at 5am to find the bay blocked by a large fishing fleet but managed to find a way through to start their crossing. Oh the joys of boating!

The highlight of the day was a encountering a pod of about 30 dolphins. They spent 20 minutes around the boats, diving under, swimming on their backs and leaping clear of the water, a great experience. Ganty and Moon made it across the following day.

From then on everybody had a great time visiting some lovely bays and meeting in San Antonio for a meal to celebrate one skipper’s birthday. After the meal the adventurous ones stayed out to see some of San Antonio’s infamous night life, rolling

home in the early hours.

Some of the highlights were seeing weddings on the beach, obviously popular on Ibiza, and examples of how the rich and famous live. One evening a massive super yacht anchored so its helicopter could land on. On another, a different super yacht was guided in to a safe anchorage after dark by its tender. There was some great sailing, lovely moonlit nights at anchor and a chance for some to visit different places while ashore.

After 10 days Ganty telephoned to say they had crossed back early because of the forecast. The next day Gemini J and Berti left for the mainland and encountered the very strong winds and up to 4 meter swell that Ganty had avoided. In the same conditions Ganty sailed from Calpe to Torrevieja downwind surfing at up to 8 knots with just a storm jib set.

On Sunday Lotti’s crew awoke to a beautiful morning, with the sea like a mirror, to find a yacht positioned 6 inches from the stern of a power boat, a clear example of the need to be aware of a boats swinging circle when anchoring.

On Lotti’s last day she left for an overnight sail directly to San Pedro. It was the night of the full ‘strawberry’ moon of the summer solstice which rose about 1 hour before sunset so they had the full moon to the east and the red sunset sky to the west, absolutely beautiful.

Everybody got back safe and sound after a fabulous two weeks.

Find more information about SAMM and the Cruising Group by going to www.sailingmarmenor.com/groups/cruising/

Celts Open Day at La Serena San Miguel at Villamartin Last Saturday we celebrated our July Open Day for 2016 at La Serena. Conditions were extremely hot for golf with glorious sunshine and very high humidity. The weather did not pose a problem for one or two of our players as the scores will attest to. We must thank again the hard working greenkeeping staff under the guidance of Wayne the head green keeper for the fine condition of the course. As always the marshalls and clubhouse staff of John and Jose looked after all our needs and we were set for a great day of golf. The competitions committee under the guidance of Camillus and ably assisted by Philip, Andy and Alisdair have everything running like clockwork, well done Cam and co.

Our captain Bev Ellender was at hand to present our monthly prizes and the lucky winners were as follows; in our Crystal events, we had week one Winner Denis McCormack with 34 points and second Michael Banfield 34 and third Jane Jenkins 33. Week two, winner Wayne Leivars 41 points, second Liam Powell 40points and third Camillus

Fitzpatrick with 39. Our monthly medal winners were, Cat II, Gordon McCadden with 73 and Category I, Dave Cosson with a 69.

Down to the results on the day; NTP's Pat Coyne, Dave Mullet, Liam Powell, Colin Soones, Camillus Fitzpatrick and Terry Fitzgerald.

Category III, winner Julian Lopez 38, second Roger Tunstall with 36 and third Kevin McBride with 36. Category II, winner Alisdair McLean 34, second Darren Holden 33, and third Gary Hall 33.

Category I, winner Andy Currie with 38 points, second Terry Fitzgerald 37 and third Camillus Fitzpatrick 36. Second over-all went to Pat Coyne with 42 points and the overall winner and very much in form Liam Powell with 44 who had a handicap cut of 2 full shots.

We always welcome new members and guests and if you would like to play in one of our Open Days why not give me a call? For further details on membership contact 615466398 or e-mail johnobrienalicante@gmail.com.

Villamartin was SMGS’s monthly visit to this popular venue with 25 members and 4 guests. Whilst greens were relatively slow, as they seem to be at most tracks at the moment because of the intense heat, the course was in excellent condition and with most tee’s near the White plates only 2 players managed to break par.

The day’s stableford competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following: Bronze Category: 4th Norman Padmore (27), 3rd Brian Mulligan (32), 2nd Keith Stevenson (33), and 1st, Ian Parkinson 34 points.

Silver Category: 4th Brian Staines (32), 3rd Matt Newman (33), 2nd Eva Pettersson (33) and 1st, Ken Flaherty with 37 points.

Gold Category: 4th Tony Smale (30), 3rd Barry Roehrig (31), 2nd John Osborne (32), and 1st, Steve Higgins with 35 points.

Best front 9 and not in the prizes went to Roy Willing with 18 points, best back nine to Marge Birtwistle with 15.

The Abacus was won by Mick Roscoe.

Nearest the pins on the par 3’s (open to all) went to Graham Temple (6), Brian Staines (9), John Osborne (13) and Theo Boelhouwer(17).

The two best guest prizes went to Phil Sully (35), and with the best score of the day playing of 3 Graham Temple with 38 points.

Our thanks go to the staff at Villamartin golf course for their contribution to an enjoyable day.

Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf gettogethers. Next week we will be at Roda.

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‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF

(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa’s golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.

PREPARING TO PLAY (PART 4) The last article in this series concentrated upon the preparation required by a golfer upon their arrival at the golf course and especially practise of the ’long’ game.

Remember that even the best golfers in the world swing the club differently from day to day and this practise time is for you to determine how you are ‘hitting’ the ball on ‘this’ day.

One of the greatest golfers on the European tour in modern times has been Ian Woosnam and he used the phrase ‘dance with the one your brung’ to describe this.

In brief and as an example of this, if you normally slice or fade the ball but during warm up practise you are drawing or pulling shots, what do you think will happen on the course?

Clearly you must change your strategy, game plan and mind set to allow for this.

This understanding of how your game is ’today’ is just as important with the putter and time must always be spent on this part of your game.

If ever you are short of warm-up time then use the available time on the putting green and a little time for stretching exercises on the first tee.

Never be afraid of being seen doing these exercises on the first tee because people won’t think that you are being silly: on the contrary, they will think you mean business.

Your work on the putting surface must again be constructive practise, don’t be there because everybody else is, use the time wisely.

Just a few long ones to feel the distance and a lot of those short ones and try not to practise missing – get close enough to get them all in.

This is time to produce the feelings of confidence and boost your ego, so go about the whole thing sensibly.

This series or articles continues next week with those last ‘thoughts’ prior to commencing play.

We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us. The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you: Golf Course Alenda Alicante Altorreal Bonalba Don Cayo (Altea) Font Del Llop La Finca La Peraleja La Marquesa La Serena Las Colinas Las Ramblas Lo Romero Roda Villamartin Villaitana Poniente Vistabella

Price €100 €82 €80 €80 €60 €39 €110 €120 €37 €80 €126 €90 €176 €92 €102 €45 €66

Comments Two Players and Buggy 2 Plrs and Buggy (after 12pm) Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy 4 Players and Two Buggies Single Green Fee Two Players and Buggy Two Green Fees and Buggy Two Players and Buggy 4 Players and Two Buggies Two Players and Buggy Two Players and Buggy Single Green Fee and Buggy 2 Players and Buggy (w/e)

Deal of the Week: Las Pinaillas (Albacete) €85 each for 2 rounds with buggies and B&B accommodation on shared room basis in the 3* Castilla hotel. Last minute offers from all Nike courses from €60 for 2 players walking.

For Bookings and more information contact Mike direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com quoting reference LEADER. Competition Watch The Leader summer competition in support of the Royal Legion POPPY APPEAL for 2016 will be held at Vistabella on Thursday 15th September 2016 and will be a better ball event with two shotgun starts at 8.30am and again at 2pm with a price of €43 each,including buggy,prizes,raffle and a donation to the poppy appeal and to enter call Mick (The Grip) Reeves on 638859475.

Quotation of the Week “Half of Golf is Fun,the other half is Putting” - Peter Dobereiner

Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

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4TH ANNIVERSARY BASH FOR TMGS AT CAMPOAMOR - 3 AUGUST To celebrate our 4th anniversary we returned to the course where it all began, almost 40 members and a couple of guests took part in the competition.

Stableford was the format of the day and with 3 categories and 7 N.T.P.’s to be won there were lots of prizes to play for.

The course was in great condition, the only blemish was a temporary green on the 6 hole, but at least it was a cut temporary and not just a hole in the fairway.

After the competition, members enjoyed a meal in the club’s restaurant Sponsored by the Society. Competition results; N.T.P.’s Hole 4 Mike O’Regan, Hole 5 ( N.T.P. in 3 shots) Mike O’Regan, hole 6 Trevor Wheeler, Hole 10 John Eyre, Hole 11 (in 3 shots) 3 players made birdies here, Kristin Palsdöttir, John Hettrick and Carstan Landaas, Hole 15 Troy Norris, Hole 17 Mike O’Regan. The “2’s” pot contained a very healthy €78 and this was shared out

by John Eyre, M. O’Regan and Remi Matikainen. Bronze category; 4th G. Chapman 32 pts. 3rd C. Marsden 33 pts. 2nd A. Goslan (L/H) 33 pts. 1st G. Smith 40 pts. Silver category; 4th T. Norris 33 pts. 3rd T. Wheeler 33 pts. (L/H) 2nd R. Matikianen 36 pts. 1st Per Arne Skarnes 37 pts. Gold category F. Bjorling

SPANGLISH GOLF SOCIETY

32 pts. John Eyre 33 pts. 2nd M. O’Regan 33 pts. (L/H) 1st C. Landaas 35 pts. Overall winner of this year’s anniversary shield was Graham Smith with his 40 pts. Photo: Gold category winners with Graham inset.

If you would like to join us on one of our regular competitions you will find more information at www.tmgs.org or via our Facebook page TMGSGOLF or call our secretary on 661524101

in assn with Sapphire Properties and Costa Blanca Gree Fee Svcs Vistabella 3rd August 2016.

After the game we returned to the Spanglish bar, which is locatFor this months social meeting the Spanglish Golf Society and a ed at Dona Pepa, Quesada for a welcome snack prepared by the group of 16 players visited our home course of Vistabella taking bar and the prize presentation and we give our thanks for their advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa support and of Sapphire Properties our sponsor.

Blanca Green Fee Services.

Our next monthly meeting is at Roda on Wednesday 17th The weather was beautiful with a cool breeze later in the round August 2016 and the list is already almost full. and the course was in good condition.

If you are interested in joining the society call Paul Cawte on Today was an individual stableford and the winners were as fol966731223 or Graham Hall on 664692638 or better still pop lows: into the bar.

1st – Andy Drinkall – 47 points (yes 47 points) Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 2nd – Mally Wright – 33 points, 3rd – Jack Fanning – 32 points 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our web-site at 1st Catagory B – Roger Clarke – 28 points Nearest Pin 8th & 15th– Mike Probert www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

Carp - R - Us News On Thursday 4th August, the Club started fishing the 4 weeks August mini series, on the Embalse de Pedrera. This is the first time the Club has attempted to fish this venue for at least 3 years. The match was over a 4 hour period from 9.00 till 1.00. It was very hot with hardly any breeze.

Winner on the day was Mark Foden with 8.06kg, second was Pete Kerr with 2.30kg and in third place Roy buttress with 1.42kg.

On Thursday 11th August, the next match in the series will be fished on the Eden Canal in Guardamar. Pegs at 8.00 and fishing 9.00 till 1.00.

Our next Quiz night is on Tuesday August 9th commencing at 7.30pm. Cost of entry is 1€ per person and teams of 6 or less can take part.

The next Club meeting is on Sunday August 21st, with the Committee meeting at 10.30 followed by the General meeting at 11.00.

The Clubs home is the Bar El Alto La Dolores which is just off the N332 between Guardamar and La Mata.

For further information visit the Club website www.carprus.weebly.com or our Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

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Monday 8th August - Sunday 14th August, 2016

Elche’s Qatari owner brings in British Chairman

By Kevin Rendall

Elche Club de Fútbol has a new owner after majority shareholder IVF (Instituto Valenciano de Finanzas) sold its 54.7% holding to Qatari bidder Skyline International. The group, one of only two ever given serious consideration by the IVF, now has until December 31st this year to complete a purchase that is due to be made by way of staged payments; the first of which amounts to 893.000 €.

At his press conference to announce the deal earlier this evening, IVF Director Manuel Illueca defended the decision from which, he says, Elche CF will eventually benefit from 20 million euros of 'fresh money'. He also added, and this is the interesting part for long suffering fans of the football club, "the objective of Skyline International is to strengthen the squad in the winter transfer window, if necessary, because they have not arrived in time to invest during the summer."

After he spoke it was the turn of Skyline legal representative

Photo credit: AS.com

Francisco de la Torre to address the room. He explained that "Skyline International has British Qatari capital, related to tourism. It is active in Dubai, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Cancun and Miami and now wishes to invest in football." He said that the president of the company, Welshman David Phillips, "will be the head of the club and will lead the project." All indications are that David will also become chairman of Elche CF. He will come to Elche shortly to present his project and his team."

In a letter released to the media following the announcement, Phillips went into more detail about why Skyline chose to invest in Elche CF. The deal resulted from "a precise plan for acquisition and a belief that the club meets all the requirements that the company was seeking. An entity to dream of a successful sporting future supported by a brilliant and distinguished history." In addition, Skyline International suggested Elche is a "lively and cheerful city with an active and loyal commitment to its football club, as evidenced by the significant fact that the number of season tickets holders exceeded 25,000 during the club's tenure in the First Division.

Founded in 2012, Skyline International's share capital is comprised of 51% private Qatari investment and 49% British. David Phillips, born in Carmarthen on April the 17th 1985, is a Bachelor of Engineering and Business Administration and co-founder of three successful companies in unrelated areas, one of which is Skyline International. Spanish football fans may be more familiar with the name Moayad Shatat, one time vice-president of Málaga CF he is expected to take up a prominent position on the football club board once the dust settles on the change of ownership.

Finally, light at the end of the tunnel for Elche Club de Fútbol ?

San Miguel Bowls Club

By Pat McEwan San Miguel 2 Wood Triples on Wednesday, saw Len Rudges team top of the league, when Len, Peter Ross and Mike Douglas beat Jan Allen, Sandy Knight and Mick Rogers 19-14 (who were joint top last week with Len): Bob Nesbitt, Tony Sansom, Lee Sinclair had a great result against Sandy Hannan, Joy Trew and Stuart Hemmings 2212 (fancy not letting Joy win, with it being her 90th birthday - shame on you!!!): Eileen Potts, Maureen Turner and Cliff Plaisted won 21-11 against Ken Hope, Paul Hayward and John Raby: Bill Reeves, Linda Plaisted, Noel Davis beat Joyce Reeves, Bill Knight, Brian Allen 249 (hope you made Bill make his own tea that night!!) The strongest team in the league being Stuart Hemmings team! Club mornings are still on, Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays 0945 for 1015.

Members who have entered the Valencian Championships must pay the entry fees to Jan Allen BEFORE 21st August. Jan is also collecting the Federation Fees for 2017. These must be in BEFORE 1st September.

REMEMBER - NO PAY, NO PLAY. For further information on San Miguel Bowls Club, please contact the President, Eileen Potts, telephone 966730376 or Secretary Pat McEwan, telephone 966714257.

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23

New blood starting to gel for Torry R Murcia Imp......2 CD Torrevieja ....1 Manager Gabi Correa has again been busy bringing in fresh blood to his new look Torry side. Experienced 35 year old Argentinian midfielder Jose Belforti joins the club, having played for div 2b side Eldense last season. Also plying his trade in midfield is 23 year old Carrasco, who has featured regularly for div 3 sides Acero, Requena and Alzira. Madrilenian Hugo Salamanca is a 32 year old striker, who lists Pulpileno and Aguilas (both Murcian div 3) as his previous clubs. Having previously hosted higher level opposition, this pre season friendly featured a contest between two div 3 sides, Imperial being Real Murcia´s 2nd string squad. The match was originally pencilled in to be played at Pinatar Area, but for some unknown reason was changed to University of Murcia sports ground.

Imperial took the lead on 30 mins through Joaquin, in a half which saw little goalmouth action. Once again, sweeping changes were made by both sides during the 2nd half, and it was the hosts who doubled their advantage on the hour mark, the impressive Javi Munoz sweeping the ball home. Three Torry subs were involved in the consolation goal on 80 mins, when Javi Cruz and Diego Cortes combined for Matias to convert. A 2nd half booking for Carrasco was followed by a 2nd yellow card to Kerman on 83 mins, leaving Torry to play out the remaining 7 minutes with only 10 men.

Torry line up - Marcano (Eneko 45), Vicente (Pochi 61), Luis Carlos (Cuadrado 45), Martin (Costa 61), Pastor (Javi Cruz 61), Carrasco (Belforti 61), Matheus (Kerman 61), Emilio (Diego Cortes 61), Lewis (Zapata 61), Pablo Navas (Matias 45), Cesar (Pajaro 30) On Weds 10 Aug, Torry visit preferente side Callosa, ko 7pm, then on Sat 13 Aug, they finish off the arranged friendlies with a visit to another preferente side, Benferri (ko 8pm).

‘Pulling’ in for a hole in one There were only 10 golfers played in the Las Ramblas Society meeting on Monday as a combination of holidays and the heat has drastically reduced our numbers. We formed a four ball and two three balls to play a best 2 from 4 with all scores counting on holes 1,9,10 and 18. The winners with 97 points were Peter Dunn, Peter Wickham and Doug Wright ably assisted by "Albert" But the highlight of the week was Wednesday's hole in one by Dave Pulling at the 14th.

Amazingly Dave had also come within 5mm of another hole in one at the 12th. Some golf Dave and thanks for the drinks afterwards in the clubhouse.

SUDUKO SOLUTION

24

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